A Messy Breakup (Private)

[Kyrenaia]

The Household of Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir searches for a Handmaiden well-versed in the handling of flowers, specifically of flowers from tropical climates. The Handmaiden in question will mostly be occupied in the Greenhouses of the Darqaeidin Palace, but can, if need arises, be drafted to work in other areas of the gardens.
Payment in accordance to the tariffs, unless prior active experience can be proven. Good looks optional, but preferred.

Utica - Beginning of Operation Inroads

Mola finished her last minute preparations and gathered all remaining papers and topped out with pair of what looked like ordinary glasses, because they ARE ordinary glasses. Some people really liked the bespectacled females and it was a decent way to change her appearance if only slightly. Despite a few suggestions from her colleagues that maybe she should untie her hair, slip into a skintight leather outfit, she opted to continue being herself , she prized herself on her knowledge and thinking, not her acting, trying to fake it too much might just make it too easy for her cover to be blown. Following the instructions in the ad, it lead her to where she'd go for the job position. Giving a polite greeting to whoever would be there to receive her, "Good day. I'm here about the job offer? Is it still open?" She smiled softly and easy.


[...]

Shirin Waradra.
Main Gates, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
To introduce myself, I am Shirin Waradra, Personal Handmaiden to the former Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir. Usually, one would expect someone far older, far more mature then me to fill this role, but truth being told...
...the former Grand Vizier is an old pervert.
Not to the point of glancing under skirts, or even chasing them, or other molesting behaviour, let me be clear about that, but he appreciated the female form quite a lot.
He was still an old pervert, though.
Speaking of which, his staff worked all over the Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica, a medium-sized palace surrounded by formerly huge stretches of land, which were just barren desert.
However, another thing about Mahmut al-Zahir was, that he was not only an old pervert, but also that he was a visionary. For him, the endless deserts were but an empty canvas and his little corner of it, he had filled with his great passion, with flowers and greenhouses and colour and water and about a hundred acres of hydroponics research institute, which he financed.
He had literally made the desert green.
And so many more colours.
So, when he sent me out for an errand, he had specifically told me to take the scenic route to the garage, where the W-55 stood, which I loved to ride for errands to Utica or one of the villages around us. And now, I had returned, only to see a girl in front of the main gate, inquiring to a man, who belonged to the Tabardariyya, if a job offer was still open.
She looked pretty, red eyes, dark skin, a khimono or however the citizens of the UIS called their coats, her glasses being quite cute, too. She didn't quite fill the requirements the old Grand Vizier had in one department, but she had an aura of calm grace about her.
If she had the skill...
I leaned on the fuel tank, after taking off my helmet and shaking out my long hair. The guard had long since noticed me and had motioned in my direction.
I smiled at the girl.
"It's more usual for applicants to write an application with CV and all previous employment references and school degrees to the Household Office, but the Grand Vizier was always picky about his gardens.", I said and decided to make an exception. It was within my powers. Plus, that she came here apparently without an appointment... there were both better and worse ways to make an impression. I reached behind me and took out a second helmet, offered it to the girl. "Hop on."
The guard made way for me and opened the gate.

[Brettenwald]

Dear Crown Prince Marco,

upon release of your post and arrival of your letter, my Father has filled me in on everything and both he and the Sultana saw it fit to allow me to write in their name as well: You're welcome.
From me, who I had little role in advising your Father, I want to wish you all the best, to both you and Rohan. He seems like a good guy and so do you – besides, the two of you look cute together.
Please don't hold it against your Father, that he asked for advice. Sure, he could have asked someone closer to home, but from what I understand, there simply was no one. So he did the only thing he could, he asked abroad. It is the mark of a wise man to know, when he needs help.

I would like to think, that if one positive thing comes out of this mess, it will be, that our nations came in touch and that you found the bravery to overcome your fear. I sometimes wish, that I would have had that bravery.

With a kind hug,
Aurelia bint-Damir,
Princess of the Ilkhanate of Utica and Beyeha of Malakiard.

P.S.: If we ever meet in person, I must take both you and Rohan on a spin on the nearest dance floor. I insist. ; )

Dear Princess Aurelia,

I don't hold it against him, or at least I'm trying not to. Looking back on it in the moment I suppose I can chalk it up to the need to adjust. Ten years of self-conditioning and beating myself back into the closet are going to take a long time to get over. People know, and I'll just have to get used to that being okay from now on. Don't beat yourself up about the past: you had the bravery to keep going after you were outed, and though it wasn't the only motivation for what I did, a year afterwards I decided I didn't have that bravery. Well, I say 'outed', on my part it was both limited in its spread and generally disbelieved. It's a long story. I trust Father hasn't been writing you too much, he may be the strong silent type but once he warms up to you he'll talk your ear off. He's a big softie, in all honesty, don't let the armor-plated exterior and The Look^TM fool you. Of course, my little sister Helena will probably say the same thing about me, so just imagine me shrugging here.

Rohan's been wonderful throughout all this, and I don't think I could have taken my leap of faith without him. I didn't know how much I needed someone in my life who understood what I was going through and had lived it himself until I met him. We've had our ups and downs: it took me two months to tell him how I felt and I didn't even do it in person, and I couldn't keep it together emotionally our first night because he looks so much like Nikolai, the spark that lit this particular flame all the way back at sixteen (I'll admit to having something of a type), but on the whole it's been better than I ever thought it could be. Thank you for the compliment, by the way. It's been twenty years or so since I've heard "cute" used to describe me, though Rohan says it sometimes just to make me blush. You'll find him a much better dancer since he's spent a lifetime around the performing arts, outside of the gym or the rugby pitch I've never grown fully accustomed to there being quite so much of me ever since puberty hit me like an express train.

This mess isn't going to sort itself out and I know the wheels of diplomacy move slowly, plus this is one of those situations where both sides lose, but there's nothing that falls apart that you can't put back together again if you're willing to put in the time and effort to make it so. The same goes for your relationship with Marcella. I won't pretend to be an expert, but when you have the chance to, talk it out in person. The summit's probably too early and you'll be stuck in your official personas so that's most likely off the table, but get it all out in the open and be honest with each other whenever you are able to get some one-on-one time. Gods know I'm trying to patch things up with my brother Paris. We went our own separate, mutually distasteful ways during tertiary school and I don't know why or how. In case you ever meet him, he's freakishly smart and also a cynical, misanthropic, moody wiseass in perpetually ill health with a habit of proving himself unexpectedly nice and/or genuinely useful shortly before I start to think about wringing his neck*. Consider yourself warned.

Cordially yours (and consider yourself equally hugged in return),
Crown Prince Marco Cärrino

*My lawyer deemed it prudent to clarify that yes, that is indeed a joke.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Utica - Beginning of Operation Inroads

Mola finished her last minute preparations and gathered all remaining papers and topped out with pair of what looked like ordinary glasses, because they ARE ordinary glasses. Some people really liked the bespectacled females and it was a decent way to change her appearance if only slightly. Despite a few suggestions from her colleagues that maybe she should untie her hair, slip into a skintight leather outfit, she opted to continue being herself , she prized herself on her knowledge and thinking, not her acting, trying to fake it too much might just make it too easy for her cover to be blown. Following the instructions in the ad, it lead her to where she'd go for the job position. Giving a polite greeting to whoever would be there to receive her, "Good day. I'm here about the job offer? Is it still open?" She smiled softly and easy.


Duchess Villa

A quite uneventful plane ride, Marcella late in the evening from AHSCA and would be on the ground sometime in the morning. Noir poured over documents as Marcella quietly and pensively stared out the window on the cloudy abyss. Their pilot called back with an ETA of about 15 minutes, as the letter stated it would be a quick in and out arrival at the airport, that was just fine, it wasn't a state visit, no need for pomp and circumstances. "Well, Milady I feel we have everything arranged," Noir said "But still, do you think a full week was required?"

"Last thing I want to do is shoot my mouth off again, I think it's best I take the time to prepare and rehearse everything and anything."

"Understood, Milady, understood. Milady, I imagine this will smooth out and remember, I'm still your Officer. I will not stand by quietly if your asked to grovel."

"Certainly not. I'll apologize, I'll admit I'm wrong if it makes everyone happy, but last thing I'll do is get on my knees and beg for mercy. The Sultana can have my head on a pike if she likes but I will not sell our national dignity down the river."

"Of course, Milady." The sounds of the engines changing speed and landing gear deploying meant it was approach time and just as quickly the plane was on the ground. Maybe a week was a bit much but Marcella was sincere enough to seek a tidy end to all this, she'd also want to find a way to repay Mervay for taking this upon themselves to mediate this. What was their angle in this? Hard to say, yes a daughter of an important person was now a citizen but still that's a lot of trouble for one international marriage. Honestly, it'd be in Mervay's best interest to side with Kyrenaia in this but whatever, it was time to get this over with.

Utica

Having walked for some time now, and booked a taxi to get some of the distance, Alima now finds herself a few hundred meters away from the Darqaeidin-Palace entrance.
There, under the guise of looking something on her phone, she gives sideways glance towards the entrance, where she witnesses Mola being invited in.

First phase complete simply thinks the young woman before walking away...

---

Adams Joint Air Base
Columbia District

As the sky turns orange, chasing away the night, and the first rays of the sun poke out in the East, the AHSCAian plane carrying Marcella Villa and Noir VinoCacao lands at Adams Joint Air Base, on the outskirts of the Imperium's capital.

Unlike when the Duchess came a year ago, this time, there is no fanfare or cordon of soldiers.
Instead, standing with a few Astarian Air Force Security Forces armed to the teeth, is Major General Wes Purlito, the base commander, which Marcella met briefly a year prior.

As the AHSCAian monarch, her Foreign Officier and their accompanying staff get out of the plane, the Astarian General salutes them, putting his hand to his forehead.

"Your Highness, Officer, everyone, welcome back to the Imperium." he says with a smile. "If you will please follow me." he says as he indicates a small bus waiting behind him, to take the whole group away.

[Mervay]

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I was, for a moment, stumped, as Agus began to laugh at my misfortune.
It took a few moments, but then I laughed with her – it was an absurd situation, after all, me complimenting her rear end while I was massaging it, the fact, that I was massaging her, the entire reason why she was here... I did not mind the latter, but the reason for it, I could live without.
And then...
“It came, very, very wrong.”, she said and looked away, “B-but thank you; I guess? Y-you also have a beautiful body as well...”
I paused in my very breath, my heart skipped a beat.
Many people had told me, that I was beautiful, or that certain parts of my body were beautiful or that I looked beautiful doing certain things (my favourite being, when someone told me I looked so cool when horsearchering), but this... had a different ring to it.
“Guess we should continue, right?”
“Yeah, let's.”, I said and moved on, my cheeks still red, to her legs.
Massaging the legs came with me rising from my position, standing next to Agus and went one after the other. From the hips down towards the feet, I ran my hands, rubbed thighs and calves, massaged knots and tight spots with my thumbs. I felt Agus shudder in delight at least once, her feeling my hands very clearly and delightfully.
I also worked on her feet for a bit, especially the sole, then stepped to her side.
“Turn on your back, please.”
Agus remained on her stomach for a moment, then rose to her knees and hands.
“This is doing wonders for my tense muscles...”, she said and rolled, sitting on her butt for a moment before lying back down. “...so I guess it is working...”
“You had some really tense ones.”, I agreed, watched her getting settled. “You might want to have a massage every now and again, even if it is just a short shoulder rub.” I thought for a moment. “If you want, I can teach you some self-massage techniques. They come in handy after long balls... especially for the legs.”
“That would be lovely, thank you.”, Agus agreed, then settled down. “I'm ready for the next phase.”
I nodded and swung myself back up, settling in a similar position as before, facing Agus taking a moment to look into her eyes. And only her eyes. I exhaled deeply, then reached out to place my hands on her shoulders to...
“Your Majesties, pardon the... interruption?”, a voice said.
Our heads whipped around.
Standing in the doorway, fully dressed, was Agus' butler, looking at us with a bewildered expression. I could not hold it against him, after all, his employer was being straddled by another beautiful woman, hands half-extended, both blushing and it looked a whole lot as if he walked into something he was decidedly not supposed to see.
There was an awkward silence before he cleared his throat, then reported: “Your brother reports a successful talk with the Sultana. She agreed to the mediation and he took her up on an invitation for dinner at the the Azure Hall.”
Agus nodded. “Very well, thank you. Please relay to him my gratitude and compliments.”
“Yes, Ma'am.”, he said, “If there is nothing else...”
“You're dismissed.” I wondered how Agus could keep such a straight face.
“Very well, Ma'am.”, he said, bowed to me... “Princess.” ...and turned on his heels. It reminded me a bit of a soldier parading, doing an about face.
“Bye, bye.”, I said and gave him a cheeky wave.
He left us and the two of us remained silent – it started with a snort from Agus, then we both broke out into laughter. It was a long and heartfelt laughter, so hard it made tears run down my cheeks, Agus curling a bit until we had calmed.
Gods, I had needed that...
The mood was gone, but replaced by something else, a friendly atmosphere, not one of tenseness. I decided to abandon my perch and lie down next to Agus, close to my friend, who wrapped an arm around me.
Both of us grinned.
“He will remember this for a long time.”, I said and grinned at Agus.
She grinned back at me. “He will.”, she confirmed, “But please don't hold it against him...”
I raised a hand and shook my head. “No, of course not. He was doing his duty.”, I said and resisted the urge to snuggle up to Agus. “Can't fault a man for that.”
Agus nodded.
We were silent for a while.
The Hot Room's temperature made me sweat and the steam certainly aided in that. It helped a lot with the massages.
Speaking of... without a word, I rose into my previous position, straddled Agus, I placed my hands on her stomach and began working on her abdominal muscles.
“Last time I gave one of those, the stomach was a lot larger.”, I said with a smile, then looked at Agus: “Yasmin. She was pregnant at the time... a week before Dschafar's birth, actually, and he kicked at me... he liked it.” I smiled. “She, too, of course, and Dad liked, that we were getting along so well.” I smiled at Agus, then added: “Children are far removed from our minds, aren't they?”
She nodded. “I want children one day, when I feel ready.”
“Yeah... finding the right person to raise them with might play a part as well.”, I added and Agus nodded. She might have noticed the way I phrased that. My hands stopped. Tears welled up. “I was considering who to ask for a sperm donation...”
Holding a hand in front of my mouth, I tried to hold back tears.
That stupid bint from the UIS.
That stupid Sultana.
That stupid runt of a Princess.
I failed.
And just as the damn broke, I felt arms wrap around my neck, Agus' arms, who pulled me down into her embrace, onto her, hiding my face in the crook of her neck.
There, the damn broke and I bawled my eyes out into Agus' shoulder, who encouraged me to let it all out, softly stroking my back, softly petting my head, softly whispering to me.
For the last four years, I had fought for a relationship, I had bled for a relationship, I lost friends, both figuratively and literally... I literally split society into three pieces. And then, when push had come to shove, when the Sultana had given her verdict on how I was to proceed, and that had been a negative...
...Marcella dropped the entire relationship.
For a moment, I asked myself, if her love for me had been real in the first place.
If I wasn't just a nice way to pass time for her or worse, a political asset with some benefits.
And that she, now that I didn't have any use anymore, simply dropped me and tried to milk the situation for anything she could – amateurishly, yes, but she tried.
Yeah, well, didn't work, let's move on!, she had written. Where was her fight? Where was her spirit? Where was strength when one needed it?
She might not have been able to sway the Sultana's opinion, but she might have been able to sway the Sultana's decision, with some quick thinking and political manoeuvring...
It took a while, until I had calmed down, still hiding my face in the crook of Agus' neck. What would have been were uninteresting, what ifs were unreal... my friend, in who's arms I was, was not.
I rose to all fours, looked into Agus' eyes. Her arms were still wrapped around my neck as she looked at me with concern in them. Her arms were loose, giving me the room to leave if I so desired.
“Feeling better?”, she asked softly.
I answered by kissing her on the lips.
Let's leave it at 'There was a lot of tongue involved.'
Once I was reasonably certain, that she got the idea, I broke off the kiss and looked into her eyes again.
“I think, the temperature is getting to me.”, I told her softly and rose, running my fingertips from her sternum to her abdomen as I straddled her again, before rising fully from that position as well. “I think I'll retire to the Warm Room... follow me, when you are ready.”
And with that, and a light sway to my hips, I left her.
...what in the name of the Gods did I just do...?

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I smiled at Pandereos.
“Thank you.”, I said and motioned for him to sit at the pool's edge, sitting down myself, both feet in the water. I looked over to Damir, then back at the young man. “He sure will do great things, if time will allow him... he has a huge to live up to, though...”
He looked at me quizzically.
“Dschafar ibn-Walid was Damir's Father.”, I said, “A hugely popular man, not wise, but certainly smart. He died young.”
Pandereos nodded, but didn't comment. “Wait, ibn-Walid? Does that mean...?”
“Yes.”, I said, “He was a commoner. Razia fought tooth and nail for the right to marry him. And he did, too.” I smiled. “According to legend, that was what convinced Damir's grandparents to allow it. Especially his Grandfather.”
“Very much unlike Marcella.”, Pandereos commented.
He knew the letters I would learn about tomorrow. Still, it surprised me a bit – how could that woman simply drop Aurelia so easily? Like a hot potato or a piece of trash...
I nodded.
“Tell me, do you have a girlfriend?”
“Uh, no.”, Pandereos answered, “Though there are a few women, who have caught my eye, I have no girlfriend currently.”
I smiled. “Let me tell you something about us women, then...”, I said and smiled at him. “We like to be fought for. We like men, who get their rear ends into gear and who stand up for what they believe in, who conquer our hearts, minds and very souls.” He nodded slowly. “And being able to cook might also be helpful.”
He burst out laughing at that.

