Author Topic: The Lodjain Court - IC  (Read 22586 times)

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Offline Libby

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The Lodjain Court - IC
« on: October 29, 2017, 08:15:52 PM »
OOC thread here here

The Island of The Goddess was a place of highly mixed emotions at the moment. There was of course the annual "Ball" period going on within the nation and the teenage girls who lived on the island always looked forward to that, but this year there was the tragedy of the Queen's condition and alongside that some excitement about the selection of a new Queen potentially coming at anytime. For the Lodjains who lived on the island it was difficult enough but to those handful of outsiders who had taken up residence as Ambassadors to the Queen's court it must have been even more confusing. The various Ministers of the Conclave were busy trying to keep the Kingdom running smoothly while at the same time trying to work out whether they actually had the authority to do what they were planning. In the past few days there had been more than one serious arguement between senior and junior ministers over differences of opinion. One of those was presently going on between Duke Maxim Schnoor, the minister of Home Affairs and a junior. "We don't need those buffons in the Intelligence Service wandering around the Palace." they were once more discussing the investigation into the Queen's attempted murder. The arguement ended when Maxim slammed his junior's office door and began storming his way down the corridor.

Sat on one of the window seats as Maxim stormed past was Katyusha Andronikashivili, one of the four girls being considered for the throne should Viktoriya die. She raised her head from her book as the man walked past, she considered whether she should stand and bow, after all the man was a Duke, but then part of her said she should just ignore him because she was potentially picked by Sessifet while this man clearly wasn't. She shook her head with a rye smile as she heard him swearing under his breath as he continued up the corridor. Katyusha picked her feet up and sat leaning with her back against the cold smooth stone wall with her feet stretched out touching the wall at the opposite side of the arch window. She watched the sea beneath her the salty smell of the churning ocean filling her nose. It was a peaceful place and she thought it the perfect place to enjoy her poetry book.

Beneath her on one of the rocky shorelines she could make out someone walking along keepin her balance on the rocks that formed little pools. Nataliya Kozel had got bored of the room that she had been given. It was an amazing room, lavish soft furnishings, beautiful artworks and if she picked up a phone people brought her anything she wanted, but it wasn't the fresh air that she loved so much. She'd found a path down to this set of rocks and now strolled from rock pool to rock pool looking at what was trapped in, a few fish, shells, in one a tiny octopuss. She took note of the tide beginning to change and rather than heading back up the tiny rock path that took to the top of the Islands rock took her towards the harbour. She noted a loud gathering in the tiny bar that the plebs who lived on the island but ignored it as after all it wasn't her domain.

Inside the little bar Tatiana Kohut was having a whale of a time, her security escort however stood by the door looking rather stiff. Tatiana had been out watching the boats coming in on the Saturday afternoon run and had heard music. She had instinctively headed in and found a greyhaird old man sat playing a fiddle while another had a small drum, the place had stopped and glanced at her momentarily. "Hiya" she said rather nervoulsy waving awkwardly at everyone, she took a deep breath walked up to bar and ordered a soft drink. The music began again and now ten minutes later she'd got four of five of the locals up teaching them various dances.

The sound of the raucious music from down below drifted over the houses that formed the community who lived on the island and up to the front lawn of the palace. Many of the noble girls who lived with family on the island where busily doing each others make up and hair ready for a ball that was going to take place on the mainland, Arina Pasternak would normally have been getting excited for it herself. She loved things like balls however with the current situation she was in she'd been forbidden, instead she was enjoying the sun, she'd brought a large sheet from her room and lay topping up her tan surrounded by bowls of fresh fruit and a giant jug of iced tea. A few of the other girls came over occasionally and asked for her advice and she did her best to be diplomatic aware that these balls where the place many young girls found their first husband.

All in all it was a nice quiet Saturday afternoon apart from the sound of Maxim Schnoor slamming his own office door.

Offline The Young Pope

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2017, 09:30:14 PM »
A distinguished gentleman who seemed to be in his early 60s, dressed in the sumptuous red robes of his calibre, was kneeling in front of a large cruxifix that was hanging from his room as well as in front of an altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary ,praying the rosary as he was holding one himself; Rosary beads help Catholics count their prayers. More importantly, Catholics pray the rosary as a means of entreaty to ask God for a special favor, such as helping a loved one recover from an illness, or to thank God for blessings received — a new baby, a new job, a new moon. This man was Cardinal Émile Fava, Archbishop of Ravonne and the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Lodja, from the illustrious and wealthy Fava Family whose origins still remain to be sort of a mystery; it was unusual actually that a Fava member decided to seek the line of clergy work, even his own relatives couldn't at first understand why but the realization that it could mean even more family influence in the world of the ecclesiastical domain brought a strong allure...

Cardinal Fava, who was a secret Bene Gesserit faithful, actually prayed to his own natural, God, Gods, whatever one believed in, thanking the divinity for granting his family the absolute fortunes and luck during all these years they've been in ES, founding one company after the other as if it were to be a piece of cake without any efforts at all even though it meant actually good business sense and skills which was already imbedded in the family itself. He also thanked further the dvinity that his family now controlled the province of Ravonne, as they already controlled it indirectly by having all of their companies there as their social sieges, add to the fact that it was through him that he controlled the province's Archbishopric, a title he truly cared much attention to, as well as becoming a Cardinal, sure he wouldn't probably see the day he would become Pope but the prestige and honor it brought for himself and his family...it further strengthened the Church's cooperation with the Favas.

After 30 minutes of rosary praying, he quickly knelt, crossed himself, and put his hands together right before leaving his room - it was time to take a breather and further medidate out in the castle grounds. Cardinal Fava shut and locked the door; one could never truly trust everyone these days even though the company in which was residing seemed to be dependable enough. He looked at the key once more, still comprehending that he managed to get a spot in this exclusive location, letting off a little smile, before putting it in his pocket. He was wearing the traditional Cardinal outfit, a beautiful and impressive reddish color which truly shined bright when the sunlight was being focused on. The Cardinal never got tired by the interior of the palace, as the exterior looked just any regular one he visited, but this "Palace of the Goddess" was something of an eye breaker, the architects and builders who crafted this master piece must've been payed a hefty price for this to see completion; colors, tiles and symbols of all types and creeds were layed out for the visitors to spectate and take impression from, which meant that one would never ever forget these moments.

As the Cardinal was strolling by, he himself like many residents of this ancient palace, heard a large bang as if someone were to slam a door, indicating anger, distress, irritation. The foot steps of this other individual began quite faintly but became stronger and stronger as Fava walked towards the sound and it was clear that the foot steps were heading towards him. After a while he managed to meet this individual half-way from where he came from - It was Duke Maxim Schnoor, the Minister of Home Affairs, and he did indeed look in a pretty bad mood. Fava didn't really care too much about the inner politics of Lodja, well it was truly a shame that the Queen was now declared brain dead no hope was really there for her anymore and now you got four candidates within the palace grounds, God knows what their activites are and where they are now...even though he was merely there to represent his holiness Pope Peter II, this could be a golden opportunity to spark a candle so to say, ES and Lodjain relations becoming stronger and what it could mean for both countries, well he was about to embark on that exciting journey....

"Something on your mind Duke Schnoor, you look like as if someone dear cheated on you or something...?" he began, trying to begin a conversation if the Duke didn't decide to simply ignore him and continue to wander off, cursing whatever came to his mind.

Offline Cool101jr

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2017, 04:08:09 PM »
Aliana was beside herself looking in the mirror at what she was wearing. Back in Revana in her secretarial duties, she never really had to worry about what she wore as long as it was professional, but now she had to present an image, represent Revana in a professional manner that made a statement, and she was lost. She glanced back over her current outfit, a tight fitting strapless red blouse and a pair of black jeans, with boots coming up just under her knees and nodded, satisfied with the outfit and hoping it was good enough. She made her way to the door, muting her phone to assure that there was no way she would be bothered as she made her way around the palace. She took a deep breath and shut and locked the door behind her, departing to see what she could see.

As she walked around the palace, she looked in awe at the design of the building, taking note for future artworks, when she swore she heard music in the distance as she passed by a window. Leaning outside, she could tell it wasn't in the palace and she knew she needed to find the source. She made her way outside, and down the winding paths down the hill, following the sound until she reached the source, a tiny bar on the harbor. Entering the bar, she saw a young girl teaching some of the locals a dance, while some security guys stood next to the door, not looking too happy. She thought hard for a second until she finally realized who this girl was.

