A Volatile's Queen Garden Party (IC)

by **Global Harran** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 2:07 am

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.

by **The Selkie** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 2:38 am

Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Believe it or not, I've been to some weird places in my time - my homeland offered enough of those. I also saw quite a few intimidating sights while on these journeys.
This... how did that one commentator say? This 'Zombie-Land' took the cake.
Well, they might think, that they were scary, but I was a Selkie. I had seen scary and they didn't even make the list.
To introduce myself, Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh. I am Ambassador of the Selkie, currently solo and still getting accustomed to being in my job, for, as ambassador of my people and not my government, I was not a trained diplomat - it was how we rolled: One Ambassador of the Free Lands, to represent the government, one Ambassador of the Selkie, to represent the people.
Usually, the latter were people of renown in the Free Lands. I, for example, was a Marcach, a horse-mounted sportswoman of my people.
The Ambassador of the Free Lands leading us was Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford, a brunette with glasses, which she did not need, but which made her look cuter. Her actual partner was Leonard Lách of the Tribe of Galway, a Marcach like me, though the redhead was specialized in the Art of Horsearchery.
Together, we three would represent our country at this garden party... and, sorry to say, we were neither here for the hosts nor for the puppetmasters from the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle. Main point of attending this shindig was to meet the Special Ambassadors of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia, Princesses Fara and Aurelia, to foster the good relations between our peoples (in fact, Leonard got special permission from his girlfriend Alaina to dance with both of them - in how far that was a joking permission or not was still up for debate), as well as the Duchess of the United Island States of AHSCA, Marcella Villa, mainly for the same purpose.
The hostess would get the usual courtesies, Emperor Anaximander was of little importance to us. He was the problem of the Kyrenaians, not ours (personal issues included, from what we heard). We found it funny, though, that the Emperor was literally there with his personal guard squad and no serious politicians.
Well, his problem, not ours.
As we exited our car, Kendra and I were first, Leonard last. He jokingly offered both of us to link arms, which made Kendra give him a glance over the rim of her glasses. He snorted in amusement, then dropped the offer.
Kendra took the lead.
All three of us wore Geansai, the Tribal Garnments and dresses of the Selkie, in the colours of our respective Tribes. It was a rather distinctive way of dressing, with quite a lot of fur and other rather distinct features.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to the Queen's estate! May we see your passports and invitation cards please?", two of the local guards asked in unisono.
"Good afternoon to you as well.", Kendra said and reached into one of the pockets of her Utility Belt. Out came three passports, the Bratach embroidered on the front face of the red leather, plus three invitation cards. "Here you go."
All would check out.

by **Aviz Portugal** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 4:01 am

It's an another overseas holiday for Isabella herself and for this particular occasion, she wore an

.Though she would usually travel either alone or with a really minimal amount of staff, her parents were concerned of the eerie appearances of some of the locals, resulting in her being accompanied by the Royal Secretary of State and 40 staff members, double the size of the usual amount.

Anyhow, Isabella was not bothered by it as she stood in front of the estate portal.Her royal secretary, Gonçalo de Almeida who stood just a few inches beside her in a neatly made black suit leaned in for a whisper, "Though some of its inhabitants might appear scary, they look welcoming", commented the royal sectetary.Hearing this, Isabella had no other reason but to agree."It's a wonder why some people got hysterical when I'm about to leave".The two stood for a few minutes admiring the city's build, crafted and made in a magnificent manner.As the two approached the city portal, they were greeted by 2 Volatile guards who asked for their invitation cards.

As she lowered herself to pick the invitation card taped around her right leg, she tried to do so with utmost decency.As she presented it, she quickly informed them that her companion, Gonçalo is a government official."One more thing, though I am aware that my companion hadn't been listed as a guest, he is my private secretary and I dearly hope that he can be exempted from the process.Thank you"

by **A m e n r i a** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 7:39 am

"Okay, don't freak out, don't freak out, these are nice zombies.." Hanbyeol kept thinking to herself as she was taken to a portal where the guards would welcome her. When the driver rolled the passenger window down and revealed the guard who attempted his best at smiling, she looked out and..

"Eep! I-I mean, yea, of course, just let me get it, sorry." Hanbyeol reached inside her purse, producing a dark gray passport with the Ramadhan Family symbol, a stylized pair of wings, one black and one white, framing a burning heart in the middle, on its cover and the invitation she was given.

You'd think someone from the main family, who's been in fights against all sorts of nasty villains and can single-handedly destroy a small army would be unfazed when facee with a Volatile, but in this case, you're wrong. Besides, zombies are more of the Vampire Twins' thing, something commented on by the young idol when she told her father about the event.

by **AHSCA** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 9:09 am

Visiting a land of Zombies? Well...Okay...AHSCA was filled with many kinds of people from human to cat-eared cuties to more bewildering but still friendly feral beings so no reason to deny an invite to the mysterious Global Harran, a nation to Marcella's knowledge hadn't had much contact with yet. But no better time and place to start than just now. Now the Festival was behind them for the year, Congress in recess and much of the needed business done, it was a good time to stretch her legs and go abroad again. This trip was fairly easy, all she had to do was board a jeep that came out of a portal and that was that she was officially in Global Harran! Quite a few people had arrived just before her but the wait to get checked wasn't very long when she was asked to present her invitation and passport that gave her details. She was alone on this trip, didn't bring any of her security staff or any assistants like she probably should have. Oh well, it will be fine.

"A fine day to you." Marcella greeted when she was asked to present her invite and documents. "Hope everything's in order!" she smiled as she presented everything. The picture matched, the Ducal Dress, draped in pink, pink as her hair.

by **Global Harran** » Mon Sep 30, 2019 1:28 pm

Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Believe it or not, I've been to some weird places in my time - my homeland offered enough of those. I also saw quite a few intimidating sights while on these journeys.
This... how did that one commentator say? This 'Zombie-Land' took the cake.
Well, they might think, that they were scary, but I was a Selkie. I had seen scary and they didn't even make the list.
To introduce myself, Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh. I am Ambassador of the Selkie, currently solo and still getting accustomed to being in my job, for, as ambassador of my people and not my government, I was not a trained diplomat - it was how we rolled: One Ambassador of the Free Lands, to represent the government, one Ambassador of the Selkie, to represent the people.
Usually, the latter were people of renown in the Free Lands. I, for example, was a Marcach, a horse-mounted sportswoman of my people.
The Ambassador of the Free Lands leading us was Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford, a brunette with glasses, which she did not need, but which made her look cuter. Her actual partner was Leonard Lách of the Tribe of Galway, a Marcach like me, though the redhead was specialized in the Art of Horsearchery.
Together, we three would represent our country at this garden party... and, sorry to say, we were neither here for the hosts nor for the puppetmasters from the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle. Main point of attending this shindig was to meet the Special Ambassadors of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia, Princesses Fara and Aurelia, to foster the good relations between our peoples (in fact, Leonard got special permission from his girlfriend Alaina to dance with both of them - in how far that was a joking permission or not was still up for debate), as well as the Duchess of the United Island States of AHSCA, Marcella Villa, mainly for the same purpose.
The hostess would get the usual courtesies, Emperor Anaximander was of little importance to us. He was the problem of the Kyrenaians, not ours (personal issues included, from what we heard). We found it funny, though, that the Emperor was literally there with his personal guard squad and no serious politicians.
Well, his problem, not ours.
As we exited our car, Kendra and I were first, Leonard last. He jokingly offered both of us to link arms, which made Kendra give him a glance over the rim of her glasses. He snorted in amusement, then dropped the offer.
Kendra took the lead.
All three of us wore Geansai, the Tribal Garnments and dresses of the Selkie, in the colours of our respective Tribes. It was a rather distinctive way of dressing, with quite a lot of fur and other rather distinct features.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to the Queen's estate! May we see your passports and invitation cards please?", two of the local guards asked in unisono.
"Good afternoon to you as well.", Kendra said and reached into one of the pockets of her Utility Belt. Out came three passports, the Bratach embroidered on the front face of the red leather, plus three invitation cards. "Here you go."
All would check out.

