A Grand Ol' Time

Roleplay Library
1

Eldura, Vekaiyu

The Listonian question was quickly becoming a drain on the Vekaiyun military. Concerned over the recent developments in the south with Packilvania and Drakkengard, and potential expansion in the north with Listonian-majority provinces http://theeastpacific.com/single/?p=8000743&t=985874, in addition to maintaining peace in the damaged state, Vekaiyu was growing more uncomfortable with protecting their hapless neighbor. Perhaps some nations liked the prospect of a preoccupied Vekaiyu, but Vekaiyu certainly didn’t.

“We need a treaty of some sorts,” Ikrisia said as she slouched in her seat. “But the last few attempts at one have more or less showed how isolated we are with our ideals. We seem to be the only state interested in the preservation of a Listonian state, Vekaiyun as it may be.” She glanced up at her council, including various heads of the military, foreign officers, and interior leaders. “Listonian resources have definitely helped, but I for one want to see an endgame to this. Peace in the south, peace in the north.”

“We could always launch Project MAG,” Ivo Limarsko, a military scientist, said.

“Too soon,” Ikrisia retorted. “I’d like to launch it after we are absolutely sure we know what a ship that size powered on magnetism would do to magnetic fields on the ground.”

“In a pinch-”

“Like I said, more information first, please.” She watched as he shrugged and went to writing something in his laptop.

“Why don’t we just take Goykag and Ikovu and be done with it?” Sipavu Commodore Yiisu Iskaristre asked.

Ikrisia grimaced. “That’s not your jurisdiction, Sipavu Commodore. I am discussing options with the Kral Commodore on that theater. It is on the table, but that’s not the point of this meeting. The point is to remind nations abroad of Vekaiyu’s importance in this region.”

“Well what better way than to expand?” Iskaristre asked.

Ikrisia ignored his comments. “As I said, treaties don’t work. Or, I should say dealing with delegates don’t work. We need to get to the heads. Directly. But to be brash like that would mean only a few of them would show up. What we need is a trojan horse, if you will. Something that attracts them here that appeals to them, but at the same time reaches our goals.”

“We could host a ball,” Vekaiyun Minister of the Interior Vinsent Miloskari suggested. “Yeah, a ball. You know, something that’s decadent and appeals to their rich tastes while at the same time showing off Vekaiyun culture in its highest form. We host a dinner, have a small presentation, then have some dancing to further peoples’ good feelings. It could work.”

The room fell silent. “I rather like that idea,” Ikrisia replied. “I like it a lot. Not a stuffy conference, but rather something entertaining with a message tucked neatly inside it.” Some present nodded in agreement. “We can do this. See what you can do about gathering a plan together. Approach me next week with it and we’ll go from there.”

The next week, the Premier of Vekaiyu sent a message out to all leaders of The East Pacific realm:

— Begin quote from ____

From the Desk of the Premier of Vekaiyu, Ikrisia Levinile
To whom it may concern,

The East Pacific leadership is cordially invited to attend a Grand Ball hosted at The Palace of the People, located in the heart of Eldura. Dinner and dancing will be provided. It is hoped that such a function will lift the sentiments of the region, promote unity, and encourage multinational cooperation. Do not miss this opportunity to enjoy a night on us, the Vekaiyun people, as you and your guests partake in an evening to remember.

As with all multinational events in Vekaiyu, maximum security will be provided. We pride ourselves on our ability to protect and serve.

We look forward to hearing from you. Please inform us if you are interested in attending. From there, foreign officers will provide specific details necessary for a smooth arrival.

With warmest regards,
Ikrisia Levinile

— End quote

2

Deep within the Castle, one of the most secure military and political bases in the world, Alor monarch Jonathan Fury stared at the message. I wonder what security will be like. He thought to himself, chuckling at the image of thousands of the world’s best trained bodyguards glaring at each other for an entire night.

“Henry.” He said, calling to Army and Defense commander Henry Peters. “Gear up our best bodyguards. I believe I am attending a ball.”

For the next three hours, he was yelled at by his general about the dangers and idiocy of going. Eventually, he stopped.

“I am going, general. Find me good men.”

The general stared at him like he was an idiot, then shook his head and walked out of the room. I don’t care if he IS ex-IGDD… He really can be stupid sometimes.

Later, the leadership of Vekaiyu received a message from the Castle. “The Alor monarch shall be present at your ball.”

3

The following letter arrived at the office of the Premier of Vekaiyu, Ikrisia Levinile:

— Begin quote from ____

From the President’s Office

Honorable Premier of Vekaiyu,

We are pleased to receive your invitation to the Grand Ball, hosted at The Palace of the People and I, President of Bachtendekuppen Edgar Erle, accept the invitation and confirm to be present.

