The Cool Winds of Change (Closed, Attn:Cornellia)

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Wed Sep 10, 2014 10:31 pm

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Wed Sep 10, 2014 10:34 pm

”Posting Up”
The Government Palace
Ghish, Ghant

Nymun Izarbegiratzeak was an uncomplicated man. He enjoyed life, had fun, and always did the right thing. He never betrayed his convictions, and stayed true to his instinct, intuition and integrity. That is what earned him his doctorate, made him a famous comedian and satirist, and ultimately made him Prime Minister.

He was a hard worker too. He spent much of his first few days as Prime Minister cleaning out the mess left behind by Yula Zimya. He added a new cabinet, made a few public announcements, and worked with Empress Sophia on an agenda, even consisting of eating at the Imperial Palace once a week, on Wednesday nights. Oh how he loved Palace food, be it steak and potatoes, or even chicken and dumplings…

Nymun snapped to as he was sitting at his desk, reading some messages from foreign leaders congratulating him on his victory. He remembered the one he got from President DeGroot of Adiron, and his response to it…

To: Campaign Headquarters, Nymun Izarbegiratzeak
From: The Office of President Tavish DeGroot
Subject: Congratulations

On behalf of the people of the Republic of Adiron, my employers, I'd like to offer my sincerest congratulations for your win at the polls. The Independent Coalition's resounding victory could prove to be the transformative force you intended for Ghant, and I wish you the best in your first term of office.

I have followed your work for a number of years now, as I've long been a fan of satire. Parody, criticism, and mockery of political leadership as a form of social commentary is a key component of a free and open political process. Take it from a Cetan: when leaders aren't scrutinized, they're not accountable. When they're not accountable, that's when they get away with abusing their power. The most productive social commentary also requires an in-depth understanding of the subject itself, and I've found that sometimes the more sophisticated satirists demonstrate better awareness of the issues than some of those making the decisions.

Sincerely,
Tavish DeGroot

Nymun recalled how he responded to it personally as well.

To: The Office of President Tavish DeGroot
From: Campaign Headquarters, Nymun Izarbegiratzeak
Subject: Thank you

Thank you for the congratulations extended to me on behalf of not only yourself but the fine people of the Republic of Adiron. A splendid people and a splendid country indeed.

I appreciate your kind words about my work. Indeed, the ability to champion comedy at the expense of political leadership is a hallmark of a free and fair society. I have long believed that one can judge a nation based upon to what degree it allows people to speak freely and openly in a way that is mocking of political leadership and their decision making processes.

I look forward to being both scrutinized and held accountable, and I also look forward to working closely with you in the future to respond to issues that are facing the world today.

Sincerely,
Nymun Izarbegiratzeak

Nymun came back to the present time, and he looked around the office. It was in disarray…the furs and animal heads were gone, as were the sparse furnishings left behind by Zimya when she left. Nymun had new furniture and new bookshelves come in, as well as an arcade, a table hockey / ping pong table, a foosball table and a pinball machine. Nymun wanted the office to be casual, friendly and festive, to reflect his own attitudes about life and leadership, which consisted of keeping the mood light.

He was wearing a teal polyester business suit with a black and white polka dot tie. He was 69 years old, and he could feel some aches and pains in his back. Enough to make him put his stuff down and get up out of his seat. He stretched, cracked his knuckles, and walked over to the pinball machine.

It was an old one from the 1970s. The theme of it was “knights, dragons and princesses.” How typical. Most games in Ghant had that theme…he realized that the arcade did too.

As he was examining the pinball machine, he noticed a manilla folder sitting on top of the bookshelf. Nymun reached up, grabbed it, and pulled it down back towards him. He opened the folder and read the contents.

Proposed Air Force Base for the Allied States of New Edom in the Empire of Ghant

Submitted by Undersecretary of Defense Colleen Fish
and
by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Cornellia Levi Dathan
The base would require four runways capable of handling everything from fighters and heavy bombers to large cargo transports and civilian airliners. It would require control towers built with the latest in radar monitoring technology, and more than fifty heavy-grade industrial flight hangars to provide our engineers with the workspace necessary to keep your planes in tip-top shape. In addition barrack space for up to 10,000 military personnel, and with administrative facilities, mess halls, multifaceted religious chapels, permanent medical facilities on-site, and recreational facilities such as a basketball courts, a movie theater, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and other assorted common space areas.

It is requested that any contracting be directed and managed by Dragonstar Military Engineering.

Proposed Military Alliance Treaty between the Allied States of New Edom and the Empire of Ghant

Treaty of (Location to be Designated)

Preamble

Her Majesty Queen Mara of the Allied States of New Edom and His Imperial Majesty Nathan of Ghant, have discoursed and agreed with Their especial grace, wisdom and knowledge upon the terms listed below to bind the Empire of Ghant and the Government of the Allied States in such a manner.

Defence
Upon the encroachment of any sovereign territory of the Allied States of New Edom or the Empire of Ghant, both respective parties shall supply their armed forces to defend the other.
Both the Empire of Ghant and The Allied States of New Edom shall pledge to share intelligence with each other that would be beneficial for the other.
That neither the Empire of Ghant or the Allied States of New Edom hall in anyway engage in an aggressive action against each other. Nor shall they aid, abet or in anyway assist another sovereign entity to do so.
No armies commanded by His Majesty Emperor Nathan and His heirs and successors shall enter the sovereign soil or waters of The Allied States of New Edom and the Allied States without the consent of both the National Legislature and Her Majesty Queen Mara and Her heirs and successors.
No armies commanded by Her Majesty Queen Mara and her heirs and successors shall enter the sovereign soil or waters of The Empire of Ghant without the consent of His Imperial Majesty.

Hmm…that’s interesting, Nymun thought. Nymun didn’t know anything about that. Chances were that Zimya stuck it somewhere in the office, and Charles Iger never found it. Meaning, it fell into his lap now.

Nymun tapped a finger against his mouth as he stood there in his office, wondering what to do with it. He needed to respond to it, he knew that much. Half of the trouble was always figuring out what to say, and how to respond.

Nymun walked back over to his desk, took a hard, clumsy seat in his big, comfortable chair, and started working on a response.

The Office of the Prime Minister of Ghant
Nymun Izarbegiratzeak

To Undersecretary of Defense Colleen Fish and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Cornellia Levi Dathan, of the Allied States of New Edom
FromNymun Izarbegiratzeak, Prime Minister

To whom it may concern,

This proposed military alliance is one that could do much to advance the stations of both of our nations, in terms of their relative positions in the world. Indeed, it is definitely worth considering.

Naturally, I am inclined to pursue the necessary avenues of politics to gage an interest in this proposal. The kosher thing to do would be to present it to the Legebiltzarra so that it can be vetted and discussed by the Members of Parliament.

Having said that, the politics of such a proposal might require a tangible result beyond any military considerations. It has been brought to my attention that Prince Michael of Dakmoor has been interested in courting Queen Mara of New Edom. I believe that a…treaty of this magnitude ought to be a component of a marriage between your Queen and this Prince of ours. Think of it in terms of a package deal, and part of the negotiations. If I recall correctly, there is a precedent for this, sighting similar arrangements that New Edom has made with Vorindun and New Hydrenia. I think this seems like a fair arrangement.

If such an arrangement were to take place, I might suggest Blizzard Bay, on the western shores of Ghant, on the Sea of Jormund. We have bases all along the coast ready to be at your disposal, and you would have the ability to project power across the Sea of Jormund. Perhaps this might be enticing, especially considering how Adiron now has airbases in Vyrsar.

In any case, I look forward to hearing back from you on the matter, so that we might better make things progress for the betterment and the advancement of the people of both Ghant and New Edom.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Nymun Izarbegiratzeak, Prime Minister of Ghant

Politics, politics, Nymun thought, shaking his head. He knew just as well as any in Ghant that things like foreign bases were an instant nono…unless they consisted of some kind of “family arrangement.” In this particular instance, he knew that Ghant would only be ok with an Edomite base in Ghant if a Ghantar was the King of New Edom…which was possible. Who better than Michael of Dakmoor, either? The brother of Empress Sophia, who was more or less Queen of the World…or of Ghant at the very least. Anything associated to the Dakmarans was political gold. If Michael and Mara became an item, then the people would surely be ok if the country that Michael was King of wanted to have a base in Ghant.

Then there was a knock on the door. “Mr. Prime Minister.” Nymun recognized the voice of his young intern, Sali Orriega.

Nymun responded. “Come in, Sali. Come in.”

The short, skinny girl with short dark hair and brown eyes in a business dress spoke up, anxiously. “Mr. Prime Minister…”

Nymun laughed and cut her off. “Come on, Sali. I told you, call me Nymun, Ny, Hair, Izzy, Dr. I, or something like that. None of this proper stuff.”

Sali nodded. “Nymun, I have something that you must see at once.”

“Oh? What could it possibly be? Did nudie photos of some famous actress get leaked or something?”

Sali was quite serious. “No…it is about the Edomite Military Alliance Proposal.”

“Ah, yes that. Uh huh…I found it! Yula hid it in the office for some reason. Don’t worry, I found it and responded to it, all proper like.”

“…Zimya leaked the Edomite proposal to the press…”

Nymun sighed and sank down into his seat. “Well, it looks like we are about to deal with some international attention, young lady. Batten down the hatches and man your battle station…we are about to get hit.”

Nymun got the impression that she didn’t know what that meant, but she nodded and ran out of the office. Nymun rubbed his forehead. I suppose it’s time to get posted up, he thought.[/align]

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Wed Sep 10, 2014 10:56 pm

Ex PM Yula Zimya leaks copy of Edomite Alliance proposal

"Proposed Air Force Base for the Allied States of New Edom in the Empire of Ghant"

Yula Zimya might be out of office now, but she had one last card up her sleeve.

The former Prime Minister, jilted over being dismissed from office by Empress Sophia, having her reputation ruined and being crushed at the polls, leaked New Edom's military alliance proposal to the GBN, in its entire, unedited version.

The proposal is presented here in its entirety:

Proposed Air Force Base for the Allied States of New Edom in the Empire of Ghant

Submitted by Undersecretary of Defense Colleen Fish
and
by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Cornellia Levi Dathan
The base would require four runways capable of handling everything from fighters and heavy bombers to large cargo transports and civilian airliners. It would require control towers built with the latest in radar monitoring technology, and more than fifty heavy-grade industrial flight hangars to provide our engineers with the workspace necessary to keep your planes in tip-top shape. In addition barrack space for up to 10,000 military personnel, and with administrative facilities, mess halls, multifaceted religious chapels, permanent medical facilities on-site, and recreational facilities such as a basketball courts, a movie theater, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and other assorted common space areas.

It is requested that any contracting be directed and managed by Dragonstar Military Engineering.

Proposed Military Alliance Treaty between the Allied States of New Edom and the Empire of Ghant

Treaty of (Location to be Designated)

Preamble

Her Majesty Queen Mara of the Allied States of New Edom and His Imperial Majesty Nathan of Ghant, have discoursed and agreed with Their especial grace, wisdom and knowledge upon the terms listed below to bind the Empire of Ghant and the Government of the Allied States in such a manner.

Defence
Upon the encroachment of any sovereign territory of the Allied States of New Edom or the Empire of Ghant, both respective parties shall supply their armed forces to defend the other.
Both the Empire of Ghant and The Allied States of New Edom shall pledge to share intelligence with each other that would be beneficial for the other.
That neither the Empire of Ghant or the Allied States of New Edom hall in anyway engage in an aggressive action against each other. Nor shall they aid, abet or in anyway assist another sovereign entity to do so.
No armies commanded by His Majesty Emperor Nathan and His heirs and successors shall enter the sovereign soil or waters of The Allied States of New Edom and the Allied States without the consent of both the National Legislature and Her Majesty Queen Mara and Her heirs and successors.
No armies commanded by Her Majesty Queen Mara and her heirs and successors shall enter the sovereign soil or waters of The Empire of Ghant without the consent of His Imperial Majesty.

Zimya could not be reached for comment, and we will be updating the situation periodically with international reactions and new developments as they occur.

by **New Edom** » Thu Sep 11, 2014 3:21 pm

Ghish, Ghant

John Manoah, the Ambassador, had many preparations underway, the most important of which was the royal visit of Queen Mara that was upcoming. He had a visitor as well--Colonel Steven Horvath, a lean sun browned hard faced man, the Royal Private Secretary--had arrived to act as go between, apparently this was easier than simply sending instructions over and over again.

"The Queen will need to be advised about an itinerary; we cannot in these times have too much Ghantish spontaneity," Horvath explained as he sat in the Ambassador's office. Manoah thought he was unseasonably bundled up; he was wearing a fur lined coat, had a long wool scarf he had only discarded in the warmth of the embassy building, had probably long underwear and wool socks on as well. "I understand that the plan proposed is that she should arrive in Ghish and then proceed to Dakmoor, but we need to know what that entails."

"Done," said Manoah. He would fire off a note requesting an itinerary that afternoon. "But I don't see, Colonel, why you had to come here. And do you know that there's a bit of concern about this leak to the press."

"How are you handling that?" Horvath asked, sipping his tea as though putting his hands around it for warmth.

"First, I've been advised by the Foreign Ministry that we need to slam down on the fact that the former prime minister has leaked state security matters to the press. But at the same time, why should we be concerned? They aren't exactly secret, these matters, no more than our negotiations with the Shrailleeni, the Jedorians, the Romans, or Callaban City was before. It's more going to cause some clucking in some quarters--northern Acheronians may get antsy. But right now we'll follow the usually policy of gauging the weather before responding." Manoah replied. "Is there some concern about this at court?"

"There's some who are wondering. And it's interesting that the new Prime Minister is encouraging this and the marriage, but why look a gift horse in the mouth?" Horvath pointed out.

"I've always found that a strange phrase, if you think about it." Manoah said, leaning back thoughtfully.

"What do you mean?" Horvath asked.

"Well, the Trojans should have looked a gift horse in the mouth; if they had Troy might not have fallen to the Achaeans," Manoah pointed out. "It's as though the phrase contradicts 'Beware of Greeks bearing gifts'..."

Horvath shook his head. "Anyway: the itinerary. I'm going to have a warm bath and some food, I cannot believe the climate up here. How will the Queen manage--she's such a child of sun and sea..."

To: Prime Minister Nymun Izarbegiratzeak
From: Levi Dathan, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Cornellia
CC: Colleen Fish, Undersecretary of Defense, John Manoah, Ambassador to Ghant
Subject: Defense Agreement
Encryption: Delivered by the Ambassadorial Courier

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

I hope that this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am instructed to convey to you the congratulations of President of the Council General Pahath-Moab on winning the election. Queen Mara will convey her respects herself when she arrives in Ghish.

The Queen's Royal Master of Offices, Count Thomas Lalery, has informed me that the Queen has come to an agreement with Prince Michael of Dakmoor to visit Ghant. She intends to visit Ghish and then Dakmoor itself in order to get to know the Imperial Family as well as Prince Michael's family and House before deciding on whether or not a marriage would be suitable to her. As you are probably aware, the President would like the marriage to be one that the Queen chooses for her own personal reasons as well as for reasons of state. It is not a decision to be made lightly.

Regarding the location for the base, I would like to ask if it would be possible for engineers, contractors and defense experts from New Edom as well as from Dragonstar Engineering to visit the area and possibly any others that might be considered. While considerable research has also been done on it a final location would need to be decided by this means.

I would also like to coordinate between your office and that of the Imperial Court for an itinerary for the Queen's visit, including coordination of communications, transport and security.

I have the honour to be,
Levi Dathan,
Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Cornellia

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Thu Sep 11, 2014 5:41 pm

The Office of the Prime Minister of Ghant

To: Levi Dathan, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Cornellia
From: Prime Minister Nymun Izarbegiratzeak
CC: Colleen Fish, Undersecretary of Defense, John Manoah, Ambassador to Ghant, Nora Odiaga, Ambassador to New Edom, Sophia, Empress of Ghant
Subject: Defense Agreement & Royal Visit
Encryption: Delivered by the Ambassadorial Courier

Dear Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Cornellia,

Thank you for the kind words passed onto me by President Pahath-Moab, I am doing quite well, all things considered, thank you.

I am quite excited at the prospect of Her Majesty the Queen coming to Ghant and visiting Ghish and Dakar…and at the prospects of a royal union between our two fair and noble countries. Not only will we spare no expense to ensure that the Queen and her party have a great time in Ghant, but we will also cooperate fully with whatever arrangements Queen Mara and New Edom would like to make. She will feel no pressure about a match eiter, rest assured. I will not have it said that Ghant is not most accommodating to any foreign royal patrons.

Now, as far as establishing an itinerary, well, I would imagine that Her Majesty the Empress would like to coordinate that with you, and have the visit in general fall under the umbrella of the Imperial Court. For the time being, I will do what I can in this message.

Accommodations
Generally speaking, the duration of the Royal visit would be determined by Her Majesty the Queen and her court. The Imperial Court in Ghish would provide full accommodations, consisting of rooms and food, for as long as they are there. The feast every night and have buffet style breakfast, lunch, and total access to “midnight snacks”, compliments of His Majesty the Emperor. At least that is what I am familiar with.

In Dakar, Lord Paramount Malibar would provide the same degree of hospitality as can be found at the Imperial Palace, likewise for as long as Her Majesty the Queen sees fit to linger.

Communication
Communication between the courts and governments of Fineburg and Ghish would be handled by our ambassadors and court staff. Naturally, myself and my staff would also be available to communicate. Feel free to discuss communication considerations in greater detail with Her Majesty the Empress.

Transport
Assuming that the Queen wishes to travel directly to Dakar from Ghish, there are two ways of going about that. Plane and automobile. Each one would offer its own benefits and rewards, and ultimately that falls upon the discretion of the Queen herself. Queen Mara could, if it suits her, travel directly to Dakar from Ghish compliments of the Imperial Court’s private jet.

Should Her Majesty choose to travel by automobile instead, then she and her court could make the trip using one of the Empress’s luxury vehicles. This is a drive that Her Majesty the Empress often takes to visit her father and brother back home, on account of the scenery, consisting of historic landmarks and…exotic terrain.

Security
Assuming that Her Majesty the Queen chooses to join with the Ghantish Court for this royal visit, then all of the security of the Court of Ghish would be at Her Majesty the Queen’s disposal. Her Majesty the Empress spares no expense in terms of security, so if Her Majesty the Queen elects to be hosted by Her Majesty the Empress, then the great security of the Imperial Family shall be available to her.

Again, for additional details, concerns and arrangements, I would highly encourage you to contact Her Majesty the Empress. She regularly responds to messages of import sent to her office, so there should be no trouble at all in establishing communiqué with her, should you elect to go that route, which I recommend you do.

Regarding the location for the base, any and all engineers, contractors and defense experts from New Edom as well as from Dragonstar Engineering are more than welcome to come and visit Ghant and inspect the various sites as it suits them.

Sincerely,

-Nymun Izarbegiratzeak, Prime Minister of Ghant

by **New Edom** » Thu Sep 11, 2014 9:49 pm

The New Edomite Embassy, Ghish

“What’s this?” exclaimed Colonel Horvath. “We set the itinerary on our own? I thought they were going to be our hosts.”

“They will meet us halfway; the Ghantish are…different from us,” explained John Manoah. “Also, I realize it may seem strange, but they are great admirers, and they place a huge importance on Prince Michael becoming King.”

Colonel Horvath looked puzzled. “King of what?”

“King of New Edom,” replied the Ambassador.

“But,” said Colonel Horvath, “It won’t really mean he gets to pass laws or anything; he won’t even command any military units except symbolically. He’ll just be the Queen’s consort. He might end up wielding influence—though I strongly doubt that—but that’s about it.”

John Manoah shrugged. “The symbolism will really count with the Ghants, and that’s what matters. The President wants his base to complete our early warning system, they want royal marital connections. It seems like a good deal to me. You wanted to discuss the itinerary, Colonel,” he pointed out.

“Yes. Well…we’ve been advised to contact the Empress directly. I guess we have confirmation—she’s wearing the pants around here,” Horvath said with a faint smile. “So we will do that to expedite this matter and go from there. I will advise Count Lalery accordingly.”

