NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This thread is for all of those who signed up in the "In Search of a Consort" thread only; it is closed to everyone else.

The House of Schverzinski had reigned for many centuries over the Ixanian Empire and its colonies; its Emperors and Empresses governing the realm with a benevolent yet iron fist. They had always sought intermarriages with foreign dynasties to maintain the bloodline and their own control over the Ixanian realm. Such a objective was the goal of Empress Anastasia II; who did not want to see her dynasty collapse because of the absence of an heir. That, along with her desire for a companion in life, fueled her desire to offer her hand in marriage to the suitors of the world; under the watchful eyes of her mother and relatives. After all, she was the Empress, and only the best of the best could take her hand in marriage. Many had applied; and all their names were written on signs held by the mulitude of chauffers with their limosuines waiting at the airport in Tzargrad while the Empress donned her most exquisite, formal and expensive summer dress to wear in the presence of her suitors. The Imperial Guard began patroling every inch of the Palace and its vicinity; ready to eliminate any troublesome elements and even one of the suitors if needed. While Anastasia anxiously awaited the arrival of the first suitor (OOC: Anastasia will meet suitors on the order of applying; so West Ponente's suitor would meet her first and so on. If a person does not post then we go to the next suitor), Empress Consort Emilie was concerned about the whole idea. She had always loved her daughter to the point that a milestone such as marriage would have made her cautious of her progeny's actions. Although she did not have any power to choose the Emperor Consort, she still could judge the suitors who wanted to marry her daughter; as all mothers ought to do. Anastasia's siblings were naturally curious about the men their eldest sister would meet; though Anastasia wondered what Catherine would think since she was currently in Alfegos. Alexander, her eldest brother, told Anastasia in a solemn tone that he would keep an eye on the suitors because, despite being a young man...a teenager really, he was still prepared to defend his sister and help her as he would for all his siblings and widowed mother. Vladimir, the Empress' personal assistant, waited at the hotel in which the suitors would stay; as he was charged with telling them of how they would each meet the Empress, etc. He had to deal with that along with calls from his Karshkovian wife who, while happy to hear of the Empress' possible marriage, was saddened that Vladimir had to work instead of going on the vacation they had planned but yet, like most of the wives of Ixanian men, she understood why he had to forsake time with her.

OOC: All suitors will be given rooms at one of the luxurious hotels of Tzargrad; and will be called one by one to meet the Empress. However, they are free to explore the city while they wait to be called. They may either have their own security or rely on the highly trained Ixanian security guards; however there will be NO attacks, etc on suitors...this will be a peaceful RP.

OOC: So should we post our arrivals in Neo-Ixania?

OOC: So should we post our arrivals in Neo-Ixania?

OOC just skip the landing and checking in,an just say you all that to save time with get permissin to land and getting a room

Tzargrad
21:30 PM (Brutland and Norden time)

Adam laid himself down on the soft bed of his hotel room. He had immediately come to Tzargrad alone aboard a commercial flight, which surprised many of the passengers. Also surprised was the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Ambassador in Tzargrad; Ambassador Maria Pamela Boscaro barely made it to the airport, having been notified by the Foreign Minister only half an hour before the scheduled landing of Adam's plane.

He did not want to garner a lot of attention and would rather want to be alone this time. Aside from that, he likes surprise trips and unplanned visits, much like the King of Brutland and Norden.

Ambassador Boscaro and the Nord-Brutlandese diplomatic staff invited him to stay at the embassy grounds. They also wanted for some security detail to accompany him while he's in the country. But Adam declined their offers. For one, he can defend himself. Second, he wanted to explore the city by himself. That Imperial History Museum along Independence Street looks to be a nice place to visit. And lastly, this visit is a personal matter, not a diplomatic matter.

The matronly ambassador wished him well and helped him find a nice hotel. It was indeed nice. Situated on a small hill overlooking the city, his room had a view of much of the Ixanian capital. But not even the great vista prevented that horrid jet lag from seeping in.

He read Kyle's magazine again, and as he perused the page for the Empire of Neo-Ixania, he seemed to have forgotten that jet lag... and fell asleep...

Lucius stared dreamily out of the bullet proof, darkened window of his 300M Limousine (http://www.armoredcars.com/armored-cars.htm?new=yes&sub=Armored%20sedans) as it rolled down the streets of Tzargrad towards the hotel he was asked to stay at by the Empress Anastasia II. He wondered how he'd come so far from so so little. From a beggar, to a Senator chosen by the Emperor himself and the Senate to be matched with a daughter of a royal blood line tracing back years ago with great fame and fortune to its name.

So caught up in his thoughts, it took one of the two Corazzieri (http://www.comune.pordenone.it/comunicazione/ufficiostampa/visita_ciampi/2005-02-25i/variant/medium) who had accompanied him upon request by the Emperor on his trip to awaken him from his deep train of thought. He smiled apologetically to the Corazzieri as the door next to him opened and he exited onto the street, looking at the magnificent hotel that stood before him.

With the two Corazzieri at his side, he approached the front desk and gave his license, passport, and other forms of identification to prove he was the designated suitor to be staying at the hotel. A short elevator ride up to the VIP Suite later he pulled open the curtains to his windows and looked out at the sprawling metropolis below that was Tzargrad. The environment was much different from his residence in Rome where the city was much more traditional in appearance due to the preservation of many historic houses and buildings that had been converted into suitable housing.

With the two Corazzieri dutifully standing guard outside his room, he opened one of his luggages and pulled out a bottle of fine Italian wine. He popped the cork and poured himself a light glass. He stood before the window and smiled to his reflection as he raised the glass and muttered, "Cheers", before taking a refreshing sip and deciding to see what sort of television shows were on the air in Neo-Ixania.

OOC just skip the landing and checking in,an just say you all that to save time with get permissin to land and getting a room

OOC: And who gave you such powers to say such things, Isa? :p

Everyone can send their guests now and then we will begin. West Ponente's suitor shall meet the Empress first and then so on in the order of applicants. Refer to the Consort thread to find your place.

OOC: Sounds good. Looking forward to great RP.

OOC: Sounds good. Looking forward to great RP.

OOC: So am I.

The flight was a short one, which suprised Hobbeebius. The normal flight to anywhere these days was aleast three days. This short flight time however didn't upset him at the least, in fact the short travel time made him kinda happy. Hobbeebius has always have this unfounded fear of flying, and for the most part even he could not figure out why. But with all other fear well in check he placed his saftey belt on and awaited the landing.

As the plane touched down it gave a little jolt and then subsided to a smooth ride down the runway. As the plane taxied over to a requested hanger Hobbeebiuses special guard unit called the Guardians-of-Light stepped out not donning their specialized armor as to not draw attention to themselves to make sure the area was secure. After a brief look around they gave the all clear and guided a limo to the planes door and awaited their Emperor to emerge. As he emerged he squinted his eyes as the bright sun blinded him momentarily. He walked down the stairs and right into the limo where he looked over some files and reports that he brought along.

As the limo drove off he looked around the cityscape and was taken by some of the fine arts that where within the city itself. He was surpised that the Neo-Ixanian people had some much in common with Hobbeebian people and culture.

As the limp stopped Hobbeebius got out and quickly went up to his room where he unpacked his things and put on some new cloths. He wanted to meet the people. He wanted to see how the people where reacting to this occasion. It was normal for Hobbeebian Emperors to be very much intune with the common people it was something they passed down to every child.

As he left the Hotel lobby he decided to eat before he spoke to anyone, just to listen to the poeple before speaking. He took a stroll down the street that his hotel was located and stopped at a small cafe on a corner. It was small and everyone seemed to know each others name. Much like some small towns in his nation. He figured it was good as any other placed and ordered a cup of coffee. And from here he would listen.

Normally, being away from home was not something Heinrich Hansburg enjoyed. However, given the purpose of his visit to Ixania, he wasn't complaining.

As it was, rather than his usual fretting about work that needed to be done, he was reading a book, drinking coffee (cream and sugar), and, in general, loving life. He had checked into his room at the hotel earlier that day, and was anxiously awaiting his chance to see Empress Anastasia gain, for the first time in years. He couldn't wait.

In the meantime though, he figured, he might as well see a little bit of the town while he was here. Nothing but a little bit of relaxation.

Robert Stevens stepped out onto the balcony of his hotel room, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply as a breeze blew past. He stood for several minutes, watching the sunset with contentment as he took in the city and the beauty that he saw within it, before heading back inside.

Once in his room, he began to unpack. This will be quite a challenge, He thought as he did so. I am one of the only non-nobles among the suitors, I'll probably stick out like a sore thumb. Ah well, hopefully it will help that I am less likely to carry hereditary diseases than a nobleman. He counted out a thousand Sumguaian dollars from the amount in his suitcase and placed it in the pocket of a balck suit he had laid upon his bed. He always carried a large amount of money on him, for the purpose of giving to the anyone in need of money that he encountered as he went about his business. For this and other practices, he was quickly becoming renowned as a philanthropist. One of the wealthiest men in the empire, he had risen from complete poverty to be one of the richest men in the empire, and owned the largest automobile manufacturer in all of the Hegemony.

After sorting his clothing, he sat down on his bed, pulled a book out of his suitcase, and began reading.


Office of the Hegemon, Sumguaia:

Lord Sumguy looked at the article that had been placed upon his desk for a moment, puzzled. The article was titled "Neo-Ixanian Empress to hold tour for suitors". "What is this?" he asked mary, who had put the magazine on his desk, "How does this concern me? I'm already married."

"It's not regarding you specifically," She repllied, slightly amused, "but read it, someone from our nation is one of the suitors."

"Really?" The Hegemon replied, and began reading. "Robert Stevens, isnt he that young entrepenuer, the one who owns Sumguaian Motors and is always giving away money?"

"The very same." Mary said. "I went to the same university as he did, dated him for a month."

"Did you now? what sort of a person is he?"

"Oh, he's very nice. He's really softhearted once you get to know him, and has more energy in his index finger than most people do in their entire bodies." She paused for a moment, thinking. "He was actually a lot like you."

"Oh?" Lord Sumguy said, and looked back at the article, which showed a picture of Robert. "How interesting..."

"Oh dear." Mary said as she looked at his expression. "You are planning something for him, arent you? That's the exact same expression you get whenever you try to convince me to run for local office."

"I might be." The Hegemon replied, smiling.

OOC: Post Tomorrow

OOC: Post Tomorrow

OOC: Once your suitor arrives, we will begin the RP with Anastasia meeting him. The other suitors can explore the city and just relax; though they may get a chance to see a glimpse of the Empress; if I can put that in somehow.

Nicholas collapsed onto a bed the moment he entered his bedroom. The flight had been exhausting and long, but he was glad that he was finally in Neo-Ixania. It had been far too long since he had been here or seen Anastasia. Actually the one time he had been here it was at the gala and he must have spent only six hours here, most of it at a royal palace. Maybe this time around he would actually see more than just a building. That was something he planned on doing. The real goal was Anastasia's heart. Sure there were other suitors, probably all fine men, but Nicholas was here for her.

Sighing as he lifted himself up from the bed, Nicholas into the mirror. The young man looked to be straight out of the Edwardian period of the early 1900's. He wore a dark suit, white sack coat, dark waistcoat, dark trousers, and to top it all off a dark bowler hat. Nicholas was very fond of of early 1900's fashion and usually liked to show it off. The only problem was that he stood out like a sore thumb, but he didn't care that much.

Stretching for a minute he decided to get a cup of coffee, then take a little tour of the city.

Through some careful negotiations Lucius had convinced the hotel's owner to give him private reservation of the gym for his exercise. It didn't cost him a penny, seeing as Emperor Quaeus was paying for the whole trip out of his own coffers which, while making Lucius feel extremely uncomfortable, made him feel honored at the same time.

One reason in particular why he wished to exercise alone was an odd hobby of his. In the middle of the gym there was a dummy human on a stick made out of flour spared by the generous hotel cooks. Lucius looked to one of the Corazzieri standing at the door and commanded "shield", to which he was instantly granted a rather cumbersome but effective remake of the rectangular shields used by Roman Legionaries during the age of the Roman Empire and Roman Republic.

He held the shield fast in one hand and at his side he unsheathed a traditional gladius (http://www.realarmorofgod.com/store/images/products/49_large5.jpg). Gifted to him by the Emperor himself when he joined the Senate the sword was crafted of the finest metals and woods available and by the hands of expert swordmakers.

Mixed into the pattern along the blade were the words: "
Palma Non Sine Pulvere", meaning "no reward without effort" to remind him of how far he had come.

Holding the sword at hip level and the shield before his body, he approached the dummy and began to hit it with a series of strikes. First he struck it in the gut from behind the shield, then swung at its hip, then lifting his shield away and going for the killing blow at the junction between the target's shoulder and neck. Letting out vicious hollers as he did so, he began to fantasize being a Roman Legionnaire on the war front. Standing along side his comrades as they marched towards a Barbarian horde which cried terrible howls at them as they charged their row of impenetrable shields.

He was at it for hours, hacking at the dummy in his sweat soaked muscle t-shirt which clung to his chest. Even the two Corazzieri were worried if he'd ever break from his fantasy.

Prince Iohannes didn't plan to idly stay in his hotel suite. He was here to learn more about the world, come what may with the outcome of the Empress' marriage, and he intended to learn.

After he arrived, Iohannes immediately went into "civvies" - ordinary clothes, as worn by many Neo-Ixanians on the street. He immediately started touring the city, keeping a marathon schedule - arms practice and study in the early and mid-morning, late morning on the streets of the city centre of Tzargrad, listening to people on the street, lunch at a cafe downtown, early afternoon touring museums, landmarks, parks etc., late afternoon looking through the less attractive side of life (the poor, disposessed, homeless etc.) to see what was the cause of such things and what could be done about them, dinner at a restaurant with the "young set", the evening at theatre plays among the glitterati. If he was to make a life alongside the ruler of these people, he had best get to know them, how they thought and how they behaved.

Fortunately, Iohannes was a fit young man, else the pressure would have begun to tell. As it was, he remained as gracious as ever, genuinely enjoying his conversations with the many people who crossed his path incognito.

OOC: Bump for West Ponente.

Gabriel had found the flight to be somewhat unenjoyable due to his decision to take a commercial passenger plane, if only to save a little money and some enviromental stresses. Getting his bags and finding the driver with his name. he got into the vehicle to be conveyed to the hotel. After thanking the man, he headed to the room to get a bit of a nap before deciding what he wished to do.

A few hours later, and after a good stretch, shower and yawn, Gabriel headed down stairs to where there was suppose to be a gym. Finding the gym, he was about to enter only to find two rather unusually garbed men standing at the door. "Is there something wrong with gym, or are you simply holding up the walls?"

The Prince was already from dressed well as he flew from West Ponente, he had been informed he was the first suitor to meet the Empress. He was flying in the purple and gold Royal Jet for this occasion, something which under normal circumstances he wouldn’t have bothered with. The whole Royal Family had been at the airport except for his brother Nicolas, who was busy in Ilum.

Benoît loved flying in planes and wished he traveled more often, so it was a very pleasant trip and he was in high spirits when the plane landed in Tzargrad. His brother had hired a driver to take him to the hotel where he was staying. Benoît talked to the man the whole way over, the driver initially had no idea who he was just that he was certainly a foreigner with an odd accent.

They finally arrived at the hotel where Benoît would be staying. The Prince tipped the man and headed towards his room, where when he got there he unpacked and took out some things he had brought on The Ixanian Empire and then popped on his laptop. After surfing around for a little while, he reached for the phone and called his sister to say that he had arrived safely, then from a number he had been sent when his application had been received, he called the Palace to inform the Empress he had arrived in the capital.

The Corazzieri closest to the man who approached them looked solemnly at him. "We are guards for Senator Lucius of The People's Republic of Roma V. He is currently inside this gym which he has rented out for some private exercise for a few hours. He should be..."

Just as the Corazzieri was about to continue the door burst open and Lucius, drenched in sweat, tossed the idle Corazzieri the large Roman Legionnaire shield which he managed to catch with some ease, his posture only briefly changing to catch it.

He sighed and dabbed his forehead with a towel as he sheathed the gladius within its scabbard. He looked to the curious gentleman and smiled welcomingly. "Hello there sir. I do hope I was not introducing on your own exercise schedule. I prefer to do my work in solitude just as I do my exercise. Your free to use it now I've cleaned up all the equipment."

He reached to extend his hand for a handshake however, realizing his poor condition, he withdrew it and smiled apologetically. He instead bowed his head in respect. "My name is Lucius Zyrous, I hold a seat in the Roman Senate of The People's Republic of Roma V. And you are?"

"Gabriel Vladez, and it is a pleasure." Came the reply with a florid bow. "I'd actually just arrived, so no you haven't intruded on my non-existent exercise program. So what kind of exercise was that with the sword and shield?"

Gabriel rotated his shoulders until they popped and wondered whether Lucius fenced or just used the the blade he'd be practicing with.

Augustine looked down over Tzargrad from the window of his suit. Behind, visible through a doorway behind him a black robed figure was approaching. He paused next to the Nazareth officer.

“I hate hotels.”

“Problem?”

“Beds are too comfortable, food too extravagant, rooms too ornate.”

“You can take a man out of a monastery, but you can’t take the monastery out a man. You shouldn’t have volunteered to write journals on foreign countries if you don’t like hotels.”

The robed figure chuckled at this.

“They normally arrange for me to stay in a Franciscan or Dominican house, or one belonging to some local order. Thanks by the way, it’s nice to be invited along...The Abbot was going to send me to Gadon again.”

“But Gadon joined the Union over two centuries ago, it must have been scribbled about to death by now”

“I thought you’d worked with the monasterium before?”

Augustine grimaces.

“A bureaucratic paradise. I do wonder sometimes how anything gets done.”

“Anyway, Major, I am late for my prayers. Have fun in the city.”

The monk, one of Augustine’s many cousins, returned to his room to begin his overdue prayers as Augustine seated himself with the dossier on Neo-Ixania provided by the Monastery of St. Christopher the Traveller, more commonly known as the Office for Foreign Affairs.

About half an hour later he put the files down and headed down into the hotel, wearing a casual single-breasted three-piece pale grey suit, the discreet pin of the Nazareth regiments upon the lapel.

"A pleasure to meet you, Gabriel." Lucius said as he smiled in relief as the man reassured him he was not interrupting any schedule of his. "I actually quite fancy the swordsmanship of the late Roman Legionnaires and enjoy trying my hand at it. You'd be surprised how much of a work out it is by itself."

He dabbed some beads of sweat away from his brow as he asked, "So, what brings you to the fair nation of Neo-Ixania, Gabriel?"

Hobbeebius had simply let the time flight by as he admired the city he was in. The time in the cafe was most well spent as he heard a many of stories and national lore. Most interestinglly Hobbeebius found himself walking past the palace walls. He touched the walls with his finger tips and brushed them against the wall as he walked by the front gate. He stopped and took a few steps back from the gate and looked the palace over from top to bottom. The night lights that shown on the front of the palace made it look even more wonderful. Though he would never admit was true intentions he was secretly wanting to catch a glimpse of the Empress that he was to meet.

He knew he was one of many, some seemingly wanting to make a splash while here by arriving in a large purple and gold jetliner. But alas with no vision of the Empress, Hobbeebius became somewhat disheartened and only stood in the front of the gate holding on to the bars which kept him away. He would stay a little long to try and catch that glimpse....

"Ah, I've always found traditional fencing to be interesting, especially when it is done in an open-ended arena." He reply, thought he hadn't come to the gym for that, but a light warm-up before going out into the city for a real workout. "As to why I am here, it is to try for the hand of a maiden both beautous and fair, and you?"

OOC: I'll let your suitors talk to each other for a bit more before I send Anastasia in.

"Father says that I'll reign with many children and a good husband at my side one day. He's always trying to be close to me and telling me all this advice, as he calls it, because one day I'll inherit the throne. I will be a good monarch for Ixania. I pray to God that I will."

Anastasia flipped through the pages of her diary that she had written in ever since she was a little girl; smiling as she remembered how she'd spend many nights vigorously writing entries on the pages about how she would spend time with her family, what she thought of her father's friends, and even a brief reflection on Martin Luther. Anastasia had always taken time to write in her diary so she could record the events of the day. When she was fourteen, she wrote about how her father exhorted her to be a good monarch for Ixania and how she should strive to "maintain the essence of good government throughout the confines of the Realm." At times she would read its many entries and remember the good old days of her life. Closing the book and placing it in its golden case, she walked out of her bedroom and looked at the various portraits on the walls; whether they be Martin Luther standing firm upon his values, Leto the Great making a speech to his massive army or her family's own portrait; her mother holding the infant Anastasia in her caring and loving arms. Anastasia smiled when she looked at that particular portrait; her eyes lit up in a sense of gratitude for everything her mother did for her. As she walked through the halls, she could see the sunlight shine through the windows to illumine the hallways. Dressed in her best formal dress, she confidently walked towards the exit doors of the Palace where her personal chauffer was waiting. She actually began to sing an old Ixanian folk song about a knight leaving his wife behind to join the army and how she desires his return. The many days of choir practice really did show their merits today.

Anastasia got into the limosuine and ordered the chauffer to begin driving through the somewhat busy streets of Tzargrad; the cosmopolitan metropolis that had housed her family for so many years. She could see the statues, the parks, the mausoleum and the people....the people who she reigned over and who always held pride in the monarchy. They'd be watching who she would marry....and would hope that he was virtuous and loyal for no Ixanian respects a blatant cheater. It's anathema. Looking out the window, the Empress noticed the outline of the hotel.....she'd be arriving soon.

OOC: I'll officially send her in later; I just want the suitors to know each other more first.

Lucius grinned at the mention of an arena. "Perhaps someday you will find your way to the Coliseum. Emperor Quaeus is restoring it to its former glory. While it will not hold the bloody events it did in the past, concerts, games, and general events will be held there in their place."

He nodded his head as Gabriel told him of how he was in Neo-Ixania to propose to his girlfriend, he suspected. "Coincidentally I am here seeking my bride to be as well. I wish you luck in your endeavors."

A Corazzieri tapped Lucius on the shoulder and muttered something in Italian into his ear. Lucius nodded and turned his attentions back to Gabriel. "If you'll excuse me, Gabriel. I should get cleaned up for dinner. If you'd like to join me feel free to call my room. I'm staying in room number 184E."

He brushed his hand off on his towel and extended it for a brief handshake to avoid dirtying the man's hand before heading for the elevator, his guards following dutifully behind him.

Iohannes looked around the room, noting with some dismay the competition.

Oh well, looks like I'd better get used to being a bachelor.....still, let's put o a good show.

He drew himself up to his full height, and looked around for a conversation to enter that he knew something about.

After a few minutes of reading, Robert left his room, looking for something to do as he waited. as he walked through the hotel, he spotted a small group of men. This must the my competition, then. He thought, as he leaned agaisnt a nearby decorative column, yawning.

"Perhaps I shall, if they ever hold piano concertos." Gabriel commented with a faint shrug. "I wish you luck as well."

"Fair thee well, and perhaps I shall see you later." Came the reply as he headed into the gym for a light work-out. After his work-out and stretching session, he was about to head out when he noticed the time.

Quickly heading upstairs, he took a shower and got changed in what could only be described as informally casual, wearing a pair of jeans and a black silk t-shirt with an image of a pair of rather scantily clad, brilliant orange skinned, blue haired demon babes engaged in a rousing game of tonsil hockey.

Thusly attired, he headed down toward the lobby.

Lucius sat at his own table in the dinning hall at the hotel. Wearing one of his fine, Italian tailored dinner suits (http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50319837/Tuxedo__Dinner_Suits.jpg) with a black and silver silk tie (http://www.contextclothing.com/brands/band_of_outsiders/images/basketweave_tie.jpg) he quietly sipped on a glass of red wine as he patiently for his waiter to return with the meal he ordered. Attempting to find some way to pass the time, he looked around to see if he could spot anyone who looked like they were here to court Queen Anastasia II.

Through the glass of the dinning hall's doors Lucius spotted Gabriel standing alone within the lobby. Pulling his napkin off of his lap and placing it on the table and walked into the lobby and smiled warmly as he greeted Gabriel. "Hello once again Gabriel. What are you doing out here all alone? Come; join me for a fine dinner. I'll even pay for it. Not much out here unless your expecting someone to arrive soon. Perhaps your fair maiden?"

"I thank you for the offer." Gabriel replied after a second as he hadn't expected to re-meet Lucius quite so soon. He'd actually been trying to decide whether to eat at the hotel's resturant or head to a burger type joint, so Lucius's offer gave him his solution.

"In actuallity I was trying to decide where to go eat, but you have solved that dilemma for me. I haven't actually had a chance to meet my lady fair yet, have you yours?"

Hobbeebius watched as a limo drove from the palace and into the streets. As it drove away Hobbeebius could have sworn her heard an angel singing as the limo drove off into the cities maze of streets. Hobbeebius smiled to himself and tunred away from the palace walls and continued his walk of the city. The cities night life seemed large and lively as he waled passed many different night clubs and parties during his walk. But one place caught his attention more then any other a small allyway hidden by a wall of garbage cans

Hobbeebius looked into the allyway and saw someone lying in the ally. reacting quickly he moved pass the cans of watse and ran to the body on the ground. As he came to the body he saw it was a young girl maybe about 10 years old. Her hair was matted and her cloths where worn and in sever disrepair. Dispite a slight chill in the air her forhead was scortching. Quickly he picked her up in his arms and left a note for anyone who might come looking for her. The note read:


"I have the little girl. I am taking her to see a doctor. I will be at the nearest Hospitol. Do not worry about paying me back."


Hobbeebius got out of the ally and stopped someone on the street and asked them where the nearest hospitol was. The person promptely pointed down the street and and said it was about 1 mile down and down the road to his left. Hobbeebius ran the whole way, not stopping to take a breath or gather his bearings. When Hobbeebius arrived to the emergancy room he had her admitted. Hobbeebius told the doctor to bill him for the cost of the supplies and labor. The doctor agreed and Hobbeebius left the Hospitol. And made his way to the hotel where he would take a long shower and get something to eat. In his rush around town he completely forgot about his own bodys needs.

When he arrived back at the hotel he made a bee-line for his room where he got into the shower and let the warm water run through his dark brown hair. It was very relaxing to simply let the water run.

Lucius showed Gabriel to his table and ordered another glass of wine as the two sat down. "It seems we have something in common there. I have yet to meet my woman either. However all in due time. But come; let us forget of women for the time being. What is it you do for a living Gabriel?", he asked as the waiter returned to pour Gabriel a glass of red wine similar to Lucius'.

