The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring (pLease sign up first)

[Nalaya]

Shrailleeni

Ashkhen's expression softened only slightly, tempered by the hint of quiet amusement of a woman hearing a younger version of herself speak much the same. "The sight of a spider offends me terribly, and yet I do not go out of my way to tread upon them."

"Armory General Ashkhen Martirosyan, at your service," the Nalayan said with a small bow of her head and a sharp click of her heels. "I understand how difficult it can be to adjust to a world of people who do not share the values we think to be important. But that aside, it is an honor to at last put a face to the nation of Hramanatar Kalousdian's reports. Raith Immel has been a struggle, and yet I hear only good things of your people in the field. Nalaya is grateful for the assistance. I hope your visit to New Edom has not been tainted by this encounter: it is a beautiful nation, in its own way. I do not love it as much as my home, but it appeals to me."

[Havenwalde]

Havenwalde and Nalaya

With the crisis apparently resolved, Katara turned her attention back to her conversation partner. She flashed him a pretty smile and continued in a pleasant voice.

"That won't be necessary Chancellor, but I would like to hear of any recent events that have occurred in your nation. It can be difficult to keep track during Ambassadorial duties."

Teya wanted to put up an argument, but was disarmed by the familiar company of a woman who was clearly in charge. She found her reasons ebbing away against a tide of logic, and harbored a disgruntled resentment for the truth that she heard in the Nalayan's words.

"Was it not insult enough to cause temper?" she asked at almost a grumble. "For a man, or anyone, to say such barbarous things in company of others offends not only the person but the host. I would think that...ah, you're right My Lady." Her expression softened a little, and her hands retreated from their hiding places in the sleeve of her robes. "He is not my countryman, and the Mother Goddess taught that we should not let our emotions get away from us."

She smiled a little, though it was wry.

"I suppose we would not need such a rule if it were easy to keep. I thank you."

She looked a little chagrined at her new acquaintance, it was more permissible to show emotion to those who had already seen it.

"I am Teya Kaldari."

"Well, tensions have risen between neighbors sadly, Estovakiva and Yoshiwa Islands which is just some protectorate of The Western Republic. It's looking to be like a cold war and it's dragging us in" Adolf said as he continued, "Terrorist leader Rudolf Gregory was captured, leader of an terrorist organization 'The Syndicate". Opposed my comming of Chancellor and killed hundreds and hurt even more with his organization"

[New Edom]

Gehenna Tartarus, Riemaia and Others

"If you don't have anything red," said Mara cheerfully, "Don't worry about it Marissa. You can just take off everything but your undies and paint your upper body red, people will like that. Or take the undies off too, I mean public nudity is legal here. Right?" she asked Perrin.

Perrin laughed. "Don't take my cousin too seriously, Marissa, she's teasing. I'm sure people would appreciate the sight but it's hardly necessary to wear red, and you can buy little pennons and things like that."

[New Edom]

Chyeknovostan Republic

Alestei, heading towards Touchstone, found himself cut off by an ADC,a young naval officer, who said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Minister, but the President is just having a private word with President de Groote and if you don't mind waiting--is there anyone else you would like to be introduced to, or meet?"

[Hittanryan]

"Ever seen a super-magnet before? You know, one of those large ones that if you have fillings it could like totally rip them out from twenty meters away?

"I've seen the big electromagnets on cranes before," Rhea volunteered. "I guess the closest I've gotten to a really powerful magnet was in a chemistry lab I took in school. An instrument called an NMR spectrometer had several miles of superconducting wire inside of it, generated a really powerful magnetic field as a side effect. They told us to leave our credit cards, cell phones, keys, and anything else with magnetically active metal outside the room." She wasn't quite sure how they got on this tract, but she ran with it anyway.

"Super-magnets? Holy cow..." said Mara. "No, the Motor Jousters are actually an ancient order who exist in the modern age. They weren't attached to service of a Prince or anything but to the Church. However they're reduced to a symbolic army, jousting on dirt bikes now, their horses long gone, and got mixed up with old Imperial chariot racing, so we have four main national teams now--Red, White, Blue and Green. I always cheer Red...

"So Mara, how do you decide what team to root for? Just pick your favorite color?" Tom asked glibly. He was deliberately keeping things strictly casual. Tom wasn't quite sure what the rest of Mara's family and friends knew about the two of them, best to keep it that way if they didn't know anything. If what DeGroot and Friedman had told him about East Klamath was true, the last thing they needed was some kind of royal scandal making things more difficult.