Your foreign officers can contact our Diplomatic Representation Office about the details, which will coordinate with the Bachtendekuppen Security and Intelligence Agency.

Cordial Regards,

— End quote

4

The Foreign Affairs Adviser, John Robertson, was a little worried with the invitation, what with news of trouble brewing near Vekaiyun borders, the timing seemed a little off, and there must be something behind it. Still, he knew he could not stop the Empress from going, for she had taken it upon herself to better international relations instead of sending someone in her place. Still, on the off chance that she would reconsider,

John Robertson: Empress, please, let us do something worthy of our office. As it is now, the people will think that our office is nothing but a financial burden to the empire. I understand that you do not want to be misrepresented, but please, trust us.

Theonidas Cinquleur: Yes, that’s what the last FAA said, and look where it got us. She made such a bold statement that we almost went to war with another nation. Thankfully, I was able to stop the incident before it escalated as I was nearby at the time. I knew keeping a close watch on these international conferences was a good idea. I trust people, but when they break that trust, I do not intend to leave anything to them lest they earn it back. I’m aware that there are many good people in you office, but at the moment, neither I, nor the people, could afford your office that trust.

John Robertson: But,

Theonidas Cinquleur: I’m going. I will personally send them a response

Dejected, John Robertson leaves her office, while muttering something to himself.
The following letter was sent to the office of the Premier of Vekaiyu, Ikrisia Levinile:

— Begin quote from ____

From the Empress of Scienter,

Honorable Premier of Vekaiyu,

We are pleased to receive your invitation to the Grand Ball, hosted at The Palace of the People. It is my greatest pleasure to accept your invitation for such a grand event.

You may contact our Foreign Affairs Agency, who will then coordinate your information with our Intelligence, Security, and Defense Agencies.

Without wax,
Theonidas Cinquleur.

— End quote

5

It’s 0830h in Gaardeiloan and the sun has risen in the land of Madrono, the nation’s capital, where the house of the prime minister is situated. Usually, he is up by 0730h doing paper works in his office. However, this morning, it looks like that the prime minister overslept after a tiring extended session yesterday in the Gardish parliament. His electronic alarm clock inside his spacious room rang for the seventh time. This time, he resisted himself in pushing the snooze button and instead, he tried his best to open his tired eyes.

“Oh, its almost six-thirty five! I should be on the parliament now, I better hurry up,” he thought after sitting back up on his bed.

He faced his altar with a holy cross placed atop and said a prayer. It is customary for the Gardish people to pray after waking up and before sleeping at night. Praying before and after meals are also practiced. He asked for repentance, guidance and strength to carry on his important role as the Prime Minister of Gaardeiloan. After concluding his prayer, he stood on his feet and started doing his daily routine.

His secretary was already waiting for him downstairs. He was holding on his right hand a white envelope with a red seal. He saw the prime minister on his typical attire while climbing down the grand staircase. Upon seeing him, he greeted “buenos dias senor,” and handed him the envelope.

PM: Good morning too! I’m sorry I overslept. What’s this?
SEC: It’s a letter forwarded by the Royal Council. It’s a message sent by the Premier of Vekaiyu.
PM: What’s could it be?
SEC: An invitation

He opened the sealed envelope and drew the letter out from it. He read the contents loud enough for his secretary to hear.

SEC: Are you coming sir?
PM: Definitely.
SEC: According to our intel, there are tensions happening in the territory of Veikayu.
PM: That doesn’t matter. I believe that the administration of Vekaiyu won’t let anything bad happen. I have to represent Gaardeiloan for that event. It’s an opportunity for us to improve our nation’s stature in our region. The king should also come. I must go to the palace.
SEC: There’s no need sir. The king was already informed by the Royal Council. The letter was originally sent to him so he have read it already ahead of you. The Royal Council just resealed it again and forwarded it to you.
PM: What did he say?
SEC: He’s’ coming too.
PM: That’s good to hear. Send a letter in response to their invitation.
SEC: There’s no need sir. The king already sent a personal letter through air mail.
PM: I see. I guess I really have slept that much. Well, we gotta get going, there are lots of things to do. Session starts at 1000h
SEC: We are all set sir. Security and transport are ready.

The Letter Sent by the Royal Commmunique

— Begin quote from ____

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

From the King of Gaardeiloan, H.M. Carlos IV
To the Honorable Premier of Vekaiyu

We are glad to be invited to the Grand Ball. I am very sure that you can expect my presence as a delegate of Gaardeiloan and perhaps our Prime Minister too if the circumstances will let us.

You can reach us through our Ministry of Foreign Relations and Affairs that will inform us about the details afterwards.

