Red String of Fate (IC) (OPEN) (Courting)

[Laka Strolistandiler]

“Well, I hope no one will oust me from here despite the fact that the uniform of the herald probably costs more than my whole fortunes...”- She thought to herself, somewhat nervously looking around the room. As a strolistandilieri high ranking government official, she received “some” level of etiquette training. All in all, she was quite experienced on the basics, such as bowing and how to eat with multiple forks, but anything more complex was far beyond her understanding and experience. For example, she had no idea who she should give the animal skin- as it was looking somewhat absurd and unusual. She curiously looked around to find someone that could be classified as a court’s representative, until she Lavinia couldn’t help but notice a pretty good looking count making his way towards her. Years of military training and experience surely give some advantages, even in the ballroom. With all of her knowledge of etiquette and polite behavior rules, she replied, after bowing the same way as servant and Arrun:
- Queen Lavinia Mac Gofraid, pleasure to meet you, comra...-errrm, Court Arrun of Stallheim!,- she almost referred to him the same way she, several days before referred to some metallurgists, during her visit to a newly opened blast furnace. Somewhat frightened, she immediately apologized: Pardon me, sir, old habits, eh..., immediately following up with a question:
- Now, I suppose, you’re not the person I should be asking this question, but, I suppose, dancing will be quite problematic, unless my gift for the court will be taken off my shoulder,- she said in a somewhat ironic voice, pointing to the gift.

[Scornerse]

Countess Olena Kolsdottir felt her confidence shatter under the barrage of insults thrown her way by Sartana. Her wicked grin dropped and was replaced instead by an uncontrolled frown. She eased her body back and folded her arms defensively. If one were to watch carefully they might even notice the most subtle leg shaking from the countess. She felt her pulse quicken as her heart began to race, frantically trying to come up with a witty retort but finding her mouth dry and her lungs short of breath. She opened her mouth to speak but found her mind unable to comprehend how she had so suddenly and so viciously been beaten by the force of nature before her. What could Olena do but find herself silent, disgraced and embarrassed in front of the other noble ladies. Sartana took her leave and Olena spun around on her ladies. With all the frustration welling up inside of her she delivered a hard slap to the nearest girl, sending her back a few steps. That made Olena feel a little better, but only for a minute. Wordlessly she escaped through the now entertained and intrigued crowd. The young stag who Olena had originally been speaking with stared after Sartana as she went, What a women...

Baroness Melonie Cressida heard a loud slap as she made her way back towards Countess Olena Kolsdottir. It was a sound she was well accustomed to hearing, her father was a brute towards others after all. Walking along she made eye contact with Chieftess Sartana, one of the suitors from earlier. Melonie hadn't intended on conversing with her but that opinion didn't seem to be a shared one as Sartana opened up on her, mentioning someone that could only be Olena.

"Why would I need her, I have lots of friends. It looks like to me that you have very few." It was a bluff, but one that Melonie could play well. She took two steps forward to bring herself into the the Chieftesses personal space. "That's an interesting choice of dress, perhaps a bit too skimpy for my taste but you wear it...well maybe not." She stepped back as though repelled. "You think yourself so high and mighty, you don't scare me Chieftess." Melonie's confident voice faltered just a fraction of a decibel.

As Sartana had approached Melonie, she thought about what she'd done to Olena and it directly fueled her confidence in confronting Melonie. Sartana had turned her confidence into such frustration and fear. Having a keen eye detecting the physical vulnerabilities of an opponent in a fight, could also tell that he had left the gir;s legs weak and shaking. It was somewhat disappointing that she had to leave her to face Melonie, she might have caused the Baroness to faint on the spot had she kept going and she certainly wouldn't minded letting her drop without attempting to catch her. However, frustrating her enough to leave her upset enough to storm off, leaving her friend, Melonie alone, was victory enough. She had also heard a slap as she headed off. Sartana found that particularly funny. She imagined Olena would have preferred to slap Sartana, who for her part, would have also preferred to have been the one who was slapped. Though Sartana figured the consequences she'd have enjoyed imposing for Olena were the same reason she'd Olena went to slap someoen else instead..

After Sartana delivered her opening insults, Melonie responded, insisting that she didn't need Olena and that Sartana didn't have any friends, before choosing to step into her space and insult her dress, before stepping back. As she apporached, Sartana remained cold and tense like a wolf preparing to strike at it's prey, her eyes narrowing in response to the insults before she went about replying. Part of why Sartana had headed towards Melonie so aggressively was because she wanted to continue to hold the interest of the crowd that had been watching her confrontation with Olena and perhaps drag along a few more observes into watching this second confrontation.

"Well, Melonie, I only just arrived, the fact I already have friends here is quite a testament to my virtues. Though, I certainly have plenty of admirers by now, far more than you could ever hope to have."

Sartana stepped forward, entering as far into Melonie's personal space as she had previously been in hers. Sartana was intent on laying a verbal beatdown on Melonie. With Olena out of the way, she was free to go at Melonie until she begged mercy, fled, or broke down on the spot. Another possibility is she'd lose enough control that she'd go for a slap. Regardless of how unlikely that particular outcome was, Sartana was eager to provoke it and ready to respond if it happened. If it did, Sartana would grab her wrist with one hand, while going for a quick and hard jab at her solar plexus with the other, intending to leave her painfully gasping for breath, if not knock her out. While she was enjoying the discomfort she was causing with her insults, nothing beat the satisfaction of a physical strike causing physical pain. That would only be an option if Melonie struck first, however and even then she could only limit herself to a single punch to make a credible case for self defense. Nothing would stop her from raining down verbal blows, however.

"Don't be jealous that you're a scrawny little girl that needs extra fabric to hide the tissue paper she's packing in as padding for her frail figure." Sartana said, staring down Melonie while remaining in her personal space.

"I've got shoulders and arms worth displaying, both so it be known II can bare King Ivan worth children and as a warning to other women. See, since Olena insisted on being an enemy of mine, I left her so distraught she was put in the mood to smack someone, but she certainly wouldn't dare smack me. Nor would you, even your feeble intelligence must recognize you ought not to, regardless of how much I inform you of your inferiority, not only to me, but to more or less every woman in this room. You know enough to be terrified of me. You know the contrast between you and I show your vast mental, emotional and physical inadequacies and the ease of which I exceed any real virtues you have gesture at having. Though I am sure you do have me beat in one place, your, usefulness, to certain men of low character." Sartana smiled maliciously, waiting for the response.

[The Holy Solar Empire]

-snip-

---

Léopold

It was at this time that the Knight had felt calmness overtake him, perhaps it was because he was in the presence of a cute woman, or perhaps the regimented dance he had partaken in, a reminder of more relaxed days. Oh sure he remained vigilant as ever, it was fairly easy of him to focus on multiple things at a time, but that didn't mean h couldn't enjoy a dance. Still, thanks to the augmentations bestowed upon him, he was more than secure knowing that he could cut down any foe who tried anything on his charge, after all he was not just a Knight, but a Knight-captain. That was probably the major reason why he took up court formalities such as dancing, he had a presence to upkeep not only as a retainer, but as the leader of the realms Knightly order. "Where did you learn to dance, Sir Léopold?" the fair maiden before him asked of him.

"No where particularly special, I learned the basics when I was but a squire, but took up dedicated lessons under a tutor when I became a Knights-captain, I'm glad I did, I find it soothing, I actually learned a few ways to dance, though a good portion of them are not what I'd call fitting for a moment such as this."

---

Eléonore

Eléonore continued the dance, letting the vassal King digest what she said. She knew that it was unlikely he would go along right away, after all they barely know each other, but thats why she opened up avenues for later should he refuse. She noticed that he smiled to her proposition, which meant that she at least had him hooked, a good boost to her confidence. It was only a moment later when he had decided to respond to her offer. His words were direct and on point, a healthy degree of skepticism to what to him sounds far too good a promise. She couldn't blame him, she was unsure how much she could get going in her life time, but in the end he was forced to relent to her onslaught.

"I am thankful for your support, hopefully by then he will have a chance to get to know me, and by then I will have left a good impression upon the court." The King then released her from their dance, and gave a courtly bow before once again speaking up, this time about a "Tigress of the West". She was clearly someone influential and dangerous, but Eléonore was not intimidated, she could move about freely knowing that Léopold had attended the ball with her. Though the women sounded absolutely detestable, she had her fair share of dealing with courtiers of a rather negative personage, it was the key advantage that was driving her so far, the assurance that her dealing with her own realms courts would help her win Ivan's heart.

It was at that moment that the King extracted from the area, almost in a hurried fashion as well. Soon she knew why when she came face to face with the Crown Prince, his entourage not so far behind. "Oh for goodness sake!" She thought to her self, presenting a cheery smile instead.

"Princess I must confess, I'd heard tales of your beauty but I see now that they did not do you justice, you are even more lovely in person. Are you enjoying the ball so far? You wouldn't believe how much this whole affair cost! Roasted duck, fine caviar, slow-cooked Iberian steak. If you get the chance you should definitely try some." He was flattering her, of course he would, it was right about now she was really grateful that she brought Léopold to the ball; a heir whose brother is without issue? That was comparable to the eye of a gas giants hurricane, she remembered reading up on the Crimson Wedding, where the crown prince enacted a coup and took the Kings bride to be as... she had to mentally shake herself straight thinking of such depraved nonsense, just giving him a smile as he changed subjects to something she liked much better, meat.

"I thank you for your kind words Prince, I have had a grand time so far, my greatest of thanks to your family and of the Forestian realm for hosting such an event, it has been quite some time since I had enjoyed a ball like this." She smiled and curtsied, before returning to an erect posture, hands folded in front at a rest.

"So this whole event was rather costly you say? Oh surely you jest, no doubt your most honored House could host several great feast comparable to this. All said, I would be lying if I wasn't interested in tasting the cuisine, I must admit that the roasted duck you speak of is most enticing." She braced herself internally, she didn't expect to deal with Ari this soon, a wrench in her plans for sure, but she was stuck for the time being.

---

[The Saucer Pilots]

Nova
In an instant, Nova realized something slightly embarrassing, when they handed their own presentation card over to Lady Mari, their fingers had also clasped the two thin photographs together along with the thin sheet of paper, or maybe it was because they stuck together. The astronaut did not show any signs of regret and actually quickly found a way to improvise how to open a new channel for information. In part, it was a response to the commentary over the gardens of the pair's homeland: after seeing Mari's reaction, Nova wanted her and Kariken to see another type of beauty, perhaps more unforgiving, extreme and even violent in it's contrasts than what Aijinoseki could offer.

The first, a photograph in the desert, was actually not taken on Earth. Nova and their friends, in similar coveralls and appearance, stood near an airplane on what looked like an illuminated floor or platform. Behind them the landscape seemed lunar, with all it's plays of brightness and shadows. Quietly bursting with some kind of pride, Nova exclaimed, in as much an in-door voice as possible, "Home sweet home". Pausing for a second, and breaking some protocol, the pilot warmly gestured to Mari's bodyguard, "If you'd like to get a closer look, don't mind asking."

If Mari were to shuffle the images, the next one would be more unremarkable. Nova would offer no commentary, at first. However it would implicitly send another message that was perhaps not conveyed strongly enough by their previous commentary over their worries over sitting at the throne. If Sartana and Seraria thought a picture was worth a thousand words, so too, did Nova.

As soon as their hands were temporarily freed, Nova swiftly took some of the red wine that from a passing butler that had been parading around while replacing their used glass on the ambulatory tray. Perhaps the champagne Nova had previously finished had already emboldened them, of only by a little bit.

---

Grimes almost automatically clicked on his lighter and lit the cigarette for Ymir, "Alan Grimes. The pleasure is all mine." As they walked towards the terrace, the older man revealed himself to walk in a peculiar gait that just barely seemed to stress a false sense of casualness. Any observant eye in the court would link him to Nova, for their dated fashion and because he had been hovering subtly behind the little cosmic contestant. As they went into the open air, he let out a puff but also turned to face the people within the hall. Then he said something in a deadpan tone: "Your sister is quite the handful. I can relate to that" His eyes turned to point towards Nova, still chatting with the two odd women in East Asian clothing, but then then his gaze drifted away from them as well. "Your family must be very notable around these, Mr. Syrén, to be so close to His Majesty."

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

(Image)

Major General Louis Akession considered Adelheid carefully. Her body language had changed. She'd gone slightly rigid and her focus had shifted off from his eyes to something else, as though there were something straight through him that demanded her attention. It would perhaps be vaguely insulting if he didn't know any better. He'd seen that sort of stare before, many times in fact during his service in the colonies as a young man. It was the look of someone who had seen or heard something tragic though more often it was seen than heard. Louis couldn't help but wonder if something he had said had reminded Princess Adelheid of her military service or some other miserable even in her life.

"You would send...none of them." Louis thought that was quite unhelpful but her reasoning was interesting if nothing else. Killing had been his pursuit for so long that diplomacy had become foreign to him. He had no clue how to make the natives trust The Frozen Forest, afterall many of them believed radically different things than them. It wasn't his job to negotiate with rebels, but perhaps just this once he could try-maybe it would work out, maybe it would fail. If it failed he wouldn't have any choice but the most extreme option, that is using the air force. Louis sreached up to his earpiece and pressed on it before speaking, not breaking eye contact with Adelheid as he did so. "Find a negotiator, give him the power to act on my authority. If there is a chance to deal with this peacefully, it's worth a shot."

There was some further murmuring over the earpiece before Louis let his arm fall to his side. "There may be some truth to what your brother told you. Perhaps not. It won't be until next week that the answer to that will be apparent. I haven't the faintest idea how to build trust. I've been at war for too long, seen too many men die. I'm not a diplomat and it's unlikely the next Queen will be appointing one."

Louis offered a small bow, so small it could almost not even be considered a bow. "I sincerely wish you the best for the rest of ball Princess. I'm going to take my leave but if there is anything I can do for you awhile your here, don't hesitate to call on me." The Major General politely left alongside his captains.

As Louis left, Irene took his place, and glanced over at Adelheid.

"Sod him, eh?" she muttered. "He didn't say anything rude to you, eh?"

Adelheid closed her eyes, and shut them for a long while. A few tears threatened to well up, but thankfully, none escaped. Crying would do no good here; it would attract attention.

"Not at all." Adelheid finally replied. "He just...reminded me. Of my brother."

"Ah." Irene paused, mulling over how to proceed. "He's a good man and he's got his head on straight. He'll live."

"I hope he does." Adelheid replied, softly. "He has a girl..."