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Aurelia let her heart out with Agus.
She heard her muffled cries as she stroked her back, encouraging to let it all out, petting her head and softly whispering to her hears. She was all shattered by what happened; what had Marcella Villa just done was crazy. Agus couldn't comprehend what happened in that room back in Aurora, but it was clear that Aurelia was grieving; she fought to marry the one she loved, she shed blood, sweat and tears for it, divided a once society into a debate long overdue and still ongoing, that without adding the tensions, the attack and the slander she had.
Only for everything to fall apart.
Indeed, the heart of the Princess was shattered to no end by the game of politics, to never be with the one she loved, it was tragic. She needed an anchor to aid her in these times, and Agus, she was happy to provide. Even if there was more than met the eye as she had a feeling there could be more from that room that will blow on everyone.

Her arms eased up enough for her to move away if she desired to leave, concern filled her eyes as she looked to her friend.

"Feeling better?" Her smooth and soft voice let out, the one that can usually be commanding and cold, was also soft, cheerful and warm. But it appeared everyting went blank the moment Aurelia kissed her. A lot of tongue involved if it had to be said vaguely.
She, she just couldn't believe what was happening as Aurelia was doing this and the thought made her shiver as she got the idea.
The Queen was shocked as the Princess got up and left for the warm room, leaving her a flustering mess as she walked away and the moment she was gone; she got up quickly and sat on the table, smacking her cheeks to return to earth.

"What in Solaria's name was that!?" She exclaimed in italian, and could only stand sat there with embarassment and reluctance. Sure, they did kissed and some complicated feelings might, or might not arised, but; that wasn't ok. Aurelia was still grieving her relationship and the only reason she's acting like this is because of what happened and perhaps another bomb like Marcella Villa dropping the towel and raising the white flag in the relationship, which to be fair, would be catastrohpic and speak of how little Marcella cared for her. That only made her groan while pinching her nose, praying that won't be the case or else she will love to have a word with the UIS Duchess on scrambling and scaring everyone onto mobilize an entire diplomatic operation to contain what is seeminingly becoming an orderly endeavour; either that or keep her mouth shut and pray that the mediation brings everything to light.

"No need to guess how this will end huh?" It was almost a whisper, a simple muttering no one will hear as it was for herself and herself only. Agus decided to get up and strech herself, relieved from the massage and feeling way better, the best she had felt in a while, which made her think on having to ask for a masseur when she returns.
Of course...
She should get going to the warm room; which after an deep breath and slow but steady and confident steps, she did; looking foward to whatever was there.

---

Pandareos III of Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
Honestly, the old say that the key to someone's heart was in the stomach was always a good one; because of how truthful it was even if someone told it as an afterthought, in fact; her parents always told him the same as well.
The white haired prince kept laughing for a minute before finally calming himself down, the fact he laughed at that should certainly be related to how it was a tradition already for that advice to be on the book and a condition on itself back at home for both parts of the relationship. Looking back at the Princess with a warm and toothy smile he answered.

"Wise words." He grinned, also slightly blushing at his small outburst as well. "Sorry for the laugh by the way, it's just that such advice like that it's already tradition back at home, so forgive me for that." He scrached his neck at that, enjoying the moment before turning serious.

"But, yeah. I can see your point..." This time it was in relation to her other tip; truthful and honest. What else does it justify to stick with someone that won't fight for them, to be with someone that will never conquer the very heart, mind and soul of your beloved, to battle until the end for the one you love without caring for the consequences. Those words, they were said to him by those he cared, his parents which had experience on that and his twin sister, which had the misfortune of having experienced a broken heart.
His blue eyes became like ice, cold and distant as he glanced to the wall and the works on the room.

"What use is to be with someone that will throw you without a care in the world for their own satisfaction." Bitter like coffee, but entirely truthful and wise. "That type of people, the one that doesn't talk it out with their partner, the one that stab you by the back, the one that doesn't make the effort when the other is putting it all... That type of people are just a few that will only leave a trail of broken hearts and bad memories on the road." He sighed, his gaze downcast as to how this ended on such way; Marcella Villa, the Duchess of AHSCA and woman which on the outside seemed like a woman that would fight the same way Princess Aurelia bint-Damir did for her, decided to cut it all and end everything they had; through a letter... A damm letter.

He knew there was more to this, there has to be, because if not then she just gave everyone a free headche while showing how when things didn't went her way she slashed everything by half; after all, if she fought for a relationship and the moment she's said no; rather than keep fighting and try to let her temper fall in the same way the Sultana did when saying what were sad but honest truth's on the UIS Status worldwide, she decided to throw the bomb of ceasing relations, throwing the delegation out as Persona Non Grata, to then end everything if that is the case, it was all worth for nothing politically speaking. But, we all made our beds, now is time to lay in them.

It was a little while he begun to speak again.

"You might or might not had heard of this, but do you know my father was also a commoner?" It was an interesting and warm story in the family, of how their parents met and who were the ones opposed to it, a dramatic and sad irony was also present on it sadly as well.

---

The Kitan

Natsume nodded, "Yes Madam, your expenses have been covered in full, so please if you desire anything else, do not hesitate to ask us. Not to worry, Manager is full contact with your fine folks so we get it!" She smiled making a few scribbles on the ledger "All right, please follow me." Taking them on back to a small private room they could enjoy a bit of solitude just as Natsume was showing them, another young woman wrapped in a bath towel approached her "Pardon me, Attendant....Oh...." The woman in question was a journalist with Aurora's Hanasaku Press, an independent newspaper, not tied up with the State thus tended to be a bit more laissez-faire about its standards at times. Well for now she wouldn't bother the Mervay VIP but she had to keep an eye out for her later.

"Yes, can I help you?"

"Hehe sorry...It's just I stepped out a moment for some water, and well embarrassingly enough, I forgot which room I was in."

"Ahah not to worry, Miss, happens often. Be right with you." Natsume turned back to the Mervayn "Anyway, Madam, this is your room, the change room to store your things and just beyond the second door is the bath itself. So please enjoy and let us know if you need anything."

Residence

Satou wrapped up everything else at work, getting her days wages in advance, just you know in case something last minute should change. Satou quickly returned home running through a sudden onslaught of rain. "Home. Mmmm smells like something good is brewing." She caught scent of the tea, perfect to hopefully take care of both their nerves. Satou was certainly a bit nervous herself about this. A full force hurricane? Bring it on, that hardly scared her, but this was certainly different and she had to see her wife through it.

The Kitan
Alright, one less thing to worry about now that it has been adviced the Ministry will be in touch to discuss the payment method, either an officer here in the Embassy or back in Mervay will make the call in regards to that.
As such, the chancellor smiled and followed the woman to her room. The moment they got there, she was shown her room and was as usual, like the one she stayed three years ago; of course, there won't be any rest in solitude yet, as another woman approached Natsume wrapped in a towel, certainly got out of the baths of the resort and noticing by her expression, she recognized.

Jessica knew when she would be recognized sooner or later, be the press or anyone else here, she knew it would be a matter of time before she had it at her doorstep. She then smiled at Natsume and entered into her room, her clothes settled besides her bed already.

"Will be sure of that miss." Now that she thought about it... Perhaps a bath in the Kitan would do her better than one in her room, they always had that air that helped someone relax. "Perhaps there is something I might need. I would like if you could prepare a bath for me and an partner of mine." She should repay Ari's help here after all, so this was the least she could do.

---

Residence
The moment her wife returned back, a sudden rain begun to fall and so did she noticed her trying to evade herself getting soaked. Tess could only smile warmly as she noticed her happy for the tea.

"Thought you would take a while." She smiled brightly before settling Satou's cup in the desk before closing the door and looking at her wife. "You should get changed dear, don't worry that the tea was taken out just a minute before you came."

[Kyrenaia]

Dear Princess Aurelia,

I don't hold it against him, or at least I'm trying not to. Looking back on it in the moment I suppose I can chalk it up to the need to adjust. Ten years of self-conditioning and beating myself back into the closet are going to take a long time to get over. People know, and I'll just have to get used to that being okay from now on. Don't beat yourself up about the past: you had the bravery to keep going after you were outed, and though it wasn't the only motivation for what I did, a year afterwards I decided I didn't have that bravery. Well, I say 'outed', on my part it was both limited in its spread and generally disbelieved. It's a long story. I trust Father hasn't been writing you too much, he may be the strong silent type but once he warms up to you he'll talk your ear off. He's a big softie, in all honesty, don't let the armor-plated exterior and The Look^TM fool you. Of course, my little sister Helena will probably say the same thing about me, so just imagine me shrugging here.

Rohan's been wonderful throughout all this, and I don't think I could have taken my leap of faith without him. I didn't know how much I needed someone in my life who understood what I was going through and had lived it himself until I met him. We've had our ups and downs: it took me two months to tell him how I felt and I didn't even do it in person, and I couldn't keep it together emotionally our first night because he looks so much like Nikolai, the spark that lit this particular flame all the way back at sixteen (I'll admit to having something of a type), but on the whole it's been better than I ever thought it could be. Thank you for the compliment, by the way. It's been twenty years or so since I've heard "cute" used to describe me, though Rohan says it sometimes just to make me blush. You'll find him a much better dancer since he's spent a lifetime around the performing arts, outside of the gym or the rugby pitch I've never grown fully accustomed to there being quite so much of me ever since puberty hit me like an express train.

This mess isn't going to sort itself out, but it's also going to be over soon enough. I know the wheels of diplomacy move slowly and I'll refrain from judgment on which side I expect to come out on top in the diplomatic standings when it's all over but the shouting, but there's nothing that falls apart that you can't put back together again if you're willing to put in the time and effort to make it so. The same goes for your relationship with Marcella. I won't pretend to be an expert, but when you have the chance to, talk it out in person. Get it all out in the open and be honest with each other. Gods know I'm trying to patch things up with my brother Paris. We went our own separate, mutually distasteful ways during tertiary school and I don't know why or how. In case you ever meet him, he's freakishly smart and also a cynical, misanthropic, moody wiseass in perpetually ill health with a habit of proving himself unexpectedly nice and/or genuinely useful shortly before I start to think about wringing his neck*. Consider yourself warned.

Cordially yours (and consider yourself equally hugged in return),
Crown Prince Marco Cärrino

*My lawyer deemed it prudent to clarify that yes, that is indeed a joke.

Dear Crown Prince Marco,

I am afraid, that I am not familiar with that story and if you don't mind, I would like to postpone learning that story to a time when we both meet in person and have a good bottle of something alcoholic on hand, because that sounds like something, which might require such an item.
I can, however, imagine what you mean. The former Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir is very similar to what you describe, or at least I got to know him as such initially – a strong, old man, fiercely set in his ways. It took a while until he warmed up to me, which isn't that different to the rest of Kyrenaia, and my 'bedroom antics' (his words, not mine) didn't exactly help him. I got to know his gentler side in his rose garden, funnily enough.

I look forward to dancing with both of you, then. Even if you are not as good as a dancer as Rohan, steel-capped shoes are standard for Kyrenaian Nobles and High Society during balls and other occassions, which might involve dancing (seriously, you will not find a single shoe suited for balls in Utica, which does not have a steel cap, a friend tried it). So, I will be prepared. ; )

I appreciate your advice, but I am afraid, that it won't be that easy with me and Marcella. The wounds, which were struck, are deep and they might heal over time, but they will leave scars on both her and on me.
Talking it out might not be that easy either: She is a foreign head of state and I am a diplomatic representative of the Sultanate next time we are in the same room. We will, for the duration of the summit in Mervay, be surrounded by people and catching her alone while I am alone might impossible. And to be honest, it might be too early, too.
As for the diplomatic part, I doubt, that anyone will be able to claim to be the victor. Sure, all will say they are, but no one will be.

With a kind hug,
Aurelia bint-Damir,
Princess of the Ilkhanate of Utica and Beyeha of Malakiard.)

---

Utica

Having walked for some time now, and booked a taxi to get some of the distance, Alima now finds herself a few hundred meters away from the Darqaeidin-Palace entrance.
There, under the guise of looking something on her phone, she gives sideways glance towards the entrance, where she witnesses Mola being invited in.

First phase complete simply thinks the young woman before walking away...

[...]

A thing noteworthy about the Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica was, that it was outside of Utica – the glittering roofs of the Palace of the Azure Hall were far out of sight on a clear day.
There were some villages surrounding it, but there was quite a distance. There was also a bus stop for tour groups (both for the hydroponics research institute, the palace and its murals, as well as for the employees, who did not live on site).
One did not simply position oneself a few hundred meters away from the Main Gates to swipe around on one's phone. Especially not in Utica's summer heat (with daily means well above thirty degrees Celsius).
Walking away also wasn't exactly a smart idea without proper equipment, considering that to the next village, it was a trek of thirty kilometers. The woman, who's strange activity was caught by the security cameras along the perimeter and logged as Idiot 49-111, would have been better advised to take the bus.
The local detachment of the Tabardariyya, however, did not go out of its way to correct the potentially lethal mistake the woman had made.

---

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Aurelia let her heart out with Agus.
She heard her muffled cries as she stroked her back, encouraging to let it all out, petting her head and softly whispering to her hears. She was all shattered by what happened; what had Marcella Villa just done was crazy. Agus couldn't comprehend what happened in that room back in Aurora, but it was clear that Aurelia was grieving; she fought to marry the one she loved, she shed blood, sweat and tears for it, divided a once society into a debate long overdue and still ongoing, that without adding the tensions, the attack and the slander she had.
Only for everything to fall apart.
Indeed, the heart of the Princess was shattered to no end by the game of politics, to never be with the one she loved, it was tragic. She needed an anchor to aid her in these times, and Agus, she was happy to provide. Even if there was more than met the eye as she had a feeling there could be more from that room that will blow on everyone.

Her arms eased up enough for her to move away if she desired to leave, concern filled her eyes as she looked to her friend.

"Feeling better?" Her smooth and soft voice let out, the one that can usually be commanding and cold, was also soft, cheerful and warm. But it appeared everyting went blank the moment Aurelia kissed her. A lot of tongue involved if it had to be said vaguely.
She, she just couldn't believe what was happening as Aurelia was doing this and the thought made her shiver as she got the idea.
The Queen was shocked as the Princess got up and left for the warm room, leaving her a flustering mess as she walked away and the moment she was gone; she got up quickly and sat on the table, smacking her cheeks to return to earth.

"What in Solaria's name was that!?" She exclaimed in italian, and could only stand sat there with embarassment and reluctance. Sure, they did kissed and some complicated feelings might, or might not arised, but; that wasn't ok. Aurelia was still grieving her relationship and the only reason she's acting like this is because of what happened and perhaps another bomb like Marcella Villa dropping the towel and raising the white flag in the relationship, which to be fair, would be catastrohpic and speak of how little Marcella cared for her. That only made her groan while pinching her nose, praying that won't be the case or else she will love to have a word with the UIS Duchess on scrambling and scaring everyone onto mobilize an entire diplomatic operation to contain what is seeminingly becoming an orderly endeavour; either that or keep her mouth shut and pray that the mediation brings everything to light.

"No need to guess how this will end huh?" It was almost a whisper, a simple muttering no one will hear as it was for herself and herself only. Agus decided to get up and strech herself, relieved from the massage and feeling way better, the best she had felt in a while, which made her think on having to ask for a masseur when she returns.
Of course...
She should get going to the warm room; which after an deep breath and slow but steady and confident steps, she did; looking foward to whatever was there.

---

Pandareos III of Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
Honestly, the old say that the key to someone's heart was in the stomach was always a good one; because of how truthful it was even if someone told it as an afterthought, in fact; her parents always told him the same as well.
The white haired prince kept laughing for a minute before finally calming himself down, the fact he laughed at that should certainly be related to how it was a tradition already for that advice to be on the book and a condition on itself back at home for both parts of the relationship. Looking back at the Princess with a warm and toothy smile he answered.

"Wise words." He grinned, also slightly blushing at his small outburst as well. "Sorry for the laugh by the way, it's just that such advice like that it's already tradition back at home, so forgive me for that." He scrached his neck at that, enjoying the moment before turning serious.

"But, yeah. I can see your point..." This time it was in relation to her other tip; truthful and honest. What else does it justify to stick with someone that won't fight for them, to be with someone that will never conquer the very heart, mind and soul of your beloved, to battle until the end for the one you love without caring for the consequences. Those words, they were said to him by those he cared, his parents which had experience on that and his twin sister, which had the misfortune of having experienced a broken heart.
His blue eyes became like ice, cold and distant as he glanced to the wall and the works on the room.

"What use is to be with someone that will throw you without a care in the world for their own satisfaction." Bitter like coffee, but entirely truthful and wise. "That type of people, the one that doesn't talk it out with their partner, the one that stab you by the back, the one that doesn't make the effort when the other is putting it all... That type of people are just a few that will only leave a trail of broken hearts and bad memories on the road." He sighed, his gaze downcast as to how this ended on such way; Marcella Villa, the Duchess of AHSCA and woman which on the outside seemed like a woman that would fight the same way Princess Aurelia bint-Damir did for her, decided to cut it all and end everything they had; through a letter... A damm letter.

He knew there was more to this, there has to be, because if not then she just gave everyone a free headche while showing how when things didn't went her way she slashed everything by half; after all, if she fought for a relationship and the moment she's said no; rather than keep fighting and try to let her temper fall in the same way the Sultana did when saying what were sad but honest truth's on the UIS Status worldwide, she decided to throw the bomb of ceasing relations, throwing the delegation out as Persona Non Grata, to then end everything if that is the case, it was all worth for nothing politically speaking. But, we all made our beds, now is time to lay in them.

It was a little while he begun to speak again.

"You might or might not had heard of this, but do you know my father was also a commoner?" It was an interesting and warm story in the family, of how their parents met and who were the ones opposed to it, a dramatic and sad irony was also present on it sadly as well.

---

[...]

