A Volatile's Queen Garden Party (IC)

by **Kafair** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 2:46 pm

Global Harran wrote:
"And proud we are indeed, replies Ophelia with a smile. As for who is here tonight, we have rhe Kuronami Foreign Minister and her assistant, some Selkies, two Kyrenaian Princesses who are on their way to meet with our Emperor and Empress, the Portuguese Queen, and the AHSCA Duchess.
-And speaking of meeting, continues Maximilian who had been checking something on his smartphone, I just received a message that our host, Queen Jasmine Morenai would like to meet you now, in her office. Care to follow us? Asks the Duke to the Prince and his bodyguard.

"Quite a distinguished lineup attending. I must make it a point to meet them all." He listens quietly. "Of course. I wont refuse much an offer. Lead the way."

OOC: Sorry for the short post, but I am back!

by **Kuronami** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 2:48 pm

Global Harran wrote:"I hope she can get someone who wants her for who she is, and not just for her position, says Jade with a smile. In the case she would marry a foreign man, as you just said, wat would happen? Would she got aborad to that man's country, or would she remain and that man would become Duke's consort?"

"That is an interesting question. I suppose it would depend on what her husband-to-be would want. She could of course go and become his wife and live in his nation and obtain a title if any. Another is like you said, he could become a Duke Consort and live with her. Noble or common I guess it will be seen what happens when she finds that special someone."

by **The Selkie** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 2:50 pm

Global Harran wrote:"Thank you Duchess, replies Alicia with a smile. Although if I may say, not all your Personal Guards are your childhood friends, nor they are all highborn like us.
In any case, continues the blonde Morozov as she looks to Aurelia, I would like to know if you also intent to report to your...intelligence services the private conversation you'll have with the Emperor, Princess?, she says with a serious tone.

Just as she finishes her sentence, behind her can be seen Phillip and Patricia emerge from the staircase, and coming towards them.
And right on their heels, three Appalachian Wolfdogs. The smaller one in the center (but still as tall as half a German Sheperd) has a reyish-blue fur on the top, with his belly being beige. The one flanking him on the right has a dark brown fur on the top, and a white one in his belly, while the one on the left is compeltely black.
These three canines are respectively Oronar (Anaximander's Wolfdog, which he got a year ago for his birthday as a puppy), the other two are Cairo and Gopnik, belonging respectively to the Leonhart and Petrenko couple.

Volkan Yasif Dal
Volkan knew that indeed, the Harranis would be pitied if they spoke such things, but given the fact the Queendom was already in a... privileged relation in the Empire (and he was also aware that no one would believe that his country was no puppet-state), he doubted the Sultanate would take much interest in the Queendom, at least for now.
"Interesting, he simply replies on a neutral tone. Say, I don't see you male colleague, where has he gone? he asks Liliane as he looks around. Not going around gobbling all the cheese again? Yes, this small piece of info got into our ears."

Harris Brecken
"Okay, replies the Foreign Minister with a small smile. I have bee tempted to visit these villages myself, I shall do that on my next week off.
If I'm saking all those questions about Milleadh, it's because some of the Queen's Volatile Guards, who have seen the movie, are thiking about going there, but think that arriving by helicopter straight to the village would save them the troubles we see in the movie. But I suppose this would not stop the curse, would it? Don't worry, the Queen is a 100% against such a move."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I smiled at Alicia, even as the three mongrels came up, and then told her: "Sadly, I am not at the liberty to tell you, if I will have a debriefing about that conversations I will have today or not." I shrugged. "And, to be quite honest, I doubt that you are at the liberty to tell me, too."
I smiled at her the most neutral smile she would have ever seen me with.
Did she think, that we were stupid?

Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I looked around for the red head as well - honestly, if they hadn't heard about Leonard's love for cheese, I would have been disappointed! That was not exactly a state secret.
"Well, he can't be flirting with any woman, mainly because he has a girlfriend, and if Kendra hears, that he is eating up your cheese, she will give him pointy ears, so...", I explained, then grinned, "...there he is!"
Indeed, there he was, sitting under one of the trees and watching the proceedings. As he noticed me watching him, he gave a small wave, which I returned.
"Want to talk to him?", I asked Dal.