"Oh? Who's the lucky lass? Otulissa? One of the Hohenzollern girls for the inbreeding points? An Austrian? Marie?"

"None of those. A commoner. Ida Findehoof. She's smart and seems genuine enough, from what I've seen. Hails from Teressien, grew up in the Free Lands."

Adelheid paused. "Say. How is Marie?"

Irene sighed. "She's a little better. Thank Yven for me, will you? But she still has her moments, and she still worries me. Seeing her handle a rifle the way she does just seems wrong. Just two years ago she'd faint if someone dropped an f-bomb and I had to push her into taking a sip of beer when we were in Bavaria in the fall. Now..."

Adelheid nodded. "Yeah. I get you."

The two Prussian-Poles fell into silence, once again standing on the fringes of the ball.

[Brettenwald]

King Ivan walked towards Khana Amina and Princess Asha. Behind the King followed a number of people, including servants, bodyguards and nobles seeking his attention. At them he ignored but to the ladies before him he offered a polite smile. It would have been impossible for the pair to not notice his approach as the other nobels moved quickly out of the King's way, leaving him ample room to do with as he wished. It was nothing Ivan wasn't used to and he seemed to occupy and command the air around him, almost as though demanding the presence of everyone who could see.

King Ivan's attention first fell on Khana Amina bint-Karim and her ward Marla. His demeanor changed rapidly and he visibly eased up, causing the rest of the his entourage to do the same in some strange case of mimicry. "Khana Amina bint-Karim, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope i'm not interrupting you and Princess Asha?" Ivan knew that he probably was and while his composure never faltered, he privately felt a mixture of apprehension at the possibility of being rude. The last thing he wanted to was to make the suitors dislike him. There was probably a better way to go about things but he needed to get away from his nobility before he snapped on one of them, thus he'd made the decision to bee-line for the nearest suitors, which just so happened to be Khana Amina and Asha.

"Princess Asha Lisanne Cärrino, you look radiant. Thank you for coming to attend." Ivan looked between Princess Asha and Khana Amina and then noticed the adorable sight of Marla. He'd been pre-informed of Marla's Selkie heritage, though he wasn't quite sure whether she remembered any of her native language. Strange enough, Ivan did know a bit of the Selkie language, having been learning from a tutor since becoming King in order to better ingratiate himself with the Selkie diaspora in The Frozen Forest. "Princess Marla bint-Amina, it's marvelous to see you here. I love how you braided your hair, it's similar to how my sister used to braid her hair. Did Khana Amina help you with it?" The King offered a thoughtful look at Amina as though to ask whether she understood Selkie.

Ivan stood suddenly and snapped a finger. Not a moment later a servant came forwards and with a bow offered some objects to the King. They were hidden in a fine burgundy silk and Ivan took care as he lifted them off of the plush purple pillow they had been resting on. He turned back to the girls and began to unwrap one of the items. The crowd hushed and leaned forwards in eager anticipation. What was the King doing? Was he going to propose?

"Brettenwald is a beautiful nation and any royal from there is a friend of my Kingdom. Never for a minute has Brettenwald broken my trust, and just as the amity between our countries has persisted so has the gift that I would like to give you, Princess Asha. Two hundred years ago there was a jeweler by the name of Sven Hammarström who attended to my forefathers court. It was said that he was one of the greatest jewelers to ever live. He produced many fine pieces for my family which we still possess today. Please accept this Sapphire and Ruby brooch as a token of the esteem I have for you and your family." The crowd gasped loudly and several of the girls scowled enviously at the lucky foreign recipient.

Asha's breath caught for a second. She had expected King Ivan to make the first move, of course, it wasn't her place to do so, but still...he had the enviable combination of good looks and a magnetic personality, and both were enough to catch a girl off guard. Might as well wing it, it's not like I have any other options, she thought as she curtsied and smiled. "Thank you, your royal majesty, you are most kind. You are not interrupting us at all." With her fair skin it would have been hopeless to try not to blush at his compliment, so she settled for going a bit pink in a ladylike manner. "My cousin the Crown Prince wished me to pass on to you that he was as deeply honored to receive the invitation as he was at the prospect of bringing our two nations closer together, and I am just as deeply honored to be present today." The brooch, were she not a young lady in complete control over her faculties, would have required her to pick her jaw up off the floor. "Your royal majesty, I-I am truly touched. This is...words fail me. One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen." She took it with faintly shaking hands. "Like the Frozen Forest and my mother country, may its beauty never fade." Khana Amina's gift was stunning as well, a golden pendant set off by the biggest ruby Asha had ever set eyes on, and the pair of sabres her handmaidens presented to His Royal Majesty were works of art. "I feel I must apologize for what now seems like an unoriginal gift, your royal majesty. I had no idea you would be so well armed," she said, blushing again as Sandor briefly exited the room. "Back in the days of swords and the men who knew how to use them, there was one word and one sword that reliably struck fear into the hearts of the few fortunate enough to have advance warning. Einlehta. Meaning leaf in my mother tongue due to the faintly leaflike shape of the blade, these were worn as a kind of concealed-carry sword by agents of the Garda, a handpicked and fiercely loyal contingent of the best's best tasked with protection of the Emperor that still exists today." Sandor had returned carrying a sheathed sword, which he silently handed the Princess before disappearing again. Mahogany-colored calfskin over poplar wood with bronze fittings for the sheath, and the sword inside was a one-handed steel blade with a stylized and engraved bronze raven as a hilt, mahogany and bronze accents with a matching calfskin grip, and the old runes for protection, strength, luck and victory engraved in the pommel. It was, in short, one magnificent little killing machine. "Light, perfectly balanced, and wickedly sharp, serving long and faithfully. I pray you are never forced to use it in anger, your royal majesty, but-" and here Asha failed to prevent one side of her mouth from quirking up into a faintly naughty half-smile "-legend has it they develop a taste for combat, or so the blacksmith who made this told me. One of the finest craftsmen in the Empire." Arms outstretched, palms up, sword and sheath held in both hands. The traditional gesture when presenting a sword as a gift. "From myself and our family to you and yours, your royal majesty."

[The Frozen Forest]

Khana Amina was a unique individual not just due to her height. When King Ivan had been presented with lists of potential suitors for approval Khana Amina had been near the bottom, an afterthought by the administration. Yet here she stood proud and unwavering before him. Naturally during that process of picking who would receive an invite came the question of whether the Khana was infertile or whether her failure to find a suitable husband had been due to some other factor, such as her personality. Ivan looked up at Amina and he knew that it was probably her height, which didn't leave much chance for her personality to shine through. At 7'0 she towered over the court, including him, it could be an intimidating sight for most men.

Ivan blinked and remained silent as Khana Amina brought forth her own gifts, dressed in compliments towards him. There was a general, excited murmuring from the crowd. He reached down and gripped one of the blades to unsheathe it and as it came loose the light caught the side of the blade, allowing it to gleam brilliantly for all those present. Ivan's fell to the blade before anything else. The steel didn't seem to be anything particularly special, though it had been carefully polished by someone who evidently knew what they were doing. Ivan lifted the blade and carefully felt its weight, then turned it over so that he could look at the carvings made on the guard

It was then that a single man from Ivan's entourage made his way over to the King and leaned over to whisper in his ear. It was Ivan's personal swordsmith, responsible for managing the King's bladed weapons both ceremonial and practical. It was his job to know both foreign and domestic designs, so surely he would be aware of the Type 4 Sabre. He explained to the King that the weapons were historically used by criminals, though their usage had changed in modern times.

Ivan had to wonder immediately whether the gifts presented had any sort of hidden meaning. He recoiled from the idea, his expression twisting for a split second as he considered Khana Amina's intentions. Is she trying to imply that I'm some sort of brigand? Is that how those in her homeland would see it if I accepted these blades? Then again, Ivan couldn't see why the Khana would accept his invitation if she only intended to insult him later, it didn't make sense.

"You do me and my Kingdom a great honor with these finely made sabers Khana Amina bint-Karim." Ivan sheathed the first saber and two servants came forwards to collect the blades. Ivan smiled as they were carried off, genuinely impressed by the gift. His eyes traveled from the blades and wandered for a moment, resting on Khana Amina. The court easily noted the King's satisfaction and he didn't make any attempt to hide it.

___


Ivan's attention turned and fell on Asha, whose cheeks had become a warm pink in response to Ivan's gift. Ivan allowed his eyes to find Asha's, or perhaps she'd drawn his gaze with her doe-like expression. Either way Ivan found himself focusing on the young Princess as she thanked him, her voice tripping only slightly, unintentionally amplifying her cute reaction. The court reacted positively to the seemingly earnest display and it seemed that Asha's interaction with Sartana earlier had been forgotten.

Ivan looked steadily at Princess Asha. She hailed from Brettenwald, a friend of The Frozen Forest, at least as much of a friend as two Kingdom's could be without a marriage alliance. It was easy from a logical standpoint to justify inviting Asha. What was less logical was the way he felt looking at her, blushing and smiling at him. Dozens, hundreds of girls had looked at him that way throughout his life, hundreds still did. He'd never considered any of them for a number of reasons, but Asha was different. Her status meant that if he wanted it, she could be his Queen. Ivan just wasn't quite sure whether she was the person he wanted to be with, but the thought was comforting.

Asha had a gift for him and it was another sword, this one called Einlehta. Einlehta was presented in the traditional fashion, which Ivan accepted. Ivan released the blade from it's sheath and studied it for himself, feeling it's weight in his hand. It was a radically different blade than that of the Kyrenaian Type 4 Sabers, which was immediately apparent to Ivan. There was something about it though that was strangely attractive and alluring and Ivan quietly decided that he would try Einlehta out later that night when the ball was over and he was released from his kingly duties for the day.

"Einlehta is a fine name for this fine blade. I doubt there is anyone who could question the skill of Brettenwald's craftsmen and blacksmiths. I'm honored to accept such a magnificent gift Princess."

Ivan at that moment realized that tomorrow during the Tournament he would be expected to wear one of the two blades, either one of the Type 4 Sabers or Einlehta. The crowd would likely judge which woman he favored more by that choice. Speculation was always an annoying thing as it had a bad habit of forcing his hand, taking the decision away from him.

_____

Khana Amina was a lovely woman with an adorable daughter, and Asha was beyond attractive when flustered. Both would be acceptable choices but Ivan couldn't form his opinions too soon. There were others to talk to. The anxiety that had been bothering him remained, but the world would never know.



The Horderves! Who doesn't love horderves? They were one of Duke Ragnar Cederbloms favorite parts of the many state events, balls, conferences, briefings and other mundane things he had to attend to on the daily as he was whisked away from one corner of the nation to the next. A lack of horderves typically meant a lack of class and he found none of that in the King's ballroom. Steak & Prosciutto Skewers with Creamy Basil-Tarragon Sauce, honey-Mint lamb skewers and pickled mushrooms with garlic. The sweet and savory all for those who were in attendance, so it was a natural thing that Ragnar would eventually find his way over to them by way of the pleasant aromas that flittered across the ballroom.

It was as he was sampling the marinated almond-stuffed olives that he was approached by one of the suitors, whom he recognized almost immediately. It was none other than the Princess from the UAK, one of the more conservative seeming suitors that had come to court the King. She was someone who Ragnar had been paying close attention to in what little news and intelligence could be gathered about her in The Frozen Forest.

It was something known that Ragnar was a leading conservatives nationally. It wasn't a thing that he had cultivated on his own, rather it had been the result of his upbringing and natural support of conservative values and policies along with his rank of Duke.

Ragnar uncrossed his arms and offered a deliberately long and respectful bow to Princess Anne-Euphrasie. "Good evening Princess, you are most certainly not. I was just sampling the horderves." Ragnar's servant stepped forwards and offered a polite bow of his own. "Princess, you have the honor of addressing Duke Ragnar Cederblom of Hasfeld." The servant stepped back and Ragnar waved him off. "Would you care to sample some as well. This is a local and ancient delicacy." Ragnar gestured to a plate of frosted maize, bits of cobbed corn skewered on wooden sticks in the same style of a kebab, while being lathered in sweet frosting.



Count Arrun of Stallheim registered some surprise internally as Lavinia introduced herself with the rank of Queen. Had he been misinformed or was she playing with him? Arrun's sources rarely failed given he also cross-referenced, so what was the point in falsely claiming a higher rank, especially given that the Queen before him had come with the intention of courting King Ivan. There was always the possibility that she was nervous and misspoke, but if that were true it reflected poorly on the nobility of Laka Strolistandiler, which Arrun knew to be the homeland of Lavinia.

Arrun wasn't quite sure what she expected him to do about the bear skin that was draped around Lavina. He was above taking it to the officials himself, being a Count. Arrun turned and gestured to his herald who waited patiently in the wings. As the herald came to a stoop before them Arrun gently took the bear skin from Lavinia and thrust it into the heralds hands, much to the heralds confusion. "My queen, if you'll allow my herald to take your wonderful gift to the correct officials...You and I are above such manual labor." The herald seemed to take this as his leave to go and made his way towards even lower ranked servants than himself, who Arrun knew to be in charge of managing the various gifts brought in by the guests. "With that matter taken care of would you care to dance?"



Baroness Melonie noticed that Chieftess Sartana seemed to be unfazed by anything that Melonie had said. This might have caused her friend Olena to stumble but for Melonie it was just a cue to dig her heels in and "bite" a bit harder. The small crowd that had followed along from the Olena confrontation watched curiously and Melonie noticed some of her little pack sitting in the wings. I'm not really left with a choice here am i? She thought, hating that she had somehow been separated from the rest of her allies. Melonie felt a small twinge of anxiety in her stomach, she felt vulnerable.

Sartana's response might have been predictable for an outside observer, but Melonie wasn't thinking rationally, especially as Sartana drifted away from the underhanded, sarcastic insults typically expected in courts and into the territory of direct, vicious mockery that you'd only catch between two people when they were alone. To do so in full view of everyone was not only unexpected, but unbalancing for someone like Melonie who had never ventured into such territory. It was the metaphorical mongol approach, join me or face the brutal consequences. It was a warning to everyone around that this wasn't a woman to trifle with, someone with the enthusiasm to get things done and with the willingness to bend those to her will.

It was a good way to make both enemies and friends. One such friend watched steadily from the crowd. Melonie recoiled at mention of her chest and the comparison to tissue paper. Unlike Olena she wasn't one to resort to physically lashing out, but she was quite visibly irritated and off-balance. "What would you know about my life, you're just a filthy Erlandr (foreigner). I've met your kind before and you'll never last here." Melonie resisted the urge to step back, things were getting heated up and the two women were too close physically, it was an uncomfortable situation. "Before you speak with the King you should wash out your mouth, your breath reeks of garlic." Melonie delivered the lie confidently and even took one step closer, bringing her face closer to Sartana's, almost begging her to make a lash out like Olena had done. Insults were one thing, but a foreigner attacking a member of the nobility, even if she was only a baroness, would be damaging enough for Melonie to walk away the winner.