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
The alluring sway of my hips ended the moment I left the Hot Room for the small stairwell connecting it to the Warm Room. I rushed over it, as if to flee from what I had initiated...
...would I flee?
My heart was aching, had been ripped out of my chest, had been pushed back in, but... was whatever Agus and I had started here really a matter of the heart? Or was it rather simple, pure, carnal lust?
Or was it not even that, but a fall back into old patterns, from after Fiafia? Back then, to fill loneliness with company, I had, quite frankly, whored myself out, Atif had been my first stable relationship, before I dropped him, too, in favour of Marcella – was this similar?
...was this how Atif had felt?
How he felt now? Now that I had crash-landed in a spectacular way, for the whole, bloody world to see, spread over the covers of all newspapers?
The Warm Room was very high up in the Main Building, a small marvel in its own right. There was a small pool in the centre, filled with hot water, the air was warm and invited to relax, to have a cuppa tea, to play a game or two, or to sit in the pool and just relax enjoying the gorgeous view, for one wall of the room was a window, stretching from the floor to the ceiling. The glass was also only translucent from one side, we could look out, but no one could look in.
Whatever happened in here, it would stay within, unless someone talked.
Aside from the pool, there were also two sitting groups in the room, one, classically, made of stone, standing in the corner, a table between the two benches on the wall and the two stools. Closeby, there was also a few pieces of garden furniture, a round table and a few chairs, white and without any decoration. If one wanted a cuppa or two, this was the place.
Another door led into a small room, which connected to the floor, my private quarters being beyond a small hallway, or a stairwell, which led back to the changing rooms.
I had all options in the world to make my escape, but as I stood in the middle of the room, confronted with the panorama overlooking the Altinyarat-Palace and Malakiard, I did not see the protestors from before, which gave me some relief... it was midday, after all, and it was hot outside. At least they were reasonable.
But I was... was I, too, or was I not?
Would fleeing be reasonable or would it be not? It would be cowardly, that was certain, but...
I took a deep breath and decided to have a seat, deciding for the corner, for the stone seating group. Leaning against the wall, I had an ideal view of the door, one leg propped up onto the bench, the other dangling down by the knee, sitting there in a loose, relaxed posture... my head was turned to the view.
It was that way when I heard footsteps, Callista's footsteps, ascending to here, and I glanced over when she entered. I gave her a few moments to take in the view of Malakiard and the Saghara-River.
Then I said: “Beautiful view, isn't it?”

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I giggled when Pandereos explained his outburst of laughter to me. It seemed as if that was one of those universal cultural advises, which mothers gave to their sons or elder sisters to their younger brothers... or some woman to some guy.
No one took offence to the laughter or its volume, though.
When he explained the more serious part, about abandonment and giving up relationship, I thought, that he must speak from own experience, own bitter experience at that. I place a hand on his shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze.
A relationship breaking, the great love ending, was never something happy or nice or... comforting. One could make it softer, gentler, yes, but breaking up was still a break, something shattering into a million or more pieces.
Then he mentioned, that his Father had been common born as well.
“Actually, I did not know.”, I said, smiling and glad about the change of topic. “If I may ask, how did your parents meet?”

[AHSCA]

To introduce myself, I am Shirin Waradra, Personal Handmaiden to the former Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir. Usually, one would expect someone far older, far more mature then me to fill this role, but truth being told...
...the former Grand Vizier is an old pervert.
Not to the point of glancing under skirts, or even chasing them, or other molesting behaviour, let me be clear about that, but he appreciated the female form quite a lot.
He was still an old pervert, though.
Speaking of which, his staff worked all over the Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica, a medium-sized palace surrounded by formerly huge stretches of land, which were just barren desert.
However, another thing about Mahmut al-Zahir was, that he was not only an old pervert, but also that he was a visionary. For him, the endless deserts were but an empty canvas and his little corner of it, he had filled with his great passion, with flowers and greenhouses and colour and water and about a hundred acres of hydroponics research institute, which he financed.
He had literally made the desert green.
And so many more colours.
So, when he sent me out for an errand, he had specifically told me to take the scenic route to the garage, where the W-55 stood, which I loved to ride for errands to Utica or one of the villages around us. And now, I had returned, only to see a girl in front of the main gate, inquiring to a man, who belonged to the Tabardariyya, if a job offer was still open.
She looked pretty, red eyes, dark skin, a khimono or however the citizens of the UIS called their coats, her glasses being quite cute, too. She didn't quite fill the requirements the old Grand Vizier had in one department, but she had an aura of calm grace about her.
If she had the skill...
I leaned on the fuel tank, after taking off my helmet and shaking out my long hair. The guard had long since noticed me and had motioned in my direction.
I smiled at the girl.
"It's more usual for applicants to write an application with CV and all previous employment references and school degrees to the Household Office, but the Grand Vizier was always picky about his gardens.", I said and decided to make an exception. It was within my powers. Plus, that she came here apparently without an appointment... there were both better and worse ways to make an impression. I reached behind me and took out a second helmet, offered it to the girl. "Hop on."
The guard made way for me and opened the gate.

"Truly, I do apologize if I'm out of order by showing up cold like this. Truth of the matter is, I haven't been in Kyrenaia very long and well I've been eager to secure some kind of employment quickly after my last prospects fell through and the ad in the paper didn't really specify as much so again I do apologize for inconvenience, I'd just appreciate a moment of the time. " She smiled following her lead, she wasn't being shooed away so that was a relief. "Thank you kindly, ma'am." Mago took the second helmet and put it on.

The Kitan
Alright, one less thing to worry about now that it has been adviced the Ministry will be in touch to discuss the payment method, either an officer here in the Embassy or back in Mervay will make the call in regards to that.
As such, the chancellor smiled and followed the woman to her room. The moment they got there, she was shown her room and was as usual, like the one she stayed three years ago; of course, there won't be any rest in solitude yet, as another woman approached Natsume wrapped in a towel, certainly got out of the baths of the resort and noticing by her expression, she recognized.

Jessica knew when she would be recognized sooner or later, be the press or anyone else here, she knew it would be a matter of time before she had it at her doorstep. She then smiled at Natsume and entered into her room, her clothes settled besides her bed already.

"Will be sure of that miss." Now that she thought about it... Perhaps a bath in the Kitan would do her better than one in her room, they always had that air that helped someone relax. "Perhaps there is something I might need. I would like if you could prepare a bath for me and an partner of mine." She should repay Ari's help here after all, so this was the least she could do.



Residence
The moment her wife returned back, a sudden rain begun to fall and so did she noticed her trying to evade herself getting soaked. Tess could only smile warmly as she noticed her happy for the tea.

"Thought you would take a while." She smiled brightly before settling Satou's cup in the desk before closing the door and looking at her wife. "You should get changed dear, don't worry that the tea was taken out just a minute before you came."

The Kitan

Natsume smiled "Of course, Madam, I'll get that set for you. Enjoy yourself." Natsume closed the door behind her leaving her in the otherwise quiet calmness of the interior was only interrupted by the mild rolls of thunder. With that, Natsume

Residence

"All right I will." She kissed her gently on her cheek taking care of her wet clothes getting changed and letting her long dark hair free of the usual tie. Well a good night ahead with her wife, as promised to her mother-in-law, Satou would take good care of Tess.

[Mervay]

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
The alluring sway of my hips ended the moment I left the Hot Room for the small stairwell connecting it to the Warm Room. I rushed over it, as if to flee from what I had initiated...
...would I flee?
My heart was aching, had been ripped out of my chest, had been pushed back in, but... was whatever Agus and I had started here really a matter of the heart? Or was it rather simple, pure, carnal lust?
Or was it not even that, but a fall back into old patterns, from after Fiafia? Back then, to fill loneliness with company, I had, quite frankly, whored myself out, Atif had been my first stable relationship, before I dropped him, too, in favour of Marcella – was this similar?
...was this how Atif had felt?
How he felt now? Now that I had crash-landed in a spectacular way, for the whole, bloody world to see, spread over the covers of all newspapers?
The Warm Room was very high up in the Main Building, a small marvel in its own right. There was a small pool in the centre, filled with hot water, the air was warm and invited to relax, to have a cuppa tea, to play a game or two, or to sit in the pool and just relax enjoying the gorgeous view, for one wall of the room was a window, stretching from the floor to the ceiling. The glass was also only translucent from one side, we could look out, but no one could look in.
Whatever happened in here, it would stay within, unless someone talked.
Aside from the pool, there were also two sitting groups in the room, one, classically, made of stone, standing in the corner, a table between the two benches on the wall and the two stools. Closeby, there was also a few pieces of garden furniture, a round table and a few chairs, white and without any decoration. If one wanted a cuppa or two, this was the place.
Another door led into a small room, which connected to the floor, my private quarters being beyond a small hallway, or a stairwell, which led back to the changing rooms.
I had all options in the world to make my escape, but as I stood in the middle of the room, confronted with the panorama overlooking the Altinyarat-Palace and Malakiard, I did not see the protestors from before, which gave me some relief... it was midday, after all, and it was hot outside. At least they were reasonable.
But I was... was I, too, or was I not?
Would fleeing be reasonable or would it be not? It would be cowardly, that was certain, but...
I took a deep breath and decided to have a seat, deciding for the corner, for the stone seating group. Leaning against the wall, I had an ideal view of the door, one leg propped up onto the bench, the other dangling down by the knee, sitting there in a loose, relaxed posture... my head was turned to the view.
It was that way when I heard footsteps, Callista's footsteps, ascending to here, and I glanced over when she entered. I gave her a few moments to take in the view of Malakiard and the Saghara-River.
Then I said: “Beautiful view, isn't it?”

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I giggled when Pandereos explained his outburst of laughter to me. It seemed as if that was one of those universal cultural advises, which mothers gave to their sons or elder sisters to their younger brothers... or some woman to some guy.
No one took offence to the laughter or its volume, though.
When he explained the more serious part, about abandonment and giving up relationship, I thought, that he must speak from own experience, own bitter experience at that. I place a hand on his shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze.
A relationship breaking, the great love ending, was never something happy or nice or... comforting. One could make it softer, gentler, yes, but breaking up was still a break, something shattering into a million or more pieces.
Then he mentioned, that his Father had been common born as well.
“Actually, I did not know.”, I said, smiling and glad about the change of topic. “If I may ask, how did your parents meet?”

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
While going up, she couldn't help but keep thinking about where this would go. Would she let herself go with her desires, was this out of love or it was both? And if both, would she back out? The first question was completely tricky, she didn't know; but the second, no, she wouldn't back out, not now.
A last deep breath and she walked into the Warm Room, finding it's beauty mesmerizing. High in the Palace's Main Building, it had a small pool in the core of the room, warm and hot like it's air that invited the host to rest and enjoy with the wonderful wiew, she could only guess and deduct that the window was translucent. The beauty of the river couldn't be rivalized, so she approached to the window and a hand touched it as she looked to the river, noticing on her way the two sitting groups in the room and a small door. Her thoughts in the beauty of the place and it's wiew was interruped by a soft voice.

Her gaze softened as she looked at the woman, sitting in the stone group in a relaxed posture, hiding her nerviousness and worries, just like she was also doing as well.

"Yeah, it reminds me of home in a way." Without the deserts and with the wiew also filled by the capital long distance from it. The Queen took a deep breath, there was no need to keep a facade, the mask was off and from it only a woman remained. "Aurelia." She called her, slowly approaching the Princess as to not pressure her, concern and care obvious in her movements and expressions.

"I need to ask. Are you really sure you want to do this?" The question that couldn't be kept silent had to be told, Agustinas grabbed one of her friend's hands and linked it with hers. "I won't hold it against you if you changed your mind, this is completely sudden for you and I understand. So, I want you to choose what you really desire and need..."

---

Pandareos III of Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
His family sadly had that experience, they sadly did, some of their closest members suffered that heartbreak and yet, they moved on for better and brighter things in life.
Aurora is for example, in a warm and kind relationship, she found comfort with them, her friends, herself, and him; her new boyfriend might sometimes come out as a jerk; but, he cares a lot about her and is a good person at heart, he might as well be the definition of that trope, which made the prince chuckle deep in his thoughts. He then felt a hand on his shoulder, a soft squeeze to it was given. Luci's eyes fell on Princess Jasmin and tried to comfort him, it made him remember, that he, sadly was in the same position as well. The bitterness of the person betraying you and throwing you out without a care in the world in the name of the spotlight, but that was another story for later. For now, he could talk of the warm tale of his parents.

It made him snort as the memories of mom and dad telling the story came into play, warm and happy memories that were also funny to look back at.

"Your typical cliche story I must say, he was the son of a guard in the Citadelle du Sud, a castle in Southern Mervay and they met in an odd moment." The beginning of it was just as hilarious and as romantic and chessy as expected. "One day he went off in a tour from the elementary school in the area and got himself into the gardens and that's where they met, they always told me they were shocked and embarassed, as my mother back then was kind of sheltered, and the fact she was face to face with a commoner personally made things akward. They did got quickly as he begun to joke around and after they presented themselves." If he had to say, he was surprised they went that long knowing each other and then years later ended up as a couple.

"Long story short, they kept seeing each other and mom covered for dad after they found him that day. They became best friends and bonded together for their massive different lifestyles, dad also helped her on being more bold, outgoing and confident with herself, as she was shy and kind of sheltered the first time they met and as they got older, they became a pillar of strength in the other." He sighed wearily, here is where it came the most difficult part of the ordeal. "Not everything was going like roses, when they got to their teen years and entering into college they fell in love, but it didn't seemed that it could change into something since, well..." His eyes gazed upon somewhere distant as his body became stiff, before finally looking at the Princess in the eye again.

"She was to enter an arranged relationship." He told her with a stern tone and a face that betrayed no expression, that was until his face begun to show disgust on it. "My grandfather was by all means, an bastard. Always trying to control my mother's life until he died a year later after Ari was born, he pushed her into an arranged relationship where after graduating of college she would marry some upstart noble..." He looked at the celling before continuing.

"Mom decided to stand against him and dad was behind her supporting the endeavour, and well... When grandfather tried to push them away, he did something crazy to prove he was serious on dating her." He chuckled at the memory as he remembered that one. "My father decided to challenge the King to a duel of fencing, and yeah I'm not joking. He really did that..." This time the prince sighed fondly and kept going.

"The old man was baffled as to how a commoner dared to challenge the King and only scoffed and played along, which made even shocking the fact he lost against him..." He then looked back at the Princess. "Of course, my father was an young talent in fencing and sword fighting, and my grandfather was also talented as well, but... He had his moments, and well... He tried to go straight for a kill on him and..." He sighed again before chuckling bitterly.

"Let's say were it not for my mother and grandmother - may her soul rest in peace -, intervining, I wouldn't exist." He looked down before an fond and melancholic smile. "Grandma and mom helped dad while the medics ran at him, she went off with grandfather and mom to somewhere private where she did her case and a few hours later, the blessings were given and the arranged relationship was broken." This time the melancholy was replaced by joy and fun.

"That wedding became the stuff of tales back and home, a commoner marrying to the Royal Family was something no one thought even if nobles were beginning to marry commoners as well in some cases. That part of the tale, the one about the duel, that was never told to no one outside the family and close friends, so you got an inside source on that." He grinned warmly. "Like I said, kind of cliche isn't it?"

---

The Kitan

Natsume smiled "Of course, Madam, I'll get that set for you. Enjoy yourself." Natsume closed the door behind her leaving her in the otherwise quiet calmness of the interior was only interrupted by the mild rolls of thunder. With that, Natsume

Residence

"All right I will." She kissed her gently on her cheek taking care of her wet clothes getting changed and letting her long dark hair free of the usual tie. Well a good night ahead with her wife, as promised to her mother-in-law, Satou would take good care of Tess.

The Kitan
The doors were closed and the Chancellor let out a sigh of relief as she dropped to her bed, the thunders outside giving way for an calm atmosphere which made her dearly wish for a rest with her husband the moment this kerfuffle is over; what she wouldn't give for this to end quickly, but alas, it's her job and she loves it.
She flipped over and looked at her phone, sending the respective messages to Ariadna in regards to their bath in the resort's ones, she sat there and decided to prepare her clothes for the bath, going out to wait for the Princess of Slyvan in the changing rooms like they agreed on.

Residence
She smiled warmly to her while locking the door, knowing well they might not need to leave for what remains of the night. Then the moment she was done, Tess grabbed her cup and returned back to making their dinner as she noticed Satou finally letting her beautiful hair free.

"By the way, while I was making the tea I decided to make something for us, do you have anything in mind for dinner?"

[AHSCA]

The Kitan

This rainy night was full of surprises indeed for this young story hungry journalist of the The Hanasaku Press. See AHSCA does have a state owned media but it also allows independent media to operate as well, and that's what the Hanasaku Press was. Often they catered a bit more to those who rather disliked the establishment or current ruling family, their leanings were a bit more conservative and traditionalist but still it was a newspaper that did its best to report the news. Having bumped sort of into the Chancellor from Mervay by accident this was her chance, who knows if she'd get a chance to see her again, not everyone who soaked would immediately go to dining afterward, she might very well go straight to bed. This was the scoop of a lifetime she couldn't let it pass. So she had to get a little sneaky, she paid for her bath giving an excuse "I've actually had my fill today thanks." She paid extra too, not needed but hopefully the staff would remember if she was busted and she watched carefully where the staff were preparing a room the the Mervayns. Once all clear she'd make her move. This was very much against the rules. Sharing was one thing but customers were always aware if that was going to be the case, these two were VIPs thus the Kitan would surely keep their room sequestered, Fumio for sure risked a lifetime ban from here, and potentially any other bathhouses. Don't underestimate Miss Tsubaki here, she knows her way around but still. With the bath ready the staff fetched the women from Mervay to let them know all was ready for them.

Fumio too slipped in, ducking out of sight for a bit to allow them to be settled in by staff and join rather casually. She tied her hair up a bit, not much of a disguise but how can you disguise yourself when you're going to be in your birthday suit anyway? She still had an excuse at the ready if questioned but for now one step at a time.

Residence

"Mmmm surprise me, you always have something good!" Tess was good indeed so it was lovely and really Satou didn't have anything in mind, all afternoon her mind was racing with this and that so it was nice to just relax a while with her wife.

