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Post by scottishprince93 on Aug 14, 2015 19:44:22 GMT
Alex: *listens with interest and nods, smiling cordially* I'd love to see the Carnival and the beaches. *at that point Cat envisioned Alex on an Azorian beach wearing nothing but shorts, his long, strong legs showing, his muscles rippling. She had no idea that at the same time, he was imagining her in similarly revealing beach clothes* I'd say our best events are the Trooping of the Colour and Jubilee Parades. The former is a public and official celebration of the monarch's birthday. His Imperial Majesty is the cnetre of it and there is a lot of elaborate ceremonies and pomp. I think you'd like it. The Jubilee Parades mark out milestones in a monarch's reign. There is a great parade down the River Dash in the capital. The Emperor will be celebrating his first Parade in 2018 to mark ten years on the throne.
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Post by Jaslandia on Aug 14, 2015 21:52:08 GMT
As the Merry Parting was getting underway, three sleek, black limousines pulled in front of the Sommer Palace. Several security agents dressed in black suites guarded the five Jaslandian royals attending the Merry Parting: King Michael II of Jaslandia; Michael's wife Queen Anna; Prince Regent Jason; Jason's wife Princess Victoria; and Michael and Anna's eldest son Crown Prince Lawrence.
"Well, this is the place," Prince Jason said to his family. "This is where Nuremgard is hosting the Merry Parting."
"This is a very nice palace," Victoria remarked. "Comparable to our residences in Jaslandia."
"It's certainly grand," Jason said. "Although I think it's more appropriate for a main residence. A royal summer residence should be a smaller, secluded place where you can get away from the hustle-and-bustle of the capital, and attend to matters in a tranquil atmosphere. Much like our summer residence at Petrovium Palace."
Michael shook his head. "That's your problem, Jason. You also want to get away and live a quiet life. Lighten up! The party awaits!"
The Jaslandian royals approached the gates of the palace. After being cleared by security, the five entered the main room and began mingling with the guests.
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Post by Ehrereich on Aug 15, 2015 3:32:00 GMT
Jacob Ward was a normally simple man. The President of Life of the Northern Confederated States of Ehrereich preferred to travel light and inconspicuous. However, it appeared he would not have that particular option on this trip. The thirty year old was a veteran of his nation's military, and had held his office since he was elected after the passing of his popular father, nine years prior. Formally the Field Marshal of the Ehrereichan Armed Forces, as well as the elected executive, he was a man with a broad depth. He was alone on this trip, having left his staff and security behind, entrusting it to his sidearm, and the security provided by the Nuremgarders. With a shrug, he exited the limo, having handed over his sidearm in advance to the security operative who was his escort.
A flick of his gaze, and he took in the sights, getting a sense of the crowd. With a wry grin, he moved down the carpet towards the entrance to the palace. He wore a tailored black silk three piece suit, with a gold and blue brocaded tie. As he filtered through security, he flicked his gaze about, looking for the people he'd know, such as they were, or the people he needed to meet. The Azorian royal family was on his priority list, as were the hosts, and he spotted a friendly face in Prince Jason of Jaslandia. He got the distinct impression that he was the only non-royalist present, at the moment, and that would be interesting to say the least...
With a shrug of his shoulders, he made his way into the crowd proper, opting to mingle, before looking to his work. It was too rare that he simply had a chance to enjoy himself.