When Lucius mentioned forgetting women, he got a decidedly raised eyebrow look from Gabriel. It seemed that perhaps that Lucius meant more to his invitation than it had originally seemed, thought he'd have no luck, no matter how much delicious red he plyed him with.

"Actually I'm still trying to decide which of my passions to follow, as I'd prefer doing something I'll enjoy over something I don't. Even if my passion isn't a great paying one, ya know?"

OOC: It's time to meet the Empress now but I'll make the post later today if I can get the time to.

OOC: BTW Theo he didn't mean "forget women" like he didn't like them. He merely meant that they should talk of other things and enjoy their dinner then worry over their potential lover.

Lucius nodded his head as Gabriel told him of his desire to follow a passion he would enjoy. He took another sip of wine before answering, "Well it all depends. First you should know what you're good at, what you can do, and what you don't want to do. After you've figured those out it's simply to find something which meets the correct criteria for you and attempting it."

"Therein lies the rub, as Shakespear once said. There are a number of things that I am both good at, and would enjoy, and unfortunately for the decision process, those that I dislike are far enought away as to provide no assistance." Gabriel commented as he likewise took a sip of wine.

ooc: I know that, and you know that, but Gabriel doesn't know that for certain. He suspects, but is not certain.

OOC: The first part of this post is a flashback to Anastasia's childhood so you all know.

The multitude of nobles, clergy, aristocrats, maids and children congregated at the deathbed of Emperor Alexander as he spoke his final words in preparation for his departure from the world into the realm of death. His face was completely pale and the handsome looks he once had were still there but not in their full form. Empress Consort Emilie was weeping madly with her tears falling on her husband's deathbed while the children tried to comfort her while crying themselves. Out of all of them, Princess Anastasia looked at her father emotionlessly but yet she felt that she wanted to do nothing more than to lament. He had always been there for her and always entertained her with stories about Leto the Great and his companions, about the fascinating Ixanian wildlife and about Ixanian mythology and folk tales. Her father was busy speaking weakly in Ixanian to a person he nominated to be in charge of his will and then he began to impart the final words that he could say to everyone around him. "Emilie, my love, be strong! Do not let my death send you towards your own demise." Alexander said with a smile while feeling the warmth of his wife's tender hand. "God be with you, Alex." Emilie said in German before she began to weep semi-violently with her son, Prince Alexander, comforting her. Finally, the bloodshot eyes of the Emperor of Ixania turned towards Anastasia and he smiled at her before clutching her hand. "Anastasia...be a good and benevolent ruler for the nation. Remember....everything that I taught you and remember...that the people of Ixania's love and respect must be earned by you."

Anastasia looked at her father and nodded her head before he began to speak again but this time to everyone around him. "The candle goes out in the night and darkness reigns." The bloodshot eyes slowly closed while the hand which was clutching Emilie's hand began to lose its tightness. Within seconds, a doctor pronounced the time of death.....

OOC: Back to reality....

Anastasia shook her head to hear the words of her chauffer as she stepped outside the limosuine. She had always remembered that day in which her father died and would remember how she would privately lament during the night and how she wept before her own coronation, or rather when she was told of when it would occur. The funeral was replayed in the confines of her mind and she could never get it to stop but yet she would always try to move on at least with her life. Walking into the hotel, she began to focus only on the suitors who were waiting for her. All the suitors were told of her arrival before she walked inside the room to look at all them; studying them like scholars and students do with books and texts. She noticed the lesbians engaged in a bout of kissing on the shirt of one of the suitors and would keep that in her mind as a sign that perhaps he was fond of such things. In a refined tone of voice, she began to speak to all of them. "Welcome to the city of Tzargrad; the capital of the Ixanian Empire. I am Empress Anastasia II of the House of Schverzinski and I must say that it is a pleasurable honor to be meeting each and every one of you. To begin, I would like to meet the suitor from West Ponente if he is present here before the others who are most welcome to explore this city and enjoy themselves."

Lucius was about to answer Gabriel when he noticed his pair of Corazzieri approaching him. He smiled apologetically and held up his finger, silently asking for a moment as his set his napkin down on the table and met them. They leaned in close and one of them muttered into Lucius' ear. He nodded and patted him on the shoulder as he came back to the table and did not sit down. "I apologize, Gabriel, but to meet someone very important and I need to depart."

He reached into his back pocket and withdrew a small roll of the Ixanian currency in dollars and pulled a few of the highest numbers out of the roll and set them down on the table. "Give those to the waiter when he comes back to pay for the dinner and tell him I apologize. He can keep whatever is left over for himself as a tip. Again I'm truly sorry Gabriel. I hope you enjoy your evening."

Lucius bowed respectfully and the two Corazzieri led him to the room designated by the Emperess.

....

Lucius stood in the room filled with a small group of men. Minutes passed as they talked quietly amongst each other. He could've swore he saw Gabriel's unique shirt amongst them. However when the Emperess finally made her entrance and the room burst into applause he forget of Gabriel completely. Infact, for the briefest moment he could've swore he forget his name.

He stood amongst the many gentleman as the Empress introduced herself and greeted them all properly. Quietly and subtly he examined those near him to judge their chances. However he couldn't say for sure what the Emperess's tastes in men were like.

As she requested the suitor of West Ponente to meet with her first his heart sank ever so slightly but he was determined not to let the fact he would have to wait ruin his resolve. He watched as many of the suitor's looked over their shoulders to where and if the West Ponente suitor would reveal his presence.

"That I shall, come what may and all that." Gabriel replied with a half-smile. A few minutes after Lucius had departed, Gabriel stood and strode out after adding a bit to the payment on the table. He had a suspicion Lucius' buisness might also be his, which might mean that the competition for the lady's fair hand had just gotten more complicated.

When Anastasia entered to examine those who'd came seeking her hand, he gave a deep, and flawless court bow. He may be outlandishly dressed, natural for an outlander but still unusual, and an oddball didn't mean that he didn't have excellent manners when situations called for them.

Like Lucius, he was a bit disappointed at not being chosen to meet her first, but accepted that when many try for a lady's hand, that not all can be met at once.

OOC: Sorry I havn't posted much. Internet/forums have been giving me problems.

IC:
Heinrich had, after a brief tour of part of the city, had slipped back into the room shortly before Anastasia arrived. He figured he should probably change into something more formal before he met her...or not. When the Empress entered the room and requested to meet with the West Potentian suitor, Heinrich was still in his grey T-shirt and blue jeans. He was still a little ruffled (he had been in a near panic trying to get back in time) and was panting. Though his hopes dropped a little when he heard Anastasia ask for the West Potentian suitor first, the feeling was temporary: he figured two things: 1) It was Anastasia's business who she talked to first, 2) He could regain his composure a little. Nothing to do but talk to some of the others. He approached Lucius.

"Hello. How are you?" Heinrich asked.

Lucius smiled kindly to the stranger who approached and greeted him. He bowed his head respectively and said, "Good evening, friend. I'm doing well, thank you."

He extended his hand for a handshake and then introduced himself. "My name is Lucius Zyrous. I come from The People's Republic of Roma V. And you?"

Lucius smiled kindly to the stranger who approached and greeted him. He bowed his head respectively and said, "Good evening, friend. I'm doing well, thank you."

He extended his hand for a handshake and then introduced himself. "My name is Lucius Zyrous. I come from The People's Republic of Roma V. And you?"

"Glad to hear you're doing well. Pleased to meet you. My name's Heinrich Hansburg. I come from the Achae-Ottonian Empire." Heinrich replied cheerfully, shaking Lucius's hand. He paused. "Gotten to see any of the city yet?" he asked.

Lucius shook his head. "Unfortunately I have not. I look forward to doing soon tomorrow however. It looks like quite a nice place to get lost in", he said with a light chuckle.

Lucius shook his head. "Unfortunately I have not. I look forward to doing soon tomorrow however. It looks like quite a nice place to get lost in", he said with a light chuckle.

"It is," replied Heinrich simply with a small grin. "Got lost myself for a little bit. Nice place."

After a moment of silence, Heinrich asked another question. "So what do you do for a living?"

OOC: bump for West Ponente.

"Sounds like i'll enjoy my time tomorrow then." He smiled, briefly glancing around to see if the West Ponente suitor had answered the Emperess's call for him before looking back to Heinrich. "I'm a Senator in the Senate back in my nation. Yourself?"

"Me? I'm the emperor. Nothing too important," Heinrich said, chuckling. "But mostly I study when I'm not actually running things. Part-time student, you could say."

bump for West Ponente.

Hobbeebius finished his shower and stepped from his bathroom and into his bedroom. While his towel was still wrapped around his waist he gazed upon the city and all its life. It reminded him of his own nation and the joyous people who lived within it. As he scanned the cityscape he noticed a limo was parked in front of the hotel. As he watched the limo it was obvious that whoever was inside was gone. It was then that he heared his door close from the front of the room. Hobbeebius knew who it was and waited for him to speak...

" My Lord.... the Empress is in the building. However the first suitor is missing. It would appear that the suitors from Roma V and Theao are becoming quite close, or atleast fate would have them meeting by coincidence quite often. Also Grandmaster Xavious Ikarus is here to see you. He said he would like to meet you over dinner. "

Hobbeebius nodded and waved his Guardian away.

"What could he want to tell me... especially now. Surely Aegies would not make an attempt on anyone life here. Not with my Guardians here..."

Hobbeebius got dressed and headed to the dinning room where he quickly noticed his brother sitting at a table in the open. He was dressed in his normal attire of a black Snake scale suit. Hobbeebius walked over to the table and sat down and started to look over the menu. His brother didn't say a word only looked over the menu as well. Hobbeebius became inpaitient and broke the silence.

" Why have you come?"

Xavious smiled and handed him a document. It was old written in blood; the note described that in the event that an Emperor of Hobbeebia try and take a wife the Blackatia must be present to provide protection.

Hobbeebius passed the note back and said:

" You know good and well that I do not need your clans protection. My guardians are just as capable as you and our people."

Xavious nodded and finally spoke saying:

" Law is Law brother."

Xavious got up and walked out, passing close by to the table where the suitors from Theao and Roma V where having dinner. Hobbeebius stayed and ate his dinner before returning to his room.

bump for West Ponente.

OOC:Its been long enough... move on.

OOC: The Empress will now meet the suitor from Hachiyaku but if he is offline for a while then she'll meet Roma V's suitor. I'd like it if people TGed me so I'd know if they will be unable to post or whatever.

FYI, I can generally post once a day or so.

FYI, I can generally post once a day or so.

OOC: Thanks for telling me that.

Lucius chuckled at Heinrich's nonchalant attitude towards his higher than average social status. "An Emperor, you say? Seems I've got my work cut out for me. It's always good to keep your mind sharp even if you aren't a student any longer, if you ask me", Lucius stated.

OOC: Anastasia will now meet Greston's suitor. If Greston does not post for some time then she will meet Roma V's suitor. I wish people would tell me if they are not going to be able to post.....

OOC: Don't worry about it, Ixania. Some people just dont have a feeling of commitment in following through with the RPs they sign up for. It's uncommon to see it happen. Don't let it get to you.

OOC: Don't worry about it, Ixania. Some people just dont have a feeling of commitment in following through with the RPs they sign up for. It's uncommon to see it happen. Don't let it get to you.

OOC: I understand; but I'd just like people to at least tell me is all. I'm not worried that everyone is going to leave and I am glad people like you are still committed. :p

Anastasia is going to meet your suitor if Greston does not post as I said before. I am going in order, that is, Greston would go before you since he applied before you.

OOC: I know the drill don't worry. He's currently caught up in a few conflicts at the moment so make sure you TG him to make sure he doesn't forget about poor Anastasia. :)

Lucius chuckled at Heinrich's nonchalant attitude towards his higher than average social status. "An Emperor, you say? Seems I've got my work cut out for me. It's always good to keep your mind sharp even if you aren't a student any longer, if you ask me", Lucius stated.

OOC: Sorry I havn't posted in a bit. I'll try and be better about that. :D

IC:

"Yes, it certainly is, though I never actually got to finish college; duty called, as it were. Do you read a lot?" Heinrich asked, smiling, obviously happy that Lucius was also relaxed. Talking to tense people was, more often than not, unenjoyable.

OOC: I know the drill don't worry. He's currently caught up in a few conflicts at the moment so make sure you TG him to make sure he doesn't forget about poor Anastasia. :)

OOC: Can do. If he does not post in the end, though, then Lucius can meet her.

OOC: I am going to be away saturday and sunday this weekend, and will probably be back by midday (East Coast Time) Monday. Thanks!

OOC: I am going to be away saturday and sunday this weekend, and will probably be back by midday (East Coast Time) Monday. Thanks!

OOC: Thank you for the information!

Lucius was thankful his manners were to the Emperor's liking as he was at first not sure whether to bow, shake his hand, or what. However, when the Emperor told him he had to finished college he blinked in surprise. "You never finished college? Perhaps you should look into starting anew sometime. If you would like, I can speak with my Emperor to see if he can get you in to the University of Bologna. It's really quite an impressive university and as a Emperor it will look quite good for you as the university is dated back to AD 1088 which makes it the oldest university in the West. Very famous people such as Dante Alighieri, Luigi Galvani, and Giosuè Carducci attended the university."

Lucius hoped Heinrich would consider his offer as he was asked if he likes to read. "I read quite a bit. While sometimes there is entertainment in television that I cannot find in books sometimes I do often find myself getting lost in a good book. There's no shortage of literature in Roma."

Bump for Greston.

OOC: Greston has notified me that he will be delayed in posting so he's asked that we skip him for now. Roma V, you can introduce your suitor to Anastasia now....let's get this RP going. :p

OOC: I've got a major headache at the moment but i'll try to make a post by tonight if not tomorrow afternoon. Count on it.

Lucius' heart nearly jumped up his throat as he Empress called his name to meet her. He bowed apologetically before Heinrich and said "Please forgive me, Henrich. But I cannot miss this. Please think over my offer if it interests you and feel free to call my room if and when you are ready to give me an answer." He adjusted the collar of his shirt which felt stiffer and tighter than he remembered and cleared his throat. He approached her and greeted her with a bright smile and a graceful bow. "Good evening, your highness. May I first say it is both a privilege and an honor to be in your presence tonight." While this was not the first time in his life Lucius had come face to face with someone of great power and importance he felt under more pressure than usual. But a few self reassurances cleared his doubts from his mind and he gazed upon the Empress with a feeling a man has when he finds the perfect engagement ring for his bride-to-be. The feeling that makes you say "that's the one".

Nicholas kept to himself as Anastasia announced herself and the other men talked. Anastasia was the only reason he was in Neo-Ixania. Every since her gala, Nicholas had developed an attraction to her. Of course over time and a visit from Anastasia; his attraction for her had grown into love. The only problem Nicholas had no idea if Anastasia shared the same feelings. Trying not to start at the Empress, Nicholas walked over to a nearby window. He looked out to the city and sighed.

Nicholas turned back around and watched one of the other men talk to the Empress. All the men have felt the same. Walking over to the group of men, he recognized one of them, Heinrich. He remembered meeting him at the gala.

“It is nice to see you again Heinrich.”

Lucius' heart nearly jumped up his throat as he Empress called his name to meet her. He bowed apologetically before Heinrich and said "Please forgive me, Henrich. But I cannot miss this. Please think over my offer if it interests you and feel free to call my room if and when you are ready to give me an answer." He adjusted the collar of his shirt which felt stiffer and tighter than he remembered and cleared his throat. He approached her and greeted her with a bright smile and a graceful bow. "Good evening, your highness. May I first say it is both a privilege and an honor to be in your presence tonight." While this was not the first time in his life Lucius had come face to face with someone of great power and importance he felt under more pressure than usual. But a few self reassurances cleared his doubts from his mind and he gazed upon the Empress with a feeling a man has when he finds the perfect engagement ring for his bride-to-be. The feeling that makes you say "that's the one".

OOC: IC post coming soon.

Lucius' heart nearly jumped up his throat as he Empress called his name to meet her. He bowed apologetically before Heinrich and said "Please forgive me, Henrich. But I cannot miss this. Please think over my offer if it interests you and feel free to call my room if and when you are ready to give me an answer." He adjusted the collar of his shirt which felt stiffer and tighter than he remembered and cleared his throat. He approached her and greeted her with a bright smile and a graceful bow. "Good evening, your highness. May I first say it is both a privilege and an honor to be in your presence tonight." While this was not the first time in his life Lucius had come face to face with someone of great power and importance he felt under more pressure than usual. But a few self reassurances cleared his doubts from his mind and he gazed upon the Empress with a feeling a man has when he finds the perfect engagement ring for his bride-to-be. The feeling that makes you say "that's the one".

"It is nice to hear the charming words of the Roman Senator."

Anastasia led Lucius to the dormant motorcade with a smile on her face; as if she already had a complete itinerary for the both of them planned out with all sorts of places to visit and activities to partake in. She did find herself studying the Roman senator and thought that he was quite handsome but she was not the lady who cared only about looks. She wanted more than that in a man. After the pair got into the motorcade, Empress Anastasia began to speak to the first suitor she would be meeting.

"We will be going to the National History Museum first, Lucius, so you can learn more about the history of the Ixanian Empire. While my chauffer drives us there...perhaps you can tell me more about yourself. What does the Roman senator do in his spare time for example?"

Lucius smiled pleasantly as he and the Empress walked to the motorcade. He nodded his understanding as the Empress explained to him their first stop. "Sounds pleasant. Ixania is such a modern city compared to those in Roma V it will be interesting to know something of your nation's history."

As the car began its journey, and the Empress inquired as to his personal activities, Lucius was more than prepared to answer the question he anticipated since he arrived in Ixania. "Well when i'm not discussing politics at my villa in Messina with my guests and fellow Senators i'm usually touring the city. While Roma V is far from a poor nation poverty is definitely not uncommon and I pay visits to local shelters and kitchens which serve to help society's less fortunate. I myself am of modest wealth but I am not a man of items. I do not own a fleet of sports cars, a home theater, or a luxurious backyard occupied by a majestic swimming pool."

Lucius recalled his mental picture of his villa and began to describe it. "My home is modest. Traditional in architecture and size. It's nestled in a comfortable valley. I will often enjoy a fine glass of wine out on the balcony while looking out to my vineyards and watch the sun fall behind the hills at the back of my house. I have a library containing all kinds of literature such as books on law, novels, poetry, and history. I usually spend my evenings there polishing up on my languages. And when morning comes I am usually in Rome by early morning and awaiting the day's session for the Senate to begin."

Lucius came back to reality and smiled at the Empress. "I also enjoy sailing, driving, dining, and working. And what of yourself, your highness? What can this Roman Senator learn about the Empress who has accomplished so much in so little time?"

Gabriel had waited while a number of men were called for but didn't show up. He hoped that Anastasia wasn't taking the actions of a few cowards as a personal rejection. It was a callous thing to do and quite deplorable.

When Lucius was called he felt a couple mixed feelings, faint envy as well as a faint trace of pride that there were at least a few other men here, and that he'd enjoyed a conversation with one fo them.

He looked about to see if he could spot one of the Empress' attendents that had been left to remain while she and Lucius went on thier date so he could ask a couple questions.

Lucius smiled pleasantly as he and the Empress walked to the motorcade. He nodded his understanding as the Empress explained to him their first stop. "Sounds pleasant. Ixania is such a modern city compared to those in Roma V it will be interesting to know something of your nation's history."

Anastasia giggled a little. "You mean Tzargrad is such a modern city....Ixania is the name of my nation."

As the car began its journey, and the Empress inquired as to his personal activities, Lucius was more than prepared to answer the question he anticipated since he arrived in Ixania. "Well when i'm not discussing politics at my villa in Messina with my guests and fellow Senators i'm usually touring the city. While Roma V is far from a poor nation poverty is definitely not uncommon and I pay visits to local shelters and kitchens which serve to help society's less fortunate. I myself am of modest wealth but I am not a man of items. I do not own a fleet of sports cars, a home theater, or a luxurious backyard occupied by a majestic swimming pool."

"I must say that it is good to hear of your deeds in the service of the poor; I myself have funded the construction of hospitals for the sick children of low income families. You should know that although I may be wealthy, etc I am not willing to distance myself from the poor; I do what I can to help them."

Lucius recalled his mental picture of his villa and began to describe it. "My home is modest. Traditional in architecture and size. It's nestled in a comfortable valley. I will often enjoy a fine glass of wine out on the balcony while looking out to my vineyards and watch the sun fall behind the hills at the back of my house. I have a library containing all kinds of literature such as books on law, novels, poetry, and history. I usually spend my evenings there polishing up on my languages. And when morning comes I am usually in Rome by early morning and awaiting the day's session for the Senate to begin."

"I have a library filled with all sorts of books in my main palace and some vineyards can be found a few miles or so away from my country palaces. I must say that it is nice to enjoy a glass of wine and to enjoy a good book when you are able to get spare time from political matters."

Lucius came back to reality and smiled at the Empress. "I also enjoy sailing, driving, dining, and working. And what of yourself, your highness? What can this Roman Senator learn about the Empress who has accomplished so much in so little time?"

"Well....I was the firstborn child of the previous Emperor and I was groomed since birth to be a good monarch for the Empire since everyone heralded my birth as the continuation of the House of Schverzinski's reign over the people. I was coronated at the age of eighteen after my father died and so far my reign has been relatively peaceful although Ixania almost fought over a colony with the nations of Greston, Maldorians and Leasath; luckily peace prevailed. I speak fluent Ixanian, English, and German and I am tolerant of all religions; the majority religions here are Lutheranism and Ixanian Orthodoxy. My interests include travel, gymnastics, horse riding, and astronomy. Is there anything you want to know? Any specific questions?"

Lucius smiled meekly as the Empress corrected his mistake. "Yes, my apologies. It must be all these city lights going to my head." He cleared his throat and listened intently as the Empress told him of her own charitable deeds, the vineyards of her own country, and details of her childhood and interests.

"Groomed from birth, you say? That's quite interesting. I know monarchies are somewhat picky about choosing heirs to their thrones but I was unaware in Ixania monarchs were bred from birth to fulfill their duties."

He continued, "You said you're a gymnast? Was that a childhood hobby or do you still continue? I've never been too good with balancing myself and stretching. But it's quite an impressive sport."

Lucius smiled meekly as the Empress corrected his mistake. "Yes, my apologies. It must be all these city lights going to my head." He cleared his throat and listened intently as the Empress told him of her own charitable deeds, the vineyards of her own country, and details of her childhood and interests.

"Groomed from birth, you say? That's quite interesting. I know monarchies are somewhat picky about choosing heirs to their thrones but I was unaware in Ixania monarchs were bred from birth to fulfill their duties."

"It is not really a tradition for Ixanian monarchs to be bred from birth but my father simply wanted to make sure I would be a good ruler and so he spent much time and effort teaching me everything that he learned as a child. He made sure that I learned a lot about political thought and the like and I did not mind it because in time I knew that all of the grooming meant something important."

He continued, "You said you're a gymnast? Was that a childhood hobby or do you still continue? I've never been too good with balancing myself and stretching. But it's quite an impressive sport."

"It was a childhood hobby but I do still continue it; I have plenty of gymnastics trophies back at the Palace. I have been a gymnast and a horse rider along with plenty of other things; but one of my most favorite hobbies is astronomy."

Lucius nodded his understanding as Anastasia corrected him as to her grooming since birth. "That'd very admirable of your father. To take time out of his life to train you so that you may continue what he started."

Lucius said, "Perhaps you will come to Roma V some day. Many great astronomers have done their work in Roma V in the past and the lack of lightning you see in your city allows for observing in the countryside to be at its best."

Lucius nodded his understanding as Anastasia corrected him as to her grooming since birth. "That'd very admirable of your father. To take time out of his life to train you so that you may continue what he started."

"Indeed. He hoped that I would become a great monarch and I hoped so as well. I've remembered the dreams that I've had about it. I have found that being a monarch is not all pomp and ceremony mind you, it requires a sound mind to efficiently and properly govern the realm."

Lucius said, "Perhaps you will come to Roma V some day. Many great astronomers have done their work in Roma V in the past and the lack of lightning you see in your city allows for observing in the countryside to be at its best."

"I would love to visit Roma V some day; I've always enjoyed travel. Perhaps, in the upcoming future when this suitor issue is finished, you may see me in Rome."

"Indeed. He hoped that I would become a great monarch and I hoped so as well. I've remembered the dreams that I've had about it. I have found that being a monarch is not all pomp and ceremony mind you, it requires a sound mind to efficiently and properly govern the realm."

Lucius smiled and nodded in understanding. "I would have to say you seem to have lived up to his expectations despite your surprise in the many duties that follow with the title."

"I would love to visit Roma V some day; I've always enjoyed travel. Perhaps, in the upcoming future when this suitor issue is finished, you may see me in Rome."

"Issue you say? Has it already been going that badly?" He smirked teasingly and added, "I'd be honored to have you stay at my villa should you ever make the journey."

Lucius smiled and nodded in understanding. "I would have to say you seem to have lived up to his expectations despite your surprise in the many duties that follow with the title."

OOC: I thought that I had posted to this. Sorry for not doing so; I still want to continue.

Anastasia smiled. "Thank you for the compliment, Lucius. That was quite nice of you to say."



"Issue you say? Has it already been going that badly?" He smirked teasingly and added, "I'd be honored to have you stay at my villa should you ever make the journey."

"Hearing you say that makes me just want to make the journey so much more."

It did not take any more time for the limosuine to reach the entrance of the history museum which Anastasia had planned for Lucius to see first; knowing that if he, or any of the suitors, were to be her consort then knowing the history of Ixania was important. Plus, she thought, she could save the entertainment for later. Walking with Lucius into the museum, she showed him all the exhibits before they stopped at the suit of armor which looked as if it were worn by some long ago monarch. "This is the suit of armor of Leto the Great; the founder of the Ixanian nation. I am a direct descendant of Leto through the paternal line. I can tell you that he endured much in his mission to unite the people and save them from chaos."

Anastasia smiled. "Thank you for the compliment, Lucius. That was quite nice of you to say."

Lucius returned the smile and bowed his head. "I try to speak the truth whenever possible, my lady."

As the limousine pulled up to the front of the museum of national history and the two exited, Lucius took the moment to glance around at his surroundings. While seeming quite alien the fact they were at a museum made him feel somewhat more at home.

Lucius quietly followed her through the halls of paintings and exhibits and listened intently as Anastasia vividly described each one to him as if she were a museum tour guide herself. This made him smile a bit.

When they reached a suit of armor that seemed to be in good shape for an artifact and Anastasia told him of its importance, he nodded and remarked, "Perhaps he is where you and your family inherit their great leadership from?"

As Anastasia described the hardships he faced in founding Ixania he said, "Indeed. Any man can found a business or a company. But it takes a true leader to turn a disorganized people into a strong, unified, and cooperative community. He sounds like a great man."

