NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC:

Events in this thread follow the events of this one (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=554964).

IC:

Romandeos was in an uproar, awash in turmoil and celebration. Word had made it out the Empress had finally decided to marry. In cities, towns and villages around the country the Romandeosian people were, literally, dancing in the streets. The groom’s identity was not important to most. Taunja was regarded as a brilliant ruler, by most, and so to them, when it came to such decisions, she had to have made a good choice. She was, after all, the lady her nation had looked to during the Generation Disease plague.

It did not, of course, take long for word to leak out that the only reason Empress Taunja’s marriage to one Prince Gregory of Ixania was taking place was because she was pregnant now with his love child, but even then, the celebrations continued. In some places, it even heightened in intensity, in a few places. Oh, the Empress still had enemies, and they leapt at the chance to claim Imperial irresponsibility, but for the most part the people paid little attention to such. After all, the Empress had ascended during an especially troubled point, keeping the country intact during the Generation Disease plague. That was five years ago. If she wanted to take a break and party once in a while, who were they to judge?

Her actions were also largely forgiven, because Romandeos is a nation built on honesty, a land where most crimes can be forgiven if you simply confess it. Therefore, whilst having illegitimate children is wrong, owning up to the mistake by marrying and having the child is a sure way to be forgiven, by most people.

Finally, there was a third reason nobody cared too much the first child would be a bastard legally. Most people in Romandeos viewed Taunja as a genius, a superb ruler in all, and a line of Emperors and Empresses of her blood, possessed of her perceived brilliance, made having any objections to the child’s birth seem pure lunacy.

It didn’t hurt that the groom seemed to be such a nice person.

Keeping all of these facts in mind, the peoples of Romandeos celebrated and prepared the nation to host the wedding ceremonies. A formal message was sent to Empress Anastasia, inviting the Ixanian monarch to be present for the wedding ceremony.

For: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Anastasia II of Ixania
From: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I of Romandeos
RE: Wedding Plans

Your Imperial Majesty,

I had instructed my representatives to contact you not long ago regarding the situation we have found ourselves in recently concerning Prince Gregory and I, and so I will not waste my time and, more importantly yours discussing it all again here. Instead I shall cut to the issue at hand directly.

During the past few days since word of the unfortunate result of the…liaison between the Prince and myself, we have been almost constantly engaged in a serious discussion, and it is in his opinion and mine that there is only one option now open.

I have, with this in mind, asked your cousin to marry me.

I would ask if you have any serious objections to this, but if you do not, then you are now invited to attend the ceremony in two weeks time. I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely Yours,
HIM Empress Taunja I

For: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Anastasia II of Ixania
From: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I of Romandeos
RE: Wedding Plans

Your Imperial Majesty,

I had instructed my representatives to contact you not long ago regarding the situation we have found ourselves in recently concerning Prince Gregory and I, and so I will not waste my time and, more importantly yours discussing it all again here. Instead I shall cut to the issue at hand directly.

During the past few days since word of the unfortunate result of the…liaison between the Prince and myself, we have been almost constantly engaged in a serious discussion, and it is in his opinion and mine that there is only one option now open.

I have, with this in mind, asked your cousin to marry me.

I would ask if you have any serious objections to this, but if you do not, then you are now invited to attend the ceremony in two weeks time. I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely Yours,
HIM Empress Taunja I

From: HIM Empress Anastasia II of the Ixanian Empire
To: HIM Empress Taunja I of the Romandeosian Empire

It was a great shock to me at first when I heard of how my cousin and you forsook yourselves to the passions inherent in all people in this world but I do not criticize you at all for it because you have shown yourself to be a decent and responsible person as my cousin has in the span of events following the news and thus I must say that I would be honored and pleasured to attend your wedding and that I wish you and Gregory all the best that a married couple could want in life.

Sincerely,
Empress Anastasia II

OOC:

Right. Let's get this show on the road!

IC:

"Well," said Taunja, breathing a relieved sigh. "She's taking all of this well. We have her support, at the least. Now, if we could only get Shores."

Empress Taunja's lament was referring to Isiah Shores, a man who had fought her reign from its beginning. Indeed, he wanted the entire monarchy dead. He had this idea that Romandeos should be a democracy, and he was using what he could, including this pregnancy issue, to promote his cause.

