A Royal Wedding [Astyria; Closed]

[Kelonna]

King Rickard VII Stark,
King of Kelon, Agilial and Erira, Shield of Kelowna and Protector of the Realm.
Daniel McCoy International, Kelowna

The King of Kelonna was wearing the dress blues of the Royal Kelonnan Air Force, because that was his branch of service before he ascended to the throne. He had been a Flight Captain, and commanded a section of four aircraft from the carrier HMS Courageous (NSC-03). This was until his father and elder brother died in a plane crash, and he was the next in line to inherit the throne. Though he had been hesitant to step up, he turned out to be a good King for the people.
And what a good King needs most of all is to carry on his line, and for that, he needed a wife. He received many offers, but ultimately he was reminded by advisers about arrangements that his father had made before he died. Rickard was to marry Princess Sarah, of Aquitayne.

Rickard was aware that arranged marriages were necessary for the politics and progression of Royals, but he did not quite like the fact that he did not have a say in it, which was pretty much the essence of Arranged Marriage. Nonetheless, he would do his duty, and would make the best of his fate.
In preparation of the event, the First "Coldsteam Guards" Infantry Division had been shipped over from Grissom Island. They would, together with the First "Royal Dragoons" Armoured Division, line the route from the airport to the Weirwood, and from there to the Royal Palace. Many were given the day off to witness the event, but alas, several had to keep on working. The nation must function on some level.

The City itself was decorated like never before. The Capital had transformed into a mix of the amber, scarlet and blue of The House of Stark, and the white and blue of the Aquitaynian Royal Family. The King almost didn't recognize the City when he drove down to the airport in the morning. The cheering and chanting was heard even over the noise of the airport... After all, life must go on.


Sent to all the leaders of the Astyrian nations is this handwritten letter:

To [Please insert your nation's leader/noblemen here]

You would honour me extremely if you could come to the Royal wedding of myself and Prinsess Sarah of Aquitayne, to be held on the thirtieth of May, in the year 2014.

I have the honour to be, sir/madam,
Yours Faithfully,

[signature]

RNO Stark VII,
King of Kelonna

[Gaveria]

The Marshall Family

Daniel McCoy International, Kelowna
XXIX Maii mensis, anno CCCIII publicum
1400 hours

The functions of the Consul in the Republic were the same as the functions of a President or King in other less civilized nations; that of chief diplomat and spokesperson for the nation among the world's most exclusive and elite club of world leaders. Such responsibility of course meant that it was his duty as Consul to attend various international events on behalf of the Republic to foster good will and what not; even if he personally didn't care for him.

Being the loving family type of individual both when cameras were rolling and when they weren't meant that if he had to suffer through a foreign despot's wedding then it was only right and proper for him to bring along his family for family bonding and such.

His daughter, Sandra or Adrian as she was called by her close friends and family, had just completed her first semester of college at the Universitas Caprica and it wasn't too hard to persuade her to take off to a foreign country for a weekend for a exotic foreign wedding before starting her summer properly with her friends and whatnot and even if she didn't want to, she couldn't refuse the Consul of the Republic; a infinitely useful title for a father to possess.

His son, John Marshall III who had been nicknamed Trip by his mother was a different animal entirely. He attended a incredibly expense and elite private school in Nova Roma and with only a single week left in the calender school year his absence wouldn't be missed. However the trick was persuading a sixteen year old boy to accompany his father, literally the most powerful man in the Republic and his sister and mother to a wedding. He had been less than trilled at the prospect and only the promise of quality father-son time had brought him in line with proposition that a significant bribe of denarii to be used towards extracurricular activities during the six week school break this summer.

The only true challenge had been posed by his wife, Elizabeth, who despite her lovely exterior was quite the cheeky woman. She argued that her presence at a gala in Cansæ and a fundraiser in Nova Romanthe day after tomorrow was more important than making small talk with a few barbarian royals about the weather but she relented when he pressed the issue of spending more time together as a family. In some ways, Elizabeth or Liz as he called her, was more of a workaholic than himself and that was truly saying something considering that he hadn't worked less than 40 hours a week since he left home to join the ASDF more than twenty years ago.

The opposition to the visit didn't only come from his family; even the Praetorii had been vehemently opposed to having the entire 1st family together in a foreign nation where their ability to protect the VIPs was limited by local custom and public relations considerations. Regardless they had also relented under pressure from the Consul and turned their energy towards lighting a fire under their foreign counterparts to ensure security was as airtight as possible and then some.

They left Nova Roma more than six hours ago in the custom built passenger airliner that served as Consular One towards Kelonna, a nation where diplomatic relations were limited to not trying to kill each other on site; a reprehensible situation in the Consul's eyes and one he would be sure to attempt to begin rectifying during the event if at all possible.

Daniel McCoy International was just beginning to become visible to the passengers from inside the jet and as a result the interior of the aircraft began to resemble a beehive in activity. Stewardess and Stewards moved to clear trays and all litter from view, the Praetorii began their last equipment checks and liaised with their equals on the ground, his children bickered with one another as was their custom while he stared dreamily into his wife's eyes as she tried her best not to be charmed by the deep blue oceans that were his eyes.

