NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Since Lord Sumguy was able to enlighten me about having characters in two RPs at the same time; at two different locations, I have created this thread to start the World Tour. Empress Anastasia will visit Northern Rangeria first and then Karshkovia (OOC: I sent you a telegram, Karshkovia). Please use the sign-up thread as an OOC thread until further notice. The thread I am doing with Delkor should be considered to have happened before this thread.

Empress Anastasia woke up to the sound of her maid's morning greeting; dressed in the light green nightgown she usually wore to bed every night. With a smile and her hands on her hips, she looked out a nearby window and immediately knew that today was the day she would begin her World Tour. Her assistant, Vladimir was waiting downstairs with the items they had packed the previous night. Anastasia changed her clothes quickly; dressing herself in an informal and expensive suit she recently purchased; it gave her the image of a wealthy and strikingly attractive young woman and that image would have been given to her regardless of the clothes she wore.

Walking downstairs to the curtseys and bows of palace workers, Anastasia found Vladimir in one of his best suits; looking at a picture of his new Karshkovian wife (OOC: Arranged via telegram with Karshkovia). The newspapers had been filled with reports about the surprise marriage but it did not replace other news stories as would the tribulations of a downtrodden celebrity.

"Vladimir, how is your wife? Are you ready to go to Northern Rangeria?" Anastasia placed one hand on her hips as she used the other to brush her medium length auburn hair gently; her blue eyes focused on her personal assistant. "She is fine, Anastasia and wishes us both well on our World Tour; I am ready to go to Northern Rangeria. My wife says that she has decided to stay here with our twins and raise them. I do not mind; but a part of me wanted her to come with us." (OOC: I thought it would be nice to skip ahead in the marriage)

"I remember when the twins were born, Vladimir. People were cheering and you were so happy that they were born without any problems; that they were born as healthy children. I still have a newspaper that has an article about the births, Vladimir."

"We named our children Nadezhda (meaning hope) and Illarion (meaning joyful, happy)." Vladimir smiled at Anastasia before he pulled out a family picture from his wallet. Anastasia immediately smiled and studied the photo. "You have a nice family, Vladimir. It is nice to hear you are all healthy and prosperous."

"Thank you, Anastasia. Perhaps you will find yourself a husband one day." Anastasia smiled at Vladimir before they could hear the sounds of Ninochka, the Empress' dog. Running at his owner, he almost jumped on her enthusiastically and motivated Anastasia to play with her. She could see her mother walking towards her. "Thank you for offering to take care of Ninochka, Mother. Please take good care of him."

"Do not worry, Anastasia. If your mother can take care of you; your mother can take care of Ninochka." Anastasia smiled at her mother and petted Ninochka for several minutes before she walked with Vladimir to the armored limosuine waiting outside. "Be careful, Anastasia!"

Anastasia looked out the nearby window as her personal chauffer drove the limosuine to the airport where she would find her personal airplane; filled with all the modern luxuries and amenities. "I have been anxious to begin this World Tour, Vladimir. Now that it is going to begin today, I feel so glad and so enthusiastically joyful."

"It will be nice to visit Karshkovia again...and to show you the nation where I found the love of my life, Anastasia. When I return to Neo-Ixania; I will have to take a break from my work since I promised my wife we would go on a romantic vacation together."

Anastasia grinned and focused her eyes on Vladimir's face. "My friend: consider yourself absolved of all responsibilities, etc when we return."

Vladimir thanked Anastasia before looked out the nearby window to see the airport in the distance; a group of people were surrounding the plane. The chauffer pulled the car up to the plane and helped the occupants out. Anastasia and Vladimir walked into the plane, took their seats, and the pilots began to fly the plane towards Northern Rangeria (OOC: Northern Rangeria, assume a message about this has been sent to your leaders). It would be a day or two until Anastasia's feet would be walking on the pathways of the first nation on her World Tour.

"check those straps i don't want those dam things moving"said Colonel David Scott as he talk to one the troops that were blow on the sceond floor of the plane
"sir" said the soldier
"right guess we go see her now she on board"said David turing to three others who were staning behind him
"guess so"said One with the Rank of Major as they walk up a set of stairs at the side of the C12 Transport Plane

"Empress Anastasia welcome a board Imperial Air Force C12 Transport that been modified for your tour "said David as he nears her

The Principality of Northern Rangeria, a young nation at the northern edge of the continent and reaching beyond the Arctic Circle, was buzzing with the prospect of the nation's first international guest.

However, it seemed that the always unpredictable Mother Nature and her unnegotiable ways had decided to play a trick on Northern Rangeria and the airplane carrying Her Imperial Majesty. Halsanki, the capital situated in the south by Rangerian Bay, was heavily clouded, and for the past day or so a blizzard had enveloped it. Still, spirits remained high, and the forecasts were promising to see an end for the torrential snow by morning, when Her Imperial Majesty was due.

Among those preparing that morning was a young man of twenty-five. He cursed slightly when he heard the beeping of the alarm clock, but he got up nonetheless. Today was a big day, and he intended to use it to the best of his abilities. He yawned and stretched, shaking off the feeling of stuck-together joints from his body, then moved to the shower to wash up. A moment or two later he emerged from the shower room, much refreshed. He hummed to himself as he tied his morning coat on, his dirty-blond hair sleek and combed back.

"Good morning, Your Highness", came a calm greeting from the doorway. There stood a man of roughly sixty years, his hair gone at the top, but continuing pale grey down his shoulders. He had the build and posture of a soldier, and even his black uniform bore more resemblence to a soldier's uniform than a man-servant's livery.

"Good morning, Leo", Mikhail - or Prince Mikhail IV, the ruler of Northern Rangeria - answered with a nod to the older man as he walked past him to the breakfast room. He preferred having his breakfast in private, with only his man-servant Leo Savajeff present. He sat down at the table and took up the large cup of hot tea with a stint of vodka in it; a most excellent drink in warding off the unseasonable cold. He also picked up the morning paper, taking a sip as he read the front page. 'The Neo-Ixanian Monarch to Arrive Today', stood the words in cat-size letters, making the grandiouse blackletter title of the Halsangin Sanohat seem almost diminutive.

Mikhail sighed to himself. "The weather?" he asked, not turning his eyes from the paper, his eyes moving along the article.

"Clearing up, sir. I just came off the phone with the Department of Maintenance. Roads will be cleared by the arrival of Her Majesty at 10am.", Savajev reported with an air of nonchalance in his voice. Mikhail smiled to himself. Trying to get Savajev to take credit for his excellent work was like trying to melt a glacier with a wet match. He always shrugged such things off by saying he was only doing his duty.

"Excellent, excellent. I trust the airport is equally prepared?"

"Naturally. As are the police and the Vesp", Savajev added.

Mikhail nodded. "Good. I would hate to keep Anastasia waiting because of poor weather, however unseasonable it may be."

"Your enthusiasm for this state visit has been contagious, sir", Savajev answered, and Mikhail had to look back at his stone-faced man-servant.

"Leo?" he asked with a barely contained laughter. "Were you trying to joke with me?"

"No, sir", came the strict answer, but now with a hint of smile making the old man's lips creep up. "Merely pointing out that the whole body politic has been crazy about this visit. So I hope Her Majesty will prove a working antibiotic."

Mikhail could only laugh at that.

Anastasia looked out the window to see the clouds and snow but none of it dampened her spirits nor her anxiety. With a smile on her face, she changed from her nightgown into the informal clothes she brought with her; still anxious about visiting Northern Rangeria. Her assistant, Vladimir, was still thinking about his wife; though he was glad to be accompanying Anastasia. She had been a close friend of his for many years; since her father's reign and he would sometimes remember the days, for example, he took the young Anastasia to the beach.

"I hope this weather does not delay our landing." Anastasia said calmly as she looked out the window from her seat in the plane. She turned around to see Vladimir smiling at her. "I am sure we will be able to land, Anastasia. If there are any problems; we have capable pilots who can handle them."

Several minutes later into the flight, Anastasia still retained her anxiety as she read an article about herself in one of the magazines she found. Of course, she knew she had been recently interviewed and asked about topics from thoughts about world events to the recent marriage of her personal assistant. As Vladimir was looking at the pictures of his wife that he had brought with him in his wallet, Anastasia flipped through the magazine to find herself in the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Women of Neo Ixania; she was number one with the supermodel Nadezhda Kirsch at number two. It was not uncommon to see such praises of Anastasia but she shrugged them off.

An attendant; dressed in the uniform of all Imperial Flight Attendants (attendants found in the monarchs' plane), walked towards the Empress and Vladmir to tell them that the plane would be landing soon; she smiled and curtseyed before walking away with a magazine. She was a greenhorn in the Empress' service and had been known for her mixture of hard work, shyness and outgoing behaviour; her blond hair tied up in a knot at the end and her hazel eyes made her quite famous among Imperial workers (in Neo-Ixania, an Imperial worker is anyone working for the monarch).

The attendant helped Anastasia and Vladimir with their luggage five minutes later as the plane landed gently on the runway; filling Anastasia with more anxiety and the attendant with an interest of seeing Northern Rangeria for herself. She opened the door and the Empress of Neo-Ixania walked out with her personal assistant while the attendant watched them silently; she was in the view of any Northern Rangerian greeter or leader. "Have a good time, Your Majesty!"

OOC Imperial Flight Attendants on my plane ?

OOC: Sorry for that; I must have missed your post and forgotten about that. I guess I will have to edit my post; Imperial Flight Attendants are not from your nation but from mine; you would find them on the planes of the Neo-Ixanian monarchs.

OOC Imperial Flight Attendants on my plane ?

OOC: Sorry for that; I must have missed your post and forgotten about that. I guess I will have to edit my post; Imperial Flight Attendants are not from your nation but from mine; you would find them on the planes of the Neo-Ixanian monarchs.
OOC they could be on loan,but then i have to say the plane bigger then it is which is ok with me,fact i must use the sign up thread to tell what on top floor and what on second and may do a MS paint drawing

The wind blew hard and cold on the Halsanki International Airport as the Empress and her personal aide walked down the stairs. A red carpet was in place, and about twenty yards from the plane stood the Northern Rangerian monarch. The tall, blond Prince Mikhail was dressed in a fur-laced grey uniform, looking quite regal despite the blowing wind that made him press his cap tighter on his head. Behind him, on the side of the red carpet, stood twenty men of the Royal Home Guard, Jaegers in long grey coats, bearing the royal seal in their helmets, their assault rifles bearing bayonets and white horse-hair decorations. And right behind his shoulder stood a grey-haired man in black livery and cap, apparently his man-servant Leo Savajev if the Neo-Ixanian intelligence reports were worth diddly.

Mikhail smiled as he saw the Empress step down the stairs, and with quick, long strides he walked to meet her.

"Welcome to Northern Rangeria, my imperial sister", he greeted her with a warm smile despite the chilling wind.

the C12 front opens up and a ramp lower at the front and David walks out

"get the Limousine and War Hogs unload and gear up ladys"said David as he looks at four female soldiers

"yes sir"they said before going of to follow their orders

"there the second C12 now"said Jack watching it taxi in

OOC Page 5 of the tour sign up thread for what i have given for the tour and Neo-Ixania i'll have a map up of the modified C12 lay later in that thread

The wind blew hard and cold on the Halsanki International Airport as the Empress and her personal aide walked down the stairs. A red carpet was in place, and about twenty yards from the plane stood the Northern Rangerian monarch. The tall, blond Prince Mikhail was dressed in a fur-laced grey uniform, looking quite regal despite the blowing wind that made him press his cap tighter on his head. Behind him, on the side of the red carpet, stood twenty men of the Royal Home Guard, Jaegers in long grey coats, bearing the royal seal in their helmets, their assault rifles bearing bayonets and white horse-hair decorations. And right behind his shoulder stood a grey-haired man in black livery and cap, apparently his man-servant Leo Savajev if the Neo-Ixanian intelligence reports were worth diddly.

Mikhail smiled as he saw the Empress step down the stairs, and with quick, long strides he walked to meet her.

"Welcome to Northern Rangeria, my imperial sister", he greeted her with a warm smile despite the chilling wind.

Still filled with anxiety, Anastasia walked down the stairs to see the Prince of Northern Rangeria and his man-servant waiting for them. She was glad to be able to meet Prince Mikhail and the necklace he sent her could be seen around her neck. Her assistant, Vladimir, was silent as he walked behind the Empress; his eyes focused on the Prince.

"It is a pleasure to be in Northern Rangeria, my friend. I was anxious to start my World Tour and to visit Northern Rangeria. I assume you have a limosuine ready to take me to where I will be staying. Also, I thank you again for the necklace that you gave me." Anastasia began to fondle the necklace around her neck and smiled. "I have worn it every day since the gala."

Vladimir walked forward and stood beside the Empress; he bowed and introduced himself. "Your Highness, you may call me Vladimir. I am the Empress' personal assistant and it is an honor to meet you, Your Highness. We hope that we will be able to see as much of Northern Rangeria as is possible during our visit."

Anastasia smiled at Mikhail and adjusted the hat on her head; looking at the soldiers that surrounded her before she focused her eyes on him. "Is it alright it I may call you Mikhail, sir? You can call me Anastasia."

Still filled with anxiety, Anastasia walked down the stairs to see the Prince of Northern Rangeria and his man-servant waiting for them. She was glad to be able to meet Prince Mikhail and the necklace he sent her could be seen around her neck. Her assistant, Vladimir, was silent as he walked behind the Empress; his eyes focused on the Prince.

"It is a pleasure to be in Northern Rangeria, my friend. I was anxious to start my World Tour and to visit Northern Rangeria. I assume you have a limosuine ready to take me to where I will be staying. Also, I thank you again for the necklace that you gave me." Anastasia began to fondle the necklace around her neck and smiled. "I have worn it every day since the gala."

Vladimir walked forward and stood beside the Empress; he bowed and introduced himself. "Your Highness, you may call me Vladimir. I am the Empress' personal assistant and it is an honor to meet you, Your Highness. We hope that we will be able to see as much of Northern Rangeria as is possible during our visit."

Anastasia smiled at Mikhail and adjusted the hat on her head; looking at the soldiers that surrounded her before she focused her eyes on him. "Is it alright it I may call you Mikhail, sir? You can call me Anastasia."

A clearly happy smile rose to the Prince's lips when he received the Empress's greetings and her mention of the pendant he had sent her. "You honour me and my country with your visit, Anastasia. The same, naturally, goes to you, Mr Vladimir. Leo Savajev, my personal assistant, will help you in any matter you wish to discuss about your requirements", he said, pointing towards the black-uniformed man who nodded politely, the steely expression never leaving his face.

"And Mikhail will do fine. But come, you must be tired of your journey, and the weather is unseasonably cold", he says and suddenly he actually removes his thick uniform jacket, putting it on Anastasia's shoulders. Underneath the outdoor jacket he has a second uniform for inside use. He smiles to the Empress, then offers her his hand to lead her past the Home Guard.

"Asento!" came the order from the captain of the Guard, the line of twenty guards moving in unison from at ease to attention. "Katse... oikeaan... PÄIN!", came the second command and the heads of the Guard turned to look at the Prince and the Empress. "Kunniaa!", came the last order, assault rifles flung in unison from shoulders to front in salute.

"the Empress's Own Limousine waits her"said David as he walks up to them and points to it

Savajev was the one who reacted to those words. The black-uniformed assistant apologized briefly to Vladimir, then walked to David.

