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

[Hittanryan]

New Edom (Touchstone, Finnhald)

"The Imperium is not likely to give up and cease its plans for expansion if they don't get a foothold on East Klamath, Mr. President..." Friedman cautioned. "...but on the other hand, this isn't exactly the setting to be convincing you of major policy decisions."

DeGroot piped up, "I agree, let us focus on the trade deal for the time being. If the situation in East Klamath changes, however, we urge you to fully consider the possible ramifications of an expanded Imperial naval presence." He started to turn away, but seemed to recall something Touchstone said earlier. "If you had concerns over our base proposal jeopardizing New Edom's international trade, think of what would happen to your economy if several of your major trade routes suddenly found themselves in contested waters between Adiron and the Imperium. Trade wouldn't shut down, but it would wreak havoc with prices."

"Containing Imperial expansion is clearly borne of self-interest on Adiron's part, but a globalized economy requires safe, reliable international shipping. Our interests coincide with those of the international community," Friedman added in an attempt to soften the blow.

Aquarium

Rhea seemed to be paying fairly close attention to the aquarium. Her family used to take trips to a certain Arcologian island as a child. The entire island was a resort community, far removed enough from Arcologia's mainland that it was unaffected by all the pollution and crime from that failed state-in-capitalist's-clothing. One of the places she'd always visit was the aquarium. She went snorkeling too, but she stopped after they got spooked by a barracuda.

Out of curiosity, when she passed by Mara, ostensibly one of the locals, she thought she'd quietly ask a quick question. "Excuse me, Mara? Are there any tropical fish in here?" As she asked, she thought it was a rather strange question, so at that point she started rambling. "When I was a kid, we used to go to this aquarium where you walked into this big circular room and you were just surrounded by big fish tanks filled with coral and all kinds of really colorful fish...sorry! I'm going on forever here..."

Tom, in contrast, wandered into the aquarium a fair amount of time after the rest, having lost a staring contest with the Megalania. As he passed, some of the calmer fish would notice and take interest, a couple of times he'd stop to say "hello." The salmon were...preoccupied. "Looks like they're having a good time," he thought. He had been hoping to get Mara alone for a little while; it had been a few weeks since she returned home from the World Assembly. However, he could tell Mara was enjoying her time with Anneli, whom he was pretty sure was a cousin of hers. They were obviously quite close, and he wasn't about to get in the way.

[TurtleShroom]

Paul and Bessford, still without sight, followed the streaker's voice.

"This isn't NATIONAL, is it?" Paul asked, sickened.

[New Edom]

Paul and Bessford, still without sight, followed the streaker's voice.

"This isn't NATIONAL, is it?" Paul asked, sickened.

Unfortunately, Otterneck had already begun going up the stairs and couldn't hear them over the loudspeaker announcement. The train gave warning bell, lights flashed above the doors, and it was clearly preparing to leave the station. There was a glimpse of movement from some kiosks as the security grills were brought down with a clatter. From far down the end of the station a loud machine noise was heard, and gradually it became apparent that a large cleaning machine, ridden by a large pale male wearing a pair of ear buds and an ipod around his neck, turning the wheels and pulling the levers, emerged from an archway. As the machine moved, a trail of wetness could be seen. Whistling to "Air on a G String" he began to clean the floor.

[New Edom]

Perrin and Tia

Looking upon Tia was wonderful, he found his heart lightening simply looking at her and hearing her voice. Perrin felt glad, and he said quietly, "I have to go back to Brightwater in a couple of days, but I have time to spend with you. It would be fun to do the motor jousting thing but also having some time just with the two of us would be wonderful. Though I'm wondering if you're supposed to be in attendance upon Marissa and Hugo, or if they will be...well reporting on you." He leaned in to kiss her again, this time a longer kiss, his lips caressingly brushing hers, his hands gently encircling her wrists.

The Aquarium

Mara glanced at Rhea. She was starting to feel a little overwhelmed by Annelli--it was like she was getting clingy or something, and after all in a way this was discreetly supposed to be her engagement party. She beckoned Tegan over and whispered to her in Elwe, "Find Elise, or Lena, or Rena, and tell them to get their bony ass over here. Politely with the correct courtly phrases." She wasn't really annoyed with Annelli, she just was starting to feel kind of stifled. "We do...there's a reef area actually, it's a big square tank and you can walk all around it, and there's an upper gallery as well."

And there was--it had many kinds of reef fish--tangs, gobies, butterfly fish, angel fish, damselfish, sea horses (there were two main kinds of seahorse in New Edomite waters, very rare outside of them) morays, fairy shrimp, spiny lobsters, white tipped reef sharks, lemon sharks, octopus and cuttlefish.

