The Prince's Ball (IC)

[AHSCA]

Kiah Findehoof.
"Alright!", I said with a smile, looked to Pacifica, "We'll dance the Kyrenaian Polka together and then..." I smiled at Miela. "...we'll take the polka after that together?" I grinned. "I'd be glad to!"
I got out my dance card and a pen.
"Though, short question, how are your names spelled?", I asked with a bit of sheepishness.

Both women were surprised by the fact there was a literal dance card and she wasn't being fugriative. Both held back a slight giggle or two but kindly answered "I'd be glad to have the first dance!" Pacifica agreed "Oh names huh mine is P-A-C-I-F-C-I-C-A."

"And my name is simple. M-I-E-L-A. Thank you, I look forward to sharing a dance with you afterword."

[Teressien]

Kiah Findehoof.
"Alright!", I said with a smile, looked to Pacifica, "We'll dance the Kyrenaian Polka together and then..." I smiled at Miela. "...we'll take the polka after that together?" I grinned. "I'd be glad to!"
I got out my dance card and a pen.
"Though, short question, how are your names spelled?", I asked with a bit of sheepishness.

Both women were surprised by the fact there was a literal dance card and she wasn't being fugriative. Both held back a slight giggle or two but kindly answered "I'd be glad to have the first dance!" Pacifica agreed "Oh names huh mine is P-A-C-I-F-C-I-C-A."

"And my name is simple. M-I-E-L-A. Thank you, I look forward to sharing a dance with you afterword."

Kiah Findehoof.
I noted the names of the two down and smiled - two names on my list! Let Omma deal with the scandalized public!
I knew, that Enya would laugh and wish me quick feet anyway.
"I look forward to it, too.", I said as I put the dance card away, then petted that pocket, "It's a bit of an anachronism, isn't it? Yet, I find it sweet. How're such things handled in the UIS during formal balls?"

Jirou, who would surely be the first known ruler of a Fiefdom in Shikonjima known to be a passionate Minecraft player once he would be Count of Shirayuki someday, grinned back at Heda's question. Indeed, Teressien had not missed the global trend.
He said, "I play Survival only! Creative mode is for the noobs who are too lazy to farm and mine, if you ask me." He let a beat pass. "For most time, I work at my little empire in Single-Player, but I've also played Multi-Player with some of my mates for quite some time. To be precise, on an Alternate-History Roleplay Server, if this rings a bell with you."
Now, Shiruko, 'Speedy', nodded. "It was such a lot of fun, that I've even played along during that time - which confused quite a few of the other players, especially those who knew, that I actually have different passions."
"So, it works like this" - Jirou began to explain, "you have a Minecraft world based on the real world, on a smaller format, of course, but with the shapes and landscapes of real-world countries. You join a country by joining a faction, which is a protection mode for certain areas, to make sure, that only those, who belong to a faction, can build or remove blocks in a given area. In order to become a Leader of your faction, you have to apply in the forums belonging to the server, run by the server's admins and moderators. This is to make sure, that you only run a country you know the history, culture, and architecture of. If the Mods accept you, you're the boss in your country, roleplaying as its ruler in the historical era the server date is set in. In case of our server, it was 1900, so I had to build up the country I ran, which was, of course, the Shikonjimanese Empire, with our homecountry's architecture, and of course, staying realistic to the times, so no large server rooms with sophisticated redstone clocks or something like that, like I build them in my Single-Player world."
"The Alt-History part means, that a particular date is set - in this case 1900, the year continuing each Minecraft year, which would be around three days in real life" - Shiruko added. "Everything that happened until 1900 in real life is set as a base for the Roleplay; everything from that date can be alternated - of course, still in a realistic manner. Though, it was a lot of fun to see Jirou's old friends from Nienhagen already unifying Lillorainen in 1906 and making it the new Nordic World Empire, with a power it never has gained in real life." She laughed.

Shiko had smiled and nodded, as Aaltje had mentioned, that she would love to try wearing Shikonjimanese Dress, including the footwear. As she continued with another topic, a more serious and maybe also somewhat touchy one, Shiko had already finished her glass of water and taken two glasses, one another glass of water and one of wine, the latter of which she now took a sip of, not without raising the glass for a moment.
She nodded.
"I know that issue perfectly, indeed" - she said. "As you are likely to know, Kyouko and I have direct Sharulsi roots; our Grandfather, Yoshita Yamura, has been together with, and also married, a lady named Saikhantsetseg Laagan, a merchant woman from Ulaanels, and had five children with her, one of them being our Dad Shinji Yamura - and he got selected as the new Ruler by the Council of the Kazoku in 1982 and remained as such until he passed away in 2011, Kyouko becoming his successor. And maybe, we all look alike for you, but if you know what to pay attention to, you will see, that Kyouko and I still have distinct facial features a 'pure' Shikonjimanese does not have."
She let a beat pass.
"So, this for the background. When Dad's designation got made public, many nationalists and traditionalists protested. It was a scandal for them, that a Half-Sharulsi gains the Throne. They considered the Royal Family's blood soiled - if you read publications by nationalists from back then, you will find reference to Grandma as a 'Mongol Slut' and worse insults I will not quote now." She took another a sip. "Hmm, a good drop! Now, of course the times have changed. Today, there is a bond of friendship between us and the Sharulsi the degree thereof can be compared to, say, the one between the Selkie and Kyrenaians. Kyouko is on a first-name basis with Atakheer Khan; there are trade agreements, student exchange programs and many more fields of cooperation between our countries. And you must see, that the seventies and eighties were a time when the Shikonjimanese Empire was declining and the economy was in ruins. That's an uncomfortable situation where right-wingers easily gain popularity. Of course, there are still some of them left, but we're not confronted with these elements a lot anymore."
She let another beat pass.
"And Shikonjimanese Royals having foreign roots is not that unusual" - she continued. "Think of Keoke, who is a Half-Confederado, or think of Jirou, who is, mathematically spoken, Half-Shamsiyyan, for he has two Grandparents from the Lands of the Sun. Not to mention, that most Shikonjimanese will discover foreign roots, if they dig in their family history enough, us Royals being no exception. So yes, if there is one family around which Alrich-Koushaku and Miss Findehoof will find a lot of appreciation from, then it's ours."

Heda, Prinzessin von Dorch.
Ah, a man after my tastes! Single-Player Survival, with occasional forays into multiplayer!
Though, I must admit, that my personal way of playing was a bit different... anyway, I smiled through the explanation, nodded. It sounded like a lot of fun!
"I mostly play single player as well, multiplayer only on a shared server with Vin and a few other acquaintances of ours.", I explained, "Nothing as fancy as alternate history, I admit, but it's fun nonetheless. We sometimes do shared projects, like a gigantic castle town - gigantic even by Minecraft-Standards!" I grinned. "We did a castle, in survival, covering a total of 1,621 chunks."
I grinned.
One chunk was 16 by 16 blocks, so you can imagine, how large that bloody thing was.

Aaltje Schreyg.
I nodded.
"I root for them, you know?", I said and glanced towards where Enya and the Fürst were currently conversing with Prince Damir and Princess Aurelia, "Enya's a sweet girl and you can plainly see, how much he likes her... more then any other woman he had ever been seen with. And you can see, how much she likes him."
I did not know any of the story behind Princess Kyouko and her descendency and how much pain it had caused her to be in her position with that sort of opposition, it sounded familiar...
I glanced over to them, newfound respect for her and the rest of Shikonjimanese Royalty in my eyes.
"Enya is a sweet girl and I would hate to see that sweetness lost - not for my sake, because they look cute together, but for her sake.", I added, "Strengthen her back for me, okay? I can not."

Agathe
"Nice story, replies the Dowager Empress with a smile of her own. In the Empire, you see, things have been a bit different. Before The Rebirth, it was very shunned to represent women in a state of very light clothing, let alone nudity. But after The Rebirth War and the start of the reign of Anaximander the Great, a few years later, for his wife's Columbia's birthday, a painter offers her a portrait of her in an almost translucent dress. While many of the guests present are shocked, the Empress likes it, and says that women should be put in better light in artistic representations.
And this is how nude representation and other types of depiction portraying women in light apparel started."

Bradley
"I can imagine the competitions may be fun to watch, replies the Colonel, having thrown a wink back at the Baronin with his only remaining eye. Anyway, would you mind telling me more about your Domain, if you don't mind. I admit, I was so focused on the dance classes for the past week, I missed most notes the Department of Stae had prepared for Agathe and I, admits Myers with a sheepish smile.

Khalid Faris.
"For us, what you refer to as 'nude representation' was never an issue - for either gender, mind you. And anything inbetween.", I added, "Actually, one of the oldest surviving depictions of an intersex person is Kyrenaian." I shrugged. "Trivia you only need in a quiz show... anyway, the analysis as to how much this has changed over the many centuries of Kyrenaian History is quite an interesting topic. I recommend Amir Euri, The Art of the Naked Skin. It's quite well illustrated, too."

Wilrun, Baronin von Port Monee.
"Luckily, most girls around here are too old for the drama and those, who are not, simply do not give a damn if their dance card's full by the end of the evening or not... or are too shy to make a fuss over it.", I added and then sighed, "Port Monee... what's there to say about it. It's a small Herzogtum, mostly known for its shipyards building the best small craft in the world - don't believe what SDY says - and as a place of fishermen. We always relied on trade and commerce, not only relying on fish as a trade commodity, but also apples, something which is quite well-known as well. In fact, when you're at the Refreshment Tables next time, ask one of the Hausmädchen for Apfelwein, or apple wine, from Port Monee."
I smiled.
"Other then that... it's a quiet place, peaceful. Not hectic, not hustly and bustly, not Hochheyde, that's for sure. But quiet.", I said and smiled, "Safe for the soft playing on the strings of a violin wafting through the midday air of Port Monee itself." I giggled. "Sorry, that one was from a novel set in my city."

Berengar remained silent for a few seconds.
In all honesty, he knew next to nothing with regards to philosophy. He had never needed it, after all. One didn't exactly need Aristotelian metaphysics to man a Humvee's gun turret.
Finally, he decided 'To the hell with it' and answered honestly.
"I can't say much about that. I've only heard of the entry-tier ones. Kant, Marx, Hegel, Nietzsche, Schopenhauer...even then, I can't say much about them. My formal schooling ended in the 11th year. After that, signed up with the Reichswehr, ended up being a glorified trucker in Iraq, so sadly, I never really studied it in depth...or at all, to be honest. I would be interested in studying it, though, once I get back to college."

Erika continued to hang back, scrutinizing Ida and trying to figure out why the hell she had approached Berengar.
Presumably, she had approached Berengar because she was interested in him. That wouldn't be a surprise-he looked rather handsome, even to disinterested eyes. Combine that with his position, and you usually got a shit-ton of gold-diggers and women who only want to climb the social ladder.

Of course, you also occasionally get genuinely decent women, but those were an endangered species.
Regardless, she continued to remain behind Berengar, standing at ease, and unless Ida spoke to her, she would continue analyzing her every expression, word, and deed for the slightest hint of less-than-benign intentions.

Ida Findehoof.
I did not miss Erika's scrutiny and I knew, what she was looking for: Any sign of me trying to pinch her date. Oh, that was interesting... little girl believed she could compete with a woman.
Unless I was completely mistaken, Berengar's interest in her was more superficial and his interest in me was... not really there. My interest in him was of a different kind (though not sexual, although I must admit, that I would not mind breaking him in) and as the philosophy topic fell through quite heavily, I nodded.
"I understand.", I said, "My interest in it stems from my time in High School. I was part of the Literature Club and came into contact with the works of Nolwenn Ceannairceach of the Tribe of Fermanagh there, and her Fortham School of Thought." I smiled. "You'll stumble across it, if you study philosophy a bit in depth. It, and Kyrenaian Philosophy on statecraft... stay away from al-Zahir at first, though, he's a hard read." I let a beat pass, then drastically changed the topic: "Say, are you searching for someone to dance the Kyrenaian Polka with?"

Prince Philippe
“Uh, yes. A lemonade would be quite refreshing after that last dance,” the Prince responded. He moved closer to the table next to the Herzogin and grabbed a glass of lemonade. As he stood next to the well-dressed woman, he surveyed the ballroom. The ball was in full swing and was becoming quite the party. Philippe was sure many of his siblings would be jealous that they were not there to also participate in the festivities. Perhaps, the Prince thought, he should travel more and see the world. After all, once married he would most likely be tied to his home and family.

Letting a few moments pass as the Prince took a sip of lemonade, he asked, “So, how are you enjoying the Prince’s Ball, Your Grace? Dancing the night away?”

Princess Maria
The Princess giggled with Rena when she did, but paused for a moment when she shared her words of gratitude. While Maria thought she was just being nice and helping, she wondered if perhaps this night she might have made a new friend. She barely had a few friends back in Rivienland so it would be a delight to have someone to talk to, even if they were oceans away.

Maria responded, “Well, men might have wingmen, but we have sisters. Yes,” the Princess nodding in response, “let us ride into battle.”

Moving back into the ballroom, the party was in full swing. Taking a brief moment to find her brother, Maria spotted him, barely, across the room. Was he talking to a girl? Maria was not surprised, as many of her siblings were still single, but, nonetheless, Maria was curious. Still, she refocused on the task ahead and stayed close to Rena.

Herzogin Alvina von Raycbucht.
I smiled a bit at the question, although it was lopsided.
"No, sadly not much dancing.", I said and took a sip, "My date for the evening sprained his ankle this morning, meaning, that most of dances fell through. So I catch up with a few friends and acquaintances, mostly." I nodded. "It's fun, but it's also fun to make new acquaintances." I smiled a bit more evenly. "So, Your Royal Highness, tell me a bit about you?"
I leaned over slightly.
"I promise to respond in kind.", I told him.

Rena, Prinzessin von Wißenthen.
I nodded.
"Let's.", I said, then moved towards the nearest glass door. "We're looking for a young man, around our age, short red-orange hair, sapphire-blue eyes. Well-dressed, looking natural enough in it to presume, that he was born in suit and tie. He's most likely accompanied by a brown-haired man with similar eyes and glasses." I stopped at the door, looked at Maria. "His name is Raik. And, among us two, he's the most sought-after bachelor in Teressien of our age group, and the second-most-sought-after in total, right behind our Fürst... although that is another matter for itself..."

Ruairi gave off a nod and a cool smile at the Prince's remark about the movie and his ideas.

"Nice. I've heard about Goedele Silex," Ruairi reckoned, "She's well known in Folaisia, alongside Elias Eric MacAuslan, Vincent Taylor and Peigi MacBeathag, the most famous pirates and corsairs. On top on that, I remember she had alliances and rivalries with Elias and Peigi. It's real interesting material. Try taking a look at that sometime whenever you come across it when you do your research. And I wish you good luck on your film.

"Also, not only you should watch Radiant as the Aurora, but also Poisoned Souls, the one I've mentioned to you prior. It's coming out soon in Folaisian theatres, but I'll see if I can acquire one of the first copies from the distribution company for you. Once it's done, of course."

Vin, Prinz von Dorch.
I'll admit, that I was a bit surprised by Silex being so well-known internationally, but then again, I did read about those three corsairs he mentioned as well, especially in the context of Silex, but nothing about them specifically.
I nodded in thanks at the recommendations and well-wishes.
"Radiant as the Aurora, but also Poisoned Souls, understood.", I replied with a smile, "Though no need to get me advanced copies, I'll watch them in cinema once they make it to our parts. Cinema's the best place to enjoy movies!" I smiled and bowed my head lightly. "I appreciate the offer, though."

