A Grand Ol' Time

Roleplay Library
21

The vulpine Parliamentarian (who had been waiting in the lobby for the last half hour. Just in case the limo was early) saw the Foreign Affairs Minister exiting the elevator, wearing her very bestest business suit, and it was all she could do to keep smiling.

“Don’t you think that’s a little…frumpy? What on earth made you think to wear that to a Grand Ball?”

“Just because I’m not willing to spend the cost of a car on a dress…”

“But that thing? No. You’re not going. I’m not going to be seen anywhere near you tonight.” She stuck her muzzle up. “Seriously, what were you thinking?!”

“I was thinking that the Foreign Affairs Ministry budget doesn’t extend to shopping trips.” Claire was almost growling now. “Unlike your generous salary, it would seem.”

Anna opened her mouth to retort, but both of their phones began buzzing, signaling the limo was outside. They shot each other daggers, and headed for their ride to the Palace of the People.

He looked good in a tux, if he had to say so himself. And the Tyrant had to say so himself, seen as his “dates” were both about half an hour late. He could hear that the festivities had already begun inside, but that didn’t worry him as much as the limousine being late. He attempted to call their numbers - no answer. He attempted to call the company, but because it was (obviously) not in his name, they refused to give him any information. A call to the nonemergency number of the police had assured that there had been no collisions involving either a limousine or anybody matching a description, and that if they saw anybody matching that description, they would ask them to get in contact. For all the good that did, and as much as he trusted them. Davis thought about perhaps finding a staff member to pass a message up a more official chain, but half an hour late wasn’t - quite - a disaster.

He hated being away from his base of support.

“No, seriously, I’m not even joking right now - what possessed you to wear that?!”

“Some of us have to do this thing called work. It’s how real people get their money. You wouldn’t know about that, what with being a corporate shill and all.”

“Wait - ‘real people’? Did you really just go there?”

“You KNOW I didn’t mean it like that. Some of my…”

“…'some of my best friends are vulp-wait, you were really going to say that, weren’t you? Oh my sweet fluffy Buddha, you really were going to say that, weren’t you?!”

“Let’s just get this damn thing over with.”

“Here I am, trapped in a limo with Grandma Racist…”

“WHAT did you just say?!”

“I said. I’m trapped in a limo. With a frumpy hag.”

“Oh. Oh hell no.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but we cannot seem to locate them at this time.”

“WITCH!”

“PRINCESS!”

“OW!”

“RAT!”

“GRAAURGH!”

Approximately an hour later, the limo finally pulled up to its destination. Both ladies looked utterly exhausted, and Minister Knight was wearing a brand-new dress that fit her perfectly. Both were attempting to look sheepish.

Davis, a man who has had some experience in dealing with people in stressful situations, carefully put his cigar out, looked at first one, then the other, then let the silence drag out. A bit longer. Just about…

“Is there anything pertinent that I have to know about this situation?”

Two heads shook in almost-unison.

“Good. Let’s go inside.”

22

“So she’s the leader of this nation,” the Prime Minister said to the king as everyone in the room applauded after the premier of Vekaiyu finished her welcome remarks and the introduction of her deputies. “Yes she is. She have earned the respect not only here but also in the entire region,” the king responded as he looked around to familiarize himself of different leaders of nations inside the room. The prime minister looked at the lady wearing an extravagant attire that approached the Vekaiyun leader. He tapped the king on his shoulder to get his attention and asked, “She’s the Queen Dowager of Vulshain isn’t it?” The king that was looking at different faces around, turned his head to where the lady was. “Indeed she is,” he answered. “I haven’t seen her personally and I’m not familiar with her. This might be our chance,” he continued. Later on, the two decided to greet the Vekaiyun leader after some leaders came to approach him.

The two left their table for a moment and walked together towards the Premier in a manly manner. Each of them did a mano to her as a sign of respect. “Hola senora. First of all, in behalf of the people of Gaardeiloan and the Royal Family, we would like to thank you for inviting us here. It’s an honor,” greeted the king with a cheerful tone. “I’m the King of her majesty Gaardeiloan, King Felipe the fourth and, with me is Prime Minister of Gaardeiloan, Senor Fabrice,” said the king as he patted on the PM’s shoulder. “It’s a pleasure to meet you señora,” he said and smiled. “This gathering is impressive. We were right that Vekaiyu won’t fail at this and we really appreciated the hospitality exhibited by your people. We are very interested in knowing more about your remarkable nation. Perhaps, let’s have a little talk later,” he continued. “But for now let’s enjoy the ambience, the company of our fellow nation leaders, food and everything Vekaiyu has prepared. It’s a long night ahead of us,” said the king.

