International District [IC, TWI]

[Balnik]

Angelica Vasic adjusted her cuffs sharply, inspecting herself in the mirror as she inspected every inch of her black suit dress, fiddling with her tie as she straightens and aligns the imposing Balniki Coat of Arms lapel she proudly displays on the right side of her chest. Her clothing emits an imposing feeling, one of dominance and minimalism, but the person wearing them was anything but that.

Angelica found herself born into a wealthy family, who often maneuvered themselves to provide Angelica the best possible jobs they could get, Angelica on the other hand was meek and shy, and certainly not qualified for the positions she was assigned to, so when she, under her own volition decides the join the National Socialist Party of Balnik, decided that she would carve her own path.

Unfortunately for her it led her here, in the middle of a gala for all the most affluent political persons in the isles. On her shoulders she had to bear the weight of the Faronna crisis, the tensions in Gael, and the general increase of hostility by Balnik, the one thing she knew for sure is that while she was here she would have to answer a lot of questions she didn't know the answer for and have a hard time sleeping.

[Solaryia]

"I'd recommend visiting Northland. It's quite pretty up there, especially with all the mountains" Victoria responded. She somewhat regretted bringing herself into this topic, as she had no intention of talking about geography the whole time. In an effort to sway the conversation she spoke again before the Consol could reply.
"So how are things going in Solaryia at the moment? Up in Serpens Land, we haven't really heard much from your nation."

“It’s going pretty decent. Got quite a lot of voters in a tizzy when I managed to get elected last December, however things have mostly calmed down by now. Nothing helps national unity improve better than a publicized rocket launch, especially since this is the first of its type.” Conti replied, briefly frowning as she thought about the protests occuring subsequently after her election. She didn’t let it bother her long however, it was their right, and she was a very reformist candidate. However, on the topic of public protests-
“And speaking of how things are going in our respective nations, how is your father doing? I read the news last month about the err.. pie incident. That must’ve been quite the spectacle, I hope he’s alright.” The Consul continued, cracking a small smile. She hoped that Princess Victoria wouldn’t take too much offense to the topic, especially considering the ridiculousness of it all.

[Ainslie]

The Annual Gala | Parkes and Nyugen (Ainslie and Westmoor) Pt. 4
After 6pm, International District

"That's okay", Callum responded. "Yes, after talking to you I can see that your two nations would have a lot of common ground - especially with a nation such as ours. I look forward to talking to you again soon - hopefully in one of our capitals next time., Callum said before he beamed a quick smile to Lee.

"Once again, thank you for your time. I'll let you get to some of the other people in room now.", Callum said, shaking the Foreign Minister's hand before walking away to work out what Aaron was doing.

[Keverai]

The Annual Gala | d'Orey et Avignon III and Renaut Pt. 2 (Keverai and Segentova)
After 6pm, 1 February 2021
International District

"That is indeed good to hear. Yes, bit of tough going. At least our allies are transparent and honest with us - I'd rather them come up and talk to me then redirect $50 million every month away from our interests then dumps in a year I suppose...", Renaut began.

"and Thank you for the wine - mind if I ask, what kind is it? I trust you've managed to get some Segentovan wine into the gala?", Renaut said with a light chuckle and a smile.

"So, what can I do for you?", he then asked.

[Martenyika]

Aaron shook the Martenyika's hand and then listened to what she was saying before replying.

"Hello Madarne. It's been a tough time for Ainslie no doubt, but yes, you are correct - we have seen great resilience and solidarity during this time. Perhaps they are the outcome of your faithful prayers.", Gerslin said in a quite solemn tone before lightening up his expression a bit more.

"So, Madarne Tumi, what can I do for you", he said with a pleasant smile.

"President Zubele wants to organize a diplomatic tour of select Isles nations in the future. He's currently occupied by circumstances in Kessa, but the President would be delighted if Prime Minister Gifford were to receive him. Do you think this is something we can arrange?" Simone asked, taking a small sip of wine while she awaited his response.

[Roendavar]

Sylvanus' face darkened as a familiar face entered the Gala, a figure wearing a black suit dress and an all too noticeable coat of arms pinned on the right side of her chest. He turned to face the Roendavarian monarch, who was wearing a blank unreadable expression as he noticed as well. Faunus wasn't suprised at all. At his behest, he ordered that the invitation be invited to all countries and that no exceptions be made, thus, the Federation of Balnik was also sent one.