"Bastard," she growled. "Using an unborn child to support his cause, and then he says I'm the irresponsible one? Don't make me laugh."

"His support would be useful still, Your Majesty," said her secretary.

"I'd settle for getting him to shut the Hell up!" barked Taunja. "He is annoying like I didn't think a human being could be. I'm almost to the point where I just have him killed to be done with it. Realistically, I don't want his help, if I don't need it. He's positively revolting."

"As you say, Your Majesty."

"I do say!" the Empress snapped. "He's annoying at his best."

Nothing was said for a moment as the Empress sat there fuming. Then she let her breath out and seemed to relax.

"Make sure a suitable welcoming party is arranged to greet Anastasia. She's a highly important guest, and is to be treated as such."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Arrangements for the wedding are proceeding on schedule?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Good. Now, please go find Gregory, would you? There's still more planning to be done, and I need a hug."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

******************************

(OOC: Little fast-forwarding to the actual wedding day here.)

Major Larry Britton, CO of C Company, 1st Battalion of the Imperial Household Guards stood quietly at rest as the plane carrying the Ixanian Empress drifted in to the final landing approach. With him was a fully reinforced Guard platoon intended to protect said foreign monarch.

Nancy de Sosa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, was there also, with a few MFA secretaries.

It took several minutes for the Ixanian airliner's landing to be done, but, there had been longer waits for all involved in the welcoming committee. They were not fidgety children. As the plane rolled to a halt, connecting to the tunnel to its designated terminal, which was cleared of civilian traffic, the Guards stood in two lines on either side of the doors through which Anastasia's party would be arriving, fixed bayonets gleaming, dress uniforms set, standing so still they might have been confused for statues.

Major Britton stood at the line's furthest end with his sword drawn, resting on his shoulder, looking straight ahead.

"Atten-SHUN!" he barked as the doors opened, and the Guards all raised rifles in to the "Present Arms" pose, the equivalent of an empty handed salute.

OOC:

Right. Let's get this show on the road!

IC:

"Well," said Taunja, breathing a relieved sigh. "She's taking all of this well. We have her support, at the least. Now, if we could only get Shores."

Empress Taunja's lament was referring to Isiah Shores, a man who had fought her reign from its beginning. Indeed, he wanted the entire monarchy dead. He had this idea that Romandeos should be a democracy, and he was using what he could, including this pregnancy issue, to promote his cause.

"Bastard," she growled. "Using an unborn child to support his cause, and then he says I'm the irresponsible one? Don't make me laugh."

"His support would be useful still, Your Majesty," said her secretary.

"I'd settle for getting him to shut the Hell up!" barked Taunja. "He is annoying like I didn't think a human being could be. I'm almost to the point where I just have him killed to be done with it. Realistically, I don't want his help, if I don't need it. He's positively revolting."

"As you say, Your Majesty."

"I do say!" the Empress snapped. "He's annoying at his best."

Nothing was said for a moment as the Empress sat there fuming. Then she let her breath out and seemed to relax.

"Make sure a suitable welcoming party is arranged to greet Anastasia. She's a highly important guest, and is to be treated as such."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Arrangements for the wedding are proceeding on schedule?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Good. Now, please go find Gregory, would you? There's still more planning to be done, and I need a hug."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Gregory had been preparing for the wedding ever since he had been told of the date it would be held and he had no regrets at all about getting into it since he was in love with the beautiful Empress of Romandeos and all he wanted was her in his life. Donning the best tuxedo he could find, he was led to Taunja by the Empress' secretary and he smiled at her before giving her a tender embrace. "You wish to speak with me, my love? The secretary said you wanted me to help you plan the wedding so here I am for you, my Romandeosian nymph."

******************************

(OOC: Little fast-forwarding to the actual wedding day here.)

Major Larry Britton, CO of C Company, 1st Battalion of the Imperial Household Guards stood quietly at rest as the plane carrying the Ixanian Empress drifted in to the final landing approach. With him was a fully reinforced Guard platoon intended to protect said foreign monarch.

Nancy de Sosa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, was there also, with a few MFA secretaries.

It took several minutes for the Ixanian airliner's landing to be done, but, there had been longer waits for all involved in the welcoming committee. They were not fidgety children. As the plane rolled to a halt, connecting to the tunnel to its designated terminal, which was cleared of civilian traffic, the Guards stood in two lines on either side of the doors through which Anastasia's party would be arriving, fixed bayonets gleaming, dress uniforms set, standing so still they might have been confused for statues.