“There’s another matter that needs to be considered before this proceeds anyway; it’s one that has barely been given consideration,” Manoah said, toying with one of his expensive gold and rosewood pens. “The matter of the state of fitness of the Ghantish military. A general review is required. The President has instructed me to look into that.” He looked at Horvath, Horvath looked at him. Then the Queen’s Private Secretary nodded.

“I’ll take care of my end,” he promised. “Take a prior look at some of these locations. Thank you for your hospitality.”

They exchanged bows, and Manoah watched as his own secretary let Horvath out. Then he began to make some phone calls. The line was secure, but he was nevertheless discreet.

To: The Office of Her Imperial Majesty Empress Sophia
From: The Office of Count Thomas Lalery, the Royal Master of Offices
Subject: Royal Visit
Encryption: Delivered in Sealed Diplomatic Pouch

Your Imperial Majesty,

Blessings and the best wishes for the upcoming birth of your child. I beg you to offer my humble greetings to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor.

Queen Mara has decided to visit Gish and Dakmoor, and has understood from your brother Prince Michael that this would be a welcome visit. I would like to ask your advice on the best way to conduct this visit in terms of the areas to go to, and events which should take place and who in particular she should meet in order to facilitate her making the most informed decision as to whether or not to marry your brother.

While the President of the Council remains neutral on this subject, I am personally in favour, as are some of the Queen’s personal advisors. However the Queen is a strong willed young woman and will want to get a good look at the land which produced her potential husband.

I look forward to your reply,
Count Thomas Lalery,
Royal Master of Offices

To: Prime Minister the Right Honourable Nymun Izarbegiratzeak
From: Brigadier-General Perrin Pahath-Moab, President of the Council of Ministers
Subject: Defense Capabilities
Encryption: Delivered in Sealed Diplomatic Pouch

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

I am glad that our pursuit fo closer relations goes so well. It is my understanding that you are a very busy man right now with forming a new cabinet and taking over from the former government, and so my letter will be brief.

First: the inspection teams will be leaving Fineberg shortly, attached is a list of names, positions and backgrounds. I ask that proper security keep publication of this investigation to a minimum.

Second, I would like to have a clear and up to date profile of your nation’s defense capabilities. Obviously under normal circumstances publication of such facts as well as any information gained by other means is not from your own country’s point of view, but if we are to be allies we will need a more complete picture. This will also help determine how we can if need be help your country.

I am leaving the matter of the Royal Visit in the hands of the Master of Offices, who will inform me on a regular basis of what is happening, and security matters will be done by the Royal Protection Service under the supervision of the Ministry of Police.

I have the honour to be
Brigadier-General Perrin Pahath-Moab
President of the Council of Ministers

by **Hittanryan** » Thu Sep 11, 2014 11:20 pm

To: The Office of Prime Minister Nymun Izarbegiratzeak
From: Dean Luo, Adiran Ambassador to Ghant
Subject: Adiran-Ghant Relations
Encryption: Moderate

I would like to echo the President's congratulations on your win at the polls, and my government is optimistic for the future. To get to the point of this communication, with Zimya's departure, we hope to explore new possibilities in Adiran-Ghantish relations.

The first thing we would like to work with you is on the subject of Peregrino, specifically this scandal surrounding the arrival of Ghantish mercenaries posing as aid workers. As this occurred under your predecessor's government, naturally Adiron recognizes that any oversights or missteps were not made on your part.

Nevertheless, the Arrosabeltza Affair remains a serious issue with implications for not just all of Peregrino but Ghantish international relations in general. Minister Inogaru's claimed in Callaban that the Ghantish government not only had no knowledge of Arrosabeltza's deployment, but in fact had been powerless to prevent it. As a fellow member of the CPO, we are fully confident that your government will help to uphold the ceasefire and bring the Peregrino Conflict to a peaceful resolution. However, it is extremely troubling that paramilitary forces acting outside of your government's authority was able to get in a position where it could undermine the entire mediation process. New Edom has all but called this a direct violation of the ceasefire, though we recognize that the aircraft likely left before it was in effect. Even worse, their thinly-veiled cover story about being aid workers has resulted in over four hundred Isidium Foundation volunteers being strip searched upon arrival, indicating Arrosabeltza's actions will have repercussions for all relief workers in general.

Adiron wants to work with you to repair some of the damage this incident has caused. My government believes your best bet for damage control here is a very public investigation of this mercenary organization. Hold hearings, make press statements, show the region you are taking it seriously as well as the mediation process. If it can be publicly demonstrated that you're getting a handle on this problem, Adiron will go to bat for you. We'll even support you in the investigation itself by acting as an observing party for the CPO. Adiron wants to help Ghant put this embarrassing incident behind them.

Another matter my government wished to bring up is improving trade relations. Though we remain strong trading partners, the previous government did not seem amenable to a free trade agreement which would virtually eliminate all tariff barriers between our two nations and give our respective companies greater access to both our markets. Zimya appeared to fear that this would negatively impact both Ghantish workers and the environment. Take it from an old SDP pol who remembers Erica Ridgeway being President, scaring away foreign investment doesn't do your workers any favors if they can't find work. Your platform of liberalization seemed to suggest we should pursue this sort of arrangement. As far as the environment goes, we are currently in a coalition with the Greens, and thanks to their policies companies throughout Adiron have strong incentives to conduct all their businesses sustainably. Former Prime Minister Zimya seemed to doubt that any development could be sustainable, however. Under her government, our nations' trade has largely been kept at the status quo.

Third, my government would like to applaud your recent admission to the North Cornellian Treaty Organization. Adiron and Ghant are now part of the same collective defense organization: a threat to Ghant will be treated as a threat to all of us. However, if you've ever flown from Adiron to Ghant direct, you would be painfully aware that there is an ocean and a very large continent between us. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have voiced several concerns regarding our ability to effectively project military power that far afield; until your entry NCTO consisted primarily of nations in the Tartarian Ocean and western Acheron. Despite possessing a blue water navy and a base in Draconia, the fact remains that we are half a world away.

After witnessing the devastation visited upon Lazodiria by New Othman in such a short timespan, my government is concerned about response times and early warning capabilities. Although Adiron recently negotiated the use of Vyrsarian bases, as was stated in the press this was primarily to fulfill peacekeeping commitments in Central Acheron. The arrangement is inadequate for the defense of Ghant in keeping with our treaty obligations. My government wants you to know that it takes its international commitments seriously, and would therefore like to propose constructing an Adiran naval air station in Ghant.

Finally, since I do not anticipate we will resolve these issues in a single sitting, my government would like to propose a state visit to Ghish consisting of the President, the First Lady, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense.

Sincerely,
Dean Luo
Ambassador to Ghant

by **Vyrsar** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 7:46 pm

"Dieses ist lächerlich (This is ridiculous)."

Katharina's fingers rapped the table in front of her as she sat back in her chair, hand under chin, her own face in shadow like some sort of villain from a spy film.

"Was andere Val wir haben (What other choice do we have)?"

"Etwas anders als einen Krieg völlig erregen (Something other than outright provoking a war)."

Her fingers continued rapping as she listened to the debate in the table. To her left and right, the Chancellor and the President sat silent, as did the figure sitting on the other head of the table where Meier had once sat before he retired. She knew, as did everyone else in the room, that the situation was not about a threat to their soil, but a challenge to their authority and, as they believed, an attempt by Perrin to try to spread his tentacles where they did not belong.

They already knew what would be done if that base was built. The order forms were already finalised, the manufacturing plants ready to kick into overdrive at a moment's notice. There was no telling how Nymun would continue with this... treaty. Nor did they know what would influence him.

To them, Nymun was a novice and an incompetent. Maybe he meant well- sure. That did not excuse inexperience. The man could be just as easily influenced by those bloody nobles as he could by Pahath-Moab. That, however, might not necessarily be a bad thing, Katharina thought. Not if it's the right nobles. It had been some time since Sophia had payed a visit. Long overdue, in fact. Times were changing. They had been since she had took office at the tender, severely inexperienced age of only 16. She had learned a lot since then. She had watched as some countries grew, and others murdered themselves and each other endlessly. Hell, her first major event as Kaiserin had been a war. She had always been a student of the morbid art. Didn't make it any easier to send soldiers into a warzone like pawns. For the last several years, she had been forced to try and keep the country the way it was even as its own role in the international world continued to grow. Non-interventionist, trying to let others solve their own problems. Changing domestic politics had forced her hand on many occasions to go against those limitations. She sighed as she let the recognition settle in her mind. It was as good a time now, as any, to let those limitations fall away. Different times call for different attitudes.

Across the table, Katharina locked eyes with the Council's newest member. She, like so many other of those from the royals, embodied the aesthetic stereotype that had come to define what some others thought of Vyrsarians. That they were all perfect, overly polite, cold, pale, and blonde. That opinion changed depending on the country, naturally.

The woman smiled and tilted her head with a shrug. Katharina allowed herself a small smirk. She took a deep breath.

"Stille!"

All conversation in the room ceased in an instant at the shout, and all eyes turned to Katharina, who was promptly standing. She sighed, leaning over and placing her hands on the table.

"Betrachten Sie diese Sitzung bis auf Weiteres als vertagt (Consider this meeting adjourned until further notice)," she said with a stern tone. The question of "Until who's notice?" need not be answered. The Kaiserin's tone made it clear. Until her notice. She promptly stood and walked out of the room, with the Chancellor close on her heels. The rest of the Council was in shock. That wasn't like Katharina at all.

Clearly, something was not right.

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 9:05 am

“Treats”
Imperial Palace
Ghish Ghant

Another day, another campaign...the Emperor of Ghant was a busy man.

Nathan’s game room was bustling with action. The 80 inch LED TV was flashing the vibrant colors of the latest Call of Booty game...fighting pirates on the high seas with all kinds of cool guns and uniforms…Nathan’s favorite was the bubblegum camo.

He was wearing his Tortuga headset so he could communicate, but the room was booming with surround sound stereo nonetheless. The coffee table in front of him was a mess of cords…phone, mp3 player, mini laptop with a strategy guide on it, and then a bowl of cold shrimp, a smaller bowl with cocktail sauce, and some Dr. Drizzle in a bottle on the edge of the table, sitting conspicuously close to the edge.

The Emperor sat on his enormous couch…it was big fuzzy, green, and had recliners, massagers, compartments in the armrests and underneath the couch, and even drop down tables. Nathan called it the Big Green Furry Monster. He was wearing a fuzzy robe to match the couch.

“Your team has been defeated.” Said the game.

“Damnit! Fuckers. Hey, can we kick that Poodo guy off our team? He sucks donkey balls, seriously.”

“Shutup kid.” Was Poodo’s response…he sounded young.

“Kid, I would wreck you so hard…after I got done with your mother.” Nathan laughed as he dipped a shrimp into the cocktail sauce and ate it…he had the tails removed by the staff, naturally. Removing the tails took too much time.

“Kid…get a life.” Replied Poodo.

“I have a life! I am the Emperor of Ghant. Who are you? Just some scrub.”

Poodo laughed. “Yeah right. There’s no way.”

“Yes way. I own you, kid.” Nathan started to smirk.

Poodo was amused, as the game was in between matches. “I own Sophia. I hit that hard.”

Nathan got mad. “Fuck you, you little bastard. I am going to find where you live and leave a flaming bag of shit on your doorstep.” Nathan saw that Poodo was on the same team as him again. “Damnit!”

Whatever Poodo’s response was, Nathan didn’t hear, as someone walked up behind him and took his headset off. Nathan turned around and saw Sophia standing there. She leaned in and give him an affectionate kiss.

Sophia made an umm sound. “You taste like shrimp and cocktail sauce.” She walked over to the coffee table and grabbed the shrimp and cocktail sauce bowl, and started eating.

Nathan admired his wife’s beauty again. She was wearing a silky white maternity dress and had her hair tied loosely behind her. He put down the control and turned the system off. “You know, its really hard to play video games when you walk in here looking all hot like that. I can’t focus on anything besides you.” He got up and held her elbows and kissed her neck.

“Oh, you are such an affectionate husband. You always make me feel so loved! I am a most fortunate woman indeed.”

“Tis I that is most fortunate. You could have had you pick of any suitor in Ghant, and yet you chose me, of them all. Truly I am undeserving.”

Sophia laughed. “Tis because I love you, and I always have. Just took me a bit to realize how much I truly did.”

“Better later than never, I suppose. I am just glad that you came around.”

Sophia nuzzled his cheek with hers. “Speaking of which, Queen Mara and her entourage are coming to Ghish to stay here at the Palace.”

Nathan raised an eyebrow. “Oh, that sounds interesting…does it have anything to do with Mickey D and this marriage talk?”

Sophia laughed. “Yes it does. Mara wants to visit Ghish and Dakar and meet the family, and learn more about the country.”

“Wonderful, I look forward to visiting with Mara and her people.”

Sophia held him close. “Please do not do anything to jeopardize this match between Mara and my brother. If Mara should decline the match because of something that you said or did, I don’t think my father would ever forgive you. I don’t want that, and I know you don’t either.”

Nathan nodded. “Ok, yeah sure. You can count on me.” He reached a hand around and rested it on her behind. “Now, are you ready to respond to the Call of Booty?” He eyes lit up mischievously.

“In an hour…I got some business to take care of. Go take a shower and stuff in the meantime.”

Nathan went flying from the game room like a bird from a bush after you throw a rock at it, and Sophia laughed as she went back to her office.

She found a message in her inbox from the Count, and saw fit to respond to it with haste.

To: The Office of Count Thomas Lalery, the Royal Master of Offices
From: The Office of Her Imperial Majesty Empress Sophia
Subject: Royal Visit
Encryption: Delivered in Sealed Diplomatic Pouch

Dear Count,

Than you for your blessings and well wishes, they mean a great deal to myself and to the Emperor. I will most certainly pass along your humble greetings to him, and I am sure that he will be thrilled to have them.

I am both very excited and honored about Mara coming to Ghant! A most welcome visit indeed, it will be very productive, and fun! As far as advice in the areas that you have mentioned, I might advise to come to the Imperial Palace here in Ghish and meet with myself and the Emperor. We can spend time at the Palace talking and enjoying each other’s company, and maybe go to Church on Sunday at the Great Cathedral, should Mara be inclined. We can also go around town, maybe do some shopping, see some historic sites, things of that sort. Again, this is all up to Mara and her people, but on our end, we would love to have her stay at the Imperial Palace at a minimum.

In Dakar, we could stay at my father’s palace, Dakauregia, the legendary palace by the sea, where I grew up. There she can meet my father, Malibar, my brother Martin, my cousin Ben, and my grandmother Isabella Orinbere, Princess of Gauekoizarra. Dakar is a beautiful city, built where the Moro River flows into the Sea of Ghant. There at Dakuregia, Mara can find all the people that have known Michael from the time he was a babe.

I might also suggest a quick stop in Onmutu, so that Mara can meet our late mother’s family, the Mutus. They live in Mutudorrea, one of the Seven Wonders of Ghant, along with the Temple of Ghish near the Imperial Palace, and Atebeltza, on the way to Dakar. Assuming Mara wants to see these things, of course.

I am glad that you are in favor of the match, as I am myself. Not only do I want nice things for my brother, but I also value highly the relationship with New Edom, and Mara is such a beautiful, kind and fun woman, whom I enjoy spending time with. I wish only for her happiness, be it with my brother as consort or without.

I am curious to know if you will be accompanying Mara to Ghant. Please let me know if there is anything else that I can do for you.

Sincerely,

Sophia, Empress of Ghant

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

The office was still a mess, with old things and new things all mixed in to create a jumbled scene. Nymun was at his desk, reading some briefings, while dunking some chocolate donuts into a wide glass of milk.

He had a nifty collection of trinkets strew about his desk…an mp3 player, his cell phone, a tablet device, his laptop, the new desktop, even a charger that could charge the stuff just by setting the gizmo on top of it! Nymun always admired modern technology, especially being from Gauekoizarra, up north.

He checked out his inbox, and found new messages…one being from Perrin Pahath-Moab. Such a distinguished individual was not the kind of man that Nymun saw fit to delay a response to. So he rested his donut on a paper towel by the milk and got to work on a response.

To: Brigadier-General Perrin Pahath-Moab, President of the Council of Ministers
From: Prime Minister the Right Honourable Nymun Izarbegiratzeak
Subject: Defense Capabilities
Encryption: Delivered in Sealed Diplomatic Pouch

Dear Mr. President,

Such a treat to hear from you, Mr. President, a great honor and privilege indeed. Yes, I have been most busy, trying to get this show on the road, if you will. There is much work to be done, and much damage to be undone from the previous administration. Socialists…always up to no good, am I right?

The inspection teams and their investigation will be maintained at a high degree of discretion so that they might be able to do their thing with minimal outside interference, naturally.

In terms of the defense capabilities, that information can be provided to you to your heart’s content. We can provide a report that presents whatever information you would like to know specifically. Equipment, location of bases, tactics, manpower, etc…

As for the Royal Visit, I have full faith and confidence in the Master of Offices and the Royal Protection Service. Naturally, the full benefits of the Imperial Court will be extended to them as well. The Empress is very excited for the whole thing and we in Ghant cannot wait to show Her Majesty the Queen and her company a grand time.

Thank you,

Nymun Izarbegiratzeak

But wait, there was more! Another one from Dean Luo, the good and true Ambassador to Ghant, a man he heard it said was known for his punctuality and no frills attitude of getting straight to the point. The kind of man that Nymun would have to invite for a meeting that consisted of donuts, cookies and milk.

To: Dean Luo, Adiran Ambassador to Ghant
From: The Office of Prime Minister Nymun Izarbegiratzeak
Subject: Adiran-Ghant Relations
Encryption: Moderate

Thank you for the congratulations, ambassador. It is indeed my hope that we can shed loose the skin of incompetency and cronyism, and user in a new age of responsible government with the help of our friends of Adiron.

Yes, the situation involving Arrosabeltzak is an unfortunate situation indeed. Naturally, Zimya is not the type who would solicit the northerners for anything, and I mean anything. She generally regarded us as loathsome and backwards creatures.

Inogaru himself is more or less right, but with an important distinction. It isn’t that the Ghantish government was powerless to prevent it, it is that Arrosabeltzak was not violating any laws. They acted well within the confines of Ghantish law by gathering up their band of merry men and armaments aboard private planes, and flying to a country that at the time Ghant recognized as sovereign. Kind of one of those “do at your own risk” type situations, and Ghant affords a great deal of freedoms to its peoples in that regard. As the old saying goes, “this isn’t a nursery school.”

Now, having said that, obviously there are greater consequences and implications of this free company’s actions that transcend the Ghantish freedoms that I mean to protect, and myself enjoy, especially as a northerner myself. I can launch a fact finding mission, in terms of who talked to whom, how they got the planes, who they got them from, etc. Somebody with a lot of money hooked them up and somebody spurred them into action, and I can use what tools are at my disposal to find out who. That is the extent of what I can do though, as, like I said, they broke no laws. I hope that this is deemed adequate.

Now, as for a free trade agreement, I think that sounds most reasonable indeed. We Ghantish do love free trade agreements, provided that they respect the very stringent environmental laws that we have in place, as well as protecting our ancient and glorious local business and trade system that the people of Ghant have come to enjoy as a very important part of daily life.

Thank you for welcoming us into NCTO, and we are very excited to solidify our old alliances with the likes of Wielkilas and Laudine, as well as Adiron. We would be open to the prospect of a base here in Ghant as per the NCTO ties. However, naturally this would be contingent upon the Edomite base. I mean to discuss with the Edomites their thoughts on this matter in lieu of their own base offer…which I am sure you have heard about.

A state visit to Ghish consisting of the President, the First Lady, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense would be most welcome. I will spare no expense to make sure that they feel welcome here, and that our time might be productive.

