The Coronation of Thyra I [IC] [Invite-Only]

[Allyrije]

Elinhir, Afrije Révine, Allyria

The sun rose over the Allyrian Capital city of Elinhir; hues of orange and yellow lighting up the old stone facades of the city's buildings and sending bolts of light through the vividly decorated, although leafless, autumn trees dotting the streets of the Capital. Although it was an early, cold autumn morning with a thin layer of frost coating the footpaths of the Capital, the City's streets and squares were already beginning to bustle with activity: patriotic citizens draped in the National Flag, Police Officers on the look out for any sign of trouble as well as last minute changes to the decorations flooding the streets of the Capital.

But, perhaps, the most important area of the city, at least for today, remained still and silent as it had done for over a millennium. The Basilica of St. Arja, the Basilica of Allyria's patron Saint, still appeared to be as calm and stoic as ever. But, on the inside, the Priests and organisers were at work preparing the building to crown Allyria's new Monarch. Organisers were placing hymn sheets, translations of the service and itenaries for foreign guests on each and every seat as well as ensuring that every nook and cranny of the building was perfect and spotless; a poor performance would reflect badly not only on the nation but on the future of the new Monarch's reign.

Before the Basilica, for today, were two large stands filled with rows of seats for high ranking Allyrian and foreign guests. These stands were, of course, separated from the rest which lined the route the royal procession would take from the palace for, perhaps, quite obvious security reasons. This, of course, is where all those personally invited by the Queen-to-be will watch the parade from, before being invited into the Basilica to witness the ceremony.

The Allyrians are a proud, honest and patriotic people but it was days such as these where their heads were held a little higher, the fire in their eyes burned a little brighter and every flag flew a little higher.

[Nordamy]

Elinhir International Airport,Allyria
President Torrijos' plane arrived very early in the morning. They left Mexico in a rush to evade capture and arrived around 5 AM. His motorcade was pulling up on the tarmac. His security detail along with local support kept the demonstrators away from the airport. Torrijos rubbed his temples, at 30 this was not getting any easy with age. His head of security cleared his throat

"Mr. President, we should head out now. Your wife is ready"

He got up and turned to a reporter from the Free Mexico New Project, smiled and said

"Let's get this show on the road."

*A few minutes later*
As they rode through the streets to the basilica, some demonstrators decided to show up. Some showed their support by waiving the banner and shouted in Northern Creole "Lengi Mexico! Lengi el Frjátis Gobiernõ!" This translated to "Long Live Mexico! Long Live the Free Government". Others jeered him, calling him a terrorist and wove the current flag of the Ramon regime. He just ignored both sides. He was not here to play politics, he came here to escape them for a day. His chief of security received a text from their office in Mexico.

"Mr. President, the Ramon regime is searching for you and are going to issue an arrest warrant. I suggest making a petition for protection from him..."

"Aljeandro, we'll figure this out. I am hesitant to claim asylum as my people need me there. A coward pulls that. If they arrest me, so be it. I know God will back the just."

They arrived at the basilica and were met by a team of royal guards. The reporter began typing a story on her phone to be released later in the day. Their "camera crew" consisted of one man with a camera and another with a laptop that had a secure connection to their Mexican office for broadcasting the event as well as the developing story of a possible arrest.

[Nieuw Zealandia]

NIeuw Zealandia 1 flew into Elinhir International Aiport early that day. Prime Minister Jack Wyodi stepped out, followed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Finch and six bodyguards. Usually, there would be no more than four for an occasion such as this, but the recent terrorist attacks and the looming elections had given rise to security concerns.

Wyodi saw the coronation as an opportunity to take a break from internal politics and as a way to strengthen foreign relations. He may not win the coming election, but he will ensure that Nieuw Zealandia is a nation known for respect. There were also two aides that had come with the group. One of them carried a small square box, within which there was a gift for the Allryian Crown Princess.

They walked across the tarmac to their motorcade, which the Nieuw Zealandia embassy in the city provided. The motorcade consisted of a limousine in the middle for the PM and Foreign Minister, one Commonwealth Guard unmarked civilian car at the front and one at the rear, which both carried the rest of the bodyguards and the two aides. Allyrian law enforcement had promised to close off roads and provide the majority of security for the event. The ambassador would meet them at the basilica.

As the motorcade drove through the city, Wyodi said to Finch, "I suppose they don't really know much about Nieuw Zealandia. That would explain why we have not experienced the same fanfare as the free government."