''My love, dispatch dark clouds from thoughts and look toward brighter future with beloved husband and youthful children.These days are not infinite by nature.'' Marshall spoke to his wife, attempting again to get her to at least open up to the possibility of having a inkling of fun during this trip.

She replied as he expected she would; with light hearted sarcasm.

''The dark clouds are present because of beloved husband and youthful children; the clouds depart as soon as we do.''

The consul sighed and turned to watch his children who continued to bicker with one another.

Adrian was trying in vain to impart some of the knowledge she had gain away at university upon her brother who responded in a manner not dissimilar to his mother's sarcasm.

''Trip, These visits are vital to maintaining the Republic's diplomatic image and credibility abroad.Surely you understand the need to maintain face among our neighbors; to ensure they are aware of who is truly civilized and who isn't.''

''Of course I do, but I don't understand how we are supposed to show them how civilized we are with you tagging along. Six minutes with you and they're going to think we're all stumbling hormonal morons with self-esteem issues and drug problems. Father and I could have handled this by ourselves; your just hear to be eye candy for the barbari.

The boy had a talent for comedy and the Consul couldn't help but let out a chuckle in response; which only served to add fuel to the fire.

''See, even father agrees with me. Your completely useless; even with a semester of university under your belt.

''Dad, tell Trip he is being immature and a pest.

''You know my rules Adrian, I don't get involved in disputes of this nature. Ask your mother.''

His passing of the buck to his wife earned him a look that could have killed him if he wasn't saved by the crackling of the airplanes intercom system.

''Consul, we are beginning our landing process. I recommend everyone buckle up and we will be touching down shortly.''

Almost right after the Captain's announcement; Marshall felt the tell-tale signs of a landing and signaled for everyone to button down and prepare to greet the world. Sibling banter was fine and appropriate among themselves but when the world was watching; they had to represent the very best of Aurelia to the world and embody all the Roman virtues from Dignitas to Pietas.

The cabin was absolutely quiet as the plane landed on the runway and was taxied out of the way and security ran their checks to ensure everything was the way it should be.After the necessaries had been taken care of; the First family was given the all clear by security and exited the aircraft and was escorted to terminal where the King of Kelonna waited patiently for them.

As they approached the King; Marshall couldn't help but feel pride in his family who not only possessed more than their fair share of personal intellect but also as conceited as it might be for him to think it, looked magnificent.

Liz wore a beautiful scarlet red sun dress made in Caprica City just for this occasion, the dress complimented by her eloquent ruby earrings and black heels. Her blonde hair flowing majestically behind her as she walked forth, matching his stride effortlessly, a product of their many years of marriage. In his mind she appeared every bit the goddess Minerva and if anyone got on her bad side; they would see she just didn't look like a goddess she had the temper of one as well.

Adrian wore a gold sun dress almost an exact copy of her mothers with the exception of the length; her mothers fell below to her knees while hers stopped just above the top of the knee. Adrian complimented her outfit with diamond studs and yellow heels of her own. Even so modestly dressed; she channeled the goddess Juno perfectly.

His son wore a grey blazer over his black dress shirt and charcoal tie to complement his slate black slacks. He had either forgotten or decided against any jewelry and it made him appear even more youthful than he already was. His wisdom and intellect was only conveyed through his ocean blue eyes, eyes that were only a shade lighter than his own but all the intensity was there.

The Consul himself only wore a simple slate grey two-piece suit with a blood red tie and a Calibre de Cartier watch he inherited from his deceased father. It was a simplistic look but one that did the job effectively; his family were the eye catchers as he planned; he was here to make things happen behind the scenes to lay the groundwork for future diplomatic work after the event was over.

Marshall's silent admiration of his clan was interrupted by their swift arrival to the appropriate terminal where they were to meet the King. His intelligence dossier hadn't revealed a plethora of information on the nation nor it's monarchy but he could assume that the King at least spoke passable English, it being the language of business and such so he should be safe initiating contact in a neutral dialect.

''Salutations Your Majesty, I am John Marshall, Consul of the Republic of Aurelia and it's Allied States; this is my wife Elizabeth and my children Sandra and John the 3rd. We are extremely pleased to make your acquaintance. ''

[Neu Engollon]

---

To: King Rickard VII Stark, Monarch of Kelonna and its dominions
From: Jean Kriegman, President of The Confederacy of Neu Engollon
10 Diplomacie Rue, Telleursville, Geneva Canton, Neu Engollon 4ZH6

---

Your Highness,

It is with the utmost pleasure and goodwill that we write you to let you know that there would not be any chance we would miss this opportunity to see your nuptials to your new lovely bride, Princess Sarah of Aquitayne. Not only is this important to you and your family, but such a union is also important for the relations of Astyria. We shall be arriving soon, and our delegation will consist of myself and some Deputy Ministers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Confederacy.

