NationStates Jolt Archive

To many nations, persons of importance were sent invitations to the Winter Ball in Hofburg, Lavenrunz, on behalf of the 13 year old Empress Aurora von Sachshausen.
Dear (Sir, Madam, Excellency, Highness, Majesty, Holiness, Grace...)
You are cordially invited to attend a Winter Ball in Lavenrunz, to be held at the Palace of the Moon and Stars, by Her Imperial Majesty Empress Aurora. It is to be a costumed affair--though for reasons of security for all involved there will be no actual masks. There will be dancing, feasting and entertainment for all who attend, and your arrival is greatly looked forward to. All guests will be placed in the Klefburg Hotel unless they prefer to make other arrangements, which we ask will be made clear through my office.
I am most respectfully
Count von Chemnitz, Imperial Chamberlain.

Empress Aurora had looked ruefully at the Peter Pan costume she'd worn a year ago. Unfitting now;
out of nowhere she had breasts and hips that made her look more like an obscene Tinkerbell in the costume.
She would be fourteen in a few months...it was a bit embarassing, she didn't know what to do with herself.
What she did know is that she made a fine Witch of the North, with her layers of gossamer and silver wand, her fair
hair cascading over her shoulders. The gown floated like a cloud when she twirled, a cloud fully of the tiny jewels sewn
into it.
"Your Majesty looks marvellous," Baroness Stahl enthused. The young woman was her new Matron of Honour, and she was lots of fun,
more like having a big sister than anything really.
"Let me look at you." urged the young Empress.
Baroness von Stahl was dressed as a Valkyrie, with a winged helmet, sword and shield, chainmail armor and beautiful wings that
looked as though they could really spread and fly.
"And with the other ladies going as fantastic beasts and goddesses..." said the Empress thoughtfully, "We will be like a page from the old
stories." she laughed excitedly. "I can't wait!"

OOC Note: this is current with this thread:
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=100703

---Post deleted by NationStates Moderators---

To His Imperial Majesty the Czar

You are most welcome to attend! I am looking forward to it, and of course you should be properly attended.

Empress Aurora

---Post deleted by NationStates Moderators---

OOC: the ball starts when I have some responses. :)

Due to edging of her father, Lord AniX, the Leader of Emina, Prime Commandess Widow of the Emina army will go to the party.

She will be going as a Warrior, which is oddly enough also her hobby.

<<Link Established>>
<<Begin Transmission>>
<Destination: Lavenrunz>

The Republic would be most pleased to attend this ball. Reamus Kastor has heard of your invitation and expresses interest in coming. He shall be leaving, and consequently arriving shortly.

-John Guilder
Director of Foreign Affairs

<<Link Disconnected>>

Our nation's leader, Gen. Dante, will be attending.

Ben Sullivan
Overseer of Foreign Affairs

"Oh, finally a good occassion of relaxing myself after all that political trouble", said the Princess Aliria D'Hyru, the Aelosian Chancellor, looking her own slim elven silouette in the mirror.

"Are you going to attend that ball?", asked her maid, giving a pair of stitches to a wonderful blue dress, with motives of stellar constelations.

"Of course, I need some fun too. All this political trouble only make me bitter and bitter. And don't ask if I'm going with Theallas. I'm not in good terms with him right now. I'm going alone".

...all invitations are responded to.

Dear (Sir, Madam, Excellency, Lordship, Ladyship, Highness, Holiness, Majesty--as appropriate)
The Empress is deeply honoured by your acceptance. A proper welcome will be made to you upon your arrival in Lavenrunz at the Emperor Frederick International Airport in Hofburg. Should you prefer to arrive by boat or other means, initial arrival will be in the city of Zwoll. For those arriving from space, the city of Astra is our space port, and terrestrial transport can be obtained from there.
respectfully
Count von Chemnitz, Imperial Chamberlain.

In the city of Astra...

The Aelosian Dropship, a huge blue starplane decorated with elven runes, descended to the space dock, after asking permission to the ground authorities, the platform descended and the hatch was opened, a red carpet all along the platform.

The Princess was the first one to descend, dressed in a lovely blue dress, in the dress diamonds reembling the stars aroun the orbit of her native Craftworld. She was a beautiful elven maiden, heir to the Everqueen, her smile being as warm as the soft touch of the sunlight in the morning, her hair flowing like the dusk breeze. The most important and beloved daughter of the Aelosian Empire arrived to Lavenrunz looking at the sky, her face full of joy.

Then came the Paelisi courtiers, dressed in purple, attendants and counselors of the Princess, and a pair of guards, their wraithbone armor featuring the artificial wings of the swooping hawks.

They expected the arrival of the Lavenrunz's transport, leaving the dock area in a perfect formation. The Imperial Chancellor was admiring the Lavenrunz's architecture, seeing how different it was from her native artificial planet.

Just two pics...

http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/acatalog/vr1store.jpg
Aelosian Stellar Dropship

http://www.burn-up.net/deedlit/gallery/love2.jpg
Princess Aliria D'Hyru, Imperial Chancellor, with Aelan, her favourite page.

"Present--arms!" a voice shouted, and the honour guard, in blue and gold tunics with black trousers, presented arms with their bayoneted rifles. A band struck up the anthem of Aelosia, and the small group of officials, headed by Archduke Carl, the Empress' uncle, raised their hands to salute or to lay over their hearts. The Archduke, a strongly built fair haired man with pale blue eyes, wore a stern expression. His uniform was the bright blue formal dress of the Imperial Air Force. A sword, ornate with gold and rubies, was at his side; his hands wore white gloves.
When the anthem had finished, he stepped forward and said, "Welcome to Lavenrunz, your Highness. There is a plane waiting to take you to Hofburg, or would you prefer to rest in Astra first?"

She smiled, doing a little bow out of respect to the ArchDuke "Oh well, as you like. To be extremely honest, I came here just to have fun, relax, and know your wonderful country. I have heard nice stories about the environment and people of Lavenrunz, so please treat me like...a tourist", she said, chuckling after saying the last word. "Has Astra some beautiful place to visit?, or should I go to the ball in haste?", she asked, looking at the uniforms of the guards with a merry expression painted in her features.

Vanill lith Manhili, the niece of Her Grace Queen Aldivahari lith Manhili and the heir to the Avari Queendom (should something happen to the Queen) will attend the ball.

Gen. Dante arrives at the city of Zwoll onboard a ship. The ship comes to a halt at a port and Dante steps off dressed in a Langhan general's uniform. Medals cover the entire left side of his shirt, which hit together as he walked. The patch on the shoulders of his shirt represented that he was in the 3rd Langham Marine Corps. Once he reached the ground, he took off his hat and looked around.

<Deated>

Prince Alexander read it again. "Tell me... would this help our relations with SATO, and Menelmacar?"

"Undoubtedly so, Your Highness." Duke Darquis said, reading over the Prince's shoulder. Well, at least it won't hurt them.

"I see. Bring me a military uniform."

"What will sir be going as?" A passing servant asked. "A leader?" His face took on a rictor of horror as Alexander glided effortlessly over to him.

"My dear sir... as your beloved Prince, with power of life and death over you, what does a leader look like?" He crooned.

The servant started to sweat. "Like you, sir! Like you!" Alexander nodded, and patted him on the back. The man ran off... but not fast enough. A green dart shot from Alexander's ring, stabbing him and unleashing a sleeping poison into him. Alexander turned towards Darquis.

"On second thought, I always wear military uniform normally. Maybe something else..."

<-------------->

En route to Lavenrunz

"I feel a right twit." He rolled his eyes. "And my fiance is pregnant, so she's staying home... what do I pay diplomats for, anyway?" He remarked to one of his guards, costumed as a, "What the hell are you meant to be?"

The man blinked. "I'm a squirrel, your highness." Alexander rolled his eyes, and drove his fist into the man's stomach. "Ooh... thank you, sir."
http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:VbI3UqDhQ0QC:www.samanthaskunk.com/graph/sam-costume.jpg

http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:L-1DfBQcFaAC:cheesecakeandfriends.com/pictures/Types/jester.jpg
Prince Alexander Tyral Black
Prince of the Most Holy Principality of Roania; Master of the Roanian Empire
Dressed as a Jester

En route to Lavenrunz:

Vanill lith Manhili looked in a mirror and said, "I hope they like this costume, I looked nothing like Galadriel." Her guard didn't say a word, after all Vanill was famous for her raven black hair and deep black eyes and pale white skin and her weakness for green silks. Now she was in a white silk dress, blue contact lenses, and a blond wig to complete the whole Galadriel costume. "You do make a cute Celeborn, Aragrim." she said to her Protector. He blushed and took a glance in the mirror as well, he did have to admit that he rather liked his costume. "We are almost there." Aragrim said.

OOC: Hope you don't mind me posting here...

Port of Zwoll, Lavenrunz

"I am unsure of what can be gained from this, Heart," Antonisz said. He looked uncomfortable in his costume, more accustomed to the ease of military garb.

"That's why you're not Heart, cousin," Aurelian Rayat, Heart of the Citadel, replied, adjusting the fit of his wings. "There. Don't you think I make a very good shrike?"

Antonisz looked doubtful, but said "Very nice, Heart," anyway. Aurelian was the Heart of the most powerful Citadel in Szraion, after all.

"Then let's go!" Aurelian led the way off the Citadel ship. The Wings of the Citadel could have got them here faster, but Citadel Rayat was old and powerful and delighted in it's mastery of the seas. Using aircraft was beneath them.

Antonisz followed. He would have grumbled if that was still in his nature; but such things were unfitting for a Hand of the Citadel. He was costumed as a Borg, an easy enough disguise; it wasn't difficult for a cyborg to play a cyborg, after all.

Aurelian was somewhat worried that his cousin would prove a bore; but it wasn't done for a Heart to travel without at least one Hand, so he had to come. Hopefully he wouldn't prove too much of an encumbrance.

To: Runners of Winter Ball, Hofburg, Lavenrunz
From: Lord deGritz, Iuthia Prime, Iuthia
Subject: Invitation Accepted!
Message:

I would like to register my interest in attending this ball as I haven't had the chance to get out and socialise with others for a long time since things have got a little heated with nations such as Whispering Voices.

Myself and Kiara, a Aireon princess hope to attend with our two most trusted bodyguards, though they are customary... I'm sure your security is very tight.

However, before we attend, I would like to address an issue of protocol, our Black Viper bodyguards usually attend conferences and political events fully armed… however, we understand that you do not wish for weapons to be in attendance and as such we request that we may take one un-loaded Gauss Rifle as our minimum… this weapon represents our military might (never once used in war for over 100 years) and it is customary for our guards to be see with them.

We will also be travelling in a military craft of Iuthian design and we would like to confirm that we may do so safely, we respect all wishes to check myself, Kiara and my security before attending.

Assuming all is well, we hope to see you at the Winter Ball and wish you well in the greetings of others.

James deGritz, leader of Iuthia

She smiled, doing a little bow out of respect to the ArchDuke "Oh well, as you like. To be extremely honest, I came here just to have fun, relax, and know your wonderful country. I have heard nice stories about the environment and people of Lavenrunz, so please treat me like...a tourist", she said, chuckling after saying the last word. "Has Astra some beautiful place to visit?, or should I go to the ball in haste?", she asked, looking at the uniforms of the guards with a merry expression painted in her features
"Forgive me, I should introduce myself. I am Archduke Carl von Sachshausen, the Empress' maternal uncle. I am also the Director of the Imperial Space Agency, which is based here. I'm afraid that Astra is a somewhat utilitarian city, though next year the results of some beautiful garden planning will become evident. You see, it was only built a few years ago, when expatriates from some ruined space colonies settled here. Hofburg however has a number of beautiful sights, and your Highness may want to see them. The plane we are providing is a tilt-rotar aircraft and will permit you to take a closer look at the view of what you pass on the way." The Archduke's mouth quirked at the word 'tourist'. Who was the elfgirl trying to fool, arriving like a thunderclap and then coming over all modest? Nevertheless, a guest was a guest, and must be humored.


Gen. Dante arrives at the city of Zwoll onboard a ship. The ship comes to a halt at a port and Dante steps off dressed in a Langhan general's uniform. Medals cover the entire left side of his shirt, which hit together as he walked. The patch on the shoulders of his shirt represented that he was in the 3rd Langham Marine Corps. Once he reached the ground, he took off his hat and looked around.

"Present--arms!" cried a voice, and the Imperial Marine band struck up the anthem of Langham.
General Dietrich of the Imperial Marines, a grizzled man in the Corps full dress uniform with sword, cap and gloves, stood to attention, saluting during the anthem, and at the end of it walked forward to greet General Dante. "Sir, you are welcome to Lavenrunz. I hope you have had a pleasant journey--if there is nothing I can do for you here there is a transport waiting to take you to Hofburg."


Port of Zwoll, Lavenrunz

"I am unsure of what can be gained from this, Heart," Antonisz said. He looked uncomfortable in his costume, more accustomed to the ease of military garb.

"That's why you're not Heart, cousin," Aurelian Rayat, Heart of the Citadel, replied, adjusting the fit of his wings. "There. Don't you think I make a very good shrike?"

Antonisz looked doubtful, but said "Very nice, Heart," anyway. Aurelian was the Heart of the most powerful Citadel in Szraion, after all.

"Then let's go!" Aurelian led the way off the Citadel ship. The Wings of the Citadel could have got them here faster, but Citadel Rayat was old and powerful and delighted in it's mastery of the seas. Using aircraft was beneath them.

Antonisz followed. He would have grumbled if that was still in his nature; but such things were unfitting for a Hand of the Citadel. He was costumed as a Borg, an easy enough disguise; it wasn't difficult for a cyborg to play a cyborg, after all.

Aurelian was somewhat worried that his cousin would prove a bore; but it wasn't done for a Heart to travel without at least one Hand, so he had to come. Hopefully he wouldn't prove too much of an encumbrance.

Not far away, a similar ceremony took place, but here it was the Foreign Minister, Aurora von Konigsmark, who was the senior official. The tall slender woman was reviewing in her mind all that she knew of the curious customs of those disembarking, but it was with a calm and friendly demeanor that she stepped forward as the anthem ended with fluorishes. Bowing, she said, "I am Her Majesty's Foreign Minister, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Lavenrunz."

Empress Aurora stared out her window in amazement. Such huge snowflakes falling softly, she'd never seen them so big or so thick in the air! It was like magic. She had the feeling that anything could happen, that wonders would occur. Her ladies were coming to the window as well, marvelling.
Aurora watched as a soft white blanket began to cover the walkways of the garden, to fall over statues, hedges, trees and fountains...

"The pleasure is entirely mine, milady," Aurelian replied, smiling. "It is an honour to be invited to your fair nation. I am Aurelian Rayat, Heart of the Citadel. This is my cousin, Antonisz son of Hadrian brother of Julisz, father of the Heart. An honour to meet you, truly an honour."

Behind him, Antonisz said nothing, choosing instead to glower menacingly at the Foreign Minister and her aides. Nobody in Szraion would expect a Hand to be diplomatic, after all. Except for Aurelian, of course. Antonisz silently cursed the accident of birth that had made Aurelian the eldest son of the Heart Julisz.

Prince Alexander entered the room to sounds of shock. No one could believe that the usually dour Prince had come, dressed as a court Jester. He bowed. "Honored lords, ladies." He smiled, an even rarer expression on his face. "I have come from miles away, from a land of summer, to visit this court. I have a gift for the..." his voice turned sour, "empress." Upstart... I run a country, and I'm not even a king... I'll have to kneel before a 14 year old.

He clapped his hands together, and when he drew them apart, a single snow-white rose was in his left hand.

Raining, why was it always raining here?

It was a rhetorical question. Seamus Mcfibbish knew the answer, as did everybody in the nation of Guinness Extra Cold. Years of alcohol related air pollution had laced the atmosphere with a 40% ethanol rating.

Well, at least it makes sure that mosquitoes never get a foothold in the country.

Sir, we have received an invitation to an event we have never been to from a nation who's whereabouts still confuses our Satellite Reconnaissance Office.

Satellite Reconnaissance Office my *ss! A fancy name for a bunch of bespectacled putzs with communication degrees from mail in "institutes" sitting in an office with no windows and less air circulation.

Confirm my attendance to this event, wherever it is and prep the executive jet! Declared Seamus

You mean the 1987 silver Gremlin with the fuzzy dice? Asked George his assistance and nephew.

...yes....replied a dejected Seamus, who realized that getting lost and possibly killed would be considerably more enjoyable then remaining here anymore. God he hated the rain.

Prince Alexander entered the room to sounds of shock. No one could believe that the usually dour Prince had come, dressed as a court Jester. He bowed. "Honored lords, ladies." He smiled, an even rarer expression on his face. "I have come from miles away, from a land of summer, to visit this court. I have a gift for the..." his voice turned sour, "empress." Upstart... I run a country, and I'm not even a king... I'll have to kneel before a 14 year old.

He clapped his hands together, and when he drew them apart, a single snow-white rose was in his left hand.

OOC: Um...where are you? The ball hasn't started yet. I was under the impression you hadn't arrived yet.

"The pleasure is entirely mine, milady," Aurelian replied, smiling. "It is an honour to be invited to your fair nation. I am Aurelian Rayat, Heart of the Citadel. This is my cousin, Antonisz son of Hadrian brother of Julisz, father of the Heart. An honour to meet you, truly an honour."

Behind him, Antonisz said nothing, choosing instead to glower menacingly at the Foreign Minister and her aides. Nobody in Szraion would expect a Hand to be diplomatic, after all. Except for Aurelian, of course. Antonisz silently cursed the accident of birth that had made Aurelian the eldest son of the Heart Julisz.

"Thank you, Highness," said Aurora, testing the title out to see if he accepted it, and slightly nervous at the glowering man. "Your, er, transport is ready should you wish it..."
One or two aides tensed a bit at this strange reaction, and one of them glanced at the officer commanding the honour guard...

"The title is "Heart"," Antonisz said coldly, "Or "Kelraikh", which is the Kivaji form."

Oh damn, Aurelian thought, He is going to be a lead weight. And he's the most diplomatic of the Hands...

Ignoring Antonisz, Aurelian smiled at Aurora. "That would be excellent, milady. Do lead on."

(EDIT: Fixed italics)

"Mm..." Chancelier Solange, the capable young leader of Sparren, reviewed the golden-laced invitation with approval and handed it lightly off to a servant. "Please send reply to the princess that I will be attending, and do tell the seamstresses to finish that silver dress they've been working on."

Solange turned back to her desk, grey eyes staring dreamily off into space. She smiled slightlyand spoke to herself. "It's been so long since I've been to one of these balls, and I'm looking so forward to making new acquaintances and communicating again with those I'd lost track of..." She beamed in anticipation and attempted to resist bouncing up and down like a child.

Abruptly she turned back to her work. She was, after all, a country's leader. So much work to do, so little time. ~

"The title is "Heart"," Antonisz said coldly, "Or "Kelraikh", which is the Kivaji form."

Oh damn, Aurelian thought, He is going to be a lead weight. And he's the most diplomatic of the Hands...

Ignoring Antonisz, Aurelian smiled at Aurora. "That would be excellent, milady. Do lead on."

(EDIT: Fixed italics)

Aurora tried not to imagine Antonisz being slowly beaten to death by the Marine honour guards, their rifle butts slamming into him, boots smashing into ribs, groin, knees, face, neck...
She smiled and hoped she wasn't sweating. "Of course, my lord Heart...this way."
The plane was a VTOL Osprey outfitted for VIPs, and soldiers near it presented arms as the group moved up to it. "I hope this will be satisfactory. It will be approximately half an hour's flight to Hofburg, but if my Lord Heart prefers, there is the train."

"Perfectly satisfactory, milady," Aurelian replied, still smiling (although he spared a second to give Antonisz a glare which said, behave). "We have similar craft in Szraion, although they use rockets."*

OOC: *There's an acronym for that, JTOL or RTOL or something ... anyway, they go straight up with rockets and then engage jets. I *love* my crazy inventions.

The Princess looked at the ArchDuke with her cheeks blushed "Oh, Where I left my manners?. I haven't told you my name. I'm Princess Aliria D'Hyru, Imperial Chancellor of Aelosia, I will be delighted to see your beautiful city, and to meet your fabled Empress. Is it true that in this time of the year snow falls in Lavenrunz?, I haven't seen snow in so many years...", said the woman, staring deeply at the eyes of the ArchDuke, "Is it something wrong?", she asked, her face trying to understand the human emotion that she could read in the man's face.

"There is nothing wrong, Lady Princess, but I could hardly treat someone so important and fascinating as yourself as something so trivial as a tourist. It is true, Princess, that the snow falls this time of year, though Astra is rather too far in the north (OOC: Lavenrunz being located in the south Atlantic) for that--you will see snow aplenty in Hofburg, I assure you." Archduke Carl invites the Princess to walk with him a little towards the transport. "Your Highness is doubtless aware that Empress Joanna was foully assassinated a few months ago, which has placed Her daughter Aurora on the throne."

"Perfectly satisfactory, milady," Aurelian replied, still smiling (although he spared a second to give Antonisz a glare which said, behave). "We have similar craft in Szraion, although they use rockets."*

OOC: *There's an acronym for that, JTOL or RTOL or something ... anyway, they go straight up with rockets and then engage jets. I *love* my crazy inventions.

"Very good, lord Heart. This plane is piloted by expert officers of the Imperial Air Force..."
One of them in fact came out, saluting, and said quietly, "Excellency, there is a light snowfall beginning over Hofburg, but the Meteorology Satellite Command reports that we can make it easily if we leave quickly."
"Ah." Aurora von Konigsmark turned to Aurelian and said, "Forgive me, sir, but did you hear that?"

"Yes I remember, please forgive my clumsy memory. Killed by her own honor guard. I even redacted the note of condolence we sent to the royal house, How could I forgot that?, too many things in my mind, I suppose. The last I knew about her is that the beloved Lady Sirithil was helping her. As a matter of fact she was nominated Regent of Lavenrunz, Didn't she?", as she walked, she gave her arm to the ArchDuke, joining at his side, gesturing to his guards and comitive to stay behind. The cold touch of steel could be felt beneath the soft silk of the Princess forearm, as she was wearing metal under her dress. "But I don't want to talk about sad things. I would like to meet Aurora then, if she's a friend of Lady Sirithil, then I'll get along with her just fine, at least I hope so. Sometimes I think I could need a friend or two", she said, giving the Duke a warm smile.

"Yes I remember, please forgive my clumsy memory. Killed by her own honor guard. I even redacted the note of condolence we sent to the royal house, How could I forgot that?, too many things in my mind, I suppose. The last I knew about her is that the beloved Lady Sirithil was helping her. As a matter of fact she was nominated Regent of Lavenrunz, Didn't she?",
Calmly, Carl, this young lady does not know how you were snubbed, the Empress' own brother to stand aside for foreigners and nonhumans...
"Indeed, Princess, that is so, along with Renate von Saucken of The Territory."

as she walked, she gave her arm to the ArchDuke, joining at his side, gesturing to his guards and comitive to stay behind. The cold touch of steel could be felt beneath the soft silk of the Princess forearm, as she was wearing metal under her dress. "But I don't want to talk about sad things. I would like to meet Aurora then, if she's a friend of Lady Sirithil, then I'll get along with her just fine, at least I hope so. Sometimes I think I could need a friend or two", she said, giving the Duke a warm smile.
Carl could not help but be touched by the smile, as a man as well. She was quite lovely. "The Empress Aurora is quite young, dear lady; she is only thirteen, though she will be fourteen in three months. Not of age yet which is why there are regents. But it is good to have friends. As for the young Empress, She is wise beyond Her years, and is very well spoken."
They had arrived at the VTOL transport, and the Archduke said, "I hope this will be sufficient for you...if you like I could accompany you for the journey..."
Where did that come from? he was too well trained in etiquette to flush or grimace, instead bowing to cover his confusion.