Major Britton stood at the line's furthest end with his sword drawn, resting on his shoulder, looking straight ahead.

"Atten-SHUN!" he barked as the doors opened, and the Guards all raised rifles in to the "Present Arms" pose, the equivalent of an empty handed salute.

Surrounding by an assortment of other people, Empress Anastasia smiled as she studied the Guards before she began walking towards what appeared to be a motorcade in the distance. She was dressed in a formal dress that was obviously one worn by royalty and her auburn hair was tied in a bun while the others in her party were in their finest tuxedos and dresses for this special occassion. Anastasia looked for the greeter and eventually found her way to Ms. de Sosa.

"It is a pleasure to be here, Miss De Sosa. I am Anastasia II, the Empress of Ixania and the Grand Duchess of Hanslow."

Bump for Romandeos.

I'd like an order of bump please.

http://www.atddm.com/ntfg1.jpg

From: The Domination of Tanaara
The Hand of the Archon,
Robert Ryan FortieR ~ Hexx

Unto: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I of Romandeos

We wish to convey our sincerest congratulations in regards to your upcoming nuptials to Prince Gregory of Ixania. We of the Domination still remember your support in the Tranderson affair, and think most highly of all things Romandeoan. May your wedding day be perfect and your future lives together filled with every happiness. May the small gift enclosed bring you nothing but pleasure.

Sincerely,

http://www.atddm.com/rrfh1.gif

OOC:

Hold on, guys. Be patient. I'm having some troubles here, but I'll get right back to this.

OOC:

Hold on, guys. Be patient. I'm having some troubles here, but I'll get right back to this.

OOC: No problem. Just post whenever you can.

OOC:

I kept losing copies and forgetting ideas, etc..., so, I'm just posting it as it is.

IC:

Looking down at the various papers on the table before her, Taunja sighed and then stood in silence, crossed the room and grabbed Gregory into a hug.

“This is getting so annoying,” she said quietly. “If all this work was about anything else it likely would have driven me stark mad by now. You should see some of these things. The load of paperwork regarding financial issues alone is maddening. Then there’re the things my rivals are saying. That bastard Shores is at it again. I believe I’ve told you some about him? He keeps making noise about how ‘irresponsible’ I am and how I’ve proven that the monarchy is ‘rotted out,’ and needs to be reviewed by the people. He wants it gone but he is afraid to come out, and say it openly. I’m almost scared to ask what he wants to replace it with really.”

Her rant seemingly finished, Taunja leaned back in Gregory’s arms and sighed once more in exhaustion and annoyance.

“I just wish this could be easier,” she griped.

******************************

De Sosa inclined her head in a bow to the Empress of Ixania, and, at a small gesture from her, the Imperial Guards snapped to the relaxed ‘at ease’ pose.

“Welcome to Romandeos, Your Majesty,” she said. “I am Nancy de Sosa. I was sent here by my sovereign to receive you and guide you to the Imperial Palace. My orders included making sure you are well protected and that you enjoy your stay here.”

De Sosa paused a moment, before continuing, in a more hushed voice.

“I am also to convey to you my sovereign’s apologies, Majesty.”

OOC:

I kept losing copies and forgetting ideas, etc..., so, I'm just posting it as it is.

IC:

Looking down at the various papers on the table before her, Taunja sighed and then stood in silence, crossed the room and grabbed Gregory into a hug.

“This is getting so annoying,” she said quietly. “If all this work was about anything else it likely would have driven me stark mad by now. You should see some of these things. The load of paperwork regarding financial issues alone is maddening. Then there’re the things my rivals are saying. That bastard Shores is at it again. I believe I’ve told you some about him? He keeps making noise about how ‘irresponsible’ I am and how I’ve proven that the monarchy is ‘rotted out,’ and needs to be reviewed by the people. He wants it gone but he is afraid to come out, and say it openly. I’m almost scared to ask what he wants to replace it with really.”

Her rant seemingly finished, Taunja leaned back in Gregory’s arms and sighed once more in exhaustion and annoyance.

“I just wish this could be easier,” she griped.

"No one has said that being the Emperor or Empress of a nation would be easy even with all the power and wealth that such titles would bestow upon the holder. As for Shores, I must say that I can understand why would not like him but it is best to handle the situation with care, Taunja. Show him and the people that the monarchy is stable and well; and show them all that it is worthy of the people's support."

