Once a Kingdom, Now an Empire

[The_Oan_Isles]

Cold. Bloody cold. Why does it have to be so bloody cold? And it’s supposed to be summer?! Oaloanu thought to himself. It was not truly the cold that worried him; it was simple a target onto which he could project his frustrations and anxieties. He hated war. He hated the resources it wasted, the lives that were lost and the damage it caused. He knew that he would be fighting many wars in the future. Kostoria-Obertonia. Another obstinate fly that demands my attention. What’s wrong with Aurorans? Are they so backwards that they cannot understand peace? But he felt ashamed of himself. He had always been a staunch pacifist, yet he was pushing for wars in other people’s countries. Do I really have a choice?

He met with the Asendavian foreign affairs minister, a Zharkov. He greeted him politely and tried to avoid talking to the Kings, Queens, Presidents and Ministers who knew him. He knew that they would flood him with questions about the war. He just hoped that Jackson Woolf had managed to arrange a meeting. He sent an aide to sort out the details, while he lay in his luxurious bed looking at the ceiling.

[Asendavia]

OOC: Joint post with Rico, wooh!

After they entered his office, Viktor sat behind his desk and poured himself a glass of akevitt as Queen Naomi sat down. “Want any?” he asked.

She smiles “Sure, thank you,” she replied, her guards stood near the door. "What is it, Mr. Zharkov, that seems to bother you, as a mother I can tell " she sipped her drink, staring at him.

Viktor rose an eyebrow. “I can assure you that nothing’s bothering me. Anyway, onto the main topic now, the war in Aurora and Atlantia. Jackson Woolf brought it up with me earlier. He believes that Asendavia should join the war against Xagrurg. He also believes that he, Prince Oaloanu of Oan, you, and I and/or the Kaiser should have a meeting discussing the next steps to be had in the war.”

“Yes, the war has taken a great toll on my allies, it hurts my heart dearly,” she said. " I was thinking of proposing a peace treaty with the GXE to relieve pressure off of the Oan Isles & Furnifold, but this is merely a step ahead for the attack on Ethalria."

Viktor nodded. “I personally don’t believe that a peace treaty should be made. I think that the war against them should continue until they’re eradicated. If you’re attacking say, weeds, you don’t stop with just a few. No, you root out ALL of them. That’s my belief. Yes, people will die, that’s war. You can’t stop people from dying in war, but you can stop more deaths by rooting the problem out completely,” Viktor took a sip of his akevitt.

She looked at him with a grin. “Mr. Zharkov, I’m actually glad I was able to meet with you. I propose that I have the GXE and smaller allied states sign a ceasefire. Once the ceasefire is activated, I want to start Operation Auroran Springs. I will continue funding what will become the independent state of the Republic Of South Yor. I’ll leave behind weapons, vehicles, and helicopters, as well as set up a THADD missile defense across South Yor. I will then fund a Democratically backed rebel group in Ethalria. Once the GXE signs the treaty, they can no longer assist them, giving the SCE time to take the city. I’m sure they would enjoy the help,” she stood up and handed him the secret operation papers.

“That’s certainly brave of you,” Viktor remarked. “Giving someone who’s not even in the war and could join any side of the war, access to one your secret operations,” Viktor chuckled. “It does seem like a sound plan though. So, this ceasefire is only with the GXE and no one else? Quite interesting.”

“I’m not a foolish lady. I’m the Queen for Christ’s sake! If I believed that you were of the other side, I more than likely would not have shown up. This ceasefire is for the GXE only. It’s mainly because, if you noticed, the majority of the Allies are in Yor helping Kuthernburg, and it would be foolish of me to continue this, as I would accomplish the task of freeing South Yor and get a good arms deal with the new government.”

“I never called you foolish, merely brave. As I said, the plan does seem sound. Now, is there anything else you would like to discuss?” Viktor asked.

“Well of course, I need numbers. How can I help your armed forces?”

“Ships to transport our troops, if we join the war, would probably be the best way you could help us. While our army is large, we don’t have that many transport ships, so it would be wonderful if you could help us there,” Viktor took another sip of his akevitt.

“Okay, I can set that up. The Royal 7th Fleet can transport your troops, as well as 12 C-130s 4 AC-130s and 8 LatianBurg C-17s. I can have them here in a Kuthern Jiffey,” she said, chuckling.

Viktor nodded. “Good, good. Well,” Vitkor stood up. “If we have nothing else to discuss, I believe we’re done here. Do you have anything else to say?” he asked.

She stood up and reached to shake his hand. “I hope that this is the beginning of a very good and close relationship between our two countries.”

Viktor accepted the handshake. “I also hope that this is the beginning of something greater,” Viktor made his way to the door and opened it for the queen.

“Thank you,” she walked off to regroup with the other leaders.

As Queen Naomi left, Viktor closed the door and sat back down at his desk. He picked his glass back up and took a sip of akevitt.

[Asendavia]

OOC: Joint post with Oan, wooh!

Viktor was sitting in his chair behind his desk when Prince Oaloanu of Oan walked into his office. “Good Afternoon, Minister. It is a pleasure to meet you and an even greater pleasure to come to your magnificent city to celebrate an occasion as auspicious as the coronation of your Emperor. Although our nations disagree on many things and we have fairly limited interaction on a number of issues, we both agree on the importance of monarchy: that the divine right to rule is something one is born with.”

Viktor nodded. “Aye. It’s a pleasure to meet with you as well. Thank you for complimenting the city as well, Stromharad has existed for thousands of years, and will hopefully exist for thousands more. Onto the Monarchy, it has been important ever since Asendavia formed, even before that, when the Kingdom of Stromharad existed. There have been countless revolts by the people to try and depose the monarchy, but all have failed. If they had succeeded, we nobles most likely would have been deposed too. Divine right is indeed a wonderful thing. Would you like some akevitt?”

“I would appreciate your that. Thank you.”

Viktor took out the bottle of akevitt and poured a glass for Oaloanu. He put the bottle down and took a sip from his own glass. “Now, what would you like to discuss?” he asked.

“There are two things I wish discuss: Aurora and Marpa. For now, the latter is my primary focus, although I hope we can arrange a meeting to discuss the former with the leaders and/or representatives of powers involved there. My contacts have told me that Asendavia is interested in making investments in Marpa. Is that true?”

Viktor nodded again. “It is indeed true.”

“Marpa is well resourced and strategically positioned enough to be a lucrative investment and weak enough to be acquiescent to the demands of stronger powers. Marpa represents an economic and strategic opportunity I intend to exploit. After purchasing a hefty sum of state debts, enterprises and other assets, my allies in the Oan Isles and I have largely depleted our coffers and our investments will take a long time to yield fruit. In the interim we need a substantial source of revenue. I do not wish to compete with Asendavia. In fact, it might be more prudent to work together to advance our respective mutual interests.”

Viktor folded his hands. “Very interesting,” he remarked. “What exactly do you propose?”

“Marpa is naturally underdeveloped from years of isolation and devastated by years of conflict. We need a stable government to rule it. My partners and I cannot use Oan military resources to maintain the authority of an authoritarian regime. But your nation can. Your nation can give the Warlord the weapons and give his men the training they need to maintain and effect his, and by extension, our authority over the islands. Dissent must be crushed and his enemies must be expunged and stability must be restored. We also need to maintain a security and military presence that will ensure he does not step out of line. I ask that your nation supply the chain and whip that will keep the metaphorical cow in check.”

Viktor smiled. “We already have been supplying them with small amounts of weapons. I don’t believe it would harm us to spare some more. We had asked to build a military base, but he declined it. That doesn’t matter though. We would be fine with training them. As long as we get some economic benefit from it, everything should be fine.”

