Imperial Coronation IC

[Maguzapach]

https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=464248

Originally the new Emperor hoped to be crowned in the old Federal Palace in Aalandoon. Built to house the Federal Assembly in 1853, it was the oldest national government building in Maguzupach. However, changes by the various régimes that followed had made it unsuitable for the coronation. Most importantly, the Great Hall had been divided up into to office spaces. As the renovation would take too long, another site was chosen.

The Palace in Thesim was originally built as a Bishop's palace, before changing ownership multiple times, before becoming property of the state and part of the campus of Thesim. As the school had already been closed early this summer, it was considered ideal for the Coronation.

The façade of the Palace was maintained in good condition, and most importantly, both the Grand Salon and the Ballroom was still usable. Even a good part of the gardens were intact. The added advantage of the security and comfort provided by the isolation of the leafy university campus, was not overlooked.

The celebrated Maguzapachian film director, Gorg Yohndon was selected to lead the Coronation Planing Committee aided by the historian Albert Ricks, who had also advised Yohndon on many of his movies. The director's involvement promised the ceremony would not lack spectacle, greatly increasing the curiosity of the locals.

As the students and professors left the campus, it was soon invaded by hand workers. Carpenters built a dais for the throne. New carpet was laid in the halls, and paintings were taken from museums all over the country and hung in the halls.

Outside gardeners installed new beds of flowers, planted bushes and even trees. To these were added fountains and benches. Pedestals were set up, however instead of statues, living models, dressed as the personification of certain virtues stood upon them.

At around 13:00 the work was just finishing up, which was good, because the ceremony was about to begin in two hours. Raimond Gies, appointed Major domo of the Palace waited patiently the arrival of the foreign guests, while the Emperor to be prepared himself for his big day.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

As the limousine that has picked them up at Carum Airport carries them to the Thesim campus, Agathe Blachkov looks to the passing landscape, reflecting on why after nearly ten years of political retirement folliwing her husband's death and her son's reign, she chose to attend this particular coronation.
Maybe it's because I'm starting to get bored, thinks the Dowager Empress as the limo enters them copound where the coronation will take place.

Agathe is a woman of sixty years old, with light brown hair, brown eyes (who always seem to have a spark of mischeviousness in them.), and 1.80m tall. For this special day, she's wearing appropriate morning dress, in consisting of a beige shirt with a shoelace tie, the knot being a blue opal circled in silver, as well as a maroon ankle-length skirt, and a vest of the same color. She is also wearing black pantyhose, and black flat shoes. In her lap, a small white shoulder bag.

"How do you think it's going to be? she asks to her male companion sitting next to her.
-Well, if we consider this is happening just after a coup, replies Bradley, I'm expecting that the stability they're going to show may just be a facade.

The man accompanying the Dowager Empress, and who just said those words, is Colonel Bradley Myers, the head of her Personal Guard, as well as her lover since five years. The man of 59 years old, 1.95m tall, with brown hair and blue eyes, has a distinctive sign no one can miss, and that's his black eyepatch over his left eye. Judging by the small scar protuding from underneath it, it's not difficult to guess that the man has his eye ripped out from his socket, presumably with a knife.
For his part, he's dress in the Imperial Guard Dress Uniform, also known as Dress Blacks, consisting of a black coat with a standing collar, and a midnight blue belt with a gold M-buckle, black barracks cover (with the Imperial Guard seal on the front, a Scarlet Eagle holding a sword and an axe in its claws, with a crown above his head; also,a black visor, with golden laurels on it, and a gold and scarlet device), a plain white shirt, midnight blue trousers with a scarlet stripe down the outer seam, white gloves, and black dress shoes and socks. His medals are worn over the left breast, with ribbons-only awards on the right.
Also, on his belt, a gun holster hosting a silver AMT Harballer with two additional mags, which he is currently checking as the limousine arrives to destination.

As the limousine finally comes to a stop outside the Palace, Bradley is quick to open the door and get out first, his hand on his holster, and check the surroundings with his remaining good eye. When that is done, he turns back to the limo, and extends his left hand to Agathe, and helps her get out of the car, before offering his left arm to her, which she gladly agrees to link to.
"Well, time to see if my social and political skills are not rusted after nine years, says the Dowager Empress with a small chuckle, before advancing towards the man presumably positioned to welcome the guests to the event.

