NationStates Jolt Archive

"That conversation was useful."said Widow, rolling her eyes. "I guess I'll try the scar guy again. He seems to be alert now." Putting her sword away, she walked up to Grimzag. "Hey, Scar Man, What up?" She remarked, looking straight at him.

OOC:Dregruk, she is talking to your guy.

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?"

A moment later, she turns her attention back to the guests from Tor Yvresse.

but she`s far to polite to risk a scan, which would take several minutes, anyway. I guess just a native swearword...((OOC and would fail. I'm not trying to be glib here but it would fail. Mental defences on Normal Eldar are formiddable Farseers are the more than the next level.))


IC As the first introductions are given Telgorthrind nodded 'My dear Althena a Pleasure to meet you.'

The kissing of the Iyanna's hand of course caused a look of revulsion to cross her face, as through something so fould had just happened it went beyond words. It was only momentary however, and Iyanna quickly recovered. 'Indeed sir an honour to meet you. I have heard so very much about you. Indeed sometimes it feels like I have been hearing tales with you, since my birth, but then I did work once for Farseer Galdern.'

As she spoke Telgorthrind simply looked over the room, and smiled, he too had people that he needed to see, and he had spotted one such person. A Perfect excuse perhaps to slip from the conversation quickly.

'I must apologise but I have need to speak to Prince Alexander, Lady Iyanna would you care to join me, since this is partly your news to tell him. Always an Experiance to speak to you, Kopinski. A Pleasure to meet you Lady Althena, may you have a glourious night. Ishar's Blessing on you.'

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?Reil had walked over to the bar and sat down. "Actually, according to my calendar, it's the mid-late 21st century." He looked at the bartender. "Got any Elaran Ale back there? No? Then give me something above 130 proof. It'll be close enough." He picked up the vodka he was given and takes a small sip. 150 proof, or thereabouts. Nice.

"Oh well, I shall see you both at the banquet later," he said, unfazed, "Prince Alexander, I'm sure he'll be eager to speak with you..." he smiled again, "Always a pleasure Tel - you don't mind the contraction do you? - always."

He then walked away with Althena, whispering into the human woman's ear, "They make excellent 'kittens,' you really ought to get yourself a few."

Grimzag turned to Widow. "I'll tell you what's up, this women here won't tell me why these men are dressed up like girls! It's just plain... weird."

Grimzag picked up his beer and took a swig of it.

Dante sits down at the bar and orders a drink. "Need to do something while here," Dante says as he drinks.

"Ha. I noticed that too. I think they are playing for the other team, if you catch my drift, Scars." said Widow. "So, Scars, how did you get all those scars? Get into a fight or something?"

Nathi drops her eyes, inclining her head slightly, looking a touch embarrased by the compliment, though not in a bad way.
"Grazie, Imperatora," she replies, smiling softly. "You are too kind." She hesitates before going on, not wishing to bring up painful memories, but thinking the compliment appropriate. Well, one cannot be shielded all the time. Life is pain. And forgetting such a good woman on account would be ... well, a sin.

"I think you've been doing a wonderful job so far, from all I've seen. This public affair is but a small part of it. Your mother would be proud, Empress. Of that I have no doubt."

To the Archbishop, she nods, somewhat hesitantly. "One could argue that, though few I think, would be so ready to claim me," she says with a wry grin. "The Church still holds a prominent place in our nation. One would have to rewrite a good bit of our history to change that. Still, I would be lying were I to say I've been a practicing member."

She gestures to one of the attendants, who fills her glass again at her request. "A fine vintage, this," she comments, savoring the flavour. "It goes well with the duck, especially."

A Pleasure to meet you Lady Althena, may you have a glourious night. Ishar's Blessing on you.'

Althena nodded, or bowed (it wasn´t exactly clear what of the two it was) in agreement. "May our Lord protect you on your ways."

"They make excellent 'kittens,' you really ought to get yourself a few."

Walking towards the banquet room, Althena giggled again, which looked somewhat strange in her formal dress. "Now, the problem is how to get some... Not all this easy, since the Eldar are not exactly the most pleasent people... security- wise." She hesitates. "But i see... the food waits for us, we should concentrate on the pleasure in front of us, rather than on business, shouldn´t we?" With this words, spoken while she indeed stands in front of Kopinski, she takes a seat.

Grimzag took another swig of his beer.

"Meh, about 37 different wars, 18 rebellions and 310 terrorist attacks. Bullets and knives and so on. Tend to take chunks out of ya." He gave Widow a sideways glance, "And the name is Grimzag. Not 'scars'."

Grimzag turned to Widow. "I'll tell you what's up, this women here won't tell me why these men are dressed up like girls! It's just plain... weird."

Grimzag picked up his beer and took a swig of it.

OOC: When did I mention beer being served? And what bar is it exactly that people are sitting at? This is a formal event.

IC:
The Countess sighs. "They aren't dressed as girls. They are dressed in the fashion of the eighteenth century." Idiot. she thinks. "As I believe I told you. You do realize this is a costume ball? The Empress thought it would be fun for the servants to dress in costume as well."


Nathi drops her eyes, inclining her head slightly, looking a touch embarrased by the compliment, though not in a bad way.
"Grazie, Imperatora," she replies, smiling softly. "You are too kind." She hesitates before going on, not wishing to bring up painful memories, but thinking the compliment appropriate. Well, one cannot be shielded all the time. Life is pain. And forgetting such a good woman on account would be ... well, a sin.

"I think you've been doing a wonderful job so far, from all I've seen. This public affair is but a small part of it. Your mother would be proud, Empress. Of that I have no doubt."



Empress Aurora blushes and smiles. "Danke schoen, my Lady. I am still very inexperienced, but S--the Elentari has been very kind to me, she is a good Regent."


To the Archbishop, she nods, somewhat hesitantly. "One could argue that, though few I think, would be so ready to claim me," she says with a wry grin. "The Church still holds a prominent place in our nation. One would have to rewrite a good bit of our history to change that. Still, I would be lying were I to say I've been a practicing member."

She gestures to one of the attendants, who fills her glass again at her request. "A fine vintage, this," she comments, savoring the flavour. "It goes well with the duck, especially."

Archbishop Wittmar nods and samples a bit of his wine. "Well, you need not be so nervous, Lady Nathicana--we haven't had an active Inquisition here for some time." he smiles gently. "But I am sure that like any leader you have much on your mind, many concerns. I am surprised that you do not take comfort from your Church..."

Baron Ehrfurt says gravely to Jessica, "I will present you, certainly. I'm sure Her Majesty will be glad to meet you. You must know this: her parents are dead, her older brother as well; her sister has to live in another country because she is the wife of it's head of state. Her first cousin is in a similar situation, and that leaves her mother's brother and cousin, to whom she was never close. And an adopted Ravenspire foxgirl. There are cadet branches of the Von Sachshausen family, but they are being kept away so as to preserve the family line..."

Grimzag turned to Widow. "I'll tell you what's up, this women here won't tell me why these men are dressed up like girls! It's just plain... weird."

Grimzag picked up his beer and took a swig of it.

OOC: When did I mention beer being served? And what bar is it exactly that people are sitting at? This is a formal event.OOC: Hmmm... I guess we assumed that all events, formal or not, had some type of drinking involved. Oh well.

(OOC: with everything going so fast, I’m going to skip the time between landing the plane and arriving at the palace.)

Lousewies had changed into her costume in the plane. She had felt a bit insecure being publicly spotted in an historic outfit, so she had waited for the last moment to change. She was glad she hadn't gone with Galadriel's suggestion to dress up as Damien Dreadfire from AMF: that suit would have been really uncomfortable apart from causing an international incident.

The yellow eighteenth-century dress felt a bit odd, but it was comfortable. Apart from the dress, she had retained the Ruhrian black diamond broche. When she got out of the car she felt the winter breeze blow over her, chilling her slightly. As fast as the dress would allow her to she got inside the palace.

Inside, the surroundings looked familiar. Not much had changed in the palace since her last visit. Well... in the architecture anyways, she thought.

She whispered her name to the announcer, who proceeded to shout out:

PRIME MINISTER LOUSEWIES VAN DER LAAN FROM THE DUTCH DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF KNOOTOSS

She looked around the ballroom hall and noticed that most people were dancing to a waltz. Curious but a bit lost, she looked around if there was anyone to welcome her or someone to dance with…

OOC: Same dress, different girl.
http://fortress.uccb.ns.ca/behind/ruby9.jpg

A Small nod at Kopinski's question as he departed, and a bow to the Lady Althena at her own blessing the Two Farseers made etheir way over to the Prince and the Lady Sirithil with a look of anticipation.

'Prince Alexander, Lady Sirithil, Princess, May I present the Lady Iyanna of the Council.' Telgorthrind aproached quite openly the group, almost as if wanting to insure they saw him coming. 'Actually I am glad I could see you both together, we have busisness to discuss, recent actions have caused the Council to reconsider it's options on Earth. These deliberations have led us to a conclusion that includes both your Nations.' At This Telgorthrind paused, as Lady Iyanna picked up the conversation, with a look of complete innocence, and a smile that was perhaps a little too calculated to be sincere.

'It is with great sadness that we feel that our time in Roania must be soon to come to end, we cannot ensure our own peoples safty, and unfortunatly bad feelings between our forces and the local population may make it impossible to continue to police the city of Port Aqua.' She paused a moment now as if to consider her next words and then smiled again.
'Still we made a promise to protect Roania, in exchange for their loyalty, and baring certain members of your armed forces, and whomever was responsible for Mel'Nais, we have had this loyalty returned. We where wondering therefore if the Lady Sirithil would be willing to discuss taking over our role? Of course this is not a matter for such functions but I felt it would be useful to mention it here.'

"I'm sure she has been, Empress Aurora, as I'm certain you have been a most excellent student. All the same, if I may be so bold, I wish you to know you have my full support for when you take the rule with both hands - for whatever that may count for." Her eyes are steady and serious as she sips again at her wine, holding a quiet promise.

"My Lord Archbishop, were there comfort to be had, I'm quite certain I would avail myself of it. Such things, I've found, are not for everyone. I learned to stand on my own from a very young age. I see no need to change that now. No insult intended to those who feel differently, of course. As for the Inquisition, I must say that though their methods were cruel and crude, they certainly did get results." She finished with a light chuckle, sipping again at her wine, and turning her thoughts inward for a moment.

Where was God when they took my mother away? My father? Where was He all those nights I spent begging, alone in a room full of other children made 'wards of the state' due to the politics of the day? And where was He to guide my thoughts or stay my hand when I did the same to others years later? No, my dear man, I'm afraid I find little comfort there. She smiled, a touch wryly at the internal thoughts, though she'd long since mastered the memories enough to not let the pain of them show overmuch.

"Right. So, Grim, what exactly are you supposed to be? A General? I'm a Fighter myself." said Widow, making sure to avoid mistaking a beer for her soda.

"Indeed," he said, looking at Althena, as she sat, "I'm afraid I'll have to leave you here for a while, I must go and listen in on good old Tel's conversation over there, I shall be back shortly, to discuss business, among the pleasure" he left the human woman, and strode away, with an unnaturally long stride, toward the farseers, Sirithil, and Alexander.

OOC: There is no double-post.

(OOC: with everything going so fast, I’m going to skip the time between landing the plane and arriving at the palace.)

(OOC: Need to catch up myself...)

She whispered her name to the announcer, who proceeded to shout out:

PRIME MINISTER LOUSEWIES VAN DER LAAN FROM THE DUTCH DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF KNOOTOSS

She looked around the ballroom hall and noticed that most people were dancing to a waltz. Curious but a bit lost, she looked around if there was anyone to welcome her or someone to dance with…


"Good evening, Madam Prime Minister."

The voice proved to belong to one of the foxgirls of Ravenspire, although in this case it was surprisingly easy to overlook her ears or tail at first glance. She wore a long robe of charcoal shadowsilk, which rippled toward pearlescent white when the light struck it just right, and which further was embroidered in elaborate patterns with thread of gold. Her red hair was styled into a long, fluffy mane, surrounding her head like a nimbus and then falling almost to her knees in back. Finally, her face was painted in strikingly-contrasted white, black, and red.

Sakura Kitsuki, official of Ravenspire and High Queen of her kind, had come costumed as a kabuki dancer.

"Would you care to dance?"

A Small nod at Kopinski's question as he departed, and a bow to the Lady Althena at her own blessing the Two Farseers made etheir way over to the Prince and the Lady Sirithil with a look of anticipation.

'Prince Alexander, Lady Sirithil, Princess, May I present the Lady Iyanna of the Council.' Telgorthrind aproached quite openly the group, almost as if wanting to insure they saw him coming. 'Actually I am glad I could see you both together, we have busisness to discuss, recent actions have caused the Council to reconsider it's options on Earth. These deliberations have led us to a conclusion that includes both your Nations.' At This Telgorthrind paused, as Lady Iyanna picked up the conversation, with a look of complete innocence, and a smile that was perhaps a little too calculated to be sincere.

'It is with great sadness that we feel that our time in Roania must be soon to come to end, we cannot ensure our own peoples safty, and unfortunatly bad feelings between our forces and the local population may make it impossible to continue to police the city of Port Aqua.' She paused a moment now as if to consider her next words and then smiled again.
'Still we made a promise to protect Roania, in exchange for their loyalty, and baring certain members of your armed forces, and whomever was responsible for Mel'Nais, we have had this loyalty returned. We where wondering therefore if the Lady Sirithil would be willing to discuss taking over our role? Of course this is not a matter for such functions but I felt it would be useful to mention it here.'

Alexander looked slightly worried. Under the Elentari's direct command?... "I am deeply saddened at your decision, but I understand it. I offer my nation's hospitality to any Eldari who wish to remain. I don't know how you'll be able to remove Devian from position there, though..." he winced. Devian had made it quite clear that he was happy in his current position, and Alysanndra had made clear her intention to resign should he be forced to leave.

"As for the Mel'nais affair, I assure you the matter is well in hand. I have *personally* dealt with the persons responsible."

OOC: Translation: He played noughts and crosses on their body with his edged rapier.

OOC: Err... No he didn't. He did it to a scapegoat.

"Indeed," he said, looking at Althena, as she sat, "I'm afraid I'll have to leave you here for a while, I must go and listen in on good old Tel's conversation over there, I shall be back shortly, to discuss business, among the pleasure" he left the human woman, and strode away, with an unnaturally long stride, toward the farseers, Sirithil, and Alexander.

The Farseers where very very disturbed to have Kopinski follow them, extremly so, they could see no reason for it, they knew he was playing with them but now they had to wonder. was he playing games or stalking them, as a Lion to a Gazelle, and they where the prey, not a happy or common place for them to be in.

still they kept a calm outward appearance, if they where a little slower in their movements or momentary less graceful few indeed would notice.

OOC: Anybody notice me yet? My guy, Benedict Michael Sukothai (President and First Consul of the Republic of Syskeyia) is here and he's dressed like this:

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

That uniform is what the parliamentary/Christian forces wore in the Syskeyian Civil War of 1300-1303. (See my UN Factbook entry for backstory). So, have I been introducedyet, and if I have, does any girl wish to dance with me?

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

OOC: Err... No he didn't. He did it to a scapegoat.

OOC: He's done it to the person in Roania who was directly responsible. There's another trophy on his mantle piece. The actual person who gave the orders has escaped.

Not even Alexander's weapons could stand up to a Ctan. And he doesn't care if he got the wrong person, so long as he had a chance to slice someone open.

"As for the Mel'nais affair, I assure you the matter is well in hand. I have *personally* dealt with the persons responsible."

The C'tan could be seen to smile at that, although he didn't take his eyes from the assorted elves and eldar, and to anyone not enlightened as to the truth of the affair, it would appear to be a smile of greeting. He bowed deeply to Sirithil upon his arrival, (and kissed the back of her hand if it was offered) "Lady Sirithil, it is always an superlative pleasure to meet you," he examined the co-hostess' dress, "and a most commendable costume," he said, examining the fabric with curiosity, a material he had never seen before, fascinating.

After the star-queen's response, he turned his attention to the Roanian leader, "Hello Alexander, I'm afraid I've not met you before, but I remember your father well, Edward was your father, correct?" he asked, politely, neglecting to mention that he had not aged a day since that time.

Alexander turned to the Prinseps, and let the full force of his mind weigh into the man. "Yes. That is correct." As always when speaking about his father, a touch of anger reached his voice, but he squashed it. "It is an honor to meet you, Prinseps."

He offered his hand, eyes locked with that of the other man. He has mental defenses up...

Certainly attempting to read the memories of a being as incredibly old as the C'tan would be a mistake, and even then, the mind in question was utterly alien. He took it and smiled warmly, shaking the man's hand.

Alexander removed his hand from the man's grasp. Something is odd about this man. He filed the thought away for future reference. "Tell me, what brings you to Lavenrunz?"

Lousewies ... was glad she hadn't gone with Galadriel's suggestion to dress up as Damien Dreadfire from AMF: that suit would have been really uncomfortable apart from causing an international incident.

OOC: :lol:

IC:

Sukothai realized that he hadn't been formally introduced yet. We then went up and whispered his name into the announcer's ear. The announcer then shouted:

PRESIDENT AND FIRST CONSUL BENEDICT MICHAEL SUKOTHAI OF THE REPUBLIC OF SYSKEYIA

Sukothai then descended to the dance floor, looking for a lady to dance with.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

A helicopter that isn't exactly black drops below the cloud level and broadcasts a signal. Upon receiving confirmation, it dips down toward the building below at military speed before pulling up at the last minute and hovering a few feet off the ground. Then it seems to flicker and comes fully into view, displaying its traditional black-and-silver colours.

A side door slides open and three individuals in black-and-silver uniforms hop out. They sweep the perimeter before one touches a throat microphone.

"All clear."

A short, undefinably ugly man hops down from the vehicle and adjusts his golden costume. "Not exactly a horse-drawn chariot, but it'll have to do, eh Fred?"

The leader of the bodyguard detail nods curtly, but says nothing.

"All right. I know you're not happy with the security arrangements, but they're letting you stick around outside, right? This isn't our land, so we have to live by their rules. Behave yourselves and I'll save you some cake."

He gestures to the pilot of the helicopter, which flickers again and takes off into the sky. Then he twirls the golden sceptre in his hand and whistles tunelessly as he makes his way toward the Ball.

"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.


"Very well," the God-Emperor agreed, "To further delay would only increase the liklyhood of finding myself unfassionibly late."

With that, a sharp, metalic click sounded from within his armour, the carapace-like shell falling away to lie in a heap about his digitigrade feet, and revealing the black and blue and red of his batman-esque costume as a breeze caught the matching cape, light reflecting off the gold-hued titanium and polished mithiril accents.

A minute later, after he and the Count had settled themselves and the car was underway, Alexander retrived a small object from his costum's 'utility belt' while asking Hohenloe across from him, "I was wondering if you could advise me as to the suitibility of my intended gift to your young Empress."

Having fished the object out, he offered it to the Count for his aprasal; a small mithiril pendent on matching chain, it's face an irridecent rendition of Lavenrunz as seen from space, and opening to display a brilliant array of silver-backed diamonds set in polished obsidian. After a moment, he explains the pattern to be an exact replica of the night sky above them, a properly coloured diamond for each star visible to the unaided eye, gathered by Kanuckistani exploration ships from across the galaxy, and beyond. On the reverse of the fine-hinged cover can be found a relativly plain circular picture frame, similar to those of a locket, a beautiful ivory miniture serving as a place holder, the fine painting depicting snowbound fields edged in the foreground by forest, and lit by a cloud-framed moon in such as way as to seem, almost, more real than reality.

"Emperor Devon Treznor as Apollo," came the announcement. Nathicana's head whips around, and she freezes for a moment, taking in the sight of the man as he makes his entrance, with all the confidence and swagger she's accustomed to, complete with crooked grin.

Ah, Dev ... always have to make an entrance, don't you? Bastard, she thinks, a smile creeping onto her face.

"Excuse me, please," she says to those she's been conversing with. Rising gracefully to her feet, she smoothes her skirts, and with the soft rustle of silk and chiffon, glides through the hall to greet him.

Without a care for who sees or not, she goes to him, her gloved arms slipping around his waist, careful not to muss his costume. Her blue eyes hold a warmth that belies her icy attire as she leans in to kiss him tenderly, her lips lingering, savoring. Finally breaking away, drawing back, her hands slide back around, trailing down his arms to take his hands in hers as she flashes him a brilliant smile.

"È così buono da vederli, il mio caro Imperatore," she murmurs softly. "You look fantastic, Dev."

Nicole settles down to her meal, making polite conversation and occasionally absentmindedly handing a scrap of food to the small white bird sitting nonchalantly on her shoulder. She blinks as she remembers something, and smiles at Aurora, 'Empress, I was supposed to give you this before the meal started, but I didn't really have a chance...' she finds a slim dossier from somewhere in her costume, and hands it over. It's mainly a few rather dry and dull project completion notes that would be of more interest to General Schabel than the Empress, but it also includes a photograph of a completed submarine battleship in dock, the name [i]Islay clearly visible painted on her bow.

'She's yours if you want her, Empress Aurora. Given the precise circumstances of the order, all outstanding costs have been waived.' she smiles, 'Field Marshal Embersby has requested that your highness visit the Federation for her official handover, if that's possible.'

She smiles brightly at the man sitting opposite her, thinking for a moment before giving up on trying to recall a name, 'I don't believe I've ever been introduced...Your highness?'

Grimzag gulped down the rest of his beer, and motioned for another.

"I'm both a fighter and a General. I tell the armed forces what to do, then help them do it myself. Hence the scars. Nothin' better than a good fight to get the blood flowin', eh?" He said to Widow.

Scipio moved around the room, casually speaking with a number of the dignitaries and national rulers. His painted skin sparkled even as it absorbed light as the black offset the gold flecks within. With a motion he beckoned a young servant over and accepted the offered glass of champagne.

Smiling, he thanked her and moved about on his way, having heard someone mention something about scars.

Treznor winks and returns the kiss with obvious pleasure. He clearly has less interest in preserving the integrity of his costume, although he stops short at public indecency. "La regina del mio cuore, la vostra bellezza è troppo calda per incassare in ghiaccio." Then he lifts her hand to his lips for a proper greeting to a lady.

"I trust I'm not too late? Got tied down with paperwork at the last minute. You won't believe who called."

**************************
http://www.pwfc.org/images/gallery/smtorso3.jpg
Emperor Devon I
Empire of Treznor
**************************

Alexander removed his hand from the man's grasp. Something is odd about this man. He filed the thought away for future reference. "Tell me, what brings you to Lavenrunz?"

"Well, there's a party on," he said, "And how could I resist the chance to spend some time with my friends here," he gestured to the farseers, and smiled, even thinking about clapping Tel on the back, "and then there's the opportunity to say hello to Lady Sirithil, which is always a pleasure." His expression turned serious for a moment, "And I must pull the farseers aside for a while later to discuss some things with them..."

OOC: Just for everyone's information: the banquet has in fact started. No one should be at a bar, dancing, etc, unless they are deliberately or in ignorance insulting the hosts--and the palace servants would point out the banquet to anyone in attendance. Thanks.
IC:

As the meal was coming to a conclusion, there was another fanfare, and a group of singers with musicians entered, singing:
We wish you a merry Christmas!
We wish you a merry Christmas!
We wish you a merry Christmas!
And a happy New Year!
Good tidings we bring
To you and your King--
Good tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

As these singers, in their medieval greens and reds and blues, plumes bobbing to the music did their wassailing, servants brought in an enormous cake, so large it had to be wheeled on a trolley, that was in the shape of a castle. Battlements and towers covered in multicolored icing with flags of candy rose before the guests as it was wheeled past them and presented to the Empress, who rose, smiling, and cut the first piece, handing it to the Elentari.
"Happy Season, Auntie..." she whispered shyly to her. The Lavenrunzians applauded as the first piece was cut, and in fact the Empress cut each of them by her own hand.