"They should have just had the decency to decline when they read that it was from the country they stole from." Sylvanus growled.
"And yet they did not, which speaks leagues about who they are." Faunus' look softened, aware that Sylvanus shared the mood of the Roendavari back at home regarding their neighbor. "They are a proud people who refuses to back down. An admirable trait of theirs and one we also share, that is perhaps why our two nations are at odds."
"Unlike them, however, we didn't steal anything." Sylvanus retorted, earning a sigh from the Roendavarieil monarch. He felt the King's arms wrap around his and turned him to face the other side, aware that they may be seen as conspiring.
"Sylvanus, just trust me on this. Enemies or not, this is not the time and place."
"I did not say it is. I'm not kicking them out." Sylvanus promised, mustering a smile to assure the Roendavarieil monarch.

Temperance suddenly felt the tap of a hand on her shoulder "Bonjour madame." she recognized the voice instantly, it was Pierre. She reciprocated with a playful "Bonjour, monsieur.", which they both had a brief laugh over. He then turned to inquire about the topic of discussion from the women. The answer, how Sylvia met the President. He waited for the telling of the story to finish before turning to his wife, "They really put a lot of care into organizing this event, don't you think? I way we go pay our hosts a visit and congratulate them on a successful gala." Temperance had a sip of her wine and went on to answer "Oh, they absolutely did. That's a great idea, Pierre. And don't forget, the Roendavarian king is coming on that state-visit soon, maybe we should talk to him about it?" They then excused themselves from the group and went on to look for their host.

"Bonjour."

Both of them were jolted back to awareness as a voice called out to them. Faunus turned to the speaker and recognized them instantly. They were Segentovans, people from a nation which Roendavar has always been ambivalent despite belonging in the same alliance. They conflicted in several ways, Roendavarian progressivism and libertarianism always clashed with the Segentovans, and it has always been like that ever since. Upon remembering this, Faunus realized that he still had his arms wrapped around Sylvanus' and hurriedly let go, straightening himself and returning the diplomatic smile on his face.

"Celethra ilisia ethoi celeth." Faunus greeted back in his native language. "Welcome to the Gala and I thank you for heeding our invitation. It is welcoming to see people from a nation which have begun to grow closer to the hearts of the Roendavari people. How are you this evening?"

[Dormill and Stiura]

Forgive, my wife Cedar, the remark was from a political cartoon from the Noronnican Civil War. Victor looked at Edyth who smiled innocently at her husband. As far as the French, I’m not sure where my tutor was from, when my parents were killed my grandfather, the King, put me on a rigorous education program to train me to replace him. I speak five languages fluently and can understand three more, Grandpaw wanted me to be a Renaissance man with knowledge in as wide a number of subjects as possible. Now President Dyson Victor switched to a formal address, His Majesty King Harold and members of the government wanted me to discuss Kachee with you. I won’t admit we made a mistake in supporting the rebellious cabinet of the Sultan, but there may have been an error in judgment. In a more formal setting the Kingdom of Wellsia would like to open talks with the United Republics and your proxy French Charbagnia about Wellsia turning over the protection of the Kachee people to you. Wellsia needs fuel, coal we have in plenty, oil not so much. It is hopeful that a deal can be made to purchase Charbagnian oil in return for Kachee. We have had our differences in the past, but Wellsia can be a good and helpful friend, especially with the difficulties arising from the Faronna Islands. If you are interested, I’m to take the news back with me to Eddoras.

This felt all too familiar to Dyson. It was the same trick Prince, now First Prefect, Trystan pulled through Montague. Though instead of elation, Dyson felt a unique dread in the air as Prince Victor spoke. He felt too willing to let this bargaining chip go, as if he didn't know how much a problem Kachee would be to both Charbagnia and by proxy the United Republics through the continued Wellsian presence. The emphasis on access to Charbagnian Oil and rendering aid as the situation in Faronna worsens was what really dug into his mind; but before he could be distracted by the meaning of all this, he at the very least put on a smile and gave his response to Victor before wrapping up their conversation, "While there will inevitably be some negotiation between Wellsia, Charbagnia, and the United Republics over the particular details of your proposal, I would be honored to take that first step with you, for the sake of peace in the Southern Sea and beyond."

As the two men departed, he confided in Merritt Simonis the situation, "I almost can't believe Wellsia is willing to give up Frébonne like that. It's almost uncharacteristic of them. What can they be after?"