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Post by islesofazoria on Aug 15, 2015 15:40:08 GMT
While Princess Catarina was talking to Grand Prince Alexander, Princess Mariana and Lady Beatriz were talking amongst themselves. PM- "Hey, did you see who just walked in?" *nodding over towards President Wards direction for Lady Beatriz to notice, while here arms were crossed and a glass of wine in here right hand* Lady Beatriz looked over to President Ward. LB- "Who is he? Is he a royal?" PM- "Ah, no I don't think so. I actually think he is President of Life of Ehrereich." LB- "Oh really? President of Life? I have never heard of such a thing, might as well be a king or an emperor..right?" *chuckles* PM- "Sure, anyway I am going to go mingle with some other faboulous people..oh and grab another glass." *Mariana speaking in a sarcastic tone* Princess Mariana could care less for all of the "fake" behavior which she thinks is happening at this event. She is looking for a good time, grab some drinks and meet some boys. Lady Beatriz on the other hand, would like nothing more than to find a man to possibly be her next husband. Lady Beatriz was once married to Lord Simon Duarte (English translation), Lord Simon was the son of very influential nobles of Azoria. The marriage for Simon's family was to cement a close relationship with the royal family, where for Beatriz, it was truly for love. Simon was always known as a "playboy" but Beatriz did not care for all of the gossip that came with Simon because she find a good man in him. This was all true until Lord Simon cheated on her with the help, and many of them. She was so distraught when her marriage with Simon fell to pieces. After all, they have a daughter together named Mia Lorena. Lady Beatriz would like nothing more to find a faithful husband and a father for Mia. While Lady Beatriz was analyzing President Ward, Mariana ran into Prince Lawrence of Jaslandia while grabbing some more wine and orderves. PM- "Hi, I am Mariana, it is a pleasure to meet you Prince Lawrence. Wait, should I call you? *saying with a curious look* or should it be something a bit more official?" Princess Catarina was enjoying her conversation with Prince Alexander; however, she dismisses herself in order to go talk to her brother Tomas. PT- "So, how is it going over there..with Alexander?" PC- "It is nice. I think he is a really nice guy and you can tell he is very into his country and proud of it. I like that." PT- "Well good, but hey...have you seen mom?" *with a look of confusion on his face* PC- "No, actually I haven't seen her at all actually. I kind of got lost in my conversation." Prince Tomas and Princess Catarina go off together looking for Queen Isabella.
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Post by scottishprince93 on Aug 15, 2015 16:40:59 GMT
Everyone in the room settled at their tables but rose to their feet in respect when the national anthem of Nuremgard began to play. The Emperor and Empress had entered the room and were standing side by side at the top table. The former wore a very fine, smart black suit with white shirt and dicky bow while the latter wore a stunning purple dress as well as beautiful imperial jewelry and a shimmering tiara. Once the anthem stopped, the Emperor spoke to the room.
Stefan: I would like to thank you all for coming here tonight. This summer's Season was a particularly exciting one but it passed all too quickly. However, we can console ourselves knowing that it will not be long before we have yet another one to enjoy next year. This Merry Parting is quite special because we have some very distinguished guests here tonight. That's not to say that I think none of you are distinguished...*there is a gentle wave of laughter across the room* but we do indeed have honoured guests, many of whom are sitting at this very table. I would like to extend my sincerest and warmest welcomes to the Royal Families of Azoria and Jaslandia and also to the President of Ehrereich, who seems to be the only republican in this room. *There is another wave of laughter* Or at least the only honest one. *another laugh* Welcome, one and all, and I hope you enjoy the evening.
The room fills with applause as the Emperor and Empress sit down. Once they did, food was served to all the tables and the guests enjoyed a wonderful feast before they all moved into the magnificent adjacent ballroom to dance, drink and mingle.
In the ballroom, the Emperor approached the President of Ehrereich and extended his hand.
Stefan: Mr. President, it was good of you to come. This is the Empress Charlotte.
Charlotte: *offers her own delicate hand* How do you do, Mr. President?
Prince Tomas and Princess Catarina found their mother speaking with the Empress Dowager of Nuremgard who looked beautiful but intimidating in her lavish blue dress, imperial jewels and tiara. The two matriarchs appeared to epitomise the majesty and dignity of their respective dynastic houses as well as the honour of their two nations.
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Post by islesofazoria on Aug 15, 2015 17:32:06 GMT
Queen Isabella quickly went over to the grand ballroom to see what everyone was gathering around for. It was Catarina dancing with a man and lighting up the dance floor. It was Princess Catarina dancing with Prince Alexander of Nuremgard. They were laughing and having a good time. All of the guests could see that something very special was happening between the two, and this made Queen Isabella very happy. Queen Isabella looks over to her other side and with a surprising look on her face, sees her other daughter Mariana dancing with Prince Lawrence of Jaslandia. They looked much closer and were staring into each others eyes. Queen Isabella thinks to herself that this trip has been a success after all. She walks over to President Ward and Emperor Stefan, ready to get down to business. After all, forming alliances is on her agenda.