"One of the Queen Candidates. This would be a perfect opportunity to build relations and make some moves, plus she looks fun so this could also be a friend here in Lodja." She thought to herself. She made her way through the crowd until she was next to Tatiana, and started following the dance moves that were being taught. She wasn't a bad dancer, but she wasn't the most graceful out there. She smiled up at Tatiana once she got into a groove, not telling the Candidate who she was yet, hoping to better get to know the girl better without her knowing that she was an ambassador.

Online Achkaerin

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2017, 12:56:17 AM »
"Where do you want this box?" Zoe Silvermist asked, she was helping her younger sister who was to be the Achkaerinese ambassador move in to her rooms at the Palace "You've got a heck of a view. Right out over the ocean."
"Just as long as I can see my car I don't really mind." came the response.
"Well you've got no issues there." Zoe said "That bolt from the blue of yours is clearly in view."

The Achkaerinese ambassador was Zoe's younger sister Emalet Silvermist, she was young, she was a lover of the water and literature and she was sporty, she'd played football at amateur level and had recently taken up boxing and kickboxing as evidenced by the punching bag that hung in the corner of the room now. She brushed at her blonde hair as she finished placing books on shelves, she had one distinctive feature - her left eye did not match her right eye, her left eye looked like it had a star in it.
"Thanks for helping." Emalet said when they'd finished the unpacking
"How could I not?" Zoe said "Now you sure you'll be ok?"
"I'll be fine." Emalet said
"Ok see you Stardust." Zoe said, this was a nickname she had for Emalet. She hugged her sister and left soon after.

Emalet had already scoped her room out when she'd first arrived but now it felt a lot bigger than it had before that was probably down to her being on her own now. She knew the situation in Lodja was delicate to say the least she'd been in several meetings at the Marble Palace prior to heading out to Lodja, there had been a few things of interest and a few concerns Emperor Peter counted Lodja as a friend and viewed Queen Viktoriya as such but the present situation indicated that things were likely changing, still Emalet had to be the eyes and ears of Achkaerin within the Palace walls, the four potential future Queen's of Lodja were on the island getting to know them was the immediate plan, it helped that she was their age. Deciding then that she could squeeze in her afternoon run at the same time she headed off on a wander as her mother would put it.

She changed into a red sleeveless top and black shorts and set off heading for the outdoors she was still inside and still looking for the way out when she laid eyes on potential Queen number one - Katyusha Andronikashivili. Emalet stopped in her tracks this was unexpected but also quite a pleasant surprise. She read the title of the book, poetry wasn't really her thing she preferred a good novel still it was something to work with.
"Can't say I've heard of that author." Emalet said "Any good?"

Offline Arda Tuluva

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2017, 08:25:13 PM »
Nessanië had arrived at the Lodjan Court a few days prior and had taken the time to settle in. She had presented her credentials to Lord Besarian who accepted Arda Tuluva's new ambassador.

Her lavish rooms were redecorated  with a more Arda Tuluvan flare: artwork was hung, vases and beautifully designed paper screens, common among the Arda Tuluvan aristocracy, were set about.  The Princess' rooms were rearranged and everything - everything - was methodically set in its "proper" place to maximize the harmonisation and appease the omens.

At the eastern wall a shrine was erected to the Autárimë Empress: an ornate golden plague with the Empress' holy name enshrined,  candles at either side and a phoenix banner hanging behind it. Each morning the Princess would prostrate before the shrine, lite insence and recite the devotion.

It was afternoon and the Marquesa Yávien found herself aimlessly wandering the corridors of the palace. Her loyal servant and ómari, Ayane, walked quietly to her mistress' right a pace behind. Usually she would would be followed then by a host of servants holding standards. But the Princess had decided that while within three Palace of the Goddess that tradition hall be dispensed with; save for official situations.

The Arda Tuluvans passed by the Papal Nuncio, Cardinal Emile Fava, after he had left his room. The two exchanged pleasantries and made some small talk before they departed from one another. The Catholic Cardinal,  from her understanding,  comes from a recently ennobled family in the Ecclesiastical State. Not that is truly mattered to Nessanië, he was a cardinal; a prince of the Church. In a very strange way Nessanië felt almost a kinship towards Cardinal Fava. He, like many in the Arda Tuluvan Grand Secretariat, rose to their high station through intellect and merit. Well. He was a Catholic, so more than likely his schemes and machinations played an integral part. But that also needed vast amount of intelligence and cunning. She decided that she would inquire further into him at later time.

Because of the nature of the new relations between Lodja and Arda Tuluva, Nessanië knew her post was - in part - granted to her because of her station, because of her link to the Imperial Clan. But it was also due to her own merit and achievments within the Grand Secretariat.

The Marquesa Yávien continued her aimless journey around the palace corridors taking turns at random. She did want to learn the layout of the Palace, so this random stoll would be good for the memory.

A few meters ahead two ladies were engaged in conversation.  One sitting in a window sill, the other standing.

A canidate, Lady Katyusha with Lady Emalet of Achkaerin. Ayane signed to Nessanië, answering her inquiry.

"Good day, Your Grace. Lady Emalet. Peace and blessings upon you both." The Arda Tuluvan Ambasaador said as she bowed her head politely to them both as she continued on not wishing to intrude on their conversation.


The Princess eventually found herself at the courtyard. Ayane singed that that was another candidate for the Crown, Lady Arina Pasternak.

She decided hat they woukd meet with this potential futire Queen. Nessanië's ómari was about to make the proper formal introductions, but was halted by the Princess. After all, Arina was a selectee of the Goddess and could one day be Queen far out ranking Nessanië. Caution, civility, and propriety was advised.

"A good afternoon, Lady Arina." Nessanië said with a bow of the head, her hair ornaments chiming softly. "I am Princess Nessanië of Arda Tuluva. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I would be honored if I might join Her Lady ship?"

Nessanië was given permission to join, so she lowered herself with poise seating herself comfortably on her knees, Ayane quickly went to work arranging her silken garments so that they would not wrinkle. Nessanië gracefully unfurled her blue lacquered ivory fan with a whooshing sound.

Offline Lakhzovia

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #5 on: November 05, 2017, 06:10:25 PM »
Prince Fiodor was taking one of his long aimless walks around the perimeter of the Palace grounds something he had made a habit of since arriving at his new posting in Lodja. He had been avoiding people as if refusing to engage would somehow change his current predicament really when he thought about it he knew that he was just sulking, but he reasoned he was fully entitled to given he had been effectively exiled from the Rhandic Court. It was this simmering resentment at having been cut out of the political picture of the Kingdom, and particularly the men responsible for this that preoccupied almost his every thought.

Having descended a number of the terraces leading down to the waters edge he became aware of a figure skipping from rock to rock a short distance away, as he approached he was overcome by surprise when he recognised it to be one of the candidates for Queen, he rummaged through his mind for a name: Nataliya Kozel, that was it. From his briefs he knew that she was the daughter of one of the Lodjan Ambassadors to the Iwi.

He watched as she made her way along the shore towards the islands harbour. Finding himself with little else to do and with his curiosity piqued about the rather un-regal nature of the girl's behaviour he decided towards the harbour himself hoping to head her off by a shorter path.

Offline Libby

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #6 on: November 08, 2017, 10:22:24 PM »
OOC- FOr notice so far Queen Viktoriya has not died.



TYP


"Something on your mind Duke Schnoor, you look like as if someone dear cheated on you or something...?" he began, trying to begin a conversation if the Duke didn't decide to simply ignore him and continue to wander off, cursing whatever came to his mind.