Alexander thought, slowly. He waited by the banquet. He had lost sight of the farseers and the elentari, and now was his chance to meet this charming young girl whom he had heard so much about.

His hands ached for the comforts of Blade, but he had not been allowed to bring it in. Blade... stay sharp. Come if I call you.

Yes, master The demonic blade answered, and then returned to its sleep.

"Sweet! They got cake." said Widow, taking a seat at the table. She motioned to one of the servents. "So, what kind of cake is it? Ice cream? Chocolate? Carrot? Not that it would matter." she added with a slight grin.

((OOC just pointint out that Ctan and I are moving slow. So neither of us has actually I assume in his case. Missed the food but we may be a little late posting our meal Sorry IC response soon. I am having trouble with certain wording issues.))

((OOC just pointint out that Ctan and I are moving slow. So neither of us has actually I assume in his case. Missed the food but we may be a little late posting our meal Sorry IC response soon. I am having trouble with certain wording issues.))

OOC: Okay... but Menelmacar always moves slow. And he's fairly easy to find.

"Tell me, il mio dolce, as we walk. You do pick the most damnable times to show up, you know. I'm afraid dinner is done, but perhaps ..."

She looked back as the fanfare broke out, then linked her arm with Treznor's, pointedly directing him back towards her seat.

"I believe there's a chair for you," she said, grinning wryly. "My reputation seems to be both a blessing and a curse."

They gained their seats as the cake was brought in, and Nathicana gasped in amazement at the masterful soteltie. "Sweet Jesu, the time it must have taken to concoct that!" she says, immediately putting a hand to her lips, eyes wide with embarrassment. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Archbishop," she fumbled. "What I meant was ... that is to say, I ... No offense intended," she trailed off lamely.

As the applause broke out, she joined in as well, blushing, and wondering why, in spite of it all, she felt so apologetic.

<LOS Communications - Devon>
{
<< Let us hope that she is as strong as she is full of grace and humility. I fear she has quite a lot ahead of her, and I would see her succeed.
}

She can't help but think it, watching the young Empress serve up the cake. Luckily, she has him there to share such thoughts with.

The Archbishop smiles at her and says, "My dear Lady, Gesu si dolce..." he lifts his brows. "And so will this cake be, I think. This gentleman with you must be the glorious ruler of Treznor..."

Nicole settles down to her meal, making polite conversation and occasionally absentmindedly handing a scrap of food to the small white bird sitting nonchalantly on her shoulder. She blinks as she remembers something, and smiles at Aurora, 'Empress, I was supposed to give you this before the meal started, but I didn't really have a chance...' she finds a slim dossier from somewhere in her costume, and hands it over. It's mainly a few rather dry and dull project completion notes that would be of more interest to General Schabel than the Empress, but it also includes a photograph of a completed submarine battleship in dock, the name [i]Islay clearly visible painted on her bow.

'She's yours if you want her, Empress Aurora. Given the precise circumstances of the order, all outstanding costs have been waived.' she smiles, 'Field Marshal Embersby has requested that your highness visit the Federation for her official handover, if that's possible.'

She smiles brightly at the man sitting opposite her, thinking for a moment before giving up on trying to recall a name, 'I don't believe I've ever been introduced...Your highness?'

"Thank you very much." Empress Aurora says, looking interested. She whispers something to a Lady in Waiting, who takes it to General Schlabel. "I would like to visit, yes. Ma--my Mother, the Empress of Blessed Memory, was very fond of your country and of the Field Marshal too."

The man lifts his eyes to her and bows his head slightly. "I am Archduke Amadeus von Sachshausen, Madame, and the honour is entirely mine. I hope you are enjoying yourself?"

"Couldn't be helped. We just heard from the Vortex Corporation again. Indiastan seems to have started a trend; now TVC wants in on our little social club. Ben recently dug up a rumour there's some mysterious shadow ruler behind the corporation, and I spent a few hours reviewing the data and confirming it. We don't know who this person is, but there's definitely truth behind the whispers.

"Anyway, I snagged some MREs on the way here. They should tide me over for an hour or two. Not that I'll pass up a chance to sit with you and gloat."

He settles in beside her at the table and nods politely to the assembled peerage.

LOS Communications - Nathicana>
{
<< Who, the Empress there? Kinda cute. Have they paired her off with a stud, yet?
}

When the Archbishop addresses him, he stands slightly and makes a brief bow. "May Zeus' blessings be upon you, Your Grace. Or so I would say were I truly Apollo." He winks and sits back down again.

The disgust they felt as the creature that all here saw as Kopinski spent so long around them was well hidden. Buried deep, so that could show a facade of peace and kindness, as the two Farseers departed for the meal.

'Indeed Kopinski we should talk, later perhaps.' quickly they departed to join the feast, although for both of them it seemed likely to be a long feast, at least if Kopinski joined them it would be.

OOC Gah a pathetic post my problem was very clear, I did not want to give too much away OOCly I'm trying to stay vague. Anyway I know Ctan has evil plans for my peoples meal so come Ctan be evil

Nicole settles down to her meal, making polite conversation and occasionally absentmindedly handing a scrap of food to the small white bird sitting nonchalantly on her shoulder. She blinks as she remembers something, and smiles at Aurora, 'Empress, I was supposed to give you this before the meal started, but I didn't really have a chance...' she finds a slim dossier from somewhere in her costume, and hands it over. It's mainly a few rather dry and dull project completion notes that would be of more interest to General Schabel than the Empress, but it also includes a photograph of a completed submarine battleship in dock, the name [i]Islay clearly visible painted on her bow.

'She's yours if you want her, Empress Aurora. Given the precise circumstances of the order, all outstanding costs have been waived.' she smiles, 'Field Marshal Embersby has requested that your highness visit the Federation for her official handover, if that's possible.'

She smiles brightly at the man sitting opposite her, thinking for a moment before giving up on trying to recall a name, 'I don't believe I've ever been introduced...Your highness?'

"Thank you very much." Empress Aurora says, looking interested. She whispers something to a Lady in Waiting, who takes it to General Schlabel. "I would like to visit, yes. Ma--my Mother, the Empress of Blessed Memory, was very fond of your country and of the Field Marshal too."

The man lifts his eyes to her and bows his head slightly. "I am Archduke Amadeus von Sachshausen, Madame, and the honour is entirely mine. I hope you are enjoying yourself?"

Alexander watched. I can't stay long, and I should like to meet the empress... but it's rude to interrupt.

Baron Ehrfurt says gravely to Jessica, "I will present you, certainly. I'm sure Her Majesty will be glad to meet you. You must know this: her parents are dead, her older brother as well; her sister has to live in another country because she is the wife of it's head of state. Her first cousin is in a similar situation, and that leaves her mother's brother and cousin, to whom she was never close. And an adopted Ravenspire foxgirl. There are cadet branches of the Von Sachshausen family, but they are being kept away so as to preserve the family line..."

Jessica blinked at the Baron's explanation, as it didn't make that much sense to her. She assumed, from the way he was speaking, that this was important. So she nodded. "Thank you, Baron."

She mulled over the data she was gathering in her mind, silently finishing her meal, smiling at those who looked at her, and making idle conversation with those around her, making sure not to pay too much to the handsome Baron.

And then the cake was brought out. Wow. That's impressive. In fact, I don't think I've seen one that big. But it looks good. And the Empress is... what is she doing? She arched an eyebrow, as her hearing, just a short distance down the table from the Empress picked up the whisper, though she had to strain. Auntie. I'm going to have an interesting debrief when I get home.

Eventually she was even passed a piece of cake. And it was delicious. Turning to the Baron with a smile, licking a tad bit of icing from her lips, she asked, "Is this normal fare for the Imperial family?"

The Archbishop looks amused at the bon mot, and says, "Well, I'm glad you are not really--my greek is poor. Wasn't a mandatory requirement anymore even in my schooldays. Long ago, I fear. By the way....rather than suffer your way through a course of MREs I'm sure there is plenty of everything left over apart from cake, and a servant will bring you something if you like."

Baron Ehrfurt nearly growls when Jessica licks the icing. Saucy thing.. His nostrils flare at this. "Not quite--in fact Empress Joanna of Revered Memory had rather simple tastes and so does the Empress Aurora. She is apparently content to dine on a sandwich on brown bread with some fruit for supper. Er..did I say something to confuse you before?"

The Archbishop looks amused at the bon mot, and says, "Well, I'm glad you are not really--my greek is poor. Wasn't a mandatory requirement anymore even in my schooldays. Long ago, I fear. By the way....rather than suffer your way through a course of MREs I'm sure there is plenty of everything left over apart from cake, and a servant will bring you something if you like."
Treznor grins broadly. "Well, we can be thankful for little favours, then. About all I remember from my Greek lessons are a few...tasteless insults.

"Your Grace is very kind. Perhaps once my stomach has forgiven me for abusing it, I may take you up on that offer. These dinners have a considerable reputation."

Jessica suppresses, barely, the grin that tugs at her mouth as the Baron's nostrils flare and his eyes gleam.

She obviously was doing a good job of teasing him. "Well, I was a bit confused as to why you told me all about the Empress' family. While interesting, she was not exactly what I had intended to discuss with you, at least not then. You threw me for a loop, and it took me a while to recover. So why did you tell me, Baron?"

She gazed nearly into his eyes as she awaited a response.

Nathi reaches over to give Devon's knee a squeeze - one more tight than actually need be.

<LOS Communications - Devon>
{
<< Paired her off? For chrissakes, Dev, she's just a girl yet. [scowl analog] She's had enough
to deal with, boy. I swear, you are incorrigible.

<< As for that other ... we should discuss, later. I've much more pleasant pursuits in mind just now.
But first, the cake.
}

Sampling the cake, she nods in agreement. "Dolce e squisito, effettivamente, your Grace. Sweet and delicious, indeed."

Her augmented ears continued to pick up bits of conversation from nearby, and she listened closely to all of it, all the while seemingly oblivious.

A ship, is it? And auntie Siri? Not surprising, given the circumstances, the poor dear. Still, I wonder ... how many of those 'other branches' look to cause trouble? Nevermind the other factions. She'd do well to publicly distance herself, I'll warrant, once she takes the reins.

"Sweet! They got cake." said Widow, taking a seat at the table. She motioned to one of the servents. "So, what kind of cake is it? Ice cream? Chocolate? Carrot? Not that it would matter." she added with a slight grin.

"I believe it is chocolate with cream and raspberry sauce, your Excellency." replies the servant, bowing.

Baron Ehrfurt smiles at Jessica.
"I wished you to know something of Her Majesty's circumstances, since you expressed interest in being presented." he replies. "What would you have preferred to speak of?"

"Well, we all have our days of pranks behind us--or quite close to us, your Majesty. Eh, my Lady?" he chuckles. "Mind you, I was expected to be slow, to at best hope to be an administrator for a bishop as the crown of my career."

The cake is quite delicious, soft and moist, rich in flavour and firm in texture. The icing is creaming and thick but not overwhelming. A layer of sweet biscuit forms the bottom.

Baron Ehrfurt smiles at Jessica.
"I wished you to know something of Her Majesty's circumstances, since you expressed interest in being presented." he replies. "What would you have preferred to speak of?"

Jessica nods slightly. "I might have perferred to speak more about yourself and Lavenrunzian culture, Baron. My last visit to your fair country left little time for learning and enjoyment, though it was not a time for such." More quietly, nearly to herself, "I wish I had able to meet the Empress Joanna." Then the happiness appropriate to the occasion returned to her face and eyes. "How did you earn your scar?

Alexander coughed, and began to move to the empress. "Your Majesty... I'm terribly sorry to interupt, but their is pressing business involving Roania that drew me here, and I feel that if I do not speak to you now I may not get a chance." He bowed low. "My deepest apologies, I do not feel as if I've introduced myself properly. I am Prince Alexander Tyral Black. Your servant." He added, perfunctorily.

Dearest Count Chemnitz,

I would be more than happy to attend your ball as an envoy of The Outset Islands. While our two peoples have never interacted, I am personally involved in a worldwide pilgrimage of sorts. Having perused the guest list of your party, I believe that I could find attendance quite enlightening on a number of different levels.

I hope you will consider my response.


