NationStates Jolt Archive

Prince Martin quietly observed the countryside surrounding his summer cottage from atop his horse. His bodyguards, always attentive, scanned the area around them with hawk eyes to ensure The Prince's safety. A warm summer wind swept over the emerald green fields that surrounded his cottage and he smiled to himself as the welcomed breeze washed over his face and relaxed him.

He sighed softly as he considered some of his most recent decisions with his nation. The embassy program was slow...but there were alternatives to that. He had recently caught wind of a nation that also derives its origins from the Reich of the Old Country.

Not only that, but they were extremely popular with the International Community and had married into a number of nations. Perhaps they could be persuaded to finding friendship in The Principality of Leichstur.

However, he couldn't demand or suggest that they apply for an embassy in Leichstur. But perhaps with a kind invitation to Leichstur they might do so as a kind gesture in return.

He nodded to himself as he decided on the idea and steered his horse around having it ride back towards the cottage, his bodyguards not far behind him on their own horses as they tried to keep up.
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Greetings to you, brothers of the Ixanian Empire. I, Prince Martin Leichstur II, cordially invite Emperess Anastasia II or a representative of her majesty to my nation to discuss relations between The Empire of Neo-Ixania and my own.

As a fellow nation who's origins are deeply German I feel there could be a strong friendship between our two nations that could surpass the pen and paper treaties of the world and ascend to something much stronger and surreal.

If this offer interests you, please let me know when you will be arriving, what her highness or her representative will be arriving in, and any bodyguard entourage that will be accompanying her majesty or her representative.

Sincerely,
Martin Leichstur II
Prince and Ruler of The Principality of Leichstur

The Ixanian Empire's Germans had fully assimiliated into the Empire's society albeit their culture was kept alive for many centuries ever since the first Germans reached Ixanian shores. The Germans were well loved by the masses with the Empress of Ixania herself being half German as her mother was a full blooded German and the Empress, fully recognizing her maternal roots, would always take the time to be present at German community events with her traditional German clothes. The existence of a German nation, the nation of Leichstur, had intrigued her greatly but she was too busy to make an appearance especially with visits she had to do within the Ixanian Empire. With sadness, she decided to let Russo-German diplomat, Svetlana Sturmer, visit Leichstur to represent the Ixanian Empire since Rucinsky, the Foreign Minister, was also unable to visit. Svetlana Sturmer had the German blood of her father and the Russian blood of her mother flowing within her veins. With a smile, she boarded the private jet given to her for the purpose of flying to Leichstur and took up reading a magazine while the jet flew in the air towards the relatively unknown nation of Leichstur. Who knew what was in store for her?

Eventually her plane did land in the capital's airport and she decided to loiter around while waiting for the welcoming party to arrive and greet her, the half-German diplomat sent on behalf of Crown and Nation.

It was not long for word of the private jet from Neo-Ixania landing to reach Prince Martin's ears. However his cottage was quite a ways away from the capital and it took longer than he'd of liked for his motorcade to arrive at the airport.

He exited the limousine followed by a man not too much older than himself with glasses and neatly combed hair. The two men, followed by the standard accompaniment of their bodyguards, entered the airport and found a young woman sitting in the terminal that she had arrived in.

Prince Martin bowed respectfully to the woman, a warm smile stretched across his lips. "Welcome to Leichstur, ma'am. I am Prince Martin Leichstur II and this is my most trusted and highest ranked adviser Tony Gifford.", he said as he gestured to the man at his side. Tony stepped forward and shook the woman's hand. "Charmed, i'm sure.", he said with a noticeable British accent compared to Martin's which was much more German.

"If you'll come with me, our ride into the city is waiting. We'll take the long way to the Imperial Homestead so that you can get a feel for Gennderburg.", he said as he motioned for her to follow them as they walked back out of the airport, drawing the attention of many who took the moment to snap pictures with their phone's cameras before they reached the privacy of the inside of the limousine.

As the motorcade began driving towards the Imperial Homestead, Martin asked the young diplomat "So tell me a bit about Neo-Ixania. I was quite intrigued by it when I began to look into its history."

