Author Topic: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball  (Read 3184 times)

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Offline Libby

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The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« on: August 23, 2022, 11:16:58 PM »
Iskar was the Lodjain island closest to the mainland and the ancesteral home of the Peligaya family. The Peligayas were so entrenched in the life of the island that its second town was named after them and the family held both noble titles associated with the island, Sheriff of Iskar and Duke of Peligaya. One day Stasya would inherit both these titles. Every summer the island became a favourite holiday destination for the Lodjain elite as they would moor their yachts in Iskar and enjoy the fine sandy beaches that ran the length of the islands east coast. When the Summer Ball season began there was a clamour to try and get on the guest list for the Peligaya families one, even more so since Stasya had become Queen of East Moreland. Even though she was now the Queen of East Moreland she had no intention of missing the ball season. It was a time when the elite of society mingled, young noble men and women were formally introduced to society and a whole host of marriages arranged. While the young men wore black tie the girls in their first summer season were expected to wear white dresses, it was the only colour those attending for any reason other than their first year couldn't wear.

When word had broken that the Emperor of Abertone and the Queen of Lodja were going to be attending in addition to the Peligaya's demand for tickets had increased several times over and all of a sudden every distant cousin of the family crawled out of the woodwork. On the night itself security was tight as members of all three monarchs security details had been involved. Members of the Lodjain military were sat out of view in the forest that surrounded the Peligaya's luxurious beach front estate. It was also possibly the first time any ball had seen an amphibious assault ship parked just off the coast as extra security.

The arrivals began to arrive. Some via boat having been stopped by the Lodjain Marines 1km off the beach, others arrived by the main gate having been thoroughly checked first. Naturally the Emperor of Abertone was given a much easier entry to the estate having been flown in via the families private helicopter from the main land before any guests had been permitted to enter the estate. He was taken to meet with Queen Stasya who was awaiting the arrival of Queen Nataliya at any moment from her private suite in the Pelagiya's house. While the Lodjain Queen was prepared it gave Stasya time to introduce Emperor Marco to his plus one for the evening. Tonya Bogdanovic one of the Lodjain Ladies in Waiting. She was also a distant cousin of the Pelagiyas and her father Sheriff of the town of Luzhny on the mainland. It was also customary for visiting state guests to be accompanied by a Lady in Waiting to ensure they enjoyed their stay. The two Lodjains approached the Emperor as he was shown to the terrace. "Your Imperial Majesty" Stasya kissed the Emperor on both cheeks and then stepped back. "May I introduce Lady in Waiting to the Queen Lady Tonya. The young aide to Natalya stepped forward and offered a dainty hand to Marco.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." She gave a small bobbed curtsey as best you could in a shoulderless red ball gown. "Her Majesty shall be down just as the ball begins but she is looking forward to meeting you. In the mean time if there is anything I can help with I'll do my best."

Offline Abertone

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2022, 10:22:02 PM »
Marco had been looking forward to the trip to the Queendom ever since meeting Stasya during the Festival of Sail. He was a man fond of social events and while the concept of a Ball Season wasn't common back home there was always some noble hosting a celebration who would invite the Emperor and while he didn't attend every single one he was always careful to acknowledge each and attend enough that it left the other nobles with the impression there was a chance he would attend if they asked and as a result his social calendar was always as busy as he wished. This was the type of diplomacy and politics that he could get behind. To "acclamatise" the Emperor had travelled a few days before hand and stayed in Gaia. For his first two days he had been joined by Aurora Napoli, his Junior Foreign Minister, a young businesswoman who was the owner of a respected "Luxury lifestyle" business and so ideal in Marco's view to help him prepare for a society that put great stock by all accounts on such a lifestyle. It also helped that she was easy on the eye especially in a bikini around their privately rented villa's pool. He had packed her off this morning back to Abertone, he no longer had need for her "briefings" and instead waited patiently for the arrival of the local transport. The trip across the Alucard was pleasant enough and the island looked welcoming as the helicopter touched down. He found the sight of a huge grey military ship sat off the coast rather odd but said nothing as he thanked the aircrew for their duty. He had a smart dinner jacket on with the Abertone wolf embroided on the pocket. He saw Stasya and greeted her with a kiss on each cheek, "I must compliment Your Majesty on what looks a fantastic venue. Your certainly blessed to own a house such as this its beauty though pales next to your own. Is King David not joining us this evening?" He enquired already knowing the answer.