Kindest regards,

http://invisionfree.com:54/85/115/upload/p1106.jpg
Esmerelda
Queen of The Outset Islands

~~~~~

The response had not taken long, and before she knew it, Esmerelda was hunting for a costume. She had read books of popular mythology, pondered pop culture, contemplated the great heroes and heroines of ages past, and after due consideration, she had decided.

And for most of the party now, Esmerelda has stood largely out of view. She arrived fashionably late--just enough to slip in without the fanfare due the other party-goers. When she did arrive, she slipped in casually, her feet forced into bright red slippers, a shoulderless lime green dress covering her form. Around her neck, she wore a necklace of large red beads, and her hair was forced into a beehive and dyed blue.

And for the most part, Esmerelda has done a fairly good job of keeping to herself for a goddess dressed as a cartoon character. She has mostly kept to the side, sipping wine slowly, avoiding dancing, avoiding contact, avoiding anything other than pure observation. Some faces were familiar; most were far from it.

She sighs gently, taking another sip of her wine from her spot at a chair near the wall.

Well, thus far, this has been truly... confusing...

Alexander coughed, and began to move to the empress. "Your Majesty... I'm terribly sorry to interupt, but their is pressing business involving Roania that drew me here, and I feel that if I do not speak to you now I may not get a chance." He bowed low. "My deepest apologies, I do not feel as if I've introduced myself properly. I am Prince Alexander Tyral Black. Your servant." He added, perfunctorily.

"Your Highness." says Aurora. "I am glad to meet you. What pressing business is this?"
Chancellor der Waal observed this a trifle unhappily. Why didn't all these foreigners understand that the monarch was not of the age of majority?


Jessica nods slightly. "I might have perferred to speak more about yourself and Lavenrunzian culture, Baron. My last visit to your fair country left little time for learning and enjoyment, though it was not a time for such." More quietly, nearly to herself, "I wish I had able to meet the Empress Joanna." Then the happiness appropriate to the occasion returned to her face and eyes. "How did you earn your scar?

"It's from a flying bit of debris in Ienotheisa. I was part of an armored recon unit and I was standing out of the hatch taking a look around when an RPG was fired, missing but hitting the building next to us. I was lucky, really." he grins. "I enjoyed serving in the regiment, though I'm afraid I didn't prove any military genius. Just did my duty, was a fairly good officer. I had a company command by the end of my service."

Alexander coughed, and began to move to the empress. "Your Majesty... I'm terribly sorry to interupt, but their is pressing business involving Roania that drew me here, and I feel that if I do not speak to you now I may not get a chance." He bowed low. "My deepest apologies, I do not feel as if I've introduced myself properly. I am Prince Alexander Tyral Black. Your servant." He added, perfunctorily.

"Your Highness." says Aurora. "I am glad to meet you. What pressing business is this?"
Chancellor der Waal observed this a trifle unhappily. Why didn't all these foreigners understand that the monarch was not of the age of majority?

OOC: He's already engaged, he just considers it polite to pay greetings to the ruler.

IC: "Elentari Sirithril has mentioned that she would like a word with me, and the farseers are clamoring for my attention." He sighed, a deep painful one. "Anyway, Cardinal Richelieu asked me to pay his regards to the archbishop, and find where he stands on Rome."

Remembering something, he stepped back. "My apologies if this is a little flashy, but they made me check my more... silent magics at the door." He clapped his hands, and there was a loud flash of light. When he drew them apart, a single white rose was in his hand. He squeezed it, just to get the familiar feeling of holding something, then he bowed, and presented it to her. "M'lady, this rose is not much, but is all a poor prince such as myself can give you. It will never wither, and it will remain as beautiful as you. Merry Christmas, Empress... and my condolences, late as they might be."

"It's from a flying bit of debris in Ienotheisa. I was part of an armored recon unit and I was standing out of the hatch taking a look around when an RPG was fired, missing but hitting the building next to us. I was lucky, really." he grins. "I enjoyed serving in the regiment, though I'm afraid I didn't prove any military genius. Just did my duty, was a fairly good officer. I had a company command by the end of my service."

Jessica smiled at the Baron. "I am glad you were not more seriously injured, then. I would have been most disappointed to have never have met you."

She slowly takes another bite of the wonderful cake, slowly cleaning the fork between compressed lips. "I believe it is your turn to ask me a question, Baron." She smiles internally, wondering just what he might be daring enough to ask, though she figured it would be quite benign.

"Elentari Sirithril has mentioned that she would like a word with me, and the farseers are clamoring for my attention." He sighed, a deep painful one. "Anyway, Cardinal Richelieu asked me to pay his regards to the archbishop, and find where he stands on Rome."

Remembering something, he stepped back. "My apologies if this is a little flashy, but they made me check my more... silent magics at the door." He clapped his hands, and there was a loud flash of light. When he drew them apart, a single white rose was in his hand. He squeezed it, just to get the familiar feeling of holding something, then he bowed, and presented it to her. "M'lady, this rose is not much, but is all a poor prince such as myself can give you. It will never wither, and it will remain as beautiful as you. Merry Christmas, Empress... and my condolences, late as they might be."

Alexander was nearly shot--but the Jaeger aiming at him lowered his weapon, taking a deep breath.
The Lavenrunzians gasped.
"Gave her a flower...did you see...
"Extraordinary..."
Aurora blushed furiously. "Thank you, sir. Merry Christmas." she ducked her head away shyly and buried her nose in the flower. "I...fear I have no gift for you. But I am sure that the Archbishop would be glad to speak with you."
Chancellor der Waal gave General Schlabel a quick, scandalized look before raising her glass to her lips and swallowing rapidly.
OOC: you misunderstand. Concern is over the fact that she can't legally make policey yet.


Jessica smiled at the Baron. "I am glad you were not more seriously injured, then. I would have been most disappointed to have never have met you."

She slowly takes another bite of the wonderful cake, slowly cleaning the fork between compressed lips. "I believe it is your turn to ask me a question, Baron." She smiles internally, wondering just what he might be daring enough to ask, though she figured it would be quite benign.

"Why a devil?" asked the Baron, his eyes smouldering the length of her costume.

OOC: Damm straight, he's enjoying this.

The C'tan made a point of briefly moving Althena, not what one could call the most polite or subtle of actions, but he would have to sit by her side, and directly opposite the farseers. He ate, pretending to be quite happy to talk on really rather trivial matters. He ate the salads at a pace designed to exactly mimic that of the older farseer, to the point of being really rather annoying.

There wasn't much he could really do with the soup, but by the main course, he had decided to entertain himself by slipping his foot up the inside of the farseer woman's leg, in such as way that it would be passed through the armour eventually - a deliberate choice to impede him, the armour of vaul was a 'one off' artefact, capable of slowing even him down - and thus the touch was behind the armour, as if it wasn't even there. At the same time, he made a point of blocking the nerve impulses to both eldar's voice boxes, a benefit of being a creature that was essentially an electromagnetic parasite. All the while he smiled, and ate the main course with aplomb.

Jessica grinned, and stretched, as much as she could in the chair, anyway. Taking a deep breath, she answered. "Shock value, Baron. Shock value." Her darks eyes gleamed. "Did it work? And more importantly, do you like it? And please, ask me more questions. I feel as if I know much more about you than you do about me."

Alexander bowed, and looked at the guard. His eyes flashed grey for a second, making it quite clear that he knew what the guard had been considering, and that he wasn't amused. Then he shrank back into the crowd.

That was foolish, master. The voice came from nowhere, reverberating inside his skull.

It brightened her day, and the expression on their faces... close to fear.

Indeed, but be more cautious. Blade didn't have a body, but if he did you got the feeling he'd shrug.

Shh... there's the Archbishop now. Alexander smiled. Keep quiet, and when we get back I'll feed you. The sword muttered, and its voice trailed off.

"Thank you very much." Empress Aurora says, looking interested. She whispers something to a Lady in Waiting, who takes it to General Schlabel. "I would like to visit, yes. Ma--my Mother, the Empress of Blessed Memory, was very fond of your country and of the Field Marshal too."

The man lifts his eyes to her and bows his head slightly. "I am Archduke Amadeus von Sachshausen, Madame, and the honour is entirely mine. I hope you are enjoying yourself?"

Nicole bows to the Empress, 'Thank you, your highness. I'll see to it that all necessary arrangements are put in place for your visit.'

She pauses at Archduke Amadeus' question, her hand halfway to her shoulder with a small scrap of cake in it, 'Oh yes, your highness...It's wonderful how much effort's been put into tonight...' she smiles, and hands the scrap to her bird, 'And yourself?'

Jessica grinned, and stretched, as much as she could in the chair, anyway. Taking a deep breath, she answered. "Shock value, Baron. Shock value." Her darks eyes gleamed. "Did it work? And more importantly, do you like it? And please, ask me more questions. I feel as if I know much more about you than you do about me."

"I like it very much. So you like to shock people do you? Don't you know that it can be dangerous? It might lead to things you don't anticipate..." he chuckles. "What is it like, being the sister of your head of state?" Baron Ehrfurt nods as a servant comes to take away the remains of the cake.


She pauses at Archduke Amadeus' question, her hand halfway to her shoulder with a small scrap of cake in it, 'Oh yes, your highness...It's wonderful how much effort's been put into tonight...' she smiles, and hands the scrap to her bird, 'And yourself?'

'Your bird eats cake? How strange..yes, I am, thank you." Archduke Amadeus says. "Er...why do you bring your bird everywhere, Excellency?"

She grins, 'He eats pretty much everything, your highness...He's not too fussy...' she blushes at his question, and pauses for a moment to think of a response, 'Well, being psychic makes being a diplomat a little difficult...You always have to read someone's mind, you see...Or something's mind.' she smiles, 'That's why I keep this bird with me, it's kind of a diplomatic necessity...'

Alexander watched for his chance. Then he stepped forward. "Your grace, might I have a word with you?" He enquired of the Archbishop.

By now, Paulus had probably had too much to drink. Even his hearty constitution was groaning under the pressure of such a high blood-alcohol content. Flordia watched from farther down teh table as he swayed to and fro while eating, but thankfully noticed h wasn't making much conversation, which was good. She'd hate to have to bail him out of something he said while he was so roaringly drunk. After the desert was taken away and the chatter of people rose again, Florida caught some flash of movement form up the table. It appeared as though Paulus was taking his leave, fumbling some sort of drunken apology for having to leave. Suprisingly, he manged to bow without falling over, and even managed to make it out all the way to the dining hall's exit before tripping on the step and landing on his face. Cringing, Flordia wasn't sure if she should help him or not, but was relieved that she wouldn't have to get up when some attendants picked him up and sort of helped him out. Figuring that he had gotten sick, Florida was relieved not to see him again for the rest of the night. She sighed and enjoyed the remainder of the evening.

"I like it very much. So you like to shock people do you? Don't you know that it can be dangerous? It might lead to things you don't anticipate..." he chuckles. "What is it like, being the sister of your head of state?" Baron Ehrfurt nods as a servant comes to take away the remains of the cake.

"Dangerous, Baron?" She smiles confidently, declining to answer the question about shocking people. She was a product of a rather conservative upbringing, by Federation standards. "I doubt it. I can handle myself, though usually, I have guards swarming all over me. Unless you are implying something else entirely..."

She trails off quite meaningfully, and then continues after a brief pause.

"As for being the sister to the head of state? I believe like any other child of parents of means, though I have considerbly more guards on a regular basis. Fortunately, I was able to leave them behind, as they were confident your own guards and those of the Lady Sirithil would protect me adequately." Her voice turns sad for a moment. "Especially when Federation Security has failed me in the past." Her voice returns to normal just as quickly. "But other than that, my life seems nearly the same as my friends at school."

Jessica glanced as the cake was taken away. Full though she was, she could have almost eaten another piece of that exquisite dessert. Slightly cocking her head to the side, she awaits the nearly inevitable follow up question. She was comfortable with what had happened, after this much time had past, but it wasn't exactly an experience she liked to recall. Though something similiar had happened to the Empress Joanna before she died, or so she thought she remembered.

OOC: Lavenrunz, Page 15, 11th post down. :wink:

In the meal, Princess Aliria sat down at the side of Telgonthrind, greeting finally the great Farseer, to whom she owed a favor.

"Greetings, O wise one, I'm glad to meet you again, this time afar from trouble", she said smiling in the anciet eldar tongue. "Thanks to your wise counsel the ShadowPrince rejected the ban of the humans from our country, saving us from isolation and destruction. I've no words to thank you". Then she turned to the female Farseer, who was looking like disturbed by something, maybe by her presence. "Can I know your companion?, she's a farseer too, I see. Now that awake my admiration", she said, staring at the eldar woman with sympathy, trying to find out the cause of her anger.

"Well, we all have our days of pranks behind us--or quite close to us, your Majesty. Eh, my Lady?" he chuckles. "Mind you, I was expected to be slow, to at best hope to be an administrator for a bishop as the crown of my career."

"Well then, your Grace, I should say you far outstripped expectations," Nathicana replies with a smile. She gives Devon a sly little grin at the mention of pranks and closeness, her hand lightly trailing along the inside of his thigh, though the movement is barely registered above the table. "Quite the scamp in your day, were you?" she offers with a soft laugh to the Archbishop.

All the while, she continues to monitor the conversations around her as best she can, taking note of reactions, and bearing. I wonder what D'ron would think of how Jessica's been tormenting that poor man, she ponders, repressing an amused chuckle. The body language was all too clear, even if all the words were not. The little 'trick' with the rose by Alexander however, causes her to tense, her reflexes just keeping her from rising from her seat, her eyes narrowing briefly. Lucky I don't rip his damn head off, pulling those sorts of stunts without warning. Such things get a man killed cat-quick, especially all things considered here.

As the prince approached and addressed the Archbishop, she smoothed her face to a pleasant but tiny smile, watching him without seeming to, and quite on her guard.

The Archbishop glances up at Prince Alexander and says, "Certainly, Highness...ah, Her Majesty is leaving the table..." he rises with the others and bows as the Empress retires.
Count von Chemnitz says in a clear voice, "Honoured guests, there will be an hour in which to refresh yourselves, relax or whatever pleases you before dancing and entertainments recommence. Her Majesty earnestly hopes you have enjoyed the banquet."


"Dangerous, Baron?" She smiles confidently, declining to answer the question about shocking people. She was a product of a rather conservative upbringing, by Federation standards. "I doubt it. I can handle myself, though usually, I have guards swarming all over me. Unless you are implying something else entirely..."


Baron Ehrfurt just smiles, looking at her...

"As for being the sister to the head of state? I believe like any other child of parents of means, though I have considerbly more guards on a regular basis. Fortunately, I was able to leave them behind, as they were confident your own guards and those of the Lady Sirithil would protect me adequately." Her voice turns sad for a moment. "Especially when Federation Security has failed me in the past." Her voice returns to normal just as quickly. "But other than that, my life seems nearly the same as my friends at school."

"If you would like to tell me what happened..." he says softly. A chill goes down his spine at the thought of what happened to Empress Joanna, and the dreadful rumors about things not spoken of save in the highest confidence...

OOC: Kanuckistan, you have no post there!

Spending some time apart from the rest did William good, he remembered all the good times he had with Joanna, and was now finally able to push away his grievous emotions. Letting out a deep sigh he looks at his costume and smiles at its beauty. Slowly he turned around and reentered the dining room and sat back down in his seat. “I am sorry milady, but there was something I had to do, and did not wish to disturb the party.” He said and continued eating his meal witch was getting cold. William remained pretty much quiet throughout the meal, letting out only a sigh occasionally.

OCC: Someone interact with Widow. She is getting pretty bored.

After finishing her cake, she decided to go take off her skirt. "I think my dad's spies are long gone by now, if they were watching me at all. I think I can go change out of this foolish thing without running into problems." she thought, going into the bathroom, and taking it off. Stuffing it into her pocket, she said "Now I look like fighter." she remarked, and went out into the party once again.

"If you would like to tell me what happened..." he says softly. A chill goes down his spine at the thought of what happened to Empress Joanna, and the dreadful rumors about things not spoken of save in the highest confidence...

"Well, Baron, I..." she began slowly. It was still difficult to discuss. She swallowed. "A number of months ago, there was a power struggle in Dor Lomin, the region where the Federation is located. Certain elements want to, and succeeded in, destroying the Dor Lomin Regional Alliance, of which my brother had been the primary proponent of, along with Empress Lesley, now my sister-in-law. But instead of the nuclear terrorism used in many of the countries, they chose a more direct path to get to my brother. I was kidnapped as I left school, both of my guard shot dead before me. They wanted to use me to get to my brother."

Jessica frowned slightly. "My brother never talks about it, but I think they almost succeeded, and probably would have if I hadn't been rescued in less than twenty-four hours."

She forced a smile back onto her face, and into her voice. "But this is a party, Baron. We should be discussing happy things, not pains long remembered."

Shock, and a little disgust went through the mind of Iyaana as the Creature tried to play Footsie with her. Her mind raced in trying to form a response, first it seemed she was unable to talk, although that tate dissolved as she turned to the princess. ((IRC confirmation from Ctan.))

'Oh my dear no real problem I am simply well, overwhelmed at the current company. My first real function as a Farseer and it has such... results. Still this is a pleasent food.'

As she spoke her mind still racing hit upon one.. possible solution but the very concept horrified her, internally through she gritted her teeth, and raised her own foot to return the... game with Kopinski.

edit double post

The Archbishop glances up at Prince Alexander and says, "Certainly, Highness...ah, Her Majesty is leaving the table..." he rises with the others and bows as the Empress retires.
Count von Chemnitz says in a clear voice, "Honoured guests, there will be an hour in which to refresh yourselves, relax or whatever pleases you before dancing and entertainments recommence. Her Majesty earnestly hopes you have enjoyed the banquet."


Respectfully, both Nathi and Devon rise as well to give regard to the departing Empress, their gracious host. Hearing the intermission announced, she loops her arm through his, nodding off towards a quiet spot to sit, talk, and observe the other revelers.

"As much as I've enjoyed the festivities, I admit to rather looking forward to later developments," she whispered quietly to him, a mischievous little smile on her lips. "That is, if you're ... up to it?"

"I suppose so. It's a shame that you're displeased about the company. I didn't knew a woman could attain the rank of Farseer, to be honest, I thought the rank was reserved just to men", said the Princess, smiling while staring deeply into Iyaana's eyes, with her characteristic look that most people find unnerving. However, this time Aliria's eyes were full of sympathy, as trying to make an empathic link with Iyanna.

Treznor schools himself to impassivity when he feels a hand caressing his thigh, although he can easily guess as to the source without looking down and betraying the game.

<LOS Communication - Nathicana>
{
<< Hmph. And you call me imp! You're at least as bad as I am.
}

After the Empress has departed and they stroll casually through the palace, he nods slowly. "Is this a trick question? I mean you didn't think I came here for the dancing, did you? And didn't that fellow say we had an hour to...er...refresh ourselves?"

This was a, massive, and stunning surprise, the eldar woman had returned his action. Were he human he would probably have spluttered the wine over the table and jumped from his seat. He was however, not, and so he continued to smile, and continued to play with the eldar, content to see how long she would keep it up. Still, the eldar deserved a reward of some sort for her determination. He mimiced a slight organic expression of surprise, fleeting and quickly supressed, then smiled, as if inviting her to surprise him again.

He turned to the Aloesian woman, "Oh no, the rank of farseer is awarded on merit, the eldar do not not descriminate by sex, merely by talent, not that I'm an expert in eldar culture," he added, casually...

Raui hurries into the hall dressed in a black tuxedo with blue vest and tie. Late again. I swear that someday, I'll be ontime to something.
I believe they call this fashionably late.
No that would have been arriving and hour or two ago.

"Well, here goes nothing."

"I thought that the Ctan were Necrons", said the Princess, staring deeply into Kopinski's eyes and whispering the last word of the phrase. "But maybe I'm mistaken. You're the first thing of the Ctan confederacy that I see in my life, apart from those strange and mysterious tombships, and you look less unpleasant than I thought, even charming, I could say. And about Eldar culture, well, although we the Sindarin of Aelosia use Eldar technology, we're mostly ignorant of the ancient culture who teached us the secrets of spacefaring. And although we see them as our brothers and kin, we don't share many of their customs. That's why I have invited Telgonthrind several times to our humble Craftworld, to learn from him. The last time he surprised me with his wisdom, changing the mind of the Aelosian ShadowPrince, the most stubborn man I've ever known", said the Princess, using her charming smile on Kopinski as she stared even more deep in his pupils, but her hand pointing at the Farseer in front of her.

The look given the princess was warm, and open, followed by a quick and pointed look at Althena, "Well, it appears I have been called upon my background," he said, casting a glance at the human woman at his side, "But I believe that an explanation of such a thing is better suited for another time, but I must congratulate you on your erudition, and I am pleased I am more pleasant than you would imagine. Indeed, Telgorthrind is doubtless an eldar of exceptional wisdom, and his foresight in diverting your ShadowPrince to a wiser course of action is to be commended. I look forward to talking to you after the meal Princess Aliria ((I think that's correct)), I imagine I could answer many of your questions about the C'tan, and strange, mysterious ships, then."

"I read the report from the Silmessë incident, andyour presence was reported by the Admiral in charge of the Aelosian mission. He said that your ships appeared suddenly, fired a single shot against an Yvressian VoidStalker, crippling it with an unknown power to us, and then tried to arrange a meeting between us and the Dark Eldar of Manmen. The presence who spoke with him was known as The Deciever, some kind of god, as I know", she said before pausing for a moment.

She continued after regaining her breath "After that, the ShadowPrince ordered an investigation regarding the C'tan Confederation, recognizing them as Necrons. I was in charge of it, that's why I know several things about you, not much, anyway. I'm surprised to find you in the company of the Farseers, I thought that the C'tan Confederacy was an enemy of the Tor Yvresse Craftworld", she said, in a mischievous tone of voice, switching her gaze from Kopinski to Telgonthrind, finding a clue about the relationship between them. "And of course I would be delighted to meet with you later. First, you're abeing of remarkable charming, and second, we could have a...cultural exchange".

The Archbishop glances up at Prince Alexander and says, "Certainly, Highness...ah, Her Majesty is leaving the table..." he rises with the others and bows as the Empress retires.
Count von Chemnitz says in a clear voice, "Honoured guests, there will be an hour in which to refresh yourselves, relax or whatever pleases you before dancing and entertainments recommence. Her Majesty earnestly hopes you have enjoyed the banquet."

Alexander's eyes flashed red as the Empress left. Her fear would be amusing.

No.

Wasn't seriously considering it.

He snapped back to attention, his eyes a cool blue as usual. "Yes, Cardinal Richelieu asked me, while here, to find out some more information on the Church in Lavenrunz."

The Archbishop glances up at Prince Alexander and says, "Certainly, Highness...ah, Her Majesty is leaving the table..." he rises with the others and bows as the Empress retires.
Count von Chemnitz says in a clear voice, "Honoured guests, there will be an hour in which to refresh yourselves, relax or whatever pleases you before dancing and entertainments recommence. Her Majesty earnestly hopes you have enjoyed the banquet."

Alexander's eyes flashed red as the Empress left. Her fear would be amusing.

No.

Wasn't seriously considering it.

He snapped back to attention, his eyes a cool blue as usual. "Yes, Cardinal Richelieu asked me, while here, to find out some more information on the Church in Lavenrunz."

OOC: I HATE THIS ACCURSED F--KING SERVER! I HATES IT!

The Archbishop glances up at Prince Alexander and says, "Certainly, Highness...ah, Her Majesty is leaving the table..." he rises with the others and bows as the Empress retires.
Count von Chemnitz says in a clear voice, "Honoured guests, there will be an hour in which to refresh yourselves, relax or whatever pleases you before dancing and entertainments recommence. Her Majesty earnestly hopes you have enjoyed the banquet."

Alexander's eyes flashed red as the Empress left. Her fear would be delicious

No. Not here, not now.

Wasn't seriously considering it.

He snapped back to attention, his eyes a cool blue as usual. "Yes, Cardinal Richelieu asked me, while here, to find out some more information on the Church in Lavenrunz." He hoped the Archbishop hadn't noticed his minor slip.

OOC: I HATE THIS ACCURSED F--KING SERVER! I HATES IT!

OOC: Kanuckistan, you have no post there!


OOC: Oops, typo; page 14, 11th post down. Tho I really shouldn't have to point these things out to begin with :wink:

To quote:


"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.


"Very well," the God-Emperor agreed, "To further delay would only increase the liklyhood of finding myself unfassionibly late."

With that, a sharp, metalic click sounded from within his armour, the carapace-like shell falling away to lie in a heap about his digitigrade feet, and revealing the black and blue and red of his batman-esque costume as a breeze caught the matching cape, light reflecting off the gold-hued titanium and polished mithiril accents.

A minute later, after he and the Count had settled themselves and the car was underway, Alexander retrived a small object from his costum's 'utility belt' while asking Hohenloe across from him, "I was wondering if you could advise me as to the suitibility of my intended gift to your young Empress."

Having fished the object out, he offered it to the Count for his aprasal; a small mithiril pendent on matching chain, it's face an irridecent rendition of Lavenrunz as seen from space, and opening to display a brilliant array of silver-backed diamonds set in polished obsidian. After a moment, he explains the pattern to be an exact replica of the night sky above them, a properly coloured diamond for each star visible to the unaided eye, gathered by Kanuckistani exploration ships from across the galaxy, and beyond. On the reverse of the fine-hinged cover can be found a relativly plain circular picture frame, similar to those of a locket, a beautiful ivory miniture serving as a place holder, the fine painting depicting snowbound fields edged in the foreground by forest, and lit by a cloud-framed moon in such as way as to seem, almost, more real than reality.

