Open Invitation to Ambassadors.

[Ruridova]

Sven Andrejson and Maria Diaz-Cruz calmly left the airliner and walked onto the tarmac, stopping to look around at Elizabetta, a land new to both of them.
They then walked into a large limousine and sat in the back next to each other. Sven pulled out a cell phone and pulled up an image of a Ruridovan dog breed called the whippet. Maria said, "Dog?" Sven nooded and replied, "Her name's Akiko. Wouldn't have been able to bring them here- apparent ly dogs are banned since the national animal is the cat." Maria stared at him disbelievingly. "Really?" Sven nodded, smiling. maria let out a huh, then said, "If that happened in Ruridova.... well, our animal is the ermine, so.... we'd have to ban weasels and minks!" Sven and Maria chuckled and made small talk for the rest of the ride until the chauffeur said, "We're here." The two ambassadors strode out of the car, ignoring the paparazzi, and entered the Ambassadorial Palace, where the front facade was lined with the flags of the nations using it. Here they met the staff and security guards. They walked upstairs up two levels, and finally came to a door labelled RURIDOVAN EMBASSY.
They walked inside and got to work.

[Elizabetta]

Along with the citizens of Devils Reef, Royal Circle Counciller William Knollys watched the first aircraft Elizabetta had ever seen fly overhead towards the newly built Amambassadorial Airport to the north of Sarnath.
At the airport the local citizenry watched with interest as the aircraft landed and an aotomobile was unloaded from the cargo bays. (Cars are banned on Elizabetta, it is only your diplomatic immunity that allows them). More entertainment was provided by the sight of a red faced Royal Circle Counciller galloping up to escort Elizabettas first ambassadors to the Ambassadorial palace.
At the palace an Inner Circle Counciller apologised profusely for the inconvenience caused by the dog ban, he re-iterarted that the ban is only for the City of Sarnath, and should they require it kenneling can be provided at the nearby village of Dunwich.

[Killikstan]

To the Honorable Lettice Knollys,

His Imperial Majesty applauds the steps you've taken to insure security, and I am thefore pleased to submit our application for an Embassy in your great nation. We would request facilties for 8 staff members, and four security personel, in addition to the use of an armoured vehicle for transportation. We also request unrestricted and personal use of a helicopter pad capable of landing a Bell 205 utility helicopter. We will gladly pay any associated fees or construction costs.

Her Ladyship, Consul Tera Glace has been selected as our representative to your government, and she looks forward to meeting with you.

-David Koa
Forgien Minister
Imperial Representative to the World

[Lithibia]

Mr. Nick Bicardo was on his way to Ezlbetta, Right now he was in his Learjet, doing absoulutely nothing. No official government business. Because there was no government. Lithibia was an anarchist nation: there were no laws. That didn't mean no order. Each community made their own rules and standards of behavior. That was how Lithibians summed up true anarchy: Lack of government, not lack of order. Nick Bicardo was Lithibia's unofficial ambassador: He had been a newscaster in the days of government, and when that government collapsed, he became the face of Lithibia.

[Isolated China]

Dear Mrs. Lettice Knollys,

I am glad to hear of such, and I will arrange for the Premier, Xiang Qui, to personally oversee negotiations. We hope that these negotiations will prove successful, and a lasting peace and friendship may be established, Mrs Knollys. Thank you for your kind and most honorable understanding.

Signed,
Minister Yhao.

[Drekka]

Ptr.Vicktren Feroce entered the Scramjet transporter along with the 5 CE
Troopers and 10 "escorts". An attractive Air Hostess informed

"Please make sure you have your seatbelts on and DO NOT leave your seat until
We have completely stopped. Thank you and have a nice flight".

[Elizabetta]

Dear Boshuvania
I apologise for missing your message in the frenetic letter writing of yesterday. It is no problems to us to fulfil your requirements and we await your arrival with a sense of pleasure.

Regards
Lettice Knollys
Queens Personal Secretary

[Elizabetta]

Dear Minister Koa
We are most gratified that you have accepted our invitation to send an Ambassador to our fair Island. By the time of your arrival a helicopter pad will have been built next to the airport to the North of Sarnath.As to the armoured transportation we have no motorised vehicles here on Elizabetta, but can supply you with a reinforced carraige two teams of six horses and our best coach driver. Otherwise you are welcome to transport your transport here.
A suite has been provided for your Ambassador and a smaller suite for your staff & bodyguards.