“My partners and I were inclined to asking Vulture Sword to act on our behalf, to extend our will unequivocally and unchallenged. I hope we will not need to play that card. The economic benefit is the centerpiece of the matter. The Warlord is an unrefined savage: a ruthless warrior, but a glutton and sexually aggressive being, who is acquiescent once his primal needs and wants are satisfied. Keeping him ensconced in luxury, of which he has never had, and giving him the semblance of importance is an easy feet. Developing industries and infrastructure will be difficult and time consuming. Our focus should be to divide the natural resources evenly among ourselves. We should, however, give the pretense of empowering the native people to stave off the wrath of our democratic allies in Atlantia especially Mexregiona.”

“With our help, you most likely will not need Vulture Sword,” Viktor scoffed. “Dirty mercenaries. Anyway, I feel as if the Warlord trusts us. We’ve given him money, gemstones, weapons. We could send him more, why not fancy clothing, or magnificent jewelry? Anyway, dividing the resources sounds good. When it comes to Mexregiona, it should be easy. We have excellent relations with them. When it comes to Tretrid however, that’s more of a problem. We do not like Tretrid, and Tretrid does not like us. While our relations with The Atlae Isles aren’t as good as our relations with Mexregiona, they are also good, so we should be fine with them.”

“We can handle Tretrid. The Marpan people will be given education - education insofar as will make them good labourers. The Marpan people will be given clothes, food and shelter - insofar as will make them work better. The Marpan people will be exposed to the “good” life and given the debt to achieve a false perception thereof - insofar as they will make them materialistic consumerists rather than producers and thinkers. Above all else, no one should know how deep truth lies. As far as they know, we are the benevolent redeemers bringing civilisation to untamed creatures and order to chaos and madness. I trust we agree fully on this matter?” Oaloanu asked.

Viktor nodded. “Of course. It sounds like a great idea,” Viktor downed the last half of his akevitt. “Now, is that all for Marpa? Shall we discuss something else now?”

“That is all for Marpa. Our juniors can get the specifics and draft the relevant plan. The Wars in Aurora are too complex to discuss without our allies. They too, however need attention, but just as the dew falls and the flower blooms in its time, so too shall that matter be addressed at the appropriate time. There is a curious matter of the war in Allegheny. Although we have not considered the wars of Packilvania and Veikayu with much interest, we are curious: what way will Asendavia move if it had to pick sides.”

Viktor stroked his beard. “Ah, that war. While we may not like Vekaiyu, we like Packilvania less. We in Asendavia see Packilvania as a threat to the whole world. So, if we had to, we would join Vekaiyu’s side.”

“Interesting. Thank you Minister. That will be all. I shall see you again later. If you’ll excuse me, I need to leave.”

“Of course,” Viktor stood up, walked to the door, and opened it for Oaloanu. After he left, Viktor closed the door once again. He sat back down and looked at the bottle of akevitt. “I’ve had too much today,” he said to himself. He put the bottle back into a drawer and locked it.

[Asendavia]

OOC: Joint post with Jon/Xagrurg, seems like I’m posting all of these, now a days.

As Viktor was sitting in his chair, Erwin Pipua and John Smith knocked on the door of Viktor’s office. “Come in,” Viktor called out.

Erwin Pipua and John Smith walked into his office, and took their seats.

“Oh for the love of Ademar,” Viktor muttered to himself upon seeing who it was. He unlocked the drawer with the akevitt in it and he poured himself another glass. “Alright, what do you want to discuss?”

“We were hoping to negotiate a non-aggression pact with the Asendavian government with the Greater Xagrurgian Empire,” said Erwin Pipua.

Viktor sighed and rubbed his temples. “Now why should we negotiate a non-aggression pact?”

“The Greater Xagrurgian Empire doesn’t need another enemy invading its shores and Asendavia doesn’t need to send its troops to fight in some war against the GXE across the world.”

Viktor rose an eyebrow. “Where did you get that idea?”

“Your alliance with Celannica, a member of the Allies, could pose a threat to the Greater Xagrurgian Empire if Celannica calls Asendavia into the war.”

Viktor nodded. “We don’t intend to join the war. It’s on the complete other side of the world, vertically at least. Much too far for our tastes.”

Erwin Pipua was relieved by Viktor’s reassurance that Asendavia wouldn’t join the war but, he still said, “Just in case however, we might as well get a non-aggression pact in place so your country won’t be dragged into my mess down south.”

Viktor shook his head. “No, establishing a non-agression pact would earn the ire of our friends and allies. Even having you here is risky, although you showed up of your own volition.”

“Well, in that case, what else can I do to ensure Asendavian neutrality?”

Viktor began to smirk. “A few small donations would probably help.”

The GXE Foreign Minister cocked his eyebrow but Erwin Pipua nudged him to not say anything. “How much money in these donations are we talking about?”

Viktor took a sip of his akevitt. “I’m thinking a few million, maybe in the tens,”

“So, around 15, 20 million Xagrurg Kirib?”

“That sounds good.”

“Now that Asendavian neutrality in the Auroran-Pacific War is secured, what do you suppose we do now?”

“I suppose that you should, oh, I don’t know, relax in your rooms until dinner?”

“We’ll walk around the castle until dinner I guess.”

“Considering the amount of Allied world leaders here, for your own safety, I wouldn’t.”

“Isn’t Asendavia considered neutral territory?”

“Yes, but who knows what anyone could try,” Viktor smiled.

“Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine,” patting his hip.

“I’m sure you will. Now, if we have nothing else to discuss, you may go.”

“Thank you, by the way, would we be allowed to go to the coronation or no?”

“As I’ve said before, for your own safety, I probably wouldn’t, but, it is your own choice. The real question is though,” Viktor leaned in. “Are you willing to take that risk?”

“I have a pistol under my coat for my own protection, I’m willing to take that risk.”

“And we have a castle full of guards, and the other world leaders and such have their own guards. You may go,” Viktor leaned back in his chair and took another sip of his akevitt.

“Goodbye.” Erwin Pipua and John Smith left the room.

After the two of them left the room, Viktor smiled. “Ahhhh, the foolishness of the young,” he muttered to himself. He finished his akevitt and put his feet up on his desk.

[Atlae]

The Presidential Plane landed at an Asendavian airfield. Steven Yang stepped out, and accompanied by his security force, remarked, “It’s so warm out here.”

With that, they boarded a limousine and drove the motorcade towards the palace. After a while, they had eventually arrived.

[Asendavia]

OOC: You know the drill, this time, it’s Atlae.

As Viktor sat at his desk, Steven Yang walked in, looking a bit weary. “Good morning, Minister. How do you do?”

“I’m doing quite well myself, although, I do have to say I’m quite tired after having so many meetings. Would you like some akevitt?” Viktor asked, gesturing at the nearly empty bottle on his desk.

“I would love to have some hackfit,” Steven replied, sitting down in a chair.

Viktor ignored Yang’s mispronunciation of akevitt and poured him a glass. “So, what would you like to discuss?”

Steven accepted the glass and sipped a bit. “First off, I’d like to congratulate the Kingdom of Asendavia into becoming an empire. And that certainly means more complicated foreign affairs. For example, we’re currently fighting a civil war back home.”

Viktor nodded. “Yes, we’ve heard of that. I hope it’s not too troubling.”

“It’s a big nuisance, especially since we don’t know what’s really going on the other side of the war.” Steven nodded, taking another sip. “And then there’s our quite unfortunate de-facto state of isolationism since we haven’t been engaged in certain foreign activities. Is there anything of your concern?”