For a second the two farseers blanched at the mention of Necrons. Indeed the connection was there, but... the only defence the council truely had was in one finding out. As long as they held that card they had ground to manouver with the Yngir, when the secret got out...

Slowly Telgorthind began to speak 'Oh yes indeed relations between our two peoples are strained... but that is perhaps the true gift of functions such as this, we can come to know each other better.' pausing a moment before continuing making it obvious he was refering to Kopinski in that part
'Still I am pleased that a mistake in your understanding of our peoples has been layed to rest. It is true that we do not judge on sex' Slowly Telgorthrind began to chuckle... 'Unless one counts the Howling Banshees, as they would be known in the language of the Mon-Keigh's dominant tongue.' His chuckle turned into a full laugh, 'One could almost see hints of a subtle referance to the nature of a Married man and his wife, and the relationship they have. Still it is an unfortunate coincidence, made worse by the dominance of women on that path.'

Under the table the feet of Iyaana continued their delicate carress of Kopinski, the game continuing, and in fact continuing to escalate as She shot a look that if any saw would be seen as being pure lust. Of course if people saw the look and knew about Farseers they would be surprised... If they knew the full truth they would be confused. One thing could be said for the relationship between Kopinski and the farseer, it would never be a lustful one. This fact they both knew, and the game would continue to escalate.

The attempt was of course to subtly draw attention away from the Necrons, and the C'tan...

Count Hohenloe looks at it quietly for a moment. He takes a deep breath. "She...Sir, she will enjoy it, for the same reason I am sure that...that I admire it. It is such a thing as the late Empress Joanna of Memory Revered would have enjoyed. It is my honour, sir, to have been your servant." he clicks his heels and bows deeply.

At the ball...
Claudia der Waal approaches Esmeralda and says, beaming, "Forgive me, but we haven't been properly introduced, but we surely should be. I am Claudia der Waal, the Chancellor."

Spending some time apart from the rest did William good, he remembered all the good times he had with Joanna, and was now finally able to push away his grievous emotions. Letting out a deep sigh he looks at his costume and smiles at its beauty. Slowly he turned around and reentered the dining room and sat back down in his seat. “I am sorry milady, but there was something I had to do, and did not wish to disturb the party.” He said and continued eating his meal witch was getting cold. William remained pretty much quiet throughout the meal, letting out only a sigh occasionally.

Empress Aurora had looked at William during the meal and smiled at him a bit sadly. She knew only that he had been a friend of her mother's, and that he had wept at her funeral.

"If you would like to tell me what happened..." he says softly. A chill goes down his spine at the thought of what happened to Empress Joanna, and the dreadful rumors about things not spoken of save in the highest confidence...

"Well, Baron, I..." she began slowly. It was still difficult to discuss. She swallowed. "A number of months ago, there was a power struggle in Dor Lomin, the region where the Federation is located. Certain elements want to, and succeeded in, destroying the Dor Lomin Regional Alliance, of which my brother had been the primary proponent of, along with Empress Lesley, now my sister-in-law. But instead of the nuclear terrorism used in many of the countries, they chose a more direct path to get to my brother. I was kidnapped as I left school, both of my guard shot dead before me. They wanted to use me to get to my brother."

Jessica frowned slightly. "My brother never talks about it, but I think they almost succeeded, and probably would have if I hadn't been rescued in less than twenty-four hours."

She forced a smile back onto her face, and into her voice. "But this is a party, Baron. We should be discussing happy things, not pains long remembered."

"Yes, forgive me." Baron Ehrfurt rises as the Empress gets up to leave. "But you had spoken of meeting Her Majesty. Would you like to do so now?" he offers to lead the way, smiling.
But he is also aghast. He has no illusions about the gentility of those who use kidnapping. And clearly it is a painful and frightening memory. A tightness comes to his chest, that amazes him, since really...well, he is being a good retainer. That's it.

At the ball...
Claudia der Waal approaches Esmeralda and says, beaming, "Forgive me, but we haven't been properly introduced, but we surely should be. I am Claudia der Waal, the Chancellor."

Esmerelda looks around quickly, as if seeing if there was anyone else around the Chancellor could be speaking to. Seeing no one, she stands up quickly and awkwardly, steadying her glass of wine with her free hand. She bows slowly to the Chancellor.

"Esmerelda, Queen of The Outset Islands," she says, stammering a bit over her words as she rises to full height--which is quite tall, particularly with the addition of the hair. "I must say that this is quite the interesting party, Madame Chancellor. Very enlightening to... observe."

"Your Majesty is most welcome." replies Claudia. She is a fair haired woman, athletic and slim, and is dressed as the White Queen. "How do you mean, if I may ask, interesting to observe? I hope that you are enjoying yourself..."

The Archbishop glances up at Prince Alexander and says, "Certainly, Highness...ah, Her Majesty is leaving the table..." he rises with the others and bows as the Empress retires.
Count von Chemnitz says in a clear voice, "Honoured guests, there will be an hour in which to refresh yourselves, relax or whatever pleases you before dancing and entertainments recommence. Her Majesty earnestly hopes you have enjoyed the banquet."

Alexander's eyes flashed red as the Empress left. Her fear would be amusing.

No.

Wasn't seriously considering it.

He snapped back to attention, his eyes a cool blue as usual. "Yes, Cardinal Richelieu asked me, while here, to find out some more information on the Church in Lavenrunz."

Alexander's eyes flashed red once more. "Pardon me, Your Eminence, but you did say that you would speak to me. I must leave at the dawn, so my time is limited, and what I have to say is urgent."

"Your Majesty is most welcome." replies Claudia. She is a fair haired woman, athletic and slim, and is dressed as the White Queen. "How do you mean, if I may ask, interesting to observe? I hope that you are enjoying yourself..."

Esmerelda laughs nervously and scratches the back of her neck. "Oh, yes, I certainly am. The atmosphere and the wine are all splendid, the people seem very nice..." Here she seems to mutter to one another, of course... "...the entire palace is wonderful..."

Esmerelda hesitates, looking to the nearest window. She smiles a bit as she observes the snow falling outside.

"...and it's been... well... centuries, I'd say, since I last saw snow."

With a wistful sigh, Esmerelda turns back to the Chancellor. She begins speaking a bit quicker, more confidently.

"...but I'm being strange old me again. I enjoy observation, Madame Chancellor. It's been a long time since I've been out and about in the world, and I have a lot to catch up on: what people are discussing, what their fears are, their ambitions... the things that make the human race function."

She stops herself here and chuckles softly.

"My apologies for being obtuse. It's quite a long story, you see, but let's just say I've been... shut away for a long while. I feel like my eyes have been opened for the first time in centuries... like I've just been born once again. And your palace, your people... all such lovely sights with which to reenter the world."

Treznor ducks down one of the endless hallways with Nathicana on his arm, laughing softly as he looks around. "Oh dear, Raui is here. I haven't seen him in years. I suppose we really ought to go say 'hi' to him."

Nathi glances back in the direction he's looking, and nods, not deviating from her present course. "Later," she says in a sultry voice. "We've only got one hour, remember?"

"How could I forget?" His hand slips a little lower down her waist and squeezes gently, as she looks around to see if anyone else is near, or taking notice, her own hand slipping lower, down over his hip, returning the squeeze. "I'm sure we won't be missed ..."

"If we are, who cares? They can live without us for an hour." He leans over to nip her ear playfully.

Seeing no one close by, she turns quickly, wrapping her arms around him and kisses him hungrily, pressing Devon back towards a door. "I don't think," she says between kisses, "that I can wait much longer, however." Devon fumbles for the door handle as he frantically returns her kisses. "I don't blame you," he says eventually. "I can't, either." Finding the door handle, he turns it, hearing a sharp "crack" as it gives way. "Oops. I think I'll have to pay for that." He drags her inside and slams the door shut behind him.

Nathi looks half scandalized ... over the door. Still, she is soon far too busy to worry about it as she turns her attention to more pleasant matters. She wastes no time wrapping herself around him, kissing hungrily, her hands boldly wandering, cursing softly whenever his attire seems to impede her movements. He of course, simply tugs at his costume, thankful that it's a toga and lets it slip to the ground revealing...himself.

"Oh my ..." she murmurs against his lips, running her hands familiarly over his hips then thighs.

Treznor shivers slightly and strokes her breasts through the satin folds of her costume. "How the hell do you get that thing off without ripping it?" he whispers huskily.

Nathi grins, reluctantly releasing him to offer her back, giving him a coy look over her shoulder. "Zipper," she says simply, "Mind you don't break it, hmm?" He fumbles about in the low light until he finds the zip and slowly, deliberately opens it. "That's much better." He slips the dress off, his fingers wandering lightly over her skin as he brushes the material away.

Nathi shivers as the folds of silk slide slowly off her hips, letting it pool on the floor around her stockinged ankles. She leans in against him, her hands reaching back to slowly stroke along his thighs. "Mmmmhmmm," she murmurs, her breath coming faster with anticipation.


(some time later ... *ahem*)


Treznor squeezes her tight and whispers, "Thank you. Thank you."

Nathi chuckles softly. "Thank me? Gods, man, I lost count. Believe me, thank you."

He winks and holds her tight. "I don't care what the count was. I needed it. I need you."

Those sweet words in her ears, she kisses him again, slowly, gently, before breaking away again to look him steadily in the eyes. "You have me, Dev," she says quietly.

Treznor nods quickly. "I know. You've never given me reason to doubt. I don't want to give you reason, either."

That gives her pause, and she tilts her head questioningly. "I don't, boy ... is there something on your mind, or ..."

He smiles and kisses her gently. "No, no problems. I just don't want to...drift apart. I don't want you to think I don't appreciate you or fail to thank the gods for you any time I think of you. I want you to know it." He smiles a bit and plays with her hair.

Nathi kisses back, a bit deeper, hugging him tightly for a moment. "I'm not going anywhere, mia caro. And you know nobody treats me better. I probably don't tell you enough," she murmurs.

"I don't treat you well enough." He buries his face in her hair and inhales the scent of her, strawberries and roses and sex. Then he sighs deeply. "We've got five minutes left, Red. But I don't particularly want to go back out there."

Nathi strokes gentle fingers along his back with a contented yet wistful little sigh, deciding not to argue the point. "At least for a bit, Dev. Appearances, you know," she says quietly, though not making any moves to stop just yet.

"Oh, it's not them, I just don't feel like moving from this spot for a year or three." He gradually pulls away with obvious reluctance. "But we'd better get cleaned up and moving. I don't suppose I was actually luck enough to break into a washroom, was I? No, didn't think so." He bends down and picks up the dress before fumbling around for his own costume.

She steps back into it as gracefully as she can, easing it back up, and holding it in place. "Per favore?" she says, giving him a moment to get his own back on, then turning her back to him expectantly. He struggles with the folds of the robes for a moment, then gives up with an exasperated sigh and drops it, stepping back to her naked as before to work on her zipper.

"No worries, Dev, I'll help," she assures him, tugging on the bodice again to adjust the fit. "Besides, if we don't get you clothed here, I'm afraid I'll end up starting this all over," she says with an impish little grin.

Treznor lifts his hand to tease her breast briefly. "Why do you think I don't want to go back out there?" He grins, but continues to work on his costume until he's satisfied it's in place. "Now where'd that scepter go?" She assists as she can, her own sense of neatness causing her to fuss overmuch with some of the details. "I think it's back near the door ... off to the left, there?"

"There it is, thanks." He twirls the gilded ornament experimentally, then squares his shoulders and offers his arm. "Oh well. We'll just be a few minutes late. Shall we?"

Nathi bends to pick up her little handbag from where she'd dropped it earlier, and takes out a compact and a delicate little handkerchief, handing him the later while she fusses with her hair, biting her lip absently. "Patience, patience," she murmurs.

Treznor grins. "It's no use. Everyone is going to know what we're up to. You're glowing."

"Look, you," she says, shooting him a little mock glare, "I ... dammit." She rearranges the pearls in her small headdress as best she can, muttering without any real heat, then putting the compact back away. She gives him an arch little look, chin tilting up in that imperious manner she has. "Then let them."

"That's what I say." He offers his arm again. "You look gorgeous, Red."

"Grazie, mi amore." Nathi gracefully links her arm with his. "Well then, I suppose we'd best rejoin the group, hmm?" she says, grinning wickedly before adding, "Feeling 'refreshed', boy?"

"Better than I have in weeks." He leans over to kiss her cheek. "If I could bottle you, I'd own the world."

Nathi flashes him a brilliant smile as she opens the door. "Consider myself on tap for you," she says, as he steps out to check that the coast is clear before leading the way back to the Ball.

She grins, 'He eats pretty much everything, your highness...He's not too fussy...' she blushes at his question, and pauses for a moment to think of a response, 'Well, being psychic makes being a diplomat a little difficult...You always have to read someone's mind, you see...Or something's mind.' she smiles, 'That's why I keep this bird with me, it's kind of a diplomatic necessity...'

"I see. Well, that must be handy. To read minds, I mean." The Archduke seems a trifle nervous now, and is toying with a napking. "But...er...do you read them all the time?" he lifted a fair eyebrow at this question.

Archbishop Wittmar nods gravely. "Of course, Highness. Please..." he gestures for them to move to a little alcove for some privacy. Alexander notices a guard, at the old prelate's signal, moves to a position where he can prevent them being barged in on.

Claudia listens to Esmeralda with growing confusion, and keeps opening her mouth to speak but then realizes after a while that the rambling monarch seems to be just gathering her breath for the next bout. Finally, after waiting a bit, she ventures, "Er...you were shut up, Ma'am?"

Alexander enters. "I must say, we are worried about the situation here... I presume you've noticed that idiot Matthew Iesus?" He let the old man sit down, and remained sitting. A cold fire burned behind his eyes. "That man is a corruption of Christianity, and he's trying to drag Lavenrunz down with the Riech into hell." He spoke with a quiet confidence. "Excuse my vulgarity, Your Eminence."

"As well, Cardinal Richelieu wanted to know your stance on Rome... I'm not sure myself, and the Council of Cardinals in Roania is torn. But I consider this more important... as a Churchman, what are your feelings on what that bas... evi... that man," he said the word 'man' in a way that made it quite clear his true feelings on the Fuhrer, "has said? It is a matter of deep concern... from what I have seen of this nation, it is beautiful and peaceful. I find it hard to believe that anyone here would listen to the words of that beast."

Alexander sighed, his eyes cooling. "Forgive me, but you are the most important person here by Roanian standards, since the Empress is still young."

Nicole nods, looking a little nervous herself, 'It's not something I can really help...It's so lonely with just your own thoughts...' she strokes the bird, which chirps happily, 'He's better than nothing, I guess.'

Raui hurries into the hall dressed in a black tuxedo with blue vest and tie. Late again. I swear that someday, I'll be ontime to something.
I believe they call this fashionably late.
No that would have been arriving and hour or two ago.

"Well, here goes nothing."

He was greeted by a feminine voice. "Good evening, sir."

The speaker was young, certainly no older-looking than 16, and possessed the slight, slender build of a dancer. Combined with the costume she wore -- richly brocaded Renaissance doublet, tunic, and hose, with boots, cap, and even a peace-bound rapier -- this lent her a rather tomboyish appearance. Her raven-black hair appeared shoulder-length, though a closer examination would show that some amount of it had been pinned up and concealed beneath the cap to create the effect. She had dressed as Romeo. Her eyes were golden -- not merely hazel, but true gold -- and her teeth, when she flashed a warm, welcoming smile, slightly pointed.

Those were the smaller of the indications that she was not human. The larger were her foxlike ears and tail, their fur as black as her hair.

She bowed slightly, clicking her heels as she did so, as was the Lavenrunzian manner. "I'm... I mean, I am Raven von Sachshausen. May I ask your name?"

"Yes, forgive me." Baron Ehrfurt rises as the Empress gets up to leave. "But you had spoken of meeting Her Majesty. Would you like to do so now?" he offers to lead the way, smiling.
But he is also aghast. He has no illusions about the gentility of those who use kidnapping. And clearly it is a painful and frightening memory. A tightness comes to his chest, that amazes him, since really...well, he is being a good retainer. That's it.

Jessica smiles brightly at the Baron. "Of course, Baron."

Baron Ehrfurt bows to one of the ladies in waiting, who bows back. They converse quietly in Lavenrunzian, in a rather unhurried fashion as though they'd met casually. The lady in waiting smiles, bows, at which Ehrfurt bows back. Turning to the Empress, she gestures to the Baron.

"Excuse me, Your Majesty. Baron Ehrfurt." she says brightly.

"Hello, Baron." says the young Empress, looking up at him as he bows.

"Majesty, such an honour to have been invited!" he kisses her hand.

"Thank you for coming." she replies politely. "How is your father?"

"He is well--retired, as Your Majesty no doubt is aware..."

"Oh, yes." Aurora sniffs at her rose and blushes for some reason.

"Majesty, may I have the honour of presenting the sister of the President of Sentient Peoples, Fraulein Smith?"

"You may." Aurora holds out a hand, smiling, to Jessica.

Jessica, having retrieved her pitchfork upon standing, twirls it lightly across her body, planting the head against the ground. She extends her free hand to lightly grasp the Empress' extended one, from the underside, and bows low over it, forehead nearly touching, in the style of the Federation. "It is an honor, Your Majesty."

"Thank you for coming to my ball. I hope you are enjoying yourself." Aurora says.

"I am indeed," Jessica responds. "It has been most exquisite so far. Thank you for inviting me."

"You should get Baron Ehrfurt to show you the galleries. He's quite the artist himself." suggest the Empress with a smile.

Jessica bows her head slightly in acknowledgement of the suggestion. "Perhaps I shall. He had not told me that." She glares somewhat playfully at the Baron, affecting a hurt expression for a brief instant, before returning her gaze to the Empress. "Your costume is quite lovely, Majesty. Wherever did you get the idea?"

"From watching 'The Wizard of Oz'." Aurora replies. "It's one of my favourite movies. Have you seen it?"

Movie? Jessica consults the memory implants, quickly flashing through them for references. Ah. Of course, predecessor to HD films. The Wizard of Oz was not included in her files. But the only sign of these thoughts is a slight fuzzing of her eyes for the barest of instants, and a blink. "I am afraid I have not, Your Majesty."

"Oh, it's wonderful! I'll send you a copy." Aurora enthuses. One of the ladies in waiting bends slightly and whispers to her. "Well," Aurora says with just the hint of a sigh, "It was lovely to meet you, Fraulein Smith. Enjoy the ball!" she turns and leaves with her entourage.

Jessica quickly fumbles a response, "Of course, Your Majesty." Jessica turns to the Baron, her surprise at the abrupt end of the audience evident on her face, a questioning look in her eye.

"She likes you very much." Baron Ehrfurt says warmly. "That went well, don't you think?"

Jessica blinks. She didn't exactly think so, and kept her voice just on the positive side of neutral, knowing that Aurora must have many demands on her time, being Ruler and Host. "Yes, quite well." She offers her arm to the Baron. "Shall we see the galleries as the Empress suggested? I am most interested in your work."

"Certainly." Baron Ehrfurt leads her out of the dining hall; they pass others who are chatting along the way. "Fraulein: you seem perturbed. Is anything wrong?"

Jessica tosses her head slightly, moving some of the long brown strands of hair back behind her head where they belonged. "Nothing much. The Empress' departure seemed abrupt, that's all. I'm sure she is very busy, though." Jessica feels a smile return to her face at the Baron's concern, though.

"She cannot spend too much time with a particular guest and not with others--not till all have been presented at least once." replies the Baron. "It had nothing to do with you; and she did like you. Couldn't you tell?"

Jessica nods. "I could tell. It was all just so abrupt, as if she was on a timer." Her face brightens as they enter the gallery, and she lets out a soft breath of amazement.

The gallery has tall glass windows against which snow is blowing, but inside it is lit by warm lights. The first painting is huge, the size of a dining table, and is a battle scene, showing serried ranks of bright blue coated infantry marching through neat countryside, grave looking mounted officers and merry colourful cavalry prancing alongside them. Near that is a life sized portrait of Empress Joanna, holding her regalia and staring imperiously forward, her fair hair and electric blue eyes captured wonderfully.

Jessica stops dead for a moment, taking in the battle scene, it looked so acronistic in today's high tech world. But it was the Empress who drew her attention. The picture, so full of life, contrasting brutally with Jessica's only physical memory of Joanna. Jessica had to stop herself from biting her lower lip, a sure sign of nervousness. "She was very beautiful, Baron. Your nation was most lucky to such an excellent monarch as Empress Joanna."

Baron Ehrfurt bows politely in response. "Shall we move on? This one in a way epitomizes our nation..." It is a portrait of the late Archduke Valerian, who is in the dark battle uniform of the Imperial Hussars, standing tall in the turret of his Grendel tank like a modern day knight. Somehow, for all the grim modernity of the battle machine, it suggests, in the Heir's posture and expression another era.

Jessica smiles, and quickly consults her mental files. "The Archduke Valerian? He was struck down with the Empress, wasn't he?" She realizes as she says it, that this might be a mistake, bringing up painful memories.

"Yes. He was my commander in Ienotheisa, as I said." the Baron replies quietly.

Jessica leans the pitchfork in the crook of her arm for a moment, and reaches over to squeeze the Baron's hand. Quietly she suggests, "Shall we continue, Baron?" Her apology is written lightly in her eyes, as she looks at Ehrfurt.

"Yes. Something..." he pauses, and smiles. "Ah! Here we are." this is a realistic painting of a pair of hunting leopards--their sleekness, their muscular spotted bodies and their wild yellow eyes are vivid; Jessica might almost expect to see supple muscles rolling and tails twitching.

Jessica blinked slightly, thinking that one of the leopards had moved, muscles tensing automatically for just a second, and then relaxing as she realized it was a painting. Seeing the Baron's expression, her smile returned. "One of yours?"

"Yes." he says. "I painted them for Archduke Carl, who is very fond of hunting."

Jessica blinked, shocked. "He hunts such beautiful creatures?"

"No, he hunts with 'em." the Baron says, amused. "Why, many a Lavenrunzian aristocrat loves them more than their own children. They are a special breed, very intelligent."

"Oh," Jessica says in a somewhat smaller voice. "I'm not a fan of hunting, myself, though my brother used to enjoy it on occasion." She smiles somewhat. "What else have you done?"

"Well, moving along..." he leads her to a painting of Empress Aurora, obviously much younger, who is standing in a garden looking rather solemn, but inquisitive and very alert. Her fair hair hangs freely, and she is wearing a shift like dress.

Jessica looks at the girl the Empress had been. "Did you do this one as well?" She nearly reaches out to touch the girl's hair, the painting is done so well, but she stays her hand after the tiniest motion.

"Yes. This is in the Linderhof Garden--the tulips to Her left are distinctive, as are the hedges."

"It's quite beautiful, Baron. I almost expect to see her hair, or the flowers blowing the breeze." She looks directly into his eyes. "You are exceptionally gifted with your hands, it would appear."

"I am." he takes her hand gently and lifts it to his lips. "But not in an outstanding way. There are greater artists than I, certainly."

Jessica wonders briefly what the nano-leather tastes like to his lips, but it is thin enough she can feel his kiss even still. "But none I have had the pleasure of meeting, Baron." She smiles brightly. "What else have you done? I want to see more."

"Well, the rest isn't here, I'm afraid, Fraulein Smith. The rest is at the Imperial Museum, in an art gallery or two, and in my home." his eyes dancing over hers.

Jessica nods. "Perhaps one day I will have the pleasure of seeing more of them then." She looks down the remaining length of the gallery. "Shall we finish up before returning to the everyone else?"

"Yes...there's a good one of Emperor Heinrich III, late medieval." he shows a rather gloomy portrait of a man with cold blue eyes, a large hat and a big nose staring off into the distance while seated on a horse. A tabard decorated with blue leopards on gold hangs over his ornate armor.

Jessica, despite the warmth of the hall, and her nano-fabric outfit, shivers slightly as she gazes into those eyes. "What is he known for?"

"He is known for leading a crusade against Nestorian heretics." replies the Baron. "And burning an entire city with all its citizens in it. Ah, there's a famous painting--not here, Empress Joanna of Revered Memory detested it--that shows his victory over the rebels in Carlsbad. He had the notables, male and female of the town paraded naked in the snow around the captured city three times."

Jessica shivers a little more at that thought. "I wouldn't hang such a painting anywhere I had to look at it either, I don't think. He seems rather cold.” The Federation had a history of warfare, though it was rarely religious in nature.

"He was. He had his own son thrown in a dungeon for disobeying orders." the Baron remarks. "Ah! Care to see an ancestor of mine?"

Jessica smiles brightly again, slightly relieved to be moving on from those eyes. "Of course, Baron." Of course, in this culture, ancestors would be extremely important.


This next painting depicts a woman with laughing eyes and a sensual mouth, in the costume of the late seventeenth century, her bosom smoothly revealed by her lacey gown. An admiring groom holds a white horse for her. The painting is titled "Archduchess Maria."

Jessica examines the painting, had it not been for their costumes, she could have almost felt herself swept back to that time, a time of chivalry, and honor. Perhaps those concepts still lived here in Lavenrunz, dead though they might be in the rest of the world. "How is she related?"

"She...er...during the enlightened reign of Emperor Leopold VIII, abortion was illegal but it was possible to give an inheritance to an illegitimate child. So the Archduchess, who was rather...adventurous...started one or two new lines of gentry. Including my own."

Jessica giggled. She couldn't help it. He sounded rather embarassed by it, even. Finally surpressing her giggles, which made her sound like the school girl she was, she smiled at the Baron. "Well, I, for one, am rather glad she was adventurous."

The Baron is unable to stop from chuckling in response at her response. Then he smiles at her warmly. "You are too kind, Fraulein. I suppose it may seem a bit foolish to dwell on such things. I would almost wish to feign some glorious beginning, but I'm afraid it all started with a handsome groom and a wayward royal eye."

Jessica manages to surpress another round of the giggles from escaping. Pointing gently with her pitchfork, she indicates the groom in the picture. "Him?"


The Baron makes an embarassed gesture. "Him." he admits, nodding.

Jessica grins broadly, a wicked gleam in her eye. "I shan't tell anyone else, then. Are there anymore paintings?"

"More battles, more monarchs. Interested?"

Jessica thinks about it for a moment, then shakes her head. "Normally, perhaps. But I think I'd rather return to the dancing now. And there are some people my brother asked me to speak with, if I got a chance." She smiled. "But dancing comes first. I am here to have a good time, after all."

"Of course. I think it will start soon. If I may lead you back?" the Baron extends his arm to her, bowing.

"Of course, Baron." She links her arm with his, smiling. "Lead the way."