The final exhibit of marine creatures was the larger tanks which had long beaked river dolphins, short tusked walrus (which almost resembled squat faced elephant seals but with tusks). There was a sign cutting off one area which read "Deep Sea Habit--Under construction".

The Conservatory

Few of the guests seemed to be in the conservatory, and so Hugo found himself alone, surrounded by twittering tropical birds, butterflies, pink, red, yellow and blue flowers, cricking frogs, paddling fish and turtles. One of the things he saw was a plaque showing a photograph above it which featured Mara, among other people, as the Directorial Team for Naturalist Parks New Edom.

[New Edom]

[quote="Hittanryan";p="9711482"]New Edom (Touchstone, Finnhald)

"The Imperium is not likely to give up and cease its plans for expansion if they don't get a foothold on East Klamath, Mr. President..." Friedman cautioned. "...but on the other hand, this isn't exactly the setting to be convincing you of major policy decisions."

DeGroot piped up, "I agree, let us focus on the trade deal for the time being. If the situation in East Klamath changes, however, we urge you to fully consider the possible ramifications of an expanded Imperial naval presence." He started to turn away, but seemed to recall something Touchstone said earlier. "If you had concerns over our base proposal jeopardizing New Edom's international trade, think of what would happen to your economy if several of your major trade routes suddenly found themselves in contested waters between Adiron and the Imperium. Trade wouldn't shut down, but it would wreak havoc with prices."

"Containing Imperial expansion is clearly borne of self-interest on Adiron's part, but a globalized economy requires safe, reliable international shipping. Our interests coincide with those of the international community," Friedman added in an attempt to soften the blow.

"You don't understand, I think, what I'm trying to say." Touchstone said. "What I want to do is secretly support your aims, to throw the Imperium off course. If we are not obvious allies then it will be harder to identify our actions as being anything other than one nation helping another with a Christian majority. What I'm saying is that I think we should have more serious talks right away, to clinch a deal and establish ourselves as secret allies until our position in East Klamath is stronger. And if the Imperium manages somehow to steal a march on us...well then we'll have just cause, won't we, in defending a troubled people against tyranny."

[Gehenna Tartarus]

Perrin & Tia

Tia closed her eyes as Perrin’s lips claimed hers and she returned his kiss with equal passion. As their lips parted, she opened her eyes and broke into a loving smile. “I am planning on spending some time alone with you,” she said, her voice sounding breathless following the kiss. Her heart was pounding loudly in her eyes and her skin bristled with goose bumps. “And although I am here with Hugo and Marissa, they are not going to be telling tales on me. They are my friends and they know that we are dating. You heard Marissa, she told me to go with you.”

She really could not get used to the feelings that he invoked in her and not just the ones that she had experienced the first time they had sex. These were much deeper, much more rewarding. It was not that she did not love their sex life, but it felt so special with the way that she reacted to him just being with her. She was not ready to declare that she was in love with him, but she felt that the way she felt about him was as close as she had ever come.

“So, we have nothing to worry about,” she added, before giving him a quick peek on the lips. Of course, things would be worse if Marissa thought that they were using their ‘hand holding and kissing’ time for sex, but as long as she thought they were merely being romantic, everything would be fine. “She thinks you are my dashing hero. Your arrival at the Empress’ ball made quite an impression on her.”

* * * * *

The Aquarium

Princess Marissa was enjoying her time walking around the zoo, especially now that she had gotten rid of her two chaperones. She knew that her brother would be livid when he found out that Tia had disappeared with Perrin. She had the feeling that he would be less annoyed that she had been left alone than that Tia was spending time with the New Edomite.

When they reached the dolphins, she gazed happily into the tank, watching them swimming around. There was something about dolphins that was so much fun, whether it was their ‘smiling’ faces or the way they seemed to be enjoying themselves, they managed to bring a grin to the young princess’ face. She was having a very good time at the zoo, being her own person and doing what she wanted, rather than having to be bossed around by whoever was put in charge of her.

* * * * *

The Conservatory

Prince Hugo did not mind that the conservatory was quiet, as it gave him time to think about things and get away from some people. He looked at the picture of Mara and smiled. When he had first met her at the Empress’ ball, he had found her attractive and fun, and if they had been somewhere else, he might have been interested in seeing if they could have gone somewhere with their friendship. But then she had mentioned being in an arranged marriage and she might as well have whipped of a mask and revealed some alien being underneath.