"Well sir, now is your chance to show this country and the world what Nieuw Zealandia is all about."

"I might even try sneaking in a conversation with some of the other leaders, and maybe even the free government..."

They arrived at the basilica and were greeted by the ambassador to Allyria and a handful of Allyrian Royal Guards. A crew from the National News Network was also setting up.

Wyodi looked up at the huge central dome of the basilica and took a deep breath.

[The Land of the Ephyral]

Elinhir, Allyria

The buildings on either side of the street passed by the tinted windows of the Archon's lead car. He sat in the back with his government aide, Meloros, whilst his driver headed the escorted motorcade to the Basilica of St. Arja. Lykos Likinios Laerthos, Archon of the Ephyral Freehold, still held the letter of invitation and re-read the itinerary. Gathering at the Basilica, a military parade, and then entry of the Basilica for a coronation. A royal banquet, followed by a personal invitation to a ball at the Constantine Palace. He handed the letter to his aide, who placed it inside the case.

"Identification passes?" Laerthos checked.

"I have them your Honour, as you instructed." Meloros replied.

"Very good. I'll take mine when we leave the car, make sure Artoria and Ayrella receive theirs." The Archon instructed. Meloros gave an accepting nod, and through the front window, Laerthos could see the Basilica as they approached. "It appears we have arrived."

The Basilica was an architectural centrepiece of the city of Elinhir, with great spires and domes, marble columns, and as he had heard, a breathtaking interior design. Laerthos was more than a little curious to see it for himself, however the opening stages of this itinerary stipulated to begin outside of the structure in the stands. By the looks of it they were the third party to arrive. He had guessed as much from the two other private planes at the international airport. Compared to reports of what the delegate from the Free Government of Mexico experienced, there had been little demonstration either way for his own arrival. The Archon knew that, especially at the border of their two nations, there was some animosity. This was a country his own had once ruled. And it was a country that had expelled Ephyral from their homes upon their independence. However, Laerthos' intentions at this ceremony were more than just to acknowledge a monarch. Indeed, his objective would perhaps bring the two nations closer together.

The car came to a stop, and Laerthos' door was opened by a receiving attendant. He stepped out of the vehicle, Selian boots coming into contact with the stone floor. As he stood, he brushed straight his thick pearl tunic, and re-adjusted his insulating toga, adorned with the border black stripes of Archons. A slight breeze in the air caused the looser parts of his attire to softly blow. Gold bracers on his wrists and forearms reflected the rising sun of this morning, and he stepped aside to allow Meloros to step out in turn. The government aide was also dressed in a white tunic and toga, but absent stripes and lacking bracers. In his right hand he carried a case containing some important documents he'd had on the plane, as well as their identification passes. The luggage for the overnight stay at the Palace would be taken there separately. He ran a hand through his short, pale-silver hair, and stepped forwards. Meloros followed him, and the second car pulled up.

Turning to face it, the Archon awaited the women of his house. Elyaerre Artoria Nartigar stepped out first, dressed in an ivory coloured silk selar dress. The gown fell to her ankles, and was embroidered with gold stitching and faded patterns upon the cloth itself. The overfold provided a second layer upon her bust, and silver-gold brooches fastened the garment at her shoulders. A metallic belt of silver hugged the dress in beneath her breasts. Selian sandals upon her feet elevated her from the cold stone floor. Around her shoulders and pulled atop her head, the traditional cloak of a married woman provided insulation as she held it across her abdomen with her left arm. The cloak, like her dress, was white and embroidered, though made of thick wool rather than silk. Bracers adored her wrists and forearms as well, however these were silver in colour. Meloros offered Laerthos his identification pass and he took it.

Following Artoria from the car was their youngest daughter, Ayrella Likinia Laerthos. She too was dressed as befitted a lady of her class. A snow white silk selar from neck to ankle, leaving the arms bare. Traditional overfold and silver-belt. Sandals laced up the leg. And of course a cloak. Her hair was loose and head uncovered however, as unwed women wore themselves in public. Ayrella always reminded him of her mother when he married her. The two women approached and received their passes from Meloros. Laerthos embraced Artoria and kissed her, and did the same with his daughter; the former upon the lips and the latter on the forehead. He stepped back to admire them both. The embodiment of elegance and femininity. Artoria's pale-silver hair was pinned up inside her hooded cloak. Ayrella's own snowy locks drifted in the wind. Their eyes were identically violet, just like his own. To the others at this gathering, they would look quite the sight. "Come." He told them. "We shan't be the party to keep everyone else waiting." He gave a final smile to his daughter, which she returned. Their plane journey had been ample enough time to explain her role.

