Better the Devil You Know

[Cryria]

15 October 2021 
Cryria-Packilvania Business Conference 
Gezer International Conference Centre, Gezer, Packilvania

“I’ve made my arrangements to return to Leidenstad and make the case to Maravel in person but I would-”

The Ambassador’s murmurings were severed by an explosion in cheers from around the auditorium. Saga Tynam spared a glance at the stage, but she needn’t have bothered.

“Apologies Duchess, this will last a few minutes,” Jenssen whispered, “I should-”

“Yes, go, go,” Tynam waved the Ambassador off as he slipped through the throngs.

The man had been right about one thing at least - It did last a few minutes, and then a few minutes more as the swarm of fur and twitching ears milled about the arriving Prince Thumim. Some of the visiting embassy officials had made their way to offer polite greetings before considering their duty done and retreating to more placid parts of the chamber. The other Cryrians - Clusters of visiting business leaders, some journalists who had decided to navigate stringent Packilvanian reporting laws, even an odd expatriate - Either attempted the same or watched the spectacle with curiosity, and perhaps a little embarrassment. These displays were not common things for any leader in the Isles.

For her part, Saga quietly exhaled, settled back in her seat, and waited for the cheers to conclude. For a moment her eyes lazily scanned the crowd before idly wandering down to the phone in her hand where a handful of messages trickled across the screen. None of real importance, she knew better than to receive those in this particular country, but it gave her something to focus on and kept her apart from the gawkers.

Sure enough, the masses had their fills and returned to their places, and soon the Prince began his speech. Saga took her notes as he did, filling a sheet of paper she’d brought with squiggling Älemsi script. The words, she knew, did not matter so much - Those had no doubt passed through the hands of a dozen writers before reaching her ears, and at this point Saga would have been worried to hear anything surprising in them.

But the speaker? Now that was important. Seeing the Crown Prince added to the conference agenda had been serendipitous, but she’d been skeptical as to whether it would be more than a passing appearance with the opening ceremonies. That one of the most important members of the Government here had stuck around this long? It would send a good message to Leidenstad, at the very least, and that was something she could make use of.

It was not until the conference was nearly over that she returned to the Ambassador and his group. She’d taken her time to make some conversation with the local attendees, at least in part to make up for her earlier aloofness - It was the sort of pleasant nothings she was well-versed in, and though she could feel her Packilvanian improving she was ill-inclined to test herself beyond that. Now finally back in familiar company, she could practically feel the radiating satisfaction.

“As you were saying, Ambassador,” the Duchess said once she had Jenssen aside, “Your trip to Leidenstad?”

“Will no doubt be made in a more favorable light now, I think,” the Ambassador said pleasantly, “I expect you will be heading up tomorrow as well, yes?”

“Aye, though further up than you,” a wry smile flickered across her face, “I see so little of Tynam these days, I might as well change my mailing address to my airplane seat.”

“Knowing the Mail Service they’d probably…” Jenssen paused as one of Saga’s aides arrived and murmured something to her. A few moments later he was scurrying back off with a response while the Ambassador looked to be somewhere between contemplation and worry. Saga Tynam, seemingly unperturbed, changed her flight plans.

[The_Oan_Isles]

15 October 2021
Cryria-Packilvania Business Conference
Gezer International Conference Centre, Gezer, Packilvania

The restaurant known as the Skydeck had been cleared of all the guests. Among the empty chairs was Prince Thumim sitting alone as a translator sat a fair distance behind him. Guards were posted at every door but they seemed to meld into the marble walls.

The doors opened and the Duchess walked him in as one of the waiters ushered here through. He barely moved as she walked in and he said, “Ashamiliya, muRahman. Mishukhraan duqabulam ludawa amin. Mifakiram dhupajeer dutakulpor min lugadaarud”. The translator repeated after him, “Good afternoon, Your Grace. I am grateful you accepted my invitation. I thought it would be good for you to have lunch with me”.

[Cryria]

15 October 2021 
Cryria-Packilvania Business Conference 
Gezer International Conference Centre, Gezer, Packilvania

Spend enough time in Packilvania, and any quiet place started to feel odd. That was the first thought that occurred to Saga upon entering the restaurant. The guards were good at their jobs of making themselves scarce, as much as old habits demanded she notice them all the same, and the sea of empty tables made for a… what had been that lovely term her old arts tutor had used? A liminal space? Though heavens knew she’d made a poor student for the woman, and there were a great many more important things to be thinking of at the moment. Saga had met her fair share of leaders and officials - Some powerful, and some dangerous.

The problem, of course, is when you get both…

Anyone doing business in the Sultanate knew the Prince’s reach, between the infrastructure projects and the drone policy. If nothing else, it was likely to be a decidedly more interesting meal than any number of Marago galas with the Rahars.

The Duchess paused just past the doors, and offered a well-practiced Cryrian-style bow - A short dip of the head, one arm over her waist and one leg scraped back.

“Arasho, Prince Bedon,” she said, fixing a polite smile on her face. His Packilvanian, she could track but well-learned lessons told her to allow the translations to go ahead all the same. It gave time to think, and placed no expectations on her grasp of the language.

“I am honored to have been invited,” Saga went ahead smoothly, “And by your support for the Conference earlier.”