[Kyrenaia]

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
While going up, she couldn't help but keep thinking about where this would go. Would she let herself go with her desires, was this out of love or it was both? And if both, would she back out? The first question was completely tricky, she didn't know; but the second, no, she wouldn't back out, not now.
A last deep breath and she walked into the Warm Room, finding it's beauty mesmerizing. High in the Palace's Main Building, it had a small pool in the core of the room, warm and hot like it's air that invited the host to rest and enjoy with the wonderful wiew, she could only guess and deduct that the window was translucent. The beauty of the river couldn't be rivalized, so she approached to the window and a hand touched it as she looked to the river, noticing on her way the two sitting groups in the room and a small door. Her thoughts in the beauty of the place and it's wiew was interruped by a soft voice.

Her gaze softened as she looked at the woman, sitting in the stone group in a relaxed posture, hiding her nerviousness and worries, just like she was also doing as well.

"Yeah, it reminds me of home in a way." Without the deserts and with the wiew also filled by the capital long distance from it. The Queen took a deep breath, there was no need to keep a facade, the mask was off and from it only a woman remained. "Aurelia." She called her, slowly approaching the Princess as to not pressure her, concern and care obvious in her movements and expressions.

"I need to ask. Are you really sure you want to do this?" The question that couldn't be kept silent had to be told, Agustinas grabbed one of her friend's hands and linked it with hers. "I won't hold it against you if you changed your mind, this is completely sudden for you and I understand. So, I want you to choose what you really desire and need..."

---

Pandareos III of Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
His family sadly had that experience, they sadly did, some of their closest members suffered that heartbreak and yet, they moved on for better and brighter things in life.
Aurora is for example, in a warm and kind relationship, she found comfort with them, her friends, herself, and him; her new boyfriend might sometimes come out as a jerk; but, he cares a lot about her and is a good person at heart, he might as well be the definition of that trope, which made the prince chuckle deep in his thoughts. He then felt a hand on his shoulder, a soft squeeze to it was given. Luci's eyes fell on Princess Jasmin and tried to comfort him, it made him remember, that he, sadly was in the same position as well. The bitterness of the person betraying you and throwing you out without a care in the world in the name of the spotlight, but that was another story for later. For now, he could talk of the warm tale of his parents.

It made him snort as the memories of mom and dad telling the story came into play, warm and happy memories that were also funny to look back at.

"Your typical cliche story I must say, he was the son of a guard in the Citadelle du Sud, a castle in Southern Mervay and they met in an odd moment." The beginning of it was just as hilarious and as romantic and chessy as expected. "One day he went off in a tour from the elementary school in the area and got himself into the gardens and that's where they met, they always told me they were shocked and embarassed, as my mother back then was kind of sheltered, and the fact she was face to face with a commoner personally made things akward. They did got quickly as he begun to joke around and after they presented themselves." If he had to say, he was surprised they went that long knowing each other and then years later ended up as a couple.

"Long story short, they kept seeing each other and mom covered for dad after they found him that day. They became best friends and bonded together for their massive different lifestyles, dad also helped her on being more bold, outgoing and confident with herself, as she was shy and kind of sheltered the first time they met and as they got older, they became a pillar of strength in the other." He sighed wearily, here is where it came the most difficult part of the ordeal. "Not everything was going like roses, when they got to their teen years and entering into college they fell in love, but it didn't seemed that it could change into something since, well..." His eyes gazed upon somewhere distant as his body became stiff, before finally looking at the Princess in the eye again.

"She was to enter an arranged relationship." He told her with a stern tone and a face that betrayed no expression, that was until his face begun to show disgust on it. "My grandfather was by all means, an bastard. Always trying to control my mother's life until he died a year later after Ari was born, he pushed her into an arranged relationship where after graduating of college she would marry some upstart noble..." He looked at the celling before continuing.

"Mom decided to stand against him and dad was behind her supporting the endeavour, and well... When grandfather tried to push them away, he did something crazy to prove he was serious on dating her." He chuckled at the memory as he remembered that one. "My father decided to challenge the King to a duel of fencing, and yeah I'm not joking. He really did that..." This time the prince sighed fondly and kept going.

"The old man was baffled as to how a commoner dared to challenge the King and only scoffed and played along, which made even shocking the fact he lost against him..." He then looked back at the Princess. "Of course, my father was an young talent in fencing and sword fighting, and my grandfather was also talented as well, but... He had his moments, and well... He tried to go straight for a kill on him and..." He sighed again before chuckling bitterly.

"Let's say were it not for my mother and grandmother - may her soul rest in peace -, intervining, I wouldn't exist." He looked down before an fond and melancholic smile. "Grandma and mom helped dad while the medics ran at him, she went off with grandfather and mom to somewhere private where she did her case and a few hours later, the blessings were given and the arranged relationship was broken." This time the melancholy was replaced by joy and fun.

"That wedding became the stuff of tales back and home, a commoner marrying to the Royal Family was something no one thought even if nobles were beginning to marry commoners as well in some cases. That part of the tale, the one about the duel, that was never told to no one outside the family and close friends, so you got an inside source on that." He grinned warmly. "Like I said, kind of cliche isn't it?"

[...]

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Agus looked out of the windowfront opposite to the stairs, mesmerized until she heard my voice - she told me, that it reminded her a bit of home, as it was, before she dropped the mask, a mask similar to the one I was wearing.
She approached me carefully and took my hand, asking if I was sure.
I looked into her eyes and, much like a device powering down, I dropped my mask with a long exhale - what was left was... just Aurelia. A broken, battered, scorned girl, a woman, who's heart had been shattered and ripped out of her chest for good measure... and who still hoped.
Hoped for love and solace and warmth.
But could Agus give me that? The Love and Solace and the Warmth?
Well, I knew she could give me one thing: Oblivion. The oblivion of pure and simple carnal lust, forgetting the worries of the world, my wounds and everything while rolling through the proverbial hay. It was certainly healthier then the bottle of Aragh, which I had planned to drink my worries away with tonight.
I rose and stepped close to her, my body feeling her warmth, barely not touching her as I looked into her eyes... my free hand laid itself on her cheek, fixing her head and looking her into the eyes deeply.
Was I sure?
"No, I'm not sure.", I whispered, smiled and shrugged. "But let's do this anyway, Agus - what could possibly go wrong?"
My lips met hers.
May the Endless Sands swallow Marcella. May they swallow the Sultana. May they swallow the Nobility of the Sultanate (safe for a few exceptions). May they swallow it all...
She struggled for a moment, caught off guard, but then leaned in, returned the kiss. She stopped for but a moment, as the words I had spoken arrived in her brain, made click.
...I was not sure about any implications this might have, diplomatical and political implications, but I knew, that I wanted this, that I needed this.
Agus hand let go of mine, wrapped around my hips and pulled me close. She felt warm, soft and hugable.
When we disconnected, her hand was in the small of my back, her thumb running along my spine. She smiled.
"Indeed... what could possibly go wrong?"
And that is the point, where we fade to black.

This part of the post was written in cooperation with Mervay – thank you very much for the fruitful cooperation!

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I cooed and gasped several times during the retelling of the dramatic story of how his parents got together.
“It indeed has something of a story from the feather of a novelist.”, I said with a nod, “A guard and commoner falling for a princess, she falling for him, the two standing together against a father opposing...” I shrugged. “My apologies, if this sounded trivializing the inspiring story of your parents.”
I shook my head.
“Very much different from how Damir and I got together.”, I said and smiled as I watched him and Mahmut sitting with their board. “I met him, when I was but a girl and, of course, crushed on him, hard. Like, really hard.” I smiled at the memory. “Then again, who didn't in my age? That was long before the world knew, that Aurelia existed, when the charming, good-looking youngest son of the Sultana was growing into his role and still charming and good-looking...”
He still was both.
“I grew out of it.”, I said, waved a hand, “It wasn't even childhood love, mainly because I am reasonably certain, that he didn't return my crush, let alone loved me back then.” I exhaled. “Eventually, I grew up, had boyfriends, nothing really meant to last, I did my Service, began my studies in Geology and then my Father had a stroke.” I looked at him. “He's a vegetable. Mentally, I mean. I was announced as Princess-Regent and...”
I snorted in amusement.
“...I had no clue what to do and how to do it.” The admission didn't hurt, mainly because it was true: I did have no idea and I had been lost. “The Sultana had sent an advisor to me and my cause, once she realized, just how lost I was. Make an educated guess as to who that was and how that ended.”
Damir looked up and over to us.
I smiled at him, lovingly, he smiled back and turned back to his game.

"Truly, I do apologize if I'm out of order by showing up cold like this. Truth of the matter is, I haven't been in Kyrenaia very long and well I've been eager to secure some kind of employment quickly after my last prospects fell through and the ad in the paper didn't really specify as much so again I do apologize for inconvenience, I'd just appreciate a moment of the time. " She smiled following her lead, she wasn't being shooed away so that was a relief. "Thank you kindly, ma'am." Mago took the second helmet and put it on.

[...]

Shirin Waradra.
Main Gates, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
The girl gave me an excuse of not being used to the customs of bringing the documents along for she hadn't been in Kyrenaia for long (seriously, what sort of place was she from? The UIS?) and then put on the helmet.
A minute later, we were driving along the rows and rows of greenhouses.
I didn't go maximum speed or good speed on my bike, I didn't want to loose my passenger, after all.
Still, I knew, where to go. Not the car pool, but to one of the more private areas, namely the rose garden. Behind a decorative fence was the area, where a number of rose bushes grew under the sun, as did a date palm tree, and green grass.
In the tree's shade, a small table with three chairs stood.
And at one of the rose bushes, contemplating one of the flowers, was a man, who looked ancient: His back was not straight anymore, his hair white, his beard long – his eyes, however, were still awake and despite the weight of age loaded on his shoulders, he carried himself with dignity and strength.
This was Grand Vizier Mahmut al-Zahir.
The gate in front of which we had stopped was guarded by a pair of Tabardariyya.
I stopped the engine and parked the bike, motioned for the girl to dismount as well and opened the saddle bag on the bike, taking out a briefcase. Putting the helmet under the arm, I pulled the zipper of my motorcycle dress down a bit, allowing for a nice look.
I winked at Mago with a grin, then motioned for her to wait for a minute.
Then I went past the two men and into the garden, the briefcase in hand, and bowed. Al-Zahir waited a bit, considering the rose flower, then turned to me, smiled.
“Hello, Shirin.”, he spoke in Kyrenaian, then motioned for me to come closer. I felt a glance not staying on my face. “Come here and smell this flower.”
I did as I was requested, then nodded. “It smells pleasantly.”, I said and nodded, “A bit sweet.”
Al-Zahir smiled and nodded. “Indeed it does.”, he said and plucked the rose. “For you.”
“Old charmer.”, I replied and took the rose gently, inhaled its aroma and was, for a moment, at a loss as to where to put it. Al-Zahir gently took the flower and tucked it into my hair. I giggled as he smiled.
“Truly, if Mahmut ever gets to find his own house, his colour should be rose red.”, he said and exhaled. “Do you have, what I asked you for?”
“Yes, and more.” I smiled at his quizzical look. “An applicant for the Tropical Garden. A lass, who didn't hand in any documents and, if I were to guess, doesn't have them along, but decided to come and ask anyway. She waits outside.”
Al-Zahir nodded. “Spontaneous.”, he said and considered for a moment, then went for the table. “Send her in.”
I nodded. “It shall be done.”
And with that, I bowed lightly, turned on my heels and went out of the rose garden again, to Mago.
“The Grand Vizier will receive you.”, I told her, “Please come with me.”
Turning again, I led her in, where the Grand Vizier was, by now, sitting at the table in the shade of the tree. I motioned for Mago to take the last few steps and to make her impression.

[AHSCA]

And with that, I bowed lightly, turned on my heels and went out of the rose garden again, to Mago.
“The Grand Vizier will receive you.”, I told her, “Please come with me.”
Turning again, I led her in, where the Grand Vizier was, by now, sitting at the table in the shade of the tree. I motioned for Mola to take the last few steps and to make her impression.

Mola stood inhaling and exhaling to settle herself and steel her wool enough, not that she was really nervous but it was always good to make sure you were of sound body before going in an interview. "Good day or evening? Ahah please excuse me, I've lost all sense of time now, running around the city all day to prepare. I'm pleased to make your aquaitaince, I'm Mola de Esenco-Stenson. I've heard you have a position open that involves flower keeping and horticultural duties or similar nature of that, specifically tropical flowers. Well I want to say you're in good fortunes today because I am an expert in the language of flowers both poetic and physical" She gave a cute giggle "I also am sorry about this sort of out of the blue cold-call off the street approach, I saw the ad in the paper and I felt it'd be good to jump on this as quickly as possible lest it slip from my grasp. Just call me enthusiastic about the prospects for this job. I do have a resume and a list of references I'm happy to show to you." she reached into her bag pulling out the plain manila folder that had all the papers she hastily assembled for the last few hours.

Adams Joint Air Base
Columbia District

As the sky turns orange, chasing away the night, and the first rays of the sun poke out in the East, the AHSCAian plane carrying Marcella Villa and Noir VinoCacao lands at Adams Joint Air Base, on the outskirts of the Imperium's capital.

Unlike when the Duchess came a year ago, this time, there is no fanfare or cordon of soldiers.
Instead, standing with a few Astarian Air Force Security Forces armed to the teeth, is Major General Wes Purlito, the base commander, which Marcella met briefly a year prior.

As the AHSCAian monarch, her Foreign Officer and their accompanying staff get out of the plane, the Astarian General salutes them, putting his hand to his forehead.

"Your Highness, Officer, everyone, welcome back to the Imperium." he says with a smile. "If you will please follow me." he says as he indicates a small bus waiting behind him, to take the whole group away.

"Thank you for having us back and for receiving us on such short notice. I hope we'll make the most of our time together and prepare adequately and I promise to keep an open mind about everything when it comes to our meeting with the Sultanate's court."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Thank you for having us back and for receiving us on such short notice. I hope we'll make the most of our time together and prepare adequately and I promise to keep an open mind about everything when it comes to our meeting with the Sultanate's court."

"Indeed, we all hope this here." simply replies General Purlito, before turning on his heels and inviting the group to board the bus.

After a few minutes of driving, the bus stops in front of what appears to be the main administrative building of the base, a three-story building in a U-shape.
As soon as the group disembarks, Wes leads them inside, and goes down a set of stairs, towards an undergroudn destination.

After passing through a few corridors and doors, the group arrives in front of a security checkpoint, where four Air Force Security Guards stand at ease, armed to the teeth with ARs, pistols, etc, and clad in tactical gear, as they man a metal detector and a baggage X-ray scanner.
As they simply salute for a second the General, the latter goes straight through the checkpoint, making the detector beep loudly for detecting his pistol on him. Not paying it any attention, Wes continues on its way, Marcella, Noir and her group on his heels.

The group then passes a set of double, glass automatic doors, and arrives on what appears to be a train platform, with metallic doors and windows separating them from the tracks.

"This is the Secret Imperial Metro System, or Metro 12, that you will be boarding." explains the General to the AHSCAian delegation, as he shows them the platform and the tracks while waiting for the train to arrive. "This system links all important government building, the Silver Palace and this Base, and allows for the quick and discreet movement of VIPs in case of emergencies, or for any other reason." he adds with a smile.

[Mervay]

The Kitan

This rainy night was full of surprises indeed for this young story hungry journalist of the The Hanasaku Press. See AHSCA does have a state owned media but it also allows independent media to operate as well, and that's what the Hanasaku Press was. Often they catered a bit more to those who rather disliked the establishment or current ruling family, their leanings were a bit more conservative and traditionalist but still it was a newspaper that did its best to report the news. Having bumped sort of into the Chancellor from Mervay by accident this was her chance, who knows if she'd get a chance to see her again, not everyone who soaked would immediately go to dining afterward, she might very well go straight to bed. This was the scoop of a lifetime she couldn't let it pass. So she had to get a little sneaky, she paid for her bath giving an excuse "I've actually had my fill today thanks." She paid extra too, not needed but hopefully the staff would remember if she was busted and she watched carefully where the staff were preparing a room the the Mervayns. Once all clear she'd make her move. This was very much against the rules. Sharing was one thing but customers were always aware if that was going to be the case, these two were VIPs thus the Kitan would surely keep their room sequestered, Fumio for sure risked a lifetime ban from here, and potentially any other bathhouses. Don't underestimate Miss Tsubaki here, she knows her way around but still. With the bath ready the staff fetched the women from Mervay to let them know all was ready for them.

Fumio too slipped in, ducking out of sight for a bit to allow them to be settled in by staff and join rather casually. She tied her hair up a bit, not much of a disguise but how can you disguise yourself when you're going to be in your birthday suit anyway? She still had an excuse at the ready if questioned but for now one step at a time.

Residence

"Mmmm surprise me, you always have something good!" Tess was good indeed so it was lovely and really Satou didn't have anything in mind, all afternoon her mind was racing with this and that so it was nice to just relax a while with her wife.

The Kitan
A few minutes later, two women entered to the baths dressing room with the staff, thanking them for the service and giveing them a generous tip alongside assuring that should they need everything, they will make sure to advice the staff. The moment they were gone, the two woman begun to undress and setting their clothes aside until they were covered only by the towers they both grabbed to dry up after their soak in the baths. The journalist will see that the Chancellor wasn't alone, besides her and smiling from a conversation the two ladies were having is none other than the Princess of Slyvan, Circe IV. The oldest of the royal silbings was present as another mediator from the Mervayan Government alongside the Chancellor, after all; this situation was a entire headche everyone wished it would end and no one knew how a relationship could bring so many consequences into play for those involved and make foreign nations scramble diplomatic resources to contain the backlash and get a benefit.
The journalist would hear they were mostly discussing about some random and life things as they walked to the baths where they took off their towers and tidying them up before they dived into the water. The two of them sighed pleased and relaxed, the hot water was what they needed after a long day of work, the Princess looked at her partner and smiled.

"Say, think we should invite your daughter to meet us tomorrow after we check in with Island government?" Ariadna asked with an smile as tess answered in kind.

"If it isn't raining too much I suppose so."

---

Residence
Tess could only nod at her wife with an warm smile as she continued with her food, having finally settled on something simple like tenmusu, simple but it was completely delicious for tonight. She smiled to herself as she thought to treat her tomorrow to some hayashi rice or something else, already thinking un tomorrow's food already.