OOC: Bumped.

Prince Martin bowed respectfully to the woman, a warm smile stretched across his lips. "Welcome to Leichstur, ma'am. I am Prince Martin Leichstur II and this is my most trusted and highest ranked adviser Tony Gifford.", he said as he gestured to the man at his side. Tony stepped forward and shook the woman's hand. "Charmed, i'm sure.", he said with a noticeable British accent compared to Martin's which was much more German.

Svetlana bowed respectfully to the Prince. "It is a pleasurable honor to meet you, Your Highness. Thank you for allowing me to visit your beloved nation."

She firmly shook Gifford's hand and smiled. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gifford. I'm Svetlana Sturmer but just call me Miss Sturmer from here on."

As the motorcade began driving towards the Imperial Homestead, Martin asked the young diplomat "So tell me a bit about Neo-Ixania. I was quite intrigued by it when I began to look into its history."

"The Ixanian Empire was founded centuries ago by Leto the Great who waged war against the multitude of clans and petty states during the Age of Chaos. Since then we have been a united nation under an absolute monarchy with the House of Schverzinski, paternally descended from Leto, reigning for centuries. Although Ixania used to be homogenous, that is, with only one ethnic group as dominant, we have had Russians and Germans, that's it really, settling on our nation centuries ago. I am a Russo-German since my mother was Russian and my father was German. We all manage to get along though. For example, a Russian family owns the Empire's largest family owned corporation. I may not have any Ixanian blood in me but I will work to the end for its benefit."

Svetlana smiled while adjusting her blouse. "The Empress of Ixania herself is our first half-Ixanian monarch since her mother was a full blooded German. No one really condemns that though."

Martin nodded quietly to show he was following as she summarized the founding of her nation. "If you subtract the formation through civil war our nations are not at all too different. Leichstur, being so closely located to the United Kingdom and being a British colony in the past, has allowed for for intermarriage and breeding between our original German ancestors and the British who settled amongst us. I myself am of half British and German descant, my father being British and marrying into Martin Leichstur's bloodline through his daughter. Mr.Gifford here is purely British however there's no telling when he could find himself a nice German girl", Martin said as he gave Tony a sly smirk which caused Tony to adjust his glasses and add, "I'm just waiting for the right woman is all. Her ancestry matters little to me if I love her."

The motorcade passed a large arena and Martin gestured to it as they passed. "That is Aldeburgh Arena. Named after a British soldier who helped supply arms to the uprising when we attempted to drive out our British occupants who invaded and made us part of the Empire. We're scheduled to have the German band Rammstein play there."

Svetlana smiled. "I would find love myself but I'm too busy working to find any man although I've have had a Cuban busboy fall in love with me during my visit to Miami Jai-Alai. I would not mind finding love...just as long as I could keep on being my good old independent self. All I'd really want from my lover, my man, is that he would be loyal to me."

Svetlana looked out the window to see the arena. "We have plenty of arenas in the Ixanian Empire, Your Highness. I must say that some Ixanian Germans would be interested in seeing Rammstein (OOC: nice choice) play at the Aldeburgh Arena."

Svetlana was sitting next to Tony and occassionally looked at him. He did look quite handsome to her but she was trying to focus more so on the meeting at hand. Of course, she would not mind entertaining Tony Gifford with some conversation. "Perhaps, Your Highness, we could exchange embassies as our first step towards friendship between Leichstur and Ixania. I think that would be a good idea."

OOC: I don't mind if Svetlana and Tony get together, Roma. If you would like to do that, you can start it for us.

OOC: We certainly could. Let's see how far this thread takes them and then we'll look into a more private thread between the two of them. And thanks on the band choice xD I really like Rammstein and I picture Leichstur of being the kind of modern society that indulges in that sort of thing and isn't afraid of it.

Martin chuckled heartily as Svetlana mentioned a Cuban busboy falling for her. "Delusions of grandeur can be quite humorous to watch, no?", he asked as he turned to Tony who seemed rather flustered by the sudden question asked to him. "Oh! Yes, yes. Quite funny indeed. Of course a woman of such status wouldn't mingle with a man working such a minimum wage job. You'd be much more suited to a man with the money ti support you should you ever wish to start a family." said Tony with a hint of suggestivness in his tone.

