Ulvenan Winter Festival (IC Thread/Open)

[Ulvena]

OOC: Please sign up in the Sign up thread if you wish to join any time during this festival. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=214169

Eclipse Empire of Ulvena -- Siyang (Eclipse Palace)

Siyang, in all of its glory, shone bright in the night sky. Ponies and humans alike were hustling up and down their houses, both urban and suburban alike. In the urban green city of Siyang Downtown, festive lights adorned the brass, steel, and brick buildings. Puffs of smoke shone in all different colors in this, most magical time of year. In suburban Siyang, one could not go five feet without seeing a miniature hot air balloon made of all sorts of different colors of paper. They blanketed the sky, each with a simple wish written in Hanja (Chinese).

But no building shone brighter than the Eclipse Palace, building of power in Ulvena. Inside the massive complex of walls and pagodas rest the most magnificent building of them all, the Emperor's Chamber. Two stories of bright lights and exotic Asian architecture loomed over the scrambling servants and workers of the Eclipse Palace, getting to work for the Winter Festival.

On the balcony, Aiden Inzen, Great Emperor of Ulvena, watched everyone decorate for the Festival in the morning. He turned to his wife and gestured towards the bright lights blasting their luminescence up towards Luna's Moon.

"Doesn't this look amazing? This is the First International Winter Festival and I will make my mark in history as the Emperor who threw the best Festival of all time," Aiden boasted as he gripped the wood railings of his balcony harder in anticipation.

His wife, Evelyn Inzen, nodded and smiled as the workers inflated a miniature Airship and decorated the decks with several different stands.

"Yeah, this is going to be the best festival ever!"

Morning

Emperor Aiden Inzen was up at 6:00AM. He wouldn't miss this festival for the world. Immediately, one of the Councillors approached him with a sheet of paper. It was the list of VIPs and businesses from other nations. The Emperor looked through the list and nodded, then told the Councillor to open up the Siyang International Airport for the VIPs.

Outside of the Emperor's Chambers, the festival was up and running. Five Airships floated just slightly above the rooftops of the smaller pagoda like chambers, every single one littered with stands and displays. The Courtyard of Flowers already had nobility wandering around it. And in the long stretch between the Chambers rested the Palace Walkway, brightly shining in the dim light of morning. Lights were attached all across the walkway with people and ponies shuffling around rapidly, getting their shows ready.

Great Emperor Aiden Inzen and his wife waited in their bedroom for the international VIPs.

[Falsea]

Falsean Embassy in Downtown Siyang

"So today is the day eh?"

The Falsean Ambassador to the Eclipse Empire of Ulvena, Brenda Fairbanks, was walking out of the Falsean embassy alongside the Charge D'affaires. Although this would be the first time she would partake in this nation's cultural festivities, she had come to enjoy and like the atmosphere of the country she was in.

The society was indeed different, but the woman found it to be a worthwhile experience to become the ambassador to Ulvena, instead of her job back then in the Ministry of State, just sitting around and typing documents.

"Yes Philip, today is the day of the Winter Festival.", responded ambassador Fairbanks with a smile to the balding man beside her. She was clearly excited to attend the festival, having been cooped up in the embassy either dealing with foreigners who want a visa or Falsean immigrants.

"Today is going to be different from what we usually do here, and I'am glad to get out of the embassy for once.", she added further, as they reached the motor pool of the embassy. Above, the many buildings of Siyang, alongside the airships that were regarded as part of the social norm in Ulvena towered over the embassy.

"I"ll be off now, you're in charge for today, alright?", she said lastly, getting inside the ambassadorial aedan that would take her to the Festival's location. The ambassadorial aedan was, unknown to anyone but the ambassador, powered by Diesel. The commitment of Ulvena to maintaining a clean environment of even their largest cities was also one of the things that Brenda liked about the nation.

Eclipse Palace, Siyang

"Well, we're here Madame.", exclaimed the driver of the sedan, as the car stopped in front of the gates of the Eclipse Palace.

"Just call me through the phone when the festival's done, but for now, enjoy!", the driver added, opening the door of the sedan for ambassador Fairbanks. The car eventually drove off, leaving the ambassador to gaze at the building.

"Beautiful indeed.", she exclaimed to herself as she observed the giant palace. She stood there for perhaps a full minute, before walking towards the entrance. A man was standing guard, and the ambassador introduced herself.

