Grand Ball of Deutsch-Brittannia (IC)

[Deutsch-Brittannia]

Deutsch-Brittannia National News Service

Today is a day of great celebration. The Republican rebels have been totally defeated, and the monarchy has prepared a great ball to celebrate the victory. The ball will be held at the Theban Palace, the monarchy's most luxurious residence. Guests from the victorious allied nations and the Coalition of Monarchies will be arriving throughout the next few days. Controversially, the nation of Aktosha has been invited as VIP guests. Aktosha was originally on the rebel side, however negotiations secured Aktosha's withdrawal. There has been speculation that the heir apparent, HRH Princess Rachel has been seeing a an officer in Aktosha's army since her diplomatic visit. An Office of Royal Affairs spokesman has insisted this is not accurate.

"The Princess visited Aktosha on a diplomatic mission, she spent most of her time in meetings and had little contact with members of the Aktoshan armed forces"

Security has been upped around the Theban Palace for the event, it is expected that the guests will be staying in the palace before departing.



The palace was awash with activity. Servants scurried about making preparations for the ball. The chefs, the best in Deutsch-Brittannia, were preparing the food. It would certainly be an unforgettable event. In the Royal chambers the King and his family were getting ready to greet their allies.
"Myself and Sasha will meet the VIP guests, while Charlotte and Rachel will greet the others, ok?" The King's family murmured in agreement.

"Now don't forget the Duke of Aquilla and the Lord of Vesuvius will be here, so make sure not to talk about damages to their regions" more murmured agreement.

"Excellent, now lets go and take our midday meal and we'll start getting ready after"



Guests will arrive by boat



The entrance hall, where guests will enter.



The gardens will be available to the guests.

[New Roma Republic]

Deutsch-Britannian Airspace
The Boeing 747 flew in a standard turning pattern over the airport. The Caesar and his party are all on the plane, ready to celebrate a great victory. Not only had the rebels been defeated, but the aggressor Sassinia had collapsed also. Now a monarchy stood in its place.
"Tower, this CPGNRR01. Requesting permission to land."

[Sumaltheria]

Queen Alyssa stared out the window impatiently, hoping the plane would land soon. Her brother, Prince Elreic, glanced at her and smiled.
"Not too long left, I don't think. Look, it's the palace!" He pointed out the window, and Alyssa struggled to smile. Flying always gave her an atrocious headache, but she was not one to complain.
"Are we to land soon?" she asked the pilot, who nodded in response.
"This is the Sumaltherian Royal Aircraft, here for the ball. Do we have permission to land?"

[Ifaltannia]

As Queen Georgia II got onto the boat, it took her breath away. How such a majestic and beautiful boat was so... Grand and quiet. The river water hadn't a spot of pollution it was just so, clean and reflective. She could see every detail of her face in the water. Then she saw the castle. It was magnificent, the design and decoration blew her away. Was tonight the night? The night of love? She daydreamed as the calm wind blew across her face. If only my father could see this she thought.

[Deutsch-Brittannia]

"Sumaltherian Royal Aircraft, you have permission to land, an escort will be waiting on your arrival"
The Air traffic controller changed channels to radio the New Roma Republic's aircraft.
"CPGNRR01, permission is granted, please use runway 2"

Theban Royal Palace

Prince Sasha was nervous, he was stood with his father awaiting the first of the guests. He was wearing his best blues, the uniform of Deutsch-Brittannia's Royal Air Force. The King wore the outfit of his office, a black uniform similar to the prince's, coloured with numerous ribbons and medals he had earned during his service in the navy as a young man. Unlike his grandfather, the previous king, prince Sasha's father had actually earned his medals.

To indicate their royal positions, both wore golden lanyards under on their left shoulder, Sasha picked at his, it was uncomfortable under his armpit.
"Sasha, stop fidgeting, guests are arriving" said the king as a boat appeared on the horizon.