"I'm not to sure, Mr. President. You did say the Prince was trying to cover Wellsia's energy deficiencies. That's almost certainly going to end with some kind of preferential deal for Charbagnian oil, can't be sure where that wealth would go to."

"We both know the Republic isn't ready for the costs involved, more than a decent amount of that wealth is going to be in foreign hands, ours and others alike, that's going to rile their socialists up for sure."

"Well we are meant to keep the peace down there, that's always been what we do. I don't think the Wellsians have any significant ulterior motive that would get in the way of our plans, so long as they don't give aid to the Balniki when things escalate."

As if on cue, Dyson's attention was caught by the late arrival of Angelica Vasic. Her strict, militaristic uniform was an eyesore in contrast to the rest of the gala and she walked as if she knew this perfectly. Dyson's voice came down as to not show his emotions, "Then I leave it to you to make sure the Balniki and Wellsians don't get too close to each other tonight, I'll be touching base with our other friends." Dyson stood up from the table and patted Simonis shoulder with confidence, heading towards the Roendavarian King before anybody else got the chance to grab his attention.

[Ainslie]

The Annual Gala | Gerslin and Tumi (Ainslie and Martenyika) Pt. 2
After 6pm, International District

"Yes, most definitely, that can be arranged. I'm sure my staff can reach out to yours about this. Is there anything in particular your President wants to talk about? If so, I'll direct the staff to tailor the visit and get some specialised briefs available for those in attendance."

[Wellsia]

After their goodbyes, Victor spoke softly to Edyth, ” Well my dear, what do you think?”.
In a equally low voice she responded, ” He was stunned, he wants to believe you are on the up and up, but doesn’t trust us. It was in his eyes for a second, he is a shrewd and dangerous friend, much less an enemy. By the way what is this about leaving Kachee? My father has sunk millions of scales into Kachee, is this how the King treats his friends?”
“Lord Roxxon was with us when this came up, in fact your father is the one that came up with it. Kachee is a money pit, soldiers, aircraft, ships cost money and French Charbagnia has 10 times more oil then Kachee. We let them pay the cost and in return Roxxon Oil buys cheap and ships it to Wellsia. Well now!” . Victor stared past his wife.
Edyth turned and looked at the striking woman her husband stood gawking at. “Isn’t she Balniki?”
Yes, she is. My dear, I need you to go talk to her, I need to find Zirilo.”
Fine, not sure what we’ll talk about, maybe I’ll ask her where she bought that outfit. Talking about clothes, tell Loxa, I’m planning to come to Estra for a shopping trip. We can make a girls day of it, shopping, spa, nails, dinner and wine. She’ll know the best places.”
“My dear, the Civil List is not for you to have a good time with the Estral First Lady”.
As Edyth walked away, Victor could hear her laughing.

[Alteran Republics]

Swiftly rejoining his companion and aide, Ryansan casually walked through the main halls of the host building, occasionally pausing to pose for the odd photographer. He, for one, was going to enjoy this evening's event. It would be one of his last public outings - little known to the public - before he would step down from the position of Strategos, before retaking on his roles as C.E.O. of Horizon Inc; as well as the Praetor for Information. What with his hectic schedule recently, tonight would be the first time in a while where he could mingle with other regional leaders in a more relaxed setting.

Entering the main hall, the leader dismissed his aide - presumably, so the young man could join the other international aides. They no doubt would have their own private party and get plastered - or whatever the poor welks got up to at these sorts of events.

Straightening his signature dark-blue necktie (with a subtle emblem of the Alteran flag, of course), he scanned the room carefully, looking for faces he would recognize. His partner, Jacob, watched Ryansan as he looked around the room.

"I know you didn't want to talk politics tonight, but you remember what the briefing notes said, right?"

Ryansan nodded, his mind wandering back to the intelligence notes he read prior to leaving for the Gala.

"They do cost a fair bit, but the chaps in Section Six are good at what they do ..."

He, of course, was referring to one of the more secretive, yet infamous, portions of the Alteran Security Services. They had been very thorough in gathering intel and briefing the Alteran leader; it wouldn't have surprised him if they had even bugged the accommodation and transport of every V.I.P. in the building.

His mind focusing back on the room, he did indeed recognize a number of the faces before him. Some of whom were from friendly nations, some of whom he knew well personally - but he couldn't help notice one face in particular. Or, more precisely, the farcical noises erupted from the mouth of that face.