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I groaned.
"At least she has a bit of common sense...", I told him, "Listen, tell those guards, that tourists get lost in the Great Woods by the dozen every year. While I know, that they have a bit of outdoor experience, I would like for us to avoid having to write letters detailing how some of our citizens found pieces of citizens of the Queendom. Too much paperwork." I shook my head. "Besides, if they really need to prove, that their balls haven't rotten away completely yet, I presume, that there are cheaper ways, too."

by **AHSCA** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 3:03 pm

"Think it's safe to say, yes what we speak of in our own circles is our business." Marcella had no idea if they asked of her but she had to join in with her fellow women from the Sultanate to agree and concur. Her eyes also fell onto the pack of dogs that seemed to race in. Friendly no doubt, rather like Aurelia's trusty companion, she'd gotten used to animals despite not having any herself. Surely that would change sometime.

by **Global Harran** » Wed Dec 04, 2019 3:24 pm

"Then please follow us, says Ophelia as she and he husband turn around, as they motion for Kuzko and Artyom to follow them.

And so, the two Imperials and the two Kafairs walk the path up towards the mansion, enter the hall, and proceed to take the stairs, getting out on the second floor.
They then turn to the right, entering a hallway where the walls are lined with photos of a couple, in different situations. On some photos, the man, with an olive skin, brown hair and eyes, is wearing a uniform of the old Harran Defence Forces, back before the outbreak occured in 2014. The woman at his side, her skin a bit lighter than her husband, seems to be in her forties, with long black hair going down to her waist, and blue eyes.
"These are pictures of Colonel Amir Morenai and his wife Jasmine, back before the outbreak, explains Thomas to the two guests as they pass along, before arriving at the last door of the hallway, on the left side. One thing to note, is that said door is flanked by two Volatile Guards in their Dress Uniforms, who salute the group, before one of them knocks three times on the door.

After a few seconds, the door opens, revealing another Volatile Guard, his uniform bearing the rank of Captain.
"Amir, says Thomas as he nods.
-Thomas, Ophelia, says the Volatile with a small smile, his lower jaw splitting a bit as he does so. Your Highness, Sir, he continues as he greets the Prince and his bodyguard, I'm Captain Amir Dakrim, Captain of the First Company of the Rapace Battalion, and the companion of Queen Jasmine Morenai. Please, enter, he says as he steps aside and allows the group to enter the room.

And so, the four guests find themselves in a relatively cozy room, with the walls made of wood. The center of the room is occupied by a set of two couches facing each other on each side of a coffee table, with four armchairs completing the ensemble.
On the floor, a large carpet representing the Queendom's flag, and on the ceiling, stucco decorations representing birds of various types, and a large crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, although the candles present are artificial, electrical ones.
Around the room, one can see a small console table with various utensils to make tea, and some additional paintings and photos on the walls.

As the group takes in the detail, the door at the opposite of the room opens, and enters a tall figure, clad in a large set of robes, colored in a deep, rich, blood-red color. On the figure's face, a mask, showing a human face with a neutral expression, with two holes for the eyes, while a large decoration made of metal surrounds the face, seemingly representing the rays of the sun. Some pieces of jewelry are hanging from the rays.
The feminine figure watches the group for a second or two, then raises her clawed hands (which Kuzko and Artyom would immediatly deduce that she's also a Volatile) towards the mask, and takes it off, revealing the face of Queen Jasmine Morenai. Compared to her previous appearance on the photos, her actual state as a Volatile is not nice to watch, especially for a foreigner. Large scars cover a good part of her near-bald skull, while only a handful of her previous rich black hair remains, mostly on the rear and side of her head, and going down past her shoulders.

"Greetings, Prince Kuzko al-Karim, and Mr Artyom Itchak, says the Queen as she speaks (NB: even though her jaw moves as she speaks, the guests are feeling as if she was speaking from inside of their head, which might feel very strange.) I hope you had a pleasant journey coming here, and that you are enjoying the party. Please, have a seat," she finishes as she motions for the couches and armchairs.