Lucius returned the smile and bowed his head. "I try to speak the truth whenever possible, my lady."

As the limousine pulled up to the front of the museum of national history and the two exited, Lucius took the moment to glance around at his surroundings. While seeming quite alien the fact they were at a museum made him feel somewhat more at home.

Lucius quietly followed her through the halls of paintings and exhibits and listened intently as Anastasia vividly described each one to him as if she were a museum tour guide herself. This made him smile a bit.

When they reached a suit of armor that seemed to be in good shape for an artifact and Anastasia told him of its importance, he nodded and remarked, "Perhaps he is where you and your family inherit their great leadership from?"

As Anastasia described the hardships he faced in founding Ixania he said, "Indeed. Any man can found a business or a company. But it takes a true leader to turn a disorganized people into a strong, unified, and cooperative community. He sounds like a great man."

Anastasia was happy to see that Lucius was enjoying every bit of the tour she was giving him of the museum; it made her proud and joyful whenever she saw him smile. She listened to him ask his questions which, she felt, were like compliments; praising her and her family's leadership as well as the life of Leto the Great whom she descended from. Such a man, indeed, made her proud to be his descendant. "I thank you for the compliment, Lucius. We may be an absolute monarchy but we care for the people a lot more better than most nations do in this world."

Anastasia smiled. "As for Leto, I have always been proud of the great man who unified our people and built a nation out of chaos. He was a legendary man and I am proud to be his descendant. I am proud, also, to be an Ixanian but I'm not a full blooded Ixanian."

"I thank you for the compliment, Lucius. We may be an absolute monarchy but we care for the people a lot more better than most nations do in this world."

"I don't think its untasteful for Ixania to be an absolute monarchy at all. On the contrary, if your nation has lived so long and prosperously under the rule of Monarchs then I'd be against exchanging the monarchy for something else.", he finished with another smile as he was particularly proud of his own choice of words.

"As for Leto, I have always been proud of the great man who unified our people and built a nation out of chaos. He was a legendary man and I am proud to be his descendant. I am proud, also, to be an Ixanian but I'm not a full blooded Ixanian."

Lucius blinked as Anastasia confessed not being a full blooded Ixanian. "I don't see whats wrong with that. This world is inhabited by so many people and races it'd be objectable for someone to deny themselves a husband or wife just because they are not of the same bloodline.", he stated

"I am glad you are who you are, Anastasia. As are your parents and your subjects, no doubt.", he said as his gaze met hers and he stared into her eyes before turning away out of fear of making her feel uncomfortable.

"I don't think its untasteful for Ixania to be an absolute monarchy at all. On the contrary, if your nation has lived so long and prosperously under the rule of Monarchs then I'd be against exchanging the monarchy for something else.", he finished with another smile as he was particularly proud of his own choice of words.

"Although I am an absolute monarch I sincerely care for the wellbeing of my people while other governments such as republics are known to deliberately oppress them more so then former monarchies or then those who they'd claim be truly monstrous. The Ixanian Monarchy has existed since the days of Leto the Great and his son and hopefully it will continue for many more years to come."


Lucius blinked as Anastasia confessed not being a full blooded Ixanian. "I don't see whats wrong with that. This world is inhabited by so many people and races it'd be objectable for someone to deny themselves a husband or wife just because they are not of the same bloodline.", he stated

"I am glad you are who you are, Anastasia. As are your parents and your subjects, no doubt.", he said as his gaze met hers and he stared into her eyes before turning away out of fear of making her feel uncomfortable.

"The reason that I am not a full blooded Ixanian is because my mother is a full blooded German but I have never been ashamed to have German blood in my veins even it means being the first half-Ixanian monarch to reign. One of my goals in life is to...continue the bloodline. I would not have a child merely to achieve this goal; be assured that I would love the child regardless of what happens. All I want, upon my day of death, is to leave this world with a husband, many children, and the knowledge that Ixania has flourished under my leadership and that its people are more prosperous then ever before."

Anastasia looked into Lucius' eyes but then watched him move away. After a moment of silence, she smiled and spoke again. "Lucius, would you like to continue exploring the city? Are you ready to leave? I'll let you stay if you want to see more."

Lucius pictured himself raising many strong children with Anastasia and smiled to himself. When Anastasia asked him if he wanted to continue exploring the city, his smile redirected to her and he said, "I'd be honored to spend more time with you, Empress. If you'd like to move onto the next suitor though I don't mind stepping down." He gave both offers as he was unsure how exactly she felt.

Lucius pictured himself raising many strong children with Anastasia and smiled to himself. When Anastasia asked him if he wanted to continue exploring the city, his smile redirected to her and he said, "I'd be honored to spend more time with you, Empress. If you'd like to move onto the next suitor though I don't mind stepping down." He gave both offers as he was unsure how exactly she felt.

"I'd like to spend more time with you before I go to the next suitor. Would you be interested in seeing my palace? It is quite large but we should be able to explore it all without spending too much time."

Smiled brightly as the Empress offered to give him a tour of her Palace. "It'd be an honor, and a privilege to see your home, Anastasia."

This must be the highest honor someone can receive, he thought to himself

Anastasia smiled before she walked with Lucius back to the limosuine; it did not take too long for them to get to the Imperial Palace and to get clearance from the guards that were garrisoned in the palace's vicinity. Anastasia led Lucius inside; showing him all the portraits and scupltures that he could see as soon as he made his first steps into the building. "There are many rooms in the Palace but I can give you a good tour. First, would you like to see the Gallery? If you like art, you'll enjoy having the tour start there. I'll make sure that you see every inch of the Palace."

Anastasia smiled. "I live here alone; my siblings all live with my mother in her palace."

When they finally got within the palace after a short ride and brief interview with the guards stationed at the palace, Lucius marveled at the interesting architecture of the palace. It was quite spacious yet not too spread out so as to make it uncomfortable.

As Anastasia asked if he wanted to see the gallery, he said, "I'd love to. I trust there will be more family history for you to tell me of there." He smiled pleasantly at Anastasia and as they walked to the Gallery and she told Lucius of how she lived alone, his brow quirked and he asked, "Do you get lonely? I know I would living in such a large house mostly by myself.

When they finally got within the palace after a short ride and brief interview with the guards stationed at the palace, Lucius marveled at the interesting architecture of the palace. It was quite spacious yet not too spread out so as to make it uncomfortable.

As Anastasia asked if he wanted to see the gallery, he said, "I'd love to. I trust there will be more family history for you to tell me of there." He smiled pleasantly at Anastasia and as they walked to the Gallery and she told Lucius of how she lived alone, his brow quirked and he asked, "Do you get lonely? I know I would living in such a large house mostly by myself.

OOC: IC post coming soon; when I have the time to post a reply.

After meeting with Xavious and ordering dinner, Hobbeebius thought a few moments about his options in this situation. With his cousins now forming teams to guard him, he knew small disputes between his personnel guard and the Blackatia would soon develop. And on top of the conflict between the two factions, a possible Rogutis attack could happen any moment, putting him and many innocent in harms way. Hobbeebius couldn't let this happen, he could put innocent people in danger for a thousand year old war.

Hobbeebius got up and returned to his room upstairs and took out a phone book and looked for other places to stay that seemed out of the way from the main populace. One caught his eye called the " Jade Dragon ". It was a small motel on the edge of town. Hobbeebius booked a room and packed his things and had them taken to the lobby where he had the front desk call a cab.

He walked down stairs and headed for the front desk to check out. As he stepped up to the desk he handed them the key to the room and mini-fridge and tipped the bell-man. Before he took off he asked that the desk attendant call Anastasia's people and let them know that he was not leaving the nation simply changing residence for the time being.

The desk attendant nodded and picked up the phone. With so many suitors in the hotel he had the proper numbers to call.

" This is the Deck Clerk where the suitors are currently residing...

Yes, Hobbeebius Ikarus of Hobbeebia is changing his place of residence whiole he is here to a place called the Jade Dragon.....

Yes.


Yes.

Thank you."

The Desk attendant nodded and told Hobbeebius thanks you for staying and handed him a tank you note. Hobbeebius took the note and placed it in his pocket and headed out to the cab that was waiting for him. After getting in the cab drove off and headed for the Jade Dragon.

The Drive was short but slow as the traffic was getting a little congusted. But as they arrived he could see that the Blackatia had already arrived and cleared the area out. Hobbeebius got out of the cab and paid the driver and set him away. Hobbeebius got his key and took to his room. When he turn the light on he saw Xavious sitting on the bed reading a newpaper.

" Happy? I had to leave a perfectly good hotel to stay ....Here." said Hobbeebius as he placed his things on the floor.

Xavious smiled with a grin of satifaction and nodded then spoke:

" Please, do you think I'm that petty? Besides you and I both know you made this decision...."

Hobbeebius put his head down and asked it they brought his armor.Xavious nodded and put a large case on the bed and opened it to expose the Imperial Armor. Hobbeebius signed and went to put it on.

When they finally got within the palace after a short ride and brief interview with the guards stationed at the palace, Lucius marveled at the interesting architecture of the palace. It was quite spacious yet not too spread out so as to make it uncomfortable.

As Anastasia asked if he wanted to see the gallery, he said, "I'd love to. I trust there will be more family history for you to tell me of there." He smiled pleasantly at Anastasia and as they walked to the Gallery and she told Lucius of how she lived alone, his brow quirked and he asked, "Do you get lonely? I know I would living in such a large house mostly by myself.

"I don't get lonely here, Lucius; I always have company."

Anastasia smiled as she led Lucius to the family gallery which was filled to the brim in portraits of Anastasia's ancestors; those who had reigned as Emperors and Empresses before her. Most of the portraits were of royalty looking as regal as they had been groomed to be; either they were on their horses or sitting on chairs with their children around them. Some of the portraits were of events in Ixanian history such as Leto the Great's son's coronation as the first monarch of an united Ixania. After a while they found a portrait of Anastasia's mother holding an infant in her hands; her eyes were made as if they were looking at whoever was looking at the picture.

"This is a portrait of my widowed mother, Empress Consort Emilie. She was the daughter of German speaking aristocrats and she has always been a good mother for me. The infant in her hands is.....me. This painting was made sometime after I was born." (OOC: Imagine the painting to be worthy of being in the posession of royalty; a great painting for the celebration of the birth of the heir to the throne).

Lucius carefully observed the details of the paintings to get a handle on the style of painting used in Ixania compared to Roma V. However, he also absorbed as much information as Anastasia gave him on the background of the various events and monarchs.

When they stopped at the portrait of the Empress and with her child and Anastasia told her that was her mother he smiled sincerely. "She looks happy with you. As you do with her. Tell me, how did your father pass away?" He paused and added, "If it's not too sensitive a subject, that is."

Lucius carefully observed the details of the paintings to get a handle on the style of painting used in Ixania compared to Roma V. However, he also absorbed as much information as Anastasia gave him on the background of the various events and monarchs.

When they stopped at the portrait of the Empress and with her child and Anastasia told her that was her mother he smiled sincerely. "She looks happy with you. As you do with her. Tell me, how did your father pass away?" He paused and added, "If it's not too sensitive a subject, that is."

OOC: Last post for now.

"My father......" Anastasia began to speak in a rather solemn tone, "had been plagued with health problems in the last years of his life which he tried to shrug off when he was with me but yet he was worried that he would leave us in a sorry state. We may be royalty, he said, but we all have emotions. In the last years of his life, he spent a lot of time with my mother, me and my siblings before he was taken into the care of doctors and nurses. I can remember being at his bedside...."

Anastasia stopped talking for a moment before her face was marked with an emotionless expression; as if a part of her wanted her to stop talking about the tragic death of her father but yet she continued. "He told us to stay strong and told me to lead the people to prosperity and peace. Then, he said as his last words: "There is nothing more pleasing than to die in the company of loved ones." When he closed his eyes, my mother fell upon him and wept violently as if she had lost a great treasure and I wept as well but was comforted by my oldest brother, Alexander. He may be younger than me but he is a goodhearted person. And that, Lucius, is all I wish to say about my father. Would you like to, perhaps, have some food to satisfy your hunger if any? I can easily have a cook make us both some food."

Lucius frowned as Anastasia told him of the suffering of her father in the final days of his life and the sadness that followed amongst her family. He felt heavy heartened and wished he did not probe so deeply into something so sad.

"I..i'm sorry, Anastasia. Had I known I..." he trailed off as he could not find the words to express his apologies and sympathies for Anastasia's story. When she mentioned eating with her the subject change was a welcome one and he bowed respectfully.

"I would be honored to dine with you, my lady", he said as he attempted not to make contact with Anastasia for fear of seeing the sadness in her eyes and from making the situation more awkward.

Lucius frowned as Anastasia told him of the suffering of her father in the final days of his life and the sadness that followed amongst her family. He felt heavy heartened and wished he did not probe so deeply into something so sad.

"I..i'm sorry, Anastasia. Had I known I..." he trailed off as he could not find the words to express his apologies and sympathies for Anastasia's story. When she mentioned eating with her the subject change was a welcome one and he bowed respectfully.

"It is no problem for me, Lucius. Everyone has a cross to bear at times in the span of their lives; I just happen to have this particular cross which, at times, burdens me to the point that I can not stand it but yet I strive to stand it....every day."

"I would be honored to dine with you, my lady", he said as he attempted not to make contact with Anastasia for fear of seeing the sadness in her eyes and from making the situation more awkward.

Anastasia smiled; warming up the room in an aura of happiness after she had delved into the abyss briefly with her Roman suitor and she simply led him along the route to the dining table, one of many, where food of all sorts was laid out along with drinks. "What would you like to drink, sir?" A maid asked Lucius before Anastasia took her seat with the smile still on her face. "Tell me more about yourself, Lucius. I am sure there is more to you....more that I have not known yet."

Lucius's mood slowly grew better as Anastasia's smile warmed him up. He now realized why the Ixanian's loved her so. She seemed untouchable and strong even though she carried the weight of her life and those of her people's on her shoulders.

When they had reached the dinning room and they sat down Lucius smiled and asked for a glass of wine of any year and type. He looked across the table and smiled at Anastasia but was quickly caught off guard when she asked for more about him. Oh well, it couldn't hurt, right? After all he did just ask her about something extremely personal.

"Well I was born in Milan as the third and youngest child. My family was extremely poor and the fact that the government would not help us did not bode well for our futures. By the time I was five my father had taken to being a drug runner for a local mafia to pay off the money he borrowed from them. My older sister, the oldest of the three of us, was killed at the age of 12 as a result of a drunk driver when she was on the way home from a late night trip to the market."

He took a breath and continued, "My mother delved into alcoholism which didn't help out our money problems. My father, who could no longer support me and my older brother, put us into an orphanage. When I turned 13 Emperor Quaeus had just been brought into power and was dynamically changing people's lives. He came to the orphanage one day and saw me and my brother. Everyone in the orphanage was promised a family and those who were too old were promised a small apartment and a welfare check of $500 every month for the next year in hopes that would inspire many to change their lives."

"Me and my brother, I was 16 now and he was 19, shared a single bedroom apartment for three more years as we took on minimum wage jobs. I took my earnings and went to school and hired a tutor. He took his and bought a new apartment. When I had at last reached a college education level I applied into a program payed for by Emperor Quaeus which gave scholarships to children who were poverty stricken. I received it and went to the State University of Milan. I graduated successfully."

"This is when the story gets better", he said as a notice for Anastasia.

He resumed, "My achievements earned me the attention from Emperor Quaeus and one day he approached me and asked me, 'Lucius Zyrous, do you wish to serve your country and your people by speaking for them in the Roman Senate to better their lives through your judgments?' and I was ecstatic. I eagerly accepted and after serving as an intern in the Senate I was finally given a my own seat and now...here I am."

OOC: Wrong account, sorry.

Lucius's mood slowly grew better as Anastasia's smile warmed him up. He now realized why the Ixanian's loved her so. She seemed untouchable and strong even though she carried the weight of her life and those of her people's on her shoulders.

When they had reached the dinning room and they sat down Lucius smiled and asked for a glass of wine of any year and type. He looked across the table and smiled at Anastasia but was quickly caught off guard when she asked for more about him. Oh well, it couldn't hurt, right? After all he did just ask her about something extremely personal.

"Well I was born in Milan as the third and youngest child. My family was extremely poor and the fact that the government would not help us did not bode well for our futures. By the time I was five my father had taken to being a drug runner for a local mafia to pay off the money he borrowed from them. My older sister, the oldest of the three of us, was killed at the age of 12 as a result of a drunk driver when she was on the way home from a late night trip to the market."

OOC: Sorry for the lateness of my reply.

"I am sorry to hear about the sufferings of your childhood, Lucius; the plight of the common folk can touch even the hearts of monarchs such as myself; thus I try my best to help the downtrodden. My desire is to be a good leader for my people and everyday I strive to achieve my goal...to fulfill my desire."

He took a breath and continued, "My mother delved into alcoholism which didn't help out our money problems. My father, who could no longer support me and my older brother, put us into an orphanage. When I turned 13 Emperor Quaeus had just been brought into power and was dynamically changing people's lives. He came to the orphanage one day and saw me and my brother. Everyone in the orphanage was promised a family and those who were too old were promised a small apartment and a welfare check of $500 every month for the next year in hopes that would inspire many to change their lives."

"The Emperor sounds like a benevolent and caring person, Lucius. It is always good to hear about monarchs who actively strive to help the unfortunate souls of their realm; not all monarchs are snobbish brats who care only for themselves. I idolize and highly respect such monarchs."

"Me and my brother, I was 16 now and he was 19, shared a single bedroom apartment for three more years as we took on minimum wage jobs. I took my earnings and went to school and hired a tutor. He took his and bought a new apartment. When I had at last reached a college education level I applied into a program payed for by Emperor Quaeus which gave scholarships to children who were poverty stricken. I received it and went to the State University of Milan. I graduated successfully."

"What has happened to your brother since then, Lucius? Has he had a good life or does he struggle to maintain a good and adequate living for himself?"

"This is when the story gets better", he said as a notice for Anastasia.

He resumed, "My achievements earned me the attention from Emperor Quaeus and one day he approached me and asked me, 'Lucius Zyrous, do you wish to serve your country and your people by speaking for them in the Roman Senate to better their lives through your judgments?' and I was ecstatic. I eagerly accepted and after serving as an intern in the Senate I was finally given a my own seat and now...here I am."

"I am sure you have been a good senator since then, Lucius, and I would be interested in visiting Roma V from one time; I have met Quaeus once before and it would be a pleasurable honor to meet him once again. Such a man deserves nothing but respect. Now, once we are done here, we'll continue with our tour before I meet the next suitor. I must say that I think you are a handsome and charming man."

"I am sorry to hear about the sufferings of your childhood, Lucius; the plight of the common folk can touch even the hearts of monarchs such as myself; thus I try my best to help the downtrodden. My desire is to be a good leader for my people and everyday I strive to achieve my goal...to fulfill my desire."

"Not all lives can be happy. Luckily I survived the worst and I was rewarded with a better life as a man than as a boy. But it is because I lost my childhood that I strive to make sure others do not through my constant work in charity."

He smiled as Anastasia expressed her desire to be a good leader through her aid to the left fortunate. "I believe your doing much better as a monarch in achieving your desire than many other nations. I observed so many happy people on the streets of the city and unlike most cities, I hear, any homeless on the sidewalks."

"The Emperor sounds like a benevolent and caring person, Lucius. It is always good to hear about monarchs who actively strive to help the unfortunate souls of their realm; not all monarchs are snobbish brats who care only for themselves. I idolize and highly respect such monarchs."

"Yes. He is an amazing man. His resolve is unbeatable and he is the heart and soul of our nation and the fact he is the founder only makes us love him more. I only hope whoever he chooses his successor to be will follow in his footsteps and lead by his example."

"I am sure you have been a good senator since then, Lucius, and I would be interested in visiting Roma V from one time; I have met Quaeus once before and it would be a pleasurable honor to meet him once again. Such a man deserves nothing but respect. Now, once we are done here, we'll continue with our tour before I meet the next suitor. I must say that I think you are a handsome and charming man."

Lucius bowed his head in respect and blushed every so slightly as he smiled shyly at her words. "Your words are too kind, Anastasia. I will be sure to request Emperor Quaeus invite you to Roma V when I return home. And as for the fate of my brother I cannot say for certain. I looked into his whereabouts and he apparently he traveled to another nation while I was still in college. I took my search as far as I could but I have had no luck in discovering him. I know he is doing what he thinks is best though."

Not all lives can be happy. Luckily I survived the worst and I was rewarded with a better life as a man than as a boy. But it is because I lost my childhood that I strive to make sure others do not through my constant work in charity."

He smiled as Anastasia expressed her desire to be a good leader through her aid to the left fortunate. "I believe your doing much better as a monarch in achieving your desire than many other nations. I observed so many happy people on the streets of the city and unlike most cities, I hear, any homeless on the sidewalks."

Anastasia (http://nicolekidmanunited.com/NicoleKidmanFilmography/FilmoPortraitOfALady_L4.jpg) nodded her head after listening to Lucius' kind words which generated a smile upon her face. With her eyes locked onto the senator's face, Anastasia began to speak. "I must thank you, kind senator, for the compliments you have given me and for the knowledge that I have about your noble values in life. Yes, my desire is to help the people in any way I can. Studying the works of men like John Locke has given me that desire. I may be an absolute monarch but I shall never aspire to be a tyrant. I aspire to be a servant of the nation. A servant of my beloved Ixania."


"Yes. He is an amazing man. His resolve is unbeatable and he is the heart and soul of our nation and the fact he is the founder only makes us love him more. I only hope whoever he chooses his successor to be will follow in his footsteps and lead by his example."

"I follow in the footsteps of my nation's founder, Leto the Great, who fought in many battles to unite my nation during his life centuries ago. He was a man who believed in unity and courage, my dear senator, and I, as a direct descendant of him through the paternal line, look up to him as a hero."


Lucius bowed his head in respect and blushed every so slightly as he smiled shyly at her words. "Your words are too kind, Anastasia. I will be sure to request Emperor Quaeus invite you to Roma V when I return home. And as for the fate of my brother I cannot say for certain. I looked into his whereabouts and he apparently he traveled to another nation while I was still in college. I took my search as far as I could but I have had no luck in discovering him. I know he is doing what he thinks is best though."

"You may tell your liege, the Emperor of Roma V, that it would be a pleasurable honor to invite him to Ixania and to meet him once again after so long. As for your brother, be assured that I hope he is alright and that you should believe in him. Often, to believe in someone is to give them hope and strength. History has proven this. By the way, Lucius, do you have an interest in horse riding?"

Anastasia nodded her head after listening to Lucius' kind words which generated a smile upon her face. With her eyes locked onto the senator's face, Anastasia began to speak. "I must thank you, kind senator, for the compliments you have given me and for the knowledge that I have about your noble values in life. Yes, my desire is to help the people in any way I can. Studying the works of men like John Locke has given me that desire. I may be an absolute monarch but I shall never aspire to be a tyrant. I aspire to be a servant of the nation. A servant of my beloved Ixania."

Smiles softly as he took a brief sip of his wine. "Truly your people are the luckiest in the world to have you, Anastasia, as their ruler. I can think of no nation that could be any happier."

"I follow in the footsteps of my nation's founder, Leto the Great, who fought in many battles to unite my nation during his life centuries ago. He was a man who believed in unity and courage, my dear senator, and I, as a direct descendant of him through the paternal line, look up to him as a hero."

"I'm sure that some day your descendants will look up to you as a hero as well when they seek inspiration in their leadership."

"You may tell your liege, the Emperor of Roma V, that it would be a pleasurable honor to invite him to Ixania and to meet him once again after so long. As for your brother, be assured that I hope he is alright and that you should believe in him. Often, to believe in someone is to give them hope and strength. History has proven this. By the way, Lucius, do you have an interest in horse riding?"

"If I ever see him again I shall thank God and you for his safe return, Anastasia", he said with a charming smile. He blinked as she mentioned horse riding. "Horse riding you say? Well it has been somewhat of a hobby for me in my spare time. Roma V is full of open territory to ride horses in. They're also the national animal."

Smiles softly as he took a brief sip of his wine. "Truly your people are the luckiest in the world to have you, Anastasia, as their ruler. I can think of no nation that could be any happier."

"You are too kind with your words, Lucius! Too kind!"


"I'm sure that some day your descendants will look up to you as a hero as well when they seek inspiration in their leadership."

"That would make me very happy indeed. I want to make Ixania a prosperous and great place for my children and descendants to live. That is my dream."

"If I ever see him again I shall thank God and you for his safe return, Anastasia", he said with a charming smile. He blinked as she mentioned horse riding. "Horse riding you say? Well it has been somewhat of a hobby for me in my spare time. Roma V is full of open territory to ride horses in. They're also the national animal."

"I was thinking we could go horse riding together and perhaps entertain ourselves with a race. You will find me to be an expert horse rider with plenty of awards under her belt and don't think I'd go easy on you in any races because you are a guest...." Anastasia said with a grin before finishing her wine. "Shall we go to the stables? By the way, Lucius, if I don't choose you as my husband...please know you are more than welcome to visit Ixania whenever you wish. It would be nice for you to see more than just Tzargrad."

"I was thinking we could go horse riding together and perhaps entertain ourselves with a race. You will find me to be an expert horse rider with plenty of awards under her belt and don't think I'd go easy on you in any races because you are a guest...." Anastasia said with a grin before finishing her wine. "Shall we go to the stables? By the way, Lucius, if I don't choose you as my husband...please know you are more than welcome to visit Ixania whenever you wish. It would be nice for you to see more than just Tzargrad."

Smirks back, finishing his off as well. "Well maybe i'll atleast be able to give you a run for your money. Had I known we'd be racing I would've brought my prized horse. However, that's beside the point. I accept your challenge Anastasia."

He nods his understanding as Anastasia offers for him to come back to Ixania even if he doesn't win her heart. "I understand, my lady. While I will truly envy your husband if it is not me I will concede he is the better man. But I would enjoy still coming to Ixania to see you both, spend time here in Tzargrad and beyond if possible."

Smirks back, finishing his off as well. "Well maybe i'll atleast be able to give you a run for your money. Had I known we'd be racing I would've brought my prized horse. However, that's beside the point. I accept your challenge Anastasia."

He nods his understanding as Anastasia offers for him to come back to Ixania even if he doesn't win her heart. "I understand, my lady. While I will truly envy your husband if it is not me I will concede he is the better man. But I would enjoy still coming to Ixania to see you both, spend time here in Tzargrad and beyond if possible."