[New Edom]

Mara replied, "Actually, Tom, you pick according to tradition or else you align yourself with a team you like--but such things have divided families and villages, I warn you. I mean honestly, why do people pick any team? How many major soccer or hockey teams have players from all over the world and all over the country? No it's the players and stuff people cheer for...men and women alike do stupid things that are also hilarious and fun to cheer their teams on--strip and paint themselves in team colors, wear loud aggressive shirts, hold banners, chant and stamp their feet. It's really fun, you'll enjoy watching. And you can even play yourself, if you're okay on a motor bike and you don't mind getting roughed up a bit. The weapons by the way are all rubberized or made to break easy, don't worry."

[Gehenna Tartarus]

New Edom, Riemaia, Hittanryan & others

Even if Marissa did not have anything red to wear, if she did as instructed by Mara, her face would be red enough to compensate for the lack of the clothing. The idea of going around semi naked was enough to make the young princess’ cheeks to pink slightly. She did not even dwell on the idea of going fully naked, even if her body was painted or not. Her eyes were wide at the suggestion, until Perrin chipped and she let out the breath she had not even realised she was holding.

“I will most certainly purchase something to wave in the right colours,” she said, feeling herself growing a little more relieved. She was grateful when others joined the conversation and she managed to sneak a peek at Tia, who smiled encouragingly at the princess. “Perhaps I could buy a hat as well.” A hat and a flag should be adequate in her opinion.

Tia frowned and wondered not for the first time why Hugo had insisted on bringing his sister along, especially after she had told him about previous parties with the Edomites. She just hoped that no one took their tops off, because if new got back to Hugo’s mother or her own, she would be lucky to ever be allowed out of Tartarus again, and she would really hate not being able to see Perrin.

“I think I have something red,” she announced, with a smile. “But if there are some better looking guys in the other teams, I might have to switch my allegiance.” She gave Perrin a wink and a smile.

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Nalaya

"It is an honor to meet you Armory General," Teya said, bowing her head and placing her hands in the traditional greeting. She glanced back over at the Cossack, though she was careful to be quick. "And it would take more than one man to taint New Edom in my eyes. All of my Sisters and brothers in the Foreign Ministry dream of being posted here, I was one of the lucky ones. All the more reason that I..."

She blushed a little, the flash of anger having completely retreated. Though it was barely visible against her dark skin, she was clearly in control now.

"That I wish that I had acted in a manner more befitting my station. Though I do not regret the action itself," she added hurriedly, "only the disrespect that I caused our hosts."

Eager to move away from that all too recent topic, Teya responded to the comments on Raith Immel, something that she was quite knowledgeable about.

"And at any rate, the whole Empire is proud of the part we played in ending the war in Raith Immel, and in the work that we are doing now. With so many military units in the field, it takes a different kind of strength to enter such a place as civilians. And yet every day our embassy is swamped with even more volunteer forms, even though we have stopped accepting them. It is enlightening to see such compassion."

Havenwalde

Katara frowned at the mention of the Syndicate. She disliked terrorism in all of its forms on principle. Like most Shrailleeni, she didn't even believe in the targeting of civilians in warfare. And the Empire, for all its isolation, was risking being exposed to such people with each passing day.

"I am truly sorry to hear that," she responded sympathetically. "Such violence is never acceptable, or excusable. I have met the Estovakivans before, they are a stubborn group if there ever was one."

She gestured toward the bar politely.

"How do you prefer your drink in Havenwalde, Chancellor? And what do you think of this..." she gestured to include everything around them, "park that the New Edomites have constructed?"

[Nalaya]

Shrailleeni

"The beauty of one's youth is the flexibility of change," Ashkhen said by way of subtle reassurance. She doubted any ambassador would hold it much against Teya. One always needed to learn, and nothing unforgivable had happened. The swarthy Nalayan scratched along her jawline at an old scar from shrapnel, more to collect her thoughts than to satisfy an itch. "But the work in Raith Immel is important. Actions with integrity only strengthen our ties to New Edom, and vice versa. You may find that it helps your march towards gender equality for them to see good works done. For myself, I must admit an ambivalence towards the subject. In Nalaya, who you are born as means little. What you do makes all the difference."