During the reception he had heard the name of the groom-to-be being announced, but he had been very quiet and had not even searched out the woman he was supposed to be getting married to. Not for the first time, he wondered what the princess’ family were thinking. Not that it was his problem, once the day was finished, he doubted that he would have anything more to do with any of those present, other than his sister and Tia.

He continued with his gentle stroll around the park, waiting for the other Tartarians to catch up with him.

[TurtleShroom]

Paul took his hand off his eyes and placed his glasses back on. He took Bessford, who had his own glasses in his hand and was thus blind, by the wrist and took him to a train station information kiosk. Someone was there, fortunately. Paul took off his glasses and covered his eyes with his hand, letting go of Bessford, who stood with his back unintentionally to the kiosk.

"Excuse me," he said to the employees, "We're the national delegation of the Holy Republic of TurtleShroom. We are lost and are trying to attend the state festivals. Would you please honor us with your assistance?"

He paused.

"My friend here is blind without his glasses, and I myself am obscuring my own eyesight. Can you inform us more about this mons- this ev-... listen, I can't say it any other way. Your people's Minister of Foreign Affairs' second in command flashed me front and back when I stepped off this train. I feel nauseous and am really scared at what a supposedly moral, Christian nation has fallen into. Is this vile practice mandated in the entire nation, or is this some whim of a local tyrant?"

Paul sighed, finally hearing someone walking his way inside the kiosk. Of course, he couldn't see who it was.

"I'm sorry... I just... I can't reasonably communicate with a culture that conducts itself like a Ray Stevens video. Please, just get us to the Festival..."


"Ambash-shuh-door Pole..." Bessford interjected, "I'm schared. I really am."

Paul nodded towards his friend and whispered: "I am too."

[New Edom]

The Arrival of TurtleShroom

"Sorry, sirs, it's the law now." said the janitor pleasantly. He was wearing a blue coverall that had the patch for the New Edomite Rail Directorate (or NERD) on it, and he kept driving his machine past them. "You can probably get a taxi if you go out that door there and then up the stairs. There's usually some taxis around, and then you can get to the Gala." He looked at them doubtfully. "You're really diplomats? You're not pulling my leg and on your way to a costume party?"

[Riemaia]

The Aquarium

Anneli listened to Mara, and wasn't too happy about being called melancholy, but shrugged it off. "Iv'e actually never played tennis, so it would be an adventure for me at least." Anneli was clingy, but mainly for all the heartbreaks she had received in the past by a few various people that she doesn't keep in contact with. In her mind, her clingyness was quite alright due to the circumstances, although others my see it being totally unacceptable.

Rena

Rena gut up from off the ground, and buttoned up her blouse, smiling at Mike, and then noticing Tegan walking up towards her. "Yes, can I help you with something?" She asked as the grinned. Rena wasn't the person to have sex out in the open, but she was the person to get naked if just about anyone asked her to.

[Hittanryan]

New Edom (Touchstone)

"Any support New Edom can provide will be much appreciated, secret or otherwise," DeGroot said. "Perhaps we should start by putting our respective intelligence agencies in contact with each other. We'll let them work out what they want to share, then you can decide on the best course of action vis a vis the Imperium," Friedman suggested. There was a strategy there, "Maybe if they know some of what we know about the Imperium, they'll be more willing to lease us some land for a base."

"Agreed, and if New Edom is still interested, we can broker that trade agreement at any time. These sorts of deals are routine for Adiron, it won't attract any attention," DeGroot said. "As I understand it, New Edom's oil industry is nationalized, that should help shorten negotiations."

"Well President Touchstone, it was a pleasure doing business with you," DeGroot concluded. "With any luck, between the two of us, we'll keep the Imperial Navy out of your part of the world and keep East Klamath out of their hands." He would have raised his glass in a toast, but his own was empty, and Touchstone didn't have one. Instead, he offered a handshake, "To the future, eh?"

[Herskerstad]

Ashali was becoming more intrigued with Punja by the second and she was certainly enjoying the casual conversation. It seemed like it had been too long since she had spoken with anyone like this or shared any sort of physical contact. It both refreshed her and eased her heart.

When Punja tightened her grip, so did Ashali and if Punja quickened her pace, so did she. Whenever Punja had a break in her speech, Ashali would make sure to smile. When Punja had finally finished, Ashali looked over her shoulder and spied a bench among the array of beautiful plants that now surrounded them and led Punja to sit beside her on the bench.

