IRNR visits the Bœndesréich (CLOSED/IC)

[Gauliscia]

Stuesslo Royal Airforce Base, 6km from Chlowisbuerg, United Realm of Gauliscia
As the Roman plane skidded to a halt on the tarmac, Chlothaar d’Hyrxna, Her Majesty’s Foreign Secretary tapped his foot gently, impatiently in the growing heat of the Gauliscian Summer. Clad in the traditional Gauliscian working garb of a high collared suit jacket, light grey piped with green, wout light grey trousers, pink shirt and dark blue tie he was eager to wear something cooler. Alas not for now, as he took a handkerchief and subtly wiped a few beads of sweat in his brow. He gave the assembled honour guards a pitiful look, dressed in their black tunics, blue trousers and worst of all their tall bearskin caps. These were the Royal Life Guard Grenadiers, a whole company of them and as the door of the Roman aircraft hissed open, the company CO, Captain Harald Gottwouda cleared his throat and stiffened his back.
“Gléitering!”
The guards stiffened slightly.
“Gléitering….aaaacht! The Captain cried, and the guards stiffened straight and firm as posts, slamming their boots down with a unified and resounding snap.
“Gléitering!” Came the cautionary word of command again, causing the guards to put a second hand on their rifles they been resting next to them, butts on the floor.
“Gléitering…. buuuuuuuuuusche verschouder!”
The soldiers shouldered their bayoneted rifles with a series of synchronised movements.
“Gléitering!” Shouted the captain once more, echoing throughout the airbase.
“Œgeln recht!”
The grenadiers swiftly turned their heads to the right to face the Roman delegation.

Chlothaar watched the Roman delegation disembark, eyeing them up one by one. He, a so called barbarian and they the civilised. Maybe this was still their mentality. There was much to discuss, their membership of the IFC, future trade and of course various stances in many subjects.
Stepping forward he offered his hand.
“Chlothaar d’Hyrxna, Foreign Secretary. I pray your journey was enjoyable?” He inquired with a warm smile.

NEWS UPDATE: IRNR Embarks on State Visit to Gauliscia

---

An Imperial Delegation from the IRNR or the Roman Republic arrived at Stuesslo airport today, greeted by HM’s Foreign Secretary, Chlothaar d’Hyrxna and by a company of Royal Life Guard Grenadiers shown above. The visit comes at a time of tension between the Republic and the IFC, and in issues regarding Homofront. Glœrhéi House, residence of the Realm Chancellor released a statement today saying that the visit was to “find and strengthen bonds between the United Realm and Imperial Republic, discuss both topical and long term policy and lastly to make clear certain stances.’

The tour is to last the best part of three days and will encompass much of Gauliscia as press releases have revealed. The Roman delegation includes the Cæsar and numerous cabinet officials.

Opposition leader and WZV (Gauliscian Co-operative Union) MP Willoum Hjeuxi has called on the Realm Chancellor to highlight IFC expansion and to disclose the full costings of the visit.

[New Roma Republic]

Stuesslo Royal Airforce Base
6km from Chlowisbuerg
United Realm of Gauliscia
Cornelia Ayanami, Caesar of the Imperial Republic of New Rome, looked out at the assembled crowd. An honor guard was going through the routines, with all the pomp and circumstance befit a head of state. She felt a slight tug at her side, and looked down to see her niece, Aflidia Ayanami, 12, looking at her with large round eyes, amazement on her face. “Come on Aunt Cornelia! I want to see the Barb- I mean Gualiscians.” Ayanami smiled slightly.

“You must wait your turn Aflidia. There is a formal process to getting off.”

“I know, that guy told me” she said. “That guy” was the Imperial Palace’s Director of Protocol, who took time out of his busy schedule on the flight over to lecture Aflidia on the proper protocol for exiting the plane.

When the doors opened, first exited two members of the Praetorian Guard, in full dress uniform, one holding the Caesar’s Standard, and the other holding the Legion’s Standard. Each took a step to either side of the platform on top of the steps. The metal plates gleamed in the sun, as their metal helms heated up under the lions’ head. Next stepped the Caesar, followed by her niece. The Caesar wore a “power suit” of purple, with gold colored lines swirling up the sleeves. The two stopped, smiled and waved, and began the descent down the stairs. Following them were the rest of the Delegation. The reporters would have to wait until the formal part was over to deplane. A man walked up to the Caesar and extended his hand. Ayanami took it and shook it. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Mr. d’Hyrxna. Cornelia Ayanami, Caesar of the New Romans.” She paused for a second “I’m afraid we hit some bad turbulence about 2 hours ago. Other than that the trip was very pleasant.”