As Alicia looks at Aurelia, then at Marcella, before being about to answer, the door leading to Anaximander's and Anna's room opens, allowing three people to join the little crowd.
For once, Colonel Pavel Morozov is not wearing the Dres Uniform of the Imperial Guard, also nicknamed Black Dress. Insteead, he's wearing the traditional Imperial Ensemble, (which the Kyrenaians had already seen last summer during the state visit), composed of : a pair of kneed-high leather black boots, a pair of black pants, a dark green shirt (for this time), and a silver cravat around his neck, the silver being the Morozov's family colors. On his back, a black leather jacket, bearing his family coat of arms on the back. And naturally, his M1911 pistol, although contrary to everyone of his friends, he carries his in a thigh holster, for everyone to see. One thing to note, is the Remington brush gun in his hands, apparently chambered for 45-70 Govt ammunition.

Anna, for her part, is wearing the feminine version of the Imperial Ensemble, composed of a pair of knee-high boots with a small heel (colored red-wine in her case), an ankle-length black shirt, with a white shirt and a sleeveless black vest on top. To complete the ensemble, a scarlet cravat is wrapped around her neck, and she bears the coat of arms of her family on a small pin above her left breast.
As for her appearance, the Empress has chosen to braid her hair in a single braid similar to Alicia, a small brooch made of rubies representing a rose holding them together at the end. And her pistol (the ceremonial one, carved in a meteor which she got as a wedding gift for her and her husband), is resting in a holster on her right hip, attached to a dark-red leather belt.

And finally, the main man himself, the Emperor.
As usual, Anaximander has kept his hair long, and has taken care to attach them in the usual bun he does. He also sports a small patch of beard on his chin, and a light mustache. Not a full goatee, but almost.
Just as Fara, Marcella and Aurelia has seen on the photograph shown by Yuri a few moments ago, the entire left half of his neck is riddled with stitches, and is colored violet and red, testimony of the attck he suffered a few weeks ago.
Another thing that catches the attention, aside from his wound, is the uniform he's wearing. Being ash-gray in color, the two large crests on the upper sleeves, just below the shoulders, indicate this uniform is the Dress Uniform of the Blackkov DC Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Department. The small nameplate above the right breast indicates:

Lieutenant Anaximander Blachkov
ER Physician

a rank that is confirmed by the insignas on the sleeves.
And just like his wife, his pistol is in a thigh holster.

After having spared a quick circular look at the crowd, Anaximander sighs.
"I believe there's a misunderstanding concerning Alicia's words, he says in a tired voice. She was not referring to the political conversations, Aurelia. Of course we know you're not at the liberty to tell which ones you'll report or not, just like we are on our side. No, she was referring to the private conversation we're supposed to have, the one where I present myself naked, where I try to save what's left of our friendship. Given the fact it will not be good to look at, every Scarlet American here has agreed that it would not leave our circle of friends, due to the private and personal nature of said conversation. So what Alicia was asking was if you're also going to report this specifically one. I'll be honest, neither them nor I would want it to s=leat to external parties. So, what's your answer?"

As he says that, if one was to look in Anax's eyes, they would see many things: anger, sadness, grief, but mostly, an extremely heavy tiredness and fatigue. Although that dissipates a little when Anna puts her hand on her husband's shoulder, offering him comfort.
Meanwhile, Pavel, just like everyone else, observes the scene with neutral looks on their faces, although in their eyes, a small pang of sadness can be seen, for seeing their friends in such a state.

Volkan Yasif Dal
"Sure, simply replies the industrialist before motioning to Liliane to lead the way to her colleague.

Harris Brecken
"I understand, replies Brecken with a neutral tone. Although with all due respect, I suggest you take back what you said concerning the so-called rotten state of the Volatile genitalia, he continues with a bit of anger in his voice. I'll have you kno that des pite their looks, they are not undead, and their genitalia, while not looking particularly healthy, can be considered functional, just like every other Harran Viral. i understand that you have little to no interest to be here, but there is no need to devolve into petty insults."