"Thank you, but you may drive the vehicles to the Palace garages for now. His Highness has taken the liberty of organizing a limousine for Her Majesty."

"the Empress's Own Limousine waits her"said David as he walks up to them and points to it

Savajev was the one who reacted to those words. The black-uniformed assistant apologized briefly to Vladimir, then walked to David.

"Thank you, but you may drive the vehicles to the Palace garages for now. His Highness has taken the liberty of organizing a limousine for Her Majesty."

"i'am sorry but All request in changing of plans must first be told to Vladimir,so he and i can work things out that are my orders and that to put my live on the line for the Empress own if need too"said David

OOC last part of what he said mean he go every where that he can with her
EG ladys room a no go for him ,but the woman Captain can go into it

A clearly happy smile rose to the Prince's lips when he received the Empress's greetings and her mention of the pendant he had sent her. "You honour me and my country with your visit, Anastasia. The same, naturally, goes to you, Mr Vladimir. Leo Savajev, my personal assistant, will help you in any matter you wish to discuss about your requirements", he said, pointing towards the black-uniformed man who nodded politely, the steely expression never leaving his face.

"And Mikhail will do fine. But come, you must be tired of your journey, and the weather is unseasonably cold", he says and suddenly he actually removes his thick uniform jacket, putting it on Anastasia's shoulders. Underneath the outdoor jacket he has a second uniform for inside use. He smiles to the Empress, then offers her his hand to lead her past the Home Guard.

"Asento!" came the order from the captain of the Guard, the line of twenty guards moving in unison from at ease to attention. "Katse... oikeaan... PÄIN!", came the second command and the heads of the Guard turned to look at the Prince and the Empress. "Kunniaa!", came the last order, assault rifles flung in unison from shoulders to front in salute.

"Thank you for the jacket, Mikhail. I had prepared for the winter climate but I am still thankful for your generosity."

Anastasia felt Mikhail holding her hand and smiled at him as she walked with him; occassionally looking at the soldiers as the captain shouted orders to them. They reminded her of the soldiers that protected her in Neo-Ixania and she expected to see soldiers in the nations she visited during her World Tour.

"Mikhail, I am sure that you have created an itinerary for me during my visit. If you could tell me, what shall I be doing first here? I assume you will be taking me to a hotel room. As for the limosuine, I think that it does not matter which limosuine we use; its purpose is to take us to where we need to go."

Vladimir looked at David and the man-servant and began thinking about what to say to them. "Any limosuine is alright with me; as long as it would take us to where we need to go. As the Empress said, a limosuine's purpose is to take people to where they need to go."

OOC check TG

OOC: I replied to your telegram.

OOC check TG

OOC: I replied to your telegram.

OOC ok
IC
David Walks over to Vladimir


"i'am Not going waste time and money driving it and parking it in the Palace garages if it not going to be used, it stays here and be loaded back on the C 12,but I'am not leaving theTwo Escorting War Hogs as one carry the Female soldiers who are guarding the Empress and the other five Male soldiers doing the same thing"said David to Vladimir

"Thank you for the jacket, Mikhail. I had prepared for the winter climate but I am still thankful for your generosity."

Anastasia felt Mikhail holding her hand and smiled at him as she walked with him; occassionally looking at the soldiers as the captain shouted orders to them. They reminded her of the soldiers that protected her in Neo-Ixania and she expected to see soldiers in the nations she visited during her World Tour.

"Mikhail, I am sure that you have created an itinerary for me during my visit. If you could tell me, what shall I be doing first here? I assume you will be taking me to a hotel room. As for the limosuine, I think that it does not matter which limosuine we use; its purpose is to take us to where we need to go."

Vladimir looked at David and the man-servant and began thinking about what to say to them. "Any limosuine is alright with me; as long as it would take us to where we need to go. As the Empress said, a limosuine's purpose is to take people to where they need to go."

Mikhail chuckled. "Pardon my boldness on the matter, Anastasia, but I had taken the liberty of organizing you and your aide quarters in the Ruhtinalyne Palace. Your privacy will be respected, of course. Once you are properly settled in, we will talk more. Though I believe a visit to the National Gallery will be in order later today."

The Prince went silent for a moment, leading the Empress to the limousines waiting. "Of course, if you prefer a hotel, I am sure the Grand Hotel on Apinakissa Street will be to your liking", he added when opening the door.

A little back, Leo Savajev let out a long breath, the air pushed out of his lungs billowing as a small cloud of vapour in the cold air. "Mr Vladimir, I apologize on this communications error. The cars, however, are waiting for you now. Let our respective monarchs drive to the Palace now. Mr David, bring your limousine and other... equipment to the Palace as well. I am sure you will find the garages adequate while you wait for my liege and Her Majesty to begin their tour of the city - at which time you may use the limousine you have. Are we agreed on the matter, gentlemen?"

"A guest room in the Palace is acceptable to me, Mikhail and it will be nice to visit the National Gallery."

Anastasia walked into the limosuine and took her seat; waiting for Mikhail and the others. Vladimir listened to Savajev talk and thought about his proposal; thinking that it was suitable. Looking at Savajev with a smile, he had a response to give him.

"I think that is a good idea, Mr. Savajev. We should get going into the city; the Empress is probably anxious to begin her tour of the city and is waiting for us in the limosuine. I hope that we can settle this argument before it esclates further. By the way, please call me Vladimir without the "Mr" part."

As they talked, Anastasia continued to wait for them; still anxious to begin her tour of the city. Silently, she thought about Heinrich and the other possible suitors from the gala as she waited for the others.

"first when did addressing someone did Mr go in front of their first name it usely goes in front of their surname and secondly did i give you permission to use my name,no i did not you call me Colonel only "said David then walks off then cames back mins later with a Wolf next him as the cars roll up

"now where do i and he seat in the Empress limosuine "

Savajev only raised an eyebrow at the colonel's sudden outburst, before he turned his gaze back to Vladimir.

"Ah fiesty kharakter, iz he?" Savajev asked in heavily accented Ixanian, his pale eyes jumping once towards the colonel's direction. He then waved a hand, and one of the Home Guards ran to him. "Colonel... Sergeant Tasanko will join you. Follow his directions", he then said in English, followed by a brief command to the soldier in dress uniform. The young man nodded and saluted the Colonel - and surprisingly, Savajev as well.

"Now then, Vladimir. Let us join our lieges before they consider seeking swifter aides", the grey-haired man said, with a sudden hint of smile pulling at his lip. "And if you wish me to call you by your name, I must insist the same. 'Leo' will do."

Meanwhile, Mikhail had taken his seat in the car, sitting opposite Anastasia. He smiled a little as he looked at her after throwing a glance at the two aides and the colonel.

"I hope you will not hold this against us, Anastasia. I trust Leo in most things, but it has been years since we last had the pleasure of entertaining guests outside our own country", he said apologetically, noticing the anxious movements of this beautiful woman sitting opposite him. Smiling, he reached out and took her hand in his. Despite the cold, his hand was warm and soothing.

"Relax... It is an honour and a personal joy to have you as our guests. I assure you, nothing will go wrong", he said calmly, smiling to Anastasia.

"denken Sie sich, daß intelligent Sie tun, wie, um Sie mit einer Gewehr zu sehen zeigend in Ihr Gesicht"said David then turn to Sergeant Tasanko

"no he don't,i ride with the Empress as ordered an i don't think there be room "said David

"парио они не знают смысль как приказано"said a Soldier handing him a note

" mzilst ves'aph naut "said David as he takes it

"Greal"said David as he reads

Vladimir gave Leo a small smile when he began speaking in Ixanian and then looked at Colonel Tasanko in silence. He nodded his head at Leo's words and entered the limosuine with him. "Leo, do you have knowledge of Ixanian? Also, it is good to know that we have avoided an escalation of the argument over the limosuines." (OOC: By the way, Ixanians do not really speak like that but it was nice nonetheless)

Anastasia looked at Mikhail as he held her hand; she knew she was anxious but she was not worried about the absence of hospitality. As she held his hand, Anastasia could feel that his hand was worm and she gave Mikhail a small smile. "I am not worried about anything going wrong, Mikhail, I am simply anxious to begin the tour. I do not hold anything against you at all. Now, we should tell the chauffer to begin driving."

Anastasia looked out the window silently for several seconds; waiting for the chauffer to begin driving. She thought about Heinrich and the other men who were interested in her; thinking that perhaps Mikhail would try to court her. However, it was this visit to Northern Rangeria that she focused on. "Mikhail, thank you for your hospitality."

Vladimir gave Leo a small smile when he began speaking in Ixanian and then looked at Colonel Tasanko in silence. He nodded his head at Leo's words and entered the limosuine with him. "Leo, do you have knowledge of Ixanian? Also, it is good to know that we have avoided an escalation of the argument over the limosuines." (OOC: By the way, Ixanians do not really speak like that but it was nice nonetheless)

Anastasia looked at Mikhail as he held her hand; she knew she was anxious but she was not worried about the absence of hospitality. As she held his hand, Anastasia could feel that his hand was worm and she gave Mikhail a small smile. "I am not worried about anything going wrong, Mikhail, I am simply anxious to begin the tour. I do not hold anything against you at all. Now, we should tell the chauffer to begin driving."

Anastasia looked out the window silently for several seconds; waiting for the chauffer to begin driving. She thought about Heinrich and the other men who were interested in her; thinking that perhaps Mikhail would try to court her. However, it was this visit to Northern Rangeria that she focused on. "Mikhail, thank you for your hospitality."

OOC: Heh, yeah... I was just trying to imitate a heavy accent ;)

Savajev frowned at the colonel's words. Whether he understood the man's words or not, that he did not show. To Vladimir, however, the older man smiled. "An inkling. During the Occupation, I spent some time in exile in Neo-Ixania... and I learnt enough to keep myself from relying on alms", he said, taking his seat.

In the passenger seats of the limousine, Mikhail smiled and gently tightened his hold on Anastasia's hand, as if telling her with that touch he understood. "I would be as well in your position, Anastasia... but matters of the state keep me at home", he smiles then picks up the intercom. He says a few words to the mouthpiece, then places the phone down.

The royal limousines pulled out of the snowy tarmac and drove away from the airport. Passing the snow-covered dome of the international terminal, Mikhail pointed out with a smile. Outside, despite the cold and the wind, was a large crowd of people, many waving small Northern Rangerian and Neo-Ixanian flags, waving and cheering as the cars drove slowly by to the main road. The airport was about five miles away from the city, and even so close to Halsanki the roadsides were thick with evergreen forests - though packed with snow at the moment.

Mikhail smiled as he heard Anastasia's words, looking at her more closely now. "It is my pleasure, dear Anastasia...", he said with a smile, looking her in the eyes. At the moment they were by themselves... just the two of them, the dull black glass keeping out any "Peeping Tom" ideas that the chauffeur might have.

OOC: That is okay with me; also, it is interesting to read about Savajev's exile in Neo-Ixania.

"You were in Neo-Ixania, Leo? That must have been, if it is true, during the reign of the Empress' deceased father. I must say that it is interesting to hear that you were in Neo-Ixania during the Occupation. Tell me, what did you think of my nation?"

Looking at Mikhail, Anastasia could feel him tightening the hold on her hand but did not move away from him. She gave him a small smile and looked outside at the people waving flags; they reminded her of the citizens of Neo-Ixania that wanted to see her and her family during a royal visit to some part of the Empire. After several minutes, she turned her head from the window to see Mikhail looking into her eyes; she focused her eyes onto his and was silent. "Mikhail....." she uttered calmly. Thoughts about the suitors and Mikhail's possible interest in her began to fill her mind. She was glad to know that the chauffer was beginning to drive and she began to focus on Mikhail. She continued to look into his eyes; waiting for him to make the next move.

Savajev looked at Vladimir, as if measuring him up for some purpose. For a moment the old man was silent. "Big, for the most part. Better off than we were at the time", he commented briefly. Apparently there were some issues he wanted to keep to himself. No wonder, really... If Vladimir had done his homework, he knew that until 1983 Northern Rangeria had been part of a larger Empire of Greater Rangeria - and it was only after four years of war until the Empire finally relinquished the territory.

Mikhail, on the other hand, still sat face-to-face with Anastasia, looking her deep into her eyes. "Yes, Anastasia?" he asked, but it felt a little different. Something in his tone of voice... Not the commanding tone of a young ruler... but of a man. An unmarried man, nonetheless... holding her hand. His eyes were relentless, looking deep into hers...

"Your nation was part of a larger nation, Leo. I remember the reports that were studied during Anastasia's father's reign. Neo-Ixania does not get involved in foreign conflicts but we still are able to learn about them through intelligence reports."

Anastasia looked into Mikhail's eyes but was becoming nervous; thinking that Mikhail must be romantically interested in her. She did not move away from him; but would defend herself if she needed to. "Mikhail.....do you...like me?" After several minutes, Anastasia decided to discover whether or not her host had a romantic interest in her; it would be nothing new to her at all though, she had the Emperor of Achae-Ottonia, for example, falling for her since the gala. As an unmarried and beautiful woman; it was expected.

"If you do, I understand, Mikhail." Anastasia gave him a small smile and did not move her eyes away from his. She was going to find out what he truly thought about her; she silently waited for him to make another move.

Leo nodded, his eyes steeling at the mention of 'foreign conflicts'. "A reasonable policy, I am sure", he said gruffly, the hardness appearing in his expression again.

Mikhail smiled to Anastasia, a gentle expression on his face. He gently pulled her hand to his lips, kissing it softly. "Based on what I have learned of you... and when I see the photographs hardly do justice to you... I must say I am intrigued. But we've only known for mere minutes. I hope that during your stay we might get to know each other better", he said, sincerity in his dark grey eyes.

"I apologize if I offended you, Leo. I can understand what your nation went through in order to obtain independence and freedom. Leo, you should know that Neo-Ixania is neutral in any foreign conflicts; the military concentrates on defense."

Anastasia gave Mikhail a small smile as he kissed her hand. "You have seen the photographs of me in the magazines, Mikhail? I must say that you are a handsome man who has been generous enough to allow me to visit his nation. I hope we will be able to know each other better during my visit."

Anastasia smiled at him before she slowly took her hand away from his; looking out the window for several minutes. "Mikhail, I am glad to be here. I hope that I will be able to see as much of your nation as possible. It is snowing but as you can see; I am dressed in winter clothes. I am thankful to be wearing them."

"No offense taken", Savajev merely says, his expression telling that not much more information can be gleaned from him anymore. Clearly the man remembers the conflict himself all too well, as the black-gloved hands clench into fists.

If Savajev seemed sour, Mikhail was his aide's polar opposite at the moment, smiling to Anastasia. "I hope so. Which is why I hope the weather clears soon, so I can take you to the northern provinces to ski", he says, smiling to her.

Vladimir decided not to talk about the conflict after seeing Savajev's hands clench into fists. He looked out the window for several minutes; occassionally looking at Savajev.

"It will be nice to go skiing in the northern provinces, Mikhail. The weather may not be good but I am glad that my plane was able to land and that the chauffer is able to drive this limosuine to the palace without any problems; I hope that he has no problems."