[Sumaltheria]

The plane landed smoothly. Queen Alyssa disappeared into a back room to change, and emerged wearing a strapless red cocktail dress, ending just above her knee. The top was covered in little glass beads, and faded into a darker red skirt. If it wasn't for the silver crown on her head, she could have passed for a civilian.
Alyssa joined Prince Elreic, dressed in a suit and tie decorated with various medals. He too wore a crown, but his was gold.
The Queen and her brother stepped out the plane, greeting the escort.

[Ifaltannia]

The boat gently nudged the dock on the other side, containing her excitement the Queen stepped on to the path and headed inside. The air fresh and the castle grand. She stepped gracefully in and took in the atmosphere. "it's time" she went in.

[Deutsch-Brittannia]

The King stepped forward to greet Ifaltannia's ruler.
"Greetings your majesty and welcome to Deutsch-Brittannia. I trust you had a pleasant flight?"

The King offered his hand out to the Queen of Ifaltannia to help her up the stairs.

Thebes Airport

The escorts were awaiting the invited guests, each team of 4 had been allocated a delegation. An aircraft had just landed, and they were eagerly checking the guests disembarking to see if it was their charge who had arrived.

[Sumaltheria]

"Good morning," Queen Alyssa nodded at the escorts, " I am Queen Alyssa of The Kingdom of Sumaltheria and-"
"-I," her brother interrupted, "am Prince Elreic, Duke of Warbine."
"We expected, we presume?" Alyssa asked, "We are here for the ball, would you mind taking us there?"
They were lead onto a beautiful boat, and then along the river.
The palace was breathtaking, and Alyssa couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Their palaces were beautiful, but the design was so different, so perfect here.
The boat drifted into the dock. The Queen and her brother stepped off, and started towards the entrance. Prince Elreic was first to enter, and he marvelled at the detail. Queen Alyssa, as she gracefully stepped in, muttered one word:
"Wow."

[New Roma Republic]

The Caesar's plane lands, and he unloads. The guards surround him, and the rest of his party. They make their way to Thebes Palace.

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

Outside of the Palace

In all her 12 years on earth, never had Princess Sarah Turrell seen such beauty in a simple building. It was marvelous, it was amazing it was... "Sarah, my dear!" Shouted her father King James Turrell I.
"Yes father!" She replied, still dazzled by the beautiful architecture. "My dear, we shall be meeting Queen Alyssa of Sumaltheria soon, so be on your tip, top behavior." Her father urged her,"But father"
She said to him sweetly,"Am I not always?"

[New Edom]

The New Edomite Arrival

Queen Mara was wearing a ball gown that suited her complexion and hair well, that showed her shoulders and supple arms beautifully but was modest in cleavage, shoes suitable for dancing, green lacy stockings. Her hair was swept back to show the shapely neck and highlight her face.

Count Thomas Lalery wore a white court uniform with sword and with his decorations (which were not many, to his annoyance), epaulets, black cavalry boots, gold lace and braid. He escorted his cousin in arm in arm.

As they headed to the entrance of the place of reception, Mara felt good against him, but thoughts of marrying his cousin had had to be abandoned in favour of pursuing a marriage to Prince Michael of Dakmoor, brother in law to the Emperor of Ghant.

Everything is falling into place, all my plans are working He saw her looking at him, a moment, her eyes merry and bold, her lips always ready to smile, her emotions so temptestuous, and he gave her arm a squeeze.

“Tommy, do you know what?” Mara said.

“What?”

“My new hairdresser took a dump in the bidet,” she giggled. “I thought Tegan would flip her wig. I recorded it all on my phone.”

Lalery laughed. “Ready for this?”

“I was born for this, man,” she said, then said, “Okay, regal face, tonight we’re gonna paty like it’s 1899…” and she and her entourage swept forward to receive the greeting of their escorts and head to the palace for the ball. Security had already discreetly fanned out, coordinated with that of their hosts. Servants and attendants followed quietly--aides-de-camp, Mara's maid walking her black Pommeranian, Lalery's valet Sergeant Delian in a similar uniform to that of the Count walking with the others. Delian or someone else from the Royal Cavalry Guards always rode with the driver if they were given a vehicle or drove if it were their own.