The thirteen kilometer across Kanuckistani Battleplate KHGV Sword of Inevitible Justice, one of only three in existance, settled into low earth orbit for the forst time in over two centuries of service, the vessel's active communications officer hailing the city of Astra's space port.

"This is the Kanuckistani High Gaurd Vessel Sword of Inevitible Justice, ferrying the God-Emperor to the Winter Ball in Lavenrunz. We request permission to descent to five hundred meters and disembark personel."

As we have no diplomatic representation in your country, the Chairman of the Foundation of International Studies will attend the occasion privately with her common-law husband, arriving on a commercial airliner. A trained gyrfalcon will be presented as a gift from the Commonwealth Commissioner.

(There was a demonstration against this earlier today by animal rights activists)

...

"Indeed," Aurelian replied, still smiling (although the smile was beginning to look a little false around the edges). "We had best make haste, then; I should hate to miss the grand event for a little snow!"

He climbed onboard the VTOL plane after Aurora, followed by Antonisz, who wore a scowl Aurelian was afraid was not going to come off. He sighed inwardly. Obeying tradition was all very well, but there had to be some way to make a Hand at least polite around foreigners.

Meanwhile – In an Airport in Hofberg

A loud humming can be heard in the distance of the dark nights; the citizens look up and see what can only be described as a high tech military helicopter (with no visible rotor blades I might add).

Slowly it lands on a near by field where a helipad resides. Some citizens looking up in confusion and anxiety as the craft slowly hover to the ground, a pair of leg folds out of the bottom of the craft and softly lands on the platform.

The Iuthian envoy carefully exits the craft to be received by their hosts. Two of the envoy is made up of Iuthian Black Vipers, a highly trained force consisting of specialist in their own field (these two have majors in defence tactics and escorting). They are wearing highly formal black uniforms, which have been designed for such occasions, each with the Iuthian flag on the shoulder and a suit like effect to the light armour.

They are also, quite alarmingly, carrying high tech rifle-like weapons. (Anyone familiar to Iuthian technology will recognise them as Gauss Rifles, the standard Iuthian rifle).

The other two in the envoy are; Lord General deGritz and Princess Kiara of Aireon. James is dressed in a black uniform, built into a suit almost. On this uniform are various insignia and on the left shoulder is the Iuthian flag, this is on all uniforms. James isn't carrying a weapon himself today.

Princess Kiara is wearing a simple yet beautiful white dress, showing a little bit of cleavage and the bottom of the dress goes down to her ankles. She is wearing a small platinum tiara, thankfully, being a princess; she gets away with it without looking mad.

“Don’t flutter yourself my dear, we will get changed once we have time… you don’t want to ruin your costume before we attend the ball now do you?” James asked Kiara. She looked a little annoyed with James.

“Well either way, your not going dressed as a general… that would defeat the point of going to a costumed ball because you are technically a genera-” she was interrupted.

“Lord General, Kiara there is a difference you know… I’m a leader not an actual general.” This got her that little bit more annoyed…

“I wouldn’t mind if you didn’t wear that thing to every other social function I take you to…” She complained.

“Drag me to, you mean… sigh… I suppose you are right, you would know after all, your father actually taught you etiquette…”

“Yes well, lets not dawdle, we have to prepare for the ball… now if only I could convince you to get those two to wear costumes…” The two bodyguards looked at one another for a second and then continued to keep an eye out, their faces somewhat whiter then they were before…

OOC: Jo's back? http://69.57.141.218/html/emoticons/blink.gif

Jessica had been looking forward to attending the Coronation of the Grand Duke, but now this letter from Lavenrunz had arrived.

D'ron had, of course, asked her which she wished to attend. The Costumed Winter Ball sounded like a great deal more fun.

And while she maintained no official rank in the Federation government, the sister of the leader would carry great weight in an Imperial nation such as Lavenrunz. Or so the D Section advisors had assured her brother before he left.

But Jessica didn't care. It was the first time she'd gotten to go anywhere on her own, representing the Federation, even in an unofficial capacity.

D'ron insisted on her doing that, as he wanted her to know where she wanted to serve when she joined the Federal Service. She was definitely leaning towards the International Relations Directorate, though she had toyed with the idea of the Military Directorate, just to annoy her older brother.

But it was a Costume Ball. So the important matter before her was what to wear.

And for that, she had a multitude of options.

She could wear her school uniform, tightened up a bit, but that wouldn't be appropriate.

Of course, she could wear her brother's orginal military uniform. The life len treatments tended to push male growth spurts back into the twenties, so it would fit her, though again, a bit tightly.

Not that she cared about that. Jessica flipped through her wardrobe. What else was there?

The red jumpsuit. She could make that into a devil outfit. That would go over well in Lavenrunz, she was sure.

It'd be perfect, if she had all the pieces she needed. Of course, she could send people for pieces she didn't have. Advantage to living in Imperial House.

A couple of hours later, she had all the pieces laid out on the bed as she looked at her mirror, examining the reflection of her pale skin, set off by the dark, tight undergarments she wore. Slipping on the skintight red jumpsuit, she looked at her reflection again. She adjusted the nano-fabric slightly, so there were no visible lines, and tossed her head, adjusting her gently curled hair.

She slipped on the black leather boots, and the head band with horns. Tight black leather gloves went on next, followed by the black half cape.

Then the black leather belt, low and tight on her hips, with the tail hanging down to a couple of centimeters above the floor. With her ceremonial dagger in its sheath on her belt, she lifted the bright red pitchfork, and looking the mirror, twirled it with a smile.

----------------------------------------

A number hours later, having been precleared through to landing, she debarked from one the diplomatic Eagle-class courier shuttles, grinning in the cool air, as to one not accustomed to the nano-weave fabrics, she wouldn't have enough on to keep her warm.

But she was actually quite comfortable, holding her pitchfork on the tarmac, horns poking up through her dark brown hair, and her eyes glinted with mischief.

Perhaps there would be people here she knew, and perhaps not. But one thing was nearly certain. There would be unattached males, and that was all that was important to have a good time.

Jessica Smith, younger sister of the Imperial President of the Federation of Sentient Peoples, looked about the tarmac for her greeting party, as she hadn't the slightest idea how to get to the palace from here.

I would be delighted to attend. My country has seen a great deal of trouble recently, and I could use a break from governing for a while.

Mark Albert
President
Federation of Glorious Humanity

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

President Mark Albert stretched and ran over his cue cards again. The cards were riding in a small pocket in his costume. The costume itself was a white satin robe, sandals, and an circlet of olive branches on his head. In this getup, Albert looked like he belonged about two thousand years in the past at least.

"Okay," he said to himself, shifting to a more comfortable position in the cabin of his private jet. "Review: if the Empress or any high-ranking lady approaches, I bow. If they offer a hand, I kiss it. I DON'T shake it. I bow to high ranking men, but I can get away with shaking their hands if a bow seems too formal. What else..." He racked his brain for more. The cue cards were the idea of Lacey Millhouse, the Deputy Minister of International Relations. Since Albert was going to this alone (save for a couple formal guards) Millhouse had provided him with a crash course in etiquette, and the cue cards to memorize, so he didn't trip over himself too badly.

"Bow, gotta practice the bow." He stood up and went through the motion a few times. He decided that it was good enough as the jet entered Lavenrunz airspace.

[OOC: Where should I land? Albert is just arriving in a conventional jet.]

ooc: Joanna you're back. Or more like player, I know your name but I don't think you'd like me using it. It is great to see you again Joanna and hope you're here to stay.
Unfortunatly there was an little civil war problem in my nation and William's been exiled and has now crashed in a forest in Menelmacar, but I just have to roleplay here. ^_^
This post takes place after William is rescued bla bla bla. He's in other roleplays still in the forest.

ic: It was a lot of trouble getting a plane to Lavenrunz, maybe Sirithil would have gone but William couldn't wait to get there as soon as possible as he heard of the ball, last time he was there he din't leave with the best of impresions and wanted to set things straight.
He arrived at the Palace of Moon and Stars, he had a black cloack covering himself and all that he wore, clearly wanting to keep it a suprise, although the sound of metal could clearly be heard when he walked and his appearence was a bit bulky. In any case he walked up the palacial steps with a smile on his face, happy to be in Lavenrunz once more, and seeing the beauty that winter has bestowed upon it.
He walked up to someone in a Lavenrunzian uniform and bowed lightly. "Greetings, would you be so kind as to state that William Xylon has arrived, and blessings to you." He said graciously and bowed again lightly with a smile on his lips.

The Regent of Lavenrunz, Lady Sirithil nos Fëanor, had quietly slipped into the country a day or two earlier - well, if one could consider arriving by gravitic destroyer a quiet slip-in. One thing about the Lady Sirithil, the Lavenrunzian people were never unaware whether she was in residence or not. She had been in the country as often as could be expected since Joanna's death, and had been making quite a go of the whole regency thing, careful not to change anything from what Joanna would have wanted, careful to balance the various factions, while carefully, quietly, making inroads on the investigation.

MISSION and the Mornahossë had been working very closely with the Lavenrunzians, and even at this stage it was clear the entire affair ran vastly deeper than anyone suspected. Sirithil wasn't sure just how deep it ran, or how high it went, but she would find out, and she would excise the cancer from the Lavenrunzian court.

This Winter Ball, she knew, was twofold in purpose.

One... to simply be a party and a spectacle. To celebrate the season, to get Aurora out there and visible, let the people be confident that their Empress was not in hiding and that her and the regent would continue to fête them as they were accustomed, no matter how deeply the Elven soldiers dug.

Two... to do a little digging of its own. It was an off chance, but there was always the chance that an affair of this nature might lead those involved to make a fatal error, one which would allow her to sweep them up. If not, there might be words dropped, casual turns of phrase, that might lead to a breakthrough, and to vengeance for Joanna. Sirithil looked over a stack of datapads and flexisheets in an office of the Palace of the Moon and Stars - security arrangements. They would be top-notch. Mornahossë, and any Lavenrunzian soldiers she knew could be trusted, would be everywhere - discreet but vigilant. There would be unparallelled surveillance throughout, even out in the gardens. She had kept the arrangements utterly and totally secret, even doing all the installation via her own people, and clearing out the entire building while it was being done. If anyone spoke of the conspiracy, she would know. If anyone so much as breathed wrong... she would know. And most importantly, if anyone made a move on little Aurora, they would be stopped.

That said, Sirithil was determined to actually enjoy herself. As everyone else, she too would be in costume - appropriate to her position and culture, she would be dressed in the raiment of Varda, Queen of the Valar, Maker of the Stars. It would be a night to remember.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz, Chancellor of CENNA
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

*Aide comes running to ArchMagister Gothren*

"Lord, we have recieved an invitation to a ball of some sort!"

"Hmm? What's a ball for anyway?"

"Dancing, lord..."

"In that case, send Master Aryon. He's the only one who actually can dance."

"Yes, lord."

*Message to Lavenrunz*

House Telvanni will send Mage-Lord Master Aryon...he will soon arrive...don't be shocked when he suddently appears...

OOC: Sorry to hijack! :D

There have been some problems about people invited to my coronation also being invited... here...

This caused a little discussing and the following agreement has been... euh... agreed upon :?

Since my coronation is happening in Summer, and this Winter Ball is happening in... euh... Winter, I thought that it would be logical that this ball happened after my coronation thread.

So all of your leaders can freely participate in both threads!
Which, among others, concerns FSP :wink:

*cough*mythreadisbetter*cough*
Huh? Agitation? Me? Nevah! :x

OOC: Err… I could come with a copy and paste invitation reply and a copy and paste entrance, remove part about costume and maybe bring the Clanger Black Viper I have instead of generic blonde haired blue eyed human… of course, I always change the copy and paste parts enough to fit perfectly but maybe I should sit down and spend another 15 minutes getting the start right… I don’t know I guess I found this thread at the right time and I missed yours… though I think I will be able to keep up with the pace, after all, diplomacy is something I’ve read a little into…

Oh and on another note, Iuthia always brings armed guards, though when pressed about it we can be reduced to a unloaded Gauss Rifle on the back of one of the guards as a cultural thing… because being big on defence we like to… err… show off our guns (tries to forget constant cross-referencing of guns and penises)

OOC: Ack. Having been totally thrown off by the sudden commencement of the ball, Spar will attempt to get back on her feet and make an entrance.. please do tell if the party moves somewhere else without my knowledge. o_o;;

The chancalier of Sparren made her way along the marble halls towards the music and dancing, shoes clicking and echoing loudly in the empty corriders. She made a striking sight in her tapered silk dress, draped artfully about her body. As her guards trailed along by her sides, Solange tried not to curse as she tripped over her high heels and fell in a perfectly undignified manner.

"Blast!" she muttered, and came round the bend into the ballroom.

OOC: I'm very sorry, I don't know how you got the impression that the ball started, but it hasn't. People are still arriving in Lavenrunz. Only when a substantial number have actually arrived in Hofburg will the ball start to happen.

IC:


The other two in the envoy are; Lord General deGritz and Princess Kiara of Aireon. James is dressed in a black uniform, built into a suit almost. On this uniform are various insignia and on the left shoulder is the Iuthian flag, this is on all uniforms. James isn't carrying a weapon himself today.

Princess Kiara is wearing a simple yet beautiful white dress, showing a little bit of cleavage and the bottom of the dress goes down to her ankles. She is wearing a small platinum tiara, thankfully, being a princess; she gets away with it without looking mad.

“Don’t flutter yourself my dear, we will get changed once we have time… you don’t want to ruin your costume before we attend the ball now do you?” James asked Kiara. She looked a little annoyed with James.

“Well either way, your not going dressed as a general… that would defeat the point of going to a costumed ball because you are technically a genera-” she was interrupted.

“Lord General, Kiara there is a difference you know… I’m a leader not an actual general.” This got her that little bit more annoyed…

“I wouldn’t mind if you didn’t wear that thing to every other social function I take you to…” She complained.

“Drag me to, you mean… sigh… I suppose you are right, you would know after all, your father actually taught you etiquette…”

“Yes well, lets not dawdle, we have to prepare for the ball… now if only I could convince you to get those two to wear costumes…” The two bodyguards looked at one another for a second and then continued to keep an eye out, their faces somewhat whiter then they were before…
As the distinguished pair stepped down, a voice shouted, "Present arms!" and the Iuthan National Anthem began to play. Before them was an honour guard of the Imperial Marines, bayonets glinting. Snow flurried all around, and there was a little group of dignitaries with hands over hearts or saluting.
At the end of it, a one-eyed man in the full dress uniform of the Imperial Air Force stepped forward, bowing, and said, "Welcome to Lavenrunz, your Highness," he bowed to the Princess, "And your Excellency," he bowed to the General. "I am General Hans Schlabel, the Minister for War."


Jessica had been looking forward to attending the Coronation of the Grand Duke, but now this letter from Lavenrunz had arrived.

D'ron had, of course, asked her which she wished to attend. The Costumed Winter Ball sounded like a great deal more fun.

And while she maintained no official rank in the Federation government, the sister of the leader would carry great weight in an Imperial nation such as Lavenrunz. Or so the D Section advisors had assured her brother before he left.

But Jessica didn't care. It was the first time she'd gotten to go anywhere on her own, representing the Federation, even in an unofficial capacity.

D'ron insisted on her doing that, as he wanted her to know where she wanted to serve when she joined the Federal Service. She was definitely leaning towards the International Relations Directorate, though she had toyed with the idea of the Military Directorate, just to annoy her older brother.

But it was a Costume Ball. So the important matter before her was what to wear.

And for that, she had a multitude of options.

She could wear her school uniform, tightened up a bit, but that wouldn't be appropriate.

Of course, she could wear her brother's orginal military uniform. The life len treatments tended to push male growth spurts back into the twenties, so it would fit her, though again, a bit tightly.

Not that she cared about that. Jessica flipped through her wardrobe. What else was there?

The red jumpsuit. She could make that into a devil outfit. That would go over well in Lavenrunz, she was sure.

It'd be perfect, if she had all the pieces she needed. Of course, she could send people for pieces she didn't have. Advantage to living in Imperial House.

A couple of hours later, she had all the pieces laid out on the bed as she looked at her mirror, examining the reflection of her pale skin, set off by the dark, tight undergarments she wore. Slipping on the skintight red jumpsuit, she looked at her reflection again. She adjusted the nano-fabric slightly, so there were no visible lines, and tossed her head, adjusting her gently curled hair.

She slipped on the black leather boots, and the head band with horns. Tight black leather gloves went on next, followed by the black half cape.

Then the black leather belt, low and tight on her hips, with the tail hanging down to a couple of centimeters above the floor. With her ceremonial dagger in its sheath on her belt, she lifted the bright red pitchfork, and looking the mirror, twirled it with a smile.

----------------------------------------

A number hours later, having been precleared through to landing, she debarked from one the diplomatic Eagle-class courier shuttles, grinning in the cool air, as to one not accustomed to the nano-weave fabrics, she wouldn't have enough on to keep her warm.

But she was actually quite comfortable, holding her pitchfork on the tarmac, horns poking up through her dark brown hair, and her eyes glinted with mischief.

Perhaps there would be people here she knew, and perhaps not. But one thing was nearly certain. There would be unattached males, and that was all that was important to have a good time.

Jessica Smith, younger sister of the Imperial President of the Federation of Sentient Peoples, looked about the tarmac for her greeting party, as she hadn't the slightest idea how to get to the palace from here.

Snow blew violently around her for a moment, obscuring her. When the wind had died down, a small group of rather surprised looking officials stood, looking at her. They looked at one another, and then the senior of them cleared his throat and stepped forward, bowing. "Fraulein Smith...?" he asked. "Er...your car is ready."
"Well, she dressed early. Nothing necessarily wrong with that." mused one of the diplomatic officers to another, sotto voce in Lavenrunzian.
"No...not at all." agreed the other, his manner calm and official but his quiet whisper most appreciative.


President Mark Albert stretched and ran over his cue cards again. The cards were riding in a small pocket in his costume. The costume itself was a white satin robe, sandals, and an circlet of olive branches on his head. In this getup, Albert looked like he belonged about two thousand years in the past at least.

"Okay," he said to himself, shifting to a more comfortable position in the cabin of his private jet. "Review: if the Empress or any high-ranking lady approaches, I bow. If they offer a hand, I kiss it. I DON'T shake it. I bow to high ranking men, but I can get away with shaking their hands if a bow seems too formal. What else..." He racked his brain for more. The cue cards were the idea of Lacey Millhouse, the Deputy Minister of International Relations. Since Albert was going to this alone (save for a couple formal guards) Millhouse had provided him with a crash course in etiquette, and the cue cards to memorize, so he didn't trip over himself too badly.

"Bow, gotta practice the bow." He stood up and went through the motion a few times. He decided that it was good enough as the jet entered Lavenrunz airspace.


The plane was directed to Emperor Frederick International Airport in the city of Hofburg.
Again there was an element of surprise. However, when the President of the Federation of Glorious Humanity stepped onto Lavenrunzian soil, a voice nevertheless shouted, "PRESENT--ARMS!" and a row of bayonets rose into the air as booted feet slammed down. The band of the Imperial Hussars, with ruffles and fluorish, began to play the anthem of the Federation.
At the end of it, a man in a blue and gold uniform, fair haired, in his middle thirties, stepped forward and bowed. "Your Excellency is most welcome to Lavenrunz. Permit me to introduce myself: I am Archduke Amadeus von Sachshausen, the Empress' second cousin."


It was a lot of trouble getting a plane to Lavenrunz, maybe Sirithil would have gone but William couldn't wait to get there as soon as possible as he heard of the ball, last time he was there he din't leave with the best of impresions and wanted to set things straight.
He arrived at the Palace of Moon and Stars, he had a black cloack covering himself and all that he wore, clearly wanting to keep it a suprise, although the sound of metal could clearly be heard when he walked and his appearence was a bit bulky. In any case he walked up the palacial steps with a smile on his face, happy to be in Lavenrunz once more, and seeing the beauty that winter has bestowed upon it.
He walked up to someone in a Lavenrunzian uniform and bowed lightly. "Greetings, would you be so kind as to state that William Xylon has arrived, and blessings to you." He said graciously and bowed again lightly with a smile on his lips.
"Of course, your Excellency." said the guard, saluting stiffly. "And God's blessings on you as well." the guard's face was a little sad, however. "There is...a rather quiet palace awaiting you though, sir, compared to when you were last here."

Sirithil nos Feanor received a letter:
Your Noldorin Majesty
I am recommending that the main security elements in the palace during the event of the ball be from the Imperial Jaeger Regiment on the Lavenrunzian side of things. As to the surrounding areas: I have prepared a plan, the details of which I am enclosing to you, which will include having gravship observation craft above the city in continuous contact with static and mobile reaction units. As you are aware, three of the Empress' ladies in waiting are Para-Commandos of Kobold Company in deep cover. All areas of the palace not directly involved in the celebrations will be guarded against any incursion by Mornahosse. Surveillance and if necessary incarceration of suspicious persons has already begun in cooperation with Baron von Shein. These are my recommendations.
submitted respectfully by
General Hans Schlabel, Minister for War.

President Albert returned the bow. His form actually wasn't all that bad. "I'm honored to be so welcomed to your lands, your Grace. You have a very beautiful country here." He grinned wryly. "At least, what of it I could see. That big bird that serves as my taxi doesn't always offer the best views." He indicated the plane behind him.

While they were talking, two men in formal black uniforms stepped out and stood quietly next to the plane. They wore the Federation flag on their shoulders, and a second patch, depicting a fist holding an olive branch, over their breast pockets. The second patch identified them as President's Guard, the special force devoted to keeping Albert safe. They were not in costume, although olive branch circlets much like the one resting on the President's brow adorned their heads. They were not visibly armed, and didn't do anything but follow the group at a respectful distance as the President and the Archduke left the airstrip. Albert let the Archduke lead, since he assumed the man knew where he was going, and Albert had no idea where they were going.

Snow blew violently around her for a moment, obscuring her. When the wind had died down, a small group of rather surprised looking officials stood, looking at her. They looked at one another, and then the senior of them cleared his throat and stepped forward, bowing. "Fraulein Smith...?" he asked. "Er...your car is ready."
"Well, she dressed early. Nothing necessarily wrong with that." mused one of the diplomatic officers to another, sotto voce in Lavenrunzian.
"No...not at all." agreed the other, his manner calm and official but his quiet whisper most appreciative.

Jessica smiled at the men, and crossed her ankles in a small curtsy, standing easily in the heeled boots.

Her teeth flashed white as the snow about them between her lips, the same color as the jumpsuit.

She walked towards the men, her eyes twinkling as the tail swayed back and forth to the exagerated motion of her hips. I'm going to enjoy this.

"Yes, I am Jessica Smith." She affected a slightly surprised, yet coy tone, as if she was quite flattered they had recognized her. She trailed her eyes slowly over each of the diplomatic officers in turn, head to toe, smile teasing at her lips now. She spent slightly longer on the two speaking in low tones. "Very good. Shall we go?"

She proceeded off in the indicated direction, adding a little something to her walk as she went, grinning quite broadly internally, but only letting the smallest ghost of a smile touch her lips.

The Emina royal Jet arrived in the airport. "Now, remember to be polite to everyone. ALLOW THEM TO KILL YOUR HAND IF THEY PLEASE!" said Lord AniX. "Whatever Pops. I can somewhat understand why you want me to attend, we do need to make appearences for political reasons. But how the hell did you talk me into wearing a skirt. I look like a dork." Lord Emina turned to his daughter. "This may be a party, but you need to look repectable. Besides, I'm paying you to go. My cash, my rules. Also... OH MY GOD!" he screamed, and Widow pulled out a sword. "Relax, Its a reverse-blade. It is no more then a big butter knife." said Widow, as she left the plane, and her father flew off.

http://forums.mtgnews.com/attachment.php?s=e8626413b7de2b6da97c106a0238afa9&postid=1923900

Vanill lith Manhili and her protector arrived at the Winter Ball in Lavenrunz after the plane had landed and a limo had taken them to the Palace of Moon and Stars. "Be on your best behavior my friend." Vanill told her Protector as she opened the door to the limo and stepped out and for the first time in history mortal eyes beheld the Green Lady of Ezellohar. In the light of the full moon and in her Galadriel costume the illusion that this truly was the White Lady of Lothlorien was created (and enforced when her Protector came out dressed as Celeborn) but then Vanill stepped out the lunar light and the spell was broken, but none the less all who looked upon her knew she was of the first born.