"I'am Brenda Fairbanks, Falsean Ambassador to Ulvena.", she exclaimed with a smile.

[Minroz]

Downtown Siyang

“Your highness, wait for me!” said the exasperated bespectacled maid, carrying her sword and large backpack. “My god, I should’ve not brought too much accessories.” She mutters about the weight of her luggage.

“Asena, what did I tell you that His Holy Highness the Third Prince does not need such things like accessories.” The serious-looking maid chastises her colleague and close friend. “After all, he did give you orders not to bring any.”

“By the gods, Tuya!” Asena huff indignantly, carrying the bags. “His Highness must look neat and proper when meeting the Rulers of this land and their Royal subjects, representing our glorious nation of Minroz. We can’t have him looking like a foreign beggar!”

Enkhtuyaa gave a sigh over Asena’s fussiness. “Look, I understand your concern but His Highness doesn’t like to come off as a rich snob. Again, He wanted people to know he’s a humble individual like everyone in this universe.” She spoke, massaging her temple.

“Yes, yes, I’ve heard that many times but he’s a royal representing our country.” The bespectacled woman protest, “It will do him no good if he’s isn’t well-presented in front of the locals. Otherwise…” waving her hands in the air like crazy. “I’ll be heartbroken to see His Highness being mocked for the way he’s dressed!” She then broke down and cry, much to Enkhtuyaa’s dismay.

Meanwhile, donning his casual Chinese clothes, Tesisuri the Third son and youngest child of the Emperor look at Asena with deep pity. Being a thoughtful individual, he pats on her shoulder causing her to wince and look at him into his gentle eyes.

“Um, Asena, it’s okay,” Tesisuri tries to assure his maid with his warm smile. “You don’t have to go all that trouble for me. Don’t worry I can handle it myself but it’s quite nice of you to care for my well-being.”

Touched, Asena could feel the tears of joy of hearing the words coming from her adorable master.

“Th-thank y-you, you’re s-so kind.” She sniffled. Enkhtuyaa meanwhile look annoyed at the display but deep down she wanted to switch places with Asena. Like her bespectacled friend, she adores Tesisuri very much for his childish cuteness.

The Minrozian prince and his servants are here to partake in the local cultural festival. Partly the nerdish prince himself wanted to be adventurous as usual. His maids are from the Yeni-zeris, Minrozian All-female Imperial Guards. They’re assigned to be his servants and bodyguards. Over time, they grew very fond of Tesisuri, treating him as if their favourite little brother, worthy of pampering, much to his dismay.

“hehe,” the Third prince chuckles nervously at her display.

Enkhtuyaa politely coughs to get her companions’ attention. “Your Highness, we need to make haste to the Eclipse Palace.” She stated.

“Oh right! Let’s go Asena!” Tesisuri said as he then dashes off to his destination with Enkhtuyaa in tow.

“Hey! Wait for me!” the bespectacled swordswoman yells, following her master afterwards.

---

Eclipse Palace, Siyang

Moments later, they’ve finally arrived at the palace on foot.

“Wow, this place reminds me of Joseon (Iclamian equivalent of Korea).” Tesisuri comments on the palace, admiring the architecture.

“Indeed!” The maids’ agrees. The Minrozians walk up to the entrance, meeting up with the man standing guard. They’re saw a Caucasian woman (Brenda Fairbanks) over there talking to the guard.

“This is interesting, I guess we’re not the only ones wanted to see the palace.” Asena muses.

[Danarian]

The Tattered Banner and Raging Storm a pair of Jaron-Class light-cruisers came into orbit of the planet, where below sat the Empire of Ulvena and its capital Siyang, as majestically as a pair of metallic dragons. Indeed, in the early morning light, the two ships appeared suddenly, low in the sky, as a pair of closely spaced, faint stars.

Ao P'aria watched quietly from the back of the bridge of the Tattered Banner as her bridge-crew effortlessly brought the ships into a geosynchronous orbit. The High-Captain of the Tattered Banner was Guntas Y'terr, an old friend from back when she herself was in the Danarian Space Forces. A few years her elder, the High-Captain looked surprisingly harder than Ao P'aria had remembered her. Which upon a second thought was not all that surprising, considering that on her first deployment as Captain of the Tattered Banner, she was forced into combat against the E'brinarius, where nearly half her crew was KiA and her ship only just managed to limp back home. Amazingly enough, it was at that moment that her friend turned her head back to her and gave her a knowing smile, before pulling up a zoomed in image of the city of Siyang.