[Shikonjima]

Heda, Prinzessin von Dorch.
Ah, a man after my tastes! Single-Player Survival, with occasional forays into multiplayer!
Though, I must admit, that my personal way of playing was a bit different... anyway, I smiled through the explanation, nodded. It sounded like a lot of fun!
"I mostly play single player as well, multiplayer only on a shared server with Vin and a few other acquaintances of ours.", I explained, "Nothing as fancy as alternate history, I admit, but it's fun nonetheless. We sometimes do shared projects, like a gigantic castle town - gigantic even by Minecraft-Standards!" I grinned. "We did a castle, in survival, covering a total of 1,621 chunks."
I grinned.
One chunk was 16 by 16 blocks, so you can imagine, how large that bloody thing was.

Aaltje Schreyg.
I nodded.
"I root for them, you know?", I said and glanced towards where Enya and the Fürst were currently conversing with Prince Damir and Princess Aurelia, "Enya's a sweet girl and you can plainly see, how much he likes her... more then any other woman he had ever been seen with. And you can see, how much she likes him."
I did not know any of the story behind Princess Kyouko and her descendency and how much pain it had caused her to be in her position with that sort of opposition, it sounded familiar...
I glanced over to them, newfound respect for her and the rest of Shikonjimanese Royalty in my eyes.
"Enya is a sweet girl and I would hate to see that sweetness lost - not for my sake, because they look cute together, but for her sake.", I added, "Strengthen her back for me, okay? I can not."

Jirou nodded and whistled through his teeth when Heda mentioned the total size of the castle town they had put up - 1621 chunks, each chunk being 16x16 blocks ... that was a quite significant size.
"Now that's a gigantic thing - my respect!" - he said. "Our fortress on said server wasn't remotely as large as that, but it was quite a nice one - even though we had to hurry up a bit." A beat pass. "As for the background, some kiddie roleplaying as the King of Cuore di Cupola, that's some rather small island nation on the other side of the world, suddenly started to claim, that we had stolen two horses from him - which was nonsense, of course, for we had a good load of plains, where horses spawn in masses - yet, he insisted on declaring war on us. On two horses! It's still beyond me how the admins decided to accept the declaration, but they did. Now, the rule on that server was, that each war consists of three battles, and the side winning at least two of them wins the war. The place designated was, of course, Shikonjimanese Mainland. Now, Shiruko and I, as well as our other mates, made advantage of the alliance system, allowing players from other factions to build and remove blocks in allied ones. Luckily, we had allied with the unified Lillorainen, so our Lillorainian mates simply came over and helped. And not only them - another two guys, one of them actually being Leader of Kyrenaia's faction, and one running a Selkie city-state, Cuan, I think, came over as well, saying the casus belli was ridiculous, but the battle itself would surely be fun. They brought tons of obsidian, so the cannons - a feature modded into the server, to make wars somewhat more realistic and the PVP part more fun - wouldn't destroy it that easily. We built until two o'clock in the night, fortifying the entire South Shore. Even a certain someone helped out." He grinned.
"I came back from a three days state visit to the United Confederacy and needed some time off" - Kyouko said, "so Jirou sent me the IP of the server, and the one of the Teamspeak they used, and I came on to defend my country - and if it's only in Minecraft." She shrugged and grinned. That she actually did own this lovely game, that was a detail entirely unknown to the public.
"And on the next day, we were all there, at our fortress, with enough cannons around to bomb an entire country back into the Dark Ages" - Shiruko said. "All looking forward for some nice shootout at the coast of Jikuoka, just waiting for the kiddo declaring war on us over two horses - and then, the bush-bum didn't show up. Which meant, according to the server rules, that the entire war was won by default."
"And this is how Shikonjima got a colony in an island state most Shikonjimanese in real life wouldn't even find on a map" - Jirou concluded, laughing. "But seriously - someday I launched a server with my singleplayer world as well, similar to you guys, just for private matters."
"And Jirou really had a lot of spare time" - Shiruko added, "I'm still wondering where he found time for that underground railroad system."
"It isn't even that long" - Jirou said. "Only like 130 kilometers, counting one block as a cubic meter."
"Only, yeah ... and the lines even have a sophisticated numbering system I'll never get through."
"It's totally easy!" - Jirou insisted. "Lines with even numbers go east-west, lines with odd numbers go north-south, lines going circular have a number divisible by ten. Totally easy." He let a beat pass. "Granted, this system was inspired by the numbering system of Lillorainian Federal Highways."

Shiko nodded. Guessing from the respectful glance Aaltje threw towards the other Shikonjimanese Royals, who were talking to Heda and didn't notice said glance, the Teressian actress hadn't been aware of the issues Shinji-Koushaku had been confronted with back then.
"She is sweet, indeed" - she said, "and I'd be glad to strengthen her back, and so would Kyouko and the others, for sure! After all, our Royal Families would have something in common then - both would have mounted maniacs in them!" She had to grin for a moment. "On a serious note, yes, these traditionalist forces will simply have to deal with it, in case. I can't see anything bad about having some foreign blood in between - not only because of my personal bias, but it also has the clear advantage, that it can easily strengthen the relationships between the Principality and the Free Lands. Just like with us - after all, both Kyouko and I speak Sharulsi Mongolian quite well, which is quite a bonus, not only in Atakheer Khan's eyes, but also in the one of the people over there, many of them still remembering the time, when the Khanate was a part of the Shikonjimanese Empire."
She took another sip.
"Aside from that, people simply need to acknowledge, that the times have changed. Living traditions is one thing, and we stick to ours a lot, no question - but we also live in a globalized world, travel between countries is easier than ever, and so is communication. Millions of children of mixed ethnicity are born everyday, so why should we Royals be an exception? Think of Princess Aurelia, and think of us."
She let a beat pass.
"But I'm digressing. Alrich-Koushaku and Miss Findehoof do fit together, no doubt, and if there's anything we can do to help, we won't hesitate."

[Lux Pulchrae]

[quote=Teressien]
Lone Maachen.
I smiled and nodded at the request of Lord Constantino, then Lord Alessandre asked for Olive Oil. I nodded.
"Of course, Sirs.", I replied and turned, being off.
For a moment, I wondered, what place they came from to blemish such wonderful breadsticks with olive oil of all things, but they were the guests of my Fürst, so I had little to say about their culinary wishes. I had to serve and that would be, what I would do. Of course one would have to look very closely to see anything on my face in regards to that.
The olive oil I got was in small dishes of white porcelain, square little things, two of which I loaded onto my tablet and then added a few glasses of red wine, three in total. It was Hektlinger Rotwein, from a grape variety for colder climates. The deep blue grapes made a deep red, ruby red wine, full-bodied in taste and a wide bouquet of different, fruity tastes, reminding people of blackberries.
I returned to the table of the three gentlemen and set them out and bowed my head. If they would have questions concerning the wine, I would be happy to answer them.
[/quote]

Alessandre nodded his in thanks before dipping the piece of bread into the oil dish and eating it. When he finished he raised his glass as the others did and said "Salute." Luis and Constantino responded with the same words and began to eat as well. "Constantino, where is Marquet? We wouldn't want to leave him out. And ask the maiden to get another glass and leave the bottle if she can. And another plate."

The son swallowed and turned to the maiden "One more favor Madchen and we'll leave you alone. Another plate, a glass, and if you can leave the bottle. Thanks for your patience." he thanked her with a nod, returning to his father's previous question "Lord Marquet found himself some woman. Got all excited over her or something."

"And you're not excited over women? I thought you'd be on the floor already."

"Of course I am, but that French bastard dragged me to the drink table only to leave me for some Jolene Gotfrei woman. Some kinda 'business magnate' Marquet said. He said she could help with 'escape from that lock box Amaglione had put me in'. You know, dramatic." he finished and took a sip of wine.

Alessandre stopped what he was doing and looked up from his plate, shooting a glance to Luis who had done the same. Only, the latter had a smile creep onto his face and started to laugh. "Constantino, go take a quick breather outside. I'm sure it's nice outside."

"Hey, what the hell? I'm still eating." he protested.

"Then take your food and enjoy a meal outside!" Alessandre said a bit more firmly. Sighing, he calmed down "I'm sorry. I just need to speak with Constanza, and neither of us want to get up. But if you want to stay, you can."

"As you wish father." Constantino obeyed, finishing his glass with a gulp before pouring himself another glass. As he stood up with his glass, he asked the maiden in German "I can smoke outside right?"

Jolene Gudfrey in Conversation with Roderique

Jolene chuckled softly and forced a shy blush to form on her soft cheeks. Slight flirtation have always benefited her in the past. In a world where men think they rule, a girl needs to do what she needs to do in order to turn situations slightly in her favour..

Although Roderique was flirting his ass off, and Jolene played along, she was not at the moment really falling for it. She was young and gorgeous - and she knew it. She felt that she could get any man - or women whom she wanted at any time. This made romance a bit boring, yet wanted more at the same time. Still it could not hurt to pretend to play along.

"Well my good sir, I am looking forward to my trip to your organisation.. and your estate.." she flashed a very soft, very sneaky wink - so well hidden that he would question whether it really happened, "I am pleased that you do not hold the same distrust in capitalism as your government, as I am indeed a self proclaimed advocate for capitalism. But that would indeed turn into a long conversation - one which could wait for your estate..

But you have just called me cute, and have decided to raise the flag for capitalism and 'stick it to the man', so we indeed have reason for celebration.." she clinked her wine glass against Roderique's extended champaigne glass, and took a deep sip of her wine. "Now I know of your opposition to sociol protocol, yet its not all bad you know.. Like asking a young lass for a dance for example.."

"Hold one second Madame Jolene." he put a hand up as if to halt her "You are eager as you are beautiful. Yes? Do not take this as any treasonous sentiment towards my government, I merely have a respect of capitalism insofar as it, makes me, money. Back home I am one of the men that many people want to 'stick it to'. Many of Amaglione's takes on the world I still hold, since I was brought up in it. To me, capitalism is a death nail of a nation's country. But that is neither here or there, as they say."

Roderique stopped himself and after a short moment, took a deep breath to calm himself a bit "Now, enough of economics. You say I have an opposition to social protocol, but I would say I just have an opposition to pampered dialogue. Au contraire, I have been to many of these events, so call my blade dull if you would like." he smiled "But, if Madame would like, I will gladly have a dance with her. When the next tune comes." Roderique smiled and then looked around to spot his group's table, who happened to be partaking in appetizers. He returned his attention to Jolene "Would you like to meet my entourage?"

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Ida Findehoof.
I did not miss Erika's scrutiny and I knew, what she was looking for: Any sign of me trying to pinch her date. Oh, that was interesting... little girl believed she could compete with a woman.
Unless I was completely mistaken, Berengar's interest in her was more superficial and his interest in me was... not really there. My interest in him was of a different kind (though not sexual, although I must admit, that I would not mind breaking him in) and as the philosophy topic fell through quite heavily, I nodded.
"I understand.", I said, "My interest in it stems from my time in High School. I was part of the Literature Club and came into contact with the works of Nolwenn Ceannairceach of the Tribe of Fermanagh there, and her Fortham School of Thought." I smiled. "You'll stumble across it, if you study philosophy a bit in depth. It, and Kyrenaian Philosophy on statecraft... stay away from al-Zahir at first, though, he's a hard read." I let a beat pass, then drastically changed the topic: "Say, are you searching for someone to dance the Kyrenaian Polka with?"

OOC: oh shit I forgot about Berengar



Put simply, Ida was wrong about Erika.
There was no thought in her mind of this being a 'date'-Berengar was here to make sure she didn't do anything stupid, and she was here to make sure he didn't do anything stupid or brash. Which was unlikely, of course, but there was never such a thing as too much caution.
Berengar still was unsure as to why Ida had approached him. Sure, she was attractive, and apparently intelligent, and had he been a few years younger he probably would have pursued the prospect. But now he was older, and if not wiser, at least less naive. He had no idea what she actually thought of him, or his country, or more importantly his family.
Most likely her motives were benign-she came from a rich and and well-respected family, and presumably wouldn't need any more wealth or prestige, but still, a few nagging doubts remained, although nowhere on the level of the paranoia that Erika had.
He also made a mental note to check out Ceannariceach when he got back home.

After Ida popped her question, he and Erika glanced at each other. She nodded, giving her approval. Apparently, Ida had passed her inspection, for now.
His eyes returned to Ida's.
"I am, actually." he replied.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Khalid Faris.
"For us, what you refer to as 'nude representation' was never an issue - for either gender, mind you. And anything inbetween.", I added, "Actually, one of the oldest surviving depictions of an intersex person is Kyrenaian." I shrugged. "Trivia you only need in a quiz show... anyway, the analysis as to how much this has changed over the many centuries of Kyrenaian History is quite an interesting topic. I recommend Amir Euri, The Art of the Naked Skin. It's quite well illustrated, too."

Wilrun, Baronin von Port Monee.
"Luckily, most girls around here are too old for the drama and those, who are not, simply do not give a damn if their dance card's full by the end of the evening or not... or are too shy to make a fuss over it.", I added and then sighed, "Port Monee... what's there to say about it. It's a small Herzogtum, mostly known for its shipyards building the best small craft in the world - don't believe what SDY says - and as a place of fishermen. We always relied on trade and commerce, not only relying on fish as a trade commodity, but also apples, something which is quite well-known as well. In fact, when you're at the Refreshment Tables next time, ask one of the Hausmädchen for Apfelwein, or apple wine, from Port Monee."
I smiled.
"Other then that... it's a quiet place, peaceful. Not hectic, not hustly and bustly, not Hochheyde, that's for sure. But quiet.", I said and smiled, "Safe for the soft playing on the strings of a violin wafting through the midday air of Port Monee itself." I giggled. "Sorry, that one was from a novel set in my city."

Dowager Empress Agathe Blachkov
"I'll be sure to look this bool up, replies Anaximander's mother before taking a sip of her drink.
So, how havr things been going in the Tabar Boys Academy as of late? Since the campus is neighbor to the Haram Girls Academy, how did things went for you guys after the attack in July that claimed the life of one of our citizens?"

Colonel Bradley Myers.
"I don't have to listen to SDY or anyone else when it comes to boats and crafts, replies the one-eyed Imperial Guard. I've seen what we can do in the Empire, that convinces me enough to not look further.
So, concerning Port Monee, where is it located exactly in the Principalty? I didn't look the map in detail on the Wikia, says Bradley with a wink.
And also, many people have been mentioning the violin tonight. I take it that it is an instrument very present in your traditions?"

[Port Ember]

"Hold one second Madame Jolene." he put a hand up as if to halt her "You are eager as you are beautiful. Yes? Do not take this as any treasonous sentiment towards my government, I merely have a respect of capitalism insofar as it, makes me, money. Back home I am one of the men that many people want to 'stick it to'. Many of Amaglione's takes on the world I still hold, since I was brought up in it. To me, capitalism is a death nail of a nation's country. But that is neither here or there, as they say."

Roderique stopped himself and after a short moment, took a deep breath to calm himself a bit "Now, enough of economics. You say I have an opposition to social protocol, but I would say I just have an opposition to pampered dialogue. Au contraire, I have been to many of these events, so call my blade dull if you would like." he smiled "But, if Madame would like, I will gladly have a dance with her. When the next tune comes." Roderique smiled and then looked around to spot his group's table, who happened to be partaking in appetizers. He returned his attention to Jolene "Would you like to meet my entourage?"

Jolene Gudfrey in Conversation with Roderique.