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Post by Jaslandia on Aug 15, 2015 20:01:57 GMT
"Please," Crown Prince Lawrence said to Mariana, "just call me Lawrence. We're both royalty, so there's no need for formalities." While Lawrence tried to be polite, and he was genuinely curious about the Azorian princess, he was also a bit uncomfortable. Lawrence had always been a more introverted person, and grand parties such as this made him feel self-conscious.
"So," the Jaslandian Crown Prince said awkwardly to Mariana, "what do you think of this party so far?"
Meanwhile, Prince Regent Jason and his wife were wandering the party room. Much like his nephew, Jason also wasn’t a fan of lavish gatherings. But, to Jason, these events were at least a good time to conduct official business or preliminary dealings. In the crowd, the Prince Regent saw Jacob Ward of Ehrereich conversing with Lady Beatriz of Azoria. Jason and Victoria went over to them.
"President Ward," Jason began as he approached the leader of Ehrereich. "It’s a pleasure to see you again. This is my wife, Victoria."
"My husband has told me about you," Princess Victoria said. "He said you are a very intelligent man."
Jason turned toward the Azorian woman. "And you must be Lady Beatriz? It is an honor to meet you."
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Post by Ehrereich on Aug 15, 2015 22:10:24 GMT
During the dinner party, Jacob acknowledge the salutations with a wry grin, and a raise of his wine glass. He had found himself sitting quite well alone, and that was fine, for the moment. It seemed that the crowd didn't quite know what to make of him. That was quite alright, for the moment. As the dinner wound down, he continued to do his random mingling. His attache and Deputy of Foreign affairs had suggested that he come here. He suspected it was to get him away from the office for a little while. Being devoted to one's country and work did little for one's social life.
With a shrug, as the ball started in earnest, he moved away from the table, grinning to himself. Jacob meandered his way about the crowd, pausing as he felt eyes on him. A quick glance around and he found the source. Lady Beatriz. He quirked his eyebrow slightly and shifted, changing direction to make his way towards the woman. She was... striking, to say the very least. As he reached her, he gave her a polite nod, and extended a hand to her.
"Madame, I'm Jacob Ward, President of the Northern Confederated States of Ehrereich. Might I have the pleasure of making your acquaintance?" as he was approached by the Emperor and Empress. He gave the emperor a warm handshake and a nod, as he turned to face Empress Charlotte. "A pleasure to make your acquaintances properly. I have heard much to the good about both of you. I thank you for your kindness, and your invitation. It is, unfortunately, not often that I get to escape the requirements of my office."
As Prince Jason and his entourage arrived, he favored the man with a nod. "Greetings, my friend." He shook the other's hand. "We should talk, when there is time, about the direction relations between our two nations will take. But enough of that for now; I am not here on business, precisely."
As his wife, Victoria, shook his hand and spoke, he favored her with a smile. "Madame, your husband is too kind. He happened to meet me in an area that through necessity, I happen to specialize in. But I thank you for the compliment all the same." At Jason's indication of precisely who he was speaking with, for the first time in a while, he found himself taken off guard. An Azorian noblewoman? Very interesting, to say the least... Here he was, the sole Republican, as indicated, at the moment and surrounded by a sea of nobility.
"I must admit, I feel something like a fish out of water, here. I am pleased with your hospitality, to say the least, and I am glad to meet all of you."
He paused, seeing the approaching Queen Isabella of Azoria, favoring her with a nod, as she approached.
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Post by scottishprince93 on Aug 15, 2015 22:31:19 GMT
The Emperor nods and listens to the President speak.