“Nothing really, I’m fine with talking about whatever you want to discuss. Though, when it comes to isolationism, we know quite a thing or two about it. When were just the Three Kingdoms, Stromharad, Tungrad, and Zhelelovka, we didn’t pay much attention to the outside world. After Asendavia was united, that small period of isolationism ended. We conquered what is now the island of Khiyev, we conquered the Finlanda archipelago, and we conquered the Halmkils. After that though, we entered another period of isolationism. We paid attention only to ourselves, developing the land, making ourselves richer, putting down rebellions, etc. This one lasted quite a long time. It only really ended, oh, I don’t know, somewhere from maybe 900, 700, or 600 years ago. I don’t quite remember. Anyway, I’m just rambling now, let’s move on with the discussion, shall we?” Viktor sipped his akevitt.

“Well, there’s always something facing Atlae. I mean, it’s not a big secret that even though in land area, it’s small, the Atlae Isles covers a huge area.” Steven Yang paused to sip some “hackfit,” and continued. “While we colonized those, and they seem to be ‘obedient’ in a way, it’s very expensive to maintain. We had to recently give back a huge agricultural colony to Kuthernburg. In our mind, in terms of foreign affairs, there’s always a threat to stability. We have reports that pirates from Dmitrov might disrupt Gondwanan trade with Neuatt. The latest uprising has shown that we’re frazzled when it comes to rebellion. What will happen if everything collapses?”

“If everything collapeses, eh? Hmm, just pick up the pieces that you can. Usually, you can’t save everything. If you lose some things, sure, it’s a tragedy, but you have to move on and take steps to make sure that you don’t lose everything else. Some things are just inevitable. Going slightly off topic, if I remember my history right, didn’t there used to be an old Asendavian colony or something in or near Neuatt. When I say old, I mean old. Sorry for going off topic, but history has always been a love of mine.”

“Well, that’s quite assuring,” Steven responded, examining the akevitt. “But unfortunately, that doesn’t nullify the point that we need money and troops. Perhaps the new Empire can help us, and we can become stronger allies. Now, the Asendavian site at Gondwana sounds quite interesting. Maybe we could do some archaeological digs.”

Viktor smiled. “We already have plans for our money and soldiers. It’s all classified information though. Unofortunately, we can not spare any soldiers or money at this time. Though, some archaeological digs sound nice.”

“That’s quite unfortunate.” Steven murmured, drinking the rest of the ackfit. “Well, it was nice talking to you.”

Viktor nodded. “Indeed,” he got up and opened the door for Steven.

“Thank you. See you at the coronation.” Steven nodded, giving the absinthe(?) glass back to Zharkov. “The absinthe was great, just to let you know.” He left through the door with his personal contingent.

Viktor looked at the glass in confusion. “Absinthe?” he shrugged and sat back down at his desk.

[PunnyShadow]

Dear soon-to-be Kaiser Harstad of Asendavia,

It has been quite some time since our great nations had last contacted each other, and it has also been quite some time since you decided to join the Fire Pact Alliance during the December conflict against the SEPC. With tensions across Urth slowly rising and wars being laid out, we were quite please to learn that our closest ally, Asendavia, will soon become an Empire while you would become the first Kaiser in your country’s history. While we, the Imperial Council, will be honor to attend, we regret to inform you that none of the Zetta family members will be unable to attend due to various numerous health problems.

We hope to be able to speak to you soon and present our gifts to you.

Sincerely,

https://s2.postimg.org/6zuaaq0o9/image.pnghttps://s12.postimg.org/nzzxwm4al/image.pnghttps://s22.postimg.org/9bdln17up/image.pnghttps://s22.postimg.org/vebumj9u9/image.pnghttps://s11.postimg.org/899mpvuub/image.png
[hr]
Arriving in Stromharad rather quickly via Air Force 145, the Imperial Council members were quickly escorted to their separate armored cars ASAP and were then split up by taking alternate routes to their locations as a security measure. Once they had a second to recollect themselves in their respective vehicles, each of the five members observed their urban environment around them, letting their eyes fall unto the culture of the Asendavians.

[Asendavia]

Viktor was finally able to relax for awhile in his office after all of the meetings that he had had. As he was relaxing, someone knocked on the door. “Come in,” he called.

An aide walked in. “Sir, the Imperial Council of Celannica is in the city.”

Viktor immediately sat straight up. “Shit!” he shouted. “I didn’t think they’d get here that quickly! Help me pour the akevitt, quickly!” With the aides help, Viktor was able to pour all five glasses almost instantaneously. He wiped his forehead. “When will they be at the castle?” he asked.

“They shouldn’t be too long, Sir. As I said, they’re making their way here now,” the aide replied.

“Alright, I want you to stay here while I’ll meet them at the front of the castle when they arrive. When we come in, cater to their every whim, you know the drill,” Viktor left the room before the aide could answer. As he arrived at the front of the castle, he wiped his forehead again. Taking a water bottle from inside his jacket, he uncapped it and drank the whole thing, Throwing it into a conveniently placed trashcan, he exited the castle.

[King_Rico]

At the airport in stromharad the president of the Gordic Council Ralph Lundbergarrived representing the countries of the Gordic Counsel.Accompanying him was the Speaker of Kasmiyland Zacharias Wallenberg, they were quickly escorted off the aircraft and into there amored cars. " Can someone contact Mr.Zharkov, let him know were ETA 40 mins tell the castle" Mr.Wallenberg said. The message was forward around and the lead car contacted the officals at the castle to let know of the arrival.

[hr]

The Royal Guard noticing the presence of Erwin Pipua and John Smith begin talking in there Kuthern Language to tighten security around the Queen " Cùm sùil air balaich sin, leig iad faisg Banrigh Naomi II"(Keep a eye on these guys, don’t let them near Queen Naomi II), she turned around and noticed them she looked at them with a rather eriey face of disapproval.

[Jacknotch]

Noticing the stares by the Royal Guard of Queen Naomi II, Erwin Pipua and John Smith tells them not to fire on them as this is neutral territory and then their bodyguards escort them away to their rooms. Erwin Pipua also tells his foreign Minister to use counterfeit money that were confiscated during GXE police raids to pay the money to the Asednavian foreign minister.

[The_Oan_Isles]

Oaloanu went to the main hall to talk to Queen Naomi II. A familiar face always put one at ease.

“Greetings, your Majesty”, he said.

[The_Oan_Isles]

OOC - Joint post with Jon/Xagrurg/Jacknotch
[hr]
“Erwin Pipua, the notorious warlord against whom I have wrought my entire military apparatus. To see you in the flesh is… surreal”, Oaloanu said.

His guards expressions of disdain and stepped forward in a symbolic act of aggression. Oaloanu asked them to stand down, “Now, men, enmity is not a reason for men to talk without civility”.

Erwin Pipua, remaining cautious, says, “I’m not planning to go start a shootout on neutral grounds especially at a palace so lets just talk.”

“Shoot out?” Oaloanu sarcastically replied, laughing condescendingly. He continued, “Are we doomed to refer to our primal violence to show masculinity or power? It is beneath me. You are beneath me”.

“Well there’s a war on my doorstep that’s threatening to go nuclear at a moment’s notice and some people who dislike my regime so eh. So, do you want to talk or no?”

"Nuclear war? I expect no less of a man whose emotional and intellectual depth spans the depth of the sole of my shoe. You are an impressive soldier. A machine, wrought by fire and blood, to achieve nothing more than the spread of the very fire and blood from which you were made. I use the word made, not born. Simply made, like a box of matches or a pair of shoes, something that can be unmade. Yet age and exhaustion have caught you in your stride. What do you plan to achieve with this war?

“I plan on annexing South Staynes and the dismantling of the Staynes-Calthursian Empire along with securing the Greater Xagrurgian Empire as a regional, possibly global power.”

