Invitation to a New Empress' Enthronement

[Norgeras]

Orion beamed brightly before trying to hide his excitement again behind a polite smile:

"I hope to be attending myself. Can't really skip a royal wedding, now can i?"

Albrecht snorted slightly while chuckling:

"You love that place, seriously."

"Come on, it is really awesome. I mean the Island is even more a Labyrinth than our palace!" Orion waved frantically with his arms:

"Though to be fair, nothing beats home. And we have our own orchard and vineyard right at the ramparts surrounding the palace."

Albrecht grabbed a Glass from a servant, sipping: "As for the Crocodile incident, we didn't make it much public yet, and i hope to avoid that.[1] We had King Davis Ex Wife at an opening for a zoo aquarium, when two of orions nieces attending decided it was a great idea to try and feed the crocodiles with one of their younger cousins pet. His older Brother jumped into the pen and the twins provoked rhiannon until she ran for the crocodiles as well, though the girl was smart enough to not climb into the pen and just tried to keep them away from Augustin by throwing some rocks. It all ended well but was a huge shock."

"The three of them would disagree with the assessment that all went well. Romula and Rema had all their toys taken away and got dish duty for a month. And Augustin...." Orion glared at Albrecht:

"Seriously you overdid it. He only slept on his belly for days."

Albrecht shook his head: "That was not the first time he acted impulsive without using his head. I went easy on him after the cutlery incident but i can't go easy on him twice."

1.	This event is set before the Date this got made public. Just if anyone is wondering.

[Beatrice]

“Well, the enthronement has gone well… Duke Leopold was it? I always have found the palaces of other leaders quite fascinating. Mine is just an abandoned factory that I pretend is a palace! Though I do plan to renovate my palace a bit if the Brassicus family expands.” he looked at Alys while saying the last sentence. "I don’t think you need to worry about Alys. She’s a lovely lass as I see it now and I think that she has bettered herself." Brassicus stopped for a second to cough. “Yes, you would be right about the port. My son, Peterhoff was the one who negotiated all that. I hope that Cabbagelandiet can become a modern nation in a short amount of time.” Brassicus noticed Beatrice passing by and excused himself out.

"Alys my dear, I'll be back shortly." said Brassicus, leaving Alys' arm and approaching Beatrice, bowing down to the Rokkenjiman Empress and taking a deep breath before talking. "I've received your letter and I've personally come... to say sorry, my lady. I don't know what got over me that day, but I hope you accept my apologies."

Beatrice had remained content to take an opportunity to call Alex and keep him updated with the ongoings in his absence, although the approach of Brassicus caught her attention. She listened as he offered his apology, taking him by the shoulders and guiding him up from his bow. "You've no reason to bow before me, as I said before all are worthy of a second chance," she said with a smile. "We won't speak of that day again, but shall instead look to those things we may accomplish in the future. Should you wish to take the opportunity to talk I believe I have a moment, that is if you're not too occupied?"

[CabbagePreacher]

Brassicus smiled back at the Empress. "Well, I guess I'd have free time..." he stared at Alys in the distance "... I think love can wait for a minutes!" Brassicus then took out an envelope out of one of his many pockets on his coat, and gave the envelope to her. "A thing I want to give you real quickly, here's all the instructions and the what-not if you ever want to visit me in Cabbagelandiet to negotiate stuff." Brassicus stood idly for a bit before talking again. "Anything you wish to say to me?"

[Xaeth]

The various guests were given plenty of time to get ready for the smaller event this night, as well as to socialize and perhaps get a feel for the palace they'd be spending the night in. Eventually they would be fetched by the palace servants and informed that things were beginning, and that any last minute touched to their appearances should be done and then they would be lead to the Imperial Throne Room. The throne room was both spacious and extravagant; longer than it was wide with a second level in the form of balconies along each long side, pillars all along its length, decorated with mosaics all along the floor and coloured windows along the walls, and at the far end a massive semi-circular recess in which sat something around a story tall draped and hidden beneath deep blue cloth. There was music drifting through the throne room, though not from any musicians that could be seen from the ground floor, and there were servants patrolling the floor with trays of food and drink for those who wished to partake. It was not a particularly large gathering, with the only ones in attendance aside from the foreign dignitaries being Crown Princess Ælirn, Regent Llyri, and a young man about Ælirn's age who appeared very much like he was a close relative.