Anastasia grinned as they walked to the stables. "We shall see who gains the favor of Fortune, my dear senator. I am quite eager to face you in a good race and hopefully I can show you my talents in the equestrian realm of sports."

At the stable, Anastasia got changed into her horse riding gear before mounting her very own personal horse. "I am sure I will find a good husband, my dear senator and I am sure I will have time to meet you for I would not want to lose a person who could be one of my friends. Lucius, I shall give you one of my best horses. Now, follow me, and let's see who Fortune smiles upon!"

bump.

bump.

OOC: I apologize for my lateness.

Lucius smiles as Anastasia goads him further into her challenge. "Well if you wont be going easy on me don't expect my own mercy", he says with a chuckle as he climbs into the saddle of the horse, still in his suit. He didn't mind not changing, he had plenty of suits better than this one anyway.

"I'll gladly settle for your friendship, my lady", he said with a charming smile as he nodded and nudged his horse into action as she requested him to follow her.

OOC: I apologize for my lateness.

Lucius smiles as Anastasia goads him further into her challenge. "Well if you wont be going easy on me don't expect my own mercy", he says with a chuckle as he climbs into the saddle of the horse, still in his suit. He didn't mind not changing, he had plenty of suits better than this one anyway.

"I'll gladly settle for your friendship, my lady", he said with a charming smile as he nodded and nudged his horse into action as she requested him to follow her.

OOC: No problem. Just tell me when you'll be inactive next time. :p

Anastasia smiled before leading Lucius to the pasture where they could see a large tree in the distance. After a brief period of mentally preparing herself for the race, Anastasia looked over at Lucius and smiled. "The first one to the tree over there wins this race. Shall we begin?"

Within minutes, Anastasia sped off towards the tree as fast as the horse would go; often she would urge it to go faster by shouting in the Ixanian tongue and she would look behind her briefly to see if Lucius was coming up close. This would definately be a good race, she thought, and hopefully she would be the one who obtained victory. After all, that was the point of the race.

Lucius took a moment to observe his surroundings and when he turned to say something to Anastasia he realized she had sped off and smirked, as he realized the race had begun.

He kicked his horse into motion and leaned down at level with its neck as he muttered words of encouragement in its ear as he began to gain on Anastasia...

Lucius took a moment to observe his surroundings and when he turned to say something to Anastasia he realized she had sped off and smirked, as he realized the race had begun.

He kicked his horse into motion and leaned down at level with its neck as he muttered words of encouragement in its ear as he began to gain on Anastasia...

Anastasia had noticed that Lucius had been quickly coming up to her and that it was possible that he could overtake her but despite her principle of never underestimating her opponents, she was not willing to believe that a victory could be lost. She uttered words of encouragement in her horse's ear before pushing it to go further and further towards the oak tree. She focused her eyes on the oak tree and visualized herself beating Lucius to it. Memories of past races filled her mind as she felt herself wanting to defeat Lucius even know it was all for fun.

Lucius and his mount sped up as Anastasia pushed ever closer towards the tree not far ahead of them. He told her he'd give her a run for her money. But the constant beating of the horse's body against the ground shook his foot out of the stirrup, his shoes not made for such abuse, and his leg got caught under the horse's hind leg. The horse came to a halt as it almost tripped over itself and threw him from the saddle.

He hit the ground with a heavy thud. The force of the blow left his ears ringing and his head in a daze as he lay there staring at the sky in his lost state.

Lucius and his mount sped up as Anastasia pushed ever closer towards the tree not far ahead of them. He told her he'd give her a run for her money. But the constant beating of the horse's body against the ground shook his foot out of the stirrup, his shoes not made for such abuse, and his leg got caught under the horse's hind leg. The horse came to a halt as it almost tripped over itself and threw him from the saddle.

He hit the ground with a heavy thud. The force of the blow left his ears ringing and his head in a daze as he lay there staring at the sky in his lost state.

Anastasia noticed that Lucius had fallen from his horse; immediately she rushed to the scene, dismounted from her own horse, and then took him into her arms before calling for assistance. "Are you alright, Lucius? Can you speak? I'm here to help you."

The Empress' face showed much concern as she helped him up while noticing Palace workers coming to help her take Lucius to his guest room in the Palace. He was put onto his bed with Anastasia firmly stuck at his side. "Lucius, if you need anything, just ask. I may be royalty but I do have a heart. I hope that you are okay; hopefully you'll be back on your feet soon."

Lucius smiled reassuringly to Anastasia. "Don't worry i'll be fine. Only a sprain probably." However before he knew it Palace workers were helping him inside and he was in one of Anastasia's guest bedrooms with her at his side.

"I'll be fine, don't worry about me. I've taken worst falls with worse results. I'll probably be able to walk enough so that my bodyguards can come pick me up and take me to a local physician. Thank you for your concern for me, Anastasia. I never doubted your lack of a heart."

Xavious walked over and helped Hobbeebius place the last piece of his armor on his back and attached the last connection with a good jerk that made Hobbeebius shrug back a little. Hobbeebius looked back slightly and gave Xavious a small quirky smile as he acknowledged Xavious' horseplay was in good fun.

Hobbeebius took a seat on the bed and gave a heavy sigh. The last thing he ever wanted to do was place her in any danger. He just wanted to gaze upon her face to maybe feel like he wasn't always locked in this unbreakable blight of Imperial law and clan wars. Hobbeebius' inner pain was slowly leaking into the open... and everyone could see it. Xavious took a small amount of pity on Hobbeebius and asked what was the matter, if only to make him feel like someone cared.

Hobbeebius looked at Xavious and said Two words.... " I'm Broken"

Xavious was caught of guard be the sudden yet unexplainable sentence that was delivered. Xavious quickly shot back...

" You look fine to me... and your spirit should be fine... look at it this way... once this clan is eradicated... this will all end."

Hobbeebius heard Xavious speak... but it really just didn't seem possible to kill them all. For if one lives... more will come. But as long as Xavious was their willing to fight beside him, even if it wasn't by his own free will, it made things seem a little more bearable.

Xavious still wanted to make the situation a bit more relaxed, s he inquired into this woman...

" So, who is she exactly... this queen.... Princess... whatever.?"

Hobbeebius looked up and replied.

" Shes my last chance. As for her name ... its Anastasia

Lucius smiled reassuringly to Anastasia. "Don't worry i'll be fine. Only a sprain probably." However before he knew it Palace workers were helping him inside and he was in one of Anastasia's guest bedrooms with her at his side.

"I am glad to hear that but regardless of the extent of your injuries, you should know that you will recieve any amount of help that you need, dear senator. Know that we shall care for you as we would anyone else."

"I'll be fine, don't worry about me. I've taken worst falls with worse results. I'll probably be able to walk enough so that my bodyguards can come pick me up and take me to a local physician. Thank you for your concern for me, Anastasia. I never doubted your lack of a heart."

Anastasia smiled. "You are most welcome, Lucius. Although I would not mind spending more time with such a good soul like yourself, I must say that I would like to meet my next suitor so they don't think that I have forgotten them. Perhaps we will meet again sometime. You are more than welcome to stay here until your bodyguards have come to pick you up. It has been a lovely and pleasurable time with you, Lucius."

Nods understandingly and takes her hand, kissing the top of her hand softly. He smiles charmingly. "I've had a wonderful time with you Anastasia, learning about your family, yourself, and your nation. I'll call my hotel and have them contact my bodyguards so i'll be out of her by the time the next suitor comes by."

He pauses and adds, "If he makes it that far, that is", with a smirk

Nods understandingly and takes her hand, kissing the top of her hand softly. He smiles charmingly. "I've had a wonderful time with you Anastasia, learning about your family, yourself, and your nation. I'll call my hotel and have them contact my bodyguards so i'll be out of her by the time the next suitor comes by."

He pauses and adds, "If he makes it that far, that is", with a smirk

Anastasia smiled. "I have had a truly wonderful time with you, Lucius; you've been a charming and respectful guest who I've had much pleasure in spending time with. If you excuse me, I'll head off back to the hotel to greet the next suitor. You can stay here in this room until your bodyguards arrive."

Anastasia grinned. "If no one else makes it that far, then you just may recieve the prime favor of the Empress."

OOC: Are the nations in this RP (Theao, Hobbesia, etc) still interested?

OOC: Yes, but not right now. Too many threads going, too much RL stuff gonig on. I couldn't commit to Roma V's high standard of RPing at the moment.

OOC: Yes, but not right now. Too many threads going, too much RL stuff gonig on. I couldn't commit to Roma V's high standard of RPing at the moment.

OOC: No problem, I understand. You can always come back when you are able to commit more time to it. The same goes for everyone else.

I am still quite able to RP if your interested.

I am still quite able to RP if your interested.

OOC: I am still interested.

By the time that Lucius had been escorted off the grounds of her palace by his bodyguards, Anastasia II had been riding in her comfortable limosuine to the hotel where she would meet Hobbebius, one of the suitors who had come to Ixania to court her at her behest. She had been thinking about her noble senator, Lucius, as the chauffer drove and indeed she felt like he was a prime candidate. She decided that Lucius would be her husband if the other suitors were unable to charm her enough for her to change her mind. Her assistant, Vladimir, had already been notified of the Empress' soon-to-be arrival at the hotel and he had a certain message spread like wildfire all over the hotel; addressed to one person. The message eventually ended up in his hotel room.

"Prince Hobbebius,

Her Majesty, Empress Anastasia the Second, shall be arriving shortly at the hotel to meet you and hopes that you will be prepared for her arrival as she is eager to meet you. Please wait in the lobby until she arrives.

V."

OOC: remember Hobbeebius is a fully fledged Emperor, and He has changed his current residence to a motel else where in twon... a message was left in the front of the hotel.

OOC: remember Hobbeebius is a fully fledged Emperor, and He has changed his current residence to a motel else where in twon... a message was left in the front of the hotel.

OOC: No problem. Just say that the message reached him at his current residence.

Hobbeebius was looking over recon reports of recent Rogutis movements around the area. Much of which seemed to be everyday routine activities. If they where palnning an attack against him... he couldn't see the projected plan.

As the reports where being poured over a Blackatia guard rushed in and alerted Hobbeebius to the Empresses immenant arrival.

" MY Lord... The Empress is on her way here. judging by the message she should be here soon. " said the guard as he closed the door behind him.

Hobbeebius looked at Xavious and quickly began to try and remove the armor before she arrived. Xavious smiled and assisted him in his efforts to remove his armor. Hobbeebius, finnaly free of his armor rushed to ready himself and left for the lobby.

As he arrived to the lobby, he took a seat on a love seat type couch and calmed himself .

The Empress calmly walked into the lobby of the hotel with a smile on her face when her eyes gazed upon the face of Hobbebius. She bid him to rise up from the loveseat and welcomed him to the Ixanian Empire with a smile that showed off her pearl white teeth. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Hobbebius. I must say that I'm planning to take you on a drive around Tzargrad. Tell me more about yourself. What is your nation like?"

Hobbeebius stood with haste as Anastasia asked him to rise, almost faster then her ability to ask. Though he was used to meeting important figures in the world he never met any of them for more personal reasons. This made things different and thus Hobbeebius was a little lost for words when he saw her.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Hobbebius. I must say that I'm planning to take you on a drive around Tzargrad. Tell me more about yourself, What is your nation like?"

" Uh... its got land... and people...( shakes head...) Sorry. My nation...Me... I am far more interested in you right now. Plus as stunned by your beauty as I am ... It kinda hard to think at the moment. Perhapes the drive could distract me from you long enough to form a coherant thought." said Hobbeebius with a slightly blused smile

Hobbeebius walked passed the Empress and opened the door from the lobby of the motel and lent her his hand in a manner of escort to the limo that was awaiting them outside. It felt like hours passed as he held his hand out to her. All the while Hobbeebius was mentally preparing himself for her touch.

" Stay cool, dont make any sudden movements... its just a hand.

" Uh... its got land... and people...( shakes head...) Sorry. My nation...Me... I am far more interested in you right now. Plus as stunned by your beauty as I am ... It kinda hard to think at the moment. Perhapes the drive could distract me from you long enough to form a coherant thought." said Hobbeebius with a slightly blused smile

Anastasia smiled. "You should not be so nervous, Hobbebius. I'm thankful for your compliments. I am sure that we'll have a good time together."

Hobbeebius walked passed the Empress and opened the door from the lobby of the motel and lent her his hand in a manner of escort to the limo that was awaiting them outside. It felt like hours passed as he held his hand out to her. All the while Hobbeebius was mentally preparing himself for her touch.

The Empress took Hobbebius' hand as they walked to the limosuine together and she smiled at him as they got inside before she had the chauffer commence driving to the first place they would be visiting. "As the chauffer drives, Hobbebius, tell me more about yourself and your nation. What is it like to live in Hobbebia? What are you like? Mind you, the place we will first visit is the Palace; as I am sure you must be hungry."

"You should not be so nervous, Hobbebius. I'm thankful for your compliments. I am sure that we'll have a good time together."

Hobbeebius nodded with a small smile, and took Anastasias hand and went to the limo.

"As the chauffer drives, Hobbebius, tell me more about yourself and your nation. What is it like to live in Hobbebia? What are you like? Mind you, the place we will first visit is the Palace; as I am sure you must be hungry."

" My nation is relatively small campared to most I am told. However, we boast a powerful economy, and a small yet very effecient military. My nation is also the home to two rival assassin clans... the Blackaita and the Rogutis Agentie clans.... Started by two families within the nation.. the Blackatia, my family are honorable assassins who only target criminals and evil people... The Rogutis however.. target who ever they wish. The nation has came to an understanding that only those who are associated with either clan are targetable during a clan war. Unfortunatly... a war has been raging for 10 years now.

But most people have no idea the war between them is even going on. its a testiment to how effecient these assassins are in their trade. But these wars have been raging for thousands of years. As for me... Well I think I'll save that subject for dinner." Hobbeebius looked at Anastasia and asked his own questions:

" Now that you know of my nation... please tell me of yours."

Hobbeebius nodded with a small smile, and took Anastasias hand and went to the limo.

" My nation is relatively small campared to most I am told. However, we boast a powerful economy, and a small yet very effecient military. My nation is also the home to two rival assassin clans... the Blackaita and the Rogutis Agentie clans.... Started by two families within the nation.. the Blackatia, my family are honorable assassins who only target criminals and evil people... The Rogutis however.. target who ever they wish. The nation has came to an understanding that only those who are associated with either clan are targetable during a clan war. Unfortunatly... a war has been raging for 10 years now.

"The Ixanian Empire has had peace for many centuries after the bloody and chaotic conflicts of our founder, Leto the Great, centuries ago. Leto, one of my ancestors, was a man who brought peace to Ixania through the sword; he unified our people as one and we have no conflicts in the homeland since. He was a great man in my opinion."

But most people have no idea the war between them is even going on. its a testiment to how effecient these assassins are in their trade. But these wars have been raging for thousands of years. As for me... Well I think I'll save that subject for dinner." Hobbeebius looked at Anastasia and asked his own questions:

"Assassins must always make sure to remain cloaked in the pitch black darkness lest they be discovered."

" Now that you know of my nation... please tell me of yours."

"The Ixanian Empire is an absolute monarchy with many friends in the world; the main religions are Orthodox Christianity and Lutheranism albeit mythology is still popular amongst the masses. I am the first half Ixanian to reign over the land since my mother was a full blooded German. The Ixanian Empire tries to be neutral in world affairs and we try to make friends rather than enemies. We also have plenty of colonies and some protectorates."

bumped.

OOC: Now I know what you're thinking and I can assure you I am not in possession of Hobb's corpse among the other player's behind the suitors that I killed to get rid of my competition. :wink:

OOC: Oh...just hope your senator doesn't end up face down in some dirty puddle.

Ooc: >_>

Bump for Hobbebia...and what is all this talk about killing off suitors? :eek:

OOC: They're just jealous is all. ;)

OOC: They're just jealous is all. ;)

OOC: I mentioned in another thread that Anastasia is perhaps...inclined to choosing the Senator...but she has not fully decided just yet. :p

Bump for Hobbebia. If he does not post then Anastasia will meet the next suitor.

Canadstein, I think Anastasia will meet your suitor now. I shall post when I have the time.

Alright that sounds perfect.

Since the Hobbebian suitor had not really made too much of an impact on the course of the Bachelorette program, the Empress of Ixania had decided to move on with the program by planning to meet the suitor from Canadstein, an old friend named Nicholas, next. She had fondly remembered Nicholas more so than she fondly remembered the Roman senator albeit she usually remembered Emperor Heinrich the most out of all the men who had shown an interest in her and she did not seem to mind their attention since she was the one actively seeking it. All she wanted was a loving husband and she knew she would find that loving husband even if she had to go on some great trek, a Großartige Reise, across her beloved Ixanian homeland. Sitting in the limosuine as it sped across the streets of Tzargrad to deliver her to Prince Nicholas, the Empress resigned herself to a quick sleep before waking up as the motorcade stopped at the gates of the five star hotel where Nicholas happened to be staying. As she ventured into the hotel, the Empress' personal assistant located Nicholas, bowed, and told him of the news.

"Her Majesty, the Empress, is coming here to meet you. You must be in the lobby so she can see you."

"No need to bow. It isn't like I am an Emperor." Nicholas said with a smirk.

His exterior showed a cool and collected young man. Inside he was ecstatic and nervous to see Anastasia. Sure he would consider her an old friend, but Nicholas wanted it to be more than that. Nicholas thought back to the day he first met Anastasia, while following the assistant back down to the lobby. It was back at her gala. She had just been crowned as Empress of Ixania. He remembered the first time he laid his eyes on her. She was certainly a sight to see. There was no doubt about it. At the moment she captured his heart. Nicholas knew that there was no other women for him. Anastasia was the one. The only problem was that he couldn't share his affection. He was still a bashful kid. Now he was more confident and ready to show his true feeling.

Once the elevator stopped and Nicholas saw Anastasia. His heart stopped. It had been far too long since he had seen her. A warm smile formed on his face. She was still beautiful. He took off his homburg, then walked over to Anastasia. Grabbing her by the waist, Nicholas picked her up into the air.

"Anastasia...I have missed you." Nicholas brought her down and hugged her.

"No need to bow. It isn't like I am an Emperor." Nicholas said with a smirk.

Once the elevator stopped and Nicholas saw Anastasia. His heart stopped. It had been far too long since he had seen her. A warm smile formed on his face. She was still beautiful. He took off his homburg, then walked over to Anastasia. Grabbing her by the waist, Nicholas picked her up into the air.

"Anastasia...I have missed you." Nicholas brought her down and hugged her.

Anastasia smiled. "You may be a monarch one day soon; although tragedy would propel you to a throne and fill your cup with bitter gall rather than sweet nectar."

The Empress' bodyguards began to get hyped up a bit as they saw Nicholas picking Anastasia up but eventually they were calmed down as no one wanted Nicholas to be arrested or accused of doing something that could get him severely injured or worse. Anastasia herself was shocked to have been picked up by Nicholas but she did not mind in the end as she returned his embrace.

"It's nice to see you sgain, Nicholas. Follow me and I'll take you to the limosuine. As we walk, tell me about how your life has been since we last met."

OOC: You can post them getting into the limosuine, etc. They will be going to the Palace first.

Nicholas put his homburg back a top of his head, once Anastasia was done finished hugging. Did he love this girl? There was no second thoughts to that question. He believed that there was no other for him. Either he would marry Anastasia or he would die alone. There was no other option for him. Nicholas smiled as he looked down at Anastasia. For second he sighed. This could not be real. Here he was with a beautiful women. But it was real.

"Well I have finished college. Been picking up my oboe more often. Spending time with my family. Exploring the world. Getting in mischief with my brother, Rudolf. Just normal stuff. Probably not close to the stuff you have done. Care to tell me about it?"

Nicholas entered the limousine, after opening Anastasia's door and helping her inside.

"Well I have finished college. Been picking up my oboe more often. Spending time with my family. Exploring the world. Getting in mischief with my brother, Rudolf. Just normal stuff. Probably not close to the stuff you have done. Care to tell me about it?"

Nicholas entered the limousine, after opening Anastasia's door and helping her inside.

"I've done some stuff from time to time. Just recently I took part in the Tzargrad Marathon and took part in the opening of new hospitals and museums. I've done some traveling, met new people, opened new relations with nations, and basically had fun in my life."

Anastasia smiled. "I've just done my usual duties as the Empress of Ixania....and I'm very glad to meet you again, Nicholas."

"As I am too, Anastasia." Nicholas started to blush. "What do you have planned for us?"

"First, we'll be going on a tour of my home and then we'll do some sight-seeing around the city of Tzargrad." Anastasia said with a smile.

OOC: I think that I'll have Anastasia see one or two more suitors before I make her choose so I can continue with my plans for her and the Ixanian Empire.

"Anything special planned?" asked Nicholas innocently with a warm smile.

He had only see part of Tzargrad, but it had only been in walking distance of the hotel. Finally he would get see more of the city. If Anastasia did not choose him as her husband, then he would spend a few more days in the school. Part of Nicholas hoped that was not the case at all. He hoped this was a trip that lasted a long time. Hopefully something fruitful would come out of it. He reminded himself not to be so selfish. Anastasia was the one to choose and that was final. If she did not choose him, then Nicholas would hope that her husband treated her well. He just hoped that man was himself.

"Anything special planned?" asked Nicholas innocently with a warm smile.

He had only see part of Tzargrad, but it had only been in walking distance of the hotel. Finally he would get see more of the city. If Anastasia did not choose him as her husband, then he would spend a few more days in the school. Part of Nicholas hoped that was not the case at all. He hoped this was a trip that lasted a long time. Hopefully something fruitful would come out of it. He reminded himself not to be so selfish. Anastasia was the one to choose and that was final. If she did not choose him, then Nicholas would hope that her husband treated her well. He just hoped that man was himself.

"Maybe...." Anastasia said with a small grin.

As the motorcade continued to head towards the Imperial Palace, Anastasia calmly looked out the window while occassionally looking at Nicholas whom she could easily remember her first meetings with. He really did look handsome to her and he was quite charming but she could say the same for men like Lucius and Heinrich. Her heart was really quite torn but she did feel that she'd be able to find the true love she wanted. The motorcade eventually stopped at the gates of the Palace and Anastasia got out with Nicholas at her side. Anastasia led Nicholas into the exquisitely furnished lobby of the Palace which was adorned with a variety of items usually found in the palaces of monarchs. Anastasia welcomed Nicholas to her home and bade him to follow her so she could give him a tour of her beloved home. They ended up first in the Imperial Gallery which was filled to the brim with sculptures and portraits. When they were walking through the Gallery, Anastasia smiled.

"The Imperial Gallery houses all my portraits and sculptures while the majority of family portraits are kept in the palace of my widowed mother whom I often visit whenever I can. She really has a lot of childhood pictures....."

Anastasia giggled a little before they stopped at a portrait of her mother holding the infant Anastasia in her tender hands while dressed in lavish and regal robes adorned with gold trimmings and the exquisite crown adorning her head. "This painting was made when I was born. My mother is a full blooded German so that makes me Ixania's first half-Ixanian monarch. My mother really loves her German culture and often took me and my siblings to German cultural events. Perhaps I'll show you my personal German clothes such as my lovely drindl. This painting hangs here as a sign of my mother's love. It was made to celebrate my birth and my father took me under his wing and taught me everything about politics. My mother taught me things too such as how to speak fluent German. Ich bin Anastasia und ich bin der Erbe zum Thron. Ein Vergnügen, Sie zu treffen. I can remember saying those words when I was younger to show off my German language skills. I can easily remember every event of my childhood."

Anastasia took Nicholas to the portrait of her deceased father and pointed out that he was a direct paternal descendant of Leto the Great who was Ixania's founder centuries ago. "My beloved father was a caring and trustworthy man who really loved my mother and me along with my other siblings. He taught me about politics, took me places, and let me spend time with him even when he worked. When he died, I was very depressed. Indeed, I still miss him but I've learned to move on....but I do visit his tomb when I can."

"Maybe? That sound very interesting. It could be a possibility of things. Is it water polo? I bet it is water pole." teased Nicholas.

While the limousine continued down the road, Nicholas watched as the streets of Tzargrad whizzed by him, completely unaware of Anastasia's occasionally glances. Suddenly his train of thought was broke when the limousine stopped. He shook his head for a second. Nicholas reminded himself not to be sidetracked by some fancy buildings. Anastasia was the reason he was here. Looking around, he followed Anastasia into the Imperial Gallery. It reminded me a lot of the National Gallery back in Canadstein. Of course the contents were different, but also similar at the same time. A few things caught Nicholas' eyes, but he kept up with Anastasia.

"You saw part of our collection back the Mayerling Lodge. But that pales in comparison to all of this."

Nicholas stopped, when Anastasia showed him a picture of her mother and herself as an infant. He closely examined the picture. There was definitely a resemblance between the two women. A chuckle came out of his mouth as he looked at the young Anastasia. She looked cute as a baby. "German? The House of Wittelsbach, the ruling family of Canadstein, is a German dynasty. Sure we have some other nationalities interspersed here in there in our family line, but we are mostly German. Our German ties are very special to us. Actually at a very young age my brothers and I were taught German. Most of the royals know how to speak it, mostly because of tradition. I think your mom and I would have a lot to talk about. Ich bin Nicholas, zweitens in Linie. Auch Vergnügen, Sie zu treffen, meine Liebe. Sounds like both of your parents were fundamental in creating who you are. I am glad that my parents took the same approach, though we are some of the lucky ones. Other royal families send their children away to tutors. These children never really connect and create bonds with their parents."

Nicholas continued along with Anastasia, but his eyes were soon caught by one portrait, the portrait of her father. He must have been a special kind of person to lead an autocracy. There weren't that many around these days. Most had been overthrown because of tyrant kings. It had been around four hundred years since the autocracy was abolished in Canadstein, but that was due to the King giving democracy a chance. "It was the same way with my grandfather. He taught me so much, how to shoot, ride a horse, ski. Of course he had all the time in the world after he abdicated. He said that he was getting far too old to be King, so he let my father be King. Sometimes I think he had more fun after he abdicated. He really hated dealing with all the papers. Wasn't really his thing, but hey who does?"

"Maybe? That sound very interesting. It could be a possibility of things. Is it water polo? I bet it is water pole." teased Nicholas.

Anastasia giggled. "Nicholas....you'll see soon enough!"

"You saw part of our collection back the Mayerling Lodge. But that pales in comparison to all of this."

"This collection is always under development. Occassionally new pieces are added to it and so on from there."