[Gauliscia]

Clothaar, familiar enough with the history of the Latin peoples, was taken aback when he remembered that the 'Cæsar' was a female. Not that this was an issue as such, his current monarch was a female, the High Queen and of course the previous Realm Chancellor had also been a lady. He stepped forward to take her hand on the final steps of the stairs, before putting the hand to his mouth and delicately kissing it.
"Your Imperial Majesty, a hearty welcome to Gauliscia!" He exclaimed as he shook the hands of the other delegates before guiding them down the the lines of assembled guard Grenadiers who turned their heads forward one by one as the delegates passed, the captain, sabre drawn saluted as he slow marched with the delegation to where several black cars and 4x4s awaited. The 4x4s, all 6 of them were in the livery of the Royal Gendarmery, the heavily militarised police force staffed predominantly by conscripts. Their occupants in green and beige summer uniform with black boots and green beret stood outside the cars, their HAAB submachine guns slung at the hip. Yet more straddled motorbikes, 30 in total, waiting to escort the convoy.
"Well, I'm glad you all made it here in one piece..." commented Clothaar, as a black clad VOZIBO operative opened the door on the sedan car he and the Cæsar would take to the Réichsraad, whilst the rest of the delegation were escorted into the cars behind.

With all the doors closed the convoy began their departure from the otherwise unimportant airfield, the odd hangar featuring a cargo aircraft was open, a large AWACS aircraft was out on one of the runways but stationary and a platoon sized unit of uniformed airmen were practising drill on the tarmac some way off, the holler of the sergeant reaching the convoy. The minister reclined in his seat, it was still the morning but he was already rather tired. Opening a cabinet in front of him he drew out a tray of assorted liquors and several glasses. Pouring out a liquor of cherry and almond he handed one of the small glasses which bore government insignia to the Cæsar.
"To Your Visit, Your Imperial Majesty!" He toasted, clinking her glass with a wry smile. "Now, you're most likely very well briefed on your schedule but we are currently heading to the Réichsraad, which is our parliament, a bicameral legislature consisting of a chamber of commoners like myself and a chamber of mostly hereditary nobility though some are rewarded with noble titles such as our Realm Chancellor, whom you will meet there. He, and our two Speakers of both Chambers will guide you around, show you the chambers in session, then you will address the parliament as a whole so I hope you've been rehearsing your jokes..." he said as they now entered the outskirts of Chlowisbuerg.

They drove past clumps of thatched cottages and high sloped roof houses, the people coming out of their houses to see the commotion, motorbike-mounted gendarmes halting the traffic as the convoy drove past, as they surburbs grew larger. Chlowisbuerg was an ancient city and so were most of the buildings in it, the odd skyscraper towered above the rest of the gothic and pre-mediaeval architecture but little else did. Chlothaar pointed out various landmarks, such as the bullring, or the oldest shopping mall, put names to statues of various heroes and poets and even pointed out the notorious Holxwa Dungeon, with its dark stone bricks and iron barred windows.
"Interesting place that, all the criminals are taken in by boat. It is even rumoured to house ogres which they breed to keep order. But we hear little of what's in their as most inmates never come out..." he noted with a sparkle as he took another swig before taking a very old wooden box from his pocket with carved Arabic writing on it and engraved oriental animals on it such as camels and lions. He opened it to reveal what was previously slots for 6 cigarettes but only 3 remained. He offered one to the Cæsar as he, taking a match to his, lit his own.

[New Roma Republic]

Cornelia Ayanami smiled as she got into the car. She gratefully accepted the glass of liquor, and drank a small bit after clinking glasses. It was tasted decent, though not like her favorite: the Romanization of her people’s traditional drink of sake. “Thank you, sir. I look forward to meeting the Realm Chancellor. I’ve heard he’s a good man.”

She looked out over the houses as they passed. Quaint was the word, she thought, to describe the place. Nothing like the ultramodern cities in the Imperial Republic. But, it was beautiful. The old stone buildings had a beauty to them that tall steel skyscrapers just didn’t. Chlothaar was pointing out different buildings, but the bullring caught the Caesar’s attention. Bullfighting never captured the interest of the New Romans; after the gladiatorial fights were made illegal in the 1300s, bullfighting was considered too close to gladiators, and, though not specifically banned, it was de facto banned. Despite this, Cornelia Ayanami had a strange interest to it. She loved plays, operas, performances in general. And a bullfight, no matter what culture, was always a performance. And the Gualiscians had some of the best performances.