Llyri stepped forward, then opened her arms in a welcoming gesture that her face's cold expression didn't quite match, "Though this is merely a smaller, more introductory, gathering of sorts, with a ball proper taking place after the enthronement tomorrow, everyone help yourselves to any refreshments and I hope you enjoy yourselves."

Then Ælirn herself stepped forward, took a deep breath, and spoke, "And I will be having a private conversation with delegates from each nation at some point during the night. But please, have fun." She smiled at those assembled.

And it wouldn't be particularly long before Emperor Orion would be approached by Ælirn, both she and her Aunt agreeing that with the little 'incident' earlier that it would prehaps be best to start the private talks with him, to give her a chance to apologize as soon as possible. "Emperor Orion," she said with a smile and a polite nod, taking care to make sure we didn't interrupt any conversation Orion might have been engaged in already, "I am very happy you took the time to come personally; I know you must be very busy. I have a smaller sitting room set aside for my private conversations; would you care to accompany me?" Then she she glanced at those the Emperor had accompanying him, "Well, you can bring any of your own people along too. If you want to."

[Norgeras]

"We should add mosaic as well." Orion commented as they entered the Throne room, glancing around:

"I do like the stained Glass, makes the room brighter." Albrecht added, nodding slowly: "Though your Throne room doesn't even have windows. Talking about that, we still need a Statue commissioned."

Orion groaned but nodded: "I know. I just..."

Albrecht raised an Eyebrow as Aerlin went straight to them, while Orion stopped and listened to her:

"Busy isn't what i'd say, i'm simply still going to a boarding school so my family time is limited even without the Duties as Emperor."

"Most of the actual work is still done by me." Albrecht added, putting his hand on Orions Shoulder: "As his Regent that is my Duty after all."

Looking down to his Cousin, Albrecht noticed him shifting uneasy, bobbing forth and back on his feet. Bowing down to the Emperor, Albrecht whispered: "They noticed your reaction, now you have to bear the burden of that slip Orion. Don't worry, i'm tagging along."

Orion nodded slowly: "My regent will come along." before following Aelirn

[Xaeth]

"I mean, school is still a very busy time," Ælirn said in response to Orion and Albrecht's comments about how he had yet to take on the responsibilities of Emperor.

The walk to the private room wasn't very long; it would've taken a few minutes at the absolute longest. While one could describe the room as small, cozy was an equally apt description. There was a hexagonal table in the center of the room around which six chairs were arranged, and several windows allowed in the afternoon light. The pair would also notice a pair of guards stationed right outside the door, who both eyed the foreign Emperor and Regent as they made their way in after Ælirn. The Crown Princess gestured to the pair to have a seat where they wished before she herself chose a seat.


She gestured at a servant standing quietly and demurely in the corner before speaking, "If you want any refreshments, you need only ask me."

"But first I would like to talk about the, um, I suppose one could say 'incident' during introductions earlier," Ælirn says slowly, "And you have my sincerest apologies. There are certain thins which should have been communicated beforehand which, uh, obviously weren't. But my Aunt is looking into it to find out who exactly is to blame so that they will be reprimanded for it. It was... Inexcusable."

[Rhodes]

King Andrew, escorted by Camryn Hopkins made his way over to the reception line, pointedly ignoring Alys Arsenault on the way. Bowing politely to the Empress, Andrew presented her with a gift.


"A pleasure to meet you Empress. My condolences on your recent loss and please receive my best wished for a long and happy reign. May I present Dr. Camryn Hopkins of East Moreland."


Camryn makes her manners and bows before the Empress.


"Please allow me to present this small token on behalf of the Kingdom of Seaforth." Said Andrew as he presented a small rosewood box.

The traditional Seaforth gift is a silver replica of a Seaforth Warhammer about the size of a judges gavel. It represents Justice, which Seaforthians believe is the paramount virtue of a monarch.

[Norgeras]

Orion shuffles on his seat, glancing over every other second waiting for Albrecht to say something, who, after letting his cousin sweat a little, takes the initiative:

"The incident will not matter as long as we just make sure it is not talked about much. The more Time passes until it leaks out of this event the less relevant it will be. Really, the only the troublemakers here would be our senates because they would see it as someone stepping on their collective toes."

"Or in other words" Orion threw in meekly: "We just pretend it didn't happen, and shrug it off if anyone asks later."


Albrecht gave an approving nod, before turning back to face aerlin:

"We usually have a dinner ahead of huge events with the invited guests to clear up clashing protocols. For example in our Coronation people are expected to kneel to the new Emperor, while we had clarified ahead and made a statement that crowned monarchs of course are exempt from this. I'll make sure you get an invitation for one of those Dinners in the future as well."