Regards
Lettice Knollys
Queens Personal Secretary

[Elizabetta]

Dear Minister Yhao
We will be delighted to negotiate with your Premier Xiang Qui, and we look forward to greeting your chosen Ambassador upon his arrival at Elizabetta.

Regards
Lettice Knollys
Queens Personal Secretary

[Elizabetta]

Two of the Royal Princes broke camp along with half of the guards and servents to reset camp on the Outskirts of the Ambassadorial Airport. Extra carraiges were bought up from the Royal Stables to ensure enough transportation for the expected arrivals.
The rest remained on the cliff tops to await any Ambassadors coming by boat.

Down in the port of Devils Reef, Royal Circle Counciller William Knollys have moved to a new Inn 'The Black Eel', a place populated by the disrespctful and dissolute. A handful of Golden Crowns got him an interesting evening with several ladies of negotiable affection. If no Ambassadors arrive at the port he has a mind to try 'The Shipwreck' suppossedly a favourite of smugglers

[The Restored Papal States]

The ship pulled into the harbour, the archbishop looked out over his new home city, his violet zucchetto (skull cap) sat on his head catching the fading light of the dusk. His entire team had joined him on deck to watch the approach of the city, the long journey having made them yearn for dry land. he stumbled as the ship jerked one final time, all the clerics holding their caps in place, slowly the team descended and stepped out onto the dockside, hoping someone would be able to direct them to the embassy, a be suited bodyguard hovering at the archbishop’s shoulder.

[Walrusfolk Eurarcta]

Sir Roberto Capasador, with his two fellow Chaos Knights Gregor and Consuela in tow, sailed into the Port of Devil's Reef, seeing as the only aircraft available to the Chaos Knights were currently in use elsewhere. They were navigating off of the only map they could obtain, a crude map supplied by the local Smuggler's Guild that simply pointed to Devil's Reef and mentioned that the map's user should check out "The Shipwreck" for fencing opportunities.

Operating on that knowledge alone, the three Chaos Knights steered their small ship into the harbor. Each wore a rag-tag uniform of "ceremonial" armor, as well as sledgehammers and semi-automatics for personal defense.

[Killikstan]

Tera Glace was incredibly nervous as she climbed aboard the Emperor's personal Concord, which, being the only civilian jet in the archipelagio, had been commandeered to transport her to her new homeland. Having really only moved into the modern world in the past few years, Killikstan's people were still uncomfortable with flying.

Besides her unease with the plan, Glace was also slightly concerned with what might be expected of her when she arrived in Elizabetta. While she had held the title and responsibilities of Consul from a young age, it was a more or less cerimonial title which she had inherited from her father, and Tera was uncertain if it really made her qualified to be an Ambassador.

In her meeting with the Emperor, he'd done well at reassuring her he had full confidence in her, and she believed he truely did, but she was smart enough to know that the only reason her name had been suggested to him in the first place was her rare status as a female member of the fledgeling nobility, and completely unattached to a husband or large estate. In a way, the thought of life in a matriarichal society was incredibly appealing to her. It would be nice to get away from such irritating motivations.

Consul Glace lost herself in thought, and barely noticed the plane lifting off.

[Elizabetta]

The cheering of the crowds drew the two Princes attention to the incoming aircraft. An aircraft identified by one of the Ambassador Liaison Councill, as a Learjet, landed and rolled gently to a stop, the occupants exiting following after Nick Bicardo, who was warmly greeted by Prince Steven & Philip. Refreshments were offered, whilst luggage And staff were loaded into carraiges. It was Prince Steven who handed over the official scroll marking Nick Bicardo as an official Ambasssdor.

A Scramjet landed alongside the Learjet, and Victrem Feroce disenbarked with his bodyguards & followed by his advisors. After being warmly greeted by the two Princes, he and his boduguards accepted a glass of Port and the Elizabettan delicacy of a 'Chip Butty'. One advisor attempted to accept the Ambassadorial scroll on his behalf and was mildly rebuked by Prince Steven.
" The Scroll must only be accepted by the Ambassadorial candidate, under our custom, to do otherwise would invalidate the scroll and thus their Ambassador status".
Victrem Feroce accepted the scroll.

The last aircraft took the second runway for itself, by far the largest and sleekest aircraft they had yet seen. A concorde they were advised by a member of the ALC. A Young lady identified as Tera Glace exited the aircraft follwed by her staff, she was greeted warmly by the two Princes indeed Prince Steven went so far as to offer a bow to the young lady.
A small army of servents loaded her luggage and staff into the carraiges, whist the newly scrolled Ambassador Glace, drunk a gllass of white wine and looked around at the simply built airport of two runways, a helicopter pad, control tower and small security block. To the south she could see the capital city of Sarnath.