Count Thomas Lalery was in his late twenties, a strongly built young man with the swaggering muscular build of a pit bull terrier, dark hair and almost black bold eyes, his complexion dark olive tanned, courtesy but not the slightest hint of deference for anyone in his manner. He nodded in a friendly way though to the new Grand Master, a man he liked and even admired--and about whom he knew some vital secrets he kept in his pocket...

Colonel Simon Daniel. Newly promoted; newly minted Ambassador to the Coalition of Monarchies and now appointed as Grand Master. He stood with his wife, Hannah, arm in arm. Their two children were going to be boarding with his wife’s family and at their school in Padan-Aran—one of the safest places in the country—until they had agreed about where to raise them. He had suggested that his wife might want to stay with the kids; she had said that her duty was to support him. Tall, dark olive tanned, with craggy features, strong hands, his dark hair flecked with grey here and there, he was a serious looking man whose air of dignity hid a very passionate mind and heart.

His wife, at Court, was a Lady-in-Waiting, but rarely did her duties save on formal occasions; Mara after all had nearly thirty of them, and it was largely an honorary position like Collegiate Counselor. Mostly what she did was lead the life of a lady of the aristocracy—they were untitled but that didn’t matter. His wife was the niece of Count Jerubabbel, heiress to a very comfortable living in lands and investments.

“Your Excellency,” his wife said fondly. Still slim as a girl, only the flaring hips of motherhood, bosom still small, elegantly dressed and charmingly coiffed, she patted his arm softly, the most affection she gave other than a gentle peck on the lips.

“Madame Ambassador,” he said with a gentle smile at her. “Are you sure you would not rather stay with your parents?”

She took a deep breath and shook her head. “All Edomite society will expect me to do my duty.” They disembarked from the plane with their staff and headed towards whoever was to greet them, to take their place just behind the Queen.

At least he had his duty. He would focus on that, be a good Grand Master, make amends for his sins. Appropriate to his new rank, he had been advised that he would be made a Count in his own right to have an appropriate title, though he had been proud enough to earn the rank of colonel, the highest grade he'd probably ever reach now...

[Quirina]

International airspace

The age-glazed bishop wears his Pontifical collegiate ring in this index finger while viewing the night sky above the Deutscher airspace. It had a wonder to him why His Holiness, the Supreme Father of the Patrimony, sent him in such luxurious trip. It was seven days ago when he received the letter about such task.

Seven days ago

"Your Eminence, I have brought you an important message from His Fatherly Holiness." His secretary says

"From His Holiness? Why does he ask for my service to Him?" "Hand me such letter of important matter."

Opening the envelope sealed in an even drop of molten wax with the Father's personal official coat-of-arms engraved on it, he breaks it out and opens the letter to reading. Reading it is quite incomprehensible to a commoner's eye due to the very exquisite and elegant handwriting the Father still sustain despite his very old age. Finishing reading it, he set it aside and turned to his secretary.

"Make me a letter of my acceptance to His Holiness' orders. It shall be done with earnest enthusiasm." His face was blank and calm, yet he thinks no remorse nor gladness in his mind nor heart. He is black, but neither emotionless nor logical. It was his age that made him such, nor cannot he blame anything.

"Such duty. I am now lost in the Paradise of my service to the Lord. Where to should I reserve my iniquity?" He speaks his mind only within him.

"You Eminence, you had been very silent and pale during, even before, we left Panetium. What boggles you?" The lively Duchess of Britannesburg, Lady Helena von Oberstein asks the bishop in black robes, even donning his medallion of the Order of Saint George.

"My Lady, I am not lost in my sight over to what is here. Such gladness in your face gives me an inch of relief. Never shall I see myself in frowning no longer, but I do seek inheritance from the Lord's grace." Realizing his poetic self is emerging, he immediately stopped, "Pardon me, my Lady, it is only I who's in fault for being overthinking to my old age, with my head being nowhere to seek proper attention."

"Oh, I concur. Old age is such an ending glory of life. Why not drink a cup of tea to have a lax moment for yourself, your Eminence?" The Lady still graced even to the old bishop's worrisome contempt on self. "Mary, hand over a cup of tea for our priestly guest. We want him no boredom with us." The lady-in-waiting earnestly took the table and brought it to serve the bishop with tea.