"I am sure he won't", Mikhail laughed as the car drove slowly through the streets of the snowed-in Halsanki, people again standing on the streetwalks, waving and cheering. Soon the gates of the Ruhtinalyne Palace were before them, opening as the cars drove in. The palace seemed old, part Versailles-like palace, part defensive structure overlooking the city below.

Mikhail smiled to Anastasia once more as the cars came to a stop. "Let me know when you and your aide have settled in. The only official programme we have today is the visit to the National Gallery in the afternoon, and the state dinner in the evening. Best get all the necessary official functions out of the way", he said with a mischievous wink of his eye just before the door opened and the servant bowed in greeting of the two heads-of-state.

OOC: Think I'll turn in for the night... we'll continue soon again =)

OOC: I understand. I hope we can continue tomorrow.

Anastasia looked at the Ruhtinalyne Palace in the distance as she looked out the window; it was nothing new for her to be in a palace but she thought it was a nice and impressive structure. "We shall let you know when we settle in, Mikhail. It will be nice to visit the National Gallery; I hope you can give me a tour. As for dinner, I hope that I will be able to eat some authentic Northern Rangerian food."

Anastasia smiled at Mikhail after he winked at her before she walked with him into the palace. "I am sure my luggage is already in my room. After I unpack and settle in, I will let you know so we can go to the National Gallery. Can you take me to my room?"

Anastasia could see Vladimir and Savajev walking into the palace and pointed to Vladimir. "We should make sure that Vladimir is taken to his room, Mikhail. I am sure both rooms are furnished with all the modern amenities."

the Troops full out and unspoken orders were given by David then turn walks over to stand next to Anastasia

Mikhail's smile dimmed a little when he saw the colonel coming in without a word being said. "Colonel, I assure you, you will be shown your quarters. If you will excuse us...", he said, his smile returning as he offered his hand to Anastasia, to lead her to her chambers. "I've taken the liberty of housing you and your associate in the east wing, Anastasia", he continued. "The view over the Halsanki region is best from there"

Meanwhile, Savajev frowned at the eagerness of the colonel as well and turned to look at Vladimir as they stepped out of their car. "That officer... What's his story?" he asked.

"sorry but don't waste your time i'll be standing in front of her room door all night so get over it now,as i'am following Orders which you can't change"said David still at Anastasia side

Mikhail's brow turned into a frown when he looked at the colonel. "Sir... You are a guest in my country and my home. I hope you will remember that", he said calmly, though Anastasia could feel the monarch's arm tightening under his sleeve.

Down the stairs, Savajev's eyes flashed angrily. Did that officer just insult his host out of the blue? "Kakara...", the grey-haired aide grumbled angrily, then turned to Vladimir. "Vladimir... I don't know how the Neo-Ixanian etiquette has changed, but Her Majesty's bodyguard can count his blessings that duels have been outlawed."

"sir i'am talk to two people at the sametime here so you getting two talks going on at the sametime"said David as he points to the microphone on his helmet which one can just see as he looks Mikhail's

"listen LT shut the hell up and fix it as we need to stay in contact"David now say back into the mic

OOC in the Image (http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/Imperial%20MT%20rifle/ImperialDragonSkinFullCombatBodyArm.jpg) it's the black thing next to the mouth,but what i use is the thin wire microphones
FYI yes he be talking to two at the sametime most times as he keeping up to date on things going on for the tour

"It will be nice to have a view of Halsanki; thank you, Mikhail."

Anastasia silently watched the argument between David and Mikhail; feeling his hand tightening. After several minutes, she broke free of Mikhail and stood between him and David. "Gentlemen, we should not argue nor let this argument escalate. Please stop."

Vladimir looked at Leo calmly. "I think that Her Majesty's bodyguard and the Prince should stop arguing; we all came together in peace."

Anastasia looked at Mikhail and gave him a small smile. "Can you escort me to my room please, Mikhail?"

Mikhail frowned and nodded. "You might want to be careful with that, colonel. You suddenly starting to speak something like that could be considered... hazardous", he says, his eyes stopping at an angry-looking Home Guard who turns his eyes back after seeing that the colonel had not been insulting the prince.

The prince then turned his attention back to Anastasia, his smile returning. "Of course. Pardon for the misunderstanding", he says, offering her his hand again to lead her inside, out from the chilling wind.

"sorry sir i got to remember others are not use too having two or three talks going at the sametime like we do"said David then place a hand up to show he was not talking to them now

"listen dumb ass your the one who knock over his coffee all over the com set and vithing it up not me and now shut up as you just made me confuse the prince and others so you just adding more to how i feel about you now"

David now finish talking looks at Mikhail and Anastasia

"a new Lieutenant which i really did not want" he say to them before following them

Anastasia smiled at Mikhail as she took her hand; walking with him to her guest room. As they walked, Anastasia thought about the argument that the Prince had with the Colonel and hoped that it would not arise later in her visit. "Mikhail, I hope that I will be able to eat some authentic Northern Rangerian food for dinner tonight."

When they found the guest room, Anastasia opened the door and began exploring her room; it reminded her much of the rooms she had been in as the Empress of Neo-Ixania. "This is a nice room, Mikhail; it reminds me of my room in the Imperial Palace; thank you."

Anastasia found her luggage and smiled. "Will we be going to the National Gallery now or later? If later, then I will unpack my luggage before I go with you." She began unpacking in direct view of Mikhail and smiled as she took out items such as her nightgown; a light green gown in the babydoll style, it looked like something only female royalty would wear. "Mikhail, please try to be friends with the Colonel. I am sure he is only trying to fulfill the orders he was given."

"order what ask me to die if need be"said David standing at the door
"what trip system you have on the windows and outer door"ask David not look at what Anastasia doing

The eastern wing of the Ruhtinalyne Palace was one of airy rooms with walls decorated with 17th and 18th century paintings, many of them portraying former rulers of Northern Rangeria. A common motif in many of these old paintings seemed to be a golden bust of a man with long hair and beard, often standing close by the monarch's side.

The rooms reserved for Anastasia gave a view over the city, with a large Medieval church steeple rising above the buildings of Old Halsanki.

"I am sure the chef has prepared something memorable for the dinner", Mikhail said, looking at Anastasia with a smile. He clearly enjoyed watching her, seeing her nigh-float through the rooms, curiosity only slightly curbed by her royal bearing. "And we will go to the National Gallery in the afternoon. You have plenty of time to settle in and rest if you need"

Mikhail blushed a little, seeing the nightgown in Anastasia's hands, but he shook it off with a smile and a laugh. Before he could answer to her, however, the voice of the colonel broke in. But it was Savajev who spoke first, leading Vladimir to the door.

"Colonel", the grey-haired man said politely but sternly. "Please, follow me. I will show you and Vladimir your quarters. I will answer all your questions once you are settled in."

Mikhail smiled to himself at Savajev's stern tone of voice. Despite that the misunderstanding had been cleared, the old major domo had clearly decided to keep the colonel from causing any more diplomatic fiction. For Savajev's benefit, however, it had to be said that this time he was telling the colonel to follow him via politeness - not by trying to break the man's arm.

"Please", Savajev continued, his eyes locked at the colonel, motioning him to follow.

"i'am standing where i be all night so i don't need to see the room you have" said David who find a nice spot on the other side of hall

"an aside i don't sleep you been in many wars like i have you no longer sleep well"

As she walked with the Prince of Northern Rangeria, Anastasia would look at the portraits hanging on the walls and think about the portraits and paintings that hanged on the walls of the Imperial Palace. With a smile on her face, she looked at Mikhail. "I must say that these paintings are all of good quality and they remind me of the paintings I have in my palace. As for the chef, I hope he will make us a good dinner and I will settle in first before we go to the National Gallery."

Anastasia had finished unpacking and put the nightgown on the bed before she looked out the window and saw the steeple in the distance. "I noticed you were blushing, Mikhail. Do not worry, I understand." Anastasia smiled at her host. "This room is perfect for me, Mikhail."

Vladimir silently followed Savajev and thanked him for the room. He had taken out a picture of his family and began thinking about his Karshkovian wife. "This room is good for me, Leo. Thank you for allowing me to use it during my visit." As he unpacked his items, he continued to think about his family and when he was finished, he could be seen silently studying a picture of his wife.

Savajev frowned at the colonel's words, clearly not taking a liking to the man's attitude. But of this he said nothing, just nodding as he led Vladimir to his quarters. The rooms the Neo-Ixanian aide would inhabit were smaller than those of the Empress, but clearly this was still an area reserved for guests of the state.

"I am glad you like it", Mikhail said with a smile, still standing close to the door, but pushing it a little back to break the eye-contact with the colonel who seemed to be glued on to the Empress. "I will leave you get settled for now. Mariga, your servant girl, will bring you and Vladimir some tea and sandwiches", he continued as he looked at Anastasia. "If you need anything, send for me or Savajev"

"Thank you, Mikhail."

Anastasia smiled at Mikhail and watched him leave the room; she began waiting for Mariga to arrive with the tea and sandwiches. As she finished unpacking the items that were left, she thought about Mikhail and how he was with her in the limosuine. "He may have felt an attraction to me." Anastasia thought to herself as she looked out the window. She made sure that she finished unpacking her items and then laid down on the bed; thinking about the World Tour and imagining her visits to the nations of the world.

Vladimir was continuing to look at the pictures of Katarina (his wife) and his children; he had laid them out on a desk in his room after he finished unpacking his clothes, etc. Holding one of the pictures in his hand, he looked out the window and smiled before looking at the closed door of Anastasia's room for a few seconds. The Empress was a close friend of his; and he would make sure she had a good time here.

David Knocks on Anastasia door

"ma-am it's David may i enter"he says

Anastasia silently opened the door and looked at David. "What do you want, sir?" she asked politely; her eyes focused on his face.

Anastasia silently opened the door and looked at David. "What do you want, sir?" she asked politely; her eyes focused on his face.

"to give a Imperial Dragoon Combat Pistol and to tell you something you should know"said David holding up the gun

Anastasia examined the gun that David gave her for several minutes before she looked at him. "What should I know?"

Anastasia examined the gun that David gave her for several minutes before she looked at him. "What should I know?"

"best we go inside so you can sit as what i'am going to say not nice but it give some inside of me that you should know"said David

Anastasia walked inside the room with David and closed the door before she looked at him; with the pistol still in her hands. "David, what do you want to tell me? The door is closed; you can tell me now."

Anastasia walked inside the room with David and closed the door before she looked at him; with the pistol still in her hands. "David, what do you want to tell me? The door is closed; you can tell me now."

'i know what Carlos has said to you at the Gala , i think it time you hear another part he did not tell so you know why he ask me to guard you"
David takes a min before going on

"Ma-am i was tortured by people so Evil that they drag a screaming pregnant worman in front of me cut open her womb and then throw her child to pack of hunger dogs before cutting her up alive in front of me, to try and make me talk and pointing guns and knives a waste of time as i had some many pointed at me that i don't care,hell i had another race call Drow point weapons at me"

"oh people could try to scare me by saying they have werewolves but i'am a shape shifter so thats a waste too"

Anastasia silently listened to David talk about his past and was amazed to hear how he was tortured; she felt it was horrid that a pregnant woman and her child were killed and she was surprised to hear that he was a shape shifter.

"That is an interesting and horrid story, David. If I may ask, how did you become a shape shifter?"

"That is interesting, David. Is that all you wanted to tell me? Is there anything else that I should know?"

Anastasia silently listened to David talk about his past and was amazed to hear how he was tortured; she felt it was horrid that a pregnant woman and her child were killed and she was surprised to hear that he was a shape shifter.

"That is an interesting and horrid story, David. If I may ask, how did you become a shape shifter?"

"as the ones who killed the woman injected me with a experimental serum which they were hoping to use as a Bio-Organic Weapon"said David as he looked away from her

"That is interesting, David. Is that all you wanted to tell me? Is there anything else that I should know?"

"seeing i'am i may as give you this what Carlos asked me to give to you"said David taking out a box from his Backpack and handing it to her

Anastasia took the box from David and examined it for several minutes. "This was from Carlos?"

Anastasia took the box from David and examined it for several minutes. "This was from Carlos?"

"yes and i have no idea what inside"said David as open the Door and let Thor in before closing it behind him

Anastasia opened the box and looked at the diamond necklace that was inside. "Carlos sent me this necklace? It is a nice necklace, David and it looks like it was from the store of an expensive jeweler. Did he send me any other items?"

Anastasia opened the box and looked at the diamond necklace that was inside. "Carlos sent me this necklace? It is a nice necklace, David and it looks like it was from the store of an expensive jeweler. Did he send me any other items?"

David walks over an looks

"conflict loot" David said to himself as he take away the top tray to show another on under it

" matching bracelet and earrings and all three are made of 22 carret diamonds and a letter resting on top of them with your name one it"

David pulls a face and then walks over to Thor who was sitting quietly at the side of the room

OOC: Who the heck is Thor?

After examining the items that were in the box, Anastasia opened the letter and began to silently read it; interested in finding out why Carlos decided to send her conflict loot. As she read, she would occassionally look at Thor. "David, you can tell Carlos that I thank him for this gift or conflict loot."

OOC: Who the heck is Thor?

OOC: Thor is a pet wolf; owned by David and his wife (David has two wives because of a special law in his nation)

After examining the items that were in the box, Anastasia opened the letter and began to silently read it; interested in finding out why Carlos decided to send her conflict loot. As she read, she would occassionally look at Thor. "David, you can tell Carlos that I thank him for this gift of conflict loot."

David was talking to someone back in Imperial as the Coms was fix

"you mean it pass,hell now i got to be on my toes"said David

"David, you can tell Carlos that I thank him for this gift of conflict loot."

"put me through to Carlos and tell him it's Anastasia for him"said David then takes of his helmet

"i work out what going on and i want nothing to do with it"he said handing the helmet to her

"just talk into the mic"

OOC: What did the letter say?

Anastasia put the helmet on her head; adjusting it for several seconds before she began talking into the microphone. "Carlos? This is Anastasia; David brought me the conflict loot and a letter from you. Is there something you want to tell me?"

Anastasia examined the letter before she talked to Carlos. "You have feelings for me and Valentina, Carlos? I never thought you did; to be honest, I thought you only liked Valentina."

OOC: What did the letter say?

Anastasia put the helmet on her head; adjusting it for several seconds before she began talking into the microphone. "Carlos? This is Anastasia; David brought me the conflict loot and a letter from you. Is there something you want to tell me?"

OOC what we talk about in TGs just set in a better way ,oh and not to the point

IC

*like i said in the letter i have feeling for you and Valentina *


as Carlos and Anastasia talk David was busy fixing his Sword Bayonet (http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/Imperial%20MT%20rifle/ImperialAnudisAssultRifleWithSwordB.png)to his Rifle

Anastasia examined the letter before she talked to Carlos. "You have feelings for me and Valentina, Carlos? I never thought you did; to be honest, I thought you only liked Valentina."

*i have them for both of you and i told Valentina so*




David waits and talks to Thor as he does
"if i know this would happen i would left the box back home"
"woof"said Thor looking at David with his head on one side

"yes thor i would"said David scratching Thors ear

"To be honest with you, Carlos; I only consider you to be a friend and nothing more than that."

"Do not worry about it, David; I understand that he has feelings for me. If this is all you wanted to tell me, you can leave now."

Anastasia smiled at David before opening the door; she was thinking about Mariga and waiting for her to arrive.

"To be honest with you, Carlos; I only consider you to be a friend and nothing more than that."