As Tonya was introduced Marco tried to resist the urge to cast an eye up and down the Lady in Waiting but probably did. "Lady Tonya" Marco took her hand and kissed it gently, "I am thrilled to meet you and I look forward to your company. I hope you will accept this, I think it would be rude to take your precious time and not give you a token of my appreciation." From his pocket he removed a necklace box containing a silver chain with a diamond pennant. "May I" he opened it and waited for her to turn he gently pushed her hair out of the way and slid the necklace in locking the catch at the back. "Thank you" he bowed slightly. "I am looking forward to meeting your Queen, how has she been since taking the throne, I trust she's well?"

Offline Libby

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2022, 10:23:39 PM »
Lady in Waiting was a strange role, possibly outdated now across Mundus. It served three purposes officially and one rather less official, those selected tended to be daughters of nobility keen to make connections with the high ranks of nobility and gain a personal connection to the monarch. In return for their service they were expected to tend to the daily management of the Queen's life ranging from everything for ensuring she had all the things needed to do her job, they had to also act as a kind of PA for the monarch and finally be a kind of official friend. Unofficially there role was to ensure visiting monarchs were well taken care of meaning in the past they'd sometimes rather crudely been called the "Royal Bed Warmers". While Stasya Pelagiya had attempted to fulfil that function with King David of East Moreland he'd politely declined but Stasya's charm had still ensnared the monarch ensuring she was now Queen in her own right. While Tonya was perhaps less delighted with her assignment becoming well thought of by an Emperor could still be useful for the Bogdanovic family who would be considered to be firmly fixed in the lower echelons of noble life. While rumours of the Emperors nature concerned her it was perhaps little different to many Lodjain attitudes. She allowed him to kiss her hand and then acted coy as he placed the necklace on her. She turned and bobbed in a polite curtsey to the Emperor. "Thank you Your Imperial Majesty, its beautiful" she added.

She linked her arm through Emperor Marco's and lead him towards the main Ball Room, while the ball was yet to begin officially there was already the band warming up and a few eager youngsters had begun twirling on the dance floor. As they reached the door Tonya discreetly slipped a red jacketed chamberlain a card. He glanced down at it but had been well prepared by the Pelagiya family. While the rank and file of guests would just slip into the Ball Room the elite would get their own introduction. "Please Welcome the Royal Lady in Waiting Miss Tonya Bogdanovic and his Imperial Majesty Emperor Marco IX of Abertone and Grand Duke of Faidello." There was polite applause and a few noticeable greeting bows. Tonya guided them towards where a white jacketed server stood with a tray of champagane and Tonya handed the Emperor a glass before taking one of her own. Before they could strike up a conversation from the opposite end of the Ball Room a different Chamberlain spoke up

"Please Welcome Her Majesty Queen Stasya of East Moreland, Baronetess of the Iskor Inlet and Duchess of Seabrooke and His Grace Sir James Fitzroy, Ambassador of East Moreland." As Queen of East Moreland it was only expected that the ambassador of her adopted homeland would attend and with the King being busy back home it was Sir James duty to fill in. His missing lower right leg would prevent him dancing but once they'd entered his formal job was done. He fully intended to get a few drinks in and enjoy chatting with some of his friends from within the nobility.