[The_Oan_Isles]

15 October 2021

Cryria-Packilvania Business Conference 
Gezer International Conference Centre, Gezer, Packilvania

Prince Thumim stifled a smile. There was something about her that he couldn’t put her finger on. Although he had read of her commercial exploits from the papers, meeting her in person gave a clearer view. She carried herself with ease among powerful men as though she was not afraid, or timid or doubtful. Her mind seemed to be preoccupied with higher thoughts than the scruples of businessmen courting favor through obsequiousness and flamboyant flattery. He felt a respect and admiration for her. He stood up up and pulled the chair in front of her.

“Mitamas dun: jasla”, the Prince said. (“Please, have a seat”)

“Miknasha lumijhalisarud luzayeen. *Mifanteshma ludawa amin nelutawkam. Miknasha dun mumaharaj lusaklam nadine leshakil lehudra letalbal lesunkantrana adun. Mitamas dun kharahma lutadakul amin welukhron adun. Khawayar, yekhron minara dukhafeef nadine dukitba welushaam, miknashas duikhtanisme wemeshabil meakhar. Tarafar, mirakhbal khaknasha lupajeer dun akhausa miwahba wamekumradeen memustaf”. *(“I know that this meeting is strange. I imagine that my invitation was unexpected. I know that you are a busy woman and there are many things that demand your attention. Please forgive me for my intrusion of your time. However, when I saw your radiating as you took notes in the hall, I knew that your were unique among all the other people. Thus, I wanted to know more about you because I would like us to become friends”.)

Although the word “kumradeen” often translated to friend or comrade (and is a legacy of the lingo of the Communist youth whose chants for equality have faded into the annals of history), he stretched it out and annunciated every syllable with such care one might think that he was teaching a child how to speak. In reality, men in Packilvania rarely asked women to be friends. The true message of what he said was obfuscated by the Packilvanian penchant for excessive politeness and euphemism when it came to matters of the heart. Thus in this instance, he sought from her a very distinct and special friendship…

[Cryria]

15 October 2021 
Cryria-Packilvania Business Conference 
Gezer International Conference Centre, Gezer, Packilvania

Saga sat in the offered chair, clasping her hands in her lap as she did so. Once again, the translation played out, and if the Duchess found the remarks off-putting - or caught the nuance - it at least did not breach her façade of pleasant impassivity.

“You flatter me Crown Prince, which is something I have always had time for,” Saga tilted her head in acknowledgement, but the corner of her mouth twitched in something like genuine humor, “Though I will admit this is the first I have been told that my note-taking is radiant - My old literature professors must be turning in their sleep.”

“Ah, but if you do wish to know me, then you must also know that I hail from both of the lands you call Tynam, and in neither one is comradeship lightly given,” she paused as though considering something and then raised a hand in a half-shrug, “Or declined without thought. I must then, surely, know you as well?”

It was a careful enough reply to be sure, one which left the door open for a more blunt conversation without agreeing to anything.

[The_Oan_Isles]

15 October 2021
Cryria-Packilvania Business Conference
Gezer International Conference Centre, Gezer, Packilvania

(OOC: My brain is fried from making translations so I’m gonna just write the dialogue in English so just pretend he’s speaking Packilvanian).

He said, “You can blame the Cryrians for the unfortunate etymology of your country’s Packilvanian name. That aside, I appreciate your honesty and I feel that your request is fair. I was born in the city of Makobar in Kharyat, a relatively medium-sized city about a couple day’s drive from here that was once a fief of my clan under the Demir and Zubrayn dynasties. I spent most of my childhood being prepared for the role of Sultan. Something… uh… difficult happened in my childhood between my father and I that resulted in my parents separating and me having to move to Halaler in Fidakar with my mother”.

He had to take a deep breathe, close his eyes, just to get through that last sentence. When your crush tells you to talk about yourself, you often struggle to decide which emotional trauma to offload and in what quantities.

He continued, “I moved back to the capital city, Bingol. My father and I never reconciled but we developed a cordial relationship. I served in the military, studied law and entered politics handling various projects. When my father went on a long sabbatical, I took up some of the tasks of the Sultan which is where I am now”.

“I consider myself someone who is deeply devoted to the service of my country and who is deeply committed to my religious beliefs. Apparently, tabloids in the liberal democratic countries describe me as ruthless, domestic papers describe me as strategic, my mother describes me as her pride and joy. So… it seems like there are many views of who I am, both true and false at once”.

[Cryria]

Again Saga listened in silence, only raising an eyebrow at the mention of his father. If that wasn’t honesty, she doubted she’d ever recognize any.

“Well, such is ever a mother’s right,” Saga finally remarked, “I know mine would tell me that a story deserves a story, so fair is fair. I was born in Tynam - That is to say, the true Tynam - but Turlan and I spent as much of our childhoods there as we did upon the Khöldsön Jaed, where the steppe meets the sea. You are, I fear, not entirely alone when it comes to difficulties between parents. Love is, alas, a poor substitute for convenience, and I was for a time something of a football to be sent from one side of the water to the other. It was a strange sort of upbringing - I came to love both my homes, but both Cryria and Älemsi are deeply insular in their own ways, and to live among both is to live among neither.”