Nicholas stopped, when Anastasia showed him a picture of her mother and herself as an infant. He closely examined the picture. There was definitely a resemblance between the two women. A chuckle came out of his mouth as he looked at the young Anastasia. She looked cute as a baby. "German? The House of Wittelsbach, the ruling family of Canadstein, is a German dynasty. Sure we have some other nationalities interspersed here in there in our family line, but we are mostly German. Our German ties are very special to us. Actually at a very young age my brothers and I were taught German. Most of the royals know how to speak it, mostly because of tradition. I think your mom and I would have a lot to talk about. Ich bin Nicholas, zweitens in Linie. Auch Vergnügen, Sie zu treffen, meine Liebe. Sounds like both of your parents were fundamental in creating who you are. I am glad that my parents took the same approach, though we are some of the lucky ones. Other royal families send their children away to tutors. These children never really connect and create bonds with their parents."
Nicholas continued along with Anastasia, but his eyes were soon caught by one portrait, the portrait of her father. He must have been a special kind of person to lead an autocracy. There weren't that many around these days. Most had been overthrown because of tyrant kings. It had been around four hundred years since the autocracy was abolished in Canadstein, but that was due to the King giving democracy a chance. "It was the same way with my grandfather. He taught me so much, how to shoot, ride a horse, ski. Of course he had all the time in the world after he abdicated. He said that he was getting far too old to be King, so he let my father be King. Sometimes I think he had more fun after he abdicated. He really hated dealing with all the papers. Wasn't really his thing, but hey who does?"[/QUOTE]

Anastasia smiled. "My parents never ceased to be there for me and were deeply involved in my life and the lives of all my siblings with near religious fervor although sometimes we recieved tutors to help us learn things. My grandparents also taught me much and basically I've learned from everyone. I've known my personal assistant, Vladimir, since I was a little girl and he would always take me out and help me have fun as the Crown Princess of Ixania. My father had to deal with many papers but he found a way to handle it all and still spend time with Mother and me. At times he'd leave me in the Palace so he could take my mother out. I never got to go with them then....but I still had fun at the Palace."

Anastasia smiled. "My mother comes from a German family of noble birth, the Von Kreuzbergs, and was a childhood friend of my father. She is still alive to this day as a celibate widower who lives in her own palace with my siblings. She often greets me in German although she can speak Ixanian fluently and she takes care of a special friend of mine...."

Sure enough, Nicholas could hear barking before the silhouette of a German shepherd began to charge towards him to be only restrained by the Empress. "This is my dog, Ninotchka. I've had him since he was a little puppy and he's a really loyal and friendly dog. He won't bite you unless you bite me."

"In recent years my parents have turned their attention toward, William, my old brother. I understand, along with my sister and other brother, that they are simply preparing him for when he has to become King. Of course that doesn't mean he isn't prepared. William has been groomed since he was a mere baby. My parents just want him to be the best King he can possibility be. That means he goes to more royal occasions, visits different countries with my parents, and is in the limelight more. My siblings and I still attend those things when necessary. Most of us our busy with other things. Rudolf with college, then military service afterward. Victoria the same as Rudolf, though I do think she has her eye on some men. Going to these events are hard for us. Frankly I think William was born to be king. Charismatic, kind, generous, thoughtful, intelligent, and the list goes on forever." Nicholas looked up to the ceiling and sighed, then drifted off into space. "One day my brother will be King and I will be happy for him."

He returned back to Earth and smiled at Anastasia. "The Wittelsbachs go back to the earliest history of Canadstein. One of my very distant relatives, Otto Wittelsbach, united the separate various groups into the Canadsteiner Confederation. This eventually evolved into the Kingdom of Canadstein with another relative, Rupert Wittelsbach, becoming the monarch of it."

When Nicholas heard the barking; he stopped for a moment and looked up. Was that a dog? Upon seeing the silhouette of a German shepherd Nicholas could tell that it was a dog. He lightly stroked the dog's head. "Nice dog you have here. Both of my brothers have dogs, but they are considered to be 'family' pets. On the other hand my sister has a cat. To be honest I think it is out to get me."

"In recent years my parents have turned their attention toward, William, my old brother. I understand, along with my sister and other brother, that they are simply preparing him for when he has to become King. Of course that doesn't mean he isn't prepared. William has been groomed since he was a mere baby. My parents just want him to be the best King he can possibility be. That means he goes to more royal occasions, visits different countries with my parents, and is in the limelight more. My siblings and I still attend those things when necessary. Most of us our busy with other things. Rudolf with college, then military service afterward. Victoria the same as Rudolf, though I do think she has her eye on some men. Going to these events are hard for us. Frankly I think William was born to be king. Charismatic, kind, generous, thoughtful, intelligent, and the list goes on forever." Nicholas looked up to the ceiling and sighed, then drifted off into space. "One day my brother will be King and I will be happy for him."

"Since I have no children at the moment, my eldest sibling Alexander is my current heir and he's quite the ladies' man although I don't know if he has one lover just yet. Luckily he is able to grasp a good knowledge of politics so if I die childless then I know that he'll be a good enough leader for the Ixanian people.....but I do think I'll have some kids before I end up in some lavish coffin to be mourned by the masses. When I was born, my father spent many days grooming me to be Empress and never ceased to tell me about how a responsible monarch should reign. On his deathbed, he told me to remember everything he told me and I swore that I would. Looking back now, I can only hope that he would be proud of me."

Anastasia smiled. "My goal in life is to bring this nation to peace and prosperity. That's my goal, Nicholas, and hopefully whomever I marry shall share it with me."

He returned back to Earth and smiled at Anastasia. "The Wittelsbachs go back to the earliest history of Canadstein. One of my very distant relatives, Otto Wittelsbach, united the separate various groups into the Canadsteiner Confederation. This eventually evolved into the Kingdom of Canadstein with another relative, Rupert Wittelsbach, becoming the monarch of it."

"The House of Schverzinski goes back centuries to the time of Leto the Great. My ancestors married into his family and soon we became the ruling family after the original, Letonic, dynasty fell apart. I am the direct descendant, paternally, of Leto. He's our nation's hero, our nation's founder, and a man who strove to end the Age of Chaos. A portrait of him should be in this Gallery; it should be of him dressed in his full armor and holding his legendary sword."

Eventually they found it and Anastasia smiled. "When I was little, I would read about Leto and his adventures and about how writers since his death have made stories about him and how bards sang marvelous songs of praise. I look up to him as a personal hero. There were other men with him too...they all deserve praise."

When Nicholas heard the barking; he stopped for a moment and looked up. Was that a dog? Upon seeing the silhouette of a German shepherd Nicholas could tell that it was a dog. He lightly stroked the dog's head. "Nice dog you have here. Both of my brothers have dogs, but they are considered to be 'family' pets. On the other hand my sister has a cat. To be honest I think it is out to get me."

Anastasia giggled before lightly stroking her beloved Ninotchka. "He's rather quite affectionate and really loves to protect me. He's been at my side for years and we've always been able to handle him. I think he'd like to follow us around...but I'll leave him in the care of a caretaker so we can be alone."

When Ninotchka left with the caretaker, Anastasia smiled before leading Nicholas through the many halls of the Palace before stopping at a door adorned with gold. "This is my bedroom, Nicholas. It is where I keep my most personal items such as photos and childhood mementos. I'll let you inside, alright?"

Anastaia's bedroom was filled to the brim with luxuries and amenties while the walls were adorned with childhood portraits including one of Anastasia surrounded by a bunch of happy and rowdy children, that is, the sons and daughters of the nobility in front of the gates of the Imperial Academy where she was educated for the most part. Although she had tutors, at times, she was enrolled in this prestigious school and graduted as a straight A honor student. Anastasia took out a chest covered in gold and jewels and brought it to Nicholas. "This is a little chest that I keep my diary inside. I won't let you read it though. Anywho, feel free to look around."

"Since I have no children at the moment, my eldest sibling Alexander is my current heir and he's quite the ladies' man although I don't know if he has one lover just yet. Luckily he is able to grasp a good knowledge of politics so if I die childless then I know that he'll be a good enough leader for the Ixanian people.....but I do think I'll have some kids before I end up in some lavish coffin to be mourned by the masses. When I was born, my father spent many days grooming me to be Empress and never ceased to tell me about how a responsible monarch should reign. On his deathbed, he told me to remember everything he told me and I swore that I would. Looking back now, I can only hope that he would be proud of me."

Anastasia smiled. "My goal in life is to bring this nation to peace and prosperity. That's my goal, Nicholas, and hopefully whomever I marry shall share it with me."

"Anastasia, the worse thing you could do is die childless. I mean all this beauty will go to waste. No one man will get to wake up and see your face as the morning sun glistens on it. Plus on top of it, you will never experience the wonders of raising a child, seeing them group up, and finally get married. Whoever I end up married to, then I wish to have plenty of children with them. I just love them so much. My brother's wife is actually due fairly soon. I hope that I am back in Canadstein when it happens." Nicholas admitted, but soon noticed that he was rambling. He closed his mouth, so not to let his ideas come out too easily.

"The House of Schverzinski goes back centuries to the time of Leto the Great. My ancestors married into his family and soon we became the ruling family after the original, Letonic, dynasty fell apart. I am the direct descendant, paternally, of Leto. He's our nation's hero, our nation's founder, and a man who strove to end the Age of Chaos. A portrait of him should be in this Gallery; it should be of him dressed in his full armor and holding his legendary sword."

Eventually they found it and Anastasia smiled. "When I was little, I would read about Leto and his adventures and about how writers since his death have made stories about him and how bards sang marvelous songs of praise. I look up to him as a personal hero. There were other men with him too...they all deserve praise."

Nicholas looked at the picture.It was somewhat hard for him to see greatness in a man like this, but he remembered back to his own country's national heroes. If Anastasia saw them she would have probably though the same thing. Reading more about this Leto the Great would help. Until then it was just another portrait, another man.

"Like any country we have our own national heroes in Canadstein. One in particular I am fond of is Major Harry Paget. He led the 11th Royal 11th Hussars into battle. Major Page single handled lead a successful charge against some enemy combatants and turned the tide of the Battle of Rocquencourt. During his charge not one man was lost. Some believe that god was on their side. Others said the enemy was frozen by the sight of the Hussars charging at them. The King awarded him the Iron Cross for his bravery. Harry was a type of man that everyone should strive to be. Courageous, but looking out for everyone."

Anastasia giggled before lightly stroking her beloved Ninotchka. "He's rather quite affectionate and really loves to protect me. He's been at my side for years and we've always been able to handle him. I think he'd like to follow us around...but I'll leave him in the care of a caretaker so we can be alone."

"I really don't mind him. But if you want to be alone, then so be it." Nicholas smiled warmly at her, while his cheeks turned a light red.

When Ninotchka left with the caretaker, Anastasia smiled before leading Nicholas through the many halls of the Palace before stopping at a door adorned with gold. "This is my bedroom, Nicholas. It is where I keep my most personal items such as photos and childhood mementos. I'll let you inside, alright?"

"Oooo...your bedroom. I am really looking for to this. I finally get to see where beauty sleeps." teased Nicholas as he followed Anastasia into her room.

Anastaia's bedroom was filled to the brim with luxuries and amenties while the walls were adorned with childhood portraits including one of Anastasia surrounded by a bunch of happy and rowdy children, that is, the sons and daughters of the nobility in front of the gates of the Imperial Academy where she was educated for the most part. Although she had tutors, at times, she was enrolled in this prestigious school and graduted as a straight A honor student. Anastasia took out a chest covered in gold and jewels and brought it to Nicholas. "This is a little chest that I keep my diary inside. I won't let you read it though. Anywho, feel free to look around."

Nicholas was drawn by the childhood portraits. He had seen her as a infant, but this was her childhood. Chuckling a little bit while walking past the portraits, he stopped once Anastasia brought a chest. At first he wondered what exactly was inside. Could it be jewelry? No, it looked like it held something more precious than that.

"Hmmmm...some secrets in that book. If you didn't want me to read it, then why did you show me?" teased Nicholas as he acted like he was going to grab the chest, but instead gently took a hold of her hands. "I respect your privacy Anastasia. Care to explain to me what is happening in some of these portraits?"

"Anastasia, the worse thing you could do is die childless. I mean all this beauty will go to waste. No one man will get to wake up and see your face as the morning sun glistens on it. Plus on top of it, you will never experience the wonders of raising a child, seeing them group up, and finally get married. Whoever I end up married to, then I wish to have plenty of children with them. I just love them so much. My brother's wife is actually due fairly soon. I hope that I am back in Canadstein when it happens." Nicholas admitted, but soon noticed that he was rambling. He closed his mouth, so not to let his ideas come out too easily.

Anastasia smiled. "I must say that I'd look forward to seeing my true love every morning and to raising all the children Fortune will bless me with. To die childless won't bring down my family's hold on power though...one of my goals in life is to continue that. However, I'm not doing this search for a suitor merely because I would like an heir...I'm trying to find a soulmate, as they say, someone to spend one's life with. I must say that a woman would be lucky to have a man like you."



"Like any country we have our own national heroes in Canadstein. One in particular I am fond of is Major Harry Paget. He led the 11th Royal 11th Hussars into battle. Major Page single handled lead a successful charge against some enemy combatants and turned the tide of the Battle of Rocquencourt. During his charge not one man was lost. Some believe that god was on their side. Others said the enemy was frozen by the sight of the Hussars charging at them. The King awarded him the Iron Cross for his bravery. Harry was a type of man that everyone should strive to be. Courageous, but looking out for everyone."

"Leto was the same sort of man as Major Paget. I'd love to learn more about him and perhaps I could help you learn more about Leto the Great who spent his entire life at war in the hopes of uniting the Ixanian people. He was born into war, lived through war and died, finally, in peace."



"I really don't mind him. But if you want to be alone, then so be it." Nicholas smiled warmly at her, while his cheeks turned a light red.

Anastasia smiled. "He'll be alright."


"Oooo...your bedroom. I am really looking for to this. I finally get to see where beauty sleeps." teased Nicholas as he followed Anastasia into her room.

Anastasia giggled. "You are a charming man indeed."


"Hmmmm...some secrets in that book. If you didn't want me to read it, then why did you show me?" teased Nicholas as he acted like he was going to grab the chest, but instead gently took a hold of her hands. "I respect your privacy Anastasia. Care to explain to me what is happening in some of these portraits?"

Anastasia smiled. "This diary has never been read by anyone else other than me and I have written entries in it since I was a little girl. As for these portraits, they show events in my childhood and people I knew from those tender years of mine."

They came to a picture with Anastasia holding an award of some sort while teachers surrounded her along with her beloved parents. Her mother really looked beautiful and it could be said that Anastasia inherited some of her looks. "This is when I graduated from the Imperial Academy with my hands on my award for the best marks in the entire school. There was no favoritism or special treatment there so I worked hard and arduously to be the best. My childhood friends were educated there and my siblings are too."

They found another portrait with Anastasia, around thirteen, cuddled up with her mother under the shade of a great oak tree with both of them in exquisite dresses. "My mother and I spent much time together whenever my father was unable to be around. She often told me that I should strive to be a great leader and that I should listen to the People."

Next, there was a portrait of Anastasia's mother and father with Anastasia and all her siblings around them. "This is my entire immediate family right here. We took this picture years ago. Right beside me is Catherine with her little bonnet and dress. Speaking of Catherine, I'm sure that you remember her from the gala? She's quite the prodigy."

Finally, they came upon a portrait of all the Emperors of Ixania since the dawn of Leto the Great. The little egg shaped circles had miniature heads of the monarchs with their names written underneath. Anastasia's head happened to be right at the very end. "This was made for me as a coronation gift. It shows all of Ixania's monarchs since Leto. I can still remember the coronation banquet."

Anastasia then pointed to what appeared to be a pistol. She picked it up and twirled it around Nicholas' face albeit briefly. "I use this for self-defense. I'm quite the expert markswoman. I've trained for years. My brother, Alexander, is an expert fencer. I have some swords myself but I keep them in storage. I also have my entire wardrobe in this room...from dresses to nightgowns. As well, I have plenty of corsets."

Anastasia smiled. "This diary has never been read by anyone else other than me and I have written entries in it since I was a little girl. As for these portraits, they show events in my childhood and people I knew from those tender years of mine."

Nicholas was eager to learn more about Anastasia's childhood. Childhood was the foundation of a person. You could learn pretty much everything about a person when looking at their childhood. Sure people grow up and mature, but nothing can kill the inner child.

They came to a picture with Anastasia holding an award of some sort while teachers surrounded her along with her beloved parents. Her mother really looked beautiful and it could be said that Anastasia inherited some of her looks. "This is when I graduated from the Imperial Academy with my hands on my award for the best marks in the entire school. There was no favoritism or special treatment there so I worked hard and arduously to be the best. My childhood friends were educated there and my siblings are too."

"I wasn't the best at school. That has to go to my brother, William. He barely ever had to study. It is almost as if it came naturally to him. Me on the other hand, I had to study my butt off. Everything was a challenge, but eventually it came to me. School was tough, but still fun for me."

They found another portrait with Anastasia, around thirteen, cuddled up with her mother under the shade of a great oak tree with both of them in exquisite dresses. "My mother and I spent much time together whenever my father was unable to be around. She often told me that I should strive to be a great leader and that I should listen to the People."

"I can see that you inherited your beauty from your mom. I was beginning to think that you were born with some godly divine beauty. Which would have been very odd." Nicholas joked as he noticed that Anastasia and her mother looked somewhat a like.

Next, there was a portrait of Anastasia's mother and father with Anastasia and all her siblings around them. "This is my entire immediate family right here. We took this picture years ago. Right beside me is Catherine with her little bonnet and dress. Speaking of Catherine, I'm sure that you remember her from the gala? She's quite the prodigy."

"Oh yes. I remember Catherine. She had a little crush on me. Also we played together. If I remember correctly she was very good at violin. Her beauty certainly doesn't fall at all away from the family tree."

Finally, they came upon a portrait of all the Emperors of Ixania since the dawn of Leto the Great. The little egg shaped circles had miniature heads of the monarchs with their names written underneath. Anastasia's head happened to be right at the very end. "This was made for me as a coronation gift. It shows all of Ixania's monarchs since Leto. I can still remember the coronation banquet."

"Hmmm...I wonder who this fine looking lady is. Would you know?" Nicholas pointed to Anastasia's own circle.

Anastasia then pointed to what appeared to be a pistol. She picked it up and twirled it around Nicholas' face albeit briefly. "I use this for self-defense. I'm quite the expert markswoman. I've trained for years. My brother, Alexander, is an expert fencer. I have some swords myself but I keep them in storage. I also have my entire wardrobe in this room...from dresses to nightgowns. As well, I have plenty of corsets."

"Now now...someone could get hurt from that kind of action, Anastasia. You better be carefully." A smirk had grown on Nicholas' face. "You could call me a marksmen, but certainly not an expert. Once again that talent goes to another brother, Rudolf. He was a very good shot, probably a talent he was born with. Oddly he was drawn to weapons at a young age. It probably explains why he is going into the military."

"A corset? I thought they banned those after the Victorian Era."

"I wasn't the best at school. That has to go to my brother, William. He barely ever had to study. It is almost as if it came naturally to him. Me on the other hand, I had to study my butt off. Everything was a challenge, but eventually it came to me. School was tough, but still fun for me."

"I did my best in school and usually got top marks...though I was never really snobbish about it but I was always just proud to know that I always did good with my schoolwork!"

"I can see that you inherited your beauty from your mom. I was beginning to think that you were born with some godly divine beauty. Which would have been very odd." Nicholas joked as he noticed that Anastasia and her mother looked somewhat a like.

Anastasia smiled. "Who says I could not have been born with divine beauty or that my mom was and thus I inherited it? I did see an article that said that I was a ravishingly beautiful woman. I'm sure many agree with it but I'm not a woman who thinks herself superior because of mere beauty."

"Oh yes. I remember Catherine. She had a little crush on me. Also we played together. If I remember correctly she was very good at violin. Her beauty certainly doesn't fall at all away from the family tree."

"A little crush, eh? I'm sure she would love to meet you again and yes, she is very good at the violin and I am sure she would thank you for that compliment toward her looks."

"Hmmm...I wonder who this fine looking lady is. Would you know?" Nicholas pointed to Anastasia's own circle.

Anastasia giggled. "You surely are a charming gentleman, Nicholas."


"Now now...someone could get hurt from that kind of action, Anastasia. You better be carefully." A smirk had grown on Nicholas' face. "You could call me a marksmen, but certainly not an expert. Once again that talent goes to another brother, Rudolf. He was a very good shot, probably a talent he was born with. Oddly he was drawn to weapons at a young age. It probably explains why he is going into the military."

"I've only planned to use this in self-defense should I ever be attacked by rebels or whoever may want to see me dormant in a coffin. When I was young, I learned how to become a markswoman and this weapon was given to me in those days. Fortunately, I have not needed to use it yet. I do remember having an old military uniform from when I visited soldiers in the Ixanian Army...thank goodness, I thought, that none of them had to go out and fight for a damned cause. I only believe in just war and not needless bloodshed."

"A corset? I thought they banned those after the Victorian Era."

"Some of us women, like myself, still wear these corsets. I assume they are not worn in Canadstein?"

"A little crush, eh? I'm sure she would love to meet you again and yes, she is very good at the violin and I am sure she would thank you for that compliment toward her looks."


"Oh...I would love to see her again. If I do not see her while I am here, then tell her hello and that she is welcome anytime in Canadstein. I am sure that you told her of your little trip there?"


"I've only planned to use this in self-defense should I ever be attacked by rebels or whoever may want to see me dormant in a coffin. When I was young, I learned how to become a markswoman and this weapon was given to me in those days. Fortunately, I have not needed to use it yet. I do remember having an old military uniform from when I visited soldiers in the Ixanian Army...thank goodness, I thought, that none of them had to go out and fight for a damned cause. I only believe in just war and not needless bloodshed."

"The Royal Canadstein Army or for that matter any branch of the military has not seen combat in over 100 years. Actually the last time was in 1878. The population just became fed up and wanted neutrality. The king supported this idea, so it was quickly passed through the parliament. To this day we keep our neutrality sacred. We haven't fought one war since and have mostly kept to ourselves. Rudolf is in no real danger. He will probably climb through the ranks and become a General in a peaceful military."


"Some of us women, like myself, still wear these corsets. I assume they are not worn in Canadstein?"


"Well some of the royals still do, but it is mostly out of fashion. When they do wears corsets then it is usually for some royal occasion such as a ball or coronation. Victoria is one of the women that still wear a corset. I often wonder why they wear those monstrosity. The only problem is that I never got the nerve to ask her. Would you care to explain?"

"Oh...I would love to see her again. If I do not see her while I am here, then tell her hello and that she is welcome anytime in Canadstein. I am sure that you told her of your little trip there?"

"Catherine said that she would love to visit Canadstein one day and hopes that she does get to meet you again. She told me about her little violin playing session that she went through with you as well. I'm sure that Catherine will grow up well...and I'll be there to help her whenever she needs me."


"The Royal Canadstein Army or for that matter any branch of the military has not seen combat in over 100 years. Actually the last time was in 1878. The population just became fed up and wanted neutrality. The king supported this idea, so it was quickly passed through the parliament. To this day we keep our neutrality sacred. We haven't fought one war since and have mostly kept to ourselves. Rudolf is in no real danger. He will probably climb through the ranks and become a General in a peaceful military."

"The Ixanian Empire usually keeps to itself so much that we have really not had to see any of our soldiers waging wars to defend the Motherland or its colonies. I'm actuallly happy about that because I do not want to see preventable deaths occuring all around me. I hate needless bloodshed."


"Well some of the royals still do, but it is mostly out of fashion. When they do wears corsets then it is usually for some royal occasion such as a ball or coronation. Victoria is one of the women that still wear a corset. I often wonder why they wear those monstrosity. The only problem is that I never got the nerve to ask her. Would you care to explain?"

"I can't give you a single reason, that is, one standard reason for why women like me wear corsets but I guess it could be personal preference. Only the Ixanian noblewomen and female royalty, I think, really take an interest in such devices...but as long as they don't end up with problems, it's good. Anywho, shall we have lunch? I feel a bit hungry, don't you?"

"I can't give you a single reason, that is, one standard reason for why women like me wear corsets but I guess it could be personal preference. Only the Ixanian noblewomen and female royalty, I think, really take an interest in such devices...but as long as they don't end up with problems, it's good. Anywho, shall we have lunch? I feel a bit hungry, don't you?"

"Lunch? That sounds fantastic right now. Hmmm...I wonder what it could be." Nicholas said with a smirk. "So what is your personal preference for wearing a corset?"

"Lunch? That sounds fantastic right now. Hmmm...I wonder what it could be." Nicholas said with a smirk. "So what is your personal preference for wearing a corset?"

Anastasia smiled as she led Nicholas to the dining room.

"I don't really know what is the reason for my corset-wearing but I can say that I've worn them for a while. As for lunch...it will be merely a hearty feast that will crush our collective hunger!"

When they got to the table, Anastasia and Nicholas were greeted by butlers who told them it would take some time for their lunch to be prepared. Anastasia did not mind this and sent them away kindly before looking at Nicholas. "Nicholas, I think I want to see more of Canadstein one day....a lot more."

Anastasia smiled as she led Nicholas to the dining room.

"I don't really know what is the reason for my corset-wearing but I can say that I've worn them for a while. As for lunch...it will be merely a hearty feast that will crush our collective hunger!"

"I think that my appetite could crush anything. Sometimes I think that it could crush itself or even me." Nicholas chuckled, then followed Anastasia to where ever she was taking them.

When they got to the table, Anastasia and Nicholas were greeted by butlers who told them it would take some time for their lunch to be prepared. Anastasia did not mind this and sent them away kindly before looking at Nicholas. "Nicholas, I think I want to see more of Canadstein one day....a lot more."

Nicholas took his seat and looked at Anastasia. She looked absolutely beautiful. If he could marry this lovely lady, then he would be content for the rest of his life. Right now there was no other woman Nicholas would rather be with in the world than Anastasia. There was just something special about her. Was it her grace and elegance? Perhaps. Her beauty? Maybe. Nicholas could not find fault with this earthly Venus. He was in love. "What do you mean by 'a lot more'? Anastasia, you have only seen a mere glimpse of Canadstein. There is still so much more to see."

"I think that my appetite could crush anything. Sometimes I think that it could crush itself or even me." Nicholas chuckled, then followed Anastasia to where ever she was taking them.

Anastasia smiled. "We shall do all we can to satisfy your appetite."


Nicholas took his seat and looked at Anastasia. She looked absolutely beautiful. If he could marry this lovely lady, then he would be content for the rest of his life. Right now there was no other woman Nicholas would rather be with in the world than Anastasia. There was just something special about her. Was it her grace and elegance? Perhaps. Her beauty? Maybe. Nicholas could not find fault with this earthly Venus. He was in love. "What do you mean by 'a lot more'? Anastasia, you have only seen a mere glimpse of Canadstein. There is still so much more to see."