He quickly resumed staring at the floor however as Martin turned once more to Svetlana as she mentioned embassies. "Of course, of course. We currently have an embassy program in the works though it has sadly attracted little attention. Once we arrive at the Imperial Homestead i'll have a copy brought to you immediately so that you may take it home with you or possibly work on it in your spare time during your stay here."

Martin smiled pleasantly as the motorcade stopped at a red light which happened to be not far from a large warehouse style building which had some upper floor windows that flashed with brilliant green, blue, and pink lights as loud thumping could be heard from within. On the sidewalk too burly men stood at the doorway and negotiated a teenager with rather numerous piercings, long hair, and dark clothing's entrance into the building. Behind the teenager was a long line of men and women of ages not far from his own.

OOC: We certainly could. Let's see how far this thread takes them and then we'll look into a more private thread between the two of them. And thanks on the band choice xD I really like Rammstein and I picture Leichstur of being the kind of modern society that indulges in that sort of thing and isn't afraid of it.

OOC: Engel is my favorite Rammstein song. Also, TG me information about Tony Gifford. I do think that Svetlana and Tony could get hitched in the future but I think he may have to move to Ixania....Svetlana may still want to work for the Ixanian Foreign Ministry.

Martin chuckled heartily as Svetlana mentioned a Cuban busboy falling for her. "Delusions of grandeur can be quite humorous to watch, no?", he asked as he turned to Tony who seemed rather flustered by the sudden question asked to him. "Oh! Yes, yes. Quite funny indeed. Of course a woman of such status wouldn't mingle with a man working such a minimum wage job. You'd be much more suited to a man with the money ti support you should you ever wish to start a family." said Tony with a hint of suggestivness in his tone.

Svetlana grinned as she could sense the suggestiveness in Tony's voice. "I'm sure I'll find a man with the money to support me and any possible children one day. I am quite content with the salary I get as a high ranking member of the Foreign Minister of the Ixanian Empire. Keep in mind, though, that I do value love more so than money. The only thing I would want is a LOYAL man."

He quickly resumed staring at the floor however as Martin turned once more to Svetlana as she mentioned embassies. "Of course, of course. We currently have an embassy program in the works though it has sadly attracted little attention. Once we arrive at the Imperial Homestead i'll have a copy brought to you immediately so that you may take it home with you or possibly work on it in your spare time during your stay here."

Svetlana smiled. "I am sure that the Ixanian Empire will apply for an embassy in the near future and I will give my recommendation to it. Leichstur looks like it could be a real good friend of my beloved Ixania."

Martin smiled pleasantly as the motorcade stopped at a red light which happened to be not far from a large warehouse style building which had some upper floor windows that flashed with brilliant green, blue, and pink lights as loud thumping could be heard from within. On the sidewalk too burly men stood at the doorway and negotiated a teenager with rather numerous piercings, long hair, and dark clothing's entrance into the building. Behind the teenager was a long line of men and women of ages not far from his own.

"I see that your nation has those kind of teenagers. Ixania does too...but we don't discriminate against them. To each his own." Svetlana said with a smile. "I assume someone is performing at that building?"

OOC: Oh? I was actually going to consider Reise, Reise as the Leichsutr national anthem as soon as I get some translated lyrics to see if they fit. I'll send you information about Tony ASAP and it probably wont matter to him as long as he has Svetlana.

Tony blushed slightly and nodded as Svetlana stated she would be much more happy with a loyal husband who loved her, rich or not. "Those are two quite increasingly rare traits, so i've observed over the years not only personally but amongst other nations.", stated Martin.

As she brought up the matter of the embassy exchange Tony cleared his throat and said "No rush at all. Take your time if you need it to discuss this with your kinsmen. We appreciate the recommendation though and we are very eager to see if your Empress feels the same way about our nation as you do." He smiled pleasantly before finding something interesting outside of the window to stare once they reached the redlight.