Thank you,
Nymun Izarbegiratzeak
Prime Minister of Ghant

Nymun was a very busy man, with all the correspondence, media attention, and organizing the cabinet. He kicked back and grabbed his doughnut, taking a big bite of it, and then washing it down with the cold glass of milk. Having been working hard in a number of areas, it was good to be able to enjoy some treats.

by **New Edom** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 6:50 pm

Callaban City

Bishop Zecharias was not a man Mara liked at all; his sly feline face was seen by some apparently as wise and contemplative, but she knew him to be ruthlessly ambitious, greedy and lecherous. He’s in good company, she thought, glancing at the Ambassador to Callaban, her cousin Count Lalery, Admiral Charles Rand the Minister of Transport. They all were tiny in comparison to the huge rounded shape of the dirigible that had been named after her. The splendour of robes of the clergy, the dazzling full dress military uniform were made to be tiny childrens’ toys. She listened to the bands, the speeches by representatives of Zeno Transportation Systems and Silo 1339 talking about their own achievements, Admiral Rand’s rather good speech booming out about success in transportation achievements over the last three years.

The Bishop led everyone in prayer, heads bowed, and the uniforms, dresses and suits rustled a bit with movement, then his rich clarion voice spoke out.

“O ALMIGHTY God, the Sovereign Ruler of all the world, in whose hand is power and might, which none is able to withstand; We bless and magnify thy great and glorious Name for this happy achievement of science and industry which we, made in Thy divine Image, we were able to accomplish, the whole glory whereof we do ascribe to thee, who art the only giver of prosperity and success. And, we beseech thee, give us grace to improve this great mercy to thy glory, the advancement of thy Gospel, the honour of our country, and, as much as in us lieth, to the good of all man-kind. And, we beseech thee, give us such a sense of this great mercy, as may engage us to a true thankfulness, such as may appear in our lives by an humble, holy, and obedient walking before thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord; to Whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit, as for all thy mercies, so in particular for the hoped for success of this airship Queen Mara, be all glory and honour, world without end. Amen. “

With echoing amens, Mara approached the podium; Tegan held on to Precious, she smiled at everyone. “I’m so happy to finally have come to this: the launching of a ship of the air named after me! But seriously, this is the mark of how far we have come. When I was still a teenager, we thought we’d never have peace. Look at us now! This is something good—something that will bring life, purpose and new resources to hard to reach areas of the country where other modern transport cannot reach easily. By showing we can do it, we will show that others can do it! I’m so proud of everyone who has been a part of this, and I’m particularly proud of our good relationship with Silo 1339,” Mara couldn’t keep the tears from her eyes or keep from choking up a bit, “Who have offered hope to people that they can grow their own food and provide for their families without fearing being at the mercy of the whims of others. My dearest, dearest dream, I’m so happy to support this. I also am grateful for the City of Callaban for being a crucible for this and other innovations such as the L5 Project of Zeno Transportation. I would like to wish the greatest success to Jeremy Kemp, our Director of Griffon Airlines, and the representatives of Silo 1339, Zeno Transportation, Good Blimp Inc, and members of the press and scientific community of the National Science Foundation who will be traveling on the week long trip from Callaban City to Northern Haran Province. May God bless this voyage.” She walked up to the elevated steps, and receiving the bottle of champagne, gave it a good swing. It smashed, and Mara turned, delighted and clapped along with everyone else.

“And now off to Ghant,” said Lalery to Lavinia, sending a quick text to Sophia. He had affirmed earlier the royal party intending to come, and they would meet Horvath there; he and the Ambassador had been working tirelessly on this. The inspectors for the base deal had already left.

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 5:01 pm

”Here They Come”
The Imperial Palace
Ghish, Ghant

“The Edomites are coming! The Edomites are coming!” Nathan was yelling as he ran through the palace in his typical baige slacks and blue-green tunic. “Man your stations! Prepare the feast hall! Hide your women!”

Nathan got the news from Sophia, who immediately set to the task of preparing the Palace for Royal guests and their companions. All in all there were 57 people coming, and Sophia was taking charge of the logistics…

Nathan ran through the hallways barefoot, until he came upon Sophia’s office. It was always so neat and tidy, with clean books on gallery quality bookshelves, some soft furniture and rugs to go along with the tan walls and mahogany desk. Seated at the desk was Sophia, who was pouring over some papers that she was writing for the staff. Her long raven hair was tied loosely behind her back, and she was wearing a blue maternity dress. She smiled when he came into the room. “57 people is a relatively reasonable number, wouldn’t you say?”

Nathan walked up to the desk, leaned over it and kissed his wife on the forehead. “Isn’t that about half the size of the Thular party that came down last month?”

“Yes…and I do believe that the Edomites will be much more refined.”

“Oh yeah, let me see that list.” Nathan picked up the guest list and read it from top to bottom.

Code: Select all: Queen Mara Count Thomas Lalery Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain (Royal Aide-de-Camp) Colonel Steven Horvath (Royal Private Secretary) Princess Lavinia Holland (Royal Social Secretary and Matron of Honour) Countess Melisande Merodach (Royal Press Secretary and Lady in Waiting) Count Jonas Falk (Commander, Royal Guard) Countess Clodia Falk (Lady-in-Waiting) Royal Cavalry Guards (12) Royal Protection Service (20) Council Police (5) Royal Physician Major Domo of the Royal Household Servants (maidservant, valets, hairdresser, etc) (10) 1 SAI-200-400 Passenger Jet with a crew of 6 National Air Force personnel

The name Count Thomas Lalery jumped out at him. “The Count…son of a bitch” Nathan exclaimed.

Sophia sighed. “I thought you were past that, lover.”

“Past that? I forgave him, but I didn’t forget. No way…fuck that asshole.”

Sophia reached out a hand and cradled Nathan’s face with it. “Now, now. We need to be friendly, polite and hospitable to our guests…Lalery especially. He has been very helpful throughout this whole process, and remember, when Martin ran into him at the ball, Lalery even said that the whole situation was a misunderstanding. So why don’t we just be good, and put the ball in Lalery’s court? You have nothing to worry about. Remember, this is your country, your home. You won’t have to worry about any disrespect.”

Nathan smiled. “Alright, fair enough. But if he tries anything, if he says anything I don’t like to you, or my sisters, so help me god I will have him in chains faster than you can blink, and I will personally call Perrin himself to have the situation dealt with.” He said that last part firmly.

“As you say. In any case, I have arranged for the ladies to stay in my wing of the Palace, and the men to stay in your wing. Namely, rooms in my wing each for Queen Mara Princess, Lavinia Holland, Countess Melisande Merodach, and Countess Clodia Falk, while rooms in your wing each for Lalery, Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain, Colonel Steven Horvath and Count Jonas Falk. That would be customary to grant each of them their own private room…and should they decide upon other arrangements, that can be taken care of to their satisfaction.”

Sophia looked at some notes, and then back at Nathan, and continued. “The remaining 49 people, consisting of security and staff, will be stationed, roomed and boarded at the discretion of the Queen and her guard, and such arrangements will be coordinated with our own security and staff.”

Nathan looked at her with a blank face. “Put the Count in the room at the end of the hall…”

Sophia gave a light hearted chuckle. “Sure, I can assign that one to him…you pansy.”

“Alright, cool. I better go check on Mickey D. See you later!” He gave Sophia a kiss on the mouth, before turning around an walking out of the room.

Down the hall he went, and after a few minutes he came upon the room that Michael was in. He was dressing into something comfortable and professional looking”

“Sup bro? Getting ready to go pick up the Edomites eh?”

Michael responded, albeit apathetically. “Yeah. Sophia and I are going to meet them at the airport and bring them back. Gotta look good, you know.”

“Yes, of course. We wouldn’t want Mara thinking you are some kind of a scrub, am I right?”

“Why would she think that to begin with?”

Nathan shrugged. “I don’t know…just a concern is all.” His eyes narrowed. “Have you gotten her out of her panties yet?”

“No.” Michael responded, unamused.

“Why not? I figured you would have by now.”

“Just hasn’t happened.”

Nathan laughed. “Well, that could mean one of three things, me thinks. One, she is a dyke, two, you are not her type, or three, she is a bit of a prude…hmm, I wonder which one it could be?” Nathan shrugged. “Suppose I will find out once she gets here.”

“…Please don’t do anything to ruin this for me…”

Nathan laughed. “I won’t. The only one that can ruin this for you is you.” With that Nathan backed out of the room and walked down the hallway, with a smug look of satisfaction upon his face. As he was walking down the hall, he got a phone call…he took his phone out of his pocket, and saw that the call was from his sister Alexandra.

Nathan answered the phone and put it to his ear. “Hey sis, what’s up?”

“Nathan…I heard the Edomites are coming to Ghish…will Count Lalery be there?”

Nathan didn’t like where this conversation was going. “…Um, yeah…”

Alexandra squealed in excitement. “I have to meet him. His sister is married to Alois…and Alois’ brother Martin…the one that you talked to about a possible match…he is so cute…and smart…and noble…I have to learn more about him! Lalery would know for sure!”

There was shouting in the background…the Twins were laughing and teasing Alexandra, from the sound of it. There was shuffling, and shouting, and Amelia took the phone. “Yes, me and Charlie want to come to, brother. Can we? Can we?”

“I don’t see a problem with that…give the phone to mom, and let me talk to her.”

Amelia apparently ran to her mother and gave her the phone. “What is going on? Why are the girls freaking out? Is that about that Martin boy you want to ship Alexandra off to?”

“Eh, kinda sorta not really. The Edomite Court is coming to Ghant, and Count Thomas Lalery’s sister Olivia is married to Martin of Vorindun’s brother Alois, King of New Hydrenia. She really wants to learn more about Martin, by way of the Count. The Twins want to come too…I think you should let them. It should be fun…and safe. You should come too.”

“…I will have Alexandra drive down with the Twins. I don’t think I will come…I could use a quiet evening at home.”

“Suit yourself. Thanks mom, it should be a great time.”

“Yes…I am sure. Just try to keep them out of trouble, and make sure they behave and all.”

“Alright, I will see them when they get here. Love you mom, have a nice day.” Nathan hung up the phone.

Nathan refocused on the situation at hand, and on his surroundings. The palace was busting with people running around and preparing it for guests. Nathan could hear the distant sound of voices and footsteps, the clanging of silverware and plates.

Nathan chewed on his lip for a moment, feeling anxious about the incoming guests. He wandered off in search of something to eat…maybe some shrimp and cocktail sauce…

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

After Sophia finished with her preparations for the reception of the Edomites, she took a warm, soothing bath in her personal chambers. At this stage of her pregnancy, she preferred to take baths as opposed to showers, on account of how relaxing they could be for her. After a good thirty minutes or so in the tub, she dried her hair and got dressed…she went to put on a purple dress that was loose yet comfortable. She let her hair hang loose behind her, and it went all the way down to the small of her back.

Once she was ready, she texted Michael and had him meet her in the front of the Palace. When she got there, she noticed the 15 six-seater convertibles for her and her security staff as well as the Edomite party. She also noticed her brother, Michael, who was waiting for her by the first car. She beamed at how well dressed and well groomed her brother looked in his suit and tie. “Michael, look at you! You look so handsome…are you ready to go?”

“…As ready as I am like to be, sis.”

“Good, let’s go, shall we?”

Michael nodded, and opened a door for his sister in the car. She got in, and once Michael was seated in it with her, and once the security staff was seated in their respective cars, they drove off westward towards Ghish International Airport.

It was in the late afternoon, and the sun was beginning to set. The west end of Ghish was more modern than the eastside, with newer buildings that stood tall and sparkled. The streets were wide, three lanes each, and between them was a divider that had trees and grass upon it.

The buildings glistened under the sun, an assortment of steel and glass above neatly paved sidewalks. Sophia’s wandering eyes were distracted by Michael, who spoke to her.

“Man, you see all these people out watching?”

Sophia looked around and saw people cheering. “Oh, yes, indeed. Hence why the Police are going to be setting up barriers and roadblocks, just to be on the safe side. I want to avoid any incidents.”

“Sounds like a good idea, sis.”

Michael and Sophia talked small talk while they rode along to the airport, laughing, smiling, and occasionally waving to the people that were out and about that noticed. The air was cool, but comfortable, and Sophia was very eager to meet the Edomites in her cute little motorcade of 1960s six seater convertibles.

Eventually, they got to the airport, and were able to go around to the back, where the Edomite plane was due to touch down. The motorcade pulled up alongside the tarmac, and there they sat, waiting. While they waited, Sophia pulled out her tablet from her bag and read through some things pertaining to the logistics of the visit.

The Palace consists of 2,121,123 sq ft of floorspace and contains roughly 5,000 rooms…Nathan always forgot the exact number, which made Sophia laugh…it was funny in an enduring way. The interior of the palace, was notable for its wealth of art and the use of many types of fine materials in the construction and the decoration of rooms. The hallways, were silver and/or gold in color, with a smooth, glistening tile floor, each one with varying patterns, some consisting of black and white squares, others of diamonds, etc. Usually the hallways were wide enough to probably accommodate 14 people walking shoulder to shoulder.

Sophia’s concentration was broken when she noticed Michael start playing with his hair
out of the corner of her eye. “Relax, Michael. You look fine. You are very attractive, and Mara should be most pleased with your appearance.”

“I hope so sis…she is a very intimidating woman. She is very beautiful, kind-hearted, and spirited. I find myself so anxious in her presence, overwhelmed by her charms.”

“Oh, that is very sweet. The important thing is to just be yourself. Be kind, be courteous, be gentle. Show her the real you. I think she will like you if you are real, if you are comfortable around her. Just relax and take a deep breath. Besides, you have me to help you now.” She smiled.

“Thanks, sis. I appreciate that…a lot.”

Sophia put a hand on his shoulder. “You will be alright. I have the utmost confidence in you. Just be ready when they get here.”

Sophia thought she noticed a plane coming in their direction…perhaps that was them. Here they come, was her thought in any case…it was better to be prepared for something that might not be, then to not be prepared for something that is.

by **Hittanryan** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 12:13 am

Adiron International Airport
New Laconia

By appearance, the Exec Flights were just newer commercial airliners, Pavonis 012's. Most of the fuselage was white, with red accents on the wings and a blue tail. The interior featured bedrooms, an office, parlor, and a galley. As far as technical specifications went, the aircraft was hardened against electromagnetic pulses, equipped with some of the best communication systems money could buy, fitted with the numerous electronic countermeasures against radar and infrared guided missiles, and carried flares and chaff as a last ditch effort. During the war the President had tried not to travel by air. First, he didn't need to go anywhere. Second, even if he had, he was needed in the capital. Third: too many MiGs, not enough flares.

"We're missing some of the best fucking weather of the year, you know that, right?"

"Don't blame me," DeGroot replied to his wife, "I didn't ask Yula Zimya to turn toxic enough to kill a vulture."

First Lady Lily DeGroot had aged better than her husband, though in fairness to him most of that was the job he'd held over the last four years. Her hair still retained its distinctive red hue, tumbling past her shoulders. She still had the same porcelain skin as when "Tav" met her. A native of the Adir Mountains, she never got a whole lot of sun, keeping the wrinkles at bay. The only sports she did were winter sports; figure skating, snowshoeing, cross country and downhill skiing. In summer she tended to just walk and read, if she got a lot of sun she broke out into freckles, which she hated.

Though she wasn't the type to go to pieces without her husband's constant attention and kept herself plenty busy, she missed him regardless. Lily knew the Adiran Presidency was a more-than full time job, and her husband did give her enough credit, more than she felt she deserved, to explain what part of his job was keeping him away from her again. The big stuff, anniversary, Saturnalia, those he made time for, but increasingly Lily felt even those demands were just an extra weight on him. She knew when his term limits would kick in, and she was counting down the days, hoping that by then this job wouldn't have killed him entirely.

President DeGroot was still spry enough, always standing up straight, shoulders back, making direct eye contact with anyone who addressed him. There seemed to be a certain animated energy behind his movements, his aging form still possessing a bit of uncanny wiry strength. A consummate politician, in public he was always easy to smile, shake a hand, lighten the mood, but his eyes betrayed a certain fierce intelligence which had seen innumerable crises. The lines etching his face hadn't been there when he took office.

With Lily, he could relax. He could say anything to her, and often did, usually in an effort to make her laugh. That laugh...whenever he heard it he could feel the weight of an entire nation just lift right off his shoulders. Sadly he didn't get to hear it nearly as much as he'd like anymore, which was part of why he was bringing her. In the event that he got to go home in the evening, he was either too drained for the usual fun or he was effectively on call for the crisis of the week. Rule Number One of government: The Nation is Always Doomed.

Lily had started reading something on her smartphone as the convoy pulled into the airport. DeGroot looked over, asked "What's that?"

She looked up at him, a look of concern on her face. "Ghantish news from a few weeks back. This place is a bigger basket case than a junkie with a gambling problem."

"At least they're not trying to defend it. Our Special Envoy at the Callaban talks said Inogaru practically shit himself over Arrosabeltza," DeGroot quipped.

"Was that because they regret their actions or just because they regret being caught?"

Mulling it over, DeGroot replied "Why don't you ask them when we get there? You won't get in as much trouble."

Lily smiled warmly, and said "And this coming from the keen mind who leads our country...no, you fucking idiot." He smiled back, equally warmly.

The motorcade stopped, with the police cruisers just ahead of them. There were a few spectators from afar, but the press were the ones up close, snapping pictures. From a certain distance, they could get away with just smiling and waving. Soon enough they were on the plane and airborne, bound for Ghish. it wasn't long after takeoff that the officials on board were simply doing what they always did on a workday, except on a plane. The President did manage to get away a few times to check on Lily--on past flights she'd gotten airsick when there was turbulence--which was more than she usually saw him, if she was being honest.

by **New Edom** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:18 am

On the plane, they had all done their best to find ways to amuse themselves, sleeping, playing games, doing work, watching movies. They all watched the movie The Feminists and got really creeped out at the dystopian future it depicted. (to the New Edomites, this was always a lot more about the Deadorans taking over the country and sweeping through Acheron, the horrifiying day when the matriarchies and gynocracies finally did get together. Lalery sneered that it could never possibly happen, Falk said they were just waiting for the right leader.)

“You’re so calm about this,” observed Lavinia to Mara, smiling at her quizzically. “I as so butterflies in my stomach about being courted,but you’re so cool about it.”

“Well you know,” Mara said, pausing from doing a botany quiz on her phone, “What they say about love and marriage.”

“What’s that?” Lavinia asked.

Mara sang suddenly, softly and sweetly, “Some say love—it is a river, that drowns the tender reed. Some say love, it is a razor, that leaves your soul to bleed. Some say love it is a hunger—an endless aching need. I say love it is a flower…” she looked at Lavinia with deep soulful eyes, shocking her. “And you, it’s only seed.”

Then Melisande joined her as they both sang, “It’s the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance; it’s the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance. It’s the one who won’t be taken who cannot seem to give, and the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live.”

Lavina almost groaned, how corny was this, but she made herself smile, this was the queen after all, and then to her shock Lalery, Falk, and Horvath joined in too, adding tenor and baritone to the mix. “When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long, and you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong, just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows lies the seed that with the sun’s love in the spring becomes the rose.”

Mara burst out laughing. “You’re face, Lavvy! And you didn’t join in. I thought you could sing.”

Lavinia forced a smile. “I don’t really know the song that well.”

“Leave her alone,” said Lalery with a chuckle, opening his newspaper again. “She’s got at what she’s talented at,” he added with pointed stare at Lavinia, who couldn’t help but blush.

Tegan came into the loune area of the plane with the strange serene off putting stare of a seeress, and said, “I have come to convey to Her Majesty and the Royal Court that the Royal Air Conveyance shall make descent in half an hour. It is known.” Then she regally left to various titters of amusement.

“What’s wrong with her, is she drunk?” Lavinia hated Tegan—she put on such airs and took such liberties, and she was only a handmaiden.

Mara smiled at her, and seemed to somehow be looking right through her. “Oh yeah, you treat your servants differently, don’t you. Well, your house, my house, right babe?”