Anastasia grinned. "That is what I meant, Nicholas. I want to see all of Canadstein. I want to see the entire nation if possible. I want to know everything about it. Also, I believe we should arrange a visit for Catherine to Canadstein. She's been to Alfegos and I am sure she'd love to visit Canadstein."

The butlers began bringing out dishes of authentic Ixanian food and some commonplace staple foods before they resigned themselves to leaving the two royals eat and discuss whatever they had on their minds. Anastasia ate her food with a sense of grace that was a reflection of her childhood etiquette classes. She ate politely, talked politely, and lived politely. She was examining Nicholas and felt he was a charming and handsome man..and admittingly she had feelings for her but she did not know if these feelings were a collective prequel to love. She would have to wait on it. "Catherine is not my only sibling, Nicholas. I have plenty of others and my mother still lives as a celibate widow. Perhaps you could meet them all sometime. Perhaps Rudolf or Victoria could visit Ixania. They'd be welcomed with open arms like I was in Canadstein or as Catherine would be. Besides, you could be her tour guide and merge a visit to Canadstein with a meeting with you. She'd be in bliss."

Anastasia grinned. "That is what I meant, Nicholas. I want to see all of Canadstein. I want to see the entire nation if possible. I want to know everything about it. Also, I believe we should arrange a visit for Catherine to Canadstein. She's been to Alfegos and I am sure she'd love to visit Canadstein."

Nicholas warmly smiled at Anastasia. "But there is so much to see. It would at least take four months to see some of it. You didn't even get to see the French speaking areas, which is mostly farming land. Or the snow topped mountains. However you did get to see a beautiful lake and a majestic forest. Anastasia...you know that the door is always open for you and your family."

The butlers began bringing out dishes of authentic Ixanian food and some commonplace staple foods before they resigned themselves to leaving the two royals eat and discuss whatever they had on their minds. Anastasia ate her food with a sense of grace that was a reflection of her childhood etiquette classes. She ate politely, talked politely, and lived politely. She was examining Nicholas and felt he was a charming and handsome man..and admitting she had feelings for her but she did not know if these feelings were a collective prequel to love. She would have to wait on it. "Catherine is not my only sibling, Nicholas. I have plenty of others and my mother still lives as a celibate widow. Perhaps you could meet them all sometime. Perhaps Rudolf or Victoria could visit Ixania. They'd be welcomed with open arms like I was in Canadstein or as Catherine would be. Besides, you could be her tour guide and merge a visit to Canadstein with a meeting with you. She'd be in bliss."

Nicholas also showed his own superb etiquette from years of classes when he was young. Certainly a King would want his children to look like the best. They were extensions of him after all. He paused for a moment to get a word in between eating. "Oh...I would love to meet your other siblings. As for my brother and sister I am sure that they would love to come here after all I have told them. Plus it would give them a break from their studies."

He looked down at his plate and a grinned formed on his face. Nicholas could see himself being with Anastasia for the rest of his life. The only problem was that he wondered if she felt the same way. If she didn't, then all this emotions had gone to waste. Sure he would still be friends with her, but deep down it would be a little odd being around her and her husband. Nicholas looked back up at her. "If she sets a date, then I will be there for her."

Nicholas warmly smiled at Anastasia. "But there is so much to see. It would at least take four months to see some of it. You didn't even get to see the French speaking areas, which is mostly farming land. Or the snow topped mountains. However you did get to see a beautiful lake and a majestic forest. Anastasia...you know that the door is always open for you and your family."

"Such words from you really make me happy, Nicholas, and I look forward to one day visiting Canadstein and seeing more of it than I did before and I am sure that my dear Catherine would love to visit. Perhaps you could take her to the cabin that I visited?"

Nicholas also showed his own superb etiquette from years of classes when he was young. Certainly a King would want his children to look like the best. They were extensions of him after all. He paused for a moment to get a word in between eating. "Oh...I would love to meet your other siblings. As for my brother and sister I am sure that they would love to come here after all I have told them. Plus it would give them a break from their studies."

"Until I have children, my eldest brother Alexander is the heir to my throne and I am sure that he'd reign well if I end up in a coffin as the childless monarch. He lives with my mother along with my other siblings including Catherine. He's got a good head on his shoulders and I am sure he would be pleased to meet one of my suitors and, regardless of what happens, a man who is a close friend of mine."

He looked down at his plate and a grinned formed on his face. Nicholas could see himself being with Anastasia for the rest of his life. The only problem was that he wondered if she felt the same way. If she didn't, then all this emotions had gone to waste. Sure he would still be friends with her, but deep down it would be a little odd being around her and her husband. Nicholas looked back up at her. "If she sets a date, then I will be there for her."

"You should ask her about it. I believe she is at my mother's palace. Perhaps we can go there so you can see her?"

OOC: Catherine is in Alfegos in another RP but I'm going to use fluid time here.

"Such words from you really make me happy, Nicholas, and I look forward to one day visiting Canadstein and seeing more of it than I did before and I am sure that my dear Catherine would love to visit. Perhaps you could take her to the cabin that I visited?"

"Anytime you want Anastasia."

"Until I have children, my eldest brother Alexander is the heir to my throne and I am sure that he'd reign well if I end up in a coffin as the childless monarch. He lives with my mother along with my other siblings including Catherine. He's got a good head on his shoulders and I am sure he would be pleased to meet one of my suitors and, regardless of what happens, a man who is a close friend of mine."

"Oh...Anastasia do not say that. I am sure that you will find the right man one day and have plenty of children with him. In my opinion he will be the luckiest man in the world. For he would have captured the heart of the most beautiful woman in the world." Nicholas coughed for a second, then started to light blush. "Yes, I remember your brother from the gala. He would make a fine Emperor. Does he have sights on any women, yet?"

"You should ask her about it. I believe she is at my mother's palace. Perhaps we can go there so you can see her?"


"I would love to see her again and perhaps your brother too?"

Anytime you want Anastasia."

"Excellent."

"Oh...Anastasia do not say that. I am sure that you will find the right man one day and have plenty of children with him. In my opinion he will be the luckiest man in the world. For he would have captured the heart of the most beautiful woman in the world." Nicholas coughed for a second, then started to light blush. "Yes, I remember your brother from the gala. He would make a fine Emperor. Does he have sights on any women, yet?"

Anastasia smiled. "I must thank you for your charming compliments and my brother has been known to be liked by plenty of women including a Delkorian princess. He's a ladies' man and I'm sure he'll find himself a good woman to settle down with and I am sure that you will find yourself a woman as well, that is, if we don't end up getting engaged."

Anastasia smiled. "I'm sure that whatever happens, we'll both be happy."

"I would love to see her again and perhaps your brother too?"

"Follow me, I'll take you to Catherine. I don't know if Alexander will be there though and I don't know about my other siblings."

Getting into the limosuine, Anastasia and Nicholas were driven to the magnificient Empress Dowager's Palace which had been given to Anastasia's widowed German mother for her use. It rivaled Anastasia's palace in scope and size. When they got inside, they saw plenty of portraits and sculptures along with some royal trinkets on exquisite desks and tables. Anastasia led Nicholas around until they found a beautiful but aging woman sitting on a chair while looking over some old photos which showed her, at a younger age, in all sorts of activities. "Mother?"

The woman turned around and basked in the sight of her eldest child as she quickly put down the photo album and gave her child a firm but tender embrace. "Anastasia! It's a pleasure to see you.....and I see you've brought one of your suitors?"

Anastasia smiled and proudly spoke: "This is Prince Nicholas of Canadstein and indeed one of the suitors who has come for my hand in marriage. I told him that he could come here and meet Cat."

Anastasia's mother smiled at Nicholas. "I am Empress Dowager Emilie, the mother of Anastasia and I must say that it is a pleasure to meet you. I do hope you two have been having a good time. As for Cat, she is here but the others are with relatives. I'll lead you to her."

Emilie led the two through the halls of her palace which were adorned with even more portraits including some of famous Ixanian heroes and legends including writers and musicians along with the bards of old. They eventually found their way to what appeared to be a door with golden trimming. Violin music could be heard as they came to it and Anastasia knew that it was Catherine practicing her violin. Emilie calmly knocked on the door and the violin playing suddenly stopped before Catherine peeked out. She was wearing a lovely blue and gold dress with puffed up sleeves and a medium length skirt. Her auburn hair was let down and her eyes were immediately fixed on Nicholas. "Nicholas! It's you! It's a pleasure to see you! Are you here to court my sister?! Come in!"

The entire group walked into the bedroom, the personal chambers, of the Princess Catherine or Cat as she was affectionately called and it looked like a mini gallery with all its portraits and posters along with its many trinkets and a bust or two. Catherine's prized violin was on the stand while her music notes were all over her bed; some of them abridged with her own commentary written in beautiful handwriting. "It's a pleasure to see you, Nicholas. I do hope you have had a good time here. Do you want to talk? Is that why you came to see me?"

Catherine put the violin away in its case and sat on her bed while looking at the others with an affectionate smile. "I was just practicing my violin before you arrived. I do remember when I played for you and I do hope to play for you again. My mother can attest to how much I play for her and the rest of my family."

Emilie smiled. "I should be going now. I was looking over some old photos and I think you all should have fun without an aging lady like myself around. Farewell."

As Emilie walked out of the room, Anastasia playfully nudged Nicholas as if to tell him to tell Catherine what they had discussed earlier. Catherine, of course, waited eagerly to hear what they came here with that smile still on her face.

Anastasia smiled. "I must thank you for your charming compliments and my brother has been known to be liked by plenty of women including a Delkorian princess. He's a ladies' man and I'm sure he'll find himself a good woman to settle down with and I am sure that you will find yourself a woman as well, that is, if we don't end up getting engaged."

Anastasia smiled. "I'm sure that whatever happens, we'll both be happy."

"I have always had trouble with women. Of course that was probably very evident during our first meeting. I would always get nervous and stumble over words, especially in front of you. But as you can I have overcome that fear. That doesn't mean I am a ladies' man. That great distinction goes to Rudolf. Honestly I cannot keep track of who his current girlfriend is. He goes through them so fast. I guess he hasn't found the right woman yet." Nicholas looked down, then smiled warmly at Anastasia. "I hope that we are both happy."

"Follow me, I'll take you to Catherine. I don't know if Alexander will be there though and I don't know about my other siblings."

Getting into the limosuine, Anastasia and Nicholas were driven to the magnificient Empress Dowager's Palace which had been given to Anastasia's widowed German mother for her use. It rivaled Anastasia's palace in scope and size. When they got inside, they saw plenty of portraits and sculptures along with some royal trinkets on exquisite desks and tables. Anastasia led Nicholas around until they found a beautiful but aging woman sitting on a chair while looking over some old photos which showed her, at a younger age, in all sorts of activities. "Mother?"

The woman turned around and basked in the sight of her eldest child as she quickly put down the photo album and gave her child a firm but tender embrace. "Anastasia! It's a pleasure to see you.....and I see you've brought one of your suitors?"

Nicholas followed her and was amazed by the sight of the palace. How could they get even bigger? Sure they had palaces this size in Canadstein, but it had been ages since Nicholas had been in one. Most of the time he spent time at the Maylering Hunting Lodge. While Anastasia led him through the palace, his eyes widen as he viewed all the different artifacts. Nicholas soon diverted his attention over to Anastasia's mother. He stood and watched quietly.

Anastasia smiled and proudly spoke: "This is Prince Nicholas of Canadstein and indeed one of the suitors who has come for my hand in marriage. I told him that he could come here and meet Cat."

Anastasia's mother smiled at Nicholas. "I am Empress Dowager Emilie, the mother of Anastasia and I must say that it is a pleasure to meet you. I do hope you two have been having a good time. As for Cat, she is here but the others are with relatives. I'll lead you to her."

"As your wonderful daughter stated I am Prince Nicholas of Canadstein, second in line to the King of Canadstein. Currently I am courting Anastasia and hope to capture her heart." Nicholas looked over at Anastasia. "I have been having a wonderful time here. How can I not when I am around her?"

Emilie led the two through the halls of her palace which were adorned with even more portraits including some of famous Ixanian heroes and legends including writers and musicians along with the bards of old. They eventually found their way to what appeared to be a door with golden trimming. Violin music could be heard as they came to it and Anastasia knew that it was Catherine practicing her violin. Emilie calmly knocked on the door and the violin playing suddenly stopped before Catherine peeked out. She was wearing a lovely blue and gold dress with puffed up sleeves and a medium length skirt. Her auburn hair was let down and her eyes were immediately fixed on Nicholas. "Nicholas! It's you! It's a pleasure to see you! Are you here to court my sister?! Come in!"

Nicholas soon became distracted by all the artifacts. As they came to a halt at a door, Nicholas could hear the beautiful music coming from inside. This had to be Catherine's room. No one else could make such a beauty thing like that. Hearing the violin stop, he quickly became nervous. It had been very too long since he had seen Catherine. She had probably matured very well. Seeing her peak out, Nicholas warmly smiled and waved. "A pleasure to see you too Catherine. Yes, I have come courting your sister."

The entire group walked into the bedroom, the personal chambers, of the Princess Catherine or Cat as she was affectionately called and it looked like a mini gallery with all its portraits and posters along with its many trinkets and a bust or two. Catherine's prized violin was on the stand while her music notes were all over her bed; some of them abridged with her own commentary written in beautiful handwriting. "It's a pleasure to see you, Nicholas. I do hope you have had a good time here. Do you want to talk? Is that why you came to see me?"

"Oh I have had a lovely time here. Your sister has been showing me around Tzargrad. Before that I just wandered the streets and tried to get a feel of the city. It definitely has that old European feel around it." Nicholas looked around Catherine's room, then set his eyes on her. "Yes, I came here for you."

Catherine put the violin away in its case and sat on her bed while looking at the others with an affectionate smile. "I was just practicing my violin before you arrived. I do remember when I played for you and I do hope to play for you again. My mother can attest to how much I play for her and the rest of my family."

"I could hear it. Catherine, you still make beauty with that instrument of yours. You will be glad to hear that I picked up my oboe again. I have gotten better, but not nearly as good as you."

Emilie smiled. "I should be going now. I was looking over some old photos and I think you all should have fun without an aging lady like myself around. Farewell."

Nicholas cleared his throat, then nodded toward Emilie. "Es war ein Vergnügen, Sie Kaiserin zu treffen."

As Emilie walked out of the room, Anastasia playfully nudged Nicholas as if to tell him to tell Catherine what they had discussed earlier. Catherine, of course, waited eagerly to hear what they came here with that smile still on her face.

Nicholas looked at Anastasia with a smile, after she had nudged him. Then he turned back over to Catherine. "I just wanted to tell you that you are welcome anytime in Canadstein. Set a day and I will be there. Of course you will get to see the beautiful countryside and the rest of my family. If you think I am handsome, then you should see my brother Rudolf. I am sure that he would love to meet you."

"I have always had trouble with women. Of course that was probably very evident during our first meeting. I would always get nervous and stumble over words, especially in front of you. But as you can I have overcome that fear. That doesn't mean I am a ladies' man. That great distinction goes to Rudolf. Honestly I cannot keep track of who his current girlfriend is. He goes through them so fast. I guess he hasn't found the right woman yet." Nicholas looked down, then smiled warmly at Anastasia. "I hope that we are both happy."

"Many of us have problems when it comes to the opposite sex but we all find our ways to get around the problems and find the proper solutions to each and every one of them. Rudolf is a ladies' man? I don't remember if I knew that about him. I'm sure that we will both be happy in the years to come, Nicholas."


"As your wonderful daughter stated I am Prince Nicholas of Canadstein, second in line to the King of Canadstein. Currently I am courting Anastasia and hope to capture her heart." Nicholas looked over at Anastasia. "I have been having a wonderful time here. How can I not when I am around her?"

Anastasia giggled while Emilie just ended up smiling. "You sound like a good man but I do hope you will act like one as well. After all, I don't want to end up making a new enemy....I welcome you here, though, to my humble abode."

Nicholas soon became distracted by all the artifacts. As they came to a halt at a door, Nicholas could hear the beautiful music coming from inside. This had to be Catherine's room. No one else could make such a beauty thing like that. Hearing the violin stop, he quickly became nervous. It had been very too long since he had seen Catherine. She had probably matured very well. Seeing her peak out, Nicholas warmly smiled and waved. "A pleasure to see you too Catherine. Yes, I have come courting your sister."

"You have come here courting my sister?! That's great! I do hope that you'll be around if she ends up refusing you. It would make me sad to hear that you wouldn't come around here or keep in touch. To me, Nicholas, you are a friend."

"Oh I have had a lovely time here. Your sister has been showing me around Tzargrad. Before that I just wandered the streets and tried to get a feel of the city. It definitely has that old European feel around it." Nicholas looked around Catherine's room, then set his eyes on her. "Yes, I came here for you."

Catherine smiled. "Tzargrad is a wonderful city filled with everything I could ask for although I do think many other cities and towns have their merits as well. I'm pleased to hear that you have had a wonderful time here and I do hope that ends up being the case in the long term and since you have come here for me....what do you need?"

"I could hear it. Catherine, you still make beauty with that instrument of yours. You will be glad to hear that I picked up my oboe again. I have gotten better, but not nearly as good as you."

"I do hope you'll be able to let me see you play again sometime."

Nicholas cleared his throat, then nodded toward Emilie. "Es war ein Vergnügen, Sie Kaiserin zu treffen."

Emilie smiled. "A German man, eh?"

Nicholas looked at Anastasia with a smile, after she had nudged him. Then he turned back over to Catherine. "I just wanted to tell you that you are welcome anytime in Canadstein. Set a day and I will be there. Of course you will get to see the beautiful countryside and the rest of my family. If you think I am handsome, then you should see my brother Rudolf. I am sure that he would love to meet you."

"I'd love to visit Canadstein! Perhaps after you are finished with my sister, you could take me to Canadstein with you when you return? I would love to see your family and the countryside. I must admit that I find you handsome....and I'd be interested in meeting Rudolf." Catherine said with a smile before leaping off her bed.

"Nicholas, if Anastasia ends up rejecting you, and you leave....make sure you take me with you to Canadstein. I really want to see where my friend lives."

Catherine then began showing Nicholas around her bedroom and pointing out all the trinkets and items as well as the pictures and certificates that hanged on the walls. There was a newspaper article framed on the wall about Catherine performing in front of people at a local music house. The article, albeit written in Ixanian, was easy to understand and Catherine could be seen in the article's picture with a group of musicians around her. It seemed that many people knew about her talents. "One of my goals in life is to be a member of a professional orchestra, Nicholas. I don't think that I'll have to worry about becoming the Empress of Ixania so I resign myself to my dream of being in an orchestra. Perhaps, when I am in one, you'll be able to see me perform, Nicholas. I'll make sure to personally invite you."

Catherine smiled. It was rumored that she had a crush on Nicholas but she interpreted it as being merely a passionate friendship and she denied having a crush on the man coming to court her elder sister but yet she had been a bit obsessed with him. She just thought of him, she said, as a good friend and nothing more than that.

"Nicholas, did you bring your oboe with you? Perhaps my mother and sister could listen to us play?"

"Many of us have problems when it comes to the opposite sex but we all find our ways to get around the problems and find the proper solutions to each and every one of them. Rudolf is a ladies' man? I don't remember if I knew that about him. I'm sure that we will both be happy in the years to come, Nicholas."

"Rudolf is quite the ladies' man. Thankfully you didn't get to see that during your visit. I told him to lay off, but it is certainly a sight to see." Nicholas sighed then looked up the ceiling. "I like to think that I will have a happy life, but I do not know yet. There is still so much time left for me to mess up."

Anastasia giggled while Emilie just ended up smiling. "You sound like a good man but I do hope you will act like one as well. After all, I don't want to end up making a new enemy....I welcome you here, though, to my humble abode."

"I like to view myself as a good man, so maybe I am one. Is that right Anastasia?" Nicholas chuckled.

"You have come here courting my sister?! That's great! I do hope that you'll be around if she ends up refusing you. It would make me sad to hear that you wouldn't come around here or keep in touch. To me, Nicholas, you are a friend."

"I assure you, that even if your sister does refuse me, I will keep in touch. Nothing will keep me from seeing you again Catherine. Hopefully our friendship will be a life long one." Nicholas smiled warmly at Catherine.

"I do hope you'll be able to let me see you play again sometime."

"If you wish it, then it will happen my dear."

Emilie smiled. "A German man, eh?"

"Ja ein deutscher Mann tatsächlich"

"I'd love to visit Canadstein! Perhaps after you are finished with my sister, you could take me to Canadstein with you when you return? I would love to see your family and the countryside. I must admit that I find you handsome....and I'd be interested in meeting Rudolf." Catherine said with a smile before leaping off her bed.

"Nicholas, if Anastasia ends up rejecting you, and you leave....make sure you take me with you to Canadstein. I really want to see where my friend lives."

Catherine then began showing Nicholas around her bedroom and pointing out all the trinkets and items as well as the pictures and certificates that hanged on the walls. There was a newspaper article framed on the wall about Catherine performing in front of people at a local music house. The article, albeit written in Ixanian, was easy to understand and Catherine could be seen in the article's picture with a group of musicians around her. It seemed that many people knew about her talents. "One of my goals in life is to be a member of a professional orchestra, Nicholas. I don't think that I'll have to worry about becoming the Empress of Ixania so I resign myself to my dream of being in an orchestra. Perhaps, when I am in one, you'll be able to see me perform, Nicholas. I'll make sure to personally invite you."

Catherine smiled. It was rumored that she had a crush on Nicholas but she interpreted it as being merely a passionate friendship and she denied having a crush on the man coming to court her elder sister but yet she had been a bit obsessed with him. She just thought of him, she said, as a good friend and nothing more than that.

"Nicholas, did you bring your oboe with you? Perhaps my mother and sister could listen to us play?"

"Ooooo...we have a feisty girl here. So you want to come as soon as possible? Well once I leave you can come along, though I would have to make a few calls to Rudolf and my parents. I am sure that they will approve a lovely princess, such as yourself, visiting Canadstein. My whole family would like to meet you and see you play your violin." Nicholas lightly blushed after Catherine had said he was handsome. "As I said before even if Anastasia refuses me, I will not let our friendship suffer because of it, but let us not think of that right now."

Nicholas followed Catherine as she showed her different trinkets and items. She seemed to be accomplished like her sister. The whole family must be like this. Then he thought back to his own family. William had the brains and all the different academic awards. While Rudolf was certainly the most athletically inclined in the family with all of his sports trophies. Victoria received numerous awards for her piano skills. But that left one person, Nicholas. He had done fairly well in each of those sections, but nothing amazing like his siblings. His one ability was writing. Back in Canadstein he would write for hours and hours. Oddly enough he kept most of the papers to himself, never showing anyone. Nicholas thought that they were no good and that people would agree would his own very flawed assessment. "Catherine there is no way a orchestra could not accept you. That would either be insane or not accept any good talent. You are one of the best violinist I have ever seen. I would call you a prodigy. I would be honored if you invited me to one of your concerts, that is once you join a orchestra.

Nicholas smiled back at Catherine. He thought back to their first meeting. It seemed like that had been ages ago. Then he wondered if Catherine had a boyfriend or had an eye one. She must have surely had one. How could her beauty not capture some young man's heart?

"Sorry, Catherine I was not expecting to play during my trip here. Do you perhaps have one tucked away?"

"Rudolf is quite the ladies' man. Thankfully you didn't get to see that during your visit. I told him to lay off, but it is certainly a sight to see." Nicholas sighed then looked up the ceiling. "I like to think that I will have a happy life, but I do not know yet. There is still so much time left for me to mess up."

"I wonder what would be happening if Rudolf wanted my hand as well. I'd expect a good old hearty competition."


"I like to view myself as a good man, so maybe I am one. Is that right Anastasia?" Nicholas chuckled.

"You are a good man no matter what."

"I assure you, that even if your sister does refuse me, I will keep in touch. Nothing will keep me from seeing you again Catherine. Hopefully our friendship will be a life long one." Nicholas smiled warmly at Catherine.

"That satisfies any doubts in my mind, Nicholas."

"Ooooo...we have a feisty girl here. So you want to come as soon as possible? Well once I leave you can come along, though I would have to make a few calls to Rudolf and my parents. I am sure that they will approve a lovely princess, such as yourself, visiting Canadstein. My whole family would like to meet you and see you play your violin." Nicholas lightly blushed after Catherine had said he was handsome. "As I said before even if Anastasia refuses me, I will not let our friendship suffer because of it, but let us not think of that right now."

"It would be a pleasurable honor, Nicholas, to play my violin for your family and to meet them while visiting the lovely nation of Canadstein. I must say that I am very glad that we'd remain close friends, Nicholas, because I really like you. You're a charming and handsome young man, a gentleman whose company I really enjoy having."

Nicholas followed Catherine as she showed her different trinkets and items. She seemed to be accomplished like her sister. The whole family must be like this. Then he thought back to his own family. William had the brains and all the different academic awards. While Rudolf was certainly the most athletically inclined in the family with all of his sports trophies. Victoria received numerous awards for her piano skills. But that left one person, Nicholas. He had done fairly well in each of those sections, but nothing amazing like his siblings. His one ability was writing. Back in Canadstein he would write for hours and hours. Oddly enough he kept most of the papers to himself, never showing anyone. Nicholas thought that they were no good and that people would agree would his own very flawed assessment. "Catherine there is no way a orchestra could not accept you. That would either be insane or not accept any good talent. You are one of the best violinist I have ever seen. I would call you a prodigy. I would be honored if you invited me to one of your concerts, that is once you join a orchestra.

"I must thank you for your best wishes and compliments, Nicholas, and I do hope that Fortune smiles upon me so that I may indeed get that coveted seat on an orchestra and bring my dream to reality. I will make sure that you are one of the first guests invited personally by me, Nicholas, if I do join an orchestra."

Nicholas smiled back at Catherine. He thought back to their first meeting. It seemed like that had been ages ago. Then he wondered if Catherine had a boyfriend or had an eye one. She must have surely had one. How could her beauty not capture some young man's heart?

OOC: The son of the President of Alfegos has a crush on Catherine, by the way. :D

"Sorry, Catherine I was not expecting to play during my trip here. Do you perhaps have one tucked away?"

"I might have one but I don't know.....but you don't have to play anyway. You are here for Anastasia, not for me."