“You have time to waste. Annex South Staynes? Dismantle the S-C-E? Do you intend to quench the flames of the sun with a bucket of water? Do you plan to form a tsunami by stirring the water of the sea with a spoon? Trivial. In an alternate universe, conjenctured by your small mind, in which you succeed, what would you do once you have achieved this?”

“Anything is possible with the right strategy and tactics. In a universe where the Greater Xagrurgian Empire wins this war, I wish to secure my nation’s stability with allies and rebuild my industry. Also, considering I haven’t been flattened by the overwhelming amount of members and resources the Allies has, I would I have a chance of succeeding.”

“And Kostoria-Obertonia? Are her thighs oped for the pleasure of your eyes, to tear her apart, to rend her to pieces and to plunder her to nought? What do you intend to do with her?”

“You really are fancy with your words. I plan to assimilate the Kostorian-Obertonians to my nation and purge it of any threats to my regime.”

“I’m surprised you understand me. And the ox is let loose in the china shop. You are like an ox. Gorgeous and strong. What good is your beauty when your loins have no seed. Like drought stricken meadows you will be laid to waste. It would behove you to humble yourself and open your eyes. Your doom is assured. The finger that hangs loftily above the button that will launch the warheads, will be burnt to cinders along with the rest of you. I warn you. Even so much as look at the possibility of nuclear war, I will end you myself. Tell me, how do you plan to feed, clothe, equip and move all the men you will need to take Kostoria-Obertonia?”

“For a man as ‘well-educated and informed’ as you, Kostoria-Obertonia fell a week or two ago.”

“Where there is resistance, there is hope. Even when you burn reeds, a small piece remains at the bottom that will grow again. You have achieved nothing, but assure famine and the proliferation of disease. I want you to withdraw from Kostoria Obertonia in a fortnight, at the lastest”.

“I will not withdraw from Kostoria-Obertonia and give the Allies a gateway to the mainland GXE, they already have south Yor, I’m not going to make it easier for them.”

“You will, because you know the one thing about war that ends it: you cannot kill a man who wants to die. I can make it worth your time. Withdraw from Kostoria-Obertonia and I might stop a full scale Allied invasion of Xagrurg in the summer. I’ll even throw in a few billion. Perhaps you’ll buy yourself a better suit. There’s a Louis St. Jean in Sani Bursil. My 12 year old niece would like to civilise you”.

“I graduated from the top of my class at the University of Imperium before the war, I’m decorated from fighting in wars abroad during my time in the service, I know how to fight a war, I know when to make a tactical retreat, but now is not the time so no. Also, I already have a couple billion kiribs in my account.”

“I will make the Xagrugian Kirib worthless. The Bank of the Oan Isles will sell 70 billion S-H-D worth of kiribs at a fifteenth of the value, and convince the others to do the same. Your currency will be worth nothing. With sanctions stopping the flow of resources, how long do you think you can keep up the war effort?”

“Are you attempting to threaten me?” He cocks his eye and motions his bodyguards over to them.

“I am making a promise - one I intend to keep”.

“And what if you were to have a mishap which involved your death before you can act it out?”

Oaloanu laughed loudly and said, “Foolish man?! It is said that the tongue is a double edge sword. It lies so close to the neck that it can slit it open if one is not careful. Count your words. You can bludgeon me with a mace or skewer me with a pike, but you cannot kill me. Your days have been weighed, accounted for and numbered. You cannot do anything to me. Your doom is set and will trigger itself, whether you kill me or not. Insolent creature!”

“Elitist prick. In the old country, even the bureaucrats were less snobbier than you.”

“Your true colours unveil themselves. Resorting to profanity to insult me. It is typical of your ilk. Will you do as I have asked, or are you masochistic - does it thrill you to endure pain?”

“Tell me this-have you ever fought in a war before? On the battleground and not on some fancy throne as you watch? Seeing kids on fire? Seen peasents torn in half? Seeing your friends cut down by gunfire? Do you enjoy this?”

“I do not enjoy it! It grieves me to behold Hades laugh at us - goarding us to kill each other so that we he can become drunk with our blood and gorge himself on our flesh. I want us to talk now: properly. Not like enemies on opposite sides of the table, but as men, men who have thoughts and minds. Is it your past? What haunts you - is it in your past.”

“No kidding it’s in my past. If you want to talk like men, talk like a man then. My past is partly the reason why I joined the coup in the first place. To prevent my comrades dying in some godforsaken hellhole overseas because of the lazy aristocracy”.

“My brother went to war. He was a soldier in the Oan army. He undertook a peacekeeping mission during the Imperial Fandom insurgency. The voices still haunt him. It wasn’t the screams that kept him awake or gave him nightmares. It was the whimpers. Women and men, at the end of their tether, their prayers barely rising to the ceiling. They sobbed, muffled words trying to beg for mercy and solicit God’s help. They looked at the eyes of their killers, bloodthirsty animals who enjoyed their suffering. He watched it all. He was tied up and could do nothing, but cry. Although I did not go through that pain, I feel it and understand it. No one deserves. And even if I may have hated yo before, I would not wish that on you or anyone”.

“I’m sorry for your brother then for witnessing the horrors of war. God help him find some peace to lay the voices to rest.”

“Why are we fighting?”

“I don’t know why.”

“Because it is our nature. Our Saviour beseeched his Father on behalf of his captors that he forgive them for they knoweth not that which they do. Yet He asked us to be like him - to emanate the love that he had in all our doings. It is written that as He is, so are we. It’s enough now. When his blood was shed, it should have been the last drop of blood that was shed by the hands of Man. Let us be like him: trees that bring forth good fruit. Let us end the war”.

“I want to end this war, but I fear that the Allies will destroy what is Xagrurg and its allies.”

“I will stay their hand. They are men too. Formed by the Potter from flesh, not by Vulcan from fire or hewed from stone. They will listen. They will understand”.

“From the last encounter I saw Queen Naomi, she hated my guts.” After a pause, Erwin continued, “I’ll tell you this, if you can manage to convince the Allied leaders to calm down and see if they’re willing to sign a white peace, I will sign it.”

“I agree. By my honour and by my life”. Oaloanu and Erwin Pipua shook hands.

[PunnyShadow]

As traffic slowed down the Council Members from reaching their destination, each of the members passed their time away through whatever activities they had. While some of them focused on the surroundings around them, one member, in particular, Nero, was taking a short nap due to working late into the night when his phone buzzed. Quickly waking up, he answered the call from the Ministry of State Security.

“Hello? . . . . So you finally found evidence of his treachery. Good, good. . . . We shall arrange the trial sometime next month if there isn’t any problems. . . . Of course. Bring in the other ‘Ministers’ as well. Justice has to be served. . . . International? Definitely. . . . If all you need is to is to get her, permission is granted. Be wary of attracting unwanted attention or causing unwanted destruction. . . . If that is all, then I bid you a good day.”

Returning to his sleeping position, he shortly returns to his destructive lucid dream once more.[hr]
Five minutes later

Arriving in their pre-planned orderly fashion arrival, each of the armored cars parked in front of the castle. In a simultaneous fashion, each member, wearing the identical black uniform, stepped out of the car and walked towards Viktor. Nero, being the one to step out of the group, offered a handshake to the Duke and said," Minister, it’s an honor to meet you."

(OOC: Imagine their black uniform as a SS Officer.)

[The_Oan_Isles]

OOC: Joint post with King Rico (WARNING: long).
[hr]
“Greetings, your majesty”, Oaloanu greeted, bowing and then kissing her right hand, " I am glad to see you. The sun seems to shine brighter, the music sounds clearer and the flowers smell sweeter in your presence".