Maxim was about to snarl at the mans ridiculous statement and then spotted it was an ambassador, while she may be in hospital Viktoriya had been very clear when she first proposed this scheme, these foreign representatives were to be treated with the utmost respect at all times. He managed to bite his tongue before the barbed words left, after all it just showed the man's ignorance of Lodjain culture, affairs were common and seldom did people worry about it, after all the Goddess emphasised love above all and one should deny love or the same coins reverse, lust. "I assume you know how heated matters of state can be." Maxim said as calmly as he could instead of what he would have liked to say. He examined the man for a moment, his mind tracing through the list of names of these ambassadors, "Cardinal Émile Fava I believe" Maxim slid the folder he was carrying from his right arm to his left and extended a hand. "I don't think we've yet shared a conversation." he turned and began walking waiting for the foreigners to move with him. "Is perhaps our meeting by chance or did you have something on your mind"


Cool101jr

The new girl who appeared at the side of Tatiana was clearly new, one thing Lodjains did well was dance, it was almost a courtship ritual and while not all where as proficent as Tatiana most could string the basic moves that formed most traditional dances together, this woman couldn't. Tatiana wondered if perhaps it was some sort of joke, she said nothing at first just continuing to move effortlessly with the music, each footfall as silent as a cats. To anyone watching it would seem that each movement had a purpose, pre-planned and strict, however in Tatiana's mind the moves came flowing in the same way a river goes down stream, it allowed her mind to think. This girl couldn't dance the Lodjain style and seeing as the only foreigners still on the Island were King David of East Moreland or the newly arrived ambassadors this must be one of them, she cursed herself that she didn't know which one. It was then she paniced, what if this was part of their tests, send some foreign dignitary to come and meet her in a setting that they knew she probably shouldn't be in. She began considering what she should do as she sensed the girls eyes following her, she had no idea what to do after all she was no diplomat. The music began to slow as the song began to reach its end. She twirled one last time purposely stopping herself to face the visitor. "Hello ambassador" she said with a smile figuring the generic greeting was probably the best solution. "I think perhaps this isn't the most suitable venues for a foreign noble" she explained, "The plebs tend to not get many guests from nobility, especially foreign ones, its just not the done thing" she was trying to cover herself for incase this was a test.

Tatiana walked over to the man with a fiddle and whispered in his ear taking a small coin from her pocket and handing it him. He began playing a more uptempo folk song and Tatiana took hold of Aliana hand and set her next to her, "Can you dance and talk?" the young girl chuckled as she began slowly going through some steps as the rest of the bar just danced knowing the local tune.


Achkaerin

 Katyusha Andronikashivili turned to face the voice recognising it as not being a Lodjain. She put her feet back onto the stone floor and then for some reason she couldn't fathem turned to read the front cover of her own book, she'd been reading it for a good hour and so the authors name was not a mystery to her. "Oh, Grigor Tomasovic" she read the name, "He's one of the former Queen's Palace poets, there are usually four or five of them in residence, Tomasovic being the youngest of Queen Sonja's, he still lives on the island......I think, I mean with all thats going on they've taken many people back to the mainland. He was one, I hope they let him back" Katyusha loved his work and the 40 year old was rather a handsome man, she had a slight crush on him and fully intended if picked to be Queen make him one of her Palace poets. "Do you like poetry......." she tried to remember the girls name as she patted the now empty space next to her on the window seat. "I'm sorry, I know your an ambassador but I have no idea who you are" she blushed, "That's terrible isn't it" she said nervously. "Anyway I'm  Katyusha Andronikashivili, its a mouthful I know" she extended a dienty hand, "So poetry, yes or no?" she asked.


Arda Tuluva

Arina paniced, she hadn't expected anyone to come over, she'd purposely isolated herself so she could work on her tan a little, after all she was having meetings with various members of the Conclave tommorrow and she wanted to look her best. She had even planned to have a make up artist brought over in the morning to make sure she was perfection. Now she was a little annoyed, she then realised this woman wasn't Lodjian, it was obvious the attendent, the dress, the fan, she must be from Arda Tuluva. Arina's mind began trying to retrace its way through the names of the various ambassadors they'd been told were coming to the Island, she began quickly trying to remember this one, "Princess Nessanië" the name came quickly. Instantly Arina's attitude seemed to change from one of annoyance to one of interest, after all this was a royal of some sort, something she hoped to obtain for herself and her family in turn, it wouldn't therefore do to risk upsetting her just in case she ran to tell the Conclave.

"Its an honour to meet you Your Highness" Arina said wondering exactly how you struck up a conversation with someone from Arda Tuluva, she knew of course the nation were friends of theirs and if she became Queen she'd be somehow entitled there too. Her father had made her learn all about the Queen's role when she was first nominated as a potential Queen and now she cast her mind back to those lessons. "Perhaps Your Highness could enlighten me" she got off her back and sat crossed legged on the floor as though about to start meditating, "I know Queen Viktoriya was granted the title Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Phoenix by your Empress, what exactly does this mean?" she asked the question hoping in equal measure she didn't seem ignorant or that it was some kind of test in this conversation.


Lakhzovia

Nataliya had just finished watching a small octopuss caught in a pool battle a crab, the crab had managed to scurry away and had disappeared into another crevice, probably thanking Sessifet for its safety. The thought made Nataliya almost miss the man in front of her and the two nearly bumped into each other. " Sorry Your Highness" she said quickly as she recognised the man. Her father being a diplomat himself he'd made his daughters learn all about the various families of prominence in Mundus. She knew little other than the face and the name but she figured if this was part of some test then at least she'd probably past the first hurdle. "I must say I didn't expect to meet royalty down here" she smiled, "I apologise I'm not exactly dressed for a meeting with someone of such high esteem." she theatrically curtseyed holding the sides of her shorts as she did. She zipped up her track top under which she'd been wearing a mid drift exposing t-shirt of some band she liked, she shifted uneasily after all she was right, she didn't look much like a noble herself. "May I ask what brings you out of the Palace?"

Offline The Young Pope

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #7 on: November 09, 2017, 03:31:41 PM »
The Cardinal began to chuckle a lil'. "I apologise for such an perceived utterly ridiculous question hahaha, our nations' views when it comes to frivoulous matters such as affairs and lust differ considerably, I just wanted to make sure I gained your attention well enough." he said while shaing his hand, "Please we cn continue our walks together, I didn't really have a planned route in this gigantic castle, might as well follow you I suppose". With that said, the Cardinal and Duke began to have conversations about anything in general, from their busy lives to world events that seemed to affect them all. "I'm deeply sorry about the state of your Queen, such a befallen tragedy should never occur to anyone as good hearted and pure like Viktoriya". An exageration perhaps, Viktoriya wasn't probably as pure as many would think of her at least within the inner circles in this pagan country, but Fava wanted to be the same side and appease as much as possible.

"One of these four beautiful women will surely make worthy heirs to the throne if the inevitable thus happen, I would like to get to know them as well, although I came to you really since you do hold some significant influence am I right, Minister of Home affairs if I don't remember wrongly? ES and Lodja have throughout the centuries improved relations and cooperated on a few events, such as the silly Pirate Wars that threatened the existence of effective trade routs, a vital economic section for Albion and our economies in general. On behalf of his holiness Pope Peter II, I'm proposing that a treaty shall be signed and ratified between our great nations, and together we shall prosper gloriously together for the centuries to come!" Fava was also referncing to the treaty that was signed between AT and Lodja, as there was also something going on between AT and ES too, the plan was that the 3 string countries of Albion would be examples of beacons of civilications and advancement of life force.

Offline Weremark

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #8 on: November 10, 2017, 01:39:06 PM »
It was around the first inkling of the sun's downward trajectory that a new boat arrived at the Island of the Goddess. Among the others which disembarked was a large man of Nordic appearance, carrying a sleek sable suitcase; he wore a black suit with green tie, though they were barely through the grey double-breasted trench-coat he wore, which appeared to be from a uniform.

Not that Berengar Wulfaric was particularly in a hurry, but nevertheless did he head up to the palace briskly. In keeping up with appearances he had earlier developed for putting on a show for his troops, he reached the entrance with a lit cigar in his mouth, which he promptly stomped out half-burnt. He carried with him a crumpled white post-it note, upon which was scribbled the floor and room number at which he would be staying.

The balance was what his father had told him about almost eighteen years prior, the balance of confidence. He couldn't act as he owned the place in a foreign ambassadorial situation, because he didn't; this wasn't the Sutmarkhast. He also couldn't act so meek as to slip through inconsequentially, especially at such a critical time of political expansion for Weremark.

It was his perceived mastery of this balance as earlier ambassador to Wahland that landed him this rather brisk reassignment to Lodja, and it would hopefully ring true. He did have a current problem however, and that was that the door to the room number he'd so hastily scribbled on the back of a post-it note seemed to be locked. Thinking he may have perhaps gotten the wrong room, he delivered a couple of swift knocks on the door, which echoed through the halls of the palace, but out came no response. He elected to wait, if for only a moment, and listen for the sounds of the place. Someone could easily turn up and let him in.