[The Selkie]

Yvain Saighead of the Tribe of Westmeath.
Isla was my daughter, who I loved dearly and who I would bring a souvenir. She asked for a post card, she would get one... and, if I found something nice, maybe more then that!
For now, I was in another situation: In a limousine in a foreign country, being driven from the airport to attend the coronation for a foreign Emperor, then to attend the ball after that. The Emperor had gotten to power in a coup d'etat, had crushed any possible resistance, purged public offices and universities and took back some of the laws passed in the last decades. He was leading something, which one could call a junta.
This coronation would be a show of strength, virility and power of the newly-minted Empire. Was it a show and a fake? One could assume so, yes, but not necessarily. I would have to see, if the show was the last step in the securing of inner stability or the first.
In any of the cases, SDY would not do any business here until that was cleared - and that was one of my missions. One of my other missions was to get out SDY's good name and see, if we couldn't get a few people interested in our products - and maybe even more.
I was, however, not the only one from the Free Lands here: There was Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford, Ambassador of the Free Lands, a brunette woman with brown eyes and glasses, which were a fashion accessory. She was a hard-working woman, a serious one as well and absolutely not interested in her partner.
Said partner was here without his girlfriend, but said girlfriend had given her consent to the two of them going to official functions together. Leonard Lách of the Tribe of Galway was a young redhead, a horsearcher and one of the upcoming stars of the scene, as well as a lover of cheese in almost all forms.
And, as the last of us four, was Brigadier Kiah Eitil of the Tribe of Wicklow, commanding officer of the SDF-Army Air Combat Command and one of the SDF-Army's most respected aviators. She was a strict blonde with a sharp face and blue eyes, which pierced the very soul should she use them to focus on someone. At the moment, she was looking out of the window of the limousine.
She wore Blue Dress of the SDF-Army, while the rest of us wore, of course, Geansai, the traditional costume of the Selkie and the only way one of us could attend such an event in our style.
We usually made sure, that the host-country was fine with that, though.
In any case, we arrived a bit after the first delegations had, unloaded ourselves from our limousine, thanked the driver, and took our little present for the soon-to-be Emperor with us. We had been a bit unsure if that was an appropriate gesture, but we finally decided to simply do as Selkie usually did: We simply did.
Sounds simple, it wasn't.
We were, I knew, on the Campus of Thesim, a highly modern, state of the art university, which also housed a former Bishop's residence, which had been converted for the ceremony and ball as soon as the students went on their merry ways to breaks. I looked forward to seeing the results!
Before we could wander off, though, Kendra pulled us together, for a few last words.
"Alright...", she said to us in Selkie, "...let's do this, people. Maguzapach's great day and the whole world turned up to watch. So, Leonard... leave some cheese nibbles for everyone else, okay?"
We chuckled.
"Ar aghaidh!", Kendra said.
"Chuig briseadh!", we replied, the traditional answer to that battlecry, although we kept it down.
Well. This one was going to be fun!

[AHSCA]

Being forced onto a plane for several hours, Marcella was a tad cranky. She was a girl who enjoyed the sea more than the air added to that her foreign minister was now off visiting another island nation that culturally and technologically seemed rather similar to AHSCA. Not that she wasn't glad to visit Maguzapach, just Noir got to go sailing! Marcella wasn't prone to airsickness thankfully, though it was a tad tiring and not the easiest flight as AHSCA didn't have luxury commercial jets, only military grade. What can you expect of an island nation nestled in the southern seas of Greater Dienstad, their whole lives revolved around the ocean.

She sighed awaiting her ride, mumbling to herself. "I really should have brought an extra guest...." She could have brought her sister, handmaiden, maybe Pacifica. Alas she came by herself. She didn't know who was actually going to be attending this event, if any of her fellow nations would. She at least had gone to the big regional gala in Mokastana with Empress Ortfiné. At last her "chariot" arrived. Well chariot in terms of a lovely limousine. She did her best to put on a smile and greet her drive and thank for being so kind to escort her along. In her bag was her evening gown, well it was what she typically wore for work but she could manage it by herself as opposed to something more complex like a yukata or kimono but for now she was in more casual wear, as casual as she would go before getting down to beachwear. Hopefully she'd look cute enough.

[Maguzapach]

As each limousine pulled up, Mr. Gies approached it, accompanied by two footmen in livery. As one footman opened the door, the Major Domo greeted the new arrivals as they exited and introduced himself.

By providing the transport for the guests, the hosts were able to control the order and time of their arrival. Thus Gies knew who was in each car, and how much time he had before he had to greet the next set.

"I am Raimond Gies" he said in clear but accented English. "On behalf of Melchior and the Nation of Maguzapach, I welcome you." He took off his top hat as he spoke. "Feel free to leave your luggage in the auto, it will be delivered to your rooms." Then he led the guests down the path, in between the rows of living statues. Entering the Palace, he guided the guests into a lounge where prominent Magazupachians already stood, drinking bubbly.

Before leaving to greet the next guests, Gies introduced the new Foreign Minister, Phileas Jand. The Minister was a young charismatic man, dressed sharply in a civil service uniform. He greeted the guests warmly.

[The Selkie]

As each limousine pulled up, Mr. Gies approached it, accompanied by two footmen in livery. As one footman opened the door, the Major Domo greeted the new arrivals as they exited and introduced himself.