“Such a gentleman, I must say. Thank you for the kind words. You represent the Isles very well”, she says with a smile on her face.

“Thank you, your majesty. Although the political situation in the world is tenuous by most measurements, I hope that at least the acquisition of Atlaesia has brought you some happiness and relief”.

“Rarely does when times like these fall upon us. I must admit the sorrow in my heart is like a wound: when the loss of close allied soldiers happens, it takes a toll on us all. Which is why I made the ceasefire to start with - I could not stand around and watch this massacre take place. I’ve made a promise to myself to not let this happen again. Acquiring Altaesia brings me relief to finally worry on domestic issues and takes my focus away from that”, she says with a small grin, “May I offer you something to drink? Please feel at home - my castle is your castle”. She smiles

“Right. Unfortunately I must tread into more troublesome matters, my lady. Yor. It seems to be the dominant topic of conversation, but with the impact it has had and has the potential to have, it is inevitable for me to discuss it with you. Having had such a heavy hand in the events there, my lady is the appropriate person with whom to share my misgivings and impart my advice. We need to discuss the way forward regarding the government that will rule Yor once we leave. It is said that dog is as great as his master, a son as great as his father and a student a great as his teacher, and a slave as great as his owner. With that in mind, it is imperative that the matter of government is addresed and solved quickly. It will be the legacy of all our undertakings and will confer meaning onto the lost money, machines and men. In a recent article published by the Kuthern national news, a man by the name Voltsef was declared to be the new leader of Yor. I know nothing of this man. I am also concerned that the matter was not discussed with us first”.

“The man - Voltsef - was the leader of the SYG. He has the South Yorians’ trust. It would have been foolish of me not to support the decision. It has come to my attention for quite sometime now that the things Kuthernburg does affects other countries either good or bad. South Yor and ROX control the Southern Island. It is of the up most interest that I support both the ROX and RSY. The thing is that I have to put more efforts into South Yor than ROX. The election for a offical elective government was to happen. I’m sorry for not relaying messages; I’ve been very busy”.

"Fine. I understand that you have been busy. My lady, I do not presume to know what the Yorian people want or need. To be frank, I do not care. I do care about stability. I care about order. I care about peace. I have come to understand, over the years, from my elder brother especially, that man of war cannot bring peace. Each bird roosts in its nest. We all have a place in the tapestry of the world. Government is NOT the place of soldiers just as a library is not the place for fools or a porcelain shop is not he place for bulls. While I respect and admire the role he played in the war, I cannot believe that he will be the best captain to steer its course. Although his people trust him - as the sheep will trust the shepherd before he slaughters them - I do NOT. Once he tastes power, it will intoxicate him. With the “high” of winning a war, he will ascribe himself near deity status, seeing himself as ordained by Heaven. I may prejudice the man, unfairly so, but I live in a world of reality, not ideals. I strongly suggest that we make him a figurehead and send him all over the world to solicit investments for his home, while we place real men of peace - academics and intellectuals - as the true government ".

“I will take heed of what you recommend and I will request he step down before the elections and instead I will request they set in motion for elections now. As far as my participation in Yor goes: it is coming towords an end as I’ve given SYG enough weapons to defend themselves from land, air and sea. My current operations involve working with large countries such as Asendavia, Celannica and SCE. I’ll be focused on taking down Ethalria.” she says while sipping her tea.

“I am glad that you agree with me madam. You are a wise woman, and may manifold prudence be conferred upon you as it was to Esther. My lady, I will not presume to have the power to guide your foreign policy objectives or know the true depth of their intention. But I hold to the firm belief that for all the flaws men and women of power are villified for possessing (we are human after all), I believe that your intentions are true, that your majesty’s governments are guided by their people and their allies. I have heard that you have spoken to the Asendavian foreign minister, a fine and well groomed man. I am not spying on you. It was merely an observation that was brought to my attention for conversation’s sake. I will not presume to know what it is you spoke about or attempt to guess. I may have erred myself in this regard, but I have come to understand something: too many hands spoil the broth. Small containable crises are disproportionately magnified by the mere presence of spectators. How much worse by the increase of participants?! Asendavia must be kept from the waters of Aurora and the South Pacific, if you understand what I mean”.

“I understand what you mean, but this is not a option for me to tell them not go to war”, she says before taking another sip of her tea, “The current operations are being held at the request of SCE, as Celannica & Asendavia are close allies there forces are large enough combined with mine and SCE to take on the powerful Ethalria army. This has been an operations that had been slid under the table for quite some time. These 3 nations have all asked for my assistance, if it means toppling the Ethalria government then sometimes the loss of the few saves the lives of millions”.

“No it will not! I’m sorry to raise my voice, my lady. There is a matter that I omitted to make you aware of”.

“And what may this matter be?”, she replies.

“I spoke to Erwin Pipua”.

“I see, and what may have been said”, she stares with worried face.

“Our perception of him has been wrong. This war has been a disaster in the extreme. We never truly met the man before the war started. No channels for dialogue were allowed to open at all, even if they failed. Although the cost of this war is as much of a responsibility for them as it is for us, I personally believe we were truly responsible and Our Saviour’s wrath should fall on us. By that I mean, you and I”.

“He overthrew the democratic government and declared war on the SCE”, slightly raising her voice, “As a Queen, the last thing I want to do is send my boys and girl overseas, but had we not interfered when we did God knows where we could be fighting now. I do understand the consequences of war but I do not believe our actions were at fault. The bloodshed was horrible. All I wish for is peace, but some things must be done for the greater good”, she says steadily lowering her voice.

“That is NOT the point. We, you and I know the truth. The fools who tout this notion of western democracy, while espousing a noble idea, espouse an idea that holds no water. We know that the right to rule, the DIVINE right to rule is something you are BORN with. You cannot earn it. You cannot win it. Our mandate is conferred by Heaven and Heaven alone. Although our bodies, mere vessels of clay, resemble theirs, WE are NOT as they are. Their authority is flawed, and nothing that they touch can truly yield fruit, for it was not ordained. That is why I came here. Even though the Kaiser is ordained in a rite I know not, of a faith that I do not know and frankly do not accept, there is power here. True power. I can feel it. It radiates off of royalty like warmth from a flame. The common man will stretch his imagination to comprehend it and he shall fail. My lady! Woe to Kings who wear their crown on their head and not at their feet! Woe to Kings and Queens, Emperors and Sultans who do not fear their Maker! Woe to them who do not lead with righteousness for their end is swift! We MUST be better than them, or He will put someone else in our places who is better than us!”

“I see now. I will sit down and discuss and see what can be done to put a end to this. I fear that it may be too late. I will see what i can do only because the Oans have a warm place in my heart and I, just like you, only seek peace”.

“We have another more pressing concern: what we spoke about and what I deduced from that”, Oaloanu said, “The information I have learnt and the discussion that I had with Erwin Pipua, had we had it earlier, could have revealed crucial information and I can tentatively say that perhaps it could have ended the war sooner. Erwin Pipua’s motives for joining the coup stemmed from his disenchantment with an oligarchy that was unsympathetic to the needs of his comrades and his people. His aims for starting the war were the same ones for which we entered the war: to bring peace. He had as much a fear of us as we had of him. Fear is what started this war. Fear of the unknown, fear of foreigners. That is what started this war. And we could have ended it sooner had we spoken to him before this time. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the realisation that there are more important things than fear and triumphing over it. In that regard we failed dismally. Expending resources and sacrificing the lives of our men for nothing!”

“Well I’m sure you are as aware of my dislike for GXE as for anybody, but there were better more diplomatic ways” she says.