"Maybe you two should calm down." A man dressed in fine albeit dated wardrobe approached the two and turned on Melonie. "Melonie dear, Countess Olena was looking for you over by the entrance." It was dismissive and surprisingly Melonie offered a curtsy "Yes...of course." Melonie withdrew before the situation could escalate further and the man turned towards Sartana with a sly smile reminiscent of a snake.

"You're making quite an impression on the court aren't you Chieftess? Going after the court bullies first, you certainly know how to pick your battles. You reduced Olena to tears and I half thought Melonie was going to say something vulgar if things had kept on." The man carried himself differently than the others, suggesting a non-noble background. Despite that the crowd had turned back to their own business, perhaps out of fear or respect for either the Chieftess or her new friend. "

The man's demeanor shifted and the smile died, joining his slack eyes that seemed to burn through whatever he looked at. This was someone who offered to deference or games to Sartana or anyone else. His body was relaxed and yet still rigid, almost mechanical in nature. Every movement was controlled and had a purpose. The air around them was filled with the wispy aroma of mint.



Seraria watched as her cousin swung along with Leopold. One of the servants had come 'round with glasses of champagne and she was indulging herself while the ball went on around her. Champagne wasn't a drink that she particularly enjoyed, though it did serve it's purpose well of calming Seraria from all the excitement. She could have been content to simply keep drinking until she was drunk enough to not remember the ball, but she had made a deal with Leopold and she was anything but a liar. While she could she held her camera up and sneakily stole away a picture of Leopold and Penelope dancing. A bargaining chip for later in case Penelope decided not to fulfill her end of the bargain.

Léopold had managed to gather some attention from the younger women in court, Penelope included. While The Frozen Forest didn't utilize Knights in the traditional sense, the concept of the white knight had appeared regardless. More than a few young women dreamed of being swept off their feet by a hero upon a noble steed. Léopold wasn't riding a steed and as far as anyone could tell, his order could forbid romance among it's knights, but Penelope was enthralled nonetheless.



Crown Prince Ari eyed Princess Eléonore steadily as she offered the polite courtesies to be expected between royalty. Internally his mind was at work, judging every micromovement, the manner in which she spoke, the way she positioned her body in response to his. Years ago Ari would never have cared to learn how to read people but that'd long since changed. Put into the situation he was, being the heir to the throne almost necessitated that he learn skills that he would otherwise have never thought about. He noticed the tell-tale signs of comfortability on part of Princess Eléonore, though he couldn't gauge what he had said that might have caused the reaction.

Ari reacted in the best way he knew how-by taking action. He subtly threw his shoulders back and picked his head up a bit more than it had been, presenting an open body language. His smile brushed up and he focused his attention solely on Princess Eléonore to give the impression that at that moment, she was the most interesting person in the room-which wasn't too far from the truth.

Out of all of the suitors, Princess Eléonore had quickly shown herself to be interesting. Sure Ari had seen her during the balls introductions but this was the first time he'd actually been close enough to look into her eyes and hear her voice. She couldn't possibly comprehend how dangerous she was to him-the Princess of a powerful space-faring nation who was not only beautiful but also managed to get along with members of the court. That danger was faintly alluring, almost begging for investigation and correction.

"The cost isn't anything to worry about. We could feast every week and it would still hardly be a drop in the bucket. The colonies keep our Kingdom supplied with more than enough to allow us, their betters to relax and enjoy." Ari suddenly realized that Princess Eléonore's guard wasn't immediately present and he momentarily wondered where he could have gone off to.

Putting the thought aside Ari decided that changing the subject from food was probably in his best interest. "My brother is lucky enough to have someone of your caliber as a suitor. Sometimes i can't tell if it makes me jealous or happy for him. Do you have any siblings, Princess?"



Ymir took a long draw from his cigarette. He stifled a cough and let the smoke pass from his lungs into the cool evening air. You have no idea, friend he almost wanted to say to his new companion, evidently named Alan Grimes. Ymir's sister Kornelia had always been a handful but it had been particularly bad these last couple of days as they had been getting ready for the ball. First she couldn't find anything to wear, then she didn't like what she'd picked out, forcing them to turn and go back so she could change. They get to the ball and she decides that it was somehow a good idea to go around and start insulting people.

"You could say that I suppose. My father owns most of the larger gold and silver mines throughout the Kingdom, plus my cousin is married to a member of the Royal House. We probably wouldn't be here right now if Kornelia hadn't gotten one of those invitation letters. I'm pretty sure it was a mistake, but she thinks she'll be able to somehow charm the King while she's here." Ymir suddenly realized that his companion might not care about those sorts of woes. "How would they deal with my sister where you come from, Alan?"

[The Holy Solar Empire]

Seraria watched as her cousin swung along with Leopold. One of the servants had come 'round with glasses of champagne and she was indulging herself while the ball went on around her. Champagne wasn't a drink that she particularly enjoyed, though it did serve it's purpose well of calming Seraria from all the excitement. She could have been content to simply keep drinking until she was drunk enough to not remember the ball, but she had made a deal with Leopold and she was anything but a liar. While she could she held her camera up and sneakily stole away a picture of Leopold and Penelope dancing. A bargaining chip for later in case Penelope decided not to fulfill her end of the bargain.

Léopold had managed to gather some attention from the younger women in court, Penelope included. While The Frozen Forest didn't utilize Knights in the traditional sense, the concept of the white knight had appeared regardless. More than a few young women dreamed of being swept off their feet by a hero upon a noble steed. Léopold wasn't riding a steed and as far as anyone could tell, his order could forbid romance among it's knights, but Penelope was enthralled nonetheless.

---

Crown Prince Ari eyed Princess Eléonore steadily as she offered the polite courtesies to be expected between royalty. Internally his mind was at work, judging every micromovement, the manner in which she spoke, the way she positioned her body in response to his. Years ago Ari would never have cared to learn how to read people but that'd long since changed. Put into the situation he was, being the heir to the throne almost necessitated that he learn skills that he would otherwise have never thought about. He noticed the tell-tale signs of comfortability on part of Princess Eléonore, though he couldn't gauge what he had said that might have caused the reaction.

Ari reacted in the best way he knew how-by taking action. He subtly threw his shoulders back and picked his head up a bit more than it had been, presenting an open body language. His smile brushed up and he focused his attention solely on Princess Eléonore to give the impression that at that moment, she was the most interesting person in the room-which wasn't too far from the truth.

Out of all of the suitors, Princess Eléonore had quickly shown herself to be interesting. Sure Ari had seen her during the balls introductions but this was the first time he'd actually been close enough to look into her eyes and hear her voice. She couldn't possibly comprehend how dangerous she was to him-the Princess of a powerful space-faring nation who was not only beautiful but also managed to get along with members of the court. That danger was faintly alluring, almost begging for investigation and correction.

"The cost isn't anything to worry about. We could feast every week and it would still hardly be a drop in the bucket. The colonies keep our Kingdom supplied with more than enough to allow us, their betters to relax and enjoy." Ari suddenly realized that Princess Eléonore's guard wasn't immediately present and he momentarily wondered where he could have gone off to.

Putting the thought aside Ari decided that changing the subject from food was probably in his best interest. "My brother is lucky enough to have someone of your caliber as a suitor. Sometimes i can't tell if it makes me jealous or happy for him. Do you have any siblings, Princess?"

---

Léopold

Léopold continued the dance with the lovely lady before him, and the peace and tranquility brought to him had made him reminisce about his earlier life. Back in the time of a squire before he was augmented. In his younger days before he took up his current responsibilities, he was a ladies man, having visited the chambers of a plenty of young maidens, and even a few commoners, giving them a good tumble before leaving in the morning; he was eventually caught and chastised by his brothers, he likely would have lost his head if he didn't have the Archdukes favor. It is to his great shame that in these early years he felt as he did no wrong, a bit ironic now that one of his goals as the Archduke's retainer is to make sure stuff like that doesn't happen to his charge, talk about the embarrassment of such a union.

It was during a slow dance with his partner that he was suddenly able to get a good view of his lady, and momentarily he felt his spine shiver. Despite the large horde of dancers between them, he was able to spot the form of the crown prince. He was confident that Elly wouldn't blunder in front of him, she's dealt with all sorts of Princes and heirs before, but he was slightly worried about his intentions, was he a dangerous person, or was he rather amiable. He didn't know, but he'd keep the two in the back of his mind, he could make a break for it before anyone would know, in case he was the type of sort to pull a Crimson Wedding. Léopold put his faith in Elly, and that the Crown prince wouldn't do something stupid, and remained focused on his dance partner.

---

Eléonore

Eléonore felt the need to gag almost by how the crown prince so casually waved away their families ability to feast on end, and due to the clear exploitation of other people no doubt! She kept up appearances of course, but she was actually stunned on how to act, she had never encountered someone who was so casual about being exploitative of their fellow man, she thought this were a Christian state, how could such people be misguided? Was this that common an attitude in primitive societies, or is something else at play?

Either way, she knew that she really needed to be Queen at the end of this, introduce some of the simple elements of Theodosian economics when possible. Eléonore now had a better feeling of what the Lunar King was likely dealing with, the next time they speak she should heavily reaffirm her desire to help, it's just the moral thing to do! Either way she couldn't let this distract her from one moment, she noticed he seemed to be a bit distracted, like he realized something was amiss, she was sure she didn't crack an expression, after how many times she had to keep up a smile over so many feast and festivals she could practically become a statue, he likely realized that Léopold was away.

She did have to give him his credit, he didn't make it a huge fuss, he just went on back to chatting away. This time commenting on his brother and this whole courting thing, it would have been uneventful if he didn't then bring up if she had any siblings, was lust one of his vices? Or more likely, he was wondering if she had any relatives open to be married off, which was yet another bad taste in her mouth, political marriages were one thing, but this was something else entirely.

"I do actually, I have about 14 other siblings, split almost evenly between brothers and sisters, they're all older than I am, with my oldest brother old enough to be my own father really. I still keep in touch with my more distant kin to this day, even when they're busy either leading wars or working in the Imperial bureaucracy." She decided to focus on the here and now, focus on the other stuff later. She just hoped that she wouldn't have to stay here and talk for much longer because she was really wanting to take her photos, and talk with the tiger lady, and try out some of that meat... she needed to reel that back in, her impatience was starting to creep in.

---

[Kyrenaia]

(Image)

Khana Amina was a unique individual not just due to her height. When King Ivan had been presented with lists of potential suitors for approval Khana Amina had been near the bottom, an afterthought by the administration. Yet here she stood proud and unwavering before him. Naturally during that process of picking who would receive an invite came the question of whether the Khana was infertile or whether her failure to find a suitable husband had been due to some other factor, such as her personality. Ivan looked up at Amina and he knew that it was probably her height, which didn't leave much chance for her personality to shine through. At 7'0 she towered over the court, including him, it could be an intimidating sight for most men.

Ivan blinked and remained silent as Khana Amina brought forth her own gifts, dressed in compliments towards him. There was a general, excited murmuring from the crowd. He reached down and gripped one of the blades to unsheathe it and as it came loose the light caught the side of the blade, allowing it to gleam brilliantly for all those present. Ivan's fell to the blade before anything else. The steel didn't seem to be anything particularly special, though it had been carefully polished by someone who evidently knew what they were doing. Ivan lifted the blade and carefully felt its weight, then turned it over so that he could look at the carvings made on the guard

It was then that a single man from Ivan's entourage made his way over to the King and leaned over to whisper in his ear. It was Ivan's personal swordsmith, responsible for managing the King's bladed weapons both ceremonial and practical. It was his job to know both foreign and domestic designs, so surely he would be aware of the Type 4 Sabre. He explained to the King that the weapons were historically used by criminals, though their usage had changed in modern times.

Ivan had to wonder immediately whether the gifts presented had any sort of hidden meaning. He recoiled from the idea, his expression twisting for a split second as he considered Khana Amina's intentions. Is she trying to imply that I'm some sort of brigand? Is that how those in her homeland would see it if I accepted these blades? Then again, Ivan couldn't see why the Khana would accept his invitation if she only intended to insult him later, it didn't make sense.

"You do me and my Kingdom a great honor with these finely made sabers Khana Amina bint-Karim." Ivan sheathed the first saber and two servants came forwards to collect the blades. Ivan smiled as they were carried off, genuinely impressed by the gift. His eyes traveled from the blades and wandered for a moment, resting on Khana Amina. The court easily noted the King's satisfaction and he didn't make any attempt to hide it.

___


Ivan's attention turned and fell on Asha, whose cheeks had become a warm pink in response to Ivan's gift. Ivan allowed his eyes to find Asha's, or perhaps she'd drawn his gaze with her doe-like expression. Either way Ivan found himself focusing on the young Princess as she thanked him, her voice tripping only slightly, unintentionally amplifying her cute reaction. The court reacted positively to the seemingly earnest display and it seemed that Asha's interaction with Sartana earlier had been forgotten.

Ivan looked steadily at Princess Asha. She hailed from Brettenwald, a friend of The Frozen Forest, at least as much of a friend as two Kingdom's could be without a marriage alliance. It was easy from a logical standpoint to justify inviting Asha. What was less logical was the way he felt looking at her, blushing and smiling at him. Dozens, hundreds of girls had looked at him that way throughout his life, hundreds still did. He'd never considered any of them for a number of reasons, but Asha was different. Her status meant that if he wanted it, she could be his Queen. Ivan just wasn't quite sure whether she was the person he wanted to be with, but the thought was comforting.

Asha had a gift for him and it was another sword, this one called Einlehta. Einlehta was presented in the traditional fashion, which Ivan accepted. Ivan released the blade from it's sheath and studied it for himself, feeling it's weight in his hand. It was a radically different blade than that of the Kyrenaian Type 4 Sabers, which was immediately apparent to Ivan. There was something about it though that was strangely attractive and alluring and Ivan quietly decided that he would try Einlehta out later that night when the ball was over and he was released from his kingly duties for the day.

"Einlehta is a fine name for this fine blade. I doubt there is anyone who could question the skill of Brettenwald's craftsmen and blacksmiths. I'm honored to accept such a magnificent gift Princess."