The Archon of Ephyra turned took the lead, with Meloros and the ladies of the Laerthos family following behind. Escorted by the Allyrian Royal Guard, they went to greet the ambassador and make for their seats.

[Kawagishi]

Basilica of St. Arja, Elinhir, United Kingdom of Allyria

A good twenty-odd minutes passed by following the arrival of the Ephyral delegation before another limousine, flanked by noticeably fewer escort vehicles, turned the corner and pulled up on the sidewalk hugging the foundations of the illustriously-named Basilica of St. Arja. The occupants of the modestly-sized motorcade had barely a few seconds longer to admire the scenery before the driver exited the car and opened the passenger doors to allow the Japanese delegation to step outside, his gloved hands moving in a rhythm so choreographed it appeared almost robotic. Nevertheless, not of a mind to keep their hosts waiting a precious moment longer, the first of the new arrivals rose from their seat and stepped out into the daylight. He wore a relatively plain-looking black suit with formal shoes and sported a short and unremarkable head of dark hair, mirroring many of the other attendees no doubt already present, but his serious facial features and overall regal aura were far less mistakable.

Crown Prince Sadahito, heir apparent to the Chrysanthemum Throne, was already closing the distance between himself and the doors to the basilica as his wife, Crown Princess Mayoko, pulled herself from the stuffed limousine and dutifully followed in step. In stark contrast to her husband's modest dress choices, Princess Mayoko had arrived clad in a dark blue kimono, adorned in various white and lighter blue floral patterns and held in place by a prominent yellow sash with golden streaks that practically glistened in the morning sun. Her jet-black hair flowed freely down to her shoulders, swaying slightly in the wind as she and the rest of the entourage lined up behind her and followed the royal couple towards the building.

Beyond all the brickwork, the Japanese delegation was at last met with the sight of the massive gold-incrested domed chamber in which the Allyrian royals had decided to hold their grand coronation and christen a new dynastic era in the history of their kingdom. Indeed, as the Crown Prince and Princess took in the sights, they could only silently concur the wisdom behind the choice.

"Almost like being inside a giant gold bauble," the Crown Princess remarked in Japanese, the liberal use of shimmering golden tilework clearly not lost on her.

"That's certainly... one way of putting it," her husband replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Where do you suppose the Allyrian representatives might be sitting right about now? I just have to put my... amazement into words for them," Mayoko droned on, her traditional Kansai dialect beginning to shine through her words.

"No doubt wherever the largest crowd is gathering... and weren't those Selian fellows supposed to be here, as well? Might behove us to keep an eye out for people wearing sandals and togas," Sadahito mumbled in response, keeping his eyes peeled.

[Prusswitonsiakekingkailand]

Elinhir, Allyria, Elinhir International

Shortly after sun rise, a non-descript private jet flies into Elinhir International, landing along a heavily guarded airstrip leaving the area almost desolate outside of the ceremonial area. Once landed the jets main door opens and lets down a ramp for its occupants to exit, those of whom who are the first to leave the jet are Imperial German guards, 5 of them line the sides of the pathway, the ones on each end holding the Kaiser's standard, the other the Imperial German flag. After they finish lining the sides, Kaiser Ferdinand II steps off the plane and walks down the pathway towards Royal Marshal Arteron Terai of Allyria, he then reaches his hand out which unexpectedly met with the Marshals hand, both then have a formal handshake, during which the Kaiser gives the Marshal a friendly smile, a non-verbal way of greeting the Marshal. The two then stand side by side, and face toward the Allyrian Royal Music Brigade, during of which the two guards who were bearing flags then march in unison towards the two and position themselves ahead a distance, then turn towards eachother.

Taking a moment to allow the guards to unravel their flags, a few seconds pass before the Allyrian Royal Music Brigade begin to play "Heil dir im Siegerkranz", the official anthem of the German Empire, as they begin, the two flag bearers begin to wave their respective banners in a hypnotizing unison. This would go on for some time until the anthem ends, after which the Kaiser and Marshal go their separate ways, the guards get back on the jet, and the Kaiser is escorted by the Allyrian Llarelánn'Révine to a royal transport vehicle in a convoy to the Basilica.