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Offline Cool101jr

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #9 on: November 11, 2017, 12:52:30 AM »
Aliana chuckled as she began following Tatiana's movements. It seems she was found out easily, and after looking around the room she figured it out, she wasn't nearly as good at dancing as everybody else, so she did stick out.

"I was hoping you wouldn't know that I was an ambassador, My lady. I am Aliana Bartrove, ambassador from Revana. I actually had no idea you were in hear when I came, I just heard the music. I am far more comfortable here in this bar then I am up in the castle." She said with another chuckle. "My sister has always been the "proper lady" type while I am more... I guess laid back. Anyway, once I saw you were here, I wanted to get to know you before telling you I was some "big foreign dignitary." I wanted to know who you are, not who you act like in front of nobles. That sounded bad, I didn't mean you were two faced, just from my experience, once someone know you're nobility, they start to act differently."

Aliana stopped talking for a moment and blushed. She had begun rambling on, her nerves getting to her. She had never been some foreign dignitary tasked with building important relations and now that she was talking to someone important she was terrified, and when she gets terrified she rambles.

"I'm sorry, I'm rambling. I do that sometimes. What brings you down here?" She asked.

Offline Libby

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #10 on: November 11, 2017, 11:11:23 PM »
TYP

Maxim shook his head at the Cardinals suggestion, "Look I'm sorry Cardinal" he began, "You see while I may personally think such a proposal is a good idea, its been too long since we formalised relations with Albion, but the problem is we can't sign" he paused for a moment, "Let me explain, you see their is only one person who can give agreement to a treaty, and that is the Goddess Sessifet, as such we need a Queens approval for such a document. Now seeing as we are unlikely to get a Queen's signature for quiet some time I don't really know what we can do." he shrugged. "As for getting to know the candidates for potential Queens that is something you will get a chance to this evening" he reached inside his folder and removed a thick waxy envelope. "This evening we are having a formal ball, its a tradition for those girls on the edge of womanhood, mainly to find potential husbands, but tonight its also to welcome the new ambassadors. We shall dine beforehand so bring an appetite, I can arrange for you to be seated next to one of the candidates so if you have a preference let me know." he handed over the envelope.


Weremark

Anna Utkin had been enjoying a quiet moment or two with her latest book when the sound of loud banging on a door began. The Palace was usually a rather serene place, not something she totally felt comfortable with but it usually indicated something was going on. The sound came again and this time she carefully placed the book mark in her book and got off her bed walking over to her own door. As the least high ranking noble on the Conclave that meant she had been given the room at the far end of the Conclaves Suites and thus closest to the ambassadors. She peered out of the door and looked left and right before seeing a man tussling with a door.

She closed her own and walked over. "Mr. Wulfaric" Anna recognised the man, she made it her business to know everyone and had developed a very good memory for faces and names. "It seems your attacking that poor unfortuante door" she smiled as she motioned for him to step aside, she took his key and placed a foot squarely at the base and pulled the door towards her, the iron key in the lock she smartly turned anti clockwise and the old mechanism snapped neatly out the lock. "Its an ancient technique" she teased as she handed the man his key back. "It appears we shall be neighbours" she offered a hand, "Anna Utkin Minister of Social Affairs and Royal Representative of the Plebs, etc etc, I simply prefer Anna" she stepped aside allowing him to enter his new room. "No one's used these suites regularly for about two years now, you may want to give it a good airing before you move in."



Cool101jr

Tatiana could empathise with Aliana, she wasn't keen on the whole responsibility that came from being a noble but knew that it was part of her future, even if not selected as the next Queen. She would have prefered to just wander off and join the ballet, or some other dance group, that was when she truly felt free. "I personally just found it awkward in the Palace, I mean to be where the Queen was....well...." there was genuine sadness in her voice, the whole nation felt upset by the tragedy, after all this was their Goddesses Guardian, a woman hand picked to guide them on behalf of the wonderous Sessifet. "anyway it just doesn't seem right us being there and people trying to continue as though nothing has happened, I mean like tonight some banquet and ball, why? The Queen should be there and instead she's lying in a hospital bed" Tatiana blinked away tears in her eyes "I just wanted some fresh air, and well ended up in here" she laughed as she bumped into one of the other youngsters dancing, the two simply chuckled and bounced off each other continuing on their way. The song finished and Tatiana felt warm, she'd been dancing pretty much non stop for an hour and so headed for the door picking up her hoodie on the way. "You want to walk back" she asked as she stepped outside, "You can tell me about your first impressions of the country"

Offline Weremark

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #11 on: November 12, 2017, 04:06:35 AM »
A voice in the hall, which echoed slightly, was enough to bring the Werman's attention away from the door he had rather nonchalantly given a few good bangs. "Indeed I am," he nodded at the comparatively short woman, watching her retrieve a key. "I'm afraid the military taught me to prefer my way." he shrugged, smiling slightly at her biting sarcasm. He peered at her briefly, watching her talk as she introduced herself. "Aha, yes indeed. Representing the plebs? Are you a noble?" he asked, the tone of his voice friendly. "Not to be, er, classist or anything of the sort, I've just heard of the rather...esteemed population of this here isle, of which I am sure you know better than I.," he said with a shrug, shaking the hand in front of him. "A pleasure to meet you, Anna. Indeed I am Mr. Wulfaric, though you may call me by whichever title or shortening of my name you please. Or, General, since I suppose that's the equivalent of my military rank."

He stepped into the room, dragging his suitcase in after him before making room for Anna to join him if she saw fit. The place had a musky smell about it, not unlike that of some of the lower recesses of his home castle, or perhaps most similar to the broom closets at the Royal Palace in Hailia. Either way, it was old, and in a homely sense. "Two years isn't so long, in terms of history. Just as long as no-one's died in this room in that timeframe," he chuckled darkly, remembering an anecdote he had been told about a woman who'd died in her Jylhaven apartment and not been discovered for two years.




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Offline Lakhzovia

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #12 on: November 12, 2017, 01:29:56 PM »
To Fiodor's mild amusement the girl clearly preoccupied in the contents of one of the tide pools nearly bumped into him. Clearly recognising him she seemed overcome with a fit of social discomfort zipping up her jacket to cover her exposed mid rift before striking upon the tactic of moving the focus off of herself "May I ask what brings you out of the Palace?" she asked.

"Ah now that is not the real question is it?" he said theatrically "The real question is why am I in the Palace to begin with? Incidentally the answer to both questions is the same in that my post here was the product of a power struggle in the Rhandic Court, one I happened to lose. However not being one to allow my spirit to be broken I make a point of refusing to remain within the confines of the gilded prison they have picked for me as ambassador to Lodja, therefore I have taken to avoiding my duties in so far as they exist; the fact that this has drawn no protest from Ardiapur speaks volumes as to the true nature of my posting wouldn't you say?" He thought to himself for a moment, this girl could potentially be the future Queen, perhaps it would be wise to gain her favour and describing her potential future home as a prison may not be the best way in which to do so. "Of course when I so describe the palace it is purely from the perspective of one who is used to having the freedom of movement between his own residences and the full pleasures of the Ardiapur cultural life, by sending me to a place of confinement in an alien land my enemies have taken that freedom from me. But perhaps I speak too much of myself, I am sure your future Majesty does not wish to hear an old foreign prince prattling on about his passive-aggressive habits.

Anyhow having thoroughly bored you perhaps you would do me the reciprocal favour and tell me what you are doing out here all alone?"

Offline Cool101jr

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #13 on: November 14, 2017, 01:32:07 AM »
As Tatiana talked about the Queen, Aliana nodded knowing how she felt in a way.

"When Commandant Wesley was assassinated, I could hardly walk around the Palace without crying. Revana knows how it feels to suddenly lose a ruler, especially one so dear to the people." Aliana said, also tearing up a bit. She followed Tatiana to the door. "I'd love to walk back with you."

As they walked back Aliana looked around at the sights she had missed on the way to the bar. "Your nation is beautiful, what amount of it I've seen, and your religion is somewhat familiar, compared to Revana's. In Revana, we believe that the King, or Supreme Commandant, is the embodiment of God, and when he passes away, the spirit of God is passed down to his son, thus keeping God pure and alive. Somewhat similar, at least to me, to Lodja's religion and Sessifet." Aliana explained, examining at an image of Sessifet as they passed by it.