Indeed, everything checks out for Conely and Elkebir as they check the passports, before handing them back to the three Ambassadors.
"Here you go," says Corporal Conely as he steps out of the way to allow entry into the Inner Courtyard to the three guests. However, as they pass by him, he tells them in a lower tone: "The Foreign Minister Harris Brecken and Mr Volkan Yasif Dal would like to have a word or two with you if you agree. Mr Volkan is an avid fan of horses, he has a lot of them, as well as every sport related to it. You'll find them between the marquee and the buffet, to the left. They'll most likely be with our Minister of Health Miss Lena Birch. Enjoy your evening Your Excellencies, finishes the Volatile with a smile (or what he would like to appear as a smile), before turning back to process the other guests.

Corporal Elkebir, who is now processing the Queen, raises an eyebrow when he sees the number of staff accompanying the Queen, not to mention they weren't even on the list. What to do, what to do? thinks the young Volatile.
Fortunately, before he waits for ten hours to answer the Queen Isabella, his superior Sergeant Cherif puts his clawed-hand on his shoulder in a reassuring manner.
"Cherif to Castle, says the Non Commisioned Officer in his radio, the Portuguese Queen has brought her Sceretay as well as forty staff members, all without invitations cards. Instructions?" he finishes, waiting for a reply.
After about ten seconds, he puts one of his finger to his earpiece, before saying "Cherif Wilco", and then taking out a small syringe pistol from under his vest, before injecting the Royal Secretary in the neck with it.
"There you go, mandatory vaccine against the Harran Virus, like your Queen had it." he says with a neutral tone, before turning to Isabella
"Your Highness, you can enter with your Secretary, he has been veted. However, your staff can not enter the Inner Courtyard, it's for the guests only. Although they are welcome to have a glass on us at our bar, he adds as he points to one of the barracks a bit farther away.
Moreover, our Commanding Officer Captain Amir Dakrim would like to have a word with you. You'll find him at the start of the path leading to the mansion. Enjoy your evening Your Majesty, Your Excellency, finishes the Sergeant with a bow of the head, before letting them in.
Meanwhile, another Volatile Guard has been motioning for the Queen's staff to go the bar if they wanted.

When he sees the Amenrian Baroness being startled a bit, Conely has to suppress back a small snort of amusement. A vampire being afraind of zombie like creatures? thinks the Corporal. I guess it's time to look beyong what you see.
"Thank you Your Excellency, he replies before looking at the passport and invitation card, before handing them back to the lady. As he does that, he leans towards her and whispers:
"His Excellency, Marquis Ppatrick Leonhart of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle, who is a great cook, had to idea to prepare some apetizers with blood, knowing your... condition so to speak. If you want to meet him and thank him, he'll be most likely by the buffet with his wife and a few other friends. Enjoy the party Your Excellency," he finishes before allowing her to enter the Inner Courtyard as well.

And finally, the cuttest of the guests for this garden party, Duchess Marcella Villa of AHSCA. All the Guards present had to suppress a small coo.
Anyway, it is Corporal Elkebir, who had been relieved of his task by his superior, who now interacts with the Duchess.
"Thank you Your Highness, he replies as he takes her passport and invitation card. Okay, everything seems in order, he says before handing her back her documents. If I may say, this dress suits you very well, he adds with a small blush.
Anyway, he continues before blinking twice, I've been asked by the Grand Duchess Catherine Smetov and the Baroness Patricia Petrenko if you would accept to have a word or two with them. From what I know, they've been recently to your Islands for some sort of Festival, and they liked it very much. If you want, you can find them with their husbands to the right behind me, underneath the trees. Have a nice evening Duchess, he finishes with a small bow, before allowing Marcella to enter the Inner Courtyard.

From then on, the guests could do many things in the Inner Courtyard. They could go and admire the sea and the city in the distance at the edge of the cliff on each side of the rock where the mansion is standing, they could go under the marquee or the trees to sit on chairs to rest a bit in the shade, or they could simply go and talk to the various people who had asked the Guards to rlay the invitation to talk with them.
If they needed any refreshments, some staff members wearing green pants and apron, and white shirts, were passing with trays with glasses on them, filled with water, lemonade, orange juices.

by **A m e n r i a** » Mon Sep 30, 2019 5:40 pm

"Eumm..I think you're talking about the wrong girl. I'm not part of the Vampire Twins, I'm their sister." replied Hanbyeol, looking innocent and depending on your perspective, rather cute. "Thanks though!" she continued, witha bright and gleeful smile, before stepping out of the car and taking a deep breath.

Now that she's out in the open, Hanbyeol's full appearance can be seen. She wore white heels and a stylized hanbok, made to fit a postmodern society and blend the traditional with the futuristic. Her long, brown hair was in a princess cut, framing her youthful, soft cheeks. Her smooth, pale skin contrasted her red lipstick, and her handbag was of a green colour. She decided to walk around as she waited for the others.

by **The Selkie** » Tue Oct 01, 2019 5:19 am

Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
We received our passports and invitations back, Kendra redistributing them to each of us (a little memory, as she had said before as to why I should keep such stuff) and thanked the two guards. They really needed to work on the smile.
Anyway, we went in.
Once out of the guards' earshot, Kendra turned to us and spoke in Selkie, hushedly: "Alright, which one of you wants to accompany me to meet the Foreign Minister at the buffet?", she asked, Leonard's hand shot up. "No, we will not spent a tremendous amount of time with with sampling the local cheeses." Leonard's hand went down, a bit dejected and mine rose, too. "Good woman. Leonard, you look around."
"I'll file a complaint with Felicia, though. I am always reduced to gobbling up all the cheese..."
Kendra and I smiled at each other, then said in unison: "It's your only defining character trait."
Leonard laughed and so did we.
"Let's go, then.", Kendra said and we proceeded into the gardens - between the marquee and the buffet, three people were waiting on Kendra and me, while Leonard would go an socialize. He would later ravage the buffet for all the cheese he could get. Kendra added: "Ar aghaidh!"
"Chuig briseadh!", Leonard and I replied and off we went.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Normally, we would take a Walaea Motorworks W-115 Armoured Limousine, driven by a Handmaiden, usually Shermin Eijlatan, Grandmother's personal driver. She would practically beg Grandmother to let her come along.
However, our gracious hosts had insisted, that we would be moved with their vehicles, so we did move with theirs. Still, we had a W-115 aboard the Alshaahin, Dad had lent her to us for official state business. She was in the next harbour.
Let's be honest here for a moment, I was here because of four reasons: One, Dad was on some boring work-visit to Markaz, and although Yazir was a nice lad, he was crushing on me so hard, I felt guilty every time I looked at him. Two, Marcella, my girlfriend, would be here. Three, Princess Fara, the actual Ambassador of the Sultanate on this day, needed a wingman or wingwoman, and I had both the time and the will.
Four, Anax himself had requested, that I would come.
The Gods alone knew, what he had in mind after that telephone blunder in Teressien, facilitated by his Mother, but whatever it was, he better have a very good reason to ask me to come! And for that, I had Fara as my wingwoman.
As for what Safir wanted from this visit was another question, one, which I was privy to.
We had been prepared for this Zombie-Land, were vaccinated, as was the crew of the Alshaahin, and would spent a few weeks in the quarantine known as shipboard travel. When we pulled up to the gates, however, the first contact, in this case with the guards, was... interesting. Life sure was weird, sometimes.
We stopped at the Gates.
We disembarked at the gates.
At the gate, Fara and I pulled out diplomatic passports, with the nice coat of arms of the Diplomatic Corps of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia on the front, and showed our invitations.
Everything would check out.
As this was a garden party and not a ball, we were dressed for the occasion. I wore the classic of female fashion, the Little Black Dress, ending a smidgen above my knees, straps holding it on my shoulders. Fara had decided to wear something more elegant, a floor length, backless dress with straps running from one side to the other in a deep red, tailored to fit her curves well, spaghetti straps holding it all up. A plunging neckline teased at her 'argumentation amplifiers' without showing too much. The only piece of jewelry on her was a pendant, silver and studded with rubies forming a rose, which rested on her collarbone.
She held her head high, despite the breakup she went through.
"Good afternoon, Sergeant.", she greeted the leader of the guard platoon.

by **Kuronami** » Tue Oct 01, 2019 11:30 am

When your Empress is already a real social butterfly, sometimes it leaves little room for you, the foreign minister but this time Finé dispatched Miss Hanamura to attend the event going on in Global Harran. Benio Hanamura along with her assistant, the under minister, Sakura Shinguchi. Shinguchi was mostly there to observe, take photographs and occasionally engage if her boss so dictated. Anything could happen honestly at any time, not at this event, just anytime it's good to ensure the chain of command is solid and structured. So a good gala was already a good event to start, so the two women accepted the invitation to represent Kuronami for the occasion. Arriving at their checkpoint they presented their invites and other credentials "Hanamura and Shinguchi." Benio stated passing over their documents to the guards.

by **Danceria** » Tue Oct 01, 2019 12:04 pm

Ithilgael Harlaw, outer courtyard

While the hosts were formerly dead, the newcomer didn't think the party itself was going to be any time soon. The wandered chose his least disheveled mess-dress attire, complete with his seemingly trademark mariner's cap, evoking the image of a sailor that would be much more at home in a rustic pub than with the blue blooded lords and ladies. Still, the invitation was free, the party needed music, and there was food and pretty faces at the party. What more could a half-elven minstrel want?

