The Festival of Lights (Atmora only)

[Aellyria]

The young Lady Veyrnis contemplated to herself as she, the Holy Emperor his betrothed Countess Olivia of Wolf and Princess Anastasia the Holy Emperor's mentor and governess drove down the Imperial road on their way to the coastal festival, they of course would be spending the day in the viewing booth of the Holy Imperial Circuit, a massive horse race track, with a physical competition field in the middle where various feats of strength were tested.

It was after all the Holy Emperor's duty to preside over these games, and it was her duty to her father and Holy Emperor to watch over the young Emperor during such a festival. Although she would admit this event did hold a dual purpose, which was to meet with and entertain their Atmoran guests. With both the Atmorans and the Araveans growing closer to war with each other and Aellyrian interests being caught in the middle it was her job to maintain their link with the foreign power. As she thought this, she snapped out of her contemplation as Hector their driver and one of their Praetorian Guard informed her they had arrived.

The stadium was magnificent, perfect marble and granite stonework rose into the shape of a four story stadium capable of holding a million people, a massive structure possibly the largest in the city, at least in width. As they were escorted into the the Holy Emperor's personal suite a large section of the stadium on the southern side risen above the fourth floor in almost a fifth half floor in its own right. Inside was beautiful, the same flawless white marble decorated the interior, with lining of silver and in some places gold. Beautiful blue and gold banners bedecked in the Holy Imperial Sun, the christened symbol for the House of Aeylgarn, since the fall of the last dragon Maelyx Aeylgarn almost twenty five years ago. It was here they would discuss the latest events of the world with the Atmoran delegation and enjoy the games in luxury. As they say down a Praetor informed her of the arrival of their honored guests.

[Atmora]

HM the High Queen of Atmora, Holy Imperial Circuit, Aellyria

Katherine II, High Queen of Atmora took a step out of the SUV at the Stadium's entrance, as one of her Marechaussee Secret Service constables had opened the door for her holding her red parasol for her. Katherine II grabbed the parasol with her white gloves the Queen made her way towards the stadium flanking the Queen was her five Marechaussee security guards assigned for her personal protection. Head of HM's Security Detachment Captain Sietse Mannessen had tasked one of the Marechaussee Lance Sergeant Salvera to go ahead and inform the Praetorian Guards of Her Majesty's arrival.

With one of the Praetorians was the High Queen's niece Princess Anastasia. Princess Ana greeted her auntie with a smile having not seen her in over a year, ever since her auntie had summoned her to the Royal Palace informing her, that she along with her daughter Princess Olivia where to be sent to Aellyria. While Katherine wasn't keen on interfering in the geopolitics between Atmora and Aravea, it was her belief that securing Aellyria's neutrality or even as an ally would be the most beneficial for her realm. Katherine had made the decision to send her niece Princess Ana to become the governess of the Aellyrian Emperor and for Ana's daughter Princess Olivia to be wed to the Emperor.

Katherine looked at Ana with a smile speaking in a joyful tone "Hello Ana, how have you and Olive been in the past year?" Princess Ana responded to her auntie in a cordial tone "Hello dear auntie, Olive and I have been doing well. We have adjusted to the different culture and climate of Aellyria quite well."

Pausing for a second Ana gestured to her auntie to follow her "This way please if you will, the Holy Aellyrian Emperor is waiting for your arrival in the stadium."

[Aellyria]

Lady Veyrnis looked up as the Praetorian Guard announced the arrival of their guests, the High Queen of Atmora herself. The whole Holy Imperial party rose to great their guest and all gave a quick curtsey or bow except for Andreas, as from birth he had been trained for such things. As the herald finished his announcement the Holy Emperor spoke, a soft but practiced accent ringing out, the lilting voice of the Aellyrian language. "High Queen Katherine, I greet you and welcome you to my games as an honored guest of the Holy Empire of Aellyria," as he gestured to the spread of food and drink, "Please enjoy of our table and our holy empire." And with that the young teenager sat back down.

Which was Lady Veyrnis' que to step forward, with another curtsy "Your majesty, I am Lady Veyrnis, representative of my father, Lord-Regent Veyrnis and here in his stead, welcome to Aellyria, and if I may say, it is an honor to have you here." She smiled happily, she was just as glad as most of the aristocracy about the betrothal of Princess Olivia to the Holy Emperor. It would keep an internal struggle between the High Lords out of the realm of possibility, and would secure an alliance with Atmora while keeping amicability with the Araveans. Currently the Aellyrians benefitted from both sides and the Holy Imperial household intended to keep it that way.