“In truth, my path forward was always going to be less a road and more an open plain - The options are many for anyone born to a wealthy Cryrian family, and you will forgive me if I call our aristocracy blessed for lacking the same responsibilities as yours. It was not until the age of eighteen that I felt the first real weight of expectation. We retain our National Service system in the Kingdom, you see. It is a difficult thing to describe to anyone who has not gone through the same - Every sort of legally-proclaimed adult from every sort of life thrown together in relative equality. I won’t embellish, nothing will quite destroy one’s hope for glory and adventure quite like a peacetime military, but there were those like myself who were too thick-headed to accept this. We were sent to the Kustjägarna,” the Duchess barked out a laugh and shook her head at the memory, “Two years of crawling through freezing Karlin swamps and I was, though perhaps a little wiser, still happy to turn right around and apply to the military academy in Leidenstad. What can I say? I was twenty and had experienced the first real sense of stability in my life.”

“I could say a great deal of these times - Of my days in the Foreign Legion, and all else. But you asked to know me as I am, not my biography… And if you will forgive some narcissism on my part, Prince Bedon, I like to believe there are at least a couple of nice things written about me in a PMIA file somewhere.”

A smirk said that she equally did not care to run afoul of military secrecy laws today, and Saga moved on from the point.

“When I returned to Tynam, it was after a decade to take up my position as the head of the family and its affairs. If I am to be honest, I was born lucky for the business world. This was a changing time in the Kingdom and the Negdel both - The latter was opening to the world in ways it had not before, but old habits die hard. The Älemsi say ties of blood, language, and familiarity are needed to do business, while capitalism calls for wealth. I had both, and since I have been successful, I am also allowed to say I had enough brains to use them.”

The Duchess finished with all the panache of someone well-used speaking who had lucked upon a willing audience.

“So you see, Prince Bedon, I cannot speak for what others may think of me, though I find it useful for most to not think of me at all, and I am in the fortunate position of being able to ignore most all the same - Some will say I am a mad old woman for seeing all that has happened these past years in Novaris, or perhaps merely another catspaw for a conservative establishment. This is fine, I cannot claim that my career has not bred a healthy sense of paranoia. An Älemsi lobbyist, or perhaps a Cryrian one? Well, just as others cannot argue away my own suspicions, I cannot argue away theirs. But these are matters of policy and governance, and none can know what will be said tomorrow. You wished to know who I am, and it’s the sort of question that deserves a poetic answer. So here is my world - A head in Leidenstad a heart in Tynam, and a soul on the steppe.”

[The_Oan_Isles]

15 October 2021

Cryria-Packilvania Business Conference
Gezer International Conference Centre, Gezer, Packilvania

“I hope one day, a home in Packilvania”, he said.

He quipped, “By the way, I think a quick search on the internet would have yielded some information about you. Lucky for us, I didn’t need a search on the internet or a report from the Military Intelligence Agency to know that you are the most stunning and captivating woman I have ever had the honour of meeting in my life. My mother might be alarmed that anyone other than her could be described in those terms, but even she would concede that I was lucky to have you accept my invitation”.

“Having you here and listening to your story has been a delight. You surprise me and open my eyes to world I’ve not often lifted my head to look at. Serving in the army and becoming your own businesswoman, these are remarkable achievements for any person especially a woman. I know that your life is on the other side of the world and your business ventures are deeply entrenched there, but I would like to see you again and have you in my company one day. Until that time, if it pleases you that it should be so, may I ask my secretary to post to you a cellphone that we can use to communicate?”

[Cryria]

Well, if this was the height of Packilvanian charm, it would certainly need some work. But life seemed to be full of surprises, and Saga had come plenty far by knowing when to seize them - What was one more?

“Again you flatter me, Prince Bedon,” Saga said wryly, “But as I say, that is something I easily make time for. Very well, let us talk more often, I have enjoyed this.”

“Though stunning and captivating as I may be, I will humbly ask you to mind the timezones all the same,” she added humorously, “I am known to become considerably less so at the odd hours of the morning.”

[The_Oan_Isles]

15 October 2021

Cryria-Packilvania Business Conference
Gezer International Conference Centre, Gezer, Packilvania

Pleased with the lunch, he bid her farewell and headed back to the palace where a mountain of responsibilities were waiting for him. As he flew back home, he wondered how she’d react to the gift that he had gotten her. According to her Packilvanian State Security Agency profile, she liked art (although it was unclear whether this was mainly for prestige or tax avoidance purposes or whether she had a personal interest in the finished works she collected). Nevertheless, given the size and quality of the artworks on display at the Tynam Ducal Gallery (which was lauded by Prince Yadul on his visit there a few year’s ago), he was confident she’d at least appreciate it once it arrives at her hotel.

15 October 2021
Bingol, Packilvania

Back in Bingol, Prince Thumim had several meetings but one of his most important was dinner with his mom and siblings. It was a dinner that they tried to adhere to regardless of their responsibilities. Prince Thumim used to dislike his mother’s insistence on this tradition because it took away time from work or removed his flexibility and made him predictable to potential assassins. But he overcame this paranoia and instead came to enjoy the regularity and predictability it offered. It also provided an opportunity for their family to spend time together.

He walked in to the room where an elegant meal had been prepared. Servants brought in each course and they enjoyed the delicacies on offer. Despite his tiff with Abuyin earlier in the year, he was still pleased to see him and had largely forgiven his treachery. He was in an especially good mood today which his mother picked up on and pled with him to explain.

“Well mother”, Thumim said, “I think the Imperial Consort Committee might need an early dissolution”.

His mother replied in surprise, “Why might that be?”

“I think I found the one for me”, Thumim said. He explained who she was and how he met her.

Everyone at the table was quiet, creases of concern were drawn across their foreheads.

His sister, Princess Yadika asked, “My brother, I’m not sure if I heard you correctly, but did you say that she was a human? Is a human from Tanaam to be our Sultana?”