Chlothaar offered her a cigarette. She declined saying “Thank you, but no thank you. I have never been a huge fan of smoking. My parents did it, and they both died of lung cancer a few years ago. I made a sacred vow at a young age to never smoke.”

[Gauliscia]

Chlothaar raised an eyebrow in perplexion upon the Cæsar's refusal of the cigarette, though not long enough to manifest as awkwardness. The whole anti-smoking fad had become quite 'thing' in the west, though for a nation where train carriages, lounges and offices were still billowing with exhaled fumes from cigars, cigarettes and other herbal smokeables such attitudes were seen as rather rum.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I agree, it's probably not great for one's health but neither is an excess of alcohol, or fats or red meat or... well an excess of anything is never adviseable. But you only live once on this earth, unless you were a loathsome individual in which case you return as an earwig or a snail or something of that ilk. And besides, our National Healthcare Service are very good at what they do usually." He explained with a chuckle, tapping the ashes off the cigarette into a tray on the armrest between them. The convoy was now heading over a bridge which sparkled like liquid diamond and all manner of craft sailed on its calm waves; long ferry boats taking commuters from a to b, tour boats packed with camera wielding tourists, Gendarme patrol boats here and there and various pleasure boats. On the other side of the river Héixsch, which cut through the ancient city was the Réichsraad itself, a large gothic palace.
"Ah, splendid." Mused Chlothaar as the car crawled over the tarmac, past the sentry box manned by armed Gendarmes and into the front courtyard of the palace where yet another honour guard awaited the Cæsar. A company of Royal Life Guard Jæger, elite light infantry of the Royal guard who were dressed in black parade dress, piped in crimson and silver with a black hat and horsehair plume. These too snapped to attention with shouldered rifles as the convoy drew up and the doors flung open. On the steps to the two main heavy oak entrance doors was the Realm Chancellor flanked by the two Speakers; Lady Hœchsem, Baroness Izolda of Zettegem and Lady Speaker of the Chamber of Lords and Uetterich Xyrsli, Speaker of the Chamber of the Citzenry both in black robes adorned in gold whilst the Realm Chancellor; Lord Houëcker, Baron Charlomann of Blœxschwimarck wore a similar high-collared suit to Chlothaar. Lord Charlomann, a tall, handsome man in his early fifties, stepped down a few steps to welcome the arriving delegation.
"Welcome!" He cried, beaming. "Welcome, welcome, welcome!" The Lord said, taking a knee as he carefully kissed the Cæsar's hand before taking her arm and guiding her up the steps where already, from outside the gates the flashes of cameras could be seen and heard, though only a cameraman from the public broadcaster KWUD was to be accompanying the tour.
"Cæsar, may I introduce you to the Lady Speaker of the Chamber of Lords, Baroness Izolda of Zettegem. She's my Speaker as it were, tells me when to shut up or tells me off when I'm being naughty." Joked the Chancellor, which caused mirth to ripple amongst those assembled.
"A pleasure." Said the Baroness with a polite curtsey. She wasn't too old for a speaker, in her early 60s, but trying to control a chamber of people who many would say behaved like children, age had been overtaken in her looks.
"And this is the Circus Master; Uetterich Xyrsli... speaker for the Chamber of the Citizenry. So... he used to tell me off and send me to the naughty step in the good old days before I was ennobled." Speaker Xyrsli bowed politely.
"Welcome to the Mad House!" He chortled.
"Righty-ho then chaps, let's take them around then!" Proclaimed Lord Charlomann, as the main doors were opened to reveal a great ancient hall, mostly empty but being set up for the Cæsar's address. A few politicians and staff scurried around on their usual tasks.
"Apart from your speech, this is a normal working day here for most, so please excuse people running around or not stopping to talk." Noted the Baroness as an MP brushed past them followed by an aide heaped with files. Their shoes echoed in the roomy hall which was adorned with tapestries of battles and statues of politicians and other notable figures.
"This is the oldest government building in Gauliscia, the rest of the palace was added onto it after most of it burned down in the 1500s. The High King used to address his Royal Convenance from here in the days of the Franchomannic Empire. Now it's used for functions and speeches. You'll be addressing the Parliament here later." Explained Charlomann.