By providing the transport for the guests, the hosts were able to control the order and time of their arrival. Thus Gies knew who was in each car, and how much time he had before he had to greet the next set.

"I am Raimond Gies" he said in clear but accented English. "On behalf of Melchior and the Nation of Maguzapach, I welcome you." He took off his top hat as he spoke. "Feel free to leave your luggage in the auto, it will be delivered to your rooms." Then he led the guests down the path, in between the rows of living statues. Entering the Palace, he guided the guests into a lounge where prominent Magazupachians already stood, drinking bubbly.

Before leaving to greet the next guests, Gies introduced the new Foreign Minister, Phileas Jand. The Minister was a young charismatic man, dressed sharply in a civil service uniform. He greeted the guests warmly.

Yvain Saighead of the Tribe of Westmeath.
After the polite exchange of greetings and bows and taking off of hats, we were led to the Palace, past a gallery of... living statues. Now there was something I haven't seen!
I liked it. It was not only a novel concept, but also had a nice symbolism, which one could interpret into it: The virtues, which these 'statues' incorporated, could be attained by anyone, not an ideal on a high pedestal, but as soon as the day was over, the 'actor' (was that the right term?) would go down and be human again, the ideal still in his head.
I was almost certain, that my interpretation was not the one of our gracious hosts.
Anyway.
We were led to a lounge, where prominent figures were already present, amongst them the Foreign Minister, a young, sharply dressed and quite charismatic-looking man by the name of Phileas Jand.
His greeting was warmly as the majordomo introduced us.
We replied in kind, introducing ourselves before we left him, although Kiah's greeting was... a bit colder then ours. She was a military officer, not a professional charmer.
In any case, we left him to his job of being introduced to guests, Kendra promising him to later have a few more words and definitely a dance during the ball, and went further inside the lounge.
I was looking for some other people of the economy, preferably of the local shipbuilding industry, to get a feel for the market, while Kiah looked if there wasn't a military officer or two she could talk shop with. Kendra went to look for something to drink, preferably without alcohol (that was for later), while Leonard was on the prowl for the most elusive of all preys: Cheese nibbles.
Well, everyone according to their own needs!

[The Scarlet Eagle]

When Gies welcomes them, Agathe and Bradley greet him with a small bow of the head, and a "Nice to meet you", before following him, passing by the living statues, which remind them a bit of the statues lining the path between the Imperial Palace and its Main Portal, although the fact that they are living statues puzzles them a bit.
Then, when they enter the lounge, they meet the Foreign Minister, and greet him warmly too.
Once all that is done, the couple goes to grab some drinks and food, Bradley picking two glasses of red wine, while Agathe fetches some canapés. Once that is done, they retreat to a corner, anaylizing every detail like a bunch of raptor birds looking for prey.
"Well, that went smoothly for the start, says the Dowager Empress before taking a sip of her wine.
-Indeed, they didn't even said a thing about the gun, says Bradey as he taps his holster on his belt, before looking around and chewing on a canapé. So, see anyone you would like to talk to? he asks his lover.
-Well, the Selkie delegation could be a start, since their Ambassador in Kyrenaia invited Anna and Anax to visit them sometime this yea or the next year. But let's wait for now, and see what happens a bit more before diving in the water.
-Aye aye, simply replies Bradley before clinking his glass with Agathe's.

[AHSCA]

"It's a great pleasure to be here." Marcella simply said when she was greeted, not wanting to take up too much time as a few of the other guests had arrived. Given the rather suddenness of the event Marcella didn't have an extensive dossier of who else would be at this party and she'd have to make an educated guess. If there were some of course quite obvious it would be the gensai clad Selkies here. She always did admire the style, it felt spiritually similar to what an islander would wear in AHSCA. People of the Freelands were already quite friendly with AHSCA any event where Selkie folks were in attendance always made for good company and chatter. She also wasn't as nervous as she was at her last party, given this was a party of virtual strangers as opposed to a regional party, a region made of of allies and former foes and others who probably could care less. It was odd, Marcella felt she was more on an equal playing field on a world stage as opposed to her nation's region. Her mother did say she probably still had much to learn but honestly her foreign policy compared to her mom's was night and day.

Now in the Marcella took a moment to admire the artwork of the statues. Very solidly crafted and lovely looking, she got rather lost in them for a moment with her mind wandering to what the "story" of the statues were. Not about the artistry or inspiration behind them but more like what was the actual statue's own story. She shook off her daydreaming for a moment to rejoin the others in the main lounge. Seemed this would be a great party to mingle with some prominent locals on top of foreign guests. Grabbing a glace of white wine herself moving along.