Vanill lith Manhili and her protector arrived at the Winter Ball in Lavenrunz after the plane had landed and a limo had taken them to the Palace of Moon and Stars. "Be on your best behavior my friend." Vanill told her Protector as she opened the door to the limo and stepped out and for the first time in history mortal eyes beheld the Green Lady of Ezellohar. In the light of the full moon and in her Galadriel costume the illusion that this truly was the White Lady of Lothlorien was created (and enforced when her Protector came out dressed as Celeborn) but then Vanill stepped out the lunar light and the spell was broken, but none the less all who looked upon her knew she was of the first born.

William's smile turned into a frown as he heard the words the guard spoke, the memories of Joanna and all that she did and ment hitting him. He took a few breaths and let out a deep sigh. "Yea, I miss Joanna aswell. Take care good sir." He says and salutes the guard in the formal Lavenrunzian salute.
William walked further and into the palace, his frown returned to a smile as he was not going to spoil this day with sadness and grief, it was a time of happiness and celebration. Continueing his walk, a bit of it's pride that he had when he approached the palace taken away.
He stayed near the main entrance to the great hall where the geusts where, he really din't feel like talking to the people, perhaps he was to hasty to return to a place that holds so much emotionall grief for him, but he was determened to see the young empress.
Walking to yet another guard he started to converse with him, just as if it was a guest or any other man at or women at the party. Talking with the guards was something William did when he was young and doing it once more gave him a good feeling, and of course the Lavenrunzian guards are very polite and kind people. In his conversation there was one more formal question that stood out from the rest. "When will the guests and I be blessed by the young empress' pressence?" It was clear to him then that coming back was not that great an idea, he was fighting hard not to cry, let alone keep a smile on his face.

OOC: Um...where are you? The ball hasn't started yet. I was under the impression you hadn't arrived yet.

OOC: Ooh. Sorry, but everyone else was showing up... and Roanians will move very, very fast when the Prince is around. Too scared of the axe that might fall.

I'll post again.

IC: Prince Alexander sighed, and flipped close his stopwatch as he left the plane. "10 hours, to get from Roania to Lavenrunz."

"Yes, your highness." The pilots whimpered.

"Lavenrunz is almost directly to the north of us."

"Yes, your highness."

"I did not to see those whales. I wanted to get to Lavenrunz. Not go on flyovers of ugly creatures." He stomped off. "Taxi!"

A yellow taxi drove up. "Ah, good. To the Palace, then."

The driver turned around. What are you saying?

Alexander leaned back. It was going to be a long night. Gently pressing a button on his fool's sceptre, a sleeping gas enveloped the car. The driver fell silently down. Alex smirked, and then grabbed the wheel, waiting for the guards to enter. "Why not arrive as a clown?"

"It will be a honor to be accompanied by someone as handsome and distinguished as you, my lord", she said, covering her mouth with her gloved hand as she spoke, trying to hide her blushing. "I love to dance, I really do. That's why I like balls so much. Are you a good dancer, Sire?", she asked to the Archduke as they entered the transport.

"Also I want to know what you think about us, the elves. It's not a political question, and you can be absolutely honest about the matter. My opinion about you won't change by whatever you say", her smile returned, the gleam of her eyes reflecting the pupils of the ArchDuke as she stared deeply into his eyes again.

To: Empress Aurora's staff/secretary.
From: Prime Minister Lousewies van der Laan

I would very much like to attend the Winter Ball. I trust that, as longstanding allies of Lavenrunz, we are permitted to come? It has been a long time since I last visited Lavenrunz, and this would be a great opportunity to celebrate our friendship.

I would also like a note on what gifts are deemed appropriate for this event, if possible.

Yours in friendship,

Lousewies van der Laan
Prime Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss.

OOC: agree with Tarasovka here... this does mean I can take the Concorde again and copypaste the arrival :P
Also it's time to brush up on Lavenrunzian ettiquete. :P

Dante salutes the welcomers. "Thanks for the greeting.", replies Dante as he walks to the waiting transport.

The thirteen kilometer across Kanuckistani Battleplate KHGV Sword of Inevitible Justice, one of only three in existance, settled into low earth orbit for the forst time in over two centuries of service, the vessel's active communications officer hailing the city of Astra's space port.

"This is the Kanuckistani High Gaurd Vessel Sword of Inevitible Justice, ferrying the God-Emperor to the Winter Ball in Lavenrunz. We request permission to descent to five hundred meters and disembark personel."

OOC: I'd rather not assume clearance for such a vessel to enter your airspace(in addition to being a masive fleet-killer, it may also pose a danger to air-traffic if the port's very busy), so I'll be awaiting confrimation from the space port.(if not, he and his honour gaurd'll be doing a HALO jump from a low, powered geostationary orbit, so denial's not an issue)

President Albert returned the bow. His form actually wasn't all that bad. "I'm honored to be so welcomed to your lands, your Grace. You have a very beautiful country here." He grinned wryly. "At least, what of it I could see. That big bird that serves as my taxi doesn't always offer the best views." He indicated the plane behind him.


"I quite understand, there are other priorities in conveying a head of state," remarked Archduke Amadeus. "Well, the VTOL will grant a much better view but still get us to Hofburg in good time. I trust your Excellency had a good journey?"


Jessica smiled at the men, and crossed her ankles in a small curtsy, standing easily in the heeled boots.

Her teeth flashed white as the snow about them between her lips, the same color as the jumpsuit.

She walked towards the men, her eyes twinkling as the tail swayed back and forth to the exagerated motion of her hips. I'm going to enjoy this.

"Yes, I am Jessica Smith." She affected a slightly surprised, yet coy tone, as if she was quite flattered they had recognized her. She trailed her eyes slowly over each of the diplomatic officers in turn, head to toe, smile teasing at her lips now. She spent slightly longer on the two speaking in low tones. "Very good. Shall we go?"

She proceeded off in the indicated direction, adding a little something to her walk as she went, grinning quite broadly internally, but only letting the smallest ghost of a smile touch her lips.

The senior diplomat strode to catch up with her, bowing as he did, saying, "I am Baron Gerd von Ehrfurt, Fraulein Smith, and am to escort you to the Palace. I hope you have had a pleasant journey?" He felt a smile come to his lips at the dash and audacity of the young woman, but hid it beneath a grave manner. A serious but good looking young man, dark blonde hair and bright blue eyes, chiseled features marred only by a scar on his left cheek.
Those behind gazed at her in silent admiration as they followed.


The Emina royal Jet arrived in the airport. "Now, remember to be polite to everyone. ALLOW THEM TO KILL YOUR HAND IF THEY PLEASE!" said Lord AniX. "Whatever Pops. I can somewhat understand why you want me to attend, we do need to make appearences for political reasons. But how the hell did you talk me into wearing a skirt. I look like a dork." Lord Emina turned to his daughter. "This may be a party, but you need to look repectable. Besides, I'm paying you to go. My cash, my rules. Also... OH MY GOD!" he screamed, and Widow pulled out a sword. "Relax, Its a reverse-blade. It is no more then a big butter knife." said Widow, as she left the plane, and her father flew off.


There was a cry of, "Present Arms!" as the party descended onto the tarmac, and the national Anthem of Emina was played with great ceremony. The little party of officials looked curiously at the group of foreigners, whose country they had had no contact with previously. At the end of the welcoming ceremony a handsome man in his middle thirties, dressed in the black and gold of the Imperial Diplomatic Corps stepped forward and bowed. "Welcome to Lavenrunz, my Lords and Lady--I am Count Mirbach, here to be your escort--and guide should you require it."


Vanill lith Manhili and her protector arrived at the Winter Ball in Lavenrunz after the plane had landed and a limo had taken them to the Palace of Moon and Stars. "Be on your best behavior my friend." Vanill told her Protector as she opened the door to the limo and stepped out and for the first time in history mortal eyes beheld the Green Lady of Ezellohar. In the light of the full moon and in her Galadriel costume the illusion that this truly was the White Lady of Lothlorien was created (and enforced when her Protector came out dressed as Celeborn) but then Vanill stepped out the lunar light and the spell was broken, but none the less all who looked upon her knew she was of the first born.

A man of middle years in a uniform of white and gold, sword at his side, stood before an honour guard that presented arms as the Green Lady stepped out. He bowed, hand over heart and said, in a voice full of gravest respect, "Lady, I am Count von Chemnitz, the Imperial Chamberlain, and I welcome you to Lavenrunz and the Palace of the Moon and the Stars."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

William's smile turned into a frown as he heard the words the guard spoke, the memories of Joanna and all that she did and ment hitting him. He took a few breaths and let out a deep sigh. "Yea, I miss Joanna aswell. Take care good sir." He says and salutes the guard in the formal Lavenrunzian salute.
William walked further and into the palace, his frown returned to a smile as he was not going to spoil this day with sadness and grief, it was a time of happiness and celebration. Continueing his walk, a bit of it's pride that he had when he approached the palace taken away.
He stayed near the main entrance to the great hall where the geusts where, he really din't feel like talking to the people, perhaps he was to hasty to return to a place that holds so much emotionall grief for him, but he was determened to see the young empress.
Walking to yet another guard he started to converse with him, just as if it was a guest or any other man at or women at the party. Talking with the guards was something William did when he was young and doing it once more gave him a good feeling, and of course the Lavenrunzian guards are very polite and kind people. In his conversation there was one more formal question that stood out from the rest. "When will the guests and I be blessed by the young empress' pressence?" It was clear to him then that coming back was not that great an idea, he was fighting hard not to cry, let alone keep a smile on his face.


"The ball has not properly begun yet, Sir." replied the guard. "People are still arriving. Should you not like to rest perhaps or to enjoy some refreshment?"


"It will be a honor to be accompanied by someone as handsome and distinguished as you, my lord", she said, covering her mouth with her gloved hand as she spoke, trying to hide her blushing. "I love to dance, I really do. That's why I like balls so much. Are you a good dancer, Sire?", she asked to the Archduke as they entered the transport.

"I try to be." said the Archduke, amused. "And you flatter me, Lady. It is I who am honoured, to find myself escorting someone as lovely and gracious as yourself. We Lavenrunzians are also fond of dancing, and enjoy watching it and dancing ourselves."


"Also I want to know what you think about us, the elves. It's not a political question, and you can be absolutely honest about the matter. My opinion about you won't change by whatever you say", her smile returned, the gleam of her eyes reflecting the pupils of the ArchDuke as she stared deeply into his eyes again.

"Honest, Lady? Well, certainly elvish alliances have been the trend in my late sister's reign. The elves appear to be an honourable people and brave allies. I find that they have a greater sense of beauty than many other peoples. However, the pride your rulers demonstrate is at times trying." Archduke Carl says courteously. He cannot help but be enchanted by the elvish princess. Perhaps that is even her intention, but if it is, he is certainly enjoying it.


To: Empress Aurora's staff/secretary.
From: Prime Minister Lousewies van der Laan

I would very much like to attend the Winter Ball. I trust that, as longstanding allies of Lavenrunz, we are permitted to come? It has been a long time since I last visited Lavenrunz, and this would be a great opportunity to celebrate our friendship.

I would also like a note on what gifts are deemed appropriate for this event, if possible.

Yours in friendship,

Lousewies van der Laan
Prime Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss.


Madame Prime Minister

Of course you are welcome to attend; indeed we are happy that you will do so! Her Majesty is looking forward to meeting you. As to gifts, that is a personal matter as this is meant to be a celebration to ward off winter gloom and for the Empress to enjoy entertaining Her guests. Please be aware that costumes worn should not include masks.

Most respectfully
Count von Chemnitz
Imperial Chamberlain


The thirteen kilometer across Kanuckistani Battleplate KHGV Sword of Inevitible Justice, one of only three in existance, settled into low earth orbit for the forst time in over two centuries of service, the vessel's active communications officer hailing the city of Astra's space port.

"This is the Kanuckistani High Gaurd Vessel Sword of Inevitible Justice, ferrying the God-Emperor to the Winter Ball in Lavenrunz. We request permission to descent to five hundred meters and disembark personel."

"To High Guard Vessel Sword of Inevitable Justice: this is the Landing Control at the city of Astra. If it is possible, could personages of importance be brought down via shuttle--if need be we can provide them, but we lack facilities for so large a ship."

"The ball has not properly begun yet, Sir." replied the guard. "People are still arriving. Should you not like to rest perhaps or to enjoy some refreshment?"

William smiled and politely thanked the man for his offer, but he just walked through the palace looking at it\s beauty and art, he'd wait for the party to start before entering, waiting was just a sad experience.

"Not too bad," Albert replied. "The plane's interior was warm and cozy, if a little bad for sightseeing. I spent a great deal of time working on etiquette. Are there any special customs or courtesies here that I should observe? I'd rather not embarass myself or anyone else if I can avoid it." Millhouse's cue cards had had general etiquette for royalty and nobility, but this was Glorious Humanity's first contact with Lavenrunz, and the Deputy Minister had not been able to supply much about the nation's specialized courtesies, if there were any.

The senior diplomat strode to catch up with her, bowing as he did, saying, "I am Baron Gerd von Ehrfurt, Fraulein Smith, and am to escort you to the Palace. I hope you have had a pleasant journey?" He felt a smile come to his lips at the dash and audacity of the young woman, but hid it beneath a grave manner. A serious but good looking young man, dark blonde hair and bright blue eyes, chiseled features marred only by a scar on his left cheek.
Those behind gazed at her in silent admiration as they followed.

"It was a very pleasant journey Baron. I very much enjoy the short ballastic hops which are becoming more and more frequent rather than the long tedious airliner travel."

Jessica had been airborne for less than an hour after all, the high power of the shuttle's drive field boosting it quickly where it needed to go.

"As for the the journey to the Palace, I am quite sure you will make a fine escort." She pauses in her journey to look him up and down, her brown eyes briefly, flirtaciously, locking with his blue ones, before she smiled somewhat lopsidedly, mouth crooking upward on the right side.

"I am glad to return to Lavenrunz under these much more pleasant circumstances, Baron, than the last time I was here, though there was not nearly so much snow then." Her eyebrows lifted briefly. She was not all that big a fan of snow. It was pretty in small amounts, but large amounts were just annoying.

With an elaborate swirl of her body, teasing the devil tail outward a bit, and flairing the cape about her shoulders, she ducked into the waiting limo.

After the Baron had seated himself, she slowly crossed her legs, and made eye-contact again. "So, Baron Gerd von Ehrfurt," she pronounced it with a decidely strange accent, but the sounds were quite clear, "What exactly are you the Baron of, if you don't mind me asking?"

OOC: Hmm.... hosting my own party at the same time... getting a good RP out of it, but still wanting to see where this is going. Rubber time is so cool.

IC: Lord Tian responded to the request for the ball. I would be honored to attend such an event. I shall arive within four hours.

His personal civilian fighter(fighter taken and stripped of all major weapons systems and cleared for non-military use) shot through the stratospehere, rapidly approaching Lavenrunz, contacting the tower and following any directions they gave.

He wore, instead of any costume, what his usual clothes used to be, up until a month earlier. A black fighter flightsuit, his name on the left breast, the crest of a fighter squadron on his left shoulder, his right marked with the symbol of the Home Gaurd Fighter Division. He completed the outfit with his usual accessorry... his blaster pistol, sitting in it's holster built into the side of his leg. He knew that security would probably bitch about it, but he had no gaurds with him and his nation's regulations said that he had to have the means to defend himself at all times, no matter what the situation is. If he had to give up the gun, he could always rely on the katana that he had with him.

http://home.earthlink.net/~alpha_zero_usm/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/reil.jpg
Lord Reil Tian
Ruler of The Imperial Capital Province of Crimmond (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=crimmond)
Leader of the Crimmond Imperium
Crimmond National Factbook (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=76921)
Crimmond Timeline (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=89569)

"Not too bad," Albert replied. "The plane's interior was warm and cozy, if a little bad for sightseeing. I spent a great deal of time working on etiquette. Are there any special customs or courtesies here that I should observe? I'd rather not embarass myself or anyone else if I can avoid it." Millhouse's cue cards had had general etiquette for royalty and nobility, but this was Glorious Humanity's first contact with Lavenrunz, and the Deputy Minister had not been able to supply much about the nation's specialized courtesies, if there were any.
"Well, bear in mind I suppose that though Lavenrunz is very tolerant it is still a legally Catholic nation, and that the giving of flowers has some serious symbolism involved. In fact, with regard to the latter I suggest you ask a Lavenrunzian should it come up. But apart from that, I hope that you will enjoy your stay, Excellency, as our guest. And while this is a friendly and casual visit, I do hope that the possibility of a longer term relationship between our countries is possible." replies the Archduke.


Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2003 9:42 am Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lavenrunz wrote:
The senior diplomat strode to catch up with her, bowing as he did, saying, "I am Baron Gerd von Ehrfurt, Fraulein Smith, and am to escort you to the Palace. I hope you have had a pleasant journey?" He felt a smile come to his lips at the dash and audacity of the young woman, but hid it beneath a grave manner. A serious but good looking young man, dark blonde hair and bright blue eyes, chiseled features marred only by a scar on his left cheek.
Those behind gazed at her in silent admiration as they followed.


"It was a very pleasant journey Baron. I very much enjoy the short ballastic hops which are becoming more and more frequent rather than the long tedious airliner travel."

Jessica had been airborne for less than an hour after all, the high power of the shuttle's drive field boosting it quickly where it needed to go.

"As for the the journey to the Palace, I am quite sure you will make a fine escort." She pauses in her journey to look him up and down, her brown eyes briefly, flirtaciously, locking with his blue ones, before she smiled somewhat lopsidedly, mouth crooking upward on the right side.

"I am glad to return to Lavenrunz under these much more pleasant circumstances, Baron, than the last time I was here, though there was not nearly so much snow then." Her eyebrows lifted briefly. She was not all that big a fan of snow. It was pretty in small amounts, but large amounts were just annoying.

With an elaborate swirl of her body, teasing the devil tail outward a bit, and flairing the cape about her shoulders, she ducked into the waiting limo.

After the Baron had seated himself, she slowly crossed her legs, and made eye-contact again. "So, Baron Gerd von Ehrfurt," she pronounced it with a decidely strange accent, but the sounds were quite clear, "What exactly are you the Baron of, if you don't mind me asking?"


The young aristocrat almost wanted to growl like a male leopard at the very sight of her. There was a gleam in his eye, and his own entry to the limousine was graceful as well; he very casually got in as though his greatcoat and sword posed no difficulties, and looked her in the eyes. "Von means 'of' in my language." he explained, smiling. His eyes flashed as he watched her legs cross. "It is both a family name and title in this case; my great-grandfather was awarded the title for services to the state. Before that my family were just ordinary untitled gentry."


Lord Tian responded to the request for the ball. I would be honored to attend such an event. I shall arive within four hours.

His personal civilian fighter(fighter taken and stripped of all major weapons systems and cleared for non-military use) shot through the stratospehere, rapidly approaching Lavenrunz, contacting the tower and following any directions they gave.

He wore, instead of any costume, what his usual clothes used to be, up until a month earlier. A black fighter flightsuit, his name on the left breast, the crest of a fighter squadron on his left shoulder, his right marked with the symbol of the Home Gaurd Fighter Division. He completed the outfit with his usual accessorry... his blaster pistol, sitting in it's holster built into the side of his leg. He knew that security would probably bitch about it, but he had no gaurds with him and his nation's regulations said that he had to have the means to defend himself at all times, no matter what the situation is. If he had to give up the gun, he could always rely on the katana that he had with him.



"Sir, you are cleared to land." responded the control tower. After that, he was given specifications for his landing proceedure.
There was snow falling as he arrived; it might have been not a moment too soon, because it was thick in the sky.
On arrival, an elderly man in a class A Army uniform with a small honour guard saluted him, saying apologetically, "Forgive me, my Lord, I am Field Marshal the Margrave von Thessmar. We had no idea you were coming or something more impressive might have been arranged. If you like, we can have you out of this snow and off to the palace." noticing the gun he cleared his throat and said, "Forgive me, again...only our own security forces are permitted firearms."

The Ball

As guests arrived, they might have paused to see a parade passing down the larger streets of Hofburg. Bands from several regiments were playing Christmas songs, and as the guests arrived the band of the Imperial Dragoon Guards was playing triumphantly:
Joy to the World!
The Lord is come!
Let Earth receive her king!
Let every heart prepare him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and nature sing!

A glorious array of twinkling electric lights decorated the Palace of the Moon and the Stars. This beautiful palace, of jade, marble and lapis lazuli, seemed made of shadows of moonlight, a palace carved from dreams. It had been the favourite residence of the late Empress Joanna. Snow had settled over hedges, on the white lawns, flowerbeds, pathways, shrubs and all the rows of trees.

The open gates of the palace were decorated with Christmas wreaths, and holly framed windows glinted with frost the length of the palace. Guards--elvish and of the Imperial Jaeger Regiment--were in full dress as far as the guests could see, but alert and well armed as well, discreet where noticed at all.
The entry hall, with its vaulting roof , was hung with laurel and holly wreaths, and lit by strange elvish lights in crystal chandeliers.
Already there were people there, being announced as they arrived, people dressed as Cinderella, Peter Pan, the god Odin, Doctor Who, Ali Baba, Sinbad, Beowulf, Humpty Dumpty, the Three Wise Men, a Valkyrie, and more...

"It is quite alright. I never did like big welcomes." Reil looks up at the clouds. "Ah, this reminds me of what we are getting back home." He nods at the mention of the gun and climbs up the ladder to the cockpit, exchanging the pistol for his katana and hopping back down. "Lock. Maintain takeoff capability." he says and the cockpit seals and the hum of the engine heat sinks grows softer as it maintains the fighter's temperature.

He walks back over to the Field Marshall and smiles. "Shall we?"

---------

(OOC: assuming he would be taken to the ball immediatly)

Reil looked out of the window of the car, watching the parade with interest. "You people celebrate this holiday, Christmas, this big every year? It's so minor in the Empire that it's not even marked on our calendars..."

"Most assuredly your Grace," Albert nodded. "The Federation is always happy to make new friends. Friends are something that are frequently far too scarce in the world."

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

[OOC: Assuming the trip was uneventful and they are now almost to the palace.]

President Albert sung along with the music, and he even knew most of the words. Glorious Humanity played many of the traditional songs around this time as well, and he'd been hearing them since he was a little boy. He picked up as the song went into the second verse.

"Joy to the world! The Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While field and floods
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding- my God..."

He cut off in midverse when he saw the Palace, caught off guard for a second. He recovered and realized that his gasp might have offended the Archduke, since the man had hinted at this being a deeply religious country.

"Ah, my apologies for the word usage your Grace," he smiled a little. "That is a truly grand abode, though. I'm impressed more than words can say." He wasn't feigning either. He'd prepared some suitably flowery compliments for the royal family, which he'd assumed were going to be at least a little exagerrated. Looking at the palace, he realized that he might not have to exagerrate his compliments at all.

The Princess retired to a restroom first, accompanied by four of her attendants, "to get properly dressed to a costume ball", as she said to the ArchDuke. The guards stood in the door of the bathroom, waiting for her to come out. Four hours later she came out, dressed as Yavanna, one of the Vala of the blessed kingdom. Kémentari, the Fruit Giver, as the elves called her.