Right now, his view would be currently occupied with the strong backs of a pair of Kyrenaians, as well as the floral dresses of the Kuronami-folk. Overall, he counted himself rather lucky...the shorter blond one he heard of very often. Still, he had come to sing, swap tales, and generally inject perhaps a well needed folkish breath to the re-living company, and would jovially chat up the guard when it was his term, keeping his large pack (in all honesty, it was a rucksack) that contained not only his instruments, but his possessions on the road.

Pointed ears twitched under ashy-grey strands of hair, smudged into place by his navy-blue cap. The sea-salt air did good for his mood, company notwithstanding. Perhaps he'll start out with table songs rather than hall songs*, lest he bore the Harranese back into their graves with tales of the ancient Sea-Lords.

*Translator notes: In old Dancerian slang, "Table Songs" are typically more folky, rustic, and oftentimes what is expected to be sung in rough and tumble pubs. Hall songs are the opposite and considered "high culture".

by **Kafair** » Tue Oct 01, 2019 4:34 pm

Second in Line to the Throne, Brigadier General of the RKAF, Blessed of the Sun, Guard of the Throne, Prince Kuzko al-Karim, sighed slightly, looking out the tinted window of the motorcade escorting him to this event. His father had gotten the invitation, and interested by the nation, chose to send him to attend. He looked to his right, where his guard, Artyom Itchak, sat, shining his dagger. The man nods to the prince, and looks out the window as well.

A slight jerk, as the car stopped. Artyom got out the the vehicle, opening the door for the prince, who stepped out, rising to his full height. He surveyed the area. "For a nation of undead, they do know how to keep things orderly." He motioned to Artyom, as the pair waked up,a approaching the guards watching entry to the grounds, and the party.

by **Global Harran** » Fri Oct 04, 2019 12:55 am

Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
We received our passports and invitations back, Kendra redistributing them to each of us (a little memory, as she had said before as to why I should keep such stuff) and thanked the two guards. They really needed to work on the smile.
Anyway, we went in.
Once out of the guards' earshot, Kendra turned to us and spoke in Selkie, hushedly: "Alright, which one of you wants to accompany me to meet the Foreign Minister at the buffet?", she asked, Leonard's hand shot up. "No, we will not spent a tremendous amount of time with with sampling the local cheeses." Leonard's hand went down, a bit dejected and mine rose, too. "Good woman. Leonard, you look around."
"I'll file a complaint with Felicia, though. I am always reduced to gobbling up all the cheese..."
Kendra and I smiled at each other, then said in unison: "It's your only defining character trait."
Leonard laughed and so did we.
"Let's go, then.", Kendra said and we proceeded into the gardens - between the marquee and the buffet, three people were waiting on Kendra and me, while Leonard would go an socialize. He would later ravage the buffet for all the cheese he could get. Kendra added: "Ar aghaidh!"
"Chuig briseadh!", Leonard and I replied and off we went.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Normally, we would take a Walaea Motorworks W-115 Armoured Limousine, driven by a Handmaiden, usually Shermin Eijlatan, Grandmother's personal driver. She would practically beg Grandmother to let her come along.
However, our gracious hosts had insisted, that we would be moved with their vehicles, so we did move with theirs. Still, we had a W-115 aboard the Alshaahin, Dad had lent her to us for official state business. She was in the next harbour.
Let's be honest here for a moment, I was here because of four reasons: One, Dad was on some boring work-visit to Markaz, and although Yazir was a nice lad, he was crushing on me so hard, I felt guilty every time I looked at him. Two, Marcella, my girlfriend, would be here. Three, Princess Fara, the actual Ambassador of the Sultanate on this day, needed a wingman or wingwoman, and I had both the time and the will.
Four, Anax himself had requested, that I would come.
The Gods alone knew, what he had in mind after that telephone blunder in Teressien, facilitated by his Mother, but whatever it was, he better have a very good reason to ask me to come! And for that, I had Fara as my wingwoman.
As for what Safir wanted from this visit was another question, one, which I was privy to.
We had been prepared for this Zombie-Land, were vaccinated, as was the crew of the Alshaahin, and would spent a few weeks in the quarantine known as shipboard travel. When we pulled up to the gates, however, the first contact, in this case with the guards, was... interesting. Life sure was weird, sometimes.
We stopped at the Gates.
We disembarked at the gates.
At the gate, Fara and I pulled out diplomatic passports, with the nice coat of arms of the Diplomatic Corps of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia on the front, and showed our invitations.
Everything would check out.
As this was a garden party and not a ball, we were dressed for the occasion. I wore the classic of female fashion, the Little Black Dress, ending a smidgen above my knees, straps holding it on my shoulders. Fara had decided to wear something more elegant, a floor length, backless dress with straps running from one side to the other in a deep red, tailored to fit her curves well, spaghetti straps holding it all up. A plunging neckline teased at her 'argumentation amplifiers' without showing too much. The only piece of jewelry on her was a pendant, silver and studded with rubies forming a rose, which rested on her collarbone.
She held her head high, despite the breakup she went through.
"Good afternoon, Sergeant.", she greeted the leader of the guard platoon.

Harris Brecken, Lena Burch and Volkan Yasif Dal
Indeed, between the buffet and the marquee, three people were standing. On the right, Mr Harris Brecken, (brown hair, brown eyes and 1.85m tall), wearing a black tuxedo with a blue shirt and black cummerbund), the Minister of Foreign Afairs of the Queendom; and next to him, his date, Mrs Lena Burch, (1.80m tall, long black hair and green eyes), wearing a black ball gown, leaving the shoulders exposed as well as the upper back, with straps holding it on her shoulders and crossing in her back. She also wears a small golden pendant with a small black stone inlaid in it.
Across them, Mr Volkan Yasif Dal, one of the most influential businessmen of the Queendo; wearing for his part a white tuxedo, with a white waistcoat and bowtie.
"...And so, this is how I managed to land this deal with them, says Volkan as he apparently finishes telling a story to the two ministers.
-That was very interesting Vvolkan, but I believe we have people who may want to talk to us, replies Brecken with a slight British accent; befre turning to the two Selkie women approaching.
Good afternoon Miss Sciamhach, Miss Lile, and welcome to Global Harran, says the foreign minister as he extends his hands towards them with a smile. I hope you had a pleasant trip coming here?"

Sergeant Kader Cherif
Meanwhile, at the entrance, both Kyrenaian Princesses had arrived and had greeted Sergeant Cherif.
"Good afternoon Your Highnesses, replies Kader with a small bow of the head and a smile. Welcome to the Queen's estate, he continues as he takes their passports and checks them. If I may say, those coat of arms look very dashing, he adds as he looks at the passport cover. If you can, please relay my congratulations to the artist who created it.
Anyway, everything is in order. Here you go," he finishes before handing them back their passports. However, in doing that, he leans towards them and speaks in a lower tone.
"We have been told that one of our guests wishes to speak with you in private, Princess Aurelia. If you wish to do so, you can ask the Baron Yuri Petrenko to lead you to him. When you wish to do so, you'll fid him underneath the trees to your right behind me with his wife and some friends. Enjoy the party, he finishes in a normal tone of voice again before stepping aside and allowing them to enter the Inner Courtyard.

Corporal Elkebir received the two women, before checking their passports and giving them back to them.
"Good afternoon Your Excellencies, everything is in order. I hope you enjoy the party, he says before stepping aside and allowing them to enter.
From here, the two wome had many choices concerning the people they could approach. They could go to the Prime Minister Kyle Crane, who was in a conversation with his date Miss Jade Aldemir, or they could go to Mr Rais Suleiman, who was with his date Miss Ezgi Jazir, both of them apparently laughing from a joke the Grand Faceless Mr Tarek Hooler had just told them.