When she mentioned the nightclub across the street from them, Martin glanced out the window and nodded as he realized what she was talking about. "Ah yes. One of our many nightclubs (OOC:I figured she'd arrive at night). Gennderburg is quite well known nationally for its rather active nightlife. Especially with these teenagers. I don't believe anyone I know of is performing there. Perhaps an amateur band or a DJ. Like you said, to each his own. I don't meddle in the affairs of my nation's teens too often as whenever something is done directly to them they get all up an arms. I blame the hormones." he said with a chuckle and a shrug of his shoulders.

OOC: Oh? I was actually going to consider Reise, Reise as the Leichsutr national anthem as soon as I get some translated lyrics to see if they fit. I'll send you information about Tony ASAP and it probably wont matter to him as long as he has Svetlana.

OOC: Any Rammstein song is pretty much good. Also, just have Tony be himself around Svetlana and she'll fall for him.

Tony blushed slightly and nodded as Svetlana stated she would be much more happy with a loyal husband who loved her, rich or not. "Those are two quite increasingly rare traits, so i've observed over the years not only personally but amongst other nations.", stated Martin.

"We value such men and women in the Ixanian Empire. It is essential that loyalty be held in high esteem in the affairs of lovers. Without loyalty you have nothing."

As she brought up the matter of the embassy exchange Tony cleared his throat and said "No rush at all. Take your time if you need it to discuss this with your kinsmen. We appreciate the recommendation though and we are very eager to see if your Empress feels the same way about our nation as you do." He smiled pleasantly before finding something interesting outside of the window to stare once they reached the redlight.

"I am sure that we'll be able to get an embassy in each other's nation with relative ease." Svetlana said as she adjusted her blouse in front of Tony before looking out the window with s smile. "The Ixanian Empire is really not too strict."

When she mentioned the nightclub across the street from them, Martin glanced out the window and nodded as he realized what she was talking about. "Ah yes. One of our many nightclubs (OOC:I figured she'd arrive at night). Gennderburg is quite well known nationally for its rather active nightlife. Especially with these teenagers. I don't believe anyone I know of is performing there. Perhaps an amateur band or a DJ. Like you said, to each his own. I don't meddle in the affairs of my nation's teens too often as whenever something is done directly to them they get all up an arms. I blame the hormones." he said with a chuckle and a shrug of his shoulders.

"Such clubs are numerous within the confines of the Ixanian Empire with many teenagers partaking in visiting them whenever they can. Everyone has their own tastes." Svetlana said with a smile before looking at Tony again; studying him briefly as if he were a book. Was she finding him attractive? That'd be very shocking to her.

"Your Highness, I'd hope to get a better look at Leichstur soon. I'd love to see more of your beloved land."

OOC: I've actually decided that this song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzdsshDHGA4&feature=related) will be the national anthem of Leichstur. The beginning represents the simple beginnings of Leichstur as the people settled into their new found colony. At 1:23/24 is where Martin Leichstur is growing older and more weary and threatened with an early death by sickness. 2:12ish represents the rule of Martin's successor as he struggles to halt the impending British invasion. 3:20 represents the struggles of Leichstur under the rule of the Empire as their leader is forced into exile by the British. 4:50 represents the rebellion that eventually drives the British occupants out and the eventual treaty to secure their nationhood and independence once again. 5:15 represents the coming of Prince Martin Leichstur II and his father who bring Leichstur out of depression and into a strong sense of nationalism and community as the Principality grows into what it is today. And 5:545 represents the uncertain future of the Principality.

"Well then we are glad we are placing our friendship in the hands of a very capable nation that promotes loyalty instead of seeing that enforcing it is futile, which it isn't." said Martin.

Martin nodded as Svetlana assured them both that it would be a quick and easy process for them to be given an embassy in Neo-Ixania. "I'm very glad to hear this. It makes the paper work so much easier on me and my staff.", he said as he glanced at Tony who was staring out the window. He didn't push the issue and simply glanced back to Svetlana as she mentioned seeing the rest of the nation.