[The Selkie]

"It's a great pleasure to be here." Marcella simply said when she was greeted, not wanting to take up too much time as a few of the other guests had arrived. Given the rather suddenness of the event Marcella didn't have an extensive dossier of who else would be at this party and she'd have to make an educated guess. If there were some of course quite obvious it would be the gensai clad Selkies here. She always did admire the style, it felt spiritually similar to what an islander would wear in AHSCA. People of the Freelands were already quite friendly with AHSCA any event where Selkie folks were in attendance always made for good company and chatter. She also wasn't as nervous as she was at her last party, given this was a party of virtual strangers as opposed to a regional party, a region made of of allies and former foes and others who probably could care less. It was odd, Marcella felt she was more on an equal playing field on a world stage as opposed to her nation's region. Her mother did say she probably still had much to learn but honestly her foreign policy compared to her mom's was night and day.

Now in the Marcella took a moment to admire the artwork of the statues. Very solidly crafted and lovely looking, she got rather lost in them for a moment with her mind wandering to what the "story" of the statues were. Not about the artistry or inspiration behind them but more like what was the actual statue's own story. She shook off her daydreaming for a moment to rejoin the others in the main lounge. Seemed this would be a great party to mingle with some prominent locals on top of foreign guests. Grabbing a glace of white wine herself moving along.

{u[Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.[/u]
I finally found something, a fruit juice. It was a very good one.
In any case, I spotted someone, who I wanted to speak with: Duchess Marcella Villa of the UIS. She was a wonderful young woman, good looking and head of state of a nation, which we were friendly with.
She grabbed herself a glass of white wine and moved in to mingle.
I plotted an intercept course, smiling as I approached her.
Once within normal speaking range, I bowed my head, hand over my heart, the gesture reserved for greeting a foreign Head of State.
"Good day, Duchess.", I greeted with a small smile, "May I have a few minutes of your time? I have important messages of the Council of Elders and of a more... private nature." I blushed and smiled sheepishly. "My apologies, I should introduce myself first. I'm Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford, of the Foreign Office of the Free Lands and an ambassador of the very same." I bowed my head again. "It's a great pleasure to meet you!"

[AHSCA]

Once within normal speaking range, I bowed my head, hand over my heart, the gesture reserved for greeting a foreign Head of State.
"Good day, Duchess.", I greeted with a small smile, "May I have a few minutes of your time? I have important messages of the Council of Elders and of a more... private nature." I blushed and smiled sheepishly. "My apologies, I should introduce myself first. I'm Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford, of the Foreign Office of the Free Lands and an ambassador of the very same." I bowed my head again. "It's a great pleasure to meet you!"

Marcella turned around when she heard her name being called. Always a bit of a surprise when someone could just recognize her off the bat like that but it should be expected when it's a friend of the UIS. "Oh, hello!" She bowed just a tad not spilling her drink in her hand. "Kendra it was, or would you rather be addressed as Miss Scimhach? Or even Ambassador? Well either way, what a pleasure it is to meet you today."

[The Selkie]

Once within normal speaking range, I bowed my head, hand over my heart, the gesture reserved for greeting a foreign Head of State.
"Good day, Duchess.", I greeted with a small smile, "May I have a few minutes of your time? I have important messages of the Council of Elders and of a more... private nature." I blushed and smiled sheepishly. "My apologies, I should introduce myself first. I'm Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford, of the Foreign Office of the Free Lands and an ambassador of the very same." I bowed my head again. "It's a great pleasure to meet you!"

Marcella turned around when she heard her name being called. Always a bit of a surprise when someone could just recognize her off the bat like that but it should be expected when it's a friend of the UIS. "Oh, hello!" She bowed just a tad not spilling her drink in her hand. "Kendra it was, or would you rather be addressed as Miss Scimhach? Or even Ambassador? Well either way, what a pleasure it is to meet you today."

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I smiled.
"The pleasure is all mine.", I said, "Kendra is completely fine, Marcella-bandiúc." It was a very formal and archaic way of addressing someone in this way, bandiúc being the Selkie-word for a Duchess, but it hopefully worked. In any case, I added: "Now, shall I give the messages?"

[AHSCA]

I smiled.
"The pleasure is all mine.", I said, "Kendra is completely fine, Marcella-bandiúc." It was a very formal and archaic way of addressing someone in this way, bandiúc being the Selkie-word for a Duchess, but it hopefully worked. In any case, I added: "Now, shall I give the messages?"

Kendra was quite a pretty woman with a lovely voice added on. And the phrase she uttered, bandiúc. Marcella was not totally sure what it meant but The Selkie people did have many unique words and even honorifics to address people so Marcella assumed it was a good term at least. "Oh yes, of course, please do so." She actually already half forgot she was delivering a message but it sounded important from being from the Council of Elders. "I hope it's good." She bashfully responded prompting her ears for the news.

[The Selkie]

I smiled.
"The pleasure is all mine.", I said, "Kendra is completely fine, Marcella-bandiúc." It was a very formal and archaic way of addressing someone in this way, bandiúc being the Selkie-word for a Duchess, but it hopefully worked. In any case, I added: "Now, shall I give the messages?"