There was one final arrival to mark and the sense of eagerness amongst those attending had grown. There had been various pieces of gossip about who the Queen would bring as her own escort to the ball and now she was all that was left. Clearly some of the young nobles in attendance had caught a glimpse of the pale blue with gold thread that symbolised the Queens attire. Even before the room heard the yell from the Chamberlain the room fell silent, even the band stopping to watch. "Please welcome Her Divine Majesty, Queen Nataliya of Lodja, Guardian of Sessifet and Duchess of the Isle of the Goddess and Lieutenant Hahona Mere of the Royal Parachute Regiment of the Unified Iwi, heir to the Ngāti Paoa Chieftan" there were instantly whispered conversations as the elegant Queen entered alongside the black uniformed tall Maori officer. Nataliya had known Hahona since her family had been assigned as ambassadors to the Iwi and she herself had been adopted into the Ngāti Paoa Iwi, in some ways then one day Hahona would be her chief but clearly that dynamic had turned on its head. Hahona had been choosen for two reasons, first his friendship with the Queen and second of all he knew that he'd likely be making himself scarce sooner rather than later, probably enjoying some rugby chat and a drink with Sir James. The Queen and the Maori officer headed over towards the Emperor where Tonya gave a more formal introduction between the two.

"Emperor Marco its wonderful to meet you" Nataliya said with a smile. "I trust you've been well looked after. I have to say I'm rather surprised you would feel that you needed to call on Queen Stasya for a favour to set this up, my door would have been open to you anyway. I'm not complaining though as I often have to reject invites to balls like this even though I adore them, before being Queen it was so easy as I could just turn up and no one thought anything but now if I choose to attend some and not others it can cause discontent. With you being in attendance and Stasya hosting it would have been rude not to attend. Perhaps we can open the dancing?" She asked.    


Offline Abertone

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2022, 07:46:41 PM »
The Emperor was rather impressed by the glamorous entrance. He examined the room and nodded to any who seemed to offer respectful greetings. He was slightly surprised the East Moreland Queen was in attendance with just an Ambassador on her arm but with this being a Pelagiya ball then having the most famous member of their family involved was to be expected. The Emperor was wondering exactly what he should be doing now, should he join those already enjoying the music, chat with Tonya or mingle with some of the other fine ladies. He didn't have to make a decision in the end as the Lodjain monarch made her way out. She was a pretty young lady and the Emperor noticed the admiring glances of many men in the room. As the Queen came over he waited for Tonya to make a formal introduction. He bowed, "Thank you for allowing me to attend such a wonderful occasion." He hadn't however expected to have to dance with the Queen, not that he minded. He turned to Tonya, "I certainly look forward to enjoying a spin around the floor with you later Tonya but I can't turn down the Queen." he smiled, unhooked Tonya's arm from his own and then offered a hand to the Queen.

He escorted her towards the dancefloor. "I certainly hope I am not coming between you and spending time with that young gentleman.....the Lieutenant if I recall. A Maori chief, perhaps a friend from your time there or something more diplomatic?"

Offline Libby

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #4 on: October 16, 2022, 09:19:56 PM »
Tonya had no issue stepping aside, it was her job to support the Queen and if she had ordered it then Tonya would stand politely and watch as the monarchs headed towards the dancefloor. The Queen awaited the Emperor to join her as the band began to play some kind of waltzy dance. "The Lieutenant is an old friend. When my father became the Lodjain ambassador for the Uniged Iwi we all moved over there and got to know many of the Iwi leaders really well. It just so happened that myself and Hahona are the same age and attended the same school. He's the heir to the Ngāti Paoa chieftanship, its the same Iwi that my family were adopted into so one day he'll be my Chief you could say, clearly a nice little diplomatic connection but he's been a good friend and its been useful having someone from the outside of Lodjain society to talk to." She didn't want Hahona to feel like he was being talked about behind his back or that she would deminish their connection to a simple political one. "May I ask why such an informal request for a meeting rather than a full on state affair?"