“Mother, dinner was delicious”, he said, “Good evening”.

“My son”, Mebri pleaded, “Princess Yadika Bedon apologise this instant”.

Princess Yadika apologized, “I meant no offence, brother”.

Prince Abuyin interceded, “Well, Thumim, I think Yadika has a point. How can you let a human be our Sultana? How is a human meant to be the shining beacon that will rule by your side and marshal our country forward? She doesn’t share our values or know our traditions and our history! How is a human woman from a far away land hardly anyone has heard of, no matter how senior her rank and sense of self-importance might be, to be the mother of the nation? I cannot support this! Good evening!”

Abuyin and Thumim stared at each other as though they were itching for a fight. Mebris stood up and tried to plead with them both but there was nothing more to be said and they left the dinner table.

Furious, Mebri said to Yadika who said awkwardly in her chair, “This is not fair! Finally, your brother has shared his interest in someone and you and your younger brother decide it best to dim his joy!”

“Mother”, Yadika said calmly, “Think clearly. What if she refused to convert to our religion or she refused to live in Packilvania? Although she’s an aristocrat. She’s a middle-aged woman and she’s in business. I heard that she was in the army. What kind of woman goes around carrying a gun and making war with men? No, she is beneath me and I must support Abuyin’s stance. This will not last and it will not work”.

“Princess Yadika Bedon”, Mebri scolded, “How dare you? Your great-grandfather fought to ensure that humans were liberated and that we may live as one. In fact as your Sultana, I command you to get to know her”.

“Mother”, Yadika said, “I mean you no disrespect but I am a Minister of the Crown, you cannot command me”.

“Well I am your mother and I command you!”

Princess Yadika bowed and apologised, “I’m sorry, mother. I shall do as you have instructed”.

[The_Oan_Isles]

Bingol Royal Palace, Bingol, Packilvania

The Sultan was tending to a patch of flowers in his greenhouse. Prince Thumim was surprised to see him doing anything resembled manual labour. Perhaps the sabbatical was giving him an opportunity to explore the simpler things that lesser men take for granted.

He stood behind his father and gave a cough to indicate he was there.

“Prince Thumim”, Sultan Namdun III said, “It’s such a pleasure. To what do I owe this delightful disturbance”.

“I have come to ask for your blessing and to inform you of my plans”, Prince Thumim said.

The Sultan dusted off his apron and took of his gloves and wiped the sweat from his forehead, “What do you mean, Prince Thumim”.

“I have met a woman”, Prince Thumim said, “A most radiant juniper, fragnant with bright purple petals”.

“Oh my, these are words I had not expected to hear on this morning”, the Sultan said, “I am glad to hear it. Who is this woman?”

“She is the Duchess of Tynam”, Prince Thumim said.

The Sultan looked at him quizzically. “Is that not a country in some far off continent? Novaris, I think”.

“Well technically, it’s a Duchy and the actual country is called Alemsi Negdel but yes”, Prince Thumim said.

“Interesting”, the Sultan said, stroking her chin. “I am happy that you find love and I bless your pursuits whatever they might be especially in matters of the heart. But I must counsel you, ask her of her hopes and beliefs for this relationship you are building with her. She might find our customs strange. You need to know whether she is willing and able to assume the role of a Sultana if your relationship advanced to the point that marriage was an imminent consideration”.

Prince Thumim gave it thought and said, “You’re right father. I shall ask her in due time. Our relationship is still new and there is much for us to discover”.

[The_Oan_Isles]

Before the Coronation of the Emira of the Empire of Sayyed, at an undisclosed hotel in Al Salarqa

Although it might have seemed ostentatious for Prince Thumim to book an entire hotel instead of staying with the other dignitaries at the Royal Palace, one of his leading reasons was that he needed a private space in which to spend time with his beloved outside of court duties.

He was pacing around his room as he carefully constructed his words like a tower made of glass spheres. Then he heard a car enter the drive way. He knew in his heart that it was her. The servants readied themselves to meet her. As he saw her enter the hotel, he was filled with a giddy sensation, like a bolt of electricity had gone from his toes to his head.

Even after months of courtship, he was still surprised by her beauty. He was always learning new things about her. He learnt about her family, her hopes and dreams, her Joys and sorrows. They had shared long phone calls that dragged into the deep starry nights. They walked on beaches together, and danced under starlight together. The last few months had been an adventure.

They had also been instructive for him. He had learnt how to open up to her about his feelings and his personal history. He had found in her a receptive listener and a trusted confidant. Although they were both well on in years, there was a youthful optimism that filled his mind that he had not had for a very long time.

Their relationship had not always been smooth sailing. They disagreed sometimes and once they had a bitter argument that seemed to threaten the foundations of their love, but they came back together, compromised and learnt. She went to her car and without giving her much notice he whisked her in his arms and have her a long embrace.

Their hearts seemed to beat as one. The world folded away like a bamboo mat and all that was left was a beautiful woman whom he described as, “My juniper”.

After exchanging details about their flights and respective itineraries and laughing together about this and that, Prince Thumim slowly and carefully broached the idea that he saw more for their relationship that just courtship. He alluded that he wanted to build a life with her.