"I hope you enjoy the games your majesty they are quite spectacular, and the city quite beautiful as always." She said happily. "If there is anything you need please do not hesitate to ask" As she said so, she glanced over her shoulder, "Oh I'm being rude, please sit down it must have been quite the flight from your country, allow us to ease your fatigue," with that she glanced at the servants who came forward with glasses of wine and began to play a soft winding melody on the harp, the official instrument of the Holy Aeylic Church.

[Atmora]

The High Queen sat down gesturing her niece to come closer to her when Princess Anatasia came close enough. Katherine turned a bit towards Ana speaking softly "Dear, may you please translate what the Emperor said, my Aellyrian isn't so good for me to hold a conversation." Ana translated what the Emperor said, "Auntie is there anything else you wish me to say?" Katherine responded "Yes my dear if you would be so kind to ask if the Emperor if we may continue this conversation in Dutch."

Ana gave a small nod to her aunt and spoke softly in Aellyrian "Your Majesty, it would appear my aunt would like to continue this conversation in Dutch. Her Majesty's Aellyrian seems not to be the best to speak fluently."

Katherine then turned towards Lady Veyrnis speaking politely "Lady Veyrnis, thank you for your hospitality. My trip from Alexandria to hear was quite long. But I'm glad to finally be in Aellyria, I must say it is quite beautiful. May I ask where is Princess Olive at this time?"

[Aellyria]

Andreas smiled politely, his dutch was excellent, he had been a polyglot since he was small, communication was a specialty of his as both the Holy Emperor and just as a personal talent and not to mention he enjoyed it. He switched effortlessly to Dutch. "Of course, it is an honor to speak with you, both Oliva and the Princess Anastasia hold you in very high regard, I'm glad to finally meet you." He said with a smile, the Dutch turning his voice a little softer, his lilting Aellyrian accent making it sound almost musical.

Lady Veyrnis cleared her throat softly as to not be rude as she was being spoken to, "Of course your majesty, she glanced at one of the servants who went to fetch her." The servant returned promptly with the Princess in tow, then as she presented the Princess the servant knelt next to Lady Veyrnis whispering in her mistresses ear. Lady Veyrnis smiled, "It seems the Princess was listening to the harpists, she is fascinated with traditional Aellyrian music".

[Atmora]

Katherine smiled at the young Emperor responding in kind "I concur, it is an honour to finally have met you Emperor Andreas. I do hope that with this meeting that we may further increase the friendship between our two realms." Katherine turned towards her young niece Prince Olive giving a smile as she greeted her "Oh hello sweety, it's been a long time since we last each other. My have big you've gotten since the last time that I saw you."

Katherine turned towards Ana "Sister, it is good to hear that you and Olive have been settling in Aellyria. You've been gone for a year and look how much Olive has changed in that."

Despite Katherine using her own cousin's daughter as a pawn in the game of geopolitics, she still cared for the wellbeing of her niece. Katherine did not relish the cruelty of sending her thirteen-year-old niece to a faraway land. To be betrothed to a man she did not know, away from her native land. But, Katherine saw it as her family's duty to ensure that Aellyria falls within the Atmoran sphere or at the very least remain neutral. Katherine relaxed back in her raising her glass "Now, I must say this is my first time experiencing an Aellyrian festival. And from what I have experienced so far, I must say that I enjoy what I have seen so far."

[Aellyria]

Andreas smiled, "The games are lovely, below us are the horse races. One of the main events, and arguably the most popular in Aellyria. Below us one hundred horses and their riders will compete for first place. It is very exciting. Later today in the center of the track will be the matador matches, and then of course outside the stadium will be the various festivities in the bazaar and the various carnivals that pop up for the months of celebration. We will have a chance to see it all if we wish, but the Holy Emperor must always appear first at the arena, it's good luck." he said this if by rote, which he supposed was fair enough.

He spared a distracted glance at Olivia, she was beautiful and his age. They had of course spent time together chaperoned and he was going through what his mentor Aisopos had told him was a budding crush, perfectly natural at his age. Before looking back at his esteemed guest the High Queen, "I hope you find yourself enjoying our festivities during your time here, our Holy Empire does indeed enjoy a good celebration."