[New Roma Republic]

The Caesar smiled at Chlothaar as they pulled up to the Réichsraad, revealing a beautiful building that housed the Parliament. She got out of the car ahead of Chlothaar, as he gestured for her to, and was greeted by a handsome man. She was taken aback by his enormous gestures and him kissing her hand, but she enjoyed it all the same. She chuckled at his joke before replying “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Speaker, Speaker Xyrsli, and of course, it is a pleasure to meet you, Realm Chancellor! You certainly have a beautiful building to do the ugly work of law making.”

“Ah, yes, a normal working day. Of course, is there any “normal day” in our business?” she asked rhetorically. “Fascinating,” Ayanami said looking at the statues and tapestries. “I shall look forward to addressing the Parliament from such a breath-taking room.”

---

While the Caesar and her entourage of guards went to the Réichsraad, the rest of the party went to the Palace, where they were staying, escorted by Gualiscians. Aflidia was not interested in the art of law making; she came on the trip to see a nation which she had only heard about in school. How the Gualiscian ancestors had destroyed the Original Empire, leading to a recession in European development for many centuries. Now, these barbarians overcame their primal instincts to create and somewhat modern, major power. Or at least that’s what the school taught. Aflidia wanted to see the people for herself, and tell her classmates how barbaric they were.

The New Roman schooling system, and populace at large, had very low thoughts of anyone descended from the barbarians that destroyed their beloved homeland, even if it allowed them to break ties with Rome, and prosper into a renowned democratic republic, with their own Caesar.

Aflidia laid on her bed as a servant put away her clothes. A member of the Praetorian Guard, this one in a suit, stood at the door, looking passive, but was actually surveying the room and was watching the servant. Aflidia was his principle, and had to be protected. After the servant left, the Guard checked the clothes, to make sure nothing was hidden among them that could injure Aflidia. As he finished, she complained “I’m bored, let’s do something,” in her 12 year old voice.

The guard called in his radio that "The Lady Aflidia is bored and want to go sight seeing." The reply was that another guard would talk to the Gualiscians and see what could be arranged.

[Gauliscia]

"Aye, never a normal working day in this zoo..." chortled Lord Charlomann, taking the Cæsars arm as they proceeded up the steps, the rest of the delegation making idle chatter behind them as they too proceeded up the steps into 'Main Lobby'. Main Lobby was the space between the two Parliamentary Chambers and was beautifully adorned with statues, coats of arms and panorama paintings of key moments in Parliamentary history such as the founding of the Parliament and the 1975 Citizenry Supremacy Act which gave the Chamber of the Citizenry supremacy over the unelected Chamber of Lords, ending their veto on legislation passed in the elected chamber. The lobby was a favourite for political correspondents to ask MPs questions in or present the evenings news, quite literally in the heart of politics. There were even a few journalists hanging around then and there.
"This is imaginatively called 'Houftworsaal' or Main Lobby and is the hall inbetween both our Parliamentary chambers." Explained Speaker Xyrsli as they admired the architecture and began to draw stares from all those present, with excited gasps from a group of touring young school children, all very smart in burgundy blazers and ties with trousers for the boys and skirts for the girls.
"It's main significance lies in the fact that any member of the public is entitled to come in here and 'lobby' either their local MP or the minister relevant to their problem. It's not a perfect system and people can't always see who they want or get what they want but it's there and generally it helps bridge a gap between politics and people that's wider in many other countries." Added the Baroness as they headed to a side door which a guard opened for them. The Realm Chancellor and the Baroness stepped back.
"Cæsar, if you may forgive us, we are nobles and therefore not permitted within the Chamber of the Citizenry, only the High King may enter that chamber as a monarch. I'm going to speak to the school children and will meet you in the upper house later." He said, bowing before taking his leave.