"Don't worry I have a helicopter waiting for us once we get to the Imperial Homestead that will take us to my summer house where we'll have quick dinner to introduce you to my family and after we've all had a good night's sleep I have a helicopter ride around the countryside and some towns planned for us. How does that sound?", asked Martin as he subtly observed her eying Tony which made him smirk to himself as he realized what was going on that he had missed between the two of them.

OOC: Bump.

"Well then we are glad we are placing our friendship in the hands of a very capable nation that promotes loyalty instead of seeing that enforcing it is futile, which it isn't." said Martin.

"I am glad as well about that. My nation promotes values such as loyalty and merit."

Martin nodded as Svetlana assured them both that it would be a quick and easy process for them to be given an embassy in Neo-Ixania. "I'm very glad to hear this. It makes the paper work so much easier on me and my staff.", he said as he glanced at Tony who was staring out the window. He didn't push the issue and simply glanced back to Svetlana as she mentioned seeing the rest of the nation.

"Everything will be dealt with an orderly fashion so that we each have our respective embassies. From there, we can proceed with the further development of diplomatic relations."

"Don't worry I have a helicopter waiting for us once we get to the Imperial Homestead that will take us to my summer house where we'll have quick dinner to introduce you to my family and after we've all had a good night's sleep I have a helicopter ride around the countryside and some towns planned for us. How does that sound?", asked Martin as he subtly observed her eying Tony which made him smirk to himself as he realized what was going on that he had missed between the two of them.

"That all sounds very good to me and I look forward to meeting your family and the helicopter ride. It's always nice to learn more about the nation in which you are working to get relations with."

Svetlana looked at Tony and smiled. "Will Tony be accompanying us?"

Bumped.

OOC: Sorry about that. I could've swore I posted already.

"I'm glad to hear that Ixania and Leichstur promote the same values. I'm sure your superiors and colleagues will handle the exchange of embassies professionally and efficiently considering how widely popular Ixania is with the international community. I have no doubts that your nation makes such visits like this one frequent when it comes to developing relations."

Martin smiled, glad that Svetlana was eager to continue the trip. The one thing he hated about diplomats was the ones who were so humble as to decline offers such as his. He knew from the start, however, that Svetlana was one of the few unique cases in her line of work where they actually treated talking to foreign leaders like regular Human beings and not Gods.

As she asked about Tony, he saw him break from his trance and look to Svetlana at the mention of his name. "Hm? Me? Well I don't know i've never really..", he was cut off by Martin who made the decision for him. "Of course Tony will be coming. He's always been by my side. He's the closest thing to a friend i'm allowed.", he said with a warm smile as he clasped Tony on the shoulder and gave him a sly wink. Tony couldn't help but smile at Svetlana and look in the eyes, saying "Yes indeed. Where ever his highness goes i'm never too far behind if at all."

OOC: Sorry about that. I could've swore I posted already.

"I'm glad to hear that Ixania and Leichstur promote the same values. I'm sure your superiors and colleagues will handle the exchange of embassies professionally and efficiently considering how widely popular Ixania is with the international community. I have no doubts that your nation makes such visits like this one frequent when it comes to developing relations."

OOC: No problem.

"The Ixanian Empire has always tried to be friendly with the nations of the world and we hardly ever get involved in the world's conflicts since we believe currently in fighting only in self defense. I'm glad to know that our nations promote the same values and I am sure we can handle the foreign affairs issue well."

As she asked about Tony, he saw him break from his trance and look to Svetlana at the mention of his name. "Hm? Me? Well I don't know i've never really..", he was cut off by Martin who made the decision for him. "Of course Tony will be coming. He's always been by my side. He's the closest thing to a friend i'm allowed.", he said with a warm smile as he clasped Tony on the shoulder and gave him a sly wink. Tony couldn't help but smile at Svetlana and look in the eyes, saying "Yes indeed. Where ever his highness goes i'm never too far behind if at all."