The dress was a long one of a magnificent green, as a matter of fact, of many magnificent greens. Almost all the cromatic variations of green were present in her dress, from the clear green of the newly apples and the morning grass, to the dark green of the leaves of the mightiest oaks and hemlocks. Her bright blonde hair was dressed with little broochs with embedded topaces and rubies, symbols of the fruits and flowers of nature. Her hair, gleaming like the purest gold, was the symbol of the sun who made the plants live and grow. A small headband full of diamonds was carefully placed in her forehead, symbol of the wind of Manwë that plays in the leaves of Yavanna. And a pair of delicate and fragile blue crystal sandals were the symbol of the Ulmo's waters that nourish Yavanna's roots, adorned with sapphires. Finally, several huge emeralds chained in a necklace completed the outfit.

"How do I look?", she asked, with a blush on her delicate cheeks. "I'll have problems to dance with this fragile sandals, but I'll work it out", she said, looking at the ArchDuke. Then she took his arm again, walking slowly and quietly, looking at the parade, then at the gates of palace. "It's beautiful, Empress Joanna with no doubt was a person of exquisite taste. Your people looks to have mixed elven and human decoration with a flawless style. I'm really amazed. I should take note of this when I return to my homeland".

A man of middle years in a uniform of white and gold, sword at his side, stood before an honour guard that presented arms as the Green Lady stepped out. He bowed, hand over heart and said, in a voice full of gravest respect, "Lady, I am Count von Chemnitz, the Imperial Chamberlain, and I welcome you to Lavenrunz and the Palace of the Moon and the Stars."

"Greetings Count von Chemnitz," Vanill spoke in english that was so accented it was difficult to understand what she was saying, she then smiled and her protector took out a small white silk umbrella and opened it and handed it to the Lady, "I give greeting from Queen Aldivahari lith Manhili of the Eternal Avari Queendom of Ezellohar, I am Vanill lith Manhili, the Na-Heir of the Queendom."

Prince Alexander finally found the Palace. "Oh... I'm early. I hate being early."

OOC: Re-posting. Again.

Solange alighted from her shuttle and looked about, seeing several other shuttles and carriages arriving. "Oh dear, I do hope I'm not late..." The chancelier bit her lip and began climbing the marble steps.

Promptly she tripped on the edge of a step and fell. "Blast these stupid shoes," she muttered to herself and rose with the assistance of a guard, attempting to muster her dignity. Solange sighed and rubbed her knee ruefully.

If the ball is going to be filled with such marvelous pleasantries as this, I have much to look forward to.

"To High Guard Vessel Sword of Inevitable Justice: this is the Landing Control at the city of Astra. If it is possible, could personages of importance be brought down via shuttle--if need be we can provide them, but we lack facilities for so large a ship."


"Negative, Landing Control," the Comm tech replyed, "We have backup procedures avalible; please clear a vertical descent vector..."

-----------------

Fifteen minutes later above the city of Astra's space port, an ebon figure, larger even than a city bus, came crashing through the upper cloud layer, a glowing trail in it's wake. A moment later, a second apears, the first spreading hundred-foot wings to slow it's near-terminal descent, befor a third breaks the cloud cover, the second, and then third following the first's action.

As they descend, their apearance resolves to the unaided eye; masive creatures.. Dragons! Real, flesh and blood dragons, covered thickly in gold and silver trimed gunmetal power armour, covered in runes and effectors trailing a glowing mist, they touch down on the reserved landing pad without making a sound, facing outward in a triradial formation, car-sized Paradigm Shock Rifles momentarily leveled befor one of the three-story behemoths looses an earth shattering roar..

"AH-TEN-SION!!"

The ground shaking as they snap to attention, the two meter tall, black power armoured form of God-Emperor Alexander Wolfius steps out from the center of the trio towards the reception party, arrival unnoticed until now in the wake of his escourt. Removing his helm, the snow-furred wolf sounds in a clear, firm tone, "At ease," as the inertial drive pylons on the back of his armour retract in a manner reminecent of the wings of a bettle; his honour gaurd falling into a standard 'at ease' stance without a sound.

OOC: 'Shock-and-awe', as it were 8)

The young aristocrat almost wanted to growl like a male leopard at the very sight of her. There was a gleam in his eye, and his own entry to the limousine was graceful as well; he very casually got in as though his greatcoat and sword posed no difficulties, and looked her in the eyes. "Von means 'of' in my language." he explained, smiling. His eyes flashed as he watched her legs cross. "It is both a family name and title in this case; my great-grandfather was awarded the title for services to the state. Before that my family were just ordinary untitled gentry."

Jessica laid her pitchfork across her lap gently, its metal, yet dulled, ends gleaming softly in the car's internal light, and breathed in deeply as the limo began to move, still looking the young Baron in the eye, her eyes laughing silently, but politely, at the grace of his entry, and the gleam in his eyes. She was well aware as to what it was, but no need to cause the Baron to think anything illegal. Assuming that was illegal in Lavenrunz, as many countries still stuck to that old law about being eighteen. She didn't know, and had no plans to find out.

She heard in the Baron's explanation exactly what she had been hoping to hear, of course, having known what 'von' meant. It was a fairly common title in this world of billions.

She flashed him another smile, white teeth between ruby lips. She could barely hear the bands begin to play in the distance, becoming steadily louder, her auditory enhancements serving her well.

"So your family has a long tradition of civil service, then, Baron von Ehrfurt?" She leaned slightly forward, interested in his response, breathing deeply as she did so.

Paulus was wading through the daily pile of mail on his desk when he found the invatition. Nearly three weeks worth of mail had piled up without him really noticing, and after seeing the sent date, he jumped up and called his secretary on the half-buried intercom.

"Ms. Janies, can you get the Empress of Lavenrunz on the direct line?" he chirped.

"Probably not sir. Whats it about?" she asked without much interest.

"Oh. How about her answering machine?"

"That I bet I could manage."

"Good. Leave her a message, telling her I would be delighted to come to the ball, and will be arriving by jet later this evening. Got that?"

"Yeah, more or less. Should I call your assistant and have her pack you some things?"

"No, don't worry about it. I'll just buy stuff there."

Quickly, he got up from his desk, and paced across the spacious plush carpet to his closet. Of course, the Empress would probably demand he wear some pants, so he quickly jumped into some good black slacks. Remembering that it was costume party, he grabed the one thing that was relativly clean and costume-like hanging there - his Canuck's hockey jersey. Grabbing the matching non-visored helmet, he jumped into his running shoes and put on a coat. Stepping out of the office, he gave some last instructions to Ms. Janies.

"Now, if you please, call the airport and have them get my plane ready for when I arrive. I assume no one has been borrowing the car?"

"Nope, should be parked down on street level, driver and all."

"Good. See you in a few days. Oh, if something happens or anyone calls, tell them I've got the flu."

Ah, being Prime Minister has its perks, Paulus thought to himself as the elevator rapidly decended towards the ground.

http://www.geocities.com/kranzyoktyabr/martin.txt
The Honourable Prime Minister Paulus Martin of East Canuckistan

Aurelian viewed the buzzing mass of costumed humanity appreciatavely, thinking Now this is more like my kind of party.

He adjusted the wings of his costume absent-mindedly, and leaned over towards Antonisz, who was still wearing a scowl. The Hand was being a right pain in the posterior.

"You are going to behave yourself," Aurelian hissed angrily, "And you will be polite to the foreigners, or when we return to Kel Rayat I shall have your augments removed and you shall be installed steering slave trucks!"

That was an appropriately menacing thread; a demotion from Hand of the Citadel, which was a very high-status post, to slave truck driver ... well, suffice to say that slave trucks didn't even need drivers.

Antonisz nodded sullenly, and plastered an unconvincing smile across his face.

"Good." Aurelian told him. "Keep it up."

God, he thought, I sound just like my mother.

Reil looked out of the window of the car, watching the parade with interest. "You people celebrate this holiday, Christmas, this big every year? It's so minor in the Empire that it's not even marked on our calendars..."

"Yes, well, Lavenrunz is officially a Roman Catholic nation, though we are a very tolerant one." he adds a bit drily. "Christmas, Easter and Pentecost are our major celebrations, along with such events as the birthday of the Monarch. What celebrations do you have that are important in your country, sir?" Reil might notice that the Field Marshal has a sword of his own, which looks beautiful but also useful.


"Ah, my apologies for the word usage your Grace," he smiled a little. "That is a truly grand abode, though. I'm impressed more than words can say." He wasn't feigning either. He'd prepared some suitably flowery compliments for the royal family, which he'd assumed were going to be at least a little exagerrated. Looking at the palace, he realized that he might not have to exagerrate his compliments at all.

"Not at all--I take it that you like the palace." Archduke Amadeus looks a bit sad. "With people marrying off and such...it's a trifle lonely, just myself and Her Majesty as far as immediate family goes. Smaller than the Autumn Palace--that's where all the work gets done. Shall we, your Excellency?" he suggests as the car comes to a halt and a guard approaches the door, saluting stiffly. Music can be heard from inside the palace.


"How do I look?", she asked, with a blush on her delicate cheeks. "I'll have problems to dance with this fragile sandals, but I'll work it out", she said, looking at the ArchDuke. Then she took his arm again, walking slowly and quietly, looking at the parade, then at the gates of palace. "It's beautiful, Empress Joanna with no doubt was a person of exquisite taste. Your people looks to have mixed elven and human decoration with a flawless style. I'm really amazed. I should take note of this when I return to my homeland".

The Archduke looked distracted initially, but turns and smiles, his eyes lighting up and obviously speechless for a moment. He too has changed, into the chainmail and tabard of a Lavenrunzian knight of ancient times. He takes the elven princess's hand and bows, saying in a voice a bit throaty, "You look exquisite, princess. You will eclipse many, I fear."


Jessica laid her pitchfork across her lap gently, its metal, yet dulled, ends gleaming softly in the car's internal light, and breathed in deeply as the limo began to move, still looking the young Baron in the eye, her eyes laughing silently, but politely, at the grace of his entry, and the gleam in his eyes. She was well aware as to what it was, but no need to cause the Baron to think anything illegal. Assuming that was illegal in Lavenrunz, as many countries still stuck to that old law about being eighteen. She didn't know, and had no plans to find out.

She heard in the Baron's explanation exactly what she had been hoping to hear, of course, having known what 'von' meant. It was a fairly common title in this world of billions.

She flashed him another smile, white teeth between ruby lips. She could barely hear the bands begin to play in the distance, becoming steadily louder, her auditory enhancements serving her well.

"So your family has a long tradition of civil service, then, Baron von Ehrfurt?" She leaned slightly forward, interested in his response, breathing deeply as she did so.

"Yes, Fraulein Smith. Military service is a bit more rare, though a number of the family have had a brief stint in the more popular military units. I myself had the honour to serve in the Ienotheisan War under the late Heir in the Imperial Hussars." replies the Baron, touching his scar. "You should know that in Lavenrunz the children of a title holder hold the honorary title as well--my father is still alive but he recently retired from public life. And what of you, Fraulein Smith? Are you attending University or an Academy?" he glanced out the window, noting that they were not far from the Palace now. What a fascinating girl, he thought. Clever as well; have to watch this one for more than one reason...

"His Serene Highness, the Heart of Szairon!" shouted a major-domo, stamping his gold stick down as the group of dignitaries arrived. People craned to get a look at the exotically titled head of state.
Among the crowd, the beautiful dark haired Countess Isadora von Katori, dressed in the palla and laurel leaves of a roman goddess, in her case the muse Calliope, as denoted by a little golden harp, noted the arrival of all the guests, watching with the cool detachment of a cat.
Each guest had received a little scroll tied with purple ribbon, with this written on it:
Dear Guest
Tonight you will I hope feel welcome to enjoy the hospitality that the Palace and my country have to offer. There will be dancing, games, entertainments and supper this evening. Thank you very much for troubling to attend. You may recognize the valets and maidservants by their eighteenth century costume with the crest of the Imperial Family, who will provide whatever it may be that you may require.
Affectionately
Empress Aurora

Albert read his scroll as they walked into the palace. He was focused on his reading at first, so when they walked past one of the Elven guards, he didn't notice at first. By the time they passed another guard, he'd finished his reading and this time noticed that the guard they were passing had pointy ears.

It took him a few seconds to assure himself that it had not been a trick of the light, and then he wondered who they were. Millhouse had hinted at nonhumans being present, but no representative of Glorious Humanity had ever met an Elf in the flesh. Thus Albert was a little confused. He debated asking the Archduke, then wondered if the question was acceptable, then decided to ask anyway.

"Ah, your Grace," he began, speaking softly. "I've caught glimpses of several people with pointed ears. I hope you will forgive me for my lack of knowledge, but who are they?"

Hearing that the guests have arrived William slowly walked to through the palace to their location just to see who would be there. Smiling and nodding to every servant and guard he passed he finally entered the room with all the guests. Seeing no one familiar to himself, maybe a few by face but no more. He stood there in his black cloak draped over his costume, looking at the group from the side. Maybe the duke would notice him and say hello, or one of the guests would notice him there.

"Ah, well, your Excellency," said Archduke Amadeus, "Those are Elves from Menelmacar. The Elentari of Menelmacar is one of the Regents of Lavenrunz--you see the Empress is not of the age of majority yet, and the Elentari--a title resembling uberkoenigin, or overqueen--was one of our late Empress' closest friends and allies. As you can see, there are elvish and human guards here as well. The human are from our own Imperial Jaeger Regiment--special forces assault troops." his face is a bit melancholy. The handsome archduke is dressed as a swashbuckler of the seventeenth century, in dark blue cloth, point lace, cavalry boots and a great hat with a sweeping plume.

OOC: Can Sukothai (my head of state) join? If so, I wont be able to RP him until Friday or so (when my self-imposed RP hiatus ends.) Also, is a tuxedo acceptable, or is this a costume ball? Because if it is the latter, I know what I'm coming dressed as.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

"Late Empress?" Albert asked, then it clicked. Millhouse had mentioned that too. "Oh yes, I recall. Your previous Empress was murdered. Is there any progress on catching the one responsible?" He realized after the words were out of his mouth that this might be a touchy subject, but an idea was forming in the back of his head. Absently he adjusted the circlet he was wearing.

As they walked, he noticeably admired the architecture. This place was was impressive, and he was looking forward to seeing more of it. He was also looking forward to meeting the Empress and her Regent. His curiousity was piqued, and he wanted to find out more about this new race that he'd never seen before.

--------------------------------------------------
Schiphol International Airport, Knootoss
--------------------------------------------------

Lousewies van der Laan, Prime Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss walked over to the waiting Concorde, drawing some attention to herself with her dark purple outfit, a long dress with a matching jacket and an expensive black diamond broche. An import from Ruhr.

Though she wore stylish sunglasses many Knootians in the lobby recognised her, and though some people stared it did not draw extraordinary attention. After all, the Prime Minister was just another member of government, even if she were a popular member.

A small child approached the Prime Minister, and she politely stopped and cuddled the boy and gave it a pat on the shoulder. But the engines on the Concorde were already roaring and the security people were getting nervous. Knootian politicians were careless, even after what happened to Tator.

The engines of the Concorde growled and pounded as she took off from Schiphol airport, turning to Lavenrunz. The calm in the grey skies of Knootoss was disturbed, causing exactly 126 local complaints per phone for breaching the established sound limits of the airport that had slowly been swallowed up by the capital city.

http://www.admiroutes.asso.fr/larevue/2001/22/concorde.jpg

When the aircraft had breached the sound barrier, Lousewies unstrapped herself and relaxed with a good glass of whine.

“So, who will be there?”, she asked her secretary as she put off her shoes.

“Well, most of the SATO people and friends, well-respected nations mostly.

Lousewies sipped her wine and nodded: “Yes, it has been a while since I have visited Lavenrunz. I wonder how they are doing under the new rule. And I am also wondering how if the new Empress intends to be secretary-general of SATO again at an appropriate age."

The pair discussed some more, mostly about the whole EOTED situation. Lousewies was convinced that it would come up at the ball. Even though Lavenrunz really was far too pretty for the cold hard world of realpolitik.

Remembering her past visits, she smiled as the plane began to lower it’s altitude and speed over Lavenrunzian territories…

The Knootians had arrived at the party.

OOC: yeah... I know. Ripping off my own arrival post. Consider the plane landed. :wink:

"Yes, well, Lavenrunz is officially a Roman Catholic nation, though we are a very tolerant one." he adds a bit drily. "Christmas, Easter and Pentecost are our major celebrations, along with such events as the birthday of the Monarch. What celebrations do you have that are important in your country, sir?" Reil might notice that the Field Marshal has a sword of his own, which looks beautiful but also useful.Reil thought about it. "All holidays, I believe. We have an Islamic and Jewish majority though, so most of the other relegious holidays get less attention." He looked up as they approached the place and smiled. "Very nice..."

When they arrived at the doors, Reil stepped out slowly, securing his katana to his back. He looks around cautiously, as if waiting for someone to leap from the bushes, but then smiles when the Field Marshall steps up beside him. "So who are some of the other guests?"

"Yes, Fraulein Smith. Military service is a bit more rare, though a number of the family have had a brief stint in the more popular military units. I myself had the honour to serve in the Ienotheisan War under the late Heir in the Imperial Hussars." replies the Baron, touching his scar. "You should know that in Lavenrunz the children of a title holder hold the honorary title as well--my father is still alive but he recently retired from public life. And what of you, Fraulein Smith? Are you attending University or an Academy?" he glanced out the window, noting that they were not far from the Palace now. What a fascinating girl, he thought. Clever as well; have to watch this one for more than one reason...

Jessica giggled, and lowered her head, slightly averting her eyes, blushing a bit. Maybe his brief didn't tell him? Perhaps not...

She looked by and smiled again. "Baron, I shall be completing my primary schooling this spring, after which I shall attend University, and then probably serve in the Diplomatic Service to complete my Federal term of service." She lowered her eyes, and then looked up at him. "Though I am honored that you thought I was older than I am."

She glanced out the window, watching the buildings as they went by, decorated for Christmas. There was probably time for one more question before they arrived, she decided. "So, Baron of Ehrfurt, is Ehrfurt approaching the beauty that we can see here?" She waved to the window, a small gesture, just to convey what she meant.

Vanill then entered the Palace with her Protector, she noticed the architecture and held a grudging admiration for it, "But it pales in comparison to Avarista." she thought as she then began to look for the other guests.

Princess Widow wondered in and took a seat, far from the rest of the people. "Well, maybe this won't be so bad. I'll just avoid everyone and I won't have to dance with anyone, curtsy to anyone, or girlish at all. Soon I'll be back training the Emina army, and being my old kick-butt self, wearing my normal clothing." she said to herself. "But if anyone tries to hit on me, I'll show them why I lead Emina's army."

OCC:Lord AniX is not in attendance, Lavenrunz. By your reponce to my post, it appeared you thought he was.

Solange tried to make herself visible in the crowd, with no success. She sighed deeply and sat in a gilt chair, listening to the ambassadors and rulers from other countries chatter distantly down the hall. The chancelier lifted her skirts slightly to look at how her bruises were coming. Blue and green, how pleasant!

She sighed again and leaned her elbow dejectedly on the arm of the chair. Solange fiddled with the silver ring on a chain around her neck. She was beginning to think she should never have come, especially with events coming to a head as they were back home...

Hearing that the guests have arrived William slowly walked to through the palace to their location just to see who would be there. Smiling and nodding to every servant and guard he passed he finally entered the room with all the guests. Seeing no one familiar to himself, maybe a few by face but no more. He stood there in his black cloak draped over his costume, looking at the group from the side. Maybe the duke would notice him and say hello, or one of the guests would notice him there.
ooc: Quoting it as it was last on page and might be overlooked (doubtfull but better safe then sorry)
Anyways, so far this has been a grea roleplay.

OOC: As mine are overlooked? *L* Anyway.

Solange was beginning to grow cold, as a draft was wafting in through the window at her back. She sighed and sat straighter, eyes searching the hall for any familiar face to greet.

Dante walks around the palace trying to find something to do. He wanders into the hall and sees a woman looking around the hall. He decides to go talk to her.

"Hello."

OOC: Dang. I hate it when my brother sets his account on auto-login. -_-

Solange re-oriented herself quickly to the situation and nodded with as much grace as she could muster. "Hello. With whom do I have the pleasure of conversing?" She managed a shaky smile at her sudden companion.

Inwardly, she winced. I sound like a fracking thesaurus...

Seeing the woman trying to get herself together, Dante made a small smile and said, "My name's General Dante; I'm the leader of Langham. Who are you? Take your time, please, I have a while."

Alexander peered inside the room, nervously. He had snuck past the guards, climbed through a window, and almost killed himself, but it was worth it. He strode in, showing his invitation. And that frightening Elf-woman is no where in sight! It all worked! Even almost impaling myself on that ornamental railing! Hoping to avoid the notice of anyone, he walked to edge of the crowd. Meet the empress, greet some other leaders, and avoid Mrs. Scary Elentari. It all pans out...

Baron von Ehrfurt looked amused. "Well, to start with, it's rather more rustic. It's about four square miles of pastureland, mostly. Our cattle are rather highly prized. But we seem to have arrived, Fraulein--I hope you will have a pleasant evening, and that I will have the honour of seeing you again."
The car came to a stop and a guard approached, saluting stiffly.

The pages and maidservants began to circulate the room with hot spiced wine and rum drinks, as well as drinks made from honey and ginger for those who didn't drink alcohol. Appetizers of roasted chestnuts, coconut baked shrimp, candied fruit and other dainties were also handed round.


"Late Empress?" Albert asked, then it clicked. Millhouse had mentioned that too. "Oh yes, I recall. Your previous Empress was murdered. Is there any progress on catching the one responsible?" He realized after the words were out of his mouth that this might be a touchy subject, but an idea was forming in the back of his head. Absently he adjusted the circlet he was wearing.
"Those immediately responsible were Captain von Berg and elements of F Company, of the Imperial Cavalier Guards." said Archduke Amadeus drily. "And they killed themselves after making their 'statement'. However, the likelihood of an army captain--however notable his family line or position--undertaking such an action on his own is rather faint. So an investigation is still going on."


When they arrived at the doors, Reil stepped out slowly, securing his katana to his back. He looks around cautiously, as if waiting for someone to leap from the bushes, but then smiles when the Field Marshall steps up beside him. "So who are some of the other guests?"

"The Heart of Szairon is here, Ms. Jessica Smith of Sentient Peoples, the President of the Federation of Glorious Humanity, William Xylon of Diablo is here--ah, your Excellency!" says von Thessmar, bowing to William. "I wonder if you have met this gentleman, Lord Reil of Crimmond?"

Reil blinked. Lord Reil? That's a new one. He extends his leather gloved hand to William. "I don't believe we have met. Lord Reil Tian, of the Crimmond Empire."

OOC: As mine are overlooked? *L* Anyway.


OOC: Tis only to be expected given the volume of participants

/me waits patiently for a response to the God-Emperor's rather.. unconventional arrival at the space port.

"I see, I see," Albert nodded. "Well, speaking of the Empress, when shall she be gracing us with her presence?" He snagged a coconut baked shrimp off a passing tray and accepted a glass of spiced wine a servant offered him. He ate the shrimp and sipped the wine, then smiled. "This is very good. I think I am going to enjoy myself here."

His eyes swept the crowd, looking for anyone he recognized. He was not surprised when he didn't see anyone, he rarely had opportunity to meet other leaders, only their envoys, and he was pretty sure he hadn't even met envoys from most of the nations represented here. This was going to be an interesting evening indeed.

Alexander quietly took a goblet of wine. Sipping it delicately, he looked for someone he recognised. Anyone. So as to avoid them. God... I should have sent Alysanndra... Smiling, he carefully arranged his fool's costume. Not that anyone would recognise me, dressed like this.