For the half-elf minstrel, things went quickly at the gate.
"Ah, there you are Mr Harlaw, says Lance Corporal Salim Berber, as he quickly takes a look at the passport and the contents of the rucksack. The musicians are waiting on you, you'll find them behind the stage. We're glad to have you here," he adds before allowing the man to step inside the estate.

Corporal Conely, who had heard the Prince's remark, approaches the two with a small smirk on his face.
"Good evening Your Majesty, Mr Itchak, he greets the both of them before checking their passports and invitation cards. I think everything is in order. However, if I may say, I would advise that you do not mention the word "undead" in front of Her Royal Highness Queen Morenai, because that is the complete opposite of what we are. And considering she has the same hands as us, he continues as he shows them his clawed-hands, things would go from orderly to a complete mess. So please try to remember that, he adds with a small chuckle. Anyway, enjoy your evening, he finishes before stepping aside and motioning them inside the courtyard.

As both men have entered, they would find a couple coming towards them, a blonde man wearing the Dress Uniform of the Imperial Guard of the Scarlet Eagle (consisting of a midnoght blue coat with a standing collar, a midnight blue web belt with a golden "IG" buckle, a white shirt underneath, a peaked cap, black pants with a scarlet stripe down the outer seam of each leg; a certain number of medals and ribbons over the left and right chest. And finally, attached to the belt, a straight sword on the left side, with the handle wrapped in black leather, and a Colt M1911 pistol in a holster on the right side.).
Linking arms with him, a young woman, wearing a white dress ending just above the knee.
"Good afternoon Prince al-Karim, says the man as he approaches them. Duke Maximilian Doppler, and my wife Ophelia, he says as he introduces his wife and himself, while extending his hand for a shake. I hope you had a pleasant trip coming here?" he asks with a warm smile.
"Nice to meet you Prince adds Ophelia with a smile for good measure.

As the Princess walks around, her appearance makes indeed a few heads turn, especially among the Volatile Guards standing around who have never seen such a beauty before.
However, after a few seconds, a tall man (2.06m) with light brown eyes and brown hair and goatee, and wearing black tie (consisting of black pants, a black dress shirt and a wine-red jacket )approaches her with a smile on his lips.
"Good evening Baroness, says the man as he lightly bows his head. Marquis Patrick Leonhart at your service, he adds as he extends his hand. I hope you are enjoying ourself with us."

by **The Selkie** » Fri Oct 04, 2019 3:23 am

Global Harran wrote:Harris Brecken, Lena Burch and Volkan Yasif Dal
Indeed, between the buffet and the marquee, three people were standing. On the right, Mr Harris Brecken, (brown hair, brown eyes and 1.85m tall), wearing a black tuxedo with a blue shirt and black cummerbund), the Minister of Foreign Afairs of the Queendom; and next to him, his date, Mrs Lena Burch, (1.80m tall, long black hair and green eyes), wearing a black ball gown, leaving the shoulders exposed as well as the upper back, with straps holding it on her shoulders and crossing in her back. She also wears a small golden pendant with a small black stone inlaid in it.
Across them, Mr Volkan Yasif Dal, one of the most influential businessmen of the Queendo; wearing for his part a white tuxedo, with a white waistcoat and bowtie.
"...And so, this is how I managed to land this deal with them, says Volkan as he apparently finishes telling a story to the two ministers.
-That was very interesting Vvolkan, but I believe we have people who may want to talk to us, replies Brecken with a slight British accent; befre turning to the two Selkie women approaching.
Good afternoon Miss Sciamhach, Miss Lile, and welcome to Global Harran, says the foreign minister as he extends his hands towards them with a smile. I hope you had a pleasant trip coming here?"

Sergeant Kader Cherif
Meanwhile, at the entrance, both Kyrenaian Princesses had arrived and had greeted Sergeant Cherif.
"Good afternoon Your Highnesses, replies Kader with a small bow of the head and a smile. Welcome to the Queen's estate, he continues as he takes their passports and checks them. If I may say, those coat of arms look very dashing, he adds as he looks at the passport cover. If you can, please relay my congratulations to the artist who created it.
Anyway, everything is in order. Here you go," he finishes before handing them back their passports. However, in doing that, he leans towards them and speaks in a lower tone.
"We have been told that one of our guests wishes to speak with you in private, Princess Aurelia. If you wish to do so, you can ask the Baron Yuri Petrenko to lead you to him. When you wish to do so, you'll fid him underneath the trees to your right behind me with his wife and some friends. Enjoy the party, he finishes in a normal tone of voice again before stepping aside and allowing them to enter the Inner Courtyard.

Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Kendra took the lead.
"Indeed, Mister Brecken, it was a pleasant journey.", she said and bowed her head slightly in greeting, then shook his hand. It was a firm grip, which she had, vices were softer, as I knew. I left it at a polite bow of my head in greeting. "With a few stopovers, but nothing too serious. Small plane, small range."
She let a beat pass.
"Now, I did hear, that you, Mister Dal, are a bit of a horse-fan yourself, even owning some.", she added, turning to the businessman with a small smile, "Of course, you are at exactly the address with us, as we are, after all Selkie."
I put a hand onto her shoulder and said, in a hushed whisper loud enough for them to hear: "Kendra! Don't spill the secret!"
Kendra snorted in amusement at the joke - one would be hard-pressed not to recognize us as Selkie.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
So, did they finally learn, that their military ranks were not always the best choice... I thought the guest list to be a fluke.
We took our passports back and nodded.
"Thank you.", Fara said, "To you as well."
As soon as we were out of earshot, I leaned over to Fara and whispered in Kyrenaian: "So... as we talked about it?"
Of course, we had planned ahead. It would be stupid not to.
"Indeed.", Fara replied with a small smile, "Let's get the unleasant things over with first. Including your meeting with Emperor Anaximander."
She had just returned from her own trip to the UIS, which I had not known of, and funnily enough, our souvenirs for each other, were similar. Well, great minds and so on!
Anyway, we approached Petrenko, well known to us due to several occasions.
"Baron Petrenko, good to see you.", I said with a small smile, "I hope, that you and your wife are well?" I gave said wife a small nod, politely. Fara let me lead and observed. "I was made aware, that you were to lead us to someone wishing to speak with us?"
We all knew, who that was, no need to make any bones about it, but if the Guards wanted to make it a secret, I would make it one, too.

by **AHSCA** » Fri Oct 04, 2019 3:01 pm

Global Harran wrote:And finally, the cuttest of the guests for this garden party, Duchess Marcella Villa of AHSCA. All the Guards present had to suppress a small coo.
Anyway, it is Corporal Elkebir, who had been relieved of his task by his superior, who now interacts with the Duchess.
"Thank you Your Highness, he replies as he takes her passport and invitation card. Okay, everything seems in order, he says before handing her back her documents. If I may say, this dress suits you very well, he adds with a small blush.
Anyway, he continues before blinking twice, I've been asked by the Grand Countess Catherine Smetov and the Baroness Patricia Petrenko if you would accept to have a word or two with them. From what I know, they've been recently to your Islands for some sort of Festival, and they liked it very much. If you want, you can find them with their husbands to the right behind me, underneath the trees. Have a nice evening Duchess, he finishes with a small bow, before allowing Marcella to enter the Inner Courtyard.

Marcella smiled and blushed a little at being complimented. "Oh thank you, thank you very much. Oh some people want to talk with me? Well all right then, I best not be rude and go talk with them right away. Thank you again for the invitation, I look forward to the party this evening. Please have a pleasant time yourselves." she gathered her skirts and made way to where she was directed underneath the trees in the inner courtyard. She let her eyes wander a bit to see if she could spot anyone she might know among the party, nobody quite looked familiar just yet but maybe more would show up. Marcella was always bad about doing research about who was going to be present at parties, maybe something she should shake. She tended to rely on Noir to give her a cliff notes version of who-might-be-who. Last party she was at was a wedding which saw a big gathering of all her regional neighbors. It was kind of awkward as she hung on the arm of Empress FIne most of the time. Foreign and exotic out of the way parties, she felt more at ease with, it was more like meeting new people than facing the judging eyes of your closest peers.