Ivan at that moment realized that tomorrow during the Tournament he would be expected to wear one of the two blades, either one of the Type 4 Sabers or Einlehta. The crowd would likely judge which woman he favored more by that choice. Speculation was always an annoying thing as it had a bad habit of forcing his hand, taking the decision away from him.

_____

Khana Amina was a lovely woman with an adorable daughter, and Asha was beyond attractive when flustered. Both would be acceptable choices but Ivan couldn't form his opinions too soon. There were others to talk to. The anxiety that had been bothering him remained, but the world would never know.

[...]

Khana Amina bint-Karim.
...and another man I towered over.
Great.
As he craned his neck to look at me, I wondered, if he was intimidated or not, and made a slight step back as he drew one of the sabres. The steel wasn't something special indeed, these swords were meant to be used, after all, as the personal blacksmith would surely be able to tell.
I saw him wondering about something - maybe it was about the power of the downward slashes these swords could deal from high up on horseback, maybe it was about the craftsmanship, maybe it was about how I could grow so tall, maybe it was about something else entirely. I could not tell.
He was satisfied and his words spoke of being greatly pleased by both the King and myself. I bowed my head lightly and left the field for Asha.
Her sword was well-received, too, maybe even too well. I wondered, if he would carry one of the swords he was gifted today tomorrow for the tournament... and if, which... of course, one could attach a certain meaning to it, like the Sultana wearing the Seashell Necklace, but one could also not do that.
That, however, would be stupid, especially in a world so much made of images and symbols like ours.
However, I knew, that our time with the King, who had been visibly been taken aback by how (admittedly) cute Asha was when flustered, was counted.
Time to act.
"Your Royal Highness, may I be so bold...", I began with a small smile as my Handmaidens rose and went back to wait behind me and Marla, their heads lowered as it was tradition, "...and keep a spot free for you on my dance card for later tonight?"

Nova
In an instant, Nova realized something slightly embarrassing, when they handed their own presentation card over to Lady Mari, their fingers had also clasped the two thin photographs together along with the thin sheet of paper, or maybe it was because they stuck together. The astronaut did not show any signs of regret and actually quickly found a way to improvise how to open a new channel for information. In part, it was a response to the commentary over the gardens of the pair's homeland: after seeing Mari's reaction, Nova wanted her and Kariken to see another type of beauty, perhaps more unforgiving, extreme and even violent in it's contrasts than what Aijinoseki could offer.

The first, a photograph in the desert, was actually not taken on Earth. Nova and their friends, in similar coveralls and appearance, stood near an airplane on what looked like an illuminated floor or platform. Behind them the landscape seemed lunar, with all it's plays of brightness and shadows. Quietly bursting with some kind of pride, Nova exclaimed, in as much an in-door voice as possible, "Home sweet home". Pausing for a second, and breaking some protocol, the pilot warmly gestured to Mari's bodyguard, "If you'd like to get a closer look, don't mind asking."

If Mari were to shuffle the images, the next one would be more unremarkable. Nova would offer no commentary, at first. However it would implicitly send another message that was perhaps not conveyed strongly enough by their previous commentary over their worries over sitting at the throne. If Sartana and Seraria thought a picture was worth a thousand words, so too, did Nova.

As soon as their hands were temporarily freed, Nova swiftly took some of the red wine that from a passing butler that had been parading around while replacing their used glass on the ambulatory tray. Perhaps the champagne Nova had previously finished had already emboldened them, of only by a little bit.

[...]

Hisa Kariken.
With the business card, Nova also pulled out two photographs, I would bet by accident - and if not, then she proceeded to explain to us what they showed regardless. She was good.
I was grateful for Nova going out of her way to make her photographs visible to me, a simple retainer, if I just asked. I bowed my head lightly. "Thank you, but this won't be necessary.", I spoke calmly.
Mari decided otherwise and simply pulled me in so that I could get a good look as well - which was a break of protocol if I ever saw one.
The first image was of a couple of people and a strange... I was tempted to say device to the mere platform, standing in a desolate wasteland. It explained how Nova had been impressed of the tales of the Gardens Mari had given. She was proud, though, declaring this to be her home.
The next was of a young man with curly hair and glasses, who was quite flustered. Nova didn't comment, but it was clear, that the young man had a special place for her... a sibling? Maybe a cousin? Or a lover?
She reached for a glass of wine, which a waiter brought over, maybe made bold by the alcohol.
Mari smiled. "He looks nice.", she said and then added: "Is he a close friend of yours?"

[Laka Strolistandiler]

Noticing that the count was somewhat embarrassed of her (or by her IDK how you call that in English), Lavinia, after a little reflection, guessed what exactly confused him - that she called herself a queen! Explaining herself, she blushed - she was wrong agai ...:

-Ehhh, pardon me, Count, I suppose, I misinformed you about my title as a queen. In my letter, I forgot to state it. After all, this travel is considered a non-official one and as such I have to do all of the damn work myself- not like in my nation nobility have the same amount of servants as here ..- she said in somewhat saddened and exhausted voice, - and with this little misunderstanding, - she pointed towards her unusual gift being carried away, - I'll eagerly join you in dance!

Although not a big fan of dancing, Lavinia neither the less enjoyed waltzing in her leisure time from time to time, and as such definitely “had the moves”. Although, her style was definitely a little bit aggressive or initiative for a female, her experience showed. Looking the count’s eyes, she wondered- how would all the people in here live and behave, should they get the same treatment Lakan nobility got? How would all of this celebration look like if they were as stripped on cash as she was? .. Sometimes, she really doubted the old Lakan tradition that money and power should never get together, still, to disobey such honorable values ​​would be far too much, even for a reformist like her. Gently, and somewhat romantically speaking, she asked:
- Pardon me, but everyone seems to be talking about the upcoming tournament, and yet, I happen to know nothing about! Perhaps, you could help me resolve this misunderstanding? - she asked in a somewhat friendly voice, while dancing.

[The Saucer Pilots]

Ymir took a long draw from his cigarette. He stifled a cough and let the smoke pass from his lungs into the cool evening air. You have no idea, friend he almost wanted to say to his new companion, evidently named Alan Grimes. Ymir's sister Kornelia had always been a handful but it had been particularly bad these last couple of days as they had been getting ready for the ball. First she couldn't find anything to wear, then she didn't like what she'd picked out, forcing them to turn and go back so she could change. They get to the ball and she decides that it was somehow a good idea to go around and start insulting people.

"You could say that I suppose. My father owns most of the larger gold and silver mines throughout the Kingdom, plus my cousin is married to a member of the Royal House. We probably wouldn't be here right now if Kornelia hadn't gotten one of those invitation letters. I'm pretty sure it was a mistake, but she thinks she'll be able to somehow charm the King while she's here." Ymir suddenly realized that his companion might not care about those sorts of woes. "How would they deal with my sister where you come from, Alan?"

After making sure to memorize that Grimes quietly took note of Ymir's question. How would he approach it? The inquiry was very direct: how would Kornelia's misdeeds have been dealt with back at home. But there could be more indirect implications to it, Grimes thought that perhaps the young nobleman wanted to learn more about the social and cultural fiber of America, or his version, from 1956. He was honest with the reply. Rather nonchalantly, the older man puffed and muttered the reply "She would receive some scolding or her or her husband would've slapped a little sense into her. In the privacy of home, of course, nobody likes fusses. Many people would however judge that any messes would also be her man's or her guardians' fault if they knew she couldn't control herself."

The comment had no malice to it at all nor was it a criticism of Ymir's family, it was a very straightforward reply, almost perfunctory. The dusty agent did try to cushion the potentially harsh reply, "Then again, there are several ways to right wrongs that don't involve the double-edged sword of violence. Quite a bit of people back home think women can be slapped around like kids because they supposedly act like them. Working around Nova and her people has made me reconsider that stance, there's seldom anything dumb behind such behavior. Especially among individuals who mimic cluelessness." As he said that last comment, he turned his gaze at the diminutive pilot, though his words could've just as easily been meant for Kornelia.

Surprisingly he chuckled a little, out of nowhere, revealing a slight drawl to his voice "However, from what I see, playing dumb isn't too popular among this court. Half the contenders and guests are already fighting in the open."

Hisa Kariken.
With the business card, Nova also pulled out two photographs, I would bet by accident - and if not, then she proceeded to explain to us what they showed regardless. She was good.
I was grateful for Nova going out of her way to make her photographs visible to me, a simple retainer, if I just asked. I bowed my head lightly. "Thank you, but this won't be necessary.", I spoke calmly.
Mari decided otherwise and simply pulled me in so that I could get a good look as well - which was a break of protocol if I ever saw one.
The first image was of a couple of people and a strange... I was tempted to say device to the mere platform, standing in a desolate wasteland. It explained how Nova had been impressed of the tales of the Gardens Mari had given. She was proud, though, declaring this to be her home.
The next was of a young man with curly hair and glasses, who was quite flustered. Nova didn't comment, but it was clear, that the young man had a special place for her... a sibling? Maybe a cousin? Or a lover?
She reached for a glass of wine, which a waiter brought over, maybe made bold by the alcohol.
Mari smiled. "He looks nice.", she said and then added: "Is he a close friend of yours?"

Nova nodded, cheerily, there was a very light and almost unnoticeable blush on their face: "Oh he sure is nice, a very careful guy whose a friend, but also a bit more than a friend. Charles Kattenby, though I just call him Charlie most of the time." Pausing for a second and stroking their hair, Nova explained briefly, "He works on the aircraft I fly in."

The Anhu spacer's voice became slightly more melancholy, "When I'm set to rotate off-world, I'll ask for permission to stay on Earth. My parents think I'm throwing my life away, literally. I'll age quicker on Earth." Cheer, real or acted, returned with a beat: "I can't tell how the King likes his partners though, age-wise."

[Scornerse]

Baroness Melonie noticed that Chieftess Sartana seemed to be unfazed by anything that Melonie had said. This might have caused her friend Olena to stumble but for Melonie it was just a cue to dig her heels in and "bite" a bit harder. The small crowd that had followed along from the Olena confrontation watched curiously and Melonie noticed some of her little pack sitting in the wings. I'm not really left with a choice here am i? She thought, hating that she had somehow been separated from the rest of her allies. Melonie felt a small twinge of anxiety in her stomach, she felt vulnerable.

Sartana's response might have been predictable for an outside observer, but Melonie wasn't thinking rationally, especially as Sartana drifted away from the underhanded, sarcastic insults typically expected in courts and into the territory of direct, vicious mockery that you'd only catch between two people when they were alone. To do so in full view of everyone was not only unexpected, but unbalancing for someone like Melonie who had never ventured into such territory. It was the metaphorical mongol approach, join me or face the brutal consequences. It was a warning to everyone around that this wasn't a woman to trifle with, someone with the enthusiasm to get things done and with the willingness to bend those to her will.

It was a good way to make both enemies and friends. One such friend watched steadily from the crowd. Melonie recoiled at mention of her chest and the comparison to tissue paper. Unlike Olena she wasn't one to resort to physically lashing out, but she was quite visibly irritated and off-balance. "What would you know about my life, you're just a filthy Erlandr (foreigner). I've met your kind before and you'll never last here." Melonie resisted the urge to step back, things were getting heated up and the two women were too close physically, it was an uncomfortable situation. "Before you speak with the King you should wash out your mouth, your breath reeks of garlic." Melonie delivered the lie confidently and even took one step closer, bringing her face closer to Sartana's, almost begging her to make a lash out like Olena had done. Insults were one thing, but a foreigner attacking a member of the nobility, even if she was only a baroness, would be damaging enough for Melonie to walk away the winner.

"Maybe you two should calm down." A man dressed in fine albeit dated wardrobe approached the two and turned on Melonie. "Melonie dear, Countess Olena was looking for you over by the entrance." It was dismissive and surprisingly Melonie offered a curtsy "Yes...of course." Melonie withdrew before the situation could escalate further and the man turned towards Sartana with a sly smile reminiscent of a snake.

"You're making quite an impression on the court aren't you Chieftess? Going after the court bullies first, you certainly know how to pick your battles. You reduced Olena to tears and I half thought Melonie was going to say something vulgar if things had kept on." The man carried himself differently than the others, suggesting a non-noble background. Despite that the crowd had turned back to their own business, perhaps out of fear or respect for either the Chieftess or her new friend. "

The man's demeanor shifted and the smile died, joining his slack eyes that seemed to burn through whatever he looked at. This was someone who offered to deference or games to Sartana or anyone else. His body was relaxed and yet still rigid, almost mechanical in nature. Every movement was controlled and had a purpose. The air around them was filled with the wispy aroma of mint.

Sartana could tell that she was making the impression that she wanted to on the court and frustrating Melonie with her insults. Clearly, she wasn't expecting Sartana to be as direct as she was and that she was throwing at her off guard. Sartana wasn't the type to be restrained by anything but effectiveness when it came to a confrontation. If she could hurt an opponent by casting vicious insults without being concerned about being viewed negatively, she'd do so. Sartana was willing to show forgiveness to a former foe, but she utterly refused to show any mercy to an active one. At the moment only thing that kept her from physically pummeling Melonie, and for that matter, any one she saw as her enemy, was that the consequences for doing so would be incredibly negative to her cause. But those consequences were sufficient, even as Melonie insulted her and lied about her breath, though she grew disappointed that Melonie hadn't yet proven foolish enough to give her an opportunity to physically retaliate, even if briefly.

It wasn't long before a man approached her and Melonie, saving her from making a mistake. Sartana recognized the man as Jack Axelsson. Being the wealthy man that he was, it was unsurprising that there were rumors of his potential corruption. Of course, at that moment, that was only a concern in so far as being seen with him might harm her chances with King Ivan, but she couldn't know for sure if it would, so it was best to play it ambiguously friendly, while she prepared her own next step. Sartana had managed to catch a glimpse of the woman that Olena had slapped and spent the time listening to Jack seeing if she could spot her in the crowd. She eventually did. Sartana's aim was simple, reach out to her and bring her with her to demand an apology from Olena. Not only would it help display her willingness to stand up for those wronged by the court's bullies, if she was lucky, Olena would be emboldened by her Melonie's presence and do something she'd quickly regret. But first, Sartana needed to respectfully deal with Axelsson.

"You're making quite an impression on the court aren't you Chieftess? Going after the court bullies first, you certainly know how to pick your battles. You reduced Olena to tears and I half thought Melonie was going to say something vulgar if things had kept on."

"Well, that was the goal. It's a shame that you interrupted before it happened. Nothing quite like talking brats like Olena and Melonie to tears and embarrassment." Sartana gave a small smile.

"Well, that's not strictly true, I prefer causing discomfort by more, tangible, means." Sartana said in a sly tone.