[Atmora]

The High Queen looked towards the field noting the horses reminding her of the Grotere Prijs in Frederiksoord, while Katherine knew how to ride a horse she much preferred archery over horse riding. Katherine gave off a fake smile as soon as Andreas mentioned bullfighting hiding her disgust with the blood sport behind a veil of silence to hide her discontent. The Lieseltanian culture while almost as martial as the Aellyrian culture, saw no honour in bloodsports.

The High Queen spoke in a calm manner "Of course, how very interesting. May I ask what is the occasion that we owe this festival to? I am interested in learning more about the Aellyrian culture, there is only so much one can learn from a book after all."

The High Queen was smart enough to know that voicing or showing her revulsion towards the bloodsport as an honoured guest would be unbecoming of a woman of a lady of her own status.

The High Queen spoke once "Andreas, on behalf of the Atmoran people I humbly thank you. For allowing my fleet to establish a base in Húsavík. I can assure you that my fleets will not do anything to threaten the safety of Aellyria. Húsavík is a great strategic location for my fleet to resupply on the long journies through Anemoistic Ocean, greatly reducing the logistical lines of the Royal Auxiliary Fleet."

[Aellyria]

Andreas smiled, "The festival has been going on the entirety of our holy reign, it celebrates the success of our people, and of our yearly harvest. Our Holy Empire has some of the highest agrarian production in the world. Each of our major cities produces enough to support themselves and the surrounding area, while the Imperial Agricultural Initiative created the Agropolis, which took much of my childhood to complete, produces millions of tons of staple crops in surplus to both export and keep to feed the needy. Aellyria will never be allowed to starve under our guidance, and it is this that the people celebrate." Andreas looked out on the stadium, its beautiful decorations and ribbons wreathing it in a multitude of colours and beauty.

As his guest and future family member changed the subject Andreas snapped back to focus, "Of course, the friendship between the Atmoran people and the Aellyrian people is important to us. We are more than happy to host your fleet, and we are gladdened by your commitment to the safety and neutrality of the Holy Aellyrian Empire."

Lady Veyrnis smiled inwardly at her young Holy Emperor. He was young, yet already doing his nation proud. He was certainly the most well-spoken young teenager she had ever met, her fathers lessons must have been rubbing off on the boy. She remembered the same lessons from her childhood, stand up straight, let your voice come out unbroken and even, never let your anger show, and never speak unless you have something to say. It seems Andreas had taken to these like a duck to water.

[Atmora]

Katherine smiled "How intriguing, an impressive achievement to be proud of to be able to ensure your nation has the food it requires." the High Queen leaned back in her chair "Of course, the neutrality and safety of Aellyria is of the utmost importance to the Atmorans. Of course, as important as the strengthening of Aellyria as a whole, do tell me how Chancellor Hresvelg's mega projects are fairing."

While many can say what they want of the Chancellor's handling of internal affairs. There is something alluring about the Chancellor's megaprojects that she has proposed. Katherine leaned in close to Andreas "While on the topic of mega-projects
Aellyrian companies are more than welcome to contribute to the development of the Halkeginian infrastructure projects. After all, I'm more than sure Aellyria holds valuable resources to the Chancellor's infrastructure projects."

Katherine so far is impressed with the young Emperor, more mature and articulate than most his age. Perhaps, something to look out for in the future as Andreas grows wiser.

[Aellyria]

Andreas eyes twinkled, projects were something he loved, he often poured over plans with his imperial engineers in depth, having received and currently receiving one of the best educations in the Holy Aellyrian Empire. "Of course, the Aeylgarn Company in particular would love to participate in mutual beneficial business between our two nations. Andreas loved prosperity, it was drilled into him from an early age but his relatives and mentors that prosperity and maintaining the current Holy Empire was the most important purpose of the Holy Emperor. The people would always be warriors, this was guaranteed through the noble clans and their contracts out of country. But prosperity was only maintained through diligence, wealth, and hard work.