Kendra was quite a pretty woman with a lovely voice added on. And the phrase she uttered, bandiúc. Marcella was not totally sure what it meant but The Selkie people did have many unique words and even honorifics to address people so Marcella assumed it was a good term at least. "Oh yes, of course, please do so." She actually already half forgot she was delivering a message but it sounded important from being from the Council of Elders. "I hope it's good." She bashfully responded prompting her ears for the news.

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I still smiled.
"Don't worry, it's good.", I said and tried to alleviate the concerns, "The official message is a greeting from the Council of Elders, which represent the Fifteen Tribes, with the hope, that you are fine, that your little sister is fine, that your parents and your country are fine. We did hear news of heavy storms this season and I was asked to assure you, that you only need to call and we will help." I let a beat pass. "On a lighter note, they also told me, that it would be a great honour for them to welcome you for state visit at your convenience. They, and we from the Foreign Office, only ask you to call ahead."
I still smiled - I had the feeling, that the private message would blow her out of her socks, once it was revealed.

[AHSCA]

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I still smiled.
"Don't worry, it's good.", I said and tried to alleviate the concerns, "The official message is a greeting from the Council of Elders, which represent the Fifteen Tribes, with the hope, that you are fine, that your little sister is fine, that your parents and your country are fine. We did hear news of heavy storms this season and I was asked to assure you, that you only need to call and we will help." I let a beat pass. "On a lighter note, they also told me, that it would be a great honour for them to welcome you for state visit at your convenience. They, and we from the Foreign Office, only ask you to call ahead."
I still smiled - I had the feeling, that the private message would blow her out of her socks, once it was revealed.

Marcella smiled widened "That's so wonderful, Kendra! We are all doing just fine. We have had our storms indeed, you probably heard of the usual late season hurricane we had at the end of our great Holy Light festival but we managed through thanks to many who came to our assistance. Everyone is indeed great, my mother, father and little sister are all in good health and so are our islands. I would be so delighted to make a visit to The Freelands soon enough! I'll be sure to have my Foreign Officer make the details worked out before I set sail."

[The Selkie]

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I still smiled.
"Don't worry, it's good.", I said and tried to alleviate the concerns, "The official message is a greeting from the Council of Elders, which represent the Fifteen Tribes, with the hope, that you are fine, that your little sister is fine, that your parents and your country are fine. We did hear news of heavy storms this season and I was asked to assure you, that you only need to call and we will help." I let a beat pass. "On a lighter note, they also told me, that it would be a great honour for them to welcome you for state visit at your convenience. They, and we from the Foreign Office, only ask you to call ahead."
I still smiled - I had the feeling, that the private message would blow her out of her socks, once it was revealed.

Marcella smiled widened "That's so wonderful, Kendra! We are all doing just fine. We have had our storms indeed, you probably heard of the usual late season hurricane we had at the end of our great Holy Light festival but we managed through thanks to many who came to our assistance. Everyone is indeed great, my mother, father and little sister are all in good health and so are our islands. I would be so delighted to make a visit to The Freelands soon enough! I'll be sure to have my Foreign Officer make the details worked out before I set sail."

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I smiled at Marcella's enthusiasm - it was infecting, to be honest, making me look forward to it as well. It would be a great occasion, that was for sure!
I was also glad, that everyone was alright. The news made headlines with us and it looked terrible for a while, at least in the news. We had worked on plans for a humanitarian deployment back when.
"Believe me, we would be delighted, too.", I replied, "Though, before me move on to the personal and private message, is there anything political, which you want to tell me? Even if it is only to give my best regards to the Council?"

[AHSCA]

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I smiled at Marcella's enthusiasm - it was infecting, to be honest, making me look forward to it as well. It would be a great occasion, that was for sure!
I was also glad, that everyone was alright. The news made headlines with us and it looked terrible for a while, at least in the news. We had worked on plans for a humanitarian deployment back when.
"Believe me, we would be delighted, too.", I replied, "Though, before me move on to the personal and private message, is there anything political, which you want to tell me? Even if it is only to give my best regards to the Council?"

Marcella took a beat to think of a good way to respond "Yes. Please, give them my regards in what I told you. We're all in good health and spirits, the islands are doing wonderful at the moment and we always appreciate a helping hand when we need it. And give them my own personal best regards and of course my enthusiasm to come visit the Freelands in the near future."

[The Selkie]

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I smiled at Marcella's enthusiasm - it was infecting, to be honest, making me look forward to it as well. It would be a great occasion, that was for sure!
I was also glad, that everyone was alright. The news made headlines with us and it looked terrible for a while, at least in the news. We had worked on plans for a humanitarian deployment back when.
"Believe me, we would be delighted, too.", I replied, "Though, before me move on to the personal and private message, is there anything political, which you want to tell me? Even if it is only to give my best regards to the Council?"