Speaker Xyrsli guided them up the stairs and onto a balcony overlooking the chamber. Opposite them was the press gallery where journalists made notes but forbidden to actually film and the other gallery was filled with members of the public and tourists, watching with keen intent, mostly as mobile phones were banned. Down below the house was reasonably busy and in full swing of debate, the deputy speaker Jerœn Hlatthé keeping matters in order. Xyrsli turned to the Cæsar.
"The Government is trying to repeal a law which currently means that veterans who left the armed forces before they had served ten years aren't entitled to a full pension. The opposition currently opposes it because they think that there's already too much bureaucracy in the armed forces." He explained, handing the Cæsar a pair of headphones. "We ordered a translator for you.'
As she put them on the debate became all the more gripping, a backbencher MP from the ruling party the SÉP (Stalwart Boar Party) stood up having been granted to do so by the deputy speaker.
"I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker for allowing my interjection. My honourable friends if I may be so bold as to crave your brief indulgences. The opposition benches, whilst ever in honourable intentions to lower the tax burden on citizens by way of cutting the bureaucracy do so at the criminal risk of-"
Suddenly the chamber erupted in boos from the opposition benches and even from his own side, all sounding like a herd of mooing cattle before the Deputy Speaker roared.
"Order! Order! ORDER!" He shouted, as the raucous died down, though as in all things someone wanted the last boo. The speaker stared at him with a look of contempt.
"If the Honourable Member wishes to behave like a cow there's a rather fine beef farm that supplies my local butcher that will gladly have you!" He said scornfully, causing a great cheer from the government benches who banged their order papers on the benches in front of them in approval, whilst the rest of the house erupted into laughter. The deputy speaker then looked at the man who had originally got up to speak.
"As for the Honourable Member for Zwéifuerte, I must ask him to remove the word criminal from his interjection as the use of the the adjective in reference to his fellow parliamentarians is unacceptable and disrespectful."
The member stood up.
"My apologies mr. Deputy Speaker, I withdraw that adjective. But moving on, still it must be said that their desire to slash our civil service and department infrastructure will only cause more damage than it solves. And opposing this repeal especially is rather rum indeed! Have they not seen the homeless, many of whom are veterans because previous governments haven't had the support in place? It's a stain on this nation and brings tears to my eyes whenever I see this injustice." The member sat down again as the chamber echoed with "hear hear.." indicating concurrence. The deputy Speaker then pointed at a grisled, shabbily dressed man, old with wild white hair.
"The Honourable Member for Éisenbrueck!"
The chamber erupted into cheers and laughs, for they knew a spectacle was inbound. Chlothaar turned to some of the Romans.
"This'll be good, that's Dienther Ziehmann, a hard nosed socialist, a fine orator. Always a good laugh on a good day."
"Ta very much Mister Deputy Speaker, and much obliged. 'Aving sat 'ere for much' the debate now I sees it right and proper thats we discuss th'unionisation of th'armed forces.."
The chamber was filled with howls and booing, deafening out the roars of approval from the benches of the VAS (National Workers' Surge).
"If yous be so kind to let meself finish, then all yous can debate in your fancy words. Alls workers 'ere in the Realm 'ave unions, even white collar jobs have unions or them fancy guilds. But have the military? Nought I say! Back in them days of ancient lore when I were a wee conscript, to who was I to complain of beatings? Of denied leave? All of yous 'ere, the Boars, the Cooperatives and the liberals are too afraid to unionise the military for they know they could no longer use it as fodder, no longer permit lashings and no longer the personal property of the nobility. DO THE RIGHT THING! UNIONISE IT!"
The chamber flew into pandemonium, most in hysterics, others roaring in horror, others backing Dienther up. Xyrsli could only smirk at the spectacle below.

---

The VOZIBO officer tasked with the security of the child was Gretel Jouërflaacker, a young and beautiful girl, with blonde hair and sharp green eyes. She conferred with her senior as to what to do and elected to take her to a park.

It was a short walk from the Parliament, through the bustling streets and across busy roads. Thassowli Park was the largest park in Chlowisbuerg and the largest urban park in all Gauliscia. On the road which ran around it jogged several lycra-clad runners, and on the central grass many young people sun bathed or sat talking. There was an enclosed wooded area, where the profiles of a few small deer could be made out. A play area, with a fortress theme was on the main grass area but mainly empty due to the time of the morning. Gretel took a seat on the bench.
"Please don't stray out of sight..." she said, putting on a pair of sunglasses.

[New Roma Republic]

Ayanami sat back taking in the…fiasco that unfolded before her. The house certainly was mad. It was appalling to see such behavior of lawmakers; in the Imperial Republic, lawmaking was considered a refined art, and all lawmakers were more refined in their tones, attitudes, and words. But, all in all, it was amusing to watch.

The watching the socialist try to speak was amusing enough. The uproar was deafening, drowning out even her own thoughts. After it died down, she leaned over to Xyrsli and asked “Is it really normally like this? How do you ever get any laws made?”

