To Ask for a Hand (CLOSED)

[Osthia]

The Following Suitors are going to Ostrega to meet Her Highness, Lady Julianne Alstead.

1. The Count of Antrim, James Frederich of Latnya
2. Marquis of Veneto (City), Member of the Council of Nobles, Former-Captain, Domenico Raphael Torres
3. His Imperial Highness and Grace, Lucius Daisuke Cassius Cato, prince and lord of Melcenea
4. George IV, King of Brasland
5. His Grace,Lord Charles Lucius Albert George Velarious,The Duke of Braftmark, Marquess of Darstin Town,fiftheenth in line to the throne,Prime Minister of The Parliament of Glenerados and The Prince of Glenerados
6. Lord Christian Daniels of Kylarnatia
7. Prince Michael-St. John Kenneth-James Royle-Auguste Von Hohenzollern XIX, Prince of the Prussian Catholic Imperial Commonwealth, Prince of Prussia, Arch Duke of Bohemia, Crown Prince of Saxony, Prince Regent of Bavaria, Regent protector of Catholicism, Secondary Commander of the Army, Secondary Admiral of the Royal Navy, Commander of the Royal Marines, and Commander of the Royal Airforce of Der Kaiser Mikey III.
8. Prinz Friedrich Ludwig Johann Wolfgang von Schnider of the Gradonian Islands

All have been given plane tickets to Ostrega Airport, and they will be driven to Lady Julianne Alstead's estate just outside of the city, where they will stay in her company. Good luck.
Signed,
Emperor Arathor I

Lady Julianne Alstead could not wait. Eight potential husbands, all of them quite handsome, if she could recall. She was wearing her favorite dress, one of emerald green, diamonds sewn into the dress to "give it more bling," her tailor said. She was a lucky young woman. Her family was related, in one way or another, to the Imperial Family itself, from a marriage too long ago for any of them to remember, and her parents were the Grand Duke and Duchess of Ostrega. An honorary title, as the mayor and his council ran the city, but a powerful one in the High Council, nontheless. As she awaited for her suitors, she laughed to herself, remembering the application of the 12 year old Archduke from Bokaya. Yet, she knew that some countries were all too willing to throw in people who were too young into the bosom of a lady who was twice his age! She prayed for the young archduke, but put him aside as she applied some perfume and combed her blonde hair.

OOC: Please RP going to the estate.

[San Monteriano]

It was a long trip from San Monteriano to Osthia but Domenico persevered and his anticipation to meet this young beauty was unmeasurable, she was gorgeous, probably the woman of his dreams. Domenico couldn't believe he had been short-listed as a potential suitor for Lady Alstead and he wanted to try and dazzle the young lady, although just setting eyes on such a woman would be enough to satisfy his worldly aspirations and dreams for all his life. Nevertheless, he would try his best to woo her and favour him to be her husband. Such ties between the Grand Duchy and Osthia could seal the alliance which the two countries had and such could create a unyielding bond between the two kingdoms.

Domenico had dressed before the private aircraft touched down near the estate of Lady Alstead; he was dressed in a sharp black, slim tuxedo which complemented his slim but muscular body frame. He was nervous but he did not sweat, Domenico just tried to remember it was like any other date, except for with a dreamy, flawless lady like Julianna. This would be hard for him. The limousine entered the grounds of the estate and slowly rid up the long, pebbled driveway towards the massive manor which looked rather imposing but somewhat beautiful, just like its occupier. Domenico gazed out the window with anticipation as he admired the relaxing country surroundings. Just to make sure he wasn't dreaming, Nico retrieved the invitation from Alstead from his tuxedo pocket and scanned it once more. "We're here." the driver spoke monotonously as the limousine pulled up to the massive estate. "Thank you, sir." Domenico replied gracefully as the door was opened for him; Domenico spoke with a heavy Spanish-Italian accent but was very fluent when he spoke and his voice was particularly soothing and alluring. Despite being a "ladies man", he was extremely nervous.

"Greetings, sir, this way please." spoke the servant as he shut the door after Domenico and began to lead him up into the entrance of the estate. Now, there was no looking back...

[Osthia]

Standing in the entrance way, was not only the beautiful Lady Julianna Alstead, but her cousin, His Imperial Majesty of All Osthia, Emperor Arathor Dralien the First. As the Monterian suitor entered the hallway, Julianne curtsied to the suitor. "Welcome to Osthia, milord. I assume that you may have met my cousin before, yes?" At this, Arathor approached him. "Welcome, Domenico! You are my cousin's first guest! I shall stay here until all eight of your suitors are here, if that is fine with you cousin?" Julianne nodded to her more powerful, yet younger cousin, and shook the hand of Domenico. "I would like to thank you for making the trip here. How was it, if I may ask?"