Orion glanced to Albrecht, then back to Aerlin:

"Say, one Question, before your other guests need the attention. I do feel like your throne room does seem a little like a Noniam temple as well. Was there a specific building it was modeled after or just a general idea?"

[Xaeth]

Ælirn shifts uncomfortably in a her seat before speaking, "While I'm glad it's not a problem for you so long as it doesn't get out too soon, it's not that simple for me." She pauses for a moment to choose her words carefully, "Throughout its history Xæth has had problems with things like... xenophobia and racism. It's much better these days, of course! Don't get me wrong! There should have been communication on certain protocols beforehand, and I want to make certain it was a simple mistake and not something... malicious." Her eyes narrow at her last words, before she waves it off.

"But remind me never to attend a coronation in Neu Uburzis; there's a reason the ceremony tomorrow is an enthronement and not a coronation," she says with a laugh, "But the throne room... Who knows? It's very old, and there's not very many records remaining from the time that my ancestors settled in the region. But they were semi-nomadic before then, so it would make sense for them to have adopted some Noniam architectural techniques."

[Norgeras]

Orion raised an eyebrow:

"As long as you don't bring controversial gifts the coronations are quite nice, i can assure you."

Albrecht gave his cousin an not so subtle elbow to the side, before speaking up again:

"I have something in mind that might need your attention for the coming weeks, i will definitely contact you. It's about a new Diplomatic Channel. But for today, i think theres more guests waiting for you, and i dont think we should hog your attention all for ourselves."

[Xaeth]

"I was... Making a joke... You know, with crowned monarchs being exempt from the bowing and me not having a crown... So I'd technically be 'uncrowned'," she says awkwardly, then sighs, "But yes, thank you. And I'll look forward to your announcement."

Then she compose herself, "But it was a pleasure talking to you two." She stands and leads the pair back to the throne room with a polite smile before scanning the crowd for her next target, which she honed in on quite easily.

"Empress Beatrice," she said with a smile, "I hope your short time her in Xæth has been satisfactory; we are all very appreciative that you took the time to attend my enthronement yourself."

[Beatrice]

"Visiting foreign nations is always a pleasure, especially when one has the opportunity to forge new ties," Beatrice replied warmly. "I've never been fond of sending diplomats in my stead, although at times it probably could have saved me some trouble. There was a time we had madmen threatening Mundus with annihilation via biological weapons, while at the same time a warhead in low-earth orbit was on stand-by should they pull the trigger first. Not to mention the assassination of a diplomat when I had invited Mundus to Pyrena Castle, although I must say I made the best of it."

"Needless to say I appreciate your hospitality, I wouldn't wish to miss the opportunity to be here for your enthronement. I believe that a personal touch, often lost when dealing with the republics and their carousel of representatives if we're to be honest, goes quite a long way, don't you think?" she asked, curious to gauge her response.

[Xaeth]

"Well, I hope that my enthronement is far, far calmer than that," Ælirn said, not entirely certain how to respond to talk of terrorists, nuclear threats, and assassination, "But yes, I suppose a personal touch is nice. Although I have to admit I haven't had much personal experience dealing with republics."

Then the Empress smiles, "But anyway, if you would follow me to a private sitting I've set aside for my personal conversations tonight?"

After the very short walk to the private room Ælirn takes a seat at the table and offers Beatrice a seat as well as any refreshments she might desire. "Empress Beatrice, again I have to thank you for your kind words earlier. I am... very appreciative of them," she says, then takes a deep breath before smiling, "But, I have to agree that it would be lovely to form bonds between our nations. And I would very much like to visit Rokkenjima in the future."

[Beatrice]

Joining Ælirn in a more private setting Beatrice took a seat and took the opportunity to have a drink. "If I have learned anything it is that kindness, compassion and that warmth which comes from the heart are often the best we have to offer others, especially when it comes to shared experiences. We're all in this together, and I think if more people, especially leaders around Mundus, understood that the world we live in would be a better place. Perhaps, in the long arc, that's something we can work on together," she continued with a smile of her own.