Svetlana smiled at Tony as she looked into his own eyes; thinking that he reminded her of the personal assistant she usually had seen with the Empress of Ixania. She was quite happy to be around him and felt like she could make Tony, as well as Martin, into a good friend. However, she was more focused on Tony than Martin. She felt he was quite handsome and she usually never focused on stuff like that during diplomatic missions but this was something different. She felt he was quite handsome and felt quite happy around him. "I'm glad to know that you are a professional devoted to your work, Tony. The Empress of Ixania has a personal assistant, you know, and you remind me of him."

Svetlana nodded her head at Martin. "I would be honored to meet your family, sir, and I would think that you would be able to meet the Empress if you ever visit Ixania. She has no children at the moment but she is expected to marry since she is being entertained, as we speak, by suitors. When she does marry, I am sure you will be one of the people invited and I am sure Tony may also be invited. If not, we could have it arranged. I'm sure you'd want Tony to come along to a joyous event like a wedding."

"The Ixanian Empire has always tried to be friendly with the nations of the world and we hardly ever get involved in the world's conflicts since we believe currently in fighting only in self defense. I'm glad to know that our nations promote the same values and I am sure we can handle the foreign affairs issue well."

"I see. While I and the Council of Military Affairs have always taken a more aggressive stance when defending a nation in need or one of close relations to our own we have yet to pursue any large scale conflicts outside of that sort of reasoning. "

Svetlana smiled at Tony as she looked into his own eyes; thinking that he reminded her of the personal assistant she usually had seen with the Empress of Ixania. She was quite happy to be around him and felt like she could make Tony, as well as Martin, into a good friend. However, she was more focused on Tony than Martin. She felt he was quite handsome and she usually never focused on stuff like that during diplomatic missions but this was something different. She felt he was quite handsome and felt quite happy around him. "I'm glad to know that you are a professional devoted to your work, Tony. The Empress of Ixania has a personal assistant, you know, and you remind me of him."

Tony couldn't help but blush slightly from Svetlana's staring. He didn't expect to be accompanying the Prince to meet a diplomat he'd fall head over heels for without knowing anything about her in the least when he woke up this morning. That didn't matter to him. There was this...air of seductiveness surrounding Svetlana that made it hard for Tony to resist moving closer to her in the limousine. But for the sake of professionalism he could wait to express his feelings to her for the time being.

"Thank you, Svetlana. I consider my job as important to the nation as his highness's is. It's good to hear that the Empress has a staff that are as dedicated as I am in my own line of duty."

Martin smiled and nodded to Svetlana. "I find it quite surprising her highness Anastasia II has yet to find her life partner. Atleast she's making sure its the right one by taking her time with things. By the time I was in my 20's Tony was practically having women audition for my wife already. But I do hope the Empress finds someone who will treat her well. For all she's done in her time as Empress it would be a shame for it to be tarnished by a regrettable choice in a partner."

"I'm certain that nothing will keep me from coming to the ceremony whenever it may be. And, like Tony pointed out, he's never far behind me so i'm sure he'll be attempting to catch the bride's bouquet.", he said with a teasing smirk to Tony.

Beofre he could counter, however, the limo rolled to a stop and Martin glanced out the window. "Ah. Finally. Come our helicopter awaits us.", he said as the door to the limo opened and he stepped out. Tony followed suite but stayed by the door to offer Svetlana his hand as she stepped out herself.

The Imperial Homestead (http://www.dublincity.ie/SiteCollectionImages/Night_shot_of_Mansion_House.jpg) itself was quite small but many offices and buildings branched off of it.

They took a small set of stairs off to the side which lead them to the back and after a brief walk through a small garden/sitting area there was a helipad with their ride waiting at it. Bodyguards made a tight perimeter around the three and Tony kept protectively close to Svetlana.

"I see. While I and the Council of Military Affairs have always taken a more aggressive stance when defending a nation in need or one of close relations to our own we have yet to pursue any large scale conflicts outside of that sort of reasoning. "

"The Ixanian Empire considers the just war theory to be official policy and we usually only strive to fight in self defense and I do not think that any of this will change in the years to come."