"Ah yes, the Silmessë incident," he looked at Tel again, "I do hope the crew of the dance of death were recovered without any un-neccessery problems," he said, before returning to Aliria "Well, Deceiver is Rath's term for me, I much prefer one of the others it is rather insulting after all, I believe I gave a brief list, the closest to an actual name would be Mephet'ran - 'The Messenger' in the language of the necrontyr."

"The meeting was, annoyingly a Manmen ploy, an excuse to attack you I imagine," he pasued for a moment, "I regret not being able to prevent that," he added, "in any case, Rath has dissapeared back to whatever hole he came from, somewhere I wish he would stay..."

"An enemy of Tor Yvresse? Perish the thought," he said, as if shocked, "Although relations haven't been particularly good over the years, as Telgorthind says, 'relations between our two peoples are strained...' I for one have no grievance against them, but I don't know quite what their feelings about me are," he glanced at Iyanna, and continued the 'escalation' under the table.

OOC: Anyone have a woman to dance w/Sukothai?

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

"It's a pleasure to hear your voice again", said Princess Aliria, smiling to her admired Telgonthrind and taking his hand over the table, after that, she listened carefully to the words of Kopinski, but something else caught her attention. The expression on Iyaana, the female farseer. Is she flirting with that Kopinski guy?, her face is a face full of desire, but...even with that, something is not quite clear. How can she, a Firstborn, and a farseer, have a carnal desire for a...necrontyr. Too kinky for my own taste, she thought, trying to raise a barrier around her mind so the powerful psychics around her couldn't read her thoughts.

She frowned, repulsed by the thought of having an affair with a necron, and moved, trying to put a distance between her and the pervert eldar lady. As she moved, two things happened. First she leaned over Telgonthrind, quickly blushing when she felt the contact against the farseer, it was just a slight touch, but enough to embarrass her. And then her delicate crystal sandal touched something beneath the table, and she realized that it was a pair of feet playing an ancient game of seduction. Her complexion turned green as she felt the contact, realizing that the feet belonged to Iyaana and Kopinski, and her stomach revolted and her guts twisted.

"Oh...oh, so...rry", said Aliria to Telgonthrind, opening her eyes wide while looking at Iyanna. Maybe she's a necrontyr disguised as a female eldar, maybe she's a sold soul to the power of the ancients necron gods. Oh, I'm feeling dizzy..., she said to herself, "Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom", said the Princess, standing from the table, her cheeks with a deep crimson color.

He was greeted by a feminine voice. "Good evening, sir."

The speaker was young, certainly no older-looking than 16, and possessed the slight, slender build of a dancer. Combined with the costume she wore -- richly brocaded Renaissance doublet, tunic, and hose, with boots, cap, and even a peace-bound rapier -- this lent her a rather tomboyish appearance. Her raven-black hair appeared shoulder-length, though a closer examination would show that some amount of it had been pinned up and concealed beneath the cap to create the effect. She had dressed as Romeo. Her eyes were golden -- not merely hazel, but true gold -- and her teeth, when she flashed a warm, welcoming smile, slightly pointed.

Those were the smaller of the indications that she was not human. The larger were her foxlike ears and tail, their fur as black as her hair.

She bowed slightly, clicking her heels as she did so, as was the Lavenrunzian manner. "I'm... I mean, I am Raven von Sachshausen. May I ask your name?"

Raui bows slightly. "Yes you may. I am President Raui of the nation of Caterpillars. I apologize for being late. I see the food is finished and it is time for dancing."

Scipio sighed quietly, walking back from the restroom... I'll never get used to these decadent foods. Stuff runs through me and cleans me out like a laxative. His stomach felt better now and he smiled at a few of the other guests as he passed, making his way back towards the main body of people. Standing at the entry to the hall stood Iolius, patient as ever with a grin on his own face. Iolius never had problems with rich food, and he never had a problem with his weight either.

"Feeling better, sir?"

"Much, now wipe that stupid shit-eating grin off of your face and try to look dignified!"

Iolius chuckled and assumed a less cocky appearance and moved with Scipio back in amongst the other guests at the ball. "So, have you found out anything usefull amongst these people?"

'Well, there are representatives from both the Eldar and Necron Empires present which is interesting. They aren't exactly at odds, but there is no love lost between the two races. The good thing seems to be that the Necrontyr are here in peace and the Eldar have deigned to "honor" us with their prescence.
"There are also so many other interesting people here I don't know where to begin. I'm afraid to just butt into a conversation but at the same time I'm desperately trying to figure out who is who, who might be useful in the future for trade, etc."

"Well, I suggest we approach that group over there," Iolius pointed discreetly. "Is it not time that we met our host?"

"Good point... I hope she likes the ocelots. very well, Iolius. Let's go."

'Well, there are representatives from both the Eldar and Necron Empires present which is interesting. They aren't exactly at odds, but there is no love lost between the two races. The good thing seems to be that the Necrontyr are here in peace.

OOC: I go to great IC lengths to keep my identity secret. Unless you have the table bugged, you won't know about it, considering I've never RPd with you before.

'Well, there are representatives from both the Eldar and Necron Empires present which is interesting. They aren't exactly at odds, but there is no love lost between the two races. The good thing seems to be that the Necrontyr are here in peace.

OOC: I go to great IC lengths to keep my identity secret. Unless you have the table bugged, you won't know about it, considering I've never RPd with you before.

OOC: My apologies then... just going off of my extensive 40K knowledge, not the actual discussion going on.

He managed to keep the elf woman's thoughts monitored until the word farseer, and again, was glad he was not a human. Had he been one, calling the eldar firstborn would have doubtless caused him to fall from his seat in the grip of extreme mirth. 'Just what have the eldar been telling them I wonder?' he thought, 'Firstborn indeed, Eldar, firstborn...'

He was well aware of its connotations with elves, but the Eldar were not anywhere near holding that title, even discounting the Old Ones, the Necrontyr, and of course the C'tan, the Eldar were not the first creations of the Old Ones, they were in fact some of the last.

He watched the elf woman leave with an amount of amusement, certainly in his mind doing such a thing with an eldar, it was her who ought to feel privileged.

OOC: Anyone have a woman to dance w/Sukothai?

You could ask Princess Widow, but you might need to convice her a little bit. She doen't really like all the "girly girl" stuff, but you might convice her if you try. But remember, she didn't come as a fighter for her health. :twisted:

Raui bows slightly. "Yes you may. I am President Raui of the nation of Caterpillars. I apologize for being late. I see the food is finished and it is time for dancing."

"It's a pleasure," Raven said. "If you would care for something to eat, I'm sure that could be arranged..."

Almost everyone had left before William even finished his meal, witch he silently did. He was going to eat everything the cook has made, as a gesture of politeness. Finishing off the meal he cleans his mouth with a napkin and neatly puts the silverware down onto the plate. As he rises he walks over to one of the servants and greets him. “Would you be so kind to give my compliments to the chef?” He said and waited for his reply before silently walking back towards the ballroom.
Near the ballroom he sees Count Chemnitz and slowly walks over to him. “Good day Count, how are things?” He says, waits for the reply and tells him he’s fine himself. “I know that Aurora is very busy with other guests, but I would like to speak to young Empress Aurora. I would very much like to apologize for my behavior at the funeral.” He says and looks to the ground as he mentions the funeral.

Aliria stopped before she reached the restroom. Behave like the woman you are and not like the kid you seem to be. Return to that table, and showthem some maturity, if they have the bad taste to indulge in such behaviors in a luxury party, then teach them some manners, she said to herself.

She returned to her seat next to Telgonthrind, her face now sober and serious. "Sorry about the inconvenients, the change on the food condiments made me sick for a while, I assume is just customs. It's a shame, such a nice food. I'll talk with the chef later", she said as she occupied her seat. Then she turned to Kopinski "Where were we?. Oh, we were talking about a meeting, to share information".

"Yes, a meeting, to share information," he said casually, I could talk to you after the meal, or you could just make an appointment at any time you like, practically anywhere, and I'm sure I can answer any question you have about the C'tan."

Croth sighed, closed the laptop and lowered the darkened screen between himself and the limousine driver.

“I think I will have a moment after all to accept the invitation to the Empress Aurora’s ball,” he murmured; scowled as he closed the dividing glass again. His reason for being in Lavenrunz had been settled far more quickly than anticipated. Having access to an elixir of immortality smoothed so many deals in the dark.

The vampire sighed. Lord Chrichael would be pleased to have access to their latest targets. The Aleturaldean economy was thriving and it needed to expand.

Croth shook his head, brushed the long shoulder-length grey hair behind his ears. He felt caged within the confines of the vehicle. The Crystal Ring beckoned; he could feel its frozen winds blowing an inch from his face. It was just the other side of the material world, calling to him.
But politicians had enough trouble dealing with a vampire run nation. Why frighten them further by stepping out of air or walking through walls?
The limousine came to a stop and Croth stepped out.

He barely glanced at the beautiful surroundings, the structural features of the building but hurried ahead.
When he reached the crowded ballroom he paused, studied the guests and sought out the young Empress.

Telgorthrind could not help smiling at the Princess Aliria's reactions, and at the way she acted at the table. He allowed his hands to be taken with a look of acceptance, and pointadly 'missed' the touch she gave, and her blush.

Her obvious reactions on discovering the game under the table was understandable, in many ways Telgorthrind felt that later she deserved an explanation...

"Sorry about the inconvenients, the change on the food condiments made me sick for a while, I assume is just customs. It's a shame, such a nice food. I'll talk with the chef later",


Nodding his understanding Telgorthrind smiled 'The food is unusual, but quite enjoyable, I am sorry that you feel so unwell however.'

Sitting back a moment he listended to the conversation a little and watched his young former apprentice as she continued to try and retake a little control in the current game. 'Yes I too would like to hear a little more of your customs, I must admit we know so very little about the Yn... Necrontyr'

Count Hohenloe looks at it quietly for a moment. He takes a deep breath. "She...Sir, she will enjoy it, for the same reason I am sure that...that I admire it. It is such a thing as the late Empress Joanna of Memory Revered would have enjoyed. It is my honour, sir, to have been your servant." he clicks his heels and bows deeply.


Alexander nods, a pleased smile gracing his lupine muzzel, "Thank you," he replys, stowing the gift in the belt pouch from wence it came.

<OOC: skipping ahead...>

Having arrived an disembarked from their transport, the God-Emperor turned to Count Hohenloe, "It's been a pleasure, Count, if only a breif one; I'd be gratful if you could see if it would be possible for me to meet with the young Empress later this evening."

After waiting for Hohenloe's reply and exchanding farewells, he made his way into the palace, just as the second dance was commencing...

Claudia listens to Esmeralda with growing confusion, and keeps opening her mouth to speak but then realizes after a while that the rambling monarch seems to be just gathering her breath for the next bout. Finally, after waiting a bit, she ventures, "Er...you were shut up, Ma'am?"

Esmerelda nods slowly, taking another sip of her wine. "Indeed... for quite a long while." She moves her eyes back and forth across the room before focusing them back on Claudia. "It's... quite a long story, and one I've been telling so much lately that I myself am getting quite tired of it. So... I'll spare you the details. But allow me to say that every moment of it was self-induced, and I've certainly learned my lesson."

She snickers a bit. "But enough of my vaguities. Please, a little about yourself, Madame Chancellor?"

Archbishop Wittmar sighs and in the manner of some elderly folk takes his time in composing his answer. "I have been a priest for a long time, Prince. And a prelate during the reign of three monarchs of Lavenrunz. Many things have changed, and it may seem as though Lavenrunz has lost moral imperatives. For instance: under very limited circumstances, abortion and euthanasia are permitted. I do not agree with these policies, and have opposed them firmly. But I do not believe it is the role of the Church or of a Christian nation to demand that morality should be enforced with the strength of the law. Indeed, Saint Paul tells us that the strength of sin is in the law. I am glad I belong to the Catholic Church which has the power of tradition and thought of many wise people down the ages, but I am also an adherent of the two main commandments of Christ: that we must love our fellow creatures and love God. All else, for me, fades to insignificance beside that. If you had my responsibility..." he sighs. "Empress Joanna was caught between two desires: to be a good Christian and a good ruler. Her wish to foster responsibility in the people's role in government, the Volksraad, led her not to wish to veto decisions they made unless they clearly threatened the nation. And now, her heiress is still barely more than a child. I must morally guide her, and I assure you that I will.
It was Iesus Christi which led an anti-vampire crusade that resulted in more deaths of civilian human beings than of vampires. It was Lavenrunz that led another that resulted primarily in the destruction of the pro-vampiric government. What does that tell you, Prince?"

With a gentle smile, Archduke Amadeus says, "I am sure that a woman as talented and lovely as you--and of such ability to achieve a position of sensitivity and importance could have any companionship she desired."

Count Chemnitz turned and bowed to William Xylon. "Excellency, it is a pleasure to see you. Please follow me." he walked up to the Empress and bowed. "Majesty, William Xylon of Diablo_NL."
Aurora extended her hand. "Hello, sir, how do you do? I was hoping you might stay with us a bit after the ball..."

(OOC: just so you know, Mendacious Weasel, a few things.
1. Lavenrunz is an anti-vampire nation.
2. If you arrived normally, you would be processed through security and an under-chamberlain would meet you in the entryway of the palace.
3. There is lots of security, including the Imperial Jaeger Regiment which is specifically trained to deal with supernatural stuff, and Menelmacari Mornahosse.
4. Please take advantage of the opportunity presented by the character below to introduce something of who your character and nation are.
)
Croth was bowed to by an under-chamberlain, a young man dressed in white and gold, who politely asked to see his invitation and how he would like to be presented to Her Majesty.

Gathering her thoughts, Claudia der Waal said, "Well, things have been a bit difficult, to be honest. Re-organizing, and dealing with the Regency is very different from dealing with Empress Joanna, I can assure you."

With a brief fanfare, the dancing began again, with the 'Danse Macabre' leading this time.

Archduke Carl smiled and went up to Princess Alira, politely giving a little bow to the others with her. "Forgive me, but I must claim this one dance at least." he turned to her and bowed elegantly, extending his hand. "Lady Princess, will you honour me?"

William gently took Aurora’s hand and leaned down to kiss it once more. He sat down on his knees so the little girl would not have to look up so much at him and he smiled. “Hello milady, I am fine, thank you. I hope you fare well to. And thank you for your offer, I will gladly take up with it and stay a bit longer.” He said and let her reply. “There is something I wanted to tell you Aurora. I would like to apologize for my behavior at your mother’s funeral, God bless her soul. I was not myself at the time.” He said and looked at the palm of his left hand, seeing the scar go over it.

Princess Aliria looked at Kopinski with an amused face. "After the meal would be fine, although maybe you should visit us at our beautiful Craftworld to be treated as an honoured guest. The ShadowPrince would be delighted to meet you and to discover that all the nasty things about Necrons that he has heard were just rumors and lies", she said, the mischievous tone of voice returning.

After Iyaana spoke, she just stared at Kopinski, expecting him to start to talk, then a strange music filled the air...

With a brief fanfare, the dancing began again, with the 'Danse Macabre' leading this time.

Archduke Carl smiled and went up to Princess Aliria, politely giving a little bow to the others with her. "Forgive me, but I must claim this one dance at least." he turned to her and bowed elegantly, extending his hand. "Lady Princess, will you honour me?"

"Of course I will", she said smiling at the well mannered Lavenrunz's noble. "How could I refuse such a educated request?. Let's dance, that's why I'm here after all", she stood from the table, then she turned to the people on the table. "Master Telgonthrind, Miss Iyaana...Kopinski, It was a pleasure to sharing such a nice conversation with you". She took the hand of the ArchDuke and almost dragging him she walked to the dance floor.

Raui bows slightly. "Yes you may. I am President Raui of the nation of Caterpillars. I apologize for being late. I see the food is finished and it is time for dancing."

"It's a pleasure," Raven said. "If you would care for something to eat, I'm sure that could be arranged..."

Raui bows slightly, "No thank you, Raven. Anticipating my late arrival, I ate on the flight in. However, I am most interested in mingling with my fellow diplomats and leaders. And a dance or two is a most pleasant prospect."
Your formality improves with each of these gatherings.

Is that a compliment? Are you capable of those?

The Castle is capable of many things! Your sarcasm is noted but not appreciated. I did congratulate you on your handling of the rebellion.

That is true. I apologize. Now to the matter at hand.

"I would of course be delighted to pay you a visit," he said as the Princess led the other gentleman away, rather eagerly, then he turned his attentions to Tel again, "Customs? I'm afraid there is little to tell about that," he said, "They're a rather uncultured lot I'm afraid," he added, more than an edge of amusement in his voice, unentwining his leg from Iyanna's. "So, Ms Arienal, may I have the honour of this dance?" he asked, his palms on the table in front of him, as if he were about to stand.

Archduke Carl was a good dancer, but he had been raised to be and so he took it for granted. What he was surprised by was how his heart raced as he looked into the eyes of the elvish princess.
And suddenly he was deeply sorry. Sorry that he had sneered at his sister's fondness for these people. Sorry that he had been close minded.
It was dizzying, but he still somehow was gliding with her across the ballroom floor, his every step and motion sure as though it had been choreographed.

Unaware of the music, Empress Aurora brushed a tear away and whispered, "Dear dear William, there is nothing to forgive. I know you loved my mother." she reached out so that both her hands held his. "I thank you for it. You were her friend."

William was surprised that Aurora knew, but she was very kind and understanding to him, much like her mother was, and he tried to suppress the tear that was quickly rolling down his cheek, a small smile appeared on his lips. “Thank you for understanding.” He said and dried off his cheek. “I know you’re quite busy, but would you have this dance with me? Might be a bit awkward me being so much taller then you.” He jokingly added.

Aliria danced, pleased with the skill of her partner. She closed her eyes to enjoy the music even more, finally smiling at last. Then she took off her delicate blue sandals to dance with her bare feet touching the ground, as she loved to dance. As Lúthien used to dance for Beren, in the enchanted woods of Doriath, she thought.

"I know it may look like a breach of etiquette, but nothing is more pleasant than to dance with your skin touching the floor as the music runs through your veins", she explained to the ArchDuke, blushing a little. Her exquisite silouette, dressed as Yavanna the ancient Vala, moved through the dance floor as floating in the air.

As she spinned with grace, she approached a little to her dance partner, leaning her head on his shoulder. "You look troubled and satisfied at the same time, something is on your mind, something like...a difficult change of heart. Do you want to share it with me?, or am I being too indiscrete?", she whispered, still smiling. He's sweet and hard at the same time. Humans are a box full of surprises, you don't know what are you going to get when you approach one. I'm growing quite fond of them, she thought, expecting the answer from Carl.

Archbishop Wittmar sighs and in the manner of some elderly folk takes his time in composing his answer. "I have been a priest for a long time, Prince. And a prelate during the reign of three monarchs of Lavenrunz. Many things have changed, and it may seem as though Lavenrunz has lost moral imperatives. For instance: under very limited circumstances, abortion and euthanasia are permitted. I do not agree with these policies, and have opposed them firmly. But I do not believe it is the role of the Church or of a Christian nation to demand that morality should be enforced with the strength of the law. Indeed, Saint Paul tells us that the strength of sin is in the law. I am glad I belong to the Catholic Church which has the power of tradition and thought of many wise people down the ages, but I am also an adherent of the two main commandments of Christ: that we must love our fellow creatures and love God. All else, for me, fades to insignificance beside that. If you had my responsibility..." he sighs. "Empress Joanna was caught between two desires: to be a good Christian and a good ruler. Her wish to foster responsibility in the people's role in government, the Volksraad, led her not to wish to veto decisions they made unless they clearly threatened the nation. And now, her heiress is still barely more than a child. I must morally guide her, and I assure you that I will.
It was Iesus Christi which led an anti-vampire crusade that resulted in more deaths of civilian human beings than of vampires. It was Lavenrunz that led another that resulted primarily in the destruction of the pro-vampiric government. What does that tell you, Prince?"

"It tells me that the Empress is in a situation similar to my own. But she must not make the mistake of assuming that that... person, Matthew Iesus, is a good Catholic. Even as I speak, wheels are turning, wheels that I swear will see him, and all who follow him, excommunicated." Alexander crossed his hands over his chest. "It pains me to have this done, but I will not allow him to harm the true faith." The fact that there are no such thing as innocents, when they protect the vampires, is besides the point.

He radiated calm, seeming the very Prince of the Church he had once wished to be. "Lavenrunz has not lost its faith, it has strengthened it. The Reich, by holding steadfast to ideals from before Vatican II, has lost it." Alexander paused. "Tell me, Your Eminence, does Lavenrunz have any voting members in the College of Cardinals?"

Croth was bowed to by an under-chamberlain, a young man dressed in white and gold, who politely asked to see his invitation and how he would like to be presented to Her Majesty.

“You may tell your Empress that on behalf of Lord Chrichael’s government of Aleturald, the First Earl of Leorgine wishes her all the best,” Croth murmured, pulling the invitation from the pockets of his dark emerald suit. “Please ensure that her highness is made aware of the fact that I am a vampire. You may in addition announce me as the vampire Croth if you wish.”

He smiled, revealed his fangs for a brief moment.
Handing the under-chamberlain the invitation, Croth included a card of his own. In neat red letters on black it pronounced him, Minister for Foreign Affairs. How ingrained are their anti-vampire policies?
He watched the under-chamberlain for any indication that he despised the creature before him; but the man was unreadable.

“I am aware of your nations discriminatory attitude towards my kind,” Croth smiled, a thin curve of the lips. “It suits Lord Chrichael to have dealings with openly anti-vampire governments, at least we both know that we’re prejudiced. It’s like a permission slip to thoroughly disagree with each other. Lord Chrichael loves to disagree.”

He shook his head, smiled at his foolishness. The under-chamberlain would hardly be interested in matters relating to the vampire Lord of Aleturald. He touched the man’s arm gently as he turned. Added in a low voice, “Please do not call my nation the Dominion of Mendacious Weasel, that tawdry title ill becomes the grand nation of Aleturald.”

Raui bows slightly, "No thank you, Raven. Anticipating my late arrival, I ate on the flight in. However, I am most interested in mingling with my fellow diplomats and leaders. And a dance or two is a most pleasant prospect."

"I see." The foxgirl nodded, allowing the matter to drop. "And was there anyone in particular to whom you wished to be introduced?" Did I say that right?

...

...

Almost choking at the prospect of a Yngir on a Craftworld no matter the connection Telgorthrind smiled through it all, after the Princess had left the table he looked at Kopinski.
'Indeed I had heard that about your Citizens a shame I'd have liked to have seen them before.'

Iyaana meanwhile was suffering internally, the prospect of dancing with this creature was abhorrent to her but not a trace of her true feelings showed. 'I'd be honoured to dance Princeps.' The way she pronouced Honoured even carried a small degree of heat, a small hint of meaning something else, all in all it was an amazing act.

Telgorthrind watched the dance, he had known Iyaana for many years, had taught her, he knew her as aperson, could read her deeper than any gathered here, and he knew she was nearing her limit. he was proud of her, she'd handled the game of the Yngir with patience, and had even managed to ad a few surprises to the game, but she would not last much longer. So he watched and prepared to intercede.

With a brief fanfare, the dancing began again, with the 'Danse Macabre' leading this time.

Jessica and the Baron arrived back in the ballroom just as the song began, and with a slight grin, she pulled him with surprising strength onto the dance floor.

With a smile, she linked her hands with his, and began to lead the Baron around the floor, dancing vigorously, with nearly reckless abandon for those others on the dance floor, but never ever colliding.

Her martial arts training served her well, allowing her to feel other people around her, without really seeing.

With a gentle smile, Archduke Amadeus says, "I am sure that a woman as talented and lovely as you--and of such ability to achieve a position of sensitivity and importance could have any companionship she desired."

Nicole blushes, 'Thank you...You're too kind, though, really...' she smiles, 'And, well, I've mostly been settling in to the embassy, haven't really had much time to meet people except in official capacities.'

She smiles shyly as the music starts, 'I would be honoured if you would dance with me, your highness...'

William was surprised that Aurora knew, but she was very kind and understanding to him, much like her mother was, and he tried to suppress the tear that was quickly rolling down his cheek, a small smile appeared on his lips. “Thank you for understanding.” He said and dried off his cheek. “I know you’re quite busy, but would you have this dance with me? Might be a bit awkward me being so much taller then you.” He jokingly added.

"That's okay." Aurora said.
She was touched...poor guy, it was like he came apart or something after the death of her mother. But then he always was an odd person. "Certainly I'll dance with you."

As they whirled over the dance floor, Archduke Carl took a deep breath. "You are startling candid at times, Princess. I am finding that you are not the awful creature I would have liked you to be. No, you are charming, kind and perceptive, worthy of respect and admiration. And your charm has been much bestowed upon me..." involuntarily his hand caresses her hair.

With a thoughtful look Archbishop Wittmar says, "Why, Prince, are you so concerned about Iesus Christi? They are spiteful but hardly a danger to the Empire of Lavenrunz."

Nek'cal'ar'zrr was late, unfashionibly so, but that troubled him little. He had not come for the dance, nor the food or company. He came only to present his gift to the young Empress, and then to depart. As he entered into the hall, the chatter seemed to dim somewhat, and more then a few eyes turned to him. He wore his customary armour, intricate and ornate fully interlocking plated armour, extending from neck to toe. No weapon could be seen hanging from his belt, but somehow he gave the appearence that it wasn't needed. No helm adorned his head, only a small circulet of dark silver, which matched his armour. Indeed, burnished steel it appeared to be, with amazingly detailed inlays and patterns set in the both the segmented breastplate, greaves, and vambraces. His face seemed dark, but not unwholesome; he was neither fair or face, nor uncouth. He appeared like any man might, but something in his face siggested that maybe he was more then he appeared. The grayish tint to his skin and the rather reddish colour to his eyes belied a power in him that could not be seen by many. Wait untill she had returned to her seat, he approached Aurora, and he bowed low, knelt, and produced a jewelry box from his black cloak.