Jolene observed and listened to Roderique rant defencively regarding her pro capitalist statement. He was clearly upset and getting pretty worked up about her previous statement. She cocked her head a little to the side and flashed a soft smile. 'Cute', she thought to herself. She found this man to be.. intriguing. He was clearly a capitalist at heart, yet angered when labeled as such. He considered himself a patriot, yet his loyalty clearly rested by himself.

She was not concerned that she probally insulted him, she found it amusing in fact. A healthy fencing of arguments were good for chemistry.

"Oh Mister Marquet, I am not eager. I only know what I want - and how to get it." she flashed another extremely sneaky smile. "I meant no offence my good Sir. I am not questioning your loyalty to your nation. I am merely admiring your drive for success.". This much was true - she admired people who did not shy away from risks or challenges. Indeed she herself inherited a company which waa on the very brink of bankruptcy, and changed it to a world player, and turning herself into one of the wealthiest people alive in a matter of only a few years - all by accepting the challenge and taking risks.

She placed her now empty glass down on a nearby table, and hooked her arm into the arm of Roderique. "Oh Blunt Blade - I would be honoured to meet your entourage. Please lead the way - and not forget your promise of dance!"

[Danceria]

Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
"I don't want to hear excuses, apologies or explanations.", I told him, whispered, "You are here and that is the important part. Feeling your arms, your heartbeat... it is doing more then anything else could for me..."
I swallowed.
"Yet, I know, that Fadia looks forward to meeting your again, maybe even a dance, if I would let her.", I got out a hiccupping laugh, "Of course I would... I know, that you would not step on her toes." I buried my face in his chest. "It's so painful, you know? Coming into her bedroom, seeing her sitting there, knowing, that she would do nothing more then come along, wear a pretty dress herself, maybe get a few Teressian Princes to stand in line for a chance to dance... maybe even taking out one for a stroll through the gardens..."
I let a beat pass.
"Kalak guards her, since I can not. He keeps her company, when I can not.", I told him, "He's a good lad."

Morgane Macánta of the Tribe of Cork.
I had to snort in amusement at the question - mainly due to it coming completely out of left field. That was not, what I expected him to ask!
I smiled at him. "All of them. Though old legends tell of an occasion, when Rhiannon invited for a small snack and Cailb fell in love with her pudding recipe, going on a quest to find a relic in exchange. That one's a meat pudding, we call that one Milseog. Aside from that, she's generally seen as Goddess of all kinds of pudding."
I shrugged.
"Pudding is also an important part of funeral festivities, as we mourn the loss of someone held dear not by being sad about him or her being gone, but by being happy about him or her having been there.", I said and smiled, "I know, it might be a bit weird for a Christian to hear that."

Aceus

---

Aceus nodded, and held her head near his chest, letting his heartbeat soothe her. Since that would do more than any words, he obliged, it was the least he could do. After a few moments where Fara would either continue to vent, or simply recover, Aceus kissed her on her head. Perhaps reminiscent of a paternal or fraternal affection towards her, showing that he loved her not only physically, but romantically as well. “I would rather you and yours be with me in a half-made apartment building than all the festivals that this world has to offer.” the Dancerian King spoke softly and sincerely.

Rev. Stavros

---

“You forget where I am from, Priestess.” the Elder smiled. “In Danceria, the customs are very similar...though I suppose the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” rings true even among your gods.” he joked. After all, it would do him little good to ask about her fellow priestess's daughter-and by extension the fate of King Aceus’s own offspring if she thought think him unapproachable. Social theory was such an entertaining thing to put into practice. Stavros kept his eye on the Patriarch, waiting for an opportunity to excuse himself politely and speak with His Beatitude at length about the nature of the Kyrenaian Christian community...and hopefully away from prying eyes and ears. By no means was he an official diplomatic liaison of His Majesty of Danceria by any length of the term.

[Folaisia]

Vin, Prinz von Dorch.
I'll admit, that I was a bit surprised by Silex being so well-known internationally, but then again, I did read about those three corsairs he mentioned as well, especially in the context of Silex, but nothing about them specifically.
I nodded in thanks at the recommendations and well-wishes.
"Radiant as the Aurora, but also Poisoned Souls, understood.", I replied with a smile, "Though no need to get me advanced copies, I'll watch them in cinema once they make it to our parts. Cinema's the best place to enjoy movies!" I smiled and bowed my head lightly. "I appreciate the offer, though."

"As you wish, then," Ruairi nodded, smiling at the Prince's enthusiasm, "As an actor, I sometimes watch my own films in cinema, premieres or not, with the exception of the poor-quality ones. Other times, I just watch them in my home with other people I've known; family, friends and such, so I don't have to waste fuel for the car," he then nodded in small distances.

"Speaking of corsairs and their subsequent tone of adventure," Ruairi then pointed out, "there are two more films that I recommend watching, and they're both based off the same novel by Mabel Sorcha Kennedy: Under the Wing Feather. There's the 1989 animated film, and the 1996 live-action version, the latter of which I've starred in. Both award-winning in Folaisia. It features not only action, but also romance. If you bring your sister along, she could grow enticed to them, ignoring the violence and what-not," he shrugged.

[Teressien]

Jirou nodded and whistled through his teeth when Heda mentioned the total size of the castle town they had put up - 1621 chunks, each chunk being 16x16 blocks ... that was a quite significant size.
"Now that's a gigantic thing - my respect!" - he said. "Our fortress on said server wasn't remotely as large as that, but it was quite a nice one - even though we had to hurry up a bit." A beat pass. "As for the background, some kiddie roleplaying as the King of Cuore di Cupola, that's some rather small island nation on the other side of the world, suddenly started to claim, that we had stolen two horses from him - which was nonsense, of course, for we had a good load of plains, where horses spawn in masses - yet, he insisted on declaring war on us. On two horses! It's still beyond me how the admins decided to accept the declaration, but they did. Now, the rule on that server was, that each war consists of three battles, and the side winning at least two of them wins the war. The place designated was, of course, Shikonjimanese Mainland. Now, Shiruko and I, as well as our other mates, made advantage of the alliance system, allowing players from other factions to build and remove blocks in allied ones. Luckily, we had allied with the unified Lillorainen, so our Lillorainian mates simply came over and helped. And not only them - another two guys, one of them actually being Leader of Kyrenaia's faction, and one running a Selkie city-state, Cuan, I think, came over as well, saying the casus belli was ridiculous, but the battle itself would surely be fun. They brought tons of obsidian, so the cannons - a feature modded into the server, to make wars somewhat more realistic and the PVP part more fun - wouldn't destroy it that easily. We built until two o'clock in the night, fortifying the entire South Shore. Even a certain someone helped out." He grinned.
"I came back from a three days state visit to the United Confederacy and needed some time off" - Kyouko said, "so Jirou sent me the IP of the server, and the one of the Teamspeak they used, and I came on to defend my country - and if it's only in Minecraft." She shrugged and grinned. That she actually did own this lovely game, that was a detail entirely unknown to the public.
"And on the next day, we were all there, at our fortress, with enough cannons around to bomb an entire country back into the Dark Ages" - Shiruko said. "All looking forward for some nice shootout at the coast of Jikuoka, just waiting for the kiddo declaring war on us over two horses - and then, the bush-bum didn't show up. Which meant, according to the server rules, that the entire war was won by default."
"And this is how Shikonjima got a colony in an island state most Shikonjimanese in real life wouldn't even find on a map" - Jirou concluded, laughing. "But seriously - someday I launched a server with my singleplayer world as well, similar to you guys, just for private matters."
"And Jirou really had a lot of spare time" - Shiruko added, "I'm still wondering where he found time for that underground railroad system."
"It isn't even that long" - Jirou said. "Only like 130 kilometers, counting one block as a cubic meter."
"Only, yeah ... and the lines even have a sophisticated numbering system I'll never get through."
"It's totally easy!" - Jirou insisted. "Lines with even numbers go east-west, lines with odd numbers go north-south, lines going circular have a number divisible by ten. Totally easy." He let a beat pass. "Granted, this system was inspired by the numbering system of Lillorainian Federal Highways."

Shiko nodded. Guessing from the respectful glance Aaltje threw towards the other Shikonjimanese Royals, who were talking to Heda and didn't notice said glance, the Teressian actress hadn't been aware of the issues Shinji-Koushaku had been confronted with back then.
"She is sweet, indeed" - she said, "and I'd be glad to strengthen her back, and so would Kyouko and the others, for sure! After all, our Royal Families would have something in common then - both would have mounted maniacs in them!" She had to grin for a moment. "On a serious note, yes, these traditionalist forces will simply have to deal with it, in case. I can't see anything bad about having some foreign blood in between - not only because of my personal bias, but it also has the clear advantage, that it can easily strengthen the relationships between the Principality and the Free Lands. Just like with us - after all, both Kyouko and I speak Sharulsi Mongolian quite well, which is quite a bonus, not only in Atakheer Khan's eyes, but also in the one of the people over there, many of them still remembering the time, when the Khanate was a part of the Shikonjimanese Empire."
She took another sip.
"Aside from that, people simply need to acknowledge, that the times have changed. Living traditions is one thing, and we stick to ours a lot, no question - but we also live in a globalized world, travel between countries is easier than ever, and so is communication. Millions of children of mixed ethnicity are born everyday, so why should we Royals be an exception? Think of Princess Aurelia, and think of us."
She let a beat pass.
"But I'm digressing. Alrich-Koushaku and Miss Findehoof do fit together, no doubt, and if there's anything we can do to help, we won't hesitate."

Heda, Prinzessin von Dorch.
I giggled at the story about the little noob loosing by not showing up and nodded at the gigantic underground railroad system. The conversion of one block being one metre along the sides was quite common, so 130,000 blocks of railroad network...
"Must have taken an awful lot of time to mine for all the iron!", I said with, admittedly, a bit of wide-eyed surprise. "Six iron for one pack of 16 tracks, 130,000 tracks divided by 16 is... 8,125, I think, times six... 48,750, if I didn't screw up somewhere along the lines." Calculating things in my head was a bit of a passion of mine. "Not counting in the additional infrastructure needed. Not bad. Really not bad." I bowed my head lightly. "My respects."

Aaltje Schreyg.
I smiled, nodded at certain points.
"Very good, Your Majesty, thank you.", I said and bowed my head respectfully. I meant it. "Though, I believe, it would be best to tell them that yourself. After all, it is they we are currently... basically gossiping about."
"Oh, oh, someone found the attention of gossip!", someone playfully said from the side, joining our conversation, a tall gentleman with blue eyes and brown hair, who I recognized as Gerulf von Sykane, who's wife Rena was surprisingly absent. "I hope it's not me..."
I smiled. "Don't worry, Mister von Sykane, it's not you.", I assured him, "Rather our good Fürst and his girlfriend."
"Ah...", he said and nodded, "That is one topic, which I keep my little hands out of." Now that was a surprise!, I thought. He smiled, then extended his hand to Shiko, would take it and breath a kiss onto it as the customs demanded. "Good evening to you, fair lady. I'm Gerulf von Sykane. Who do I have the pleasure with?"

Alessandre nodded his in thanks before dipping the piece of bread into the oil dish and eating it. When he finished he raised his glass as the others did and said "Salute." Luis and Constantino responded with the same words and began to eat as well. "Constantino, where is Marquet? We wouldn't want to leave him out. And ask the maiden to get another glass and leave the bottle if she can. And another plate."

The son swallowed and turned to the maiden "One more favor Madchen and we'll leave you alone. Another plate, a glass, and if you can leave the bottle. Thanks for your patience." he thanked her with a nod, returning to his father's previous question "Lord Marquet found himself some woman. Got all excited over her or something."

"And you're not excited over women? I thought you'd be on the floor already."

"Of course I am, but that French bastard dragged me to the drink table only to leave me for some Jolene Gotfrei woman. Some kinda 'business magnate' Marquet said. He said she could help with 'escape from that lock box Amaglione had put me in'. You know, dramatic." he finished and took a sip of wine.

Alessandre stopped what he was doing and looked up from his plate, shooting a glance to Luis who had done the same. Only, the latter had a smile creep onto his face and started to laugh. "Constantino, go take a quick breather outside. I'm sure it's nice outside."

"Hey, what the hell? I'm still eating." he protested.

"Then take your food and enjoy a meal outside!" Alessandre said a bit more firmly. Sighing, he calmed down "I'm sorry. I just need to speak with Constanza, and neither of us want to get up. But if you want to stay, you can."

"As you wish father." Constantino obeyed, finishing his glass with a gulp before pouring himself another glass. As he stood up with his glass, he asked the maiden in German "I can smoke outside right?"

[...]

Lone Maachen.
I smiled and nodded.
"Of course, Sir.", I confirmed and before I could be off, Constantino asked me about being allowed to smoke on the patio. To that, too, I nodded. "Of course. There's also ashtrays and chairs around, Sir."
And with that, I was off to do the bidding of these people.
Though another set of things, then the bottle... hm... I waved another Hausmädchen over, Lykke, who took care of the wine for me. She was a pretty young woman, quite confident and skilful.
Together, we departed after a few moments of preparations, got back to the table just as quickly and set everything out for another mysterious arrival. Of course I managed to organize a bottle of wine for them, from the same house as their current one, and had Lykke open it at the table.
We then bowed our heads and waited if there was something else.

Lien, Prinzessin von Byrkland. Out on the Patio.
People, who did not know me, I could come off as cold and frigid. Those people could kiss my arse - not that I would ever let them, but the thought matters.
Anyway, I am Lien, Prinzessin von Byrkland, a black haired, blue eyes young woman, my black hair going down well past my shoulders. I was seventeen, sent by my Father in his stead so that he could focus on something urgent in Byrktopia.
I wore a red, backless halterneck dress with a side-slit, which hugged my body closely, emphasizing what curves I had - not many, I'll admit, especially when compared to some of the other women present, but that would come. Hopefully.
I was also a few centimeters taller, thanks to a pair of black heels, which currently killed my feet. A pair of earring in silver and a pair of long, deep-red gloves matching the dress completed the outfit.
I stood outside, near one of the ashtrays, not because I was a smoker but because it was one of the spots with a view not occupied by some lovey-dovey couple enjoying the Gardens. A glass of wine stood near me, giving a solid idea as to what I was drinking, a small plate with a few nibbles next to it.
I was not a social butterfly.
I did not notice it, when the glass door opened.

OOC: oh shit I forgot about Berengar



Put simply, Ida was wrong about Erika.
There was no thought in her mind of this being a 'date'-Berengar was here to make sure she didn't do anything stupid, and she was here to make sure he didn't do anything stupid or brash. Which was unlikely, of course, but there was never such a thing as too much caution.
Berengar still was unsure as to why Ida had approached him. Sure, she was attractive, and apparently intelligent, and had he been a few years younger he probably would have pursued the prospect. But now he was older, and if not wiser, at least less naive. He had no idea what she actually thought of him, or his country, or more importantly his family.
Most likely her motives were benign-she came from a rich and and well-respected family, and presumably wouldn't need any more wealth or prestige, but still, a few nagging doubts remained, although nowhere on the level of the paranoia that Erika had.
He also made a mental note to check out Ceannariceach when he got back home.

After Ida popped her question, he and Erika glanced at each other. She nodded, giving her approval. Apparently, Ida had passed her inspection, for now.
His eyes returned to Ida's.
"I am, actually." he replied.