---

Aflidia walked through the park, away from the Gualiscian woman. Shadowing her was her principle guard, a muscular 35-year-old man, who’s chest looked even bigger with the Kevlar vest under the suit. Around the public space were other Praetorian Guards, 5, not including the Principle guard, with another in a suit, 2 in New Roman military uniform, and the last two in civilian clothes, blending in with other civilians.

Aflidia smiled as she walked through the park. It was a nice day for things like walking in the park. She didn’t even mind the people staring at her, with her protection, something she still hadn’t gotten used to after she moved in with the Casear, her mother’s sister, after they died in the car crash.

She walked over to a tree, and sat beneath it, looking at the others. There were a group of kids around her age off across the park. They were all surveyed by the Praetorian Guards, no matter how young. In a country of barbarians, you could never be too safe…

[Gauliscia]

Xyrsli grimaced slyly.
"It's quite normally like this or something similar, although this is certainly a spectacle. I imagine they'll show it on the news tonight. Good old Dienther always gets riled up like that. But he's reasonably respected, he's an ex steelworker from Schourwa, a pretty grim area of you don't mind me saying. Well, grim is unfair but certainly deprived. 30 years he's been in Parliament, 30 years of heckling and ferocious roaring. He's passionate and principled and you can't take it from him." Explained the Speaker as the noise below died down, returning to speeches, occasionally interrupted by a polite correction or inquiry, even the odd light joke.
"We pass laws quite slowly, here, partly due to the length taken to debate but also because the House of Lords then debates it, but for even longer then the monarch will read it, speak to her advisers on it then, should, sign it. All this commotion is actually rather constructive, it keeps everyone on their feet. Politics in the chamber is a theatre, grip your audience, persuade them, make them roar in approval, for clapping is banned. In the end, our laws are usually very righteous and sensible because of this level of debate. If people disapprove, by the gods you'll hear about it. Complacency is punished here. Incompetence will get you torn limb from limb."

Back down below, matters were heating up again.
"Of course it is the desire of the Right Honourable Member opposite to further extend the offices of the armed forces, rather than focus on its operational ability, as he himself was in fact a bureaucrat, a faceless pen pusher who cares for his fellow white collar workers..." Noted one female member in a sneering tone. Jannick Thassohéim, the Military Affairs Secretary stood up.
"The Honourable Member opposite neglected to care for the fact that before my employ within the Crown Service, I was a soldier, a loyal warrior under the High King's banner. I know what it is to serve and sacrifice. So I find this incredibly ripe indeed. Mr. Speaker, the benches opposite are letting ideological dogma obscure the truth that is the plight of veterans, war-scarred men and women who roam our streets pennyless and in the frosty evening huddle in doorways shivering like a feverish child. Who soothes their wounds of the mind, every bang of car doors the sound of a gunshot or the shout of a mother to her children the deafening roar of a serjeant..?
Xyrsli stood up, it was time to move on before they ran out of time. She was yet to see the Chamber of Lords. Xyrsli lead the way out of the balcony and back down the stairs, through a gilded corridor and up into a very similar balcony, only overlooking a very similar though more ornate chamber. The Chamber of Lords. A great golden throne, vacant was at the head of the chamber, just below it a small cushion bench where the Lord/Lady Speaker sat, now Baroness Izolda who presided calmly over the debate. Charlomann was in the centre of the front row of government benches in his high collared suit; standard attire in the lower chamber but rare in here amongst the militaresque uniforms of the nobility and the robes of the shamanry. The debate here was much more quiet and polite, partly due to the average age of the Lords and partly because it was ungentlemanly to roar across the chamber. They still made the same 'heaaaar' sound to voice approval but the grunting and mooing was much rarer.
"Cæsar, they discuss the amendment to the Tarriffs Act, proposed by the opposition that would increase tariffs on imported fruits which are native to Gauliscia anyways by 50%. It's got a lot of support already, especially here in the Lords.
"...and therefore Lady Speaker, we as the Lords, protecting the traditions and livelihoods of this ancient nation ought to vote in favour of this tariff that we would safeguard our farmers. If I may conclude with the words of our revered poet Wueëttschi;
Of this land which I call home,
From the green forests to the mountain's comb,
Ne'er a place else such abundance grows,
Cursed be he who this blossoming slows,
The Gods have blessed the Franchomanni with rich soils,
Ever have they smiled on us and graced us with spoils,
Our orchards and groves are the envy of all,
Plentiful apples, plums and pears to fill our gilded hall!
"
Nods and voiced approval rippled through the entire chamber, before Charlomann stood up and knowing it was the speaker's job anyway, raised a silencing hand.
"But my Lords, Your Majesties.." he said, gesturing towards some of the very senior nobles of the Realm including two kings, some dukes and princes.. "your holinesses.." he gestured to the robed shamans. "Whilst I commend Lord Goustwer on his excellent taste in poetry and in his most noble intentions to protect our farmers, let me tell you that even before this proposed tariff there is no sizeable threat to our fruit export industry, Gauliscian apples and pears fill the shelves of many nations abroad, as do our plums, cherries and berries. But what will be threatened should we press ahead with our tariffs would be foreign relations which I, as the former foreign secretary I strived so hard to strengthen. If we tariff their fruits, why would they not tariff ours? And surely that my Lords would cause much greater damage to a nation like ours which predominantly exports..."