"So as I often ask, what does Xæth wish to see in a relationship with Rokkenjima? I already believe there are several areas which we could see natural cooperation, our cultures have similarities as in Rokkenjima the matriarch is the head of the family and, if Xæth wishes to set herself upon a more sustainable future, the Rokkenjiman economy is geared toward renewables and sustainable energy. I also believe, having seen Xæth for myself, that we could certainly expand Blue Star Line operations with a regional hub, and a regular liner service between our nations. With Xæth's position as a guardian of the Matilda Channels, which are crucial not only to Rokkenjiman liner operations but our trade as well, we could certainly develop together a program which sees great opportunities for mutual economic opportunity."

Beatrice paused, "I do apologize, I didn't me an to ramble after asking you the question. I'm pleased, as for the first time in quite a while I'm sat across from a leader in whom I can see great potential, one who I can relate to, and a nation which shares much in common with my own First Empire. With that being said, I'll cease my rambling." It had been some time since Beatrice felt such energy in such a meeting and, despite her best efforts, it showed fully. Truly she felt as if she were ten years younger, with all the excitement and promise of Mundus before her and Ælirn.

[Xaeth]

If Ælirn wasn't nervous before, she most certainly was now. She appreciated Beatrice's compliments greatly, but truth be told that was a lot of pressure. Ælirn wasn't even sure if she was truly ready to take on the mantle of Empress; she knew how she wished to rule and she had been raised as heir to the throne, but only a single day away from well and truly becoming the ruler of her nation she worried about how she'd actually get anything done. But she didn't have much of a choice in the matter, so there was no point in dwelling on such thing.

"Well I... I truly appreicate your kind words, and I hope I don't disappoint in the future," she said with a somewhat nervous chuckle, "But anyway, as to what Xæth wants I think establishing embassies would be the first step; I plan on setting up any new embassies in Ælilly to the south. But everything else sounds like a natural progression; I do hope to reduce Xæth's reliance on... less renewable forms of energy and Xæth does have several resort towns on the coast that I'm sure many in Rokkenjima would like to visit."

After a short pause Ælirn speaks again, "But, I suppose I should ask you the same thing. What does Rokkenjima see in a relationship with Xæth?"

[Beatrice]

"Ælirn," Beatrice calculated the risks in dropping formalities at this point, "I, perhaps more than any other soul here know the pressures you face at this moment. After all, I faced them myself, and just as I you will make it through just fine, okay?" she continued with a reassuring smile. "I faced the challenge of rule when I was a teen, not far removed from my schooling, and I know that look upon your face. Just as it was my day years ago I proclaim to you today is your day, you determine how it will go, and if you meet it head strong I know the path you forge will serve you and your nation well; you are a strong woman, and anxiety is most human to feel at this point, but it will pass and you will show all of Mundus that strength I know resides in your heart. Until then, until that point you stand before them, all you need to worry about is me, and I judge not anything you present me," she continued, offering Ælirn a hand of comfort on her shoulder.

Beatrice smiled at the question, "I apologize Your Majesty," she continued, referring to Ælirn in a manner she would no other monarch upon Mundus. The Rosari did view her as being above all other monarchs as the Blessed of Islyna, however, in such a setting she held no reservations in empowering another woman, especially as she faced challenges as she once did, "but I jumped the gun and laid them before you. There is a side of me you bring out, younger than the woman you see before you, with such hope as to light a thousand flames across Mundus. If we can harness this energy between us, well, I know great things are before us."

"And don't you worry about disappointing," Beatrice continued, "perhaps, to be honest, I see a part of myself in you. If I can advise you, and be an ear you may rely upon, personally I would have no complaint. I sat where you sit today, I know the questions in your heart and no, the answers are few and far between before you ask," she continued with a chuckle. "I had no one from beyond my own circle to guide me so, if you should wish, I would wish to serve as a voice without bias; that voice I never had in my early days upon the Throne. If I may be of service to you, while building bridges between our nations, I shall be happy. While I had no guidance, learned what was required of me as each day passed, if I can make that experience pass more quickly for you and provide you with sound guidance, I shall be most happy. After all, service is the highest office of leadership."

Following the brief interlude Beatrice continued, "Girl to girl, just you and I, have any caught your eye? I must admit, if I were not married, there are a few good prospects for fun in this field. As a proud woman each advantage is yours, and remember that always. Not only an Empress to your People but a woman of strength; pursue, but recognize that ultimately, you are the master of the pursuit. The more you make them work for it the greater the reward, I assure you," she said with a giggle.