Now what did that mean? Lavinia wondered. She was rather eager to see Michael again herself, and at the same time she felt rather torn; William was her husband after all, but seemed focused more on his job, to have little sense of how to appeal to her, and she didn’t know how to get him to understand that. And she seemed to have little will to say no to Lalery, though thankfully he had been preoccupied lately. There was a dark thrill in submitting to him she didn’t like to examine. All in all she had a feeling of success, and at the same time of it being precarious. She had the position she wanted, yet Mara clearly didn’t like her at all and it was a profoundly uncomfortable feeling.

If she was eing honest, she missed being in Jocasta’s circle; they had all known one another well, had been relaxed, had fun, and now suddenly everything was ultra serious; beneath Mara’s cheeriness was a sense of intensity she found herself increasingly uneasy with. Lavinia had been advised by Olympia Hesperinus that Mara had not picked her because of her talents but because she wanted to separate her sister from her friends to weaken her mother’s attempt to make Jocasta the focus. Olympia seemed bitter about it—Lavinia suspected it had something to do with her marriage to that beast. It was hard for Lavniia to think of Mara that way, and yet…

She and others were making sure they were ready for the landing. Missy Merodach was suddenly off to make sure that members of the press present were ready, Falk on top of security, Lalery and Horvath supervising, Mara was baby talking her little Pom.

“Izzum ready for Ghant? Yes yes, Ghant, we’re going to Ghish! Isn’t that hilarious! Yesisnthathilariousyesyesyes!” Mara gushed at the little happy dog.

Ghish, Ghant

The Air Force colonel commanding the flight communicated with the control tower at the airport; they were cleared for landing. The plane came in, and everyone got ready to descend from the plane. The way it worked was thus: the plane’s door would open, an escort of the Royal Cavalry Guards, in white uniforms with dark trousers, black riding boots, swords and billed white caps would descend the stairs and form two lines, their commander would draw and salute neatly as Mara came to the top of the stairs. She would come down first. Mara was wearing a red wool black buttoned toggle jacket, black stockings, a royal blue just aboe the knee dress under it and a black lamb’s wool cap; she wanted to have Precious on a leash, and would be followed immediately by Lalery, Prince Enoch, then Princess Lavinia and Countess Merodach would immediately come after that…

“And then I say, ‘O brave new world, that has such people in it!’” Mara exclaimed as the plane came to a full stop.

“For the love of God, don’t,” Lalery said.

“But I’m totally going to,” Mara said with a grin. Then she said a bit more seriously, “Tommy, I always tease you but…thank you for your support. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”

Lalery was taken aback by this. Her eyes on him felt warm; he could sense no guile in it, and his mind was flipping around in astonishment at this unexpected warmth. “Of course,” he said without thinking. Mara kissed him on the cheek, surprising him further. Then the door was opening. Mara and Precious waited as the Cavalry Guardsmen neatly descended the stairs with rhythmic steps, spun like robots, presented arms as their commander barked the orders, his sword hissing from its sheath and flashing before his body, and then Mara walked out with Precious wagging his curled up furry little tail, and exclaimed, “O brave new world, that has such people in it!”

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 8:18 pm

”Brave New World”
Ghish, Ghant

Sophia had received confirmation from the control tower that the Edomite plane was near and was cleared for landing…much to her joy. She couldn’t wait to meet and greet, and wine and dine the Edomite royal party.

Before long, the plane touched down and landed upon the airfield, and then it came to a stop. The location of the motorcade in relation to where the plane came down at was optimal in terms of the Edomite royal party being able to notice them once they emerged from the plane, and the walk to the cars wouldn’t be that bad at all.

The door of the plane opened, and steps emerged from the opening. Guards in white uniforms, black trousers, black riding boots, swords and billed white caps began to descend the steps and they subsequently formed two lines. One of them, presumably the commander, drew a salute as the Queen emerged at the top of the steps. She made her descent from the plane thus, wearing a red wool jacket with black buttons, black stockings, a royal blue dress that cut off just above the knees, along with a black wool cap.

She had a small dog upon a leash, whom Sophia recognized thus as Precious, and behind her was Count Lalery, whom Sophia also recognized, along with other members of the royal party. Once Mara was upon the tarmac, the commander drew his sword hissing from its sheath, and her guards did a salute. Mara walked out with Precious wagging his tail, and she exclaimed, “O brave new world, that has such people in it!”

Sophia walked out, flanked by her own guards. Interestingly enough, they were dressed in all the same colors as the Edomites, albeit in different patterns. The Ghantish guards were in black uniforms, black trousers, and black riding boots, all trimmed with white, and they kept swords on them as well, in addition to other weapons pertinent to the security of the Empress.

Sophia approached Mara graciously, seemingly floating in her direction upon the tarmac, her feet concealed by her fluffy purple dress and her footsteps muffled by her slippers. The day was growing old, and it was late afternoon at that point. The air was growing cool as well, as it was September thus in Ghant, and winter loomed near.

“Tis a brave new world indeed, with such people in it.” Sophia said with a smile, as she did a curtsy before the Queen. She then addressed the royal party. “I bid thee welcome to Ghant, your Majesty and her Majesty’s staff, security, retainers and companions. Tis a great honor to have you and your party here as guests in our country, which we do hope shall be to your satisfaction. Please, if you and your party would care to join me and my brother, Prince Michael of Dakmoor, we have a motorcade ready to whisk us back to the Palace, where a grand feast awaits you all.”

Michael appeared behind her then. He beamed a great big pearly white smile. “Welcome to Ghant, my Queen, and all the rest of you as well. The hospitality and the brave new world of Ghant awaits!”

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

The Government Palace

Nymun belched, loud and deep. Such a profound effect that Dr. Drizzle had on the Prime Minister. The soda machine he had installed in the lounge was a double edged sword, after all. Twas so tasty, so convenient…but also so unhealthy. Although, Nymun was 69 and going on 70 years old…no sense in worrying about that sort of thing at this state in his life. After all, he had no wife, no children, no brothers or sisters even. Nobody really worried about him, and he didn’t really worry about anybody either. All in all it was alright…it gave him more time to focus on his own personal pursuits…such as being Prime Minister of Ghant.

Sali walked in just as he was finishing with that belch…how amusing. Mr. Prime Minister, the President of Adiron and his party will be here soon…” Her voice was something that sounded like a high school musical performer. It was all Nymun could do not to laugh. Sali had her brown hair loose and curly around her heart shaped face…it even matched her brown eyes! She was wearing a blue skirt with high black stockings. How cute.

Nymun stretched his mouth while he leaned back into his seat. “Yes yes, DeGroot has wonderful timing. I wanted to go to the Palace tonight and feast with the Edomites…but no, the President of Adiron, the First Lady, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense. Had to show up at the same time! They got me hog tied like a boar at a renaissance fair!”

“…Why not invite the Adiron party to go with you to the Palace?”

“Yeah, I thought about doing that…not sure if DeGroot and company would be down for that. I figured they would be more inclined to conduct business without entangling themselves with royal engagements. I suppose we can find out when they get picked up and brought here.”

“The Edomites just got here…they came in through GIA, whereas DeGroot and company are coming in through MHA.”

“Hmm, yes that means that we shouldn’t have any trouble crossing paths with the whole royal thing…such an amusing thing, the Ghantish obsession with royalty, isn’t it? I wonder how DeGroot will feel about that.”

“Well, you can feel free to ask him when you go with the security party to pick him up in that fancy limo out front.”

Sali blushed. “Oh, you want me to bring them back here?”

“Yes, absolutely. You are an aide, after all. Aide me then, if you would be so kind. I will even give you a day off if you go do that.” Nymun grinned.

Sali straightened up and her eyes flashed. “Yes, Mr. Izzy. I will get right on it.” With that, Sali turned around and darted out of the office.

Nymun shouted after her. “Ride like the wind, ride like the wind!”

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

Sali didn’t take the elevator…she ran down the stairs, panting. She was a girl on a mission…to get to the limo and head out to MHA to greet the President of Adiron and his party, and faithfully bring them back to Nymun at the Government Palace.

She hopped into the limo with some security people already inside, and not long thereafter they were off to the airport. Sali didn’t have much inclination to do anything other then read her text messages and get on her web browser for the duration of the drive.

Sali had plenty to keep her busy on that phone of hers, in any case. After all, she was a recent graduate from the University of Ghish’s political science program…just like the Prime Minister! She joined the campaign freshly removed from graduation, and earned a job as an aide to the Prime Minister…on account of him being rather fond of her after meeting her at campaign headquarters. Nymun didn’t have any family or anything, so he treated most of his friends, colleagues and co-workers as such. Not that Sali minded…Nymun was like an extra grandpa, and she felt very relaxed at work…she loved coming to work everyday. Quite the contrast from what she heard from people who worked under Zimya…

The limo stopped at the airport, and Sali had to get back in the zone. Sali and the security detachment went into the airport, and were able to bypass airport security when the Prime Minister’s security detachment flashed their badges, demonstrating their high level clearance authorizations. They walked right up to the terminal where President DeGroot and company would be appearing.

Sali felt important…a must unusual feeling. She wasn’t used to being able to walk around with security clearances, especially at the airport!

At the terminal in question, Sali straightened up and tugged on her skirt, and made sure that she was presentable. After all, she would be ushering President DeGroot and his party into the brave new world of Ghant.

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 10:03 pm

"Friends"
The Imperial Palace
Ghish, Ghant

Sophia gestured towards the motorcade. The front convertible was available for Sophia, Mara, and Michael, two of Mara’s guards, and one of Sophia’s. The rest of the motorcade seating arrangement was at the discretion of the Edomite party.

Once everyone was seated, it was time to drive off to the Palace, which wouldn’t take all that long, considering the streets were cleared of all traffic. As they made their way, there were people gathered to bear witness to the spectacle. There was much waving and cheering, and even some white roses being thrown out into the streets by the assembled crowds. As they passed through the main part of the city where the buildings were tall, there was even some black and white ticker tape being rained down upon them. Sophia smiled and waved to the people, and Michael followed suit.

Eventually, they came upon the Imperial Square from the west, and came upon the Imperial Palace from the side. The cars pulled up to the side entrance, which consisted of a set of two large, double doors of enameled white stone. “Well, here we are...I bet you are hungry. Just in time for the feast, if you are hungry. I know I am!” Sophia said exuberantly as she jumped out with her brother’s help, and as the guardsman by the door opened it up for them to enter.

Sophia led the way to the feast hall, which was large and well lit with ornate chandeliers. Seated was Nathan at the head of the table, and his sisters Alexandra and Amelia, and Amelia’s twin Charles. Their small terrier-poodle mix dog Rico was running around under the table...he got particularly excited when he saw Precious.

Nathan greeted all the guests, and gestured them to the table. Sophia sat to his left, as per the usual. The feast table was very long and rectangular, and upon it laid a clean white table cloth. Candles and ornaments weighed it down, and there were platters of roast boar, chicken, steak, lamb, meatballs, tomatoes, corn, green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, mashed potatoes and gravy both brown and grey, meat and vegetable stew served in bread bowls, and bread with butter and spreads. There was also chocolate cake, chocolate fudge brownies, and peanut butter pie.

Nathan piled his plate high with mashed potatoes and brown gravy, and added some corn and boar to the side. “Tis a great pleasure to have you all here. Please, enjoy the food and eat to your heart’s content. There will be leftovers and some extra treats in case anyone is interested in eating later.”

The New Edomite guests had all eaten in foreign climes before, and especially in northern countries ate more heavily than New Edomites, particularly southern Edomites, did. Meat presented as slices off a roast were relatively rare but of course most of them had eaten abroad and skillfully ate small portions but sampled nearly everything, including very small portions of the desserts.

Dinner was rather uneventful, and consisted mostly of small talk and polite dinner conversation. Arietta came in a bit later, and was surprised to find the Edomites there, as she was unaware that they were coming. She took a seat and joined in, exchanging awkward glances with Lalery, whom her last encounter with ended rather awkwardly, to say the least. There was that, and Rico tried to hump Precious...a situation that Amelia was quick to rectify with a “Rico, no! Bad dog!”

Precious was not a pushover for all his size, and whirled with fury on Rico; Tegan moved in to separate them which sh ewas good at. Mara exclaimed, “Precious, sois-sage!” she laughed and said, “He’s a boy, does Rico swing that way or something?” to laughter from her dinner mates. “But everything is lovely, thank you so much for your hospitality!”

After a time, Sophia excused herself, and she addressed Mara. “Your Majesty, would you care to join me in my personal lounge for a private audience?” She beamed a pearly white smile with great enthusiasm.

Mara smiled back at her. “Of course, I’d be glad to--just like that night at the party--oh my gosh seems so long ago…”

The others glanced at them leaving and continued after dinner conversation pleasantly on neutral subjects as was their custom to ease digestion….

Sophia led the way through the long and straight hallways of the palace, past countless busts, paintings, and statues of various figures, set amongst the silver and gold walls, ceilings and floors of patterned tiles. Eventually they came upon a room with double doors, and Sophia pushed the doors open. Twas her personal lounge, complete with large windows on the opposite wall of the doors, a fireplace on one wall, and bookshelves on the opposite wall, packed with neatly arranged books. The coffee table was littered with baby books, with a bookmark in each one, and there was a pitcher of tea there as well. Sophia sat down upon one of the soft, cushy couches, and leaned back a bit to take the pressure off of her belly. She gestured to Mara. “Careful when you sit down...the furniture is very comfortable.” She said with a grin.

“Wow I was gonna say, how far along are you anyway?” Mara asked brightly, looking her over. “I mean you look great, you’re glowing, you know? I hope I look that good when I am going to have a baby...do you know what it is yet? Any...kicks?” she asked with interest, sitting down herself and stretching her legs out.

Sophia beamed. “You are so sweet, you know that? Anytime I see you in person or in the news, I can’t help but think how adorable you are! I don’t think a baby would change that for you either, in fact I am sure you would retain your radiance regardless.” Sophia put a hand on her belly. “Seven months, the baby is due around Thanksgiving. I do not know what it is, as I would prefer to have the element of surprise. Only my doctor knows, and he is sworn to absolute secrecy. Whatever the baby is, it does kick from time to time. An odd feeling, but one get’s used to it.”

“Okay, you have to promise to let me know, I totally want to feel it if that’s okay.” Mara served herself tea and took a biscuit for politeness but was in fact not inclined to eat any more just yet, and just nibbled a little and sipped to observe courtesy. “So...you’re feeling good then? You’re happy with your doctor and everything?”

“Oh, you want to feel it? You may if you want to! I feel great, especially with you and your party here as our guests. I do enjoy your company a great deal, after all. My doctor is great too, very professional, friendly, and helpful. He hasn’t ruined the surprise for me, not a peep or a hint dropped at all.” She reached for the pitcher of tea, and poured herself a tall glass of tea from a glass sitting ever so discreetly at the other end of the coffee table. The way the fire from the fireplace flickered off the glass drew a certain color from the tea glass that made it easy to see through. Sophia eyed the prismatic effect that the firelight played with the glass. “I suspect that it will be a girl. Don’t tell Nathan I said that though.”

“I won’t,” said Mara, crossing her heart and winking. “Well I’m very glad. How are things with Nathan by the way? He seems in good spirits, a lot more relaxed than when we were at the Grand Ball. Is it not his sort of thing?”

“He is well. He is home, in his comfort zone, and he doesn’t have to worry about beasts like Elizabeth playing head games. I can assure you that if that ball was here in Ghish, things would have gone much differently. None of those manipulation tactics, none of those spiked drinks, no unfortunate incidents. Nathan and Thomas seem to be getting along well enough, in any case, which is very good.” Sophia took another deep drink from her tea.

“Sure they’re getting along,” agreed Mara. “Mmm, these chairs are comfy! Don’t you dare let me fall asleep here! So Sophia...I get the feeling you didn’t ask me here to talk about furniture, Nathan, or even your baby. What’s on your mind?” She asked casually.

Sophia shifted on the couch. “Naturally, Mara, there is the issue of this marriage prospect. I can tell you as a woman, that I wouldn’t expect you to want to marry a man that you couldn’t love. Even me, I married for love, as much as politics, but I don’t think I would have done it if I didn’t love him. I know it’s a loaded question, but tell me true, do you like Michael? Do you think you could be happy with him? I want very much for us to be family, but it is also about what you want.”

Mara rolled her eyes upwards in thought a moment, and then said, “I like him as a person--as a husband--for the future--I came here to figure that out. You know if I am being really honest? I don’t even know if he’s my type. He’s very gallant, charming, brave, smart--but you know that’s like getting you in the door--you know? I’ve been courted six ways from Sunday. Let’s put it this way--he’s definitely in the door.”

Sophia smiled and nodded. “That is good, I am glad that he has made a good impression on you. Our parents taught him well. In any case, I think he is just trying to impress you, and earn your admiration. He is not used to dealing with women of such great beauty, refinement and high station such as yourself. Also, not all these other suitors had me for a sister!” Sophia tilted her head to one side, smiling.

“What is he used to then?” Mara asked idly, curling her feet up under her and leaning on the arm of the chair, looking at her.

“Not Queens. Common girls, noble ladies. Women that generally compete for his attention and try to earn his affections. You know? Same with Martin. Both of my brothers were always hot tickets, as I am sure you can imagine.”

“Ohhhh I see,” Mara said, taking a deep breath. “He’s not used to being on the other end of things. Well...it’s not all his fault. I’ve had a belly full of courtship, as I said before--I had guys in capes, old men, princes, foreign aristocrats, and none of them really knew me. The Crown Prince of Nordkruessen, ended in an annulment. I’m starting to think I have spots or something,” she said with a smile.

“You and me both, girl. My father did me a favor by chasing a lot of them off. Twas a shame really, that so many of them were after the prestige, and not because they loved me. You can relate I am sure. I think that all has worked out for the best for you thus far. After all, the Crown Prince of Nordkruessen wasn’t right for you or for New Edom, I would venture to say if I might be so bold. He was a Crown Prince while you were the Crown Princess of New Edom. That would have set up a situation where the King of Nordkruessen and the Queen of New Edom were married, and your child would have been the heir to both. That seems like it would have been an unfavorable situation indeed. You don’t have to worry about that with Michael, as he is only a second son, and there is no need to worry about a personal union situation or anything like that.”

“Well, alright then...what’s he really like? Not Michael the courtier--Michael the brother,” Mara said curiously.

“It is like what I said at the Star Ball. Michael can be a bit unrefined, outgoing, and wants to be the best at everything...never stops pushing himself. He wants to be a leader, he wants to be loved. He is a very passionate man, I know that for true. A typical Dakmaran, a creature of passion and romantic pursuits. He wants to please you. He is different from other men in that one regard. Many men wish to use women for the satisfaction. He, on the other hand, wants to be the one providing the satisfaction. I think he would strive for your affection, which is better than some of these other men that think they should be the ones being pleased to the exclusion of our own considerations.”

Mara for the first time looked less than happy, in fact she looked tired for a moment. “Ah, Sophia...I’m weary of all this. I wish my father were still here, so much. Perrin told me that he would back me up totally if I don’t want to get married right now.” with a deep sigh, she said, “That meant so much to me. I don’t know what I’d do without him. Sometimes all I want to do is just go to my most private house and just be there for a few months. But I can’t. Sometimes I’m almost afraid to let anyone else get too close. I’ve lost others I’ve cared for either by having them pulled away by duty or dying. Part of me just wants to get this over with. But you’re right--it has to be done properly.”

Sophia got up from her couch, and gently sat down on Mara’s. She reached out a hand and placed it ever so gently on Mara’s back. “I know, it must be so hard sometimes. The pressure, the stress, all the attention. I know how you feel. I lost my mother too, a few years back. I wished she was still here sometimes, to help me, to show me the way, to be there for me when times got hard. I know that your father is in a better place, and that he is proud of you. You are strong, funny, sweet and charming, and there is much about you that I wish I could imitate. I want you to relax here, and consider this to be amongst friends. Also know that I am here for you too, because I care a lot about you as a person.”

Touched, Mara took the hand in her own and squeezed it gently, saying, “Thank you, Sophia. I would like to think that we would have been friends if we’d met at school or something. But here we are! Silly me, on top of the world and full of self pity. You’re very kind. Well. I want to take the possibility of this marriage seriously, so I hope I will come to be fond of Michael as I am of you. We should probably return to the others or do you usually retire about now?”