Marcella took a beat to think of a good way to respond "Yes. Please, give them my regards in what I told you. We're all in good health and spirits, the islands are doing wonderful at the moment and we always appreciate a helping hand when we need it. And give them my own personal best regards and of course my enthusiasm to come visit the Freelands in the near future."

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I smiled, nodded, committed every word to memory.
"I will tell them of Your words.", I promised, then bowed my head. A beat passed. "Now... as for the private message, a little bit of background. My former boss is a man by the name of Donald Críonna of the Tribe of Louth, we called him Daideo. He has a niece, a certain Aurelia Taistealaí of the Tribe of Louth, a.k.a. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir... When we reviewed the guest list and saw there, we could not resist asking her, if she had a message for you..."
I smiled and waited for her reaction.

[AHSCA]

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I smiled, nodded, committed every word to memory.
"I will tell them of Your words.", I promised, then bowed my head. A beat passed. "Now... as for the private message, a little bit of background. My former boss is a man by the name of Donald Críonna of the Tribe of Louth, we called him Daideo. He has a niece, a certain Aurelia Taistealaí of the Tribe of Louth, a.k.a. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir... When we reviewed the guest list and saw there, we could not resist asking her, if she had a message for you..."
I smiled and waited for her reaction.

Marcella lit up more she was practically glowing! She did remember Aurelia had Selkie blood in her, how fitting two girls with mixed heritage falling in love with each other!? In Marcella's case Mokastana blood. "Aurelia!" She nearly shouted but caught herself. Business was nearly out the window when her beloved Aurelia was concerned "Aurelia, how wonderful you have a message from her? Do tell, please!"

[The Selkie]

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I smiled, nodded, committed every word to memory.
"I will tell them of Your words.", I promised, then bowed my head. A beat passed. "Now... as for the private message, a little bit of background. My former boss is a man by the name of Donald Críonna of the Tribe of Louth, we called him Daideo. He has a niece, a certain Aurelia Taistealaí of the Tribe of Louth, a.k.a. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir... When we reviewed the guest list and saw there, we could not resist asking her, if she had a message for you..."
I smiled and waited for her reaction.

Marcella lit up more she was practically glowing! She did remember Aurelia had Selkie blood in her, how fitting two girls with mixed heritage falling in love with each other!? In Marcella's case Mokastana blood. "Aurelia!" She nearly shouted but caught herself. Business was nearly out the window when her beloved Aurelia was concerned "Aurelia, how wonderful you have a message from her? Do tell, please!"

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I could not help but smile. Searc, protect the love between those two, for it was honest and true.
"Aurelia sends her greetings, as many hugs and kisses as you could handle then some - her words, not mine - and all the best wishes. She is sad, that she can't get here personally, but school keeps her busy.", I told her the message, "There's not minute on any given day, where she doesn't think of you and she yearns for the day, when she sees you again, and can set sail with you again." I smiled. "That was her message."
The fact, that Aurelia was organizing a social revolution from her bedroom was most likely a factor in it as well. Searc - do your thing!

[AHSCA]

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I could not help but smile. Searc, protect the love between those two, for it was honest and true.
"Aurelia sends her greetings, as many hugs and kisses as you could handle then some - her words, not mine - and all the best wishes. She is sad, that she can't get here personally, but school keeps her busy.", I told her the message, "There's not minute on any given day, where she doesn't think of you and she yearns for the day, when she sees you again, and can set sail with you again." I smiled. "That was her message."
The fact, that Aurelia was organizing a social revolution from her bedroom was most likely a factor in it as well. Searc - do your thing!

"Thank you for the lovely message. Give her my best if you see her again before me, but I will also write her a more personal letter when I'm free." Actually tonight would be a good night, she might even be able to send the message out from here and not have it take an eternity to arrive, well an eternity without using the diplomatic channels through embassies and offices which Marcella did her best to avoid considering these were personal. Though it was amusing to think of foreign espionage agents snooping on her love life. "Thank you, I know that's a lot to ask to deliver so many personal message to me."

[The Selkie]

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I could not help but smile. Searc, protect the love between those two, for it was honest and true.
"Aurelia sends her greetings, as many hugs and kisses as you could handle then some - her words, not mine - and all the best wishes. She is sad, that she can't get here personally, but school keeps her busy.", I told her the message, "There's not minute on any given day, where she doesn't think of you and she yearns for the day, when she sees you again, and can set sail with you again." I smiled. "That was her message."
The fact, that Aurelia was organizing a social revolution from her bedroom was most likely a factor in it as well. Searc - do your thing!

"Thank you for the lovely message. Give her my best if you see her again before me, but I will also write her a more personal letter when I'm free." Actually tonight would be a good night, she might even be able to send the message out from here and not have it take an eternity to arrive, well an eternity without using the diplomatic channels through embassies and offices which Marcella did her best to avoid considering these were personal. Though it was amusing to think of foreign espionage agents snooping on her love life. "Thank you, I know that's a lot to ask to deliver so many personal message to me."