She decided to strike an conversation with her way in regards to tomorrow.

"Say, why don't we invite my mother, your grandmother and my friend to eat something? I'm sure it will do good and could be a nice change of pace." She asked, never taking her eyes away of the kitchen as she was busy making their food.

---

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Agus looked out of the windowfront opposite to the stairs, mesmerized until she heard my voice - she told me, that it reminded her a bit of home, as it was, before she dropped the mask, a mask similar to the one I was wearing.
She approached me carefully and took my hand, asking if I was sure.
I looked into her eyes and, much like a device powering down, I dropped my mask with a long exhale - what was left was... just Aurelia. A broken, battered, scorned girl, a woman, who's heart had been shattered and ripped out of her chest for good measure... and who still hoped.
Hoped for love and solace and warmth.
But could Agus give me that? The Love and Solace and the Warmth?
Well, I knew she could give me one thing: Oblivion. The oblivion of pure and simple carnal lust, forgetting the worries of the world, my wounds and everything while rolling through the proverbial hay. It was certainly healthier then the bottle of Aragh, which I had planned to drink my worries away with tonight.
I rose and stepped close to her, my body feeling her warmth, barely not touching her as I looked into her eyes... my free hand laid itself on her cheek, fixing her head and looking her into the eyes deeply.
Was I sure?
"No, I'm not sure.", I whispered, smiled and shrugged. "But let's do this anyway, Agus - what could possibly go wrong?"
My lips met hers.
May the Endless Sands swallow Marcella. May they swallow the Sultana. May they swallow the Nobility of the Sultanate (safe for a few exceptions). May they swallow it all...
She struggled for a moment, caught off guard, but then leaned in, returned the kiss. She stopped for but a moment, as the words I had spoken arrived in her brain, made click.
...I was not sure about any implications this might have, diplomatical and political implications, but I knew, that I wanted this, that I needed this.
Agus hand let go of mine, wrapped around my hips and pulled me close. She felt warm, soft and hugable.
When we disconnected, her hand was in the small of my back, her thumb running along my spine. She smiled.
"Indeed... what could possibly go wrong?"
And that is the point, where we fade to black.

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I cooed and gasped several times during the retelling of the dramatic story of how his parents got together.
“It indeed has something of a story from the feather of a novelist.”, I said with a nod, “A guard and commoner falling for a princess, she falling for him, the two standing together against a father opposing...” I shrugged. “My apologies, if this sounded trivializing the inspiring story of your parents.”
I shook my head.
“Very much different from how Damir and I got together.”, I said and smiled as I watched him and Mahmut sitting with their board. “I met him, when I was but a girl and, of course, crushed on him, hard. Like, really hard.” I smiled at the memory. “Then again, who didn't in my age? That was long before the world knew, that Aurelia existed, when the charming, good-looking youngest son of the Sultana was growing into his role and still charming and good-looking...”
He still was both.
“I grew out of it.”, I said, waved a hand, “It wasn't even childhood love, mainly because I am reasonably certain, that he didn't return my crush, let alone loved me back then.” I exhaled. “Eventually, I grew up, had boyfriends, nothing really meant to last, I did my Service, began my studies in Geology and then my Father had a stroke.” I looked at him. “He's a vegetable. Mentally, I mean. I was announced as Princess-Regent and...”
I snorted in amusement.
“...I had no clue what to do and how to do it.” The admission didn't hurt, mainly because it was true: I did have no idea and I had been lost. “The Sultana had sent an advisor to me and my cause, once she realized, just how lost I was. Make an educated guess as to who that was and how that ended.”
Damir looked up and over to us.
I smiled at him, lovingly, he smiled back and turned back to his game.

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
What could possibly go wrong?
That was the question she had the moment she looked to see her surrundings. Here she laid, snuggling alongside Princess Aurelia bint-Damir at the stone table after their passionate time, she was still blushing entirely from that as her eyes darted across the room to the massive windows where she noticed how much had it passed. It was dinnertime already, it seemed like a great part of the day was spent in the warm room; the Queen could only giggle at that knowing how things went and how it will be their little secret what happened here. Soon she turned back and looked at Aurelia, a fond smile forming in Agus's lips that was accompanied by a soft glare in her eyes with her hands falling in her hair, caressing the short blonde hair while an small sigh fell off her face, a frown forming in her face as she thought of that question.
What could possibly go wrong? She already had her answer, everything.
Agus made her case in her mind, many things could go wrong the moment this went deeper and she knew she couldn't help it; after all, things won't be the same after this and she knew it. Her feelings will be over the place and she will have to put them into a bigger wiew and find her answer to what she feels for the half-selkie.
Does she regret it? No. Why? Because she already knew how this would go the moment she walked up here and was ready to face it; Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay will be ready for it, no matter how hard they might be, she was ready to give her battle when the moment came; but for now. She can lie happily besides the Princess and pray that she will be with her when it boils down and that something good comes out of it.

---

Pandareos III of Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
The Prince could only chuckle berfore giving the Princess a reassuring smile.

"Don't be, I imagined that would be part of the reaction, after all, my parents always joked that they could sell the tale to a movie studio and have them pay up royalties because of who are the people behind it." Luci snickered, that joke was always good in the family, that and the joke of those which had white hair in the family on how they were already old, one he took on with a smile and a laugh.

Then he followed her gaze, falling in Prince Damir and Prince Mahmut where they continued with their game; Luci will never say it, but he can certainly see why the rumours had the strenght they had when you saw them together, and while they were confirmed to be fake and denied, there were reasons. The white haired prince and doctor, or well, fellow, looked back at Yasmin as she told her tale of how she met the prince, telling how she crushed on him when she was young on the still charming prince; hearing with complete interest and letting her tell it without problem.
He gave a silent nod when she mentioned that it was just some childhood crush that would pass with time, after all she was three years older than him. She then continued telling him about how she grew out of her crush and had her fair share of relationships that weren't meant to last to then do her service and beginning her studies in geology, of course, things didn't went according to plan as her father had a stroke. Luci could only mutter an oh, before looking downcast, knowing well what that meant and how hard it was from his studies and the rare stroke patients he saw being brought in during the years he has been in the hospital.

"I see..." He looked at her the same moment she looked back at him. "I'm sorry to hear that..." Was all the Prince could say before letting her continue the story. Lady Yasmin continued telling about how she was thrust into becoming regent and admitted she didn't had the experience nor knowledge to administrate and lead a Khanate, guess he had to be glad his parents taught him the basics at first alongside the rest to her and his sisters, Agus obviously getting the most as she also wanted to have her own style.
It seemed it all went full circle as the Sultana sent Prince Damir to help her and well, here they were. Married and with a child, which made Luciano chuckle slightly.

"Small world huh?" He looked back at the Princess with an amused gleam on his eyes followed by an playful smirk. "I'm sure your younger self would had been delighted had she knew how things would pan out."

[Kyrenaia]

And with that, I bowed lightly, turned on my heels and went out of the rose garden again, to Mago.
“The Grand Vizier will receive you.”, I told her, “Please come with me.”
Turning again, I led her in, where the Grand Vizier was, by now, sitting at the table in the shade of the tree. I motioned for Mola to take the last few steps and to make her impression.

Mola stood inhaling and exhaling to settle herself and steel her wool enough, not that she was really nervous but it was always good to make sure you were of sound body before going in an interview. "Good day or evening? Ahah please excuse me, I've lost all sense of time now, running around the city all day to prepare. I'm pleased to make your aquaitaince, I'm Mola de Esenco-Stenson. I've heard you have a position open that involves flower keeping and horticultural duties or similar nature of that, specifically tropical flowers. Well I want to say you're in good fortunes today because I am an expert in the language of flowers both poetic and physical" She gave a cute giggle "I also am sorry about this sort of out of the blue cold-call off the street approach, I saw the ad in the paper and I felt it'd be good to jump on this as quickly as possible lest it slip from my grasp. Just call me enthusiastic about the prospects for this job. I do have a resume and a list of references I'm happy to show to you." she reached into her bag pulling out the plain manila folder that had all the papers she hastily assembled for the last few hours.

[...]

Shirin Waradra.
Rose Gardens, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
I led her in and as soon as she was at an appropriate distance, Mola began to talk.
Al-Zahir was, according to her, in luck, for she knew how to handle tropical flowers, she had a cute giggle, expressed her apologies for her sudden approach and pulled out her references and all documents.
The old Grand Vizier took them with a smile in my direction. I shrugged slightly with a smile.
He placed the documents on the table and smiled slightly.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Esenco-Stenson.", he said, "Please forgive an old man for not rising, but please, sit down and have a cup with me while we go through this." He tapped the documents, then looked to me: "Shirin, two cuppas please... Na'na, I think."
I nodded. "Of course, Sir."
As I went, I heard him say: "Now, Miss Esenco-Stenson, before we start with anything I want you to understand something: This is not a supermarket needing a runner or someone to fill the shelves. I do not hire from the street." He was quite strict, when he wanted to be. He let that sink in, before he asked in Kyrenaian: "How good is your Desert-Tongue?"

---

[...]

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
What could possibly go wrong?
That was the question she had the moment she looked to see her surrundings. Here she laid, snuggling alongside Princess Aurelia bint-Damir at the stone table after their passionate time, she was still blushing entirely from that as her eyes darted across the room to the massive windows where she noticed how much had it passed. It was dinnertime already, it seemed like a great part of the day was spent in the warm room; the Queen could only giggle at that knowing how things went and how it will be their little secret what happened here. Soon she turned back and looked at Aurelia, a fond smile forming in Agus's lips that was accompanied by a soft glare in her eyes with her hands falling in her hair, caressing the short blonde hair while an small sigh fell off her face, a frown forming in her face as she thought of that question.
What could possibly go wrong? She already had her answer, everything.
Agus made her case in her mind, many things could go wrong the moment this went deeper and she knew she couldn't help it; after all, things won't be the same after this and she knew it. Her feelings will be over the place and she will have to put them into a bigger wiew and find her answer to what she feels for the half-selkie.
Does she regret it? No. Why? Because she already knew how this would go the moment she walked up here and was ready to face it; Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay will be ready for it, no matter how hard they might be, she was ready to give her battle when the moment came; but for now. She can lie happily besides the Princess and pray that she will be with her when it boils down and that something good comes out of it.

---

Pandareos III of Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
The Prince could only chuckle berfore giving the Princess a reassuring smile.

"Don't be, I imagined that would be part of the reaction, after all, my parents always joked that they could sell the tale to a movie studio and have them pay up royalties because of who are the people behind it." Luci snickered, that joke was always good in the family, that and the joke of those which had white hair in the family on how they were already old, one he took on with a smile and a laugh.

Then he followed her gaze, falling in Prince Damir and Prince Mahmut where they continued with their game; Luci will never say it, but he can certainly see why the rumours had the strenght they had when you saw them together, and while they were confirmed to be fake and denied, there were reasons. The white haired prince and doctor, or well, fellow, looked back at Yasmin as she told her tale of how she met the prince, telling how she crushed on him when she was young on the still charming prince; hearing with complete interest and letting her tell it without problem.
He gave a silent nod when she mentioned that it was just some childhood crush that would pass with time, after all she was three years older than him. She then continued telling him about how she grew out of her crush and had her fair share of relationships that weren't meant to last to then do her service and beginning her studies in geology, of course, things didn't went according to plan as her father had a stroke. Luci could only mutter an oh, before looking downcast, knowing well what that meant and how hard it was from his studies and the rare stroke patients he saw being brought in during the years he has been in the hospital.

"I see..." He looked at her the same moment she looked back at him. "I'm sorry to hear that..." Was all the Prince could say before letting her continue the story. Lady Yasmin continued telling about how she was thrust into becoming regent and admitted she didn't had the experience nor knowledge to administrate and lead a Khanate, guess he had to be glad his parents taught him the basics at first alongside the rest to her and his sisters, Agus obviously getting the most as she also wanted to have her own style.
It seemed it all went full circle as the Sultana sent Prince Damir to help her and well, here they were. Married and with a child, which made Luciano chuckle slightly.

"Small world huh?" He looked back at the Princess with an amused gleam on his eyes followed by an playful smirk. "I'm sure your younger self would had been delighted had she knew how things would pan out."

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Agus was snuggled into me. We had done things and stuff to each other for quite a bit, so much so, that dinner time was nearing. Allow me to leave the details out, to not mention, why the Hot Room was not only filled with hot air, but also with a slightly musky scent.
Agus petted my hair, a sigh escaping her lips.
If I were to bet, she was not thinking about our little secret, about what we had done in here, but about what would follow. Let's be honest here, she had been amazing, but... what now? Where would our futures lead us?
Into each others' arms, for a grizzly repeat of what had happened between me and Marcella? Into this being a one-time thing? Friendship with benefits? Only friendship?
Could my heart take any of that?
Could diplomacy take any of that?
Could... could anything go wrong yet again?
I kissed Agus' forehead.
That was for Future-Aurelia to worry about. For now, Gods, let us be together, at least for a little bit, with no worries and no higher concerns, no greater good and nothing but the two of us.
I smiled softly, looked into her eyes, tempted to kiss her lips, maybe let my hands wander, maybe pull her even closer, maybe... my stomach grumbled.
I face turned red as rubies.

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
Pandereos was quite polite, chuckled along my story, expressed his condolences when he heard about my father and seemed to wonder for a bit. Truth was, I had been utterly unprepared, when I took over as Regent.
My Father was a good man, no question asked, but he was no teacher and he had a tendency to do everything on his own. Not even my Mother had any idea about how the government of the Khanate of Tanin worked. It had taken her considerable effort to convince my Father to let me in on it once I had finished my studies, but...
...yeah.
Compared to people like Aurelia or Dschamilla, who had been part of the government machine from a young age, I was a student yet again. Then again, I was my husband's student and he was a patient teacher.
And my husband.
"I'm sure your younger self would had been delighted had she knew how things would pan out.", Pandereos proposed with a playful smirk.
I giggled.
"I am not sure, actually.", I said, "It would most likely be a case of Yasmin-dot-exe stopping to work at first, giddy at the thought of her crush eventually marrying her and the two of them having a child, but... once she would know the whole story, that younger Yasmin would be quite devestated. I love my husband, I love Aurelia, I love Dschafar, but I also love my Father. Knowing that all of that would come to pass after he had fallen ill..." I smiled. "Better not tell her."
I let a beat pass.
"I do wonder, though, I think, that this is your first your first trips to Kyrenaia.", I said and smiled, "How do you like it so far?"

[AHSCA]

"This is the Secret Imperial Metro System, or Metro 12, that you will be boarding." explains the General to the AHSCAian delegation, as he shows them the platform and the tracks while waiting for the train to arrive. "This system links all important government building, the Silver Palace and this Base, and allows for the quick and discreet movement of VIPs in case of emergencies, or for any other reason." he adds with a smile.

"mmm secret Metro huh?" Marcella kind of gave a half smile, not exactly a festive occasion but still couldn't help but be amused at the fact this was left off her tour when she visited here. Well oh well, every state has its secrets to keep. "Very good, thank you."

The Kitan
A few minutes later, two women entered to the baths dressing room with the staff, thanking them for the service and giveing them a generous tip alongside assuring that should they need everything, they will make sure to advice the staff. The moment they were gone, the two woman begun to undress and setting their clothes aside until they were covered only by the towers they both grabbed to dry up after their soak in the baths. The journalist will see that the Chancellor wasn't alone, besides her and smiling from a conversation the two ladies were having is none other than the Princess of Slyvan, Circe IV. The oldest of the royal silbings was present as another mediator from the Mervayan Government alongside the Chancellor, after all; this situation was a entire headche everyone wished it would end and no one knew how a relationship could bring so many consequences into play for those involved and make foreign nations scramble diplomatic resources to contain the backlash and get a benefit.
The journalist would hear they were mostly discussing about some random and life things as they walked to the baths where they took off their towers and tidying them up before they dived into the water. The two of them sighed pleased and relaxed, the hot water was what they needed after a long day of work, the Princess looked at her partner and smiled.

"Say, think we should invite your daughter to meet us tomorrow after we check in with Island government?" Ariadna asked with an smile as tess answered in kind.

"If it isn't raining too much I suppose so."



Residence
Tess could only nod at her wife with an warm smile as she continued with her food, having finally settled on something simple like tenmusu, simple but it was completely delicious for tonight. She smiled to herself as she thought to treat her tomorrow to some hayashi rice or something else, already thinking un tomorrow's food already.

She decided to strike an conversation with her way in regards to tomorrow.

"Say, why don't we invite my mother, your grandmother and my friend to eat something? I'm sure it will do good and could be a nice change of pace." She asked, never taking her eyes away of the kitchen as she was busy making their food.

The Kitan

When she felt it was safe to do so, away from the prying eyes of the staff, it was time for Fumio to make her moves. Opening the door gingerly and discretely, she'd slide ride in, smooth as silk right? "Good evening, pardon me." She joined them in the water, again she had a few excuses on the ready if asked but for now she'd figure the two women would be familiar enough with AHSCAian rituals, traditions, customs, it wasn't unusual even in a luxury resort like this to share with a stranger or two. "A lovely night, don't you think? Well if you like the rain that is." She chuckled.

Good, good Fumio she thought to herself, Keep it cool, keep it casual and they won't pitch a fit. "Well glad to see in spite of all the hubbub we're still getting tourists." Any reporter knows, you build a rapport with your subject first.

Residence


"Oh that's a great idea! A meal together I think will calm all our nerves a little and make us relax." Satou nodded

Shirin Waradra.
Rose Gardens, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
I led her in and as soon as she was at an appropriate distance, Mola began to talk.
Al-Zahir was, according to her, in luck, for she knew how to handle tropical flowers, she had a cute giggle, expressed her apologies for her sudden approach and pulled out her references and all documents.
The old Grand Vizier took them with a smile in my direction. I shrugged slightly with a smile.
He placed the documents on the table and smiled slightly.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Esenco-Stenson.", he said, "Please forgive an old man for not rising, but please, sit down and have a cup with me while we go through this." He tapped the documents, then looked to me: "Shirin, two cuppas please... Na'na, I think."
I nodded. "Of course, Sir."
As I went, I heard him say: "Now, Miss Esenco-Stenson, before we start with anything I want you to understand something: This is not a supermarket needing a runner or someone to fill the shelves. I do not hire from the street." He was quite strict, when he wanted to be. He let that sink in, before he asked in Kyrenaian: "How good is your Desert-Tongue?"