“Erwin Pipua wants to end the war. We spoke, and shared our common experiences, direct and indirect, about war. He said that he wants to end the war, but he wants a white peace with the Allies”.

“I am for peace, but the operations in Ethalria are out of my reach - these are disputes between SCE and Ethalria. The most I can do is put advice into Lambertus’ thoughts”.

“I understand that. With the G-X-E, on our side, Ethalria will fall. There was something odd about him”.

“I will keep all options on the table, I will work with the GXE enough to enact peace but the first wrong move I’ll have the GXE brought down. Now I’m trusting you on this matter i hope you’re right”.

“I noticed something odd, when he spoke. He said that he JOINED the coup. It sounded like the coup had been planned before or thought about before. With his youthful energy, simple speech and ruthless precision in and natural inclination for war, he would be the perfect catalyst for a coup. I have a feeling. A bad one. He did not speak like a conspiratorial old man, carefully plotting and scheming. He spoke with the refreshing energy, but naïve idealism of a child. I know that leaders, especially those who rise by turning in their masters, always have personal and selfish reasons for starting a coup. If he was some freedom fighter then I would understand. But he wasn’t. He was a soldier who was taught to obey without questions. Although he may have the faculties to see that his masters were wrong, he would never have truly hated them enough to slaughter the lot without some inspiration. I think someone else is pulling the strings from behind the scenes and Pipua is just a puppet”.

“So what do you want to do is gather intel on the GXE”, she says while noticing the GXE leaders on the other side of the room.

“Yes. But it’s risky. They knew that Pipua and I spoke. If he suddenly changes his mind about the war with idealistic babble about peace, they will know that our hand is in play. I have no way to prove my suspicions. We need to hire a mole. That will be difficult. The Xagrurgians are merciless. If this conspiracy runs as deep as I guess, then they will stop at nothing to shield their plot. Let’s try and gather character profiles of the known leaders of the coup and build an idea of who we’re working with. Perhaps we can meet them and gauge the relationship dynamics. From there we can hire a mole to give us clearer details and plans. Madam, my ultimate fear is the if Erwin Pipua is not the true leader, then he does not have the power to end the war”.

“Okay, I will get KIA to work with your agencies to put this puzzle together. I can’t speak to him nor the President or PM that would be risky as they already know our views toward them. But there’s still the Duke of Kuthernburg & The Duke of Altaesia who could give the GXE a sense of ease to allow us to collect some things”.

“Good idea. We will have to lift the travel restrictions. We will say that we will lift the restrictions in return for prisoners of war. Pipua will accept the deal. The Dukes must pose as arms manufacturing heavyweights. They should meet on neutral ground, Blueacia perhaps, and discuss business. We shall go from there”.

“Although Blueacia is neutral her people are very fond of me, i say we have him meet the dukes in Burdels, Lessau”.

“I agree. We can change the subject of the meeting with The Kaiser”.

[Jacknotch]

DELETED

[Arramall]

To
King Harstad
Empire of Asendavia,

I wish to congratulate you on your coronation and hope for all the best.
I will personally be attending the coronation and will be bringing some gifts for the coronation on the behalf of the Cerdan people.

Regards,
Erich Honecker
General Secretary of the Cerdani Democratic Republic
[hr]
Erich Honecker landed in Asendavia relatively early in the morning. Honecker and his small entourage quickly disembarked the aircraft and boarded a small limousine which promptly set off for the castle and after a brief drive through the city the limousine arrived at the castle.

[Atlae]

To: King Harstad

Thank you for giving me this invitation, and congratulations on your promotion! Sorry for the short notice, but I and my guards will attend.

Sincerely,
Amalthea Astraea
Celestia

[Asendavia]

OOC: Joint post with Cel and Atlae. Warning, this is going to be a very long post. Read this post http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10027071&t=7010265 to understand where this starts.

Viktor accepted the handshake. “Of course, it’s an honor to meet with you and your companions as well.”

“As we are to you.” Nero replied on the behalf of his fellow members, which slightly annoyed them.

Viktor nodded. “Let’s head inside then, I’m sure we have a lot to talk about.”

“Indeed. We have planned for the future of our nations.”

“Marvelous,” with that, Viktor opened the doors to the castle and led the men to his office. After they all sat down, he took out a bottle of akevitt and poured himself a glass. “Would any of you gentlemen like some akevitt?”

“I would be delighted to,” Mitsuko stated with Sepp soon joining in.

Viktor smiled and poured Mitsuko and Sepp their akevitt. After pouring, he put the bottle down and cleared his throat. “Now,” he started. “I suppose it’s time we start talking business.”

Romanovich passed a folder to Silvestro. “Our first order of business is the Fire Pact Alliance.” Silvestro stated as he opened the folder.

Viktor nodded. “All right, what exactly about it do you wish to discuss?”

“Considering the fact that the SEPC is already falling apart, I believe that the FPA would be a suitable replacement to that organization. Of course in order to replace the SEPC, we would need to be more “active” on an international scale as well as form our own military arm. In addition, we would like to introduce a few new sections to the original Pact and create a few installations.”

Viktor listened intently. “Yes, the fall of the SEPC is so… tragic,” Viktor smiled slightly. “As for replacing the SEPC, that sounds like a good idea. I’m excited to hear about these new sections to the Pact and these installations.”

Smiling in agreement with Viktor, Silvestro handed him two photos from the folder: a photo of a new space station in construction and a photo of a possible Arctic Scientific Installation. “Considering the fact that the Eternal Wrath would be no longer in condition to serve us, we opted to create a brand new space station, but it’s new purpose is to experiment within the space environment and for military training. In the creation of this new Space Station, our scientists have created a drone that may be able to work in space conditions, but it has yet be tested in those space conditions. As for the Arctic installation, it’ll be more or less also be based on experimentation.”

Viktor looked at the photos closely. “Very intriguing,” he commented. “Hopefully this new station won’t suffer the same fate of the Eternal Wrath, or the Myriad. As for the military training, why in space? When it comes to the drone, now THAT peaks my interest. I hope that you will expand upon that. Now, moving onto the Arctic installation, that sounds like an interesting idea. I hope that the both of these are successful,” Viktor took a sip from his glass.

“We say military training because it would be a cover up for any military operations out in space. After all, only space to space weapons were banned.” Chuckling to himself, Nero continued," Now onto the next part: the FPA’s Military Arm. We didn’t deploy our own arm in the beginning as the SEPC would have probably deemed it another reason to exist against our “Aggression”. Nether the less, this new arm would be called the Union of Specialized Firean Forces, or the USFF. It’s purpose would be to protect and expand the FPA’s common interests and would be commanded by several FPA Generals, Admirals, and Air Marshalls. In addition to this, all uniform would sport a combination of white, red, and gold to symbolize the FPA flag."

Viktor smiled. “I like the way you’re thinking with this military ‘training’. As for the USFF, it sounds like a great idea. Also, when it comes to the SEPC initially calling us a, ‘threat’,” Viktor chuckled lightly. “I’ll never understand how or why they thought of us as a threat. Anyway, continue.”

“Now here comes several new possible sections to the Pact. The Renewable Energy Section would make current FPA member states become more independent on renewable energy than other energy sources. From 25% to 50% to finally 75%, this would be a slow process. The FPA Council Section would install a main governing forces of the FPA and would head the USFF. The Robotic Section would dedicate some of the FPA’s member state’s GDP to the joint research and creation of robotics. The Ideological Section would be dedicated to the promotion of the FPA throughout neutral and FPA nations populace. And finally, the Medical section would be basically the same as the United States of Wikichang’s Universal Healthcare Act with some differences.”