[Kylarnatia]

Lord Christian Daniels, General of the Kylarnatian Army had just had to ask for dismissal from the acts of War with the Ryouese Black Islands from the Tsar in order to meet the young lady cousin of the Emperor of Osthia.

It was a two and a half hour trip, not taking aslong as he had believed it would. As he was allowed to exit the plane, he reveiled himself to be wearing a more casual uniform, but he still wore his military decorations. He looked over the Osthian horizon and admired its view as he stepped off the plane. Not far from him was the Estate of the fair lady, who he was so eager to meet. Soon, the cargo hold of the plane opened and out came a small car, which he would ride in on his extra ten-minute journey to the estate.

As he sat in the car, he thought about what she would be like. He had heard of her before and read up about her, but never actually met her. Now he was honoured to come to her estate to meet her in person. His arrival was small and quiet, and he stepped out of the car once it stopped at the gates. Standing up more straight, he began to walk towards the grand building - which he looked on with awe.

[San Monteriano]

Domenico bowed his head in such presence of the lady, whom looked much more radiant than he had seen before. "My trip was most satisfying, and I now finally meet the Lady Alstead, it is such an honour, my Lady.", Domenico said as he gently kissed the hand of Julianna. "I am glad to finally meet you. I've heard such good things about you. How do you find yourself on this fine day?", he asked with an almost concerned voice. Domenico didn't want Julianna to feel pressured into anything she didn't want to do, especially as meeting unknown suitors can be a most uncomfortable experience, one of difficulty, but Domenico felt calm and reserved around Julianna already.

[The Gradonian Islands]

8:00 The Northern Coast of Déjan Island
The skies were clear and Prinz Friedrich walked out confidently on to the runway. It was a new chapter in his life, on his way to meet a potential wife. The Empire of Osthia and the Empire of the Gradonian Islands had been friends for a long time. Friedrich remembered several accounts of visiting the nation. Though it had never been his pleasure to meet the Emperor or any of his family. Perhaps now was the perfect opportunity. The charismatic young man stepped on the plane, it was a long flight ahead of him.
at 8:23 GST the imperial plane took off, soaring in the skies above the vast expanses of the Rhapsody Sea Friedrich played the Blue Danube Waltz over the plane's speakers.

11:53 GST Central Osthia
Friedrich touched down on the runway, he disembarked from the plane to see the chauffeur that had been promised to him arrive just on time. Impressive he though.

12:30 Palace of the House of Alstead
The Prince finally arrived, he stepped out of the car, what a magnificent home he though. He was shown inside where he greeted Lady Julianne Alstead,
"My lady" he said, he kissed her hand. "it is a pleasure to finally meet you"

[Glenerados]

Lord Charles looked from his black-tinted windows upon the rolling fertile hills of Ostrega and its commonlands.Suddenly he peered a field of flowers and ordered his driver to stop.He climbed out and picked a small bunch of tulips.I hope Lady Julianne likes tulips,he thought.He proceeded on his way towards the estate where he would meet the Lady Julianne,a hopeful bride.

Charles was dressed in his finest attire,a charcoal grey suit and deep black shoes.He walked with a stately walking-stick representing his status as both Duke of Braftmark and Prime Minister of Parliament.He had seen the picture of the young lady and had dreamed of meeting her from day one.This was the day and suddenly they arrived.
Charles stepped from his limousine to the sound of trumpets as was the compulsory announcement for the Prime Minister in a foreign country,even if it was embarassing and unwelcome to the young lord as he had hoped to enter inconspicuously as possible.
The he spotted the young lady and the young gentleman and bowed to them both,recognising the features of the young lady,Julianne from her photo.But the man beside her commanded much respect only by his appearance.Lord Charles bent his knee the man and kissed his hand,then kissed the hand of the lady Julianne.
"Greetings,I am the Lord Charles,Duke of Braftmark."

[Osthia]

A man in green and gold livery had brought Lord Christian Daniels into the anteroom, bowing to his mistress and emperor. "Thank you, Domenico, Charles and Friedrich. It is good to see you all here, and I am doing fine this day." Emperor arathor hid a smile behind his reserve after nodding to Lord Charles. No one had ever kissed his hand (the ritual had been deemed too Oriental and solemn in the early 1500s), and this was actually the first time in...well, a long while that a foreigner kissed the hand of the Osthian monarch. Arathor turned to his aide-de-camp, who had the servants bring in trays of sparkling white wine in silver chalices for the guests.