[Xaeth]

Ælirn quickly moved Beatrice's hand from her shoulder. She appreciated the elder monarch's gesture, but hated close contact with people whom she wasn't close and Ælirn had just met Beatrice today. She would've been more calm and collected about it, but the young Empress had other things on her mind. All of Beatrice's words hit close, and simultaneously filled Ælirn to the brim with confidence and crippled her with worry. Beatrice was right, Ælirn knew, after all it wasn't the first time she had heard such words. As Beatrice spoke and more words came from her mouth, Ælirn was reminded more and more of the conversations she'd had with her mother in private and away from prying. And as she remembered those talks, more memories of her mother came unbidden and flooded her mind. Ælirn gritted her teeth and did her damnedest to keep the turmoil in her mind from reaching the surface, and she was successful enough. At least, until the time came to respond to Beatrice.

"I..." was all that left her mouth before she choked on a sob, after which it all came pouring out. Ælirn wanted to say something, anything, but she could only get out a few short words before the sobs stole her breath and she hated it. Hated herself. Her she was, a soon to be Empress having a conversation with a respected world leader and now she was bawling like a child. She even felt tears began to fall and she hated it even more; not only was it embarassing but she she hated how they felt against her face. She wanted to stop, to shove it all into the back of her mind where she could have a nice cry later, but memories of her mother kept coming and it hit her all over again that she'd never see her again. All she could do was close herself tight and rock back and forth, praying she could calm down and fearing that Beatrice would just see her as a weak and frail little girl.

[Beatrice]

As if by instinct Beatrice produced a package of tissues from her handbag, offering one to Ælirn. "Do forgive me," she said gently, "it was not my intention to bring distress upon you. It's understandable though, with what has happened and looking into the future what is before you, I can't understand your exact situation, but I can certainly relate. I may either remain or wait elsewhere, whatever you need though I will certainly understand. Just don't keep emotions bottled for anyone's benefit, even your own; much like milk sours if kept beyond its expiration so too do emotions if they're held onto too tightly.

"I remember, the day I found out I wouldn't see them again," she found her mind settling upon thoughts of her parents, "I don't think anyone asked the questions that needed to be asked. Sure I would be alright, because that's something a child can quantify upon such news, I said yes. Truth is, the world that I once knew as unquestionable in existing forever, that world came down and there was no way I could be 'alright' for a good while. It's bittersweet, carrying memories, each day forth one absent of their presence, things I wish I could share with them," she felt the warmth of a tear trailing her cheek, growing cool as it slowed.

"Forgive me, now it seems we're both in tears," she continued, somewhere between a chuckle and a snivel. "There's strength in sharing emotion," she said after a pause, "and as before I'm still not judging. When we've both collected our thoughts some, may we continue?"

[Xaeth]

Ælirn took the tissue, rubbing at her eyes with the lack of finesse of somebody who wasn't used to crying and had little practice wiping away tears. "No, no, no... It's... It's fine, and thank you," she says with a sniffle, "I... I had plenty of time to grieve but..." The Empress-to-be shifted in her seat, "Your words just... Reminded me of the sorts of things my mother used to tell me. And it... It just came rushing back."

She rubbed her eyes on her arm again, having already used up her tissue, before looking back up at Beatrice. "But yes, um... Where were we again?" she said, thinking back to before she had unceremoniously burst into tears before a blush spreads across her face, "Oh. Men. Uh, um, uh... I haven't... I have not been paying attention to them."

[Beatrice]

"No worries," Beatrice said with a smile, "let us continue then. I feel perhaps our best path forward should be a Treaty of Friendship, from which we can use as a foundation for diplomatic, cultural and economic ties between our respective Empires. As time passes we may review the Treaty as necessary, including deeper ties should they be warranted. Prior to my departure, we can put something in place and run it through our respective ratification processes and let the bureaucrats work out the finer details. If we produce something to your liking it would be no greater honour to invite you to Pyrettania to return the gift of your hospitality, and conduct a joint signing ceremony."

"Right now we've cultural, which could be handled through student exchanges and such, economic which could be handled through an article covering easing business relations between our respective economies, interest from the Blue Star Line in opening a facility and dedicated liner service, and last but not least, cooperation in sustainable energy production and utilization. We've many possibilities before us and I know whatever we decide, they'll see our two cultures, who share so much despite their separation through time and distance, forge an unbreakable friendship."

[Xaeth]

"Oh I'd love to visit Rokkenjima," Ælirn said with a smile, "And I'm sure we won't have any problems getting any sort of treaty ratified."