She snapped her attention back realizing she nearly bumped into a poor waiter. "Oh, pardon me." She politely weaved around him then found her way to whom had called for her, Grand Countess Catherine Smetov and the Baroness Patricia Petrenko. "Ladies, a good evening to you." She greeted them. " I'm Duchess Villa and believe you asked for me personally? I hope you are both well."

by **Kafair** » Fri Oct 04, 2019 3:20 pm

Global Harran wrote:
Corporal Conely, who had heard the Prince's remark, approaches the two with a small smirk on his face. "Good evening Your Majesty, Mr Itchak, he greets the both of them before checking their passports and invitation cards. I think everything is in order. However, if I may say, I would advise that you do not mention the word "undead" in front of Her Royal Highness Queen Morenai, because that is the complete opposite of what we are. And considering she has the same hands as us, he continues as he shows them his clawed-hands, things would go from orderly to a complete mess. So please try to remember that, he adds with a small chuckle. Anyway, enjoy your evening, he finishes before stepping aside and motioning them inside the courtyard.

As both men have entered, they would find a couple coming towards them, a blonde man wearing the Dress Uniform of the Imperial Guard of the Scarlet Eagle (consisting of a midnoght blue coat with a standing collar, a midnight blue web belt with a golden "IG" buckle, a white shirt underneath, a peaked cap, black pants with a scarlet stripe down the outer seam of each leg; a certain number of medals and ribbons over the left and right chest. And finally, attached to the belt, a straight sword on the left side, with the handle wrapped in black leather, and a Colt M1911 pistol in a holster on the right side.).
Linking arms with him, a young woman, wearing a white dressending just above the knee.
"Good afternoon Prince al-Karim, says the man as he approaches them. Grand Duke Maximilian Doppler, and my wife Ophelia, he says as he introduces his wife and himself, while extending his hand for a shake. I hope you had a pleasant trip coming here?" he asks with a warm smile.
"Nice to meet you Prince adds Ophelia with a smile for good measure.

The prince nodded to the corporal. "My apologizes. I will do my best to remember that." He nodded to him, walking in. He sights the 2 approaching him, and stops, as they introduce themselves. He shakes the man's hand with a strong grip, and bows to both of them. "It is a pleasure to meet the both of you." Itchak bows low, and arises. "The trip was nothing to write home about. Though I was plagued with thoughts about what such a nation would look like. I must say though..." He looks around, and back with a smile. "They do a good job. I have been pleasantly surprised so far. Tell me, what is it like, living in such an environment?"

by **Kuronami** » Sat Oct 05, 2019 11:23 am

Benio scanned the crowd when she and Sakura entered the courtyard. "Ah good turn out."

"I think I spotted the Duchess of the UIS over there." Sakura motioned

Benio craned her neck but it seemed Marcella had disappeared into the crowd. Given the young Duchess was fairly short it was easy. "I'm sure we'll find her later. In the meantime let's see....Ah follow me." she guided her assistant along to find Prime Minister Kyle Crane, who was in a conversation with his date Miss Jade Aldemir. "Mister Crane, is it?" Benio had a good idea based on her research about who would be here. "Good evening to you. I'm Hanamura, the foreign minister for Kuronami. How are you doing?"

by **Danceria** » Sat Oct 05, 2019 12:23 pm

“Hopefully I won’t just cooped up backstage…” the Half-Elf would smile, and shoulder his rucksack once more. He wasn’t quite used to being an “official” musician, just usually played gigs wherever there were people to listen, be it pubs or somewhere on the open road.

Nevertheless, he was looking forward to talking with his fellow musicians backstage, no doubt looking like quite the oddity as he carried his rucksack deftly through the tables and throngs of people.

A few faces he would recognize, though most thankfully he didn’t. So much vibrance among people who were once dead! Perhaps some greater hope or meaning may be divined from this situation. Perhaps it would be worthy of another song…

by **Metcalfer2** » Mon Oct 07, 2019 2:42 am

A black S.U.V with Metcalfern flags slowly pulls up in front of the gates, idling for a minute a tall lanky Caucasian man in a blue and red uniform is escorted out of the car by a similar tall man with whitish-blonde hair, although dressed in a simple suit. As the car drove away both men began conversing as they walked to the guarded entrance “I don’t see why I have to wear this bright monstrosity while you get to wear normal clothes” “you know answer to that my Kaiser” “bah, because you were lucky enough not to be born a royal in a family with strict clothing traditions, none of them are even alive and yet I have too listen to them” the older man chuckled before turning to a more stern voice “it’s best that we remembered why we are here” William huffed before talking “to get Dr Grinderman back because she decided to go full fuckwad and try to do the scientist version of pulling up to a playground with a van that has free candy written on it for the intent of collecting some super strong zombies, that about right”.

“Yes, that would be about right” the young Kaiser sighed in frustration “ever since I came to the throne I have had to keep those MSWS nutters from trying to kidnap and weaponise the population of this country, honestly I could swear they are half mast when ever someone mentions Harran” “I wouldn’t be surprised but that’s just what you get from having these shorts of people working for you” “yeah but it isn’t even all of them, only the bioweapons branch pulls this shit, the other branches like the Chemicals Weapons branch or the Drone Warfare branch never do shit like this”

The two men walked a little bit further before the Kaiser started talking again “couldn’t we just stick with the pistols, the sword is mucking around with my cape” “again you know the answer” “hmm, at least my sword fits with my outfit unlike yours”. Both men finally arrived at the guarded entrance before showing their passports.

by **The Selkie** » Mon Oct 07, 2019 11:10 am

AHSCA wrote:
Global Harran wrote:And finally, the cuttest of the guests for this garden party, Duchess Marcella Villa of AHSCA. All the Guards present had to suppress a small coo.
Anyway, it is Corporal Elkebir, who had been relieved of his task by his superior, who now interacts with the Duchess.
"Thank you Your Highness, he replies as he takes her passport and invitation card. Okay, everything seems in order, he says before handing her back her documents. If I may say, this dress suits you very well, he adds with a small blush.
Anyway, he continues before blinking twice, I've been asked by the Grand Countess Catherine Smetov and the Baroness Patricia Petrenko if you would accept to have a word or two with them. From what I know, they've been recently to your Islands for some sort of Festival, and they liked it very much. If you want, you can find them with their husbands to the right behind me, underneath the trees. Have a nice evening Duchess, he finishes with a small bow, before allowing Marcella to enter the Inner Courtyard.

Marcella smiled and blushed a little at being complimented. "Oh thank you, thank you very much. Oh some people want to talk with me? Well all right then, I best not be rude and go talk with them right away. Thank you again for the invitation, I look forward to the party this evening. Please have a pleasant time yourselves." she gathered her skirts and made way to where she was directed underneath the trees in the inner courtyard. She let her eyes wander a bit to see if she could spot anyone she might know among the party, nobody quite looked familiar just yet but maybe more would show up. Marcella was always bad about doing research about who was going to be present at parties, maybe something she should shake. She tended to rely on Noir to give her a cliff notes version of who-might-be-who. Last party she was at was a wedding which saw a big gathering of all her regional neighbors. It was kind of awkward as she hung on the arm of Empress FIne most of the time. Foreign and exotic out of the way parties, she felt more at ease with, it was more like meeting new people than facing the judging eyes of your closest peers.

She snapped her attention back realizing she nearly bumped into a poor waiter. "Oh, pardon me." She politely weaved around him then found her way to whom had called for her, Grand Countess Catherine Smetov and the Baroness Patricia Petrenko. "Ladies, a good evening to you." She greeted them. " I'm Duchess Villa and believe you asked for me personally? I hope you are both well."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I felt another person coming up from the sides while I was waiting for a reply from the Baron about his wife and his mission and maybe even a greeting thrown in - actually, I was quite sure, that he would greet first before anything else, Anax's people were polite people, one had to give them that.
And politeness went a long way in our business.
Anyway, right then, the newcomer began to speak.
She introduced herself as 'Duchess Villa', but I knew her under another name. And she wasn't even finished with the greeting of the women, when I had recognized her voice.
I looked over and...
...there she stood.
She looked stunningly beautiful. Like the sun after a long night.
I had been so absorbed in my mission, that I had not noticed (I had seen her name on the guest list), not recognized her approach... for a moment, I debated, whether or not I should speak to her, at least say hi, or if I should leave that for later or what and how and why and who and...
...apparently, I thought for a moment too long as Fara suddenly said: "Good afternoon, Marcella-Khana - and what a lovely evening it is. Wouldn't you agree, Aurelia?"
I could only bring out a soft: "...yes..."
To be honest, imagine the worst weather you can think of and it would still be loveliest of evenings for me - I had Marcella.
Fuck the rest.

by **Global Harran** » Mon Oct 07, 2019 2:46 pm

As he arrives behind the stage, Harlaw would be greeted by about a dozen Harran Virals, four women and eight men, the women wearing red dresses and the men wearing standard black tie attire, with black bowties and cummerbunds.
"Good evening Mr Harlaw, says one of them as he advances towards the Half-Elf, a man with green eyes and short red hair (although the eyes are of course bloodshot). I'm Bachar Erdogan, the lead singer and learder of this merry band, he continues as he shows the rest of his group. If I may introduce, this is my wife and co singer Alissa Erdogan, he says as he points to a woman with long dark hair, reaching down to her waist, and green eyes as well. And this is also the rest of the band.