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I smiled, raised my hand.
"Don't mention it.", I said, not because it was the polite things to say, but because I felt it. I knew Aurelia a little bit and I knew Daideo very well. If the old man could find a little bit of joy in seeing his niece happy, then I would gladly bag Marcella and kidnap her to Kyrenaia and deliver her onto the doorstep of the Palace of the Azure Hall in a ribbon (and nothing but a ribbon). That was not necessary, however. If they used the diplomatic channels for their love letters, then I knew enough ambassadors, who would gladly play courier, mainly because carrying messages of love was something else other then carrying messages of discord or boring stuff. "I'll gladly do so."
However, I was also a bit worried. Their love was not only in Kyrenaia a hot topic. Cao, that is Agent Caollaidhe Starrfhiacail of the Tribe of Sligo, of the Ionchoisne, our own domestic intelligence service, had told us, that quite a few parties found that development... interesting.
"I am sure, that she will love any letter you write.", I added, before a bit of sadness crept into my voice. "I know, that I loved any letter I received from my lover when he was away."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Thank you for the lovely message. Give her my best if you see her again before me, but I will also write her a more personal letter when I'm free." Actually tonight would be a good night, she might even be able to send the message out from here and not have it take an eternity to arrive, well an eternity without using the diplomatic channels through embassies and offices which Marcella did her best to avoid considering these were personal. Though it was amusing to think of foreign espionage agents snooping on her love life. "Thank you, I know that's a lot to ask to deliver so many personal message to me."


Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I smiled, raised my hand.
"Don't mention it.", I said, not because it was the polite things to say, but because I felt it. I knew Aurelia a little bit and I knew Daideo very well. If the old man could find a little bit of joy in seeing his niece happy, then I would gladly bag Marcella and kidnap her to Kyrenaia and deliver her onto the doorstep of the Palace of the Azure Hall in a ribbon (and nothing but a ribbon). That was not necessary, however. If they used the diplomatic channels for their love letters, then I knew enough ambassadors, who would gladly play courier, mainly because carrying messages of love was something else other then carrying messages of discord or boring stuff. "I'll gladly do so."
However, I was also a bit worried. Their love was not only in Kyrenaia a hot topic. Cao, that is Agent Caollaidhe Starrfhiacail of the Tribe of Sligo, of the Ionchoisne, our own domestic intelligence service, had told us, that quite a few parties found that development... interesting.
"I am sure, that she will love any letter you write.", I added, before a bit of sadness crept into my voice. "I know, that I loved any letter I received from my lover when he was away."

Having observed the room with Bradley for some time now, and having spotted the small conversation between Miss Sciamhach of the Foreign Office and Duchess Marcella Villa, and heard they were talking about someone she had met, Agathe thought it would be a good time to try and join the conversation.
So, with her glass still in hand, she approaches nonchalantly the two women, her companion at her side.
"Pardon me to interrupt, says the Dowager Empress to Marcella and Kendra, but I believe I heard you talking about someone I know too. Oh, but where are my manners? I am Agathe Blachkov, Dowager Empress of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle, she says with a bow of the head. And this is my companion, and faithful bodyguard, Colonel Bradley Myers.
-Duchess, Madame, says Myers as he greets both women with a bow.
-If Ii remember well, Duchess, you already met my father-in-law a few months ago in Sinope? asks Agathe with a smile.

[AHSCA]

However, I was also a bit worried. Their love was not only in Kyrenaia a hot topic. Cao, that is Agent Caollaidhe Starrfhiacail of the Tribe of Sligo, of the Ionchoisne, our own domestic intelligence service, had told us, that quite a few parties found that development... interesting.
"I am sure, that she will love any letter you write.", I added, before a bit of sadness crept into my voice. "I know, that I loved any letter I received from my lover when he was away."

Marcella gave a sad smile sounds like she too had felt the highs and lows of a woman madly in love. "Thank you, I work my hardest to write everything with meaning."

"Pardon me to interrupt, says the Dowager Empress to Marcella and Kendra, but I believe I heard you talking about someone I know too. Oh, but where are my manners? I am Agathe Blachkov, Dowager Empress of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle, she says with a bow of the head. And this is my companion, and faithful bodyguard, Colonel Bradley Myers.
-Duchess, Madame, says Myers as he greets both women with a bow.
-If Ii remember well, Duchess, you already met my stepfather a few months ago in Sinope? asks Agathe with a smile.

Their conversation was interrupted by another guest at the party today, The Empress of The Scarlet Eagle. Marcella smiled and gave a polite "Oh a good day to you, Your Grace!" Marcella thought a moment and did remember "Oh yes, yes I did, I had the great pleasure along with Aurelia to meet him and had a very nice chat with the two of them. I'm glad to finally make your Acquaintance, Empress."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Their conversation was interrupted by another guest at the party today, The Empress of The Scarlet Eagle. Marcella smiled and gave a polite "Oh a good day to you, Your Grace!" Marcella thought a moment and did remember "Oh yes, yes I did, I had the great pleasure along with Aurelia to meet him and had a very nice chat with the two of them. I'm glad to finally make your Acquaintance, Empress."