Offline The Young Pope

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #14 on: November 14, 2017, 09:30:53 AM »
Cardinal Fava's mood became more positive as he reached for the envelope containing the candidates for potential Queens, oh wow he thought when he opened it, such gem stones of ladies. "Hehe Duke Schnoor I must say that they're truly out of this world when it comes to their outer beauty, so much so that they've already dazzled me, blocked my ability to make some good judgement about them. What I suggest is this *hands back envelope* just put me next to the woman whom you find would match not only me but ES, I certainly hope that this little request of mine isn't too hard to decipher, but if I could give you a little hint...beauty and brains, those can't be mutually exclusive according to my book...and his holiness' haha...Well now that's settled if you wouldn't mind I'll follow you to your final destination so that we may talk some more before I'll try to find a few more of my diplomatic comrades..."


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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #15 on: November 14, 2017, 07:07:32 PM »
"Emalet Silvermist." Emalet said sitting down next to Katyusha "But my friends call me Stardust, for obvious reasons." she indicated her eye "Honestly I think that like every written work it depends on the author. Some poets are good, some are bad. Do I like poetry - yes it may sound weird but I find playing audio transcripts of poems helps focus my mind when I'm taking exercise and I find poetry quite meditative as well, there's just something about being able to lose yourself in the conjured imagery of a field of flowers or a cherry orchard. Though I must admit I do tend towards novels more."


Offline Libby

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #16 on: November 19, 2017, 10:11:17 PM »
To Weremark

Anna laughed at Wulfaric's question, "I'm possibly one of the few exceptions to Lodjain social norms, I was born a pleb, my husband Sam however was a man who was more interested in my appearence than my ancestory, we began an affair and we married soon after, so I suppose I married into nobility. Sadly he died three years later and so I inherited his land and titles, I've never however forgot the fact that I'm not like other nobles, I was never born into this life. So for the last ten years I've tried to use my good fortune to honour his memory and help other Plebs as best I can, it seems that was enough qualification for my Queen to give me this job." she shrugged her shoulders.

"As for the suite, chances are someone has died in it, I mean its several hundred years old and this island did have the habit of occasionally getting cholera outbreaks back in the day, new plumbing has sorted that though, but some say you can spot the odd ghost on the corridor in an evening....if you believe that kind of thing" she smiled. She began heading for the door and stopped, "I'm sure your aware but tonight is a Royal Ball, its a tradition in Lodja that the various nobles host balls at this point of the year, mainly for young girls aged 16-18 to be introduced to high society, find a husband, that kind of thing. Tonights was due to be cancelled all things considered but it wasn't because it would be a chance to witness our candidates for Queen in a social setting. You of course invited, formal attire, dinner is at 7pm, dancing begins at 8pm until generally midnight." she closed the door behind her and headed back to her room to prepare, she wasn't a big fan of balls but it was considered a duty of the job.



To Lakhzovia

Nataliya didn't know if she should be offended, the Isle of the Goddess and the Palace it was home to was the centre of her faith, the centre of the Lodjain world and this man called it a prison. She wondered if she should challenge him but bit her tongue waiting for him to finish speaking. "Ambassador I should point out the Isle is the centre of Lodjain social life, more goes on here than in any city or town dotted across the Queendom, anyone who is anyone wants to get here and experience the rich social life here. I mean everyday they have some kind of event, guests coming from around the world and the balls....the envy of every young girl in Mundus" she was actually looking forward to that evenings ball, a chance to let her hair down a little and mingle with people her own age for a while other than the other three candidates.

"As for what I'm doing down here I'm just getting some fresh air before the ball tonight. I mean being one of the four candidates I've been told to expect to never get a moment to myself from the beginning to the end and so I thought it would be nice to take in some of the air. We should probably get back" she looked at her watch, it would take quiet some time to get ready, at least for her. "Perhaps then you can tell me what a Queen of Lodja should know about your homeland.....just in case?" she began walking back up the main road towards the Palace alongside the Ambassador.



To Cool101jr


Tatiana listened carefully, she wasn't too familiar with the nation of Revana but it sounded like their two nations had something in common, perhaps it was worth making friends with this ambassador. The hill was beginning to steapen now as it headed towards the Palace, Tatiana could feel her calves tightening, she should probably have stretched a little before doing so much dancing, she could imagine her dance teacher moaning at her as they walked. " I'd say our faiths are pretty similar, an eternal diety destined to find a host, just yours is heridatory and.....well ours has what I think could make an interesting reality TV show, the Queen Factor or Lodja's Got Queens Talent or something" she could imagine the ratings now, probably not a great idea though as she detested the reality TV filth at the best of times. "I know compared to many countries though we've some changes to make, some of our systems here are a little dated, I mean our military took quiet a proverbial kicking from the Morelanders when they assessed it, we became a bit of a joke I think after that." She realised that if this was a test she'd probably not be passing it right now and so changed the subject.

"We have a ball tonight you know? Its a tradition here in Lodja that at 17 or so girls are expected to become part of our nations social calender and take a role in their family or society, so noble families host massive balls to let the girls meet the great and good, and find husbands of course. Tonights was supposed to be hosted by the Queen but......well.....Lord Besarian didn't want to disappoint the girls coming and so said it could still happen. Will you be coming?" she asked as they reached the Palace gates.


The Young Pope

Maxim thought for a moment, he wasn't sure if the Cardinal was clear about what he was asking, after all the way he was talking, his request for beauty, the girls "dazzling" him and him asking Maxim to arrange things for him, if it was a Lodjain noble talking there was only one thing being suggested. "Sorry, but your asking me to arrange for you to bed one of our future Queens?" he came out with it, "I'm sorry Cardinal but this isn't something we can do, I mean if you require a woman's company I can make arrangements, there are many pretty and avaliable Ladies here on the island, yes many are Plebs but I'm sure they'd be more than grateful for the attentions of a man of your standing." He hoped his refusal to provide a future Queen for the Cardinals pleasures wasn't insulting, "Beside" his mind had a pondering, "I thought you Christian priest types were celebate?"



Achkaerin

"I never have time for whole novels"  Katyusha replied, "more short stories yes, or selected pieces but never the whole thing" She turned as footsteps could be heard on the corridor behind them. One of the Queen's Ladies in Waiting, Stasya Pelagiya walking arm in arm with a tall handsome man, she recognised him as King David of East Moreland and so stood as they approached. "Your Majesty" she bowed and he returned a little nod, "Lady Stasya" she turned to the Lady in Waiting who simply smiled. "Are you coming to the ball this evening Your Majesty?" Katyusha asked the Morelander.

"Sadly not.....Miss Katyusha" the King replied, "I have to return home to Northfort in a few hours, but I know you'll all have a wonderful time, I heard the band warming up earlier. "Lady Emalet" the King noticed the Achkaerin ambassador, "I assume then you've been dispatched here by the Emperor, please send him my regards when you next speak to him. Now if you'd accept one piece of advice on Lodja from a now seasoned traveller here, if you can't or won't dance go home now" he leaned close to her, "Their obssessed with it" he said in an imitation whisper but clearly intended for everyone to hear. "I tried feigning a bad back" it wasn't really feigned more a result of being shot, "didn't work, maybe bandage an ankle or something."

Stasya shook her head laughing, "His Majesty dances wonderfully" she said rather diplomatically. "But we do enjoy dancing, music, art, I think perhaps we're one of the most artistic loving nations on Mundus, but I am bias"

"My apologise ladies but I've a plane waiting, enjoy your stay and the ball." the King and Stasya strolled off, the Lady in Waiting interlocking arms with the King as was custom for ladies strolling with men in the palace.

"Oh God" Katyusha gushed as she watched the King turn the corner, "He's so handsome. You know some Palace gossip says that Viktoriya and the King had a fling when she visited Northfort, she was so lucky" then the sudden realisation of her Queen's current plight flooded in, "Oh....I must sound so awful" she hung her head slightly, what if this was a test and now this Achkaerin Ambassador would report back what she'd seen. Katyusha changed the subject quickly. "So I assume your joining us at the ball, maybe find a rich Lodjain husband for yourself?"