"Yes, sir." She replied to his stringent demand that she wouldn't be a simple errand girl for him, well that works out fine, then the real coup de grace question, she had to demonstrate her proficiency in the native tongue. This might be a bit difficult, she knew enough but would it convince him?

"It's not bad, Sir." She phrased, To be frank, I may need a bit more practice. I've got enough of a grasp." Switching back to International Common again, "But I promise you, I'm a fast learner, I'm good at learning, I'm very adept. I will work my tail off to become a master. If you feel otherwise, I understand, but that is where I stand. You seem like a reasonable and open minded person. Naturally you want someone you can depend on. I came to work, not merely to visit."

[Mervay]

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Agus was snuggled into me. We had done things and stuff to each other for quite a bit, so much so, that dinner time was nearing. Allow me to leave the details out, to not mention, why the Hot Room was not only filled with hot air, but also with a slightly musky scent.
Agus petted my hair, a sigh escaping her lips.
If I were to bet, she was not thinking about our little secret, about what we had done in here, but about what would follow. Let's be honest here, she had been amazing, but... what now? Where would our futures lead us?
Into each others' arms, for a grizzly repeat of what had happened between me and Marcella? Into this being a one-time thing? Friendship with benefits? Only friendship?
Could my heart take any of that?
Could diplomacy take any of that?
Could... could anything go wrong yet again?
I kissed Agus' forehead.
That was for Future-Aurelia to worry about. For now, Gods, let us be together, at least for a little bit, with no worries and no higher concerns, no greater good and nothing but the two of us.
I smiled softly, looked into her eyes, tempted to kiss her lips, maybe let my hands wander, maybe pull her even closer, maybe... my stomach grumbled.
I face turned red as rubies.

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
Pandereos was quite polite, chuckled along my story, expressed his condolences when he heard about my father and seemed to wonder for a bit. Truth was, I had been utterly unprepared, when I took over as Regent.
My Father was a good man, no question asked, but he was no teacher and he had a tendency to do everything on his own. Not even my Mother had any idea about how the government of the Khanate of Tanin worked. It had taken her considerable effort to convince my Father to let me in on it once I had finished my studies, but...
...yeah.
Compared to people like Aurelia or Dschamilla, who had been part of the government machine from a young age, I was a student yet again. Then again, I was my husband's student and he was a patient teacher.
And my husband.
"I'm sure your younger self would had been delighted had she knew how things would pan out.", Pandereos proposed with a playful smirk.
I giggled.
"I am not sure, actually.", I said, "It would most likely be a case of Yasmin-dot-exe stopping to work at first, giddy at the thought of her crush eventually marrying her and the two of them having a child, but... once she would know the whole story, that younger Yasmin would be quite devestated. I love my husband, I love Aurelia, I love Dschafar, but I also love my Father. Knowing that all of that would come to pass after he had fallen ill..." I smiled. "Better not tell her."
I let a beat pass.
"I do wonder, though, I think, that this is your first your first trips to Kyrenaia.", I said and smiled, "How do you like it so far?"

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Aurelia kissed my forehead.
Whatever weight we had was lifted off our shoulders, my thoughts ready for when it all crash down and her, well it seemed she was also enjoying the moment; a calm moment in the storm happening around us, I don't blame her for wanting to make the most of this when I want to do the same, it's selfish, yet, I'm a human and I do have my selfish moments.
Our eyes locked, my urge to kiss her was as strong as hers if her gaze didn't lie. Perhaps we could do that, maybe even more, be even closer and maybe continue where we left off... Until Aurelia's stomatch grumbled, the Princess blushing like if she was a flare in middle of the sky all the while my mind had a simple thought; cute. Of course I also laughed at that interruption like if it was the funniest thing it happened today (and there were already a lot of moments for that list), well aware we haven't eaten since we left to the baths.
I smiled softly at her when I finally stopped, getting up and stretching myself before looking back at the Princess with a hand stretched, a slight blush in my visage.

"We should get ourselves cleaned up and get some dinner, we both need it." I grinned warmly at her, hoping she takes the offer.

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
The moment she told me how would her younger self would had reacted to all the events, I felt, rather, knew; that she was right.
No one should deserve that.
It made me think if someone ever told the same to my younger self, how would I had reacted? I was completely sure shock and regret would fill my soul and be clearly evident on my face, the answer, however; I didn't know. The past and the future were always going to be mysterious in our minds, sticking too much in the past won't be healthy sometimes, but neither thinking too much of the future, you could only do so when controlling your present, even if life is unpredictable, well, why not ensure you take advantage of their fortunes and misfortunes?
The guy who is part of the government machine and a doctor in the last stage of his fellowship and specialization, guess I can be one of the many examples.

I smiled at that question from the Princess.

"And you would be correct." I snickered. "It's fairly nice, beautiful and there's a lot to look and know about." My smile was surely wide as I said that, before I sighed of course. "Shame it couldn't be in better circunstances, I would had loved to take some souvenirs and some of those bikes, like the W-55 and so."

---

The Kitan

When she felt it was safe to do so, away from the prying eyes of the staff, it was time for Fumio to make her moves. Opening the door gingerly and discretely, she'd slide ride in, smooth as silk right? "Good evening, pardon me." She joined them in the water, again she had a few excuses on the ready if asked but for now she'd figure the two women would be familiar enough with AHSCAian rituals, traditions, customs, it wasn't unusual even in a luxury resort like this to share with a stranger or two. "A lovely night, don't you think? Well if you like the rain that is." She chuckled.

Good, good Fumio she thought to herself, Keep it cool, keep it casual and they won't pitch a fit. "Well glad to see in spite of all the hubbub we're still getting tourists." Any reporter knows, you build a rapport with your subject first.

Residence


"Oh that's a great idea! A meal together I think will calm all our nerves a little and make us relax." Satou nodded.

The Kitan
Their conservation was soon interrupted by the door opening as another person joined them in, surprise deep within them as the Princess and Chancellor eyed each other discreetly; they weren't informed they would have to share the bath with someone else.
The ladies looked at the young woman with polite smiles, while they were familiar with the Islander customs, Jessica specially when she was the Kingdom's Ambassador for two years, she remembered how they asked if she would like to share with someone, that couple from Corona was lovely. At that comment neither Jessica nor Ariadna couldn't deny it, a night with rain while taking a bath was certainly appealing.

"You can say so." The Princess smiled politely as she looked at the woman, clearly trying to maintain a natural conversation and see where the waters are sailing.

"You can say so." The Chancellor chimed in feigning a thoughtful stance before shrugging. "Some people are bold when it comes to travel, I once knew a person which traveled to a warzone without trouble nor fear to see the situation around there. He wasn't neither a journalist nor diplomat, which would be the most common examples to be around those hot spots." It was better to see where this would go before calling her out on who she was and why the staff didn't adviced them, perhaps this could be a massive misunderstanding and it would be just your average talk in The Kitan.

---

Residence
The brunette smiled warmly at her wife before continuing with the food, fully focused in having it done and being perfect.
Tess knew it would take an hour before the tenmusu was done, but she was sure it will be worth the wait for them as she prepared it and cooked it.

After a hour of cooking and preparations, the tenmusu was finally done. Setting it on a plate and placing it on the table, Tess smiled as she settled it down and went for something to drink, returning with some more tea she brewed alongside it.

"Hope you like it dear!" She smiled beamingly.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"mmm secret Metro huh?" Marcella kind of gave a half smile, not exactly a festive occasion but still couldn't help but be amused at the fact this was left off her tour when she visited here. Well oh well, every state has its secrets to keep. "Very good, thank you."

"You're welcome Your Highness." simply replies Purlito, just as behind the glass windows and doors, a white, monorail train appears, and slows down before coming to a stop. After an audible air depressing sound, the doors open, and reveal to the AHSCAian delegation a simple but well decorated interior, with beige leather seats, with various wood decorations. On the ground and walls, various rosace forms in both warm and cold colors.

"This is your ride. This monorail train is entirely automatic and can be either remotely or manually controlled if there is a problem." explains the General as he invites Marcella and her group to get inside and take a seat, even near the front where they might have a good view. "The tunnels are even emptied of the air within them by aspiration, to minimize the friction, and the risk of fires. The trip to the Silver Palace will last approximately six minutes, have a nice day." finishes the General before getting out of the train, just as the door close. Aside from the delegation, no one is inside the train.

"Welcome to Metro 12." says a soothing, feminine voice over the PA system. "You will now travel to the Silver Palace. Please try to remain seated to avoid unecesary collisions or falls. If you are experiencing an emergency of any kind, please press the red bell buttons on the intercoms near the doors. Please do not try to get out of the train if it has not stopped, and the light above the doors have turned green. Trying to do so will lead you in a tunnel devoid of any air, and you will not be able to breathe. We wish you a very pleasant trip."

With the safety message now complete, the train starts to move back the way it came, and gains more and more speed, the only things visible outside by the AHSCAians being white lamps positioned at regular intervals...

Six minutes later...

After the short trip underground, the train starts to slow down again, and finally reaches another train platform, also isolated from the tracks by transparent windows and doors.
Contrary to the one at Adams Air Base, this platform is way more decorated, with extensive woodworks lining the walls, some paintings representing food and landscapes, and the ground bearing the Great Seal of the Imperium. On the side, a small desk manned by a male Keiserlig Custos in his dark green Service Uniform, his black beret on his head, while facing him, another one of his colleagues is leaning against the wall, also in his Dress Uniform, his ACR at the ready.

Just as the train doors open, and the two Custos stand at attention as the AHSCAian get off the train, two persons arrive. Marcella would surely recognize them as Pavel and Alicia Morozov, the heads of security of Adrean and Anna. The two are wearing the same outfit, a pair of jeans with sand colored combat boots, a black polo shirt with the seal of the Keiserlig Custos sewn over the left breast, and their black beret. Strapped to their right thigh, their holster with their Masada 35 pistol, and on their left forearm, the usual forearm computer.

"Welcome back Duchess." says Alicia with a warm smile to Marcella. "And welcome to our lands Officer VinoCacao." she adds to the Foreign Officer. "Adrean and Anna are waiting, if you will please follow us."

[Kyrenaia]

[...]
"Yes, sir." She replied to his stringent demand that she wouldn't be a simple errand girl for him, well that works out fine, then the real coup de grace question, she had to demonstrate her proficiency in the native tongue. This might be a bit difficult, she knew enough but would it convince him?

"It's not bad, Sir." She phrased, To be frank, I may need a bit more practice. I've got enough of a grasp." Switching back to International Common again, "But I promise you, I'm a fast learner, I'm good at learning, I'm very adept. I will work my tail off to become a master. If you feel otherwise, I understand, but that is where I stand. You seem like a reasonable and open minded person. Naturally you want someone you can depend on. I came to work, not merely to visit."

Shirin Waradra.
Rose Gardens, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
He continued in Kyrenaian: "Then you better do so.", he said quite strictly, ignoring the compliments, "As you can see with Shirin or any of the Handmaidens I hire, I demand perfection and poise... and adherence to the dresscode."
There was a long moment of silence as I returned with two cups of Na'na tea - mint.
Still dressed in the motorcycle outfit, I might be a bit of a bad example, but Kyrenaian Handmaidens were iconic enough to not warrant a visual aid.
The guest received her cup first.
My boss began to leaf through the CV and other documents, not needing reading glasses despite his advanced age.
"You know, Miss Esenco-Stenson, I have a number of applications of Handmaidens on my desk. Trained professionals from one or the other of the Handmaiden Academies... or Tribute Stock, even.", he continued while I took my position, three steps back, on my knees, head slightly lowered. "Where did you acquire your qualifications?"

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Aurelia kissed my forehead.
Whatever weight we had was lifted off our shoulders, my thoughts ready for when it all crash down and her, well it seemed she was also enjoying the moment; a calm moment in the storm happening around us, I don't blame her for wanting to make the most of this when I want to do the same, it's selfish, yet, I'm a human and I do have my selfish moments.
Our eyes locked, my urge to kiss her was as strong as hers if her gaze didn't lie. Perhaps we could do that, maybe even more, be even closer and maybe continue where we left off... Until Aurelia's stomatch grumbled, the Princess blushing like if she was a flare in middle of the sky all the while my mind had a simple thought; cute. Of course I also laughed at that interruption like if it was the funniest thing it happened today (and there were already a lot of moments for that list), well aware we haven't eaten since we left to the baths.
I smiled softly at her when I finally stopped, getting up and stretching myself before looking back at the Princess with a hand stretched, a slight blush in my visage.

"We should get ourselves cleaned up and get some dinner, we both need it." I grinned warmly at her, hoping she takes the offer.

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
The moment she told me how would her younger self would had reacted to all the events, I felt, rather, knew; that she was right.
No one should deserve that.
It made me think if someone ever told the same to my younger self, how would I had reacted? I was completely sure shock and regret would fill my soul and be clearly evident on my face, the answer, however; I didn't know. The past and the future were always going to be mysterious in our minds, sticking too much in the past won't be healthy sometimes, but neither thinking too much of the future, you could only do so when controlling your present, even if life is unpredictable, well, why not ensure you take advantage of their fortunes and misfortunes?
The guy who is part of the government machine and a doctor in the last stage of his fellowship and specialization, guess I can be one of the many examples.

I smiled at that question from the Princess.

"And you would be correct." I snickered. "It's fairly nice, beautiful and there's a lot to look and know about." My smile was surely wide as I said that, before I sighed of course. "Shame it couldn't be in better circunstances, I would had loved to take some souvenirs and some of those bikes, like the W-55 and so."

[...]

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Well, there went the romantic mood... but she laughed, which was a plus in my book.
I nodded. "Yeah, I'm feeling a bit hungry.", I said and took her hand, letting her pull me up. "Come, I'll show you, how we do it around here!"
And that was, as we were by now quite a lot higher then the changing rooms, by going into a small room with towels to clean off the excess water and to dry the hair, then into the next room, which turned out to be...
"My bedroom.", I said with a grin, then raised a hand, winking, "Later."
For now, the large bed would stay empty, the light on the bedside table dark and the dressing table in order. There was, aside from a gorgeous view of the countryside, another two doors, though, one leading into an antechamber, the other into a walk in closet.
Still bare as the ay I was born, I asked Agus to remain, where she was and went for the latter, returning only a few moments later with two clothes hangers and bathrobes on them.
I offered one of the fluffy and warm black garnments to her, putting on the other.

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I smiled.
"I am sure, that something can be arranged.", I said and smiled. "Aurelia loves the W-55, too, it is a nice bike... I'm more into four-wheeled transportation, however, especially since Dschafar's birth." I let a beat pass. "Many of the Handmaidens prefer the W-55 for their jobs, especially these days, when they also act as messengers for the different ministries to their people in home office."
I let a beat pass.
"During my Service, I was a dispatch rider for the 1st Armoured, driving a W-52 up and down the countryside.", I added, "It was fun."

[AHSCA]

The Kitan
Their conservation was soon interrupted by the door opening as another person joined them in, surprise deep within them as the Princess and Chancellor eyed each other discreetly; they weren't informed they would have to share the bath with someone else.
The ladies looked at the young woman with polite smiles, while they were familiar with the Islander customs, Jessica specially when she was the Kingdom's Ambassador for two years, she remembered how they asked if she would like to share with someone, that couple from Corona was lovely. At that comment neither Jessica nor Ariadna couldn't deny it, a night with rain while taking a bath was certainly appealing.

"You can say so." The Princess smiled politely as she looked at the woman, clearly trying to maintain a natural conversation and see where the waters are sailing.

"You can say so." The Chancellor chimed in feigning a thoughtful stance before shrugging. "Some people are bold when it comes to travel, I once knew a person which traveled to a warzone without trouble nor fear to see the situation around there. He wasn't neither a journalist nor diplomat, which would be the most common examples to be around those hot spots." It was better to see where this would go before calling her out on who she was and why the staff didn't adviced them, perhaps this could be a massive misunderstanding and it would be just your average talk in The Kitan.



Residence
The brunette smiled warmly at her wife before continuing with the food, fully focused in having it done and being perfect.
Tess knew it would take an hour before the tenmusu was done, but she was sure it will be worth the wait for them as she prepared it and cooked it.

After a hour of cooking and preparations, the tenmusu was finally done. Setting it on a plate and placing it on the table, Tess smiled as she settled it down and went for something to drink, returning with some more tea she brewed alongside it.

"Hope you like it dear!" She smiled beamingly.

The Kitan

Were they toying with her? She wondered, they seemed like maybe they were being coy, well oh well, there was no longer any reason to beat around the bush. "All right, let me just get to the point then." She smiled thinking they might just be kind of messing with her, well fair enough, she did sort of invite herself in without asking them or the staff. "Let me be honest, I'm a reporter with the The Hanasaku Press, , we're an indy news outlet based here in Aurora and I know you ladies are from Mervay and here apart of the recent happenings with The Duchess and the Sultanate. If you'd be willing, I'd like to get some information from you, if possible. I realize I sort of just invited myself in and I really have no right to ask you so if you want me to leave that's fine, I'll leave and I'll leave you alone. So, what do you say, will you comment or should I get lost?"


Residence


Satou waited patiently for Tess to finish, just kind of watching her in admiration. By the heavens was she cute, Satou thought to herself. Well now it was all ready and Satou took her first bites and her face instantly blushed with the joy of having her wife's cooking. "It's delicious my dear! You really outdid yourself!" For now, this was all that mattered. Not politics, not foreign affairs, not the concerns of her in-laws or her own grandmother, just being here with her wife this night having a meal together. Satou could only speak for herself in this moment but her worried about this were melting away.