Gregory held Taunja tightly to him before kissing her. "I am here to help you, my love. You can count on me."


******************************

De Sosa inclined her head in a bow to the Empress of Ixania, and, at a small gesture from her, the Imperial Guards snapped to the relaxed ‘at ease’ pose.

“Welcome to Romandeos, Your Majesty,” she said. “I am Nancy de Sosa. I was sent here by my sovereign to receive you and guide you to the Imperial Palace. My orders included making sure you are well protected and that you enjoy your stay here.”

De Sosa paused a moment, before continuing, in a more hushed voice.

“I am also to convey to you my sovereign’s apologies, Majesty.”

"It is a pleasure to be here in Romandeos, Miss de Sosa. I must say that I give my best wishes to the Empress and my cousin upon their marriage and hope that it is blessed with prosperity and healthy children. It is proper for you to tell your sovereign that I accept her apologies. Now, let us go to the Imperial Palace. I am sure Taunja is waiting to meet me in person after some time of dialogue through writing."

Imperial Palace Private Conference Area

“God in His Heaven, aren’t they here yet!?!”

It was obvious to everybody Taunja was getting annoyed. Something big was wearing out her iron nerves and they were all pretty sure what. For the first time most of them recalled in the time in which they had served her, the Empress seemed almost afraid.

Most of them laughed that off, though. Nothing they knew could scare the Empress, and a little thing like staring down a fellow monarch should not do that.

“They are on the way as we speak Your Majesty,” said an aide. “I am told they will arrive in just a few moments.”

“Not fast enough,” the Empress of the Imperial Federated States muttered to nobody with little intensity. “I wish we could just get this all done with. Is Gregory almost here?”

“He should arrive a few minutes before Empress Anastasia,” was the quick response.

“Good.” Taunja nodded to herself, seemingly reassured by that reply. “Well then, I won’t have to face Anastasia totally alone.”

“Empress Anastasia is almost arrived, Your Majesty,” said an Imperial Guard officer, one hand against his ear, touching an earpiece. Taunja nodded and got ready.

Deciding exactly where Taunja and Anastasia had taken many hours, and still Taunja was less than sure she had made a good decision. They both shared equal rank and prestige, as rulers of their respective peoples, and so eventually, Taunja had decided they should meet in one of the main Palace building’s conference areas. It was a fairly large room designed initially to contain meetings between reigning monarchs and important officials privately, kept safe from the hounding paparazzi. Taunja had decided that would be perfect to make it possible to deal with certain…issues, when the two ladies finally met.

From a side entrance, Gregory came in, escorted by two Guardsmen. Taunja nodded once in recognition and smiled wide.

“Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Anastasia II of the Empire of Ixania!”

Hearing those words barked out by an IHG man at the room’s primary entrance, Taunja’s mind immediately jolted back to the job at hand. She stood up straight, squared shoulders like she had always been taught, and walked forward to meet her guest.

The Romandeosian welcoming ceremony had brought back childhood memories to the Empress of Ixania; she always remembered walking with her father down red carpets and through the doors of aristocrats' mansions with people bowing along the way. Just hearing the man announcing her arrival made her remember the man who had announced her father's arrival at some gala; a gala in which she could remember wearing a stylish dress of purple and gold color at the tender age of fourteen. Anastasia walked into the room of the Empress of Romandeos in a dignified stance; walking with a refined stride towards her beloved acquiantance. Gregory bowed to his cousin when he noticed her; he was quite fond of Anastasia and a bit protective. "Anastasia, my cousin, it is a pleasure to see you here." Gregory said before embracing the Empress a bit tightly for her liking. Anastasia smiled and spoke softly to him. "Such pleasure is reciprocated; for I am deeply pleasured by seeing you."

Anastasia then noticed Taunja and smiled. "I trust this is the Empress of Romandeos who hath been conquered by thy charms, Gregory? I must say it is a pleasurable honor to meet the monarch who I had corresponded with through the use of letters. I know the situation at hand looming over us and I must say that you both seem to have handled things responsibly. I would be...dissapointed in my dear Greg if he abandoned you, Taunja."

Gregory smiled and rubbed the back of his head. "I do what any gentleman would do, my beloved cousin, now shall we get started with our meeting?"