Offline Abertone

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #5 on: November 06, 2022, 11:16:52 AM »
Marco laughed at the Queen's question. "Forgive me but it wasn't a case of wanting an informal meeting. I asked the King of East Moreland if he could make an introduction and of course I think we both understand that the Morelanders view any occasion as a chance for a diplomatic meeting. I was just fortunate enough that King David had his wonderful wife be able to invite me here. Its my hope that as well as enjoying a dance and your wonderful company that we might find some ways of co-operating. For example even though we are not a nation in the Alucard we have seen the great work you and your friends are doing cleaning that up. I would like to procure your systems to try and tidy up the sea between both parts of my Empire. In addition I'd like to examine whether of course we can find ways to trade together and also look at other fields where co-operation can take place."

Offline Libby

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2022, 04:54:19 PM »
Queen Nataliya believed that they had danced enough to give the gathered crowd enough to talk about and as such she now escorted Emperor Marco to a table tucked away in a niche of the ballroom. A pair of red coated stewards stood in front of the table ensuring that they had privacy. "You may not be a nation in the Alucard but you are an Albion nation, at least in part." The Queen chuckled, "We believe that the oceans need to be taken better care of and so if you want to get hold of the system that we in TUNA have been using I for one will support that being made available to you. In terms of trade I think we could work something out, one route would be a joint CNN and Abertone arrangement or alternatively we could look at an agreement between Abertone and the Council of Albion. Should neither of those be of interest to you then of course the two of us can make an arrangement between us. What takes your fancy?" 

Offline Abertone

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #7 on: November 27, 2022, 06:11:48 PM »
Marco felt like he was about to make some kind of flirtacious answer to the question but took a breath before the words exited his mouth. "What does the most for the Empire is my priority, we would consider a CNN arrangement but I appreciate that this could take a long period of time. In the mean time I'd like to ensure that the two of us have an understanding in place. In an ideal world I'd like to have Lodja as a prefered trading partner. We would reduce tariffs on everything that is grown or made in Lodja to a level lower than other nations, obviously if we get the same level from you. In addition we would for products pre-check that our standards for things like health and safety, welfare and legality are compatible and if so you're nation can have streamlined procedures for entering the nation, again if we get the same from you." He was doing his best to channel his inner Graziano but he also had one eye on the pretty girls dancing.

Offline Libby

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #8 on: December 08, 2022, 09:51:00 PM »
Nataliya wasn't surprised by the request but was a little disappointed they'd just "consider" the CNN arrangement. The Queen had a hope that there could be a much more useful connection between the body and them. "Well the next time I meet with the CNN leaders I'll be sure to put forward a proposal. As for now we would of course return whatever favours that you are considering. Now forgive me for asking I was wondering if you could perhaps explain the relationship between the East and Western parts of the Empire, I've read a few things in the media but we all know how much they can distort things to sell a few copies. Is it likely to be a problem moving stuff between the two parts or not?"

Offline Abertone

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #9 on: December 26, 2022, 03:30:06 PM »
Marco smiled "Well we move things seemlessly between the two so it would be my hope that an importer could do the same. I for one though do not really imagine that the same level of the same goods would move between the two. You see in the East the level of wealth is much lower on account of most people being involved in the agricultural and mineral extraction businesses while in the West its more about banking, services, tourism is booming and we've a nice little enterprise in ship constrcution, mainly for the fishing industry. You could argue the synergy between East and West is built on such matters. We have iron ore and coal removed from the East is brought to the west, converted into steel and used to make a new fishing vessel which then sails over to the east and gets used. I can see no reason to make travel or trade between these two culturally different parts of the empire difficult nor should any foreign arrangement. What I therefore propose is that we begin with the following."

Quote from: Abertone and Lodja agreement

The Queen of Lodja and the Emperor of Abertone have today concluded the following agreement. The conditions of which shall come into force 30 days after the signing of this document.

1. Over the next five years tariffs between the Queendom and the Empire shall gradually reduce on all products and services originating in the other party until reaching at least 0.5% lower than any non-treaty partner.

