A Visit to Mycenae (Cranaeia and Laval only)

[Cranaeia]

Mycenae
Laval

Her Imperial Highness, Melody Porphyrogenita, the Grand Duchess of Philotera was the youngest of the Emperor of Cranaeia's four children and the second of two daughters. She was seventeen years old and would be turning eighteen next December. Most of her female cousins, had each served in important diplomatic positions by her age, and most of them including her sister had been married before the age of twenty. Just over a month ago Her Sister, Her Imperial highness, Michaela Porphyrogenita, the Grand Duchess of Dendera, had married Prince Benoit of Royal Quebec, her sister was even expecting a baby to be born some time in the summer. Melody herself was not engaged nor did she want to be. The Grand Duchess hoped that she would be well received in Mycenae in a reception appropriate for her rank and title as a Grand Duchess of Cranaeia.

Her Imperial Highness Melody Porphyrogenita had a reputation at the Imperial court for being strong-willed, adventurous, and stubborn (vices in a young lady, not virtues, at the Imperial Court of New Alexandria). She had volunteered herself for the visit to Mycenae, Laval so that she could see the world in get away from the regid Court étiquette of the Imperial Court of New Alexandria.

[Cranaeia]

The gold and white Boeing 787 Dreamliner slowly landed on the stretch of land maked Mycenae International Airport. The sun shined brightly. As the plane slowly speed up to its assigned stop, Her Imperial Highness, Melody Porphyrogenita, the Grand Duchess of Philotera and her party stared out the window were they could see a blanket of snow covering the ground. Meldoy thought out loud, "Mycenae's so lovely this time of year", the Grand Duchess' lady in waiting Marie Di̱mi̱tríou, daughter of the Duke of Tamassós, turned and asked the Grand Duchess what she had said. The Grand Duchess responded by sayng never mind.


When the plane finally came to a full stop and the airbridge had been secured, the party gathered and prepared to Disembark from the aircraft.


Her Imperial Highness the Grand Duchess followed the Imperial Cranaeian guards through the aircraft door. The Grand Duchess was an attractive woman, she was tall with blond hair while her brothers and sisters and even her mother and father all had brown hair. She was wearing a formal gown in the new New Alexandria Contemporary fashion. The Grand Duchess's gown was a pink silk dress embroidered with cloth of gold in a floral pattern made to resemble lilies of the valley her favorite flower. The neckline was open but modest. The dress ended a few inches below the knees. The Grand Duchess wore her blond hair down and curled.

Around her neck the Grand Duchess wore a diamond and Ruby necklace and atop her long blond hair she wore a matching tiara, both pieces part of the Private Imperial Crown Jewels. The Grand Duchesswas followed by a man in his fifties dressed in a uniform of a dignitary of the Imperial Court of New Alexandria. Baron Francis Von Tolkian, the Empire of Cranaeia's Ambassador to Mycenae, had traveled to New Alexandria, only to accompany the Grand Duchess back to Laval and brief her on the way. Beside the Baron was woman, shorter and slighter than the princess, with light brown hair. Marie Di̱mi̱tríou who was the princess’ long-time Chief of Staff and her constant companion since childhood. Behind the Grand Duchess's chief of staff was Sir George Ladás, Marquess of Mothis, a dapper older gentleman, who happened to be one senior diplomats of the Ministery of State for Foreign affairs.

The Grand Duchess in her party waited in the Mycenae International Airport to be recived by some member of the Lavalian Government.

[Laval]

President Edwards greets the arriving plane in Mycenae, along with fellow members of his cabinet. A long white carpet is laid out from the stairs of the gold and white airplane, ending at the foot of two large black helicopters ready to transport the officials to the Capital. Paparazzi try to flash a picture of the famous Grand Duchess, as she remains much of celebrity through the world, adored by many Lavalian citizens. The Cranaeian royals slowly proceed to the helicopter, shaking the hands of various congressmen and military generals that line the elegant white carpet. At the end is President Edwards with his Secretary of State Margret Deyes. The two greet the Grand Duchess and her companions; "Welcome Grand Duchess of Philotera to Laval. We wish your visit of Mycenae to be a pleasant one."

The President and Secretary of State along with the Craneian royals board one of the two helicopters along with secret service agents. They will be transported to roof of the Old Senate in Mycenae. The building was the first government building built in the nation; well preserved since the ancient times. It lies on an island in Mycenae Harbor, one of the oldest cities in the world. The large glass roof shines brilliantly against the warming sun. Much of the old town has been preserved, however large glass government buildings can be seen behind the ancient building. It is here that the tour of Mycenae will begin.