“You are a fascinating woman with a fascinating life Punja and I am very glad to have met you. From all that I have heard you say, I have determined that what you need is a break from your life in Herskerstad. To spread your wings and do a little flying.” She gave Punja’s hand a gentle squeeze as she realized something. “You said you work keeps you thoroughly occupied and leaves you much time to think of much else and I suppose that I have been doing something of the same over the past year and a half. It is easy to lose yourself in such things, especially if the alternative is to face some painful memory or another. I now think that perhaps I should stop burying myself in my work and start taking full enjoyment from my life again,” she smiled gently, “Thank you for helping me come to this realization Punja.” She gave another light squeeze. “I no longer simply recommend you visit Ali-Zebu, I insist upon it. And if you then find that you like it well enough, then perhaps you could stay on a more permanent basis. You will always have my hospitality.”

Ashali then looked at the sky and the flowers and other plants that surrounded them. Her words light on her tongue, she again faced Punja. “This is all very beautiful, is it not?” She paused briefly to search Punja’s eyes, “I also think that you are a braver person than you give yourself credit for Punja. I do not think it is beyond your power to change yourself. Perhaps you just need someone to give you a nudge.”

She then looked around her again and then smiled warmly at Punja. “Would you like to sit here a little longer and enjoy the scenery or is there something else you would prefer to do?”

Punja

Punja looked towards the sky, wondering if she should wait and think things over, but impulse got the better of her as she replied. " You present me with a dilemma, while I am a free citizen of Herskerstad, and thus, entitled to go wherever I please. Yet, that is but a thin veil. Raeder, the old fool that he is, is as much my co-envoy as he is my escort. The emperor will no doubt have had some understanding of him keeping eyes at me during all times, yet, as one can imagine. His dreadfully dull ways makes such a party paradise for him, no matter how much he might privately speak of his dread for such arrangements. He organized our transportation, which means that the private jet we flew in with will not likely have any other return destination than Heavenforge from which we came. So while I can leave, I may not leave, which means that the only option left is for you to........ kidnap me." She gave a very subtle, but greatly pleasing smile as she said this.

She then picked up what seemed to be a phone of some kind. Her fingers were exceptionally quick as she went through the options. She then covered her mouth as she shouted something to the phone, and hung it up shortly after. She then smiled a bit, and this was a deeply gratified smile. She then continued. " I think it would be most refreshing for a change, yet, we must hurry. While Raeder is old, he is no fool when his purpose is clear. I would imagine you know of some fast way to get to the Ali-Zebu Union? If so, I would advice a quick getaway, as Pandorra's box has just been opened." She giggled.

10 Minutes later......

Raeder

Raeder had been more or less isolated conversation-wise and now found himself to be the odd man at the party with only a glass of champagne to accompany him, while he had earlier debated naval warfare, his prime interest. It had just become apparent to him that Punja was nowhere to be seen. He pulled up something which looked like a phone, pushed a single button which had intentions to dial to Punja. Yet, upon doing so, the loudspeaker on his phone which he had clumsily forgot to turn off conveyed the following message for all to hear. It was clearly Punja's voice.

"Go to Hell Raeder!"

He more or less lowered his officer hat in embarrassment at this point. And in a rare moment, he felt legitimate anger within him. He did not mind the prank as much, but the disrespect Punja had towards Herskerstad had grown to be something of a nuisance in his view. At this moment, he thought she simply had called it in and rented a hotel space to rest, but being provoked he was now determined to find her.

[New Edom]

The Ball at Betharan Palace

Sorry if this is skipping too quickly--if people seriously don't like me moving things on then please complain and I'll change this.

Following the banquet (where a meal of among other things mushroom and crab soup; roast young tender heron stuffed with rice and figs; salads made with raisins, shredded carrot, almonds and chopped beets or with bulgar wheat, onion, tomato and mint; saffron and peach cobbler) and with many toasts to the leaders and nations represented, as well as to those who had worked hard to create the Park, from the various Builders' guilds and unions to those who had contributed--a special salute made to Empress Anneli of Riemaia, to Princess Mara and to Mr. Randyll Fabian.

During the banquet lovers or fiances/fiancees quietly or blatantly loved, holding hands and exchanging discreet kisses, sharing delicious morsels. Mike could barely take his eyes off Rena, whom he had never expected to see again, and couldn't keep at least one hand off her thigh or from within her hand, whispering to her that she was the most beautiful woman there. Perrin focused on the speeches and on the food but never neglected Tia, her words earlier warming him more than the food. He put off the thought of returning to Brightwater in two days--he hoped to make the most of what time he had with her.

For the banquet and subsequent ball Mara had changed into a ball gown which a bell like sweep of skirts like foam and thin straps that bared her shoulders and supple back, her chestnut hair piled in a crown of braids. She found herself, beforehand, starting to cry—Mara rarely went in for sobbing and moaning but her tears poured like rain, her lips trembling, and Tegan and Ida, her maids, comforted her as best they could. Her mother came in as they were checking over the dress, and sat in her own gown, reaching into her purse and pulling out a gold cigarette case.