“The last few months have been our bliss for me and I am grateful to you, my juniper”, Prince Thumim said, “I think that there is an opportunity for us to be even happier than we are now, when we become one person. But my country and my culture have their demands of my life and the one who shares it. The laws of my country require that you convert to Paxism and renounce your Cryrian citizenship to be eligible to be my wife and to enjoy the benefits that this provides. My Goddess rules my heart and one day I pray to be assimilated to her light. I would be glad if you assimilated to her light as well”.

He swallowed, hard, and asked “What are your thoughts on this”.

[Cryria]

All things will come, and these too shall pass.

It was an old saying from distant and windswept shores, one borne across the seas by sailors well acquainted with the unpredictability and odd fortunes of short human lives. The Duchess of Tynam beheld such sage advices of the distant past with a cynical eye, but there was perhaps some truth to this one. Many strange things had indeed come to her world in the past year, and it was not too much to say that she was ill-inclined to see them pass.

Saga was no great romantic, that much had always been apparent. Courtship, at first, had been something she had approached with careful formality, and then an easier sort of camaraderie with the Bedonite prince. They both had their war stories - most metaphorical and some literal - and all the experiences of what had been interesting lives to share and at times commiserate with.

It had not been until the last month that Saga had determined to belatedly complete the exchange of gifts that had begun so many months ago at the Conference  with a gift of her own, delivered to the Prince’s residence - A preserved Vhydaszi sheepskin map from the Ducal collection, of the sort that Cryrian sailors had first used to explore the Rotantic and reach the Tynami Peninsula. A metaphorical map to her heart, if one was to recall that early conversation. It was as much of an invitation as she had ever given, and one it seemed was being taken up, in a manner of speaking.

Say one thing for the Crown Prince, he was certainly direct in a fashion she could appreciate.

“You certainly have your expectations, Prince Bedon,” Saga remarked. The honorific had, in time, taken on an affectionate tone, “I do not begrudge this. Yours is a position of power, after all.”

“Very well, my thoughts - I have paid my respects to many gods in my time, as any good child of Älemsi does. I do not expect that any would miss one such as me. Such jealousy, I think, should be beneath them when I am offered a worthy proposal from one who is dear to me. The matters of citizenship are a far different matter when one speaks of a land I treasure and to which I have tied both rank and wealth.”

“Nor has the Citizenship Bureau ever been much inclined to accept more than a suspension of such a status, but I will not plead to bureaucratic obstacles when the truth is that I bear expectations of my own,” the Duchess said wryly, “I am aware of the traditional demands emplaced by a Packilvanian marriage, and the value that any people place upon tradition, but I would not be myself if I did not value my autonomy as well.”

[The_Oan_Isles]

At the Bingol Royal Palace,
Bingol, Packilvania

Sultana Mebri was impatient. She said out loud, “Do you think he’s asked her?”

Princess Yadika said, “Asked her to upend her entire life, forsake her people and believe in a Goddess she’s known next to nothing about?”

“Oh, daughter!” Sultana Mebri scolded, “Don’t be so negative”.

Abuyin chimed, “I think he should have asked her to marry him first before asking her to renounce her citizenship and convert to our religion”.

“Oh that’s foolish, my son”, Sultana Mebri said, “The reality is that this is not a normal relationship. He is to be the ruler of our nation. There will be expectations of anyone he marries. She needs to know them upfront before having that awkward realisation when she has to pull out of an engagement because she can’t abide by our demands. I would be sympathetic to her; these are heavy demands indeed”.

Princess Yadika said, “I honestly don’t know what I would do if a man asked me to abandon my Goddess for him! Can you imagine?! If she accepts this, any doubts about her love for him and our people will be quashed”.

“Do you think she likes us”, Sultana Mebri asked, “Do you think she might come to this as her new homeland?”

Abuyin replied, “We were mean to her at the start. I admit that. Our ways might seem so foreign and bizarre to her. But I’ve warmed up to her. She is formidable. Tough as nails and as wise as gossamer. She will be a fitting Sultana whether or not she’s human and a foreigner”.

“Do you think we’ve treated her well enough to show her that Packilvania can be a pleasant place to spend the rest of one’s life”, Mebri asked.

“I’m not sure really”, Prince Yadika replied, “I hope so. It would be nice to have a human sister, especially one who could whip older brother into his place. I can’t wait for our younger brother to have a lady to whip him into shape too”.

Back at the hotel

“I understand that my request is extremely weighty”, Prince Thumim, “I admit that it’s not fair that you should have to change your faith just for me, for us”.

He continued, “I wish things could be different, but these are our laws. The Sultan might have all the power in the world, but the are laws and expectations that even he cannot escape”.

He continued, “This is probably not what you expected when I invited you to speak with me at the hotel so long ago. But I wanted you to get a full sense of what would happen if you were to be with me. Unfortunately, as you know, I come with baggage and this is one. I hope that at least Packilvania can be a real home for you. My family has really fallen in love with you and I know that they were less than pleasant in the start but now they eagerly hope that you’ll become one of them”.

He held her hand and stared deeply into her eyes, and said, “I know that Packilvanians are bizarre. We pray too often. We speak a strange tongue. Our calendar and the time do not remotely resemble the outside world. Our food is spicy and our laws are strict. But for me, this is home. This is where I am grounded and anchored. I sincerely hope that you can see this place in the same light”.