Sophia smiled and her eyes grew wide, reflecting that happiness upon her hand being taken. “You are so very welcome, Mara. The road of life has brought us together, and I would like to think that it was for a reason too!” She put her other hand on Mara’s arm. “I think Michael would be a good choice, but enough of that. Let’s have fun tonight, shall we? Return to the other’s and enjoy ourselves tonight, unwind and let loose. If there is anything that is great about the Imperial Palace, it is that when you are here, you can relax. How does that sound?”

Mara agreed, and her and Sophia returned back to the action. As friends.

by **New Edom** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 11:40 am

Ghish, Ghant

“Well, I think I’ve fulfilled my part of the deal,” said Lavinia with a smile, as she and Lalery relaxed a bit in the sitting room adjacent to his bedroom. “Now it’s time to fulfill yours.”

“What was that?” Lalery asked her lazily, disinterestedly, inhaling the scent of a cigarillo from his slim gold case.

Lavinia gave him a look fit for a cobra. “I think you know what I mean. More position, more influence. I think it’s time that the court had a female grand chamberlain.”

Lalery paused in his inhaling a moment, and took out his lighter to hide the fumble that was evidence of his surprise, but Lavinia had spent years, since she was a little girl, manipulating males and noted it, and gave no evidence of her notice, just idly toying with a bracelet on a slim wrist. “Merodach is Grand Chamberlain, Lavvy. We can’t just kick the man to the curb.”

“Are you offering me something else?” asked Lavinia.

“We can always do something with moving Countess Nabal out of Grand Matron of Honour,” suggested Lalery.

“Oh yes, I want a totally ceremonial position where I just show up for balls and christenings and get to organize the seamstresses, and besides, like I want to make an enemy of my own mother. She’s happy doing that kind of thing, it allows her to jet set around and do something that seems important a few times a year, but I’m not my mother,” sneered Lavinia. “No, fuck that shit. I want some power,” her eyes gleamed as she leaned forward, her cleavage forming an inviting valley of scents and possibilities. “And you know it. And before you point out you have me by the shorts, I have you too, Thomas.”

Lalery stared at her, his nostrils flared with a mix of lust and potential violence. Lavinia’s senses screamed caution, but the thrill of it also tantalized her. She kept the eye contact. “And what about Merodach?”

“I’ve thought about it,” she said, sensing victory but still cautious. “Merodach is a dilettante, he simply got the job because old Prince Philip Tubal-Cain gave it to him after his father retired; they’ve done it for centuries. Make him a Marshal of Nobility for Bara, give him an ambassadorship; he’s about as tough as a gelded sheep. Missy might squeal a bit but she’s an airhead, the only reason she’s press secretary is because she’s Mara’s friend, and because she happily takes orders from Perrin’s staff. I can totally kick ass as Grand Chamberlain. It will show how modern we are.”

“You’re barely nineteen years old,” said Lalery, lighting his cigarillo. “I’m sensing bullshit.”

“Oh come on,” Lavinia said with a mix of sultry smile and eagerness, “You know I can do it. It’s just delegating, I do it for my family all the time, parties, galas, you name it, I’ve done it. Also running the family estate, it’s easy.”

“Yes, what’s your credit debt at now? Oh wait, your father pays for that,” said Lalery coldly. “I’m not picking up the charges for you running the House of Obed into the ground.”

Lavinia stared at him, crossed her legs and shook her hair back, and said softly, toying with her gold delicate chain with its ruby inlaid locket now, “Come on Thomas, you can keep me honest about that. We’ll be a great team, you and me. My family bridges the gap between Monarchist and Free Congress.”

Blowing smoke out at her, Lalery waited a long pause, and then grinned like a fox in a hen house. “Fine, but I want our personal deal to change a little. I want the whole thing this time.” He held up a hand at her swift look of outrage and said, “Oh I’m not going to have you on a string like I do now. Now and then, when it doesn’t endanger your marriage and keeping your lover happy. Yes, I know he’s one of your weak spots, how could any lubricious woman resist that fellow? If you agree—show me the goodies.”

Lavinia said quietly, her eyes blazing with a mix of hate and determination, her lusts eager as his though of a different nature, “Alright. You’re an awful man Thomas—you know I hate this.”

By way of answer he stood up, put his cigarillo in a nearby ashtray and reached down to her. "Oh yeah!" he gave a groan of approval as he squeezed Lavinia's plentiful pulchritudinous mammarial rondure through the top of her dress, his fingers filling eaerly with her flesh. He began tugging her dress down; Lavinia sighed and lowered the straps of what remained, the lacy cups revealing the bounty that they had held.

She could not quite help feeling a responsiveness; she was a deeply sensual person like both her parents, and for all Lalery’s crude talk with her and seemingly rough manipulations he was in fact a highly experienced lover. He spoke obscenely to her, telling her of his needs, of the heft and weight of the part of her that aroused him most, talking of them as though she was a cheap whore he’d picked up.

”I like,” he grunted as he moved to the rhythm of his desires, “The way your skin is so soft, so silky, there’s so much of you. Even bigger up top than your mother…I love this bouncy quivering, you slut, you love it, admit it…”

Lavinia could barely respond. There was something in her that was greedy and she knew it—she loved it all—sweet clueless dutiful William almost needing her as a mommy, passionate romantic Michael treating her like the princess she was, Lalery the beast tormenting her and humiliating her…and one of her legs involuntarily rose, dress riding up her thighs to the edge of her lacy stockings as it caressed his. Lalery growled like an animal. “Yes…admit you like it bitch, you dirty little whore…take it…take it…”

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 9:50 pm

”Breasts”
The Imperial Palace
Ghish, Ghant

The air outside was cool and crisp…and smelled of barbeque. Umm…so good. Chicken breasts, sweet and succulent, smothered in barbeque sauce. Oh how fond of breasts Nathan was indeed.

Nathan was surrounded by people that he knew well or was just becoming properly acquainted with. Yet he never felt more alone than he did when he was surrounded by so many people. People didn’t understand him, thought that he was awkward. Not many people even cared enough to try, either…besides Sophia. At least she tries, he thought. He was wearing black slacks and a black and white tunic, with black loafers as well. The sun was out and the black clothing did a bit to absorb some of the sun during the otherwise cool day.

Nathan took in the sights and smells of the garden. Amongst the tall hedges were many pleasant scenes to behold. The flowers were blooming, the trees swayed gracefully in the breeze, the fountains trickled, the children were laughing…eh, oh how I loathe the sound of laughing children, Nathan thought. Sophia loved children, how they laughed, played, all that. Nathan found the noise they made irritating, ingratiating. He wondered if becoming a father might alter that perception. He would have to wait and see.

Of course amongst the garden were the people, all so happy. Sophia and Mara were becoming fast friends, so it would seem, having had talked the night before about…womanly things in private in Sophia’s personal lounge. More like a girl’s clubhouse. Nathan often wondered what women talked about when there were no men around. Did they talk about leg shaving strategies? Past lovers? The color of the drapes? Nathan didn’t know…he was terrible when it came to figuring out women.

Besides the royal women and Mara’s entourage, there was Amelia and Charles…the twin siblings of Nathan that brought that dog with them, Rico. Rico was some kind of a mix between a poodle and a terrier…although nobody knew for sure. Arietta picked him up at a dog shelter when he was a puppy. Apparently he was just too cute to pass upon. Although, naturally, with any responsibility Arietta assumed in life, she dumped it on someone else. In this case, the twins. The twins loved the dog to death, but did a rather shitty job at training him. Rico…humped a lot, especially other dogs…male dogs. It seemed like the only thing that Rico didn’t hump was female dogs. Rather, Rico was a gay dog, and apparently he had a thing for Precious, Mara’s little black dog. How rich. Even richer was the twins penchant to refer to him as Doggy half the time.

In any case, the twins were at present chasing the dog through the neatly trimmed bushes in the gardens. Nobody really seemed to care…if anything it gave the landscaper something to do, rather than sit around and get drunk.

Everybody was talking and having a good time…one as much as the other. Everybody was outside in the garden as well…enjoying some lunch, the weather, and each other’s company. Nathan had allergies though, and that made him sneeze. He was a very mucusy man…Arietta made the mistake of approaching him to talk, and Nathan sneezed right in front of her. Nathan was fortunate to turn his head just in time, otherwise his sister would have taken some mucus to the face…that would have been no good. No, not at all.

Nathan was bored, waiting for the barbeque chicken to get done grilling. He wanted to hit it fresh off the grill, but naturally whenever one waited for something, the longer it took for that something to happen. So he just yawned and scratched the back of his head.

Then Rico the gay doggy came up and started humping the back of his leg. Nathan didn’t like that. At all. “Get off me dog!” Nathan exclaimed as he kicked the dog off the back of his leg, making Rico yelp.

Amelia and Charles, who were chasing the dog, finally caught up with him. Charles was wearing trousers and a cotton shirt, and Amelia was wearing a brown skirt and long black stockings, with sneakers…silly girl. Amelia scooped up the dog. “Bad doggy, bad! You don’t hump the Emperor’s leg!” Charles just laughed, with his hands on his knees.

“You need to train that dog of yours. One of these days he is going to hump the wrong person’s leg and he is going to get punted.”

Amelia narrowed her eyes. “Yeah yeah yeah. Rico is a good dog, he just gets excited is all. Don’t people hump things when they get excited too?”

“Umm…yeah, sometimes. Although it ought to be when they love each other.”

“…Maybe Rico loves your leg.” She replied with a grin.

“I hope not…that would suck.” Nathan shook his head.

Amelia stood there with Charles behind her, and then her face lit up. “Nathan, you look really bored. Maybe we can play a game.”

Nathan could use a distraction. “What did you have in mind?”

Amelia made a hmm sound, and then after a moment, her eyes lit up, with a finger in the air. “How about hide and go seek?”

Nathan laughed. “No way. People would think I am an idiot running around with you guys out here.”

Amelia shook her head. “No, not out here. In the Palace. Nobody is in there right now. We could play on the main floor, in the quarter’s wings. Nobody will see us, and it would be really fun.”

Charles jumped up and down too. “Yeah, it would be fun. Just us too, since everybody is out here and stuff. You can just tell them you are excusing yourself for a bit, nobody will care.”

“Ehh…I don’t know…”

Amelia cocked her head. “Oh? You chicken?” She proceeded to make a chicken noise.

Charles laughed. “I think you are scared. Emperor Scaredy Pants, that’s who you are!” Amelia laughed at that.

Nathan’s mouth turned upside down. “Yeah, ok. I will play. How about this. I will be it, and I will find the both of you really quick. You can’t hide from me.”

Amelia and Charles nodded, and then Amelia responded. “Alright…but you won’t! You gotta count to 100, and then you can come looking for us. No peaking or counting too fast either!”

“Alright.” Nathan turned around, closed his eyes, and began counting to 100. As soon as he started, he could hear Amelia and Charles scamper off…and Rico the gay doggy barking…the barking echoed in Nathan’s head as he counted up to 100.

After he got to 100, he opened his eyes and turned around. He informed one of the servants that he would be excusing himself for a time, in order to relieve himself of his allergies. Then he scampered off inside. Hopefully by the time he was done the chicken breasts would be done. He was hungry, and was craving them.

The Palace was devoid of people from what Nathan could tell, and it was as silent as a crypt. He wondered where he should look, and that was when he realized that the twins were the type to hide in a spot that would be so obvious to look, that Nathan might think not to bother looking for them there. My own wing…I bet they are in there…somewhere. Nathan went in that direction, making sure his footsteps were silent, as to not give himself away.

Nathan crept down the hallways like a specter, his feet landing ever so delicately upon the floor as he stalked the hallways. He turned some corners, and came upon his wing. He searched his quarters first…in the bathroom, under the bed, behind the couches, in the closet…nope, nothing.

He came out of his quarters and turned to the right, thinking that maybe they might be hiding in the sitting room at the end of the hall. He had breasts on his mind now…chicken breasts, tasting of rich barbeque flavor.

As he approached the sitting room at the end of the hall, he heard a most unusual noise…groaning and moaning, in a sexual manner. Damn it...I swear if Lita and Paulo are fucking again… Lita and Paulo were a pair of servants that had a thing for voyeurism in the Palace…he never walked in on them, but he knew a few people that had. How embarrassing that must be, getting walked in on while fucking. That is the risk in voyeurism, Nathan thought.

The door to the sitting room was cracked. Being the type of man inclined to making a big entrance, he braced himself, and slowly pushed the door open, without making a noise to give himself away.

Nathan turned clammy and pale at what he saw…his eyes growing wide and his jaw dropping to the floor, his heart raced, sinking into him, and his hands fidgeted. For the first time in a while, Nathan was in a state of shock.

He came upon Count Lalery titifucking Countess Lavinia Nabal, the wife of William Holland. …What…the…fuck…

They were profile, so Nathan got a good view of both Lalery and Lavinia. Lalery was fully exposed, his pants down around his knees, shorts down and sitting down in one of the comfy chairs of the room… one of my grandmother’s chairs. Lavinia was kneeling in front of him, hands in her hair, thrusting her chest out, while Lalery was kneading and squeezing and thrusting his manhood in between her breasts.

Nathan had a hard time speaking, the words caught in his throat. Then he choked some out…“Nice boobs.”

Apparently Nathan wasn’t the only man this day who fancied himself some breasts

by **New Edom** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 12:26 am

Lalery and Lavinia turned, startled, and each had a sudden swift brutal thought about their respective servants who were supposed to be watching the door. Unbeknownst to them Delian had suddenly realized he had the runs and had to run and had told Pepita to stay and watch till he returned; Pepita had intended to return quickly realizing that she’d forgotten to hang out the princess’s dress for the evening and had gotten lost trying to return.

Lalery was furious. Damn it, I was just about to...he nodded coolly. “Nathan.”

Lavinia lowered her eyes and murmured, “Your Majesty,” putting an arm rather ineffectively over her capacious bosom.

“No need to curver your boobs, I already saw them…they are quite nice, truly.” Nathan was red faced, mostly due to the embarrassment. “As for you, Count...I see you are packing heat. If I had a cock that big I would be rather pleased with myself.” He smirked.

“Thank you,” said Lalery, picking up his cigarillo, taking a drag and exhaling. “Was there something you needed to ask us?”

“Oh it’s his palace, Thomas, really!” Lavinia exclaimed, rising. She folded her arms under herself and said with big doe eyes at Nathan, “I was just surprised, of course please enjoy the view, sir. I hope that you know that...this isn’t really something we’d like talked about. I’m so embarrassed, I don’t know what came over me. It must have been being in this wild romantic place in the far north…”

Nathan didn’t like Lalery’s response. His blood grew hot and his eyes narrowed. “Yes, there is, Count. I want to know why you are engaging my cousin’s wife in a sexual manner in my palace. I better not get an answer that I don’t like...I take acts of adultery very seriously, as do the Hollands, who are my kinfolk.” Nathan turned to Lavinia. “Excuses for adultery, eh? That’s rich. I wonder if your husband would find your excuses reasonable.”

“My husband barely touches me,” Lavinia snapped suddenly, her eyes blazing. “He’s more interested in his precious embassy than me. And what do you mean by lurking here, jerking off to us having some harmless fun? I wonder what the Empress would think of that.”

Nathan’s voice grew harsh. “You swore a sacred vow as a christian woman, did you not? And how dare you accuse me of jacking off to you having harmless fun. Sophia knows me well enough to know that I would never do such a thing. I would advise you to choose your next words carefully, lest I have you in chains faster than you can fall on the Count’s dick.”

Lavinia stood up and walked towards him, not bothering to cover herself. Lalery, interested, his eyes coldly amused, watched. Lavinia said, “Alright then…Your Majesty. Your wife wants this alliance, wants the marriage. But who has supported her in that? Me and the Count. So what’s more important, your little morals or getting shit done? You want to have your country stare in worry across the sea at northern Acheron or do you want to have our country in your corner? Go ahead, run to her and tell her everything, and I dare you to tell William. I just dare you. But I’m warning you--you fuck with me and I’ll take you down with me.” she looked at him, both lovely and malicious. “Be our friend,” her voice suddenly softened, “And I will move heaven and earth to make this marriage happen.” she smiled at him, all innocence in that moment suddenly. “It’s your choice of course.”

Nathan’s skin began to crawl. His skin began to turn gray, and his eyes turned dark. There was something, dark...something hateful in his eyes...in his face. A look of total scorn and disdain. “Bitch...do you know who I am? I am the Emperor of Ghant. The blood of Gabinius, Gallus, the Mad Emperor...flows in my veins. I will fucking end you, and I would enjoy it. You think I give a fuck about this marriage? More Dakmaran ambitions...I have been silent, held my tongue. I don’t give a shit...you know what I give a shit about? Little fucking worms like you and your precious Count. You want to fuck with me...you want to go to war? You can try to bring me down with you, but I will fucking haunt you through all nine hells.” He breathed fast and hard now. “You condemn yourself with your mouth, you know that? I wonder how the Imperator would feel, how Mara would feel...how Perrin would feel about your treachery. I wonder if any of them want to have vipers the likes of you in their den. Something tells me that they wouldn’t. So let me tell you what is going to happen. You are going to shut your fucking mouth and go away, quietly, back to your quarters. Another word from you, and I will have you held in contempt. I wonder how the word of some slattern like you will stack up against the word of the Emperor of Ghant.”

Lavinia widened her eyes. “Oh really. The Emperor of Ghant. Yes I am so impressed with the Emperor of Ghant. What do you actually do all day, Nathan? What is it, play video games, eat pizza and play with outdated weapons? Do you think anyone actually takes you seriously? Go on. Hold me in contempt. Ruin your wife’s plans, and see what happens. Test your authority.” Lavinia laughed and went and picked up her bra and began to fit herself into it. By this time Lalery had dressed and was watching thoughtfully.

Nathan had enough. He was tired of being mocked, tired of being disrespected to his face. Tired of people like Lavinia Nabal pushing him around. True to his word, Nathan pushed the button of his security buzzer that was in his pocket through his pants. He waited for Lavinia to dress herself, and then he moved to grab her by the arm. He spoke firmly. “I will see you to your quarters, Lady Nabal.”

“What do you think you’re doing?” snapped Lavinia incredulously. “Let me go!” however she didn’t pull away--he was royalty, for all that she despised him.

“In the name of the Empire of Ghant, you are hereby confined to quarters until your treachery has been sorted out with your Queen. Your husband will be informed of your infidelity, and I will not suffer you lurking in my palace. You will come with me now. Anything else that you say or do can and may be used against you.” His touch was gentle yet firm, but he was prepared to be more assertive if needs be...at least until the guards showed up to assist him.

When they had gone, Lalery looked up as a pale faced Sergeant Delian came into the room. He nodded. “Delian, over here.” Delian came up to him and received a slug just below the sternum; as he doubled over, he said, “People who abandon their posts end up shot.” While Delian was gasping he picked up his phone and texted Count Falk. Then Mara.

Lavinia said nothing, she was white faced and couldn’t believe it. Her breathing was coming hard as she walked with him. “I can’t believe you’re doing this,” she muttered. “Where’s your sense of comme il faut?”

As they walked down the hallway, Nathan snorted at Lavinia at her latest question. “My comme il faut? How dare you ask me such a question as that. A lying cheating whore has no grounds to presume to lecture me on comme il faut.” After walking down the hallway, a dozen armed men in uniform appeared, having turned a corner ahead of Nathan and Lavinia.

One of the guards stepped forward, and did a slight bow. “Your majesty, is there a problem? Are you in danger?”

“No, but thank you. Please see the Lady Lavinia Nabal to her quarters, and see to it that she does not leave, nor does anyone enter aside from either my wife or Queen Mara.” He released Lavinia, and then she was flanked by the guards, one on either side of her.

Lavinia gave him a cold look and said, “I will walk in on my own. Thank you.” she did, with as much dignity as she could muster.