https://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=MX0OkgrDnVWpeM&tbnid=vnvZ8v7N2V1BGM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsjsa.wordpress.com%2Ftag%2Fmano-po%2F&ei=aLzCUbKkH4WdiAevhoGQCA&bvm=bv.48175248,d.aGc&psig=AFQjCNGbYbPRknPzh6LuEz7IBqtPyCCu_g&ust=1371803110472411 - It is a traditional gesture of Gardish people as a sign of respect to elders. It is wherein a person asks for the hand of the elder and presses it with his or her forehead

23

Andrei and Nadiya watched the room for a few minutes from their table before Andrei finally stood up, stretching a bit. “Suppose we should start mingling. See who’s who in the realm of international politics. Don’t recognize a few of these faces,” Andrei mumbled to his wife as she stood next to him, her own eyes scanning the room. “Probably best if we start off thanking our hosts before we go on to the other guests, that way we don’t come off as rude.” Andrei nodded in agreement, his head turning to look at the Vekaiyun premier. “So they did decide to send someone,” Andrei mumbled to himself when he saw the Queen Dowager walking away from the premier when his eyes noticed an unfamiliar couple. “We’ll go after them,” Andrei said, returning his attention to his wife, who responded with a nod.

Once the representatives from Gaardeiloan began walking away from the premier, Andrei and Nadiya made their way over to her. “Premier Levinile, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” The couple had read up a bit on Vekaiyun customs, and gave a slight bow to the premier before shaking her hand - the custom of Laiatan. “I am Andrei Maksymivich Borovsky, Vice President of Laiatan,” his hand went to his wife’s shoulder, “And this is my wife, Nadiya Leonidavna Glebov Borovsky. You have certainly made us feel welcome, and I feel this night will be quite enjoyable.” The couple turned and began wandering around the room. “Now that that’s taken care of, let’s mingle.” Nadiya mumbled in her native tongue.

24

With all these people coming at her all at once Ikrisia would have to do some traffic directing. She couldn’t talk to all of them at the same time of course, but that’s what her staff was for. Four years ago her antisocial tendencies would’ve caused her to cower and run from the congregation. Today, however, she welcomed the attention.

“We are unaware of such a program, Chancellor Heathrow,” she said with a smile to the individual who first approached her. His entire speech was alien-like. What Concordat was he speaking of? How did he know of a particular project name? She grabbed the arm of the nearest high-ranking military officer she could get her hand on. “Chancellor, this is Solike Commodore Iliyani Skorvenestre.” She smiled. “I am certain he would love to hear about this project you have inquired about. Perhaps he could offer you some suggestions?”

She recognized the Queen Dowanger and didn’t have to rely on her memory to recall what the chancellor’s name was when it was announced. “Ah, of course. The gulf has been particularly active this time of the year I am told. Nevertheless, you need not worry - the evening is just getting started.”

She watched as the Minister of the Interior stepped forward. “Ma’am?” he said as he extended an arm. “Perhaps you would like to watch the fire performers? They are just getting ready.” Ikrisia forgot all about the performers - they might help with breaking up the atmosphere a bit.

“Greetings to both of you,” she said to the vice president of Laiatan and his wife. She was curious to see their reactions, but initial observations would probably be meaningless for the overall assessment of the evening, she mused. Indeed, a key to Vekaiyun success rested in the stability of the gulf, a place that saw a lot of action one year ago. She wanted to speak more, but there would be plenty of time for that. Plus, they appeared to be moving towards Evesuni’s direction, or the gob of military personnel mingling with one another.

When the Gaardeiloan delegation greeted her, she was at first confused by the greeting, but remembered reading about it just after the greeting was complete. “Of course,” she replied with a smile. “We hope this is an evening for everyone to remember.”

“Permission to mingle, ma’am?”

She turned around and noticed the Kral Commodore. “Yes, please,” she said, and watched as he appeared to move towards the entrance of the room.

25

“Premier Levinile!” the Tyrant said with what he hoped was the right mix of warmth and formality. “Thank you for inviting us. As I’m sure you know, our tiny nation - population wise, at least - has an extremely large vulpine population, mostly from Listonia, but quite a few from Vekaiyu herself. Both for ourselves personally, and for our expat population, we are excited to hear what your future plans are for Listonia…especially in regards to their agricultural sector.” With a small bow, he takes his tiny entourage to go mingle.