Offline The Young Pope

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #17 on: November 20, 2017, 12:12:20 AM »
Upon hearing the Duke's question, Cardinal Fava couldn't almost stop laughing afterwards. "Oh my, you really think highly of me my dear Duke...Oh God of course I wasn't considering to 'bed' one of your royal candidates, well as much as I would like to, look at me all dressed in this fine Cardinal dress and I have my duty towards God. Qhat I meant was that perhaps it would be possible to seat me right next to one of the candidates you would find be the matching me. You're however right about one thing regarding Catholic Clergy...celibacy, ah one of the greatest weaknesses that we must endure every day and sometimes the satisfaction based on lust's always creeping up on one, it's a all about a test of endurance, loyalty towards the Lord and total commitment towards the faith in general. I think it's fairly obvious how such matters are viewed here, but do tell me anyway Duke, I love to learn new things...

Offline Weremark

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #18 on: November 21, 2017, 04:49:33 AM »
Wulfaric chuckled heartily, doubling down on his earlier morbid comment about people dying in the room. "Aaah, upward mobility, I take it?" he said with a smirk, glancing towards the inside of his room. "It may very well be enough qualification." he meekly agreed, looking over the room that would be his once more. "Ah, cholera would be the least of my concerns with this place, after what I saw back in the Revolt. We had a quite bad plague outbreak back then, can you imagine? I thought even Weremark would be above that, but I suppose not."

And then the mention of the upcoming ball; Wulfaric bit his lip skeptically, offering a shrug. "Last I had heard, actually, it was still canceled, looks like that's not the case anymore. Hm. And until midnight? I'll, of course, try to make it, but no guarantees on my not leaving slightly early, I'm incredibly jet-lagged as-is and I'm afraid that the direction of travel is doing me no favors. Sun's approaching the horizon, looks like," he glanced out of his window to confirm. "Which means I'll be there right after settling down, I'll be sure to make haste in that regard. It was truly a pleasure, Anna," he nodded his goodbyes, fiddling with the key to the door in his hand.




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Online Achkaerin

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #19 on: November 21, 2017, 06:51:46 PM »
Emalet half smiled, and for a moment giggled
"I'll be at the ball." she said "Though whether Lodja proves any better for my love life than home is going to be interesting to test. You're probably familiar with the idea of suitors and how it goes back generations to when families of Great Houses would arrange marriages to consolidate their position. These days it's a little different,  I've had would be suitors but none of them were interested in me they were more attracted to the idea of marrying the likely next Marqueeza of Icebridge. None of them lasted long, because they never reckoned with my sister." she realized she was rambling on a bit and grinned a little sheepishly "So tell me about this ball, any good dancers? Have you got your eye on anyone?"

Offline Libby

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #20 on: November 22, 2017, 11:35:09 PM »
TYP

"In our nation beauty of all kinds is considered a blessing from Sessifet, it is our duty to honour and respect that beauty for it is a gift from the Goddess herself" Maxim began explaining , "a by product of human beauty is lust, to deny lust is therefore to deny beauty and therefore disrespect the Goddess. This kind of thinking means that beautiful women in particular in Lodja are considered powerful, they are blessed by the Goddess herself and therefore desired by men. As such I think you'll find we have a rather liberal outlook on sexual relations, a woman may take as many husbands as she feels she needs, just as the Goddess did. It has become somewhat of a tradition in the past that high ranking visitors were assigned a Lady in Waiting to ensure their stay went smoothly, and often as the rest of the world was male dominated any guests were male. As such the Ladies were often given the duty of ensuring a visitors stay was both comfortable, and enjoyable, and as such she would often share their beds. It may seem odd but it lead many a Lady in Waiting to getting herself a rich husband, and that meant she built her own wealth and her families. Some say that still continues today." As if on cue Lady Stasya, one of the Ladies in Waiting wandered along the corridor heading towards the Palace's front door, she strolled arm in arm with King David of East Moreland who had been staying for a few days helping the Court make progress in this difficult time. Stasya had pulled herself close towards the King, one hand hanging to the crook of the Kings, "those two have become rather friendly" Maxim chuckled as he watched them leave the Palace and the King climb into a rail car to depart for the airport, Stasya stood waving as the car descended the hill towards the docks.


Weremark

Anna smiled sympatheticallty as the Ambassador seemed to remember his past experiences, "I grew up a Pleb, as such we often couldn't afford medical treatments, my father once broke his foot at work and did nothing about it for a week because we couldn't afford it. He still walks with a limp today, thankfully such situations are slowly becoming a thing of the past, hopefully the new Queen will cosign it to history." She hoped that would be the case, she was already doing everything she personally could but Viktoriya had been the Plebs greatest hope in a long time, Anna would need to make sure that the new Queen kept her on in the Conclave before even considering trying to persuade her.

"As for what time you leave tonight, thats up to you, the banquet before hand is for the Conclave, Ladies in Waiting, the four candidates for Queen and the High Priestess, as well of course as the Ambassadors. We have had King David of East Moreland here the last few days and we had hoped he would attend....or rather I think some of the young ladies attending tonight did, I believe some had ambitions of catching the eye of a King no less" she laughed trying to imagine the rather formal and up tight Morelander King fending off the advances of dreamy eyed 17 year olds. "But once the banquet is done then feel free to leave and spend the time as you see fit, Queen Viktoriya envisiged the Palace becoming a home for people like yourself and I know she would be delighted to know people felt comfortable. I'll leave you to it. Until the banquet, she shut the door behind her and exited back to her own room.


Achakerin

Katyusha blushed slightly, "I suppose like many girls attending tonight I had perhaps dared dream to catch the eye of King David, but with him leaving perhaps not. Beside I think at present even if I did meet someone I wanted being considered for Queen would mean I'd not be able to pursue it. Its tradition that the Conclave choose a Queen's first husband and so that could cause problems. Queen's marry their first time for duty, the other times for love....or other reasons, but perhaps that was the past, one of our Queens had eight husbands at the same time once." she chuckled. "Tonight they'll be two men attending all the girls will be keen to spend time with, Lord Besarian, he's single, but I hear rumours he's the lover of Lady Jasmina one of the Ladies In Waiting. Being Lord of the Conclave, very rich, rather handsome and such he'd be considered a good catch. The other is Dragan Knežević, the Finance Minister, very charming man, kind of aloof from politics in many ways, oh and wealthy in his own right, apparently he's a financial genius or something. Problem is he's a second son so carries no titles, but some of the daughters of lesser nobles will probably cast their sights on him. But you'll get the chance to meet them both before the ball, so if they take your fancy perhaps thats the time hey?" once more she realised she may have spoke out of turn, far too casually and so went silent. "I must go get ready" she suddenly broke the silence and hurried to her feet. "I hope to see you this evening" she turned and said before returning to her room to prepare.



OOC- Still open for anyone to join, assume you've always been here or just turned up, whichever suits you the best. I'll start the Ball section on Sunday evening so if you need to catch anyone before hand or make pre-ball arrangements you've four days.....get your sequins out ;)

Offline Cool101jr

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #21 on: November 23, 2017, 12:24:30 AM »
Aliana giggled and turned to Tatiana.

"You know, I would watch that show, I hate reality TV, but I bet it would be funny. And don't feel bad about your military, as we speak Revana's Navy is getting "destroyed" by Achakerin right now so you're not alone." Aliana said, laughing again. She watched the people going through the streets, smiling as she listened to Tatiana talk about the ball and she began to think deeply. This ball would probably be perfect to meet and greet, however it was definitely not her thing and she became nervous all over again. She was a nerd who play D&D, not some model who could dance like a dream. She looked over to Tatiana, finally making a decision.

"Well you already know I can't dance, however at this point, this ball could be a great opportunity for my nation, so I'll be there. Just look for the nervous girl standing in a corner." She said, turning red already before even having to do anything.

Offline Lakhzovia

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #22 on: November 23, 2017, 10:41:09 PM »
Fiodor realised that he had put the girl on the defensive, perhaps he had touched a nerve with his comments about the Palace. Thankfully she had changed the conversation and as they made their way back to the Palace to prepare for the Ball he chatted casually about his homeland.

"Well what can be said of my homeland that would be worthy of the attention of a Queen of Lodja's attention? Much like your own homeland our Kingdom hold on proudly to our traditions whether they be in the realm of culture, architecture or politics. It is a truly beautiful country, sadly marred by a poverty of means brought about by our isolation following the Ardian Empire's ill fated final imperial adventure.