Tony couldn't help but blush slightly from Svetlana's staring. He didn't expect to be accompanying the Prince to meet a diplomat he'd fall head over heels for without knowing anything about her in the least when he woke up this morning. That didn't matter to him. There was this...air of seductiveness surrounding Svetlana that made it hard for Tony to resist moving closer to her in the limousine. But for the sake of professionalism he could wait to express his feelings to her for the time being.

Svetlana was quite interested in Tony as she kept on hearing voices within her mind tell her how handsome and charming he was while she tried her best to focus on the diplomatic venture she was sent on. He had some unknown aura around him that attracted her to him more so than that Cuban bus boy she was rumored to be in a fling with. This man, Tony Gifford, was really interesting. Was it the beginning of love? She did not know. If it was, though, then she had to think about that.

"Thank you, Svetlana. I consider my job as important to the nation as his highness's is. It's good to hear that the Empress has a staff that are as dedicated as I am in my own line of duty."

"Dedication is but one of the necessary foundations for good government."

Martin smiled and nodded to Svetlana. "I find it quite surprising her highness Anastasia II has yet to find her life partner. Atleast she's making sure its the right one by taking her time with things. By the time I was in my 20's Tony was practically having women audition for my wife already. But I do hope the Empress finds someone who will treat her well. For all she's done in her time as Empress it would be a shame for it to be tarnished by a regrettable choice in a partner."

"The Ixanian Empire can only hope that our Empress finds a loyal and trustworthy man to marry and reign alongside with for many years and I am but one of the many citizens who shares this view. My hope is that everything goes smoothly for her and that we see good fruits blossom from the marital tree's branches. Did one of the women Tony audition for your wife become your spouse, Your Highness?"

"I'm certain that nothing will keep me from coming to the ceremony whenever it may be. And, like Tony pointed out, he's never far behind me so i'm sure he'll be attempting to catch the bride's bouquet.", he said with a teasing smirk to Tony.

Svetlana giggled. "I'm sure that Tony is just very devoted to you, Your Highness, and I think you should be thankful to have him in your service. He's a man who many people would love to have."

Beofre he could counter, however, the limo rolled to a stop and Martin glanced out the window. "Ah. Finally. Come our helicopter awaits us.", he said as the door to the limo opened and he stepped out. Tony followed suite but stayed by the door to offer Svetlana his hand as she stepped out herself.

"Thank you, Tony."

Svetlana took Tony's hand as she walked with him to the helicopter which made her feel quite happy with being around him. With a smile she eventually got onto the helicopter and looked to see it rising into the air.....

The Imperial Homestead (http://www.dublincity.ie/SiteCollectionImages/Night_shot_of_Mansion_House.jpg) itself was quite small but many offices and buildings branched off of it.

They took a small set of stairs off to the side which lead them to the back and after a brief walk through a small garden/sitting area there was a helipad with their ride waiting at it. Bodyguards made a tight perimeter around the three and Tony kept protectively close to Svetlana.

"Tony....what made you get into the service of His Highness?"

"The Ixanian Empire considers the just war theory to be official policy and we usually only strive to fight in self defense and I do not think that any of this will change in the years to come."

"Of course. Whatever keeps your nation intact and it works and makes everyone happy I see no reason to chance any policy. We've simply come to understand that most international leaders only understand action. And if that is the path we must take to get through to them our point, then so be it."


"Dedication is but one of the necessary foundations for good government."

"I absolutely agree.", said Tony with a proud smile.

"The Ixanian Empire can only hope that our Empress finds a loyal and trustworthy man to marry and reign alongside with for many years and I am but one of the many citizens who shares this view. My hope is that everything goes smoothly for her and that we see good fruits blossom from the marital tree's branches. Did one of the women Tony audition for your wife become your spouse, Your Highness?"

"Actually to be honest my wife was one of the women in charge of finding potential wives for me. Had she actually competed she would've won hand down. But either way I ended up falling head over heels for her and now we have a beautiful daughter Isabella. She'll be going to school soon enough. Her first year too. We're quite excited", said Martin with a smile as he thought back to his beautiful family.

Svetlana giggled. "I'm sure that Tony is just very devoted to you, Your Highness, and I think you should be thankful to have him in your service. He's a man who many people would love to have."