Escorted by the young Prince Philip, the Ambassadors were led into Sarnath and the Ambassadorial Palace.

[Elizabetta]

Down at the harbour of Devils Reef, a clean & freshly shaven William Knollys awaited the arrival of several ships that had been reported as heading towards Devils Reef.
The first to arrive was Archbishop Moore, who was welcomed by Mr Knollys. As the other ship was a few minutes away polite conversartion took place as servents unloaded the Archbishops and his staffs luggage and began the long trip of carrying it up the steps of the 300 foot cliff.
The second ship to arrive unloaded Sir Robert Capasador and party, as the remaining servants began to unload their luggage, William Knollys escorted them to the glass sided elevator that would carry them up the sheer 300 foot face of the cliff.
At the top of the cliff awaited the Royal part led by Prince Davys, who warmly welcomed them and led them over to the refreshment table, where Port, Wine, and Rum were avaiable along with a selection of cold meats, and bread.
Handing over the ambassadorial scroll to Archbishop Moore, he welcomed him to Elizabetta.
Prince Davys paused a moment before he handed over the scroll to Sir Robert Capasador , perhaps suprised by the mix of armour or the automatic weapons that they bore ( Guns are illegal in Elizabetta, Diplomatic privelage only allows you to carry them), before shaking him by the hand and Welcomming him to Elizabetta.
Escorted by William Knollys the Ambassadors and their respective parties were driven into the city of Sarnath and the Ambassadorial Palace.

[Elizabetta]

In the Ambassadorial Palace Princess Felicity Tudor stode down the Oak pannelled corridors towards the Ruridovian Embassy. Knocking on the door , it was opened by one of the staaf who invited her in.
A few moments later the two Ambassadors came out of the Office they currently shared to work from. After polite greetings, Princess Felicity Tudor spoke.

" My Mother the Queen Helena Tudor sends her welcomes to you, and apologises most deeply for not having one of the Royal Blood greet you on your arrival. She asks for your understanding & forgiveness for this oversight. I have also here your ambassadorial Scrolls"

She handed them over to Sven Andrejson, and Maria Diaz-Cruz,and welcomed them as Ambassadors to Elizabetta.

[Ruridova]

In the Ambassadorial Palace Princess Felicity Tudor stode down the Oak pannelled corridors towards the Ruridovian Embassy. Knocking on the door , it was opened by one of the staaf who invited her in.
A few moments later the two Ambassadors came out of the Office they currently shared to work from. After polite greetings, Princess Felicity Tudor spoke.

" My Mother the Queen Helena Tudor sends her welcomes to you, and apologises most deeply for not having one of the Royal Blood greet you on your arrival. She asks for your understanding & forgiveness for this oversight. I have also here your ambassadorial Scrolls"

She handed them over to Sven Andrejson, and Maria Diaz-Cruz,and welcomed them as Ambassadors to Elizabetta.

Maria nodded and Sven said a quick "thank you" as they accepted the scrolls and the woman left. "She's Princess, right?" Sven said to Maria as they turned around. "Yeah," she replied, "but here' the monarchs aren't figureheads."(In Ruridova the Crown Prince/Princess- currently Katharrine II- is powerless, the actual government led by a Parliament and Prime Minister.) "Ahhh," Sven replied. "If relations go well, is there any chance of the monarchs meeting." Maria simply said, "You know there is." She then paused and said, "Have you looked in the phonebooks here?" Sven looked at her and said, "No. Why?" Maria stared. "You are supposed to be learning about these people's traditions, you know." Sven looked at her, humor in his eyes. "You know that I used to be Minister of Foreign Affairs and that you wouldn't have ever talked to me like that?" Maria rolled her eyes. "Yes, but Brixton resigned after Borbon released the forged papers- we all thought he had ordered the firebombing until the phone calls were released. Now you're just an ambassador, now that L'Petain is in office." Sven nodded. "Anyways, what was that about the phonebook?" Maria replied, " Men here don't get surnames till they marry." Sven stared blankly at her for several seconds, then said, "What?" Maria chuckled. "Elizabetta has traditionally been dominated by females. besides, list some Ruridovan naming customs before you act too shocked." Sven followed her command and said, "In most parts of Ruridova, a surname is passed down the generations- this was the formation of the clans in Llurwyn. In Andalvarria- where you're from- sometimes they'll choose a surname from the father- Rodrigo's som would be Rodriguez- but that's increasingly rare. In Wurtzwick- and the Isle of Albion, and thus the capital- names may be based off an occupation- Miller, Thatcher, Potter, Baker, Smith, the like. In Talheim- where I'm from- they'll tell you your father's name that way. my father was Andrej Lefsson. His fater was Lief Iofurson. My sister is Helga Andrejdottir. And so on. Typically the woman's surname is replaced by the man's during marriage, though sometimes it's vice versa and sometimes there's no name switching and the kid has two last names." Maria nodded. "And there ya go," she said as she strode towards her room.