“Mother, must you smoke?” said Mara with a grimace.

“You smoke marijuana,” said Princess Rebecca, flicking on her lighter. “It stinks far worse. You look lovely. Crown Prince Heinrich will make a wonderful husband—if the Nords ever get off their stiff asses and make the deal.”

“I know Mother.” Mara said softly. “I want to be married…I’m tired of waiting, that’s all.”

Rebecca smiled at her, rising and inspecting the bodice, the shoulders and waist of the gown. “You’re going to be one of the most beautiful women at the ball. Forget our Riemaian cousins, forget the Ali-Zebu women there and everyone else—you’re one of the most accomplished, beautiful and well born women in the region, you’re a prize, my darling. Never forget it. Weave a spell over him of your sweet nature and your delicate manipulations, use your body and mind to hold him completely and you will have done excellent service on the part of your country and your people.”

Mara took a deep breath. “I’ll love him.” She looked apologetically at her mother. “I just can’t seem to stop crying. I don’t know why.”

“You’re nervous.” Princess Rebecca observed calmly. “Get her a glass of brandy and here, smoke one of these for a bit.” Rebecca smiled. “It’s the best Riemaian tobacco, laced with marijuana in fact. It will calm your nerves.”

Tegan approached and gave Mara a brandy and lit up the cigarette for her, and Mara took a deep drag before sipping the drink. She closed her eyes. “If it takes longer for us to meet up I’ll scream,” she vowed. “I really will. I don’t want to resign as World Assembly Ambassador.”

Rebecca looked into her eyes calmly but relentlessly. “You must. You must devote your life at least for the next while at being the wife of the Crown Prince of Nordkrusen. You are the hope of the Royal Family, darling. Be a good girl as you always are.”

Now she sat with her friends and cousins—Marissa, Tia, Anneli, Elise, Lena, Rena, Ava, Perrin, Enoch, Elijah, her brother Adam, Countess Olivia Lalery—and her parents and elder members of state and the aristocracy nearby. There was graying Prince Philip Tubal-Cain, nearby him General Fenton, General Hesperinus, Admiral Rand and his trophy wife Anna, her father and mother, as well as ministers of state, senior military officers, General Abiathar and his wife, General Sutherland and many others. President Touchstone, looking handsome in his tuxedo with his hair combed back and looking distinguished and striking as he walked in to the sound of trumpets and with his uniformed and non-uniformed aides with him, approached her mother as the highest ranking baran aristocrat present, bowed and asked her if she would honor him with the first dance. Her mother smiled and bowed and accepted, and he swept her out onto the dance floor as the strains of Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2 began. The President was a decent if uninspired dancer.

Those who preferred not to dance, who were elderly or who were in physical difficulty were if they preferred in the galleries above. The ball room actually doubled as a theatre at times and in fact all the seats had been removed and while there was a stage it was occupied by the orchestra. People were advised that there would be a mix of traditional waltzes and other European styles of dance as well as some traditional Edomite music.

[United Slavic Nations]

After her unsuccessful business negotiation, Annya found herself in the banquet hall, amongst wonderful morsels of food and drink. Piling on serving after serving of calories, she felt as though she had been cast into heaven. Cooking was one of her secret passions, and these dishes were some of the finest examples of the culinary arts she had never before seen. Finishing her fourth plate, she felt bloated - but happy - and reserved herself a seat on the upper levels above the ballroom. Clapping whole-heartedly for the dancers and their striking ballgowns, dapper suits, and graceful dancing, she laughed in mirth.

She thought that, was it not for the heavy Christian elements of the country, the USN and New Edom could be cultural corrispondants, and their leaders might even become confedantes with time. But she dismissed these thoughts, and instead focused on the ball.

[Pyeon-Gang Ho]

Hyeon-Mi decided to sit out the dancing, this was the trouble of showing up to a ball without a date. She hadn't ever had a dance before though she was of the age and in the school to start having school dances. Problem was how does a Princess ask a boy to a dance or vice versa.

[Gehenna Tartarus]

As much as she had enjoyed the festivities during the day, the ball was the part that Marissa had been most looking forward to, mostly because it meant that she could dress like a princess and she could dance, which just happened to be two of her favourite things. The Tartarian princess was dressed in a flowing pale pink ball gown, that bellowed out from her waist. It had a sprinkling of diamante on the bodice and a more spread out sprinkling on the skirt. The dress was form fitting at the top and with a sweet heart neckline, and small puff sleeves on her shoulders. She wore a diamond earrings, necklace and bracelet and a diamond headband, that pulled her blonde hair from her face.