Elinhir, Allyria, Basilica of St. Arja

Like a tidal wave the heat of the convoy vehicle flows out as the door is opened by an Allyrian 'Royal Marcher', as Kaiser Ferdinand II steeps out and adjusts himself after taking the sweeping winter air across his face. Taking a moment to admire the towering Basilica, the same Basilica the Kaiser's father told him about, fitting the description of a 'tall domed palace reminiscent of the Reichstag', although its height being all that takes his breath away. Ignoring the overcast of photographers out and inbetween the Allyrian guards, the Kaiser walks down the decadent marble pathway, spotting the occasional formerly immigrated citizen waving a small Imperial German flag in anticipation of the Kaisers arrival, of which the Kaiser instinctively puts a smile on his face and waves in the direction of as he walks, although his father had always shunned his celebrity like attitude in situations like this.

Walking towards the stands, the Kaiser is stopped by the Allyrian ambassador who greets him with an attempted smile on his face. "Ah! You must be Ferdinand II von Hohenzollern of the German Empire?", taken away but aware of the ambassador, the Kaiser responds "Yes, the one and only.", his celebrity attitude controlling his obviously informal response. "Right right, please take a seat over there.", as he says this Ferdinand II looks over at the large stands out along the road, before looking back at the ambassador "Thank you.", shaking the ambassadors hand and walking over to the stands. Orderly pacing towards the bizarrely open stands outside of the Basilica, taking a seat, the Kaiser looks out over the roadways awaiting the soon to be passing military parades in anticipation.

[The Batavia Colony]

King William VIII and Stadtholder Ron Wijnants savely arived in Elinhir at 8am. He stepped in his limousine and drove to the Basilica with his escort. William greeted the hosts and gave them his identifications and Ron Wijnants followed shortly after him.


(OOC: yeah i really have nothing else to say. i could have made this a whole lot bigger but i dont got the inspirations and time for it and i dont want to keep everyone waiting)

[Taralus]

Elinhir International

As the steps to the plane lowered Prince Rokar immediately descended from them, like most Tarans he stood fairly tall at 6 foot and 5 inches and bore brown hair and eyes to match them. His attire which would be considered unusual to others was brown leathers including boots with a black cloak which bore a wolf pelt at the top resting on the Prince's shoulders, his torso bore an armoured chest plate which bore the infamous Wolf of Taralus; the sigil of the Lupercal family, finally to his left side hung his personal sword which had a black handle with a carved wolf head on the pommel and could be clearly seen by anybody.

As he came to the bottom of the steps his chest plate glistened in the sun and was met by members of what seemed to be the Allyrian Royal Guard, after giving them a slight nod he beckoned them to lead him to the Basilica.

Basilica of St. Arja

Upon arriving at the Basilica he looked at the structure briefly before ascending the stairs outside, his mind not dwelling on what he viewed before him. Taran religion has never had any places of worship so what he saw he viewed as unnecessary because like any Taran he knew that you didn't need a place of worship as it could be done anywhere, it was unnecessary glorification.
When he came in view of others he saw that the other guests had already arrived in their numbers and slightly smirked to himself; whilst other guests arrived with entourages he found it amusing that he arrived on his own, but he didn't mind this as he thought he would not attract to much attention to himself but felt his attire would defeat this.
As he proceeded forward to find his seat he remembered what he was here for; to represent the King and to show their respect to another monarch, showing the World that Taralus wasn't as reclusive as they thought.

[Allyrije]

Just as the Taran Prince had sat down, the sound of thousands of voices and instruments began to fill the streets of the city. Towards St. Arja's Square began to march solid blue lines of Allyrian troops, not a foot out of place. Carrying the flags of the nation and of their regiments, their voices bellowed into the streets carrying with them the words to Allyrian Great War songs; songs to which all those gathered to watch the parade knew as if they were carved into their very hearts.

After the first song was finished, the well known patriotic song Ylser vedri rálnt, the first groups of soldiers were beginning to march towards the front of the cathedral, continuing their procession by going around the Cathedral and towards the victory gate near Parliament; still singing songs of the nation.

Behind the lines of solid blue and the clamour of noise their songs sent echoing through Elinhir's streets, however, one could hear the unmistakable sound of hundreds of horses trotting on stone at once. From the seating, one could make out only a line of dark green jackets atop brown horses flanking a white horse atop which there was a spot of blue. As the figures on horseback came closer to the Basilica, one could make out the figure in the middle as the Queen-to-be.