More though than a poverty of means our beloved Kingdom suffers a poverty of good men in the Court. The current Princely Counsel are slowly strangling the state and disposing of those who threaten them. Our King to be, Prince Laurenz is something of a reformer but I fear he does not comprehend the forces that are arrayed against him."

Offline The Young Pope

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #23 on: November 24, 2017, 12:28:12 AM »
"Ah well if you stick around me for a while you'll notice that I'm not your standard, typical Cardinal...let's say that I don't share the same attitude towards sexuality and the likes unlike my fellow brothers and sisters back home." Cardinal Fava was after all a Fava family member and he really just became a cardinal for political and monetary gain, he was still a true believer of BG at heart and dispised a lot of the the Christian dogmas about the chastity and complete rejection of different sexual orientations etc, although he still harboured some sort of understanding as to why it existed among the realm of Christianity.

"Will King David and Lady Stasya join us for tonight then? Would like to meet his majesty personally if possible, would be interesting to to get to know him a lil', who knows what good fortunes might happen. After all that's why I'm here in the first place, contacts and money, ooh I love the sweet sound of that hehe. Have you read about the recent disgusting socialist propaganda purpetrated against our great nations for being to 'religiously fascist?' Blah, n ES' case they haven't done well their homework, never heard that the Pope repressed any religious minorities when it's the contrary *sigh*, typical ignorant and idiotic scum..."

Offline Arda Tuluva

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #24 on: November 24, 2017, 06:47:20 PM »
Nessanië nodded her head in Arina's greeting, "Likewise, Your Ladyship, an honor." She signed something to Ayane, who bowed as she took a few steps back.

"The protocols and intricacies of the Celestial Court can be..." Nessanië lifted her fan to cover the lower half of her face hiding her smirk, for she could not name all the nuances concerning the vast stipulations and regulations of Court procedure. She snapped her fan closed with speed and grace, "rather difficult for many to comprehend. It has been published among the Blood that Queen Viktoriya gained hén’póna before the Empress - might she live forever; with that and the ratification of the alliance, the Queen was awarded the prestigious Order. It had also been published that Queen Viktoriya had been declared 'a friend of the Throne'. I might add, Your Ladyship, that that is quite the honor; for the Throne rarely issues such a proclamation. Thus, all subsequent Queens of Lodja have pre-eminence over all other foreign heads of state in the eyes of Arda Tuluva. Likewise, ambassadors from Lodja - for they represent the Crown - would also be ranked first in order of ambassadorial precedence."

It was then that another of Nessanië's servants appeared with a tray holding an ornate blue and white porcelain bottle, two small glasses, and lychee fruit. The servant bowed setting the tray before the Marquesa Yávien. The Princess felt she had been rambling far longer on the subject than necessary and took the opportunity to pour both the glasses with wine. She handed one to Lady Arina.

"It is a tradition among my people to offer toast to those newly met." Nessanië raised her glass to Arina, "Blessings and fortune. May our destinies unfold most favorably."

Offline Weremark

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #25 on: November 25, 2017, 05:18:05 PM »
"Unfortunate, but not an unheard-of tale in Weremark either, before the revolt and all those speedy reforms. In many ways, it's incredible how far we've come on such a...well, limited budget. But that's not for me to know, that's more of the forte of my father and all of his friends in high places. Indeed, for all of the world's progress, I find it curious how exceptionally stunted some of our progress may be in some areas. There are places in Weremark with internet, but no clean water, and so on. Things of that nature." he paused, looking around the room briefly and thinking about his own arrival at the banquet. Perhaps he could make it the whole night, for just one night. "Ah, King David himself? Certainly an interesting individual, I know that my own king has taken a rather vested interest in making the acquaintance of all of the world's great monarchs; how ironic it would be if it was I, the simple son of the Supreme Commander, to make his acquaintance first instead. I suppose in that regard, I'm just as eager to meet the man as any of those seventeen-year-old girls," he laughed at his own words heartily.

"No worries, Anna, I'll make it on time. But first, I definitely must get dressed to go there, so...this is where I must be off," he nodded his final goodbye, his hand resting lightly on the doorframe as he waited to close the thing and hopefully get on with a shower before the Banquet started; he supposed he'd be wearing his dress uniform tonight.




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Offline Libby

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #26 on: November 26, 2017, 10:19:08 PM »
Cool101jr

Tatiana had guided them back towards the rooms, it was after all getting time that she'd need to get ready, no doubt one of the Ladies in Waiting would be fussing over them, each being appointed to care for one of the candidates. The ballroom was still undergoing final transformation with bolts of luxurious white satin being taken in toe form billowing spirals against the stone walls, Tatiana peeked in as they passed marvelling at the sight inside, upon the platform that stood at the head of the hall was a long table with twinkling silver cutlery laid out for the Ambassadorial Reception before the band began. The bandsmen were already tuning up on a slightly lower platform beneath them. There was an easel with a seating plan, no-one sitting at the top or foot of the table, a place reserved for Queen Viktoriya and her husband, designed so no one was too far from either of them. Tatiana looked for her name, "Niklas Mendel, Lord of Greenmarsh" she said the name of the man who would be sitting opposite her, the person she'd be expected to accompany into the hall. She wasn't really sure who he was but the Ladies in Waiting would sort that. She looked next for Alina's name, "Duke Maxim" she pointed out for Alina where they were sat, "He's our Minister for Home Affairs, a rather nice guy I think. He's very influential as he's a cousin of Lord Besarian." she looked at the clock at the far end of the hall. "We should get ready. It's been nice meeting you" and with that Tatiana literally skipped away down the corridor to begin her preparations.


Lakhzovia

Nataliya listened to Fiodor assess his homeland, it dawned on her that she had much to learn about international politics, she barely knew much about how they worked in Lodja and here she was accompanying a man back to the Palace who seemed an expert. "It all sounds rather chaotic" was the best she could think of saying without giving away her lack of understanding. Thankfully they had reached the Ball room and seeing Tatiana skipping round the corner Nataliya felt more relaxed, the rival seemed so unorthadox surely it could only be a three horse race. She knew that evening she'd have a chance to impress with her tales of life in The Iwi, something none of the others could do, draw upon experience of life in a land beyond their own border. "Tonight we'll be sat according to how the Chamberlain has ruled, your expected to spend time in conversation with the person you sat opposite. They even enter the hall together" she explained as she scanned for her guests name, "You're sat with Duchess Anna Utkin, she's a member of the Conclave, was born a pleb, some say she shouldn't even be on the Conclave" their was a hint of disdain on her voice. "The Ball starts promptly, you should meet her here. It's been nice talking" and with that Nataliya gave a small curtsey and headed back to her own room where Roksana Pajari, a Lady in Waiting began making her ready for the Ball.



The Young Pope

"King David is returning to East Moreland, spending time here was to try and support our Conclave with international advice when the tragedy happened, we're more stable now and to ask a monarch to be in two places at once is hard. Lady Stasyia however will be in attendance, she rarely misses a ball." he smiled, she seemed to captivate many of the men at the balls with ease, when she first arrived she had been rather keen to flirt with the higher ranked nobles, such was the way the Ladies in Waiting found influential husbands, however in recent months since her time in East Moreland that had been less witnessed with Stasyia.

He looked at his wrist watch, "We should probably be getting ready for the ball" he made a point of passing the ball room. "Tonight we dine, then dance, you'll be expected at dinner to converse mainly with the person sat opposite, which in your case is...." he scanned the seating plan, " Lady Anna Immich" he nodded his head approvingly, "She's the Head Lady in Waiting, a good person to know, essentially controls access to the Queen, a very charming lady too, she'll be very accomodating" and with that Maxim was off heading back towards his room, keen to get a quick shower, a glass of wine and ten minutes to himself before the evening began.


Arda Tuluva

"And may you have a joyous stay in Lodja" Arina smiled as she responded to the toast. While the foreign Princess may sit rather formally their was an elegance and grace about her movements that impressed Arina, she had heard tale of how Viktoriya had changed her demenar once on the throne and wondered if this was the way royalty made everyone act. As they finished their drink Arina noticed the time. "We should be making tracks" she literally jumped from being seated to her feet, realising this was not the graceful way her guest was likely to do it she felt herself blush slightly. "The ball tonight is very important, it's a good chance to meet everyone, most of the Conclave will be there, but its also the chance to meet the next generation of nobility from Lodja, but hopefully be fun too" the blush was gone now, Arina was a social butterfly and knew before long she'd have a crowd of Lodjain young nobles eating out of her hand. She walked as elegantly as she could trying to harness her inner Viktoriya and the way she glided but gave up feeling as though it must be looking silly without the floor length dress.