[Kylarnatia]

A man in green and gold livery had brought Lord Christian Daniels into the anteroom, bowing to his mistress and emperor. "Thank you, Domenico, Charles and Friedrich. It is good to see you all here, and I am doing fine this day." Emperor arathor hid a smile behind his reserve after nodding to Lord Charles. No one had ever kissed his hand (the ritual had been deemed too Oriental and solemn in the early 1500s), and this was actually the first time in...well, a long while that a foreigner kissed the hand of the Osthian monarch. Arathor turned to his aide-de-camp, who had the servants bring in trays of sparkling white wine in silver chalices for the guests.

Lord Christian thanked the servant as he took the white wine. He took a light sip then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"It is an honour to be in your presence Your Highness - His Imperial Highness Tsar Yuri Volte Hyuga sends his deepest respects."
Lord Christian bowed to them both, giving a gleaming smile to them also.

[Osthia]

"Thank you Lord Christian," Julianne said, and Arathor told Christian, "Osthia is entering into this nasty affair with the Ryouese, and, quite frankly, if you have the time, I would like it if you told your Empress that the Osthian Army is glad to assist the Coalition in this war against tyranny."

[Kylarnatia]

"Thank you Lord Christian," Julianne said, and Arathor told Christian, "Osthia is entering into this nasty affair with the Ryouese, and, quite frankly, if you have the time, I would like it if you told your Empress that the Osthian Army is glad to assist the Coalition in this war against tyranny."

Lord Christian gave a glint in his eye to Julianne with another white smile - walking to her and flicking a rose out of his sleeve and passing it to her.
"Sorry, I love magic."
He laughed as he then turned to Emperor Arathor.
"Your Highness, the Kylarnatian Imperial Army is already mobalised. The Imperial Navy is to send Destroyers and Super-Dreadnoughts to the Ryounese Thailand Province to aid Marquesan, along with some Bullshark Submarines. We have also got an army of Two million men with various Artillary peices and Armoured Vechiles who are based in the Kylarnatian Morrocan Penisula who are ready to push into Ryounesian Spain."
Lord Christian spoke firmly but friendly towards the young Emperor.

[Glenerados]

"I thank God for small mercies,my Lord, such as these.My Lady Julianne,I have brought these flowers for you.I hope you like them."He said as he handed the tulips to the lady.
He declined the wine for he was a teetotaller and let the man continue to the others.Charles listened to the conversation between the gathered nobles and monarch.

[San Monteriano]

Domenico also took a silver chalice from the tray and bowed his head at the servant who served him. He briefly smelt the wine; Monterians had a keen eye for fine wines, and fine women. He sipped some of the sparkling wine and nodded his head in the agreement of excellent wine. "Thank you for inviting my here, it really is an honour to be in the presence of such nobility and greatness, no doubt that Osthia births the best of all things.", he said, trying to schmooze Julianne and the Emperor, who was vital if any courting was to begin with his cousin.

Domenico raised his glass. "For Osthia," he said triumphantly as he sipped from the chalice once more to taste the chilled, mouthwatering contents.

Leo, Domenico's aide, walked into the room and bowed in front of such nobility. He was holding a gold-case in his hands and approached where Domenico was sitting. "I have brought it, my Lord.", he said as Leo went over to Julianne and offered the box to her. "It is a silver rose, handcrafted by the finest craftsmen in all San Monteriano, made with passion, love and...care.",

[The Gradonian Islands]

"I believe that international affairs are very important but it seems as though now would not be the time for discussing politics." Prinz Freidrich he turned to Lady Julianne "So, what is the plan for the coming days?" he inquired with a smile, he accepted the wine, He had grown up being taught of the finest wines and enjoyed those of Osthia.He raised his glass with Domenico

"to the health of the Imperial family and that of the House of Alstead"

[Osthia]

Julianne smiled and mounted the bottom of a grand staircase. "Milords, for the past few days, you will live here, with seperate quarters, as well as, basically, just living here. I will give you a tour of not only my estate, but the fair city which I am to inherit. Of course, this will only begin once the full eight of you have arrived. Until then, enjoy yourselves, and, if you have anything you wish to discuss with me, my cousin, or even each other, please do so, as I do not want you all acting as if you are enemies on the battlefield. On the contrary, you are all gentlemen with the same goal and ambition." Julianne smiled at them all and took a sip of her wine.

[Kylarnatia]

Julianne smiled and mounted the bottom of a grand staircase. "Milords, for the past few days, you will live here, with seperate quarters, as well as, basically, just living here. I will give you a tour of not only my estate, but the fair city which I am to inherit. Of course, this will only begin once the full eight of you have arrived. Until then, enjoy yourselves, and, if you have anything you wish to discuss with me, my cousin, or even each other, please do so, as I do not want you all acting as if you are enemies on the battlefield. On the contrary, you are all gentlemen with the same goal and ambition." Julianne smiled at them all and took a sip of her wine.