"Greeting Highness, I am Daeron, the Emissary of the Drakwald. It is likely that you have not heard of us before, but that is to be expected, for we are not a well-known people. I bring to you a gift, a Christmas present of sorts, from out people, he opened the box, in which sat a pendant of gold and silver, arrayed in a star, in the center of which was set a black jewel. The jewel was unlike anything any present could have claimed to have seen. It was translucent, and inside it appeared as if a burning thing was trapt, and trashed about as if in tormet. This was indeed not far from the truth.

"I present to you a Narrisilim Star, a jewel of great rarity and worth. WIthin it is bound a Narrle fire spirit, which is what gives it its innner light. The craft of making the jewels is known to but a few, and indeed only eight such jewels are now known to exist in the world. Our gift to you, in the spirit of season, as you might say," smiling, he rose, closed the box, and handed it to the nearest attendant to give to Aurora. Keeping the smile on his face, he bowed again, and turned to leave.

(OOC Note: She may be dancing or talking to others, I can't be sure. Just assume he does this when Aurora has a minute. Cheers.)

As they danced William smiled once more looking down on the small girl, who would soon carry the weight of her nation, she looked helpless from his point of view, but he was certain she would grow strong like her mother.
They continued to dance gracefully and William learned fast and made hardly a mistake. When the dance was over he got back down on his knees and kissed Aurora’s hand. “That was lovely milady. Now I shall let you get to the other guests, we have still much time after the ball together.” He said and got up, and proudly walks over Carl and Wittmar and turned around to look at her with a smile. “She reminds me of her mother.” He said to himself, but so the two man could hear him, and then he turned to Carl. “Aurora has offered me to stay a bit longer after the ball, and I have taken up on it. I hope this isn’t a inconvenience to any plans.”

As they whirled over the dance floor, Archduke Carl took a deep breath. "You are startling candid at times, Princess. I am finding that you are not the awful creature I would have liked you to be. No, you are charming, kind and perceptive, worthy of respect and admiration. And your charm has been much bestowed upon me..." involuntarily his hand caresses her hair.

She let him place his hand over her hair, closing her eyes and purring like a little kitty as she felt the contact. "Sometimes I'm candid, sometimes not, although all I want if the greater good for all living beings. And thank you for your compliments, all can I say is that you're as charming as me, and very educated and well mannered, you're a complete gentleman. But, Why would you wanted me to be an awful creature?", as she said those words, she placed her left hand over his cheek. And then the Archduke could felt a contact different from the soft and sweet skin of the Princess. Although her hand was covered by a silk glove, her hand felt cold and hard, not like a living hand. She spinned abruptly, noting her mistake, and placed her hand over his shoulder again.

Count Hohenloe looks at it quietly for a moment. He takes a deep breath. "She...Sir, she will enjoy it, for the same reason I am sure that...that I admire it. It is such a thing as the late Empress Joanna of Memory Revered would have enjoyed. It is my honour, sir, to have been your servant." he clicks his heels and bows deeply.


Alexander nods, a pleased smile gracing his lupine muzzel, "Thank you," he replys, stowing the gift in the belt pouch from wence it came.

<OOC: skipping ahead...>

Having arrived an disembarked from their transport, the God-Emperor turned to Count Hohenloe, "It's been a pleasure, Count, if only a breif one; I'd be gratful if you could see if it would be possible for me to meet with the young Empress later this evening."

After waiting for Hohenloe's reply and exchanding farewells, he made his way into the palace, just as the second dance was commencing...

OOC: I'll not name names, but seeing as someone*winkwinknudgenudge* has a tendency to fail to notice my posts, I'll continue, lest I wait another day or more for response...

IC:
God-Emperor Alexander Wolfius proceeded onward into the palace, following the music, befor a short man clothed in a manner ilk of the other staff queried him for his invitation. Promptly turning it over, the man's eyes glanced over it befor he drew a great breath, only to be forestalled by the Emperor's gloved hand befor his face, the mithiril-caped claw upon the wolf's single raised diget giving him pause(or maybe it was the canine's smile, showing, prehaps, just a few more teeth than would normally be... diplomaticly acceptible), allowing Alex space to remark, in an almost-disapointed sounding tone, "No; to proclaim my enterence in such a manner now would be even less tactful than the late hour of my arrival, no matter how unavoidible the latter may have been."

The man, a hint of nervousness creaping into his features, simply returned the card and went on his way, a slight quickening in his step now, over those of his arrival.

And now, passing into the hall in which leaders and envoys were gathered, the bipedal lupine suddenly felt as tho a gauntlet lay befor him; such ocasions, tho usually pleasent, were never his forte, and he was over two centuries out of practice...

OOC: Now that I've finally arrived, I should probally note that his costume incorperates an ASPEW skinfield, effectivly rendering him beyond psionics, magick, and the ilk. Being skin-hugging, however, it shouldn't be noticible unless you try and scan him, or get intiment, what with his fur and custume largly preventing skin contact.

Jessica whirled about with the Baron as the first song came to an end, and she smiled, looking into his eyes. Though her eyes were on him, they were blank, as she was deep in thought, well trained to pick up on the slightest things.

About half way through the dance, she'd allowed herself to concentrate slightly less on watching the Baron, and moreso on the crowd.

The Dread Lady had come in then, with the Emporer of Treznor. They were allies. They probably had had something to discuss over the interval.

And the Farseer, dancing with... Jessica quickly consulted her mental files... and discovered whoever that was wasn't in them. Whoever it was liked to play games, apparently, though the Farseer occasionally had seem like she was about to lose it.

That was odd. Other partnerings were just as odd, though. The Aelosian Princess and the Archduke. William and Aurora. Her eyes flickered about the room.

Who is that? It's Marge Simpson. Oh my god..... A grin caressed her face and she giggled slightly. Esmerelda.

And then, there was nothing but the dance, as the Baron led off this time, and Jessica allowed herself to be swept back in.

Raui caught sight of Nathicana and Devon entering the room from the far end and he smiled. They both glowed a bit. The look of love was unmistakable and he crossed the room quickly.

"My dear Dread Lady and Emperor Treznor. It has been too long."

"Raui! How good to see you," Nathicana replied, offering him a friendly yet delicate hug, still mindful of her dress. "We'd been meaning to come see how you were doing." Drawing back with a smile, a mischievous sparkle in her eye, she looped her arm back around Devon's. "Still enjoying the fish?" she asks.

Treznor held back long enough for her to make her greeting, then shook Raui's hand with a firm grip, greeting him with one of his characteristic crooked grins. "We would have grabbed you earlier, but we had a few things to discuss," he said, giving Nathicana a wink.

She inexplicably blushes slightly, one hand going reflexively to idly fuss with her hair, brushing back several strands of the pearls from her face. "Aye, that we did. More to the point, we may have a project coming up that you could help us with. How are you and your folks with construction?"

I suppose so, then, Raven thought, after Raui had walked away. ...What a strange young man.

Still, he seemed cheerful enough, and she'd been neglecting the guests inside for too long already. She walked back toward the center of the hall, stifling any appearance of reluctance. The foxgirl found herself near Sukothai and... a wolf-man whose name she didn't recall. He must not have been announced.

Alex, after several moments survering those within the room, came to notice the Renaissance-costumed girl of vulpine influence within proximity. With an inward shrug, he aproached her.

"Salutations, madam," he greets her, offering a moderate bow, befor introducing himself, "Alexander Wolfius, God-Emperor of the Dominion of Kanuckistan." Standing, he awaits her reply, golden amber eyes watching her own.

Raui just grins broadly at the two of them.
"It's ok that you had other business to attend to. And the first dozen shipments of them really helped to sway the masses in my recent rebellion. Quite an unfortunate experience. I almost had to kill my prime secretary." His mouth gets a bit dry at remembering staring down Francis, both of them guns drawn. He grabs a drink off a passing waiter and takes a healthy gulp.
Easy there. This is not the place to get drunk.

I know. Just remembering the tense moment with Francis.

I know you were.

Ah yes. Well, I still felt the need to tell you.

Understood.

"We do wonders with construction. Livable cloud feels a lot like solid ground but the weather up there is something else. It takes a good deal of design and solid construction to stay standing. How can we help you?"
Raui's eyes wander over the crowd catching on the young lady who met him at the door. Elvish? She looked so young yet handled herself well beyond the years her looks portrayed. I've had so few dealings with Elves. Perhaps I dismissed her too quickly. I cannot alienate anyone. You find allies in the most unlikely places.

As his gaze once again returned to Nathicana and Devon standing slightly dishevelled but obviously lifted by the pressence of the other, the Castle whispered, That you do. That you do.

Treznor squeezes Nathicana's hand gently.

<LOS Communications - Nathicana>
{
<< Wow, he looks bad. Granted I haven't seen him in a while, but that rebellion must have really shaken him. His body language suggests he's fighting with himself over something. It's very strange; I've never seen anything like it.
}

"You're looking good, Raui. As for the job, we're looking to establish a little more visibility for our alliance. We're thinking about either converting an existing island or building a new one somewhere out in international waters. Given your experience and expertise with aquatic construction, you seemed a natural choice for contractors. As well, your power generation systems would be a huge benefit. We could extend you a lucrative contract to build and maintain a power production facility for the base."

Smiling, she bows low in return, once again clicking her heels. "Good evening, Your Majesty. I am Raven von Sachshausen, of Lavenrunz. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." After she had straightened, she had met his gaze easily enough, with neither intimidation nor defiance, though curiosity was evident. There was something almost childlike about it. "Do you care to dance?"

<Has our glorious host posted at all in the past two days? I leave soon!>

OOC: Just fyi: I haven't been able to log on for two days, which is why I haven't replied to anything.
IC:

As they danced William smiled once more looking down on the small girl, who would soon carry the weight of her nation, she looked helpless from his point of view, but he was certain she would grow strong like her mother.
They continued to dance gracefully and William learned fast and made hardly a mistake. When the dance was over he got back down on his knees and kissed Aurora’s hand. “That was lovely milady. Now I shall let you get to the other guests, we have still much time after the ball together.” He said and got up, and proudly walks over Carl and Wittmar and turned around to look at her with a smile. “She reminds me of her mother.” He said to himself, but so the two man could hear him, and then he turned to Carl. “Aurora has offered me to stay a bit longer after the ball, and I have taken up on it. I hope this isn’t a inconvenience to any plans.

The dance came to an end, those who had enjoyed it applauding. Aurora smiled and nodded her thanks to William a trifle shyly. Count Chemnitz approached her and her ladies who were converging around her and murmured,
"Emissary Daeron, Your Majesty."



Nek'cal'ar'zrr was late, unfashionibly so, but that troubled him little. He had not come for the dance, nor the food or company. He came only to present his gift to the young Empress, and then to depart. As he entered into the hall, the chatter seemed to dim somewhat, and more then a few eyes turned to him. He wore his customary armour, intricate and ornate fully interlocking plated armour, extending from neck to toe. No weapon could be seen hanging from his belt, but somehow he gave the appearence that it wasn't needed. No helm adorned his head, only a small circulet of dark silver, which matched his armour. Indeed, burnished steel it appeared to be, with amazingly detailed inlays and patterns set in the both the segmented breastplate, greaves, and vambraces. His face seemed dark, but not unwholesome; he was neither fair or face, nor uncouth. He appeared like any man might, but something in his face siggested that maybe he was more then he appeared. The grayish tint to his skin and the rather reddish colour to his eyes belied a power in him that could not be seen by many. Wait untill she had returned to her seat, he approached Aurora, and he bowed low, knelt, and produced a jewelry box from his black cloak.

"Greeting Highness, I am Daeron, the Emissary of the Drakwald. It is likely that you have not heard of us before, but that is to be expected, for we are not a well-known people. I bring to you a gift, a Christmas present of sorts, from out people, he opened the box, in which sat a pendant of gold and silver, arrayed in a star, in the center of which was set a black jewel. The jewel was unlike anything any present could have claimed to have seen. It was translucent, and inside it appeared as if a burning thing was trapt, and trashed about as if in tormet. This was indeed not far from the truth.

"I present to you a Narrisilim Star, a jewel of great rarity and worth. WIthin it is bound a Narrle fire spirit, which is what gives it its innner light. The craft of making the jewels is known to but a few, and indeed only eight such jewels are now known to exist in the world. Our gift to you, in the spirit of season, as you might say," smiling, he rose, closed the box, and handed it to the nearest attendant to give to Aurora. Keeping the smile on his face, he bowed again, and turned to leave.



Count von Chemnitz bowed and accepted it, bowing again as he presented it to the Empress, who inclined her head, smiling. She appeared to be fascinated. Her ladies in waiting began to converse with interest about the gift.
As Daeron went to leave, a slender, tall woman dressed in the costume of a wood sprite approached, bowing and said, "Your Excellency, I am Aurora von Konigsmark, Her Majesty's Foreign Minister. If you like, we can arrange a meeting in the near future."

She let him place his hand over her hair, closing her eyes and purring like a little kitty as she felt the contact. "Sometimes I'm candid, sometimes not, although all I want if the greater good for all living beings. And thank you for your compliments, all can I say is that you're as charming as me, and very educated and well mannered, you're a complete gentleman. But, Why would you wanted me to be an awful creature?", as she said those words, she placed her left hand over his cheek. And then the Archduke could felt a contact different from the soft and sweet skin of the Princess. Although her hand was covered by a silk glove, her hand felt cold and hard, not like a living hand. She spinned abruptly, noting her mistake, and placed her hand over his shoulder again.

Archduke Carl's eyes softened, and he deliberately took the hand. "What happened to your hand, Princess?" he asks gently.


God-Emperor Alexander Wolfius proceeded onward into the palace, following the music, befor a short man clothed in a manner ilk of the other staff queried him for his invitation. Promptly turning it over, the man's eyes glanced over it befor he drew a great breath, only to be forestalled by the Emperor's gloved hand befor his face, the mithiril-caped claw upon the wolf's single raised diget giving him pause(or maybe it was the canine's smile, showing, prehaps, just a few more teeth than would normally be... diplomaticly acceptible), allowing Alex space to remark, in an almost-disapointed sounding tone, "No; to proclaim my enterence in such a manner now would be even less tactful than the late hour of my arrival, no matter how unavoidible the latter may have been."

The man, a hint of nervousness creaping into his features, simply returned the card and went on his way, a slight quickening in his step now, over those of his arrival.

And now, passing into the hall in which leaders and envoys were gathered, the bipedal lupine suddenly felt as tho a gauntlet lay befor him; such ocasions, tho usually pleasent, were never his forte, and he was over two centuries out of practice...

He sees a man in a white and gold uniform, keys embroidered on the sleeves, bowing to the young Empress and whispering something to her. She looks at Wolfius and nods politely. A lady in waiting dressed as a Valkyrie approaches, weaving her way
through the dancers, and bows to the God-Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, Her Majesty Empress Aurora would be honoured by speaking with you."

"My...my hand?. Nothing, my hand is perfect...I don't know...", she muttered, trying to hide her eyes from the stare of the ArchDuke. Then she took a deep breath, realizing that Carl deserved an explanation, and said. "Some time ago I fell prisoner of the Xanthalian Empire. Well, not prisoner, but hostage. They sent me back home in a little escape pod, in a cryogenic sleep. When I woke up I had missed my arm. I...don't want to talk about it, please, it's not pleasant to me be a crippled", she said, stopping her dance and looking away from the dance floor.

Smiling, she bows low in return, once again clicking her heels. "Good evening, Your Majesty. I am Raven von Sachshausen, of Lavenrunz. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." After she had straightened, she had met his gaze easily enough, with neither intimidation nor defiance, though curiosity was evident. There was something almost childlike about it. "Do you care to dance?"



He sees a man in a white and gold uniform, keys embroidered on the sleeves, bowing to the young Empress and whispering something to her. She looks at Wolfius and nods politely. A lady in waiting dressed as a Valkyrie approaches, weaving her way through the dancers, and bows to the God-Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, Her Majesty Empress Aurora would be honoured by speaking with you."


Alex is about to reply, when the Lady in Waiting aproaches. After listening, he nods, befor offering the foxgirl an apologetic bow, "I'm sorry, madam, but it seems our dance will have to be postponed."

After waiting for her reply, he follows the lady back to the young Empress, waiting a moment to be introduced befor speaking, but not so long as to seem awkward should an introduction fail to come, "Empress," he says, offering a deep bow, "It is an honour to meet you."

OCC: Will someone please interact with Widow. Its getting boring for both of us...


Widow looked around. "Damn it. I wonder if my supreme ninja skills make me invisible to people?" she joked to herself, sitting alone, board out of her mind. "I'm so board I'll talk to pretty much anyone now."

OCC: Will someone please interact with Widow. Its getting boring for both of us...


Widow looked around. "Damn it. I wonder if my supreme ninja skills make me invisible to people?" she joked to herself, sitting alone, board out of her mind. "I'm so board I'll talk to pretty much anyone now."

"Bored, m'lady?" Alexander asked, free from his mutually beneficial meeting with the Archbishop.

William saw the lonely Widow sitting on the bench. He slowly walked over to it and stood before widow, his height of 6'7" probably daunting. "Is this seat taken?" He said pointing to the space next to Widow.

Treznor squeezes Nathicana's hand gently.

<LOS Communications - Nathicana>
{
<< Wow, he looks bad. Granted I haven't seen him in a while, but that rebellion must have really shaken him. His body language suggests he's fighting with himself over something. It's very strange; I've never seen anything like it.
}

"You're looking good, Raui. As for the job, we're looking to establish a little more visibility for our alliance. We're thinking about either converting an existing island or building a new one somewhere out in international waters. Given your experience and expertise with aquatic construction, you seemed a natural choice for contractors. As well, your power generation systems would be a huge benefit. We could extend you a lucrative contract to build and maintain a power production facility for the base."

<LOS Communications - Devon>
{
<< You don't think there's something ... wrong with him, mentally? Could he have snapped under the pressure, do you think? We both know the pressures leadership can have on a person, and though I've no idea on the rest of his psyche, I do know that crowds and socializing tend to make him nervous, though he managed fairly well when he visited.

<< Still ... he's always been a more sheltered, more tender-hearted sort, I think. Having to deal with an uprising from the people he loves best ... I suppose I wouldn't blame him for struggling.

<< Here's to hoping he pulls it together.
}

She lets Devon take the lead, content to watch and listen, taking note of Raui's actions and words, and keeping an ear and eye out for anything that might be of interest, all the while standing comfortably, her arm looped in his, and nestled up in a manner just short of indecent for a ball of this sort.

Raven ... I wonder how she's gotten on with all of this. Certainly not the future she'd thought to have, the poor child. Not with Joanna gone. Her gaze passed over the foxgirl casually, not betraying her interest, though her eyes softened somewhat.




ooc: Emina, (and anyone else thinking the same way) if you want to be noticed, go and talk with folks, and interact. This business of standing off to the side looking hot/mysterious/snooty/angsty or whatever emotion any given character is going for is no way to rp. Nor is ooc'ly whining about any lack of interaction. You want it, go out and get it. That's the way to go. Expecting everyone else to entertain you, is simply arrogance.

ooc: Emina, (and anyone else thinking the same way) if you want to be noticed, go and talk with folks, and interact. This business of standing off to the side looking hot/mysterious/snooty/angsty or whatever emotion any given character is going for is no way to rp. Nor is ooc'ly whining about any lack of interaction. You want it, go out and get it. That's the way to go. Expecting everyone else to entertain you, is simply arrogance.

OOC: Ironicly, two people ICly replyed almost simutaniously to her post, their characters walking up to get. Probally while you were typing the above.

Lord Kitsu III enters the ballroom, finally, after argueing with a guard over whither or not he's been invited for 20 minutes. Still a little upset that noone has heard of his precious homeland, he wanders to the buffet, dressed in a beudiful, but ancient looking dark purple suit. Before he takes anything, he ponders it for a second flicking his ears and tail trying to think of what he wants.

Alex is about to reply, when the Lady in Waiting aproaches. After listening, he nods, befor offering the foxgirl an apologetic bow, "I'm sorry, madam, but it seems our dance will have to be postponed."


"Not at all," Raven assures him. "My sister's business must come first. But thank you, Your Majesty." She offers a polite bow in return, not so deep as her previous bow in greeting had been, and waits until he begins to walk away before turning herself.

Bad timing today...

Elsewhere, Sakura, who has just finished dancing with the Knootian prime minister (OOC: Sorry, but I can't wait any longer for a reply; I'm just going to assume a yes and move on), took a moment to step back and look around. Carl stood out immediately, both because his partner was an elf -- which didn't fit how she'd pegged him earlier -- and because she had stopped and turned away from him. What's all this, then...?

"I hope," Empress Aurora says to Alex, "That you will enjoy yourself, your Majesty. You honour us by your attendance. If there is anything you require, you may ask any of my servants--but particularly Count Chemnitz and the under-chamberlains--and they will fulfill your desire." she is pleased that for once her face does not feel hot. It almost feels natural to be doing this. "I also wanted to thank you personally for your beautiful gift. It was something that my mother and I both enjoyed, you see--the sky and its wonders."
It only afterwards occurs to her that she did not instinctively expect someone else to do the talking.

Nathicana, seeing Devon had things more than in control, excused herself from the impromptu buisness discussion, apologizing to both, and leaving Devon with a light kiss on the cheek. She discretely made inquiries of one of the servants, then made her way to the restroom.

I just know I look worse than Dev says, damn his hide, she fusses, one hand instictively moving to again to adjust her headdress and curls in a tentative fashion. Upon reaching the ladies room, she looks into a mirror, biting her lower lip nervously.

"Maledizione," she mutters, grimacing and going about making what in her eyes are the proper adjustments, her sense of propriety while here in Lavenrunz running rather uncharacteristically high.

Nathicana hears a sound from the linen closet off to her left. A strange disturbing sigh, almost a moan.

In the ballroom, Count Adendorff, dressed in his Jedi Knight costume, casually checks the time, nodding to various persons of importance as he crosses the floor, excusing himself now and then.

One of the under-butlers wheels out a trolley with buckets of champagne near a table that is being placed with refreshments--mostly for the late arrivers but also in case anyone is still hungry. Fresh lobster are removed from ice.

Never one to not satisfy her curiousity, Nathicana moves as cautiously and quietly as she can towards the linen closet, cursing the rustle of silk that accompanies her every move. She listens intently, the augments that boost her hearing focused solely on whoever is behind the door.

She debates saying something, but for now, chooses to listen.

There is not much sound save for a faint dripping sound.
Spat.
Spat.
Spat.

Gathering her thoughts, Claudia der Waal said, "Well, things have been a bit difficult, to be honest. Re-organizing, and dealing with the Regency is very different from dealing with Empress Joanna, I can assure you."

Esmerelda's visage drops at the mention of Empress Joanna. "I have heard of her... and I am dreadfully sorry for your loss." She looks back up to the Chancellor, attempting to force a small smile before meekly turning away. "Among my people, it is believed that the truly noble are granted great wisdom and peace upon death. I believe that such can be said of Empress Joanna. She is... happy now."

Upon waiting for the Chancellor's response, she looks about the room. "So what can you tell me about the young Empress? Is she... how you say... errrr... learning the ropes well?"

Nathicana's brows arch up, several conclusions running through her mind, and none of them particularly pleasant. Deciding this is no time for beating around the bush ...

That's it. She opens the door wide, instinctively bracing herself for an attack.

Nathicana sees a woman slump down in a pool of blood. A smashed object made of golden bars and wire is at her feet. Her dark hair is matted with blood, her face frozen in a grimace of pain and horror.
It is Countess von Katori, the Imperial Chatelaine. Her hands, stained deeply, are still at her neck where a wire is buried deeply.

Count Adendorff idly toys with his 'lightsaber'. Though the Jedi costume is light and loose, he is perspiring a bit.
Quickly, he swallows a pill from a little case and then twists the bottom of the sabre. There is a hiss--impossible to hear over the noise of the dancing--
and the room is saturated with a gas, swiftly acting, that places anything that breathes unconscious in moments as he walks through the ballroom. The Baron is doing likewise with a conduit from the opened pommel of his sword.
He looks to see which servants had their pills. He is openly sweating now; they don't have much time.
Several servants are already moving towards fallen guards and seizing their weapons while others bind up the guards.
"Secure the rest of the building." Adendorff ordered crisply.
The strange thing about this plan is that he had no idea who he was giving orders to.
But one of the men nodded and hefted his G-11 with a readiness strange for a mere valet...as he moved into his position.

Kitsu flicks his ears as he starts to notice a tiny bit of commotion coming from the other guests. He looks around in every concevable direction and then tries looking for some pretty young thing to explain to him exactly what he's entered into.

"Sante Maria madre del dio," she exclaims, hurriedly working to remove the wire from the woman's neck, breaking it effortlessly, then doing what she can to administer to the woman, ripping the towels and such into strips

<LOS Communications - Devon>
{
<< Dammit, man, I need you. Now. Ladies room down the hall. Got the Imperial Chatelaine knocking on death's door, and I've no fucking idea what to do.
}