Ao P'aria couldn't help but wonder why the Imperators had taken such an interest in a pre-awoken* civilization, as she regarded the sprawling city, her emotions kept carefully in check, to all save one...

They are a class eight civilization. The voice of her husband sounded in her mind, after reading her thoughts.

She turned her head to regard him, standing behind her, with a grin on his face. Are you sure of that? She responded telepathically.

He nodded. They may not be awoken yet, but from what we understand, their culture consists of two, very different species living in harmony. She raised an eyebrow in surprise at that - such a thing was almost unheard of for civilizations twice their level! Both humans and E'kuitis live side by side in an early-industrial society. It is my understanding that the Imperators think that in as short a time as one long-span that they may well take to space?

She nodded in thought. It was not her duty to collect information on this society, however, she felt like it would be an opportunity wasted if she did not try. Plus, to be honest, she had to see it with her own eyes, this harmonious society that they had created...
"Captain?" She called out as she turned around, drawing the attention of Guntas Y'terr, "Please make ready a shuttle for my departure. I will see to selecting a guard..."

"As you wish, Languara." The High-Captain nodded, turning back to her bridge-officers to make it so.

"Come my love, we have preparations to make." Ao P'aria said with a teasing grin to her 'husband', who quickly fell instep with her as they left the bridge...

---

Prior to their departure, several intercepted transmissions pointed towards a relatively clear point that the locals called Siyang International Airport as the best location for their landing. From their orbital scans, they detected various forms of aircraft entering and leaving the airspace around the area. This did little to concern the Danarian shuttle-pilot however, comparatively speaking, they were tortoises compared to the shuttle. The dull-gray, bullet shaped shuttle did its best to set down relatively out of the way and near what they assumed to be the transportation terminal? Once safely on the ground, the rear hatch swung up to open, permitting Ao Sa'taris to hop out first. His light grey long-robe was tied about his waist with a light blue sash that also held his ceremonial sabre-sword and the semi-concealed Hata. It was nothing particularly fancy, just a practical design without any frills. Relatively certain of his wife, the ambassador's safety, he offered her his hand to help her out of the craft.

She hopped down effortlessly, her long, silver colored robes, trimmed in black and gold geometric designs (which could be easily confused to be Greek) settled ceremoniously about her form, giving her a regal appearance. She regarded the place herself before looking to her husband for guidance, as where to go?

---

The two arrived at the entrance to the palace in short order, after securing transportation. Surprisingly enough, the diplomat's UT managed to quickly pick up on both the languages used in Siyang, making them appear to be little more than oddly dressed humans...though perhaps with a strange accent?

Ao Sa'taris quickly recognized what he knew to be some sort of royal-guard and the now growing line before them, before they would have a chance to introduce themselves. One of the three immediately in front of them, a human woman (the best he could tell), was carrying a sword on her back. She seemed to be escorting the younger boy in front of them? So he assumed... At the very front as another human, in some sort of odd garb, the likes of which were foreign to Danarii...


(( * Awoken/ pre-awoken: The shortened form of the phrase; "Awoken to the wonders of the universe." The Danarii expression meaning to become space-faring, the usual point for first contact with developing 'alien' species. ))

[Geilinor]

At 8:00 AM, as the sun had begun to rise, an airplane with the lettering "Government of the Federation of Geilinor" on the sides approached the capital of the Empire of Ulvena, Siyang. The plane began to land in a section of the airport that was reserved for foreign governments.

It had been a long flight for the Minister of Foreign Katrina Walstein, who had fallen asleep. The pilot said, "Minister Walstein, we have arrived in Ulvena."

A driver was waiting for the Minister at the airport, who led her to a waiting diplomatic car. Minister Walstein got in, and the vehicle sped off towards the Eclipse Palace.

The palace was grand and beautifully decorated, with lights everywhere. It was a huge complex of traditional Asian architecture. Despite being from a German-speaking country, it was familiar to the minister. Buddhism was the most commonly practiced religion in Geilinor.

"This seems like it's going to be a great Winter Festival," remarked Minister Walstein.