---

Aflidia sat beneath an ancient oak tree, it's wide and leafy canopy giving apt shelter from the sun's rays. A red squirrel with a bushy tail shared her shade, it was not afraid of humans but stared at her for a while before scampering back up into the tree. Of the group of boys, one, a slightly more astute boy than most of his peers recognised the girl. He was 14, tall for his age with neatly swept blonde hair, caramel tanned skin and a pearly white grin. He wore a short sleeved pink collar shirt, with navy blue shorts and brown leather sandals. He calmly walked over to Aflidia, before crouching in front of her and kissing her hand, taking it into his soft hands and planting his warm lips upon it.
"Mi'lady, I am Ascharich Hraffolo, you must be the Roman Princess...?"

[New Roma Republic]

Cornelia Ayanami nodded slowly while Xyrsli was talking. “I’ve found that making politics into a theatre is not good for the art of lawmaking. They will try to entertain more than actually make laws.” She leaned back and watched some more.

“They certainly do maintain respectful tones, even when shouting” noted the Caesar. The quickly moved out of the chamber as the debate began to heat up again. This time, they went into a more ornate room, with other people debating. This was much less rowdy than the other room. The people here were calmly debating.

“Fascinating” she replied, as she sat down to watch the debate unfold. “Do they normally quote poetry in their speeches?” she asked quietly.

---

The Principle Guard, along with the other Praetorians there noticed the boy walking over. The ones in their uniform hefted their P90s into a ready position, to fire, just in case. The Principle placed his hand on his holster. He was only a boy, though, however, he looked old enough to be a terrorist. Probably not though. But you can never be too careful in a foreign nation, especially when surrounded by the descendants of those who massacred, pillaged, and raped their ancestors.

Alfidia, on the other hand, did not care about security when she saw him. Being 12, she had started to see boys more than just “icky”. And he was far from icky. He was…amazing to her. She was taken aback – and the guards all had a heart attack – when he took her hand and kissed it. She giggled slightly, and replied to him “Yes, I am Alfiidia. Would you like to sit, Assarch…Askcharch…no…” Blood flushed her face as she struggled to say his name correctly.

[Gauliscia]

"Yes, poetry is often recited regularly in politics. You see, though we've had a written system for thousands of years it's generally been for monks and other professions keeping records and measurements such as engineers. Most literature as such was orally based, namely our founding poems. It's much easier to remember a poem than simply dry words. As such poetry and song are pretty innate to the national spirit. Having said that singing is generally not permitted, though spontaneous bursts of the national anthem have been allowed following a national tragedy and the Royal Hymn on the monarch's Birthday. Old Charlomann down there has a decent set of lungs to be fair." Commented Speaker Xyrsli. He glanced at his watch.
"Crumbs, well, it's time for you to prepare for your speech." He said, standing up and guiding the delegation out of the chamber balcony and back into the main hall they'd come in.

It was now filled with rows of seats and with Roman and Gauliscian flags, with a single podium. Gauliscians rarely used microphones as they were seen as instruments for the feeble-lunged but on this occasion both to allow her voice to be translated and to avoid a scandal if she couldn't be heard one had been fitted into the podium. I'll introduce you, you may wish to copy how I address the Parliament as it's the polite way. Other than that, good luck." The Speaker said, taking a seat as the hall filled with all the members of Parliament and the all the lords and other Parliamentary dignitaries, the Realm Chancellor and his cabinet at the front, along with the shadow cabinet of the opposition. When the hall seemed full enough Xyrsli stood up.
"Your Majesties, Excellencies, Lordships, Worships and Right and Honourable members of this Parliament, welcome and thank you for attending this address from the Roman Cæsar on the first day of her visit here to the United Realm. She's still here as you can see so we haven't scared them off with beer and pointy helmets. Yet. Thank you Lady Speaker for allowing the use of this hall, the only place in the palace where we all fit in. May I also thank the serving government for inviting the Roman delegation here, whilst I myself am not a Stalwart Boar Party member, belonging to the other main political persuasion, but I must commend and praise where it is deserved. Cæsar Anayami is a distinguished Roman politician, but not only that she is also very hardy, working through a probably very savage jet lag. Please welcome Cæsar Anayami."
The hall exploded in applause, falling silent as they listened to hear her words, albeit through translators.