Secret Communique to Empress Taunja of Romandeos and Price Gregory of Ixania

The government of Deata has heard of some trouble you have been having with a certain Isiah Shores. As a highly feudal empire we sympathize with your troubles on this issue. Many a radical revolutionary has created trouble by causing large groups of people to revolt and destroy their own lives throughout Deata's history.

As a wedding present, along with the carved marble elephant statue enclosed, we would like to do you the service of removing Shores from the picture both quietly and permanently. All we ask is that whoever we send to do the job gets immunity and avoids prosecution.

We would also like to know if we would be able to send a diplomat as a guest at the wedding.

IC:

Everything seemed to be going well thus far, but Taunja still wasn’t certain Anastasia had her head on completely straight. She was, after all, a professional politician, and, while an Imperial neophyte like Taunja did not know much of how traditional royalty operated and knew less of Anastasia personally, she did know how politicians could work.

Hell, she’d been a politician even before she’d been crowned Empress. Anastasia still had her, though, as she was born to the purple, and had likely been schooled in politics since a little while after she learned to read. Hiding emotions of any kind would be no problem to her, regardless how powerful they might happen to be. She could explode at any time and it would come as a total shock.

‘Stop that, Taunja!’ she thought to herself, admonishingly. ‘Think positive!’

Bracing herself, she listened as Anastasia and Gregory exchanged greetings and spoke, an icy cold anticipation working on her spine. She almost choked when Anastasia turned and looked her way. Fortunately, she was able to keep calm as the foreign monarch spoke and it slowly began to dawn on her, perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad.

“It is good hearing you say that Empress Anastasia,” she said, in a voice which she found more than calm enough. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you as well. I just wanted to meet in private before we did anything else, so I could see you, face to face. This situation isn’t like I’d hoped it would be, not at all. I’d always hoped that, when I chose to get married a little more…planning and forethought would be involved.”

OOC:

Deata: Expect a response fairly soon.

IC:

“It is good hearing you say that Empress Anastasia,” she said, in a voice which she found more than calm enough. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you as well. I just wanted to meet in private before we did anything else, so I could see you, face to face. This situation isn’t like I’d hoped it would be, not at all. I’d always hoped that, when I chose to get married a little more…planning and forethought would be involved.”

OOC:

Deata: Expect a response fairly soon.

Anastasia smiled; revealing the pearl white teeth she always seemed to have. "Empress Taunja, you should not worry too much. I am sure that my beloved cousin has been there for you ever since this incident happened; and I admire you and him for being honest with each other about it. Besides, all of us have times when we rush into things without planning. Sure, you forsook yourselves to temptation but at least you were able to maintain yourselves well. Gregory, for example, did not just leave the nation of Romandeos like a coward which is quite admirable in my eyes. Please take good care of him when you two marry."

Anastasia nodded her head; she had much respect for the Empress of Romandeos who seemed to be a nice and charming woman and even though she had gotten herself into some sort of mess, she had been able to handle herself quite well. She was straightforward with it in Anastasia's eyes, Taunja did not try to hide it or anything on her or Gregory. "Empress, perhaps a quick tour of the area is in order? I am sure that I can have a quick look around before we get settled in."

Gregory smiled. "I am sure, Taunja, that we can give my cousin a tour. It is nice to see you two getting along quite well; hopefully we shall be able to maintain cordial relations. Taunja, I am quite lucky to have you and hope that we shall be blessed with much prosperity and luck. Now, shall we proceed with the tour?"

Feeling truly relieved at how well things seemed to be going, Taunja smiled in turn.

“A tour, you say, Gregory? That sounds like a good idea. I know of a few nice places.”

Having said that, Taunja led the party from the room and into the Palace halls, chatting as if she and Anastasia were lifeline comrades, which they might become in time.

During the next few weeks, a heavily guarded party of people made their way through the Romandeosian countryside. With the Empress of Romandeos as a guide Anastasia had no real trouble finding her way to all the most exciting places in Romandeos. Some were the locations which Taunja and Gregory had visited together, though Taunja did make certain most of them were places Gregory had also not seen before. This way, everybody had fun in the process. Among the places they visited were some especially large horse ranches to let Anastasia indulge in her equestrian hobby, numerous beach resorts, mountain slopes, a large city or two, and the odd woodland camp.