Nathan saw them off, and then he moved to seek out Queen Mara...she was the first person that ought to be made aware of the situation, he realized. He wasn’t sure how she might react...but Nathan was determined that it was the right thing to do.

At Mara’s apartments, Nathan discovered that there were two members of the Royal Cavalry Guards near the door. One of them spoke into an earpiece, and while he did Nathan could hear the sound of rock music of some kind thumping through the door. When the door opened, Precious began to bark at him and the slim fair maidservant Tegan, who was wearing a Draonian style peach chiton, said with a deep bow, “This way, Your Majesty.”

Mara was in a workout outfit, black yoga tights and a pink sports bra, her upper body gleaming a bit, her hair in a high ponytail as a rock remix of Pink and Elvis blasted; she went and turned it down a bit. “Hello Nathan, wow is this the first time we’ve spoken in private? Precious, tais toi, sois sage!” she blew a kiss at the little down who made a fussing noise and went and jumped up on the nearest chair. “Do you want a drink or anything?”

Nathan did a courteous bow, and then made eye contact with Mara as he spoke. “Indeed it is, my Queen. I am quite fine, thank you and I appreciate the offer. A most urgent situation needs to be brought to your attention.”

“Okay,” said Mara. “Go ahead.”

“I walked in on the Lady Lavinia Nabal committing a sexual act with Count Thomas Lalery in the sitting room at the end of the hall of my wing. When confronted, your cousin the Count was most respectful and a gentleman. Lavinia, on the other hand, insulted me and threatened me openly to my face. I have her confined in her quarters to await your justice. I would advise you to rid yourself of such a snake from you court, as she seems prone to adultery, treachery and blackmail. Your cousin the Count was free to go and I will have no grievances with him, for he seemed to be at the mercy of such a woman as Lavinia.”

Mara looked surprised. “My cousin? At the mercy of Lavinia? Okay. Yes, well….wow...that’s really weird. What do you think I should do?” She asked him curiously.

“Have her dismissed from your company at once. She is clearly someone that you cannot trust to have in your company. After all, as a Queen, you must be undoubtedly aware of how hard it can be sometimes, to rule. Knowing who to trust, who not to trust...who you should let close to you. This woman is poison, I can tell you that. She threatened to undermine this courtship process should I inform you...as if she has some kind of power of this process, and over you. It seems as though your cousin, my wife, and Michael all care about you...do you think Lavinia does? Doesn’t seem like it to me, based off of how she talked to me.”

“Wow, this is a weird conversation,” Mara said almost to herself. “Nathan, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but of course I don’t trust Lavinia. That’s not what she’s around for. Seriously, she threatened you and stuff like that? I mean wow, just like that because you saw her having sex with Lalery?”

“Yes. Her first action upon me discovering them was to insult, mock, threaten and attempt to blackmail me to my face. As such, she is confined in her quarters until you deal with the situation as you see fit, seeing as how she is in your service. I will be informing Tyler Holland that Lavinia is unfaithful to William. As for Lavinia, well, do with her as you will.”

“Ohhh,” Mara said thoughtfully. “You know what, could you maybe hold off on talking to William until I talk to you about that? I’d really find that helpful, you know? And I’ll have a talk with Lavinia. You know what--her parents are really close friends of Perrin’s I want to handle this properly. Like...I think this needs....”

“Discretion,” said, Tegan.

“Yeah totally, thanks, discretion. Okay? Is that cool?” Mara asked him earnestly.

“Yes, I find that most agreeable, my Queen. I respect your prerogative on the matter.”

“Awesome…” Mara said beaming at him. “Gosh you’re so sweet to me, Sophia seems like one of the luckiest women in the world. Thank you so much for coming yourself, aren’t you just wonderful…” she walked up and gave him a kiss on the cheek and hugged him. “I’m just feeling the weight of the world dropping off here, you know? Hey...I need to get back to my workout, I’m losing the glow as we speak…”

Nathan smiled, accepting the kiss on the cheek and hugging back, very deftly. “You are much too kind, Mara. Thank you for your kind words. My wife and brother-in-law care very much about you, and as such I felt the need to bring this matter to your attention personally. Anything I can do to make you more comfortable here, please do not hesitate to let my staff know. As long as you are here, you shall be treated like family.” He bowed slightly then. “I shall leave you be in peace now.” He inclined his head with a smile and left her quarters.

by **New Edom** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 11:28 am

“Hey there,” Mara said, coming in to Lavinia’s room, finding her curled up on the bed; she looked up and put her phone aside, quickly texting Olympia that she was with Mara.

“Hi,” said Lavinia, sitting up and inclining her head. Her eyes were red and her face was drawn.

“Rough day huh?” Mara said. She had changed into a blue sweater, jeans and platform sandals, her hair held back with barrettes. Lavinia was in her rumpled day dress.

“This is completely…” Lavinia sketched her fury with her hands. “They wouldn’t even let my maid in! I don’t know where she put anything…this…”

“Yeah kinda a bullshit way to handle it—but you did fly off the handle at the Emperor of Ghant,yeah? What were you thinking?” Mara asked, sitting on the bed beside her, running a hand along her back.

“I…well he caught…me and Lalery…” Lavinia looked at her warily. “And then he started being all judgemental, about me in particular, and I got really pissed off.”

Mara nodded. “That was kind of dumb, don’t you think? I mean—I’ve had my tantrums, so I know it’s not easy, girlfriend, but you can’t do stuff like that. I mean, shit, girl, you’re like the wife of an ambassador, you’re one of my matrons of honour, you shoot your mouth off like you’re yelling at an ex boyfriend at the emperor when we’re here doing all this stuff…” she shook her head. “And what’s going on with you and Lalery?”

Lavinia studied her, trying to read her, and said, “He’s been blackmailing me for sex.”

Mara laughed and shook her head. “Holy shit. Blackmailing you with your affair with Michael, or is it someone else?”

Lavinia’s mouth opened, and she went pale. “I…”

Mara held up a hand. “Look, he’s not married to anyone, and I honestly don’t give two copper fucks who you get into bed with. It was just a stupid thing, it happens. But Nathan takes grudges seriously. So what do we do about it sweetie?”

Lavinia nearly wept with relief—at least Mara was too good natured and easygoing to really take this too seriously. She leaned into her caressing arm and whispered, “I guess I was kind of dumb…”

“You were totally dumb, Lalery told me you want to be Grand Chamberlain. Hello—Grand Chamberlain? When you can’t hold your temper when you’re caught with my cousin making love to your breasts?” Mara said, her voice tender. “But what I asked you, kiddo is what do we do? See I was thinking…what we don’t want is an embarrassing mess. So you need to fix this.”

“How do I do that?” asked Lavinia, sniffling a little, kissing Mara’s hand, Baran-appealing fashion.

Mara tilted her chin up and looked her in the eyes gravely. Lavinia felt one of those odd moments of unease with Mara, and remembered that like her father, Mara often seemed lazy, complacent, and then simply did what she wanted as though she’d been planning it all along. Her senses screamed caution. “Here’s what you do babe—be a grown woman. Grovel. Beg. Supplicate yourself. Take total responsibility and throw yourself on his mercy.”

Lavinia scrambled up and put a hand on her hip, indignation fighting with her deep training to be courteous to the House of Obed. “Come on, Mara…he’s going to freak at me, throw me in a nunnery, send me with a shaved head to that hypocrite Tyler Holland…”

“Oh right, you’ve got lots of other options, including being outed and having to stand trial for adultery. Bishop Zecharias loves it when the women are really pretty, especially when they’re nice and plump up top. Good luck,” Mara said cheerfully, getting off the bed.

“No, wait—shit, okay, I’ll do it, alright?” Lavinia lowered her eyes. “You’re too kind. I don’t deserve to be in your service…”

“You don’t, but I love your folks and you have served me well, in your nasty and sweet way,” Mara laughed. “Come on now…let’s go over what you say and get it right. Don't worry, I'll be right there.”

“I should call my maid, do you think they’ll let me? I need to get fixed up…” Lavinia said.

“No,” Mara said, studying her messed up makeup, her rumpled dress and hair strands escaping her coiffure all over the place. The very picture of a distressed pretty young woman. “You’re perfect the way you are.” And she did not forget Lalery, nor her intuition of their plotting. But that was for another day. Her father always advocated that a prince must be patient and slow to act.

by **Vyrsar** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 10:40 pm

1 Hour After Departure from Zürich International Airport

"Heh."

Katharina lowered her book slightly, having been reading while leaning back in her seat in the private aircraft. She looked up over the top, seeing the Chancellor watching Alena lose herself in her music, sitting back on the leather sofa, mouthing the words and lightly bobbing her head with her eyes closed.

The younger cousin of the Kaiserin was still dressed in VDF garb; a sweat-wicking combat shirt and camouflage pants, a type of uniform having been popularised in the last three years that was known officially as the Unter Schutzwesten Kampfuniform (Under Body Armour Combat Uniform). On a holster strapped around her petite thigh, Alena was armed with a 5.7x28mm USP-62 handgun, currently unloaded.

Private Jet Interior

The Kaiserin smiled and locked eyes with the Chancellor for a moment, who nodded at her. He lifted a glass of chilled Riesling white wine to his lips, taking a sip and looking out the window of the aircraft.There was nothing but blue skies and clouds. Well, nothing except for those and one of the two fighters that flanked the larger passenger jet. Both were painted in a two-shade grey digital pattern, which admittedly made them difficult to see with the naked eye. They were both Kobra KR-IVs, new generation fighters being fielded as cheaper yet just as effective alternatives to the Drachens that had come to be symbols of Vyrsarian air power.

Shifting her eyes to the chair across the aisle, Katharina's gaze lingered on Minister of Defence Schröder for a moment. Fitting, considering the thought she just had. He, of all people, had been most angry with the money they'd poured down holes with CF-I, KR-II, and MR-III projects. All of them had produced superb aircraft, but at such high expense and only for their creators to learn too late that they could upgrade their old aircraft to be nearly as effective, and produce them for even a third of a cost.

The man swirled his whiskey around in the small glass he had, taking a quick sip before setting it down on the rubber coaster on the table in front of him. The Minister of Defence was a hard, calm, and collected man. He rarely raised his voice in anger or emotion, and he cared deeply about the lives of his troops, a trait gained from the teaching of his mentor, the famous Tobias Schwarzkopf, and having once been in their boots. Katharina admired him for that. He had been through much more in the past two decades than she had her entire life. He had been the one she looked to for reassurance in her decisions during the Nekulturnyan War.

With a small smile, Katharina's eyes returned to the words on the pages of the book she held. She checked the page number. 237. Flipping quickly to the back of the book, she willed herself not to look at the last sentence of the story, checking the page number. 751. Releasing the held back pages to return to her place in the story, she slowly shook her head. At least she had time.

4 Hours Later
Ghish, Ghant

"Alena, beeilen deine kleinen Arsch auf (Alena, hurry your little ass up)!"

"Meine Haare ist chaotisch (My hair is messy)!" Alena shouted back from the bathroom of the jet to Katharina. Katharina took a large breath and exhaled audibly as Alena emerged, her hair perfectly straight and falling around her shoulders. Schröder and the Chancellor shared a look as Katharina and Alena began bickering quietly between themselves like sisters.

Mess hair my arse.

Katharina nodded at the Chancellor, and he looked to one of the guards at the door. Both were dressed in all-black uniforms, in contrast to the one that Alena wore, and were protected by tan body armour. They both wore black tinted sunglasses and red berets, and were armed suitably with STGR-60A4 rifles.

The Chancellor nodded, and the guard pushed down the lever and then outward, opening the door.

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 11:22 pm

”Tears”
The Imperial Palace
Ghish, Ghant

Nathan sat in his solar upon a wooden chair in front of a coffee table with a tall pitcher of lukewarm sweet tea sitting upon it. He was still very much annoyed with this entire situation that occurred thirty minutes prior. He wouldn’t have cared if it didn’t involve the wife of his cousin William Holland, but seeing as how it did, he felt an obligation to inform the Hollands of Lavinia’s unfaithfulness. If it wasn’t for Mara’s request to wait until she could get a grip on the situation, he would have called Tyler already. The longer he had to wait to inform them, the more it gnawed at his insides like that infernal dragon that gnawed upon the roots of the world tree.

He was waiting with anxiety for Sophia and Mara to come and talk in the solar privately with him. He wondered how his wife would feel about the situation...he wondered how the two women would act together in his presence. His mind drifted with those thoughts as he drank a glass of tea.

Mara had sent a message to Sophia asking her to meet with herself, Nathan and Lavinia, and soon arrived at the solar with Lavinia in tow. Lavinia still looked a bit disheveled, clearly red eyed from being upset and her makeup damaged; Mara looked calm but also had warmth in her eyes and a quiet energy beneath her calm.

Sophia came in soon after Mara and Lavinia. Sophia still had that look of pleasant courtly manner, an attitude that she very rarely if ever deviated from...Sophia was a master of self-control and self-restraint when it came to interacting with other people. Sophia entered the room and took a seat upon the couch close to Nathan. She reached out a hand and rested it upon her husband’s thigh, and smiled as she searched Mara’s eyes, waiting for her to speak.

Nathan spoke first. “Welcome, ladies. Thank you for joining me in my solar. Please, avail yourselves to this tea if you so desire. Tis quite good.”

Mara sat down, while Lavinia remained standing, her very being full of wariness, but as far as anyone could tell she was in great distress. Mara said, “Thank you so much! So, Princess Lavinia has something to say to you, Emperor Nathan.”

Lavinia licked her lips nervously, and then went to her knees and clasped her hands. “Your Majesty,” she said, looking up at him, “I have come to beg for your mercy and forgiveness. I did wrong. I was proud and foolish, and I spoke words to you that are unforgivable. You have acted more mercifully than I deserve...I was entirely in the wrong and you were entirely in the right. I confess that I was greedy for position and I gave in to Count Lalery in exchange for his favours...I’ve been a very bad wife, you are right, and I wish to throw myself at your feet. Whatever penance you ask, I will do it…” a sob escaped her but she stiffened, lifted her chin and looked him in the eye.

Nathan sat and listened, with a blank expression on his face. Then he responded to Lavinia. “I appreciate your apology, Lady Lavinia of the House Nabal. I owe you an apology as well. It was wrong for me to have grown so angry with you at your words. I should not have let them made me furious. Fortunately, here in Ghant, there is no mistake that one cannot recover from. Everyone of us, be it you, me, or anyone for that matter, can atone.” He searched Lavinia’s eyes now. “There is but one act of penance that I demand, for all of this to be forgiven in the sight of God and men. You will confess your adultery to your husband in my presence, and it shall be witnessed by Prince Edward, the Lord High Chamberlain, who by virtue of his wife Alyssa Holland is the brother-in-law of the Imperator of Shalum and William’s Uncle. Do this and your penance shall be complete.”

Lavinia did honestly start to cry then; but she managed to keep herself relatively composed. “I will...though I’m afraid it will probably be the end of my marriage. But I will do what you ask.”

Wiping her cheeks with one hand, smearing eyeshadow on it, she said, “Do I have Your Majesty’s leave to go?” looking at both he and Mara.

Mara said, “You did very well, unless the Emperor needs you further, you may go. I’ve told your maid to go and see to your needs, and I’m placing a guard outside your door. Don’t see Count Lalery alone without my direct permission.”

Nathan shifted in his seat. “Oh, and one more thing. You need not tell William the identities of your lovers. That information may be withheld from disclosure. Do you find that to be an acceptable consideration?”

Lavinia paused, swallowed with difficulty, took a deep breath and said, “Your Majesty--with all due respect--that will probably just make him angry and more suspicious. I...I don’t know if that will work.”

Nathan bit his lip. “Well, handle your confession as you see fit, then. The only thing that matters is that he is made aware. I would merely prefer to keep Mara’s cousin from becoming a target of Holland wrath, along with my brother-in-law.”

Mara nodded to Lavinia, who bowed deeply and then withdrew from the room. When she was gone, Mara said, “Well, that was kind of you. You know, I think that you handle this kind of thing very well, you know when to bark and when to grin, you know that? But…” she frowned thoughtfully. “I think she kinda has a point about Lalery. What do you suggest we do about that?” She glanced at Sophia before she looked at Nathan.

Nathan inclined his head. “Thank you Mara for your kind words. You are ever the kind and gentle Queen.”

Sophia’s deep blue eyes seemed to grow large as she smiled at Mara. “How do you feel about your cousin using his position at court to determine offices via sexual favors? Do you consider that to be acceptable behavior for the Master of Offices?”

Mara laughed. “It’s sure as hell not! What a guy! That cousin of mine. But you know what--sometimes you need a real bastard in your service--not the illegitimate kind, a jerk, a real,” Mara made a fist, “You know? But yeah he totally went too far. But I guess whatI’m getting at is that he’s the older person, the higher ranking person, she wouldn’t have done it without him--so is this really fair? I just thought we should talk about that. Because you know--unless we keep this tight, it will get out. I’ve never heard of stuff like this not getting out.”

Sophia responded after a drink from Nathan’s tea glass. “I think keeping this situation tight is preferable...hence why Nathan suggested not revealing the identities of Lavinia’s lovers. I might suggest providing Thomas with a position at court where he can not elicit sexual bribes for determination of offices. I believe such a position as Master of Offices ought to be given to someone who is rational, objective, and above all else, motivated to select the best candidates for the most appropriate offices, as opposed to...who provides bribes of the flesh. What do you think about that, Mara?”

Mara listened politely and she said, “I don’t think you’re getting my thoughts on this. I mean what you pointed out is pretty valid--but you know, what I mean is that this will come out. William will want to know who was screwing his wife,” she said, looking rather pointedly at Sophia a moment. Then back at Nathan. “The penalty for adultery in New Edom is death.”

Nathan interjected, calmly. “As long as Lavinia doesn’t tell who she committed adultery with, neither myself nor my wife shall speak the names. I have reason to believe that if the identities are withdrawn, then no harm shall come of it. William might want to know, but that doesn’t mean he will find out. Edward can see to it that the Hollands do not press for the identities of the men in question.”

Sophia nodded. “Mara, what do you think ought to be done, and how do you think the situation ought to be handled?”

“I...look you guys, don’t you ever have scandals in this country? Stuff gets out. With the internet, with servants listening when you don’t notice, journalists weaseling things out of people, with people talking in bed or in their cups, you know? You can’t control this kind of stuff just by hoping, Nathan,” Mara said earnestly. “What I’m saying is--maybe we need to not make her tell William, and just make sure it doesn’t happen again. Like send her back today, let her make up some shit about how she misses her husband and went to pieces, begged me to let her go home. I really think that this will blow up in our faces if we try to do this half assed stuff. Sorry Nathan, but really--things will get out. Gossip and scandal...they find a way.”

Nathan sighed heavily, looking at Mara, and then at Sophia. Sophia made eye contact with him, the kind of look that said no.

Nathan spoke anyway, after shifting in his seat uncomfortably. “The Hollands will find out about this...they have a right to be made aware. I will not have my cousin flying blind with that pit viper in his midst. Either Lavinia will confess to William, or I will call Tyler Holland personally to inform him. Either way, the Hollands will be made aware.”

Sophia shook her head. “Nathan, Mara is right…”

Nathan snorted. “You are saying that because you want to give your brother a free pass. I should have told William about it as soon as I found out about that liaison. This has gone on long enough, Sophia.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed, and she turned to Mara...wondering if Mara understood Sophia’s irritation with Nathan, which an intuitive woman might be able to detect.

Mara blew out her breath and slapped her knees. “Okay Nathan, you win, I mean you gotta do what you gotta do right? But I think you’re right about protecting family. I also have to protect mine. So I’m going to have to call off the wedding. I mean I can’t even consider it now...this is a disaster.”

The instant Mara said that Sophia turned her gaze to Nathan. Her eyes shot daggers at him. Nathan froze in place, only having a look of sheer horror at noticing Sophia’s displeasure. Sophia turned back to Mara, now visibly upset. “...Mara...I would urge you to reconsider that course of action...surely there is an amicable solution that doesn’t gravitate towards such an extreme…” She waited to hear her response, as Nathan seemed to turn to stone.