Regards,
The King of Gaardeiloan

— End quote

6

Director Nick Fury leaned forward in his chair to reach his nameplate at front of his desk. For some reason it was not perfectly perpendicular to the the edge of his desk and not at a right angle to the pen next to the stack of papers that kept piling up. He couldn’t see depth with only one eye, but he could sure see straight lines.

He was a shelf stocker by trade, but his brother-in-law got him a job with the government after his head injury. After a few years of keeping his cubicle tidy, he was appointed secretary-director of the Office of Simian-Vulpine Convergent Evolution Research. His job was to keep the supply closet stocked and sign for deliveries. He kept out of the evolutionary biologists’ way and they kept out of his (that’s why he has an office, to stay out of the way). Today was going to be a bit more exciting than he expected.

knock, knock

“Come in.”

“Director Fury, the president wants to see you.”

“Which one, the old one or the new one?”

“The new one.”

“Oh…well, do me a favor, don’t tell anyone, perhaps he’ll forget or cancel.”

“No sir, he wants to see you immediately.”

Nick hadn’t ironed his shirt today and was wearing mismatching socks. No one would ever notice, but those things made him uneasy. He was led through a maze of halls to an empty waiting room. That room turned out to be the wrong room so they put him on a sideways elevator. When he exited into a room the looked the same as the presvious waiting room, but this one had a beautiful blond waiting for him. She took him by the hand and led him to a roomy closet, and was about to do something but the door opened and he was rushed into another room. This one had cushioned walls. A cushioned door opened and someone entered. It looked like the president but was actually a double. When Nick failed to murder him, a third cushioned door opened and someone wearing a hawaiian shirt and flipflops entered.

“N. Fury of O.S.V.C.E.R. (pronounced Oscar)?”
“No, you have the wrong N. Fury, I’m director of the Office for Simian-Vulpine Convergent Evolution Research.”
“Yes, yes, semantics. You will accompany the president to Vekaiyu to make sure he doesn’t embarrass his nation.”
“Will I?”
“Yes, in a few minutes. Now let Scarlet help you dress the part.”

Another beautiful woman appeared who looked exactly the same as the blond, except with crimson hair. She had a hawaiian shirt, beige cargo shorts, Ray Ban sunglesses, and flipflops in her arms. She helped a lot.

— Begin quote from ____

From the Desk of the President of Old Federalia, Stephen Colbert
To the Desk of the Premier of Vekaiyu, Ikrisia Levinile

It would be an honor. The presidential yacht is a sailboat, so even though I have already left, I will be a few minutes late.

With even warmer regards,
Steve-O

— End quote

7

— Begin quote from ____

By The Hand of Kath’a Ariyala Beralis
To The Grand Premier of Vekaiyu,

We have received your gracious invitation and have decided that we shall attend. As the Kath is out of the country on official business, the Kath’a will be attending in his stead.

To coordinate details, the Caosi of the Bureau of Foreign Affairs are at your disposal.

Fate Guide Your Path

— End quote

Kath’a Ariyala Beralis was gazing out the window at the golden city of Androssi with cool dark blue eyes. With Zandion and Kathira out of the country for the management of a newly arisen diplomatic situation, she was currently running Xoriet alongside the High Priestess. Generally an invitation at this time would have been quite a problem, but Val Xaeyth Beralis could manage the Empire in her temporary absence with the support of the High Priestess. Due to Zandion’s current state of affairs, the sheer volume of the problems she had inherited in his stead had become tiresome.

Xoriet’s flaws were beginning to become apparent to the Kath’a, who had long believed that an internalized society was bound to fall. And then had come an invitation to a ball from Vekaiyu. One that was aimed entirely at the heads of state. Her interest was piqued at this opportunity. No citizen of Xoriet believed in coincidence. Despite the dismay of the Imperial Elite, she had already made up her mind to attend. Besides, Xoriet needed to expand. Centuries of living in their own little world left them vulnerable to unknown outside forces. She needed to broaden the horizons of her beloved Empire significantly before the inclusive people of Xoriet became too accustomed to sitting on a fence.

“Your Imperial Majesty,” said Ishabel Lirsea, the female head of the Imperial Elite and Kath’a Ariyala’s main guard. Her tone was clearly uncomfortable as she spoke. The guard watched her monarch with a troubled expression. “Is it necessary for you to leave the country when the Kath is already absent? And the terrorist attacks!”

Ariyala smiled at Ishabel, clearly amused. “They’ll not make such a move twice. If I leave Arrinya unchained, they will not dare to lift a finger.”

“Please, Kath’a. Reconsider.” The earnest note in the woman’s voice was verging on familiarity, which usually was not important.

“I will be fine,” the Kath’a said breezily, feeling no guilt about her intent to exploit that near familiarity to achieve her ends. “Besides, I will have Xoraen Haldor escort me. Are you questioning his competence?”