So, continues Bachar once he has introduced everyone, we have planned for you to play until the Queen arrives, and then we would take the lead, with you of course welcome to keep playing with us as well. So, what songs do you have in store for us?" finisehs the singer with a smile.

When the two Kuronami women approach them, Kyle and Jade, who had been talking very normally until now, suddenly turn towards them with their arms raised in front of them.
"Braaaiiiiinnns, says the couple as one with raspy voices as they advance towards the two guests, before stopping after a few meters and laughing a bit.
-Sorry, I'll never get tired of that joke, says the Prime Minister as he wipes a small tear from his eye, before readjusting the green beret he is wearing on his head, a token of his time in the Empire's Special Forces. Sorry if we have scared you Your Excellencies, he adds with an apologetic smile and a small bow. Kyle Crane, for mer Green Beret and Prime Minister of the Queendom. My girlfriend, Jade Aldemir, former three-time kickboxing world champion, and Minister of Culture and Education.
-A pleasure, addq Jade with a smile. And sorry about that joke too. Nonetheless, I hope you'll enjoy your time with us tonight."

(Note: Crane is wearing a dark green tuxedo and pants, with a black shirt and a bolo tie, while Aldemir is wearing a blue dress which leaves the left shoulder exposed, as well as a bit of cleavage. Her hair is pulled back in a bun.)

Thomas answers the prince's strong grip with one of his own, before releasing hands.
"Well, I'm glad you like what our hosts have prepared for us, replies the Imperial noble. I'll admit, it's good to see this kind of event prepared for someone other than us, given the fact our country was the only one to help them get back on their feet five years ago.
Anyway, to answer your question, I'll only be able to answer from an stranger's point of view. As you see, my wife and I are just as human as you and your bodyguard, so we can't tell what being a Harran Viral is like. However, when it comes to the local mood and way of life, it's pretty much normal. The locals do not want other, normal humans to think of them as being too different, they want to be considered just like before the outbreak when they were normal humans.
-It's a difficult thing to achieve, but events like that are a first step in the right direction," finishes the Duchess with a smile

A black S.U.V with Metcalfern flags slowly pulls up in front of the gates, idling for a minute a tall lanky Caucasian man in a blue and red uniform is escorted out of the car by a similar tall man with whitish-blonde hair, although dressed in a simple suit. As the car drove away both men began conversing as they walked to the guarded entrance “I don’t see why I have to wear this bright monstrosity while you get to wear normal clothes” “you know answer to that my Kaiser” “bah, because you were lucky enough not to be born a royal in a family with strict clothing traditions, none of them are even alive and yet I have too listen to them” the older man chuckled before turning to a more stern voice “it’s best that we remembered why we are here” William huffed before talking “to get Dr Grinderman back because she decided to go full fuckwad and try to do the scientist version of pulling up to a playground with a van that has free candy written on it for the intent of collecting some super strong zombies, that about right”.

“Yes, that would be about right” the young Kaiser sighed in frustration “ever since I came to the throne I have had to keep those MSWS nutters from trying to kidnap and weaponise the population of this country, honestly I could swear they are half mast when ever someone mentions Harran” “I wouldn’t be surprised but that’s just what you get from having these shorts of people working for you” “yeah but it isn’t even all of them, only the bioweapons branch pulls this shit, the other branches like the Chemicals Weapons branch or the Drone Warfare branch never do shit like this”

The two men walked a little bit further before the Kaiser started talking again “couldn’t we just stick with the pistols, the sword is mucking around with my cape” “again you know the answer” “hmm, at least my sword fits with my outfit unlike yours”. Both men finally arrived at the guarded entrance before showing their passports.

When the Metcalfer Kaiser and his bodyguard appraoch them, all the Rapace Guards tense up immediatly, before unstrapping their rifles from their backs, and aiming them towards the ground in the direction of the two men, slowly surrounding them in a half-circle formation.
"Greetings gentlemen, says Sergeant Kader Cherif with an icy tone as he takes both passports in hand and starts to exaùine them. I hope you had a peasant trip coming here. In any case, it is surely more pleasant than what your dear Dr Grindeman had in store for me and a few of my friends the other day when she tried capturing us. Unfortunately for her, the hunter has become the hunted, finishes the Sergeant with a dry chuckle, but still keeping the passports in hand for now.

by **Metcalfer2** » Tue Oct 08, 2019 2:55 am

Global Harran wrote:

A black S.U.V with Metcalfern flags slowly pulls up in front of the gates, idling for a minute a tall lanky Caucasian man in a blue and red uniform is escorted out of the car by a similar tall man with whitish-blonde hair, although dressed in a simple suit. As the car drove away both men began conversing as they walked to the guarded entrance “I don’t see why I have to wear this bright monstrosity while you get to wear normal clothes” “you know answer to that my Kaiser” “bah, because you were lucky enough not to be born a royal in a family with strict clothing traditions, none of them are even alive and yet I have too listen to them” the older man chuckled before turning to a more stern voice “it’s best that we remembered why we are here” William huffed before talking “to get Dr Grinderman back because she decided to go full fuckwad and try to do the scientist version of pulling up to a playground with a van that has free candy written on it for the intent of collecting some super strong zombies, that about right”.

“Yes, that would be about right” the young Kaiser sighed in frustration “ever since I came to the throne I have had to keep those MSWS nutters from trying to kidnap and weaponise the population of this country, honestly I could swear they are half mast when ever someone mentions Harran” “I wouldn’t be surprised but that’s just what you get from having these shorts of people working for you” “yeah but it isn’t even all of them, only the bioweapons branch pulls this shit, the other branches like the Chemicals Weapons branch or the Drone Warfare branch never do shit like this”

The two men walked a little bit further before the Kaiser started talking again “couldn’t we just stick with the pistols, the sword is mucking around with my cape” “again you know the answer” “hmm, at least my sword fits with my outfit unlike yours”. Both men finally arrived at the guarded entrance before showing their passports.

When the Metcalfer Kaiser and his bodyguard appraoch them, all the Rapace Guards tense up immediatly, before unstrapping their rifles from their backs, and aiming them towards the ground in the direction of the two men, slowly surrounding them in a half-circle formation.
"Greetings gentlemen, says Sergeant Kader Cherif with an icy tone as he takes both passports in hand and starts to exaùine them. I hope you had a peasant trip coming here. In any case, it is surely more pleasant than what your dear Dr Grindeman had in store for me and a few of my friends the other day when she tried capturing us. Unfortunately for her, the hunter has become the hunted, finishes the Sergeant with a dry chuckle, but still keeping the passports in hand for now.

William mentally sighed, of course the Volatiles she tried to capture were military, bloody typical but best to put on his most regretful voice and try to keep things at a simmer. William nodded his head with a small well meaning smile “My deepest apologies, you know how scientists can be, more brains than commonsense, anyway there is no need to bear arms, we come bearing peaceful intentions, Basil how peaceful are our intentions?” Basil replied with a deadpan voice “incredibly peaceful, more peaceful than Gandhi” William gave a small laugh as he turned to Basil “whoa, hey maybe not that peaceful, that and I don’t want to be equated with Gandhi because of that weird stuff he did with those women and his grandniece, I don’t even have a niece to do weird stuff with”.