She shrugged a little with an almost apologetic smile. "This makes us very strange to the world, yes? But when you know what it is to be crushed and powerless, human compassion does not wish such a thing on others. This is much akin to why I do not duel in haste. When you have seen the face of Death so many times that he walks closer than your own shadow, it becomes tiring."

[Pyeon-Gang Ho]

Pyeon-Gang Ho

Prince Hugo was not really someone who liked to spend time on a computer when she could be out enjoying himself with his friends and family. He was a very outdoor kind of person, who liked to be active when he could. He was also not someone who liked to hide the fact that he was a prince, because he was very proud of his family, his lineage and his nation. He had some friends that he conversed with by computer, but mostly he spoke to them on the phone or texted them if he wanted to get a quick message to them when arranging activities.

“As I have said, I like water sports,” he said, after a moment thought. “I like skiing, hunting, as I mentioned. I play polo and rugby, the latter less often, as arranging a game needs a lot more players. I once was fortunate to play with the Erebus rugby team, but those guys looked like brick walls. Let me say that I was glad that I am quick on my feet.”

"Ah yes yes you did say that. I play football with my friends at school. Or you might know it as soccer yes. I do go swimming too, I'm a very good swimmer. Rugby seems kind of rough I know a lot of boys at school play it too."

[Gehenna Tartarus]

Pyeon-Gang Ho

Hugo was a little surprised that Hyeon-Mi played football at school, as that was not considered a sport that girls tended to play, at least not in Tartarian society. Some of them would kick a ball around for fun, if the guys were playing, but they did not play the sport properly and certainly did not race around trying to score goals. His sister was more likely to pull a Cinderella and run away from the ball, as she was not really one for contact sports, as in the ball could make contact with her.

“I like to swim too,” he said, nodding his head. Swimming was something he enjoyed very much and was something that could be done with young women, especially if they were fit and looked great in a bikini. He involuntarily looked over at Tia as the thought crossed his mind. “And the odd game of water polo can be fun, but not as much fun as the one with horses. While water volley ball is a nice time waster too. I think I should say indoors more,” he said with a grin, as he rolled off all the things he liked to do.

[Havenwalde]

Nalaya

"It is an honor to meet you Armory General," Teya said, bowing her head and placing her hands in the traditional greeting. She glanced back over at the Cossack, though she was careful to be quick. "And it would take more than one man to taint New Edom in my eyes. All of my Sisters and brothers in the Foreign Ministry dream of being posted here, I was one of the lucky ones. All the more reason that I..."

She blushed a little, the flash of anger having completely retreated. Though it was barely visible against her dark skin, she was clearly in control now.

"That I wish that I had acted in a manner more befitting my station. Though I do not regret the action itself," she added hurriedly, "only the disrespect that I caused our hosts."

Eager to move away from that all too recent topic, Teya responded to the comments on Raith Immel, something that she was quite knowledgeable about.

"And at any rate, the whole Empire is proud of the part we played in ending the war in Raith Immel, and in the work that we are doing now. With so many military units in the field, it takes a different kind of strength to enter such a place as civilians. And yet every day our embassy is swamped with even more volunteer forms, even though we have stopped accepting them. It is enlightening to see such compassion."

Havenwalde

Katara frowned at the mention of the Syndicate. She disliked terrorism in all of its forms on principle. Like most Shrailleeni, she didn't even believe in the targeting of civilians in warfare. And the Empire, for all its isolation, was risking being exposed to such people with each passing day.

"I am truly sorry to hear that," she responded sympathetically. "Such violence is never acceptable, or excusable. I have met the Estovakivans before, they are a stubborn group if there ever was one."

She gestured toward the bar politely.

"How do you prefer your drink in Havenwalde, Chancellor? And what do you think of this..." she gestured to include everything around them, "park that the New Edomites have constructed?"

"Estovakivans...scum is the only word that comes to mind when they are mentioned" Adolf said as he smiled, "Wine mostly, and the park is decent at best, they've done a pretty good job with it" Adolf added

[Pyeon-Gang Ho]

Pyeon-Gang Ho

Hugo was a little surprised that Hyeon-Mi played football at school, as that was not considered a sport that girls tended to play, at least not in Tartarian society. Some of them would kick a ball around for fun, if the guys were playing, but they did not play the sport properly and certainly did not race around trying to score goals. His sister was more likely to pull a Cinderella and run away from the ball, as she was not really one for contact sports, as in the ball could make contact with her.