"First their flag, now their leader? Did you want to critique them any more?"

"The noise he's making is obnoxious," Ryansan couldn't state political leaders who boasted about themselves, acting above their station. Modesty and subtly were the true marks of a great nation.

"You should try listening to the words he's putting together, they're even more obnoxious!"

The two men chuckled lightly, before moving into the room in search of more stimulating conversation, and away from the rantings of a juvenile upstart.

[Martenyika]

The Annual Gala | Parkes and Tumi (Ainslie and Martenyika) Pt. 2
After 6pm, International District

"Yes, most definitely, that can be arranged. I'm sure my staff can reach out to yours about this. Is there anything in particular your President wants to talk about? If so, I'll direct the staff to tailor the visit and get some specialised briefs available for those in attendance."

"Excellent. The President has some infrastructure and construction plans which may be of interest to Ainslie's construction sector. Besides improving infrastructure related to Royal Savannahs International Park, he also hopes to build a branch office for the IPNO in Martenyika. Reswen Cavane did come up in our research; they seem promising--though of course I am just a dignitary, not a construction expert," Simone shifted to a much lighter tone. "Aside from business, have you gotten the chance to try the wine yet, Minister?"

[Ainslie]

The Annual Gala | Gerslin and Tumi (Ainslie and Martenyika) Pt. 3
After 6pm, International District

"We shall be awaiting communication from your Government then. May I add though that whilst you're free to visit the IPNO offices in Narara and push for a Martenyikan Office whilst your leader is in Arnton, the Ahnslen Government cannot interfere with their processes in choosing where to set up or what to do. Improving infrastructure in that International Park... well, we could have IPNO and Ahnslen leaders meet with the President to work out what we can do on that front. And the wine? Yes, I had a glass earlier - don't plan on having another for a little while, I get intoxicated quite easily.", Aaron said matter of factly.

[Segentova]

The Annual Gala | d'Orey et Avignon III and Renaut Pt. 2 (Keverai and Segentova)
After 6pm, 1 February 2021
International District

"That is indeed good to hear. Yes, bit of tough going. At least our allies are transparent and honest with us - I'd rather them come up and talk to me then redirect $50 million every month away from our interests then dumps in a year I suppose...", Renaut began.

"and Thank you for the wine - mind if I ask, what kind is it? I trust you've managed to get some Segentovan wine into the gala?", Renaut said with a light chuckle and a smile.

"So, what can I do for you?", he then asked.

Jàcome lifted his glass up to his face and studied the wine inside for a minute, it was a clear sparkling wine. "Unfortunately, I think our hosts might have brought their own wine.It'll do for now, but there's no substitute for Segentovan wine, I'm afraid.". He chuckled, then took a deep breath, followed by a quick sip from the glass. "Well, there are rumors stirring that your government is looking to... open up... the security sector. As you might know, there is a Segentovan company in that particular business." His expression had by now changed. A stern look on his face, he raised an eyebrow, waiting to see if the president would connect the dots.

[Serpens Land]

“It’s going pretty decent. Got quite a lot of voters in a tizzy when I managed to get elected last December, however things have mostly calmed down by now. Nothing helps national unity improve better than a publicized rocket launch, especially since this is the first of its type.” Conti replied, briefly frowning as she thought about the protests occuring subsequently after her election. She didn’t let it bother her long however, it was their right, and she was a very reformist candidate. However, on the topic of public protests-
“And speaking of how things are going in our respective nations, how is your father doing? I read the news last month about the err.. pie incident. That must’ve been quite the spectacle, I hope he’s alright.” The Consul continued, cracking a small smile. She hoped that Princess Victoria wouldn’t take too much offense to the topic, especially considering the ridiculousness of it all.

"Oh, he's doing great. It was just pie. I'm glad they didn't get those teenagers away with it though." She tried not to laugh as she vividly remembered her father getting cream pied on national television.
"It's a really lovely evening here" she commented trying to continue the conversation. "Why don't we go find a table?"

[Keverai]

Jàcome lifted his glass up to his face and studied the wine inside for a minute, it was a clear sparkling wine. "Unfortunately, I think our hosts might have brought their own wine.It'll do for now, but there's no substitute for Segentovan wine, I'm afraid.". He chuckled, then took a deep breath, followed by a quick sip from the glass. "Well, there are rumors stirring that your government is looking to... open up... the security sector. As you might know, there is a Segentovan company in that particular business." His expression had by now changed. A stern look on his face, he raised an eyebrow, waiting to see if the president would connect the dots.