"I believe you're a bit mistaken, Duchess, replies Agathe with a small smile. I'm the Dowager Empress, mother of Anaximander Blachkov, the actual Emperor. Since my husband died nine years ago, I retired from political life, just like I think your mother Shino did when you ascended to the Throne.
Anyway, my son and my daughter in law, who you may remember from the photo Peter gave you, would have loved to be here, but since we were struck heard by a virus last december, they are still picking up the pieces. Anyway, they still send their warmest regards to you, as well as their best wishes for you and Aurelia."

[The Selkie]

However, I was also a bit worried. Their love was not only in Kyrenaia a hot topic. Cao, that is Agent Caollaidhe Starrfhiacail of the Tribe of Sligo, of the Ionchoisne, our own domestic intelligence service, had told us, that quite a few parties found that development... interesting.
"I am sure, that she will love any letter you write.", I added, before a bit of sadness crept into my voice. "I know, that I loved any letter I received from my lover when he was away."

Marcella gave a sad smile sounds like she too had felt the highs and lows of a woman madly in love. "Thank you, I work my hardest to write everything with meaning."

Having observed the room with Bradley for some time now, and having spotted the small conversation between Miss Sciamhach of the Foreign Office and Duchess Marcella Villa, and heard they were talking about someone she had met, Agathe thought it would be a good time to try and join the conversation.
So, with her glass still in hand, she approaches nonchalantly the two women, her companion at her side.
"Pardon me to interrupt, says the Dowager Empress to Marcella and Kendra, but I believe I heard you talking about someone I know too. Oh, but where are my manners? I am Agathe Blachkov, Dowager Empress of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle, she says with a bow of the head. And this is my companion, and faithful bodyguard, Colonel Bradley Myers.
-Duchess, Madame, says Myers as he greets both women with a bow.
-If Ii remember well, Duchess, you already met my father-in-law a few months ago in Sinope? asks Agathe with a smile.

Their conversation was interrupted by another guest at the party today, The Empress of The Scarlet Eagle. Marcella smiled and gave a polite "Oh a good day to you, Your Grace!" Marcella thought a moment and did remember "Oh yes, yes I did, I had the great pleasure along with Aurelia to meet him and had a very nice chat with the two of them. I'm glad to finally make your Acquaintance, Empress."

"I believe you're a bit mistaken, Duchess, replies Agathe with a small smile. I'm the Dowager Empress, mother of Anaximander Blachkov, the actual Emperor. Since my husband died nine years ago, I retired from political life, just like I think your mother Shino did when you ascended to the Throne.
Anyway, my son and my daughter in law, who you may remember from the photo Peter gave you, would have loved to be here, but since we were struck heard by a virus last december, they are still picking up the pieces. Anyway, they still send their warmest regards to you, as well as their best wishes for you and Aurelia."

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I smiled, sadly, but my reply would never be said, as we were, quite frankly, interrupted in our conversation, by the Dowager Empress of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle.
Now... the Kyrenaian Relationship with the Empire was a story of ups and downs, to say the least, and we, as people in close proximity, had basically ringside seats. Who had the fault with which up and which down was immaterial, they were there and the Sultanate went on with remarkable nonchalance.
I must admit, that I admired Vizier Safir, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, a bit for that attitude.
As the conversation of the widow turned to proper titling, then to trying to grasp at the straw, that Marcella had met her father-in-law and thus trying to focus the conversation on them, I decided to make her job easier.
"It is my pleasure as well, Your Majesty.", I said with a small bow of my head. She insisted, that she wasn't Empress anymore, so I wouldn't greet her as if she was Empress. "Though, I am afraid, that I depart this company. Otherwise Leonard might gobble up all the cheese nibbles and we can't have that, now can we?" I sighed for dramatic effect. "I say, that lad is a kid sometimes!"
I shook my head and smiled at Marcella.
"Marcella-bandiúc, it was a great honour to meet you. I hope, that we will meet again over the course of the day, and, when it happens, of the state visit. And..." I leaned forward to her, a small smile on my lips, as if to tell her a secret, but in a normal conversational volume, quite honestly not caring, whether or not the Imperials heard it or not: "...I know, that Mister Saighead wants to talk with you later. And that Leonard would love a dance later." I threw her a wink, then turned to Agathe, my smile vanishing. "Your Majesty, Colonel, I am afraid, that we need to meet again later, for I have urgent business to discuss with you, concerning the state visit offered to your son."
I made a small bow.
"Until then, I must depart... and safe the cheese nibbles.", I said and departed.