On Catherine's desk there was her beloved diary along with several notes that were many of Catherine's friends within the Ixanian nobility and relatives within the Imperial bloodline. She was an outgoing young girl albeit shy at times. If Nicholas looked, he could see the beautiful handwriting of the notes and Catherine's exquisite signature that was really regal looking but was typical of members of royalty. Anastasia smiled at Nicholas and told him how Catherine had many friends from the Imperial Academy where she was educated. Some of the letters, she said, may have been from the President of Alfegos' son. Catherine knew that the boy was in love with her but she treated him as a very good friend if not a lover. As Catherine finished with sorting out the letters on her desk, she turned back to Nicholas and smiled. "Are you going to be staying for dinner tonight, Nicholas? I really think you should."

Anastasia smiled. "I have plans for us tonight but I would not mind if Nicholas wanted to have dinner here with Catherine and my mother."

"I wonder what would be happening if Rudolf wanted my hand as well. I'd expect a good old hearty competition."

"I am sure that Rudolf would not interfere in my relationships. If he did then he might result in some fight, which both of us would never hope to happen."

"It would be a pleasurable honor, Nicholas, to play my violin for your family and to meet them while visiting the lovely nation of Canadstein. I must say that I am very glad that we'd remain close friends, Nicholas, because I really like you. You're a charming and handsome young man, a gentleman whose company I really enjoy having."

"And I like you too Catherine. There is no hesitation to state that you are a fascinating and beautiful young woman, a lady who it is a pleasure being around. If I was a very years younger, than I might be here visiting you instead of your sister. But that is not the case. So I must stay devoted to my real quest." Nicholas walked over to Catherine and kissed her cheek. Then he whispered into her ear. "I am sure that you understand?"

"I must thank you for your best wishes and compliments, Nicholas, and I do hope that Fortune smiles upon me so that I may indeed get that coveted seat on an orchestra and bring my dream to reality. I will make sure that you are one of the first guests invited personally by me, Nicholas, if I do join an orchestra."

"There is no doubt in my mind that you will not get your seat. How could you not? Catherine, just know that you are the best violinist I have ever see. If they do not take you, then they are no orchestra."

"I might have one but I don't know.....but you don't have to play anyway. You are here for Anastasia, not for me."

On Catherine's desk there was her beloved diary along with several notes that were many of Catherine's friends within the Ixanian nobility and relatives within the Imperial bloodline. She was an outgoing young girl albeit shy at times. If Nicholas looked, he could see the beautiful handwriting of the notes and Catherine's exquisite signature that was really regal looking but was typical of members of royalty. Anastasia smiled at Nicholas and told him how Catherine had many friends from the Imperial Academy where she was educated. Some of the letters, she said, may have been from the President of Alfegos' son. Catherine knew that the boy was in love with her but she treated him as a very good friend if not a lover. As Catherine finished with sorting out the letters on her desk, she turned back to Nicholas and smiled. "Are you going to be staying for dinner tonight, Nicholas? I really think you should."

Anastasia smiled. "I have plans for us tonight but I would not mind if Nicholas wanted to have dinner here with Catherine and my mother."

"Well if you found, then count me in. That is if it is okay with Anastasia." Nicholas turned back to Anastasia and grinned.

Nicholas looked over to Catherine's desk as Anastasia told him about Catherine's friends. He tried not to look too much in case if Catherine had something private in view. Quickly he noticed that she had beautiful penmanship along with an elegant signature. Something in particular caught his eyes. It looked like notes from a boy. Perhaps love notes to Catherine? Nicholas didn't recognize the signature, but hoped that the boy treated Catherine well. Catherine deserved to be with a proper gentlemen. Nicholas thought for a moment. He wondered what would happened when he introduced Rudolf to her. Rudolf shared many of the same qualities as Nicholas, but much more of a ladies' man and was around Catherine's age. His brother would probably sweep Catherine off her feet. Perhaps...Rudolf could have a steady girlfriend? Nicholas brushed the idea out of his mind. It was only a guess. Once the two met, then he could make a good assessment.

Nicholas turned toward Anastasia. "Whatever you want Anastasia, though a dinner with Catherine and your mother would be excellent."

"I am sure that Rudolf would not interfere in my relationships. If he did then he might result in some fight, which both of us would never hope to happen."

"I would not want that to happen. He is your older brother, right? By how much if so?"


"And I like you too Catherine. There is no hesitation to state that you are a fascinating and beautiful young woman, a lady who it is a pleasure being around. If I was a very years younger, than I might be here visiting you instead of your sister. But that is not the case. So I must stay devoted to my real quest." Nicholas walked over to Catherine and kissed her cheek. Then he whispered into her ear. "I am sure that you understand?"

Catherine smiled and was about to reply before she felt Nicholas' kiss on her cheek and heard the words that came out of his mouth. She did certainly understand he was here to court Anastasia and she did not want to take him away from her beloved older sister. "I do understand, Nicholas, and I don't want to take you from Anastasia. You are here primarily to court her so I won't try to take you away from that."

"There is no doubt in my mind that you will not get your seat. How could you not? Catherine, just know that you are the best violinist I have ever see. If they do not take you, then they are no orchestra."

"Such a lovely compliment really makes me glad. Thank you."

"Well if you found, then count me in. That is if it is okay with Anastasia." Nicholas turned back to Anastasia and grinned.

"It's fully okay with me."

Nicholas looked over to Catherine's desk as Anastasia told him about Catherine's friends. He tried not to look too much in case if Catherine had something private in view. Quickly he noticed that she had beautiful penmanship along with an elegant signature. Something in particular caught his eyes. It looked like notes from a boy. Perhaps love notes to Catherine? Nicholas didn't recognize the signature, but hoped that the boy treated Catherine well. Catherine deserved to be with a proper gentlemen. Nicholas thought for a moment. He wondered what would happened when he introduced Rudolf to her. Rudolf shared many of the same qualities as Nicholas, but much more of a ladies' man and was around Catherine's age. His brother would probably sweep Catherine off her feet. Perhaps...Rudolf could have a steady girlfriend? Nicholas brushed the idea out of his mind. It was only a guess. Once the two met, then he could make a good assessment.

OOC: How old is Rudolf? He could meet Catherine during her visit to Canadstein and take an interest in her. Also, she is single because she doesn't reciprocate the love for the President of Alfegos' son at the moment.

Nicholas turned toward Anastasia. "Whatever you want Anastasia, though a dinner with Catherine and your mother would be excellent."

OOC: I hope you don't mind me fast forwarding.

Dinner at the Empress Dowager's palace was your typical royal dinner with all sorts of fine wine and delicious food on the table just waiting for someone to partake in them. Anastasia was sitting at the table while waiting for the others to take their seats while the Empress Dowager was talking to Nicholas about his family's German roots. Catherine was up in her room finding a good dress to wear for the dinner since she wanted to look decent. Eventually she settled on a green and gold dress that complimented her developing slender frame and after some hair-brushing and final touches, Catherine came to the dining room with a smile on her face and her eyes on the others. She really looked gorgeous tonight but then again so did Anastasia and the Empress Dowager and Anastasia's lovely dress which accented and supported her bodily features really should have made Nicholas go head over heels for the dread sovereign lady of Ixanians. As the food was being served, Catherine took a seat next to Nicholas as she wanted to learn more about the plans to take her to Canadstein. "I want to go with you to Canadstein as soon as you are about to leave, Nicholas. I've visited Alfegos, which was truly a blast, and now I get to visit another nation which I am sure will be a blast as well!"

Anastasia and the Empress Dowager both smiled in unison as Catherine was talking to Nicholas about how she really looked forward to visiting Canadstein and how she hoped to see new places and meet new people. "I want to see as much of Canadstein as possible and meet as many people as I can during my visit. I'll make sure to pack after dinner so I do not have to pack later, Nicholas. I really think you should contact your folks back home after dinner so they know about me visiting."

Anastasia nodded her head in agreement before she began to speak. "I am sure that your family, Nicholas, would be able to accomodate Catherine and welcome her with open arms. My sister should have a great time there."

The Empress Dowager chipped in. "I'm sure she'll be on her best behaviour too. We would not want to have any problems."

Catherine smiled. "I won't be bad, Mother, I won't!"

"I would not want that to happen. He is your older brother, right? By how much if so?"

"Oh no...I think you have gotten my brothers mixed up. William is my older brother and he is three years older than me. While Rudolf is only seventeen making him the younger brother." Nicholas politely corrected Anastasia.

Catherine smiled and was about to reply before she felt Nicholas' kiss on her cheek and heard the words that came out of his mouth. She did certainly understand he was here to court Anastasia and she did not want to take him away from her beloved older sister. "I do understand, Nicholas, and I don't want to take you from Anastasia. You are here primarily to court her so I won't try to take you away from that."

"I just wanted to clarify things, so there will be no misunderstandings. I don't want you to get the wrong ideas and our friendship to suffer because of it. Frankly I am glad that you understand." Nicholas gave her one small peck on the cheek, before returning to Anastasia's side.

"It's fully okay with me."

"Catherine if you fine an oboe then I will be more than willing."

Dinner at the Empress Dowager's palace was your typical royal dinner with all sorts of fine wine and delicious food on the table just waiting for someone to partake in them. Anastasia was sitting at the table while waiting for the others to take their seats while the Empress Dowager was talking to Nicholas about his family's German roots. Catherine was up in her room finding a good dress to wear for the dinner since she wanted to look decent. Eventually she settled on a green and gold dress that complimented her developing slender frame and after some hair-brushing and final touches, Catherine came to the dining room with a smile on her face and her eyes on the others. She really looked gorgeous tonight but then again so did Anastasia and the Empress Dowager and Anastasia's lovely dress which accented and supported her bodily features really should have made Nicholas go head over heels for the dread sovereign lady of Ixanians. As the food was being served, Catherine took a seat next to Nicholas as she wanted to learn more about the plans to take her to Canadstein. "I want to go with you to Canadstein as soon as you are about to leave, Nicholas. I've visited Alfegos, which was truly a blast, and now I get to visit another nation which I am sure will be a blast as well!"

Anastasia and the Empress Dowager both smiled in unison as Catherine was talking to Nicholas about how she really looked forward to visiting Canadstein and how she hoped to see new places and meet new people. "I want to see as much of Canadstein as possible and meet as many people as I can during my visit. I'll make sure to pack after dinner so I do not have to pack later, Nicholas. I really think you should contact your folks back home after dinner so they know about me visiting."

Anastasia nodded her head in agreement before she began to speak. "I am sure that your family, Nicholas, would be able to accomodate Catherine and welcome her with open arms. My sister should have a great time there."

The Empress Dowager chipped in. "I'm sure she'll be on her best behaviour too. We would not want to have any problems."

Catherine smiled. "I won't be bad, Mother, I won't!"

Nicholas expected nothing but the best to be served at dinner and was not let down. Sitting down, he thoroughly explained his German ancestors with Empress Dowager. Some of it was the same information that he had told Anastasia, but some of it was new. It was a good way to past the time as they waited for Catherine. At first he had wondered where she had gone, but soon suspected that she was changing. She probably wanted to wear something to impress Nicholas, since his visit had been unexpected. When she arrived at the dining room, Nicholas held his breath. She look simply enchanting with that dress on. He looked around for a moment and sighed. There was no other place he would have rather been then here. Just look at it. He was surrounded by three beautiful ladies about to eat a delicious looking meal. "Eager aren't we Catherine?"

Nicholas noticed the smile coming from both of Anastasia and Empress. This made me chuckle. Catherine seemed to be very excited by her trip to Canadstein. Hopefully it wouldn't be a let down. "Catherine I will try to make sure that you see as much of Canadstein and many people while you are there. Hopefully you know some French because most of the countryside is French speaking. If not, then I am sure that I can teach you some. The first chance I can get my hands on a phone I will be calling home and telling my parents the soon arrival of Princess Catherine."

Nicholas turned toward Anastasia. "My family will be more than welcome to accommodate Catherine. They are always open to meeting new people."

He chuckled at the Empress Dowager's remark. "Catherine getting into mischief? Now that would be a sight to see."

OOC: How old is Rudolf? He could meet Catherine during her visit to Canadstein and take an interest in her. Also, she is single because she doesn't reciprocate the love for the President of Alfegos' son at the moment.

Rudolf is seventeen. Yeah that is what I was thinking. How old is Catherine?

"Oh no...I think you have gotten my brothers mixed up. William is my older brother and he is three years older than me. While Rudolf is only seventeen making him the younger brother." Nicholas politely corrected Anastasia.

"I have plenty of siblings and Catherine is one of them. I'm getting into my twenties soon and Catherine is at the age of fourteen although she should be advancing soon to a new age."


"I just wanted to clarify things, so there will be no misunderstandings. I don't want you to get the wrong ideas and our friendship to suffer because of it. Frankly I am glad that you understand." Nicholas gave her one small peck on the cheek, before returning to Anastasia's side.

Catherine smiled. "I will never try to cause any problems for you, Nicholas."



"Catherine if you fine an oboe then I will be more than willing."

"If I do, expect an immediate notification."

Nicholas expected nothing but the best to be served at dinner and was not let down. Sitting down, he thoroughly explained his German ancestors with Empress Dowager. Some of it was the same information that he had told Anastasia, but some of it was new. It was a good way to past the time as they waited for Catherine. At first he had wondered where she had gone, but soon suspected that she was changing. She probably wanted to wear something to impress Nicholas, since his visit had been unexpected. When she arrived at the dining room, Nicholas held his breath. She look simply enchanting with that dress on. He looked around for a moment and sighed. There was no other place he would have rather been then here. Just look at it. He was surrounded by three beautiful ladies about to eat a delicious looking meal. "Eager aren't we Catherine?"

"Aye. I'm quite eager to be dining since I do feel quite hungry. I'm sure that the chefs have made us an excellent meal as they usually do and I do hope, Nicholas, that you enjoy it."

Nicholas noticed the smile coming from both of Anastasia and Empress. This made me chuckle. Catherine seemed to be very excited by her trip to Canadstein. Hopefully it wouldn't be a let down. "Catherine I will try to make sure that you see as much of Canadstein and many people while you are there. Hopefully you know some French because most of the countryside is French speaking. If not, then I am sure that I can teach you some. The first chance I can get my hands on a phone I will be calling home and telling my parents the soon arrival of Princess Catherine."

"I believe that I may know some French from my lessons but I'm always willing to refresh my memory and that's where you would come in to help me out. I will get you a phone immediately after dinner so you don't need to worry about forgetting to call them or anything like that. I really am eager and looking forward to visiting Canadstein and I must thank you in advance."

Nicholas turned toward Anastasia. "My family will be more than welcome to accommodate Catherine. They are always open to meeting new people."

"That's great to hear!"

He chuckled at the Empress Dowager's remark. "Catherine getting into mischief? Now that would be a sight to see."

The Empress Dowager smiled. "I'm sure she won't.....she's a good child overall."



Rudolf is seventeen. Yeah that is what I was thinking. How old is Catherine?

OOC: Catherine is fourteen at the moment. That's the age I've left her at for a while now.

"Aye. I'm quite eager to be dining since I do feel quite hungry. I'm sure that the chefs have made us an excellent meal as they usually do and I do hope, Nicholas, that you enjoy it."

"No, silly I meant coming to Canadstein. You have already packed and I haven't even notified my parents of your arrival. Do you really want to leave that badly?" Nicholas asked.

"I believe that I may know some French from my lessons but I'm always willing to refresh my memory and that's where you would come in to help me out. I will get you a phone immediately after dinner so you don't need to worry about forgetting to call them or anything like that. I really am eager and looking forward to visiting Canadstein and I must thank you in advance."

"Nous devrons traitons votre français alors." Nicholas responded in perfect French. "O sorry I mean we are going to have to work on your French then. But do not be fear if you mess up. I am sure that the French speakers will understand. In Canadstein not many people speak German or French. It is dying, but life continues. No need to thank me Catherine. Once I get a hold of that phone, then I will be making that call."

The Empress Dowager smiled. "I'm sure she won't.....she's a good child overall."

"She can get into some mischief if she wants to. As long as it is only playful mischief."

"No, silly I meant coming to Canadstein. You have already packed and I haven't even notified my parents of your arrival. Do you really want to leave that badly?" Nicholas asked.

"Visiting foreign nations really appeals to me. After you are finished here, you can get one of the phones and call them. I'm just very eager to go."

"Nous devrons traitons votre français alors." Nicholas responded in perfect French. "O sorry I mean we are going to have to work on your French then. But do not be fear if you mess up. I am sure that the French speakers will understand. In Canadstein not many people speak German or French. It is dying, but life continues. No need to thank me Catherine. Once I get a hold of that phone, then I will be making that call."

"I am sure that you would always be there to help me and, if not, that I will have someone to help me deal with the barriers caused by language problems. I do hope, though, that I will not have too many problems so I can fully enjoy Canadstein."

"She can get into some mischief if she wants to. As long as it is only playful mischief."

"It's not like I will bring down a national monument or sabotage a factory, Nicholas. I'm not going to break away from the group and wander around a city and get lost. I shall behave! Anastasia and my mother are witnesses to my declaration."

After dessert, Catherine cleaned up and smiled at Nicholas; expecting him to walk with her to find a phone while Anastasia spoke to Nicholas. "Once you are finished with Catherine, we'll be going out to enjoy the nightlife of Tzargrad which I do hope you will find to your liking."

"I am sure that you would always be there to help me and, if not, that I will have someone to help me deal with the barriers caused by language problems. I do hope, though, that I will not have too many problems so I can fully enjoy Canadstein."

"Oh...they also speak English, but prefer their native language. A language barrier out in the country will not be much of a problem. But I assure you that I will always be by your side."

It's not like I will bring down a national monument or sabotage a factory, Nicholas. I'm not going to break away from the group and wander around a city and get lost. I shall behave! Anastasia and my mother are witnesses to my declaration."

"How do I know that they are not in on your plan? For all I know, Catherine, you could be an international theft. Maybe playing me to get the valuables. I will have to make sure either my brother or myself always has an eye on you. Just to make sure." Nicholas teased.

After dessert, Catherine cleaned up and smiled at Nicholas; expecting him to walk with her to find a phone while Anastasia spoke to Nicholas. "Once you are finished with Catherine, we'll be going out to enjoy the nightlife of Tzargrad which I do hope you will find to your liking."

"Hmmmm...you have something else planned. I like mysteries, Anastasia." Nicholas excused himself from the table and followed Catherine to where ever the phone was located.

"Oh...they also speak English, but prefer their native language. A language barrier out in the country will not be much of a problem. But I assure you that I will always be by your side."

"That really makes me not have to worry about such things. Thank you very much, Nicholas."

"How do I know that they are not in on your plan? For all I know, Catherine, you could be an international theft. Maybe playing me to get the valuables. I will have to make sure either my brother or myself always has an eye on you. Just to make sure." Nicholas teased.

Catherine giggled. "Aye. You'd never think the innocent girl with dreams of being a professional violinist could actually be a mysterious thief who hopes to take some of your family's possessions."

"Hmmmm...you have something else planned. I like mysteries, Anastasia." Nicholas excused himself from the table and followed Catherine to where ever the phone was located.

Anastasia smiled before Catherine handed him a phone they found. "Here's a phone, Nicholas. You make the call and I'll overhear it to make sure everything goes smoothly."

Anastasia smiled before Catherine handed him a phone they found. "Here's a phone, Nicholas. You make the call and I'll overhear it to make sure everything goes smoothly."

The call only lasted a few minutes with a few interspersed words of Catherine, visiting, yes, and soon. A smile appeared on Nicholas' face as he put the phone down. "Well everything is set. Once I leave I guess I have a visitor coming with me. I just hope that Anastasia isn't jealous."

The call only lasted a few minutes with a few interspersed words of Catherine, visiting, yes, and soon. A smile appeared on Nicholas' face as he put the phone down. "Well everything is set. Once I leave I guess I have a visitor coming with me. I just hope that Anastasia isn't jealous."

Catherine was ecstatic as she tightly embraced Nicholas and screamed in delight about how happy she was to be able to visit Canadstein and how she could not wait to see the nation. Suddenly, Nicholas could hear the sly voice of a familiar woman.

"I won't be jealous, Nicholas....you won't see me trying to track you two down." Anastasia said with a grin.

Catherine was ecstatic as she tightly embraced Nicholas and screamed in delight about how happy she was to be able to visit Canadstein and how she could not wait to see the nation. Suddenly, Nicholas could hear the sly voice of a familiar woman.

"I won't be jealous, Nicholas....you won't see me trying to track you two down." Anastasia said with a grin.

Nicholas grinned as he looked down at Catherine. It was like seeing a kid on Christmas Day. Quickly he became rigid, when he heard Anastasia's voice. Once Catherine let him go Nicholas turned around to face her.

"Oh...isn't that sweet Catherine? She thinks that she might be holding us down." Nicholas chuckled. "Ready to go my dear?"

Nicholas grinned as he looked down at Catherine. It was like seeing a kid on Christmas Day. Quickly he became rigid, when he heard Anastasia's voice. Once Catherine let him go Nicholas turned around to face her.

"Oh...isn't that sweet Catherine? She thinks that she might be holding us down." Nicholas chuckled. "Ready to go my dear?"

Catherine giggled before wishing Nicholas and Anastasia well as she walked away from them so they could be alone. Sure, she liked it very much that Nicholas was here, but she did not really want him to be distracted from his mission of courting her sister which she did not mind accepting only as long as he treated her well.

Anastasia led Nicholas to the limosuine waiting for them outside and the chauffer immediately began driving into a city lit up by bright and dazzling lights while people were all over the place. As the chauffer drove, Anastasia smiled at Nicholas. "We will be going to a ballet house, Nicholas, as our first stop in the nightlife of Tzargrad. I am sure that you will have a good time there."

Anastasia led Nicholas to the limosuine waiting for them outside and the chauffer immediately began driving into a city lit up by bright and dazzling lights while people were all over the place. As the chauffer drove, Anastasia smiled at Nicholas. "We will be going to a ballet house, Nicholas, as our first stop in the nightlife of Tzargrad. I am sure that you will have a good time there."

Nicholas followed Anastasia to the limousine. He wondered where exactly she meant by "nightlife". That was a very broad selection. Nicholas had no clue what Anastasia had plan. Whatever it was it would probably be something good. He trusted Anastasia to know that should would make a good decision. "A ballet house? What are we going to do there?"

Nicholas followed Anastasia to the limousine. He wondered where exactly she meant by "nightlife". That was a very broad selection. Nicholas had no clue what Anastasia had plan. Whatever it was it would probably be something good. He trusted Anastasia to know that should would make a good decision. "A ballet house? What are we going to do there?"

Anastasia giggled. "Did you seriously ask that?! We're going to watch some performances, you silly prince! It's not like we'd go on the stage ourselves and perform in front of the masses."

The limosuine finally ended up at the ballet house amidst the long line of limosuines and when the Empress got out of the limosuine with Nicholas, they could see many guests of all shapes and sizes around them and many of them bowed when they looked upon the Empress in deep respect for her and her station. It did not make her feel superior to the aristocrats or anything like that since she was accustomed since childbirth to have people bow and take off their hats whenever she was seen. It was one of the lifelong rituals all royalty experienced, that is, the ritual of recieving such treatment from the subjects they or their relatives ruled over.

The ballet house was one of many in the city and looked quite marvelous to look at although it really looked simplistic. A young woman handed out programs to people and she curtseyed to the Empress before she handed her and her apparent date a program. People were surprised to see her with Nicholas. Was he her date? Was she going to be marrying soon? Would they soon see her give birth to the heir of the throne? Anastasia took her seat with Nicholas at the Imperial Box and smiled. "We have some time to talk....anything you want to ask?"

Anastasia giggled. "Did you seriously ask that?! We're going to watch some performances, you silly prince! It's not like we'd go on the stage ourselves and perform in front of the masses."

"Who knows? That would have been a good surprise? Am I right?" Nicholas shook his head with a grin.

The limosuine finally ended up at the ballet house amidst the long line of limousines and when the Empress got out of the limousine with Nicholas, they could see many guests of all shapes and sizes around them and many of them bowed when they looked upon the Empress in deep respect for her and her station. It did not make her feel superior to the aristocrats or anything like that since she was accustomed since childbirth to have people bow and take off their hats whenever she was seen. It was one of the lifelong rituals all royalty experienced, that is, the ritual of receiving such treatment from the subjects they or their relatives ruled over.

Nicholas took a deep breath, then got out. This was the first time Anastasia was going to be seen with him in public. He watched as people bowed or took off their hats at Anastasia. Never before had he seen Anastasia in this light. Sure he had seen her at the gala, but nothing like this. Certainly none of this was done when she visited Canadstein. Nicholas shook his head and gathered himself. He had seen this kind of courtesy before. His father had gotten it all the time. Of course Nicholas got it occasionally, but it was usually with his father.

The ballet house was one of many in the city and looked quite marvelous to look at although it really looked simplistic. A young woman handed out programs to people and she curtseyed to the Empress before she handed her and her apparent date a program. People were surprised to see her with Nicholas. Was he her date? Was she going to be marrying soon? Would they soon see her give birth to the heir of the throne? Anastasia took her seat with Nicholas at the Imperial Box and smiled. "We have some time to talk....anything you want to ask?"

Nicholas followed inside with an uneasy smile. He could tell that he was being judged. People were probably wondering who this young lad was with their Empress? They had certainly never seen Nicholas before, so he was completely mysterious. Inside he felt extremely nervous. He didn't want to make a bad first impression and somehow make Anastasia look bad. That was the last thing he wanted. Nicholas kept his exterior cool and relaxed. Once entering the Imperial Box he let out a deep exhale. "How do you feel about me?"

"Who knows? That would have been a good surprise? Am I right?" Nicholas shook his head with a grin.

Anastasia giggled. "Indeed it would have been!"

Nicholas followed inside with an uneasy smile. He could tell that he was being judged. People were probably wondering who this young lad was with their Empress? They had certainly never seen Nicholas before, so he was completely mysterious. Inside he felt extremely nervous. He didn't want to make a bad first impression and somehow make Anastasia look bad. That was the last thing he wanted. Nicholas kept his exterior cool and relaxed. Once entering the Imperial Box he let out a deep exhale. "How do you feel about me?"

"I think that you are a handsome, charming and courteous man who has treated me and my family entirely well with equal measure and that you have proven yourself to be a good guest in my company and I do hope that we can remain good friends if not future newlyweds."

"I think that you are a handsome, charming and courteous man who has treated me and my family entirely well with equal measure and that you have proven yourself to be a good guest in my company and I do hope that we can remain good friends if not future newlyweds."

Nicholas sighed. He should have expected that answer. "Do you trust me?"

Nicholas sighed. He should have expected that answer. "Do you trust me?"

"I trust you, Nicholas, and I see no reason why I should not. I will be seeing the next suitor tomorrow, by the way, but you can stay in Ixania still."