Prince Hugo was dressed simply in a tuxedo, with perfectly buffed shoes. His dusty blonde hair looked as if he had just ran his hands through it, which he had spent several minutes trying to perfect before he joined his friends for dinner. He was still annoyed that Tia had abandoned his sister to gallivant after her New Edomite boyfriend.

The final Tartarian, Lady Tia Fitzsimmons, was dressed in a pale blue dress that fitted her body to her hips then flared out to give a little billow, but not too much. The top of the dress was cut a little more daring than Marissa’s, while it did not have sleeves or straps, it had a diamante strand that when around the tops of her arms so that it was not entirely strapless. She wore diamond and aquamarine jewellery and her hair was piled up on her head and decorated with various pins.

They had all enjoyed the dinner and like Marissa, Tia and Hugo had both been looking forward to the ball, as they both agreed that dancing could be a lot of fun. They watched as President Touchstone asked Mara’s mother for a dance, their gazes following the couple onto the dance floor.

Hugo had cast a brief glance at Mara, almost tempted to ask for a dance, but he knew that her future husband was present and it was most likely that he would want to have the first dance with her, so he decided that at least for the first dance, he would sit it out and maybe get himself a drink.

Tia, who had spent a pleasant stroll around the park with Perrin, sat beside Marissa. The two young women were admiring all the beautifully dressed ladies at the ball, as the stood up to dance.

[TurtleShroom]

"Sorry, sirs, it's the law now." said the janitor pleasantly. He was wearing a blue coverall that had the patch for the New Edomite Rail Directorate (or NERD) on it, and he kept driving his machine past them.

Paul was pleased to see a man in clothes.

"Aww thank goodness you're not naked. Can you tell us anything about thsi law, and where it's implemented? I don't think the enitre nation is streaking now..."

"You can probably get a taxi if you go out that door there and then up the stairs. There's usually some taxis around, and then you can get to the Gala." He looked at them doubtfully. "You're really diplomats? You're not pulling my leg and on your way to a costume party?"

Bessford and Paul reached into their respective suit pockets and robe and produced their identifications.

"-and yesh, my teeth are real. No, I'm not wearing sshhhtiltsh." Bessford said, with a blend of amusement and insult.

Paul smiled.

"Thank you for your help, sir."


Paul led Bessford, with his own hand still over his eyes, up and to the street, where he hailed a taxi and entered. Not looking at the driver, who was probably nude, Paul spoke.

"We are the delegation from the Holy Republic of TurtleShroom. Please take us to the primary venue of the state venue. If you allow route customization, we request to be taken through an area where we won't be exposed to maniacal streaking. We will pay any neccesary fares that would incur."

Bessford was still frustrated.

"HASH EVERYONE IN NEW EDOM GONE THE WAY OF RAY SHTEVENSH?!"

[Constaniana]

Finally, we get to the fun part of this, Maximus thought as the ball began. He had let Irene have her fun going around the Zoo and looking at pretty much every animal there, even reading those blasted plaques detailing the most insignificant things about the animal's migration patterns or why its feathers were a certain shade of blue. And he thought his mother was bad about taking ages in museums, Irene was even worse. Thank The Lord in heaven he wouldn't have to go through that for a long time. I swear when I get married I am not having a wife who takes centuries to get through a single art museum he thought. But enough of that, who would be a good person to dance with? the Prince thought, scanning the room. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a light blue striped tie and a white dress shirt, with black trousers and polished shoes, and his light brown hair actually looked decently tidy, even if it had taken 15 minutes of brushing. "Oh, what are you scowling about?" Irene said to him, gently elbowing him and winking. The princess was wearing a dark blue ballroom gown with very short sleeves, and a neckline that went down enough to hint at her cleavage while still leaving something to the imagination, her blonde hair coming down a bit past her shoulders. "Can't you find someone else to pester?" Maximus said, although there was a joking smile on his face. "Alright, I've tortured you enough with all those birds and fish today. I suppose I can leave you alone for the rest of the night," she said, laughing a bit as she walked off to find other people to talk to. So who would be good to dance with? Maximus thought as he continued to look around the room, trying to decide which woman to ask. Certainly not the insane communist gypsy He thought, chuckling a tiny bit at the thought.