The Annual Gala | d'Orey et Avignon III and Renaut Pt. 3 (Keverai and Segentova)
After 6pm, 1 February 2021
International District

Renaut watched and listened on as the Segentovan began to adopt the character of a 1980s spy. After hearing what Jàcome said, he replied with he following.

"It's not rumours. Our nation is open for business - even in the security sector. And no, I am not aware of the existence of a Segentovan company in that area. These kinds of activities are kept at an arms length from me. Besides, in order to attain government contracts in Keverai, businesses must be competitive and particularly attractive in order to get these special arrangements.

Is your government looking to promote a particular company to us here, or is the organisation going to go through the normal channels in order to potentially get a contract? Putting that question aside for a moment, do you speak for the corporation - have you gotten briefs from them as to what kind of arrangement they would want? If so, such information would be good for us to know well in advance."

[Hyukai]

The black Limousine halted to a stop as it arrived at its destination. Men in black suits and shades, who were presumed to be Secret Service, opened the doors and let the Royal and Prime Minister's families out. "Nice to see you. Pardon us for being late.", the King said to a man who appeared to be the host. "Here is where we leave you. You can go out and do your things but do not make a scene." They nodded and went off. "Some familiar faces here. Look there, that's the Ahnslen delegate. And that must be the King of Roendavar, I presume.", the Prime Minister observed. Followed with them are their aides, who seem to be enjoying themselves and lagging behind. Meanwhile, a loud murmur passed around the room. "Why the Roendavarian King looks very young. It's as if he is barely 30." The Prime Minister eventually convinced the King to greet the Roendavarian King. Gustaf walked over to the King and began to get nervous. "Greetings. I'm the king of Hyukai but please just call me Gustaf.", Gustaf said while trying not to stutter.

[Ainslie]

The Annual Gala | Parkes and Akita (Ainslie and Hyukai) Pt. 1
After 6pm, International District


Parkes watched as the two Hyukaians entered the room, noticing one in a far more regal dress leaving to meet the Roendavarian King. Now was Callum's opportunity to talk to the Prime Minister of Hyukai.

"Good evening, Mr Prime Minister. I'm Callum Parkes, the Ahnslen Ambassador-General. I trust you have had a smooth journey to the District tonight. I would like to extend my condolences personally to you, the King and the Hyukaian people over the great loss our two nations have experienced as a result of the crash of Flight 417. Forgive me for my lack of tact, but I have not received briefings from the capital for a few days - is there any news on the accident that has recently come out? Have your authorities been able to fully analyse the black box and examine some of the debris?"

[Aizcona]

After their goodbyes, Victor spoke softly to Edyth, ” Well my dear, what do you think?”.
In a equally low voice she responded, ” He was stunned, he wants to believe you are on the up and up, but doesn’t trust us. It was in his eyes for a second, he is a shrewd and dangerous friend, much less an enemy. By the way what is this about leaving Kachee? My father has sunk millions of scales into Kachee, is this how the King treats his friends?”
“Lord Roxxon was with us when this came up, in fact your father is the one that came up with it. Kachee is a money pit, soldiers, aircraft, ships cost money and French Charbagnia has 10 times more oil then Kachee. We let them pay the cost and in return Roxxon Oil buys cheap and ships it to Wellsia. Well now!” . Victor stared past his wife.
Edyth turned and looked at the striking woman her husband stood gawking at. “Isn’t she Balniki?”
Yes, she is. My dear, I need you to go talk to her, I need to find Zirilo.”
Fine, not sure what we’ll talk about, maybe I’ll ask her where she bought that outfit. Talking about clothes, tell Loxa, I’m planning to come to Estra for a shopping trip. We can make a girls day of it, shopping, spa, nails, dinner and wine. She’ll know the best places.”
“My dear, the Civil List is not for you to have a good time with the Estral First Lady”.
As Edyth walked away, Victor could hear her laughing.

Noticing the Wellsian prince approaching him Zirilio stepped towards him with a warm smile on his face and gave him the customary Estral greeting, "It is a pleasure to see you Prince Victor. Your presence definitely lightens up the night for me. Where is your wife? Her presence is always nice and I'm sure my wife would love to catch up." Zirilio laughed at that.