Paulus was impressed with the coastline as his 737 came in at 30,000 feet. The plane was unescorted, and indeed unmarked; it looked no different then a normal Boeing of similar make. Of course, it was going to be marked, eventually. The last Prime Minister took off in the last government jet, and after three years no one has managed to get around to fixing up the replacement.

Thirty minutes later, the jet touched down at an airport who's name Paulus didn't know. He thought he saw something of a luxury car waiting on the tarmac, but he wasn't sure if it was for him.

As the plane rolled to a halt, Paulus undid his seatbelt and stretched his legs. Even on the government's private jet, space was at a relative luxury. Donning his white jersey and helmet, both emblazoned with the number 44 and the Canuck's logo, a breaching Orca that formed part of a C, Paulus headed for the exit, followed by his personal assistant, Florida Martin, who also happened to be his daughter. She didn't have a costume at present, but had something planned that she wouldn't tell her father. At the moment, she wore a simple black woman's suit.

Following their one security guard down the stairs, Paulus stepped into Lavenrunz for the first time ever.

Reamus Kastor hated being late. Living so far from earth had its downsides, this being one of them. The War Cruiser Scylla had already arrived at the Farstation and was well on its way to earth; its sleek design moving gracefully through the unforgiving wastes of deep space. In a short while it would arrive at the Lavenrunz spaceport.

Reamus was glad to finally be away from Eurydice, even if the reprieve was a formal one. He had considered wearing the usual for a Eurydian formal gathering, but decided against it. Instead he sported a much less frilly and over the top suit known affectionately as the Midgrace outfit. It got its name for its seemingly endlessly different applications during formal gatherings. One could wear it to an informal get together and then hop over to a formal gathering with the Emperor and still be relatively in style. It maintained a middle ground when it came to suits, hence the Mid.

Kastor's suit was made up of black pants with gold leaf intricately woven between the fibers. There was an elegant, yet plain white shirt on top encased in a black vest studded with jewels of a minute size. Over that was a jacket form fitted to Reamus’s body. It was red and had intricate designs of flowers and other things seemingly painted on there with an ultra thin layer of gold leaf. In addition to the suit, Reamus wore the customary Slimsword; it rested loosely on his right hip.

It wasn’t the best a Eurydian could wear, but it certainly got the job done.

The Eurydian Magistrate sat in the captains chair of the Scylla as it made the final approach on the Lavenrunz station Astra. It was the first stop on the already long journey toward The Palace of the Moon and Stars.

Reamus Kastor hoped he would still be welcomed, considering he was terribly late.

(OOC: If you like I could skip the long process of arriving and just mosey on over to The Palace. Also, your guards might want to stop Reamus to take the Slimsword he carries… if it poses a threat that is.)

Jessica smiled sweetly at the Baron. "Perhaps we shall meet again. I would look forward to it. Will you be available to escort me back to the shuttle, Baron?"

The Baron smiled. "Of course I will, Fraulein."

After his reponse, he carefully extricated himself from the car, and turned to assist Jessica from the limo.

Placing her hand lightly in his, she gracefully as a tiger unfolded from the car, somehow avoiding the encumberments of her pitchfork, cape, and tail as she settled onto the heeled boots once more.

She shivered, briefly, in the air about them, as the nano-fabric readjusted itself.

Curtsying slightly to the Baron, she smiled once more. "Until again, Baron von Ehrfurt."

And then, with a spin and a slight bounce she turned to the Palace entrance, examining it. These people make a great deal out of Christmas, apparently. Though the brief did say they were a highly Christian nation. Fairly fundamental Christianity, for that matter, but tolerant. The decorations were beautiful, though, and the snow, white and crisp.

Her eyes, trained from a life time of exposure, picked out the guards quiet quickly, even those who were fairly well hidden, though she saw few of the elves.

She entered through the doors, and paused briefly, until she was announced. "Her Honour Miss Jessica Smith!"

She strode confidently into the Hall upon her announcement, smiling, tail swaying as she walked, pitchfork gleaming once more in the light of the hall, as she briefly tossed her hair to get the few bits of snow remaining out of it. The nano-weave adjusted yet again, to the heat of the hall, drastically different from the refreshing crispness of the air outside.

She examined the selection as a page came by.

I could drink anything I wanted, and no one would know.

Working up her courage quickly, and smiling brightly at the page, she took a glass of the spiced wine and a few candies fruits and a couple of shrimp.

Nibbling at her food, and sipping the wine, she carefully walked around the edge of the room, examining the people inside, classifying them as she had been taught. By obvious rank and importance, though it was made considerbly harder by the costumes, by their personal assurance (Which was difficult, considering the level of people present. They were all good actors.), and by threat level.

Only after that was done, and she had checked the dagger on her belt, did she look for someone to speak with.

Alexander turned. A footman was staring at him, rather cheekily. "How did you get in here, sir?"

"Through the window. Here. Here's my invitation. Now go away."

The flunky took it, and took a deep breath.

"No! Don't announce me!" Alexander started to look for an escape route.

"HIS HIGHNESS, PRINCE ALEXANDER BLACK OF THE MOST HOLY PRINCIPALITY OF ROANIA!" Bowing, the flunky turned. Alexander swore, and considered flicking out one of his more irritating non-lethal weapons.

Then he felt all eyes on him. "Um... so... looks like that kind of spoils the costume ball, doesn't it? Right."

Paulus shivered a bit after stepping out of the climate-controlled warmth of the plane. A four-door sedan was parked just off to the left, though no one but the driver was there to meet them.

"Hmm. Oh well. Maybe he knowns where we're supposed to go."

As they approach, the driver springs up quickly and opens the trunk and toss their bags in. He opens the doors for them without a word, and Paulus and Flordia climb in.

"So, you're the driver eh? Are we going to the ball or the hotel first?" asked Paulus.

"Well sir, the party has already started. Oh, and might I ask, where are you from again?" replied the driver as they started to drive off.

"I'm from Victoriaville, East Canuckistan. Paulus Martin, Prime Minister, pleased to meet you," he said, smiling.

"Ah. Well, we'll be there shortly then."

Sirithil finished looking over the security arrangements; a glance out the window told her people were starting to arrive. Well, then, she'd better get dressed, hadn't she?

She started with a bath, in the Lavenrunzian style... when in Hofburg, after all, do as the Hofburgers do. First a thorough scrub, then a nice hot soak, followed by a cold rinse... towelling off, she went to the closet and got dressed. 'Twas no ordinary costume, a little bit of magic was necessary to pull it off just right.

She wore long, flowing robes, even longer than usual, which trailed behind her; the Elentári certainly looked her title tonight, which was the whole idea. In fact, she looked as if she was clad in the night sky itself. All over the fabric was embedded little shimmery gemstones, scattered not quite evenly but more randomly, and with a definite 'band', like the Milky Way, running from left waist to right shoulder and down her train. The gown itself shimmered in the light, with the colorful wisps of nebulae and supernova remnants. The Elvenqueen wore jewelry as well, diamonds the main theme, in settings of galvorn, the shining black alloy devised by Eöl, the Dark Elf of old. Thusly did diamonds adorn her ears, and neck, and brow, and strands thereof were braided into her hair. With her magic, she imbued the diamonds in her jewelry and robes, with a soft, twinkling inner light, like that of the stars themselves, but still bright enough to be clearly visible in the well-lit ballroom. Her hair and clothing, too, seemed to blow and wave in a light breeze, a breeze none could feel. This was her costume for the ball, for she was dressed as Elbereth Gilthoniel, the queen of the gods, and maker of the stars.

After one final look-over in the mirror, she left her room to go get Aurora.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz, Chancellor of CENNA
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

Alexander turned. A footman was staring at him, rather cheekily. "How did you get in here, sir?"

"Through the window. Here. Here's my invitation. Now go away."

The flunky took it, and took a deep breath.

"No! Don't announce me!" Alexander started to look for an escape route.

"HIS HIGHNESS, PRINCE ALEXANDER BLACK OF THE MOST HOLY PRINCIPALITY OF ROANIA!" Bowing, the flunky turned. Alexander swore, and considered flicking out one of his more irritating non-lethal weapons.

Then he felt all eyes on him. "Um... so... looks like that kind of spoils the costume ball, doesn't it? Right."

"You're not wearing a mask. Sir." says the footman. Alexander at this point realizes that the 'flunky' has a curious bulge under his jacket and looks rather tough for a butler.
Archduke Carl looked the Prince up and down coldly and sighed, turning back to the princess.

Archduke Amadeus turned to the President with a smile. "And speak of it, and it shall be..."

"Her Majesty Empress Aurora of Lavenrunz! Her Noldorin Majesty the Elentári Sirithil nos Fëanor, Regent of Lavenrunz!"
All the Lavenrunzians not on guard duty turned and bowed deeply as the two ladies arrived. One was tall, slender and majestic, seeming to be clad in the night sky itself. The other smaller, a girl on the edge of womanhood, delicate featured but dignified, wearing a cloudlike dress that sparkled here and there, carrying a silvery wand.
She seemed to be delighted, to those who were perceptive. Her eyes were alighting on all in the room, and at times a smile nearly played on her lips.

"Damn..." Alexander groaned. No... not Siri... His hands went to his face. "Where's my mask..."

<--------->

A forlorn looking mask dangled from a pointy spike in the Lavenrunz palace gardens.

<-------->

Sighing, Alexander ducked behind a pillar, reapplied the face paint, and then walked over to the back of the bowing crowd. He kneeled.

OOC: Roania...no one, NO ONE is supposed to be wearing a mask. Security.

OOCly pokes Lavenrunz.

Page 4, 14th post down :wink:

Reil listened to the announcements, excusing himself from the others and walking towards them. Might as well get the loud entrance part over with... He walks up to the gaurd that seemed to enjoy bellowing so much and bows with the rest of the crowd.

Whenever they all finish that(OOC: It's late, my creative writing side is about dead at the moment, lol), he handed the gaurd an ID marked Lord Reil Tian, Crimmond Empire, highlighting his simplistic tendancy.

OOC: And with that, I bid you all a good biologically required time of bodily rest. *stumbles off to bed*

OOC: Roania...no one, NO ONE is supposed to be wearing a mask. Security.
OOC: I know, but I saw your post and...

ah, well. Siri'll know it's him anyway, and he's not going to hurt anyone.

IC: The 'footman' came back and wiped the face paint off, forcibly. Alexander rolled his eyes. "Sir, you've been of great service to me. Now Elentari Sirithril is certain to find me."

"Glad to help."

"Shut up."

President Albert also bowed low, appraising the pair as they entered the room. His eyes immediately caught the Elentari's gown, and he spent several seconds trying to figure out the arrangement of diamonds before he realized they were supposed to be stars. Then his gaze turned towards the Empress.

A small frown creased his features as he debated what would be appropriate to say to her. The customary compliments given to a lady of station generally involved her looks, and those seemed inappropriate for a teenage girl, especially coming from a man in his forties. On the other hand, something referring to her age would probably insult her. She seemed open and friendly enough, though.

He waited for the rest of the room to start standing straight again before he did. Once again he cursed his lack of knowledge about the exact etiquette of this place.

"To High Guard Vessel Sword of Inevitable Justice: this is the Landing Control at the city of Astra. If it is possible, could personages of importance be brought down via shuttle--if need be we can provide them, but we lack facilities for so large a ship."


"Negative, Landing Control," the Comm tech replyed, "We have backup procedures avalible; please clear a vertical descent vector..."

-----------------

Fifteen minutes later above the city of Astra's space port, an ebon figure, larger even than a city bus, came crashing through the upper cloud layer, a glowing trail in it's wake. A moment later, a second apears, the first spreading hundred-foot wings to slow it's near-terminal descent, befor a third breaks the cloud cover, the second, and then third following the first's action.

As they descend, their apearance resolves to the unaided eye; masive creatures.. Dragons! Real, flesh and blood dragons, covered thickly in gold and silver trimed gunmetal power armour, covered in runes and effectors trailing a glowing mist, they touch down on the reserved landing pad without making a sound, facing outward in a triradial formation, car-sized Paradigm Shock Rifles momentarily leveled befor one of the three-story behemoths looses an earth shattering roar..

"AH-TEN-SION!!"

The ground shaking as they snap to attention, the two meter tall, black power armoured form of God-Emperor Alexander Wolfius steps out from the center of the trio towards the reception party, arrival unnoticed until now in the wake of his escourt. Removing his helm, the snow-furred wolf sounds in a clear, firm tone, "At ease," as the inertial drive pylons on the back of his armour retract in a manner reminecent of the wings of a bettle; his honour gaurd falling into a standard 'at ease' stance without a sound.

OOC: 'Shock-and-awe', as it were 8)

"Present--Arms!" another voice shouted. At that, the honour guard brought up a bristling row of glinting bayonets, and boots slapped down on the tarmac.
With majestic opening, the band of the Imperial Marines plays the anthem of the nation of Kanuckistan; a group of dignitaries are saluting or placing hand over heart.
At the center of them is a man in white uniform, with decorations and orders on it. A sword with a gold tassel is at his side. He is a strong featured, striking man with a craggy brown and shrewd eyes. When the anthem comes to a magnificent clashing end, the man steps forward and bows deeply to the God-Emperor.
"Your Majesty, I am Count Hohenloe, a friend of the Empress Aurora, and I am at your service. Welcome to Lavenrunz."

OOC: Sorry. :(

Alex counted another ten seconds, then stood straight. His arms twitched from the strain of not saluting. Need to spend less time around soldiers. He coughed. Protocol... protocol... He smiled, warmly, as the two women passed down the stairs. Only an expert could see how much the smile was hurting.

When I get back, I'm proclaiming myself Emperor... this is ridiculous. Someone 9 years younger than me outranks me in nobility terms...

Arriving at the ball just in time, Paulus just manages to shuffle into the ballroom to see The Empress and the Elentári be introduced. Florida had to mis the sight, however, as she was getting changed in the washroom. So far no one had payed much attention to Paulus; indeed, more then a few security guards asked to see his invitation, just to make sure that he indeed belonged here. Naturally, after examining the paper, they dismissed him like he was a local peasent, rather then a foreign Prime Minister. It didn't take long before Paulus go into the rum and wine, but being a stout Canuckistani, such things didn't faze him immediately. No, he circulated about the room, talking with anyone who would speak with him, and sampling the food when no one would. "Rather enjoyable, all told," he thought to himself.

Nicole smiles as she car finally pulls up, These old city streets seem to have a life of their own sometimes...Would have thought the chauffer would have got used to them by now. She adjusts the feather in her hat a little, and checks if her costume looks right in the mirror, adjusting her eyepatch a little and smiling. Guess I had to be a pirate, really...

'Arrr.' she grins, before setting off inside, her bird sitting contentedly on her shoulder.

Albert straightened with the rest of the crowd and finished his glass of wine. Definitely good stuff. He murmured to Amadeus. "When does the ceremony end and it become alright to approach them?" As he spoke he looked at the pair of rulers again, this time looking at the young Empress. It took him a moment to understand she was dressed as a fairy. He realized that if his nation was going to have regular dealings with this group, he was going to need to brush up on a lot of things.

As he waited for the Archduke's answer, he helped himself to some candied fruits from a tray carried by a passing servant. Everything he'd eaten and drunk so far was delicious.

Jessica turned as the Elentari and the Empress were annnounced, and arched a brow at the sight of their costumes.

It was rather obvious what Sirithil intended to be. Varda, Queen of the Stars.

Aurora was some sort of fairy, or something. She looked much happier now, than the last time Jessica had seen her. Of course, that made sense. Her mother had been dead for some time now, and one couldn't dwell forever on the pain.

Jessica lowered her head. She had met Lady Sirithil once, and seen both of them at Empress Joanna's funeral.

She curtsied as much as her costume allowed, and grinned as she stood up. No young men but the pages yet, that she noticed. But they would come in time. She hoped.

If nothing else, she was here to meet, and hopefully make friends with, Aurora. Personal connections, especially with monarchies, were extremely important.

So in addition to fun, she was here to work. Meet people. Make friends. Work. Work the crowd. She smiled softly to herself at the last, and twirled her pitchfork as she finished the wine, and looked for an opening.

Empress Aurora nods to Count Chemnitz, and there is a sound of the stamping of a gold stick.
"Majesties, Excellencies, Lords Ladies and gentlemen...dancing will begin soon in the hall, and those who wish to enjoy it certainly may. This hall with its refreshements will be available to
those who prefer not to."
At that the martial strains of the Radetsky March began to play. Aurora smiled and, with the Regent, led the way into the ballroom. She felt a big chagrined though. Until she was of age, a member of her
family would have to lead dances with her at such events, so that no implications could be made, and so that no favouritism was clearly shown to any particular country.
The ballroom was large enough to be a cathedral, with its great dome, galleries and polished floor. Banks of satin covered benches were arrayed along the walls for people to rest when dancing had strained their endurance.
Archduke Amadeus said quietly, "Your Excellency, if you like I will introduce you for a dance with Her Majesty..."

Chancellor Claudia der Waal approaches Prime Minister Paulus Martin, saying, "Ah, Prime Minister Martin, is it not? Er...are you meant to be a hockey player?"
As people began to gather in sufficient numbers in the ballroom, the musicians began to play a waltz. The Emperor Waltz was always played first at Lavenrunzian balls, and Archduke Carl excused himself from his royal companion and
went to the Empress, bowing, and led her onto the dance floor as the majestic strains of Strauss filled the room.

Aurelian was left at rather a loss as the waltz began; in Szraion, it was unthinkable for the nobility to dance. Only entertainers, and occasionally slaves, danced, and neither form would have been acceptable in this occasion even if he'd had a troupe of entertainers hidden in his pockets.

Thus left with little to do, he wandered over to the buffet, looking out for any foreign dignitaries he knew of.

OOC: A note: his title is actually "Heart of the Citadel", not "Heart of Szraion". The other five citadels, not to mention the actual nominal leader of Szraion, would get rather annoyed if he claimed to rule Szraion. :)

As the distinguished pair stepped down, a voice shouted, "Present arms!" and the Iuthian National Anthem began to play. Before them was an honour guard of the Imperial Marines, bayonets glinting. Snow flurried all around, and there was a little group of dignitaries with hands over hearts or saluting.
At the end of it, a one-eyed man in the full dress uniform of the Imperial Air Force stepped forward, bowing, and said, "Welcome to Lavenrunz, your Highness," he bowed to the Princess, "And your Excellency," he bowed to the General. "I am General Hans Schlabel, the Minister for War."

James threw a impressed look at General Hans Schlabel, of all the nations he had been to, Lavenrunz was the only nation who actually sent the time and effort greeting him with with level of respect. James smiled like he was 10 again... it had also been the first time he had ever been called "your Excellency".

Meanwhile Kiara took it in her stride, offering the general her hand before replying.

"Thankyou for recieving us General Schlabel, you honour us with your presence at our arrival, will you be attending the ball yourself?" She asked in her most regal voice. Kiara herself looked a little impressed, they had done their homework and as such James will be much more comfortable at this thing knowing the nation he is in thinks a little like him.

The two sent a little time with a couple formal words and then finally, after a small conversation with the General, they were escorted to their hotel so they could prepare for the ball.

[OOC: Sorry for speeding it up, I've had a fair bit of politics to sort out recently and I would like to get myself sorted here so I don't miss to much, my heads also a little lost for conversation at the moment, I've been thinking too much about other issues like my WV situation...]

Nicole is a little deafened as a voice rings out next to her; 'Nicole Victoria Hawkins, Ambassador to Lavenrunz on behalf of the Federation of Marshall Island!'

She blushes, wondering if her costume is quite right, and looks around for someone without a partner to dance with.

((OOC: Humm, Tag. I would join but it seems rather late to be arriving now. *Claims the invitation was misfiled...*))

Having discarded the rather silly looking helmet after some urging from his daughter, Paulus just grins at the attempt at.. humour? No, that couldn't be it. Pity? Maybe. He wasn't sure. He'd had enough to drink that he didn't much care.

"No ma'am, merely a fan of the game. Sadly, the required skates would not go to well with the floor."

But, in the interest of keeping the conversation up with someone who apparenly recognized him, he asks the question that's started to bug him, that being just who the hell is she.

"Ah, but I see that you recognize me. Yes, I'm Paulus Martin, Prime Minister of East Canuckistan, if you can say such a position exists. But, I must, who are you milady? I've never been to Lavenrunz before, and we've not had much dealing with those so far to the south, so I sadly cannot return the compliment of recognition."

On the other side of the room, Florida was working hard to make an impression on the interesting assortment of foreigners. Unfortunely, at only 5'4" tall, she gets rather lost quickly amongst the dazziling assortment of costumes. She herself is dressed as the Queen of Hearts, with her long black and red dress adorned with hearts at random intervels. Luckily, no one saw her come in with her father, who she does her best to avoid. There was a good reason why she didn't tell him what she was wearing...

Jessica saunters into the ballroom, examening the room as she had been taught.

Exits. Entrances. Interference. Guards. Her eyes flickered only briefly as she took all this in, though, her step barely pausing as she entered the room with a smile.

Well, the dancing was beginning.

So, some one to dance with.

Her eyes searched the faces, but she did not immediately spot any unattached males, other than the guards, and some musicians.

Having discarded the rather silly looking helmet after some urging from his daughter, Paulus just grins at the attempt at.. humour? No, that couldn't be it. Pity? Maybe. He wasn't sure. He'd had enough to drink that he didn't much care.

"No ma'am, merely a fan of the game. Sadly, the required skates would not go to well with the floor."

But, in the interest of keeping the conversation up with someone who apparenly recognized him, he asks the question that's started to bug him, that being just who the hell is she.

"Ah, but I see that you recognize me. Yes, I'm Paulus Martin, Prime Minister of East Canuckistan, if you can say such a position exists. But, I must, who are you milady? I've never been to Lavenrunz before, and we've not had much dealing with those so far to the south, so I sadly cannot return the compliment of recognition."
"Forgive me." the woman, fair haired, slender and though grave in manner clearly by her eyes and mouth of good humored nature, bows. "I am Claudia der Waal, Chancellor of Lavenrunz--head of Her Majesty's Government. I wanted to apologize to you personally. Our country has had next to no contact with yours, and your arrival...well, I hope we can make you welcome."

On the other side of the room, Florida was working hard to make an impression on the interesting assortment of foreigners. Unfortunely, at only 5'4" tall, she gets rather lost quickly amongst the dazziling assortment of costumes. She herself is dressed as the Queen of Hearts, with her long black and red dress adorned with hearts at random intervels. Luckily, no one saw her come in with her father, who she does her best to avoid. There was a good reason why she didn't tell him what she was wearing...
A plain featured but somehow striking man dressed as a gentleman of the sixteenth century approached. There was something friendly about him along with a tough resolution...but he bowed gracefully and said, "My name is Major Wolfmar, Fraulein--would you care to dance?"

Jessica also found herself approached...by Baron Ehrfurt, with similar intention.

Detaching herself from the wall, Countess von Katori in her roman palla glided towards Nicole and touched her arm. "I don't know if you remember me," she said pleasantly, "I visited your country with Her Majesty Empress Joanna of glorious memory. Would you care to dance?"

OOC:
To the Ctan: it would be a shame not to take part for such a reason. :)

Albert cringed visibly at the word dance as he followed the rest of the guests into the ballroom. He nodded and smiled at the Archduke anyway. "Sounds good, but I hope your Empress is forgiving. I learned a few steps, but I'm no virtuoso with my feet." He grinned wryly.

The ballroom drew an appreciative whistle from him when they entered it. He looked up at the high ceiling, and all around at the area, then back at the Archduke. "This is an incredible palace, your Grace," he commented. "This must be a great place to live."

Althena and Chloe arrived a bit late, but at least just in time for the actual dancing.

Chloe looked rather... uncertain. She wasn´t used to such occasions, being the assassin she was. Her costume looked rather... strange, since it was winter. She wore the traditional gear of Noir, as it was used ~1800 b.c.. Of course, today, it was somewhat outdated, but still weared at special occasions. The problem with it was of course that it was rather... revealing... and therefore, not exactly something to be weared in winter. [ooc: have to find a picture, so far, i failed.] Rather impressive was her traditional, european- style sword she weared.