[Hittanryan]

The banquet had been pleasant enough, a typical state function with a bit more pomp and circumstance than they were used to. Came with the territory for anywhere with even a facsimile of royalty. The four Adirans had changed into more formal attire for the banquet and ball. DeGroot, Friedman, and Alvarado were in tuxedos, while Rhea was wearing a strapless, long blue evening gown. Her hair was down, but curlier than at the reception. Upon arriving at the ball, they split up and each went their own way.

Having possibly made progress in the diplomatic sphere, DeGroot was determined to have a good time, and made for the bar. Friedman noted Touchstone's dance partner, thinking "Still need to publicly bury the proverbial hatchet, huh?" He entertained the thought of dancing himself, though after a while an image entered Friedman's brain consisting of him suddenly busting out MC Hammer moves amidst a crowd of horrified onlookers. "Maybe later...at the very least it wouldn't fit with the tempo of a waltz..."

Rhea saw plenty of sharp-dressed men all around, but she couldn't shake the feeling that a lot of them had rather medieval views on how to treat women. She'd caught some of the comments from the Cossacks in particular, and was aware of the positions of many conservatives in the room. Throughout the reception she'd found it difficult to talk to many of them. Many of the royals seemed insular, and prone to chatting on about trivialities. She'd found the conversation with Tia interesting, but it would be obvious to anyone she would be more interested in dancing with her boyfriend, the general Tom tried his best to insult. "Guess who's not joining the diplomatic corps?" As she wandered around however, she came about a half a centimeter from stepping on Prince Hugo's shoe, bumping into him as she caught herself. "Oh! I'm sorry!"

Tom, for his part, decided to loosen up. A little birdie told him Mara's fiancee was in the room somewhere, and he reasoned that meant it would be a bad idea to approach her too directly at first. She'd acted thoroughly distant towards him all day anyway. In all likelihood she simply hadn't hung out with that group of friends in a while, but there was also the possibility the engagement was weighing heavily on her. Ah well, he'd see her again at work, if she wanted to talk to him, it would probably not be tonight. On a whim, he approached a woman he'd not been introduced to, Irene from Constaniana. "Excuse me, ma'am, you look like you're in need of a dance partner."

[New Edom]

The Ball

Perrin walked across the floor and bowed to Tia, and asking her, "May I have this dance, Lady Fitzsimmons?" with a smile, led her out onto the floor, where he began to lead her as his feet neatly turned with his eyes looking down warmly into hers. She looked dazzlingly beautiful to him, the loveliest woman at the ball. "I booked a room at the Majestic as well, you know," he said to her quietly, his mouth quirking in a grin.

Mara didn't see Hugo's glance at her, she was doing her best to be smiling, happy and delighted at her circumstances. Unbeknownst to most there she was quite privy to all the intrigues in the capital, and knew how much tension existed between the largely aristocratic Monarchist Party (with bizarrely the support of the Wisdom and Communist Parties) and the Free Congress and its allies. To Mara, intriguing for a return to total power of the Monarchy was insane, and the compromise was working well. So she just kept smiling, enjoying the music, while part of her heart was darkened with the sense that she was being used. She knew she had to start becoming better at the game--unbeknownst to most of their foreign guests New Edom's history told her that the peace Touchstone had established probably depended entirely on him and the strength of his allies. Tonight was his celebration as much as any. Up in the gallery the aging doddering old Archbishop, and obviously late or absent the King and his dim witted gorgeous wife.

The Taxi Driver

"Wollen snee verble verble grabso!" exclaimed the cab driver to the two TurtleShroomers. He was wearing some kind of long cream and green neckless long sleeved tunic and baggy trousers and flip flops, and wore a strange looking crooked cross, and had dark olive skin and black hair. "Grabso frab mollets!" and he began to drive them at a shocking speed, dodging around other cars, honking his horn and shouting out his window at other drivers, who shook their fists back and drove just as fast in some cases or shockingly slowly in other cases. There were no speed limit signs on the roads.

[Riemaia]

Anneli stayed in her wheelchair, putting her earphones in to drown out the sound of the classical music she hated with music she did like, polka. Ever since she was a little girl, Anneli could not appreciate classical music, regularly choosing to leave when it started to play, which on occasion ruined certain events. She sat there looking around the room while listening to her music, unaware to what everyone else was doing. The others, Lena, Rena, Elise, and Claire were in similar boats, just sitting around, but they actually liked classical music, or at least could tolerate listening to it.

[Constaniana]

Tom, for his part, decided to loosen up. A little birdie told him Mara's fiancee was in the room somewhere, and he reasoned that meant it would be a bad idea to approach her too directly at first. She'd acted thoroughly distant towards him all day anyway. In all likelihood she simply hadn't hung out with that group of friends in a while, but there was also the possibility the engagement was weighing heavily on her. Ah well, he'd see her again at work, if she wanted to talk to him, it would probably not be tonight. On a whim, he approached a woman he'd not been introduced to, Irene from Constaniana. "Excuse me, ma'am, you look like you're in need of a dance partner."