"So, You're Jack Axelsson, I believe, heir to the Axelsson Trade Company. You're a man of business, clearly, so I have little doubt that your intent in approaching me is transactional in nature, be it consciously or subconsciously on your party I'd be happy to listen. I will also say that you shouldn't expect be able to trade favor for favor with me, something you should see as a positive, anyone that's willing to sell commitments to you, having just met you, is someone willing to sell commitments to other people and there is only one you and plenty of other people, many of which have interests running contrary to yours. Just know that as a woman educated in both science and politics, I am well aware that industry sits at the foundation of a nation's power and would be one to give it necessary attention, though of course that's only relevant to your circumstances, if I do become Queen." Sartana said, as-a-matter-of-factly.

"I do not wish to be rude, but I have my own time unfinished business to conclude, so I won't be able to discuss much at the moment, so please, make your point." finished Sartana, trying to come across as somewhat interested, though still getting across that she was in the middle of something.

[The United Anime Kingdoms]

(Image)

The Horderves! Who doesn't love horderves? They were one of Duke Ragnar Cederbloms favorite parts of the many state events, balls, conferences, briefings and other mundane things he had to attend to on the daily as he was whisked away from one corner of the nation to the next. A lack of horderves typically meant a lack of class and he found none of that in the King's ballroom. Steak & Prosciutto Skewers with Creamy Basil-Tarragon Sauce, honey-Mint lamb skewers and pickled mushrooms with garlic. The sweet and savory all for those who were in attendance, so it was a natural thing that Ragnar would eventually find his way over to them by way of the pleasant aromas that flittered across the ballroom.

It was as he was sampling the marinated almond-stuffed olives that he was approached by one of the suitors, whom he recognized almost immediately. It was none other than the Princess from the UAK, one of the more conservative seeming suitors that had come to court the King. She was someone who Ragnar had been paying close attention to in what little news and intelligence could be gathered about her in The Frozen Forest.

It was something known that Ragnar was a leading conservatives nationally. It wasn't a thing that he had cultivated on his own, rather it had been the result of his upbringing and natural support of conservative values and policies along with his rank of Duke.

Ragnar uncrossed his arms and offered a deliberately long and respectful bow to Princess Anne-Euphrasie. "Good evening Princess, you are most certainly not. I was just sampling the horderves." Ragnar's servant stepped forwards and offered a polite bow of his own. "Princess, you have the honor of addressing Duke Ragnar Cederblom of Hasfeld." The servant stepped back and Ragnar waved him off. "Would you care to sample some as well. This is a local and ancient delicacy." Ragnar gestured to a plate of frosted maize, bits of cobbed corn skewered on wooden sticks in the same style of a kebab, while being lathered in sweet frosting.

“Your grace,” she says giving a polite courtesy. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance”. Anne-Euphrasie looks at the food the duke was offering, an interesting delicacy to say the least.

“Why, I would take you on that offer thank you”. She takes the frosted corn kabab offered, and delicately takes a small bite of it. She found that the taste was interesting, giving off a starchy and sweet flavor with the frosting complimenting the corn. It was certainly different than the cuisine from home.

“Goodness. This has an interesting sweet flavour to it. It… it tastes nice. And you say that this is a local and ancient delicacy?”

[The Frozen Forest]

Léopold is a natural dancer, even if he wouldn't admit it. Penelope couldn't help but find herself increasingly impressed by her dancing partner. That impressiveness bloomed quite easily into attraction as they stepped around in a delicate dance. Penelope felt herself be easily drawn into Léopold's eyes, all the while butterflies began to burst and flutter around in her stomach. If that wasn't bad enough Léopold's touch sent shockwaves and lightning bolts across her skin. It was easy enough for someone in her position to fall for a foreign knight, especially since the rest of the girls at court also seemed to be raving about him-It was another thing to actually be dancing with said foreign knight and for him to be as charming as the children's tales said.

As Penelope danced Seraria turned her attention towards Princess Eléonore. She aimed the camera at the Princess as she chatted with none other than the Crown Prince himself. Interesting. Seraria snapped a several photos of the pair, making sure to keep them dignified and unscandalous. Mentally she made a note to set those pictures aside for Léopold rather than the court at large. There was a commotion and Seraria trudged over to it, seeing King Ivan and two of the suitors. Seraria took a few more photos as the gifts were presented between the suitors, becoming engrossed in this particular persuit.

Penelope remained in a short state of bliss dancing with Léopold until she began to notice that Léopold's attention wasn't on her, but something else. Carefully Penelope craned her neck to try and see what had caught Léopold's attention but it was to no avail. Whatever it was that he seemed to be distracted by, Penelope couldn't pick it out. As one song ended and another began she stopped and separated from Léopold, offering a gracious bow. "Thank you for the dance Sir Léopold. You're quite skilled, perhaps in more ways than one?" Penelope winked at Léopold and left him to whatever business he had to attend to.


Ari's eyes widened for a second before he regained his composure. Fourteen siblings! It was an almost unbelievable number and he immediately suspected that Princess Eléonore was being false with him. He conceded that he wasn't fully aware of the extent of the Holy Solar Empire's technological progress but even with the most advanced methods was it really possible for two people, both with the stresses of running a Duchy, to be able to have so many kids in one lifetime? Sure a couple could produce many more kids, it'd been done plenty of times throughout history but it was rare to see a Duke and his wife have so many.

Or perhaps Princess Eléonore's parents weren't the honest Christians Ari had thought they were. Having fifteen siblings would be far more manageable if most of them were bastards, or if the father had multiple wives. That didn't line up with his understanding of the HSE though, as through his readings he'd understood them to be distinctly catholic in nature.

Ari resisted the natural compulsion to challenge Princess Eléonore's claim or at least question it further. Rather he shifted his attention towards conciliating Princess Eléonore. He didn't imagine she was iracund but nonetheless it wouldn't hurt to at least appear friendly and try to be her ally in this court of snakes.

"That's quite impressive, I'm sure your parents are very happy to be blessed with so many sons and daughters, especially if they all are as lovely as yourself." Ari offered the compliment graciously. No doubt his entourage were overanalyzing the situation, maybe expecting more of him than he intended at that moment. They were a lot ruled by calculations and assessments, which was unfortunate because they were usually right-just not this time.

Ari produced a small wooden box and held it out toward Princess Eléonore. "It pales in comparison to your own beauty but please accept this gift. If you would wear it tomorrow during the tournament, you would be doing me a great honor."

"Milord, forgive my intrusion but there are others who wish to speak with you." A young woman appeared beside Ari, addressing him and him alone. "It would seem that some of their matters are rather urgent."

Ari offered a deliberately long bow to Princess Eléonore. "It would appear that must take my leave. It was a pleasure meeting you Princess." Ari let his eyes wander on her for a moment, searching out any hint of her feelings at that moment before leaving alongside his entourage. As he left his mind settled on the issues at hand but in the back of his mind he replayed the conversation with Eléonore, wondering if things had gone as well as he hoped they had.



Ivan's attention was turned from Asha back to Amina, who had stepped forwards to boldly ask him for a dance at a later time. There was some murmuring among the crowd, a low grumble too quiet for Ivan nor any of those present to pick out the crowds mood. Was Amina being too forwards with such a question, or had her question appealed to the hearts of the love-starved nobility of the court? Did it even matter to Ivan? More likely than not it couldn't have as the King initially nodded his assent. From off to the side his own handmaiden Lucy Farehallow visibly offered nothing but a stoic, iron-faced expression. Her eyes burrowed into the expression of Khana Amina, trying to pick up any sense of what she was thinking. It would have been a faux pas if she were nobility or even from a wealthy family but she was naught but a poor servant to the King.

Of course that wasn't true. She was far more than a servant, having served as his spy and confident since he was a boy. It had been her job to keep him safe from any threat and to get him to the day where he would be married, and then after that perhaps she would be released from service or be allowed to stay and watch over his children, it was an unstable situation for her; It was all the more important that His Majesty chose the right suitor, the suitor who would serve him and the realm the best and perhaps still have enough mercy for Lucy.

Ivan spoke up, breaking Lucy's concentration. "My Lady, it would be an honor to dance with you. If it's all the same, why wait?" The crowd was sent back into uproar of the most elated kind. It would have been proper for Ivan to wait, what was the fool doing! Lucy turned her attention to the King, but he didn't bother to look her way. The King stepped forwards to close the distance between himself and Khana Amina. His eyes focused on hers and he offered hand for her to take.

What would someone have said about the King in that moment? Lucy would have admitted that he looked happy, as though nothing would please him more than a dance at that moment. His body was relaxed but controlled and his voice was firm but gentle. How could anyone say no?

Lucy had her concerns about Khana Amina and her child Marla, especially Marla. The fact that Marla could potentially rule one day despite having no blood connection to the Bjork family was beyond concerning. No doubt she would seek out her own tutors, handmaids and agents-it was almost a guarantee for Lucy that she would be sacked. The ancient question of Duty versus Personal Gain weighed heavy for Lucy as she considered it all, what would be done with her when it was all over?



Count Arrun of Stallheim registered the facts presented by Lavinia immediately. She was from a poorer nation than TFF, employed less staff and had to deal with nobility who were far less invested in the crown, which implied decentralization rather than centralization. What that meant for Arrun was that this Lavinia fellow was someone who at the very least had less experience in court politics, though more than likely knew how to best utilize scant resources to the best of her ability. For the nation that was probably a good thing, but for someone like him it could be a double edged sword. On one hand it meant that given the chance Lavinia would be more controlling with the national budget, on the other hand her lack of experience with the nobility meant that there was still opportunities for him to squeeze the crown if Lavinia were Queen.

As Arrun mulled it over Lavinia agreed to a dance. It was an interesting experience as Arrun tried to take the lead as he had always been taught, only for Lavinia to quickly take initiative. It was unusual to say the least for a women to so casually dance the way that Lavinia danced, and Arrun made note of this too.

"Tournaments are typically held after balls or other important social functions here and have been traditional for the past few hundred years. They are contests of martial skill, physical endurance, bravery and cleverness. The events usually vary but tomorrow there will be jousting archery, fencing, dueling, singing, dancing, falconry, marksmanship, martial arts, weightlifting and anything else that the King decides to include at the last minute." Arrun thought for a moment and then continued. "Tournaments are meant to be entertaining for the court, but for the common folk it's much more. Men train their whole lives to be able to participate in the King's tournaments, they are some of the most skilled individuals in the world despite some of them living in abject poverty. The King's rewards those who perform well in the different events-for many it can make the difference between remaining poor for the rest of their lives or living in the lap of luxury, so the stakes are high."



Ymir offered a small chuckle. So the people of Alan's homeland weren't so different from some of the poorer regions of his own nation, so far as gender roles and responsibilities went. Ymir couldn't imagine the sort of hell that a husband of Kornelia's would unleash if he were to raise a hand to her. Kornelia was a lot of things but meek was not one of them.

Ymir's expression became serious quite suddenly at the last comment made by his new friend. Something he had said hit a little too close to home, it was a bit too real to really laugh about. Alan didn't seem to notice the changed air so Ymir felt obligated to try and explain the situation. "I imagine you would be surprised to see the court normally. It's not normally this bad but everyone is tense right now over who the King will propose to. That sort of tension really is bringing out the worse in everyone, especially since many of them will either benefit or lose out if they align themselves with the wrong suitor." How could he explain the laws of power to someone who came from a democratic system, something so foreign to him. Alan had grown up with elected officials, constantly changing whereas Ymir had spent his whole life learning the names and titles of other important court members, building alliances and making enemies of his own. There was no shortage of people who would gladly take his place if he failed in his responsibilities, and that was not a fate he would ever resign himself to.



Jack Axelsson offered a bow and a wicked smile as Sartana rudely dismissed him. If one had been paying attention to the air around them, one would notice that the court had initially been avoidant of Jack, but as Sartana finished the people around the pair were actively in the process of leaving the space around them, so by the time that Sartana finished they were the only two individuals to occupy that particular piece of the dance floor. For others this might have set off red flags but Sartana not only seemed unfazed and unbothered, but unconcerned in any manner of the word. She had addressed Jack as he was, a businessman and had managed to retain he wits. She didn't fear him like other people did, either out of ignorance to who he was or out of the bravado that had served her so well so far.

It was a strange thing that was confidence. The women of The Frozen Forest were confident but reserved, whereas Sartana was overtly confident with no hint of reservation-an invasive species in a new environment was always going to be highly disruptive. How does a lioness respond to a poisonous snake? One wouldn't guess that the correct answer was to provoke it.

"It would appear that you and I have no further business at the moment. I wish you the best, Chieftess." Jack started to leave before stopping and calmly regarding Sartana one last time. "A word of advice, blunt force may work with some individuals here but a scalpel is more subtle." Jack didn't wait for a response as he exited, the people of the court making holes for him without reminder.



Duke Ragnar Cederblom appeared to be pleased with the Princess as she sampled the frosted maize. "When our ancestors crossed the sea and landed here in Vinland, they discovered a people that they called Scraelings. The Scraelings survived off a diet of maize, squash and beans. It was our people though who took their maize and turned it into something more...cultured." Surely the decision to frost maize wasn't so revolutionary, but Ragnar played it up as though it were the culmination of some great effort at civilizing those who lived in The Frozen Forest before it was called The Frozen Forest.

"What sorts of dishes exist in the UAK?" Ragnar wasn't just making small talk, he was genuinely quite curious as to the local foods of the Princess's homeland.

[Scornerse]

Jack Axelsson offered a bow and a wicked smile as Sartana rudely dismissed him. If one had been paying attention to the air around them, one would notice that the court had initially been avoidant of Jack, but as Sartana finished the people around the pair were actively in the process of leaving the space around them, so by the time that Sartana finished they were the only two individuals to occupy that particular piece of the dance floor. For others this might have set off red flags but Sartana not only seemed unfazed and unbothered, but unconcerned in any manner of the word. She had addressed Jack as he was, a businessman and had managed to retain he wits. She didn't fear him like other people did, either out of ignorance to who he was or out of the bravado that had served her so well so far.

It was a strange thing that was confidence. The women of The Frozen Forest were confident but reserved, whereas Sartana was overtly confident with no hint of reservation-an invasive species in a new environment was always going to be highly disruptive. How does a lioness respond to a poisonous snake? One wouldn't guess that the correct answer was to provoke it.

"It would appear that you and I have no further business at the moment. I wish you the best, Chieftess." Jack started to leave before stopping and calmly regarding Sartana one last time. "A word of advice, blunt force may work with some individuals here but a scalpel is more subtle." Jack didn't wait for a response as he exited, the people of the court making holes for him without reminder.