Before very long however, or so it seemed, the preparations for the Imperial wedding had largely been completed, and the group returned slowly to the Capital Region.

Feeling truly relieved at how well things seemed to be going, Taunja smiled in turn.

“A tour, you say, Gregory? That sounds like a good idea. I know of a few nice places.”

Having said that, Taunja led the party from the room and into the Palace halls, chatting as if she and Anastasia were lifeline comrades, which they might become in time.

During the next few weeks, a heavily guarded party of people made their way through the Romandeosian countryside. With the Empress of Romandeos as a guide Anastasia had no real trouble finding her way to all the most exciting places in Romandeos. Some were the locations which Taunja and Gregory had visited together, though Taunja did make certain most of them were places Gregory had also not seen before. This way, everybody had fun in the process. Among the places they visited were some especially large horse ranches to let Anastasia indulge in her equestrian hobby, numerous beach resorts, mountain slopes, a large city or two, and the odd woodland camp.

Before very long however, or so it seemed, the preparations for the Imperial wedding had largely been completed, and the group returned slowly to the Capital Region.

For every day of those few weeks, the Empress of Ixania basked in the pleasure that she had in the company of her beloved cousin and his soon to be wife. She had enjoyed visiting all the beach resorts and mountain slopes and relished the change to indulge in her hobbies; asking Taunja to allow her to visit a Romandeosian observatory so she could see the stars like she had done back in Ixania since childhood. She basked in the pleasure of it all and was a bit saddened that it had to end but yet, as they say, all good things must come to an end, but the wedding would be compensation. At the palace, Anastasia thanked Taunja for those few weeks of fun and exploration before she smiled. "I am sure you have prepared a place for me to stay until the wedding starts, Taunja. I am quite anxious to see you and Gregory seal the bonds of love and I wish you all the best."

bump.

“Of course I have!” Taunja replied. “You don’t think I’d invite somebody here to attend a huge wedding ceremony, and neglect to find them a place to stay, do you? I figured you’d likely want to remain close to Gregory and the wedding site, so I’ve procured a nice place in the vicinity of the capital which suits both parameters. It is an Imperial Residence from my predecessor’s days, and it is still one of the best in the Realm. It’s called the Roseland Mansion, named for the person who built it, and it was King Christian’s favorite.”

“Of course I have!” Taunja replied. “You don’t think I’d invite somebody here to attend a huge wedding ceremony, and neglect to find them a place to stay, do you? I figured you’d likely want to remain close to Gregory and the wedding site, so I’ve procured a nice place in the vicinity of the capital which suits both parameters. It is an Imperial Residence from my predecessor’s days, and it is still one of the best in the Realm. It’s called the Roseland Mansion, named for the person who built it, and it was King Christian’s favorite.”

Anastasia laughed. "I am sure the Roseland Mansion is a good place for me to stay at before I attend the wedding of my dearly beloved cousin and his courteous fiancee. I would like to go see the mansion now, Taunja. Also, I think you should visit Ixania one time; I am sure Gregory could show you around and that I'd be able to do so as well; if politics does not consume my time then."

Bumped!

Bumped!

Don't worry, NI.

Place reserved for post.

IC:

“I think visiting Ixania would be a great idea, Anastasia.” Taunja looked at Gregory, with her usually purely intelligent eyes taking on a mischievous gleam. “Anything that lets me have more quality time with Gregory can’t be too very bad.”

Having said that, Taunja looked back to Anastasia again.

“Regarding the Roseland Mansion, we can get you there immediately. At this hour traffic is fairly light relative to most times. Also, nobody actively blocks the Imperial Motorcade in the open roadways. There’s no real law. It just isn’t done. I’d already sent word to have it prepared to receive guests before you’d arrived, too, so you should be able to get settled in without very much trouble.”

Indeed, within two hours, the Empress and the…other Empress, accompanied by Gregory had arrived at Roseland, a large old Victorian mansion. As promised the lights were all lit in the large, main building, and the staff, brought to full strength, was ready to receive the important guest from Ixania.

“I think visiting Ixania would be a great idea, Anastasia.” Taunja looked at Gregory, with her usually purely intelligent eyes taking on a mischievous gleam. “Anything that lets me have more quality time with Gregory can’t be too very bad.”