'he did not hear you we lose the hook up "said David walking up to her take back his helmet

"an i really don't know what to say about this"

"Thank you for the information, David." Anastasia smiled before she began looking out the window; still waiting for Mariga to arrive.

"Do not worry about it, David; I understand that he has feelings for me. If this is all you wanted to tell me, you can leave now."

Anastasia smiled at David before opening the door; she was thinking about Mariga and waiting for her to arrive.
OOC talk about time warps
IC
'don't foget Thor sleeping in your room on the floor when you go to bed and i be on the other side of the hall facing your door"

A moment later one of the palace staff appeared from behind a corner. A young woman, no older than twenty-five in a long black skirt and long-sleeved shirt, carrying a tray with a tea kettle, cup, sugar, milk and small sandwiches on it. She looked at the colonel and visibly scowled at him. Whether it was because of the wolf or the bayonnet he was fixing, that he did not say. Nonetheless she knocked on the door.

"Your Majesty?"

"That must be Mariga."

Anastasia opened the door and smiled at Mariga; studying her for a few minutes as she reminded her of the maids who worked in her palace. "You must be Mariga. It is nice to meet you. Please come into my room. Thank you for the tea and sandwiches."

OOC the sword bayonet was on way before she showed up so he just standing then holding the rifle with it on

IC

" please looking at me like that just waste of your time"said David whos eyes turn Yellow as he stands there at his spot holding his Rifle with Bayonet

The young Northern Rangerian cast a challenging glance to the colonel, clearly not liking the soldier's tone of voice. Yet, she said nothing as she carried the tray inside, placing it on the table.

"Would you like some vodka in your tea, Your Majesty?" she asked, picking up the small bottle of clear liquid that was on the tray. "It helps keep the cold out..."

"Girl i've seen a screaming pregnant worman drag in front of me, her womb cut open her and her child riped out and thrown to pack of hunger dogs,then watched as she was cut up alive in front of me, so you casting a challenging glance for not liking my tone of voice dose nothing ,so quiet wasting your time"

"Thank you for the tea and sandwiches, Mariga. Please try not to argue with the Colonel."

Mariga was strangely not impressed at the growls of the colonel, not answering him as she curtsied at the young Empress.

"Is there anything else you need, Your Majesty?"

"Can you tell the Prince that I wish to partake in the tea and sandwiches before we go to the National Gallery?"

"Ma-am Greal be taken over by the TPF"said David looking over at Anastasia

"I will not visit Greal then; I do not plan on visiting an occupied nation. Thank you for the information."

"I will not visit Greal then; I do not plan on visiting an occupied nation. Thank you for the information."

"i would not like beautiful thing like you go to a occupied nation or would my boss or your own poeple would let you go"said David as he pulls out chocolate bar with a warper that Anastasia would recall from the Gala

"I do not think it would be good for me to visit Greal until further notice and I thank you for the compliment. You are eating a chocolate bar....Carlos gave me a box of them at the gala."

"I do not think it would be good for me to visit Greal until further notice and I thank you for the compliment. You are eating a chocolate bar....Carlos gave me a box of them at the gala."

"your welcame and see i'am not heartless and Honeydukes made with the best Choclate and well missed when you can't get one at the front lines"said David as he pull out a second one

"care for one for later"

"Yes; I will take a Honeydukes bar for later, thank you."

"Yes; I will take a Honeydukes bar for later, thank you."

David walks in place the bar into her hand and walks back to his spot before giving out orders into his Mic

Mariga nodded. "Of course, Yoru Majesty" she said as she curtsied, then left the rooms. She silently closed the doors after her, and with a single glance at the colonel she walked off.

Anastasia made some tea and began eating one of the sandwiches. She was glad to be in Northern Rangeria but saddened by the fact that the Colonel did not get along with her hosts. After several minutes, she had eaten most of the sandwiches and finished the tea. Anastasia smiled and looked out her window; thinking that those sandwiches were delicious. She brushed her hair back with her hand and thought about her reign...so far, it had been bountiful in terms of friendships with other nations. "I wonder how Catherine is doing in Alfegos; I hope she is alright."

The view outside from Anastasia's window was rather bleak, but that could be attributed to the thick cloud layer that was hanging over the city. The view was that of the Old Halsanki, or the Medieval quarter of the capital city, with the Gothic steeple of the Cathedral of St Gid standing high over the old buildings - and many of the newer building outside the quarter. Halsanki was a lowly-and-widely built city, situated on a highly-forested region by the Rangerian Bay. If she squinted enough, she could make out people on the streets far below...

Anastasia could see the buildings and people of Halsanki; she thought that it was nice to be able to see them and she was able to see the forests that surrounded the city. After several minutes of looking out the window, she decided to call upon Mariga. When she arrived, she smiled at her. "Please tell Prince Mikhail that I am ready to go to the National Gallery. The sandwiches were delicious."

"what the hell Queen Hannah was sleeping with her Bodyguard , so my wifes were right when they saw her kissing him" David listen to more news

"bloodly hell now been found out and it over he running around kill Neo-Ixanian civilians in the hotel they at,what more do we know" David said out loud

"she what,vith wheres Carlos is he still at the embassy " he now added to what he was just told

"you don't know where he after he left from talking to Anastasia ,well" David stops looks at Anastasia door and finish what he was saying in Imperial

"ka uk gaer lu'inbau elggen a nindel nut,nindel elg'caress shlu'ta telanth bwael deshmal ulu ilta lodias 'zil udos nuke l'uoi'nota doeb d'mina"

Anastasia could see the buildings and people of Halsanki; she thought that it was nice to be able to see them and she was able to see the forests that surrounded the city. After several minutes of looking out the window, she decided to call upon Mariga. When she arrived, she smiled at her. "Please tell Prince Mikhail that I am ready to go to the National Gallery. The sandwiches were delicious."

Mariga smiled and curtsied. "Immediately, Your Majesty", he said, then ran off.

Mariga smiled and curtsied. "Immediately, Your Majesty", he said, then ran off.

"Thank you."

As Anastasia looked out the window; she thought about her sister, Catherine and the visit to the National Gallery. She decided to save that chocolate bar that David gave her for later.

A moment later the tall military form of Savajev appeared on the corridor. The Northern Rangerian aide walked briskly, the heels of his black leather boots making an almost ominous sound as they made contact with the hardwood floor.

He first made his way to Vladimir's door, knocking on it.

Vladimir opened the door calmly and looked at Savajev silently for a few seconds. "We meet again, Leo. Is the Prince ready to take the Empress and me to the National Gallery? I am ready to go; I was just waiting to be told that we would be going now."

"His Highness is ready", Leo Savajev answered in his usual manner of saying only what is needed, with little to no emotion. His clothing is the same as in the morning, though now he keeps a pistol holstered by his side. "Come, he awaits your mistress."

"We must tell the Empress before we go to the Prince."

Vladimir did not really hear the Empress being referred to as his mistress but did not ask about the choice in names. When Vladimir and Savajev found the Empress' door, the Empress had been looking out the window; watching some people she could see on the street.

Savajev knocked on the door politely.

"Your Majesty? Prince Mikhail is waiting for you and your companions", he said politely, taking a look at the colonel. Savajev frowned when he saw the wolf: nobody had mentioned anything about a wolf - then again, nobody had mentioned the rather rude colonel that had also arrived with the Neo-Ixanian monarch.

"Tell your limousine driver to have his car ready, if you must insist on her using it", Savajev said to the colonel, still not liking the fact of this foreign soldier practically making demands on where to sleep and how and where the guests of the Prince could go. Somehow all that seemed exceedingly rude to the old aide. But he kept all that to himself.

"they been waiting all this time and due to bad news from Neo-Ixania we be going after i told the Empress and Prince Mikhail of what just happen"said David with a tone that he did not like what happen and so would Empress and Prince Mikhail

Savajev knocked on the door politely.

"Your Majesty? Prince Mikhail is waiting for you and your companions", he said politely, taking a look at the colonel. Savajev frowned when he saw the wolf: nobody had mentioned anything about a wolf - then again, nobody had mentioned the rather rude colonel that had also arrived with the Neo-Ixanian monarch.

"Can you take me to Prince Mikhail, sir? I am ready to visit the National Gallery now." Anastasia smiled as she walked out of the room with a smile on her face. "I hope that I will be able to have a tour of the Gallery. Visiting the Gallery will be a nice start to my tour of Northern Rangeria; I hope that I can have a tour of Halsanki."

"ma-am we going now where tell you hear the news from your nation"said David with a tone in his voice that she would know something was wrong

"Colonel, you will come with us, then. The Prince will surely wish to hear the news in person", Savajev said sternly before bowing politely to Anastasia. "I am sure that the curator has organized a tour for you and His Highness, Your Majesty. Come, follow me."

"The Colonel's voice is telling me that something may be wrong." Anastasia said as she walked with Savajev and Vladimir. As she walked, Anastasia was thinking about the National Gallery; she was sure that the paintings, etc that she would see would remind her of those in Neo-Ixania. A memory of her mother taking her to a gallery when she was younger came into her mind. Vladimir could remember when he escorted Anastasia to a gallery himself; and he smiled as he reminisced about those days.

Anastasia silently listened to the Colonel's report and became saddened by the report; as if it had tainted her tour of Northern Rangeria before it even started. With an emotionless look on her face, she said that she would send her condolences to the families and friends of the victims. Despite the report, she decided that she would try to enjoy herself in Northern Rangeria; but she would never be rude towards people who lamented and grieved for the loss of their loved ones. "David, thank you for the information. It saddens me to hear of such a horrid tragedy but I can tell you that I will give my condolences to my people."

"Queen Hannah was sleeping with her Bodyguard and Lord Sumguy walk in on them togther in bed at the hotel they at in Neo-Ixania ,word all so say she pregnant" David stop as about min then goes

"i'am sad to say after sometime and things said ,that Bodyguard got a gun an went on a killing spree in the hotel killing and wounding a unknown number of guest,i have not got a report of the number as the Neo-Ixanian police and government are still trying to work that out,but when they send it to us,so we can tell you,i'll tell you"said David

Savajev frowned as he listened to the report, not saying a word. He didn't move, he merely waited for the Empress to follow him.

The Empress was following Savajev as she thought about the Colonel's report. It took her several minutes to begin thinking about the National Gallery; she did not want to be depressed by the report during her tour. She would occassionally look at Savajev as she walked with him; Anastasia could tell that he disliked David.

Such realisation was plain for anyone to see. Leo Savajev had taken a severe disliking to the colonel, after the argument the younger man had caused and the airport and his less-than-refined manner of interrupting, drawing attention to himself at inopportune moments... and now having a wild animal with him. If any of the guests had noticed, the code of conduct seemed to be "seen, not heard" among the Home Guard. The uniformed palace guards stood silently in their place, saluting as the four people walked by.

In the lobby, Mikhail was already waiting. He was dressed in a less-militant uniform now, wearing a long, grey wintercoat and holding a fur-rimmed hat in his hand. His smile, however, died the moment he saw the sadness in Anastasia's eyes.

"Anastasia... what has happened?" he asks worriedly, walking to her.

Anastasia focused her eyes on the Prince's face and remained calm as she began to tell him what happened. "The colonel told me that a man has killed guests at an Ixanian hotel. He told me about the incident several minutes before I arrived here. It was a surprise to me; I did not expect to hear about such a horrid tragedy. My condolences go to the families and friends of the victims."

"the man was Queen Hannah Bodyguard who she was sleeping with"said a Woman Captain as she waks up to David

"drinks and snacks are full and we all set"

"good then we go when they want too"said David as he open the Back door of the Limousine check if it was safe inside before standing next to the door to get in last

OOC if i recall from a show, a Bodyguard gets in last so they are first out to see if the area safe

Mikhail frowned at the news. "I see... I am sorry to hear such terrible news, Anastasia. I hope this will not put a damper on your visit here. But still... If you think you would like some time alone instead of more formal gatherings, let me know..."

"i'am sorry i had to past on the news.if it was just some normal person i would have told her later,but seeing the person has to do with the Royal Tour going on in Neo-Ixania she needed to know , so she can send message back home "Said David with a look that showed he sadden that she had to hear of the shocking news

"I want to visit the National Gallery, Mikhail. I understand what has happened in my nation but I do not want it to dampen my visit here. I can have some time alone during the night. We should walk to the limosuine now; I am sure the chauffer is waiting for us."

Mikhail smiled a little and nodded, clearly impressed by the bravery of this young woman. "As you wish", he said as he offered his arm to Anastasia, leading her out to the limousines. The sky was beginning to clear, brilliant streams of sunlight making the snow glitter...

Anastasia smiled as she looked at the sky; watching the snow glitter in the sunlight. She had taken Mikhail's arm and had decided to restrain herself from thinking about the massacre at the hotel; she was still anxious to begin her tour. "I remember visiting the National Gallery of Neo-Ixania; all the paintings and sculptures were interesting to see."

Mikhail wondered about that statement. He was accustomed to small-talk, but the Empress's statement seemed strange, somehow. What would be a gallery without art?

"Naturally. Mostly paintings, though. Most of the statues that survived the Occupation are in the National Museum", he said with a smile as he led her to her limousine - the one that the colonel had so greatly demanded she take.

OOC: I edited her statement.

"This must be the limosuine that the Colonel wanted me to take." Anastasia said calmly before she got inside; taking her seat by the window. She waited for the chauffer to begin driving and smiled at Mikhail. "Is the Colonel going to ride with me?"

David nod his head to her
"J change the liquid crystal so she can look out and no one can look in"said David as he gets in

"yes devil and welcome Empress Anastasia would you care for a drink and i hope the limousine to your liking it has all the things your ask for in it"said a Female voice

"Apparently so. I was hoping I could give you a brief sightseeing tour while we drive to the Gallery, but it seems that is out of the question", Mikhail said, his tone polite on the matter, though it had become apparent that colonel David's insistence on these matters had ruffled a lot of diplomatic feathers. Mikhail remembered Savajev actually losing his temper behind closed doors. "That overeager soldier is just about babysitting her! How are we supposed to get anything done if he is always lurking by her shoulder?", the old aide had ranted. Still, Mikhail said nothing, and even Savajev now managed to retain his calm as they stepped into the other vehicle. The two limousines then began to drive out of the palatial grounds and back towards the city below...

"I would have been interested in the sightseeing tour, Mikhail. Perhaps, after our visit to the National Gallery, we could go on our sightseeing tour. I understand that the Colonel has orders to protect me, but I do not want him to be an impediment to my World Tour. If I give the command, I shall release myself of his protection until I return to it. I apologize if he has been....stubborn but he is only, as they say, following orders."

Mikhail only smiled and nodded to Anastasia's words before he walked to his own car.

As the two limousines and escorts rolled through the streets of the wintry Halsanki, Anastasia had a chance to see the everyday city life. Many people stopped to watch the limousines driving by, some whispering curiously about the black limousines with the coat-of-arms of the two nations. Many of the buildings originated from the 19th and early 20th century, giving the city a quite continental feeling.

Anastasia smiled as she looked out her window; looking at the people and buildings; it was nice to be able to still have her sight-seeing tour of the city. She adjusted her hat and continued to look out the window; thinking about her younger sister, Catherine, who was in Alfegos. "I wonder how she is doing there; I am sure she is having a good time."