She continues to do what she can for the woman, speaking in soft, comforting tones, lapsing into her native language in her anxiety.

Albert was walking through the ballroom, bored. He was only on his second glass of wine, and he debated finishing it and getting more when a funny scent reached his nostrils. He paused, trying to figure out what the smell was. Then he felt lightheaded. He stumbled a step, trying to figure out what was wrong. What little he'd drunk shouldn't have...

His next step was even more unsteady, and when he tripped, he couldn't stop himself from hitting the floor. He didn't feel the impact, because he was out cold before he landed.

Esmerelda watches, jaw slightly agape, as the Chancellor... collapses in front of her as the questions end. Her eyes go wide as she looks about the room, watching the party-goers fall, one by one.

Well... this is certainly not good...

Abruptly, she realizes that she is one of the few still standing, and those who aren't seem to be dropping like lemmings off of a precipice.

Perhaps it is best not to raise their ire...

Esmerelda sniffs the air, noting the absence of smell in the gas. With a sigh, she blinks and twitches her head, then feels the need for oxygen consume her. She breathes... falls... collapses into a heap, her mind still working despite the absence of her senses.

Wherever they take me, I will be all the better for it. And if their intentions are ill, I will make certain they pay the price.

The goddess sleeps like a mortal.

The ball, for Aurelian, had been little fun; unable to dance, he had stayed out of the way, and watched the coming and going of the other guests.

Not being at the centre of attention was a new experience for the Heart; back at Kel Rayat, the only person who might possibly command more attention was the Citadel's Seneschal, who did the day-to-day running of the Citadel and it's territories.

He didn't like it at all, and glared in annoyance at the young Empress. He was, he realised, almost as sullen as Antonisz.

He dragged in breath, struggling to extract oxygen from the stifling air of the ballroom, and spots danced before his eyes.

Antonisz! he sent over the Heart-link. What's happening?

But Antonisz had his hand at his throat, and looked to be having trouble breathing ... and then Aurelian, too, was sprawled on the floor, felled by the invisible, scentless gas.

One of the women said curtly, "Drag them towards the band alcove--it's the farthest point from the larger exits and windows." the remaining servants began to obey.
She looked up at Adendorff. "I think this is P Hour."
It was the code. Suddenly he felt cooler. It was all running, he had no choice but to follow. He said sharply, "Take care with the Empress, do not place her or the Archdukes with the others!"
"Yes, sir." the woman said, more subdued. A radio headset she had confiscated made some noise that she responded to. She nodded. "Sections are secured, sir."
"Very well. Bring me one of the radios."
When this was done, Adendorff contacted Count Mirbach.
"P Hour. I say again, P Hour."
There was a set of clicks. Morse, of all things. But fair enough, even at this stage too dangerous for Mirbach's voice to be heard on the radio in any suspicious circumstance.

Count Mirbach took a precious moment to kneel to the icons in the alcove in his office. He bowed his head in sincere prayer. Then he rose, eyes shining, and made another call.

Signals began to move in the Lavenrunzian fleet and in certain barracks.
General von Baden walked into the officer's mess, where winter celebrations were also taking place for the headquarters, corps and divisional commands of the First Army.
"Excuse me, Ladies and Gentlemen, but we must cease celebration and all go to our command positions." he said gravely. "It is P Hour."
Strange to say, the officers he was addressing were already in battledress, and it took them very little time to get to their command positions.


Meanwhile...
Nathicana heard people moving quickly outside the bathroom distinctly moving purposefully towards it.

Elsewhere, palace servants in greatcoats moved confidently in various manners towards bodyguards in outer halls, chauffeurs in the servant's hall near the garages and so on. Wearing friendly faces, carrying trays of food or warm thermoses.
Outside it was similar, but the 'servants' wasted no time in opening fire on the Mornahosse and Jaegers they found.

Alexander stared at the floor. "What's going on?"

He took a deep breath. "Wha...?"

He fell to the floor, even his demon-tainted body unable to cope with the gas. "Blade... come to me!"

His sword appeared in his hands, and Alexander drew comfort from it as he fell to sleep.

Treznor frowns and reacts, reaching for a gun that isn't there. Then he glances at the sceptre in his hand with disgust, then lowers it. "Raui, there's a problem. I'm sorry to break this short, but I'll be right back."

<LOS Communications - Nathicana>
{
<< Dammit, I'm not armed. I thought you said this place was safe! Should I summon my guards? Anyway, I'm on my way.
}

He quickly makes his way through the crowd, when he stops and freezes, his nostrils flaring. Gas! Then people start dropping all around him.

<LOS Communications>
{
<< Someone's using gas! Get under cover, fast! I'll see if I can get to my people! I'll have a strike team here inside an hour.
}

Then he turns and bolts for the front door where he left his bodyguards. When he sees servants readying weapons, he realises he's out of options.

<LOS Communications>
{
<< No good, I can't reach them. Screwed again. This is the second damn time I've been caught like this...

<< Hide yourself, and hide well. I'll keep in touch.
}

He raises his hands in surrender, looking around for the instigator of this attack.

Sirithil has been glad-handing the crowd for an hour, looking around for several of the people with whom she has discussions planned; somehow, she hasn't met any of them yet. She sips from her wine-glass as she wanders the ballroom, chatting it up...

That, of course, is when gas starts flowing into the hall... all around Sirithil people begin to gasp and collapse to the floor unconscious... "What the... oh, hell."

Her comm beeps, a voice in her ear, "Milady, sensors detecting a gas in the ballroom, get out quickly..." Sirithil is already moving towards the doors, the arcane words of a spell flowing from her lips...

...but it is never completed, the doors never reached, and in the center of the hall - one of the last to fall - the Queen of the Stars lets out a soft moan, and slumps soundlessly to the floor.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz
"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!

Nicole blinked as someone else's thoughts abruptly jumped into her head, glancing at the bird on her shoulder. She stroked it gently, 'Drake?'

Odd...I've never seen him fall asleep with so many people around...

She blinked as the room seemed to shudder before her eyes, 'Wha?' she said aloud.

Someone else's thoughts came into her head, urgent...But...She could hardly tell what they were...Other than...

Switch.

Safety.

Off.

'Oh, shit...' she managed, before falling.

"The Elentari first." growled Adendorff.
Quickly two of the serving women took a knife to Sirithil's outer costume, divesting her of weapons and all but her basic underwear. They checked that as well, running their hands under it, and then put a strange looking collar around her neck.
Adendorff held a machine pistol in Treznor's direction. "Your Majesty, if you would please be so kind as to place your hands over your head and kneel down while some of my compatriots secure you."
There were other prime targets for securing. Alexander of Roania was certainly one of them; along with the Heart and his bodyguard. Time was ticking; the gas would only keep people down for a few more minutes.
Esmeralda was not one. She was at the bottom of the list with any other known pacifists. Widow, however, and...
"Where the hell is Nathicana?" demanded Adendorff.

Raven never noticed a thing; with her heightened metabolism, she was out before she could spot anything wrong.

Sakura, on the other hand, had been rigorously trained since her youth by a borderline-psychotic war hero, and her regimen had included dosages of various poisons and drugs, allowing her to build up resistances and immunities. Instinctively, she prepared at first to fight, though her outer appearance barely changed; a slight shift in balance, a sliding of one foot. But she couldn't pinpoint an enemy, and the guests were dropping off at an alarming rate. She was unarmed; well, no, she was never unarmed, but she had no formal weapons. She had to assume they did.

All of these thoughts passed between heartbeats. She reached the inevitable conclusion.

A moment later, she fell to the floor, no longer fighting against the effects.

As Devon's message comes through, she swears. Hearing the footsteps, she swears again, knowing it can't possibly be him.

Dammit ... Launching into a string of very unladylike curses in her mind, she very quietly pulled the door to the closet closed, making certain no telltale bloodstains could be seen from outside it. Gently cradling the woman in her arms, paying no heed to the state of her dress, she tried to comfort and continue to quietly tend to her, hoping to keep her quiet from any further moans such as had caught her attention earlier.

<LOS Communications - Devon>
{
<< Dev, how could I know? Goddammit, this was not supposed to ... Please, be careful. I'm fine. I'm safe. We're hidden in the linnen closet in that bathroom. The Countess is in bad shape, but I'm doing what I can.

<< Do what you can to see what they do with Aurora, Dev. It's important. And please, mi amore, don't take any risks. I can't lose y...

Her voice takes on an almost panicked tone, then she pauses, seeming to gather herself.

<<We've been in tight places before. We'll get through this. Ti amo, Dev.
}

As Alexander slept deeper into unconciousness, *something* took over him. His blade seemed to sing as his eyes once again darkened and turned a blood red. Think you that I will allow my host to become your prisoner?

The demon sniffed the gas, but cared not. It didn't need to breathe...

OOC: You can defeat him, but it's way more trouble then it's worth...

Treznor very slowly drops his scepter and places his hands on top of his head before kneeling. "Mind telling me what this is about? You can't believe you're going to survive the month, with the calibre of guests here tonight."

<LOS Communications - Nathicana>
{
<< They can't know how S.H.O.D.A.N. augmented, although I'm sure they can guess by now. It's just me and...Esmerelda who are still awake that I can see. I'll keep them in the dark until an opportunity presents itself. They're taking me prisoner, but they don't seem intent on killing anyone.

<< Yeah, but it's been a long time since we've been in the field, Red. Remember the Ukari mess?
}

In the security room, things were... chaotic, to say the least. The entire building had been set up with Menelmacari surveillance equipment to augment the existing security systems, and in the center of the room a holo of the ballroom, and all within, showed in painfully exquisite detail as the guests began to collapse unconscious... the assembled heads of state, nobles, leaders, captains of industry, military commanders of half the free world.

In retrospect it seemed like the perfect target indeed, and MISSION Agent-Commander Ataralassë nos Menelmehn would likely be advocating to, in future, not reveal that any such gathering was planned until the day of. This, however, was more a passing thought than a detailed introspection, given that she had many, many larger problems to worry about at the moment, not the least of which was that she could see, even now, that even the Lady herself had been brought down by the insidious gas. Other holos showed strategically important parts of the palace; and all over, servants - servants! - dared to challenge the combined might of the Jaegers and the Mornahossë... yet the soldiers learned quickly that these were not mere servants, and fought bravely and well, for terrorists. They were not, strictly speaking, the match of either special forces team, but they were capable, even elite by most nations' standards, and they had the element of surprise.

In a number of places, several Mornahossë went down wounded as bullets found joints in their shimmering black galvorn armor; Jaegers fell, likewise. The staccato rattle of automatic weapons filled the vast corridors and chambers of the Palace of the Moon and Stars, responded to in kind with the searing screams of crimson plasma-bolts, sent streaming from the barrels of Mornahossë weapons. Those still active took cover behind whatever could be found that was defensible; statues, railings, whatever, returning fire towards their assailants, who it was pretty clear by now were terrorists of some sort or another. Whenever possible, and even in a few cases where it wasn't - and yet still they managed - the Mornahossë pulled their fallen compatriots and those of their Lavenrunzian counterparts out of the line of fire.

Others caught in unpleasant or indefensible positions were forced to withdraw from the palace, moving out to the garden, where the endless paths of greenery made for a nice little labyrinth where positions could easily be taken up. Several terrorists foolish enough to pursue the Elves out the doors were quickly brought down by Mornahossë snipers patrolling the rooflines of adjacent wings of the palace, carrying gravitic sniper rail-rifles with massive scopes and barrels nearly eight feet long.

And Ataralassë watched it all.

"Bar the doors! Hurry!" went out the imperious Elven voice of the MISSION Agent-Commander. "They will come here, almost certainly, and we must hold this room!"

A cast-iron candelabra was wedged in the door-handles, dressers and a bed dragged over and piled against it. The Mornahossë guards in the room - there were ten of the finest, making clear the importance of this, the central command post for all Winter Ball surveillance operations - took up positions facing the door, their weapons ready to fire the moment anyone managed to burst in.

OOC: I'll let Jo post what the Jaegers are doing.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz
"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!

Alarmed, the two 'servants' step back and fire two quick bursts into Alexander's unconscious body. Once in the head, once in the belly.
Another kicks a heavy table onto the sword.

Nathicana hears the door open, and a voice announces, "Clear." the door is closed. Footsteps move on.

Outside...
Erica von Fischer crouches in a frozen pond, covered in muck, disciplining herself not to shiver or make any noise. She has a hand over her voice activated radio and sends a series of beeps to the communications and command center in the palace.
Outside compromised. Unit scattered.

From Astra...
General Franze, responding to what appears to be a national emergency, gives instructions to jam frequencies save those under the control of the Imperial Command Center.
"Where is General Schlabel?" he asks.
"His whereabouts cannot be confirmed at this time." is the reply from the Deputy Minister for War. "We are counting on you, General, to do your part."
To do his part.
General Franze was sweating in his command center. He ordered security police to secure all accessways.

The demon laughs, a fire springing to its hands, and scorching the fools with the temerity to shoot at it.

When the sword slammed into the blade, Alexander's body recrumpled up, and slipped into true sleep.

OOC: Inconvenient...

Shivering reflexively at the memories of that particular mission, she nods, though he's not there to see.

<LOS Comms>
{
<< You're not comforting me, boy. Still ... at least we lived through it, si? [smile analog]
}

She puts as much confidence as she can into the message, feeling none of it at present. It had been too long. Even though she'd kept herself in shape, and in practice with certain skills, she knew instinctively the life of a diplomat had softened her. Augs were no protection against a spray of bullets ... she shivered again, for the first time in a long while feeling frightened and alone and utterly unsure of herself.

As the door opens, her breath catches and a icy shard of fear seems to pierce her chest. The brief seconds between that and the voice proclaming the all clear seem to drag on for an eternity, and only after she's certain the people have gone does she dare to breathe again.

Outside in the corridor, Ein Sargos and Theodore Bolan, Albert's bodyguards, had noticed something was amiss. On the President's orders, they'd stayed outside of the ballroom and dining room. Their presence was mostly a formality anyway, Albert had reminded them. The local guards would do fine.

Sargos, however, had been a soldier before he'd been a bodyguard. He'd been a distinguished captain in the Army, and every battle instinct he'd gained over ten years of service was screaming that something was wrong.

He knew Bolan could feel it too. Without saying anything, both men began sidling towards the ballroom doors.

"Ah, beg your pardon sirs?"

Both men spun around, to face a pair of liveried servants, bearing trays of refreshments.

"You are guards for one of the dignitaries, yes?" one of the servants who'd accosted them asked. "Perhaps you would like something to ease your duty?" He offered the tray.

Sargos looked at him, eyes narrowing. The servants had ignored them until now. His eyes drifted down to the tray, and he started to reach for it...

...and he saw the glint of metal under the tray.

Sargos reacted on pure instinct. His knee came up hard to hit the servant's hands. The tray went flying up into the man's face, and he stumbled back startled. The pistol he'd had concealed under the tray went off, the shot going wide and embedding itself in the wall. Before the man could recover, Ein was on him. The bodyguard's left hand grabbed the servant's right wrist, locking his gun arm, with Ein's weight forcing him back. The gun fired twice more, and the man opened his mouth to shout. Ein drove a knee into the man's stomach to keep him from shouting, then raised his right hand and punched the man in the throat. The "servant" gagged as his larynx collapsed, and his struggles subsided.

Sargos lowered the dead man to the floor, and turned to Bolan, but his comrade already had the other guy down. Sargos' surprise attack had made the other man hesitate for a second, a second that had proven to be fatal, as Bolan had kicked his gun out of his hand and now had him in a headlock. The Guard's muscles bulged, and he suddenly twisted sharply to the side. With a sickening crack, the second servant's neck broke, and he abrubtly stopped resisting. Bolan lowered his body to the floor, then retrieved the dead man's weapon. Sargos picked up the gun that had belonged to the man he killed, and checked the clip. Seven of ten rounds left in the USP Tactical. Bolan had a full clip.

Both men looked at each other as they heard booted feet running in the ballroom. Then, they took off running themselves, down the hall away from the ballroom, as each tried to figure out what the hell was happening.

--deeeeleted--

As the two bodyguards fled, they found that they were about to run into a firefight. One of the central halls, where a large circular stair descended, had bullets flying, a haze and a stench of cordite. They caught glimpses of people in Palace livery, someone in the Imperial battledress ducking behind a curved wall after firing a burst, two distinct elves retreating up the stairs, firing bursts from their rifles as they went. But the servants were converging, laying down a suppressing fire as though they were buying time for something...

Nathicana heard the sound of bursts of rifle and pistol fire, muffled, from her hiding place.

Jessica blinked as the Baron's step faltered, surprisingly. And then she felt her own muscles growing heavy. Whaa... The sensation was one she'd only experienced once before, when she'd been drugged while kidnapped. Her heart began to beat faster, spreading the gas through her body faster as she became nervous. Her military grade enhancement managed to keep up, for a few seconds, as well, tearing the toxins from her blood.

She let the Baron go as he slumped to the floor, and Jessica shook her head, trying to clear it, as she fell to her knees, dropping the pitchhfork.

Clawing at her hand, she pulled the glove off, revealing the small comm unit stuck to the back of her hand.

Fighting through the gas, pushing her enhancement as it tried desperately to cleanse her blood, she tapped the 'open' button with her finger before clattering to the floor in a pile of red and black wrapped flesh.

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

Aboard the shuttle that had brought Jessica, two of the crew were asleep, and the one on duty, watching the snow, fairly rare in the Federation, especially in this quantity, failed to notice a small green light blink on as Jessica's comm link opened, as there was no sound from it, and his eyes were distracted by the sights outside.

Besides, if they were needed, there would be a voice transmission, right?

Her heart was pounding. Gunfire? Gods, not that ... please, not that ...

In a definitely panicked tone, she checks in with Devon again.

<LOS Comms>
{
<< Dev? Prego dicami che non siate danneggiati. Are you alright? I hear shots ... They've already checked here and left. I'm in the clear. Please, tell me what's going on.
}

She looked down at the woman in her lap, the light seeping from under the door her only source, not knowing what to do. She continued to minister to the woman, hoping she wouldn't be too late to get help.

I need to know what you know, my Lady ... don't die on me.

<LOS Communications>
{
<< Easy there, Red. I'm fine. They tied me up and other than keeping watch, they seem to be ignoring me. They won't even tell me what's going on. I can't really see what's going on, but I guess they haven't knocked out everybody cleanly. Don't worry, mi amora. They won't get rid of me that easily.
}

Treznor grits his teeth and looks around slowly. He works carefully at his bonds, but gives up shortly. His captors didn't take any chances with sloppy work, tt'll take him hours to loosen them unless he uses his full strength. He isn't sure even that will work. For now, he needs to be patient, as much as he hates it.

Dammit. Why didn't I let Ben teach me that phasing trick?

Outside, Erica could hear the unmistakeable sound of helicopters approaching. Snow swirled madly as four Fledermauss Helicopters and a huge Seekonig landed on the grounds.
Imperial Marines were getting out, looking grimly ready for action.
What the hell?
She crept like a wild animal, barely making any disturbance, from the pond and under one of the larger hedges.

By this time, the prisoners in the ballroom were tied up and lying face down, though they had just begun to seriously search Esmeralda and Sakura.
Adendorff, seeing one of the men lingering too long over Jessica's prone body snapped, "Enough of that! Just tie her up--and get rid of that pitchfork."
His comlink came on. "Ancient Mariner. I say again: Ancient Mariner."
He took a deep breath.
Baron Marienburg, his partner, reported that the Mornahosse and Jaegers remaining in the palace were putting up stiff resistance, but that the jamming was holding.

Outskirts of Hofburg

Columns of armor and formations of aviation were beginning to advance to key points of the city. They rumbled along like beasts of the mythic past through the snow. This was not so unusual that the people did anything more than stay out of the way. A few of the more perceptive noticed how grim and purposeful some of the officers with their heads out of hatches looked.

Ministry of Information

Baron Shein stared, aghast, at the error messages flooding his computer screen. He looked at the dead phone on his desk, at the sat phone that would not respond.
Convulsively he leapt from his desk and ran out the door.

Count von Chemnitz bowed and accepted it, bowing again as he presented it to the Empress, who inclined her head, smiling. She appeared to be fascinated. Her ladies in waiting began to converse with interest about the gift.
As Daeron went to leave, a slender, tall woman dressed in the costume of a wood sprite approached, bowing and said, "Your Excellency, I am Aurora von Konigsmark, Her Majesty's Foreign Minister. If you like, we can arrange a meeting in the near future."

Nek'cal'ar'zrr smiled at this, thinking that his carefully laid plans were indeed going to work. He turned, bowing slightly, and began to converse with the Minister.

"Yes, indeed mademoiselle, that would indeed be acceptable. Shall we talk of some arrangements, perhaps?"

Stepping aside, they start to talk, quietly, about the possibility of a state visit. Neither talk much or seriously about such matters; both know that the real details would be worked out by the underlings in the offices, not the the high officials during a party. They laughed, chatted, and Nek'cal'ar'zrr was slowly drawn into the party. Memories, of times long ago when he was counted amongst the living, seemed to bite at the edge of his consciouness, and slowly they came to the fore, and he was pleased. Slowly the memory of earthly pleasures, like good drink and food, came back to him, and he reveled. He found drinks for the two of them, and that sat together, mostly due either the inability to or unwilingness to go to the ball room. He was almost... happy.

Then, it started.

They passed out, from something unseen, something carried on the air. Air, he mused, their need is such... a weakness. He reclined as those around him slumped over, almost lifeless. More memories came to him, thoughts of times of slaughter, when he was alone on the field of battle, surrounded by slain friends and foes from horizon to horizon. His head cocked a bit, as he spotted movement amongst the gassed crowd. One appeared to grab for a sword, and it even came to him, even as he was shot by two humans. Smiling a wicked smile, he rose, and approached the mewling wretch, even as some sort of unearthly light came to its eyes as the blood seeped down its face. The very room seemed to boom as Nek'cal'ar'zrr walked, as each footstep was made. Terror seeped into their hearts at his approach; they had been told everyone would be asleep. He waved the two off, and told them he'd deal with this one. He spoke to it in a voice that caused the two "servents" to drop to their knee's in pain and terror, even as he grasped the sword in one hand, and the wretch's neck in the other. He pushed him down to his knees, while saying "Begone, fell beast. This is not your place. BEGONE!" To punctuate this, he snapped the glowing blade in his other hand, tossing the top to the two weeping men. The two other-wordly entities locked gazes, and it wouldn't take long before he of pure-blood, Nek'cal'ar'zrr, Chosen Champion of the Four Ruinious Powers, would hold the mastery.

Sargos and Bolan stopped at the doorway, peering out at the shooting from cover on either side of it. Sargos tracked with his eyes, until he spotted some of the palace guards shooting from cover behind pillars on the lower floors. Sargos looked at Bolan, making a quick series of hand gestures. Right, twenty feet. I go, you cover. You go, I cover. Bolan nodded.

Sargos dashed out of the door, head down and legs pumping, running for the pillar that was his destination. Behind him, Bolan popped out and began firing, spacing his shots in an even rythem. When Sargos arrived behind the pillar, he took a breath, then leaned around the pillar, waved to Bolan, and opened fire on the servants. Bolan came dashing across the intervening space to the pillar. In a few moments he'd joined Sargos behind the pillar.

[ooc: little timewarp...]

Althena hadn´t been aware of it...

Yes, Angstians were constructed to survive numerous poisons, radiation, and such...

Unfortunately, their (slightly) superior abilities, a gift given to them by extensive genetic engineering, had come with a price: They needed more oxygen than normal people.

The gas itself was fairly inefficient, and for some moments, she could see the others falling, failing, while she still stood... she looked around, searching for Chloe, but failed to find her.

Then, the relative amount of oxygen in the atmosphere, in the rooms, was finally, significantly reduced...

And, before she could do anything, she faded.

It wouldn´t take too long, perhaps an hour or two, if the gas was still present, if there wouldn´t be enough oxygen, she would suffocate, die.

Chloe suffered likely. She realised what was happening, and tried to reach Althena, while around her, the people fell to the ground. For a moment she curses, curses the ceremonial sword she wore, something pretty... useless, considering the situation.

Moments before she faded, she decided to hide the sword inside a curtain... seconds after it was done, she passed out.

With horror and hatred on his face, Baron Marienburg fired a full auto burst of 4.11 milimeter armor piercing rounds at the demonic awfulness he saw. He didn't realize that he was screaming. Others made the sign of the cross but kept to their positions.

In Nathicana's arms, the woman began, horribly, to speak, blood welling from her mouth. "Mmmm..." she tried, her eyes intent. "Mmmm i..."

Daemon or no, Nek'cal'ar'zrr felt the hot lead of the Baron's shots peirce his flesh, breaking his armour in one end, then out the other. They pierced his arms, legs, and torso, and even he felt the pain. After the shots had been fired, and only the screaming of the shooter and the click of his empty gun could be heard, he loosened his grip on the other man, who's neck he had squeezed in his pain, and into whom the bullets were now lodged, having already passed through him. They both slumped to the floor, both leaking large quantites of red blood. Nek'cal'ar'zrr could feel his hold on his body weaken, but he decided he wasn't ready to return to the Ether, and put forth some of his energy, and kept the frame alive. He knew that he could not rise again, for they must not know what he was. He kept his body on the brink of death, but would not permit it to go further. That should be enough, he thought.

"It's ok ... take your time, your Excellency ... you're safe. Il mio nome è Nathicana del Dominion, dammit ... my name is Nathicana. Please, when you can, who did this to you?"

She did her best to prop the woman up, making her as comfortable as possible, gently dabbing at the blood, continuing to whisper words of comfort, slipping in and out of her native tongue.

<LOS Comms>
{
<< Good ... good ... The Countess is still with me, Dev. She's coming around. Christ, she's in bad shape. She's going to need medical assistance as soon as possible.