"Huh, interesting, replies Kyle as he strokes his chin with a thoughful look. Thanks for the answer. In any case, if we consider that said man marries the Duchess and becomes Duke Consort, would he gain Kuronami nationality right away? Or would he have to wait for a certain period of time, like normal couples have to do?
By the way, what's the legal time you have to be married to a Kuronami person before being able to ask for naturalization?"

by **The Selkie** » Wed Dec 04, 2019 6:10 pm

Global Harran wrote:As Alicia looks at Aurelia, then at Marcella, before being about to answer, the door leading to Anaximander's and Anna's room opens, allowing three people to join the little crowd.
For once, Colonel Pavel Morozov is not wearing the Dres Uniform of the Imperial Guard, also nicknamed Black Dress. Insteead, he's wearing the traditional Imperial Ensemble, (which the Kyrenaians had already seen last summer during the state visit), composed of : a pair of kneed-high leather black boots, a pair of black pants, a dark green shirt (for this time), and a silver cravat around his neck, the silver being the Morozov's family colors. On his back, a black leather jacket, bearing his family coat of arms on the back. And naturally, his M1911 pistol, although contrary to everyone of his friends, he carries his in a thigh holster, for everyone to see. One thing to note, is the Remington brush gun in his hands, apparently chambered for 45-70 Govt ammunition.

Anna, for her part, is wearing the feminine version of the Imperial Ensemble, composed of a pair of knee-high boots with a small heel (colored red-wine in her case), an ankle-length black shirt, with a white shirt and a sleeveless black vest on top. To complete the ensemble, a scarlet cravat is wrapped around her neck, and she bears the coat of arms of her family on a small pin above her left breast.
As for her appearance, the Empress has chosen to braid her hair in a single braid similar to Alicia, a small brooch made of rubies representing a rose holding them together at the end. And her pistol (the ceremonial one, carved in a meteor which she got as a wedding gift for her and her husband), is resting in a holster on her right hip, attached to a dark-red leather belt.

And finally, the main man himself, the Emperor.
As usual, Anaximander has kept his hair long, and has taken care to attach them in the usual bun he does. He also sports a small patch of beard on his chin, and a light mustache. Not a full goatee, but almost.
Just as Fara, Marcella and Aurelia has seen on the photograph shown by Yuri a few moments ago, the entire left half of his neck is riddled with stitches, and is colored violet and red, testimony of the attck he suffered a few weeks ago.
Another thing that catches the attention, aside from his wound, is the uniform he's wearing. Being ash-gray in color, the two large crests on the upper sleeves, just below the shoulders, indicate this uniform is the Dress Uniform of the Blackkov DC Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Department. The small nameplate above the right breast indicates:
Lieutenant Anaximander Blachkov
ER Physician

a rank that is confirmed by the insignas on the sleeves.
And just like his wife, his pistol is in a thigh holster.

After having spared a quick circular look at the crowd, Anaximander sighs.
"I believe there's a misunderstanding concerning Alicia's words, he says in a tired voice. She was not referring to the political conversations, Aurelia. Of course we know you're not at the liberty to tell which ones you'll report or not, just like we are on our side. No, she was referring to the private conversation we're supposed to have, the one where I present myself naked, where I try to save what's left of our friendship. Given the fact it will not be good to look at, every Scarlet American here has agreed that it would not leave our circle of friends, due to the private and personal nature of said conversation. So what Alicia was asking was if you're also going to report this specifically one. I'll be honest, neither them nor I would want it to s=leat to external parties. So, what's your answer?"

As he says that, if one was to look in Anax's eyes, they would see many things: anger, sadness, grief, but mostly, an extremely heavy tiredness and fatigue. Although that dissipates a little when Anna puts her hand on her husband's shoulder, offering him comfort.
Meanwhile, Pavel, just like everyone else, observes the scene with neutral looks on their faces, although in their eyes, a small pang of sadness can be seen, for seeing their friends in such a state.

Volkan Yasif Dal
"Sure, simply replies the industrialist before motioning to Liliane to lead the way to her colleague.