26

Anatansya Olekalexein, the Queen Dowager of Vulshain nodded. “My grandson, King Rainard sends his regards and regrets that he was unable to attend this event. He had important matters of state to deal with.” She greeted the Laiatanese vice president and his wife. “It is good to see you both as well.”

Anatansya whispered to Ikrisia, “My grandson is quite fond of you, Premier.” She smiled just as strange man came up greeting, or more accurately, shouted his hello to Ikrisia.

27

Xoraen studied the diverse array of people as they gathered in the room. He had to admit that this was the first time he had seen vulpines or lobos. In the Church only the High Priestess was familiar with the outer cultures. The Kath’a on the other hand was more familiar with outside cultures than anyone in Xoriet aside from the resident experts. Now, the Premier’s last sentence did raise one eyebrow from both the female sovereign of Xoriet and the Second Numeral Priest. The concept of Equality in Xoriet was absolute. Ariyala’s mouth twitched slightly as she imagined the High Priestess’ expression upon hearing such a statement. That was also exactly why only the most flexible citizens of Xoriet typically dealt with other nations. It was only too easy to see tensions raised over a statement only meant to toast the attendees.

Xoraen observed the groups as they began to mingle. “Kath’a, do you plan on-”

She made a short gesture of negation with one hand. “I do intend to speak with the Premier, but not quite yet,” Ariyala told him, brandishing a blue fan previously hanging at her side and opening it. “I would like to make an assessment first. Seeing as we have been so isolated until now, formulating the proper introduction is necessary.” She closed the fan with a snap but kept it in her hand.

“Do you wish to speak with anyone in particular until then?” he inquired.

“Mmm, probably. I do like the look of the lobos,” was her response. “Do refer to me by name, Xoraen. Titles are trivial between us…unless you intend that I refer to you as ‘Your Eminence’ all evening.”

“Ah - I understand, Ka - Ariyala.”

*Kath’a translates to Empress. Most of the peculiarities are in the factbook, especially the explanation of Equality and Order which will probably be included in the posts, though not necessarily the dialogue.

28

As Theonidas was about to give her regards to the premier, she noticed that the myriad of people who was swarming the premier would take quite a bit of a while to disperse. Sipping her tea, she noticed that it was a little bitter compared to what she usually had in Scienter.

John, was somewhat anxious, what with this being his first international appearance after the blunder of the previous FAA, whom he worked with. Levianna on the other hand, is listening to the songs in her phone, presumably to block out the “screeching cats”.

After a while, the crowd around the Premier of Vekaiyu seems to have dispersed. Walking up to the premier, the three of them gave a slight bow and a smile, as per Scienter’s custom, before shaking her hand.

“Good evening Premier Ikrisia. Empress Theonidas Cinquleur of Scienter, pleased to make your acquaintance. This is John Robertson, my Foreign Affairs Adviser” to which John tipped his hat, “and this is my Head of Security and most trusted friend, Levianna eu Vierla” to which Levianna gave a salute to the premier.

“We thank you for organizing such a grand event, and for providing such fine entertainments and culinary indulgence for all of us to enjoy. We believe that events such as this would be good so as to allow us to know some of the international figures of different countries, and in turn, improve international relations. Now, if you would excuse me,” the three gave a slight bow and a smile before leaving to mingle with the rest of the crowd.

29

Anna Sturm saw the painfully polite, almost-hidden wince on the Dowager Queen’s face, and swept back over to her as gracefully as she could. I’m going to kill him. I’m going to kill him in front of all these nice people and it’s just going to RUIN my dress. “Your Highness, I do apologise for Mr. Davis. His hearing is rather poor, and he’s much too vain to be seen with an aid. Besides, he tends to get…a little rambunctous when he’s out past his bedtime.” She looks back to where the Tyrant Davis had found a couple of gentlemen in their finest mess dress, punctuating his story with gestures from an unlit cigar. “But he is a good man, and a great leader.” And now to change the subject… “I absolutely love your dress! You look positively radient in it. Tell me, who was it that made it for you? I am simply no longer pleased with my man.”

30

Andrei and Nadiya gave a respectful nod to the Queen Dowager as they walked past, returning to the table to collect their drinks. The couple continued wandering around the room before stopping, talking with each other, a small smile sweeping across Andrei’s features. “Looks like we have a couple of admirers,” Andrei whispered to his wife with a soft laugh in their native tongue, eyes returning to his wife’s. “Oh? Who?” Nadiya replied, a soft laugh escaping her as well, nonchalantly looking around the room, eyes landing on the Kath’a and Second Numeral Priest. “They do look interested,” Nadiya commented, taking a drink from her glass. “Shall we go introduce ourselves?”