“Well, I don’t mind that Nathan really wants to be loyal to his cousin, I think it’s admirable. Hell, I’m loyal to my cousin and he’s a total...well,” Mara shrugged and smiled. “But what he’s trying to accomplish, I don’t get. I mean I’ve said--there is no way that William won’t figure it out or find out. There’s no way that this doesn’t ruin their marriage--I mean he’ll think about it. He got cheated on, it will torment him. Was it someone she’s still in love with secretly? Why keep it a secret? If it’s a secret, it’s someone she’s trying to protect, but why? You know? And Nathan, who’s going to deal with that? You?”

Mara lifted her hands. “I really think that my solution is best. I mean the only other possibility is going the whole nine yards. Outing them both, having a public trial in New Edom, both of them probably getting hanged, because Perrin would not want to show any favouritism. Otherwise it’s just kind of vindictiveness, you know?”

Nathan spoke now. “The only people that know are you, me, Sophia, Lavinia, Lalery and Michael. If none of us talk, nobody finds out. Also, yes, I will personally deal with William. I will be making it abundantly clear that he will find out with who, because that information is sensitive, and a matter of national security. So as long as we don’t tell, nobody will find out. Nobody get’s hurt. Shit, keep Tomas as your Master of Offices. I don’t see how an annulment between Lavinia and William hurts anything anyway. The marriage is dysfunctional anyway. It would be doing both of them a favor to release them of their marital vows.”

Staring at him in surprise, Mara said, “Well...that’s...just like, your opinion, man. But look, I don’t wanna lecture you, man. You do what you want, I’ll do what I want. Sorry Sophia, but I need to be married into a practical level headed family. You’ve both been really sweet, I appreciate it. Nathan has me in a corner, and I gotta say, I think that really sucks, man, but more power to you. I hope we can be friends after this.” Mara got up.

Sophia responded firmly, as she got up too. “You would be marrying into House Dakmaran, which is my House...not House Gentry...which is his. I am sure you have become aware of the Gentry...peculiarities.”

Nathan was getting irritated. “How typical. Dakmarans pinning it on us Gentrys. This is quite rich. It would seem as though the Dakmarans are going to put me in a vise over this…”

Sophia was quick to respond. “You are right about that. You never cared about this match, or the alliance, and that is obvious now more than ever. My father will be wroth if this courtship collapses because of your thickheadedness.”

“Yeah, alright. My thickheadedness. You know what? Maybe I am tired of all these backroom dealings, all this secret stuff and handing out free passes. Tell me, what do you think would happen if I called Perrin right this instant, and told him that your brother committed adultery with Lavinia, and I ship him off to Perrin in chains? What do you think he would do? Hang him? Maybe that would serve as a lesson to your family about what happens when they play the game of thrones.”

“...How dare you.” Sophia’s eyes began to swell with tears, and she left the room after sharing a painful glance with Mara.

Mara ran after her and gave her a hug quickly. “Oh Sophia, I don’t know if I want to marry for sure your brother--but I so wanted to be your sister...this sucks so bad!!”

Sophia was well enough away from the solar when Mara caught up to her and embraced her. Sophia accepted the embrace, and buried her face into Mara’s shoulder, crying. “...Please...I want to be family...I think we should leave Ghish in the morning...and go to Dakar...without him…”

“Sophia, this is really going to fuck things up, don’t you see?” Mara said, tears streaming down her face. “I totally have to talk to Perrin about this and figure out how to handle this. I’m so so sorry…”

Both women were in tears now. “Don’t be sorry...I want to help...I want to be here for you...and maybe you can be here for me...we can do this...together...maybe…”

by **New Edom** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 1:40 pm

The Firebird Suite by Stravinsky was playing in the room, and an electronic pulse not audible to the human ear playing from a device. “Why would the Emperor tell such a malicious lie about me? About me!” Count Lalery said, pointing a finger at Count Falk, who sat in a chair with his legs crossed. Falk was a very handsome, fine featured young Baran aristocrat, who had inherited his position from his father. He drank like a fish and was a closet homosexual, but was very good at his job. His hair was always neatly coiffed, his suits or body paint perfect. His father having retired was focused entirely on the family estates and investments. Married to the beautiful impoverished Clodia Falco, the mistress to General Hesperinus, he satisfied public opinion by having recently gotten her pregnant. Lalery wondered who the real father might be. As Prince Enoch had once remarked in his cups, “If the baby comes out looking like a gorilla, we’ll know.”

“It’s not bad,” said Falk of Lalery’s performance, “But it will be an inevitable scandal and controversy. We’ll have to work on how to weather it. Nathan will react like a mad bull to a preemptive strike and will never give up if his honour is impugned. I think that this is the wrong tactic. I think Mara’s plan will work. But barring that, we may have to consider sacrificing the Ghant plans.”

Lalery took a deep frustrated breath and grabbed his glass of vodka from a nearby table and drank violently, slamming the glass down, clear liquid slopping. “Damn it. What is he, a professional cock blocker? Why couldn’t he just look the other way?” He held up a hand as Falk began to roll his eyes. “Alright, alright, Jonas, I know. I’m just irritated.”

“If Mara’s plan fails,” said Falk, studying him, “We have to strongly put it to Perrin that this alliance won’t work. Cooperating with Nathan will ruin you, and he apparently will not compromise. Even if Nathan appears to go along with things, he isn’t entirely stupid, he can easily find some other way of telling the Hollands. You need to curb your enthusiasms, Thomas. You need to find a good discreet brothel or something.”

Lalery stared at him and tightened his strong jaw. “Opportunity. I go for opportunity, man. I don’t wait or go begging.”

“Indeed, but now where are we?” sighed Falk. “I’m not condemning you, I can hardly do that can I? How badly do you think we need this alliance?”

Lalery considered. “There’s just about nowhere else. Nearly every other northern Acheronian nation either condemns too many of our policies or else is too isolationist and independent. It’s really the only option.”

Falk nodded. “I’ll do my part then, you can count on me for that.”

Lalery exhaled and nodded to him. “I won’t forget this, Jonas. Now I must sweet talk Sophia, urge Mara to go to Dakmoor.” He left the room, and Jonas Falk closed his eyes and listened to the strange rampant sounds of Stravinsky filling the air.

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 5:18 pm

“Hoyden”
The Imperial Palace
Ghish, Ghant

You are such a little hoyden!

Arietta’s mother pissed her off. Always ragging on her, and for what? Just trying to have fun! She was 19, going on 20. She was going to school, getting an education. D stands for degree…

That wasn’t entirely fair. She got a few C’s, the occasional B. School was so…hard. She did get her fair share of D’s though…

Prince Vitus of Staalmark was with her. That was her…boyfriend. She had been spending time with him at his place in Staalmark. Twas great fun, but she needed to come home at some point, and that was what she did. He came too, of course. Arietta liked when he did that…

She wasn’t expecting the Edomites to be at the Imperial Palace. She entered the Palace having had just went shopping for new clothes. Dresses, new shoes, new fashion designer bags and merchandise. She walked into the Palace and saw them all there in the feast hall. She awkwardly joined them, exchanging awkward glances with Count Thomas Lalery. She remembered him all too well. The way he looked at her. The way he asked her what color underwear she was wearing. The way he fondled her ass while dancing. Then, of course, how she took advantage of the situation to gain the attention of Vitus…whom she took full advantage of. Apparently he liked it, because here he was, still with her.

The following day, Arietta dressed in a comfortable and casual cotton beach skirt, one in which the skirt cut off a bit above her knees, and was patterned with red and green swirls. Her red hair was loose and a bit crazy, but she liked it that way. She hated doing stuff with her hair, so she let it be all natural.

That day was quite eventful. There was a barbeque, with some chicken and potatoes, and such, which Arietta nibbled on ever so slightly, not wanting to make a mess and get her skirt stained. Twas good. Quite good indeed.

As she enjoyed the weather outside, she wondered where Nathan, Amelia and Charles were at. Sophia eventually stormed off inside too. She wondered if something was amiss, but shrugged it off as she drank her beer, determined to get buzzed by a reasonable hour of the day. In any case, she knew where Alexandra was. In her face, being an annoying little sister.

Alexandra was rambling at her. “Ari, I can’t wait to meet Kaiser Martin of Vorindun. He is so cute, and smart…and…”

Ari sighed as if she was annoyed. “Yeah, yeah, he is Mr. Perfect. They all seem like that at first…then they will want something from you. They will want to break a piece of that off. Once they get their fill, they will leave you with a broken heart! Men are such fuckers. You know how you beat em? Use them back, and then walk away once you are done with em. That ought to teach em!”

Alexandra shouted back. “No, its not like that, you idiot! Martin is different, he will treat me right, I just know he will. And Count Lalery’s sister Olivia is married to his brother Alois of New Hydrenia! We can all be family.”

“God, Alex, you are so fucking stupid, you know that? Wake the fuck up. Besides, you probably couldn’t handle Martin anyway…if he is as hung as his brother is. The boy is only 16, and will only get bigger. I don’t think you can handle a dick that big…not many girls can.”

Alexandra was as red as a beet now. “You don’t know that! You don’t know anything.”

Arietta shrugged. “Whatever you say, sis. You will see. Once he busts that open he will start treating you like shit. Just don’t come crying to me after you get hurt.”

Alexandra put her arms on her sides, turned her head and walked away. Ari shrugged again, and took a drink of her beer glass.

That was when the twins came running up to her. Damn it, go away!

Amelia stopped in front of her. “Ari, have you seen Nathan? We were playing hide and go seek, and he never found us. Its been over an hour, and that was how long he had to find us. We win!”

Charles laughed. “We win! We win!”

Arietta looked around, then shook her head. “I haven’t seen him. I guess he never came back out.”

Amelia folded her arms. “Why the hell not?”

“How the fuck would I know, Amelia? Do I look like I am capable of astral projection?”

“Yes.” Amelia responded sarcastically. Charles laughed at that.

“Hehehe. Laugh it up. This is wack. I am getting bored, and I am going inside. Might head up to my room and charge my phone and shit.” Without giving the twins a chance to respond, Arietta walked away. Back into the Palace she went.

Arietta wasn’t paying attention to anything besides her phone. She was texting all her friends about how idiotic her sister was, about Vitus, about her new clothes and fashion designer bags, about her friend’s boyfriends and clothes and fashion designer bags, about other girls and their boyfriends and clothes and fashion designer bags…

Then she walked into somebody. Arietta made a little grunting noise, and looked up from her phone, annoyed. Twas a guard standing before her…a few actually. In front of a room. Dafuq?

“What’s going on here?” Arietta asked.

“…None of your business.” One of the guards snapped, some young man.

Arietta put her hands on her shapely hips. “Excuse me? Bitch, I am the Princess Imperial of Ghant, and you are going to tell me what’s going on here, this instant. Or I will get your name and tell my brother that you were being a douche bag.”

The other guard responded. “This room is under guard. It belongs to the Lady Lavinia of the House Nabal.”

Who the fuck is that? Arietta wondered. She assumed a that point that she was one of the Edomites, and that she did something wrong, and got confined to quarters and guarded by Nathan’s men. “What did she do?”

“…We are not at liberty to discuss that.”

Arietta was getting annoyed, and her curiosity was getting the better of her. “Alright, fine. Open the door and let me go inside, and I will find out myself.”

“Can’t do that, Princess.” Replied the smartass one that she already didn’t like.

“You are a real dipshit, aren’t you? What part of the Princess Imperial of Ghant do you not understand? You will let me enter this instant, or you will be sorry.”

“No.” Replied the other guard, the one with more respect.

Arietta wasn’t the kind of girl that liked to take no for an answer. She walked around the guard in front of her, and walked up to the door. The smartass guard reached his arm out to grab hers.

Arietta noticed that out of the corner of her eye and snapped at him. “Put a hand on me, and I will tell my brother that you put your hands on me in an aggressive manner. Trust me when I say that he won’t like that. You would definitely be halfway up shit creek!”

The guards looked at each other, and they stood still, neither of them moving or otherwise gesturing to Arietta that they would touch her. Arietta made a “hmph” sound, and pushed open the door to the room.

She entered the room, and shut the door behind her. She looked around and noticed that no one was there. Arietta decided that she might wait around for a bit. So she got a good running jump and hopped on the bed. Then she got her phone back out and texted her friend about how stupid Nathan’s guards were, and how she threatened them!

Arietta laughed. She was such a hoyden…

by **Hittanryan** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 10:20 pm

Ghish
Ghant

Sali stood and waited in the private terminal for DeGroot and his party. Presumably the plane had arrived and they would be emerging from the tunnel at any time. Security personnel stood around the tunnel to...secure the President and his party upon emergence into the airport. In the meantime, Sali was combing her long curly brown hair with her fingers, and swept the strands from her heart shaped face. She was tugging at blue skirt and her black stockings too, wanting to make sure that she was presentable to the Adirans.

Ever since the Founder's assassination by the Inquisition, the Executive Security Detail received markedly more funding and attention. Coordinating with Edomite security through the embassy, they were informed of escape routes, contingencies, and an intricately detailed itinerary for the day. ESD agents would know where to stand to stay out of the photos, how to contact the heads of local security, and how to determine when they needed to move very quickly. Although this was the work of over a hundred ESD staff, the only real public face were a number of solidly-built, suit-clad agents with sunglasses accompanying the President as he left the plane. As the ramp was put in place, one of the agents stood at the bottom of it, several others went ahead to his car. Others were behind the VIPs, who would accompany them, stonefaced, at virtually all times.

The officials were all clad in wool charcoal business suits, and the First Lady was wearing a fashionable blue dress and white jacket. The group and security detail approached Sali, who they all assumed was the person from Nymun’s office sent to receive them. DeGroot smiled amiably and addressed Sali. “Hello, greetings from the Republic of Adiron. You know, it’s not that cold here. It’s nice to meet you, Ms…?”

Sali got a bit nervous when DeGroot and his party emerged. “Greetings, Mr. President, and party. Welcome to Ghant, where the weather may be frightful, but the fire is so delightful. My name is Sali Orrega, and I am the Prime Minister’s aide.” She smiled and did a curtsy.

“A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Orrega,” the First Lady said, curtsying in return. The Secretary of State and Secretary of War introduced themselves in turn. Li couldn’t help but notice that the first aide they bumped into was more attractive than the average aide in Adiron, but quickly brushed it aside.

“Hope this wasn’t too much trouble, Ms. Orrega. Given how air travel usually goes, we’re probably late for our first meeting already,” Secretary of War Li remarked with a smirk. “Shall we be off?”

Sali nodded. “Yes, let’s get going, shall we?” She asked, gesturing to lead the way. “Don’t worry, the Prime Minister is very informal and casual when it comes to meetings anyway. I am sure he has food and drink ready for when you get there, you must be hungry, no?” She asked as she walked.

“Oh, the galley staff on the Flight would never forgive us if we said yes,” Lily replied with a smile.

“They take pretty good care of us, but we appreciate it nonetheless,” DeGroot said as they walked along.

By the time they got outside, it was dark out. Security personnel had the doors of the limo open, and Sali jumped inside. “Your chariot awaits, Mr. President and company.” She said as she patted the seat, with a smile on her face.

Lily glanced at DeGroot for a split-second and rolled her eyes, before playing along. DeGroot’s smile remained fixed, and the other two entered as well. Li couldn’t help but find Sali rather charming, but again quickly stifled any thoughts along those lines.

“So, Ms. Orrega, what is it that you do? Are you on the Prime Minister’s staff?” Lily asked. It was sort of her job to make small talk.

As the limo began to get moving once everyone was firmly seated, Sali answered. “Yes, Mrs. President. I am an aide to the Prime Minister, and I assist him with a number of tasks and duties related to the effective execution of his office.” She smiled. “The Prime Minister would have come himself, but he said that not only did he have some tidying up to do in anticipation of your arrival, but also that he was too fat and would take up too much space in the limo.” Sali laughed.

That sounded suspiciously like a couple of excuses, though under ordinary circumstances an airport pickup wasn’t exactly something the average Adiran looked forward to. The Adiran group just sort of smiled and looked at each other. Lily continued “It’s OK, Ms. Orrega, the Prime Minister probably has better things to do than get on the freeway and drive down to the airport anyway. Do you remember your first week in office, Tav?”

“Nope. Sleep deprivation meant I spent the whole first month in a haze,” DeGroot said with a smile, with Li and Deol nodding in agreement.

Sali wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that. So she changed the subject. “The hotel that you are staying in is right behind the government palace, and it is very quick and easy to get to and fro. Five star quality, all the amenities that one would hope to have. We should be getting there pretty shortly too.”

“Oh, you mean you didn’t put us up in a castle?” DeGroot asked, with a cold expression in his eye.

Sali’s eyes grew wide at DeGroot’s facial expression...all she could do was grin and shake her head.

Abruptly, Lily slapped her husband’s arm. “Stop torturing the poor girl. Ignore him, honey, he’s 55 going on 16, so that’s his idea of a joke,” she said to Sali.
DeGroot’s cold glare instantly broke down into a warm smile. “I got you, though. And that sounds very good, Ms. Orrega. Really it does.”

Sali gave a sigh of relief. “Ghish is a five star city, and around here we got the good stuff. You want castles, you gotta go north. The further north you go, the more of them you will find.” Sali twirled her hair a bit. “I am from Bargon...I have never even stayed in a castle myself! Ghant is a big place, after all, and it is full of surprises. Not all of us are castle born lords and ladies, or savage northerners. I am the proud owner of a tablet device and the latest android phone!” Sali smiled.

‘Yes...savage northerners...with Airbuses,’ Li thought.

“Huh, farther north you go in Adiron, all you find are resort towns,” DeGroot quipped. “Do you think if we had some northern tribes it would liven up the experience, boost tourism numbers?”

Lily just rolled her eyes and replied “No.”

“As much as people like the Prime Minister fawn over the north and its people, I can tell you that in many ways they limit the potential of the country with their...primitive ways. It is a hard thing indeed for them to grasp the notion of modernity. To them it is such a strange and alien concept. At its base is an inherent fear of change.”

“It’s hard to force people to change what they’ve always believed in. They’ll fight it tooth and nail,” Deol said, speaking up for the first time. “In the end they’re still just people though.”

Sali thought about the wisdom in those words as they arrived at the Government Palace. “Well, here we are everybody! Just follow me and I will show you the way!” She beamed a pearly white smile that wrinkled her eyes and nose as she got out of the car after it came to a stop by the VIP entrance of the Palace.

The Palace was large, wider than it was tall, and was architecturally gothic in both structure and design. It was mostly beige and brown, and lacked either the grandiose magnitude of the Imperial Palace nor its extravagance. The government palace was designed more with functionality in mind as opposed to luxury. Sali led the way inside.

Inside the Palace, the hallway was wide, with a gold tiled floor with a long black carpet running its length. The hallway and featured statues, ornament tables and exquisite crystal chandeliers dangling from the ceiling. The walls were enameled gold and lined with very large and old paintings of Kings, princes, lords and other great figures from Ghantish history. and around a hallway to the elevator. Sali hummed a little song as the elevator went up to the top floor, and then there was a ding and the elevator opened. She emerged, turned a corner, and walked a few doors down before stopping at a set of double doors on the right. She entered the room, which was fully furnished with mahogany furniture, consisting of tables, chairs, couches, and a big round table in the middle of the room with an ornate chandelier dangling above it. She spotted Nymun standing at the food table against the wall, availing himself to some broccoli and ranch dip.

Nymun gave that big, wide toothless smile that Nymun was famous for, and bowed ever so slightly. “President DeGroot and company, welcome to Ghant! I hope your journey was hospitable enough. So great to have you here! I went and got us some fine catering.” He gestured to the food table. “Buffalo chicken wings, both bone-in and bone-out, broccoli, carrots and ranch. Feel free to help yourselves if you are hungry.”

For a place known for an archaic nobility and a decidedly long history, the Government Palace rather conspicuously reminded the Adiran group of the government offices back in New Laconia. There didn’t seem to be nearly as much ceremony surrounding the Palace as anywhere that royalty might live or work. A royal palace had glamor, intrigue, and romance in the Adiran estimation. Government departments were where you got actual shit done, and were appropriately more utilitarian in appearance. At the same time, you had to wonder about priorities.