[Cranaeia]

The Grand Duchess Melody greeted President Edwards and his Secretary of State Margret Deyes with a smile, and followed him as biden, along the white carpet, The Grand Duchess extended her hand for President Edwards to kiss. Melody curtsied to the waiting dignitaries. As official introductions were made, and photographs were posed-for for the benefit of the "Lavalian press", the party proceeded in their assigned order of precedence. The Lavalians would have known, from documents sent ahead, that the Grand Duchess
as a member of the Cranaeian Imperial Family and daughter of an Emperor was to be addressed as Your Imperial Highness not as Grand Duchess.


The Grand Duchess Melody took President Edwards aside and said to him how much she admired his country and its lack of etiquette, she added that Laval was quite different compared to all the etiquette and court Ceremonial that the Imperial Court of New Alexandria had. She ended the conversation with asking President Edwards why they were using a white carpet instead of a red one like most countries, she asked him if it was a tradition or something out of the ordinary?

[Cranaeia]

After their conversation, Preident Edwards led the Grand Duchess Melody to the waiting helicopters to Turning to President Edwards' Secretary of State Margret Deyes she said sweetly, “Of course, Your Excellency; please lead on.”

As the Grand Duchess led the Cranaeian delegation to the waiting helicopters. The LAvalian press snapped photos of the Grand Duchess in her party.

Once inside the Assigned Helicopter, Marie Di̱mi̱tríou leaned close to the Grand Duchess Melody and whispered something in her ear. The Grand Duchess nodded and smiled. She turned to President Edwards and said, "Your Ecxcellency Iam quite satisfied with the warm reception I have received but I do wish that you would Have had Musical Band that was playing my country's National Anthem."

Meanwhile a small number of other staff members accompanied by the baggage got into waiting cars to follow the Helicopters.

Taking a seat on one of the burgundy seats of the Helicopter, the Grand Duchess Melody crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap. “I have to say,” she commented to President Edwards, “I greatly appreciate the décor it reminds me of my father's private jet that we would ride on when I was little. So, how long will it take us to reach the Old Senate Building? And, perhaps you wouldn’t mind, Your Excellency, using the time to tell me a bit of what you think I, as a first time visitor to your country, should know about Laval, Ive heard stories that the Colossus of Mycenae, Is it truly one of the tallest statues in Alpdevsca.”

[Laval]

"I'm glad you enjoyed your reception, but I understand how you could have desired a more extravagant one." President Edward says. "In Laval, such receptions are uncommon. However the white carpet is a tradition; traced back to the formation of the nation."

The blades of the helicopter start spinning rapidly, and the helicopter begins to lift.

"We should be at the Old Senate in 20 minutes. It is a truly spectacular building, built in 400 BCE. Now it holds my office, and my cabinet. As this is your first visit to Laval, I might as well tell you some about our nation."

President Edwards takes a sip of his coffee. "Would your imperial highness care for a coffee?" He continues on.

"Laval is a very liberal nation, much a polar opposite to the conservative Cranaeia. We pride ourselves in our social and education policies that benefit the good of the people, as well as our national healthcare services which keep even the poorest members of Laval healthy. It is true of the stories of the Colossus, it is the tallest statue in Alpdevsca. Built in 300 BCE, it was the crowing jewel of our once direct democracy. Legend has it that the baths beneath the colossus will heal any sickness, however most dismiss that claim these days." President Edwards looks out of the window.

"If you take a look outside, you'll see the mountains." Mountain peaks appear outside the windows of the helicopter, as the vast city begins to appear behind their peaks. "I find the view spectacular every time I see it."

"We'll take you around on a tour of the city. I'll let you know that the press will be swarming us, so don't mind them." Secretary of State Deyes points out. "We will take you to any spot you wish. First you'll tour the historic little island where the old Senate is located. Here is the Colossus, the High Court, the old Palace, the Coliseum, and the grand theatre."

"The island is full of tourists, but they pose no threat. There are other sights to see as well. The Cathedral of Mycenae is one of the largest in the world, perhaps your Imperial Highness would like to visit such a building. Christ the redeemer is quite popular, as is the Congressional Hall. For some more modern buildings, the Chrysler tower is one. The Grand Central Station, and its glass counterpart East Central Station; which includes a monorail. The Whitehall shopping mall is the largest in the city, with thousands of high-end boutiques." President Edwards explains. "The choice is yours."