2. Each year a representative of each party shall meet to approve a schedule of tariffs for the next 12 months. These many be amended on agreement of both parties at any time.

3. Goods shall meet the minimum health and safety requirements to enter the nation.

4. Business able to operate legally in one nation may do so in the other so long as they pay taxes in accordance with the laws regarding such things in the nation that they operate.

5. Nations agree that their ambassadors shall be avaliable with 24 hours written notice having been presented.

6. Citizens may travel for tourist purposes without the need for a visa so long as their stay is less than 30 days. Entry may be refused if either party suspects an individual is not truthful about their purpose of travel, has a criminal record or is a threat to good order.

7. Citizens travelling for economic reasons may do so without the need for a visa so long as they meet the following conditions.

a) They do not intend to stay beyond 30 days.
b) They have a letter of endorsement either giving them an offer of employment for no longer than 30 days, or that they have meetings arranged with businesses.
c) They have no criminal record
d) They have  no reason to be considered a threat to national secruity.

8. Any sample products may enter tariff free so long as they are declared, comply with local health and safety laws and are worth no more than $100,000.

9. Citizens travelling for educational reasons may do so without the need for a visa so long as they meet the following criteria

a) They have sufficent funds to cover the length of stay of their study
b) They have a letter confirming their acceptance on an accredited course of study.
c) They shall not engage in paid work during their study
d) They have no criminal record
e) They are not deemed a threat to national security.


"For now I think this puts us in a position to enjoy good relations, I would also like to add a clause that says this treaty would automatically be suspended if we conclude one with the CNN but come back into force if we either end that deal or you leave the CNN." Marco suggested. His part done his eyes were more engaged on the dance floor especially on his dance companion for the evening who was chatting at a nearby table now.

Offline Libby

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #10 on: January 21, 2023, 09:57:07 PM »
The Queen was satisfied that what they had in place was a good foundation, especially as she suspeted that in the days or weeks to come there would be no obsticale put in place to stop a Abertone and CNN arrangement from taking place. "For now I suggest we leave things where they are. We can always revisit things in the future and change them as our nations get more acquainted with each other. For now I suggest we just enjoy the evening and that will give you a chance to get to know more of my people." She extended a hand to conclude the deal. Once she was happy that the diplomatic side of things had been done she beckoned a server who brought over some champagne. "May our futures be bright" she said picking up one of the glasses and raising it as in a toast. "Tomorrow morning we can have a formal signing ceremony for the press, so perhaps best not to be too hungover." She teased. "Now please forgive me I've a few other people I need to see, if you need anything Tonya is more than capable of making sure you're looked after." She stood and accompanied by a pair of men in suits headed out across the ballroom temporarily leaving the Emperor alone.

Seeing her Queen leave was signal for Tonya that things had been concluded. She made her way over. "I hope your meeting was successful Your Majesty" she began, "Perhaps you would like to dance, I can introduce you to people, we can find something for you to eat. What would you like to do?" She asked

Offline Abertone

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Re: The Emperor's Visit to a Ball
« Reply #11 on: April 03, 2023, 05:22:36 PM »
Emperor Marco was pleased to have concluded his work, now he could relax. He was pleased to see Tonya reappear and be able to enjoy the evening. He ensured that he had her introduce him to several of the key nobles within Lodja before taking to the dance floor. Despite finding his Lodjain guide, Tonya, rather attractive that didn't prevent the Emperor flirting with several other charming Lodjian ladies. He began to see the appeal of the women of this land. As the evening drew on he found his feet tired and his ever present guide more than happy to sit on the veranda enjoying a glass of two of wine. Soon however it was time for the pair to head back to the Emperor's accomodation for the evening and Marco required little convincing for the Lady in Waiting to accompany him. With the morning sun he bid he farewell and made his way back home to the Empire with his treaty secured and a finer appreciation for Lodjain culture.