Ida Findehoof.
Whatever Erika thought she was or wasn't doing with the Crown Prince, the glance they threw at each other told volumes. Someone was afraid of getting her date pinched - and someone was afraid of getting pinched!
It was kind-of cute, actually.
"Wonderful!", I said and reached into a pocked of my Gwand, taking out the dance card and noting Berengar down before showing what I had been doing. "My apologies, a little Teressian Anachronism. A dance card." The Polonaise was left empty, I didn't dance that one, the Kyrenaian Polka now had Berengar proudly written next to it in fluid cursive, the Selkie-Polka was reserved by a Mister Yvain Saighead of the Tribe of Westmeath and I would dance one of the waltzes with a 'Lieutenant Commander Karim Maghamir, Royal Kyrenaian Coast Guard', one of the air racers. The rest was still free. "It's a fun little tradition and a good souvenir."

Dowager Empress Agathe Blachkov
"I'll be sure to look this bool up, replies Anaximander's mother before taking a sip of her drink.
So, how havr things been going in the Tabar Boys Academy as of late? Since the campus is neighbor to the Haram Girls Academy, how did things went for you guys after the attack in July that claimed the life of one of our citizens?"

Colonel Bradley Myers.
"I don't have to listen to SDY or anyone else when it comes to boats and crafts, replies the one-eyed Imperial Guard. I've seen what we can do in the Empire, that convinces me enough to not look further.
So, concerning Port Monee, where is it located exactly in the Principalty? I didn't look the map in detail on the Wikia, says Bradley with a wink.
And also, many people have been mentioning the violin tonight. I take it that it is an instrument very present in your traditions?"

Khalid Faris.
I smiled a small smile.
"Holding together.", I said. "Of course, the greatest concern for you would be, that one of your former subjects perished in that, but the lads are actually more concerned, that ten of the HGA were killed and 69 injured, in addition to staff and other tourists... friends, girlfriends, sisters, lassies we cheer for during sports competitions, even some Princesses." I remembered the case of Princess Fadia. "It hit them hard, but they're the TBA." I smiled. "Two days after the attack, there was a huge demonstration against terrorism in Utica, with both the Supporting Movement and the Opposing Movement setting their differences aside and calling for everyone to come. Around eight million people took to the streets, the TBA's Horseman Team proudly astride, together with the HGA's team. The HGA-Girls had their wounded, as far as they could, with them, Princess Aurelia wearing her bandages like badges of honour."
Eight million participants, according to estimates by the Police - fifty million people in the entire Utica Metropolitan Area. That had been one huge demonstration.

Wilrun, Baronin von Port Monee.
At his comment about the shipyards in the Empire, I almost chuckled, but was clearly amused. Whatever they produced, it didn't have shit on SDY - and SDY didn't have shit on the boatbuilders in Port Monee, so, laddie, imagine where the hobby-boatbuilders in your country rank!
But let's leave it at that, it would only cause the destruction of this nice conversation.
"Port Monee is in the Großkleckserl Islands, North of Hammacker. You might know HMW, they're from Hammacker.", I explained by the far more famous company. "Anyway, the violin is indeed a quite favoured instrument around these parts, mostly due to musical traditions."

Aceus

---

Aceus nodded, and held her head near his chest, letting his heartbeat soothe her. Since that would do more than any words, he obliged, it was the least he could do. After a few moments where Fara would either continue to vent, or simply recover, Aceus kissed her on her head. Perhaps reminiscent of a paternal or fraternal affection towards her, showing that he loved her not only physically, but romantically as well. “I would rather you and yours be with me in a half-made apartment building than all the festivals that this world has to offer.” the Dancerian King spoke softly and sincerely.

Rev. Stavros

---

“You forget where I am from, Priestess.” the Elder smiled. “In Danceria, the customs are very similar...though I suppose the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” rings true even among your gods.” he joked. After all, it would do him little good to ask about her fellow priestess's daughter-and by extension the fate of King Aceus’s own offspring if she thought think him unapproachable. Social theory was such an entertaining thing to put into practice. Stavros kept his eye on the Patriarch, waiting for an opportunity to excuse himself politely and speak with His Beatitude at length about the nature of the Kyrenaian Christian community...and hopefully away from prying eyes and ears. By no means was he an official diplomatic liaison of His Majesty of Danceria by any length of the term.

Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
I knew, that he meant his words.
Yet, I still got out of his hug, stood, turned. This was not the time for some sweet sentiments, no matter how heartfelt they were. This was a time of turmoil and upheaval.
That his kiss on my forehead creeped into fraternal, maybe even paternal shows of affection only aided my decision.
I took a deep breath.
"I know, that you meant these words, Aceus.", I said in a low voice, my back to him, "I know, that you mean them, maybe even with your heart... yet..." I sighed. "Ilia and Aurelia sent their best regards." I said in an attempt to change the topic, meaning Ilia Zahf and Aurelia Farasha of my swimmer team, who Aceus had met. "Everyone knows, that he'll ask her the Question sooner rather then later, but he still hasn't figured out, how. I thought about having him meet Father, so that he can get a few tips, but you know, how he and Mom got together."

Morgane Macánta of the Tribe of Cork.
Love goes through the stomach indeed, not only for mortals, but also for Gods.
Anyway, I saw, that he was not completely with me in the conversation, waiting on Adil's return. Of course, the Christian would seek to speak with his fellow Cousin in Christ. I could not hold it against him, it was not that different from when Mona visited one of the Diaspora-Communities.
I smiled, wanted to reply as I felt a hand taking my own.
"My apologies.", Adil said to me and Stavros with a bow, smiling, his golden eyes sparkling, "I was kept by an old friend. Did I miss something important?"
"Only a bit of culinary talk.", I said with a smile, actually enjoying the hands held, "The story of the Meat Pudding Recipe."
"Oh, one of my favourites!", he said and smiled.

"As you wish, then," Ruairi nodded, smiling at the Prince's enthusiasm, "As an actor, I sometimes watch my own films in cinema, premieres or not, with the exception of the poor-quality ones. Other times, I just watch them in my home with other people I've known; family, friends and such, so I don't have to waste fuel for the car," he then nodded in small distances.

"Speaking of corsairs and their subsequent tone of adventure," Ruairi then pointed out, "there are two more films that I recommend watching, and they're both based off the same novel by Mabel Sorcha Kennedy: Under the Wing Feather. There's the 1989 animated film, and the 1996 live-action version, the latter of which I've starred in. Both award-winning in Folaisia. It features not only action, but also romance. If you bring your sister along, she could grow enticed to them, ignoring the violence and what-not," he shrugged.

Vin, Prinz von Dorch.
Well, even if nothing more happened tonight, I had a whole lot of movie-recommendations, that was for sure!
"Under the Wing Feather, both versions, got it.", I said with a grin, "Though, if you are talking about animated movies, I would recommend Schürhaken, I think that one was released internationally as Fire-Poker. It's a story about a fireplace room and what it has seen over the many years, from a glorious house, to strife, to marriages being arranged, children being introduced, business and politics, over many generations, until... well, I won't spoil the ending!"
I grinned at the end.

[Folaisia]

Vin, Prinz von Dorch.
Well, even if nothing more happened tonight, I had a whole lot of movie-recommendations, that was for sure!
"Under the Wing Feather, both versions, got it.", I said with a grin, "Though, if you are talking about animated movies, I would recommend Schürhaken, I think that one was released internationally as Fire-Poker. It's a story about a fireplace room and what it has seen over the many years, from a glorious house, to strife, to marriages being arranged, children being introduced, business and politics, over many generations, until... well, I won't spoil the ending!"
I grinned at the end.

"You're welcome, Your Highness," he replied, "And I hope I'm not aggravating you with so much films on your head."

After the Prince explained the animated movie he mentioned, Ruairi raised one eyebrow as he kept his grin.

"That sounds rather peculiar for a movie, if I must say," he commented, "being that a fireplace room what I assume to be a protagonist. Nonetheless," he then acknowledged, "your intention to not give a spoiler has elicited a wee spark of intrigue within myself. I'll check it out for sure."

Ruairi turned and gazed at the rest of the ballroom, then at the direction of the Refreshments Table.

"By the way, who do you have as a dance partner for the Polka? I know that Miss Schreyg herself has Mister Onekel as a partner, meaning that I should look for one."

[Shikonjima]

Heda, Prinzessin von Dorch.
I giggled at the story about the little noob loosing by not showing up and nodded at the gigantic underground railroad system. The conversion of one block being one metre along the sides was quite common, so 130,000 blocks of railroad network...
"Must have taken an awful lot of time to mine for all the iron!", I said with, admittedly, a bit of wide-eyed surprise. "Six iron for one pack of 16 tracks, 130,000 tracks divided by 16 is... 8,125, I think, times six... 48,750, if I didn't screw up somewhere along the lines." Calculating things in my head was a bit of a passion of mine. "Not counting in the additional infrastructure needed. Not bad. Really not bad." I bowed my head lightly. "My respects."

Aaltje Schreyg.
I smiled, nodded at certain points.
"Very good, Your Majesty, thank you.", I said and bowed my head respectfully. I meant it. "Though, I believe, it would be best to tell them that yourself. After all, it is they we are currently... basically gossiping about."
"Oh, oh, someone found the attention of gossip!", someone playfully said from the side, joining our conversation, a tall gentleman with blue eyes and brown hair, who I recognized as Gerulf von Sykane, who's wife Rena was surprisingly absent. "I hope it's not me..."
I smiled. "Don't worry, Mister von Sykane, it's not you.", I assured him, "Rather our good Fürst and his girlfriend."
"Ah...", he said and nodded, "That is one topic, which I keep my little hands out of." Now that was a surprise!, I thought. He smiled, then extended his hand to Shiko, would take it and breath a kiss onto it as the customs demanded. "Good evening to you, fair lady. I'm Gerulf von Sykane. Who do I have the pleasure with?"

Jirou nodded and bowed his head lightly as well, thanking Heda.
"Arigatou gozaimasu!" - he said. "Now, it's actually 97,500, for all lines are double-track. Then again, you need to subtract 9,750 from this, and add the gold and redstone consumption into it, for I place a boost rail every ten blocks. So it's ..." - it took him a second to calculate, "87,750 iron bars. Divided by nine, it's ... again, 9,750 iron blocks. This by 64 ... let's say, around 150 stacks of iron blocks, so around three chests. And you need lots of wooden sticks, of course, but unless your entire map ends up as a wasteland of deserts and mountains - which would be impossible by any world generation algorithm that has ever been in use in the game, but just hypothetically -, you won't have a lot of problems getting masses of wood."
He let a beat pass.
"The entire process took me years, of course" - he continued. "Most resources I need came from the underground, of course, from the tunnels I've dug, and the caves and abandoned mine shafts I found during this. Of course, I didn't just dig some two-blocks-wide and three-blocks-high standard tunnel - that's lame. Some of my tunnels really have sophisticated designs, even a luxury line with quartz decoration in it. The Nether looks like a Swiss Cheese because of that, and I have a sizeable collection of the tears of all the Ghasts that annoyed me during that work, but it was worth the effort."
"Especially since the world is online now, so he doesn't have to do it all on his own" - Shiruko added.
"Yup. You must also see, that the world is many years old, from a time before the Elytra got implemented, and boats were slower and much harder to control than nowadays, and also, of course, only useful on the water. Horses weren't a thing before, I think, version 1.6, either, and likewise, they aren't much useful if you need to cross an ocean. My projects are all kilometers apart and in different biomes, mostly due to the constant implementation of new items and blocks throughout the all the versions. Railroads have been the most efficient way to travel huge distances in Minecraft for a very long time, so it made sense to put an extensive railroad network up. Also, they offer a good alternative way to find your way, next to maps, compasses, and coordinates - thanks to the numbering system of my lines. I also put a kilometer stone up every 200 blocks, a stone with a sign saying the number of the line and the kilometers from that point to the beginning of the line, so I always know how long a line is and where I am."
"Which confused me in the beginning a lot" - Shiruko said. "And how he could find me back when I got lost, only by me saying, I'm at Line 5, kilometer 7.6, was like witchcraft for me." She laughed.

Shiko had nodded - telling them themselves was probably a good plan. Gossip itself had never helped anyone.
Said gossip was interrupted by a gentleman with brown hair and blue eyes, who also was surprisingly tall (even for a Teressian, who all would seem somewhat tall to a Shikonjimanese), who turned out to be Gerulf von Sykane, CEO of the Sykane Mining Company. He wasn't particularly keen on entering the gossip on Fürst Alrich and Enya, but was glad not to be gossiped about himself.
He extended his hand to Shiko, who, indeed followed the customs and breathed a kiss onto it.
As he had introduced himself, Shiko bowed her head lightly and said, "Kombanwa!", Good evening in Shikonjimanese. "I am Princess Shiko Yamura of Shikonjima - the younger sister of Princess Kyouko, who is here as well, along with Keoke of Inushima, Shiruko of Akebono, and Jirou of Shirayuki." She nodded in their direction. "The pleasure is entirely mine!"
She let a beat pass.
"A wonderful evening, isn't it? Along with all the gossip ... " She had to grin.

[Draycora]

Häkkinen-Couple
Prince Nyyrikki enjoyed the dance as he enjoyed every dance with his wife. When the ruling couple returned to the minister, they received a compliment.
"Yes, we Elves know how to behave on balls", the Prince said. "I see you have already prepared yourself."
The prince pointed to her drinks. When he saw that the minister and his wife were already serving, he and his wife took the red wine.
"So, Minister, what is there to report about your country".

[AHSCA]

Kiah Findehoof.
I noted the names of the two down and smiled - two names on my list! Let Omma deal with the scandalized public!
I knew, that Enya would laugh and wish me quick feet anyway.
"I look forward to it, too.", I said as I put the dance card away, then petted that pocket, "It's a bit of an anachronism, isn't it? Yet, I find it sweet. How're such things handled in the UIS during formal balls?"

Both just kind of look perplexed thinking how such an occasion would be. "Well to be honest," Miela spoke up "I don't think we've ever had very fancy balls like this. Dances for sure but usually just music playing and drinking. You'd just walk up to someone and ask them to dance with you!" She smiled brightly

"Pretty much. I just asked Miela if she felt like going to a ball with me and well she agreed, rather surprisingly." Pacifica added.

"Pacifica thinks she knows everything about me, but I still have many secrets I keep." She gave a wink.

[Danceria]

Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
I knew, that he meant his words.
Yet, I still got out of his hug, stood, turned. This was not the time for some sweet sentiments, no matter how heartfelt they were. This was a time of turmoil and upheaval.
That his kiss on my forehead creeped into fraternal, maybe even paternal shows of affection only aided my decision.
I took a deep breath.
"I know, that you meant these words, Aceus.", I said in a low voice, my back to him, "I know, that you mean them, maybe even with your heart... yet..." I sighed. "Ilia and Aurelia sent their best regards." I said in an attempt to change the topic, meaning Ilia Zahf and Aurelia Farasha of my swimmer team, who Aceus had met. "Everyone knows, that he'll ask her the Question sooner rather then later, but he still hasn't figured out, how. I thought about having him meet Father, so that he can get a few tips, but you know, how he and Mom got together."

Morgane Macánta of the Tribe of Cork.
Love goes through the stomach indeed, not only for mortals, but also for Gods.
Anyway, I saw, that he was not completely with me in the conversation, waiting on Adil's return. Of course, the Christian would seek to speak with his fellow Cousin in Christ. I could not hold it against him, it was not that different from when Mona visited one of the Diaspora-Communities.
I smiled, wanted to reply as I felt a hand taking my own.
"My apologies.", Adil said to me and Stavros with a bow, smiling, his golden eyes sparkling, "I was kept by an old friend. Did I miss something important?"
"Only a bit of culinary talk.", I said with a smile, actually enjoying the hands held, "The story of the Meat Pudding Recipe."
"Oh, one of my favourites!", he said and smiled.