With a nod, Andrei linked his arm with Nadiya’s, and began making their way over towards the Kath’a and Second Numeral Priest, smiles across both of their faces as they approached the two. “Hello there,” Andrei began in English, his accent rather thick. “We thought we’d come by and introduce ourselves. This is my wife, Nadiya Leonidavna Glebov Borovsky, and I am Andrei Maksymivich Borovsky, Vice President of Laiatan.”

31

Xoraen managed to summon enough will to wear a smile rather than his previously placid expression as the Vice President and his wife approached. He did not need to glance at his Kath’a to know how she would react to the situation. Ariyala, noticing without surprise that the couple had observed her interest, hailed their decision to approach with a very subtle gesture utilizing her lowered fan almost like an invitation. The movement was perceptibly a sign of polite acknowledgement with a little respect on the side rather than a beckon. The almost-open blue fan she closed completely in the same gesture and passed to the man at her side.

“It is our pleasure to receive your introduction, Mr. Vice President,” she responded, her faint accent subtle. As she paused momentarily in her speech she delivered a gracious incline of the head. “I am Ariyala Wisanta Beralis, wife of the Emperor of Xoriet.” She translated literally the typical titles of her husband and herself in their native language to the exact English parallel. “My escort-companion is Second Priest Xoraen Haldor, an entity of our country’s established Church.”

32

Ikrisia gave a polite smile to the Dowanger. “I’m afraid my aspirations are more political than social,” she replied.

Catching her attention was The tuxedo-clad Tyrant, who seemed to be curious about the state of affairs in Listonia. “All will be addressed tonight,” she said with a grin. “We have a plan that will ensure stability for a very long time in our region, one that I hope will be good news for everyone here. This is, after all, quite a large collection of nations!”

Empress Theonidas Cinquleur of Scienter was next. “The pleasure is all ours,” she said as she gave a nod to her and her adviser.

“Excuse me for one moment,” she said to the individuals around her. She gave a nod to one of the announcers near the entrance.

“In approximately five minutes parties will be asked to take their seats in preparation of the evening’s events!” the vulpine man bellowed. “In the meantime, please enjoy good fellowship!”

33

Stapen Evesuni was already sitting down. He had managed to slip relatively undetected, past a few people he didn’t know and some he did happen to know, retiring to his assigned seat in the corner of the room. He looked at the nametag carefully. While cursive still eluded him, he could tell it was his name in some fancy English script, followed by the more familiar Unonian spelling below it.

It had been a long time for the former dictator. Former. He hated that term. The sting of the crazy events in Listonia one year ago was still fresh in his mind. He really didn’t have any idea how people would react to that. He really didn’t care, either. To him, Listonia was a state rapidly growing up until a rival faction overthrew him and replaced him with a double. While he did reclaim his spot, it was embarrassing. It wouldn’t have happened if he surrounded himself with trustworthy, capable shirts and not longtime friends. Even though today he’s technically the leader of the state, it’s no longer just him. And he did not work well with other people.

He noticed a few more names where he sat. One name he knew all too well was the up-and-comer in Listonia, Lso Yiskevi. He grew tired of his rhetoric. Really tired. The guy was a walking billboard for Vekaiyu. Yeah, sure, Vekaiyu was nice. Vekaiyu gave them a state, Vekaiyu dumped money into their economy, Vekaiyu liberated them again and restored Evesuni to some form of power. But he knew, he knew that when Yiskevi rose to prominence, once Vekaiyu installed him, there was no turning back. And now they were practically equals in the eyes of Vekaiyu.

It wasn’t that they got along, either. Evesuni was brash and honest; Yiskevi had a lot more tact and knew how to debate. Evesuni was frank, while Yiskevi could use bigger words and polished speech. He was also fifteen years his junior, and wasn’t connected with organized crime like Evesuni was rumored to be a part of. In a fight, though, Evesuni could kick his butt. He wanted to fight him, too. But even his crime syndicates warned him against that. Even though Listonia was free, it was being watched by Vekaiyu closely.

He watched as Yiskevi walked through the door. He watched as he glanced over at Evesuni, but then quickly pretended he wasn’t there and started to mingle with the crowd. “Passive aggressive little…” Maybe there was something to be said about his mingling, though. Yiskevi was educated, Evesuni was not. He seemed to know what to do in social situations… Stapen Evesuni felt he was better one-on-one. But he had to do something, or else time would pass him by. This was practically the region here, after all.