Martin chuckled softly. "Yes. How else would I come up with material for my speeches? Joking of course. But yes, Tony is a large part of my life and my success and I value him and treat him as a brother."

"Tony....what made you get into the service of His Highness?"


Tony looked down at Svetlana and smiled as he thought back to that. "Well...I had just left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and thought i'd try homeland politics instead of foreign politics this time around. So I joined the leading party that was currently in control of Martin's father's court. I slowly rose through the ranks and when the current Supreme Advisor had passed away I was voted into his place. Not long after I was elected, Martin's father passed away as well. As I got ready to step down from my short lived position his highness stepped in and made the decision to let me keep office as I had befriended him before he took power I suppose and he trusted me quite well."

He helped her into the helicopter and the door closed as the whirr of the engines started up and the helicopter slowly began to take off. Before they knew it they were soaring over the sparkling city of Gennderburg.

"Of course. Whatever keeps your nation intact and it works and makes everyone happy I see no reason to chance any policy. We've simply come to understand that most international leaders only understand action. And if that is the path we must take to get through to them our point, then so be it."

Svetlana smiled. "The essence of government is that it must do whatever it can to serve and protect the citizens that are governed by it and that the people feel safe and secure. That's what I believed ever since I first considered getting involved in politics many years ago; I can still remember my first steps into the field...."


"Actually to be honest my wife was one of the women in charge of finding potential wives for me. Had she actually competed she would've won hand down. But either way I ended up falling head over heels for her and now we have a beautiful daughter Isabella. She'll be going to school soon enough. Her first year too. We're quite excited", said Martin with a smile as he thought back to his beautiful family.

Svetlana smiled. "....My hardline devotion to work has prevented me from really getting any man to love me enough to marry me and have children but I am considering searching for that special someone nowadays because I don't really want to be alone. As for your daughter, I do hope she has a good school year and it is possible for her to attend an Ixanian school should you and your wife consent."

Martin chuckled softly. "Yes. How else would I come up with material for my speeches? Joking of course. But yes, Tony is a large part of my life and my success and I value him and treat him as a brother."

"Tony sounds awfully like Vladimir, the Ixanian Russian man who became the personal assistant of the Ixanian Empress after faithfully serving her father before he died. Vlad is always there to give Anastasia whatever assistance she requires since, as many say, politics is never child's play."

Tony looked down at Svetlana and smiled as he thought back to that. "Well...I had just left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and thought i'd try homeland politics instead of foreign politics this time around. So I joined the leading party that was currently in control of Martin's father's court. I slowly rose through the ranks and when the current Supreme Advisor had passed away I was voted into his place. Not long after I was elected, Martin's father passed away as well. As I got ready to step down from my short lived position his highness stepped in and made the decision to let me keep office as I had befriended him before he took power I suppose and he trusted me quite well."

"....It is always best for the leaders of nations to rely on the merit and virtue of all people they entrust with power and closeness so that the government does not fall into vice and disrepute. I learned much about political science and the like during my years in university and the like; eventually I got to work in the Foreign Ministry and I rose through the ranks to become one of the foremost diplomats of the Ixanian Empire. I've visited many nations and have learned much during my years in service but, then again, you always learn something every day even if you never expect to. For example, I once learned that some Cuban bus boy who was a lot younger than me had a crush on me...but I never reciprocated any love...I'm still an open door although I never really seem to be there if you get my drift. I must say that I will most likely pursue my political career for many more years to come and I do hope that whomever I marry will not prevent me from continuing to be who I am."

He helped her into the helicopter and the door closed as the whirr of the engines started up and the helicopter slowly began to take off. Before they knew it they were soaring over the sparkling city of Gennderburg.

"...The city looks quite beautiful from up here, Your Highness, and I must thank you for taking me to see your family which was rather unexpected since I only assumed, to be honest, that we would discuss just diplomatic matters. However, I am honored to see your family and to be in your presence just a bit more longer; as well, we have our handsome friend Tony here to keep us company."

Svetlana smiled at Tony and spoke to him softly. "Tony...do you have a family?"