Althena, while normally more some kind of a... 'closed' character, was quite the contrary to Chloe. Wearing the original outfit of the old soldats, rather than her normal, catholic priestess [ooc: don´t ask...] clothing, she looked like kindness itself. Although, looking closely, one could perhaps notice a sense of darkness coming from her.

Still, at this moment her usual darkness was practically non- existant, it was obvious she wanted to enjoy this...- and, perhaps, to introduce Chloe to things not as brutal as her daily work...

OOC thanks for saying yes Jo :)

Owen skidded to a halt outside the ballroom, boots refusing to grip on the polished floors. He stopped fully, pulled himself up straight and adjusted the tunic of his carefully pressed and soberly black-blue House Warwick uniform. He grimaced and carefully popped open the small valise he'd carried through customs, removing some lengths of cloth, a small vial of make-up and a ridiculous looking hat. Some moments later, the tall, darkhaired, serious looking Earl of Warwick had been replaced by a man who bore a startling resemblance to Napoleon in the paintings of his youth.
Owen grinned at his reflection in the mirror, usually someone from the diplomatic service went to these sort of affairs, but his uncle had specifically sent him, saying he needed rounding out as a person.
He straightened his shoulders, tucked a hand inside his tunic, adjusted the long, straight and definitely nonperiod blade at his hip and stepped inside the ballroom.
Instantly he was overwhelmed by light, colour and noise. He blinked, then carefully moved to a table by one of the walls, deftly snagging a wine glass with his free hand.
He calmly leant against a wall and with the patience of long hours of practice waited for something to happen.

"Forgive me." the woman, fair haired, slender and though grave in manner clearly by her eyes and mouth of good humored nature, bows. "I am Claudia der Waal, Chancellor of Lavenrunz--head of Her Majesty's Government. I wanted to apologize to you personally. Our country has had next to no contact with yours, and your arrival...well, I hope we can make you welcome."


"Ah, well, Ms. der Waal, is it? Well fi you truely mean that, you'll be kind enough to allow me to have this next dance. Is that agreeable?" he smiles as he stands and takes her hand, gently pulling her towards the dance floor before she responds properly.



A plain featured but somehow striking man dressed as a gentleman of the sixteenth century approached. There was something friendly about him along with a tough resolution...but he bowed gracefully and said, "My name is Major Wolfmar, Fraulein--would you care to dance?"

Florida was suprised that someone had noticed her. Flattered, she adjusts her crown after giving a slight bow of approval, as she takes the Major's arm to follow him to the floor. He is a fair bit taller then she, and it didn't take her long to see that it was somewhat bothersome for him to be full foot taller then her, but she dosen't mind and relaxes in his arms as the music picks up.

Dear Sir,

We would be delighted to accept your invitation and will arrive post haste. We apologise for a late arrival, as due to a slight clerical error, your invitation was misplaced. We trust that the Klefburg hotel will be sufficient, and have no desire to make alternate arrangements.

Johnathan Kerstatz,
Private Secretry to Princeps Kopinski,

At the same time, said Princeps, a defunct title really, but it was better than dictator, was already enroute to Lavenrunz, in a heavily converted aeroplane, not anywhere near the pinnacle of technology available by a long shot, but it was almost a tradition to use it for official visits.

Jessica smiles at the Baron, and arches her eyebrow. "You, Baron, are early, for I am not yet ready to go." Her voice is light, joking.

"And yes, I would love to dance." She places her hand in his prooffered one. She allows herself to be led onto the dance floor, as she confidently moved into the first steps of the dance, allowing the Baron to lead, holding his hands lightly, maintaining no more than the absolute distance than was required by proper decorum, as she smiled at him, just an inch and a half shorter in her heeled boots.

"So, Baron, what does an aristocrat like yourself spend his days doing? You mentioned the military earlier, but implied you were done with that."

She appeared genuinely interested in what he had to say. Perhaps it was small talk, and perhaps not. She was after all, trained in these things.

There were much glare and glitter and piquancy and phantasm. There were much of the beautiful, much of the wanton, much of the bizarre, something of the terrible, and not a little of that which might have excited disgust. And now again the music swells, and the dreams live, and writhe to and fro more merrily than ever, taking hue from the many tinted windows through which stream the rays from the tripods. And thus too, it happened, perhaps, that before the last echoes of the last chime had utterly sunk into silence, there were many individuals in the crowd who had found leisure to become aware of the presence of a figure which had arrested the attention of no single individual before.

In truth the masquerade license of the night was nearly unlimited; but the figure in question had out-Heroded Herod, and gone beyond the bounds of even the prince's indefinite decorum. The figure was tall and gaunt, and shrouded from head to foot in the habiliments of the grave. His visage was made so nearly to resemble the countenance of a stiffened corpse that the closest scrutiny must have had difficulty in detecting the cheat. And yet all this might have been endured, if not approved, by the mad revelers around. But the mummer had gone so far as to assume the type of the Red Death. His vesture was dabbled in blood--and his broad brow, with all the features of the face, was besprinkled with the scarlet horror, underneath it, you could clearly distinguish elven features.

Courtesy of Edgar Allan Poe

OOC: I stand corrected GMC, Done some editing, Poe will turn in his grave.

Veg, read the first page. Can't do Masque of the Red Death with no mask...

Althena went on, searching for someone useful to dance with... and she made quite clear that she wanted Chhloe to deal with this... new... situation on her own.

Chloe sighed, and looked around, rather bored by the... bloated nobility. That was how she referred to royality and nobility when she was in private. Here, however, she wasn´t, so she was forced to show a nice smile and nod.

However, she failed, the aura of darkness and determination surrounding her like an invisible wall.

However, even she had her... Interests, and something catched her interest, rather than boring her.

A living corpse... drained in blood, looking as if it was really dead, but walking around the living...

It perfectly matched her sense of beauty, and in the very moment she saw him, the only thing that mattered to her was to know who it was, covered by this morbit 'costume' of rather... uncommon beauty, that had succeeded in catching her interest.

She hurried a bit to reach him, not in the slightest worried about the rather disgusted views of the other guests, for a moment wondering if it was her revealing costume or his sense of humour, and with a slight bow, wondering if this figure reminded her of one of her victims, she asked:

"Would you care for a dance..." And yet she stopped, not knowing how to address this... thing.

William looked at the pair of women as they entered the room gracefully, a smile being formed by their beauty upon his lips. He looked as the first people started to greet them and do the usual little question and thanks thing you do at a party.
William walked slowly, but with pride to them, trying to be as quiet and inconspicuous as possible when he did. Ever so slowly drawing nearer to them. Until it seems he suddenly appears right before them. Looking down at the two of them with a warm and friendly smile and nodding slightly. He rummaged with the cloak and suddenly it falls down to the ground, revealing his costume finally.

He wore a suit of armor witch fit him perfectly. The armor itself was made of beautiful polished silver, and it reflected the light of itself brightly, almost like a mirror. Adorned with beautiful ornaments of gold it was, as if it was nothing. On his breastplate was the head of a lion, his mouth open wide as it seemingly stared at you, it’s mane like the golden rays of the sun, when it reflected the light from itself as well brightly like the silver.
He stood still there for a moment to make it seem more dramatic before he dropped down to one knee like he always does. Reaching out his hand he gently grasps that of Aurora between his fingers, carefully lifting it upwards to his head, and he bows down to kiss it ever so lightly before letting go of her hand. “Greetings milady Aurora, you seem fair as ever and remind me greatly of your mother, god bless her soul.” He said as he stared into her eyes. “This is a most excellent party milady. Now I will not be greedy and let you greet the other guests and speak again when you do so desire.” Getting up slowly he looks down at her with a smile before looking at Sirithil with the same smile. “Speak with you later as well milady.” He says and nods to her. He steps to the side and bows down, making a gesture that they are free to move on.

Reil wanders about the crowd, only recognzing a few people. Hmmm... that means either making new friends or standing around bored. He looked at Sirithil and the princess. No luck in talking to them anytime soon...

He decides to perform his trademark manuver of walking through a party and not have one person so much as speak to him. He adopted the perfect poker face, devoid of any emotion, as where his eyes, and walked from one end of the room to the other slowly.

OOC: Is it too late to join in?

Aboard the presidential learjet, Leader 1

President Scipio Fitzpatrick reclined in his chair, slightly perturbed that maintenance on the presidential aircraft had delayed his arrival at the ball. What better way to meet the leaders of other nations than through a peaceful night of wining, dining and dancing? Beside him on the corinthian leather armrest sat his drink, vodka and cranberry and in his lap the latest reports from his diplomatic envoy to Blade of Light concerning his impetuous declaration of "Crusade."

Scipio shook his head and chuckled quietly to himself. Upstart nations looking for a fight... would it never end? He closed his eyes for a second and then stood up, moving to the sleeping cabin in the back of the aircraft and looking at himself in the mirror, ensuring his costume was in place. Not that there was all that much to have in place. His medium colored skin had been painted black with flecks of gold mixed in to make it look somewhat astral. His hair had been styled and caps added to his canines. The paint was conducive to a small chain reaction that kept the wearer warm in chilled environments. About Scipio's waist was a shift of Egyptian design with the symbol of Anubis upon it. On his ceremonial belt hung a golden war scythe and about his neck a gold amulet.

Neither the amulet nor the scythe were just for decoration, however. The war scythe had a power cell inside of it that energized the blade with a significant charge and the amulet held the battery and receiver for the inner-ear communications device that the president wore should there be an emergency. There were no plans to use either, however and the cell on the scythe was disconnected.

The intercom suddenly clicked, "Sir, we are about to begin our descent... ETA in eleven minutes."

"Very well, Canderous... take us in. I'll keep my inner ear mic on at all times. I just hope I'm not too late. Not being punctual is about the greatest offense you could give to someone when arriving for an extravaganza."

"Without escort," she muttered quietly to herself as she made the final approach. "And late, to boot. I have got to pull myself together. This is supposed to take my mind off things. Gods, I hope my reply got through in time."

Nathicana tugged absentmindedly at the bodice on her costume, fidgeting in her seat as she made the final approach to Lavenrunz. It wasn't her style ... far from it. But, one is expected to keep up appearances when in public, so, with the assistance of her private secretary, Else, she had come up with the wintery ensemble.

Her long raven tresses were swept up in gentle curls, hairpins of crystal and pearl glittering like stars against the blackness, the majority of them cascading down her back. The rest twined delicately around a small but intricate headdress of faux pearls and tiny crystals that capped the front of her head. Strands of the pearls hung loose and looped delicately around to frame her face, a particulary pretty crystal dangling from the center of the cap, resting against her forehead.

The dress was both snug and flowing, accenting her firm body in just the right places. Worn just off the shoulder, the neckline appealing yet tasteful. The dress was done in shades of white and icy blues, layers of silk and light chiffon with the intricate beadwork continuing there. Silken gloves that went past the elbow covered her arms, her feet sporting delicate open-toed heels that looped around the ankle. White ermine trim accented the shoulders and neckline, and a warm wrap of the same completed the ensemble.

"Well, it -is- a winter ball," Else had said, hiding a smile. "And besides, it sets off your blue eyes."

Nathicana scowled slightly, acknowledging the landing clearance and instructions. "Decadence," she muttered again, fidgeting a bit more. "I like black." She landed the Tempest (http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/selene_small.jpg), her private shuttle, as directed, going through her usual routine of shut down and system checks before setting the security, and jacking out. She gently stored the cord back in its place, and stood, smoothing her dress with nervous hands, and assuring herself that the dagger she'd placed in a sheath around her thigh was securely in place - force of habit. Settling the ermine wrap around her arms in a casual manner, and picking up the beaded handbag containing a white feathered fan and other odds and ends, she forced herself to walk with a calm, graceful gait, exiting the shuttle to meet whomever was greeting guests.

"Nathicana D'Aquisto, Dread Lady of the Dominion," she said, extending her hand. "Terribly sorry I'm late."

"Would you care for a dance..." And yet she stopped, not knowing how to address this... thing.


The figure turned to Chloe with a smile on its face, or was it a sneer? It bowed deep to her, picked up her hand, brought it to its face and back, then swirled out with her onto the dancefloor with a catlike grace, one hand lightly on her hip and the other holding hers with a firm but light grip. Out on the dancefloor, swept into a wild and frantic waltz, Chloe could but admire the makeup on the figures face, for surely it must be makeup? The twisted face of a plague victim in great agony, knowing that its torment would never end and for ever screaming out its agony and hatred towards the healthy and beautiful.


OOC: Edited because I made the greatest mistake a man can make, confused one womans name with anothers

"Late, late...I am alway late," Augustus Drake, Praetor of the Drakonian Imperium, complained as they entered to attend the ball.

"Fashionably late, dear," Jolené Sutherland, Queen of Trinidad and the Imperium and wife to Augustus, added calmly.

"Fashionably late, women specialize in that," he responded, casting her a smiling look. His smile broadened. "I still think we should have come as Roadrunner and the Coyote."

His response was a slug in the arm. "I happen to like our costumes," said, flicking his costume tail with her costume magic wand.

The Praetor and his Queen had arrived via the Praetor's Jet Airliner, with the usual fighter escort. They had flown in straight from Drakonia, itself, but their flight had arrived in Hofburg's International Airport just minutes before. They had been late due to an aide to deliver the invitation to the Praetor, the aide's paycheck would be similarly delayed...indefinitely.

Nevertheless, the Drakonian Royal Couple had arrived, fashionably late, as it were. They looked forward to enjoy the evening and their stay in Lavenrunz, a strong ally. Their costumes making them stand out a bit. The Augustus wore the costume of a Flying Monkey (complete with Wings and colorful vest), while Jolené wore the costume of the Witched Witch of the West (complete with green face paint and a magic wand). Their tribute to the "The Wizard of Oz" was obvious.

Augustus handed the Invitation to the Page, on duty, and waited for the customary announcement. The Page looked slight amused by the costumes, but kept this to himself. "Jolené Sutherland, Queen of the Grand Dominion of Drakonian Imperium, as the Wicked Witch of the West, with escort, Augustus Drake, Praetor of the Grand Dominion of Drakonian Imperium, as a Flying Monkey of Oz," the Page announced to all and they entered arm in arm.

Augustus smiled again. "That must have been a tongue twister," he whispered to his wife.

The whine of the engines slowly died as the pilots went through their shutdown procedues on the tarmac of the landing pad. Outside the windows could be seen the private aircraft of dozens of other leaders and distinguished guests. The wintry scene that greeted the crew and Scipio were quite different than the temperate climate they had flown in from and inwardly caused everyone to shiver for a second.

Iolius, Scipio's major domo, moved to the front of the aircraft and hit the door panel, slowly deploying the left door of the aircraft. The exterior skin panel hissed as the pressure seals popped and then the door slid silently under the aircraft. The stairs extended from beneath the opening of the door and then eased onto the black pavement.

Scipio raised an eyebrow at the chill blast of air and activated his costume's heating coil before moving to the plane's kennel. He carefully unfastened the two latches and then reached into the plush interior, pulling back with two small kittens, one in each hand. Their fur black, they had smoky blue spots and mewed quietly upon their extraction before curling up quietly in the president's grasp.

Without further ado, Scipio placed the two cats upon his shoulders where they adjusted themselves and promptly went back to sleep. With Iolius by his side dressed as Horus and he as Anubis, the two moved towards the greeting party.

Tag for now IC response coming soon. when I can finalise a few details, grab a much needed nap, etc)

Seeing the woman trying to get herself together, Dante made a small smile and said, "My name's General Dante; I'm the leader of Langham. Who are you? Take your time, please, I have a while."

Solange laughed and nodded. "I'm Grande Chancelier Solange Lanoire of the Armed Republic of Sparren, although that's quite a large title for such a small and insignificant person as myself..."

She smiled wryly. "I'm afraid I'm not a very social person. I deal mostly with signing laws and making important national decisions and that sort of thing-- somehow, the difficulty of politics seems to all fade away when I compare it with events such as these."

OOC: I'll just turn up, I s'pose....

IC:

Warchief Grimzag Deathjaw ((NOT AN ORK!! HUMAN!)) and Lieutenant Brecht walked towards where the Christmas Ball was being held. Brecht had donned a santa outift, and Grimzag was wearing his full military uniform.

"Ian." Muttered Grimzag angrily, "If you ask me to cheer up I will personally make your life not worth living. I hate parties, remember?"

Brecht gulped and nodded. Grimzag was not a good man to piss off, what with him being 6' 9" tall and over 15,000 confirmed kills accreddited to his name. And the scarred face didn't help make him look less terrifying...

Grimzag walked up to the front of the building and looked around for someone to say hello.

Why the Hell have I been sent to some friggin' party? Hrrachen KNOWS I hate them... He thought angrily.

Solange's sharp eyes wandered across the room, catching sight of a fierce-looking man walking in. "Dear Lord, please don't let me get on his bad side," she murmured, and quickly turned her attention to a crease in her dress.

Dante looks at the not-so-happy man and turned to Solange while laughing quietly and says,"He's not a happy camper."

Widow drummed her fingers on the table. "Man, am I bored. I might as well go find someone to talk to." Widow stood up. She spotted a scary-looking man with a scarred face. Walking up to him, she said "Hey, you, Scarman. What up?" she said, twirling her sword absentmindly.

Une poste double.

The chancelier's eyes twinkled as she watched Widow walk toward the man. Solange laughed softly with Dante, still attempting a diplomatic face and failing miserably.

"Evidently."

”I’m sorry sir, you wont be allowed to take that in... it's a matter of safety.” The guard motioned to the sword.

Reamus chuckled, ”This old thing? I could nary cut a man with this, it’s truly harmless.” The guard put a stern look into his eyes, and Reamus consented. He tugged on the belt holding the sword to his body, and handed the entirety of it to the guard, “I had better get this back when I leave.”

Kastor slowly walked inside, very cautious in his steps. Reamus had never been to an earth party before, so it was a whole new experience to him. He figured if he stayed quiet for the first while, he could better understand how an Earthen party worked.

As Reamus entered the main hall he was taken aback. All of the guests were dressed in interesting outfits the likes of which he had never seen.

”My word, this is how Earth people dress for formal gatherings? What is she supposed to be, a… devil of sorts? I have heard of this mythical beast when briefed on ancient Christian beliefs. He is supposed to be the root of all evil and yet they seem to be worshiping the woman dressed in the costume.”

As he continued to ponder the attire of the guests, an older man approached him, “ And who shall I be announcing, sir?”

”Pardon?” Reamus didn’t quite understand

The man frowned”What is your name, sir… so I can announce it to the other guests.”

”I don’t want to be announced thank you. I think I will introduce myself on a more informal basis.”

Eyes rolling, ”As you wish sir.”

Reamus glared at the man for a moment, then dismissed the insult. He slipped into the crowd, watchful of how the other guests acted and reacted.

OOC: Strange... Reil was let in with a katana...

OOC Perhaps his sword was rusty and the Lavenrunzians are afraid of tetanus?

Owen, one hand still tucked inside his jacket, and the other on his sword hilt, continued people-watching.
Leading a busy career meant he didn't get out much, and it was a relief just to watch other humans interact without iminent danger.
He carefully relieved a passing servitor of another wine glass, then noted the entrance of the Drakonian Praetor and his Empress.
Owen grinned, drained the wine glass and slid through the throng towards the Imperiumal couple. He doffed his hat and bowed slightly to the Praetor and Empress and introduced himself,
"Salutations my Lord Praetor, my lady Empress, I'm Owen Warwick, Britmattia's representative at these festivities. My compliments on your innovative outfits, my costume was ah, a little, rushed? shall we say, by circumstances." He grinned and brushed at the Napoleon costume.
"Nevertheless, it's nice to be somewhere where people aren't shooting at me. I trust your flight was without incident?"

OOC Incidentally Owen's head of our Spec Ops, second biggest landowner in the country and an Earl. In about that order. :)

DEAT

Alexander watched the crowd grow and shrink, contentedly sipping from his goblet of wine. I must remember to get ahold of some of this for the cellars back home.

Vanill and her Protector both drank from goblets of wine as they talked to one another in Avarita, the secret sing-song language of Ezellohar that was taught to no other, it was a good language for conveying deep and complex emotional qualities in even the simplist of words. "But my friend, the reason we are here is to better understand the various human nations." Vanill said in a tone that conveyed her impatiens with him. "But My Lady, this is dangerous." he said in tones filled with worry and fear but with a hint of command. "Enough! I wish to be here for the party and you are charged to protect me, do your job!" Vanill said in tones of both command and also said that the topic was closed.

The protector kept quiet but fummed, Vanill swiched back to english and said, "As soon as they music starts let us dance." "Yes My lady." her Protector answered.

Augustus Drake and his Queen Jolené Sutherland did stand out a bit against the other costumes. Augustus in his Flying Monkey suit and Jolené in her Witched Witch of the West outfit, did looked right out of Oz itself.

They both smiled and greeted Owen Warwick. "It is good to see a Britmattia representative at this occasion," the Queen said happily. "I was just telling Augustus that I don't think we know anyone, here."

Augustus smiled again in turn. "It is unfortunate, but we are so busy running the Imperium that we rarely get to attend these functions," he commented, a bit sadly.

"Yes," Jolené sighed slight and resumed her smile. "Affairs of State even keep up apart at times. But, on to more happy thing like our nations relations." Her smile was full as she looked to the Britmattian.

Vanill saw the two humans dressed as a monkey with wings and a hag with horrid skin and giggled. "At least I look like Galadriel." she said to her Protector who was dressed as Celeborn. Of course the costumes did not disguise the fact that they were both real Eldar but Vanill had always wanted to know Galadriel and this was as close as she would get until the Breaking of the World.

OOC: Strange... Reil was let in with a katana...

OOC Perhaps his sword was rusty and the Lavenrunzians are afraid of tetanus?

OOC:Perhaps, since I've never interacted with Lavenrunz the guards would be extra weary of Reamus. Besides, if masks aren't allowed I doubt a stranger from a different planet with a sword would be allowed to pass without at least some worry. Maybe he'd have been allowed to pass...

*shrugs*

Might as well add a bit of IC.

IC: Reamus continued to eye the different guests with an interested look. There were many already in attendance; most of whom seemed to know eachother on a personal level. He felt a bit out of place in terms of attire, tradition, and knowledge of those present. It was as though he had arrived for the first day in a new school; one never knows where to start.

Reamus adjusted his jacket with a slight tug, the gold designs catching light from the chandeliers above. He managed to snatch a small glass from a passerby carrying a large plate filled to the brim with assorted drinks. He took a delicate sip, then nodded with satisfaction.

The Princess looked at the Archduke's costume, her warm smile appearing in her lips again. "So, you're a questing knight?. I hope you have a mistress waiting to be rescued by a gallant and handsome knight like you", she said, feeling that she was owing a compliment to the Duke.

"You're so nice and gentile. All Lavenrunzians nobles are like you?", she said, walking by the arm of the Duke to the inside of the Ball's Hall. "Oh, we're late, I'm terribly sorry, it's my fault, those sandals, it was a pain to put all this jewelry on", she was complaining as she gave her invitation to the Mornahösse and Lavenruzian guards standing at the entrance.

She heard the announcement of the Princess Aurora and the Regent of Lavenrunz, the fabled Eléntari. Then she looked to the silouettes of the two women. The Princess looked great in her garments, looking as a young, yet proud and smart girl. "looks like I'm going to like your future Empress after all", she said to the Duke, smiling again.

And the Eléntari was dressed like Varda the Queen of the Stars. "A Elbereth Gilthoniel, o menel palan díriel, le nallon sí di´nguruthos. A tiro nin, fanuilos". The old elvish words came to her lips almost without intention, and escaped her mouth, muttering the ancient prayer to the Vala. "She's truly magnificent, she's the image of the Vala. After all she saw them in Valinor, not like me, descendant of the sad and grey Sindar folk", those last words were just whispered, in her tone a little trace of sadness.