A bit far from the bishop's room was the small but elegant quarters for the Duke of Britannesburg and his two fellows Sir Robert and Sir Arnold. The men wearing their less formal attires of white shirts and black slacks are playing "President" card game, which is quite odd for monarchist supporters such as them back home. Gazing at the map of the world empire Panatia, with other former names such as Pendragona, Britannina, and Britannia Augusta, Sir Albert knew that His Imperial Highness will be proud of his subject's and his predecessors' achievements as he is part of an international delegation, or much formal, a ball. The pilot of the jet announced, speaking to the passengers with a calm and deep tone, understood and crisp to hear.

"Attention to your Eminence and Graces, we are now reaching the Deutscher airspace, please prepare for a safe and smooth landing we shall facilitate. Please be noted. All thanks."

The descent of the jet, with speed as a fighter plane, but on board, was a smooth ride, even the lady-in-waiting serving the glass of red grape wine to the two male Honorables with no spill-over was quite surprising for an aircraft of such feat. It took the pilots only three hours to handle the whole flight from Panetium to Deutscher airport.

As his Eminence landed his feet first, seven men dressed in black, approached the bishop and kissed his ring with respect and whispered to his ears. Indeed, wearing black robes, black tints and even a uniformed hairstyle is very frightening to watch, but it's their code of uniformity as the Inquisition and the Grey Council. They are the staff of Cardinal von Heusen, being him the Inquisitor-General Tempore and former Minister of Defense of the Old Coalition. His other retinue were accommodated by Deutscher personnel and being sent to the hotel reservation they were scheduled to for the final arrangements and get ups.

Bishop's Conference Mini-Hall, CV-9 Private Jet

"Your Eminence, this is an urgent message from the Patrimony. Take heed and note of it."

"This is a letter from the Supreme Father? Wait, a letter was sent to me yesterday via e-mail, and he hands another?"

"Yes, your Eminence. The Inquisition had a different role now in the New and Second Coalition. It became a temporary body of men randomly selected by the Fatherly Guide of the Coalition, the former Grand Master that is."

"You mean, my position as the Inquisitor-General is over?"

"We are still not sure, but most probably, your Eminence. Your office is considered temporary until the 100th day of the end of the term. After which, your Eminence's duty to the Coalition will be over and ended."

"Your Eminence has only 85 days left before his office ends. His Eminence's function and contribution to the New and Old Coalition was all its worth, and now, the New System of the Coalition is effective."

"We came to you personally to give us orders, Your Eminence. The Grand Ball shall be attended by your retinue on your behalf, while we remain here with you to await your decision on how we shall manage the affairs of the Coalition in your office closing in, your Eminence."

The night sky was filled with stars as von Heusen stares at it closely. He was in in 70s and cannot afford to be thinking too much, or even relax excessively. His health is bringing him to a chariot ride to heaven, but his logic is still awake and alive. Bearing the wrinkles of his service to the Church, he stood and wrote in a blank paper and quietly he pondered what to do with his staff loyal to death.

[Hellvania]