“Throughout this adventure you’ve taught me about love. You’ve taught me that it’s gentle, trusting and loyal. You’ve shown me that I am your equal, your partner. I am just as much to be a help and support and confidant to you as you are to me. I wake up in the morning with tears sometimes, shocked that I could have experienced the kind of joy and peace that I have experienced with you. I sometimes bump into things, with my thoughts being of peaceful nights beside you after long arduous, gruelling days of pomp and circumstance. I want to be that peace for you as well. I don’t want you to carry that load alone anymore. I want to be the home you come back to after the battle is won. I want you to be able to cry with me, to laugh with me. I want to have a life with you. I love you, Saga. Please be my wife”.

On one knee, hands trembling as they held the velvet case agape with a diamond and moon rock ring in its silk cushion, he said, “Will you marry me?”

[Cryria]

“Aspan aspanı,” Saga breathed, one gloved hand on her heart. Words had always been easy things to come by, and there had been few times in life when the Dutchess could have claimed to be at a loss for them. This was one.

“You are not wrong,” she finally said quietly, “It is a strange and distant world you would take me to. I might spend a lifetime before I come to know it. But life is a short thing, it should be sweet as well. I know what it is to call a place home - A place with those one holds dearest.”

Saga sighed, and slipped off her glove, “There will be those who will take issue with this,” she mused to herself, “For us both. But I have always sought to do no less than what I desire, and have found no truer compass than that. We have had our troubles with each other, you, myself, your family… That we should look upon each other fondly still is how one knows these things are real.”

“I would have once thought this a late hour to find love, and that I would have a great many things to say should such a day arrive. But it is not proper for a Prince to kneel this long, “ Saga extended a hand, “Come then, Prince Bedon, let us have each other.”

[The_Oan_Isles]

At a hotel in Al Salarqa during the week of celebration of the Coronation of Emira Scheherazade of Sayyed

Thumim was so overjoyed he gave her a kiss. A strong wind blew a loosely closed window wide open as the sun shined behind them.

After enjoying hours of lionine revelry in celebration of their engagement to which the staff quietly made themselves scarce.

“My family will be most pleased to hear of your decision, my juniper”, he said, “When should we announce this to the world, my love?”

[Cryria]

“We are both here together, I expect anyone with eyes who has not already begun to draw conclusions will be swift to do so,” Saga remarked. In truth, for her part she had previously gone to some lengths to keep their courtship a private matter - There were too many troublesome questions that could arise around such things, and they were easier to avoid than answer. But they were likely well past that by now.

“Propriety and the matters of those few Ducal responsibilities I presently retain would demand that I consult my own Queen, and she is conveniently present - I do not imagine Leidensen will object, and there should no doubt be a fair few in Leidenstad who will be all the more pleased to ease my passage and see me gone,” she said humorlessly, “All the same, I would not wish to overshadow the Emira’s coronation with such an announcement, and Sayyed is no place to make such a declaration from regardless. Afterwards, perhaps, with all in place we shall return to Packilvania and see it done.”

[The_Oan_Isles]

Bingol, Packilvania

It was over a year ago that Prince Abuyin had tried to throw a wrench into Packilvania and Great Morstaybishlia’s relationship through a botched attack on the Malachite Palace in the Oan Isles with the intent of pinning the blame on his brother.

Those plans were stalled when Thumim revealed that he knew about them and would have him arrested if he pursued them any further. So, Abuyin decided to retreat and regroup.

Shortly afterwards, the Sultan had been diagnosed with a life threatening illness. He took a hiatus and hid from the public transferring his duties to Thumim. Thumim became the de facto Sultan and had consolidated power.

In that time, it was revealed that Thumim could not have children of his own and the Council of State had blocked attempts to change the law to let adopted children or children born by artificial insemination and a donor inherit the throne.

This meant that Abuyin was securely the third in line to the Throne and that his children would become the rulers of the land.

Thus, Abuyin scrapped his plans and focused on carving his role, cementing his reputation within his family and ensuring that his legacy continued.

Out of respect to his brother, he decided to forestall his own marital plans until his brother married Duchess Saga of Tynam.

[The_Oan_Isles]

5 October 2022
Bingol, Packilvania

Prince Abuyin read the Crescent with a cup of tea surrounded by the lush and colourful garden his mother had tended and created in the Sultana’s Palace.

Finally, what we’ve kept tightly guarded for months is known to the people, he thought to himself.

He looked up and saw Prince Thumim approach him.

“Speak of the devil and he shall appear”, Prince Abuyin said. He stood up and shook his brother’s hand.

“Some tea?” Abuyin asked, “Gariel made a lovely brew”.

“Why do I suspect there’s more in that cup than tea”, Prince Thumim asked sceptically.

“Then you’d be right”, Prince Abuyin said pouring Thumim his own cup, “It’s a special mix with a special herb”.

“Brother!” Prince Thumim said annoyed.

“Yeah, yeah”, Abuyin replied rolling his eyes in jest, “I know! But I needed something to calm me down. This business of announcing my father’s sickness does not sit well with me. The vultures will be circling above us to devour us”.

“Oh, Abuyin”, Prince Thumim said, “Stop being so dramatic! I’m surprised that you’re the one who’s worried about that sort of thing. This was going to come out at some stage, we needed to tell the truth and to start preparing”.

“Ah”, Prince Abuyin, “Even your own father’s illness is a political opportunity”.

“Of course”, Prince Thumim said, proud of himself. “The fact is that our subjects sympathise with their sovereign and it helps to give them peace for the inevitable transition”.

Prince Abuyin sipped his tea and replied, “I did find it rather interesting that father would publish a letter alongside an announcement of his illness praising you for the splendid job you’re doing”.