“I like to swim too,” he said, nodding his head. Swimming was something he enjoyed very much and was something that could be done with young women, especially if they were fit and looked great in a bikini. He involuntarily looked over at Tia as the thought crossed his mind. “And the odd game of water polo can be fun, but not as much fun as the one with horses. While water volley ball is a nice time waster too. I think I should say indoors more,” he said with a grin, as he rolled off all the things he liked to do.

"Hehehehe, oh I think you are quite active which is fine. Want to be healthy that's why I'm active and keep fit. Water sports can be fun but I find too difficult to play in a pool. I don't swim competitively just for relaxing and enjoying."

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Nalaya

Teya looked at Ashkhen curiously.

"Not so strange I think. Such feelings are important parts of my people's consciousness. That is why I am compelled to fight against those who would dominate others without a thought, no matter where they are. If we had the power, I think, the entire Empire would follow that example."

The curious look did not quite leave her face. "But perhaps I am in more error than I thought. In the Empire dueling to the death is rare, and occurs mostly in matters of unforgivable crimes. Is this not so in other nations?"

Havenwalde

Katara actually laughed a little, remembering her previous encounters with the Estovakivans. She enjoyed Adolf's somewhat less restricted manner of expressing himself, it impressed her. And she had long ago become accustomed to foreign men acting with more boldness than the men of her own country.

"Perhaps I was too reserved," she admitted with a hint of amusement still in her voice. "In the Empire our spirits are usually mixed with the extract of the cocoa bean, or fruit. I have always found wine a tad less flavorful. And this park is like nothing I have ever seen."

She looked around once more, as if having reminded herself of the subject.

"We have gardens, but nothing like this.

[Havenwalde]

Nalaya

Teya looked at Ashkhen curiously.

"Not so strange I think. Such feelings are important parts of my people's consciousness. That is why I am compelled to fight against those who would dominate others without a thought, no matter where they are. If we had the power, I think, the entire Empire would follow that example."

The curious look did not quite leave her face. "But perhaps I am in more error than I thought. In the Empire dueling to the death is rare, and occurs mostly in matters of unforgivable crimes. Is this not so in other nations?"

Havenwalde

Katara actually laughed a little, remembering her previous encounters with the Estovakivans. She enjoyed Adolf's somewhat less restricted manner of expressing himself, it impressed her. And she had long ago become accustomed to foreign men acting with more boldness than the men of her own country.

"Perhaps I was too reserved," she admitted with a hint of amusement still in her voice. "In the Empire our spirits are usually mixed with the extract of the cocoa bean, or fruit. I have always found wine a tad less flavorful. And this park is like nothing I have ever seen."

She looked around once more, as if having reminded herself of the subject.

"We have gardens, but nothing like this.

"Fruit is nice" Adolf stated with a smile as he looked at the gardens themselves they were something to behold. "This garden is unique at best, more unique then anything i've seen." Adolf added as he sighed, "I actually can't wait to get back home, so much things I have to do. I hope to god my replacement for the time being isn't screwing things up" Adolf said as he rubbed his chin.

[Nalaya]

Shrailleeni

"Oh, many duels are to different counts of blood. I have a friendly rivalry of such sort with Marshal Karapetyan, but she is an exception to my rule. Among the Vatani, if an offense is serious enough to merit drawing blades, it is serious enough to kill over. Sometimes, of course, pistols are used. It is only one bullet for each party, but a good shot might kill their opponent," Ashkhen explained with a small smile. "The dueling customs in my homeland are not universal. Different ethnic groups and tribes conduct their affairs at different level of lethality. Among the Mak'ur, one is expected to be willing to kill at the bat of an eye. They are, thankfully, somewhat of a minority in that."

She shrugged slightly, a faint hint of good humor still lingering in her dark eyes. Duels were always a matter of conversation at home, if only because they were rife among military personnel, particularly hot-tempered officers. "I am not an artist with the sword as Marshall Karapetyan is, but I make up for that failing with my accuracy using a handgun. Thus, I generally offer to allow my opponent to take their shot first, stand to recieve it, and the retort to wound."