Archduke Richard Hellvania sat on the windowsill of his private chamber on what was, the Royal Zeppelin of Hellvania, as he stared longingly through the window. The window was of large dimensions, and a beautiful combination of stained glass and elaborately silhouetted shapes; the shape of flowers and skulls not a stranger to the viewer's eye. The Archduke sighed, and took a sniff of his trademark white rose, a type of flower which held some sentimental value to him. As he continued his longful stare, he frowned a little as he spied a storm cloud, hidden amidst the vast ocean of white clouds under the deep blue sky that floated outside.
"Father" echoed a firm female sounding voice, of an authoratitive tone. The Archduke slowly turned to face the chamber doorway, and smiled.
"Addy" he said with his characteristically soothing voice. He smiled, then turned towards the window once more. Princess Adrienne Hellvania slowly approached him and sat beside him on the windowsill. After a moment of silence, the Archduke spoke once more. "What's wrong, Addy?" Princess Adrienne sighed and said:
"Oh, nothing father...I suppose I'm a bit tired."
"Tired? That's a bit unusual for you. Are you feeling alright?" asked Richard, concerned.
"Yes, father. I just..." As she hesitated in giving her response, Richard gently placed his hand on hers, as he sniffed his white rose again with his other hand. "I just think going to this ball might be a mistake. I mean, I don't need a husband."
"Addy-"
"And all the suitors at this ball will most likely be a bunch of pompous royals who inherited their titles. I want someone strong; intelligent and more than anything, who shares my passion for fencing and swordsmanship!" She fixed her eyes on the window, avoiding eye contact with the Archduke.
"Addy...it's fine. You are the heir to the Hellvanian throne. The choice is yours. I won't force anyone on you and neither will your mother. Besides, we're also here to represent our nation. I am just an old man...but you are the new face of our nation..." Adrienne continued staring away. "I love you. You will always be my little girl." Suddenly, Adrienne tightly embraced her arms around Richard, burying her head in his shoulders. As they remained in an embrace for a short period of time, a Hellvanian pilot suddenly knocked on the chamber's door.
"My lord Archduke, we've entered the Deutsch-Brittanian airspace and are preparing to land" reported the pilot.
"Very well then," said Richard looking up at him, "thank you. You're dismissed." The pilot bowed and left, as the two Hellvanian royals continued in their father-daughter moment.

[Sumaltheria]

Outside of the Palace

In all her 12 years on earth, never had Princess Sarah Turrell seen such beauty in a simple building. It was marvelous, it was amazing it was... "Sarah, my dear!" Shouted her father King James Turrell I.
"Yes father!" She replied, still dazzled by the beautiful architecture. "My dear, we shall be meeting Queen Alyssa of Sumaltheria soon, so be on your tip, top behavior." Her father urged her,"But father"
She said to him sweetly,"Am I not always?"

Queen Alyssa spun round upon hearing her name. Upon realizing she was with other royalties, dipped into a small courtesy.
"I believe you mentioned me. I am Queen Alyssa, of Sumaltheria. And who may you be?" she said, directing her question at the girl before her.

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

Outside of the Palace

In all her 12 years on earth, never had Princess Sarah Turrell seen such beauty in a simple building. It was marvelous, it was amazing it was... "Sarah, my dear!" Shouted her father King James Turrell I.
"Yes father!" She replied, still dazzled by the beautiful architecture. "My dear, we shall be meeting Queen Alyssa of Sumaltheria soon, so be on your tip, top behavior." Her father urged her,"But father"
She said to him sweetly,"Am I not always?"

Queen Alyssa spun round upon hearing her name. Upon realizing she was with other royalties, dipped into a small courtesy.
"I believe you mentioned me. I am Queen Alyssa, of Sumaltheria. And who may you be?" she said, directing her question at the girl before her.

Outside the Palace

Before Sarah could reply her father did for her..."I am King James Frederik Turrell of Vionna-Frankenlisch, and this is my daughter, Princess Sarah Forkes Turrell." He told her
"My wife and a few members of state are coming soon aswell, your majesty."
Sarah didn't like that her father called this queen 'Your Majesty' after all he was royalty too, Sarah didn't trust her.

[Ifaltannia]

Queen Georgia happily took the King's hand and stepped up the stairs,
"So" She Asks "How are you?"

[Quirina]

Stepping afoot in the Grand Ball

The seven-carriage convoy of black-pitched Rolls-Royce Phantom entered the gates of the Grand Ball, furled with flaglets of the Panatian Imperial Federation and the Great Quirina Republic. The ball gown Lady Helena wears dons an elegance never seen in Quirina, but showcased perfectly in the occasion.

(to be continued a bit later. More to add up in this post)

[Sumaltheria]

Queen Alyssa spun round upon hearing her name. Upon realizing she was with other royalties, dipped into a small courtesy.
"I believe you mentioned me. I am Queen Alyssa, of Sumaltheria. And who may you be?" she said, directing her question at the girl before her.