Irene smiled at the man and curtsied. "Why thank you, I don't believe we've met," Irene said, taking his hand as they began to waltz. "I'm her Highness Princess Irene Galinson, what's your name?" She asked, smiling at the man again.

[Gehenna Tartarus]

Tia gave Perrin her most charming smile, as she followed him onto the dance floor. The last time she had seen him, the evening has started with a dance and had progressed nicely with her parents giving the couple their blessing to see each other. She looked up into his eyes, her blue orbs glistening in the lights for the ballroom. Whenever she was with him, it was as if the rest of the world disappeared, at least briefly, even when they were surrounded by people.

“Oh, you have, have you?” She asked teasingly, her face indicating just how happy she was with the revelation. She did not get to see him as much as she would have liked and she always made the most of the time they had together. As they began to dance, her gaze did not move from his. She loved looking into his face and imagining his lips pressing against hers, his arms wrapped tightly around her, as they had been at the park. Her thoughts moved on til later in the evening, with caused her eyes to sparkle, giving her thoughts away briefly. “I bought something nice with me, just in case,” she added, sounding a little breathless.

* * * * *

Marissa could see that Hugo was wrapped up in Tia and Mara, although he had not made a move to dance with either and had been beaten to one by Perrin. She loved her brother, most of the time, but he really could be a little slow on the uptake. She let her gaze wander around the floor, noticed that Empress Anneli was sitting in the ballroom with a set of headphones on. The Riemaian was a little strange, but Marissa found her amusing and very friendly. Most empresses treated people like they were dirt, but Anneli was not like that at all. Not that she had ever been treated badly by Gehenna, but her cousin could be a little standoffish at times. She walked over to where she was sitting in her wheelchair and greeted her with a warm smile.

“Your Majesty, may I say that you look beautiful, this evening,” she said, smiling brightly. After how much discomfort the young woman had been in, the princess was surprised that she had made it to the ball. She doubted the Empress could hear her, but she could probably see that she was speaking due to her mouth opening and closing.

* * * * *

Hugo watched as Perrin came and asked Tia for a dance and then watched as his sister got up and walked over to Anneli. He really needed a drink or two. There were a few attractive women around and maybe later in the evening he could entice one or two of them to dance, and maybe Mara too, if she did not get too caught up with the whole marriage thing.

[Nordkrusen]

Henrich had kept to the sidelines and hid as as good as he could, within thet limits of protocol that is, walking towards someone else as he saw any member of the Edomite government or royal family approach, pretending to be in deep conversation with someone else and of cource a couple of healthy visits to the John. He knew he couldnt hide forever, infact what he was doing was already near the edge of crossing the line, this wasnt even like him! but to meet his "fiance" whom he never even met before made the bearded giant feel a nervousness like he never felt before! Keeping himself at the edge of the of the dancefloor, he tried invain to locate someone from his delegation...where was that devil von Haugwitz when you needed him?!

[Riemaia]

Anneli was listening to her music as Marissa strolled up to her, noticing her mouth was moving, and quickly pulled out her earphones. "Oh hey Marissa! Let me introduce you to my family," she said as she looked over to everyone. "My mother Claire," She said as she pointed to the redhead of the group, who smiled back. "My sister Elise," She said as Elise jumped up and walked over to them, and gave Marissa a small hug, with her light brown hair flowing. "My fifth cousin Lena," again as she said, Lena looked at them and waved. "And lastly someone i'm not related to, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rena Tuulikki. So Marissa, now that iv'e introduced you to some people, what brings you to this side of the ballroom?" Said Anneli as she smiled at her.

[New Edom]

At that moment, Admiral Prince Elijah Shalmaneser approached purposefully, his white navy uniform with gold buttons and braid and dress sword contrasting with his dark olive complexion and dark hair and flashing eyes, and bowed. He couldn't take anymore. All he could think of was balloons, bouncing balls, milk jugs, fun, fun fun, pitchers of thick cream, motor boats and other such sporty images, and he bowed to Claire, his face calm to hide his inner turmoil. He cursed the desire that was in him--what he wanted more than anything was someone calm, intelligent and kind like Elise, but she was a lesbian, so what was the point. He gave her a look of longing as he said, "Good evening, dear ladies," before saying to Claire, "Might I beg your Imperial Highness for this dance before the song ends please?"