[Ali-Zebu Union]

Punja's ears rose a bit as the hand was extended her way. She needed to think for a few seconds, and she muttered, as if she was trapped somewhere between the state of thinking and speaking the following. " Well that's just the thing, keeping my mind out of too much trouble is and has always been hard for me. I cannot keep from talking once I start, and Raeder, the other envoy, will be most displeased should I go someplace out of sight." She turned around shortly to see Raeder, and her ears picked up, from quite some distance, that he was talking about the recent war and social issues. Two of the topics she hated the most to hear coming from another human. She turned back around, tilted her head slightly and made yet another awkward smile. " Sure, I think he will survive a day without me being there to listen about his precious wartime systems." She then held Ashali's hands, yet, she wanted to temporarily lead her away from the party, so she effectively lead for just a moment, to a more quiet corner outside the party. As she walked out she finally seemed to have regained some confidence. Once she found a corner outside of both public and private eye, she had to simply rest against the closest wall she could find, letting out a sight of relief once she leaned against it. She laughed for a short while, before she yet again started to talk.

" I cannot say how glad I am getting a moment's rest from that place. Parties like that drive me crazy in each and every wrong way there is and could ever be. I understand the effort and good intentions, but the company.... Bad enough that they send me with that moron Raeder, who could not have any insight to other peoples feelings if his own life depended on it. An utter moron who cannot for a second understand how it feels like watching him speak about social integration. Just beetwen you and me, the only two things he ever understood was image and development, but he is the kind of person who'd tear the skin of his own soldiers and use it as a drum to sound his own praises. Pretending to be the humble to be pensioned admiral, when he'd never let go of power and position." She paused for a short minute, and continued. " I guess he's not all that bad, I mean, certainly compared to some of the others. He at least tries to keep his faults, self glorification aside, to himself."

She laughed a bit, at this moment, it was clear she had consumed some alcohol earlier in the day, not enough to get her drunk, but it seemed to aid her in terms of talking freely, which she was only used to doing to herself. For a second she closed her eyes, smiled, and continued. " The Emperor is a strange man, part of the cause for a great conflict, yet one of the few with any sense of compassion. Yet he must be mad to send me to these social events. He is always busy expanding this or reorganizing that, yet, those few times we get to talk, he is the only one that comes close to well, ones idea of family I suppose. Yet, who am I to speak of family. The one who created me, who won't even call himself father other than in front of the pulpit. Baptista, is by far the worst of the bunch. There is something wicked about that man, yet, he knows how much I despise him, but, I don't know how, but work materiel sometimes dictates I need to contact him. I keep it as brief as overly possible, but there is something strange about him. As if he sees through you. If he does, he must relish on my pain. Sometimes I wonder if my defects were intentional, I mean, he is brilliant when it comes to bioengineering, but.... I know that some of his desires are set towards pain and despair. I've just never been able to fully prove so."

Her eyes opened yet again, she looked at Ashali and gave a sincere smile. " Thank you for allowing me to speak about this. Herskerstad is not much, but it is home I suppose. I am not the kind of person to seek out the luxury resorts or cathedral cities. All bricks and polished marble in my eyes. Come to think of it, I usually spend my time in small labs, often alone. I suppose that way I do not get distracted or get sent as a delegate, up until now. The great era of peace and all. Yet I feel I grow tired of it. The sari which one crowed to me about my being not being normal, now, many of them find themselves without material means to settle on the surface, and forms great slums under the cities. That's what I've always hated about the Sari races, it always goes south with them. You give them what they want, and they stay stuck in the stone age, you push them into position, and they make themselves victims. Yet walking past them, I sense it still. Their awareness of me. As a slight wonder the first seconds...... before they sense that I am false. I do not care about those who think themselves above me by birthright, but the Asari I hate above all.... they sense pity. They! The most miserable of all races near the end of their natural life cycles and they dare take pity on me! No wonder they end up impoverished, they give you whatever you will ask for! Yet I see them miserable, and just when I thought the miseries of others would turn to some kind of.... twisted joy for my part. Yet, I still feel for them, those who never judged me on merit, they either looked at me as inferior by birth, or a charity subject. I hate them to no end, yet, they bother my senses and make me feel for them, where there otherwise naturally would only be scorn!" She sighted deeply, and needed to take a deep breath. " Apologies, I don't know what possessed me..... I guess you just can't run away from what you resemble. Yet, I am tired of Herskerstad and her endless array of issues. Tell me about the Ali-Zebu union! Tell me about Nuleztahni! Tell me about yourself! I am afraid my story is only a string of misfortunes, but from so little I know, it the Ali-Zebu union sounds like an adventure...."