She looked at her costume, feeling the touch of the fabric in her hands "Well, looks like a coincidence. The Eléntari is the magnificent Varda and I'm the simple Yavanna, at least for tonight. And you said that I was going to eclipse a lot of people tonight. I'm just a little star in a bright sky", she said to the Duke, her mischievous smile returning, with a gleam in her eyes.

"Oh, let's see. The Dread Lady of the Dominion is here too. She don't look so terrible, and she has a nice outfit, she's beautiful, and elegant. And that one looks like Lord Reil from Crimmond, I have heard a lot about him. And that elf...who is she?, she's dressed as Galadriel, and her companion is dressed like Celeborne, one of the first sheperds of our people. Looks like here are a lot of people to know. When should I pay my respects to the Princess Aurora?", she said, looking at all the crowd gathered in the hall, then turning her attention to the Duke again.

The God-Emperor, Alexander Wolfius, nods in return to the count; the gesture almost verging on a shallow bow, in a show of respect not overdone given their relative stations.

"It is an honour to find myself within your good nation's borders, Count Hohenloe; I hope the hour of my arrival is not such as too render me unfasionibly late in my apearance at your Empress' Ball?" the white wolf asked, his voice deep, yet smooth and deceptivly hunam-sounding; his accent thin, indistinct, tho likly some blending of several.

Meanwhile, the three towering figures of his Honour Gaurd remained where they stood; motionless as statues.

OOC: A bit bored. Menelmacar said that Siri would have a few words with Alexander, anyone want to speak to him now?

Dante watches Widow walk to the scarred man and says,"Boredom must make someone do crazy things, and she's twirling a sword around too. I'd hate to see a mistake."

OOC: Dante? Where did you get that from? Devil May Cry?

IC: Alexander stood up, and stretched. "Ho, hum. Best to talk to some other people... maybe if I keep myself busy Her Elentariship won't disturb me."

IC: Alexander stood up, and stretched. "Ho, hum. Best to talk to some other people... maybe if I keep myself busy Her Elentariship won't disturb me."

Reamus looked toward a man who seemed just about as bored as him. He decided to give it the old try and walked up to the guy, ”Greetings, I’m Reamus Kastor of the Eurydian Republic.” He thought that would suffice for now.

Alexander nodded. "I am Prince Alexander Tyral Black, of the Most Holy Principality of Roania, servant to her Imperial Majesty, Elentari Sirithril." He bowed, slightly. "Though if you could avoid telling her I'm here, I'll be eternally grateful." He looked at the man through slightly narrowed eyes. "Unless I'm mistaken, you're bored out of your wits."

OOC: He's exceedingly formal in public... generally only elves, dwarves, mages or other nobles will speak to him outside of a private situation.

"Funny", said the Elven Princess just behind Alexander "I would like so much that the Eléntari could gave me just a little of her attention. Prince Alexander Black of Roania, I guess. I saw your picture once", she said, staring deeply into the Prince's eyes. "But why don't you want that the Eléntari could note you?. I thought you liked her. You have now an elven woman occupying a high seat in the Roanian goverment, as I know". She smiled, expecting the Prince's answer...

Alexander leapt into the air. "GAH!" He turned, and stared at the elf. "I wish you people wouldn't do that!" He tried to meet her stare, but gave up. "She... just scares me. I like talking to her in moderation, at a distance, through intermediaries!" Honestly... not only Alysanndra, but now her! Can any of them make noise when they move?

Reamus nodded slightly, “Unfortunatly I have no previous knowledge on Earth customs when it applies to formal gatherings. It’s my fault really, should have read up on it.” He leaned ever so slightly closer to the Prince, as to allow for a whisper of sorts, ”And don’t worry about the Sirithil thing, your secret is safe with me.” As he spoke a womans voice could be heard, interrupting the Magistrate. He glanced to her with a perturbed look, then shrugged dismissively, “I suppose you have other people to attend to.” He stood there, thinking over in his mind, He has the same name as the young Alexander Traiden, quite a coincidence.

When she saw Alexander jumping, Aliria laughed for the first time in the evening, gifting those around with the soft, sweet sound of her fabled laughter, like the mischievous sound of the water running through a small creek.

"Oh, sorry, but...but that was too funny", the she took breath, regaining her composture. "Why are you afraid of the Eléntari?, she's a fair woman, and a very warm one, as far as I know", she said, trying again to meet his gaze with her own. That woman in your goverment....Alyssandra, I think that's her name. Why she didn't come?. I wanted to meet her", now she just smiling at the Roanian Prince.

Alexander threw his hands about him. "It's..." he looked her in the eyes. His mind, psychically attuned (though not under his control), was suddenly hit by the sheer largeness of the elf's experience in life. "Um..." he darted his eyes away again. Damn long-living people...

He caught the last question. "She wanted me out of the country for some reason. Said something about how I would just get in her way."

OOC: He can read minds... well, not read minds, but memories, in a vague and general sense. An elf, or a dwarf for that matter, has way, way too many memories for him to cope with, and it's not a talent he has any control over.

OOC: Well, that's also Aliria's talent. She's usually so open to people that she can read her minds...well, their souls is a better way to describe it. Mostly intentions and feelings. She just use that ability to inspire people, to avoid being attacked and to send messages to a willing and aware subject. It's more a charm than something else.

IC:

Aliria felt the thoughts of the human getting inside her own mind and closed her eyes, trying to block her mind against the man's intrusion. Then she regained her composture and said "Alyssandra?, you think she's going to depose you or something?". He's more talented than I thought. This is not an ordinary human. Maybe he and I could share so many things...she thought.

Alexander shook his head, thankful that she had set up some sort of block. "She wouldn't do that. I... can tell." He put a hand up to forestall any questions. "Somehow." He coughed. "So... what brings you here?"

OOC: Dante? Where did you get that from? Devil May Cry? OOC: I hope he didn't, as Dante is who I based Reil's appearence on. :lol:

Also... It's not Lord Reil, poeple. It's Lord Reil Tian.
I just think that Tian sonds weird alone and I don't want to sound stuck up by sticking Lord before it all the time, so I use his first name.

IC: Reil had walked from one end of the room to the other, not being spoken to once. I've still got it. He looked around at the other people. I can't be wandering around blank faced all night....

He wanders over to the band and sees if they can make a last second chang of songs from Jingle Bells to something by Metallica. They almost burst out laughing, as he expected. "Worth a try..."

OOC: Damn these infernal time-zones!

IC:

Grimzag walked up to the main door, and was greeted by a man.

"Would you like to be announced, sir?" He asked, politely.
"Eh?"
"Would... you... like... to..."
"Yes, thank you." Interrupted Brecht. "This is Warchief Grimzag Deathjaw of Dregruk, and I am Lieutenant Brecht of Dregruk."

The doorman nodded, and announced their names. Grimzag stormed into the ball and started glaring at everyone, while Brecht stood next to him, smiling.

"I haven't forgiven myself of never knowing the former Empress of Lavenrunz, so I came here to meet her heir. Also I love to dance, and this was the perfect occassion to move my feet at the whims of the music. And seeing the Eléntari, even from afar, is always a pleasure. You can say I'm a...personal fan of her. She's all I wanted to be, even if many of my countrymen don't agree", she said, smiling warmly again to the Roanian Prince, now sure that he wasn't what he appeared to be.

The usual formalities on landing were rushed, but sufficient.

Princeps Kopinski looked on entrance hall of the Palace of the Sun and the Moon, a splendid construction, on which no expense seemed to have been spared. He had decided to come vaguely dressed as a Norse god, Thor, to be precise, although his costume was tailored to look more modern than ancient, while still making it possible to tell who it was meant to be. - He wasn't entirely sure if it worked too well without the Norse helmet-mask type thing.

As he was shown into the ballroom, announced as "Princeps Senatus Karl Kopinski, Executive of the C'tan Confederacy," he quickly looked over the vast majority of the guests, taking particular note of Elentári Sirithil's dress, made of a most interesting material, and with strangely attractive diamonds in it, which glowed with an abnormally realistic light. He made a mental note to ask her about the material, if he got an opportunity to speak with her of course. He also took note of the Empress of Lavenrunz at her side, a girl really, this definitely explained Sirithil's title of Regent.

He headed off to socialise with some of the other guests first, taking note of various people of interest, including the famed 'Dread Lady' Nathicana, who would be announced shortly, and the not so infamous, but much more amusing Prince Alexander, of Roania.

The figure turned to Chloe with a smile on its face, or was it a sneer? It bowed deep to her, picked up her hand, brought it to its face and back, then swirled out with her onto the dancefloor with a catlike grace, one hand lightly on her hip and the other holding hers with a firm but light grip. Out on the dancefloor, swept into a wild and frantic waltz, Chloe could but admire the makeup on the figures face, for surely it must be makeup? The twisted face of a plague victim in great agony, knowing that its torment would never end and for ever screaming out its agony and hatred towards the healthy and beautiful.

Feeling the cold, yet warm touch of the man, Chloe felt nervous for a moment or two. But she was quickly enough in adapting a new sense of... yes, of what? Clarity? Beauty? Delight? She didn´t know, nor did she care too much.

She was still admiring the costume... was it even a costume? She wasn´t too sure, now, that she thought of it, when his touch became secondary, and the dance begun.

She was surprised by the beauty and grace with which her partner moved, lead her, danced with her. She had rarely done it before, it wasn`t necessary for someone like... like her. But with her natural grace, she was quite able to follow his movement... let by him, she begun to feel the beauty of the evening, and slowly, slowly she relaxed, and let the joy take possession of her body, her mind...

Forgot the second part <.<

*snip*

Althena looked around, and noticed Kopinski.

Kopinski, Ctan federation... ah, yes, we had this deals in the past... She smiles with delight, remembering it. Although she had never met Kopinski, her dealings with Ctan had always been very... useful.

The decision was made quickly enough. Already calculating her next move, she walked toward him. Not too obvious, though. While looking all sweet and innocent... inside of her, there was nothing but coldness.

He turned his head to regard the woman who had started toward him, he actually had no idea who she was, but her outward appearance was calculated to appeal, but somehow, thorugh means he would not divulge if at all possible, he knew she was more determined than most others here.

He stopped, and turned to face her smiling, and making an effort to seem taken in.

Althena stopped, now standing in front of Kopinski. Still smiling, she bowed slightly, then spoke, pretty much ignoring the guests around them. "Althena, from DA... I`m a little surprised to see you here... Princeps Kopinski." She hesitates, then continues, with some sort of... delight in her voice. "I`m sure you don´t intend to just stand here, alone?" With this words, she grabs his arm, indicating her wish to join the dancing. Not exactly womanish, her attitude, but thats most likely the result of having power.

He didn't exactly care for 'womanish' behaviour, and therefore consented to dance with the woman from Der Angst, with whom there have been intermittent covert dealings, "So, why did you not expect me to be here? I don't neccesserily spend all my time sitting in a dark tower gloating over maps and sticking coloured pins into them," he answered, being led out to various other dancers, before continuing "and of course I don't intend to stand here alone, one doesn't go anywhere merely to do that."

Brecht whispered a few words into Grimzag's ear, then took his leave. Grimzag glanced around the room, spotted a bar and shoved everyone out his way to get to it. Including several couples on the dance floor.

Scipio stared at the guard as he stammered under his unflinching gaze. "S...S...Sir... you're not allowed to carry th..those weapons into the...the ball."

"Weapons? These are ceremonial symbols of office... why should I give them up? besides, they are completely harmless unless I am attacked."

"But sir! You would suggest that you could be attacked here?"

"I have many enemies... I would not put it past anyone, but very well. If you are sure that there is no danger, then we shall relinquish our weapons."

"Umm... Sire... the cats as well."

"Very well, take them. They are for Empress Aurora. This one is Mekhi," Scipio offered up the darker of the two, "and this one is Khata. They are native to our country of Agnosticium nd are called cerulean ocelots. Later in life their spots shall grow brighter and their dark coats shall become more black. They are endangered and highly valuable. My aide, Iolius here, shall instruct you in their care."

With that, Scipio unbuckled his war scythe, handed it off to the guards and moved to the entrace to the dance hall. When the announcing servant came over, he gave his name.

"Ladies and Gentlemen... presenting Lord Scipio, President of the Holy Empire of Agnosticium..."

She was surprised by the beauty and grace with which her partner moved, lead her, danced with her. She had rarely done it before, it wasn`t necessary for someone like... like her. But with her natural grace, she was quite able to follow his movement... let by him, she begun to feel the beauty of the evening, and slowly, slowly she relaxed, and let the joy take possession of her body, her mind...

They moved together in unity, not a single word uttered from the figure in red, holding Chloe, clasping her with a strong firm grip moving her along in a wild dance. They went through the ball room swift and agile like streaming water round rocks in a creek. Swift motions performed with expertise in unity, two bodies moving as one. Not even noticing the big scarred man that pushed away some couples on his way to the bar. Chloe and her partner danced away and around him like two butterflies on a sunny summerday, leaving a flowing pattern of red silk in their past, like a bad dream or a fire burning its uncanny path through a forest of dancers.

Grimzag parked himself at the bar, and looked around him. A few people had come over to shout at him for pushing them out of his way to get to the bar, but a cold glare saw them off. He looked around with a look of sheer disgust at the people around him, some of which were staring at him fixatedly.

"Nathicana D'Aquisto, Dread Lady of the Dominion, as la Regina Di Inverno." She glanced around the ballroom as she was announced, taking in the sights, the splendid costumes, the unfamiliar faces of those she had yet to meet. She walked with a quiet grace, her head held high and proud as she made her way through the room, taking out her white feathered fan, and using it as a demure accent. Nathi nodded and smiled pleasantly enough to those she passed, her blue eyes taking note of faces, manerisms, reactions. Names gathered in passing, she tucked away for later reference, her augmented hearing picking up far more than one might think.

The young Empress looked stunning, even next to the radiance of the Elven Queen beside her. Nathicana nodded with approval, watching her from a distance. So far, she looks to be doing well. Il dio di maggio continua a guardare sopra lei.

With a gentle smile to Aurora, and a whispered, "Go on, mingle and meet people, it's quite safe," Sirithil split off from her young charge, though through cunningly crafted comm devices incorporated into her jewelry, she would be in constant contact with the guards throughout the palace, including those watching over Aurora. Her crimson gaze swept over the attendees, missing no detail, overlooking nothing. She wandered through the crowd, shaking various hands, recalling each face from her briefings, if she has not met them personally, and matching them to names and personal details for the purpose of making small-talk. It truly was amazing what a national intelligence service was capable of - there were few people in the room whom Siri could not have told, with reasonable confidence, what they'd had for breakfast that morning.

So, why, then, did she not recognize the tall man in red, dancing with the girl of Der Angst? She could not remember his announcement, and she did not know his face. The Elvenqueen stood for a moment, an island among the sea of revelry, watching... just to confirm that she did not know him, and indeed she did not.

She withdrew discreetly to the buffet table, and gathering some hors d'oeuvres onto a plate, she quietly whispered into her comm, "This is Siri - who's the guy in red, under the south chandelier?"

Nobody had a forthcoming answer, actually. "We're not sure, milady," came the report at last. "Should we check his invitation?"

"No," Sirithil replied. "No sense alarming him or the other guests at this point. He cannot leave without passing by one of you, so you can check it then. Until then, put someone on him - discreetly. And watch him like a hawk."

"Yes, milady. Guard-command out."

Sirithil finished off the contents of the plate and set it aside for a servant to gather and scanned the crowd once more. She spotted, in short order, just about the only person she knew who would literally cower in such a gathering. Smiling mischeviously, the Elf crept up carefully behind him.

"Hello, Alexander."

OOC: Cue Roania... :twisted:

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz, Chancellor of CENNA
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

"Well, well, well..." Said Grimzag thoughtfully, "Dread Lady Nathicana makes an appearance once again."

--

Brecht walked through the crowd, saying "Hello!" To everyone he met, with a little grin.

Looking over the guests William spotted Nathicana, the Dread Lady herself, and slowly walked over to her, smile still on his face. He walks so that she would notice him and probably know he would address her. “Greetings Lady Nathicana.” He says and bows to her, in a similar way as he did with Aurora and kissing her hand. “A very beautiful costume for a beautiful women milady.” He comments to her with a smile. “I was wondering if you would like to have this dance with me.”

OOC: Cue Roania... :twisted:OOC: Sweet little elf Queen. Hah, she's got an evil streak in her. :wink:

IC: Reil stodd against a pillar, watching other guests be deprived of weapons, while his katana still was on his back. If he felt the inclination, he could draw it and kill someone in a matter of a few seconds, with his training, and maybe even get out of the palace alive, if not unharmed. Not that he would, he wasn't a merc anymore and most of these people didn't have bounties on them large enough to make him consider.

He looked around the room, scanning and saw a couple people that seemed a little out of place, too busy scanning the people and most near the exits... He stepped over to one that was alone and spoke quietly. "So, who's your paycheck from?" he said with a grin at the gaurds uncomfortable look. "Don't be upset. I've been doing that a long time."

He was about to head back to the crowd when a hand landed on his shoulder. It was another gaurd, this one not hiding it any. "You have to give up your weapon."

"Not bloody likely." He said quietly. "Section 15-A Paragraph 12 of the Crimmond Leadership Security Regulations state: 'A leader shall at all times have proper security...' in this case you people... 'and shall at all times be armed personally to assure security.' Now release me or take it up with my Foriegn Affairs office." He shrugged off the gaurd's hand and walked back into the party, smiling to himself. Amazing how utter BS can sound true if you phrase it right...

Nathicana looks up at the tall man with an enquiring expression. "Grazie, William," she says quietly, the hint of a smile on her lips. "I'd be happy to." She rests her hand gently in his, nodding her head to indicate he should lead on to the dance floor as she delicately snaps her fan shut, resting her closed hand against her skirts.

Grimzag was getting more and more fed up. He was tired of watching all these people wandering around with each other, acting like they were important. To his disgust, he saw Brecht schmoozing like all the others, and he stormed towards him angrily.

--

"So... being an Empress so young must be tough. What's it like ruling a coun... Oh bugger." Said Brecht, as he saw Grimzag tearing through the crowd towards him.

Itw as a slightly nervous landing and drive to the Palace for the Eldar, recent attacks upon Farseers had made it a difficult decision indeed, but the Council would not hide even during such difficult times. Still Telgorthrind's Costume perhaps was ment to send a message, to be more than a simple Costume, he had gone as the symbol of Eldar rage, of War. He had gone as Khailia-Mensha-Khaine.

A Mix of Holo-Cloaks and other touches had gone into the costume, the right hand appearing to drip blood, until it reached the floor where it vanished the field not covering that far, the body seemed alive writhing in flame, a sea of bubbling metals that would occasionary pop and a burst of Flame would emerge. all of course an illusion of the holo-matrix but an impressive one. A Final touch had gone into the costume, a small weave of the Immaterium, and the illusion was complete. A Sense of heat emmenated from Telgorthrind although small and not even a reflection of the true inferno of Khaine it was a feeling that would hopefully linger with those near him, without causing discomfort. The actual costume made him appear naked but for a Purple sash that covered his shoulders and chest, while also obscuring what would be there on certain parts of a male in most humonoid species.

On his side he carried sheathed the Witch-Blade of his title as Farseer, but it was now fulfilling the role as the Wailing-Doom weapon of the avatar of Khaine.

walking in with him was a Female, never seen in such functions she would be introduced as Iyanna the first of two recently appointed Farseers to be introduced to the World at large, and his companion for the night. She had no costume, it being a last minute decision to bring her forward at this time, an attempt to show that the Loss of Mel'Nais was not going to slow the Council, that it would continue to prosper and grow stronger, and ever more powerful.

((Short OOC Picture of Iyanna. Not my piccy ect she appears as in the picture but without the Gun. (( Iyanna (http://members.tripod.com/~AprilLee/ccgwh40k/iyannaarienal600c.jpg)))

IC The pair approached the main ball room and the guards upon the door, and smiled as they approached from Iyanna it was a gentle smile, and one of comfort, from Telgorthrind in his current atire, even with his face showing, it was anything but, no matter how he might have tried. Frankly he did not try. A Short introduction while the guards looked over the pair, before anoucing to the room their names.
'May I present High Farseer Telgorthrind of the Kionash Tor Yvresse, accompined by Lady Iyanna, Farseer of the Council of the Kionash Tor Yvresse.'


((I leave it in your hands if the Weapons actually on them are removed if they are so be it. But Tel wants them under personal guard at all times if not great))

It was one of the most beautiful moments in her entire lifetime.

His hands, holding her tight, yet tender... Leading her, yet giving her freedom. Her grace, his... Red Beauty, as she saw it, although most others likely had a different opinion.

For a moment... just a moment, she felt peace... ironically enough, to find, to feel it here, in the arms of a... a monstrosity, althought only a fake one.

For a moment, she even thought she heard whispers, heard him whispering...

But then, he didn´t. Which, if she was honest, she enjoyed, since it kept this... this atmosphere of mystery. An atmosphere she enjoyed just as much, no, more than others, since she herself was some kind of... yes, of a mystery.

While she could hardly contain her curiosity as who this man was, she didn´t dare... didn´t want to ask, wanted to keep it a secret.

And so, she went on, dancing with him, dancing together... Beauty and the beast... a description so true and yet so wrong, since she, herself, was a beast...

---

"So, why did you not expect me to be here? I don't neccesserily spend all my time sitting in a dark tower gloating over maps and sticking coloured pins into them," [...] "and of course I don't intend to stand here alone, one doesn't go anywhere merely to do that."

"Oh, so you`re already finished replacing all the different colours with your own?" Althena countered, an ironic smile in her face, and wrapping Kopinski`s arms around her. "You lead." Slowly dancing, she can`t resist but to mock him some more. "Now if you could replace the colours in reality, as well..." She hesitates. "I hope i`m not too annoying. I have recently learned it`s one of my less appreciated... characteristics. Anyway..." she continues, looking lovely while spreading her poisonous seed, "the 'kittens' you sent... quite lovely."

He smiled in response to that, the woman was quite amusing, then took note of the apology, terribly insincere though he considered it to be, and felt like adding 'of course you're annoying, but I have a very thick skin,' but decided to simply, smile, nod, and continue to dance with her, "I'm glad you enjoyed them, one of the more expensive breeds, but still, a most entertaining one."

His head snapped around at hearing the words 'high farseer,' and he briefly removed his hand from his partner's waist, waving jauntily in the direction of the new arrivals and smiling, then his face snapped back to face her, deciding to finish with her, at least for a while, before moving on to amuse himself with them. Indeed, the woman was amusing enough to keep around when he did it. "Old acquaintances," he whispered to her.

Solange was disinclined to stand and run the risk of tripping disgracefully on her dress, but she felt obliged to socialize and be the envoy she was meant to be for her country's sake. She sighed deeply and let her eyes wander about, wondering who her most likely candidate for conversation would be.

Grimzag was in full rage against Brecht, for no good reason at all. Most of the hall went silent as his tirade of shouting, cursing and abuse was hurled at his inferior. Finally, he finished and walked over to a wall and sulked there.

"So how are things with milady?" William asks her, looking down with a smile.

"Quite well, thank you," she says, gracefully wending her way through the crowd with him. "And yourself?" She watches him from the corner of her eye, all too aware of his recent troubles.

"I am quite well considering things that have happened. Now that I have been exiled I will travel to a few nations and would probably stay here in Lavenrunz." He says letting out a sigh as his eyes suddenly open up a bit more. "That reminds me. I still have to visit your fair nation."

"I wish you well in your endeavors. Any thoughts towards a retaking of power?" she asks casually, taking note of the sigh. "And true, you've not yet sampled the delights the Dominion has to offer. Are you certain it is a wise idea, all things considered, at this time?"