Aceus

---

Aceus understood. Now was not the time for sentiments, he needed to help her through, and get her mind off of the harsher times. “I’m certain he’ll steer Ilia in the right direction.” he reassured her with a smile.

[u]Rev. Stavros[/i]

---

“Yes, a recipe I must remember to ask about later.” the Heiromonk would smile. “Or at the very least, hear the story. I’m certain that the Clergy of Calib would be hard pressed to divulge the secret recipe of their patroness.” he answered slyly. “If you will excuse the both of us, Priestess? Patriarch Btryrik and I have some...business to discuss.” he would lower his voice. “Though do not be surprised if King Aceus wishes to speak with you in private…it will hopefully be a rather beneficial conversation.” With a final knowing nod and smile, he would escort the Patriarch to the hors d'oeuvres.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Ida Findehoof.
Whatever Erika thought she was or wasn't doing with the Crown Prince, the glance they threw at each other told volumes. Someone was afraid of getting her date pinched - and someone was afraid of getting pinched!
It was kind-of cute, actually.
"Wonderful!", I said and reached into a pocked of my Gwand, taking out the dance card and noting Berengar down before showing what I had been doing. "My apologies, a little Teressian Anachronism. A dance card." The Polonaise was left empty, I didn't dance that one, the Kyrenaian Polka now had Berengar proudly written next to it in fluid cursive, the Selkie-Polka was reserved by a Mister Yvain Saighead of the Tribe of Westmeath and I would dance one of the waltzes with a 'Lieutenant Commander Karim Maghamir, Royal Kyrenaian Coast Guard', one of the air racers. The rest was still free. "It's a fun little tradition and a good souvenir."

Berengar raised an eyebrow. “Huh...Intresting. Haven’t really seen many of those.”
In truth, while he had been to other balls before, he rarely danced, and usually he didn’t see the dance card, so this was somewhat novel for him.
He was, though, familiar with the other type of “dance card”, thanks to his sister’s fondness for WW2-themed movies. When used by pilots in US Military Aviation(usually the Army Air Force), it meant a record of the time a crew spent “dancing” with their aircraft.

As he tried to shake these thoughts, he caught sight of Erika heading for the gardens.
He suppressed the twinge of worry he had. This wasn’t Iraq. She wouldn’t be raped and killed by some batshit fundamentalist just for having the wrong skin color, or for not wear the right clothes, or for being the wrong religion. Besides, her father was out there...right?

Once again, he tried to dismiss his thoughts, and succeeded. Erika would be fine. She was almost 18, she could look after herself for an hour or two.

He returned his attention to Ida and tried to change the subject, if only so that they didn’t just stare awkwardly at each other until the dance started...although, granted, certain parts of her were hard to not stare at.

“...So, how’s the family, if you don’t mind me prying?” he asked.

[Teressien]

"You're welcome, Your Highness," he replied, "And I hope I'm not aggravating you with so much films on your head."

After the Prince explained the animated movie he mentioned, Ruairi raised one eyebrow as he kept his grin.

"That sounds rather peculiar for a movie, if I must say," he commented, "being that a fireplace room what I assume to be a protagonist. Nonetheless," he then acknowledged, "your intention to not give a spoiler has elicited a wee spark of intrigue within myself. I'll check it out for sure."

Ruairi turned and gazed at the rest of the ballroom, then at the direction of the Refreshments Table.

"By the way, who do you have as a dance partner for the Polka? I know that Miss Schreyg herself has Mister Onekel as a partner, meaning that I should look for one."

Vin, Prinz von Dorch.
I grinned at his interest, knowing, that he might like it. It was more of an artistic movie, I give any critic that, but I believed in the concept and the execution.
As he gazed around and asked, if I had a partner for the Kyrenaian Polka, I nodded.
"Indeed, I have one.", I said and stood next to him, motioning towards the Refreshments Table, where one woman stood over the rest. No, seriously, that woman was... "See the tower of a woman, dark skin, red eyes, short, blonde hair?" He would easily be able to spot her, as she was 2.16 metres tall before she put on heels. "Khana Amina bint-Karim, the Khana of Sheliak in Kyrenaia. Keenly interested in air racing and my partner for the Kyrenaian Polka."
I grinned. That there were sculptors, who longed to have a woman like her as their model was only the icing on the proverbial cake, since she was available as a model for fun.
"Now, if I am not completely mistaken...", I said and shifted my gaze to where Prince Damir and Princess Aurelia were just finishing up their conversation with Fürst Alrich and Miss Findehoof. "...Princess Aurelia is still looking for a partner for the next one."
She, too, was a stunner, although considerably shorter, her long, blonde hair brushed and cared for, her eyes sparkling like sapphires, her Fistan Alshams enhancing her considerable curves. One saw at a distance, that she was not wearing heels, so she was close to her actual height. She was a Princess from a land loved by the sun and she was not afraid of showing that. Sadly, she already had a girlfriend...
"So, if you have a lot of luck..."
I thought, that this was almost a challenge!

Jirou nodded and bowed his head lightly as well, thanking Heda.
"Arigatou gozaimasu!" - he said. "Now, it's actually 97,500, for all lines are double-track. Then again, you need to subtract 9,750 from this, and add the gold and redstone consumption into it, for I place a boost rail every ten blocks. So it's ..." - it took him a second to calculate, "87,750 iron bars. Divided by nine, it's ... again, 9,750 iron blocks. This by 64 ... let's say, around 150 stacks of iron blocks, so around three chests. And you need lots of wooden sticks, of course, but unless your entire map ends up as a wasteland of deserts and mountains - which would be impossible by any world generation algorithm that has ever been in use in the game, but just hypothetically -, you won't have a lot of problems getting masses of wood."
He let a beat pass.
"The entire process took me years, of course" - he continued. "Most resources I need came from the underground, of course, from the tunnels I've dug, and the caves and abandoned mine shafts I found during this. Of course, I didn't just dig some two-blocks-wide and three-blocks-high standard tunnel - that's lame. Some of my tunnels really have sophisticated designs, even a luxury line with quartz decoration in it. The Nether looks like a Swiss Cheese because of that, and I have a sizeable collection of the tears of all the Ghasts that annoyed me during that work, but it was worth the effort."
"Especially since the world is online now, so he doesn't have to do it all on his own" - Shiruko added.
"Yup. You must also see, that the world is many years old, from a time before the Elytra got implemented, and boats were slower and much harder to control than nowadays, and also, of course, only useful on the water. Horses weren't a thing before, I think, version 1.6, either, and likewise, they aren't much useful if you need to cross an ocean. My projects are all kilometers apart and in different biomes, mostly due to the constant implementation of new items and blocks throughout the all the versions. Railroads have been the most efficient way to travel huge distances in Minecraft for a very long time, so it made sense to put an extensive railroad network up. Also, they offer a good alternative way to find your way, next to maps, compasses, and coordinates - thanks to the numbering system of my lines. I also put a kilometer stone up every 200 blocks, a stone with a sign saying the number of the line and the kilometers from that point to the beginning of the line, so I always know how long a line is and where I am."
"Which confused me in the beginning a lot" - Shiruko said. "And how he could find me back when I got lost, only by me saying, I'm at Line 5, kilometer 7.6, was like witchcraft for me." She laughed.

Shiko had nodded - telling them themselves was probably a good plan. Gossip itself had never helped anyone.
Said gossip was interrupted by a gentleman with brown hair and blue eyes, who also was surprisingly tall (even for a Teressian, who all would seem somewhat tall to a Shikonjimanese), who turned out to be Gerulf von Sykane, CEO of the Sykane Mining Company. He wasn't particularly keen on entering the gossip on Fürst Alrich and Enya, but was glad not to be gossiped about himself.
He extended his hand to Shiko, who, indeed followed the customs and breathed a kiss onto it.
As he had introduced himself, Shiko bowed her head lightly and said, "Kombanwa!", Good evening in Shikonjimanese. "I am Princess Shiko Yamura of Shikonjima - the younger sister of Princess Kyouko, who is here as well, along with Keoke of Inushima, Shiruko of Akebono, and Jirou of Shirayuki." She nodded in their direction. "The pleasure is entirely mine!"
She let a beat pass.
"A wonderful evening, isn't it? Along with all the gossip ... " She had to grin.

Heda, Prinzessin von Dorch.
Okay, he took this more serious then I did...
"I am surprised, that you basically adopted such an elaborate system of coordination and traffic, but still... respect.", I said and then explained: "You see, I have a road system along the surface and, at geographically interesting positions, I established safe houses, small buildings with a bed, a few chests, furnace and so on... nowadays, thanks to the Pillager-Update, most of them are Not-so-safe houses anymore, but they are good starting locations for the expansion of said safe houses into safer houses, but that's another story, which Vin and I need to tackle one of these days..."

Aaltje Schreyg.
"It indeed is.", Gerulf said and smiled a lopsided smile, "Though I can not speak of the gossip. I'm mostly the target of it..."
"Speaking of which, where's Rena?", I asked with a small smile.
"Currently catching up with Herzogin Lone.", he replied with small shrug, "They are sisters, after all." He then smiled with a bit of charme. "Which leaves me in a bit of a pickle, as I have no partner for the Kyrenaian Polka."
I shook my head. "I already have promised that one Bertram.", I said and looked to Shiko. "How about you, Shiko?"
Gerulf turned to her, too, hope shining in his eyes - who said, that the competitiveness was limited to women?

Häkkinen-Couple
Prince Nyyrikki enjoyed the dance as he enjoyed every dance with his wife. When the ruling couple returned to the minister, they received a compliment.
"Yes, we Elves know how to behave on balls", the Prince said. "I see you have already prepared yourself."
The prince pointed to her drinks. When he saw that the minister and his wife were already serving, he and his wife took the red wine.
"So, Minister, what is there to report about your country".

Adalrich von Ehrenback.
I nodded at his reply to the compliment - to be honest, from what little I knew about his country, I had expected little else.
The Hausmädchen, once satisfied that everyone had drinks, bowed her head and was off.
"What is there to tell about Teressien?", I asked rhetorically, "A lot. We have a beautiful countryside, for starters, and very good engineering companies, above all of them HMW, the Hammacker Motorenwerke. Both their CEO and their posterchild for their motorcycle product ranges are here tonight, if you are interested." I knew how to talk, but I was not much of a fan of it. One could see that. "We also have good wine, good beer and good food, as well as festivals celebrating all three of that, though I admit, that such things are subjective."
I let a beat pass, then raised my glass to a toast.
"So, to good wine, good food, good beer and better company?", I proposed as a toast.

Kiah Findehoof.
I noted the names of the two down and smiled - two names on my list! Let Omma deal with the scandalized public!
I knew, that Enya would laugh and wish me quick feet anyway.
"I look forward to it, too.", I said as I put the dance card away, then petted that pocket, "It's a bit of an anachronism, isn't it? Yet, I find it sweet. How're such things handled in the UIS during formal balls?"

Both just kind of look perplexed thinking how such an occasion would be. "Well to be honest," Miela spoke up "I don't think we've ever had very fancy balls like this. Dances for sure but usually just music playing and drinking. You'd just walk up to someone and ask them to dance with you!" She smiled brightly

"Pretty much. I just asked Miela if she felt like going to a ball with me and well she agreed, rather surprisingly." Pacifica added.

"Pacifica thinks she knows everything about me, but I still have many secrets I keep." She gave a wink.

Kiah Findehoof.
I nodded, grinned.
"Sounds a like a lot of fun.", I said and then added: "It also sounds a lot like the festivals I've been to, both here and in the Free Lands. Taking a girl for a spin, I mean..." I smiled at a memory. "...though the First Dance is always something big, for every girl in either country. Both the first dance of the year and the first dance ever. A friend of mine's daughter just had her first one... although it was more rhythmic stumbling, to be honest, but that's not the point. He was apparently strawberry-red during the whole order and she was not much better!"
I giggled.
"They looked so adorable together - a bit like you two, only differently.", I added.

Aceus

---

Aceus understood. Now was not the time for sentiments, he needed to help her through, and get her mind off of the harsher times. “I’m certain he’ll steer Ilia in the right direction.” he reassured her with a smile.

Rev. Stavros[/i]

---

“Yes, a recipe I must remember to ask about later.” the Heiromonk would smile. “Or at the very least, hear the story. I’m certain that the Clergy of Calib would be hard pressed to divulge the secret recipe of their patroness.” he answered slyly. “If you will excuse the both of us, Priestess? Patriarch Btryrik and I have some...business to discuss.” he would lower his voice. “Though do not be surprised if King Aceus wishes to speak with you in private…it will hopefully be a rather beneficial conversation.” With a final knowing nod and smile, he would escort the Patriarch to the hors d'oeuvres.

[u]Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
I nodded. Sure, if they would meet and speak eye to eye, he would give him a kick into the right direction, but there lay the problems: Ilia and Father would never meet in a situation, that would allow for him to push him, and even if, Ilia was still from Thenae, a Son of the Ilkhanate of Megido.
The two would never speak eye to eye.
Silence for a few moments.
"We don't really have much to tell each other, now do we?", I asked with sadness in my voice.

Adil Btryrik.
When I returned, I expected to join a conversation in full swing, not to be led away as if I was arrested - and not for my arrestor to lead me away. Correspondingly slightly irritated and slightly confused as I was, I tore myself free from the other man's grip with a small smile.
"One moment, please.", I said and turned to Morgane, stunned by her beauty for a moment, then taking her hand.
There were manners to be kept in mind and as I took her hand, I looked deeply into her golden eyes and kissed her hand, telling her something in fluid Selkie. She smiled and nodded, then replied something, that sounded like a confirmation.
I grinned and returned to Stavros' side with a smile.
"My apologies, Morgane is an old friend of mine and I would hate to leave her standing.", I said and then faced the Refreshments Table, taking a water from one of the Hausmädchen. "Now, you wanted to discuss 'business'..."
I smiled slightly.

Berengar raised an eyebrow. “Huh...Intresting. Haven’t really seen many of those.”
In truth, while he had been to other balls before, he rarely danced, and usually he didn’t see the dance card, so this was somewhat novel for him.
He was, though, familiar with the other type of “dance card”, thanks to his sister’s fondness for WW2-themed movies. When used by pilots in US Military Aviation(usually the Army Air Force), it meant a record of the time a crew spent “dancing” with their aircraft.

As he tried to shake these thoughts, he caught sight of Erika heading for the gardens.
He suppressed the twinge of worry he had. This wasn’t Iraq. She wouldn’t be raped and killed by some batshit fundamentalist just for having the wrong skin color, or for not wear the right clothes, or for being the wrong religion. Besides, her father was out there...right?

Once again, he tried to dismiss his thoughts, and succeeded. Erika would be fine. She was almost 18, she could look after herself for an hour or two.

He returned his attention to Ida and tried to change the subject, if only so that they didn’t just stare awkwardly at each other until the dance started...although, granted, certain parts of her were hard to not stare at.

“...So, how’s the family, if you don’t mind me prying?” he asked.

Ida Findehoof.
The little girl soon beat a hasty retreat, which made me think twice about their relationship... either that or she had an awful lot of faith in him.
Either way, I also saw, that Berengar was trying valiantly to not let his eyes stray away from my face. A well-raised young man, I had to give him that.
When he asked about the family, I smiled.
"Oh, everyone's fine and healthy.", I said with a nod, "Ida and her team won another swimming competition just a few days back. She swims for the University of Fortham Swimmer Team." There was a certain bit of pride in my Little Sis' accomplishment in my voice, which only grew a bit: "And Enya graduated a few days back from the Iris Boarding School Complex near Fortham. She even has approval to begin studies here in Teressien, at the University of Hochheyde - Trade and Industry, specialized in brewing."
I let a beat pass.
"How about your family?", I asked.