She finally paused, looking at Ashali. Eagerly awaiting a response.

It had been a while since anyone had actually led Ashali anywhere but she did not mind because it seemed as though the other woman gaining more confidence through the action. Once they were standing away from the crowd, she absorbed what Punja without saying a word until she had finished. This was an interesting individual no matter how Ashali looked at her. A women with a curious past and a conflicted heart.

She kept her face friendly as she spoke. “Before I go into detail about myself or anything else I must say something else. You speak of having defects or being defective, but I do not see that. You are simply yourself. If you have faults, they are not because someone gave them to you and if you make mistakes it is not because anyone forced you into making them. I know I speak from my own experience, but we have been given the ability to choose and it is those decisions which define who we are, not another person.”

Ashali’s then leaned herself against the wall beside Punja and flashed a smile. “I think that is enough philosophy for now. Now let me tell you a little about myself.” She took in a deep breath and exhaled. “I am a social anthropologist, I teach at a university, and I conduct fieldwork whenever I have the opportunity. I suppose I have always been fascinated by the vast and complicated thing that is human culture.”

“I grew up the capital of the Hamarahtta province, Koldari and also attended university there. My mother operates Keerut Naval Aeronautics and my father takes care of the house. I have younger sister and two older brothers.”

She then rapped her fingers against the wall and considered how much more she should indulge and decided that she should be as open about herself as Punja had been. “I was also engaged to be married until a year and half ago. She was a beautiful and intelligent,” Ashali then gave the appearance of having swallowed something bitter, “Things did not end well though. I could go into the details, but I think an analogy will work just as well. Imagine if you will someone taking a white hot piece of iron and working it into your flesh slowly, millimeter by millimeter, until it reaches your heart and you finally expire.”

The corner of her lip twitched slightly as Ashali then changed topics. “I can not tell you very much about Nuleztahni, not knowing her very well, but I will give you what I can. Nuleztahni is the second princess of the Ali-Zebu royal family. She is an air force pilot and I believe she holds a degree of some kind, but I can not recall what it is in. Her mother is Queen Saysun IV and she has a twin brother, a younger sister by the name of Yesmin, and an older sister by the name of Asri. Both of Yesmin and Asri are married while Nuleztahni has no real long term attachments to anyone at the moment.” Ashali laughed breifly, “If it were not such common knowledge already, I probably would not mention this, but our second princess is quite well known for her amorous nature. That said, it is not as if she is a wild animal. She can be quite charming and alluring, but does not force herself upon anyone she shows an interest in. She also loves a good wine.” Ashali omitted that at one point in time she had fallen under the woman’s spell for a brief period. It was probably a wise thing to do considering the woman she was talking to might have some sort of interest in the second princess.

Ashali then turned so that her shoulder rested against the wall and her face looked toward Punja. “I will tell some basic things about Ali-Zebu right now and if you want me to elaborate on anything, then just let me know. The nation itself came into existence in what is the year 297 in our calendar and 703 BC in the Christian calendar. The nation as a whole is a devoutly religious one with nearly every person belonging to the Jezrahlist faith. Jezrahlism predates Christianity and Islam and is something of a contemporary of Judaism and Zoroastrianism.”

“Ali-Zebu experienced a period of civil war over fifteen-hundred years ago, but survived and managed to come out stronger. We have fought many wars and skirmishes with our old northern neighbor, the Sultanate of Zoltab over the centuries. I am actually named after an old war hero from the early period of the last century.”

“There are many dozens of languages in Ali-Zebu, over two hundred recognized ethnicities, and many different cultures. I am of a southern Hamarahttan ethnicity, the Amhasi. The cultures of Ali-Zebu are all matriarchal in nature with the exception of the Helladrian, Ichi, and Aochi minorities that live in the SAR.”

Ashali paused to look Punja over again. “Ali-Zebu has a warm climate and a variety of different landscapes and ecological zones. We also have quite a few species of plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. If have visited many different nations and I believe there is no other that is more beautiful.”

She then pulled herself up from the wall. “If you wish to visit my nation, then let me offer you a place to stay when you do. I may not be a princess, but I do well enough to keep a comfortable home and I am sure that you would find it very cozy” Ashali smiled and offered her hand again. “How about we walk around for a little while?”