William froze as he realised why the guards were looking at him like he was a creep, turning to Basil the look on his guards face was all the confirmation that he needed to know he was garbage at talking. Suppressing the urge to snap his own neck he turned back to the guards “sorry about that, I’m not good at talking, that and even if I had a niece I wouldn’t do anything weird, I would be that uncle that you think is the cool one who gave you bourbon when your mum wasn’t looking but you don’t see them often because they showed up to grandmas birthday while incredibly drunk and brandishing a gun, bonus points if I show up with a prostitute named Candice with a q instead of a c” William pointed at a nearby guard “this guy knows what I’m talking about am I right” the guard gave a nod while saying a yeah in confirmation.

Noticing the looks on the other guards faces William realised that he was making them all incredibly uncomfortable “any way back to the original question our trip was uneventful, how has your guys day been?” William turned back to Basil while mouthing nailed it, much to the disappointment of Basil.

by **AHSCA** » Tue Oct 08, 2019 11:26 am

The Selkie wrote:Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I felt another person coming up from the sides while I was waiting for a reply from the Baron about his wife and his mission and maybe even a greeting thrown in - actually, I was quite sure, that he would greet first before anything else, Anax's people were polite people, one had to give them that.
And politeness went a long way in our business.
Anyway, right then, the newcomer began to speak.
She introduced herself as 'Duchess Villa', but I knew her under another name. And she wasn't even finished with the greeting of the women, when I had recognized her voice.
I looked over and...
...there she stood.
She looked stunningly beautiful. Like the sun after a long night.
I had been so absorbed in my mission, that I had not noticed (I had seen her name on the guest list), not recognized her approach... for a moment, I debated, whether or not I should speak to her, at least say hi, or if I should leave that for later or what and how and why and who and...
...apparently, I thought for a moment too long as Fara suddenly said: "Good afternoon, Marcella-Khana - and what a lovely evening it is. Wouldn't you agree, Aurelia?"
I could only bring out a soft: "...yes..."
To be honest, imagine the worst weather you can think of and it would still be loveliest of evenings for me - I had Marcella.
Fuck the rest.

Marcella heard the familiar voice of Fara and was rather surprised, then again it was her fault for not looking at the guest list. "I..." She turned about to face the Kyrenaian delegates "Good afternoon to you too! Lady-Princess..." She found herself a bit tongue tied given Aurelia was among them. She wanted to leap onto her beloved and greet her warmly but this was a party and she had to conduct herself properly as a Duchess. "Ahem....A fine day to you too, Princess Fara bint-Dardan and to you as well, Princess Aurelia bint-Damir. How lovely it is to see you both here as well." She then addressed everyone "I must admit, not fully knowing the guest lists of any engagements I attend is a real bad habit of mine. I often rely on having my foreign minister on my arm to whisper all I need to know. So to see my friends of the Sultanate here, it's a bit surprising. I'm not sure if you are aware, Miladies Grand Duchess and Baroness, by the Sultanate and the UIS have a very strong relationship with one another. I guess I left quite the positive impression on their Sultana when I first visited."

by **The Selkie** » Tue Oct 08, 2019 12:43 pm

AHSCA wrote:
The Selkie wrote:Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I felt another person coming up from the sides while I was waiting for a reply from the Baron about his wife and his mission and maybe even a greeting thrown in - actually, I was quite sure, that he would greet first before anything else, Anax's people were polite people, one had to give them that.
And politeness went a long way in our business.
Anyway, right then, the newcomer began to speak.
She introduced herself as 'Duchess Villa', but I knew her under another name. And she wasn't even finished with the greeting of the women, when I had recognized her voice.
I looked over and...
...there she stood.
She looked stunningly beautiful. Like the sun after a long night.
I had been so absorbed in my mission, that I had not noticed (I had seen her name on the guest list), not recognized her approach... for a moment, I debated, whether or not I should speak to her, at least say hi, or if I should leave that for later or what and how and why and who and...
...apparently, I thought for a moment too long as Fara suddenly said: "Good afternoon, Marcella-Khana - and what a lovely evening it is. Wouldn't you agree, Aurelia?"
I could only bring out a soft: "...yes..."
To be honest, imagine the worst weather you can think of and it would still be loveliest of evenings for me - I had Marcella.
Fuck the rest.

Marcella heard the familiar voice of Fara and was rather surprised, then again it was her fault for not looking at the guest list. "I..." She turned about to face the Kyrenaian delegates "Good afternoon to you too! Lady-Princess..." She found herself a bit tongue tied given Aurelia was among them. She wanted to leap onto her beloved and greet her warmly but this was a party and she had to conduct herself properly as a Duchess. "Ahem....A fine day to you too, Princess Fara bint-Dardan and to you as well, Princess Aurelia bint-Damir. How lovely it is to see you both here as well." She then addressed everyone "I must admit, not fully knowing the guest lists of any engagements I attend is a real bad habit of mine. I often rely on having my foreign minister on my arm to whisper all I need to know. So to see my friends of the Sultanate here, it's a bit surprising. I'm not sure if you are aware, Miladies Countess and Baroness, by the Sultanate and the UIS have a very strong relationship with one another. I guess I left quite the positive impression on their Sultana when I first visited."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
"Not only on her.", Fara confirmed with a nod, which was not only a little pointer into my direction. I understood the message: Get yer bloody act together! Meanwhile, Fara continued: "But yes, a peek on the guest list is sometimes not a bad idea - on the other hand, it spoils the surprise. It depends on the person."
"Speaking of which, Grandmother has given me a message for you again. I don't have it with me right now, it's aboard the Alshaahin...", I said, smiling a bit sheepishly, "...but how about you come over for a Midnight Snack later?" I paused for a moment, then looked to Fara. "We can do that, right?"
"Hey, it's your father's vessel!", she said with a smile, "Who you invite aboard or not is your thing to decide. He gave you temporary ownership, after all."
I grinned and turned back to Marcella: "So, what do you think?"

by **Global Harran** » Tue Oct 08, 2019 2:22 pm

Apparently, the action had happened too quickly to give Yuri Petrenko, his wife Patricia and her friend Catherine Smetov any time to react or greet either women before they talked to each other.
Anyway, for this party, Yuri is wearing black tie in black color, with a scarlet shirt and a blue cummerbund, as well as black dress shoes. Instead of a bow tie, hanging around his neck, a medal, with a blue ribbon holding it around the neck, and the pendant being made in gold, representing a skull with a visor cross, and circled by the words: 157th Scarlet American Imperial Sniper Cup.
Patricia, for her part, is wearing a pair of sandals and a simple white dress, leaving her shoulders and back exposed, held by a golden collar around her neck. Her hair is arranged in a simple ponytail with a red clasp. Hanging from her shoulder, a white leather bag with a sling made of white pearls.
Catherine, her friend and lover, is wearing a light blue dress very similar to her friend, also leaving the back and shoulders exposed and held by a silver collar around the neck. Her shoes are flat ones, colored white, and she is also carrying a white leather bag with a sling made of pearls. Her hair is not attached at all, flowing freely down her back and ending in the middle.
And finally, let's not forget Grand Duke Phillip Smetov, who is watching everything with a little smirk, dressed in a deep blue attire, with a black shirt and cummerbund and a white bow tie, with black shoes as well.
A final thing to remember, is that the two men are wearing on their heads the iconic black beret of the Imperial Guard with their Squadron's emblem on it.

As the four Scarlet Americans look at the scene then at each other, they give each other small looks of approval.
"Ahem, starts the Baron Petrenko as he clears his throat, a bit loudly, to catch everyone's attention. Sorry to interrup Ladies, but I believe we were starting to greet each other, so let's restart if you don't mind."
With that said, the young man takes a deep breath, before looking at the two Kyrenaian Princesses with a warm smile.
"Good afternoon to you Aurelia-Amira, Fara-Amira, he says, using their Kyrenaian titles. It is good to see you both as well, and in good health, especially after what happened this summer. If I may say, those dresses fit you very well.
Duchess Marcella, he continues as he turns to the AHSCA Monarch and salutes her by bowing with his hand on his heart, it is a great pleasure to meet you at last. I am Baron Yuri Petrenko, and I have the honor to serve the Emperor as part of his Personal Guard.
If I may introduce, this is my friend and co-worker Grand Duke Phillip Smetov.
-An honor to meet you Your Highness, says Phillip as he bows as well. And a pleasure to see you again Princesses, he adds to the two Kyrenaian women.
-And our wives, Patricia Petrenko and Catherine Smetov, finishes Yuri as he points to the two women.
-A pleasure to meet you, say the both of them as they bow as well. Well Duchess, continues Catherine, I didn't hknow that the Sultanate and your Islands were this close, so thank you for telling this to us. Did you know they were this close Patricia? asks the blonde noblewoman as she turns to her friend.
-Not at all, I just discovered it now just like you, replies Patricia, although a very, very tiny bit of sarcasm could be heard in her tone of voice.
-Jokes aside, your Highness, says Phillip to Marcella, Ii just want to inform you that His Imperial Majesty Emperor Anaximander Blachkov is suppose to have a talk in private with Princess Aurelia here concerning private matters. After that, he wishes to speak with you and her concerning certains....mishaps, if you'll allow me this word, that concerns some past events that involved our two countries. I believe that's pretty much everything, isn't it Yuri? he asks to his friend.
-Indeed, Phillip, replies the Baron, I don't have anything to add. Now, Princesses, if you'll please follow me, I'll lead you to the Emperor."