Wearing a dark blue coronation gown, with patterns of white velvet laid into the fabric, and kept warm with a black fur shawl the Queen-to-be was flanked by the Royal Marshal on one side and Prince Damadrii on the other; both wearing full Military dress and bearing the flag of the Kingdom. With the crown of St. Arja on her head and her head held high, she rode up to St. Arja's Square with a stern and determined look on her face; refusing to meet the gaze of all who tried and simply staring straight ahead.

Upon reaching the area in-front of the Basilica, Thyra, the Prince and the Royal Marshal all dismounted. Being handed a large silver cross by the Prince to hold in one hand and a sword to hold in the other, she walked slowly to the shut doors of the ancient Basilica, looking up to the top of them and knocking on them with the cross.

She let out a shout, "Marathat Ejelnárr arathá'nil?!" Quickly translated to mean "Will the Church recognise my birth right?!"

The doors slowly opened to gasps from the crowd as the Queen-to-be steps inside and the Royal Marshal and the Prince behind her. The Allyrian Hussars continue on through the city as the lines of soldiers before them had done. The soldiers of the Llarelánn'Révine, who had previously stood guard in-front of the Basilica, marched back towards the path leading from the seating to the doors; motioning for the guests of the Queen to make their way to their seats inside.

Forbidden to speak to anyone but one another and the Monarch, this is the biggest sign the guests would get from the guards that it was their time to enter the Basilica.

Allyrian troops in their winter dress uniform

Allyrian Hussars in their dress uniform

Crown of St. Arja

[Taralus]

Prince Rokar observed the events that unfolded before him paying close attention to the marching troops that came first, he looked on as they marched in their dark blue with not a step out of place with the banners that they marched with were in pristine condition as was expected.

Next he changed glances as the cavalry came after the foot troops, each Hussar looking forward with a stiff spine like they couldn't bend it, it was a show of discipline for sure. Their green jackets were a pleasant sight as it was different type of attire to the troops that proceeded them. In the centre of the cavalry he noticed a change of colour which resembled a dark blue and it became apparent who it was when they came closer to the Basilica, it was the Queen for sure.

At this moment he kept his eyes on her and watched as she and her company either side of her who also looked of significant importance dismounted before the Basilica, Rokar then watched closely as to what she was handed by one of her company, he quickly recognised one being a blade of some sort but had to looked closer at the other, as she came closer he then recognised it as the Christian Cross. Rokar continued to watch as the Queen came before the giant doors of the Basilica, without making it obvious he now inspected the attire of the Queen and quietly approved of it, he became slightly intrigued when she suddenly spoke in her native tongue to the doors, Rokar had never heard Allyrian before so it was a new experience for him.

As the doors opened and the crowd gasped he remained silent and unflinching, he showed no enthusiasm towards the inside of the Basilica and to him it felt like a sour taste in his mouth when he saw it, this was a common occurrence amongst Tarans but he knew he had to show respect so he swallowed his distaste for the time being.

As the Queen and her company proceeded inside the Basilica he immediately knew what was to come next and in the swiftest of moves stood up flicked his cloak behind him as to not step on it and proceeded to enter the Basilica before anybody else thereby anticipating what the Llarelánn'Révine were going to do, his sudden move he knew was sure to alarm them as he glanced over his shoulder and noticed two guards making a hasty approach to catch up with him, he didn't blame them as he was mere feet from the Queen herself and so he most likely broke some form of protocol by his quick movements, but such was his character and he meant no threat by it, he just wanted to proceed in. Seeing his seat almost immediately he proceeded to sit and struggled for a few seconds as he manoeuvred his sword to sit comfortably, turning around he smirked as he saw the other guests only just proceeding in, surprising himself at how quick he moved compared to others.

[Nordamy]

President Torrijos watched the procession and the rites unfold before him in wonder and some fear. He saw similar military style parades in the early days of the Ramon regime. He knows this means they need to show off their power to other leaders. His government has no such need. Fear the regimes who have no need to show off to other leaders. Then again, it was a day out away from it all.

As they processed in to the church he crossed himself and saw Wyodi out of the corner of his eye. Torrijos gave a little nod as he processed in

[Nieuw Zealandia]

Prime Minister Jack Wyodi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Finch watched the military procession. Neither of them showed much emotion. They weren't disinterested, but they weren't in awe of the clean, colourful rows of columns of Allyrian Troops. Finch was writing on a small notepad. "Remember what we came here for," Wyodi muttered, leaning to his left towards Finch. "I may not win this election, but I will ensure that whoever takes my place is fully aware of the situation they are inheriting."

After the procession finished, they walked into the basilica. Wyodi noticed Torrijos and nodded back at him.