Most Sincerely,

Jean Kriegman, President of the Confederacy, Neu Engollon

---

TELLEURSVILLE, GENEVA, NEU ENGOLLON

Confederacy President Kriegman stood inside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Diplomacie Rue and waited for those that would join him on his journey. He was very familiar with the building as he had been in it so many times over the years. Quite often he consulted with Minister Tell, his counterpart, in the Minister's office, but just as often, Tell was off on some other diplomatic mission, which explained why President Kriegman would be needed to fill in. Currently, Minister Tell was working on relations with New Zepuha, a close friend of the Confederacy. Their jobs overlapped to such a high degree, and in any other nation, it would be ridiculous to have two government officials doing such similar duties, but in the Confederacy, it was crucial as diplomatic relations were considered paramount.

The Confederacy actually had two Presidents. Kriegman's job was more ceremonial, while Federal Council President Alainsburg was the true executive administrative power in the capital. It didn't bother Kriegman much, as he enjoyed his work and he truthfully had no designs on the Federal Council Presidential office, but there were times when it became annoying to be treated with a little less respect than Simonetta Alainsburg received. He wondered who would be in office next as the nation geared up for elections. With all the scandals and difficulties befalling the Neu Engollian peacekeeping efforts, he was just as sure as any other citizen that Alainsburg would find herself out of a job soon, along with most other CFP officials on the Council and in the Assembly. The tide was turning against them. No matter, he would still be doing his job, he had no doubt, and it helped that he eschewed the politics of the CFP in favor of more traditionalist values of the Confederacy, such as not trying to skirt around neutrality policy.

Deputy Minister Travetta Firmaglio rushed up, two aides in tow.
"I'm so sorry. It is a very busy time, as you know, Mr. President...With all the demands on the Ministry lately."

"Yes, of course. A car is waiting for us all outside, maybe we should make our way to it and save conversation for the auto?"

"Agreed. Lead the way."
And he did, leading them down the front steps and out to beautiful tree lined Diplomacie Rue and through a cordon of NEDM-DGC troops that were on high alert.
They were in the car and on their way to Alpenhorn International airport, where a fast private jet awaited on a tucked out of the way tarmac, to convey them south, towards Kelowna.
They all piled in, finding seats in the roomy interior of the large limo.
Firmaglio shook her head,
"I was just thinking...for a high functioning democracy, we sure do have a lot of Royal friends..."

"Well, we have a lot of relations with governments of all kinds, communists and fascists, too. Is it that monarchies seem dated in this day and age?" Kriegman watched out the window as the capital sped by. Reflections of the flashing lights of their escort cars were in his peripheral vision.

"To some degree, yes. I guess it's the fact that being a Neu Engollian, the concept is so foreign to us, after all."

"You realize that there are actually very few absolute monarchies left, most of them are constitutional. The royals are kept around out of respect for their heritage and tradition, but have no real effect on the governmental day to day administrations."

"I do realize that, obviously, President Kriegman. I didn't get into my position for not being well versed on the ways of the world."

"Of course, I didn't mean to imply..."

"I still just find it funny is all...And...technically, with most monarchies that we deal with anyway, there are edicts in place where the regent can overturn the elected parliaments, cameral bodies, etcetera and take over direct control, in times they deem necessary."

"Yes, but they don't enact those edicts. They wouldn't dare. Such a move would alienate a nation in this day and age, plus they might find that move challenged by those they attempt to usurp power from, even if traditionally and technically, its theirs to take. There are practical concerns to pulling such a political maneuver."

They arrived at the airport and continued their conversation on the plane as their aides busied themselves with mundane work and preparations for arrival on their tablets. Baggage was loaded up and crates bearing gifts for the Kelonnan and Aquitaynian royal families were secured in the cargo bay.

Firmaglio continued on as she buckled in,
"So...It's happened before, Mr. President. A monarch seizing real power. For instance, I was reading about how the Hutanjian King dissolved Parliament a few years ago."

"And no good has ever come of it. Ever. King Popilu I is dead now."

"By the hands of his security Chief, not by popular revolt."

"I fail to see the distinction. It led to events of cataclysmic failure. They lost half their nation, I know there's more complications to that situation, but I look at the end result. Anyway, apples and oranges...Kelonna is a western, civilized power, unlike Hutanjia only pretends to be. Such a thing couldn't happen there."

"Oh, well, I agree, the chances are remote, but...it is theoretically possible." She smiled as he snorted, "We're just talking Mr. President, no harm done. I won't be bringing any such thing up when we get to Kelowna."

"Bien. Merd! I could just imagine trying to smooth over that faux pas! Of course we're just bantering, I understand...Maybe we should review events at hand, though, Deputy Minister Firmiglio. I'd like to agree on who we will address when we get there and any other delegations we may want to get some face time with. Of course, it's a wedding. Such a happy time."
He smiled at the thought of tasting wedding cake. Such an exquisite, rich treat for the tastebuds.

"Of course, Mr. President."

---

KELOWNA, KELONNA

Eventually, after planning, some hours napping and quiet reading and reflection time, the jet was given clearance by the controllers at McCoy International and they touched down in Kelowna. They tidied up and smoothed out rumpled clothing, preparing to exit the plane and be welcomed...