“No, my Kath’a, but-”

“Enough, Ishabel. This is important. A ball invitation for the sake of fun is not what has my attention. This provides an opportunity to expand the capacity of my people outside the borders of Xoriet. It is high time that we learn about this region. Zandion’s absence makes me the current acting leader of Xoriet. Are you questioning my judgment, then?”

“No, I am not. If I offended you, I apologize.”

Ariyala put aside the resulting gloomy face without trouble, her thoughts already moving to more important matters. “Run along and fetch the Caosi, Ishabel. I need to speak with Valedia and Terian. They hold knowledge that I require. And summon Vari, as well. I have to obtain something suitably elegant for this event.”

8

((OOC: assume your delegate(s) have been given instructions on where to attend, attire, etc. For more about coordinating visit the OOC thread))

The Palace of the People, Eldura, Vekaiyu

Weeks of tireless planning and coordination was finally paying off. Sleepless nights, worries about impressing the upper echelons of Vekaiyun government and military, and countless ‘checks’ of ensuring everything was proper down to the last detail was finally drawing to a close for the staff. It was truly all coming together. An evening of eating, dancing, performances, and various other events awaited the guests which was sure to be a life-changing event.

An eruption of decadence awaited those who would attend. Staff would take their coats as they walked in from the somewhat chilly Vekaiyun summer evening and into the grand hallway, lined with paintings and statues of various Vekaiyun heroes and saints from old. Each one featured a plaque on the artist, a description of the piece, and whether or not it was a gift from another nation. Flags of Vekaiyun provinces also hung. Two large columns announced the entryway to the grand ballroom, nestled near the center of the palace and surrounded mostly by gardens where plants and vegetation native to Vekaiyu grew. Long windows (the north side of the room having stained glass windows) seemed to stretch on forever to the vaulted ceiling, painted with a completely Vekaiyun sense of what paradise was to be. On the south side, the side of the entryway, built-in fish tanks lined the wall, occupied by aquatic life and Vekaiyun divers to further entertain their guests while they ate.

Down below on the ground floor, a small troupe of musicians played soft undertones from Vekaiyun classical pieces. Circular tables of white tablecloth spilled out on either side of the dance floor, which was checkered with a dull-yellow and brown marbled floor. Space was also made for the performers that would be working throughout the night, and a podium set up for speakers making their remarks as the night grew in age.

The Vekaiyuns seemed to have learned how to put on a show, so they thought.

Everyone present knew it too. The nation had come a long way from a civil war three years ago, and before that a series of dictators that goose-stepped the nation backward. Today, at least, things seemed to be looking up for the vulpine state. Listonia was calming down and looking forward to a productive summer. The threats from Packilvania seemed to have subsided, allowing Vekaiyu to concentrate on the vulpine minorities in Dveria. With the various fronts calming down and the prospect of a less volatile Listonia on the horizon, the Vekaiyun economy was picking up, and people generally seemed less tense than they did before.

Ikrisia Levinile was flanked by the Ler Commodore Vanse Lebivistre and the human Kral Commodore Yamano Nevikalu, both who wore black tuxedos complete with bowties. Their insignias were subtle, like small pins on a sea of black lapels, while their cummerbunds added some color to their outfits: in keeping with tradition, they wore colors that represented the province with which they came from. Ikrisia, on the other hand, wore a white sleeveless dress with a black bodice stitched slightly with red in a diamond pattern. Long white gloves covered her hands.

“Suppose there will be any unforeseen circumstances this evening?”

"“Highly unlikely, milady,” Lebivistre spoke with his normal staccato tones. “I would not expect anything suspicious.”

9

Ariyala Beralis surrendered her shimmering dusky blue wrap to an attendant, pausing to give the man specific instructions on how to treat the outer garment. Her wrap alone was still hideously expensive, much to her exasperation. It was a personal belief that wearing the treasury on your back is a sign of indulgence in leadership, which is the first step towards a bad leader. Her father had been an excellent example when compared to Zandion and his agreement that living in luxury was not a suitable environment in which to raise children. Such indulgence created bad people like his unlamented older brother, the man who had almost become Kath.

Suitably elegant in a loose, almost translucent garment of varicolored blue gossamin, the Kath’a of Xoriet had eventually attained the look she had desired. Her gown was sleeveless and floated down to her lower calves, the skirt slit up to her hip on the left side. The varicolored layers of the gossamin consisted of sapphire, midnight, cobalt, a dusky gray-blue, and the faintest hint of periwinkle at the hem for good measure. The colors served to accentuate her fair complexion and dark blue eyes. Pinned by combs, delicate silver strands with interwoven flowers fell down over the glossy blue-black curls she had chosen to wear loose, each flower bearing a tiny sapphire as the center. Equally delicate bands hosting artful sprays of silver scattered with blue gems the shade of her eyes were worn over her wrists. A pendant around her neck ended in a larger version of the flowers in the hair net. The sandals that laced up to her upper calves were washed with silver.