Once inside, DeGroot and Deol generally stayed focused on where they were going, while Li and Lily looked around quite a bit more. While walking through the art gallery an especially prominent figure or a more visually striking piece of artwork would catch one or a few of the Adirans’ eyes.

Upon entering the Prime Minister’s office, they glanced around approvingly at the decor, then noticed the clashing display of chicken wings and dip laid out before them on the likely ancient mahogany table. A feast fit for a college freshman. Lily found herself confused, unable to determine whether this was lunch or just a snack. Did they not consider the Adiran president worthy of splurging for a bit of wine or something? Was this just the entrance?

If the officials were offended, they didn’t show it. DeGroot approached Nymun and extended a firm handshake with a smile. “Prime Minister, have you begun your caffeine addiction yet? If not, I’d recommend you start sooner rather than later.”

“Interesting that your artwork features kings and princes, as opposed to say, former PMs,” Li quipped, glancing back at the wing they just came from.

Nymun shook DeGroot’s hand gently yet firmly, and then he responded. “Caffeine isn’t really big where I am from...we don’t have nice things like that up north.” He chuckled, before responded to Li. “Well, that particular wing has all those fellows. The PMs are in the main entrance hall. You see, the VIPs need to be wowed...nothing wows like dashing men on horseback with swords in hand. That is what people want to look at! Besides, the PMs are so...mundane. Especially Malderi Haribec’s...you would think the guy that was PM for 35 years would have a better portrait. Also, Zimya’s got put up, but there was an accident...during the last scheduled cleaning of the Palace, the garbage guys took it, confusing it with trash.” He laughed.

“I recall the Charge of Beausoleil and the Fifty Five in the War of Roncevallais succession. Many dashing men on horseback charging Helastrian pike and shot, with cannon. Shifted the Helastrians’ attention long enough for House Brienne’s head to escape. Very brave...and they all died,” Li said with a smile.

“One of the great mysteries of Ghant was trying to figure where Paula of Ceti’s parents were from in Ceti. The object of many a Ghantar’s fascination, considering that Paula’s daughter Paulina was the first Empress of Ghant, and more or less its founder. So one could argue that Ceti played a part in the formation of the Empire we all know and love today.” Nymun grinned.

“And Ceti played a role in the formation of our fine republic, by blowing itself up. Of course, the other pieces are a bit of a problem…” Li replied.

“I think he meant the continent as a whole, not the Free State of Ceti, Secretary,” Deol pointed out. Li looked at him in response.

“Ah yes, my apologies, shame on me! Where I am from, most people just call it Ceti” Nymun shrugged. “People up there have a very...uncomplex view of the world.”

“Ceti’s not all that complex these days,” Li replied. “Four nations now. Adiron, Arcologia, Urdnotia, and the Imperium. The latter two are rogue states, and Arcologia is a failed state.”

“Not exactly an easy job managing them, but simpler on a map, sure,” DeGroot corrected. “All those kingdoms disappeared under the Cornellians, and by the time Ceti unified no one had much use for them anymore. Wonder what they’d be doing today if they survived.”

“They spent most of their history at war with one another,” Deol replied.

“Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same,” Li added.

“I am quite aware of the distinctions, after all, I did write a book about it back in 1978...Goat Head Soup was the name. Talked at length about it…” He looked to DeGroot. “I would imagine if the kingdoms were still around, they would be...quite entangled with Ghantish bloodlines, as per the usual anywhere you go. Weeds, my mother used to refer to the Ghantish royal families as.”

Lily DeGroot looked quite bored by all the history talk, instead examining the room. The President seemed to take notice and put his arm around her, motioning her forward. “Prime Minister, may I present the First Lady, whose many strenuous duties are capped off by having to put up with me.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Prime Minister,” Lily said, offering a somewhat delicate handshake.

“The honor is all mine, my Lady.” Nymun accepted the handshake tenderly.

Then he continued. “So, the purpose of this...meeting here is just to touch base and get everybody comfortable, and perhaps discuss some of the issues in passing. After all, you just got done flying in, tis getting a bit dark out, and I believe you must be a bit on the tired side. So, the plan was we can deal with the press and have the big ol meetings with the cabinet and all then, once you are rested and well fed via a hearty breakfast.”

“Yes, I believe that was all in the itinerary. Thank you for accommodating a damn long flight, Prime Minister,” DeGroot replied. “We will all endeavor to wake up before noon tomorrow owing to the time change. Honestly though, caffeine helps.”

“So I have heard it said.” He said as he stabbed at some chicken wings, and dipped them in the ranch for eating them. “Your luggage is waiting for you in your hotel rooms, which is but a short walk away, and there is a 24/7 buffet in the hotel as well. The wings here are just...a bit of light eating, if you will. Might I digress, was there anything in particular you wanted to discuss while you are here?”

DeGroot paused a moment. “There is something. As it happens, there is at least one man in northern Ghant who is quite aware of the divisions in Ceti. He served as Lord Regent and is currently the Prince Imperial, and made remarks expressing support for the Imperium in their efforts against us. I suppose I’ve given the game away by now, haven’t I?” he asked with a tight smile.

“I wonder if you wouldn’t mind clarifying those remarks. We would at least like to know Albert’s intentions in siding with a rogue state.”

“Hmm.” Nymun scratched the back of his neck, while wiggling his lips. “If I understood what went on in Prince Albert’s head, I would be as crazy as he is...I think there is a huge disconnect between what Albert says and what he actually does. He does nothing...in fact, he has never done anything, really. I remember when he was whelped by Grace back in 1963. He was always just...a very sour boy. Sour in disposition, but harmless all together. if he wanted the throne, he had 9 whole years as Nathan’s Regent to take it. Alas, he never did. Therefore I doubt that he has any intentions of siding with the Imperium, and his little remarks are just a way for him to cause trouble and stir the pot, things that he has...always enjoyed doing.”

“So would you say these remarks have never represented positions held within the Ghantish government? Not even personal opinions?” Deol asked.

“Never once. The Ghantish people were always very keen on voting for parties that publicly challenged his...unorthodox attitudes, most notably the government of Marco Marinelarena, who was Prime Minister between 2000-2006. And believe me when I say that Marco thoroughly vetted all of his cabinet ministers and employees to ensure that none of Prince Albert’s pets wormed their way into government.” Nymun grinned as he wiped some ranch off his mouth. “You can trust that the Imperium has no friends in Ghish.”

“Then perhaps you could enlighten us as to whose interests Albert represents. He must have some supporters, interest groups, allies,” DeGroot floated.

“Well, he has grown closer to Lord Orzibal Pazuzu, to the extent that there is talk of a future betrothal between Prince Albert’s son Edward and Pazuzu’s daughter Madi. As far as supporters, interest groups and allies beyond that, well, I would be surprised if he had any at all. He has spent the past 8 years skulking in his wife’s palace in the mountains of Ziri.”

“Does Lord Pazuzu have any foreign policy agenda?” Deol asked.

“Well, considering that the Pazuzus pride themselves on demon worship and occult practices, in addition to...perceived unfinished business with the Silvens, I would have to say that they have some fairly strong views. Between Pazuzu and Albert, though, I doubt there is anything they could do, especially in lieu of Sophia’s baby. She is a young, healthy woman, she will have a son soon enough, so all this talk of Albert and his friends and machinations will become a vestigial thought.”

Deol threw an aside glance at Li, seemingly as some sort of confirmation. “The Adiran people will be relieved to hear the greatest threat to their safety and security doesn’t have any potential allies in the northeastern corner of the region,” DeGroot replied. “We’ll all hope the Prince Imperial will continue to shoot himself in the foot on this matter.”

“Well, thank you for the hospitality, Prime Minister, I suppose we should save at least a few sound bytes for the cameras tomorrow. Then we can get this show on the road,” DeGroot concluded. The other expressed their thanks as well, with DeGroot and Li grabbing a plate of wings on the way out.

“Indeed, you are most welcome. Sali can show you to the hotel. Please make yourselves comfortable, and we can begin with the process of getting to work tomorrow.”

With that, Sali beckoned the Adirans to come with her to the Hotel, which was across the lot from where they entered the Government Palace at. The Hotel was large and done up in a similar architectural style, with platinum, gold and silver walls, floors and celing, with chandeliers hanging around and with fluffy black and white rugs lining the floors. with large rooms and high vaulted ceilings. There was a dining area that was easily accessible from anywhere in the hotel, and it featured an endless buffet. The rooms were all 5 star suites, complete will all the amenities that such a hotel might have to offer, be it very large beds, flat screen televisions, deluxe bathrooms, etc. The rooms also featured to the room catering.

Sali gave a little curtsy and left the Adirans to the devices in the hotel. For tomorrow was another day, and they ought to get well enough rested for it.

by **Vyrsar** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 5:24 pm

Ghish, Ghant

Sali Orreaga was a busy girl. It wasn’t long after the Adirans showed up, treated with Nymun, and then shown to their Hotel by Sali that she received a text from the Prime Minister regarding the soon to be arrival of the Vyrsarians...and it was again up to Sali to receive and deliver the guests to the Government Palace.

The prospect of entertaining the Vyrsarians was far more intimidating to the young woman than the Adirans. After all, Ghant and Vyrsar had a long history, and while Sali’s generation was not prone to dislike Vyrsarians, they were like to be cautious of them.

From the Hotel, aptly named “Ghish Grand”, Sali once again sojourned to an airport in a limo with a token detachment of security personnel. This time they were going to GIA on the west side as opposed to MHA on the east side. GIA had seen the arrival of the Edomites not too long ago, in fact. Edomites, Adirans, and now Vyrsarians...we are quite busy of late, the Prime Ministerial aide thought to herself.

The limo pulled up behind the airport after being granted the necessary clearance, and Sali got out and leaned up against the side of the door, waiting for the plane to touch down…hopefully not before too long.

It didn’t take long at all, in fact. The plane came not long thereafter, and it touched down upon the tarmac. After it had come to a complete stop, the door of the plane opened and some steps came down from the opening. From it emerged some security personnel, the Kaiserin Katharina , another woman with blonde hair that was presumably a relative of hers, and then the Chancellor.

Sali approached them flanked by the Prime Minister’s security detachment, and then she bowed. “Greetings, your majesty and her companions. I bid thee welcome to Ghant.” She spoke a bit on the nervous side...she had never met the Kaiserin before, and the woman had a sort of...majestic, imposing presence, not unlike Sophia, although seemingly...less of a warm and fuzzy presentation.

Alena and the Chancellor held back a laugh, merely smiling alongside the Minister of Defence. They all knew how much Katharina disliked being called ‘majesty’. Katharina, on the other hand, offered a pleasant but professional smile rather than an amused one.

“Thank you. It has been some time since my last visit.” Katharina’s smile faded into a simple friendly but still somewhat neutral expression. Alena and the Chancellor traded a look with each other.

“Shall we?”

Joachim chose that moment to speak up. “I’m sure we would not want to keep the Prime Minister waiting for too long.”
Neither Alena nor the Chancellor spoke up, Alena just nodded which caused her bright blonde hair, tied in a loose pony tail atop the back of her head, to swing around.

Sali led the way back to the limo, and the doors were already open to allow them inside. She gave a shy nod to the Kaiserin. “Please forgive me, your majesty, but it is common to ask if there is another designation that you wish to be addressed as. Our own Emperor refuses to be addressed by anything other than ‘Nathan’...and so by virtue of that I would extend the same courtesy.” She climbed in and took a seat, straightening out her skirt.

“Kaiserin or Ma’am is fine, thank you,” Katharina said, offering a small smile of thanks.

“She despises being called majesty,” Alena added, taking a seat next to her older cousin and making room for the Chancellor and Joachim to come in after her. “I never quite understood why. She’s ne-”

“Thank you, Alena,” the Chancellor said quickly, halting the young girl in her tracks. She frowned at him as Joachim chuckled.

“Das war nicht unhöflich haupt (That was not rude at all),” Alena said, sarcasm evident in her tone.

“Is there anything I should know before meeting the Prime Minister?” Katharina asked, turning her attention back towards Sali.

As the limo began to drive off after everyone was seated inside, Sali smiled, in that way that makes her nose wrinkle and her eyes light up. “Very well, Kaiserin, tis my pleasure to address you as such...I am sorry if I offended you earlier, as I was unaware. In any case, it would seem as though that is something that you and the Emperor have in common.” She pondered the Kaiserin’s question. “The Prime Minister is very casual. He likes to have a calm and relaxed atmosphere, as he believes that such is more conducive towards productive discourse. Also, in terms of where you can stay, the Ghish Grand has luxury suites reserved for you and your party compliments of the Prime Minister. Or if you would choose to stay at the Imperial Palace, the Empress has accommodations there as well should you elect to go that route.”

“I’m sure that both the Kaiserin and I agree that the hotel is more than suitable,” the Chancellor stated, sharing a look with Katharina.

Katharina smoothed out her own clothing. She wore a simple white blouse with a lapel pin that bared the colours of her flag, and a black pencil skirt, the basic outfit completed by black 5-inch pumps and a black fitted suit jacket. Both the Chancellor and the Minister of Defence were dressed near identically, the only difference being that the Chancellor opted for a black shirt and blue tie whilst the Minister wore a simple white shirt and blue tie. Alena was the furthest from the bunch, still dressed in her military garb that she hadn't bothered to change out of on the flight. Not that it wasn't suiting. Though practical, Vyrsarian uniforms were also made with some semblance of appearance in mind. As such, their uniforms were often clean-cut and fitting, while allowing for all the needs in flexibility one would expect on the battlefield. Alena, however, wore her UBACS top, the sweat-wicking middle section sticking to her body like a second skin and showing off her impressive and near-perfect bust and beautiful curves. Her eyes were directed away from the rest of the conversation, as she spoke to her guard in a voice too low for the others to hear.

“Very good. When we arrive at the Palace, we can see to it that all of your luggage is delivered to your suites to await your arrival upon having completed your audience with the Prime Minister.” Sali smiled. It wasn’t much longer before they arrived at the rear entrance of the Government Palace.

“Das sollte Spaß machen (This ought to be fun),” Alena murmured as she stepped out of the car, her guard opening the door for her and stepping out quickly to allow her to pass.

“Warum Klang so negativ (Why sound so negative)?” the Chancellor asked quietly, raising one eyebrow. Alena didn’t offer any answer besides a simple shrug before moving to help her older cousin out of the car.

Once everyone was out, Sali gestured to the valets to handle the luggage and deliver it to the Vyrsarian party’s suites, and then she led the way into the Government Palace past the large set of double doors. She led them down the hallway and to the elevator, as she had done earlier that day, and took it all the way up to the top. After the ding and the elevator opening, Sali showed them the way to the Prime Minister’s meeting room. There he was, still eating chicken wings with ranch...there was even a large bowl for the bones.

The Vyrsarians tried their best to not show surprise. Which wasn’t too difficult, as this was not so surprising a sight. Except for Alena, who expressed her emotion with a single raised eyebrow at the Chancellor who merely shrugged back as though to ask, What do you want me to say?

Perhaps the most surprising thing about it all was the sheer amount of bones that lay discarded within the bowl. Either the Prime Minister was a very fast eater, or he’d been sitting there doing nothing but eating his way through enough chicken to feed a family of five in silence for some time.

The Prime Minister finished his wing and wiped his mouth off on a damp cloth on a smaller table further down the wall. Then he threw it back onto that table and his face lit up with that signature Nymun smile...very large and no teeth. “Welcome, Kaiserin and company. Such a treat to have you all here.” He bowed courteously. “Ghant is made better by your presence, truly. Has Sali been most hospitable and helpful this evening?”

“Sali has been exceptionally helpful this evening, Prime Minister. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I hope we haven't kept you waiting too long," Katharina said, her voice conveying nothing but a professional friendliness. Alena herself offered a nod of acknowledgement while the Chancelor and the Minister of Defence remained silent.

“The pleasure is all mine, Kaiserin. No, I have not been waiting too long at all. Rather, the wings have kept be quite busy. After all, I have a reputation to maintain...that of a funny fat man.” He laughed. “Please, you and your party make yourselves comfortable, and help yourselves to that which you might find appealing. Anything you wish to discuss, please don’t be afraid to bring it up. It is my hope that we can perhaps touch base on a few things before you all retire to your suites in the Hotel.”

“I think that before we get political it might be more adequate to acquaint ourselves with one another. We do, after all, know nothing about you,” the Chancellor suggested, tilting his head to the side slightly and giving a smile.

Nymun laughed. “You know nothing about me? Never heard of, nor seen, nor read any of my books? No comedy tours or TV shows? Never read the Nibbler? The name Nymun Izzy has never graced your fine Vyrsarian ears?” Nymun seemed interested to know that someone had not heard of him, considering how he had been in the comedy business for over 45 years.

“I’m afraid that you never really came to our attention until you decided to join the game of politics,” Alena said. It was true, after all. Many foreign comedians and celebrities got major headlines in her homeland, where a booming entertainment business catered more than enough to the population. Not to mention the newer generation’s own stance on national pride was stronger than that of their parents. A strange phenomenon.

“I have always enjoyed politics more when it wasn’t so cutthroat. As long as I am around I would like to keep things honest and straightforward.” Nymun nodded. “You must be Alena. Tales of your beauty and grace have spread far and wide. Careful while you go about Ghant, lest many great lords and princelings start cutting each other down in the streets to gain thine favor!” Nymun laughed.

Alena smiled and nodded to go along with what Nymun said. As Katharina began talking about how beautiful the palace was and how she hoped that they could work together to improve the North, she leaned over towards the Chancellor and spoke quietly.

“Sind sie immer schick sprechen (Are they always so fancy speaking)?” Her eyes went to meet the Chancellor’s as he pondered the question before answering in a low tone.

“Ich glaube nicht (I don’t think so).” Shrugging, he frowned for a moment before Alena leaned away, slowly nodding.

Nymun resumed eating wings, dipping them in his ranch cup. “It has been quite busy here of late. The Edomites and the Adirans are here as well. The Adirans are at the Hotel and the Edomites are at the Palace.”

This came as a surprise to the Vyrsarians. Apparently there was a party going on that they did not know about. This could prove very well to be an eventful affair.

“Are they? Did you decide to throw a party, Prime Minister?” the Chancellor joked.

Nymun shrugged. “Apparently Ghant is a top flight destination of late. They all wanted to come and go about their business pursuing their agendas. Who am I to say no? In any case, the Adirans are sleeping and the Edomites are...doing whatever Nathan and Sophia want to do with them.”

At that, Katharina smiled.

“I do hope I get to spend some time with Sophia. It’s been far too long.”

The Chancellor and Alena rolled their eyes. However much everyone in the Vyrsarian government had hated Zimya and thought Nathan was an incompetent leader, Sophia was the one exception in the ring of anti-Ghantism that seemed to negatively permeate the government. Most likely more for the sake of the Kaiserin, of whom Sophia was a personal friend, than anything, but also for there to be some positive route to take in dealing with their maritime neighbour.

“Sophia has been fawning over the fact that were coming, Kaiserin. No doubt she is highly anticipating some time to spend with you, for what that is worth.”

“And I return the anticipation.”

The Minister tapped the Kaiserin on the shoulder, motioning to his watch. She sighed, rolling her eyes and flashing an apologetic look towards Nymun.

“It seems that my babysitter here has noticed that it should be about time for us to take our leave. Long day tomorrow.”

“No worries. There is but plenty of time. Sali can show you to the Hotel. There is a 24/7 buffet and all the amenities that you might require to ensure your comfort. We can discuss more upon the morrow. Thank you all for coming, twas nice meeting you all, and please have a good night and pleasant dreams.” Nymun bowed.

“And good night to you as well.” Katharina bowed her head, before turning to Sali with an expectant look.

Sali snapped to. “Right this way, Kaiserin and company. I shall show you the way!”

The Cool Winds of Change (Closed, Attn:Cornellia)

The Cool Winds of Change (Closed, Attn:Cornellia)

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