The Helicopter lands on the Old Senate. The sound of a cheering crowd could be heard from the Agora. "Any questions, your Imperial Highness?"

[Cranaeia]

There was no disproving, the city of Mycenae was truly an impressive city to visit. The Grand Duchess took the cup of coffee President Edwards offered her and thanked him for it. After savoring the taste of the Lavalian coffee she turned to Mr Edwards and said, "I hope that one day you will return the favor in visit Cranaeia so that I can show you the palace that I grew up in. I was wondering how old is Mycenae? it seems to be pretty old, Most of Cranaeia is the same way, I used to hate when the intire Imperial Court packed up all their belongings in moved to the ancient, dark, dank, and smelly old palaces located on the Acropolis of New Memphis to celebrate Easter as was tradition." I assure you New Memphis is almost older than the Empire of Cranaeia its self."

After that the Grand Duchess looked out the window in saw what she thought was the Old Senate bulding.
The Grand Duchess smiled and said, "The view from up here is truly spectacular it remainds me of my father's favorite summer residence at Trapezounta Palace located in a picturesque little town in the Cranaeian countryside surrounded by mountains."Were do you spend your summers Mr Edwards?"

[Laval]

The Helicopter flies overhead the Chrysler building and approaches the island. Unlike Halifax, Mycenae is a mix of ancient and modern design. The South end of the city is modern with a formal grid system, while the north is ancient and unplanned, apart from the convention center and trade center. On the Island the Colosus can be seen, although it is dwarfed by some of the buildings across the bay. An observatory needle is also present on the island.


"I have little of a summer, that is I spend it behind my desk." President Edwards says. "However, I do like to visit a sunny Oceanside town called Clearwater when I have the chance. I would travel Mycenae more often, but my guards wont let me."

"At least you have that." Exclaims Margret. "I fly to a new country each day, places I never thought existed."

A tone rings in the Helicopter, signifying landing.

"The old Senate is in plain sight. But quite the crowd that is in the Agora." Edwards exclaims.

"Nearly 300 media reporters are in that square" An agent tells the passengers.

The sun hits the glass roof of the senate. Nearby is the town hall, a tall clock tower that rings every hour, however is ringing now summoning the arrival of the Royals and President. The Agora is filled with curious spectators and paparazzi all wanting a glimpse of the Duchess. While in the distance, downtown can be seen on the left, while the trade center on the right. The tall Mycenaean mountains are seen in the background.

"What is your first impression, your imperial highness?"

[Cranaeia]

Her Imperia Highness, Melody Porphyrogenita (born in the purple), the Grand Duchess of Philotera gracefully takes President Edwards hand as he leads her up the steps of the centuries old Senate building to the waiting members of the Lavalian Government inside. Her Imperial Highness is followed by his Excellency Baron Francis Von Tolkian, the Cranaeian Ambassador to Mycenae, next is Marie Di̱mi̱tríou the Grand Duchess’ Chief of Staff, next is Sir George Ladás, Marquess of Mothis, and one of Cranaeia's leading Diplomats, serving as the Cranaeian official to the Alpdevscan Council. The Alpdevscan Council consists of the regions major powers, Laval is also a member nation of the Regional Council. The Grand Duchess as she ascends the steps stops and waves to the adoring crowd of people, she thought to herself they must really love when a royal visits their land because they dont have a monarch of their own, she than turned to President Edwards as they both reached the top of the steps to the Old Senate Building, She asked him, "was Laval ever a monarchy if so what happened to the former royal family? I was just wonderin for you see I know very little about your country except that it is very democratic and that the people here adore their presidents almost as much as the Cranaeian People adore their Emperors"


His Excellency Baron Francis Von Tolkian, the Cranaeian Ambassador to Mycenae affirmed that there was much to discuss. “Indeed, Your Excellency,” the Ambassador said with a heavy Cranaeian accent speaking in french the language of the Imperial Court of New Alexandria, “there truly is much to discuss. And I would be delighted to meet who ever is in chage of your country's commerce department; I believe there is much room for improved diplomatic and commercial relations.”


After President Edwards had given his response the Grand Duchess inquired on what accommodations had been made for them, she asked if they were to stay at the President's official Residence or else where?

[Laval]

President Edward waves happily at the crowd of people in the Agora before turning back to the Duchess to answer her question. "Yes, in the middle ages, Laval had a royal family. King William IV had ruined such a prospect. He was viewed as corrupt by the people and attempted to dissolve the senate. The King William revolution broke, and he was assassinated along with many religious officials. Every since has the republic been established- and most the nation atheist." Edwards takes a long pause. "Nobody knows what happened to his family, some say they fled, other say they were killed or tortured by the rebels. It's unknown."