Prince Thumim stated cheekily, “Well, you were mentioned”.

“In one line!”, Abuyin exclaimed.

“Oh brother”, Thumim said, “One day, I’ll write a stellar report about you”. He paused and looked at him smugly and continued, “When I am Sultan”.

“I wouldn’t hold my breath lest I suffocate”, Abuyin said, “If you had your way, my branch would never see the throne”.

“Well most fortunately for you”, Thumim said, “I didn’t have my way and the way things are going with me about to marry Saga I do not foresee things changing”.

“How is she doing”, Prince Abuyin asked, “What is it you call her? My juniper” He said this and made kissing noises with his lips.

“Behave Abuyin”, Thumim said with a smile on his face, “She will soon be your Sultana”.

“It still amazes me that a human should be the Sultana”, Abuyin said, “I never imagined such a thing would be the case”.

“You’re one to talk given your escapades with that human”, Prince Thumim struck back, “What was its name? Hmm, ah yes, Jasper Ray. Yours was even worse because one doesn’t know whether it’s a he or a she”.

“They”, Prince Abuyin corrected, “Are something the Aurorans call non-binary”.

Prince Thumim looked at him with a more serious expression and said, “Prince Abuyin, I forgave that escapade and assumed you mistook the gender of that creature. I would not be as forgiving if I found that your attractions are, shall we say, misplaced”.

Prince Abuyin got up angrily, his neck muscles tense and veins revealing themselves from beneath the surface of his skin. “What exactly are you accusing me of? Speak up!”

Prince Thumim looked at him calmly, “I was only goading you brother, calm down. I am sorry if I offended you”.

Prince Abuyin sat back down and composed himself, “I was having a lovely morning before you interrupted me with these frightening insinuations”.

Thumim looked at him and said in a quiet voice, “I should hope that these are just insinuations. You’ve always had, eh, close relationships with friends and given your recent unfortunate mishap, a silly idea like that may have crossed my mind. I should hope that others are not entertaining such vexatious ideas. It would be best that you get married as soon as possible and put such slanderous allusions to rest”.

“Brother”, Prince Thumim said sternly, “I haven’t gotten married because I did not want to overshadow you. You’ve made me wait and unfortunately for me your pace has been glacial, such that it wouldn’t surprise me if there were hummings and hemmings as to whether or not fertility was the only thing holding you back”.

Thumim clenched his teeth and tightened his fist. He took a breath and tried to calm down, “I will take that, as I did provoke you and I’m sorry. Luckily for you that wait is over”.

“I think I should leave”, Prince Abuyin said.

“Brother”, Prince Thumim said holding his forearm, “Just wait. I am sorry for pressing your buttons and using a silly thing like that against you. It was foolish”.

Abuyin replied, “Th- thank you. I forgive you”.

Prince Thumim stood up and said, “I shall leave you now. I just wanted to check up on you after seeing mother”.

He gave him a kiss on the cheek as was customary among Packilvanians, “Take care”.

[The_Oan_Isles]

6 October 2022
Bingol Royal Palace

The Council of Ministers gathered in the Hall of Viziers at the Bingol Royal Palace for their weekly meetings. It was in these gatherings that they conferred on and adopted policy, updated each other of the programs and initiatives being undertaken by their departments and usually talked about lunch and family affairs for the last thirty minutes.

They stood around the table, chatting away with some staring at the view of the city offered from the Hall’s vantage point while others were having tea, as was customary before meetings. Prince Luwadeen had been delayed in a previous meeting and was five minutes late. Although unusual, it was hardly extraordinary.

He entered the room, greeted everyone and asked everyone to be seated.

“I hereby open this meeting of the Council of Ministers”, Prince Luwadeen stated, “Please find the printed version of the agenda in front of you. The first point of discussion is the trade negotiations with Malordia. Now, as many of you know, the government has been planning these talks for quite some time, Our hats go off to Prince Alawadun for overseeing the preparatory stages. Now, Prince Abuyin is responsible for administering the talks on our nation’s behalf”.

He turned to Abuyin and said, “Thus, your Highness, please update us on the progress of the talks thus far”.

Prince Abuyin replied, “Thank you, Prime Minister. The talks are going as well as expected. Their leaders seem to be calm and capable men with a sober-minded and clear-eyed view of the nature of our relationship. They’re not bogged down by inconsequential and frivolous ideological nonsense that poor Prince Alawadun has had to endure - with graciousness and self-restraint I might add - from our counterparts in Concordia and Novaris. The Malordians seem ready to and are focused on trade with our country. The luncheon and various ceremonies went remarkably well and no major issues were identified”.

Prince Luwadeen asked, “That sounds like great news and we’re all looking forward to the event going well. However, I must ask, are all possible security issues addressed, we cannot afford this going poorly because of that”.

Prince Abuyin replied, “My team assured me that security is tight. Based on their threat response readiness triage, they have no cause to identify any hazards that would affect the event”.

“Right”, Prince Luwadeen said, “Our hats off to you, once again”.

He continued, “Now for the matter of the Aldanic Games. I must say that this is the item I am most excited for if I must be honest. Prince Jahalal, may you kindly update us on the progress thus far on that front?”

“Yes, thank you Prime Minister”, Prince Jahalal said. He was a fitness junkie who loved exploring and travelling and was notorious in his youth for spontaneous escapades to far flung places and wild adventures. Age caught up with his sporting career and he was forced to end it, shifting to coaching and sports management. Although his brothers disapproved of his line of work, no one seriously opposed him.