Sartana was well aware of the fact that the rest of the court were careful to give Jack his distance, but that was precisely the problem. She had little way of knowing if that distance was a sign of deference, disgust or fear. Whether Sartana being seen with him going to be beneficial to her or not was completely unclear to her. Jack might think her to be a bluntly focused, inconsiderate of subtlety, but she was using a scalpel, with her time. It was exactly her tactical and strategic maneuverability that lead her to be willing to give up on an unknown if it meant freeing up time to do something far more likely to be in her favor. Her bluntness with Jack was a probe to test if he was going to be forward enough with her to reveal himself as a clear advantage or disadvantage. He chose not to do so, which as far as Sartana was concerned was strong evidence he'd have been a disadvantage anyhow. Even if she was wrong about that estimation, there was no way of knowing that wouldn't expose her to negative consequences if she was right to be skeptical. She wasn't about to tolerate ambiguity one place when she could be decisive another.

To that end, she headed toward the girl that Olena hit that she'd been keeping track of. Her previous confrontations with Olena and Melonie had left what she felt as a positive impact on the court, even though she had little in the way of an actual grievance and was clearly an instigator looking to make an example on them on behalf of herself. It was bully behavior, her agression left a positive impression due to it's target and it's effectiveness rather than the cause it was on behalf of. This case would be different however as, officially, she'd be acting on someone else's behalf.

She reached the girl that Olena had slapped and addressed her with a friendly smile.


"Hello, what's your name? I'm Chieftess Sartana of Scornerse, I noticed that Baroness Olena slapped you out of frustration with me. You're owed one and judging by the fact that she was too cowardly to slap me instead, I can get you one, so please, come with me." Sartana offered. Should she accept it, she'd immediately head with her to where Olena was.

[Kyrenaia]

[...]

(Image)

Ivan's attention was turned from Asha back to Amina, who had stepped forwards to boldly ask him for a dance at a later time. There was some murmuring among the crowd, a low grumble too quiet for Ivan nor any of those present to pick out the crowds mood. Was Amina being too forwards with such a question, or had her question appealed to the hearts of the love-starved nobility of the court? Did it even matter to Ivan? More likely than not it couldn't have as the King initially nodded his assent. From off to the side his own handmaiden Lucy Farehallow visibly offered nothing but a stoic, iron-faced expression. Her eyes burrowed into the expression of Khana Amina, trying to pick up any sense of what she was thinking. It would have been a faux pas if she were nobility or even from a wealthy family but she was naught but a poor servant to the King.

Of course that wasn't true. She was far more than a servant, having served as his spy and confident since he was a boy. It had been her job to keep him safe from any threat and to get him to the day where he would be married, and then after that perhaps she would be released from service or be allowed to stay and watch over his children, it was an unstable situation for her; It was all the more important that His Majesty chose the right suitor, the suitor who would serve him and the realm the best and perhaps still have enough mercy for Lucy.

Ivan spoke up, breaking Lucy's concentration. "My Lady, it would be an honor to dance with you. If it's all the same, why wait?" The crowd was sent back into uproar of the most elated kind. It would have been proper for Ivan to wait, what was the fool doing! Lucy turned her attention to the King, but he didn't bother to look her way. The King stepped forwards to close the distance between himself and Khana Amina. His eyes focused on hers and he offered hand for her to take.

What would someone have said about the King in that moment? Lucy would have admitted that he looked happy, as though nothing would please him more than a dance at that moment. His body was relaxed but controlled and his voice was firm but gentle. How could anyone say no?

Lucy had her concerns about Khana Amina and her child Marla, especially Marla. The fact that Marla could potentially rule one day despite having no blood connection to the Bjork family was beyond concerning. No doubt she would seek out her own tutors, handmaids and agents-it was almost a guarantee for Lucy that she would be sacked. The ancient question of Duty versus Personal Gain weighed heavy for Lucy as she considered it all, what would be done with her when it was all over?

[...]

Khana Amina bint-Karim.
If looks could kill... I noticed the maid giving me a rather cold and hard expression, something, which made my Handmaiden ready to intervene should she plan something untowards, but in the end, she didn't move.
If I would have known, that she was worried about her future employment, I would have been able to alleviate such concerns, at least from my end: If and when Ivan and I married, I did not plan to switch any of the Palace's Personell around, as it was uncommon in Kyrenaia. Handmaidens remained with their employers. She might know of the recent marriage of Prince Damin ibn-Razia, who still had Tara Harir close by his side and who would remain by his side as his Handmaiden, Secretary and Bodyguard until the Frozen Forest was a tropical beach resort. As for Marla, she already had a Handmaiden, she was even in the ballroom tonight, behind my adopted daughter. What Ivan would do...?
Speaking of which, instead of agreeing to dance later, he did something I had been prepared for as a possibility, but did not expect to happen: He, much to the surprise of his court, decided to have the dance now.
"My Lady, it would be an honor to dance with you.", he spoke. He was certainly a charming man, gallant and gentlemanly. "If it's all the same, why wait?"
"Indeed.", I said and placed my hand in his, "Why wait?"
As he led me off, I smiled.

[...]

Nova nodded, cheerily, there was a very light and almost unnoticeable blush on their face: "Oh he sure is nice, a very careful guy whose a friend, but also a bit more than a friend. Charles Kattenby, though I just call him Charlie most of the time." Pausing for a second and stroking their hair, Nova explained briefly, "He works on the aircraft I fly in."

The Anhu spacer's voice became slightly more melancholy, "When I'm set to rotate off-world, I'll ask for permission to stay on Earth. My parents think I'm throwing my life away, literally. I'll age quicker on Earth." Cheer, real or acted, returned with a beat: "I can't tell how the King likes his partners though, age-wise."

Hisa Kariken.
As Nova nodded, I thought, that I saw a very faint blush on her face - it might have been a trick of the light, though. She told us of Charles Kattenby, or Charlie, and how he was a bit more then 'just' a friend... ah, young love... maybe exactly that was, that King Ivan was out for...
...which raised the question, what Nova was doing here if she wasn't here to court the local ruler - or if she was looking for someone a bit more glamorous then Charlie as a replacement. I knew, that Mari was thinking about the same, but neither of us voiced these thoughts.
"I can't tell how the King likes his partners though, age-wise.", Nova finished after a beat.
"Me neither.", Mari admitted, "If he likes them young and fresh or mature and experienced in the ways of the world..." Looking towards where the King and his entourage were talking to the first suitors, Mari smiled, especially as he asked Amina-Khana for a dance. "...I guess, it must click right, as they say. I am not sure, if I am not too old for his tastes, however."
The last was accompanied by a chuckle.

[The Saucer Pilots]

Ymir offered a small chuckle. So the people of Alan's homeland weren't so different from some of the poorer regions of his own nation, so far as gender roles and responsibilities went. Ymir couldn't imagine the sort of hell that a husband of Kornelia's would unleash if he were to raise a hand to her. Kornelia was a lot of things but meek was not one of them.

Ymir's expression became serious quite suddenly at the last comment made by his new friend. Something he had said hit a little too close to home, it was a bit too real to really laugh about. Alan didn't seem to notice the changed air so Ymir felt obligated to try and explain the situation. "I imagine you would be surprised to see the court normally. It's not normally this bad but everyone is tense right now over who the King will propose to. That sort of tension really is bringing out the worse in everyone, especially since many of them will either benefit or lose out if they align themselves with the wrong suitor." How could he explain the laws of power to someone who came from a democratic system, something so foreign to him. Alan had grown up with elected officials, constantly changing whereas Ymir had spent his whole life learning the names and titles of other important court members, building alliances and making enemies of his own. There was no shortage of people who would gladly take his place if he failed in his responsibilities, and that was not a fate he would ever resign himself to.

Grimes noted the change in Ymir's tone after his laugh. He wasn't the type to openly apologize and if anything his occupation sometimes relied on aggression, sometimes overtly vocal yet subtle enough to not make a scene. However Grimes was also not the kind of man to press people unless it was absolutely necessary, nor did he take any glee in causing distress. He also could relate to the idea of competition, somewhat: as a pencil pusher during the War, the man also saw and partook in his share of power-struggles for promotions, albeit no office job was as important as landing a spouse and heir that'd continue on with a dynasty.

The silvery man said a small well-meaning warning: "For you and your family's sake then, I hope they don't bet on the little squirt. I don't know what she's up to, but I'm doubtful it's marriage." Once realizing nobody else was within an earshot, he admitted something else. "Truth be told, I have no control over what she does, even if my superiors would want it. So I'm stuck here, laughing about a situation I can't entirely handle. In my line of work, it can be a bit of a habit."

Hisa Kariken.
As Nova nodded, I thought, that I saw a very faint blush on her face - it might have been a trick of the light, though. She told us of Charles Kattenby, or Charlie, and how he was a bit more then 'just' a friend... ah, young love... maybe exactly that was, that King Ivan was out for...
...which raised the question, what Nova was doing here if she wasn't here to court the local ruler - or if she was looking for someone a bit more glamorous then Charlie as a replacement. I knew, that Mari was thinking about the same, but neither of us voiced these thoughts.
"I can't tell how the King likes his partners though, age-wise.", Nova finished after a beat.
"Me neither.", Mari admitted, "If he likes them young and fresh or mature and experienced in the ways of the world..." Looking towards where the King and his entourage were talking to the first suitors, Mari smiled, especially as he asked Amina-Khana for a dance. "...I guess, it must click right, as they say. I am not sure, if I am not too old for his tastes, however."
The last was accompanied by a chuckle.

Nova looked at the 2 meter tall woman now dancing with the King, they briefly thought that maybe mature was the correct answer but the night and the tournament were still too young to make an assessment. In the meantime, the Anhu interdimensional-traveller may have tried to assure Mari that age was irrelevant. "We don't worry too much about age where I'm from, Marihime" Nova paused mid-sentence to think why asking a woman's age was never proper, they guessed that the norm was probably had something to do with reproductive age and desirability perhaps, then continued: "I've met plenty of people in their hundreds." Perhaps needing to explain a comment that may seem bizarre, even if Kornelia's comment over Mari's age hinted otherwise, Nova added: "Some of these people get stuck asleep inside ships for hundreds of years, through gravity-based time-delaying, onboard slow ships that move across Space. Others just fight aging by stumping the chemistry behind it with medicine and tiny robots."

A bit more strategic in what they said but trying to pass it off as casual, Nova muttered, "My gift isn't as flashy as a sword. It's a versatile tool. It was going to be knowledge over aging technologies...but I'm not sure if a Catholic king would see extending their lifespan as ethical. I guess I just need to impress him enough to get his help in going home."

[The Holy Solar Empire]

Léopold is a natural dancer, even if he wouldn't admit it. Penelope couldn't help but find herself increasingly impressed by her dancing partner. That impressiveness bloomed quite easily into attraction as they stepped around in a delicate dance. Penelope felt herself be easily drawn into Léopold's eyes, all the while butterflies began to burst and flutter around in her stomach. If that wasn't bad enough Léopold's touch sent shockwaves and lightning bolts across her skin. It was easy enough for someone in her position to fall for a foreign knight, especially since the rest of the girls at court also seemed to be raving about him-It was another thing to actually be dancing with said foreign knight and for him to be as charming as the children's tales said.

As Penelope danced Seraria turned her attention towards Princess Eléonore. She aimed the camera at the Princess as she chatted with none other than the Crown Prince himself. Interesting. Seraria snapped a several photos of the pair, making sure to keep them dignified and unscandalous. Mentally she made a note to set those pictures aside for Léopold rather than the court at large. There was a commotion and Seraria trudged over to it, seeing King Ivan and two of the suitors. Seraria took a few more photos as the gifts were presented between the suitors, becoming engrossed in this particular persuit.

Penelope remained in a short state of bliss dancing with Léopold until she began to notice that Léopold's attention wasn't on her, but something else. Carefully Penelope craned her neck to try and see what had caught Léopold's attention but it was to no avail. Whatever it was that he seemed to be distracted by, Penelope couldn't pick it out. As one song ended and another began she stopped and separated from Léopold, offering a gracious bow. "Thank you for the dance Sir Léopold. You're quite skilled, perhaps in more ways than one?" Penelope winked at Léopold and left him to whatever business he had to attend to.

---

Ari's eyes widened for a second before he regained his composure. Fourteen siblings! It was an almost unbelievable number and he immediately suspected that Princess Eléonore was being false with him. He conceded that he wasn't fully aware of the extent of the Holy Solar Empire's technological progress but even with the most advanced methods was it really possible for two people, both with the stresses of running a Duchy, to be able to have so many kids in one lifetime? Sure a couple could produce many more kids, it'd been done plenty of times throughout history but it was rare to see a Duke and his wife have so many.

Or perhaps Princess Eléonore's parents weren't the honest Christians Ari had thought they were. Having fifteen siblings would be far more manageable if most of them were bastards, or if the father had multiple wives. That didn't line up with his understanding of the HSE though, as through his readings he'd understood them to be distinctly catholic in nature.

Ari resisted the natural compulsion to challenge Princess Eléonore's claim or at least question it further. Rather he shifted his attention towards conciliating Princess Eléonore. He didn't imagine she was iracund but nonetheless it wouldn't hurt to at least appear friendly and try to be her ally in this court of snakes.

"That's quite impressive, I'm sure your parents are very happy to be blessed with so many sons and daughters, especially if they all are as lovely as yourself." Ari offered the compliment graciously. No doubt his entourage were overanalyzing the situation, maybe expecting more of him than he intended at that moment. They were a lot ruled by calculations and assessments, which was unfortunate because they were usually right-just not this time.

Ari produced a small wooden box and held it out toward Princess Eléonore. "It pales in comparison to your own beauty but please accept this gift. If you would wear it tomorrow during the tournament, you would be doing me a great honor."

"Milord, forgive my intrusion but there are others who wish to speak with you." A young woman appeared beside Ari, addressing him and him alone. "It would seem that some of their matters are rather urgent."

Ari offered a deliberately long bow to Princess Eléonore. "It would appear that must take my leave. It was a pleasure meeting you Princess." Ari let his eyes wander on her for a moment, searching out any hint of her feelings at that moment before leaving alongside his entourage. As he left his mind settled on the issues at hand but in the back of his mind he replayed the conversation with Eléonore, wondering if things had gone as well as he hoped they had.