[Akh-n-Aton]

Your Majesty,

Inspired by the desire to establish friendly relations with your realm, our Monarch, Her Majesty Pharaoh Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Akh-n-Aton and Dwergoë, Queen of Ceylon, Lady Protector of Zanzibar and Pemba, Sovereign Princess of Andaman and Nikobar,

Has graciously agreed to send an ambassador to your court.

Her Grace Anne Guiscard, Duchess of Nilimen, Lady of the Garter, CMG, will hand you this letter of accredition. Her Gracious Majesty puts full confidence in Her ambassador. She is certain that the Duchess of Nilimen will represent Her Gracious views when she appears before your person.
She therefore hopes that Your Majesty will believe what the Duchess of Nilimen may say to you, especially when she assures you of the Pharaoh's friendship.

On behalf of Her Gracious Majesty, Pharaoh Elizabeth II etc,

The Rt Honourable, the Lord Al-Pershaw of Zulbeh MP, Minister of Foreign Afairs.

[Elizabetta]

In honour of the arrival of several Ambassadors Queen Helena Tudor has a Ball in their welcome. It is to be a small affair , merely several hundred guests five of the government circles (Outer Circle, Inner Circle, Royal Circle, Queens Royal Circle & Ambassador Liaison Circle) and several of the Noble families, in particular the Knollys, The Williams , The Perkins & The Tudors.
Two of the Princes are commanded by the Queen to remain where they are in case of more Ambassadors attending.

The Royal Wine Cellars were opened and thousends of bottles of Wine , Port, Spirits as well as Beers & Ciders are available. Beef, Chicken, Eel, Fish, Sea Shallots, Salads and more dishes than I can describle were discussed and rejected or not by the kichen Staff.

The Ladies at the ball were dressed in the current fashion of a one piece dress to the knee, in purple , reds. pinks etc with a small cloche hat in alternate colours. Hair is worn in one long plait down the back and oiled with lavender. Makeup is a minimum, merely lipstick and eyeliner. Jewellry was worn in abundance.

The gentlemen wore suits of dark purple, or blue, tie pins of a cat are a favourite motif . All wear a dagger on their right hip. Indeed upon arrival at the ball all male ambassadors will be offered one to wear.

The Queens Royal Guard in deep Red uniform jackets with golden cat collar tags and trousers and black helmets , wearing a dagger and carrying a two foot long studded iron staff, circulate as security within the royal palce. Those of the Queens Royal Guard not on duty circulate in the ceremonial uniform of deep red heavy with gold braid. None appear to wear medals, or medal ribbons.

Her Majesty Queen Helena Tudor will circulate to talk and dance with every male Ambassador. Whilst Prince Steven will dance and converse with the female Ambassadors.
The Royal Princesses will circulate gossip & giggle freely.

[Elizabetta]

Dear Lord Al-Pershaw
We will be more than delighted to welcome Her Grace Anne Guiscard, as your Ambassador to our fair land of Elizabetta.
Should you require any additions to your Ambassadorial Suite, or indeed a extra suite for staff and security, please do let us know.
If you are comming by boat please be aware that the only civilian port is that of Devils Reef, and an Airport has been constructed for Ambassadors should you choose to fly.

Regards
Lettice Knollys
Queens Personal Secretary

[Akh-n-Aton]

Anne Guiscard, Duchess of Nilimen, had a confidence to bend a horseshoe around. The kind of confidence that comes with knowing who your great-grandfather was - and knowing that everybody else knows it too. She was the last in a long line of Dukes of Nilimen, the first of whom had been the bastard son of a Crusader Pharao (of which Akh-n-Aton had had three whole dynasties). Somewhere along the lines, one of her forefathers had held the chancellorship for 19 years. Some people hoped to hold the major offices of the state. Her family merely deigned to do so.