On a brilliant afternoon after selling a player for 4 million KRB to an international team, he was summoned to the Imperial Court where the Prime Minister invited him to apply to the post of Minister of Sports which was to be left open once Prince Hubraan served his notice. And so he did. The process had taken some time and included various rounds of interviews, but eventually he had a one-on-one chat with Sultan Namdun III.

“Everyone in the world will know us just as much for our sport as they do our deserts”, he had told the Sultan, who went on to appoint him to the post. Years later, he was still going strong and was on the cusp of a significant career achievement by getting Packilvania into upcoming edition of the Aldanics to be hosted in Cryria and Antora.

“The preparations are going well. Selections and trials are going well and most spots are being filled. We are still waiting to hear from the organisers as to which events we will be approved for. Relevant funding has been set aside from this year’s budget to support our athletes”.

“That’s great news, Prince Jahalal”, Prince Luwadeen said, “Hopefully this will make up for our embarrassing absence from the Football World Cup”.

Prince Jahalal blushed and looked down. The blunder of not having the Packilvanian football team enter the qualifiers of the Football World Cup which was hosted in Tavaris due to internal disagreements about schedules and payment, disputes between players and managers, and an internal investigation of the use of performance enhancing substances by some players had put a significant damper on their plans and he had decided to bench the entire team until the next edition.

“Yes, Prime Minister”, Prince Jahalal said as he swallowed deeply, while critical chatoyant eyes stared at him, “We will ensure that the issues that affected the Football World Cup bid do not manifest here. We are working closely with the athletes, managers, associations and coaches to ensure that our sportsmen and women have the tools, support and space they need to perform freely and at their best”.

“I should hope so, Prince Jahalal”, Prince Luwadeen said, “For your sake. We have high hopes for you Prince Jahalal. Sticking with your Department, how go the preparations for the Uj”.

Prince Jahahal replied, “Preparations for the annual pilgrimage are at an advanced stage. The Magisterium has received astronomical data from the Lehasa National Telescope Array and confirmed the dates for the last week of the month of October. I have been in close contact with the Governor of Ashura and he assures me that security and accommodation for the pilgrims to the Memorial of the Jovian Gate and the Temple of the Restoration are being put in place. We have offered additional support. My thanks to Prince Duwal for setting aside 30,000 police officers to help ensure that the Pilgrimage runs smoothly”.

“Shall any of you be making your way this year”, Prince Luwadeen asked.

Prince Ravad answered, “Yes, in fact. My family and I will be going”.

Prince Luwadeen asked, “How are the Mrs?”

“Tharia and Falusha are doing well. They have their hands full with the children. Little Bilal has started teething and he’s been a tyrant. Baby Fedwal has been sick with a bout of pneumonia, so Falusha has been staying at the hospital with him and he’ll be discharged tomorrow”.

“Send them our regards and I pray that the little ones feel better”, Prince Luwadeen said, “Tell them that their favourite uncle sends hugs and kisses”.

“Hey now!”, Prince Abuyin exclaimed, “I’m certain I’m their favourite uncle!”

They all laughed and Prince Luwadeen proceeded, “Right then! Thank you Prince Jahalal for the update. Prince Ravad, do you have feedback on the recent issue with the University of Bingol?”

Prince Ravad replied, “I would be lying if I said I had. I have not been heavily involved with the situation happening there. As Patron, Princess Yadika has been in the thick of deliberations to resolve the disputes there, Princess, may you please enlighten the Council?”

Prince Yadika, the only female in the Council replied,“Of course. So, the tussle between the President and other senior management is an annoyance especially because it did bring into question whether the National Finals Examinations would be prepared on time, but they assured me that 12th graders would write the paper on 1 December as is tradition”.

“Alright”, Prince Luwadeen said, “That exam needs to go without a hitch. Please impress on the University the importance of ensuring that they deliver the exams as promised. They should not become complacent in their position as the most prestigious university in the country and allow internal disputes to undermine their duty to an issue of such national importance”.

Prince Ravad added, “I am coordinating with Prince Yadika on that front. Preparations for the national exam are well underway. We’ve already sent the schedule to airlines to reroute air traffic away from testing centres. Private shuttle services are already volunteering to transport children to the exams, ramping up our own transport services. Much thanks to Prince Isakhar for assisting us on that front”.

“Thank you all”, Prince Luwadeen said.

“Prince Alawadun”, Prince Luwadeen said, “Wherever is that scoundrel, Prince Kujil?”

“We have been trying to work with the government of FPS, but their legal system is impeding attempts to repatriate him here”, Prince Alawadun replied.

“While I appreciate your efforts, Prince Alawadun”, Prince Luwadeen said, “This is taking far too long. This man must face the Sultan’s Justice. I think I will have to assign this matter to Prince Lohadek. Prince Lohadek, I think you must infiltrate FPS and apprehend him”.

“Sir”, Prince Alawadun protested, “We cannot do that! Unlawful entry of our forces into FPS to apprehend him will significantly undermine our relationship with them. I will personally look into this matter”.

“Right”, Prince Luwadeen replied, “Prince Lohadek, we can park that idea. But, Prince Alawadun, if this matter is not resolved, I will have no choice but to ask Prince Lohadek to take drastic measures”.

“I understand sir”, Prince Alawadun replied.

“Well, that’s all for the day. I call this meeting to a closed. Blessed Assimilation all”.