Saturday, 28th September, 3:55PM
Queen Jasmine Morenai personal estate entrance
For anyone who may have at one moment in his life visited the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and what people call the Riviera, the local surroundings would appear very normal to them. The manor made of red bricks, who is standing at the edge of a fifty-meter-high granite cliff, three stories tall and in a u-shape, standing on top of a large rock formation.
Just below, connected to the mansion by a sinuous path, the main courtyard with its spotless lawn, where trees provide shade for those needing it. Although this afternoon, a big, white marquee has been erected to the left, as well as small stage where music instruments are already waiting their owners. And let's not forget the buffet.
Surrouding that courtyard and the mansion, a three-meter high grey wall, topped by red tiles, which separates what we mentioned earlier from another courtyard, where a large parking lot and a group of two-stories tall red-brick buildings. (The buildings to the left and the parking lot to the right when you enter). Those buildings are the barracks of the Queen's Guards, also known as 1st Company, Rapace Battalion.
And finally, separating this second courtyard from the rest of the world, another grey wall, this time five-meter high, also topped by red tiles. A large, metallic portal allows entrance into the whole complex.
As the mansion's staff puts the finishing details to the decorations and buffet in the Inner courtyard, while the local people of importance as well as the various nobles of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle who are already here chat among themselves, a group of Volatile guards stand at the small portal separating the Inner and Outer Courtyards, ready to welcome the guests.
All of them are clad in the Dress Uniforms, composed of black shoes, black pants, a blood-red shirt, with a golden cravat, a black vest and a red beret with a golden escutcheon composed of a Volatile's head with a sword and rifle crossed behind it. Strapped to their thighs and backs are respectively a HW 509 Pistol and a HW 609 Police Rifle.
Although the fact they are wearing clothes makes little to lower their intimidating appearance. Clawed hands, grey skin with scars, bloodshot eyes, and the most obvious detail, the lower jaw split in two, giving it a mandibula-like appearance.
"How do you think it will go? asks Ahmed Conely, whose rank insigna shows he's a Corporal, to his squadmate standing next to him.
-What can I say? replies the latter, named Sharef Elbekir, same rank. At least we managed to gather ten foreign guests, that's a start. Personnally, I think the fact that most of us Haran Virals retained our human features even now is what helps ease a bit people's fear and uneasiness towards us.
-Yeah, that might be the case. At least we'll see some pretty ladies tonight, eh? says Ahmed with a chuckle.
-Guys, you'll have all the time to joke later when everyone will have arrived! exclaims their superior, Sergeant Kader Cherif, from a few feet away. Remember this is our first international event where we welcome other people than the Imperials! So do your job, and make our Queen proud! Is that clear?
-Sir Yes Sir! shout the two Volatiles, as well as the rest of their squadmates.
-Good, because here they are! replies Sergeant Cherif as he looks to the Main Portal at the other end of the Outer Courtyard, who is being opened by other Rapace Guards, just before the first black Jeep Compass SUVs carrying the guests enter the estate grounds. After a few seconds, they stop, the drivers get out and open the doors, before motioning for the guests to go towards the Little Portal, and Cherif's Squad.
All right, time to shine, thinks Ahmed, before he and Sharef advance towards the first guests.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to the Queen's estate! May we see your passports and invitation cards please?" ask the two Volatiles as one person, while they try to smile, although the fact that their lower jaw splits a bit when they do that still makes it look strange.