Evesuni carefully pushed in his chair, then walked toward a few people. He didn’t go directly for a group, like Yiskevi did; rather, he was more cautious, bumping someone’s shoulder as he walked, but still more cautious. His plan was to stand around, wait for the conversation to come up with something that he could interject with, and take it from there. That… was about it.

34

Clarissa Knight was already sitting with Christopher Davis, waiting for things to begin. She was trying - and failing - to hide her anxiousness, while Davis was more or less sprawled across the chair, his head looking to just happen to be close enough to hers that they could share a private conversation.

“Sir, I don’t like not knowing what their plan is. I wish we’d been given a brief before this circus.”

“That would kind of defeat the purpose of putting on a big, fancy ball then, wouldn’t it?”

“Maybe…but we need a stable food source. These subsidies are killing our economy.”

“And do you think that transporting across an entire country and Lake Miiyu is going to be any cheaper for us?”

She looked mulish, but didn’t back down. “Do you see that lobo over there? Stapen Evesuni. I think he’s going to be the key to the shipping problems. We need to talk to him before the night is out.”

“Not Levinile or Yiskevi? So you’re thinking that Vekaiyu’s going to hang Listonia out to dry?”

The Foreign Affairs Minister looked thoughtful. “Probably not completely, but I do see them taking a less active role militarily, and IF that’s the case, and IF we can get a corridor through Elephana for unrestricted transport…”

“That’s a pretty big if right there.”

“…then they may be willing to trade foodstuffs for a bit of safety.”

“This isn’t the time, or the place, to be talking about that.”

“Why not? Everything Regiment or above has the ability to detach indefinitely - a holdover from your condottiere days. We send a Division or two, and in exchange we don’t have a hoarde of starving refugees.”

He tried not to look directly into where he would have placed the shotgun mikes and cameras. Just in case, he still looked completely relaxed. “We are having a talk when we get home.”

35

The Queen Dowager sat down and noticed Evesuni glaring at Yiskevi. “Hm…Evesuni is probably still smarting from being knocked out of the spotlight. It is best Vulshain keeps a close eye on both of them.” She asked a waiter for a glass of water.

36

“Seems the party has just started.”

The young voice of the Azulitian Peace Corp Executive Janet Hivig walks through, quickly scanning the vast room filled with diplomats, consuls, leaders from the various nations across the East Pacific. Her fiery red tail flicked in excitement, her eyes closed as she pushed her spectacles up a bit, pressed down the flowing green gown against her body. She never seen this many people, from different walks of life other than her own homeland, Azulita. Now with the civil war tiding down and many races being united under one flag, things could progress further towards what some would call normalcy and peace. Her tribe, resembling those of lupine mythology of centuries past, had waged a war with those of the avian flocks of the southern mountain-filled region of Azulita, those of the human city-states of the southern lands, and those of the feline tribes to the west, for complete control. Lives were destroyed, families were torn apart, loyalties were tested. Hopefully they could avoid such a test again with the neighboring countries Dragonia and Gaardieloan, and those of the East Pacific. She smiled and bowed respectfully towards a passing fellow political figure as she continued to stand near the entrance.

“His majesty’s ship should of arrived in port by now,” she growled under her breath while trying to look like she was enjoying the festive spirit of the room. So many different delegates present and yet she seem scared to approach anyone.

“Standing there will not get us any good reception with the other leaders future Prime Minister.”

She looked to her side as the guards at the entrance announced the arrival of the Azulita’s lordship, Viceroy Daniel Bosilatic, in full military attire,a creamy white uniform, wearing the highest rank of Fleet Admiral, the highest possible in the Azulitian Imperial Navy.

“Remember, we have two objectives that need to be accomplished. Establishing the presence of Azulita at the Grand Council and ensuring regional peace at any cost.”

“The second one sir?,” Janet said as she watched her lordship relinquish his sword and dagger to the guard without so much as a care in the world, actually offering a real smile as he turned to face her.

“The second…we arrived here to enjoy ourselves and introduce ourselves to the other consuls and leaders of the other nations present. I don’t intend to start another war after we just united and rebuilt the four regions. I expect a lot from you if you intend to be our nation’s first Prime Minister to represent everyone.” He said while scratching the black goatee on his cocoa butter human skin, his emerald green eyes twinkled with an excitement for adventure as he began to walk towards the center of the room to converse.