Her escort was the primary candidate for High Priest (should her daughter become Katha instead of her oldest living son), Xoraen Haldor. Unlike his Kath’a’s blue and silver attire, Xoraen was wearing a deep crimson silk suit in the Xoriet cut lined with beaten bronze. His sandals were also of beaten bronze. The colors of his suit matched the colors of his clerical robes, though only one intimately familiar with Xoriet and its theological culture would be able to notice that much. His penetrating, pale gray eyes had lost most of their disconcerting effect due to the bright colors. He was of a slightly darker complexion than Ariyala, having come from the southernmost territory. For once the priest had worn his black hair smoothed back for the sake of appearance. Whereas the practiced Kath’a had maintained a graciously lovely smile throughout the day, he was only able to manage polite interest.

Ariyala had not missed his slight discomfort. It added genuine humor to the smile that was almost inherent to nobility. Though he was skilled enough to manage the members of the Church, he was not versed enough in aristocratic society to blend in effortlessly with those who had long been such.

“You will learn eventually,” she said a bit mischievously, speaking in their first language to avoid embarrassing him before the hosts of the ball.

“Your assurances ease my troubled heart,” was the priest’s very dry reply before he switched to English. “May I ask why you decided to make me the escort? Surely your guard would have been a safer option. I know that it would be Unequal, but regardless…”

“Why not?” the Kath’a replied. “You were once a name in the military. I am safe enough with you, Xoraen. Now, smile like you are genuinely happy to be part of history. Having Zandion leave the Empire was already a first experience to Xoriet, but having his interim going outside the Empire’s borders at the same time is certainly historically shocking. You do like history, don’t you?”

10

(OOC: Just pretend the Vekaiyuns received a letter stating the VP would be in attendance.)

Two lobos sat together on a bench outside of the hall, enjoying the cool Vekaiyun evening summer air. The couple stood, preparing to head inside the hall. The male was quite taller than his female counterpart, his snow white fur touched with grey. His green eyes revealed a tinge of youthfulness, a slight smile on his face as he spoke with the woman. She was shorter than him by a few inches, a smile slung across her features. Her own light tan fur was tinged with grey, her clear blue eyes focused on the man’s. The couple spoke in a hushed tone, keeping their conversation in Lobonese.

“It’s quite nice here. The weather, that is. It’s too hot in Volkgoroda this time of year,” the woman said softly to the man, who nodded in agreement. “That it is, but it’s home,” the man replied, sighing slightly as he looked up at the hall. “Far too decadent, isn’t it Andrei,” the woman asked as she looked up with him, noting the features of the building. Andrei nodded, looking back down at the woman. “Yes it is, Nadiya. These Vekaiyuns, you just can’t trust them. Especially when something like this is put on. They’re going to try to sneak something in, undoubtedly about Listonia.” Nadiya looked back to Andrei, a small smile returning to her features. “Come on dear, you know what to do when they make the reveal of their intentions. We’re representing the Motherland tonight, you can show them how a proper governmental leader should act,” Nadiya said with a smile, her hands giving Andrei’s chest a light pat. Andrei laughed softly, taking Nadiya’s hand and heading into the hall.

“I can tell you, it’s going to be nice not having to watch what we say tonight when we speak in our tongue - I’m fairly certain nobody here is going to speak it,” Andrei mumbled with a grin as he swiftly moved to remove his wife’s sweater before an attendant could, handing the simple sweater off to the attendant. His wife stood next to him in a black business suit, the skirt covering her knees and heels shined. He then removed his overcoat, revealing his jet black suit and tie, a small Laiatanese flag pin settled on the lapel. His shoes were shined, a necessity for any self-respecting lobo man while in a suit. Once the attendant had taken their coats and name, Andrei offered Nadiya his arm, and the couple headed further into the hall.

The couple looked around the decadent hall as they walked, a slight smirk covering Andrei’s face. “Look at this dekmo*, they’re trying far too hard to impress their guests.” Nadiya let out a small laugh, equally amused by the attempt to overwhelm the guests with total decadence as soon as they would walk in. “Haven’t seen this much dekmo since we saw the grebdak’s** castle last year,” Nadiya replied with a laugh, her arm tightly around Andrei’s. The couple made their way off to the side, continuing to talk amongst themselves as they observed the two guests that arrived before them.