---

Léopold

As the current song finally came to a close, so did Léopold's dance, his partner bowed graciously as she parted, and before leaving, left what he could only presume to be a suggestive comment. He wasn't averse to the idea, but he had more important things to be focused on in the meantime. Léopold turned away as Penelope departed, and turned to Seraria with a smile. "Your cousin is an excellent dancer Mademoiselle, is it an activity your clan partakes in often? " he asked, briefly noticing that the Crown prince had seemingly left his charge alone for now.

"Now that I finished that rather pleasant dance, how about I introduce you to my lady?"

Eléonore

From the expression of the Crown Prince, Eléonore took it that he was surprised by her answer, she couldn't blame him, after all what was the average lifespan of people of this level of technology? Oh well, it was a little bit amusing in that way. She couldn't blame him for complimenting her family either, it was not only the appropriate thing to do, but smart as well, she could at least grant him the kindness of assuming it was done genuinely. Ari was strange to Eléonore, she couldn't help but feel that there was more to him than she was seeing. Perhaps he was hoping to win her to his side so he may influence his brother? Either way she didn't sense any inherent malice from him, but he was definitely a plotter, that was a given really, what was important was the context surrounding a plotter.

Then Ari gifted her a box, no doubt with some jewelry of fine quality, Eléonore accepted the gift graciously and nodded in reply to his leave. All things considered her abrupt meeting with the heir to the Kingdom was not as harrowing as she feared, he was certainly... fitting the image of a barbarian her kinsmen might see him as, but she wasn't so contemptuous of primitive peoples, especially of her fellow man... not that she was particularly dismissive of xeno's either. Regardless she had completed two great meetings, and now she had at least one more to directly focus on, till then at least it wouldn't hurt to see if her retainer has found the court photographer yet, and then maybe she could get a bite before meeting that Tigeress the Lunar King mentioned.

She was built up as a intimidating force, but she would never let her get to her, she had Léopold with her after all.The assurance that there was a Battleship in system probably helped too, if at least post humorously should anyone pull something stupid, but these are not uncivilized barbarians, they seemed to have a good grasp of the scale here. Eléonore felt a need to frown at the thought, of course hidden as to not appear unbecoming, she knows that there would be no doubt all sorts of other nobles from across the Empire who would she her attempts to wed King Ivan as preposterous, especially given that she is the one seeking his hand, she didn't have to justify herself to them, but she could always just spat off it as to their benefit, she will remain the pious women in that engagement, but thats all for the future, for now she must remain focused on the present.

---

[Laka Strolistandiler]

For some reason, considering that the last words that the tournament can mean the difference between poverty and a life of wealth is a somewhat hidden prick to the wealth of Lavinia, she blushed a little in perplexity. After somewhat nervously coughing, she replied:

- Well, pardon me, but it isn’t just the luxury and power that are at stakes, right? Well, that’s because in our culture we don’t value any of these things that much. After all, all material wealth is simply temporary, while the value that we keep in our heart stays with us forever... thinking for a while, she continued, - Count, all of the luxury that we see in this room will sooner or later fade away, yet still the friendships and the rivalries formed here will carry on. If I wanted, I could surround myself with power and wealth, at the expense of my subjects, but would I deserve than to be their ruler?

Perhaps, she said too much, but that was just Lavinia- always speaking clean truth, sometimes at the expense of her reputation. Even by Lakan standards, her honesty was sometimes viewed as wierd, or even absurd.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Nova looked at the 2 meter tall woman now dancing with the King, they briefly thought that maybe mature was the correct answer but the night and the tournament were still too young to make an assessment. In the meantime, the Anhu interdimensional-traveller may have tried to assure Mari that age was irrelevant. "We don't worry too much about age where I'm from, Marihime" Nova paused mid-sentence to think why asking a woman's age was never proper, they guessed that the norm was probably had something to do with reproductive age and desirability perhaps, then continued: "I've met plenty of people in their hundreds." Perhaps needing to explain a comment that may seem bizarre, even if Kornelia's comment over Mari's age hinted otherwise, Nova added: "Some of these people get stuck asleep inside ships for hundreds of years, through gravity-based time-delaying, onboard slow ships that move across Space. Others just fight aging by stumping the chemistry behind it with medicine and tiny robots."

A bit more strategic in what they said but trying to pass it off as casual, Nova muttered, "My gift isn't as flashy as a sword. It's a versatile tool. It was going to be knowledge over aging technologies...but I'm not sure if a Catholic king would see extending their lifespan as ethical. I guess I just need to impress him enough to get his help in going home."

Adelheid approached Mari and Nova, offering a slight bow as she did so. "Apologies if I am intruding..." she said. "I just heard something about...well, the whole thing with the hundreds and gravity-based time delay and so forth. Piqued my intrest. Please excuse us. In any case, I'm Adelheid, and this-" she gestured to Irene as well. "Is Lady Irene."
Irene nodded and bowed slightly as. "Hullo, " she said, before falling back into silence.
Both seemed to be military of some sort, although the uniforms they wore were definitely unlike what Nova might be used to; Irene's uniform seemed similar to British Service Dress, while Adelheid's was black.

[The United Anime Kingdoms]

Duke Ragnar Cederblom appeared to be pleased with the Princess as she sampled the frosted maize. "When our ancestors crossed the sea and landed here in Vinland, they discovered a people that they called Scraelings. The Scraelings survived off a diet of maize, squash and beans. It was our people though who took their maize and turned it into something more...cultured." Surely the decision to frost maize wasn't so revolutionary, but Ragnar played it up as though it were the culmination of some great effort at civilizing those who lived in The Frozen Forest before it was called The Frozen Forest.

"What sorts of dishes exist in the UAK?" Ragnar wasn't just making small talk, he was genuinely quite curious as to the local foods of the Princess's homeland.[/align]

“Ah, that sounds interesting” Anne replies. “Where I come from, our cuisine consists mostly of either fish and rice, or variations on foods that foreigners have brought into our country during the era of the warring kingdoms. My grandfather, the emperor, told me that many of the provinces in our country were separate kingdoms fighting for power and supremacy of the lands, with help from foreigners. With what foreigners brought in terms of weapons and culture, we usually also take their dishes. My grandfather remembers eating beef stew when he was younger living in the province of Amestris. I had friends who had curry with rice in the province that was the former Confederation of Isekai Kingdoms and In the province of Ingrandou, they fry fish in a light batter called tempura, and they serve it with fried potatoes which are usually grown in that area. I guess you can say are foods are a tweak and hodgepodge of different culinary styles, most of them rooting from our history of course”.

[The Frozen Forest]

✤The Foreign Exile✤

Princess Isolde von Meckler sipped tea from a preciously decorated teacup as the handprint across her face began to dissipate. The sweet aroma and taste filled her senses and distracted from the dullness of the peasants dancing around her, so much so that she hardly recognized when one such peasant made her way up to her and began to speak to her. Her! How dare the ugly peasant girl speak to her in such a tone! To ask her her name, it was scandalous was what it was. Isolde blinked quietly for a moment as the peasant girl's (who introduced herself as "Chieftess" Sartana) eyes suddenly appeared to grow, grow up and grow down and grow in until her face was nothing more than a hulking blue eyeball-Isolde half expected the poor thing to burst but then it gave a little wobble and pop and Isolde watched it whizzle back into the Chieftess's eye socket. How strange. Isolde thought to herself, still having not responded to Sartana after the arrival of a rather awkward silence. Who am i? WHO AM I! Who..am i? I'm the heir to the throne! The fiancee of Crown Prince Ivan, that's who!"

"You have the honor of addressing Her Royal Majesty, Queen to be of the Kingdom of Waldflachen, fi·an·cée of the Crown Prince of The Frozen Forest-well, soon to be fiancée; sweet Ari is my lover you see. He's such a pretty boy and he gives me flowers from time to time-Oh! I'm sorry i didn't mean to make you jealous!" Isolde's face twisted into one of horror and she held her hands out to Sartana before a jealous spell suddenly took her. "He is mine...keep your hands off of him."

Sartana mentioned getting one back from Olena, the witch that had raised her petite little hands to Isolde's perfect face. It didn't take more than a second of thought before Isolde gripped her fists and nodded aggressively, following behind Sartana as they began to make their way over to Olena, whose makeup had become smudged with tears.

Olena, despite her smudged makeup seemed to have regained her confidence, especially given her friend Melanie had regrouped with her. The pair of them had returned to their jackel-y disposition and immediately stood to round on Sartana and her new companion. Isolde watched as they stepped along, crossing a distance that would have taken days in only a few steps. While she was mildly impressed she still didn't like the sour look on Olena's stupid face.

"If it isn't little miss crazy and her new pet dog. What? Are you looking for me to apolo-" Isolde's fist collided with Olena's nose, sending Olena sprawling backwards onto the floor. Olena felt something warm touch her upper lip and reached up to her nose, drawing back to see her fingers turned red. Melanie reacted with an attempt at a slap directed at Isolde, which the Princess stepped back from causing Melanie to miss and throw herself off balance. Isolde stepped forwards and gave Melanie a light push, sending her onto the ground with Olena. She took a step forwards dangerously but was caught off by a bulky man in a decorated suit who blocked her path. "I think that's enough Your Majesty."

Olena and Melanie stood up, a fury having spread across their faces. It was unusual for a single public act of violence at such a high profile event, but to be humiliated again was intolerable. Olena slipped past Isolde and the guard and instead stood in front of Sartana. "What is with you people! Why can't you just leave us alone?" Isolde stepped away from the guard and to Sartana's side. "You slapped me wench, and your being disrespectful to my lovely friend here. You should be on your knees, begging for our forgiveness. Do you understand who your addressing?"

"I'm addressing a lunatic! That's who!" Olena felt a hand grab her arm and she turned again to face yet another threat, finding the guard staring down at her. "With all due respect Countess, you cannot address a Princess in such a manner. If you aren't willing to apologize then you need to leave."

Olena's fury grew brighter, but what could she do against a man twice her size? That wasn't to mention that everyone around them was staring again and any credibility or power she had over the other courtiers had been shattered-evidenced by their smiles as they watched the altercation. "You're going to allow her, a foreigner get away with assaulting a member of the Frozen Forestrian nobility?"

"Mind your tongue Countess, she may be a foreigner but she is King Ivan's honored guest and a Princess. As a Frozen Forestrian you should understand the importance of treating your betters with respect. Besides, the King could still take your head if he found out that you slapped Princess Isolde earlier, need i remind him for you?" Olena deflated visibly and swallowed, then gave a shake of her head. "I'll be leaving then." She glared at Sartana and Isolde, "Enjoy the rest of the ball." Olena swung around and left, making her way out the doors, forgetting Melanie.

Melanie stood by and studied Isolde and Sartana, waiting for whatever it was that Sartana was going to make of the situation. Her body language suggested something akin to subservience, the fighting spirit seeming to have left with the defeat of Olena, who would no doubt suffer some manner of retribution in the coming days for the fuss she had caused. Melanie wasn't keen on sharing her fate. "Chieftess Sartana, Your Majesty, my apologizes for my behavior earlier." It was half-hearted sure, but that was the best they would get out of her.


⁑ The King and Khana ⁑

The dance began awkwardly at first. King Ivan wasn't used to dancing with a partner so much taller than he was and it was enough of a height difference that it made such awkwardness apparent to those watching. It took several steps before the pair found their correct footing and came into sink with one another on the marble ballroom floor. Ivan's face offered a gentle smile but his own internal calm had been turmoiled as he carefully stepped along to the ballroom music. He counted every step and every movement, moving precisely the way he had been taught years ago, though his movements did have an air of rigidity to them that was unintentional.

Ivan found his eyes moving up from the Khana's collarbone to her bright ruby eyes. It reminded him of a woman he hadn't seen in a long time, but who had made a profound impact on him. Ivan's thoughts wandered away from Rasha to Amina and what she had to have experienced in her life being the height that she was. Dancing was certainly a changed affair if nothing else, as there was no way that Ivan could realistically lift Amina's hand over her head to spin her as was traditional with ballroom dancing. Ivan adapted to the situation as best he could, bringing Amina closer to him than normal and opting instead for spins where he could keep Amina's hand level with his own, before bringing her back into sway with him.

"It seems most of the court is watching us right now." Ivan spoke quietly and between the music and general murmuring it was unlikely to be heard. It was a generally placed comment, followed by a very subtle nod towards the crowd that had gathered around them.


The Little Squirt

Ymir shook his head and took another drag from his cigarette. Did anyone really have control over their superiors in this world? Ymir could empathize with Grimes, his situation wasn't exactly the same as his own but he could definitely feel for him. The question that Ymir wanted to ask was why Grimes even stayed around with Nova if he felt so helpless about his work-surely she didn't need him that badly that he couldn't go off and do something else, replaced by someone else. Ymir wasn't sure if that was an insensitive question or not and decided against it after a moment. Instead he looked out over the forest outside the palace. It had gotten dark and the moonlight had begun to shimmer through the trees and distant mountains.

"Here I was thinking you were the one keeping her from vaporizing me and everyone else on the planet. So if she's not here to court the King, why did you two come here?"



Seraria snapped another couple of photos, capturing the King and the Khana dancing as well as an argument between Princess Isolde and Countess Olena and of Princess Eléonore with the Crown Prince, even snagging a photo of the Princess accepting what appeared to be a gift from the Crown Prince. That was a photo she would have to turn over to Léopold, didn't want people to think the wrong thing about one of the most popular suitors at the ball, especially since she'd agreed to help and give Princess Eléonore high quality, respectful photos. After she was satisfied that she had captured the proceedings sufficiently she returned to Leopold.

"My...clan? Well my family isn't quite so skilled at dancing, Penelope is the exception. She spends most of her free time with the rest of the court ladies, but it's good to hear that her time was well spent." Seraria mentally noted the Knights reaction, Penelope would no doubt be thrilled to hear the news when she told her. "I would be honored to meet Princess Eléonore. Lead the way Sir." Seraria haphazardly noticed a heated conversation between the Court Bishop and Court Tolgeirist Priest, and quickly snapped a photo of the pair of them while Léopold was going to lead her to his charge.



Count Arrun considered Lavinia's words. He could admire her dedication to the wellbeing of her subjects, even if he didn't agree with her ideas. Afterall personal wealth was in itself a sort of power. Money could buy armies, armies could take cities and cities could generate money. Without luxury and wealth how could one defend him or herself from their rivals. Arrun actually did have the answer to that question-the answer was intrigue and it was something he was quite skilled with. Even scheming costed money though, and if not for money and power what was the point of the responsibility that came with leading?