The pair passed the ball room and Arina examined the seating plan carefully. " Cato Irvine, Count of Saintstown" she read her own partners name, "sounds interesting.....and important" she said to no one in particular but was happy with the decision. "Meanwhile Your Highness is sat with "Dragan Knežević...you're lucky, he's so influential, and so handsome......and single" she winked at Nessanie, "Been single for a while too" she added as an after thought. The pair parted ways as they went to get ready.




At 7pm sharp the Palace bell was rung and a young servent made his way down the Ambassadorial corridor, "Your Highnesses, Lords, Ladies, esteemed guests" he yelled loudly as he walked by, "The banquet shall be served" he disappeared as quickly as he could, several of the members of the Conclave had already begun assembling along with the Ladies in Waiting. As the Ambassadors arrived their was of course the usual exchange of pleasantries, a discreet tradition was observed, with each of the visiting men being intercepted around the corner by the Chamberlian and given indentical instruction, "It is custom to walk in with your partner, arm in arm, she on your left. But first it is custom to give the lady a token" he handed each a small card box inside each was a fresh corsage bracelet. "Remember to wait for your name to be called please." and with that he was gone.

The female ambassadors of course we not intercepted and their partner approached, bowed by nodding formally and handed over the box with its lid withdrawn revealing the bracelet of fresh flowers inside. The exception was Dragan, he recalled the ritualistic ways of Arda Tuluva fro their meeting a few months ago, and as such bowed deeper than the others, also unlike the others he did not present the bracelet directly to the Princess but rather to her servant, "It would be my honour if you would ask Her Highness to accept and wear this humble gift, one unbeffiting a lady of such nobility, grace and beauty" he kept his eyes down as he spoke hoping to have avoided an international incident.

One at a time the couples names were called and they entered the Banquet hall, for the first two it must have seemed odd as the hall itself was empty except for the staff standing ready to serve the meal. "Prince Lennox of Ui Cenneslaig, and Lady Jasmina Danailov of Zhary" the pair walked in with Jasmina clinging tightly to the Prince who was also her lover, a secret open to the Ladies in Waiting and as such they had persuaded the Chamberlain to seat them as a pair. The other couples entered one at a time except for the four candidates to be Queen, they were announced in age order and entered together with their escorts.

Once everyone was seated it was left to Lord Besarian to get things underway. "Tonight should have been Queen Viktoriya welcoming the flower of Lodjain nobility to the Palace, instead it will be our duty. We sit here tonight in the prescence of many beautiful women, clearly blessed by Sessifet, we thank them for permitting us to accompany them and I wish everyone a fine evening where we can hopefully celebrate love, life and happiness and forget about the past events at least for a short time." he picked up a small glass of Port raised it and said, "To beauty and love" the Lodjains around the table repeated the toast before servants brought the first dish of a pan seared fish and vegetables.



OOC - I'll get past the dinner on Wednesday evening, I'm assuming everyone is in attendance, if for some reason you don't want to be let me know and I'll edit things. The table is a long banquet style one and people do not neccessarily sit male/female as tradition for other nations may be. In Lodja the Ambassadors sit facing the door, the Lodjains with their back to it. If your interested the spoiler contains the seating plan.

Spoiler: Seating Plan • show


All Lodjains can be found here

Seats go from left to right, so No.1 has no one sat on their left, No.14 no one on their right.

1. Prince Lennox & Lady Jasmina
2. Sir William & Lady Stasya
3. (His Grand Eminence) Emilé Fava & Lady Anna Immich
4. Lady Emalet Silvermist & Lord Besarian Ivanov
5. Lady Aliana Bartrove & Duke Maxim Schnoor
6. Felix von Neuhafen & Lady Roksana Pajari
7. Lady Alice Walton & Lord Brayan Coxovich
8. Prince Fiodor Andronikus & Duchess Anna Utkin
9.  Princess Nessanië & Dragan Knezevic
10. Dr. Rudolph of Niameck & Zoya Tatyana
11. Thenn  Berengar Wulfaric & Katyusha Andronikashivili
12.  Rodigar Laxamano & Nataliya Kozel
13. Count Cato Irvine &    Arina Pasternak
14. Lord  Niklas Mendel & Tatiana Kohut

The four girls in red are the candidates for Queen.





Online Norgeras

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #27 on: November 27, 2017, 08:25:52 PM »
Rudolph had groaned at the idea of attending a socialization event. He preferred the silence of his Study, yet it could not be avoided. His Grandfather had pushed him here knowing exactly it wasn't his strong point, while Positioning a member of his Family in strategic Positions. He had slipped into an attire more befitting a noble of world rather than just an Uburzian one, wearing a grey silk Topper with aligning Suit, accompanied by a navy blue Tie.

As he was taking seat, he nodded to his Partner for the evening: "Evening my Lady. I hope the Potpourri was a befitting Gift, i must apologize if not. I did avoid Lavender for it not to overpower our olfactory Senses. It would be a shame for i have heard much praise for the Kitchen's Skills."

That is if this walking stick even touches any food, she might be shackled by a strict dietary plan to upkeep. From what he knew a Ballerina had to maintain form and function at the same time, so going into a hunger strike like those Modelling Scarecrows wasn't an option....

he had to take breath and snap back into the Situation, turning to his sides: "Princess Nessanie, Miss Andronikashivili. Gentlemen. Good evening. Had any time yet to Marvel the Island yet? I must admit i could loose myself here studying the Architecture alone."

Online Achkaerin

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #28 on: November 28, 2017, 09:46:32 PM »
Emalet had opted for an elegant yet slightly casual looking black and silver dress for the evening, her thinking was that with a knee length hem she stood a chance of not tripping herself up on the dance floor, something she always lived in fear of on nights like this and then she'd gotten paired with Besarian Ivanov, he'd obviously come up when the Emperor had briefed her on the posting, what had Peter called him? She struggled to think for a moment then it came to her...the puppeteer. A comment based on something observed at Queen Viktoriya's coronation but even if it technically no longer meant anything this wasn't a man Emalet wanted to be on the wrong side of, however it was interesting knowing that according to Katyusha the woman Besarian was supposedly involved with was sat at the end of the table opposite Prince Lennox of Ui Cenneslaig. It seemed odd that if they were involved that they had not been paired up but if Besarian was the political operator that his reputation suggested he was there were undoubtedly variables that she was unaware of.

Still it could be worse couldn't it? No it couldn't, it really couldn't the one person at the table she knew, Katyusha, was sat down towards the other end and sat directly on her left she had Cardinal Fava, that surname carried with it a lot of implications as did his title, she took a little consolation though in that on her right was Aliana Bartrove, if international relations held sway then a Revanan being sat next to an Achkaerinese should go well. She noticed that Besarian was glancing towards her please don't be looking at my eye Emalet thought, nothing got to her more than that. Truth be told it was easy to see what Katyusha had meant by implying he'd be something of a catch he was after all quite handsome and what his looks didn't do his position as the most powerful Lodjan in the room definitely did.

"So Lord Besarian." Emalet said keeping her voice down and taking the opportunity to try and get a handle on things plus having an influential friend could be to some benefit couldn't it? "What do you make of the four girls down that end of the table?"

Offline Cool101jr

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Re: The Lodjain Court - IC
« Reply #29 on: December 01, 2017, 01:45:28 AM »


Aliana was not good with social affairs, and finding something to wear was one of the main issues she had. After digging through her closet, she made her choice and, after putting a touch of make up on, made her way to the ballroom and did the whole "escorting" thing, which was a new one. In Revana, people just came in when they felt like it, getting announced if they were special but there was no big ceremony. Taking her seat across from the Duke she looked around the room watching the others being lead in.

After the food arrived she leaned over to Emalet. "I am so glad to see a "friendly" face. An Achkaerinese I can talk to, all of these others, I have no idea what I'm doing." She said whispered before sitting back up and taking another bite of food, looking up at the Duke and smiling, while also glancing at the man across from Emalet, Besarian. She knew who he was from her briefs, and she knew she needed to get to know him, however she also knew that she was no diplomat and this was a man who could influence her far easier then she could influence him.