The National Gallery, located on Shepherds' Square, was a large, neoclassical building, a piece of romanticized ancient Greece standing in the snow. Gilded letters pronounced the name of the building in Rangerian, and in front of the building stood a statue of a bearded monarch in 16th-century garb, one hand holding an orb, the other a scroll. The statue was clearly a product of nationalist ideas, probably one of the heroes of Northern Rangerian history.

The limousines slowly came to a stop in front of the statue, and down the stairs walked a statuesque older woman, her bearing regal, her clothing elegant yet simple, with only a touch of grey fur adorning her white jacket. Her stern face melted into a smile when she saw Mikhail step out, and just as Vladimir and Anastasia were stepping out, they could see the prince embracing this older woman, talking to her in Rangerian. There clearly was warmth between these two, and there was some similarities in their appearance. Same form of the nose, same storm-grey colour of the eyes...

Anastasia smiled as she looked at the statue and the building; immediately knowing that she was at the National Gallery. It reminded her of the National Gallery of Neo-Ixania; which she visited when she was younger. As she walked out with Vladimir, who was looking at the statue alone, Anastasia could see Mikhail with an older woman and immediately thought that the woman was his mother. Vladimir walked up to Anastasia; who began talking to him in Ixanian. "That must be his mother; they both look alike in a sense, Vladimir."

Vladimir studied the woman and smiled. "Perhaps Mikhail will introduce us to her." They stood there silently together; watching Mikhail talk to the woman and waiting to know who she was.

Limo earlyer

"they are so vithing in the past ,they have a hissie fit over you just having one bodygruad that has orders not to leave your side Anastasia, what would they do with a leader that has ten or more with same order"said David to her as they head for the Gallery

"an Mikhail could give you brief sightseeing tour while we drive to the Gallery,but no he has to be like a two year old and not do it as i'am here ,really i wish they grow up and just do the dam things they have plan as they can do hell of a lot with me still with you" David said as he types on a small keyboard

"J you jamming all bugs"
"yes sir"


Gallery Now

"no one make buildings like that no more ,sad really there some nice one out there"

Mikhail and the tall woman eschanged a few more words before he turned to look at Anastasia and Vladimir.

"Anastasia, Vladimir", he said, smiling. "May I introduce you, the Queen-Mother Leila, my mother... and the curator of the National Gallery"

The older woman smiled and walked briskly to Anastasia, taking her hand. "Do not be surprised... It is customary in our nation for even royalty to hold at least honorary professions", she said, her voice revealing a small accent.

"It is nice to meet you, Queen Mother. I am not surprised to see you hold an honorary profession; my own mother has significant status in the German community of Neo-Ixania; she is a full blooded German and hopes to keep her heritage alive. I am a half-Ixanian because of that but I know plenty about my German heritage because my mother raised me into it; she did not want to see me forsake it."

Vladimir stepped forward. "I am Vladimir, the Empress' personal assistant and a childhood friend. It is a pleasure to meet the mother of our host and I must say that despite the winter season, Halsanki is a nice city. I am thinking I could visit Halsanki with my wife one day; you see, I recently married a Karshkovian woman and I've been looking to take her somewhere nice."

Anastasia smiled. "Shall we begin our tour of the National Gallery?"

"Naturally... and please, call me Leila", the older woman said with a smile as she lead the guests and her son inside, Savajev trailing the group as a shadow - and making sure that the colonel sticked with him, not with the guests.

Queen Mother lead the company into the entrance hall, were a similar statue of the one in the front yard stood, except this one was of marble, not of bronze.

"Prince Eshau IX, also known as Eshau the Scholar", Leila said, smiling. "He founded the University of Halsanki, and promoted art and liberal sciences in his Principality. Thus, when the National Gallery was opened in 1987, it was deemed important to remember him. The statue is much older, of course, hailing from the early 19th century, before the Occupation..."

"Leila, I must say that your son is a nice, handsome and courteous young man."

Anastasia smiled as she and Vladimir stared at the statue of Prince Eshau for several minutes; listening to Leila talk about him and the statue. As they were walking, Anastasia was talking in Ixanian with Vladimir for several seconds before she walked towards Leila. "Leila, I hope that I will be able to see every painting and scuplture in the National Gallery if possible. I am sure you can give me a complete tour."

Vladimir was talking in Ixanian to someone on his CD-5 device. "Yes, Katarina...I am alright. I am with the Empress in the National Gallery; in Halsanki. I will see if I can find you a souvenier." Vladimir smiled and hung up the phone before he looked at the others. "Sorry for that; I had to talk to my wife."

David was a meter and half behind the gourp listening to what was said

mazing early 19th century and been kept well looked after he thinks to himself

"He better be. I raised him to be something else than just an airheaded courtier or a royal playboy", the Queen Mother said surprisingly directly, her words eliciting a laughter out of Mikhail.

"You have to excuse my mother. She is quite outspoken in these matters", he whispered to Anastasia as Leila was leading them up the staircase to the main gallery. "And Vladimir, if you wish to bring your wife something uniquely Northern Rangerian, I would recommend bringing her some amber. I am sure Savajev can recommend you a jewellery store for that purpose"

"amber set in gold or sliver and well made be worth a lot to her and it all so be worth alot much later if it was sold and not kept in the family"said David to Vladimir,

"You have raised him well, Leila."

As Anastasia walked with Leila and Mikhail, Vladimir was beckoning Savajev to him. "Do you think you can recommend a jewelry store for me? Do you think I can find an amber necklace? I want to find a good gift for my wife and I hope you can help me."

Anastasia smiled at Leila and Mikhail. "Can we see the paintings now, Leila? I am sure that you have some paintings of the Occupation; which I understand was a significant part of your nation's history."

Savajev smiled briefly at Vladimir's request. "After we leave the Gallery, I am sure I can find a suitable jewelry store to your needs, Vladimir", he merely said.

Leila's smile died a little at the mention of the Occupation. "Yes, a significant part indeed. And most tragic. The Principality was conquered in 1808 by our southern neighnbour, that had organized itself in the 1750s as the Holy Empire of Greater Rangeria. Northern Rangerians, or 'Lesser Rangerians' as the Imperials prefered to call us, were second-class citizens at the time. But I am sure you will be interested in the Nationalist pieces that survived the Occupation. They are in the next hall."

"Thank you, Savajev. It is nice to know that you can help me. After we are finished here; we can look for a jewelry store together."

Anastasia silently listened to Leila talk about the Occupation; understanding that it must have been a tragic period in the nation's history. "I am interested in the Nationalist pieces; to be honest, I am interested in seeing as much of the Gallery as I can during my visit. As for the Occupation, I am glad to see that your nation has developed and retained its independence after it ended. I hope our nations can be friends."

Anastasia began walking to the Next Hall; occassionally looking at the others. "Lelia, what is it like to be the curator of the National Gallery? Why did you want to become the curator; what motivated you?"

Mikhail had gladly taken a backseat in this discussion. 'When women talk, a wise man stays silent' was one of the sayings that was popular in the Principality, and seeing how well the two women got along he decided it was best to honour that saying.

"I am sure we can cover a good part of the Gallery, child", Leila said with a smile on her face as she lead the party into the next hall. The walls were off-white, giving the large room a serene, venerating atmosphere. On the walls were many large paintings. "The Hall of the Nation", the Queen Mother said. "Gallén, Lindors, Kolmarkha... painters and nationalists all"

There were many paintings there, depicting scenes from myths and legends, from history and hope. Pride of the Prince by Lindors, a vivid picture of Prince Andreas III, the defeated monarch of Northern Rangeria standing at the gallows, waiting to be hanged. The stern Imperial soldiers holding back a crowd, some jeering, some crying as the bloodied Prince stood resolute, not showing a hint of fear or subjugation as the hangman approached with the noose, a high-ranked Imperial officer reading the monarch's death sentence. Gallén's Skysmith, depicting the mythic blacksmith Ilmarine forging the sun and the moon in his smithy, sweat glistening on his sooty skin, the picture so life-like it seemed like it could start moving at any second, the hammer falling down and molding the metal in the smith's tongs.

On a place of honour in the hall was a large painting, depicting romanticized Medieval soldiers, burghers and peasants, banners waving in the wind as a tall, bearded old man in a simple robe placed a golden crown onto the head of a kneeling man. "Crowning of the Prince by Gallén, 1889", Leila said almost veneratingly, and Mikhail and Savajev were clearly in awe of standing before this piece. The painting was full of hope, the first rays of the dawn touching the old man and the kneeling prince. "It depicts a historical moment. St Gid of the Greens, the patron saint of the Principality, crowns his son Halsar as the Prince, the rightful ruler of this land. The Greater Rangerians saw this painting as the heart of the Northern Rangerian hope for freedom, of a new dawn, that they stopped at nothing to destroy it."

with one hand David changes the slides on his Epaulettes as he still stands behind the group at meter and a half from them

Silently studying the paintings, Anastasia began to have flashbacks about the days when she visited the National Gallery of Neo-Ixania; which had one of her uncles as a curator. It was there that she saw her favorite painting: the Lady of Ixania. In that painting, a young maiden held her infant child in one hand and a sword in the other (OOC: It looks like the famous picture of Marianne from France; mixed with the Mother Russia statue in Volgograd and the Virgin Mary with Child). Ixanians considered the Lady to be a representation of the Motherland; which many were prepared to fight (and die) for; to, as the military oath of Ixanian soldiers says, "to the last drop of blood".

Anastasia believed that the Skysmith painting was the best out of the three in this part of the National Gallery; the colors and design made her look at it in wonder and awe. Vladimir, on the other hand, liked all the paintings equally and remembered when he took Anastasia to the National Gallery in Neo-Ixania; showing her his favorite sculpture; which was of Emperor Alexander II; the 19th Century monarch who led Ixanians into a golden age. He was a patrilineal ancestor of Anastasia; and she would listen to the stories about him; told to her by elderly relatives. After several minutes of looking at the paintings, Anastasia returned to Leila. "These paintings are all of great quality but I like Skysmith the most; all of them, though, remind me of the paintings I have seen in Neo-Ixania."

Vladimir smiled as he walked towards his liege and the Queen Mother. "I concur with the Empress; they are all of great quality as well as the scupltures. I think we should continue to explore the Gallery; and see the remainder of the paintings and sculptures."

"I see... Neo-Ixania, then, also has a strong Nationalist tradition?" the Queen Mother asked, smiling interestedly as she led the group on, to the next hall where there were Medieval portraits of the rulers, as well as saint's statues, both wooden and stone, from old cathedrals.

Mikhail had slipped closer to Anastasia, and gently he had taken her arm in his, holding her close.

"Yes; it does. The Lady of Ixania, my favorite painting, is said to be the icon of Ixanian nationalism. The painting depicts a woman with a sword in one hand and an infant in the other; she is the icon of my nation, the Anthropomorphic version of the Ixanian motherland. People call her Mother Ixania and all soldiers swear to fight till the last drop of blood in her name."

Anastasia could feel Mikhail holding her close but did not feel the urge to move away. "I admit that I am not a full-blooded Ixanian; my mother was a full-blooded German but I take pride in my German roots as much as I do my Ixanian roots; I honor both aspects of my heritage."

Anastasia looked at the Medieval sculptures and paintings while Vladimir was occassionally watching Mikhail; not because he disliked him but because he was just curious to see him with Anastasia. Vladimir knew Anastasia since childhood and did not want to see anything negative happening to her. After several minutes, he could hear Anastasia's voice. "These paintings are nice to look at, Mikhail. The artists must have put plenty of time and effort into their creation."

A flashback entered Anastasia's mind as she walked in the Gallery; she could hear her father's voice in her head. "Mother Ixania is the patron saint of this nation, Anastasia. Remember that well when you are the Empress. Do not forget who she is nor what she stands for." (OOC: Neo-Ixania has no official religion despite Christianity being the majority. Some people, like Anastasia's father, consider(ed) Mother Ixania to be a patron saint or a similar person)

"Interesting", Queen Mother said, smiling. "I would very much like to see this painting one day." She then smiled a little, seeing Mikhail come to Anastasia, and left the two alone as she walked to Vladimir and colonel David, showing them one of the larger pieces in the hall, a triptych altar piece depicting the crucifixion and two saints.

Mikhail smiled at Anastasia's words about the sculptures and the paintings. "True. Northern Rangerians were devout Catholics in the Middle Ages, and many of the princes were patrons of the arts. So, we had the good fortune of having many talented artists in the capital. Unfortunately, many pieces were also lost or destroyed during the Occupation and the War."

"If you ever visit Neo-Ixania, Lelia, I can show you the painting."

As Vladimir studied the triptych, Anastasia listened to Mikhail talk about his nation's people when they lived in the Middle Ages. "In Neo-Ixania, most people are either Protestant or Orthodox; there is a small Catholic minority. During the Middle Ages, Ixania flourished economically and culturally; according to the textbooks that I studied when I was younger. It is said to hear that many pieces were lost or destroyed during those turbulent days, but be glad that your nation is free and independent."

After studying the triptych, Vladimir smiled at Leila. "Leila, do you have any other paintings or sculptures that you wish to show me?"

Thor Stands behind Anastasia watching her as David stands where the Queen Left him giving out Orders to all of the Imperial Army

"Si vis pacem, para bellum "said David

OOC: Apologies for late reply, I was out of town the whole day yesterday.

"It seems that our two nations have a lot in common in that way... Both having seen a rise in culture in the Middle Ages, but having lost many artifacts of that era", Mikhail said with a smile, looking Anastasia in the eyes.

Leila, on the other hand, cast a quick glance towards the two monarchs and then turned back to Vladimir. "Well, in the next hall we have works from the 18th century. Landscape artists, Rococo style. Come, I will show. And please tell the colonel to take that dog outside..."

OOC: I understand, NR.

"I did not say that we lost any of the artefacts, Mikhail. It is nice to see the Northern Rangerian artefacts that were saved from destruction."

Anastasia smiled at Mikhail as she walked with him; trying to see more of the artefacts in the distance. As they walked, they could hear Vladimir talking to Leila. "Leila, I do not think that is a dog, per se, but I can understand your motivation for asking him to take it outside. I believe it is a wolf; which we have plenty of in Ixania."

"Ah, my apologies, then. I must have misunderstood you", Mikhail said, laughing as he lead Anastasia on, separately from the others - and almost out of hearing range (at least with the usual polite museum murmur). "Come, there's something I want to show you", he then said, smiling as he lead her on, leaving the others behind.

"A wolf?" Leila said with a frown. "A tame wolf? Most interesting... some of our Northern Jaegers boast similar companions, but I've never seen one in the city"

Anastasia smiled as she followed Mikhail; walking away from the others. As they walked together, Anastasia smiles. "What do you want to show me, Mikhail? Is it a favorite painting or sculpture?"

Vladimir smiled at Leila. "Yes; it is a wolf, Leila. I believe that it must be the Colonel's pet."

Mikhail just smiled, holding Anastasia close as he lead her through the halls of the Gallery. "You'll see", he whispered with a mischievous grin.

Leila and the others were left behind in the other room. "Well... as long as it... um... he doesn't damage any of the artwork or start marking his territory..."

Anastasia looked at Mikhail for a moment as she walked with him; thinking about whether the Colonel would look for them or not and about what Mikhail may want to show her. After several minutes of walking, Anastasia noticed that Mikhail had stopped in his tracks. "What do you want to show me, Mikhail?" Anastasia asked; still close to Mikhail.