“These all sound like great additions. I’m especially interested in the robotic section. I’ve always been interested in robotics and I can’t wait for the day when we can create fully functioning human androids, although I probably won’t live to see that. As for the renewable energy section, that’s very good. The medical section also sounds good. Finally, the FPA Council section and the ideological section both sound good, although I can see people probably having a problem with the ideological section, most notably the former and remaining members of the SEPC. Other than that, I have nothing else to say about these additions.”

“We can never truly satisfy everyone.”

Viktor nodded. “True, true. Now, what else do you wish to discuss?”

“The War in Aurora.”

“Ah yes, that.”

“Personally, I believe that we should stay out of the conflict for now. It’s not time for us yet. However, we might engage in the conflict after we settled some. . . issues.”

“I agree that we should stay out of the conflict for now. Although, a meeting between the Kaiser and a few more world leaders has been already arranged, it’s primary purpose to discuss the war in Aurora. Now, what are these… issues?”

“Well, we have to set up a trial for the Fallen.”

Viktor nodded again. “Alright, anything else?”

“Actually,” Mitsuko interjected," I was wondering if you had any tours today."

“Tours?” Viktor looked slightly surprised. “We don’t really do tours, unless people ask, of course. I can’t even remember the last time we gave one to a foreign emissary,” Viktor thought for a few moments. “Why not?” Viktor stood up. “Alright gentlemen, if you want a tour, I’ll give you a tour.”

“Excellent! May we start as soon as possible?”

“Of course,” Viktor walked to the door and opened it.

Each of the members than simentaniously stood up and followed the Minister.

“So,” Viktor began. “That was my office. You’ve all seen the front of the castle and the walk to my office. Let’s head to the art gallery next, shall we?”

“So what does the gallery mostly contain? Paintings? Sculptures?” Mitsuko curiously asked.

“Most of the gallery is paintings, although we do have sculptures,” Viktor responded. “Quite a few of the paintings are paintings of the rulers of Asendavia and Stromharad before them. The ones that ruled before modern art, so to say, were painted recently. You’ll see them soon, the art gallery isn’t that far from here.”

“Interesting. Does the paintings contain any significant event?”

“Most of the ones with the kings of Stromharad and Asendavia are them after their coronations.”

“Will there be anyone else in the gallery?” Sepp cautiously asked

“As far as I know, no.” Viktor said.

“I always wondered: Does your nation have a religion?” Mitsuko once again asked.

“Of course, the Church of Ademar, also known as Ademarite. It’s the state religion and, officially, no other religions are allowed,”

“What is Ademarite?”

“We worship Ademar, think of it like Christianity I suppose, except that Ademar is like Jesus, in a sense, and God. There will also be paintings of him in there.”

“Besides the past rulers or Ademar, is there anyone else significant?”

“We also have some paintings of war and the Ademarite mountain range.”

“War?! WAR?!” Vindu excitedly yet unprofessionally stated.

Viktor looked surprised. “Umm… yes,” Viktor managed. “Is she all right?” he whispered to Sepp.

Sepp sighed in embarrassment as he responded to the confused Viktor," She’s . . . complicated. Wars and battles are her passion despite the fact she never fought in one. I believed that she wanted to fight and die in battle as a patriotic hero as everyone in her family has died in one."

“Ah, that would explain it,” Viktor nodded solemnly. The group walked silently for a minute or two until they arrived at the art gallery. “Alright, we’re here. Let’s have a good time, shall we?” Not waiting for a response, Viktor opened the doors and entered the art gallery.
[hr]
Meanwhile, in the hallway near Viktor Zharkov’s office…

Amalthea Astraea from Celestia walked towards Mr. Zharkov’s office. She joked to one of her aides, “we came at such a short notice that I’m not sure our letter arrived.”

An aide poked his head out of Viktor Zharkov’s office as soon as he heard voices. “Hello, are you here to see Mr. Zharkov?”

Amalthea nodded. “Is Mr. Zharkov here? I believe I have an appointment…”

“I’m sorry,” the aide replied. “But he’s not here right now. He should be at the art gallery, though I should warn you, he’s also meeting with some people from Celannica.”

“Oh, that’s alright,” Amalthea responded. “Do you know which way the art gallery is?”

“If you continue going straight, take the second left, and then keep going straight after that, you should see it.”

“Alright, thank you.” Amalthea turned, went straight, and took the second left. They kept walking.
[hr]
Back at the art gallery…

As each of the Imperial Members scattered off to look at the Asendavians Artwork, Sepp stayed behind at the entrance in order to “guard” it.

Viktor watched as each of the Imperial Members scattered off, all except for Sepp. “Why don’t you join them? You should enjoy the art while you’re here.”

Viktor nodded. “All right,” Viktor scanned the room. After a few moments, his eyes landed on Nero. Viktor walked over to him. “So, how are you enjoying the gallery?” Viktor asked as he walked up to Nero.

“Marvelous. At home, we rarely have these forms of art, nevermind a gallery.”

“I’m glad that you like it,” Viktor looked at the painting that Nero stood infront of. “Ah, this piece is one of my favorites. This is a painting of King Ademar IX.”

“Forgive me for my lack of knowledge, but who was King Ademar IX?”

“King Ademar IX was one of the many kings of Asendavia. I believe his major accomplishment was putting down a large rebellion. I don’t exactly remember what else happened during his reign.”

While continuing to analyze the painting, Nero asked another question, “Why was there a rebellion?”

“Well,” Viktor began. “He was a very cruel man. He loved to flay people alive. He also kept a pit of wolves which he would throw people into. If I remember, quite a few nobles were unhappy, obviously, with his cruelty. While he did successfully put down the rebellion, he died a year or two later. Some people say that he died naturally, as he was getting on in age. Others say that he was poisoned. Given his nature and, popularity, I’m inclined to believe that he was poisoned.”

“Whatever happened to the nobles?”

“No one actually knows what happened after they were imprisoned. Shortly after they were imprisoned, they disappeard. However, there were reports of screaming in the middle of the night for many months after the rebellion. No one is quite certain who the screams belonged to, although I believe that the screams belonged to the nobles. I think that King Ademar IX brought them down there and constantly tortured them, day after day, night after night.”

“Why was the King so ever cruel?” Nero asked in disgust.

Viktor shrugged. “Some people are just cruel, do they need a reason?”

Remembering the “General”, Nero silently nodded." If the King was so cruel, why do you like this painting of him?"

“One does not need to like the man behind, or in this case, in, the painting, one simply needs to appreciate good art to like this painting. Just look at how masterfully it was painted, this is one of the more recent paintings, you can tell by the style. I believe he reigned sometime during the 26th century, this was painted in the 38th century, the century we are in now.”

Although confused by the “centuries”, Nero simply decided to ignore it. “What kind of stlye is it anyway?”

“Well, you can see that the painting uses mostly darker colors. If you look at most other modern paintings, you will also see that most all of them use dark colors. When you look at the older paintings, you will see that they use lighter colors. The older paintings were also a lot more, fantastical, shall we say. For example, King Jon II’s coronation painting has angels and mythical creatures at the edges of it. This one doesn’t have any of that. Modern paintings are more grounded in reality.”

“When did the older paintings start to die to bring in the new ones?”

Viktor shrugged. “I’m not exactly sure, sometime in the last 200, 300 years maybe?”

“May I ask why these. . . creatures were decorated around the edges of the older paintings?”

Viktor shrugged once again. “It was the style of the time, and we weren’t the same back then. We weren’t as knowledgeable of the world and how it worked back then. I’m not sure of the exact reasoning.”

A question suddenly popped up in Nero’s head. “Did Asendavia ever adopt a isolation policy?”