Lord Christian bowed in respect once more.
"Sounds magnificent m'lady."
He smiled again as he also waited to hear the Emperors response to their previous discussion.

[Osthia]

Arathor turned to Lord Christian, a confident smile on his face. "That is good. The Army has been itching to get at the Ryouese for years, before me or my mother were the monarchs of Osthia. Now is their chance. We will crush them like a bug." Then Arathor's face turned red in embarrasment. "Pardon me, I feel as if I was quite brusque."

[San Monteriano]

"Your kindness is most appreciated and your hospitality is most welcomed, I thank you for allowing me to stay with you and allowing to meet such a lady and gentlemen, grazie, grazie", Domenico said as he raised his glass slightly towards Julianne in gratitude. These days would be most wonderful, although men are men, and they all had one goal here: to become to husband of Julianne. Alas, Domenico was not interested in her title of nobility, he was intrigued with her beauty, his fascination to her was overwhelming...

[The Gradonian Islands]

"Thank you very much for your kindness, I look forward to our tour of your estate and city." said Prinz Friedrich "for now, would you happen to have a piano?"
Friedrich was an accomplished pianist and was sure that if he could play for her he could charm her. Though all the others were friendly, he knew they had one ultimate ambition, and he could not be lured into a false sense of security.

[Kylarnatia]

Arathor turned to Lord Christian, a confident smile on his face. "That is good. The Army has been itching to get at the Ryouese for years, before me or my mother were the monarchs of Osthia. Now is their chance. We will crush them like a bug." Then Arathor's face turned red in embarrasment. "Pardon me, I feel as if I was quite brusque."

"Not at all your Highness, Tsar Yuri would very much agree with that statement. He would be very eager to meet you one day, as ever since the Great Syvorjian War Kylarnatia has kept a much more keen eye on Osthia - His Imperial Highness was very impressed with your tackling of the situations you had to face."
Lord Christian smiled to the Emperor as he took another sip of his White Wine.

[Osthia]

"Thank you very much for your kindness, I look forward to our tour of your estate and city." said Prinz Friedrich "for now, would you happen to have a piano?"
Friedrich was an accomplished pianist and was sure that if he could play for her he could charm her. Though all the others were friendly, he knew they had one ultimate ambition, and he could not be lured into a false sense of security.

"Of course, there is one just by that corner," Julianne pointed to a fairly large, black piano in the far right corner of the room, where, normally, pianists would play out of sight for any guests of the estate-to keep them focused on Mom and Dad, Julianne had thought- and Arathor smiled at the Kylarnatin's comment. "Thank you, Lord Christian. And if I am not mistaken, Prinz Friedrich is going to play for us all."

[Kylarnatia]

"Thank you very much for your kindness, I look forward to our tour of your estate and city." said Prinz Friedrich "for now, would you happen to have a piano?"
Friedrich was an accomplished pianist and was sure that if he could play for her he could charm her. Though all the others were friendly, he knew they had one ultimate ambition, and he could not be lured into a false sense of security.

"Of course, there is one just by that corner," Julianne pointed to a fairly large, black piano in the far right corner of the room, where, normally, pianists would play out of sight for any guests of the estate-to keep them focused on Mom and Dad, Julianne had thought- and Arathor smiled at the Kylarnatin's comment. "Thank you, Lord Christian. And if I am not mistaken, Prinz Friedrich is going to play for us all."

Lord Christian smiled a he saw Prinz Friedrich walk off.
"Indeed. I hear he is an excellent pianist."
Lord Christian finished his wine then looked around for the servant, kindly thanking him as he took another glass and began to drink.
"...This is good wine."
Lord Christian muttered to himself.

[The Gradonian Islands]

"Thank you all very much, it is my pleasure."

Prinz Friedrich sat down at the impressive Grand Piano and began to play. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 By Franz Liszt, the music began to fill the hall until the very last note had sounded.

[Osthia]

"The Alsteads, also being honorary grand dukes and duchesses of Ostrega, own a winery company in the west of Osthia, and the environment is perfect for wine making. Indeed, this is actually the best wine in all of Osthia."

Arathor and Julianne clapped for Prinz Freidrich with enthusiasm, glad to hear a classic from someone who actually seemed able to play the piano. "Bravo, Bravi, Xhorosho!" Julianne said, speaking in Italian, French, and then Russian, laughing.

[Kylarnatia]

"The Alsteads, also being honorary grand dukes and duchesses of Ostrega, own a winery company in the west of Osthia, and the environment is perfect for wine making. Indeed, this is actually the best wine in all of Osthia."

"Excellent. Just Excellent..."
Lord Christian continued to drink and enjoyed the music being played.