When they hear the joke, Harris, Lena and Volkan snort in amusement as well.
"Indeed, horses are my main passion, replies the industrialist with a small smile. I have around a hundred of them, which I train for a variety of things. Around half of them are trained for races, both with chariots and without, as well as other sports involving horses, like polo, obstacles trials, etc. And I have the other half to be used in schools or for reenactments. If I may tell you, this city, when it was still part of the Ottoman Empire, was a very-well renowned place for training and breeding horses, which would sell all over the Empire. They were for example used by Mehmed the Second when he captured Constantinople, or by Suleiman the First when he conquered Eastern Europe. I merely try, at my level, to keep this tradition alive."

With a nod from their commanding NCO, all the Volatile Guards lower their rifles, before slinging them across their backs again and returning tho their original spots.
"Well, this day has been pretty uneventful, replies the Sergeant with a neutral tone, but a bit warmer than before. Getting up, and preparing for the arrival of the guests, and that's pretty much it."
However, before he can continue, he is interrupted by another Volatile coming towards him, dressed in the same uniform, and whose rank indicate he is a Captain.
"Hey Sergeant, are they the ones? asks the Volatile, this one being of the blue variety, rexognizable by his blue skin tone.
-Yes Sir! replies Cherif as he salutes the officer. Gentlemen, he continues as he drops the salute and tunrs back to the guests, this is our commanding officer, Captain Amir Dahkrim. He will lead you to the Queen if you are ready, he finishes as he hands their passports back to the Kaiser and his guard.
-Gentlemen, says Captain Dakrim as he salutes sharply, if you'll please follow me, Her Royal Highness Queen Jasmine Morenai is expecting you."

by **The Selkie** » Tue Oct 08, 2019 3:41 pm

Global Harran wrote:Apparently, the action had happened too quickly to give Yuri Petrenko, his wife Patricia and her friend Catherine Smetov any time to react or greet either women before they talked to each other.
Anyway, for this party, Yuri is wearing black tie in black color, with a scarlet shirt and a blue cummerbund, as well as black dress shoes. Instead of a bow tie, hanging around his neck, a medal, with a blue ribbon holding it around the neck, and the pendant being made in gold, representing a skull with a visor cross, and circled by the words: 157th Scarlet American Imperial Sniper Cup.
Patricia, for her part, is wearing a pair of sandals and a simple white dress, leaving her shoulders and back exposed, held by a golden collar around her neck. Her hair is arranged in a simple ponytail with a red clasp. Hanging from her shoulder, a white leather bag with a sling made of white pearls.
Catherine, her friend and lover, is wearing a light blue dress very similar to her friend, also leaving the back and shoulders exposed and held by a silver collar around the neck. Her shoes are flat ones, colored white, and she is also carrying a white leather bag with a sling made of pearls. Her hair is not attached at all, flowing freely down her back and ending in the middle.
And finally, let's not forget Grand Duke Phillip Smetov, who is watching everything with a little smirk, dressed in a deep blue attire, with a black shirt and cummerbund and a white bow tie, with black shoes as well.
A final thing to remember, is that the two men are wearing on their heads the iconic black beret of the Imperial Guard with their Squadron's emblem on it.

As the four Scarlet Americans look at the scene then at each other, they give each other small looks of approval.
"Ahem, starts the Baron Petrenko as he clears his throat, a bit loudly, to catch everyone's attention. Sorry to interrup Ladies, but I believe we were starting to greet each other, so let's restart if you don't mind."
With that said, the young man takes a deep breath, before looking at the two Kyrenaian Princesses with a warm smile.
"Good afternoon to you Aurelia-Amira, Fara-Amira, he says, using their Kyrenaian titles. It is good to see you both as well, and in good health, especially after what happened this summer. If I may say, those dresses fit you very well.
Duchess Marcella, he continues as he turns to the AHSCA Monarch and salutes her by bowing with his hand on his heart, it is a great pleasure to meet you at last. I am Baron Yuri Petrenko, and I have the honor to serve the Emperor as part of his Personal Guard.
If I may introduce, this is my friend and co-worker Grand Duke Phillip Smetov.
-An honor to meet you Your Highness, says Phillip as he bows as well. And a pleasure to see you again Princesses, he adds to the two Kyrenaian women.
-And our wives, Patricia Petrenko and Catherine Smetov, finishes Yuri as he points to the two women.
-A pleasure to meet you, say the both of them as they bow as well. Well Duchess, continues Catherine, I didn't hknow that the Sultanate and your Islands were this close, so thank you for telling this to us. Did you know they were this close Patricia? asks the blonde noblewoman as she turns to her friend.
-Not at all, I just discovered it now just like you, replies Patricia, although a very, very tiny bit of sarcasm could be heard in her tone of voice.
-Jokes aside, your Highness, says Phillip to Marcella, Ii just want to inform you that His Imperial Majesty Emperor Anaximander Blachkov is suppose to have a talk in private with Princess Aurelia here concerning private matters. After that, he wishes to speak with you and her concerning certains....mishaps, if you'll allow me this word, that concerns some past events that involved our two countries. I believe that's pretty much everything, isn't it Yuri? he asks to his friend.
-Indeed, Phillip, replies the Baron, I don't have anything to add. Now, Princesses, if you'll please follow me, I'll lead you to the Emperor."

When they hear the joke, Harris, Lena and Volkan snort in amusement as well.
"Indeed, horses are my main passion, replies the industrialist with a small smile. I have around a hundred of them, which I train for a variety of things. Around half of them are trained for races, both with chariots and without, as well as other sports involving horses, like polo, obstacles trials, etc. And I have the other half to be used in schools or for reenactments. If I may tell you, this city, when it was still part of the Ottoman Empire, was a very-well renowned place for training and breeding horses, which would sell all over the Empire. They were for example used by Mehmed the Second when he captured Constantinople, or by Suleiman the First when he conquered Eastern Europe. I merely try, at my level, to keep this tradition alive."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
We returned the greeting properly, but, to be honest, I didn't like the sarcastic tone of both Catherina and Patricia - they were not going to win brownie points with that. Well, I guess, that it was rather unimportant to them and, to be honest, to me it was, too... unless it continued.
In any case, I nodded.
"Yeah, there was something...", I said, then turned to Marcella, explaining to her: "My good friend..." The way I spoke that revealed, that at this moment, he was not exactly in my best graces, but I still considered him a friend - it is a very nuanced tone. "...spilled a personal secret and, well, he asked for me to come so that we could talk it out in person, which I personally find better."
Parallels to a certain other situation in mine and Marcella's shared past came to mind.
"Say, Baron...", I said to Yuri, "...do you think, that Anaximander-Qayssar would mind it terribly, if Marcella would come along? For the talk between him and me, I mean."
It did pertain her, in a way, as she was my girlfriend. I did not like having to keep secrets from her.

Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Kendra, as the man began namedropping, glanced to me and when he was finished, I shrugged.
"Never heard of those dudes, sorry, but I suppose, that they were kind-of important around these parts.", I said and shrugged, "Anyway, we breed horses for all sorts of things, from fieldwork, cattleherding work - Leonard can tell you more about that - forestry work to draught of carriages, sports and other means. Horses still are one of the major ways of getting around in our parts." I let a beat pass. "What is coming up more and more, and what I personally support wholeheartedly, is therapy riding, or rather Equine-Assisted Therapy. People from all over the world come to our lands to do that and... as long as it helps, I'm onboard."
Kendra nodded.

A Volatile's Queen Garden Party (IC)

A Volatile's Queen Garden Party (IC)

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