(OOC: Assuming Todd is the only one that knows anything about the species that inhabits my nation, here is the http://nswiki.net/index.php?title=Lobo for any new members to TEP that haven’t encountered them yet.
*Dekmo: Lobonese slur for something overly decadent; has its roots back into the Revolution era and Yuri IV.
**Grebdak: Slur for Yuri IV; dates back to pre-Revolution times.)

11

H.M.H. King Felipe IV and H.E. Prime Minister Carlos Fabrice, the two spearheads of Gardelunya, finally arrived in Eldura by the Royal Airplane. Their visit to the foreign land of Vekaiyu was a headline in the http://theeastpacific.com/topic/5168874/1/#new in Gaardeiloan. Upon stepping on its soil, the two were accompanied by their staff and security personnel. From the airport, they went right away to the Palace of the People, the venue where the ball is to be facilitated.

Upon reaching the palace’s gates, the King commanded that all personnel that went with them to stay beyond the gates. “All personnel may disperse. Only me and the Prime Minister will be entering the palace,” instructed the King with his usual authoritative deep voice. As they entered the vicinity of the palace, they were warmly welcomed by the guards and local Vekaiyan men. A palace staff approached them and led their way to the grand hallway. “Muchas Gracias!” said the Prime Minister to the staff as he left. They walked along the grand hallway and were impressed by its architecture and the things that the hallway showcased. They stopped to appreciate every statue, paintings and designs present.

The King’s attire was a dark navy blue tuxedo and inside was a white polo shirt buttoned up to his neck. His bottoms were trousers that has the same color as his tux and shiny pointed horse leather shoes. He also wore a black bow tie that completed his attire. On the other hand, the Prime Minister wore a gray tuxedo, light pink polo in the inside with a white necktie. His bottoms were gray trousers that was suspended to his ankles of his feet and a brown leather docksider. Both were good looking and ready to represent Gaardeiloan in the ball.

“So what are your plans here your highness?” asked the Prime Minister as they were walking along the hallway. “Plans? First of all of course, I would like to enjoy this night. Ho ho ho ho,” the King responded. “Good plan. Let’s stick to it,” said the Prime Minister and smiled. “No but seriously speaking, how about a mutual treaty with Vekaiyu?” he suggested. “You must know very well that engaging in a treaty like such as this is a big responsibility but, that of course will increase our eminence in the region,” asked back the King. “I know. Gaardeiloan had been quiet since the past decades in the region. This is one way to revive the glory days of Gardelunya. We’ve been an outstanding country throughout the years anyways,” stated the PM. “I don’t know Carlos. Let’s just focus on what’s happening now,” said the King.

Their conversation was cut when they entered the grand ballroom. “It’s great to be here,” remarked the King. “There are people here already. There is the table that was been assigned to us,” said the PM while pointing to their reserved seats. They walked to it and sat down. “I wonder what kind of tea they have here,” said the King. “You really are a tea lover. I am sure that they wouldn’t be serving your favorite Serregan tea,” the PM said. “Of course. But I have some bags in my pocket,” answered the King.

Serrega - a province in Gaardeiloan

12

Jurgen was pleased. It had been many years since he had seen his homeland. He left years ago to seek treatment after an unfortunate accident left him paralyzed. He was poor, and could not afford the treatments that Alleghenny offered, so he left for the southern border. The Pax offered to augment his non-functional limbs in exchange for assimilation. They told him it was offered to all the assimilated. He agreed.

He smiled as the car pulled up to the valet. The Pax Draconica needed more ambassadors with the union, and desperately needed locals to help spread its influence. The valet opened his door, and gave a nervous smile to Jurgen as he stepped out of the vehicle. He was not dressed fancy, a simple overcoat and tweed pants were all he wore. He had no need for shoes. The sound of metal on concrete echoed as he made his way to the door, paperwork in hand. He wondered how the delegates would see an assimilated vulpine in Vekaiyu.

OOC Jurgen is a mid 20ish vulpine male with extensive augmentations. Both legs have been replaced, along with his spinal nervous systems. Looking him in the eye will reveal the trademark electronics present over his pupils.

13

The plane had landed safely. This was Erle’s worst part of any voyage: he hated flying. The thought of sliding over a seemingly endless deepness, on a metal floor with wings, had always been a source of great discomfort. If it wouldn’t be so fast as a transport method, he wouldn’t fly at all. For a moment, he had considered sending Alas Remosi II to this evening. However, he felt it would be out of place and the man was busy with the meeting of the First Grand Council.

Quickly proceeding out of the plane and setting foot on the Vekaiyun ground, the fresh cool air filled his lungs. Darkness was already setting in and they needed to make haste. President Erle saw his wife coming down from the plane and looked as she took the stairs down. He was glad she agreed to come along. She had a knack for this sort of thing and it had been a while since had a night out. Presidency had been a heavy responsibility to carry. They entered the limousine that was waiting patiently a few meters furthers and the driver greeted them politely. After the formal exchange of greetings, Erle leaned back in his seat and enjoyed the view. At least some moments to relax.