37

(OOC: Sorry for the late reply - been a little busy.)

“It’s a pleasure to meet the both of you,” Andrei responded with a respectful nod, which was mimicked by his wife before the couple shook the hands of the Kath’a and Second Priest. Nadiya took a sip of her drink as Andrei continued the conversation. “I must admit, I haven’t heard much about Xoriet,” the couple turned to listen to the announcer before returning their attention back to their original interest. “Would you care to tell us a bit about your homeland?”

38

The Kath’a and Second Priest took brief note of the announcement.

“Only recently have we agreed upon the necessity of making tentative contact with the rest of the world since our founding,” Ariyala remarked. “As for Xoriet, the empire consists of six territories, two Northern and four Southern, represented by the aristocrats who form the Hierarchy. Typically the greatest power is balanced between the Throne and the Church, namely the domains of Order and Equality. Most of Xoriet nourishes a love of brightly colored textiles and music. The culture we developed over the centuries is by now firmly ingrained in today’s society, meaning that it tends to be a colorful place to live.”

“We have heard somewhat of Laiatan, but never from a citizen of Laiatan itself,” Xoraen noted. “Would you care to tell us somewhat of your country?”

39

((OOC: I’m going to try to post a bit faster in this thread. Just need to actually put the fingers to the keyboard and do it, lol. But still, I will be more active. I’m going to skip passed the five minute mark, but feel free to carry on any convos))

Ikrisia stood as people appeared to be moving toward or already in their seats. Servers were already dispatching the food and any drinks requested by the guests. “Ladies and gentlemen, species of various kinds, once again I welcome you to our little meeting. I do hope you have enjoyed yourselves up to this point, and hope you enjoy what we have to say.”

In the center of the room, a three-dimensional holographic image started, showing a map including Vekaiyu and Listonia.

“Like so many nations in this realm, Vekaiyu wants to prosper, and we would like to do so peacefully and with the togetherness of those around us. It was this reason that we liberated Listonia in 2009, and again in 2012 when it was overrun by a couping faction.”

“We didn’t anticipate the drive and strength of the Listonian people, however. Truly, they have been an inspiration to us all. Stateless for four hundred years, they’ve survived rocky beginnings to become entrepreneurs in our region. We truly believe that the very low cost of living there can be a strength for industry, agriculture, and trade. They also are juxtaposed between the north and the west of the large continent. Like Vekaiyu is, we believe Listonia could become. I have no doubt people will come to see the state as a second Vekaiyu in terms of growth and prosperity.”

The map suddenly became more interactive. “But with potential comes perils. Listonia has enemies to the north that are constantly threatening their sovereignty - Dveria and Sevropia. Rykkovaa to the south has also proven particularly vexing - clashes at the border near the Listonian oil fields are something we look at with disdain.”

The map morphed to various images of Listonian workers. “What would it take for the common Listonian rail worker to live in safety? The miner? The farmer? Oil driller? Factory worker? That’s a question you all must answer. But before you do, Listonia has much to offer. If you want to trade, might I suggest the Vekaiyun states of Vekaiyu and Listonia as partners?” Facts and figures showing potential sprawled across the room. Ikrisia paused to allow people to catch a glimpse of them. “But this isn’t just about Vekaiyu and Listonia. This is about every single nation present. Indeed, you all represent the region, the dynamic, progressive region that strives to move forward. There is not much difference between you and I, I feel. And together, we can improve the situation. Not just for Listonia, but for all of us.”

“I’m daying to hear your comments.” The map appeared in the center of the room once again. “First and foremost, let’s turn to the map. Let’s improve the situation on this continent. Specifically this area here.” She watched as the states of Listonia, Dveria, Sevropia, Rykkovaa, Elephana, and other nearby states lit up. “I’d like to ask you, our new partners, what do you propose we do?”

40

The Vice President and his wife listened curiously as they listened to the description of Xoriet, a small smile across their faces. “Ah, that’s quite interesting. We need to look into opening relations further with our countries,” the Vice President commented, beginning to notice guests take their seats.

He then nodded at Xoraen’s request. “Yes, of course! Laiatan has thirty-eight provinces in the union, represented by two Verkhs in the Verkhnya, and a number of Nizhns based upon population in the Nizhnya. The power is separated into three branches: executive, legislative, and the judiciary. There’s roughly 297 million people spread across the country, and while most of them share the same culture - it’s not uncommon to find different practices or beliefs dependent upon what area of the country you’re in.”