[Lux Pulchrae]

Jolene Gudfrey in Conversation with Roderique.

Jolene observed and listened to Roderique rant defencively regarding her pro capitalist statement. He was clearly upset and getting pretty worked up about her previous statement. She cocked her head a little to the side and flashed a soft smile. 'Cute', she thought to herself. She found this man to be.. intriguing. He was clearly a capitalist at heart, yet angered when labeled as such. He considered himself a patriot, yet his loyalty clearly rested by himself.

She was not concerned that she probally insulted him, she found it amusing in fact. A healthy fencing of arguments were good for chemistry.

"Oh Mister Marquet, I am not eager. I only know what I want - and how to get it." she flashed another extremely sneaky smile. "I meant no offence my good Sir. I am not questioning your loyalty to your nation. I am merely admiring your drive for success.". This much was true - she admired people who did not shy away from risks or challenges. Indeed she herself inherited a company which waa on the very brink of bankruptcy, and changed it to a world player, and turning herself into one of the wealthiest people alive in a matter of only a few years - all by accepting the challenge and taking risks.

She placed her now empty glass down on a nearby table, and hooked her arm into the arm of Roderique. "Oh Blunt Blade - I would be honoured to meet your entourage. Please lead the way - and not forget your promise of dance!"

Roderique was almost surprised when she took the initiative and hooked her arm with his "Of course, let us go. Forgive my delay in asking you to a dance." he says as they start walking "I generally don't ask my business prospects to a dance during talks, mostly because they aren't women. And don't worry, my blade is not as blunt as my approach." they walked towards the table, Roderique saw Constantino standing up and being guided away from the table, wondering where he was going. The other two walked among themselves until Roderique and his new friend had arrived to which they had stopped and stood up to greet them. "Madame Jolene may I introduce Lord Alessandre Massimo, son of Rome and Lord Luis Constanza. Gentlemen, this is Jolene Gudfrey." The two mentioned shook hands with young woman before sitting down "Lord Massimo here is an advisor to the king, not exactly the king's right hand, that would be the king's brother. Lord Massimo is like, the king's left foot." Roderique said with a cheeky smile as he pulled out Jolene's seat and sat where Constantino sat, then continuing "And Lord Constanza is the Duke of Toccamare. He used to run that province's ports as the portmaster."

"I still do, just not personally." he corrected in his deep voice, biting into one of the chicken balls.

"Of course. So, what is going on here?" Roderique asked

"Nothing, just a light antipasto." Alessandre responded "Neither Constanza or I are dancing, surprised you found someone." he turned to Jolene "Bonasera Signorina Gudfrey, pleasure to meet you. Don't be afraid to ask for whatever, we surely weren't. Well, my son just stepped outside so I hope you know German." he sipped his wine and was silent for a moment "So Signorina Gudfrey, what brings you to this event? Are you some kind of noble or princess or someone's daughter?"

Luis knew who she was or rather her company, to some extent. Names tended to travel on the ports. Despite knowing, he still asked "Jolene Gudfrey? Is that Belgian?"

I confirmed and before I could be off, Constantino asked me about being allowed to smoke on the patio. To that, too, I nodded. "Of course. There's also ashtrays and chairs around, Sir."
And with that, I was off to do the bidding of these people.
Though another set of things, then the bottle... hm... I waved another Hausmädchen over, Lykke, who took care of the wine for me. She was a pretty young woman, quite confident and skilful.
Together, we departed after a few moments of preparations, got back to the table just as quickly and set everything out for another mysterious arrival. Of course I managed to organize a bottle of wine for them, from the same house as their current one, and had Lykke open it at the table.
We then bowed our heads and waited if there was something else.

Lien, Prinzessin von Byrkland. Out on the Patio.
People, who did not know me, I could come off as cold and frigid. Those people could kiss my arse - not that I would ever let them, but the thought matters.
Anyway, I am Lien, Prinzessin von Byrkland, a black haired, blue eyes young woman, my black hair going down well past my shoulders. I was seventeen, sent by my Father in his stead so that he could focus on something urgent in Byrktopia.
I wore a red, backless halterneck dress with a side-slit, which hugged my body closely, emphasizing what curves I had - not many, I'll admit, especially when compared to some of the other women present, but that would come. Hopefully.
I was also a few centimeters taller, thanks to a pair of black heels, which currently killed my feet. A pair of earring in silver and a pair of long, deep-red gloves matching the dress completed the outfit.
I stood outside, near one of the ashtrays, not because I was a smoker but because it was one of the spots with a view not occupied by some lovey-dovey couple enjoying the Gardens. A glass of wine stood near me, giving a solid idea as to what I was drinking, a small plate with a few nibbles next to it.
I was not a social butterfly.
I did not notice it, when the glass door opened.

Constantino was led out into the patio and promptly thanked the maiden with a bow, a moment after she left a thought hit him "I never asked her for her name. Wonder if they take tip. Then again this is their job. Oh well." He looked around, pretty nice view, there were already people here and there. Having a the glass in his left hand kind of limited mobility as he felt his jacket, going into his inner breast pocket he pulled out a pack of cigarettes, opened it and pulled one out with his teeth. After lighting it and taking a drag, he spotted a seat and didn't think twice about sitting down. While he sat he began to look around when he noticed someone not so far standing by an ashtray. He didn't know how to greet her because he didn't know where she was from, what she spoke or who she was. He simply stuck with what he knew "Ciao" he said with a wave. "Probably from here, reasonable, no foreigners look like that. Wait, I'm a foreigner. She does look a bit young. Why is she outside all alone? I wouldn't want to be here when I was younger. Hmm, maybe she is. Weird. Maybe she'll like a smoke." these thoughts came up in Constantino's mind, which tended to be very inquisitive when he's alone. To be safe he spoke in German "Want a smoke?" taking out the pack from his inner pocket.

[Shikonjima]

Heda, Prinzessin von Dorch.
Okay, he took this more serious then I did...
"I am surprised, that you basically adopted such an elaborate system of coordination and traffic, but still... respect.", I said and then explained: "You see, I have a road system along the surface and, at geographically interesting positions, I established safe houses, small buildings with a bed, a few chests, furnace and so on... nowadays, thanks to the Pillager-Update, most of them are Not-so-safe houses anymore, but they are good starting locations for the expansion of said safe houses into safer houses, but that's another story, which Vin and I need to tackle one of these days..."

Aaltje Schreyg.
"It indeed is.", Gerulf said and smiled a lopsided smile, "Though I can not speak of the gossip. I'm mostly the target of it..."
"Speaking of which, where's Rena?", I asked with a small smile.
"Currently catching up with Herzogin Lone.", he replied with small shrug, "They are sisters, after all." He then smiled with a bit of charme. "Which leaves me in a bit of a pickle, as I have no partner for the Kyrenaian Polka."
I shook my head. "I already have promised that one Bertram.", I said and looked to Shiko. "How about you, Shiko?"
Gerulf turned to her, too, hope shining in his eyes - who said, that the competitiveness was limited to women?

Jirou had to sigh, but then grinned.
"Yeah, the Pillager-Update ..." - he said, "the day when my safe, walled, illuminated Villager farm suddenly started to look like Sishahr-Chandrabhanupur during the Colonial Wars." He snorted. "Reminds me of the one AI update many years ago, when my bog-standard cactus mob trap suddenly didn't work anymore because the zombies and skeletons were suddenly smart enough to just go around it instead of walking straight into it." He shrugged. "Well, times change, and so does the game ... it's another reason why I had to expand into huge distances - certain biomes were hard to find in an area I already explored in the Alpha versions. And that's why my longest line goes up to the surface at a certain point - I've found some nice, impressive landscapes, which one can enjoy during the Minecart ride. Should you ever see that world, you really should grab yourself a Minecart and enjoy the view you have from the 'Shinkansen'!"
He let a beat pass.
"Granted, the most annoying work were these 'bread knife mountains', as I call them - the sudden, ugly edges you have in a world as soon as you explore new chunks generated after a switch in the world generation algorithm. They need a lot of terraforming - or the laziness to just leave them as they are, depending on your mood."

Shiko could well understand Gerulf's issue with gossip - being the target of it was not exactly unknown to her, and sometimes, she read the Yellow Press just to get an idea of what stories people made up, and most of these left her either laughing, or shaking her head. Or both.
Anyways ... someone still needed a dance partner for the Kyrenaian Polka - and indeed, while competitiveness was surely not limited to woman, it was surely inherent to Shikonjimanese, regardless of the purity level of their blood. Bragging rights and everything.
And who could resist Gerulf's charme, unless one had a good reason to?
"I happen to be free!" - Shiko said, nodding. "So, yes, it would be a pleasure for me to have the next dance with you!"

[Port Ember]

Roderique was almost surprised when she took the initiative and hooked her arm with his "Of course, let us go. Forgive my delay in asking you to a dance." he says as they start walking "I generally don't ask my business prospects to a dance during talks, mostly because they aren't women. And don't worry, my blade is not as blunt as my approach." they walked towards the table, Roderique saw Constantino standing up and being guided away from the table, wondering where he was going. The other two walked among themselves until Roderique and his new friend had arrived to which they had stopped and stood up to greet them. "Madame Jolene may I introduce Lord Alessandre Massimo, son of Rome and Lord Luis Constanza. Gentlemen, this is Jolene Gudfrey." The two mentioned shook hands with young woman before sitting down "Lord Massimo here is an advisor to the king, not exactly the king's right hand, that would be the king's brother. Lord Massimo is like, the king's left foot." Roderique said with a cheeky smile as he pulled out Jolene's seat and sat where Constantino sat, then continuing "And Lord Constanza is the Duke of Toccamare. He used to run that province's ports as the portmaster."

"I still do, just not personally." he corrected in his deep voice, biting into one of the chicken balls.

"Of course. So, what is going on here?" Roderique asked

"Nothing, just a light antipasto." Alessandre responded "Neither Constanza or I are dancing, surprised you found someone." he turned to Jolene "Bonasera Signorina Gudfrey, pleasure to meet you. Don't be afraid to ask for whatever, we surely weren't. Well, my son just stepped outside so I hope you know German." he sipped his wine and was silent for a moment "So Signorina Gudfrey, what brings you to this event? Are you some kind of noble or princess or someone's daughter?"

Luis knew who she was or rather her company, to some extent. Names tended to travel on the ports. Despite knowing, he still asked "Jolene Gudfrey? Is that Belgian?"

Jolene Gudfrey - In conversation with Roderique

As Jolene walked with Roderique, arms hooked-in, towards his table, he made small talk - appologising for not asking her to dance sooner, explaining that it was merely an act of habit, as all of his business partners from before were men. Jolene knew this to be true - the business world was still very much dominated by the male gender, accross majority of the planet.

When the duo arrived at the table, Roderique pulled out a chair for her, whilst the two older seated gentleman rose from their seats in greeting. Jolene shook the extended hands of the gentleman and offered an additional soft bow in gesture before continuing to sit down on the pulled out chair. She was pleased that this grouping indeed adhered to common social protocal and etiquette.

She thanked Roderique for offering the chair, and listened to his introductions of the older gentleman. Lord Alessandre Massimo, son of Rome was an apparant noble of his country of birth and a advisor to their king. Jolene giggled softly at Roderique's joke of him being the 'king's left foot'. Lord Luis Constanza was apparantly the Duke of Toccamare, and their old Portmaster, which he still is but in a more unofficial capacity. This intrigued her as she knew the importance of a Portmaster and the honor it brought. Before Port Ember privatised their ports, this was one the most prestigious political positions in the country. After the port was privatised, the position still affords much respect and wealth - just no longer any political connotations. Jolene owned a large part of Komodo Bay Port in Port Ember Megalopolis, and her employed Portmaster was a man who she considered as part of her inner circle.

The older gentlemen then informed her that she was welcome to order some bites as they have, but she had no intention of doing so. She had learned not to eat at such events, as the oppertunities to embarress yourself whilst eating were too numurous. Its hard for a young lady to be taken seriously when a piece of food is stuck in between her teeth! Thus she responded, "Thank you for the kind offer my Lord, yet I am not hungry. I would rather order another glass of this delicious wine when the waitress makes another turn here."

Lord Massimo mentioned that his son has left the table recently, and hoped that she understood german - implying that the men will converse in their native tounge soon. Luckily she spoke german well. Although being her third language, she was comfortable with the language as she used it a lot for commerce purposes. Lord Massimo continued asking her regarding who she was - status and family related. She was a bit surprised that these gentleman knew not her name - especially with a Portmaster in their midst, as her ships were a household brand to everyone in the industry, no matter from where. She hided her surprise well nontheless. Jolene switched over to german as she replied, "Well my lord, my father is the Minister of Trade & Industry in the Republic of Port Ember.. but that is not why I have gained admittance to this gala. I am afraid my invite was not based on any sort of worthy family lineage - but rather due to my status as a Bootstrapper*. I am the Chairman and CEO of Gudfrey Trading Company and subsidaries.."

She turned to Lord Constanza whom asked whether her name was Belgian, to which she responded - still in german, "No my lord, it is most definitely a Port Emberian name. But if one really wishes to delve, it is most probaly from my family's mixed german and french bloodline, before my ancestors arrived in Port Ember, but that is many many hundreds of years ago."

[Danceria]

Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
I nodded. Sure, if they would meet and speak eye to eye, he would give him a kick into the right direction, but there lay the problems: Ilia and Father would never meet in a situation, that would allow for him to push him, and even if, Ilia was still from Thenae, a Son of the Ilkhanate of Megido.
The two would never speak eye to eye.
Silence for a few moments.
"We don't really have much to tell each other, now do we?", I asked with sadness in my voice.

Adil Btryrik.
When I returned, I expected to join a conversation in full swing, not to be led away as if I was arrested - and not for my arrestor to lead me away. Correspondingly slightly irritated and slightly confused as I was, I tore myself free from the other man's grip with a small smile.
"One moment, please.", I said and turned to Morgane, stunned by her beauty for a moment, then taking her hand.
There were manners to be kept in mind and as I took her hand, I looked deeply into her golden eyes and kissed her hand, telling her something in fluid Selkie. She smiled and nodded, then replied something, that sounded like a confirmation.
I grinned and returned to Stavros' side with a smile.
"My apologies, Morgane is an old friend of mine and I would hate to leave her standing.", I said and then faced the Refreshments Table, taking a water from one of the Hausmädchen. "Now, you wanted to discuss 'business'..."
I smiled slightly.

Aceus

---

The Dancerian shook his head with a disarming smile. “...I just thought it’d be wiser to listen, than to speak just about myself…” he admitted bashfully. “...Other than to suggest some sort of a distant dig for the two antique lovers, so that way he may pop the question in a place where they both can make their own history…”

Rev. Stavros

---

Fraternization with pagans was not unheard of in Danceria, and Stavros noted the Patriarch’s displeasure of being led away from his presumed dancing partner. The Selkie sadly went over the Heiromonk’s tonsured head. “Not so much as business, as to...reconnect with cousins in Christ.” the Reverend admitted, taking a water of his own from one of the Housemaids. “If I am preventing Your Beatitude from dancing with her, I will bow out, of course. I merely wished to discuss the droll trivia before the festivities began in earnest.” It was true, this would hardly be the first encountered the good Reverend had planned for the Patriarch. “Patience after all is a virtue, and I am more than willing to re-learn it.” One need not force the hand of God after all, and with Aurelia finishing up with her own dance...well, Stavros would have preferred to gauge his chances with the Christian Community prior to his fated confrontation with the Beauty of Utica. The Lord presents opportunities in mysterious ways, and who was he to deny an opportunity?