------

"I am sure that the wolf is well behaved, Leila."

Mikhail turned and smiled to Anastasia. "Something I thought you might like", he whispered in the quiet room. He had brought you here past signs that said that the area was being renovated. He walked to one of the paintings and slowly pulled the curtain covering it aside. The painting was large, 18th-century in style, and depicting a tall, majestic-looking woman, her hand holding the hand of a small child. A small inscription an a pedestal in the painting read "Karina Regina", and in the corner of the painting the artist had added a coat-of-arms, that of the Neo-Ixanian royal house.

David was standing a meter behind both of them

David was standing a meter behind both of them

OOC: Oh come now... I do distinctly remember David being with Savajev, Vladimir and the Queen Mother. It was the wolf that stuck close...

"This is a magnificient painting, Mikhail. It was nice of you to show me it; who was the artist; the creator of Karina Regina? Tell me; if the coat-of-arms of the House of Schverzinski, my family, is on the painting; then is this woman.....me?"

Anastasia silently stared at the painting; trying to see if she was the model of the woman on the painting. "It is a great painting, Mikhail. A painting worthy to be called a classic in the future."

OOC: Oh come now... I do distinctly remember David being with Savajev, Vladimir and the Queen Mother. It was the wolf that stuck close...

ooc no he not as i never said he went with them and good thing too calling a Imperial wolf a dog a insult

Mikhail frowned, noticing that the colonel had followed. "Please, colonel... A moment in private?" he said, his eyes telling he wasn't asking the man to leave.

If Anastasia looked more closely, she could see that the painting was not new... it was old, at least two-hundred years of age...

OOC: Sorry for Anastasia's mistake.

"It is two hundred years old? I must have made a mistake. Why would the artist put my family's coat of arms into the painting? It makes me curious to know why; unless he had been in Ixania during his life. Mikhail, who was the artist of this painting? Tell me everything you know about it."

Anastasia looked at the Colonel for a moment before she whispered to Mikhail. "He must be overzealous in his mission to protect me; but it is his job."

"you had a two hours ,you would not think i check to see how lotha dalninil is"said David who don't care what the eye's said

Mikhail frowns, clearly not liking the colonel - especially since she seems to spout nothing but gibberish in his heavily accented English. He had merely hoped for some time alone with Anastasia, but this overzealous bodyguard had apparently decided not to let his ward even go to the bathroom alone.

"He is much too overzealous, if you ask me", he whispered to Anastasia before he turned back to the painting. "And as to the painting... It is the painting of Princess Karina, the Queen of Northern Rangeria. If the old genealogies are correct, I believe she is your great-great-great-great-and-so-forth-grand-aunt", he said, with a smile on his face. "The resemblance is quite uncanny..."

"I do not remember hearing about having an ancestor named Princess Karina but she does look somewhat like me, I suppose. Perhaps she is one of my ancestors; I do not know. Maybe my mother or one of my relatives would be able to tell me. I do know that I am half-German; as my mother came from a full-blood German family. My father is....or was a full-blooded Ixanian; he recently passed away."

Mikhail smiles and nods. "Maybe. I just thought that the beauty of the ancestor seems to have been reborn in the niece", he says, his eyes looking deep into Anastasia's as his hand slides tenderly on her cheek.

Anastasia feels Mikhail's hand on her cheek and grabs his hand softly. "Mikhail..." she utters in a soft tone; feeling that her host may be attracted to her. "Are you....attracted to me?"

"vel'bol orn'la dos zhaun et'zarreth resk'afar" David said who had clearly heard Mikhail say He is much too overzealous, if you ask me

Mikhail smiled and was just going to answer the question when he heard the colonel's remark. His expression darkened, his smile died.

"What did you just say to me, colonel?" he demanded, turning his eyes away from Anastasia and to this insolent officer. The magic of the moment was gone... and so had apparently the Northern Rangerian monarch's tolerance for the body guard.

Anastasia sighed; becoming saddened that Mikhail and the Colonel were arguing again. "Maybe I should have just used the Imperial Guard...." Anastasia began to think. "These arguments could have been avoided....."

Standing silently, Anastasia watches Mikhail argue with the Colonel; thinking about what could happen next.

"who the hell do you think you are talking to one of my officers like that"
the new Voice was caming from loud specker

"don't worry about it"said David to the Voice as he turns off louder specker



OOC by the way i did not say who he was talking to,but only he clearly heard what Mikhail said
so

Mikhail's angry expression did not fade. "Colonel... I have been more than patient with you so far. I understand you have your duties as Her Majesty's bodyguard, but I will not tolerate any more interruptions like this. Especially since your lack of tact seems to be causing nothing more than trouble", the young monarch almost hissed between his teeth, looking at the colonel in the eye. He then extended his hand. "Your comm equipment, colonel. Now."

OOC after the Walker mess having him hand over comm equipment not a wise idea seeing both governments be on one another backs as well as his
now just work icly how to say it

Anastasia sighs a bit angrily as she looks at the painting after spending several minutes watching Mikhail and David argue. She decided to ignore it and just admire the painting; trying to think of how Queen Karina was an ancestor of hers. Was it possible that she was? Still hearing the argument, she drowned their voices out with thoughts about Queen Karina and about the paintings and sculptures that she had seen. She began to wonder how Vladimir was doing with Leila. "I am sure they are alright; what could happen here?"

Davild Walks over to Anastasia

"the mess at the Hotel has your government worrying over your safe and this sadly has made a rip between your government and mine as they fight over if they can trust that you can be safe on this tour,and i'am piggy in the mddle of the whole mess as they call and see if you are ok"said David as he takes the radio out of the helmet then smash it in his hand

and in german he adds "now this just going to make it worst but my recording has Mikhail asking for it so i don't have to deal with what cames out from doing this,one only hope the fighting don't lead down to the path of war by things been said"

Mikhail takes the comm equipment. "You will have these back after the tour, colonel. Or you can have them now, take them outside and let your government know you are safe", he said sternly and stowed them in his jacket pocket. He then turned his eyes to Anastasia, and a touch of sadness appeared on his face.

"Your Majesty", he said as he walked to her. "I am sorry for this... and I feel your sorrow for your people. But there is a limit to which I can allow these constant interruptions"

Gently the young man placed his hand on Anastasia's shoulder. "I hope... this has not soured your visit here. I wanted to show you this painting, because I recognized you in her immediately. She is your aunt from over two centuries ago... and my mother from equally far. A princess of Neo-Ixania... that became the queen of Northern Rangeria in marriage"

"I am sure that Imperial Isa and Northern Rangeria will not go to war because of an argument. You can tell your superiors that I am alright; and that I am not injured or anything like that."

Looking at Mikhail, Anastasia smiled. "Yes; my people do feel sorrowful after the recent horrid tragedy that took place in Tzargrad; I send my condolences to them, perhaps the Colonel can do that on my behalf. As for Princess Karina, I do not remember hearing about her from any of my relatives but I am interested in learning more about her; I did not know I had her among the ranks of my ancestors. The arguments have not soured my visit; though I wish that they would cease."

Anastasia looked at the painting for several minutes before smiling at Mikhail. "We should move on now, Mikhail. It was nice to see this painting. Tell me, who did Princess Karina marry? Do you know how it was arranged? Did she fall in love? Was it an arranged marriage?"

"Yes, I believe my mother has already poured enough art history into Vladimir to make him an MA in Art History", Mikhail laughed and offered his arm again to Anastasia. "Princess Karina married Juhann III August, the Prince of Northern Rangeria at the time. The child in the picture is their eldest son, Juhann. Juhann IV, as the history books remember him. My ancestor", he continued, smiling a little as he looked at the painting.

"Queen Karina has something of a mythical status in our history. Many consider her one of the few royal spouses who made a direct impact on our nation's history. The marriage was organized, of course, but they say that Juhann III August loved his queen dearly, and that their son was their pride and joy"

"I think I will ask my relatives about Princess Karina when I return home; to see if they know anything about her. I am still surprised to learn that one of my ancestors could be the Queen of Northern Rangeria; but I do not have a problem with it. One day, I will have my own husband and children; and I will treasure them all. Until then, as I told reporters one day, consider me single."

Anastasia walked with Mikhail and smiled. "Did Karina have any other sons or any daughters? As for Vladimir, I am sure he is listening to your mother's lectures about art and waiting for us to return."

Mikhail smiled a little. "I thought you might ask that... To my knowledge, she had three sons and a daughter who survived into adulthood. The eldest, Juhann, is my direct ancestor. The line of the middle son, Pavol, ended with his grandson who produced no heir. As to the other two, the youngest son Jaako and the daughter Ilisa, I have asked my family librarian to collect information on them. If memory serves, Ilisa's descendants married into Neo-Ixanian families", he spoke as he lead Anastasia to one of the halls open for public. There they found the Queen Mother who was busily filling Vladimir's brain with the history of one of the large bronze statues in the room.

Mikhail laughed, his sour mood seemingly disappeared for now. "You best remember every last nuance of her lecture, Vladimir. I am sure my dear mother will test you on your knowledge of Northern Rangerian art during the state dinner", he said, smiling as they walked to the two aides and the queen mother. Savajev lifted a curious eyebrow, as if sensing the tension between the monarch and the Imperial Isan colonel who walked a few steps behind him. But, as befitted an aide, he kept his questions for himself.

Mikhail smiled a little. "I thought you might ask that... To my knowledge, she had three sons and a daughter who survived into adulthood. The eldest, Juhann, is my direct ancestor. The line of the middle son, Pavol, ended with his grandson who produced no heir. As to the other two, the youngest son Jaako and the daughter Ilisa, I have asked my family librarian to collect information on them. If memory serves, Ilisa's descendants married into Neo-Ixanian families", he spoke as he lead Anastasia to one of the halls open for public. There they found the Queen Mother who was busily filling Vladimir's brain with the history of one of the large bronze statues in the room.

"I would like to learn more about Princess Ilisa; it will be interesting to see which families her descendants married into; perhaps, if you what said is true, one of her descendants married into my family or one of the families connected to mine. All of this is unexpected; I never knew that I could have a Rangerian ancestor."

Anastasia smiled as she looked at Vladimir; who was listening to Leila in the distance; nodding his head as he silently listened. He did not mind listening to the Queen Mother's lectures; he found them to be interesting. "You must know everything about all the sculptures and paintings in this gallery, Leila."

Mikhail laughed, his sour mood seemingly disappeared for now. "You best remember every last nuance of her lecture, Vladimir. I am sure my dear mother will test you on your knowledge of Northern Rangerian art during the state dinner", he said, smiling as they walked to the two aides and the queen mother. Savajev lifted a curious eyebrow, as if sensing the tension between the monarch and the Imperial Isan colonel who walked a few steps behind him. But, as befitted an aide, he kept his questions for himself.

"I will do my best to remember her lecture, my friend. It was interesting to listen to it. I think your mother is a charming woman who enjoys art; her voice was filled with a bit of...passion. She reminds me of the Empress; who has a passion for astronomy."

Anastasia smiled and looked at Mikhail. "Are we returning to the Palace now? Do you have any other places that you want to take me?"

Leila chuckled a little at Anastasia's words. "I try my best, Your Majesty", she said with a smile on her lips. "And I will most definitely be continuing this discussion with Vladimir, if you believe you can spare him for a moment to entertain a widow?"

Mikhail hid his smile behind a cough, but his eyes betrayed his amused sentiment about the Queen Mother's almost randy comment. "Hmm, well, if you are still up for touring, we could visit the Cathedral of St Gid in the Old Town", he said with a smile. "Other than that, we have the state dinner in the evening. In the morning, we'll head north for the mountains. The recent blizzards have made certain that the skiing conditions will be excellent."

Leila chuckled a little at Anastasia's words. "I try my best, Your Majesty", she said with a smile on her lips. "And I will most definitely be continuing this discussion with Vladimir, if you believe you can spare him for a moment to entertain a widow?"

OOC: Vladimir was talking about/to Leila; not Anastasia.

"I would not mind entertaining you, Leila. You are a nice person and I would not mind learning more about you; the mother of my Empress' host." Vladimir smiled at Leila. "I had a good time here at the hotel; the tour was good and I learned much about the paintings and sculptures here."

Mikhail hid his smile behind a cough, but his eyes betrayed his amused sentiment about the Queen Mother's almost randy comment. "Hmm, well, if you are still up for touring, we could visit the Cathedral of St Gid in the Old Town", he said with a smile. "Other than that, we have the state dinner in the evening. In the morning, we'll head north for the mountains. The recent blizzards have made certain that the skiing conditions will be excellent."

"I am still up for touring, Mikhail; visiting the Cathedral of St. Gid would be a nice activity. I must say that I had a good time at the National Gallery; I learned about Northern Rangerian art and about the woman known as Princess Karina. This was a good activity to start my tour of Northern Rangeria with, Mikhail. Thank you for bringing me here."

OOC No NR he did hand over his com to Mikhail , he smahsed in his hand as he was talking to Anastasia,why he did that

1 he had a gut full of bring in the piggy in the mddle
2 he would not hand over military grade gear you have no idea of ,to you

and Neo-Ixania your government not NR as they can't get hold of mine, not like yours who can , an why are you using my FT name

OOC: isa... No offense but I sometimes have a hard time understanding what you are saying. And Neo-Ixania... Oops, my bad :p

"It was my pleasure", Mikhail said with a smile as he then lead Anastasia and the rest of the group out of the Gallery. At the main doors, Leila bid her adieus to the Empress and Vladimir, promising to join them later that day for the state dinner. The two limousines were waiting at the end of the staircase, sun shining brightly now.

"Just follow my limousine, it's a bit tricky to drive in Old Town", Mikhail said as he lead Anastasia to her car.

OOC: isa... No offense but I sometimes have a hard time understanding what you are saying. And Neo-Ixania... Oops, my bad :p

OOC none taken i under stand as i said as a waring in sign up thread i have dyslexia and i have a hard time understanding what i'am saying sometinme

i all so have line drop out so you sometime post when i'am restarting my PC to pick it up again and not got back to edit things i left out in my post or need fixing

IC

David open the door checks inside and then waits for Anastasia to enter

"I will make sure that the Colonel and his group know that. Thank you. Before you go into your car....I must ask: are you attracted to me? I ask because...well, before the Colonel came, you had your hand on my cheek..."

Vladimir watched the Empress silently with Mikhail; after several minutes he decided to call his wife and ask how she and the children were doing; his eyes still on Anastasia. Vladimir had always been a friend of Anastasia since childhood; and he felt it was his duty to be there as a supporter. "Yes, Katarina, we'll spend some time together after the World Tour ends. I love you; talk to you later!"

the ten soldiers all turn and looked at David

"did he just do what i think i heard"asked one of the female soldiers
"think he did"said another

"vith "said a male ones at the other M 21
'way out there man" said a second male soldier

Mikhail was silent for a moment, standing in there, looking Anastasia in the eyes. The moment was not longer than a few heartbeats, but it was still there, before he smiled and nodded.

"Yes. I must admit, I am...", he whispered, only for Anastasia's ears as he looked her in the eyes.

Anastasia was silent for several minutes before she began to talk. "I admit that I think you are handsome but I do not feel an attraction for you at the moment; right now, I consider you to be a friend."

Mikhail smiled, hiding the hint of dauntedness at the sudden, minutes-long silence.