After the short trip underground, the train starts to slow down again, and finally reaches another train platform, also isolated from the tracks by transparent windows and doors.
Contrary to the one at Adams Air Base, this platform is way more decorated, with extensive woodworks lining the walls, some paintings representing food and landscapes, and the ground bearing the Great Seal of the Imperium. On the side, a small desk manned by a male Keiserlig Custos in his dark green Service Uniform, his black beret on his head, while facing him, another one of his colleagues is leaning against the wall, also in his Dress Uniform, his ACR at the ready.

Just as the train doors open, and the two Custos stand at attention as the AHSCAian get off the train, two persons arrive. Marcella would surely recognize them as Pavel and Alicia Morozov, the heads of security of Adrean and Anna. The two are wearing the same outfit, a pair of jeans with sand colored combat boots, a black polo shirt with the seal of the Keiserlig Custos sewn over the left breast, and their black beret. Strapped to their right thigh, their holster with their Masada 35 pistol, and on their left forearm, the usual forearm computer.

"Welcome back Duchess." says Alicia with a warm smile to Marcella. "And welcome to our lands Officer VinoCacao." she adds to the Foreign Officer. "Adrean and Anna are waiting, if you will please follow us."

"Thank you, it's nice to be back" Marcella thanked "And good to see you again too."

"Thank you for the welcome." Noir said "Only wish it could have been under better circumstances but it is what it is, we appreciate your offering to help us." Somehow this nation was always around, between helping them setup their intelligence network, which was now hard at work in Kyrenaia, to this. It certainly left to wonder why the Sultanate seemed distrusting of them, or at least Aurelia certainly did, who knows how the rest of the Government felt. Maybe it was their shrewd opportunism that put them off? Hard to say.

Shirin Waradra.
Rose Gardens, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
He continued in Kyrenaian: "Then you better do so.", he said quite strictly, ignoring the compliments, "As you can see with Shirin or any of the Handmaidens I hire, I demand perfection and poise... and adherence to the dresscode."
There was a long moment of silence as I returned with two cups of Na'na tea - mint.
Still dressed in the motorcycle outfit, I might be a bit of a bad example, but Kyrenaian Handmaidens were iconic enough to not warrant a visual aid.
The guest received her cup first.
My boss began to leaf through the CV and other documents, not needing reading glasses despite his advanced age.
"You know, Miss Esenco-Stenson, I have a number of applications of Handmaidens on my desk. Trained professionals from one or the other of the Handmaiden Academies... or Tribute Stock, even.", he continued while I took my position, three steps back, on my knees, head slightly lowered. "Where did you acquire your qualifications?"

Still not losing her composure or letting him get to her she gave a moment to come up with a good answer but still she thought to herself, Good grief, this guys a real hard ass! It seemed it would take more than a lot of flattery to really impress him, guess the honesty route wasn't the best way to go at it after all. They did talk about wiring her up and feeding her proper Desert speak for her to parrot but decided against it in the interest of time and just in case that might not work in the future.

"I have no doubt, you have many people clamoring to work here, myself included. But they aren't here now are they? I am here, I walked in practically off the street which should show my ambition. My resume should speak for itself. As far as I'm concerned On the plant side, I've worked in greenhouses, horticulture centers and the like that I've listed, I've even done time in hospitality too so I'm multi disciplined. I'm aware your Maidens command a lot of tasks and have a lot of responsibilities that includes everything you've mentioned. I can handle all the responsibility that entails until such time you decide to toss me out on my keester."

[Kyrenaia]

[...]


Still not losing her composure or letting him get to her she gave a moment to come up with a good answer but still she thought to herself, Good grief, this guys a real hard ass! It seemed it would take more than a lot of flattery to really impress him, guess the honesty route wasn't the best way to go at it after all. They did talk about wiring her up and feeding her proper Desert speak for her to parrot but decided against it in the interest of time and just in case that might not work in the future.

"I have no doubt, you have many people clamoring to work here, myself included. But they aren't here now are they? I am here, I walked in practically off the street which should show my ambition. My resume should speak for itself. As far as I'm concerned On the plant side, I've worked in greenhouses, horticulture centers and the like that I've listed, I've even done time in hospitality too so I'm multi disciplined. I'm aware your Maidens command a lot of tasks and have a lot of responsibilities that includes everything you've mentioned. I can handle all the responsibility that entails until such time you decide to toss me out on my keester."

Shirin Waradra.
Rose Gardens, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
I had no idea about Mola's thoughts, but I knew al-Zahir as a fair and diligent boss, who's gardens were important to him - of course he didn't hire any gardener walking in from the street.
Besides, he was an old politician, very experienced in his craft.
He considered her reply, looked into the documents and then said: "Shirin." A moment later, I stood by his side, ready to serve. He showed me the CV. "What do you think?"
There were quite a lot for her young age. "Our young friend here switched employers quite a bit for her age.", I spoke and then looked at al-Zahir.
"Indeed she did...", he replied and looked at Mola. "...which of course raises the question, why you changed your employer this often."
He made a small hand gesture, I retreated to my spot three steps behind him on my knees.
There was a small glint in his eyes, which would tell anyone, who knew him, that he would give her a Practice Week, if he liked the answer.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Thank you, it's nice to be back" Marcella thanked "And good to see you again too."

"Thank you for the welcome." Noir said "Only wish it could have been under better circumstances but it is what it is, we appreciate your offering to help us." Somehow this nation was always around, between helping them setup their intelligence network, which was now hard at work in Kyrenaia, to this. It certainly left to wonder why the Sultanate seemed distrusting of them, or at least Aurelia certainly did, who knows how the rest of the Government felt. Maybe it was their shrewd opportunism that put them off? Hard to say.

"You're welcome." replies Pavel to Noir. "Also, welcome back Asuna, glad to see you again." continues the male Colonel as he looks to Marcella's bodyguard. "And to you Miss Yoshi, welcome."

"Please follow us, we were just waiting for you to have breakfast together with the rest of the team. Let's go." adds Alicia, before turning on her heels and walking away, followed by her husband and the guests.
After going up a set of stairs, the two Astarians lead Marcella and her group down some underground corridors, which might recall some memories to the Duchess and her bodyguard during their first stay in the Astarian capital. A few minutes later, they take a final set of stairs, leading to a door that opens in a hallway on ground level, the door being hidden in the wall. By the windows opposite of them, they see the day starting, the sun bathing the Silver Palace in a gentle light.

"If we may ask, have you raised the alert level of the UISDF since the beginning of the crisis?" asks Alicia to Marcella and Noir as they emerge in the hallway, and turn left.

[Mervay]

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Well, there went the romantic mood... but she laughed, which was a plus in my book.
I nodded. "Yeah, I'm feeling a bit hungry.", I said and took her hand, letting her pull me up. "Come, I'll show you, how we do it around here!"
And that was, as we were by now quite a lot higher then the changing rooms, by going into a small room with towels to clean off the excess water and to dry the hair, then into the next room, which turned out to be...
"My bedroom.", I said with a grin, then raised a hand, winking, "Later."
For now, the large bed would stay empty, the light on the bedside table dark and the dressing table in order. There was, aside from a gorgeous view of the countryside, another two doors, though, one leading into an antechamber, the other into a walk in closet.
Still bare as the ay I was born, I asked Agus to remain, where she was and went for the latter, returning only a few moments later with two clothes hangers and bathrobes on them.
I offered one of the fluffy and warm black garnments to her, putting on the other.

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
I smiled.
"I am sure, that something can be arranged.", I said and smiled. "Aurelia loves the W-55, too, it is a nice bike... I'm more into four-wheeled transportation, however, especially since Dschafar's birth." I let a beat pass. "Many of the Handmaidens prefer the W-55 for their jobs, especially these days, when they also act as messengers for the different ministries to their people in home office."
I let a beat pass.
"During my Service, I was a dispatch rider for the 1st Armoured, driving a W-52 up and down the countryside.", I added, "It was fun."

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
The moment Aurelia took my hand and pulled her up, she soon leaded me through the stairs onto a room where there towels to clean off the excess water and dry up the hair, then we went to a room which was...
"My bedroom."
Yep... I was in Aurelia's bedroom. She winked at me just as she told me that; my face going red as a tomato as I heard that; I was sure steam might as well blow off my ears if this continued.
My eyes darted across it and I've found that it looked nice; a large bed, a beside table, a gorgeous wiew to the countryside and alongside the door from which we came, two other more, one of which Aurelia took after asking me to wait here; I will not lie because I was sure she went for something to put on considering we were both naked.
And so she did.
Returning with two hangers with bathrobes on them; I grabbed the fluffy and black one with an smile in appreciation as I put on and wrapped it, smiling at... Well... Whatever Aurelia was now... I really needed to put my feelings back in order, but, that was for later on.

"Thank you. Hope you don't mind me using it since I can always go and change in my room if you want."

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
I'm sure that was an strange way of ensuring paper got around, more when there were better options, then again perhaps somethings were really important that couldn't be sent no way in heaven through digital means.
"If that can be possible, I guess I'll just check on it." I grinned, hearing of her time riding a dirt bike back in her service, certainly a fun experience. My mind forgot people in Kyrenaia were requested to serve in something like a conscription, that was always interesting.

"Neat. Only Agus, well, Her Majesty and I are more of bikes. Albeit the former might by because of her interest in learning to ride them rather than any hobby to be honest." I smiled a bit sheephisly, I won't deny I had quite the collection back at home of bikes I used, most restored with my bare hands after learning through various mechanics how to do so; some of those friends help me once in a while tho. "When she does ride with it, she either use something with style Noble Apollo or an more classic bike like an Enfield; meanwhile me?" I pointed to myself.

"I'm more of using an WLA that I restored thanks to some guidance for everyday use or going to work at one of the city hospital's as a fellow." I smiled before decing to stretch and dive into the water, feeling the muscles relax.

Years of swordfighting and fencing alongside swimming or being mechanic for that collection showed in my body with marvelous results.

"We kinda have something similar at home you know? But it would be unwise to compare a thermae to an hamamm"

---

The Kitan

Were they toying with her? She wondered, they seemed like maybe they were being coy, well oh well, there was no longer any reason to beat around the bush. "All right, let me just get to the point then." She smiled thinking they might just be kind of messing with her, well fair enough, she did sort of invite herself in without asking them or the staff. "Let me be honest, I'm a reporter with the The Hanasaku Press, , we're an indy news outlet based here in Aurora and I know you ladies are from Mervay and here apart of the recent happenings with The Duchess and the Sultanate. If you'd be willing, I'd like to get some information from you, if possible. I realize I sort of just invited myself in and I really have no right to ask you so if you want me to leave that's fine, I'll leave and I'll leave you alone. So, what do you say, will you comment or should I get lost?"


Residence


Satou waited patiently for Tess to finish, just kind of watching her in admiration. By the heavens was she cute, Satou thought to herself. Well now it was all ready and Satou took her first bites and her face instantly blushed with the joy of having her wife's cooking. "It's delicious my dear! You really outdid yourself!" For now, this was all that mattered. Not politics, not foreign affairs, not the concerns of her in-laws or her own grandmother, just being here with her wife this night having a meal together. Satou could only speak for herself in this moment but her worried about this were melting away.

The Kitan
Of all the people that were to join, they should had expected the press to get in the middle of this and try to get words from them.
They should had gone straight out to the embassy when given the chance...
But oh well; no point in whining over the spilled milk. As such, the two women were silent for the next minutes as they looked at the other and then begun to whisper in hushed tones, possily French or German spoken and with some angry comments thrown into the mix out of annoyance for this development than nothing. It was only after seven minutes passed that they looked back at the journalist; their faces hardened and completely serious.

"Very well, Miss..." The Princess begun, the Chancellor besides her staring intensively at the journalist as well. "Let's suppose we accept your offer. What would you like to know?"

---

Residence
Tess could smile proudly at the comments from her wife, she was glad to hear she was enjoying her dinner.

"I'm happy to hear you love the food dear!" She said, also eating her food peacefully between the two. Happy that they were able to enjoy such peace away of the politics, madness and foreign affairs going on. Peace, that's what she loved, that comfort that only her wife could give her where nothing outside would disrupt it, but rather strenght her, that's one of the many things she loved so much of her. She can only hope things will return back to normal before she had to leave.

[AHSCA]

Shirin Waradra.
Rose Gardens, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
I had no idea about Mola's thoughts, but I knew al-Zahir as a fair and diligent boss, who's gardens were important to him - of course he didn't hire any gardener walking in from the street.
Besides, he was an old politician, very experienced in his craft.
He considered her reply, looked into the documents and then said: "Shirin." A moment later, I stood by his side, ready to serve. He showed me the CV. "What do you think?"
There were quite a lot for her young age. "Our young friend here switched employers quite a bit for her age.", I spoke and then looked at al-Zahir.
"Indeed she did...", he replied and looked at Mola. "...which of course raises the question, why you changed your employer this often."
He made a small hand gesture, I retreated to my spot three steps behind him on my knees.
There was a small glint in his eyes, which would tell anyone, who knew him, that he would give her a Practice Week, if he liked the answer.

"That's understandable question. Well the positions and roles I had, were largely temporary. One internship and others seasonal work or work for a special holiday event coming up where an extra pair of hands were needed. There were a few that might could have become long term perhaps but other circumstances beyond my control often got in the way of that. No desire to get into that personal business here. I understand it may seem like I'm flighty by having fulfilled a few jobs but with all due respect, sir, we come from different generations. I know for the older generations it was much more common to hold down one steady job, these days the global economy is ever shifting and evolving, rapidly and often we youngters have to hop around to keep up with it all. A job today is redundant tomorrow, rents go up or other expenses force us to go on the hunt for a new job. But if money was all I cared about I could have gone into medicine or private law. My passion is nature, it's just nature is a fickle industry to work in. Dependent on things like seasons, climate and weather, even in contained environments like greenhouses. A desert land like this, no doubt you know that well."

"You're welcome." replies Pavel to Noir. "Also, welcome back Asuna, glad to see you again." continues the male Colonel as he looks to Marcella's bodyguard. "And to you Miss Yoshi, welcome."

"Please follow us, we were just waiting for you to have breakfast together with the rest of the team. Let's go." adds Alicia, before turning on her heels and walking away, followed by her husband and the guests.
After going up a set of stairs, the two Astarians lead Marcella and her group down some underground corridors, which might recall some memories to the Duchess and her bodyguard during their first stay in the Astarian capital. A few minutes later, they take a final set of stairs, leading to a door that opens in a hallway on ground level, the door being hidden in the wall. By the windows opposite of them, they see the day starting, the sun bathing the Silver Palace in a gentle light.

"If we may ask, have you raised the alert level of the UISDF since the beginning of the crisis?" asks Alicia to Marcella and Noir as they emerge in the hallway, and turn left.

Walking along a good important question came up, status of the armed forced. "Not at the start but presently we are at a state of alert, since The Sultanate's demolition of their base. Defense Officer Kurago felt and I agreed it would be a good idea to step up our state of readiness and we have done so, as our allies, which they have done of their own accord."

"In addition, Her Highness has also dispatched a small envoy of our new HUMANIT." Noir said "No major information has come in yet but it was sudden and designed mostly to have eyes and ears locally."

"Ideally a little more than what we can get than simply watching the news tickers."

The Kitan
Of all the people that were to join, they should had expected the press to get in the middle of this and try to get words from them.
They should had gone straight out to the embassy when given the chance...
But oh well; no point in whining over the spilled milk. As such, the two women were silent for the next minutes as they looked at the other and then begun to whisper in hushed tones, possily French or German spoken and with some angry comments thrown into the mix out of annoyance for this development than nothing. It was only after seven minutes passed that they looked back at the journalist; their faces hardened and completely serious.

"Very well, Miss..." The Princess begun, the Chancellor besides her staring intensively at the journalist as well. "Let's suppose we accept your offer. What would you like to know?"



Residence
Tess could smile proudly at the comments from her wife, she was glad to hear she was enjoying her dinner.

"I'm happy to hear you love the food dear!" She said, also eating her food peacefully between the two. Happy that they were able to enjoy such peace away of the politics, madness and foreign affairs going on. Peace, that's what she loved, that comfort that only her wife could give her where nothing outside would disrupt it, but rather strenght her, that's one of the many things she loved so much of her. She can only hope things will return back to normal before she had to leave.

The Kitan

"Thank you so much. Your dinner and room are on me. Then again your room is probably comped already but well whatever else I can do...Anyway let me get down to the first set of questions, now I understand you ladies are of high importance and this is a very sensitive matter, if there's anything you don't want to answer or don't want on the record, I understand, just let me know. This whole incident with the Duchess blowing up and severing ties with a major ally is causing a lot of issues. You probably know they blew their entire base apart. Now what is Mervay's angle in this whole mess? No doubt Mervay and the UIS have grown close, especially with a certain citizen becoming a naturalized citizen. What does Mervay hope to do to remedy this situation? How does the Royal Government of Mervay feel about Duchess poor actions, and how will this affect our two nations relations going forward? Many nations around Greater Dienstad are now at a heightened state of alert due to the Sultanate's demolition of the military base, what about Mervay? What do you think needs to happen in the end to bring about a diplomatic solution?"

Residence
Satou smiled putting aside her now empty dishes. A shame to break the peaceful feelings with this but Satou had to ask "Tessy? You really doing okay? Maybe I'm a bit selfish to want to keep you here during this whole thing, I mean I really do feel this will blow over but you're smarter than me about this so just remember if you feel you want to leave, I'll go."

[Astares Amauricanum]

Walking along a good important question came up, status of the armed forced. "Not at the start but presently we are at a state of alert, since The Sultanate's demolition of their base. Defense Officer Kurago felt and I agreed it would be a good idea to step up our state of readiness and we have done so, as our allies, which they have done of their own accord."

"In addition, Her Highness has also dispatched a small envoy of our new HUMANIT." Noir said "No major information has come in yet but it was sudden and designed mostly to have eyes and ears locally."

"Ideally a little more than what we can get than simply watching the news tickers."