“An official one? No, but the Ademarite mountain range did limit contact with the people west of them, and Asendavia has never paid much attention to it’s southern and northern neighbors.”

“So. . . why are your centuries different than the ones we use?”

“Ah, that’s easy to explain. Instead of using BC and AD or BCE and CE, we use BA and AA, Before Ademar, and After Ademar. The current year is 3754 AA, 3754 years after Ademar’s death. Us Asendavians originally came from Gliat Shea, which, according to our records and reports that we have, was located somewhere east of Arnelnia and west of Aseveth. We originally came here around the year 736. Personally, I have no idea why we didn’t stop further west. Anyway, these communities of people began developing into city-states by 780. Anyway, I’m sorry, I’ve gone off topic, unless you want to know more about Asendavian history.”

“What can you tell me about Gilat Shea?”

“Well, I already said that us Asendavians came from Gliat Shea. Gliat Shea was an old and powerful empire. As for it’s collapse, internal conflicts did it in. Besides being powerful, it was wealthy and corrupt, it did itself in. As for the people that lived there, I believe that some still live in that area, although they don’t speak Gliat Shean, obviously, as it has been thousands of years. I think some also fled to the surrounding countries. Some assimilated, and some might have not, keeping their language. It’s my belief that some of the population of the countries in the general area that Gliat Shea was in are descended from it, and might speak a language descended from Gliat Shean, making it a relative of Asendavian. Again, I seem to be rambling.”

“Do you have any item originating from Gilat Shea?”

“Hmm, I think we have a few sculptures and a few items in the museum.”
[hr]
Back in the hallway near the art gallery…

Amalthea walked to the door, which was closed. Slowly, she started turning the doorknob.

Sepp, being the evermore cautious character, grabbed his Midnight (Handgun) and waited for whoever was going to enter.

Amalthea slowly pushed open the door, and followed one of her aides inside.

Sepp let his grip on the Midnight go as he recognized the familiar face after he suddenly opened the door.

“Good morning sir, is Mr. Zharkov there?” Amalthea asked.

Taking a second to analyze the aides, Sepp responded with a “Yes.”

“Can I see him then? I had an appointment with him.”

“Uh. . . sure. You might have to look for him though. He’s probably near my other colleagues.”

Amalthea walked inside, admiring the paintings along the way, looking for Mr. Zharkov.
[hr]
Somewhere in the art gallery…

Near one of the paintings, Vindu was very closely examining the painting of an ancient battle.
[hr]
Back to Amalthea…

The art gallery was long, adorned with paintings and statues. She walked slowly, admiring each one. At the end of the corridor, she could find Zharkov and someone else in front of a painting of a figure with a rather unflattering appearance.

“Anyway, as I was saying, the coronation will be amazing,” Viktor said to Nero. As he spoke, he noticed a woman and a few aides approaching. He turned his head as he finished his sentence. “Ah, Ms. Amalthea, how pleasant it is to see you.”

“How pleasant indeed,” Amalthea nodded. “Nice art gallery you’ve got. I’m sure this is a better meeting spot than your office.”

Viktor nodded. “Indeed, walk with me if you will,” he turned back to Nero. “Don’t forget to enjoy yourself,” Viktor turned back around and began to walk.

“Oh, I will.” was all that Nero said

Amalthea walked behind Viktor, trying to match his brisk pace.

Viktor stopped at the other side of the gallery and turned around. “Alright, what would you like to discuss?”

“I’m surprised at how the War in Atlantia is going,” she replied. “We’re going to stay neutral, but we’re scared that Kuthernburg might do something to leverage us.”

Viktor nodded. “As long as you stay neutral I swear that nothing will happen to your country, if Kuthernburg tries to do anything to you, I will dissuade them from doing so.”

“As a maritime country, we have to sustain trade. Since Atlantia is embroiled in a war, the country’s finances are unstable. Would you like to establish a trade deal between Asendavia and Celestia?” Amalthea asked, hopefully.

Viktor nodded. “More trade is always better. Perhaps a military alliance as well, so that we can help each other in our times of need?”

“That would be very nice since our military is underdeveloped due to budget cuts. I don’t know how we could help besides sending arms, but hopefully, you can help us in times of need or help affirm our neutrality.”

"That’s alright. Now, would you like to discuss anything else?

“I believe that is it. I would like to congratulate Asendavia for becoming an empire.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll go look at the paintings.” Amalthea walked off.

Viktor smiled as Amalthea walked off. He walked to the exit nearest to him and grabbed an aide by the arm. “Inform everyone here that I will be in my office if they need to see me again,” the aide nodded and started briskly walking towards the nearest person. Viktor looked back one more time and then left the gallery.

[Rogueparagon]

The Imperial residence receives a carefully packaged set of four fruit arrangements, each a different design but all composed of tropical fruits and berries native to Free Syllvin. A card reads "Garetulazen amerom troupek ket Adante Illa Farwe Sillwen! / Congratulations and tropical love from the Confederate Islands of Free Syllvin! The Conclave and Island Assembly wish Jon Harstad VII many successful years as Kaiser Jon the First! These native fruits are dedicated to him and his family for their enjoyment. Please give our regards to Ambassador Nwahr and contact her regarding the second portion of our nation’s tribute to the new Empire. "

[Asendavia]

OOC: Joint post with Chianski

Viktor smiled as the General Secretary of East Cerdani arrived in front of the castle. “Welcome, General Secretary,” Vitkor said.

Erich smiled back at Vitkor “Thank you, It’s marvelous building you have here” replied Erich

Viktor nodded. “Thank you. Now please, come in.”

Erich followed Viktor inside silently, admiring the interior of the castle

Viktor led Erich to his office. Inside, he sat down behind his desk and poured himself a glass of akevitt. “Would you like any?” he asked.

“No thank you, but thanks for offer” Erich smiled at Viktor as he sat down in front of the desk

Viktor put the bottle away and took a sip from his own glass. “Now, what would you like to talk about?”

“Although I am here for the coronation…” Erich paused for a second before continuing “I am hoping we can establish friendly relations between our two countries, we need all the friends we can get.”

Viktor nodded. “Of course. The more friends, the merrier.”

“Yes, that is very true” Erich nodded back before leaning in a little “I’m sure you know about our neighbor right?”

“Yes, West Cerdani.”

“Historically they have been very aggressive towards us, and I fear that they may have been attempting to diplomatically isolate us recently” Erich said “Have they contacted you? Said anything about us?”

Viktor shook his head. “They’ve never contacted us.”

Erich seemed slightly relieved “That’s good to hear.”

“Now, is there anything else?”

“Yes, yes. I was wondering if you are willing to establish diplomatic relations with our nation, maybe exchange embassies and such?” Erich said as he leaned back in his chair

“Of course. While this may put us at odds with West Cerdani, we are willing to do that.”

Erich smiled at Viktor “Splendid, I’m sure we can work to benefit both our nations”

Viktor nodded. “I hope so too.”

“Oh and one last thing” Erich said as he reached into his pocket “f you are interested we are celebrating our 95th Anniversary in August” Erich then pulled out a note and placed it down on the desk “The details are inside the note, I hope you’ll consider it”

Viktor picked up the note. “Very intriguing,” he responded after a quick glance. “I’m sure that we’ll attend.”

“Marvelous, now is there anything else you wish to discuss?”

Viktor shook his head. "No. The last thing that I will say though, visit the art gallery. There’s many beautiful sculptures and paintings there

“I most certainly will” Erich said as he stood up “It’s been a pleasure meeting you Duke Viktor” Erich then offered his hand out for a handshake

Viktor stood and accepted the handshake. “Have a wonderful time while you’re here,” After Viktor sat back down, Eric left the office.