Gregory grinned when he heard those words. He had loved all the carnal pleasure he had experienced with his beloved Taunja and would absolutely love being alone with her while showing her the sights and sounds of his beloved homeland. Taunja was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and he would make sure that the love between them would withstand any if not most challenges.

Having said that, Taunja looked back to Anastasia again.

“Regarding the Roseland Mansion, we can get you there immediately. At this hour traffic is fairly light relative to most times. Also, nobody actively blocks the Imperial Motorcade in the open roadways. There’s no real law. It just isn’t done. I’d already sent word to have it prepared to receive guests before you’d arrived, too, so you should be able to get settled in without very much trouble.”

"As long as I get there in one piece, I'd be more than happy and satisfied, Taunja."

Indeed, within two hours, the Empress and the…other Empress, accompanied by Gregory had arrived at Roseland, a large old Victorian mansion. As promised the lights were all lit in the large, main building, and the staff, brought to full strength, was ready to receive the important guest from Ixania.

"This is a lovely and well kept mansion; absolutely aesthetically presentable. I would like to see the inside. Shall we?"

IC:

“Of course,” Taunja replied, gesturing for Gregory and Anastasia to follow as she walked in the direction of the primary entranceway. As they approached it the doors were opened in advance of them by the guards on station. Taunja blinked just a little then kept walking like she had been. Gregory and Anastasia probably hadn’t noticed. Taunja was not born a ruler, and was still not used to having people do such things when she approached.

“The guards here are of the 3rd Battalion, Imperial Guards Regiment. If you wish they can be replaced by a different unit, and of course, they will work with any guards you brought here with you to keep you safe.”

“Here we are!” she said following a moment’s silence as the group passed through a front room, known as the coat room, because visitors during parties and such would leave coats in there before entering the reception hall.

Finally inside, Anastasia and Gregory were treated to a grand view. The reception hall, as it was appropriately known, was huge. High wood-paneled walls lined with paintings and intricate carvings led up to the equally well-made, wood ceiling panels. A wide, sweeping ballroom style staircase was directly across from the front doors, leading up to the second level of the main building.

In addition, at the top of the staircase, staring down at the new arrivals was one of the few known likenesses of the first person to rule a united Romandeos.

Looking down from her high perch, the cold gray-green eyes of Zelda, the Peasant Queen had been painted in such a way that they seemed to follow a person around the room, and it seemed the artist must have been a very skilled person for the painting was an intensely realistic one. Her light blond hair, worn loose and framing her face, the well polished, but largely undecorated plate and chain she wore, all seemed almost real to any observers.

It was said her spirit haunted Roseland, but few people really believed that.

“Well,” said Taunja, looking back after looking a moment at the painting. “You like it?”

“The guards here are of the 3rd Battalion, Imperial Guards Regiment. If you wish they can be replaced by a different unit, and of course, they will work with any guards you brought here with you to keep you safe.”

"I do have some guards here, Taunja and I really don't see why I would need to replace the 3rd Battalion with a different unit though I will keep that power in mind and use it if needed."

Finally inside, Anastasia and Gregory were treated to a grand view. The reception hall, as it was appropriately known, was huge. High wood-paneled walls lined with paintings and intricate carvings led up to the equally well-made, wood ceiling panels. A wide, sweeping ballroom style staircase was directly across from the front doors, leading up to the second level of the main building.

"This is a lovely place, Taunja, although Gregory and I are accustomed to being in such places due to being born in the chambers of royalty. I would not mind guiding you through a tour of these kinds of places in Ixania. We can, if you'd like, arrange a visit to Ixania for you."

Looking down from her high perch, the cold gray-green eyes of Zelda, the Peasant Queen had been painted in such a way that they seemed to follow a person around the room, and it seemed the artist must have been a very skilled person for the painting was an intensely realistic one. Her light blond hair, worn loose and framing her face, the well polished, but largely undecorated plate and chain she wore, all seemed almost real to any observers.

It was said her spirit haunted Roseland, but few people really believed that.

“Well,” said Taunja, looking back after looking a moment at the painting. “You like it?”

"I really like this painting and must commend the artist for his or even her talents." Gregory said with a smile.

"It reminds me of the paintings of Ixania's heroes such as the founder, Leto the Great, who is also one of my many ancestors who have lived over the course of the centuries. I would be interested if you could tell me more about this woman in the painting, Taunja. I'm sure Gregory would like to hear more about her too."

bumped.