"Well your sister seems to be pretty eager to leave, so I think I will leave come tomorrow." Nicholas admitted. "Just tell your sister to be ready in the morning. I will be there to pick her up."

"Well your sister seems to be pretty eager to leave, so I think I will leave come tomorrow." Nicholas admitted. "Just tell your sister to be ready in the morning. I will be there to pick her up."

"You will leave tomorrow? That is alright with me and I must say that I've had a good time with you. Just make sure that my sister is safe and sound, will you? I trust you with her well being, Nicholas."

Anastasia smiled at him moments before the ballet show began. She would occassionally look at Nicholas to see how receptive he was to it and she hoped that he would not have any problems.

OOC: I'd post more but I've got to go to bed. In your next post, you can say how he likes the show, etc.

"I promise to keep your sister safe, but also promise to let her have fun too. I don't want to be too overprotective and let her see nothing or talk to any new people. Then the whole trip would be a waste." responded Nicholas with a warm smile. He made a mental note to pick up Catherine tomorrow.

As the ballet began, Nicholas became quiet and watched. When Anastasia looked over his eyes were locked on the stage. He seemed to be enjoying, but that wasn't really saying that much. No emotions were really being shown. That meant Anastasia couldn't honestly tell if he was enjoying it or hating it. She would just have to wait until the show ended. Once the show was over, Nicholas looked over at Anastasia. He yawned and stretched while in his chair. "Very good. I have seen numerous ballet shows, but this one has successfully kept me awake. To be honest Anastasia ballet shows would definitely not be on my top ten things to do. But it is fine because you wanted to go."

"I promise to keep your sister safe, but also promise to let her have fun too. I don't want to be too overprotective and let her see nothing or talk to any new people. Then the whole trip would be a waste." responded Nicholas with a warm smile. He made a mental note to pick up Catherine tomorrow.

"That is a good attitude, Nicholas. I'm sure you'll make her have an excellent trip which she'll always love to remember in the years to come." Anastasia said with a smile.

As the ballet began, Nicholas became quiet and watched. When Anastasia looked over his eyes were locked on the stage. He seemed to be enjoying, but that wasn't really saying that much. No emotions were really being shown. That meant Anastasia couldn't honestly tell if he was enjoying it or hating it. She would just have to wait until the show ended. Once the show was over, Nicholas looked over at Anastasia. He yawned and stretched while in his chair. "Very good. I have seen numerous ballet shows, but this one has successfully kept me awake. To be honest Anastasia ballet shows would definitely not be on my top ten things to do. But it is fine because you wanted to go."

Anastasia smiled. "I was once a ballerina myself, you know; I had been enrolled in classes at the behest of the family and I was cited as one of the best but nowadays I don't do much ballet-related things except for when I go out on royal engagements to ballet schools. There were plenty of things that I did during my childhood."

Once the show ended and everyone began to move out for the night, Anastasia and Nicholas recieved plenty more bows and curtseys as they all exited the building and Anastasia seemed to not mind the attention since she had been used to it for many years. The limosuine took them again as occupants and the chauffer was ordered, by Anastasia, to drive to the next site of interest which was later revealed to be a drive around Tzargrad to see the nightlife. "I thought a night drive would be nice, Nicholas. After this, we'll be heading off to the aquatic center for a night swim. I thought that it would be nice not only to soak up the suds but to get some exercise since aquatic activites help get the blood going through one's system. Hopefully you've brought your swimsuit although I am sure we can get you one if not."

"Victoria was a ballerina when she was younger. Of course I would watch her for hours on end. She was amazing, though that was a long time ago. Victoria has since pursued her interests elsewhere. That doesn't mean she hasn't given up ballet all together. Time to time she does it." Nicholas thought back to those days. Soon enough he returned back to reality. "Fencing was my hobby. I wasn't the best, but certainly not the worse. Rudolf was by far better. I just devote so much time to it. I would compete in competitions. Usually I would just get 4th or 5th place. Nothing too fancy. But that was all along time ago."

Nicholas was used to the bows and all the formal things. The only thing different was that he was with a non-family member. He was with a woman, whose heart he was trying to entice. To him it was just a tad bit odd. Nicholas followed Anastasia to the limosuine and wondered where they going next. Hopefully not an opera. If so, then he just might go mad. Once swimming was revealed, Nicholas let out a sigh of relief. "We should be lucky that it is more than an hour after we have last eaten. If not then we might run into a problem. Swimming sounds excellent, but sadly I have not brought a swimming suit. So I must use borrow one."

"Victoria was a ballerina when she was younger. Of course I would watch her for hours on end. She was amazing, though that was a long time ago. Victoria has since pursued her interests elsewhere. That doesn't mean she hasn't given up ballet all together. Time to time she does it." Nicholas thought back to those days. Soon enough he returned back to reality. "Fencing was my hobby. I wasn't the best, but certainly not the worse. Rudolf was by far better. I just devote so much time to it. I would compete in competitions. Usually I would just get 4th or 5th place. Nothing too fancy. But that was all along time ago."

"I did a lot of work with ballet, gymnastics and equestrian sports when I was younger and I still try to keep up with my love of horse riding, for example, while balancing it with political work that I have to do, since I am the Empress and all, but I'm usually able to do it. My brother, Alexander, is a master of fencing who always wins trophies and awards. Everyone knows that I am quite the astronomer since I love to study the stars and the planets. Astronomy is one of my pursuits in my life; one of my favorite hobbies."

Anastasia smiled. "Perhaps you could talk to Alexander about fencing; I'm sure you two could do good against each other; I foresee him being a professional fencer like Catherine wants to be a professional violinist."

Nicholas was used to the bows and all the formal things. The only thing different was that he was with a non-family member. He was with a woman, whose heart he was trying to entice. To him it was just a tad bit odd. Nicholas followed Anastasia to the limosuine and wondered where they going next. Hopefully not an opera. If so, then he just might go mad. Once swimming was revealed, Nicholas let out a sigh of relief. "We should be lucky that it is more than an hour after we have last eaten. If not then we might run into a problem. Swimming sounds excellent, but sadly I have not brought a swimming suit. So I must use borrow one."

"If that is the case then perhaps we can substitute it for a drive around the city? There is much to see, my dear Nicholas, and hopefully you'll be able to see as much as is possible tonight. We'll stop over at some historical landmarks such as the Imperial Crypt and one of the many cultural hotspots. Don't worry, Nicholas, we'll have a good time...but if you want to return to the Palace then just say so."

"Oh no going to the pool is fine. Unless you wanted to do something, else?" asked Nicholas, as he looked over at Anastasia.

"Oh no going to the pool is fine. Unless you wanted to do something, else?" asked Nicholas, as he looked over at Anastasia.

"Did you bring a swimsuit with you? We could go back to the Palace and get it for you so that we can go to the pool....would you want to do that?"

"Wait...I thought you said you could get me one. I don't think I brought one." replied Nicholas.

"Wait...I thought you said you could get me one. I don't think I brought one." replied Nicholas.

"Sorry for that, Nicholas."

Anastasia told the chauffer to find an open clothing store which took quite a while to find since the streets were quite busy and luckily they were able to get inside with the store clerk patiently awaiting her royal customers to order some items. Anastasia already had her own swimsuit since she brought it with her with the intention of using it tonight so she spoke a little to the store clerk while waiting for Nicholas to be finished. "Nicholas! Did you find something?"

Anastasia smiled. She was interested in seeing how Nicholas would look in a swimsuit and she was sure he'd be quite interested in seeing her in one as well.

"I think so, but what do you think of it?" Nicholas was holding a plain blue swimming suit.

bumpity

"That looks like a good suit for you, Nicholas. Do you want to take it?"

Nicholas looked over at Anastasia with a smile and nodded.

The store clerk decided to let the royal guests have the swimsuit for free out of courtesy and respect and bade her guests farewell with a smile upon her face. Anastasia did not buy any swimsuit for herself since she had one already in the limosuine. It did not take them too long to reach the aquatic center for the late night swim they often offered to the public. A few people were there, Anastasia noticed, as she soon ditched Nicholas for a while to get changed into her one piece swimsuit which was different from the Victorian style swimsuits she had worn often. One piece (etc) and Victorian swimsuits were all she knew since the Empress never wore a bikini in her life like other Ixanian women. She walked out of the changing room in her swimsuit (http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/39706/6h/images.garnethill.com/garnetprod/images/us/local/products/detail/15012_dt.jpg) and looked around for Nicholas before she got into the water which was quite cold but yet good enough to swim in. The swimsuit contemplated her slender frame and did not reveal much but yet could still entice. Anastasia, to pass the time, began swimming laps in the pool with a smile upon her face. She was quite the good swimmer.

Nicholas was surprised that the store clerk did not want them to pay for the swimming suit. Sure it occasionally happened to his own family, but they always insisted on paying. In Nicholas' mind it was the right thing. Maybe they had a different way of thinking over here. Well they still did have an autocrat in power. He remembered the little heat discussion between his brother and Anastasia. Thankfully he had ended that scuffle quickly. Sure Rudolf was right in some ways, but if the people demanded an autocracy then that was what they were going to get.

In the car, Nicholas seemed to be preoccupied by something. The autocrat thing was still bothering him. He knew he loved Anastasia, but she was also the ruler for this vast country. If he married her, then he would be the husband of the autocrat. Would he want to be known as that? Nicholas shook his head. This wasn't the time to think about that. He didn't even know if Anastasia could return his love.

As Anastasia lead him into the aquatic center, Nicholas quickly maneuvered himself to the men's changing room. Coming back out, he wore his plain blue bathing suit. This would be the first time Anastasia would see Nicholas without a shirt. Nicholas certainly was not buff, but had a fairly athletic body. Silently he watched as Anastasia swam in the pool. For Nicholas this was the first time had seen her in a swimming suit. A grinned appeared on his face. Stealthy he got into the pool and made his way over to Anastasia. Out of nowhere Anastasia would feel two hands wrap around her waist, then her whole body being brought backwards. That is until she felt a body behind her.

Anastasia felt Nicholas' hands upon her waist before she felt herself being pulled backwards to feel the front of Nicholas' body and this only made her smile before she turned her head to get a look at his face. "It's nice to see you again, Nicholas. Having fun, I assume?"

She got out of his embrace and turned around fully to see him in nothing but his swimsuit which made her grin a little. "You look good in that swimsuit of yours and I must say you've looked like you work out a bit. I work out myself, you know, whenever I get time to do so since I have to deal with politics and all."

She splashed some water upon her friend and then began to swim around him as if she were a shark or some other undersea predator who felt they could get a good snack. She was quite the adept swimmer and knew well how to do everything well. Eventually, though, she began to float on her back and look up at the ceiling while thinking about what she thought about Nicholas. She liked him, yes, but did she love him? No one knew how she struggled to deal with her multiple affections but, if they could look into her mind, they'd see that only one man was on the highest pedestal. "The water feels good today and no one seems to be bothering us on account of our identities. Thank Fortune that we need not worry about the paparazzi and what not."

"You assumed right, Anastasia." Nicholas smiled as shed just escaped from his grasp. "Your body certainly shows that you exercise. I mean...you do have a nice body. Jeez...there is no why of saying that without sounding kind of a like a pervert. You know I mean Anastasia. Right?"

Unexpectedly Nicholas got splashed by water. He was about to strike Anastasia, but she disappeared under the water. Nicholas just shook his head and smiled. She was certainly a different kind of girl. Not only was she beautiful, but also caring and intelligent. Nicholas decided to swim a couple of laps. Swimming back and forth, he soon got distracted by his thoughts. Anastasia was the first girl, who he had actually developed feelings for. Sure he had crushes back in school, but nothing like this. This feeling was different for Nicholas. It was a good different though. Suddenly he snapped out of it, when he heard Anastasia's voice. "The paparazzi usually don't bother my family. Occasionally pictures but nothing too big. They respect our privacy. Of course I wouldn't mind being seen in public with you, though they might get the wrong idea."

Nicholas swam over to Anastasia. He leaned in, so he was right next to her ear. "May you permit me to kiss you?"

You assumed right, Anastasia." Nicholas smiled as shed just escaped from his grasp. "Your body certainly shows that you exercise. I mean...you do have a nice body. Jeez...there is no why of saying that without sounding kind of a like a pervert. You know I mean Anastasia. Right?"

Anastasia giggled. "There is nothing at all wrong with saying to a woman that it looks like they exercise as some would take that to be a good compliment and thus try to gain more compliments like that by exercising more."

Unexpectedly Nicholas got splashed by water. He was about to strike Anastasia, but she disappeared under the water. Nicholas just shook his head and smiled. She was certainly a different kind of girl. Not only was she beautiful, but also caring and intelligent. Nicholas decided to swim a couple of laps. Swimming back and forth, he soon got distracted by his thoughts. Anastasia was the first girl, who he had actually developed feelings for. Sure he had crushes back in school, but nothing like this. This feeling was different for Nicholas. It was a good different though. Suddenly he snapped out of it, when he heard Anastasia's voice. "The paparazzi usually don't bother my family. Occasionally pictures but nothing too big. They respect our privacy. Of course I wouldn't mind being seen in public with you, though they might get the wrong idea."

"I usually try not to get too involved with the paparazzi and they don't seem to be too active but I do not know if they will one day get all locust-like upon me and my relatives. The people who see us may assume we may be dating secretly or something like that. I do not know what they would do or think in response but there are many possibilities."

Nicholas swam over to Anastasia. He leaned in, so he was right next to her ear. "May you permit me to kiss you?"

"....Maybe later, Nicky, maybe later....." Anastasia whispered back unwittingly in a seductive tone of voice.

Anastasia giggled. "There is nothing at all wrong with saying to a woman that it looks like they exercise as some would take that to be a good compliment and thus try to gain more compliments like that by exercising more."

"Like I said....I didn't want to sound like a pervert or anything. I guess my inexperience still really shows." Nicholas looked down to the water.

"I usually try not to get too involved with the paparazzi and they don't seem to be too active but I do not know if they will one day get all locust-like upon me and my relatives. The people who see us may assume we may be dating secretly or something like that. I do not know what they would do or think in response but there are many possibilities."

"Hmmmm...what kind of possibilities?" asked Nicholas sightly intrigued.

"....Maybe later, Nicky, maybe later....." Anastasia whispered back unwittingly in a seductive tone of voice.

"How much later...uhhh...curse...I can't think of a good nickname for you." Nicholas kissed her cheek, before leaning backwards.

Like I said....I didn't want to sound like a pervert or anything. I guess my inexperience still really shows." Nicholas looked down to the water.

Anastasia put her hand on Nicholas' shoulder and looked into his eyes with a smile. "You should not be so pessimistic when it comes to women, Nicholas. You should be yourself for girls value straightforward honesty when it comes to the trials of love."

"Hmmmm...what kind of possibilities?" asked Nicholas sightly intrigued.

"They may think we are secretly dating for one; and might go so far as to say we are both madly in love." Anastasia said with a grin. "It's entirely possible."

"How much later...uhhh...curse...I can't think of a good nickname for you." Nicholas kissed her cheek, before leaning backwards.

"Just call me Annie or Anne; something like that." Anastasia said as she went on her back while floating on the water without any problems. "This feels really nice....really nice indeed. Don't you like here, Nicholas?"

Anastasia put her hand on Nicholas' shoulder and looked into his eyes with a smile. "You should not be so pessimistic when it comes to women, Nicholas. You should be yourself for girls value straightforward honesty when it comes to the trials of love."

"I have a little story to tell. The story is about a young man who decided to visit a young Empress' gala. He decided to go because his father wanted to him to see the rest of the world. The young man saw no hurt in going. He went and thought that he was going to have a horrible time. That is until he saw the most beautiful women in the world. He so badly wanted to talk to her, but something inside of him said no. What was he to do? Listen to his emotions or his brain? The young man decided to follow his emotions. The rest is history." Nicholas told to Anastasia, as he looked down at her. "Does that sound familiar?"

"They may think we are secretly dating for one; and might go so far as to say we are both madly in love." Anastasia said with a grin. "It's entirely possible."

"Ooo...I don't think we would want that." replied Nicholas with a smirk. "People might get the wrong idea."

"Just call me Annie or Anne; something like that." Anastasia said as she went on her back while floating on the water without any problems. "This feels really nice....really nice indeed. Don't you like here, Nicholas?"

"Anne...I like the sound of that." Nicholas swam around her. "I do like it here and not just because of you."

"I have a little story to tell. The story is about a young man who decided to visit a young Empress' gala. He decided to go because his father wanted to him to see the rest of the world. The young man saw no hurt in going. He went and thought that he was going to have a horrible time. That is until he saw the most beautiful women in the world. He so badly wanted to talk to her, but something inside of him said no. What was he to do? Listen to his emotions or his brain? The young man decided to follow his emotions. The rest is history." Nicholas told to Anastasia, as he looked down at her. "Does that sound familiar?"

Anastasia listened attentively to the story that Nicholas was speaking about as she floated on the water with her eyes staring up to the ceiling. When the story was finished, Anastasia smiled. "That is a very faimiliar story, Nicholas, and it is one that I find to be quite sweet. I must admit that I do like you but I cannot say it is love just yet but in time it may grow to be love. For now, though, let us spend more time together and see what Fortune wills for us."

"Ooo...I don't think we would want that." replied Nicholas with a smirk. "People might get the wrong idea."

"It would be rather interesting, wouldn't it?"

"Anne...I like the sound of that." Nicholas swam around her. "I do like it here and not just because of you."

"You can call me Anne if you want, Nicholas, I wouldn't really mind since other people I know do that too and it is indeed nice here....quite nice indeed but I think we should leave soon. I am sure you would want to get to sleep soon, right?"

Anastasia listened attentively to the story that Nicholas was speaking about as she floated on the water with her eyes staring up to the ceiling. When the story was finished, Anastasia smiled. "That is a very familiar story, Nicholas, and it is one that I find to be quite sweet. I must admit that I do like you but I cannot say it is love just yet but in time it may grow to be love. For now, though, let us spend more time together and see what Fortune wills for us."

Nicholas simply nodded. He knew that he had love for Anastasia. Still it was a complete unknown for her. What if she never felt deeper emotions than friendship for him? Nicholas would some how cope with rejection and life would continue. Still he would always have special place in his heart for Anastasia. It would never go away. How could it go away? It was such a strong emotion for him.

"It would be rather interesting, wouldn't it?"

"Sure would..." Nicholas looked up to the ceiling.

"You can call me Anne if you want, Nicholas, I wouldn't really mind since other people I know do that too and it is indeed nice here....quite nice indeed but I think we should leave soon. I am sure you would want to get to sleep soon, right?"

"I guess it would be if only fair if you could call me Nicky, though this is the first time. Everyone either just called me Nicholas or Nick." Nicholas stopped swimming around her. "I guess we could go. I have a big day tomorrow. You know with taking Catherine back to Candstein with me."

"I guess it would be if only fair if you could call me Nicky, though this is the first time. Everyone either just called me Nicholas or Nick." Nicholas stopped swimming around her. "I guess we could go. I have a big day tomorrow. You know with taking Catherine back to Candstein with me."

Anastasia smiled. "We can head back to the Palace then since you do need your rest for that big day tomorrow; and I'm sure Catherine is probably going to tell us how she can't bare to sleep because of how anxious she is about going to Canadstein."

The two got out of the pool with Anastasia heading back into the change room to dry off and changed into the clothes she wore to the aquatic center; she seemed quite content with how she had spent her night with Nicholas and was quite fond of him now. Eventually, after some time in the limosuine, the Empress of Ixania and her suitor arrived at the hotel where Nicholas was staying. She got out with him and smiled at him. This would be, perhaps, the last chance he would see her in a long time. "This was a great night, Nicholas....and I hope you take good care of my sister, Catherine. Do know that I'm trusting you with her care the most."

She began to walk back to the limosuine but, before she got inside, she turned and smiled. "Please return to Ixania sometime, Nicholas, as I would like to see you again."

The Empress got into her limosuine and within several seconds it sped off towards the Imperial Palace while the Empress, its sole passenger, silently thought about Nicholas. She did like him. She was quite...fond of him.

"I think you mean yourself? Remember, Anne, I am staying at a hotel. Make sure that Catherine gets her sleep. I don't want her being deprived of sleep just because me. Especially since I suspect that she might need all the sleep just can get. I have a few things planned in my mind."

Nicholas got out the pool with Anastasia, but soon separated to change. He was quick to change and waited outside for her. As he waited he looked up to the stars. He wondered what the future had in store for him. Right now it was was a great big mystery. Nicholas still had his whole life ahead of him. Sighing he put back on his homburg, once Anastasia came out and escorted her back to the limosuine. Finally reaching the hotel, Nicholas got out. He took his hat off and looked over at Anastasia. This could well be the very last time that he could ever see her. He needed to enjoy this moment. Inside he had the urge to kiss her, but he knew it was wrong. Right now was definintely not the appropriate moment. "Anastasia, there is nothing to worry about. She is in good hands. I assure you that nothing will happen to her."

Walking back to the hotel, Nicholas turned around once he heard Anastasia's voice. "As would I. Remember you are always welcome in Canadstein."

Nicholas silently went back to his room and thought about tonight's events. Surely it was a night to remember.

OOC: I think Anastasia can meet the next suitor now....was the next suitor from Saphronia?

OOC: No clue. Btw nice RP guys.

OOC: I think she will meet the Saphronian and then just make a decision.

OOC: I don't think Saphronian knows about the rp.

OOC: I don't think Saphronian knows about the rp.

OOC:

Not so, my friend. I'm writing a post as we speak.

OOC:

Not so, my friend. I'm writing a post as we speak.

OOC: Bump for said post.

OOC:

I'd like to speak with you before making that post, just to clarify some things. Next time we speak, I'll bring it up.

Bump!

I didn't miss anything terribly important that I needed to respond to that's getting in anyone's way, right? (sorry I havn't been on in a while, I've had homework and the like).

Upon his arrival in this foreign nation, Amery had endeavored to spend time enjoying the interesting sights and so on Ixania had to offer, while at the same time trying to relax, and have a nice, calm stay.

For this reason, he kept a deliberately low profile as he went around the city sampling the local entertainment. This was not very difficult as Saphronia was not a well known nation in Ixania, and Amery, not a well known person. He had just cruised around the city, while keeping his ears open for when he was called to meet Anastasia. That call came before he realized how long he had been waiting. On the appointed day Amery waited calmly at the hotel where he had been staying, awaiting his chance to meet Anastasia.

He was mildly shocked to realize he felt anxious as he waited out the last minutes until he met the foreign monarch he had come all this way to see. During the last few days, he had kept very calm, having no problem keeping his nerves down. It wasn’t that he was having intense nerve fits right now, but he did feel a certain apprehension that just wasn’t present initially. He fought that down and tried, successfully, to keep calm.

Realizing the time for the meeting was at hand, he went down to the hotel lobby. He wore light, semi-formal clothes. Clean black slacks and dress shoes were matched with a white button shirt and a black jacket. He kept a pair of sunglasses tucked away in a pocket.

Anastasia II had been well pleased with the results of her search for a suitor who would take her hand down the aisle of the largest cathedral of the Empire and rule alongside her for many years before she expired and shed the spirit residing within her mortal frame. She was mixed as to who she liked more but was leaning towards Nicholas. There was something about him that caught her fancy and perhaps it was his shyness and his emotional nature. She had went back to her palace after meeting Nicholas and donned one of the nightgowns that complimented her slender figure and which covered an elaborate corset and all the fittings associated with it. Corsets were still popular in the Ixanian Empire and although many girls wore more "modern undergarments", corsets were still popular in the ranks of royal and noble women or wealthy commoners who wanted to feel like they were wealthy instead of just acknowledging they had a lot of money in their wallets. As she slept, a powerful knowledge took hold. She had been thinking more and more about Nicholas. Was he the one she loved? It was entirely possible, she thought, as she noticed herself walking down a gallery in which there were only all sorts of pictures of this prince from Canadstein in a dream world where she was liberated from the bounds of reality which do not transcend consciousness and head into our dreams.

It was a custom in the Imperial Palace for the Empress to be waken up by a maid or by the personal assistant she entrusted with an absolute trust. It was that assistant, the ever faithful Vladimir, who woke her up with a fatherly tone of voice which stirred up memories of her being a fourteen year old girl at Vladmir's house during an overnight sleepover there. Vladmir knew Anastasia since she was little and he had served the Imperial Family as one of the most famous Russians in the land. He was a proud Ixanian, a faithful subject and a loving father who treated his job with nothing short of dutiful devotion.

"...It is the morning, my lady, and you should freshen up for your meeting with the Saphronian Protector's son who wishes to take your hand in marriage or, rather, gamble for the opportunity to do so."

Anastasia gave him a warm smile as she rubbed her eyes and sat up on the bed before her eyes fell upon a maid who was busy taking out a suitable dress for the Empress while the Empress told her which one she wanted. Vladmir was in his morning clothes and looked ever handsome. It could have been him that the Empress loved but he was not only married but he was considered to be too fatherly for the Empress. He was like a second father and thus she didn't want to consider loving him like that. She loved him platonically and always would consider him the closest friend she ever had. The Empress and Vladimir walked out of the palace after a quick breakfast and got into the limosuine that was waiting outside for them. The chauffer drove them immediately to where Amery's hotel was and they swiftly went inside. Vladimir and Anastasia stood, eventually, in the hallway where Amery's suite was and Anastasia was out of view when Vladimir knocked on the door with a few rapid knocks. "....Amery? It's Vladimir, the personal assistant of the Empress. The Empress is here to meet you. You can come out when you are ready."

I didn't miss anything terribly important that I needed to respond to that's getting in anyone's way, right? (sorry I havn't been on in a while, I've had homework and the like).

OOC: Not at all. Once Anastasia is done meeting Amery, she will meet Heinrich.

OOC: Das bump for Saphronia!

If anyone is unable to post or even continue, please TG me so I know without having to guess. Thank you all in advance.

I always find these too late. :(

I always find these too late. :(

OOC: You can join, Mass. Just TG me some information about the suitor you want to send. I don't know if I'll let others join, though, as I'm actually kind of hoping of getting this all finished.

OOC: You can join, Mass. Just TG me some information about the suitor you want to send. I don't know if I'll let others join, though, as I'm actually kind of hoping of getting this all finished.

Nah, It's alright. I wouldn't want to join if there wasn't a good chance.

Nah, It's alright. I wouldn't want to join if there wasn't a good chance.

OOC: Who said there's wasn't a good chance? :p

Bumped! Saphronia, thou must post or Anastasia will just move on.

OOC: How old is her majesty?

OOC: How old is her majesty?

OOC: Last time I made her age, she was set at her early twenties. Also, this thread is to be put on pause until Saphronia comes back. To be honest, I'm a tad miffed....but I can rely on my patience. :tongue: