A New Age for Sunalaya (Closed)

[Smoya]

Dronden, Smoya
The weather was abnormally cold this New Year's Day in Dronden. A cold front had blown over the Smoyan capital, bringing near freezing temperatures in a city where it would be acceptable to simply wear a light jacket at this time of year. The weather marked a new, cold entry into a new era for Smoya, just as iit might for all of Sunalaya.

President Claudia Romero walked around the grand dining hall of La Fortaleza, the historic presidential residence. Everything was perfect and designed to reflect a theme of renewal. She reviewed through her head the events she hoped to cover, the issues she wanted to discuss, and the strategies that she needed to create. This dinner open to the heads of state of each Sunalayan country would be the beginning of a new era in international relations, one in which President Romero hoped to reaffirm Smoya's role in the world. She was not a protector of the past, however: she had some new visions for how Smoya would interact with its neighbors, which she hoped to reflect at this state dinner.

The event would go as follows: on the first day, a New Year's dinner with the heads of state at La Fortaleza, where the other leaders were expected to arrive at 5pm for cocktails and some time to chat before the dinner at 6:30pm. Afterwards, dessert would be served, and then the leaders would be welcome to return to their hotels scattered across the capital. The dinner was a chance for every country in Sunalaya to enter this new era of international relations, one in which the future was anything but certain.

[Amestrris]

The Capitol, Amestrris

In the heart of the capital city, within the opulent confines of the Presidential Villa, President Rhoam Odama found himself immersed in contemplation as he read the invitation from Smoya. As President Odama stepped onto the balcony, he noted that the air in The Capitol was filled with a subtle warmth uncharacteristic of this time of year. A light breeze rustled through the towering spires of the city as he looked on to the nightlife below. The cold front in Dronden mirrored not just a change in weather but the shifting dynamics in the world of Sunalaya, and President Odama - known for his nuanced approach - considered the complexities that lay beneath the surface.

The name "Claudia Romero" resonated in the air, a signal of change that stirred reflections on the direction Amestrris should take in this evolving international landscape. As President Odama surveyed the briefing notes, a myriad of thoughts flowed through his mind, reflecting a leader deeply committed to the well-being of his nation and the broader community.

"Smoya's pursuit of a new era aligns with our own aspirations," he acknowledged, fingers lightly tracing the lines on the document. "But how do we navigate this delicate balance between national interest and global harmony?"

President Odama's vision for Amestrris extended beyond benevolence – it embraced the idea of constructive influence. The diverse cultures within Amestrris were not just symbols of unity; they were strategic assets in the intricate dance of diplomacy. Additionally, he recognized the strength of Amestrris in its economic stability, driven by policies that prioritized equitable growth and social welfare, as well as its military prowess, which has proven crucial in global security.

"Our economic policies contribute to the prosperity of our citizens, creating a stable foundation for international collaboration," he murmured, contemplating the unique role Amestrris could play in fostering understanding among nations. However, deep down, he knew that although cultural richness, economic stability, and technological innovation were pillars of Amestrris' strength, the nation's military prowess ensured stability in the region, deterring potential threats and creating an environment conducive to fruitful collaboration on the international stage.

Attired in a manner that blended tradition with modernity and opulent refinement, President Odama saw his clothing not as a mere fashion statement, but as a representation of Amestrris' adaptability to change whilst also conveying an air of power. As he prepared for the journey to La Fortaleza, he pondered the conversations that awaited him. Each interaction was a chance to listen, to learn, and to subtly influence the narrative in favor of collaboration and unity.

"With every encounter, we shape the narrative of not only our nation, but Sunalaya as a whole" he acknowledged, a sense of responsibility evident in his demeanor, ""May this dinner be a foundation for lasting alliances, built on the principles of empathy and cooperation as we extend our hand in friendship. Amestrris shall be a force for good, a beacon of benevolence in the ever-evolving world of Sunalaya."

President Odama envisioned the state dinner as a prelude to a deeper connection among nations, a catalyst for shared understanding and collective action. As he left the Presidential Villa, there was a palpable sense of purpose, a commitment to navigating the complexities of international relations with wisdom and foresight. The journey toward the dinner held the promise of a diplomatic dance where Amestrris, anchored not only in cultural richness but also in economic stability, technological innovation, and social progress, would contribute to the symphony of nations in Sunalaya.

[Ghilead]

Gamorrah City, Ghilead

In the icy depths of winter, the cold winds carried whispers of change to the secluded holy theocracy of Ghilead. High Commander Frederick Waterford, adorned in a traditional suit that symbolized the unwavering authority of Ghilead, sat in his dimly lit chambers within his manor in Commander's Estates. As the missive from Smoya reached his hands, he glanced at the parchment with an air of disdain.

Esteemed Leader of Smoya,

High Commander Frederick Waterford acknowledges your gracious invitation to the New Year's dinner at La Fortaleza. The winds that bear the chill of Dronden's winter have not gone unnoticed within the sacred walls of Ghilead, where principles of the divine order are held steadfast.

In these times of uncertainty, Ghilead recognizes the importance of international discourse, even as it remains resolute in its commitment to the sanctity of its beliefs. High Commander Waterford, ever mindful of the delicate balance between the sacred and the secular, expresses a tentative interest in diplomatic discussions.

However, Ghilead urges caution, emphasizing the need for discretion and a more subdued approach. The High Commander understands the complexities of the current climate and would prefer a setting that aligns with the sacred nature of our beliefs, free from the distractions of grand spectacles. In Ghilead, the foundations of society are built upon the pillars of piety and unwavering obedience to the divine will. Our nation, a beacon of righteousness in a world plagued by moral decay, prefers to avoid decadence of lavish New Years dinners.

If a more private and spiritually focused dialogue can be arranged, Ghilead would be open to participating, ensuring that the divine order guides us through these uncertain times.

Blessed be,

Sons (Commanders) of Ghilead

[Smoya]

Dronden, Smoya
One Month Before Meeting
"Mrs. President, you've received a message from the Sons of Ghilead regarding the State Dinner."

The chief of staff sternly handed President Romero a piece of paper. His face was expressionless. President Romero, well-acquainted with her chief of staff, knew what this meant. He typically reserved his most serious demeanors for issues to which he had no immediate solution. What could possibly be so problematic regarding the dinner? President Romero thought to herself, taking the paper from her head of cabinet.

She began reading slowly, then sped up as she began to realize what this meant. She sighed.

"Well, didn't think we'd have to deal with this. Normally, I'd say to carry on and let them deal with it. But this dinner is different. We don't need to unnecessarily step on anyone's toes right off the bat. Plus, I am quite interested in reshaping our relationship with Ghilead. Their values are quite different from ours, but we would be doing our country a disservice to not even give them a chance to enter a potential working relationship with us.

So, let's just tone down some of the decor and be extra careful about any potential symbolism that we do not want to convey. I mean, there's no way that this is gonna be a religious nor private dinner. Let's frame it as this: we want them to come, we'll make some adjustments, and we hope they won't miss out on this opportunity. Put the ball back in their court," Romero said.

Esteemed Sons of Ghilead,

It gives us great pleasure to hear that High Commander Frederick Waterford is interested in attending our State Dinner. My staff and I appreciate you relaying your concerns to us, as they are something we intend to respect with the utmost care.

I should emphasize that this should be seen more as a formal state dinner rather than any particular celebration of the New Year or anything else. Regarding your requests, we are certainly able to ensure that the dinner is not too lavish out of respect for your country and faith. The dinner is supposed to be a welcoming space for all countries, including yours, and we hope this will accommodate your wishes.

As it is a formal state dinner with several heads of state, we unfortunately cannot make this a spiritually-focused dialogue. As far as privacy goes, there will inevitably be the press waiting outside before, during, and after the dinner, although they are not permitted inside. We have made it clear to the press that this is an intimate setting in which heads of state and government would need privacy to discuss state matters.

We hope that despite this, High Commander Waterford will be able to attend. If you have any further questions, I would be happy to discuss them.

Sincerely,
President Claudia Romero

Dronden, Smoya
Day of Dinner

Claudia was aware that President Rhoam Odama of Amestrris would be arriving shortly. She was relieved that it was most likely that he would be arriving first. There were many things to discuss with President Odama, especially regarding the state of Smoya-Amestrris relations. In a new era of international relations, their bilateral relationship could be pivotal in influencing the future of world events. A nation with as much self-respect as Amestrris could be difficult to deal with—or maybe they would be the ideal partner. Claudia held no reservations about Amestrris; this dinner would be an excellent opportunity to give her a better idea of the future between their two countries.

She waited eagerly for President Odama's arrival as her staff notified that he would arrive soon.

[Ghilead]

Dronden, Smoya

In the brightly lit confines of his hotel room in Smoya, High Commander Frederick Waterford prepared for the State Dinner, each meticulous gesture steeped in the austere traditions of Ghilead. Adjusting the iconic dark uniform adorned with gold epaulets and black gloves, symbols of the regime's authority, his mind wandered back to the missive from Smoya, a stark reminder of the complexities that entwined Ghilead's calculated facade.

The letter, a reflection of Ghilead's intricate dance between power and economic survival, lingered in his thoughts. His inner voice echoed with the pragmatic understanding that the elite, including himself, reveled in opulence and excess behind the closed doors of Commander's Estates. The desire for a more private meeting, beyond the scrutiny of international eyes, surfaced not just as a fleeting hope but as a calculated move to safeguard clandestine interests and alliances. The dichotomy between projecting strength and bowing to the international stage weighed heavily on Waterford's shoulders. The irony of lavish gatherings within the clandestine corners of Ghilead, where hypocrisy and indulgence thrived, contrasted starkly with the austere facade presented to the world. "This is not the way of Ghilead," he chuckled to himself, almost mockingly.

He was made aware of the looming arrival of President Rhoam Odama of Amestrris; this occupied his thoughts as he prepared. Amestrris, a potent blend of opulence and military might, represented a complex dynamic in the diplomatic landscape of Sunalaya. As he examined himself in the mirror, a sense of uncertainty lingered. The intricacies of navigating the ideals of Amestrris, a nation proclaiming democracy, freedom, and peace, were not lost on Waterford. A nation with such ostensible virtues, yet shadowed by what he was sure was its own corruption, posed a unique challenge. The clash of Ghilead's austere principles with Amestrris's multifaceted power and democratic façade presented a delicate dance to be performed. Waterford pondered the reception he might receive from Amestrris, a nation once loosely allied with the United States of Abadon, Ghilead's predecessor.

President Claudia Romero of Smoya did not escape his thoughts. La Fortaleza's grandeur and the event's meticulous planning hinted at a leader envisioning a new era in international relations. However, beneath the surface, Waterford sensed a diplomatic finesse that intrigued and confounded him. Smoya, with its rich history as one of the oldest democracies in Sunalaya, held strong democratic principles; yet another dance with a political figure at odds with the vision of the Sons of Ghilead. President Romero's accommodation of Ghilead's concerns raised questions about genuine openness versus strategic maneuvering. The enigma of Smoya's leader lingered in Waterford's thoughts. The frustration of balancing Ghilead's traditionalist values with the demands of a world seemingly more open to democracy and freedom simmered beneath the stoic exterior.

Yet, with resigned acceptance of the political game at play, Waterford understood the necessity to navigate the delicate dance for the sake of Ghilead's crumbling economy. The nation was in desperate need of trade relations and sanctions relief. As he descended from his hotel room, a silent car awaiting below, the High Commander carried the burden of his nation's fate, and his own reputation, on his shoulders. The State Dinner, a stage for diplomacy and power, awaited, and with each step towards the awaiting vehicle, Waterford concealed the internal turmoil beneath a stoic facade, prepared to face the challenges of the night with the dignity befitting Ghilead's leader.

[Sunrisia]

Dronden, Smoya

President Vér Rîmóra arrived in the national capital of Smoya - Dronden, on the first foreign visit and foreign event of his presidency. This was also the first visit by a Sunrisian leader or government official of any level to Smoya in a long time.

Even though Sunrisian-Smoyan relations were always positive, the long-lasting, self-imposed isolationism that Sunrisia was in after its' reunification from the North-South division, reduced foreign trips by the Sunrisian President to a minimum. Foreign leaders and delegates would usually come to Sunrisia to meet the Sunrisian President. Foreign contacts were also usually reduced and limited to what were de facto Sunrisian satellite states or client states, even though Sunrisia never accepted that it sought to have vassal countries or a sphere of influence, instead claiming that all countries and entities, that Sunrisia supported, were nothing less than allies. During a large half of the most recent modern period of Sunrisian history and its' foreign policy, relations with Smoya remained friendly, but distant and not too active.

Having receive an invitation to a dinner of international leaders in Dronden, President Vér Rîmóra not only wanted to partake in a positive and partially recreational event, but for the sake of diplomacy, as a reform-minded politician, he wanted to rekindle old relations with Smoya and build new ones with other countries, believing that isolation possibly belonged in the past.

However, while anticipating the event in Dronden, President Rîmóra's mind mostly remained on the morally ambiguous, historic dillema of Herbora, which the President believed had joined Sunrisia as a new territory under questionable circumstances, despite him also thinking that there might have been a necessary historic and geopolitical context for that, at the time.