"I understand. And I will, of course, respect that friendship", he said, his smile not dying.

"That is good to hear, Mikhail. I am glad to know that we can be friends."

Anastasia smiled briefly before she entered her limosuine; taking her seat and looking out the window while she thought about Prince Mikhail as she waited for the chauffer to begin driving.

"On that, my distant cousin, you can always count upon", Mikhail said, smiling as he helped Anastasia to her car. He then walked back to his own, with Savajev on his tail.

OOC dam time warps,had to look to see where NI post got to
IC
David gets in the Limo tell J to to send out the the order to head out

"J send this order from the acting Emperor, A.I.S.C Mother is to only let communications with class one classification to contact Imperial , class two and three are closed till i get back home and return power back to carlos"

The limousine of Prince Mikhail started off, leading the way for the other limousine. Their escort, two police cars and one black BMW, followed suite as the driver of Mikhail's limousine guided the royalty down the large boulevard, before taking a turn onto one of the more narrow streets. Here the buildings were much older, 18th and 17th century, with some large stone houses hailing back to the Late Middle Ages. The limousines slowed down on the narrow streets, driving slowly through the pittoresque neighbourhood...

Anastasia smiled as she looked out her window to see the old buildings and stone houses; Vladimir looked out his window to see them. They all reminded her of the old houses that could be found in Neo-Ixania; untouched by modernization at least on the outside. As she looked outside; she began to think about Mikhail but shed those thoughts away so she could focus more on the buildings she could see. "Halsanki is a nice city, Vladimir, I am glad to be able to have visited."

"only find buildings like these down south all others were bomb to the ground"said David looking out
"oh yur i'am acting Emperor"

After a few minutes of navigating in the narrow, winding roads, the two limousines and their escorts passed a low archway into a larger square. The area was covered with snow, the snowplows having left large piles of snow on two of the corners of the large, Medieval market square.

Over the area loomed the large Early Gothic bellfry of an ancient-looking cathedral. The Cathedral of St Gid... It was certainly no Sacre-Coeur or Notre Dame, but the large redbrick church was still an imposing sight, standing on a small hill, a flight of steep stairs leading to the large hardwood doors. It was the hour, and the melancholy ring of the large church bell could be heard in the air.

After listening to David, Anastasia focused her attention on the Cathedral of St. Gid; it reminded her of the cathedrals that she had seen in Neo-Ixania; cathedrals filled to the brim in Byzantine mosaics and Lutheran depictions of their namesake. Stepping out of the limosuine, Anastasia began to feel solemn. She was not as religious as some people but was respectful towards all religions and she smiled as she listened to the bell; it reminded her of that day when the Orthodox churches rang their bells in celebration of Easter; Pascha as they called it. Walking inside, Anastasia and Vladimir began examining everything that they could see. Looking at the altar, Anastasia remembered when she watched the weddings of various relatives and when she was coronated at the massive Cathedral of St. Mary in Tzargrad. "This cathedral has a Medieval charm to it, Mikhail. It is a nice place to visit; I am sure this is where spirituality in Halsanki is headquartered."

"You know, Tzargrad has plenty of cathedrals including the massive Cathedral of St. Mary. In Neo-Ixanian Orthodoxy, she is called the Theotokos; Mother of God. To be honest, I am not as religious as some people but I have always believed that there is a God who watches over us; even if it feels like he is not there."

In the inside, the high Gothic pillars held the roof high, making the cathedral seem like its ceiling touched the heavens themselves. The walls were off-white, perhaps as a remnant of Reformation. Who knows what vivid religious paintings lay hidden under the white paint that had been added to the wall in the turbulent years of the 16th and 17th centuries?

At the doorway, Mikhail had taken off his hat and made the sign of the cross. He walked silently to Anastasia and Vladimir, smiling a little when the sun shone through the stained glass windows, bathing the royal visitors in the splendor of the eponymous saint.

"It is understandable, my dear sister", he said, smiling. "The Cathedral has stood here since the 1000s, though the present form you see hails from three hundred years of building in the Late Middle Ages", he says, smiling.

Anastasia walked Mikhail make the sign of the cross; thinking that he may be inclined to religion but she focused her attention on the cathedral; looking at the stained glass windows and the whitewashed walls; it reminded her of the mosaics she had seen in an Ixanian cathedral. "I think that this is a nice cathedral, Mikhail. Tell me; who was St. Gid? I assume that he is the patron saint of Northern Rangeria or at least the city of Halsanki. What do you know about him?"

Mikhail chuckled. "Well, that depends on what you are asking, Anastasia. St Gid of the Greens is to the Principality what St Patrick is to Ireland, or St George to the United Kingdom. A man of both myth and history", he said, smiling as he motioned Anastasia to follow him into one of the side chapels beside the altar.

The chapel he had chosen was well-lit by sunlight, the bright rays passing through clear glass and touching the rough hewn stone altar on which lie a single green cloth - and on top of the cloth, a golden reliquary shaped into the likeness of a bust of a heavily-bearded man. They had seen it before... the reliquary had been painted into many of the royal portraits in Ruhtinalyne Palace, and the painting depicting the crowning of the first Prince had shown the man in the reliquary's likeness holding the crown above the new ruler's head.

"The skull and beard of St Gid... the most holiest relic and artifact in Northern Rangeria", Mikhail said, his expression and voice showing a deep reverence, both national and religious. "St Gid was a Northern Rangerian shepherd, or so the story goes... A wealthy man with many heads of cattle, and many sons. According to the legend, God spoke to him and told him to preach His word among the pagan tribes. His preaching united many of the tribes, and ended centuries of in-fighting. His son, Halsar, was the first Prince... and my direct ancestor."

Mikhail chuckled. "Well, that depends on what you are asking, Anastasia. St Gid of the Greens is to the Principality what St Patrick is to Ireland, or St George to the United Kingdom. A man of both myth and history", he said, smiling as he motioned Anastasia to follow him into one of the side chapels beside the altar.

"He must be very important to Northern Rangerians if his popularity is like that of St. Patrick and St. George. I am interested in learning about him, Mikhail." Anastasia followed Mikhail into the side chapel and began thinking about St. Gid.

The chapel he had chosen was well-lit by sunlight, the bright rays passing through clear glass and touching the rough hewn stone altar on which lie a single green cloth - and on top of the cloth, a golden reliquary shaped into the likeness of a bust of a heavily-bearded man. They had seen it before... the reliquary had been painted into many of the royal portraits in Ruhtinalyne Palace, and the painting depicting the crowning of the first Prince had shown the man in the reliquary's likeness holding the crown above the new ruler's head.

Anastasia silently looked at the golden reliquary on the green cloth; knowing that it must be a relic; an item once posessed by St. Gid. After looking at it for several minutes, she turned her attention to Mikhail who was speaking to her.

"The skull and beard of St Gid... the most holiest relic and artifact in Northern Rangeria", Mikhail said, his expression and voice showing a deep reverence, both national and religious. "St Gid was a Northern Rangerian shepherd, or so the story goes... A wealthy man with many heads of cattle, and many sons. According to the legend, God spoke to him and told him to preach His word among the pagan tribes. His preaching united many of the tribes, and ended centuries of in-fighting. His son, Halsar, was the first Prince... and my direct ancestor."

"You are the direct ancestor of St. Gid? That must be an honor for your family, Mikhail. From what you have told me, he was a simple man used to bring the word of God to the pagans; a common storyline found in other nations. I think I know some of my ancestors from many centuries ago; I have to research my family's history to learn more about genelology. Tell me, how did St. Gid die? Did he pass away peacefully or was he martyred?"

Mikhail smiled. "Direct descendant of St Gid... Well, that is what it says on the oldest genealogies that my ancestors published. The House of Halsar has, however, ruled in the Principality since time immemorial. So who knows? Maybe St Gid is still looking after his descendants", he added with a smile.

"As far as we know... St Gid passed away peacefully. They say he travelled north, to the highest mountain peaks to meditate and to be close to God on his dying days. Halsar's son, St Gid's grandson, was the one who according to legend went on a pilgrimage to find him... and it was he who carried home the head of St Gid."

Anastasia smiled as she listened to Mikhail; she was interested in learning more about St. Gid. "I guess they did not find the corpse of St. Gid; but I guess it was nice for them to know that they, at least, found his head. From what you have told me, St. Gid sounds like your typical Christian saint but nonetheless he must have plenty of popularity in Northern Rangeria as the patron saint; perhaps he intercedes with God on the nation's behalf."

Anastasia looked at the reliquary for several seconds before she turned her attention to Mikhail. "After we are finished here; will we be returning to the palace?"

"The legend does not say whether or not the prince found the body. It only says that he found the head", Mikhail said with a small smile as he stood there, watching at the reliquary.

"And yes, we will be returning to the palace next. I am sure you and Vladimir will welcome some privacy before the state dinner tonight."

"I brought a nice dress to wear during dinner; so I think I would like to change into it before I have dinner. Can you give me information about Northern Rangerian cuisine? What food and beverages can I expect to have at the dinner tonight?"

Mikhail chuckled as he walked with Anastasia, followed by Vladimir and Savajev close by. "Well, I have to warn you... Northern Rangerian cuisine is mainly a working man's diet. It might be slightly heavy if you are used to more haute cuisine", he smiled.

"Well, the food I have eaten is mostly food made for the wealthy; though we do have food considered to be for the working man in Ixanian cuisine; and even the wealthy eat dumplings. I am interested in partaking in Northern Rangerian cuisine; can you give me some information about some dishes?"

Mikhail chuckled as he lead Anastasia back outside, towards the cars. "Well, I am not sure what the chef has in mind for tonight, but I believe there will be at least roast elk with cranberry sauce... So, we are not talking about a very light diet here."

"Roast elk sounds interesting to me; I think I will partake in some tonight during dinner. Tell me; what desserts does Northern Rangerian cuisine have? Cakes? Pastries?"

" about six"said David to the Major he was talking with as he waits
" say four"said the Major
"we see"said David

Mikhail laughed, shakingh is head. "Your Majesty, I believe part of the enjoyment of travel is not knowing for certain what will come by next. I assure you we won't be serving stewed monkey brains or anything like that... but even I don't know the menu for sure."

"I apologize, Mikhail, but I felt somewhat anxious. I look forward to partaking in Northern Rangerian cuisine is all; I hope it is delicious. By the way, I think I will change into my dress later tonight; perhaps several minutes before dinner. I want to look presentable during dinner."

"Well, it is a formal dinner in any case, so we all need to clean up a little", Mikhail said with a smile, his expression telling that he was by now means insulted by Anastasia's curiosity. He just did not want to spoil the surprise.

Anastasia restrained her curiosity after sensing that Mikhail was insulted by it; she simply smiled at him as she entered the limosuine; taking her seat before looking out the window and thinking about the state dinner.

"your face show that you have something on you mind Anastasia ,what did you think you did"said David looking at her

OOC: Whoops, typo... "Mikhail was by NO means insulted", it meant to say :p

The two limousines started their engines again, and they were soon on their way back to the castle. Mikhail sat in his own car, wondering. He hoped his refusal to entertain Anastasia's curiosity had not insulted her. It was good that she was interested in her host country's cuisine and traditions, but Mikhail himself did not have all the answers, either. Besides, the chef probably wanted to show off his talents tonight... It would be prudent not to spoil his chance for glory by spoiling the surprise.

"There is nothing on my mind, Colonel. You do not need to worry."

The chauffers drove the limosuines onward towards the palace; where the State Dinner would be held. As the limosuines navigated their way through the streets, Vladimir was busy talking on his CD-5 to his wife back home; apparently she had called him again while the Empress was silently looking out the window with a smile on her face; being in Northern Rangeria made her happy; even if the host was attracted to her, which was nothing new to her. The limosuines pulled up at the front doors of the palace and Vladimir and Anastasia walked to their rooms; wherein they got changed into their formal clothing. Anastasia, putting on her formal and expensive red dress, smiled as she looked at her reflection in the mirror; remembering the dinners she had attended in her childhood and all the memories she had of them; dinners with the friends of her father. As for Vladimir, he could remember those dinners easily as he fixed the tie on his tuxedo; nowadays he had dinner with his wife and children instead of with the Empress, who had to eat alone most nights.

After changing into her dress, Anastasia looked out the window and could sense that the moon would be preparing to take its place in the sky. She smiled and began thinking about childhood memories; experiencing flashbacks about those days; days she fondly remembered. "Father...." she uttered softly after a while in a solemn tone.

David now dress in Formal dress Uniform (http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/Imperial%20MT%20rifle/Isandress.jpg)stand outside the door looking at his phone

"carlos you be the death of me" he say as he turns it off and puts it away

OOC
Light Gray and Black Bottoms for Army
All wear side arms, knives and Long Sword for Man
Male Pants and Black Combat Boots

David was also the first to hear the clack of military boots down the corridor. Leo Savajev, the Prince's aide (and apparently something of a bodyguard, too), appeared from behind the corner. He, too, had prepared for the dinner, garbing himself in an old-fashioned dress uniform (http://www.three-peaks.net/mex_war_dress_enl_unif_front.jpg). On his belt, he carried a ceremonial knife.

The old man lifted an approving eyebrow at the colonel, but frowned a little at his armaments.

"Colonel David", Savajev began. "I hope you will respect one of our traditions tonight. While many of the guests carry ceremonial knives like mine, it is customary to hand the sword to the servant before entering the dinner hall. As for your knife... follow the lead of the Prince and myself", he said. The old man still did not like the colonel, but apparently his ire had lessened to a cool politeness.

"Also, can I trust you to be as bodyguards are expected? Seen if necessary, but not heard? Your previous... slips of the tongue have made you few friends."

"Seen if necessary, but not heard ,yur thing is i'am a Soldier not a bodyguard so this little book that they have with Seen if necessary, but not heard not in our book and as for my sword i hate the thing so i'am leaving it an this not a ceremonial knife this is my normal every day combat knife use for killing so if i must hand it over to someone they best not play with as i don't want to stitch up a body part"
David thinks for a min

"an as acting Emperor i left order for no to call me unless they really need me"

Savajev frowned slightly, but his tone of voice remained calm.

"I merely have your best interest in mind, colonel. Your outbursts with your comms were lucky to be in rather secluded conditions. But if you start shouting curses in public, in front of the Prince's guests... well, I leave you to consider the diplomatic consequences, not to mention the stain on your reputation"

The aide said nothing more as he proceeded to knock on Anastasia's door.

OOC sorry NR i just had a line drop i have to add somethings to that post

"The stars shine brightly tonight, Father...."

Savajev's knocking on the door provoked Anastasia to return to reality from the flashback she was having; she walked silently to the door and opened it to see Savajev standing there. For dinner, she had decided to wear a red formal dress that did nothing to hide the slender curves that Anastasia posessed; it made her look like a knockout really. "I assume it is time for dinner, Leo. Well, you can escort me to the dining room."

Vladimir walked out of his room; dressed in the tuxedo he had brought with him from Ixania. "I was looking forward to seeing you, Savajev; I wanted to talk to you about the jewelry stores of Halsanki."

Anastasia and Vladimir walked with Savajev to the dining room; Anastasia would occassionally look at him and remind herself of Vladimir; seeing Savajev made her remember that she had an assistant of her own. "I am anxious to partake in the cuisine of Northern Rangeria, Savajev."