Outside the Palace

Before Sarah could reply her father did for her..."I am King James Frederik Turrell of Vionna-Frankenlisch, and this is my daughter, Princess Sarah Forkes Turrell." He told her
"My wife and a few members of state are coming soon aswell, your majesty."
Sarah didn't like that her father called this queen 'Your Majesty' after all he was royalty too, Sarah didn't trust her.

"I am very honoured to meet you, your majesty. That young man behind me is my brother, Prince Elreic. Apart from that, we are alone," Alyssa said, smiling, "I look forward to meeting everyone."
She turned to Princess Sarah. "And I'm very pleased to meet you too, your highness. I was princess not to long ago. Are you next in line to the throne?"
Queen Alyssa felt that Princess Sarah was uneasy about her, but she tried her best to make her like her.

[Deutsch-Brittannia]

Queen Georgia happily took the King's hand and stepped up the stairs,
"So" She Asks "How are you?"

"I am well thank you Georgia, allow me to offer my condolences on your father, he was a good man"
Stepping into the grand entrance hall he introduced the queen to his son.

"This is my son, Prince Sasha, he will show you to your rooms for you to freshen up before the ball starts. Dinner will be served in the statue room in two hours. We shall talk later"

With that, the King left to attend to other guests arriving, leaving Queen Georgia with his son.
"Allow me to take your bags m'ilady" said the Prince, holding out his hand for the Queen to shake.

[Sumaltheria]

Prince Elreich, when he spotted the King, quickly hurried over. He bowed, straightening his tie.
"Your Majesty," he began, "Please tell me if I am wrong in assuming you are the King of Deutsch-Brittania. I am Prince Elreic, of Sumaltheria, and Duke of Warbine. I am very please to meet you."

[Deutsch-Brittannia]

Prince Elreich, when he spotted the King, quickly hurried over. He bowed, straightening his tie.
"Your Majesty," he began, "Please tell me if I am wrong in assuming you are the King of Deutsch-Brittania. I am Prince Elreic, of Sumaltheria, and Duke of Warbine. I am very please to meet you."

The King offered his hand out to the man.
"Greetings Prince Elreic, a pleasure to meet you. Was the journey long?"

[New Roma Republic]

Enroute to Thebes Palace
The Caesar, Augusta Spadix, Legatus Katrina Goodman, and Consul Mikail Drogov all get into the Armored Limousine that is awaiting them at the Airport. The Caesar is wearing his military dress uniform. The entire military wears Ancient Rome military gear as the dress uniforms. Augusta has come in an elegant red ball dress, made by the best tailors in New Roma Republic. The Legatus has decided to wear a black ball dress. The Consul comes in a black tuxedo, with a white dress shirt, and a red bow tie. They are all looking forward to the Grand Ball. They shall arrive at the Palace in 15 minutes.

Caesar:
Augusta's dress:

[Independent State AF]

Eden's limousine pulled and out stepped some power armored individuals who let him out, once he stepped out they returned to the limo and it pulled away,
Eden was quite happy to be here, both for diplomatic purposes and...personal reasons, after all it was well known back in ISAF and several neighboring that he was looking for a First Lady. As he walked up to the palace, he briefly wondered if perhaps the other delegations knew of his "quest" so to speak.

Apparel of the President

[Deutsch-Brittannia]

Eden's limousine pulled and out stepped some power armored individuals who let him out, once he stepped out they returned to the limo and it pulled away,
Eden was quite happy to be here, both for diplomatic purposes and...personal reasons, after all it was well known back in ISAF and several neighboring that he was looking for a First Lady. As he walked up to the palace, he briefly wondered if perhaps the other delegations knew of his "quest" so to speak.

As the King and Prince were busy, Queen Charlotte greeted the new arrivals with her daughter. Both wore a deep Prussian blue coloured dress with golden trimming. The Queen's was weighted at the bottom, and covered her shoulders, whereas Princess Rachel's was similar to a cocktail gown, and left her shoulders bare. The front was designed to give her comfort while accenting her curves.

"Greetings, I am Queen Charlotte and this is my daughter, Princess Rachel. I trust you had a pleasant flight? Do you wish to have a servant show you to your room so you can freshen up?"