Harris Brecken
"I understand, replies Brecken with a neutral tone. Although with all due respect, I suggest you take back what you said concerning the so-called rotten state of the Volatile genitalia, he continues with a bit of anger in his voice. I'll have you kno that des pite their looks, they are not undead, and their genitalia, while not looking particularly healthy, can be considered functional, just like every other Harran Viral. i understand that you have little to no interest to be here, but there is no need to devolve into petty insults."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Ah, the Special Guests appeared, what a joy... and again, they couldn't keep their little toys, read their guns, on their rooms, but had to drag them around everywhere like little kids...
Then again, they were "BFFs" with the local potentate, so it didn't really surprise me.
Anyway, Anax made for a miserable sight (although one had to give him credit: No military uniform this time, but I wanted to say police or ambulance, either of the two), he looked exhausted, absolutely spent, as well as sad.
Someone needed a vacation.
Yet, I pushed my feelings down, and asked myself again: Did he believe me to be stupid? Did he believe, that I would believe the utter nonsense about first asking about me? Did he and his friends really believe me to be that stupid - or to think that lowly of Anax?
Maybe I was a bit jaded already. One didn't survive at the Court of the Sultana for long, if one didn't built steel walls around the own heart and mind and gave the keys only to a selected few...
One of them being my Father, the other being Marcella.
I let one beat pass, then a second, and then I replied: "Good afternoon, Anaximander-Qayssar.", I began, using the formal style of address (similarities between our Qayssar and the German word Kaiser should give a good idea as to what I was calling him by) on purpose. "It is good to see you, especially considering, that your health seems to be improving after an attempt on your life which I learned about ten minutes ago." I shrugged. "But, hey, what else is new? I mean, the Chandshar informed me a few weeks ago, that for this year, I am on spot three on the annual ranking of people of Kyrenaian Royalty with the most attempts on their life thwarted by them, the Tabardariyya, regular police, military and even normal citizens! Forty-two attempts." I grinned. "Still has nothing on my Grandmother, though, who had three-hundred sixty-six attempts on her thwarted. In Her words, I quote, 'Get on my level, kiddo!'"
At this point, Fara was holding back laughter, which was a bit of an irony, considering, that she was on spot two, one hundred twenty-seven attempts.
All thwarted, of course.
The Al'Arz-Attack was not among the 42 attempts, though. It had nearly succeeded and hadn't I been on the second floor, I would be mincemeat now. So, we were kind-of in the same boat.
Anyway...
"But about your request...", I finished the small talk, a staple of polite behaviour, "...I will inform my father of the contents of that conversation, as he is... let's be polite and call it 'angry' about what you did and if you are worried about your reputation in his eyes, believe me, it can only go up at this point. I will also talk about the conversation with my Grandmothers, both of them, my Uncle, my Aunt, Sarina and Aldhiyb, for much of the same reasons. Neither the Chandshar nor Naval Intelligence nor Army Intelligence will learn of this from me." I let a beat pass. "And no, that is not negotiable, as they belong to my Inner Circle."
Not to mention Marcella, but she would sit there from the get go, as would Fara.

Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I shook my head.
"Mister Dal, stay here for a moment.", I said and stopped the man, "One can do that much more elegantly..."
I smiled and waved to Leonard to come to us, the young redhead getting up and coming at a sedate pace. The two of us stood still in the sun, which was no problem for me... if it was for my conversation partner was his matter to attend to.
"You see...", I said with a smile, "...if you can solve a matter elegantly, why shouldn't you?"
By the time he had replied, Leonard would be here, with his typical, lopsided grin.

Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford.
I had multiple options here now. I could apologize, however sarcastic, that was true. I could tell him, that the state of the genitals of the population of this place was actually a disgusting topic and that he should fuck off if he wanted to talk about the wart-sized thing he called his wiener. I could tell him, that it was supposed to be a joke and that while the genitals of his and his countrymen were not rotten according to him, the sense of humour might need an evaluation...
I had options.
Though... If the little man thought, that he could get cheeky with me and get his bloody way, though, he was in for a rude surprise. I decided for another option.
"If you know, that the Free Lands' Interests here do not lie with your nation, then, I ask myself, why did you want to speak with me, Mister Brecken?", I asked him, "You are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, shouldn't you either be attempting to convince me, that the Free Lands might find something of interest here, or, at the very least, spent your time with more promising ventures?" I shrugged. "Far be it from me to tell you how to do your job, but if you have anything of importance to tell me, do so now."
I hoped, that, with my slight shift in stance, I communicated to him, I had little interest in the conversation left and that, if he had any business with me or the Free Lands, he might as well bring it up now.
I doubted he had anything of interest for us, though.

A Volatile's Queen Garden Party (IC)

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