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Khalid Faris.
I smiled a small smile.
"Holding together.", I said. "Of course, the greatest concern for you would be, that one of your former subjects perished in that, but the lads are actually more concerned, that ten of the HGA were killed and 69 injured, in addition to staff and other tourists... friends, girlfriends, sisters, lassies we cheer for during sports competitions, even some Princesses." I remembered the case of Princess Fadia. "It hit them hard, but they're the TBA." I smiled. "Two days after the attack, there was a huge demonstration against terrorism in Utica, with both the Supporting Movement and the Opposing Movement setting their differences aside and calling for everyone to come. Around eight million people took to the streets, the TBA's Horseman Team proudly astride, together with the HGA's team. The HGA-Girls had their wounded, as far as they could, with them, Princess Aurelia wearing her bandages like badges of honour."
Eight million participants, according to estimates by the Police - fifty million people in the entire Utica Metropolitan Area. That had been one huge demonstration.

Wilrun, Baronin von Port Monee.
At his comment about the shipyards in the Empire, I almost chuckled, but was clearly amused. Whatever they produced, it didn't have shit on SDY - and SDY didn't have shit on the boatbuilders in Port Monee, so, laddie, imagine where the hobby-boatbuilders in your country rank!
But let's leave it at that, it would only cause the destruction of this nice conversation.
"Port Monee is in the Großkleckserl Islands, North of Hammacker. You might know HMW, they're from Hammacker.", I explained by the far more famous company. "Anyway, the violin is indeed a quite favoured instrument around these parts, mostly due to musical traditions."

Dowager Empress Agathe Blachkov
"I imagine what this must have been like, replies Agathe with a sad smile. What you described is very similar to what happened after my husband's body was rapatriated after his death in Libreville in May 2010. Around forty milllion people in our capital city, and around two hundred million more in various cities in the Empire watching on giant screens, being present when the funeral convoy passed through the streets. And among the people present, the surviving members of his Personal Guard.
Anyway, may they all rest in peace wherever they are now, finishes the Emperor's mother as she downs the last of her water, before signaling to a Haudsmachen for another glass.
So, sad subjects aside, I saw that you were here with your mother. What does she expects from tonight?"

Imperial Guard Colonel Bradley Myers
"I've heard of HMW, but didn't look too much into it, replies Bradley. I only remember Anax telling me last year when he came back from the state visit in Kyrenaia that Princess Aurelia liked that brand.
So, since the violin is favoured in the Principalty, what type of music is played the most with it?
And also, I've been asking question on question for the past minutes about your country, but surely you must have some of your own about the Empire? asks the Colonel with a smile.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Ida Findehoof.
The little girl soon beat a hasty retreat, which made me think twice about their relationship... either that or she had an awful lot of faith in him.
Either way, I also saw, that Berengar was trying valiantly to not let his eyes stray away from my face. A well-raised young man, I had to give him that.
When he asked about the family, I smiled.
"Oh, everyone's fine and healthy.", I said with a nod, "Ida and her team won another swimming competition just a few days back. She swims for the University of Fortham Swimmer Team." There was a certain bit of pride in my Little Sis' accomplishment in my voice, which only grew a bit: "And Enya graduated a few days back from the Iris Boarding School Complex near Fortham. She even has approval to begin studies here in Teressien, at the University of Hochheyde - Trade and Industry, specialized in brewing."
I let a beat pass.
"How about your family?", I asked.

Berengar nodded firmly. "Send them my congratulations. As for my own...Well, same here, I suppose. Mother's recovering from a bout of the cold, father's spending time with her...Annemarie's been volunteering incognito at a soup kitchen, Casimir's headed off to medical school, and Adelheid, before I left, was trying to sign up with the Air Force." He chuckled. "Actually, to be honest, it was more like my mother actively trying to hold her back, quite literally, from going to the recruiting office. She did the same to me, I expect she'll do the same to Annemarie as well. Erika...well, she was with us 30 seconds ago...Once she gets back to Karabala, her godfather's going to continue taking care of her, unless her pap takes her home with him...not sure which, honestly. They haven’t told me..."
OOC: I'm going to assume you meant Kiah instead of Ida.

---

Erika sidestepped through the crowd, eventually reaching an exit that lead into the garden.

After exiting, and closing the door behind her, she let out a relieved sigh and began to pace around it, not paying attention to anything in particular. Over time she found herself whistling-and then singing-a certain song that her mother had taught to her.
It was a wistful tune, and her mother sang it often, remembering her father, and comforting herself with the idea that, once day, when she scrounged up enough money working as a secretary, she would return to Danceria to find him-parents, paperwork, or politics be damned.
Erika squeezed her eyes shut, trying to keep back the tears. She had just had her passport and visa approved, and all her documents in order, two plane tickets booked for a flight to Danceria in two months. They were 60 days from reuniting with father...but because she had decided to have dinner with an off-duty friend in the Reichswehr that night, she was killed by some basement-dwelling communist with a cheap .22 pistol.
She wiped away the few tears that made it past her eyelids. No use crying. Tears wouldn’t bring her back, and at least mother was in a happier place now...and she still had her father, Uncle Emil, Berengar and his siblings...for a little while, at least, before they passed on ahead of her for a short time until she could join them.
And surely, there were others, yet to come into her life? Her mother would not have wanted her to remain fixated on her forever. She had to move on, at some point...but perhaps, not now...just a little longer mourning the woman who gave her life, and raised her for 7 years.

[Folaisia]

Vin, Prinz von Dorch.
I grinned at his interest, knowing, that he might like it. It was more of an artistic movie, I give any critic that, but I believed in the concept and the execution.
As he gazed around and asked, if I had a partner for the Kyrenaian Polka, I nodded.
"Indeed, I have one.", I said and stood next to him, motioning towards the Refreshments Table, where one woman stood over the rest. No, seriously, that woman was... "See the tower of a woman, dark skin, red eyes, short, blonde hair?" He would easily be able to spot her, as she was 2.16 metres tall before she put on heels. "Khana Amina bint-Karim, the Khana of Sheliak in Kyrenaia. Keenly interested in air racing and my partner for the Kyrenaian Polka."
I grinned. That there were sculptors, who longed to have a woman like her as their model was only the icing on the proverbial cake, since she was available as a model for fun.
"Now, if I am not completely mistaken...", I said and shifted my gaze to where Prince Damir and Princess Aurelia were just finishing up their conversation with Fürst Alrich and Miss Findehoof. "...Princess Aurelia is still looking for a partner for the next one."
She, too, was a stunner, although considerably shorter, her long, blonde hair brushed and cared for, her eyes sparkling like sapphires, her Fistan Alshams enhancing her considerable curves. One saw at a distance, that she was not wearing heels, so she was close to her actual height. She was a Princess from a land loved by the sun and she was not afraid of showing that. Sadly, she already had a girlfriend...
"So, if you have a lot of luck..."
I thought, that this was almost a challenge!

"Well," Ruairi replied with an impressed visage, "I hope you have fun with her."

As the Prince pointed out Princess Aurelia with his gaze, Ruairi turned. Very soon, the Princess's radiant and captivating looks hit upon Ruairi's eyes, and he kept his mouth agape for a little while as he took in a deep nasal breath of affection.

"Well, she's auphi bonnie," he then said, nodding, "I have to give her that. And the Kyrenaian fashion augments that."

He then turns to the Prince once more after giving his innuendo, before gazing at the Princess again.

"Looks like I'm going to take your suggestion," he remarked, "Hope to see you again soon."

Ruairi quickly sauntered away to meet up with the Princess. After what seems like a second has passed by, he slowed down his pace, and he approached the Princess with the same sophisticated and nonchalant visage he displayed as he arrived to the ball, although this time, a little grin could be seen forming.

"Greetings, Your Highness," he then bowed, "I know of how urgent this sounds, but I'm currently seeking a partner for the upcoming Kyrenaian Polka, and..."

He then took a deep breath for himself.

"I am wondering if you would be delighted to have me as a partner."

[Teressien]

Jirou had to sigh, but then grinned.
"Yeah, the Pillager-Update ..." - he said, "the day when my safe, walled, illuminated Villager farm suddenly started to look like Sishahr-Chandrabhanupur during the Colonial Wars." He snorted. "Reminds me of the one AI update many years ago, when my bog-standard cactus mob trap suddenly didn't work anymore because the zombies and skeletons were suddenly smart enough to just go around it instead of walking straight into it." He shrugged. "Well, times change, and so does the game ... it's another reason why I had to expand into huge distances - certain biomes were hard to find in an area I already explored in the Alpha versions. And that's why my longest line goes up to the surface at a certain point - I've found some nice, impressive landscapes, which one can enjoy during the Minecart ride. Should you ever see that world, you really should grab yourself a Minecart and enjoy the view you have from the 'Shinkansen'!"
He let a beat pass.
"Granted, the most annoying work were these 'bread knife mountains', as I call them - the sudden, ugly edges you have in a world as soon as you explore new chunks generated after a switch in the world generation algorithm. They need a lot of terraforming - or the laziness to just leave them as they are, depending on your mood."

Shiko could well understand Gerulf's issue with gossip - being the target of it was not exactly unknown to her, and sometimes, she read the Yellow Press just to get an idea of what stories people made up, and most of these left her either laughing, or shaking her head. Or both.
Anyways ... someone still needed a dance partner for the Kyrenaian Polka - and indeed, while competitiveness was surely not limited to woman, it was surely inherent to Shikonjimanese, regardless of the purity level of their blood. Bragging rights and everything.
And who could resist Gerulf's charme, unless one had a good reason to?
"I happen to be free!" - Shiko said, nodding. "So, yes, it would be a pleasure for me to have the next dance with you!"

Heda, Prinzessin von Dorch.
I nodded with a sigh. "Oh, yes, the jagged knifes, as Vin and I call them.", I replied, "Another thing we need to work on one of these days - but when inspiration strikes you at a certain spot, you need to act on it before it is gone and that is then going to take a bit... like with that ravine base, which I built. Imagine this: A ravine, bog-standard, but close to the ocean. So, I go and open a part of it up to the ocean so that it floods in a bit like a waterfall, then fill up the ground a bit with water to a certain level and then build a base on it, hanging between the the two sides of the ravine, the different parts connected by walkways. It looks awesome!"
I was grinning by that point.

Aaltje Schreyg.
Gerulf smiled, bowed his head lightly.
"Thank you very much, Your Highness.", he said and rose again. "I hope, that I will not disappoint. Granted, it has been a while since my last Kyrenaian Polka and that was not with me in the lead..." He shrugged. "My daughter Alwina is very interested in Kyrenaian Culture, she even studies there."
I nodded. "How is she doing anyway?"
"Very good. Just passed her exams for this segment of her studies.", he said, "Luckily, she studies in Megido..."

Jolene Gudfrey in Conversation with Roderique.

Jolene observed and listened to Roderique rant defencively regarding her pro capitalist statement. He was clearly upset and getting pretty worked up about her previous statement. She cocked her head a little to the side and flashed a soft smile. 'Cute', she thought to herself. She found this man to be.. intriguing. He was clearly a capitalist at heart, yet angered when labeled as such. He considered himself a patriot, yet his loyalty clearly rested by himself.

She was not concerned that she probally insulted him, she found it amusing in fact. A healthy fencing of arguments were good for chemistry.

"Oh Mister Marquet, I am not eager. I only know what I want - and how to get it." she flashed another extremely sneaky smile. "I meant no offence my good Sir. I am not questioning your loyalty to your nation. I am merely admiring your drive for success.". This much was true - she admired people who did not shy away from risks or challenges. Indeed she herself inherited a company which waa on the very brink of bankruptcy, and changed it to a world player, and turning herself into one of the wealthiest people alive in a matter of only a few years - all by accepting the challenge and taking risks.

She placed her now empty glass down on a nearby table, and hooked her arm into the arm of Roderique. "Oh Blunt Blade - I would be honoured to meet your entourage. Please lead the way - and not forget your promise of dance!"

Roderique was almost surprised when she took the initiative and hooked her arm with his "Of course, let us go. Forgive my delay in asking you to a dance." he says as they start walking "I generally don't ask my business prospects to a dance during talks, mostly because they aren't women. And don't worry, my blade is not as blunt as my approach." they walked towards the table, Roderique saw Constantino standing up and being guided away from the table, wondering where he was going. The other two walked among themselves until Roderique and his new friend had arrived to which they had stopped and stood up to greet them. "Madame Jolene may I introduce Lord Alessandre Massimo, son of Rome and Lord Luis Constanza. Gentlemen, this is Jolene Gudfrey." The two mentioned shook hands with young woman before sitting down "Lord Massimo here is an advisor to the king, not exactly the king's right hand, that would be the king's brother. Lord Massimo is like, the king's left foot." Roderique said with a cheeky smile as he pulled out Jolene's seat and sat where Constantino sat, then continuing "And Lord Constanza is the Duke of Toccamare. He used to run that province's ports as the portmaster."

"I still do, just not personally." he corrected in his deep voice, biting into one of the chicken balls.

"Of course. So, what is going on here?" Roderique asked

"Nothing, just a light antipasto." Alessandre responded "Neither Constanza or I are dancing, surprised you found someone." he turned to Jolene "Bonasera Signorina Gudfrey, pleasure to meet you. Don't be afraid to ask for whatever, we surely weren't. Well, my son just stepped outside so I hope you know German." he sipped his wine and was silent for a moment "So Signorina Gudfrey, what brings you to this event? Are you some kind of noble or princess or someone's daughter?"

Luis knew who she was or rather her company, to some extent. Names tended to travel on the ports. Despite knowing, he still asked "Jolene Gudfrey? Is that Belgian?"

I confirmed and before I could be off, Constantino asked me about being allowed to smoke on the patio. To that, too, I nodded. "Of course. There's also ashtrays and chairs around, Sir."
And with that, I was off to do the bidding of these people.
Though another set of things, then the bottle... hm... I waved another Hausmädchen over, Lykke, who took care of the wine for me. She was a pretty young woman, quite confident and skilful.
Together, we departed after a few moments of preparations, got back to the table just as quickly and set everything out for another mysterious arrival. Of course I managed to organize a bottle of wine for them, from the same house as their current one, and had Lykke open it at the table.
We then bowed our heads and waited if there was something else.

Lien, Prinzessin von Byrkland. Out on the Patio.
People, who did not know me, I could come off as cold and frigid. Those people could kiss my arse - not that I would ever let them, but the thought matters.
Anyway, I am Lien, Prinzessin von Byrkland, a black haired, blue eyes young woman, my black hair going down well past my shoulders. I was seventeen, sent by my Father in his stead so that he could focus on something urgent in Byrktopia.
I wore a red, backless halterneck dress with a side-slit, which hugged my body closely, emphasizing what curves I had - not many, I'll admit, especially when compared to some of the other women present, but that would come. Hopefully.
I was also a few centimeters taller, thanks to a pair of black heels, which currently killed my feet. A pair of earring in silver and a pair of long, deep-red gloves matching the dress completed the outfit.
I stood outside, near one of the ashtrays, not because I was a smoker but because it was one of the spots with a view not occupied by some lovey-dovey couple enjoying the Gardens. A glass of wine stood near me, giving a solid idea as to what I was drinking, a small plate with a few nibbles next to it.
I was not a social butterfly.
I did not notice it, when the glass door opened.