---

Gretel raised an eyebrow at the Roman response. Like most Gauliscians she was concerned by the heavily armed Roman delegation as this was a country where even most of the day-to-day police were unarmed. She shook her head and could only smile as she watched the dreamy looks of a fair Gauliscian boy work their charm on the young girl.

"It's Asch-ah-rikh." He said, saying it out slowly as he sat down next to her, folding one leg beneath him, whilst the other he spread out in front of him and Aflidia, it's caramel hairless skin on full show for the young girl. "Quite a harsh language ours... harsher than Latin. Softer than German however." Ascharich noted as he propped himself up by a shoulder.
"My, what a journey for you, you must be shattered." He noted, placing a hand on her upper thigh and working down to her leg with his soft hands, helping it to stretch out.
"There that's better no?"

[New Roma Republic]

"Your Majesties, Excellencies, Lordships, Worships, Right and Honorable members of this Parliament, and Gualiscians, I would like to thank you for allowing me, members of my cabinet and family here to your beautiful nation. It is certainly an honor to be among people of such rich heritage.

“I have had the honor to witness debates in both houses today, and I have to say that the Commons certainly knows how to have a lively debate,” she paused for a moment “And while the Lords are refined, they too know how to have a lively debate. Just less entertaining to the outside viewer.

“Now, I come to talk to you today on the topic of international relations, specifically the state of relations between the Imperial Republic and the Bœndesréich. I regret to say I do not know what is taught in your schools, but every New Roman is taught the history of the Old Empire.

“We are taught, at a young age, that my ancestors of the great Old Roman Empire fell to hordes of Barbarians from the north trying to settle in the prosperous Roman lands. They sacked the cities, pillaged the countryside, murdered our men, raped our women, and stole our children. Rome fell to them, issuing the Dark Ages.

“However, the fall of Rome lead to the freedom of New Rome from the corrupt government in Rome. We owe a debt of gratitude to your ancestors for allowing our nation to break ties with the Old Government, and become a free, independent nation. This fact is often overlooked by New Romans when talking about the Barbarians.

“With that last statement in mind, I would like to offer a hand of peace, to end hard feelings, and begin a new era of friendship between our peoples. We have common enemies, and fighting amongst ourselves will only strengthen those enemies. The oppressed peoples that now form the Homofront, who you yourselves attack, must be stopped. Terrorism is terrorism is terrorism. This group poses a threat to a peaceful world which my nation tries to pursue. Only through peace can prosperity thrive.

“The major common enemy is SACTO. I have been attacked by my media for being light on the issue of SACTO, so I stand here now, on the international stage to say this: We stand against SACTO. Not on an ideological basis, but on a moral basis. We will stand against those who indiscriminately attack anyone who they deem “leftist”. Peace can only be achieved by stopping those who threaten that peace, not by attack an entire ideology.

“And, finally, the Imperial Republic stands with you, the Bœndesréich. I intend to pursue negotiations on trade, travel, science, and military assistance. A new age is dawning, one where old enemies, with historical differences and distrust can set the history aside to pursue a new, peaceful world. Together, we cannot be stopped. Together we are powerful. But, if we are to slip back into our old patterns, we will be easy fodder for the forces that seek to destroy us and our way of life.

“Ave libertas, ave pax, ave foedus!

“Thank you.”

---

Her face reddened more when he pushed her leg down. The guard was staring intently now; albeit he looked like he was looking elsewhere because his dark sunglasses prevented people from knowing where he was looking.

Alfildia, on the other hand, was trying to look anywhere but the boy who was talking to her. “It w-w-was a long journey, yes. Mostly calm, b-but we hit some turbulence near the end. Where are you from? Shouldn’t you be in school? How do you know Modern Latin?” Oh Gods, I’m rambling, she thought.