"Well I would actually like to visit all of the Triumvirate of Yut nations, and gain their trust and friendship. It would be most usefull when I eventually try to retake what is rightfully mine." He says as they reach the dancefloor, he slowly and gently holds her and starts to dance, his inexperience showing a bit, but nothing to be embarrassed about.

Nathicana laughs softly, shaking her head. "My dear, if you think to gain friendship from the Trium only so that you can claim their backing to regain control of your nation, I fear you'll find yourself sadly disappointed. Despite the impressive military might of the alliance, we are not a group to meddle so in the affairs of others. Especially given the events of this past year."

She politely makes no comment on his skill or lack thereof with the dancing, her sense of diplomacy and tact not allowing it. "We have had far too many 'friends' either attempt to drag us into conflict, stab us in the back, or indeed, turn their backs on us and threaten violence. I think you'll find us a cautious group when looking at new 'friendships."

He ponders for a moment before speaking again. "I see, but one can always try." He comments and says nothing further as he gracefully dancing with Nathicana. She takes note, wondering if perhaps she hit a nerve. Still, she continues to dance, beginning to enjoy herself and get more into the spirit of the party, despite the silence of her partner. After some time he dances a lot better, his observing of others paying off a bit. "Sorry for my silence. I was rather focussed on trying to dance right, I am a horrible dancer you see." He jokes and laughs a little.

Nathicana waves it off dismissively with a smile. "No trouble at all. Believe me, I've seen far worse." Unable to resist, before the music ends, she asks quietly, "You mentioned Triumvirate nations. I don't suppose you've spoken to Shodey about your little problem?"

"No I haven't spoken to SHODAN about it, but I hopefully will have the chance to do so."

She arches a brow at that. "You have rather changed, haven't you? Interesting ..." She smiles again as the music comes to a close, drawing back and offering him a graceful courtsey. "My thanks for the dance, William. I wish you well in your pursuits."

He smiles and bows to her. "Thank you milady. Many blessings upon you and your friends." He says and walks away with a smile.

Nathicana watches him go, her expression thoughtful. Seeking to curry favor is one thing, but he misstepped in admitting the reasons why ... Either he is more distracted, or more careless than I'd have thought. I'll make note of this to the others. Best to let them arrive at their own conclusions. And with that, she turns her attentions to finding the beverages, her hands already feeling a touch shaky. The entrance of the Tor Yvresse delegates gives her pause, and she tilts her head, carefully looking over the admittedly grand costumes. Making a note to ask the how of it later, she turns her attention back to the task at hand.

Just a bit. Just a glass to soothe. Thirsty work, socializing.

His head snapped around at hearing the words 'high farseer,' and he briefly removed his hand from his partner's waist, waving jauntily in the direction of the new arrivals and smiling, then his face snapped back to face her, deciding to finish with her, at least for a while, before moving on to amuse himself with them.

For the briefest of moments, a Fraction of a second the pair stopped still, the momentary break in their movements would go unnoticed by most guests, but it existed, as for a brief second Shock and at the same time resignation raced through their bodies. He has come Telgorthrind, we feared he might but... Iyanna's mind raced with thought as she communicated with her old instructor.

Indeed he is here, so we will adapt, the situation could be worse, Khalis-Ra could have came, if he had... Well my dear I suspect you and I would be dead. So let us enjoy the night, and see what can be learnt.

If they acknowledged the wave at all it was in casually missing it, a response would have been a message either an invite to join them. Something they did not want ever or a rudeness that would have marked them. So they continued as they had before making movements around the room, seeking out fellow guests and mingling. For now together, although they where careful to maintain enough distance to make it clear that while they had arrived together they where not 'Together' as the Mon-keigh might have understood it.

"That they are, indeed." She giggles, a most inappropriate reaction, considering the topic, but then, why not? It`s not like she feels any guilty for her deeds, since she has done so many of them.

Noticing Kopinskis reaction on the high farseer`s entrance, she realises that this may very well become more than just a bit interesting.

"The farseer...To bad you meet under such... peaceful circumstances, isn`t it?" She asks, while dancing around a couple of chatting individuals. "I would actually love to see you and him... ummm... discussing. I`m sure one could learn many things from it." She smiles sweetly, as if the words had been spoken by someone else.

"Oh, I'm sure it can be arranged," he replies, gesturing for them to stop dancing and greet the Eldar instead, "besides, their slander might be amusing..."

"Well, i`m looking forward to it." Althena does as Kopinski suggests. While showing only her usual smile, it`s quite obvious that she anticipates this 'interesting conversation'. "So, lets greet them. I`m sure they need a warm welcome."

With his arm still around Althena's waist, the Princeps made a deliberate beeline for the eldar farseers, smiling in a sinister manner. "Hello," he said, loudly, "Telgorthrind, my friend, it's good to see you here!" There is not a trace of falsehood in his voice, and he sounds exactly as one might when meeting an old school friend...

If Telgorthrind paused a moment, those who knew would understand, but he slowly turned towards the sound of the voice, and with gritted teeth smiled in response. A Moments pause as the two farseers looked at each other, and whispered in thoughts across the briefest distance between them The Yngir comes... Grit and bear it

'Oh Yng...I mean Kopinski, isn't it? I must say it is interesting to see you here... even Intriquing.. Oh but how rude, I do not believe I know the young lady.' Pausing a Moment to turn to Kopinski's companion and smile slightly he paused to look deeper at her, to look with the eyes of a seer. then he smiled.

She is not Yngir, at least Iyanna, hmm Mortal, Mon-Keigh. she does not I suspect know what game she plays.

Waiting for the introductions to cease telgorthrind turned to Iyanna next to him and presented her forwards, politness demanding it.
'Well my 'friend' let me formally introduce Iyanna, my old apprentice now Council member.'

"Screw it. The scar guy isn't going to answer me." said Princess Widow. "Looks like I'll go talk to that girl over there. She seems to be about my age." pulling her sword in its holder, she went over to Solange. "What are you supposed to be? Were you forced to come her too?"

Princess Aliria was prepared to say something to the Roanian Prince when the Eléntari appeared from behind him. This time she was the one who jumped out of surprise "AH!", she let go, instantly blushing and putting her hand over her heart.

The Aelosian Princess looked at the Eléntari with awe, without saying nothing, hearing in the distance the words of the announcer naming the Farseers from Tor Yvresse.

"Indeed, Telgorthrind, may I introduce Althena, of Der Angst, Althena, Telgorthrind, High Farseer of Tor Yvresse," he paused, waiting until Telgorthrind introduced his companion, before darting forward, abnormally fast, and catching her hand as she moved it, bending down and kissing it, "A pleasure, I'm sure," he said moments later, before returning to Althena, amused by the reactions of the eldar.

Benedict Michael Sukothai, President and First Consul of the Republic of Syskeyia, arrives on the scene dressed as an early 14th century Syskeyian soldier.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/390062/syskeyia_armor_medieval.jpg

(Please enter protocol, etc., here)

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

Owen watched the large and scarred man harangue his miserable looking lieutenant for a few moments, frowned and turned back to Drake and the Empress. "Interesting cultural mix here tonight. Lots of different..styles."
His eyes went flat, tracking the progress of what looked like the results of a fairly nasty biological warfare experiment.
"But anyway, I won't talk business tonight, as you said, there are few opportunities to take time off these days. The King keeps me busy enough at work without talking about it later." His mouth twitched in a small smile, eyes still tracking various people around the room.
"Though I must offer my sympathies on the entire Al Anbar situation, if ever there was a nation in need of gunboat diplomacy it's them. Gah. Instantly business again. I obviously need to get out more." He grinned whimsically.
"However, I shall press on, my lady Empress, may your humble servant have this dance?" Owen bowed elaborately, almost tripping a passing servitor.

Solange fidgeted and stood, walking towards the noise and music of the ballroom. She had decided that awkward conversation would be better than none.

The chancelier entered the room and looked about for a possible dance partner to approach.

OCC:In case you don't know Sparren, Widow is talking to Solange.

Emperor Kody walks into the ballroom in his tux and looks around. Then walks into the crowd and starts talking.

OOC: Whoops, I'm sorry. Well, I guess you just got left in the cold.. But I do want to get into the dancing.

Solange spotted the emperor across the room and slipped through the crowd, trying not to step on anyone's toes. "Excuse me, excuse me. Terribly sorry." Her face a picture of tragedy, she smoothed down her skirts and looked around.

With a gentle smile to Aurora, and a whispered, "Go on, mingle and meet people, it's quite safe," Sirithil split off from her young charge, though through cunningly crafted comm devices incorporated into her jewelry, she would be in constant contact with the guards throughout the palace, including those watching over Aurora. Her crimson gaze swept over the attendees, missing no detail, overlooking nothing. She wandered through the crowd, shaking various hands, recalling each face from her briefings, if she has not met them personally, and matching them to names and personal details for the purpose of making small-talk. It truly was amazing what a national intelligence service was capable of - there were few people in the room whom Siri could not have told, with reasonable confidence, what they'd had for breakfast that morning.

So, why, then, did she not recognize the tall man in red, dancing with the girl of Der Angst? She could not remember his announcement, and she did not know his face. The Elvenqueen stood for a moment, an island among the sea of revelry, watching... just to confirm that she did not know him, and indeed she did not.

She withdrew discreetly to the buffet table, and gathering some hors d'oeuvres onto a plate, she quietly whispered into her comm, "This is Siri - who's the guy in red, under the south chandelier?"

Nobody had a forthcoming answer, actually. "We're not sure, milady," came the report at last. "Should we check his invitation?"

"No," Sirithil replied. "No sense alarming him or the other guests at this point. He cannot leave without passing by one of you, so you can check it then. Until then, put someone on him - discreetly. And watch him like a hawk."

"Yes, milady. Guard-command out."

Sirithil finished off the contents of the plate and set it aside for a servant to gather and scanned the crowd once more. She spotted, in short order, just about the only person she knew who would literally cower in such a gathering. Smiling mischeviously, the Elf crept up carefully behind him.

"Hello, Alexander."

OOC: Cue Roania... :twisted:

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz, Chancellor of CENNA
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

Prince Alexander spun around, and accidentally looked directly into Lady Sirithril's eyes. For one, horrible moment, he was subject to a stare into the very heart of eternity, eons of sadness and violence, of destruction and terror. His pupils contracted slightly, and fear and pain seemed to wrack at his face before he turned his eyes downwards. He gave a deep bow, as an actor accepting acolades would, sweeping his left arm behind him and holding his right arm to his chest. "Elentari Sirithril... what an honor... tell me, what can I, a pitiful worm, do to aid you?" He asked, gathering what dignity he could and pointedly ignoring the stares of the other guests. "I did not think that I would be worthy of your attention in this place of the great and mighty."

Reil looked at Alexander grovelling and smiled. The boy acts like she's gonna off his head...

Reil looked at Alexander grovelling and smiled. The boy acts like she's gonna off his head...

OOC: Tell me, if Morgoth himself paid a visit to Var'chak, how would my archenemy respond?

"I haven't forgiven myself of never knowing the former Empress of Lavenrunz, so I came here to meet her heir. Also I love to dance, and this was the perfect occassion to move my feet at the whims of the music. And seeing the Eléntari, even from afar, is always a pleasure. You can say I'm a...personal fan of her. She's all I wanted to be, even if many of my countrymen don't agree", she said, smiling warmly again to the Roanian Prince, now sure that he wasn't what he appeared to be.

OOC: This is happening before Siri decided to sneak up behind Alex and play "Let's frighten the human to death", kay?

IC: "Oh... same here." Alexander's brow crinkled imperceivably. "Sadly, by my countrymen's standards I'm rather ungraceful, only being able to balance on something for less than a minute." He looked around. "Besides, Roanian dancing wouldn't be appreciated here, I'm guessing, since there are no weapons allowed."

OOC:

"I haven't forgiven myself of never knowing the former Empress of Lavenrunz, so I came here to meet her heir. Also I love to dance, and this was the perfect occassion to move my feet at the whims of the music. And seeing the Eléntari, even from afar, is always a pleasure. You can say I'm a...personal fan of her. She's all I wanted to be, even if many of my countrymen don't agree", she said, smiling warmly again to the Roanian Prince, now sure that he wasn't what he appeared to be.

This happened before...

Princess Aliria was prepared to say something to the Roanian Prince when the Eléntari appeared from behind him. This time she was the one who jumped out of surprise "AH!", she let go, instantly blushing and putting her hand over her heart.

The Aelosian Princess looked at the Eléntari with awe, surprise and fear, without saying nothing, hearing in the distance the words of the announcer naming the Farseers from Tor Yvresse.

This happened after...

IC:

"Do you dance with weapons?. My former boyfriend and the Aelosian ShadowPrince used to like those kind of dances. That's why I left Theallas, I hate dancing with weapons, it's gruesome, and not elegant", although she spoke harsh words, she was still smiling.

OOC: This happened before too....

Emotions drained from Alexander's face, but only for a second. Then he was smiling again. "Yes... they could be looked upon as such. But my people believe that there is nothing more beautiful then a duel."

OOC: You might want to look at the story.

<page tag>

OOC: I was away for a couple of days, so I'm very sorry everyone, I'm not ignoring anyone at all. Rather than force people to arranged seating, please sit near people you are interested in. Assume however that Sirithil is sitting near Aurora and that Archduke Carl is at the other end of the banquet table. I may put people by Lavenrunzians but anyone who wants to jump in can be on the other side, across the table from them or whatever. :)
IC:
As the most recent dance came to an end, there was a fanfare played on horns, at the end of which Count Chemnitz, who was dressed as a Chaldean seer, stood in the center of the room and said, "Honoured guests, the banquet is about to begin.
Empress Aurora was still feeling a bit overwhelmed and shy, and watched as guests filed out, chatting, after the Lord Chamberlain.
Dignitaries of Lavenrunz, Chancellor Claudia der Waal, the elderly Archbishop Heinz Wittmar, Admiral Engelhardt, Arvid Pluskat the leader of the Opposition, General Schlabel, Count Hohenloe, Countess von Katori, Baron Ehrfurt, Major Wolfmar, were conversing with guests.
The banquet was in a long room with arrays of chandeliers like constellations above the guests. Tall windows of stained glass on one side, and paintings on the other.
The meal began with salads: fresh palm hearts, radishes, lettuce and other vegetables from the greenhouses of the nobility of Lavenrunz. Soup was offered: made from duck breast with mushrooms and sliced vegetables.
Grouse, wild duck, roast beef and hare were served as main courses, served in sauces meant to enhance and not smother the flavours of the meat.
Like glittering stars crystal and silver circulated the table; wine and brandy from many nations was poured.
Paulus Martin found himself sitting next to Claudia der Waal, of all people. "Well, well, Herr Prime Minister. We meet again." she said with a slight smile.
Lady Nathicana was seated not far from the Empress, but right beside old Archbishop Wittmar, of all people...
Jessica Smith was seated by the young Baron, who winked at her.
Nicole saw that across from her was a handsome man with similar features to those of the Empress and Archduke Carl, talking with the President of Glorious Humanity.
Along the walls, attentive servants in eighteen century dress, stockings, buckled shoes, powdered wigs and embroidered clothing waited to respond to the needs of the guests.

"Empress Aurora, if I may, this is an absolutely splendid ball, and the banquet is simply divine," she says, savoring both the meal before her, and one of the delicious wines. "You have truly outdone yourself."

She also introduces herself to the the Archbishop next to her, fidgeting somewhat as he introduces himself. Her eyes widen just a touch, her hand moving self-consciously to her neckline as if to assure herself that it was not too low.

Oh dear lord, please let my reputation not preceed me in this particular circumstance ...

Jessica smiled as the Baron helped her into her seat. Carefully, she adjusted her tail so as to not catch anything. She handed the pitchfork off to one of the footmen, as there was no where at the table to place it.

When the Baron sat down, and winked at her, she smiled coyly, and felt her cheeks heat slightly. He is attractive. And a very good dancer. So polite, and.... Oh get over it, girl. He's too old for you. And he won't live long enough. Pity my brother refuses to let them sell the life len treatments outside the Federation.

After slowly withdrawing the fork from her mouth, and chewing her current bite of salad with a slight grin, she turned to the Baron. "What would you recommend for the main course, Baron?"

There is a long streak of light on the night sky, not unlike a shooting star. However, this object moves slower than usual and its course travels at a very low angle.

The outer protective layer of the landing capsule burns away and reveals the structure underneath. Ram-jets eject superheated air to halt the descent of the craft.

"Imperial Palace Heliport, this is the L4 orbital lander, carrying a visiting envoy. Relay a location for vertical landing. This has been an automated message."

"Empress Aurora, if I may, this is an absolutely splendid ball, and the banquet is simply divine," she says, savoring both the meal before her, and one of the delicious wines. "You have truly outdone yourself."

"Since this is only my first banquet," the young Empress said a bit shyly, "I haven't. Not yet. You are even more beautiful in person than on television, Lady Nathicana."


She also introduces herself to the the Archbishop next to her, fidgeting somewhat as he introduces himself. Her eyes widen just a touch, her hand moving self-consciously to her neckline as if to assure herself that it was not too low.

Oh dear lord, please let my reputation not preceed me in this particular circumstance ...

The watery blue eyes of the old man fix on her. He is still a fine looking man but certainly aged and with trembling hands and a frail look to him, wisps of white hair across his papery old head. "Ah, my dear child..." murmurs the Archbishop. "You are most welcome here. Do I rightly understand you to be a coreligionary?"


Jessica smiled as the Baron helped her into her seat. Carefully, she adjusted her tail so as to not catch anything. She handed the pitchfork off to one of the footmen, as there was no where at the table to place it.

When the Baron sat down, and winked at her, she smiled coyly, and felt her cheeks heat slightly. He is attractive. And a very good dancer. So polite, and.... Oh get over it, girl. He's too old for you. And he won't live long enough. Pity my brother refuses to let them sell the life len treatments outside the Federation.

After slowly withdrawing the fork from her mouth, and chewing her current bite of salad with a slight grin, she turned to the Baron. "What would you recommend for the main course, Baron?"

"I would recommend the beef or the grouse--if you enjoy beef, you will like this. Raised here, from Her Majesty's own herds. Customary to provide it, particularly to first time visitors." he smiles at her. "Tell me, Fraulein Smith--are you enjoying your second trip to Lavenrunz?"

There is a long streak of light on the night sky, not unlike a shooting star. However, this object moves slower than usual and its course travels at a very low angle.

The outer protective layer of the landing capsule burns away and reveals the structure underneath. Ram-jets eject superheated air to halt the descent of the craft.

"Imperial Palace Heliport, this is the L4 orbital lander, carrying a visiting envoy. Relay a location for vertical landing. This has been an automated message."

"Negative--no direct landing is possible." is the reply. "Request that you make a landing at the Klefburg Hotel--heliport available there. Security prohibits landing at the palace."

OOC: Psst, Lavenrunz, my guy's still at the space port. Page 9, fourth post down.

"Affirmative, Control. Diverting course to Klefburg Hotel. Automobile requested for transport"

Grimzag was confused by this culture, "Brecht..." He muttered, "Why are these guys dressed up like women?"

Brecht shrugged and replied, "I think it was the way men used to look back in the 19th Century."

Grimzag shook his head and spotted someone. "Hey! Are you the Empress here? Why are all your men dressed like girls?"

--

Brecht shook his head in horror and muttered, "I'm sorry about this..." To Nathicana.

The God-Emperor, Alexander Wolfius, nods in return to the count; the gesture almost verging on a shallow bow, in a show of respect not overdone given their relative stations.

"It is an honour to find myself within your good nation's borders, Count Hohenloe; I hope the hour of my arrival is not such as too render me unfasionibly late in my apearance at your Empress' Ball?" the white wolf asked, his voice deep, yet smooth and deceptivly hunam-sounding; his accent thin, indistinct, tho likly some blending of several.

Meanwhile, the three towering figures of his Honour Gaurd remained where they stood; motionless as statues.

"You are not, Majesty." replies Count Hohenloe. "May I escort your Majesty to the ball now?" he gestures towards a sleek black vehicle which has the flag of the God-Emperor on them.


Grimzag was confused by this culture, "Brecht..." He muttered, "Why are these guys dressed up like women?"

Brecht shrugged and replied, "I think it was the way men used to look back in the 19th Century."

Grimzag shook his head and spotted someone. "Hey! Are you the Empress here? Why are all your men dressed like girls?"

--

Brecht shook his head in horror and muttered, "I'm sorry about this..." To Nathicana.

Countess von Katori gave Grimzag the look she reserved for incompetent waiters and dogs that urinated on the floor. "Are you addressing me, sir? I am Countess von Katori, the Empress' Chatelaine. The fashion you are referring to is from the eighteenth century."

President Albert was taking a bite of beef when Grimzag made his comment, and he gulped and gagged, surprised by the Dreguk's lack of tact. Finally he got the food down and recovered.

"This is very good as well, your Grace," he commented to Amadeus. "Your country definitely is a nice place to stay." His eyes traveled up and down the table, and when he spotted the Drakonians he made a note to say hi if there was a chance later. He also glanced up the table to where the Empress sat, remembering that he'd never gotten a chance to talk to her during the dancing. He definitely wanted to speak to the Elven leaders too. Absently as he ate, he began drawing up a list of everyone he was going to talk to if he had the opportunity.

William tried to sit as close to Aurora as possible. He quietly ate his meal looking to be rather busy with something, his thoughts somewhere else, and they were. He still mourned the loss of Joanna, and the young empress, and Lavenrunz just held to much memories of that time. Slowly he looks at the palm of his left hand, the mourning scar clearly visible. William looked over at Aurora and opened his mouth trying to say something, but he couldn’t. He sat their for a few seconds until he finally spoke. “I’m sorry, please excuse me milady.” He said and got up from the table and walked out of the room.
Outside the room he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes, taking deep breaths in order to calm himself. And then he could see her again, Joanna walking through the palace halls, and the beautiful gardens.

The cylindrical object spreads a pair of wings to counter the wind at high altitudes. The roar of the ramjets dies down to a soft humming sound. As it hovers above the hotel's top floor, three legs extend from its hull. It lands slowly on the helicopter platform. A door opens on its side.

Juno Demetrius steps out and takes a deep breath of the air. The young man is very tall by Earth standards, well over two metres. His thin frame is bulked up by his light powered bodysuit, giving him the proportions of an average Earthling. He greets the hotel staff and asks for the key to his room, unceremoniously.

As he walks in, still unsteady in the planetary gravity, he talks to a microphone on his collar.
"Mother, I just landed. I'll go change in my room and head for the palace. Bye."

"Well then, Baron, I shall have the beef. I'm rather fond of a good roast." She smiled brightly, revealing her age with that smile, for sure.

"And I must say, I am enjoying this trip more than the last, Baron. The setting is exquisite, and the company, well, it is more than I had hoped for." She smiles again. "Perhaps after dinner, though Baron," she paused ever so briefly for some reason, "you could introduce me to the Empress?" She takes another bite of her salad, slowly withdrawing the fork from her mouth with a grin as she awaited a response.

Grimzag glared right back at the countess.

"So are you telling me that you people still haven't sussed that we aren't in the 18th Century yet?"

In the background, Brecht took a seat at the table and started banging his head off it. Why did his boss have to be so tactless?

Althena bowed slightly, when introduced to the guests from Tos Yvresse. They don´t seem to enjoy Kopinski`s presence... not exactly glibly... "It´s an honour to meet you... i assume you and Kopinski are old... acquintances?"

The next moment, while waiting for an answer, she turns to Kopinshi, and whispers in his ear: "Wouldn`t they make excellent 'kittens'?"

A moment later, she turns her attention back to the guests from Tor Yvresse.

However, one thought is in her mind: 'Oh Yng...I mean Kopinski, isn't it?'... She would die to know what the farseer wanted to say, but she`s far to polite to risk a scan, which would take several minutes, anyway. I guess just a native swearword...