Stefan: We are happy to have you here. This is the first time our nations have officially communicated. I should introduce you to the Prime Minister. Both of you can muse over the burdens of power. *he chuckles when the President says he feels like a fish out of water* I hope you are not too intimidated. Nuremgard has its own republicans of course but I highly doubt they will be here tonight. Then again, the only difference between you and me is that you were elected. *he smiles. Another big difference was that the President had real political power whereas Stefan was a constitutional monarch* Ah, here comes Queen Isabella.
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Post by Ehrereich on Aug 15, 2015 23:29:46 GMT
"As they say, sir, 'Heavy is the head that wears the crown'." Ward nodded to the emperor. "We aren't so different, but I would wager that if things went sideways on me, the likelihood of me being removed, versus you being removed would be much greater. I pray that I can continue to serve my people as I have, and hope that I have upheld the legacy of the strong rulers who have preceded me."
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Post by scottishprince93 on Aug 15, 2015 23:37:07 GMT
Stefan: *hums* That's admirable. At least you want to put your power to good use. Many say I have an easy run of things because I get to be the beloved and respected figurehead while my prime ministers and their peers are loathed and derided. I guess that's one of the pitfalls of our Constitution. "The Sovereign is inviolable. Their ministers are accountable."
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Post by islesofazoria on Aug 16, 2015 0:27:44 GMT
QIV- "Hello President Ward and hello Emperor Stefan. It is a pleasure to meet you both," says Queen Isabella. "Now may we talk business? Actually before we get started let me ask..Emperor, are you able to make any sort of diplomatic decisions? Because I would like nothing more than for our nations to align in trade and military operations. How do you feel about this? For you too President Ward."
Queen Isabella did not like to "beat around the bush", she gets down to business rather quickly because of the responsibility she feels to taking care of the Azorian people. Her father, King Manuel III, was an incredible king whom the people of Azoria adored, so Queen Isabella feels like at times she must live up to the greatness her father left behind.
While Queen Isabella was conversing with President Ward and Emperor Stefan, Mariana was enjoy her time with Prince Lawrence.
PM- "I think this party has been very fun. How about yourself?"
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Post by scottishprince93 on Aug 16, 2015 0:34:17 GMT
The Emperor was slightly taken aback by Queen Isabella's straight forwardness but he rather admired it.
Stefan: I feel that would be very advantageous but you would need to speak to the Prime Minister about this. *he glances over his shoulder* Oh, speak of the Devil. Prime Minister. *extends his hand*
Klein: Your Imperial Majesty. *bows his head then shakes his sovereign's hand. He then addresses Isabella with another bow* Your Majesty. *then to Ward* Mr President. *offers his hand* So good of you both to come.
Stefan: Her Majesty was just saying that she would like nothing more than for Azoria and Nuremgard to be allies in trade and military.
Klein: Oh, I see. That does sound very beneficial for both sides. I'd be more than happy to discuss the details at a more private and official meeting. I'd need to bring the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Business & Trade and Defence along with me of course.
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Post by Ehrereich on Aug 16, 2015 0:39:54 GMT
Jacob shook the Prime Minister's hand and nodded, before looking back to Queen Isabella. "Aye ma'am, I am. I had intended to discuss this with you, as the Isles of Azoria are among a handful of nations with which senior members of my Parliament and I agree that we would like to extend diplomatic and strategic relations. The full package of that I am not prepared to discuss just yet, but the totality of our proposal awaits being securely wired to the appropriate office pending a phone call after we had properly met. Key points include a mutual defense pact, as well as expanded trade relations. As a matter of fact, that same extends to both Nuremgard and Jaslandia, which... I suppose makes this rather convenient. You will find that there ate no better friends, and no worse enemies than Ehrereichers."
Ward smiled lopsidedly and gave a bit of a shrug.
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Post by islesofazoria on Aug 16, 2015 0:42:09 GMT
QIV- "Great! Now, what Azoria can offer are access to all of our bases throughout the Atlantic Ocean and whenever another nation or entity invades or declares war on Nuremgard, Azoria WILL be there to back you up. And in terms of trade, we can drop all tariffs for imports and exports between Azoria and Nuremgard. This all goes for Ehrereich and Jaslandia as well."
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