Arrun decided not to share that opinion with Lavinia. "That's a worthy opinion, and an honorable thing to say. I suppose that means you are in favor of lowering taxes on the nobility and commoners alike, since you believe in posterity?" Arrun couldn't say he ever complained about less taxes, especially since taxes had been higher since the King had ascended.



Duke Ragnar's attention had been captured as Anne began to describe a number of the different dishes originating or existing in the UAK. He'd never heard of tempura before, though curry with rice was familiar to him. Granted he had only had curry with rice in the colonies on the very rare occasions when he would visit them, he wasn't a fan of the dishes he'd tried but they had been acceptable. Ragnar took note of the mention of a place that was once called the "Confederacy of Isekai Kingdoms." He wasn't quite sure what that nation might have been like, but he could read the context of what Anne had said, it sounded as though the confederacy was some sort of predecessor state.

"I've heard it said that food is the way to a mans heart. Princess did you ever take the time to learn how to cook some of your local dishes, such as this tempura you mentioned? If so I might be able to get you access to the kitchens after the ball, you could make something for the King." It wasn't an offer of alliance nor was it a direct audience with the King, but it was a bone he could toss the Princess if she knew what she was doing. After hours the Kitchen would likely be unattended and if it wasn't, he could see to it that it was unmanned.

[The Saucer Pilots]

Ymir shook his head and took another drag from his cigarette. Did anyone really have control over their superiors in this world? Ymir could empathize with Grimes, his situation wasn't exactly the same as his own but he could definitely feel for him. The question that Ymir wanted to ask was why Grimes even stayed around with Nova if he felt so helpless about his work-surely she didn't need him that badly that he couldn't go off and do something else, replaced by someone else. Ymir wasn't sure if that was an insensitive question or not and decided against it after a moment. Instead he looked out over the forest outside the palace. It had gotten dark and the moonlight had begun to shimmer through the trees and distant mountains.

Fully aware that Nova was probably blabbering about Top Secret information in the ball and that they were now public figures here, Grimes felt no need to hide anything. The special agent was surprisingly straightforward: "Our arrival was a flight accident, so to say. Fortunately it wasn't a crash-landing. Not this time." After a moment of inhaling, he said, "I suppose she wants to screen out this Earth as well. She and her people have told my government there's lots of alternate Earths. We've doubted it, at times. Though I guess that no longer needs to be demonstrated."

Adelheid approached Mari and Nova, offering a slight bow as she did so. "Apologies if I am intruding..." she said. "I just heard something about...well, the whole thing with the hundreds and gravity-based time delay and so forth. Piqued my intrest. Please excuse us. In any case, I'm Adelheid, and this-" she gestured to Irene as well. "Is Lady Irene."
Irene nodded and bowed slightly as. "Hullo, " she said, before falling back into silence.
Both seemed to be military of some sort, although the uniforms they wore were definitely unlike what Nova might be used to; Irene's uniform seemed similar to British Service Dress, while Adelheid's was black.

Nova answered a bit crisply, almost as if seeing uniforms subconsciously prompted them to answer a bit quickly. Turning to the fair-haired duo, the space traveler smiled and slightly tilted their head downward, a bit rapidly as well. "Hello, I'm Nova. I work for Air Fleet." No surname was given, though it wasn't because Nova was a noble, quite simply, it was because the Anhu pilot had none. Nova continued, almost seeming as if they were beaming with pride, but nonetheless allowed the woman from Okunaratsura to introduce herself: "Yes, you heard correct. I was describing some of the funny effects caused by manipulating gravity to my new acquaintances."

As the vixen-eared noblelady made a gracious introduction, Nova thought about their choice of words. An Anhu might have referred to a fellow Anhu as a Companion through the suffix of han, or more roughly, a Comrade. That was out of the question for a princess, Marihime-han, very funny they thought. Nova also stopped themselves from saying friend, even if they wanted to instill a sense of confidence and familiarity. Acquaintance was ultimately the most neutral term they could think of which didn't have the potential to backfire and intrude on Mari's boundaries. Once Marihime finished with more graciousness than Nova could ever hope of having and Kariken continued to extoll her stoicism, the diminutive woman continued.

The trio had been caught like children with candies in their hands by Adelheid and Irene with photos, Nova felt it would be awkwardly unjust to suddenly swipe the small polaroids away. "As you can tell, travelling from 1956 counts as one of those oddities."

[Kyrenaia]

[...]

(Image)
⁑ The King and Khana ⁑

The dance began awkwardly at first. King Ivan wasn't used to dancing with a partner so much taller than he was and it was enough of a height difference that it made such awkwardness apparent to those watching. It took several steps before the pair found their correct footing and came into sink with one another on the marble ballroom floor. Ivan's face offered a gentle smile but his own internal calm had been turmoiled as he carefully stepped along to the ballroom music. He counted every step and every movement, moving precisely the way he had been taught years ago, though his movements did have an air of rigidity to them that was unintentional.

Ivan found his eyes moving up from the Khana's collarbone to her bright ruby eyes. It reminded him of a woman he hadn't seen in a long time, but who had made a profound impact on him. Ivan's thoughts wandered away from Rasha to Amina and what she had to have experienced in her life being the height that she was. Dancing was certainly a changed affair if nothing else, as there was no way that Ivan could realistically lift Amina's hand over her head to spin her as was traditional with ballroom dancing. Ivan adapted to the situation as best he could, bringing Amina closer to him than normal and opting instead for spins where he could keep Amina's hand level with his own, before bringing her back into sway with him.

"It seems most of the court is watching us right now." Ivan spoke quietly and between the music and general murmuring it was unlikely to be heard. It was a generally placed comment, followed by a very subtle nod towards the crowd that had gathered around them.

[...]

Khana Amina bint-Karim.
The dance was awkward at first, Ivan clearly not being used to dancing with someone substantially taller then him, but he managed to adapt very quickly. I, on the other hand, followed his lead despite being very familiar with dancing with someone substantially smaller then me.
It was, I had found out, the best way: Let the other lead and get used to the size difference. That usually yielded the best results.
His smile was gentle, but I felt, that there was not much calm in his eyes, especially when they moved away from the pendant to my eyes. The brief flicker must have been a trick of the light.
"It seems most of the court is watching us right now.", he told me in a low whisper.
"Let them.", I replied at the same volume, looking into his eyes with a playful wink: "I wonder what some of them think they are seeing... a good dancer and a giantess making the size difference work or a couple of awkward people trying to move to music?"

[...]

Nova looked at the 2 meter tall woman now dancing with the King, they briefly thought that maybe mature was the correct answer but the night and the tournament were still too young to make an assessment. In the meantime, the Anhu interdimensional-traveller may have tried to assure Mari that age was irrelevant. "We don't worry too much about age where I'm from, Marihime" Nova paused mid-sentence to think why asking a woman's age was never proper, they guessed that the norm was probably had something to do with reproductive age and desirability perhaps, then continued: "I've met plenty of people in their hundreds." Perhaps needing to explain a comment that may seem bizarre, even if Kornelia's comment over Mari's age hinted otherwise, Nova added: "Some of these people get stuck asleep inside ships for hundreds of years, through gravity-based time-delaying, onboard slow ships that move across Space. Others just fight aging by stumping the chemistry behind it with medicine and tiny robots."

A bit more strategic in what they said but trying to pass it off as casual, Nova muttered, "My gift isn't as flashy as a sword. It's a versatile tool. It was going to be knowledge over aging technologies...but I'm not sure if a Catholic king would see extending their lifespan as ethical. I guess I just need to impress him enough to get his help in going home."

[...]

Adelheid approached Mari and Nova, offering a slight bow as she did so. "Apologies if I am intruding..." she said. "I just heard something about...well, the whole thing with the hundreds and gravity-based time delay and so forth. Piqued my intrest. Please excuse us. In any case, I'm Adelheid, and this-" she gestured to Irene as well. "Is Lady Irene."
Irene nodded and bowed slightly as. "Hullo, " she said, before falling back into silence.
Both seemed to be military of some sort, although the uniforms they wore were definitely unlike what Nova might be used to; Irene's uniform seemed similar to British Service Dress, while Adelheid's was black.

[...]

Nova answered a bit crisply, almost as if seeing uniforms subconsciously prompted them to answer a bit quickly. Turning to the fair-haired duo, the space traveler smiled and slightly tilted their head downward, a bit rapidly as well. "Hello, I'm Nova. I work for Air Fleet." No surname was given, though it wasn't because Nova was a noble, quite simply, it was because the Anhu pilot had none. Nova continued, almost seeming as if they were beaming with pride, but nonetheless allowed the woman from Okunaratsura to introduce herself: "Yes, you heard correct. I was describing some of the funny effects caused by manipulating gravity to my new acquaintances."

As the vixen-eared noblelady made a gracious introduction, Nova thought about their choice of words. An Anhu might have referred to a fellow Anhu as a Companion through the suffix of han, or more roughly, a Comrade. That was out of the question for a princess, Marihime-han, very funny they thought. Nova also stopped themselves from saying friend, even if they wanted to instill a sense of confidence and familiarity. Acquaintance was ultimately the most neutral term they could think of which didn't have the potential to backfire and intrude on Mari's boundaries. Once Marihime finished with more graciousness than Nova could ever hope of having and Kariken continued to extoll her stoicism, the diminutive woman continued.

The trio had been caught like children with candies in their hands by Adelheid and Irene with photos, Nova felt it would be awkwardly unjust to suddenly swipe the small polaroids away. "As you can tell, travelling from 1956 counts as one of those oddities."

Hisa Kariken.
Nova explained, how her people had defeated the malady that was old age and while being frozen like a popsicle might appeal to some, I personally doubted, that it was much of an option for me. Besides, wasn't a, say, 30 year old person frozen for 200 years still 30 years old biologically?
And then, she said something, that made Marihime's brow furrow: "I guess I just need to impress him enough to get his help in going home."
She wanted to reply, but right then, two new someones joined our conversation, a woman in a uniform escorted by another woman. I tensed as the two spoke, for a brief moment, before I was sure, that their intentions weren't bad.
Nova introduced herself, a lot colder then I would have anticipated - maybe it was the uniforms?
Mari bowed her head lightly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Adelheidhime, Irenenadeshiko.", she spoke, her lips struggling slightly with the foreign names. Our time in Auwalt but a century ago did not help her much with the pronounciation. "I am Marihime Ingansu, Princess of Takayoden."
She did not introduce me. I was but the retainer, I did not need to be introduced.
Nova continued, which allowed me to watch Mari for a moment. She most certainly considered her an acquaintance. Did she also consider her a friend? I knew, that it was notoriously hard to become her friend, especially if you were one of the Young Folk, I knew, that I was similar. I would have to watch her.
Nova picked up the thread of the conversation again and showed the images.
"As you can tell, travelling from 1956 counts as one of those oddities.", Nova added.
Mari smiled slightly, a short flicker of questions running over her face - Nova was certainly an interesting woman...

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Nova answered a bit crisply, almost as if seeing uniforms subconsciously prompted them to answer a bit quickly. Turning to the fair-haired duo, the space traveler smiled and slightly tilted their head downward, a bit rapidly as well. "Hello, I'm Nova. I work for Air Fleet." No surname was given, though it wasn't because Nova was a noble, quite simply, it was because the Anhu pilot had none. Nova continued, almost seeming as if they were beaming with pride, but nonetheless allowed the woman from Okunaratsura to introduce herself: "Yes, you heard correct. I was describing some of the funny effects caused by manipulating gravity to my new acquaintances."

As the vixen-eared noblelady made a gracious introduction, Nova thought about their choice of words. An Anhu might have referred to a fellow Anhu as a Companion through the suffix of han, or more roughly, a Comrade. That was out of the question for a princess, Marihime-han, very funny they thought. Nova also stopped themselves from saying friend, even if they wanted to instill a sense of confidence and familiarity. Acquaintance was ultimately the most neutral term they could think of which didn't have the potential to backfire and intrude on Mari's boundaries. Once Marihime finished with more graciousness than Nova could ever hope of having and Kariken continued to extoll her stoicism, the diminutive woman continued.

The trio had been caught like children with candies in their hands by Adelheid and Irene with photos, Nova felt it would be awkwardly unjust to suddenly swipe the small polaroids away. "As you can tell, travelling from 1956 counts as one of those oddities."

Hisa Kariken.
Nova explained, how her people had defeated the malady that was old age and while being frozen like a popsicle might appeal to some, I personally doubted, that it was much of an option for me. Besides, wasn't a, say, 30 year old person frozen for 200 years still 30 years old biologically?
And then, she said something, that made Marihime's brow furrow: "I guess I just need to impress him enough to get his help in going home."
She wanted to reply, but right then, two new someones joined our conversation, a woman in a uniform escorted by another woman. I tensed as the two spoke, for a brief moment, before I was sure, that their intentions weren't bad.
Nova introduced herself, a lot colder then I would have anticipated - maybe it was the uniforms?
Mari bowed her head lightly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Adelheidhime, Irenenadeshiko.", she spoke, her lips struggling slightly with the foreign names. Our time in Auwalt but a century ago did not help her much with the pronounciation. "I am Marihime Ingansu, Princess of Takayoden."
She did not introduce me. I was but the retainer, I did not need to be introduced.
Nova continued, which allowed me to watch Mari for a moment. She most certainly considered her an acquaintance. Did she also consider her a friend? I knew, that it was notoriously hard to become her friend, especially if you were one of the Young Folk, I knew, that I was similar. I would have to watch her.
Nova picked up the thread of the conversation again and showed the images.
"As you can tell, travelling from 1956 counts as one of those oddities.", Nova added.
Mari smiled slightly, a short flicker of questions running over her face - Nova was certainly an interesting woman...

---

Adelheid & Irene
Adelheidhime? Irenenadeshiko? Adelheid's gears could probably be seen turning in her head for the briefest of moments, before she nodded and bowed her head a little. "A pleasure to meet you, Princess. And to you as well, Miss Nova"
Her ears were not commented upon. In fact, it was somewhat doubtful that Adelheid even took notice; or, more likely, simply didn't care.

Irene nodded in response to Marihime's greeting. "Glad to meet you, Ma'am." she replied, before withdrawing back into silence.
Adelheid glanced over at Irene, before continuing on, responding to Anhu once again. "Ah, I see...the fifties, you say? You arrived at Earth around that period, I assume? Or, perhaps, earlier?" She took a close look at the aircraft on one of the pictures, trying to see if she could identify it. "That's...a U-2, correct?"

As Adelheid pored over the images, Irene locked eyes with Hisa. She gave a short nod, before her eyes returned to flitting about the room, occasionally returning to Adelheid, as if she was afraid that she would disappear if she didn't keep a close eye on her.