If the Empress's stunning appearance had any effect on the old aide, he did not let that emotion appear on his face. He did, however, smile slightly at Vladimir's arrival.

"Worry not, we will go to the stores tomorrow morning, before we head north by train", the old man said to Vladimir, with a wry smile on his lips. Anastasia's remark he acknowledged with a courteous nod before starting to lead them on across the palace. He lead them to a waiting chamber, where a servant holding a herald's staff was waiting.

"Shall I announce your arrival, Your Majesty?" the younger man asked, while Savajev made his bows and left the room. On the other side of the room was a set of closed doors, the sound of violin music and the mumble of speech arising from there.

Savajev frowned slightly, but his tone of voice remained calm.

"I merely have your best interest in mind, colonel. Your outbursts with your comms were lucky to be in rather secluded conditions. But if you start shouting curses in public, in front of the Prince's guests... well, I leave you to consider the diplomatic consequences, not to mention the stain on your reputation"

The aide said nothing more as he proceeded to knock on Anastasia's door.

" there be no diplomatic consequences for they know what we are like and have picked to take us for what we are and what stain on my reputation that i'am soldier who do his job ,hold on to ground when order too and make who every wants to take it off me ,pay a high cost in blood before they take it off me" David said before the door open

" there be no diplomatic consequences for they know what we are like and have picked to take us for what we are and what stain on my reputation that i'am soldier who do his job ,hold on to ground when order too and make who every wants to take it off me ,pay a high cost in blood before they take it off me" David said before the door open

Savajev huffed a little at the soldier's words. "There is a difference between a battlefield and a royal visit. I hope you will remember that distinction"

After the Empress opened the doors, Savajev paid no more heed to the young colonel.

'when one been a soldier from sixteen and seen wars from seventeen ,life nothing but a battlefield "said David as he checks his 47 min-medals which were worn instead of the larger ones, before he held out his Arm to the Empress

"I think I will pass on holding your arm, Colonel."

Anastasia could hear the violin music; reminding her of her younger sister Catherine, who often could be heard playing her violin. It made Anastasia smile; she kept the smile on her face as she noticed Mikhail in the distance. "I must say that this is very nice; though it is expected of the wealthy." Anastasia said to Vladimir; who was close to Anastasia. He was her childhood friend and often stayed close to his liege. "Indeed, Anastasia.' Vladimir began to say with a smile. 'I believe that Prince Mikhail has a plan for us."

Anastasia greeted Mikhail warmly before she took her seat; examining the cutlery. It reminded her of the dinners she had in Neo-Ixania; whether they were with family or whether they were with no one. She felt anxious to see what she would be eating; the curiosity was still fresh in her mind. Vladimir took his seat and listened to the violin music; he also remembered the performances of Princess Catherine that he attended when the Emperor still reigned. "Your sister would enjoy this, Anastasia. She adores the life of a violinist." Vladimir smiled and continued to listen to the music; he did not pay attention to the bickering of the Colonel nor the stern sighs of Savajev.

When the Empress and her party entered the large dining room, the music shifted to a violin version of the Neo-Ixanian National Anthem, along with the people in the large tables standing up. These were politicians, noblemen and the cream of Halsanki. Many wore tuxedos, but especially the older men wore dress uniforms. Many of them also carried a ceremonial knife on their belt, often placed in a scabbard decorated with engravings.

The Prince's table was set along the long wall, the rest of the tables along the back and side walls, with a space for possible dancing later on. Mikhail had stood up himself, and he smiled warmly to Anastasia as he greeted her. The young monarch was dressed in an old-fashioned dress uniform himself, with a wide blue-and-white sash coming from one shoulder to the side where his dress knife rested in its scabbard.

"Welcome, my dear Imperial sister", he said politely, smiling warmly as they sat down again. The Empress was seated on his right side, with Vladimir and the colonel taking their seats next to her. Savajev, on the other hand, remained in the background, nods and quick hand gestures conducting the stream of servants within the large dining room. One of the servants filled the beautiful crystal glasses with wine, and at this point Anastasia might have noticed something extraordinary on the table: besides the plates and the rows of eating utensils, each seat had a long, black sash set on the right-hand side. Nobody seemed to be using it, but apparently it had some kind of a purpose since nobody was mistaking it for a napkin.

David place his hand over the crystal glass that was in front of him

"no drink for me i'am on duty and it one and a half months in the stockade during peace and war time for drink on duty" he said so those near him could hear him

OOC find drinking on duty a second time it's two month then a third time three months

When the Empress and her party entered the large dining room, the music shifted to a violin version of the Neo-Ixanian National Anthem, along with the people in the large tables standing up. These were politicians, noblemen and the cream of Halsanki. Many wore tuxedos, but especially the older men wore dress uniforms. Many of them also carried a ceremonial knife on their belt, often placed in a scabbard decorated with engravings.

The Empress reminisced about the state dinners she attended in Neo-Ixania as she walked into the room; all the musicians and noblemen, etc made her remember those dinners; nowadays she would eat alone in the Imperial Palace in Tzargrad and occassionally with her family.

The Prince's table was set along the long wall, the rest of the tables along the back and side walls, with a space for possible dancing later on. Mikhail had stood up himself, and he smiled warmly to Anastasia as he greeted her. The young monarch was dressed in an old-fashioned dress uniform himself, with a wide blue-and-white sash coming from one shoulder to the side where his dress knife rested in its scabbard.

"Welcome, my dear Imperial sister", he said politely, smiling warmly as they sat down again. The Empress was seated on his right side, with Vladimir and the colonel taking their seats next to her. Savajev, on the other hand, remained in the background, nods and quick hand gestures conducting the stream of servants within the large dining room. One of the servants filled the beautiful crystal glasses with wine, and at this point Anastasia might have noticed something extraordinary on the table: besides the plates and the rows of eating utensils, each seat had a long, black sash set on the right-hand side. Nobody seemed to be using it, but apparently it had some kind of a purpose since nobody was mistaking it for a napkin.

"I must say that this reminds me of the dinners I attended in Neo-Ixania, my friend."

Wearing an exquisite red colored dress that normally would be worn only by the wealthy women of Ixania; the Empress took her seat at the dinner table; the residue of anxiety still on her as she waited to know what she would be eating. She did notice the sashes but did not know why they would be there; perhaps, she thought, they would be used later in the night. For now, however, she focused on the dinner. Vladimir had been talking to Savajev; trying to make a friend or at least make Savajev friendly towards him. The Empress watched David decline the glass of wine but she took some herself; though she knew not to overindulge in wine. Just looking at the wine made her remember a winery she had visited before; it was as if this entire visit to Northern Rangeria made her remember past events.

She fixed her hair; which she had made into a bun instead of letting it down and smiled at the other guests; she was sure to look stunning among them. After several minutes, Anastasia quickly picked up her fork and knife because she could see the waiters arriving with the food.

Before the waiters' arrival, however, Mikhail turned to Anastasia. "Excuse me, but there is something we must do before we begin the meal. You and Vladimir just sit tight", he said with a smile as he stood up. (At this point, Savajev also gave a nudge to the colonel, wanting him to pay attention)

Every man in the room followed the prince's example, the music halting for a moment. There was a moment of silence when all the shuffling and getting up was over. Then, Mikhail drew out his dress knife, a long-bladed dagger with a highly decorated handle and pommel. Everyone who had stood up, did the same, the sound of metal scraping against scabbards filling the room as tens of knives appeared. Then, slowly, the prince laid his knife on the sash beside him, the blade pointing at the wall behind him - a move that everyone in the hall repeated before they all sat down again.

The music resumed, and Mikhail smiled to Anastasia just as the waiters began to pour in, bringing in the first course. Some kind of a creamy fish soup, spiced with herbs.

"Savajev this is a Combat knife not a ceremonial knife, i only take it out of it sheath only to bloodly it in hand to hand, so if you want me to take it out, i must cut my hand and put blood on it" David said as he takes it out and cuts his hand open with it to put blood on the blade before doing what the others did

OOC David Combat Knife (http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/Imperial%20MT%20rifle/ColonelDavidScottCombatKnife.jpg)different from the standard Imperial Army Combat Knife (http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/Imperial%20MT%20rifle/ImperialArmyCombatKnife.jpg)

"I wonder why they perform this ceremony of knives."

Vladimir watched the ceremony closely with his liege; thinking about reasons why they were bringing out these knives. After they had finished, Vladimir began eating his soup while listening to the Empress talk to Mikhail. "Mikhail, what was the reason for that ceremony? Can you tell me about it?" She picked up her spoon; smiling as she put some of the creamy soup into her mouth. "I think it is an interesting ceremony but I do not know why you had to partake in it with the other guests."

She had seen David cutting himself with his knife; but did not pay much attention to it. Instead, she began eating her soup while looking at the other guests; remembering those state dinners she attended in Neo-Ixania when she was younger.

Savajev did very little to hide his disdain for the colonel's insistence - especially that he should cut himself in order to partake in the ritual. Some of the people sitting in the closest tables also noted the soldier cutting his hand, and rumours began to circulate.

Mikhail, however, did not say anything about the colonel's show. He merely smiled to Anastasia. "It's an old ritual we have here in Northern Rangeria", he said as he picked up his spoon. "It is customary for men in our country to carry knives as part of their official uniforms. But it is also considered rude or threatening to come to a table armed. A man who reveals his blade for others to see and places it so that it can always be seen is showing respect for his host and welcome to the house", the young monarch explained, taking a sip of the soup from his spoon.

David look right at Savajev

"in Imperial it's custom only to pull out one's Combat Knife to A: sharpen it or B: to use it in a fight, but due to what unknown metal my knife is made of, i only pull my one out to use it in a fight, so you are infact insulting a Imperial custom dating before you or i were born sir ,there for i must make it up on your behalf by drawing my blood so there wont be up set people back home "

then turn to Mikhail

"interesting old ritual which you clearly carry to heart as much as we do with the one i just said"

"I must say that it is an interesting ritual; I can understand why you and the others would perform it, Mikhail. I also must say that this soup has a good taste to it but I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the other food; because I am hopeful to try authentic Northern Rangerian cuisine." Anastasia smiled as she took a sip from her soup. "All of these guests make me remember the people I have seen during state dinners back in Neo-Ixania. When I was younger; I attended them with my parents. Vladimir was also there as a guest."

Vladimir nodded his head. "I was one of Anastasia's father's friends and his assistant. I often accompanied Anastasia and her siblings when she was younger and I still accompany her to this day; that is why I am here with her. I try to balance my wife and children with my duty to Anastasia; but my family understands my career well."

Mikhail smiled amusedly. "I am glad you enjoyed the soup. But it was already a sample of Northern Rangerian cuisine", he said, nodding quickly to the colonel. He then leaned closer to the Empress, whispering to her (OOC: No, you don't hear this, isa).

"Personally, I try to just survive these kind of dinners. I much prefer something more quiet, maybe some of my closest friends and associates intead of a pompous state dinner. But, we all have our crosses to bear", he whispered to Anastasia, grinning wickedly as he leaned back in his chair.

Soon the main course was brought in: the waiters in their white uniforms arrived like a flock of doves, spreading out among the tables, each carrying a set of plates. When they arrived to the prince's table, they each set a plate in front of a guest. On the still-hot plate was a slice of elk with a small pile of cranberry sauce on top, along with steamed vegetables and boiled potatoes. Certainly not haute cuisine, but the aroma was almost intoxicating.

OOC NR he a shape shifter he has better hearing then a human so he would have heard but just not what was said
IC

with hearing better then those around David heard Mikhail whispering something to Anastasia

"ok yur that a small slice of meat"said David looking at the plate before turing to Vladimir

"Vladimir, here some good news you not heard ,Emperor Carlos married his girlfriend in your nation today"

Mikhail smiled amusedly. "I am glad you enjoyed the soup. But it was already a sample of Northern Rangerian cuisine", he said, nodding quickly to the colonel. He then leaned closer to the Empress, whispering to her (OOC: No, you don't hear this, isa).

"It was a nice way to start partaking in Northern Rangerian cuisine, Mikhail; the soup has a good taste to it."

"Personally, I try to just survive these kind of dinners. I much prefer something more quiet, maybe some of my closest friends and associates intead of a pompous state dinner. But, we all have our crosses to bear", he whispered to Anastasia, grinning wickedly as he leaned back in his chair.

Hearing those words from Mikhail made Anastasia remember the dinners she had attended when she was younger; she could remember the aristocrats and others who had attended with her family. It made her remember her father; the man who she would think about on certain days; reminiscing about the time she spent with him.

Soon the main course was brought in: the waiters in their white uniforms arrived like a flock of doves, spreading out among the tables, each carrying a set of plates. When they arrived to the prince's table, they each set a plate in front of a guest. On the still-hot plate was a slice of elk with a small pile of cranberry sauce on top, along with steamed vegetables and boiled potatoes. Certainly not haute cuisine, but the aroma was almost intoxicating.

Letting the food cool down for a few minutes, Anastasia cut herself a piece of the elk and smiled before she put it in her mouth; swallowing it after a few minutes. She looked at Mikhail with a smile. "This slice of elk has a good taste to it; I have not really had elk much for dinner. Please send my regards to the chef or chefs; they have prepared good food for us."

Anastasia continued eating her food as the memories of childhood dinners were still in her mind. "All of this food has a good taste....from the elk to the vegetables and potatoes. The cranberry sauce is a nice addition."

Mikhail smiled, nodding to Anastasia. "I will do so. I am sure they will be glad to know that you enjoyed their master-piece", the young monarch said before bringing a small piece of his steak into his mouth.

Mikhail smiled, nodding to Anastasia. "I will do so. I am sure they will be glad to know that you enjoyed their master-piece", the young monarch said before bringing a small piece of his steak into his mouth.

"I am sure they will be glad to hear it, Mikhail; I look forward to partaking in the rest of the food that I will be having tonight."

OOC: Mind if we jump ahead? It's going to take a good while if we go through the whole menu entry-by-entry ;)

OOC: Mind if we jump ahead? It's going to take a good while if we go through the whole menu entry-by-entry ;)

OOC: Sure, we can jump ahead.

The state dinner continued peacefully, a moment of rest and a chance to talk provided when the main course was finished. The waiters were serving coffee, tea, water and an aperitif cognac after the main course, the music continuing in the background.

As usual, many of the guests also approached the prince's table, bringing their personal greetings and welcomes to the Empress. Many of the men seemed to be wearing military attires, or at least carrying a medal or two pinned onto their suits. Understandable, perhaps, considering that the Principality was a relatively young nation with a brutal civil war having been fought only twenty years prior. That did not, however, deter Mikhail from trying to be a good host for his guests.

During the state dinner, the Empress and her assistant talked to the guests who had came to welcome them to the Principality; they were pleased to interact with the other guests. The Empress chatted with some of the female guests (OOC: I am assuming there are some female guests at the state dinner) while Vladimir talked to some of the aristocrats; making a comparison between himself and Savajev. When the dinner finally finished, Anastasia rose from her seat and smiled at her host. "I must say that the state dinner was good, Mikhail. Tell me, do you have anything else planned?"

Vladimir was busy watching the Empress talk; remembering the days of her father's reign in which he'd talk to a younger version of Anastasia. He always could remember those days. "Savajev' Vladimir began to say in a calm tone "I would still like your help in finding a gift for my beloved wife; when we have the time."