[United Slavic Nations]

Annya Pytrova arrived, late as usual, to the symphony in her biggest, most flamboyant means of transportation: a sleek, silver private jet that costed - at least - 420 million p'vorsks, equal to about 185 million dollars, in tax-payers money. As she stepped off the expensive luxury, her long, charcoal, double breasted coat that concieled a plain black cocktail dress that stopped at the knee, flapped uselessly in the wind. She was a gypsey beauty; tall, curvy, her skin sun-kissed to a perfect bronze, red lips dyed redder with dark lipstick, golden eyes outlined by black mascarra and eyeliner, and straight caramel hair that casscaded down her neck to stop at her shoulder blades and cup her rounded cheeks. While there was no doubt that she was pleasing outwardly, it was no secret to anyone who was anyone that she was a cruel, merciless woman. At twenty-seven, she had climbed to the top of the Party ladder through blackmail and murder ("died of natural causes" was written on nearly every autopsy report of her political rivals), becoming Premier, and eventually dictator, in less than two years.

It had been quite some time since she'd attended an occassion quite this big, and she had to admit: a large stone of anxiety had cast itself into the pit of her stomach. Not only was she late, she was underdressed for such a formal occassion. But, in her defense, she was in the country on a business trip and did not recieve news of her invitation until late. She was in such a rush, she had no time to ask about the dress code and merely threw something on, realizing, too late, that it was white tie.

Afterwards, she lingered in the concert hall, enjoying chatting with the musicians, before she realized that she was half an hour late to the reception, and that she would have to explain her lack of formal wear to someone or another by the end of the night. Bustling away, she left the building and began to half-walk, half-run to her next destination.

[Gehenna Tartarus]

Pyeon-Gang Ho

“The only sport that I do semi-professional is polo,” Hugo said, giving her a warm smile. “Otherwise it’s just about keeping fit and having fun. Mostly having fun.” There were plenty of outdoor sports that he does not do because they were far too boring, like golf. Not that he had not played a game of golf in his time, when it was necessary, but it was not something he played through choice.

He took a sip of his lemon water and looked around him. “Are you here with anyone?” He was still surprised that she might be there on her own. It was not his place to babysit, but his sister might enjoy the company as they walked around the park.

[Constaniana]

Maximus walked into where the reception was being held and looked around with a look on his face like a child who had woken up at 3 in the morning to get his Christmas presents early. "Now where is she?" He murmured. "Where's who?" His cousin Irene said, walking up next to him. "Oh, nobody you would know..." Maximus said, rolling his eyes. "Come on Maxie, tell me. I know it's some girl you have a crush on, you're always terrible about hiding the fact you're blushing. Funny, considering how much of a flirt you're supposed to be," Irene said with a wink. Maximus groaned, as once again it seemed he couldn't hide anything from the watchful hawk-eyes of his cousin. "Well, if you really want to know, look out for the girl who's 8 feet tall, 500 pounds, and wearing a massive paper sack on her ugly face," Maximus said sarcastically. "Hmm, I bet you two would make a great couple then. She sounds like a proper keeper," Irene said, laughing. "I'll leave you alone for now, but I'll find out soon enough..I'm watching you," She said, winking as she walked off to find someone else to talk to. Maximus looked around, wondering where Princess Mara was.

[United Slavic Nations]

Hurrying off to the reception hall, she tripped and stumbled along the way, cursing her pumps and giggling at the same time. As she walked through the door, she payed careful attention not to bump into anyone and took off her coat, draping it over her arm. A dark flush spread itself across her cheek-bones as she gazed at everyone, who were dressed in formal white ties and evening gowns, and here she was: spaghetti-strap cocktail dress and pearls. With a cough, she humbly made way to somewhere less noticeable, instead of standing there like a fish.

[Constaniana]

Hurrying off to the reception hall, she tripped and stumbled along the way, cursing her pumps and giggling at the same time. As she walked through the door, she payed careful attention not to bump into anyone and took off her coat, draping it over her arm. A dark flush spread itself across her cheek-bones as she gazed at everyone, who were dressed in formal white ties and evening gowns, and here she was: spaghetti-strap cocktail dress and pearls. With a cough, she humbly made way to somewhere less noticeable, instead of standing there like a fish.