[Hyukai]

"Good day to you too, Mr. Parkes. Why yes, the journey was certainly a pleasant flight. Ah and do call me Max.", Maximilian replied to the man. "Ah yes, the Ministry of Transport and Investigators have not released any news as far as I'm concerned. They have a habit of making sure the information is as accurate as possible but, I have been informed that a briefing would be given tomorrow. The Ministry has told me that the two black boxes have been recovered, however." The Prime Minister seemed to be enjoying himself.

[Segentova]

Sylvanus' face darkened as a familiar face entered the Gala, a figure wearing a black suit dress and an all too noticeable coat of arms pinned on the right side of her chest. He turned to face the Roendavarian monarch, who was wearing a blank unreadable expression as he noticed as well. Faunus wasn't suprised at all. At his behest, he ordered that the invitation be invited to all countries and that no exceptions be made, thus, the Federation of Balnik was also sent one.

"They should have just had the decency to decline when they read that it was from the country they stole from." Sylvanus growled.
"And yet they did not, which speaks leagues about who they are." Faunus' look softened, aware that Sylvanus shared the mood of the Roendavari back at home regarding their neighbor. "They are a proud people who refuses to back down. An admirable trait of theirs and one we also share, that is perhaps why our two nations are at odds."
"Unlike them, however, we didn't steal anything." Sylvanus retorted, earning a sigh from the Roendavarieil monarch. He felt the King's arms wrap around his and turned him to face the other side, aware that they may be seen as conspiring.
"Sylvanus, just trust me on this. Enemies or not, this is not the time and place."
"I did not say it is. I'm not kicking them out." Sylvanus promised, mustering a smile to assure the Roendavarieil monarch.

Temperance suddenly felt the tap of a hand on her shoulder "Bonjour madame." she recognized the voice instantly, it was Pierre. She reciprocated with a playful "Bonjour, monsieur.", which they both had a brief laugh over. He then turned to inquire about the topic of discussion from the women. The answer, how Sylvia met the President. He waited for the telling of the story to finish before turning to his wife, "They really put a lot of care into organizing this event, don't you think? I way we go pay our hosts a visit and congratulate them on a successful gala." Temperance had a sip of her wine and went on to answer "Oh, they absolutely did. That's a great idea, Pierre. And don't forget, the Roendavarian king is coming on that state-visit soon, maybe we should talk to him about it?" They then excused themselves from the group and went on to look for their host.

"Bonjour."

Both of them were jolted back to awareness as a voice called out to them. Faunus turned to the speaker and recognized them instantly. They were Segentovans, people from a nation which Roendavar has always been ambivalent despite belonging in the same alliance. They conflicted in several ways, Roendavarian progressivism and libertarianism always clashed with the Segentovans, and it has always been like that ever since. Upon remembering this, Faunus realized that he still had his arms wrapped around Sylvanus' and hurriedly let go, straightening himself and returning the diplomatic smile on his face.

"Celethra ilisia ethoi celeth." Faunus greeted back in his native language. "Welcome to the Gala and I thank you for heeding our invitation. It is welcoming to see people from a nation which have begun to grow closer to the hearts of the Roendavari people. How are you this evening?"

Thank you for the invitation. Everything is truly wonderful, I can see you have spared no expenses. Pierre put on a smile and reached out to shake the king's hand. Even though he knew the men standing in front of him cared as much for him as he for them, he still made an effort to be polite. After all, he knew that as the proverbial first servant of the state, sometimes one has to swallow their pride. "We're doing marvelous, thanks." he paused "How about yourself, your highness?" after finishing his question, he took a sip of wine from his glass and looked over to his wife. Pierre thought to himself that she seemed to be in a quite talkative mood today.

[Wellsia]

Noticing the Wellsian prince approaching him Zirilio stepped towards him with a warm smile on his face and gave him the customary Estral greeting, "It is a pleasure to see you Prince Victor. Your presence definitely lightens up the night for me. Where is your wife? Her presence is always nice and I'm sure my wife would love to catch up." Zirilio laughed at that.

"Greetings my old friend, Edyth is meeting the Balniki delegate, we felt we should say hello to her, but with the Faronna Crisis, it would cause less turmoil if I didn't speak with her directly. She will be here soon, she is anxious to talk to Loxa about a shopping trip and spa day in Estra. Now what do you know about Martenyika, and more importantly Keverai and the WIDA?
Martenyika, we can handle, but the possibility of foreign naval forces in the Golden Gulf. The Admiralty and the Royal government are more then a little concerned."