It was at this moment that the announcers began, "Welcome to the Holy Imperial Circuit! Where the Saints and the Gods will decide which of our blessed competitors will win today! Even the Holy Emperor himself, the blessed Andreas Aeylgarn and his betrothed The Princess Olivia are here today, along with an esteemed guest, Katherine the II, High Queen of Atmora, please welcome our beloved Holy Emperor and his guests!" It was at this moment that Lady Veyrnis tapped Andreas lightly on the shoulder, and he rose. His white linen vest and skirt shifting gently as he rose, he straightened his golden circlet, a large sapphire set in the middle of the circlet that was shaped like a sun in the centre. His bracelets that were also gold and shaped liked dragons, a reference to the heritage of the Aeylgarns as the dragon is a holy animal in Aeylic theology. He gently grabbed his staff, his symbol of being the high priest of the Aeylic Church. The staff made of olive wood was topped with a gilded sun, the staff was short and looked very similar to a mace. Showing how old the Aeylgarn's reign really was, this staff had been in the family for their whole reign, where they started as petty kings who ruled by the mace and fought their neighbouring city states for resources. When they united their neighbours as the best of the Aellyrians. This mace had bought them an Empire and would continue to maintain it. As he held it, Andreas smiled and turned to the High Queen, "Should we go greet the people?" He asked, holding out his for Olivia as he strode out onto the balcony, flanked by his Praetorian Guard and his guests.

[Atmora]

Katherine looked at the young emperor with curiosity wondering how much of Andreas actions and ideas were his alone, or the ideas of some faceless bureaucrat. Katherine answered the young emperor "Lovely, I shall inform Chancellor Hresvelg of your decision, I am quite sure the Chancellor will be pleased with Aellyria's contributions to her plans." The High Queen in truth was content with her Chancellor, while she didn't like how her Chancellor was handling domestic affairs. Katherine could not deny that while Chancellor Hresvelg was at best shoddy with domestic affairs, she did wonders with foreign and economic affairs. Of course, Katherine would neither publically nor privately admit that for the sake of the institution Katherine will remain silent on politics.

As the announcer began to overhead, Katherine observed Emperor Andreas and his tutor Lady Veyrnis. The only thought that came to Katherine's mind at the moment was, despite Andreas young age. It was clearly apparent to her that Andreas owes a great deal to Lady Veyrnis for being his governess. After her finishing her observations of the young emperor and his governess. Katherine watched as the young emperor engaged in pomp and circumstance, noticing the antiquity of his regalia noticing the engravings on it. Katherine responded to Andreas "Gladly, to a greater friendship!"

[Aellyria]

As Andreas waved to his citizens from the balcony, smiling joyfully at his people. He leaned forward as he was handed a small text by a servant clad in white. He opened it gingerly, smiling warmly as his delicate fingers opened the tome.

"Hello my people, today is beautiful isn't it? The sun glowing brightly as we gather to watch these blessed horsemen and their horses race before Our holy eyes and the eyes of the gods, Our golden ancestors. Enjoy this blessing, for our fathers before us have given it onto you." His voice soft and lilting projected by a hidden microphone. And with that an ivory horn was blown and Andreas retreated back inside with his family and entourage. As he sat back down Andreas' face smiled softly and played with the page of the text he was given, a copy of the Aeylic Canticum, the main holy text for the Aeylic religion. He called over a servant clad in white, "have the servants leave us for now please" he said, his voice a whisper.

The servants with that command left in silence, and Andreas seemed to relax. He smiled softly at the book in his hand then looks up at Katherine, "I apologise for my change in demeanor, the day has taken more energy than I thought." He stroked softly the cover of the book, "It may seem odd, but this book makes me feel closer to my mother, although she was not very pious." He paused, "If she hadn't been foolishly in love with my step father, she may have lived longer and we wouldn't be having this conversation, it is traditional for the Emperor or Empress to take a nymph lover, so that our clan will always have access to the blessed lineage of our ancestors. They aren't meant to fall in love, when she confessed her love and tried to marry him, he rejected her. Thus she killed herself."

Lady Veyrnis pursed her lips, the Holy Emperor should not be telling this story, it would make him look weak, and with his condition this is not something that can be afforded. She kneeled next to him pouring a glass of white wine, "Blessed Emperor, please quench your thirst." She offered him an ivory goblet gilded with a sun, filled to a quarter with Aellyrian white wine. Andreas took it gingerly, his hand steady but his grip soft.

"Lady Veyrnis, please pour a glass for our guest." He said.

Lady Veyrnis smiled, "Of course my most holy emperor," she said and grabbed another glass, filling it to the same amount with Aellyrian white wine. "For you, High Queen." She offered the glass to the High Queen.