A short while later they arrived at The Palace of the People and the car stopped. Few moments later the Presidential couple arrived at the Grand Hallway. The paintings and statues struck him with awe. This was a hall to remember. He didn’t know much about the Vekaiyun culture, although he did know it was an old nation with a huge history. Fascinated the passed the collection of art and proceeded slowly to the Grand Ballroom.

“Come on now, Edgar” whispered his wife, “Let’s not keep these people waiting.”

14

Theonidas always did love airplane rides, even if her head of security, Levianna, have always cautioned her of the dangers. There’s just something about flying above and viewing the world with a bird’s eye view that she have always enjoyed. Making haste to The Palace of the People, Theonidas, John, and Levianna promptly entered the limo that was reserved earlier. The journey there was not a long one, but admiring the beauty of Vekaiyu on a summer evening was one that was not easy to forget.

After handing her coat to the attendant, Theonidas Cinquleur in her ball gown, with John Robertson opting for the white tie attire, and Levianna eu Vierla who doesn’t seem to be cold in her yellow shirtdress, walked down the grand hallway. On her way to the grand ballroom, Theonidas couldn’t help but be awed by the sheer beauty of the paintings and statues lining the hallway. She could hear the wonderful Vekaiyun classical pieces playing in the background of the chatter of those present. For some reason, Levianna had to be herself.

“They sound like cats screeching and scratching the blackboard if you ask me. Don’t they have something like rock and droll or something?”

“Miss Vierla, you say that about just any piece of classical music. Come on, be more sensitive; it’s an international gathering of various old people and politicians, you wouldn’t expect them to listen to rock and droll, do you? No offense, your Majesty.”

“None taken, Robertson. While Miss Vierla’s preference of music is a little out of place in these kinds of gatherings, the theme does get a little repetitive once you’ve been to a lot of them. As they say, ‘if you’ve been to one, you’ve been to all of them’. Though, different cultures do have different eargasmic music, as was proven by the Vekaiyun musicians.”

Continuing down the hallway, they they continued in their idle chatter, all the while, listening in to conversations around them that may be of interest later on.

15

Ikrisia watched as the delegates, prime ministers, kings, priests, and presidents walked through the column-guarded entryway and into the large gathering room. As the staff made certain to announce every name prior to entering the room in appropriateness, she attempted to put faces to names for those whom she never met before. From behind a rather sinister-looking half-vulpine half-machine person she spotted Stapen Evesuni as he quickly made his way into the room, preferring to duck from the banter and head to his seat. It was the first time they had been in the same room since the standoff at the Vekaiyun-Listonian border. She had no idea how he would react, or how his ‘forced’ counterpart, Lso Yiskevi, would handle the interaction.

“Welcome everyone,” she said, attempting to get the attention of the new arrivals. “I am Ikrisia Levinile, the Premier of Vekaiyu. I wish to welcome you to an evening to remember at the Palace of the People. This building is typically open to the public and events are held in evenings.” She continued on in English, her accent not nearly as thick as some of the other Vekaiyuns traversing about. “Tonight we humble ourselves to serve you, our friends and comrades who share this realm with us. Allow us to do our best.”

“Please take the time to get to know your fellow leaders.” She paused and began to address the growing glob of individuals around her. “I am not one for impromptu introductions, but I will inform you of some of our names as out staff has done for you. You may do the same if you wish. This man is our Kral Commodore, Yamano Nevikalu.”

“Ma’am,” the human said as he stepped forward, his hands behind his back. His mustache bristled slightly as he smiled.

“He is in charge of our nation’s foreign conflicts. Homeland conflicts are dealt with by our Ler Commodore, Vanse Lebivistre.” She paused as he gave a slight nod. “Our Minister of the Interior is Vinsent Miloskari. He is also present.”

“Charmed,” he said in a much more polished accent, clearly the product of years of elocution lessons.

“To prosperity and success among the selected!” she proclaimed, which prompted applause from the Vekaiyun population.

16

A courier dressed in a military uniform walked into the ball stiffly. He approached the host, and handed them a letter before they could say anything. He quickly turned and walked out as quickly as he arrived.
The letter was as follows:

Unfortunately, due to several domestic problems, our leader is unable to attend your ball. A further statement will be released by the Castle in a short time.

17

Norvanian Chancellor Heathrow looked around the party, keeping an aloof facade on while he sipped his drink. He despised social gatherings in politics, with their hidden meanings and veiled intentions. The Chancellor sighed, wishing that it would simply end and let him get back to his office in Norvan City. The Chancellor had always felt more comfortable in boardrooms than social events. Still, this held promise…

Approaching the Vekaiyun Premier, he started the conversation swiftly.