Anne was technically a spinster, having spent 46 years without a man. She liked sailing and horseriding. She liked languages, in particular the abilty to obfuscate and/ or obviate a message in a dozen different languages. When, upon arrival, she was informed that there was a ball in progress, she didn't hesitate for a moment. She changed into a suitable gown, flung on some appropriate jewelry that her ancestors had left for her, and ordered to be taken there withour delay.

She was not going to make a first impression, she was going to TAKE a first impression of anyone important. Those Tudors were a dynasty not much older than hers, after all. It should be made clear that monarchs with actual powers were to meet the representative of monarchs with actual powers AND a family tree dating back to the Bronze Age.

Plastering on some lipstick, putting on a cute smile, and feeling confident as ever, she made for the Royal Palace. Elizabetta was about to meet a Lady.

She passed the men at the doors with a curt nod of her head. She passed through the halls as if she had owned them at one time, she spotted Prince Steven.
She decided that he could wait, if the man was worth his salt he would come to her rather soon. So she zoomed in on Miss Knollys, and asked "I'd like an appointment for an audience with your Queen, Madam. I'd like to present my letters of accredition at the earliest opportunity available. Here's my card."

(Mind you: the Duchess of Nilimen didn't order people. She merely asked things in a way that left room for only one answer. She smiled when she did so, in a reserved way.She acted as if she did you a favour by asking you something.)

[Elizabetta]

A little taken back, by the unannounced arrival of the Duchess, and confused as to how she arrived on Elizabetta without one of the Princes meeting her at either the Airport or Port, Lettice hesitated for a moment. However coming from a family as old as the Queens and only slightly lesser in Nobility she soon took stock of the situation.
With a polite smile and a few polite words she left the Duchess in the hand of Her brother in law William.
A few minutes later Lettice returned and in an informal ceremony handed over the official scroll which under Elizabettan law ,now, made the Duchess an Ambassador. Taking the letters of acreditation from the new Ambassador Guiscard, she pointed out Queen Helena Tudor to her.
The Queen was a tall but plump lady wearing a Dress of deepest Red, wearing pearls and making a dent in a bottle of port, and currently deep in conversation with The Ruridivon Ambassadors.
Exscusing herslf Lettice knollys returned to the ball, where she sought out the Captain of the guard...

[Elizabetta]

OOC: I now have no computer access until Monday. Please enjoy the Ball, and The Royal Family will officially meet with your Ambassador after the ball. Feel free to explore both the Ambassadorial & Royal Palaces, (they are linked by one large door) exluding (obviously) the Royals private apartments.
Servents will supply any food or drink you require, and company as well if you feel the need not to sleep alone...

[Akh-n-Aton]

OOC:

whoopsie, I had missed the part about the man waiting in "The Black Eal". I guess the Duchess ran past the inn while he was distracted by ladies of ill-reputed virtue.

IC:

Not wanting to put herself forward (and having no need to do so) the Duchess of Nilimen decided that the best way to handle the situation was to entice William in conversation, and see if either Prince Steven or the Queen would join that little circle. After that, one curtsey and a few nice words would suffice to acquaint the Royals.

The Duchess was delighted to spot His Grace, the Cardinal Moore.
She had met him once or twice, visiting Roman Catholic cousins thrice removed in the Restored Papal States.

Making an effort to not just feign an interest in William (nice man, definitely from a good family) she asked him what pastimes he engaged in. In the opinion of the Duchess, a man's character may be gleaned from his pastimes. She never hesitated to ask follow-up questions on details.

"Now when you say that you go hunting, what does that entice? Hounds? Barrels of Hail? My father used to take a flask of brandy along. But I suppose that isn't everyone's refreshment of choice?" - laughs - "The wire is terrible these days, isn't it? I don't know how it's here, but there are hunting grounds where you can't turn your horse without hearing "Ware Ware" every minute or so."

( OOC: The above is merely an example of the kind of conversation she might make.)

[The Restored Papal States]

The Archbishop saw the duchess and moved over towards her, having recognised here from her visit to the papal court a few years before.

He was still wearing his black cassock, with its violet fascia, without a dagger due to his clerical vows.

He approached her, an assistant cleric in a black cassock just behind his shoulder filling him in on the details of the duchess and the Prince. He nodded at the Prince "You Highness” turning to the duchess he said "your grace, it is an honour to see you again, is your cousin well?" as he spoke he offered her one of the glasses of wine he was holding.