Prince Maximus noticed the woman standing off by herself, and since he couldn't find Mara at least it was better than not talking to anyone, and besides, Maximus was a social person by nature. He was 20, 6 feet tall, less skinny than he had been when he was a teenager thanks to Sky Navy service whipping him into a very well-muscled man, with brown hair that always seemed a little messy and windswept, light brown eyes, and a smile always on his face. He walked up to the woman, and bowed shortly; the type of bow one would use for one below one's status, or if you didn't know what class the person was. "Who might you be?" He asked.

[United Slavic Nations]

Hurrying off to the reception hall, she tripped and stumbled along the way, cursing her pumps and giggling at the same time. As she walked through the door, she payed careful attention not to bump into anyone and took off her coat, draping it over her arm. A dark flush spread itself across her cheek-bones as she gazed at everyone, who were dressed in formal white ties and evening gowns, and here she was: spaghetti-strap cocktail dress and pearls. With a cough, she humbly made way to somewhere less noticeable, instead of standing there like a fish.

Prince Maximus noticed the woman standing off by herself, and since he couldn't find Mara at least it was better than not talking to anyone, and besides, Maximus was a social person by nature. He was 20, 6 feet tall, less skinny than he had been when he was a teenager thanks to Sky Navy service whipping him into a very well-muscled man, with brown hair that always seemed a little messy and windswept, light brown eyes, and a smile always on his face. He walked up to the woman, and bowed shortly; the type of bow one would use for one below one's status, or if you didn't know what class the person was. "Who might you be?" He asked.

Annya giggled and smiled, a commanding aura immediately making the air around her feel heavy. "I am Annya Illyiva Pytrova," she responded, holding out her free hand for a hand shake. "Premier of the People's Republic of United Slavic Nations." She was positive that this young man knew nothing of her dark reputation, either that, or he was just trying to be polite. She blinked her large, innocent-looking golden eyes at him, analyzing his body language and expressions.

[Pyeon-Gang Ho]

Pyeon-Gang Ho

“The only sport that I do semi-professional is polo,” Hugo said, giving her a warm smile. “Otherwise it’s just about keeping fit and having fun. Mostly having fun.” There were plenty of outdoor sports that he does not do because they were far too boring, like golf. Not that he had not played a game of golf in his time, when it was necessary, but it was not something he played through choice.

He took a sip of his lemon water and looked around him. “Are you here with anyone?” He was still surprised that she might be there on her own. It was not his place to babysit, but his sister might enjoy the company as they walked around the park.

"I'm here on my own actually. I know seems a bit odd for me being here all by my self because I'm so young and everything but father came down with a cold last minute and well everyone else was busy with matters of the state so they sent me! I thought it would be fun to go to a party and I'm old enough to take care of my self. Well I do have my hand maiden with me but she's back at the hotel right now."

[New Edom]

New Edom

"We may yet be able to help each other, Mr. Touchstone," DeGroot said, noting one sticking point in particular. "I could talk about Adiran manufacturing, blue chip firms, mineral resources, or the quality of our professionals, but in a globalized economy, we both know you might be able to find the same elsewhere. In many ways New Edom is likely in competition with us. Let's talk something more...substantive, something specific between our two nations."

"Adiron is not particularly oil-rich, at least not anymore, most of the oilfields were tapped out in the Industrial Revolution. Those deposits remaining are not developed. As the head of a major oil producing state, you must be aware it takes years to get new wells online," DeGroot explained. "While much of our civilian infrastructure is seeking further independence from petroleum, the military, understandably, is not willing to trade performance and reliability for sustainability. Frankly, I would never ask that of them given the times, either. The point is, there will always be a sizable market for Edomite petroleum products in Adiron as long as the need for this base exists."

"Sustainability actually came up when speaking with your Attorney General," Friedman said, breaking his silence. He was not convinced DeGroot's argument was, well, convincing. "We're aware you're concerned with losing trade over this arrangement, but there's something you should know. Mr. President, are you aware of the situation on East Klamath?"

President Touchstone listened gravely during the previous talk, nodding now and then, saying "That's wonderful to hear," or "I find that most reassuring." However he occasionally reiterated the points about the risks New Edom would be taking to her national security. He pointed out the border disputes to the north and in the Gloria Regis Islands, regional tensions generally, and the barely quieted insurgency in Raith Immel Province, not to mention military committments in the Chyeknovostan Republic...

Sif was a bit more proactive, stating, "I think that there are excellent prospects for a fruitful longer discussion regarding trade, in that case...but I think that if you could briefly sum up the situation on East Klamath the President and I would be glad to hear about it."