President Edwards turns to Baron Francis Von Tolkain, "Yes, we will have plenty of discussions. When we step into the Senate, I'll introduce you to Dominic Andreas, the Deputy of Commerce. We may have a round table with him and some other members of my cabinet."

The sun begins to set over the mountains of Mycenae, and the sky fills a warmer shade of blue; despite the frigid temperatures. The city clock tower rings its bells 5 long times to signal the five o'clock hour. President Edwards points to the building across the avenue.

"That, your Imperial Highness, is the Executive Mansion, where my cabinet and myself live. We have prepared a guest suite for you and your companions. But now, the Presidential chefs have prepared a meal. A tunnel underground connects the two buildings."

The party of executives enter the halls of the old Senate. Marble floors and mosaics cover the ground, and the large glass dome can be seen above. Bureaucrats, Congressmen, Lobbyists, and Reporters run around franticly from side to side- attending to their business. The President leads the Grand Duchess, and the others down a tunnel where they reach the Executive Mansion. The Presidents dog is seen lazily resting on the steps of a grand staircase, and merely blinks when he see's his owner.

They enter the dining hall, where some members of Congress, Justices, and members of the President's cabinet already await the President and the Royals arrival. A modest applause starts when they walk into the hall.

"It is rare that we have such formal events, follow me to your seat."

[Cranaeia]

As President Edwards led her through the dining hall to her seat, she wondered to herself that the Executive Mansion reminded her of the ancient palaces of Cranaeia with its Marble floors and mosaics and greek style columns. As she took her seat she complemented President Edwards' wife on her excelent taste in furniture, saying that the mosaics on the mansion's mable floors looked very old she asked Mrs Edwards when were the mosaics made?

After she had received Mrs Edwards answer, a member of the lavalian staff came up to her and asked if she would like a glass of wine, she responded by saying yes please. After the servant had left she helped her self to the Lavalian delicacies on her plate, after helping herself to a few pieces of finely cut salmon she turned toMarie Di̱mi̱tríou, her Chief of Staff, and wispered, "Iam truly impressed by the Lavalian reception, though it is not as grand and extravagent as some of the receptions we have in Cranaeia, none the less Iam Iam truly impressed."

She than turned to Mr Edwards who was seated to her left, and said I would like for you to know that my father will be celebrating his fiftieth year on the Cranaeian Throne, and I know he would be greatly honoured if you and your lovely wife could come to New Alexandria to celebrate it with him, The Jubilee celebrations will start on March 1 and last through March 8th, I do hope you can make it, In New Alexandria the reception will be grand and the people in Cranaeia have heard much about Laval's president, they whish to place a face to the name, and many in the Imperial Court of New Alexandria have only seen you once when my father visited Mycenae in 1973, when he had reached the age of majorit, I do recall him saying that you were among the people present when he made his speech, you were not president than I dont think. If am wrong it was perhaps your father who was politician was he not?

[Laval]

Mrs. Edwards responds "Yes, the furniture and flooring here are very fine. They too are very old, but not as those of the old Senate. I believe they were made around 300 CE, before the fall of the republic. Every year, they are coated with a layer of seal to protect them from damage." The first lady walks to greet some of the Craneian officials In the dining hall.

"I would be honored to attend our Jubilee with your wife, and I will be sure to schedule so." President Edwards remarks. He bites into his meal of scallops. Laval has a wide variety of seafood, especially in Mycenae. The hall is full of clanking of silverware and dishes, the laughter of congressmen, and the running around of waiters. And of course, the first dog finds his way into the action, and is treated with his own meal. "It is interesting how long it's been since such a noted official from Craneia has visited. You are right that I was not the President at the time. In Laval, the President can only serve 6 years. Its possible for two terms, but only on a referendum." He takes a sip of water. "However, I did not attend the speech, as I was still in University. It may have been my father. He's retired from the Senate now."

Waiters and Chefs come out to serve dessert. A large cake, surrounded by classical Lavalian pastries. Various Lavalian sugar cookies and fresh fruit also are placed on the table. They cut into the cake, and serve a slice to the attendees of the diner.

Afterwards, the President and Grand Duchess will prepare to go out and see two of Mycenae's best spectacles at night. The colossus at night, and the center of downtown with its tremendously large billboards and bright lights.