“Greetings, I would like to say that this is a fine gathering you have organized for the nations of the region. As a new nation to the region, we are quite honored to have been invited! However, I am here to discuss slightly more… pressing issues. Through… ahem discreet channels, we have received word of a recent project undertaken by your nation known as “Project MAG” that has been absorbing rather… exorbitant amounts of currency. Perhaps you would be willing to disclose a basic overview of this undertaking? It certainly would be… tragic… if your nation were to be involved in a quagmire of foreign politics if it were revealed to the other signatories of the Concordat to be spending that much money on some unknown military project.”

18

OOC: Just assumed that the Queen Dowager had already arrived and is now entering the building.

Anatansya Olekalexein, the Queen Dowager of Vulshain, walked into Vekaiyun building wearing a stunning kimsari with a phoenix design and stylized suns and oriental dragons decorating it. She also wore a phoenix crown, adorned with gold dragons, phoenixes made with kingfisher feathers, beaded pheasants, pearls, and gemstones. The pearls, gemstones and more kingfisher feathers were made into ornamental flowers, leaves, clouds, and bobin.

She spotted Ikrisia and walked over to her. “Premier Levinile, it is a pleasure to see you again.” She slightly bowed to the Vekaiyun leader. “I apologize for my delay but my flight was a little bit long due to some rough weather.”

19

The Tyrant Christopher Davis was catching up with “His Team” - a privy council of as many disparate people as he could coerce to help him make policy. Some of these people were also in Parliament, and some of these people were Judges. In any other country such a gathering would be decried as cronyism and nepotism, but in Toehold it was simply good politics.

“And finally we have this lil’ invitation. I wasn’t going to go - I was going to send Ms. Knight, but this is looking way too mucky-muck for me to send anybody else in my stead. So what I want to do is go with the highest ranking Vulpine in parliament…is it still that lady who was Sereni Tech before she drank the Kool-Aid?”

Without referencing any papers, a young Aid piped up “Yes sir, Ms. Anna Sturm is currently 26th Chair. She’s currently on the Foreign Affairs committee.”

“Excellent!” The Tyrant was practically beaming. “I’m sure there’s some way to coerce her into going to a formal ball with all of the richest and brightest and get her a pretty dress and have her dance with all the boys.” There were a few twitters, but the feminists in the room shut them down. They knew that trying to change the man at center stage was a lost cause.

“Sir…” One of the representatives of Toehold’s chronically overworked Intelligence Office said rather diffidently, “I really think that Ms. Knight should go along with you. After all, she’s the head of our Foreign Affairs Office, and it might do some good down the line for Them to have a face to put with all of those dispatches.”

Davis looked thoughtful. “There isn’t a limit on how many I can bring with me, is there?”

“No sir, but I don’t think that…”

“Excellent!” He was beaming again. “I’ll just take both of them! I’m sure they’ll get along famously.”

“If you say so, sir.” The Intel weenie said, trying desperately to sound like he’d just been run over, and very specifically NOT giggling at the mess he just stirred up.

OOC: Sorry I’m late to the party; I’ll post more tomorrow.

20

Anna nervously checked her makeup. Checked her dress. Attempted to calm down. Failed. Rechecked her makeup. Threw herself dramatically around the Suite minutes from the Palace of the People. Rechecked her makeup. Picked up her heels. Carried them to the bathroom. Got a glass of water. Checked her dress. Paced nervously.

She still had another hour before the limo arrived.

“You really, REALLY should have gotten something else to wear”, Clarissa Knight’s harried Aid muttered, trying desperately to make her business suit as presentable as it could be. “This isn’t a working lunch. This is a formal…FORMAL…Ball. This is going to stick out like a sore thumb.”

“Hal, I am here on business. And so is everybody else in this room. If they want to look like a bunch of peacocks, they can go right ahead. Besides,” She said, rather acidly, “The General already has his arm candy.”

“Claire, Ms. Sturm is hardly ‘arm candy’. She was already a junior VP with Sereni Tech before we were even a nation. That she gave up citizenship there to enter into politics here speaks volumes.”

“About how she’s been bought and paid for. Oh, quit giving me that look, I’ll play nice. That is my job, isn’t it?”

Tyrant Davis was already downtown, “catching up with an old friend”. He was sans crown, seen as the thing sets off radiation detectors and is generally seen as obscene outside of crazyland. This made him more or less blend in, due to his complete disregard for security. It was rare for him to have some time to himself, and he savored every second of being alone on the crowded streets. Too soon, he’ll have to be back at it - even now, there was work that should not have just been left - but for right now, he merely enjoyed his freedom.