She paused, biting her lower lip as she tended to the woman, a million thoughts going through her mind.


<< Dev, if we get through this ...
}

Nathicana let the thought trail off, her brow furrowed, stomach tight with anxiety, and wishing suddenly she'd not had the cake.

BOOM!
Sargos and Bolan were close enough to get the effects of a gas cannister going off--to cover the rush of the terrorists.

Slowly the guests were beginning to come to. The gas did not compete well with oxygen and left few trace elements outside the lungs of the recipients; a little coughing would help.
The Imperial Marines arrived at the doors--and were admitted by the servants. The senior of them, General Dietrich, stopped and stared down at his Empress, who was moaning and slowly recovering consciousness.
"Medic." he said softly. Then glanced around, nodding at Adendorff. "Sergeant," he said quietly over his shoulder, "Secure this room. Captain, secure the outer areas..."

"It's ok ... take your time, your Excellency ... you're safe. Il mio nome è Nathicana del Dominion, dammit ... my name is Nathicana. Please, when you can, who did this to you?"

She did her best to prop the woman up, making her as comfortable as possible, gently dabbing at the blood, continuing to whisper words of comfort, slipping in and out of her native tongue.

<LOS Comms>
{
<< Good ... good ... The Countess is still with me, Dev. She's coming around. Christ, she's in bad shape. She's going to need medical assistance as soon as possible.

She paused, biting her lower lip as she tended to the woman, a million thoughts going through her mind.


<< Dev, if we get through this ...
}

Nathicana let the thought trail off, her brow furrowed, stomach tight with anxiety, and wishing suddenly she'd not had the cake.

"Mrr...bach..." the woman desperately says. She clutches at Nathicana, and is fumbling not at her throat but at the neck of her gown for something. Blood runs down her chin. Her skin is cold and clammy.

And cough the Elentári did, her eyes fluttering a moment as the room seemed to wobble a bit before her vision before falling back into its nice steady place.

The first thing she noticed was that she was feeling a draft... which made sense, given she had been stripped down to undertunic and panties. The first thought that went through her head was... Someone is going to die tonight. Horribly. :evil:

Still a little woozy, she realized there was an aching pain in her wrists, and what felt like something around her neck, probably some sort of collar; she tried to reach up to touch it, but the sensations from her wrists received their explanation now; she was bound, hands in back, by something narrow and unforgiving. Probably plastic ties. This seemed confirmed as she glanced around the room and saw almost everyone else bound likewise.

The next thing she noticed was that her jewelry was gone. That meant no comm. That also meant she couldn't talk to the people in the security room, except perhaps by telepathy... she'd have to concentrate a bit for that, though, and the residual effects of the gas made that difficult. It would take time. It also meant the people in the security room couldn't talk to her. Let's just hope they can still see all this on the holos, she thought, and don't try to say something into the comm... wherever it is. Her faculties slowly returning, she glanced around the room, seeking some sign of who was in charge, and how many hostiles were in the room.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz
"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)
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Nathicana shakes her head, still not quite understanding the words. The woman's actions finally strike her as odd, and she gently leans her up to see what it is she's reaching for, even as she grabs more towels and such to cover her with her other hand.

"What is it, your Excellency," she murmurs under her breath, sharp eyes looking for anything out of place.

Treznor frowns, craning his neck to get a glimpse of what's going on around him. Unfortunately, in spite of his augments, he's not making much sense of the situation. The body language of his captors tells him they're tense and nervous. Ready to shoot at anything or anyone who spooks them. Not a good time to surprise them.

<LOS Comms>
{
<< You remember your basic First Aid. Keep her warm and comfortable. Don't move her any more than you have to. Did she get shot?

<< Hey, when we get out of this. We're a team, remember? Nobody does it better, on or off the field. So when we get out of this, what do you have in mind? A vacation on Titan, maybe? Some place where the only things that'll kill us are purely impersonal?
}

Jessica blinks her eyes as she awoke, slightly more quickly once the actual gas dispersed from the room.

Her eye sight eas still slightly fuzzed, as she investigated her situation.

Minus the boots, her outfit was perfect for fighting, but her weapons were gone. But she could fight in the boots if she needed to. The heels weren't that high.

She was minus a glove, though, and she struggled to recall what had happened And then.... Damn, D'ron'll be pissed.

Concentrating, she tried to use her long range internal comm. Jammed, and nowhere to punch the line of sight comm to. Her wrist comm was gone, too. Well, no calling for help, then.

Pulling lightly at the bonds, she realized that she could break the plastic easily enough, but she chose not to, for the moment.

Glancing around, she began taking in the situation, counting the enemies, watching what appeared to be fields of fire, trying to discern their organization or plans.

Then her gaze shifted to the other guests. Who is that? He looks like he knows what to do. She consulted her mental files, and.... Treznor. He was talking with Nathicana. Where is she, I wonder? He's in Yut. I remember something about S.H.O.D.A.N. Could she have put a comm in? Maybe. It was worth a try. She was trying not to panic, but she was desperate. This was reminding her too much of her kidnapping.

Staring directly at the Emperor of Treznor, she tried the powerful line-of-sight communications system, which she hoped could punch through the jamming. Emperor?

A thought suddenly hits Siri like a crashing grav-freighter...

Aurora!

Sirithil frantically scanned the room, looking about for any sign of the young Empress...

And even as she did this, more thoughts whirled about in her head. Have we found our conspirators? It seems the bait was even more tempting than I could have imagined... or are these others entirely? Stranger things have happened... and why did they do this? If they meant simply to kill Aurora, all this would be unnecessary, they'd have shot her while the gas was in effect and withdrawn... no, Aurora's still alive... she must be... Sirithil ran possibilities and scenarios through her mind, almost desperately, to keep the nagging doubts of failure from advancing beyond the farthest fringes of her thoughts.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz
"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)
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"C-coun...Mrrbach..." mutters Countess von Katori. "Traitor." she manages, distinctly. "Mirbach."
The object is a medallion, of the style of Athenys. The Countess' eyelids begin to flutter. She mutters, "Back..."

"Ah." Count Adendorff remarks. "The Elentari awakens."
Sirithil recognizes him. A middle ranking aristocrat, nothing more. Former member of the Volksraad. Currently sitting on a military commission for procurement.
"Honoured guests!" he says loudly. "I'm afraid that there are some internal matters of the Empire that have interfered with the Winter Ball. None of you will be harmed if you do not interfere with us. You will instead be escorted to your embassies or transportation as appropriate."
There was one person not secured: the young Empress. She had already been placed in a chair, and a medic was assisting her return to consciousness.

"Interfere?" Sirithil asked, with an icy imperiousness that belied her current situation. If looks could kill, the gaze she fixed the Count with would have shredded every molecular bond in his entire body. Hmm, there's an idea. "Interfere with what, exactly?"

She pondered throwing in a 'you'll never get away with this', but decided against it, on the basis it was clichéd, and that the person who says it usually dies.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz
"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!

>> Status: Awake.

Antonisz rose into conciousness almost instantaneously, boosted by neurochemicals from his implants.

>> Status: Residual gas traces (type unknown, soporific). Restrained (plastic zip ties, hands, feet)

Careful not to cough, Antonisz looked around with equal care.

>> Rule 325: Decive captors (subfiles...)

Nobody appeared to have noticed his awake status. That was good.

There were people (>> Identify: Servants?? Armed: Negative??) watching the coughing attendees, all with weapons pointed in their direction.

>> Risk assessment: Cannot remove restraints without irrepairable bodily damage. Override: Red Condition OFF, Orange Condition ON.

>> Weapons Status: Blades: Ready (Command: Prepare), Guns Ammunition Removed (Command: OFF)

In what was left of his human thought processes, Antonisz raged at the impossibility of direct action. He would have to be patient, and a Hand was never patient.

-----

Nearby, Aurelian woke groggily. Blinked. The polished wooden floor was next to his eye, cold on his skin.

Skin? I've been stripped. Nobody treats a Heart like this! Nobody!

Residue of ... some kind of knockout gas? tickled his lungs, and he expelled it in painful, rasping coughs.

His hands were tied too, tight plastic digging into his skin.

>> Antonisz! Report! Situation: What?

<< Situation: Captured by servants??, Antonisz replied via the Heart-link. Captors: Armed. Advise: Zero movement at present.

Well, that was that. Zero movement. Aurelian was accustomed to having his desires fufilled immediately; like the Hands, patience was not his strong point.

Carpet? what on NS am I doing on the carpet... Owen snapped upright, then went back over again as a combination of the last dregs of the gas and arms immobilised by plastic ties threw his balance off completely.
He stayed lying down this time and carefully ran through exactly what had brought him here. Lets see, ball, danced with Drakkie Empress, was thinking about going outside for a drink, gas knocked everyone out. Aaah. Bugger.
Owen would've liked to have scratched his chin in thought at this point, but his hands were still tied. He tensed his calf, well that was a plus, his small, inner boot-knife was still there. His sword and the bigger, obvious one was gone. Unfortunately the small one may as well have been on the moon, he couldn't reach it without major gymnastics, and the guards would probably object. Also useless was the small combutton on his collar.
Hmm. Well at least he still had his clothes on, unlike some. Obviously dressing like a prat and being from a minor nation had helped.
Owen sighed and settled down to wait. If anything happened to distract the guards he'd cut the ties and chance jumping out a window, but until that happened he may as well sit tight. On the plus side he got to see Lady Sirithil in her underwear, Nice ass for an elf.. Owen inched up against a wall and leant back. He slipped into the sort of waking doze trained into him by thousands of hours of spec-ops missions and settled down to wait.

Staring directly at the Emperor of Treznor, she tried the powerful line-of-sight communications system, which she hoped could punch through the jamming. Emperor?
Utterly surprised, Treznor's eyes go wide and he inhales sharply. He glances around quickly to see if anyone noticed, then resumes his careful sweep of the room.

<LOS Communications - Jessica>
{
<< What the hell -- who are you? How did you know about this signal?
}

Darkness. And then light. And darkness. And light.

Mark Albert awoke slowly, his world becoming more than just darkness and light as his eyes refocused and began viewing the world. He took in his fellow captives, took in the area where he was laying, and slowly stretched, testing his muscles. He quickly found that he could move his arms very far. Further feeling with his fingertips revealed that his wrists were bound behind him. Well, that was a problem.

With an effort, Albert pulled himself up into a sitting position and looked around some more. His costume had been left on him, minus the circlet. He began assessing his fellow captives, as he realized they were there. His eyes traveled over the group, pausing briefly on Sirithil. His eyes fixed on her face, partially trying to read it and partially to make sure he didn't accidentally glance down. After a moment, his eyes moved on to the others.

"Interfere with our purposes, Majesty." said Adendorff politely--though he still held his weapon with dead intent.
Crack. Crack. Pop. Pop. Went the ambient sounds of combat around the palace.
"Now: those from Sentient Peoples, Aelosia, Glorious Humanity, Szairon and Treznor will be the first to depart. Please permit your guards to assist you in standing up. You will then be escorted to waiting transportation. If you resist I cannot answer for it; the security of our operation takes precedence."
"Count Adendorff!" said Archduke Carl in a soft but severe tone.
"Please be silent, Your Highness." urged Adendorff.

Jessica suppressed a smile. It had worked. Everything had been against it, but it had worked. Even still, between the harsh response and the whole situation, she was forced to blink back tears.

Changing the angle of her gaze slightly, but leaving it on him. One had to look at the person one was speaking with, after all, for this to work.

Her communication is erratic, betraying her nervousness.

I'm sorry. I was scared. And I remembered reading a report about S.H.O.D.A.N. And you looked like you knew what to do. And you were calm. And I thought it was worth a try. Don't be mad, please.

Had she been speaking, her voice probably would have been shaking. Fortunately, the subvocalization comm required no speaking, though she couldn't use it while speaking.

Treznor slowly shifts to his knees in preparation for standing. His legs remind him he's been cutting off circulation a little too long, but he can ignore that for the time being.

<LOS Communications - Nathicana>
{
<< Whoops. Party's over, Red. They say they're about to escort people out of the building, and I'm on the first list. I'm not going to resist them, but you can bet I'm not going to be gone long.
}

He clears his throat politely before speaking up. "I have to ask. Given that you've committed a grave international offense, what purpose did this serve? You've humiliated a lot of very powerful people. Do you expect us not to respond?"

<LOS Comms>
{
<< When, then ... when. And no, not shot. She has a head wound. Someone clocked her with her own harp, it looks like, then tried to garotte her with the strings. Damn cold, that ...

<< I'm doing the best I can. What's going on out the--
}

Nathicana's eyes narrow, a good measure of her composure slowly coming back as the woman speaks. If there were one thing she had no tolerance for, it was a traitor. Nevermind the fact that that was exactly how she had come to power.

"He will not live to see another sunrise," she assures the Countess, gently removing the medallion, and bringing it forward for the poor woman to see and feel. She reaches with her other hand again to grab several more towels and such to help cover the woman, again trying to acertain her wounds, and silently cursing her lack of more in depth medical knowledge.

"Your Excellency, please, stay with me. We'll get you out of here, I promise. But you've got to stay awake."


{
<< We have a name. Count Mirbach is the one who did this to her. Keep sharp on that. Says he's a traitor. She's having a damnable hard time speaking ... amazed she's managed that much.

<< As for when ... I just ... well, this has all been ... Il dio, Dev, it makes one sit up and think to the future.
}

His message gets through about the same time she's sending hers, once again, putting her into a panic.

{
<< Dev ... what are they doing? Escorting you out? We're going to loose contact! Please ... oh please, don't let them hurt him ... I couldn't stand if ... Don't you dare take any risks, boy. You get out, and you stay out til it's safe, do you hear me? I'm fine, don't worry about me. I love you, Dev - don't you forget that.
}

Her thoughts and her message mix and jumble as she fights to stay calm, unconsciously praying that his escort out is just that, and not a one way trip to the firing squad.

"And what are your purposes?" she asked, in a soft but ice-cold voice.

After his answer, whatever it was, she decided to try a little magic, to test whether she could yet concentrate sufficiently to cast. Something simple, something she didn't 't have to gesture or speak for, something she could do with just a thought... maybe turn the top corner of one wall a slightly different color for a moment, and then restore it.

When Adendorff looked elsewhere, she glanced up towards her chosen spot, and put the tiniest shard of forth her power, in this impromptu experiment.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz
"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!

I'm sorry. I was scared. And I remembered reading a report about S.H.O.D.A.N. And you looked like you knew what to do. And you were calm. And I thought it was worth a try. Don't be mad, please.
Treznor's eyes finally lock onto the young woman staring intently at him.

<LOS Communications - Jessica>
{
<< All right, I see you now. I'm sorry, but this is one of my biggest secrets. Whatever you know, or think you know about S.H.O.D.A.N. and me, forget it right now. These guys are spooked, but so long as we don't give them a reason to hurt us they won't. Stay calm, don't give them any trouble and you'll get out alive. We all will. Trust me; I've done this before.
}

Silently he muses, I just won't mention that Nath and I were the only ones to get out alive. Then Nathicana's transmission reaches him and he frowns.

<LOS Communications - Nathicana>
{
<< All right. That doesn't help me right now, but we'll work it out later. Remember Ukari, and don't go nuts. Like I said, I'll be back as soon as I can, and you can bet we'll string this Mirbach character by his own intestines.

<< Easy there. I'll be fine. They way they've tied me up, they don't know about what I can do. If my men were on the ball, they've already got a strike time on the way as soon as the firing started. I just hope they weren't idiotic enough to charge in as well. I'm going to be all right. I'm more worried about you, and what's going to happen when they finally find you. They know you're missing, so you don't have much surprise working for you.

<< I'll be back for you, love. I promise you.
}

Althena awakened.

It was... strange, blurry. It took her some time to realise what happened. The men around... the guests...

Suddenly, her mind was clear.

What the hell happened? Where`s Chloe?

While still thinking, searching for a way to escape this unpleasent situation, she notices Siri...

Poor woman...

For the moment, she can`t do much, but finally, she decides to find out what the 'Terrorists' actually want...

One minute to gain entrance to the surface thoughts of a man, two minutes to gain access to his memory... Concentrating on one of the men standing around, she tries it.

---

Meanwhile, Chloe lies elsewhere, far away enough for Althena to be 'invisible' for her.

Lying there, she notices that she has been stripped from her 'costume'. Admittedly, there isn´t a big difference. Except that her knifes ain`t with her anymore.

Cursing silently, her mind races. We wont be the aim. It must be the Empress or Sirithil... Still, it`s too dangerous... i need to be free...

Theoretically, she could try to gin control upon the mind of one of the terrorists. The problem: It would take one to three hours, assuming they have no defenses... And she just hasn´t the time.

But there are always other solutions...

Noticing another one of the suppoosed terrorists near to her, she gives it a try...

Slowly changing her position, to give him as much of a view as possible, she looks at him, faking a rather... scared, frightened look.

"Psst... Ummm... Mr..."

Siri found that there was a cold clenching feeling from the collar, that went not just to her neck but down to the pit of her belly as well.

The guard near Chloe glanced down. His jaw tightened. "What is it?" he said quietly.

Count Adendorff stared at Treznor. "You are hardly in a position to utter threats, however vague, your Majesty. We are merely restoring proper authority in Lavenrunz. Out of the hands of nonhumans and unbelievers. We are restoring our proper sovereignty."
"Man, you'll never get away with it." said Archduke Carl coldly.
"On the contrary, Highness, you will support us by becoming Regent." replied the Count.
"Are you utterly mad?" Archduke Amadeus gasped.
"The alternative after one of you two is a regency by a man with power to enforce what we need in this country." said Adendorff, staring. "A man we should have been aligned with all along..."

The guards began to move the first group from the ballroom.

As Nathicana was speaking, the Countess put the medallion in her hand. She began to weep quietly and softly. Like a child, barely aware of anything but sorrow. "...my...Emp...ress...we will be landing soon." she murmured cryptically. Suddenly there was a blankness in her eyes. Her breath had stopped.

Jessica dropped her gaze from the Emperor. He was right, after all. Unless these people meant to kill them.

Which would be terminally stupid on their parts.

But they said they would be letting them go. She scanned the room some more, looking at the guests now.

As her gaze fell on Lady Sirithil, she wondered briefly how the terrorists, if that was what they were, were all restraining themselves. Though she was grateful she wasn't in the same situation. A few of the other guests were, though.

I hope I can get my dagger back. Jessica bit her lip. It's the only thing I've got from Mother and Father. The only thing worth saving after the bomb.... She broke that line of thought. She needed to be calm now.

She looked around for Baron von Ehrfurt, hoping he was alright, and then she noticed, that of all the guests, one seemed to be missing completely. And only one, that she knew of, other than whereever Nathicana was.

Aurora was gone. Kill her mother, kidnap the child. It almost must certainly be the same people.

As she was helped to her feet, Jessica turned to a guard. "Before you let me go, could I have my dagger back?" She bit her lip, a tear in her eye. "It's the only thing I have to remember my parents by, since they died." The tear ran down her cheek.

Speeding along the icy road the Limbo holding the daughter of Kravoli's President desperatly tries to get to the ball on time. It was bad enough the plane was late but the traffic just made it impossible to get there on time.

Then finally after what seemed an eternity they arrive.

Without herisition Hailey walks into the ball and starts to mix with the other already there.

Treznor nods slowly and says nothing further. He rests on his knees waiting to be escorted out.

<LOS Communications - Nathicana>
{
<< All right, it's official. We stumbled into a coup attempt, and a pretty good one from what I can see. They plan to set up the Archduke as Regent, and if he doesn't cooperate they're threatening him with something obscure. Anyway, I have no idea how they intend to survive this, especially after pissing off Sirithil. I mean, she looks good naked, but she looks like she's not accustomed to playing Submissive.

<< Here I go. Remember, Red. I'll be all right, and I'll be back soon. Don't do anything foolish, please.
}

Albert listened much more intently to the things being said around him than his expression let on. He was noting names, faces, where everyone who had spoken stood on the current situation. His expression was carefully cultivated to look relieved at finally getting out, and he hoped he was fooling everyone else.

Inside, his mind was whirling, but not with confusion or helpless rage. Instead, he was planning, thinking. One of the first things he had learned when taking the office he now held was never to panic or lost control. Only those who thought things through survived.

OOC: I really can't be bothered to RP here any more... just assume my characters wandered off.

bah

Thus it was that Lady Sirithil nos Fëanor received two incredibly unpleasant surprises in quick succession.

The first was that her magic did not seem to work - likely courtesy of the collar she was wearing. She gasped for breath for a moment, falling back against the floor, before abandoning the spell... which seemed to return things to normal, such as they were.

The second was the plans of Adendorff. Making Carl Regent? How would they accomplish that? Unless they intend to force my abdication, or simply... shit. Oh, hell... damn, damn, damn... and this other party? Who is this...? No, it couldn't be... they couldn't be that mad... it's insanity.

Fear, real fear at the implications of these twin revelations, gnawed at the Elentári's mind... Sirithil paused a moment, simply experiencing it, almost savoring it, rolling it around on her tongue in a figurative sort of way... fear was not something well-known to her. She was rarely in a position where she felt the need for it... but this situation certainly did seem to qualify in spades.

She did receive one small bit of consolation, as she pulled herself back to a sitting position. Carl didn't seem to be a part of any of it. Unless he was just a really really good actor. But who, then? Adendorff is a petty mid-level noble... he would have barely made the guest list. He can't possibly have the influence or the connections to have arranged all this... or Joanna's death, for that matter... but then, who does?

Well, there was really only one thing left to do, aside from sit back and wait for things to unfold - which she really didn't want to do. The collar had... disliked... her attempt at sorcery; would her telepathy work? It was worth a shot.

>>Ataralassë... your Elentári calls... I need information, and have some, too...<< If she could get through to the MISSION Agent-Commander, they could put the ol' heads together, and maybe work this all out.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
Regent of Lavenrunz
"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)
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Nathi held the amulet in her hands turning it over thoughtfully, admiring the artistry while examining it over the dead woman's shoulder. She felt pity for the Countess, and bitterly angry that she did not learn more than she did before she had passed on.

<LOS Comms>
{
<< I haven't forgotten, mi amore. [shudder analog] I will be as calm as a pond on a warm summer's morn. Non abbia timore. Don't worry. They have no idea who they're fucking with.

<< She's gone. The Countess ...

<< Be safe, Dev. I'll behave. And when we're safely back home, we'll see about those heirs you've been wanting. [hug analog]
}

She didn't trust herself to say anymore. Plans were already running through her head, the layout of the palace that she'd already seen helping her, again grateful for their earlier wanderings.

They will pay for this. Oh, they will pay.

[quote="Kravoli"]Speeding along the icy road the Limbo holding the daughter of Kravoli's President desperatly tries to get to the ball on time. It was bad enough the plane was late but the traffic just made it impossible to get there on time.
quote]

OOC: You missed what's been going on, I think, so I'm just going to edit what actually happened.

The vehicle suddenly screeched to a halt, held up by several armored personnel carriers forming a roadblock. Two soldiers in winter gear stamped towards the car, grim but polite, and motioned for the windows to be lowered.

A woman in servant's costume looked at Jessica in momentary surprise, but then Baron Marienburg, overhearing, snapped, "We will mail it to you, Fraulein. All prisoners will move in an orderly fashion to the helicopter designated!"
Imperial Marines were moving to form this escort. The nearest doors were opened, and cold winds blew into the ballroom.
The young Empress, still groggy, was being led away. Archduke Carl and Archduke Amadeus were led in other directions.
Baron Ehrfurt's teeth clenched as Jessica was spoken to so....even if the tone was polite, the intent was not.

Count Mirbach sent a code via a laptop.
Then he went outside to a waiting VTOL. He ordered the pilot to move aside, and took the controls himself.

OOC: Maybe this wasn't a good time to arrive

As Hailey entered the ball she could see something wasn't right, Before the gas took effect she called for her guards but right after she slumped to the floor witht he rest of the people in the room.

Outside they heard the screems of Hailey and came rushing to her aid. Not knowing what has inside they quickly where overcome by the gas and fell to the floor. The only one that remained was the drive who was busying "reading" his playdude.

The guard near Chloe glanced down. His jaw tightened. "What is it?" he said quietly.


"I... ummm..." She hesitates, looking down. "I really don´t want to interfere in what you`re doing, but..." She hesitates again, trying to hide what her skimpy underwear reveals... "The toilets would be useful right now..."

Antonisz nearly naked is not a sight anyone should have to see, Aurelian thought as he followed the shuffling Hand out of the Palace.

The middle-aged man had been almost as ugly as a commoner to begin with, and augmentation had hardly helped. A network of ugly old scars across his back and shoulders had twisted the skin into weird ridges.

The outdoors were bitterly cold, the biting wind cutting through his costume to snap directly at his flesh. Although Antonisz said nothing, Aurelian could see goosebumps rising on his exposed skin.

OOC: so is everyone being grouped outside and being taken prisoner?

William stayed awake and sat calmly on the bench through the entire ordeal, taking a deep breath and lowering his heart rate and metabolism would allow that. As the terrorists started to cuff everyone William madly looked at the one that was clearly going to do it to him. “If you don’t want a broken bone, I suggest you don’t touch me.” He said and cooperatively held out his hands to be cuffed.
Back in Menelmacar Natalya regained consciousness and sat up straight in the hospital bed. “William, he’s in trouble.” She said before falling back into her bed exhausted.