Constantino was led out into the patio and promptly thanked the maiden with a bow, a moment after she left a thought hit him "I never asked her for her name. Wonder if they take tip. Then again this is their job. Oh well." He looked around, pretty nice view, there were already people here and there. Having a the glass in his left hand kind of limited mobility as he felt his jacket, going into his inner breast pocket he pulled out a pack of cigarettes, opened it and pulled one out with his teeth. After lighting it and taking a drag, he spotted a seat and didn't think twice about sitting down. While he sat he began to look around when he noticed someone not so far standing by an ashtray. He didn't know how to greet her because he didn't know where she was from, what she spoke or who she was. He simply stuck with what he knew "Ciao" he said with a wave. "Probably from here, reasonable, no foreigners look like that. Wait, I'm a foreigner. She does look a bit young. Why is she outside all alone? I wouldn't want to be here when I was younger. Hmm, maybe she is. Weird. Maybe she'll like a smoke." these thoughts came up in Constantino's mind, which tended to be very inquisitive when he's alone. To be safe he spoke in German "Want a smoke?" taking out the pack from his inner pocket.

Roderique was almost surprised when she took the initiative and hooked her arm with his "Of course, let us go. Forgive my delay in asking you to a dance." he says as they start walking "I generally don't ask my business prospects to a dance during talks, mostly because they aren't women. And don't worry, my blade is not as blunt as my approach." they walked towards the table, Roderique saw Constantino standing up and being guided away from the table, wondering where he was going. The other two walked among themselves until Roderique and his new friend had arrived to which they had stopped and stood up to greet them. "Madame Jolene may I introduce Lord Alessandre Massimo, son of Rome and Lord Luis Constanza. Gentlemen, this is Jolene Gudfrey." The two mentioned shook hands with young woman before sitting down "Lord Massimo here is an advisor to the king, not exactly the king's right hand, that would be the king's brother. Lord Massimo is like, the king's left foot." Roderique said with a cheeky smile as he pulled out Jolene's seat and sat where Constantino sat, then continuing "And Lord Constanza is the Duke of Toccamare. He used to run that province's ports as the portmaster."

"I still do, just not personally." he corrected in his deep voice, biting into one of the chicken balls.

"Of course. So, what is going on here?" Roderique asked

"Nothing, just a light antipasto." Alessandre responded "Neither Constanza or I are dancing, surprised you found someone." he turned to Jolene "Bonasera Signorina Gudfrey, pleasure to meet you. Don't be afraid to ask for whatever, we surely weren't. Well, my son just stepped outside so I hope you know German." he sipped his wine and was silent for a moment "So Signorina Gudfrey, what brings you to this event? Are you some kind of noble or princess or someone's daughter?"

Luis knew who she was or rather her company, to some extent. Names tended to travel on the ports. Despite knowing, he still asked "Jolene Gudfrey? Is that Belgian?"

Jolene Gudfrey - In conversation with Roderique

As Jolene walked with Roderique, arms hooked-in, towards his table, he made small talk - appologising for not asking her to dance sooner, explaining that it was merely an act of habit, as all of his business partners from before were men. Jolene knew this to be true - the business world was still very much dominated by the male gender, accross majority of the planet.

When the duo arrived at the table, Roderique pulled out a chair for her, whilst the two older seated gentleman rose from their seats in greeting. Jolene shook the extended hands of the gentleman and offered an additional soft bow in gesture before continuing to sit down on the pulled out chair. She was pleased that this grouping indeed adhered to common social protocal and etiquette.

She thanked Roderique for offering the chair, and listened to his introductions of the older gentleman. Lord Alessandre Massimo, son of Rome was an apparant noble of his country of birth and a advisor to their king. Jolene giggled softly at Roderique's joke of him being the 'king's left foot'. Lord Luis Constanza was apparantly the Duke of Toccamare, and their old Portmaster, which he still is but in a more unofficial capacity. This intrigued her as she knew the importance of a Portmaster and the honor it brought. Before Port Ember privatised their ports, this was one the most prestigious political positions in the country. After the port was privatised, the position still affords much respect and wealth - just no longer any political connotations. Jolene owned a large part of Komodo Bay Port in Port Ember Megalopolis, and her employed Portmaster was a man who she considered as part of her inner circle.

The older gentlemen then informed her that she was welcome to order some bites as they have, but she had no intention of doing so. She had learned not to eat at such events, as the oppertunities to embarress yourself whilst eating were too numurous. Its hard for a young lady to be taken seriously when a piece of food is stuck in between her teeth! Thus she responded, "Thank you for the kind offer my Lord, yet I am not hungry. I would rather order another glass of this delicious wine when the waitress makes another turn here."

Lord Massimo mentioned that his son has left the table recently, and hoped that she understood german - implying that the men will converse in their native tounge soon. Luckily she spoke german well. Although being her third language, she was comfortable with the language as she used it a lot for commerce purposes. Lord Massimo continued asking her regarding who she was - status and family related. She was a bit surprised that these gentleman knew not her name - especially with a Portmaster in their midst, as her ships were a household brand to everyone in the industry, no matter from where. She hided her surprise well nontheless. Jolene switched over to german as she replied, "Well my lord, my father is the Minister of Trade & Industry in the Republic of Port Ember.. but that is not why I have gained admittance to this gala. I am afraid my invite was not based on any sort of worthy family lineage - but rather due to my status as a Bootstrapper*. I am the Chairman and CEO of Gudfrey Trading Company and subsidaries.."

She turned to Lord Constanza whom asked whether her name was Belgian, to which she responded - still in german, "No my lord, it is most definitely a Port Emberian name. But if one really wishes to delve, it is most probaly from my family's mixed german and french bloodline, before my ancestors arrived in Port Ember, but that is many many hundreds of years ago."

Note: Quote modified by removal of spoiler-tags.

Lykke Blon.
We made regular patrols around the Ball Room, delivering drinks and pastries and generally taking care of the glasses being filled and the people being happy... at least as far as we could.
Anyway, when Lone went to take a short break for a visit to the White Throne of Porcelainia, I took over her route, which included the table with the Dukes and, by now, also a young woman, who I did not recognize.
Well, she was good-looking, but I had a job to do.
I saw, that she had finished her glass and, with my tablet held high, positioned myself so that she would be hard-pressed not to see me a few metres away - the trick was to be invited by the guest, not inviting oneself.
Now, to wait.

Lien, Prinzessin von Byrkland.
I was a bit surprised as a young man, a few years older then me, I would guess, approached me and offered me a smoke.
I shook my head. "Thank you for the offer, Sir, but I don't smoke. I'm underage.", I said in German and put the ashtray a bit closer to him. I might come off as a little cold. "Though please don't mind me."
I looked at him for a few moments.
"I'm Lien, the Princess of Byrkland.", I introduced myself with a small bow. "Who do I have the pleasure with?"

Aceus

---

The Dancerian shook his head with a disarming smile. “...I just thought it’d be wiser to listen, than to speak just about myself…” he admitted bashfully. “...Other than to suggest some sort of a distant dig for the two antique lovers, so that way he may pop the question in a place where they both can make their own history…”

Rev. Stavros

---

Fraternization with pagans was not unheard of in Danceria, and Stavros noted the Patriarch’s displeasure of being led away from his presumed dancing partner. The Selkie sadly went over the Heiromonk’s tonsured head. “Not so much as business, as to...reconnect with cousins in Christ.” the Reverend admitted, taking a water of his own from one of the Housemaids. “If I am preventing Your Beatitude from dancing with her, I will bow out, of course. I merely wished to discuss the droll trivia before the festivities began in earnest.” It was true, this would hardly be the first encountered the good Reverend had planned for the Patriarch. “Patience after all is a virtue, and I am more than willing to re-learn it.” One need not force the hand of God after all, and with Aurelia finishing up with her own dance...well, Stavros would have preferred to gauge his chances with the Christian Community prior to his fated confrontation with the Beauty of Utica. The Lord presents opportunities in mysterious ways, and who was he to deny an opportunity?

Berengar nodded firmly. "Send them my congratulations. As for my own...Well, same here, I suppose. Mother's recovering from a bout of the cold, father's spending time with her...Annemarie's been volunteering incognito at a soup kitchen, Casimir's headed off to medical school, and Adelheid, before I left, was trying to sign up with the Air Force." He chuckled. "Actually, to be honest, it was more like my mother actively trying to hold her back, quite literally, from going to the recruiting office. She did the same to me, I expect she'll do the same to Annemarie as well. Erika...well, she was with us 30 seconds ago...Once she gets back to Karabala, her godfather's going to continue taking care of her, unless her pap takes her home with him...not sure which, honestly. They haven’t told me..."
OOC: I'm going to assume you meant Kiah instead of Ida.

---

Erika sidestepped through the crowd, eventually reaching an exit that lead into the garden.

After exiting, and closing the door behind her, she let out a relieved sigh and began to pace around it, not paying attention to anything in particular. Over time she found herself whistling-and then singing-a certain song that her mother had taught to her.
It was a wistful tune, and her mother sang it often, remembering her father, and comforting herself with the idea that, once day, when she scrounged up enough money working as a secretary, she would return to Danceria to find him-parents, paperwork, or politics be damned.
Erika squeezed her eyes shut, trying to keep back the tears. She had just had her passport and visa approved, and all her documents in order, two plane tickets booked for a flight to Danceria in two months. They were 60 days from reuniting with father...but because she had decided to have dinner with an off-duty friend in the Reichswehr that night, she was killed by some basement-dwelling communist with a cheap .22 pistol.
She wiped away the few tears that made it past her eyelids. No use crying. Tears wouldn’t bring her back, and at least mother was in a happier place now...and she still had her father, Uncle Emil, Berengar and his siblings...for a little while, at least, before they passed on ahead of her for a short time until she could join them.
And surely, there were others, yet to come into her life? Her mother would not have wanted her to remain fixated on her forever. She had to move on, at some point...but perhaps, not now...just a little longer mourning the woman who gave her life, and raised her for 7 years.

Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
I wanted to reply something, I don't know what, but I was prevented from that, when I saw someone move from the corner of my eye, heard whistling, then soft singing.
It was a girl and she did not sound too happy... as the song was in English, it was rather hard to make out, where the person singing was from, but I did not recognize the voice, which excluded quite a few people.
I raised a hand for Aceus, so that he knew, that the conversation's continuation was postponed, not forgotten.
"Good evening, Miss.", I said into the half-darkness of early night, "Can we help you a bit?"
I had no idea as to who it was... and if I had known, I would have reacted differently.
After all, Erika Byrnes was Aceus' illegitimate and misbegotten child.

Adil Btryrik.
"We have a bit until the dancing starts again.", I said with a small smile, "Well, allow me to start then... we buried one very young member of our community a few weeks back, she died in the Al'Arz Attack. The thirteen year old."
I shook my head.
"A terrible tragedy.", I added, "Princess Aurelia was there with her father, Prince Damir, and she spoke with the girl's parents. Alya, that's the girl's name, was a big fan of the Horsearchery Team of the HGA and even joined it during her short time at the HGA." I smiled slightly. "We think highly of her because of that, despite her... leanings, shall we say?"

Ida Findehoof.
I smiled and nodded when he asked me to relay his congratulations and then Berengar retold of his family: Parents were together even if his Mother was slightly sick, one of his sisters was helping out in a soup kitchen, one soon attending Medical School (Kiah would maybe like to meet him, after all, she studied Sports Medicine), his mother was holding back the other sister from joining the military...
...and Erika was apparently counted as part of the family, only by attachment to her godfather, who was apparently in some place called Kerbala, whereever that was - sounded Kyrenaian, but I was not sure, if there was such a place in Kyrenaia. Unless of course her Father took her home with him.
Anyway, I nodded.
"Sounds like quite an eventful time.", I said, "Though don't worry about your Mother and your Sister. Mothers always worry about their children... my Mama is hardly different. First thing I always do when I travel somewhere is to call her to tell her, that I arrived safely."

Dowager Empress Agathe Blachkov
"I imagine what this must have been like, replies Agathe with a sad smile. What you described is very similar to what happened after my husband's body was rapatriated after his death in Libreville in May 2010. Around forty milllion people in our capital city, and around two hundred million more in various cities in the Empire watching on giant screens, being present when the funeral convoy passed through the streets. And among the people present, the surviving members of his Personal Guard.
Anyway, may they all rest in peace wherever they are now, finishes the Emperor's mother as she downs the last of her water, before signaling to a Haudsmachen for another glass.
So, sad subjects aside, I saw that you were here with your mother. What does she expects from tonight?"

Imperial Guard Colonel Bradley Myers
"I've heard of HMW, but didn't look too much into it, replies Bradley. I only remember Anax telling me last year when he came back from the state visit in Kyrenaia that Princess Aurelia liked that brand.
So, since the violin is favoured in the Principalty, what type of music is played the most with it?
And also, I've been asking question on question for the past minutes about your country, but surely you must have some of your own about the Empire? asks the Colonel with a smile.

Khalid Faris.
I smiled in bemusement, waiting until a Hausmädchen had replaced Agathe's glass, then told her: "She's a businesswoman, so guess what she's after." I shrugged. "It's not filling her dance card, that's for sure."
I let a beat pass.
"Provided she even has one...", I added and wondered for a moment, "Didn't see her preparing one..."

Wilrun, Baronin von Port Monee.
"No offense to you, Colonel, but I much rather talk about Teressien then ask about the Empire.", I said, "We have such a lovely conversation going on, after all... speaking of which, the violin and other string instruments are used in many different kinds of music, from classical dances and ballads and symphonies to more modern styles. There's even a subgenre of Schnitzelrock, which makes heavy use of strings. Heda should be around here somewhere, she can tell more..."
I let a beat pass before smiling a bit sheepish.
"My apologies.", I added, "Heda Streech is one of Teressien's most well-known violinists."

"Well," Ruairi replied with an impressed visage, "I hope you have fun with her."

As the Prince pointed out Princess Aurelia with his gaze, Ruairi turned. Very soon, the Princess's radiant and captivating looks hit upon Ruairi's eyes, and he kept his mouth agape for a little while as he took in a deep nasal breath of affection.

"Well, she's auphi bonnie," he then said, nodding, "I have to give her that. And the Kyrenaian fashion augments that."

He then turns to the Prince once more after giving his innuendo, before gazing at the Princess again.

"Looks like I'm going to take your suggestion," he remarked, "Hope to see you again soon."

Ruairi quickly sauntered away to meet up with the Princess. After what seems like a second has passed by, he slowed down his pace, and he approached the Princess with the same sophisticated and nonchalant visage he displayed as he arrived to the ball, although this time, a little grin could be seen forming.

"Greetings, Your Highness," he then bowed, "I know of how urgent this sounds, but I'm currently seeking a partner for the upcoming Kyrenaian Polka, and..."

He then took a deep breath for himself.

"I am wondering if you would be delighted to have me as a partner."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Shortly after Dad and I had finished up with Fürst Alrich, who was now off to have a short chat with Miss Cróimiam and Mister Gadhair, who represented the Free Lands, we were approached by another man.
Or rather, I was.
Dad watched with clear bemusement as the man came almost swagging towards us. Nonchalance and sophistication, a little grin forming... he was quite a self-confident person, greeted me (which amused Dad to no end as he was almost ignored) and asked for the next dance.
That was a nice coincidence as I still had the next one free.
However...
"Generally, yes, though, one question...", I smiled and took out my dance card - well, when in Teressien, do as the Teressians do. "...who's asking?"