Edyth walked up to the Balniki delegate, the two women were a model of contrast, Edyth in her plain white satin evening gown, the other woman, in a black business cut dress suit. Reaching out her hand Edyth introduced herself, "Hello, my name is Edyth Atheldis, wife of Victor Atheling of Wellsia. It is a pleasure to meet you Miss ___."

[Balnik]

"Ah, Vasic, Angelica Vasic. It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Atheldis. I presume you are apart of the Wellsian party here?" she says, brushing herself off and regaining composure after being startled by the forward woman.

"I'm here representing Balnik, feel free to ask me anything at all, even about the Faronna Islands, it is my job after all." She extends her hand for a handshake and pulls out a business card to exchange with the woman.

[Ainslie]

"Good day to you too, Mr. Parkes. Why yes, the journey was certainly a pleasant flight. Ah and do call me Max.", Maximilian replied to the man. "Ah yes, the Ministry of Transport and Investigators have not released any news as far as I'm concerned. They have a habit of making sure the information is as accurate as possible but, I have been informed that a briefing would be given tomorrow. The Ministry has told me that the two black boxes have been recovered, however." The Prime Minister seemed to be enjoying himself.

"Excellent, that is good news to hear", Callum replied. "We should organise an event soon between Hyukaian and Ahnslen officials regarding a memorial. Has there been any discussion around setting one up in Hyukai, or any locations shortlisted? My understanding is that such a process is already underway in Ainslie so any information surrounding that would be valuable to us."

[Wellsia]

"Ah, Vasic, Angelica Vasic. It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Atheldis. I presume you are apart of the Wellsian party here?" she says, brushing herself off and regaining composure after being startled by the forward woman.

"I'm here representing Balnik, feel free to ask me anything at all, even about the Faronna Islands, it is my job after all." She extends her hand for a handshake and pulls out a business card to exchange with the woman.

Hello, Angelica, may I please call you Angelica. You may call me either Princess Edyth or just plain Edyth, Atheldis is my title as Crown Princess of Wellsia, not my last name." Stopping a passing server, Edyth grabbed two classes of wine, handing one to Angelica. Edyth noticed out of the corner of her eye that the server was still standing nearby. "Angelica, I do have something very important to ask you, where did you get that stunning outfit, I'm going to have to make a trip to Rostov, never realized the incredible fashions that Balnik had."
With a huff the server turned and walked away muttering under her breath about rich airheads.
Lowering her voice, Edyth leaned closer to Angelica " Do you ever wonder who the servers really work for? I bet every country in the Isles has at least one spy walking around working for the catering service here." Edyth looked around the room at the gathering and with a big smile spoke again." I've always enjoyed being the center of attention, when I was a little girl I would interrupt my father's business meetings just to hear how cute I am. Right now Miss Vasic, you and I are the center of attention at the Gala, every country has at least one person watching our interactions, to see what we will do. If I leaned forward, kissed you on the cheek and gave you a big hug, a dozen delegates and spies would be beside themselves, turmoil would explode in every capital in Gael and half of Argus. Now though I do have one thing that has Wellsia worried, 'What is Balnik's intentions toward Farrona Island, and how far are you willing to go to keep it'? With that Edyth lifted the glass to her mouth and took a sip of wine.

[Balnik]

"Ah, my bad, not used to working with royalty. Oh, and yes, Angelica is just fine, I see no reason for extravagant formalities here." Angelica says with a chuckle, looking over the crowd of people and their different outfits, styles, and customs. With a small, awry smile Angelica adjusts her lapel, looking behind her and to the sides. "Of course there are spies here, there are spies everywhere, especially around myself where my country happens to be involved with the biggest geopolitical flashpoint in Gael right now." Angelica takes a more neutral look and takes a sip of her drink and swirling the glass, looking deep inside the maroon liquid and into her reflection, then back at Edyth where she smirks." Balnik's intentions are the intentions we have laid out since the start of the dispute, to use the islands for economic development in the EEZ while respecting Roendavar's signature to the Faronna islands agreement. As to how far we are willing to go to enforce that? All I can say is that it would be everyone's interest for it to not come to that option. " Angelica looks back down into the empty glass, then back to a server.