"Good move from Kurago." replies Alicia. "Even though we are taken balls-deep in the Geonal War, with thousands of our soldiers already dead, what we have in the Malditas has been put on high alert, especially our anti-ship missile batteries."
What the female Colonel didn't mention, was that if something happened, there were tactical nuclear warheads ready to be mounted on said antiship missiles. That would surely come up later.

"We know the Shadow Knights are having their baptism of fire right now."continues Pavel. "As we are also part of Adrean and Anna's staff, we are privy to many state secrets. I just hope they won't get caught, otherwise the Stars only know what the Kyrenaians might do with them." says the male Morozov with a sigh, as they now turn right and enter a small veranda.
Inside, the rest of the Phantom Squadron, including Adrean and Anna, are busy filling up plates with various pieces of meat, sausages, vegetables, and potatos, as well as toasting some bread and preparing butter and jams for the breakfast. In a corner, various pots of tea and coffee and a large number of white mugs await to be filled
Like Pavel and Alicia, they are wearing casual clothes, consisting for the most part of polo shirts with jeans, combat boots, and their pistols in a thigh holster.

As soon as they see the AHSCAian group enter led by their friends, they all stop what they are doing. Then, without hesitation, Adrean and Anna, wearing respectively a dark blue polo shirt with a black jean, anda a red polo shirt with a grey jean, walk towards Marcella and Noir... and grab them in a ferocious bear hug.

"It's so good to see you again Marcella." says Adrean as he puts the smaller Duchess back on the ground. "And welcome to our lands Noir. No need for formalities if you don't want to, we are all among friends." he says to the Foreign Officer.

"Hey Asuna, Hello Miss Yoshi." says Anna to the two other UIS women. "Welcome back".

[Kyrenaia]

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
The moment Aurelia took my hand and pulled her up, she soon leaded me through the stairs onto a room where there towels to clean off the excess water and dry up the hair, then we went to a room which was...
"My bedroom."
Yep... I was in Aurelia's bedroom. She winked at me just as she told me that; my face going red as a tomato as I heard that; I was sure steam might as well blow off my ears if this continued.
My eyes darted across it and I've found that it looked nice; a large bed, a beside table, a gorgeous wiew to the countryside and alongside the door from which we came, two other more, one of which Aurelia took after asking me to wait here; I will not lie because I was sure she went for something to put on considering we were both naked.
And so she did.
Returning with two hangers with bathrobes on them; I grabbed the fluffy and black one with an smile in appreciation as I put on and wrapped it, smiling at... Well... Whatever Aurelia was now... I really needed to put my feelings back in order, but, that was for later on.

"Thank you. Hope you don't mind me using it since I can always go and change in my room if you want."

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
I'm sure that was an strange way of ensuring paper got around, more when there were better options, then again perhaps somethings were really important that couldn't be sent no way in heaven through digital means.
"If that can be possible, I guess I'll just check on it." I grinned, hearing of her time riding a dirt bike back in her service, certainly a fun experience. My mind forgot people in Kyrenaia were requested to serve in something like a conscription, that was always interesting.

"Neat. Only Agus, well, Her Majesty and I are more of bikes. Albeit the former might by because of her interest in learning to ride them rather than any hobby to be honest." I smiled a bit sheephisly, I won't deny I had quite the collection back at home of bikes I used, most restored with my bare hands after learning through various mechanics how to do so; some of those friends help me once in a while tho. "When she does ride with it, she either use something with style Noble Apollo or an more classic bike like an Enfield; meanwhile me?" I pointed to myself.

"I'm more of using an WLA that I restored thanks to some guidance for everyday use or going to work at one of the city hospital's as a fellow." I smiled before decing to stretch and dive into the water, feeling the muscles relax.

Years of swordfighting and fencing alongside swimming or being mechanic for that collection showed in my body with marvelous results.

"We kinda have something similar at home you know? But it would be unwise to compare a thermae to an hamamm"


[...]

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I smiled at Agus' reply.
"And have half the staff see you like the day you were born while you'll also catch a cold?", I asked rhetorically and shook my head, "Not in my house."
I fastened the bathrose, making it tight enough to emphasize certain aspects while loose enough so that no one would be able to accuse me of anything while also leaving a generous cleavage.
"Besides, I think you look nice.", I said and sashayed past her with a smile, taking a moment to peck her onto the cheek. "Shall I have something brought up or do you want to eat with the staff?"

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
Let me be honest here: Pandereos was quite pleasing to look at.
Sure, Damir was a high benchmark and he did not top it, but I found, that the combination of swordfighter, hobby mechanic, swimmer, Doctor and Prince tempered the young man into a fine sight.
He would surely make a girl very happy one day.
But I smiled at his sentence.
"Unwise, maybe, maybe not.", I said and then added: "But I would still like to learn of it, if you don't mind telling?"

---

"That's understandable question. Well the positions and roles I had, were largely temporary. One internship and others seasonal work or work for a special holiday event coming up where an extra pair of hands were needed. There were a few that might could have become long term perhaps but other circumstances beyond my control often got in the way of that. No desire to get into that personal business here. I understand it may seem like I'm flighty by having fulfilled a few jobs but with all due respect, sir, we come from different generations. I know for the older generations it was much more common to hold down one steady job, these days the global economy is ever shifting and evolving, rapidly and often we youngters have to hop around to keep up with it all. A job today is redundant tomorrow, rents go up or other expenses force us to go on the hunt for a new job. But if money was all I cared about I could have gone into medicine or private law. My passion is nature, it's just nature is a fickle industry to work in. Dependent on things like seasons, climate and weather, even in contained environments like greenhouses. A desert land like this, no doubt you know that well."

[...]

Shirin Waradra.
Rose Gardens, Darqaeidin-Palace near Utica.
Laying it on a bit thick there, lass - if there was one person, who did not need a lecture about how times had changed, then it was the former Grand Vizier, the guy who, at least in Kyrenaia, orchestrated some of these changes.
Be that as it may, al-Zahir was smiling under his beard.
"Next Monday.", he said, "You'll be given a practice week under one of the Handmaidens assigned to my Gardens. After that, and your performance has been compared to and evaluated with the performances of the other applicants, I will make my decision." He let that creep in, smiling and motioned for me.
I rose and joined his side as he rose politely, packing up the folder and putting it to what I had brought him.
"Of course, you will be compensated for your time. If you will now excuse me, I must contemplate age, wisdom and the changes to the global work market since my youth.", he added, sounding more amused then anything. "Shirin will bring you to the nearest bus stop."
"Of course, Grand Vizier.", I replied and bowed my head lightly.
He smiled. "Unless of course there is still a question remaining, Miss Esenco-Stenson?"

---

Over the open ocean, near the UIS.
Lioness 1-1/Commander Shaira Katakut.
Bet ya didn't know, that I was still around, eh?
That's right, we were still on WAR #20, the Resolution to suppress International Piracy and we were still near the UIS. Flying CAP, flying patrols, showing force against piracy, the works. A Kyrenaian Carrier Battlegroup, one of the most advanced forces on the planet, was doing what sounded like something out of an action movie.
Of course, we had strict orders to keep over and in international waters, with the caveat, that if an emergency happened, we were allowed to just do the right thing - if the UIS would feel attacked by us helping people in need, then so be it. We would most certainly not attack them on our own, unless provoked.
Carrier Group 5 was receiving regular resupplies, field post, news updates and everything. I was sure, that the Lamonians were having a close eye on what we were doing and for me, that was fine: The more naval ships in the area, the more pirates wouldn't even dare coming close, the more time I had to enjoy flying.
And flying I did enjoy.
That, however, raised another issue. Soon, we would return home and another Carrier Group, most likely Carrier Group 9 from Abdera, would take our post. For a few days, around a week before we were relieved and after, there would be four carriers of the RKN in the area (well, that sounded a lot closer then it actually was, the area was around 8 million square kilometers in size and began, where the EEZ of any nation in the area, including the UIS, ended).
I had all the trust, that the Lamonians, the UIS and the Mokastanans would keep calm, but the Astarian Amateurs in the area might loose their nerves. Or their amateur of an HoS did.
I had to trust, that diplomacy would make it clear, that we were not planning anything untoward.

[Mervay]

The Kitan

"Thank you so much. Your dinner and room are on me. Then again your room is probably comped already but well whatever else I can do...Anyway let me get down to the first set of questions, now I understand you ladies are of high importance and this is a very sensitive matter, if there's anything you don't want to answer or don't want on the record, I understand, just let me know. This whole incident with the Duchess blowing up and severing ties with a major ally is causing a lot of issues. You probably know they blew their entire base apart. Now what is Mervay's angle in this whole mess? No doubt Mervay and the UIS have grown close, especially with a certain citizen becoming a naturalized citizen. What does Mervay hope to do to remedy this situation? How does the Royal Government of Mervay feel about Duchess poor actions, and how will this affect our two nations relations going forward? Many nations around Greater Dienstad are now at a heightened state of alert due to the Sultanate's demolition of the military base, what about Mervay? What do you think needs to happen in the end to bring about a diplomatic solution?"

Residence
Satou smiled putting aside her now empty dishes. A shame to break the peaceful feelings with this but Satou had to ask "Tessy? You really doing okay? Maybe I'm a bit selfish to want to keep you here during this whole thing, I mean I really do feel this will blow over but you're smarter than me about this so just remember if you feel you want to leave, I'll go."

The Kitan
There were a few silent seconds before the Chancellor spoke finally.

"Mervay's angle in this whole situation is that it was an unfortonate event, one which can be solved and mended step by step." It was automatic and in line with the official line the answer the Chancellor gave, criticisms aside as to the poor handling of the Duchess to the entire affair, but the same can be said of the Sultana's harsh truth in rejecting the offer. "Lady Villa admitted her poor handling of the situation, something that is respectable in a leader to understand when they made a mistake and a honest truth in that she will collaborate with us on ensuring that the UIS can come to an agreement with the Sultanate. Which goes in line with our next point." After the Chancellor spoke, it was soon the turn of the Princess, which nodded.

"Like the Chancellor explained, the next point will be the action of Mervay as a mediator." Her Highness told to the journalist with a regal and serious attitude. "We will understand that an restoration of relations in the form of embassies could be out of the question for the time being, which is why one of the solutions that will be presented to ensure a quick line between Utica and Aurora is that the Mervayan Government acts as their protecting power, using their embassies. And to explain what it is... A protecting power is a country that represents another sovereign state in a country where it lacks its own diplomatic representation. It is common for protecting powers to be appointed when two countries break off diplomatic relations with each other and is responsible for looking after the protected power's diplomatic property and citizens in the hosting state." It was always better to explain it in order for everyone to understand, as sometimes Diplomacy had it's oddities.

"Alongside such line, we will ensure that the nation acts as the mediator in the negotiating table, something possible now that we had recived the permission from both parties involved to ensure an agreement is settled." The line was understandable and clear that the Chancellor now explained. "As for what will be needed to solve the crisis; that will be seen in the mediation, but for now an Mutual Agreement between the two nations is needed. As to, how the situation will affect our nations and if we are concerned, we can answer that they will not affect the relations between our countries and that while we were surprised of the explosion, we are confident in that explanations will appear and that we are already taking steps to maintain an eye in the situation around the waters of the UIS."

---

Residence
And the silence broke.
Tess couldn't blame Satou on asking, since they did thought about it a hour or so ago; but she wasn't in any hurry to leave and would rather stay for the duration her summer rather than go back to Mervay already.
As such, she smiled reassuringly and patted her wife's hands, linking them with hers.

"Thanks Satou, I appreciate it." She thanked her, leaning to kiss her forehead. "But I trust what you said, that it will be all be alright and things will solve out; besides, had things went south the door might had been blasted already by Embassy personnel to take us to Mervay."

Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I smiled at Agus' reply.
"And have half the staff see you like the day you were born while you'll also catch a cold?", I asked rhetorically and shook my head, "Not in my house."
I fastened the bathrose, making it tight enough to emphasize certain aspects while loose enough so that no one would be able to accuse me of anything while also leaving a generous cleavage.
"Besides, I think you look nice.", I said and sashayed past her with a smile, taking a moment to peck her onto the cheek. "Shall I have something brought up or do you want to eat with the staff?"

---

Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica.
Princess Yasmin bint-Atif.
Let me be honest here: Pandereos was quite pleasing to look at.
Sure, Damir was a high benchmark and he did not top it, but I found, that the combination of swordfighter, hobby mechanic, swimmer, Doctor and Prince tempered the young man into a fine sight.
He would surely make a girl very happy one day.
But I smiled at his sentence.
"Unwise, maybe, maybe not.", I said and then added: "But I would still like to learn of it, if you don't mind telling?"

Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay
Altinyarat-Palace, Malakiard, Khanate of Khond
Aurelia did had a point, so I conceaded she was right in that regard as I was sure I would be catching one.
My eyes soon saw her fastening the bathrobe tight enough to emphasize and loose to keep it simple, I could certainly feel my face heat up before wandering away once more, and I will not deny that I liked what I saw, ok? I felt that either she did it for teasing or who knows. Then Aurelia just walked past me confidently with an smile that matched it before she gave a peck on my cheek, asking me in that teasing tone of hers if we should have something brought here or go with the rest. Truth to be told, both had their appeal, but, my mind had other ideas and I really wanted some payback; so, untying down the bathrobe and tying back again to be tight enough emphazise and loose enough to maintain things comfortable, after all, I knew well that I had an alluring figure; years of countless activities had been and will still be worth it after all.
I turned to face Aurelia's back and hugged her from behind tightly, I could feel myself letting a cheshire grin and a mischievous glimpse, almost half-lidded.

"You may not know, but I'm quite the jealous type." Soon a hand streched to her chin, making the beauty that was the Kyrenaian princess look at me. "So let's just say that with either case I might be little clingy." Soon I kissed her again, it was a quick one before I tapped my feet behind and with a teasing smile, I shurgged.

"But in any case, both sound fine by me." I smiled carefree, before thought got to my head. "Albeit we should at least tell them we are still alive, considering we were a few hours in the hammam."

---

Pandareos III of Mervay/Luciano Marcello Da Mervay
Palace of the Azure Hall, Utica
I laughed a bit at the question from the princess, as I let myself relax in the water.
My head soon turning over and looking at her with an sheepish smile.

"Well, it's kind of similar to the hammam mostly." I begun while looking at the roon before focusing back in the Princess. "You have the cold, warm and hot rooms, but there's some differences; such as that they also have steam baths and saunas or dry rooms if you like to call them." It was kind of an nusthell explanation basically, but there was no way I would let it there.

"Of course you had to enter through some place, and for that we had the undressing rooms, or apodyterium if you want to call them. It was similar except we had private cubicles to change and leave our belongings. Plus atriums where people could exercise or just use it as a promenade for visitors; another areas included the oecus or oikos and the exedra, which served for those who were waiting for their acquaintances return from inside. And then we had the service areas..." You may think they would still be used, and you're right... However. "Unfortunately, they are relics of the past with the existance of modern bathrooms or modern facilities with a similar purpose, like a spa." My eyes then soon locked into the walls.

"The ones still in service are used as tourist spas or some use it for the exotic charm of it with everyone having a bathroom in their own houses." I smiled as my head tilted back to look at Lady Yasmin. "So you can say they are mostly an historic relic that save a few exceptions, many people doesn't use."

---

Somewhere in the Open Ocean
Ghost Leader-1/Captain Erin Walker
For what as fairly calm year across the seas for our fleet, we were lucky to not deal with any incidents beyond the usual in our deployment.
This time we were deployed around Taiteiyun and Yeongian in another of our joint exercises operations to coordinate with the two navies of the Eastern Continents and to ensure they could cooperate without fears of escalation, and so far so good! Mission complete and we were preparing to sail back home.
Until the Breakup Crisis begun...
So our unofficial peace enforcement-exercise was soon replaced with orders to mobilize and sail as soon as possible to an area close to the UIS Waters, so the moment we were done resupplying we had to sail to AHSCA and hopefully keep an eye on the situation rather than intervine in any of both sides. The admiralty made it clear we were forbidden from intervining unless orders were given by the Prime Minister himself... For the love of Solaria.

We are certainly playing arbiters.
And for now, the only orders are that the Hera and the 1st and 2nd Frigate Squadrons led by the Islip and Zeffiro, alongside the 4th Cruiser Squadron led by the Asteria, and the attack submarines S-01 and S-02; will sail back to Mervay under the concern that the fleet could present itself as an threat to the process, and there were already news from Asteria to be prepared for the worst.
Still, as soon as this ended the better for us to return to Rosaria and Mervay; I just hope that the people on Asteria or the Rear Admiral communicates with the UIS of our possible presence to act as witnesses and enforcers if needed.

*Taiteiyun and Yeongian are NPC's created by the author for RP purposes.

Order of Battle of the 1st Fleet Task Force A
- 1 Aircraft Carrier Class Andersen (MRNS Captain Aquile)
- 4 Destroyers Class Hataway (MRNS Resolution, MRNS Hannibal, MRNS Venerable, MRNS Mutin)
- 2 Destroyers Class Solstizio (MRNS Falco, MRNS Folglore)
- 4 Cruisers Class Asteria (MRNS Asteria, MRNS Vitoze, MRNS Mante, MRNS Gracemeria *Returning back to Mervay)
- 2 Heavy Missile Cruisers Le Fleur (MRNS De Grasse, MRNS Le Metro)
- 6 Frigates Class Hagen Directus (MRNS Islip, MRNS Selby, MRNS Fanfan, MRNS Francis, MRNS Lark, MRNS Greyhound *Returning back to Mervay)
- 3 Helicopter Frigates Class Sofia Tristan (MRNS Zeffiro, MRNS Veda, MRNS Zara *Returning Back to Mervay)
- 1 Helicopter Carrier Class Zeus (MRNS Hera *Returning back to Mervay)
- 2 Attack Submarines S-01 (S-01, S-02 *Returning back to Mervay)
- 1 Nuclear Attack Submarine Class Solaria (MRNS Solaria)
- 1 Tanker Ship Class Lorraine
- 2 Fleet Solid Support Class Logic
- 2 Replenishment Order Class London