[The Land of the Ephyral]

Elinhir, Allyria - Basilica of St. Arja

The Laerthos delegation had been followed to the seats awaiting the parade by the dignitaries from Dietsland, Germany, and Taralus - the latter a most unexpected and unusual sight. A fairly modest gathering, but from many of the best elements. The first song began to blare across the cleared street. Lykos was unable to identify it by theme or by words, words which he did not understand in the Allyrian language, but listened in any event to the aesthetic. War is what he derived from the song. War, pride, and honour. Not dissimilar to Ephyra's own military themes.

As it concluded, soldiers in blue and marching in lockstep formation began to pass by. Laerthos studied them intently. Of his party, only he and his aide Meloros seemed at all interested in the procession. To Lykos' right, his daughter Ayrella was looking to her own right where the Taran prince was sat. A most unusually dressed man for such an event, adorned in armour and weaponry with a fur cloak. A tall man, he was the very embodiment of the hated barbarian in the old stories of Ephyra. The cruel northerners made harsh by the land they lived in.

Ayrella's attention and his own were drawn back to the procession however at the sound of oncoming horses. The figures on horseback, flanked by their green-suited guards, came closer into sight. Upon the white horse sat the queen-to-be herself, Crown Princess Thyra, heir to the throne of Allyria. She rode into the square with two men. The older, Lykos deduced, must be some military official. The younger, the Prince Damadrii. "That is the prince." The Archon said quietly, directing his voice to his daughter.

Ayrella made no response but simply looked at the prince whilst all other eyes were on the Crown Princess, an attention she refused to return as she dismounted. She approached the Basilica with sword and cross in hand and in their strange language, shouted. Whatever she said must've been symbolic as the doors to the Basilica opened. Once entered, the royal guards indicated the guests should rise and enter.

Laerthos rose, with his standing indicating to his own posse that they should move. Ayrella in front of them, Artoria behind him, and Meloros behind her. Before they could move anywhere however (what with the German Kaiser and Dutch King in the way), the Taran prince moved forward suddenly, causing great alarm amongst the guards. They remained motionless as the incident subsided, with the Taran prince seemingly just impatient, before continuing on.

Outside of the seats, his daughter stepped aside to allow him to take primacy at the head of their party. As they all walked in, he spoke to her softly. "Well?"

His youngest child was reluctant before answering. "He is not what I imagined." Her answer was calculated and deliberate, as ever.

"Perhaps he is not. But we do not know the measure of him as a man yet. Whatever the case, my intention is that Allyrius and Laerthos be regarded as close friends." They passed through the archway of the Basilica doors and into the breathtaking marvel of architecture that lay inside. He identified their seats and moved towards them. "Your duty here will be far greater than it ever could've been at home." He reminded Ayrella as they moved into their seats.

"I understand, father." Her voice steady. He had no doubt his daughter had recognised the benefits to her in what his plans were. Of all his children, she had initially proven the most cognisant and was certainly no fool. Laerthos turned and gestured his wife to sit to his left and Meloros next to her, as they had sat during the procession.

Now was the time to watch the crowning of a queen, and if all went to plan, the designation of the one to come.

[Kawagishi]

"These Allyrians certainly know how to put on a show, I'll say that much," Sadahito commented quietly as his wife, ever the perfect foil to his stoic and unwavering personality, clasped her hands together in an approving motion, clearly quite impressed at the military procession unfolding before them.

"Don't they just? And those uniforms, love... why, I'd positively kill for a chat with their tailor," Mayoko replied, as jovial as ever. Her reputation as a raving europhile was entrenching itself quite thoroughly this morning.

"All in good time, dear... and anyways, I believe it's time we went inside," the Crown Prince spoke as the parade drew to a close and the queen-to-be officially invited her guests into the Basilica. Taking his wife's hand in his own, Sadahito led her up the steps and into the building proper where most of the other invitees were already wandering about, admiring the shimmering stonework on display around them as they scrambled to secure their seats. In the case of one particular guest, a Taran giant of a man draped in a cloak the size of a pair of curtains and wearing a very grandiose-looking sword by his side, it was mostly just the latter. Mostly.

"You'd need a whole new row of chairs for that sword he's heaving around, don't you think? And what's he got around his shoulders, a dead wolf?" Mayoko mused, a mix of fascination and astonishment coloring her words.

"Tarans, dear... they're a wholly different kettle of fish," her husband responded with a shrug as they finally stumbled upon their assigned seats.