"But, I am sort of... hesitant about economic affairs. I don't want to unfairly favour any countries, and I'd hate for my people to think I'm putting other nations first too," then she paused, "Which, kind of brings me to another point. Xæth isn't the most... welcoming of places. But don't get the wrong idea! There wouldn't be any issues with your liner; Xæth's cities are much better about that, especially on the coast where we get visitors. And any sort of exchange, student or otherwise, well, we'd have to avoid them going to anywhere rural. And our programs for teaching Xæthoon are rather lacking, so I'd need to work on those..." By this point Ælirn was talking and rambling more to herself than Beatrice.

[Beatrice]

"Economic affairs need not be cause for concern, after all, I doubt either of us would consider such open economic union of any sort, especially at this stage. Treaty drafting has long been a hobby of mine so, on my voyage here, I wrote something up for your review and consideration. We can get together later before my departure to adjust anything that needs to be fine tuned, but this should serve as a road map so to say. I've made some adjustments as we've talked and, from the language employed, you can see my high hopes in this Treaty representing our friendship," she replied with a smile.

"I've also seen that we've mechanisms for amendment, so that as our relationship develops the Accord may grow with us, so to say. Should we reach a point further economic provisions are appropriate or defensive arrangements beyond intelligence sharing are desired, we've the tools to see to it. Of course, any other areas that need work we can coordinate on, and make things that work best for both of our nations and peoples."

[Xaeth]

"I'm just worried about the Conservatives' stranglehold on the National Assembly; the Assembly ratify treaties and the Conservatives are uniformly opposed to foreigners trying to... Well, foreigners in general really," Ælirn says with thinly disguised distaste, "I could force it through with an Imperial Edict, but I'd rather not do that yet honestly."

The young Empress-to-be shakes her head and then smiles, "But I have enjoyed our conservation, and I look forward to speaking again. However, I do have others I need to talk to and..." She gestures to her face which, despite the cessation of her crying, still very much shows the marks of her emotional outpour, "I need to change my makeup and fix my face before I head back out there."

[Beatrice]

"Politicians are always quite fun to work with, are they not?" Beatrice chuckled. "I do hope they shall see that there is benefit in opening up and cooperating with their international neighbours. In the mean time you have my number and, no matter the time of day, if you need to call upon me you can trust you won't be bothering me. Once the process has conluded on your end I shall look forward to returning your hospitality and welcoming you to my home, and the Imperial Diet, of course. I can't wait to show you Pyrettnia and Exuperia and, provided we have time, Ashinxao as well."

Taking to her feet Beatrice nodded, "It has been a pleasure. I do believe I have a King who requested my audience, and I should give him the courtesy of honouring that request."

[Xaeth]

"It has definitely been a pleasure," said Ælirn, before the pair left. Beatrice would be directed back to the everyone else, whilst Ælirn quickly made her way elsewhere so she could get ready. Again. It thankfully wasn't too long of a diversion, one which the guests likely wouldn't notice but which she'd probably have to explain to Aunt Llyri later. Or would I? she thought to herself, She wouldn't want to make a scene, so I'd be Empress by the time she asked... It was a strange thought to Ælirn, being in charge of her Aunt and all the other proper adults. She wasn't entirely sure how to feel about it, if she was honest with herself.

But she did return, and she made her way over to East Moreland's Prime Minister, "Ms. Quinn, I want to thank you for taking time out of your schedule to attend my enthronement. For a woman in your position, I am sure time is a most precious commodity."

[DaveIronside]

Henrietta bowed to the new Empress. "Well Your Imperial Majesty my time is at the service of His Majesty King David and the people of East Moreland and so therefore attending such an event as this is a privilege and in no way a problem. It's been rather enjoyable to get out of the office, stop shuffling paperwork and let my hair down a little." she explained. "I know you are only moments into what I am hopeful will be a rather lengthy reign but I think it important our two nations get off to a good footing. You are after all neighbours with a good friend of ours the Commonwealth of the Iwi. I notice there is no Maori represenatative here, may I enquire as to the current state of your relationship with them if thats not an awkward question?"

[Xaeth]

"Well, perhaps you could follow me Prime Minister? I'm making the rounds with private conversations, and I have a room already set aside for the purpose," Ælirn said with a nervous smile, not bringing up the topic of the Iwi again until the pair were already on their way.

"The, uh, situation with the Iwi is kind of... well, it could be better I guess," she eventually says, "Things have gotten better for the Maori in Xæth over the centuries, but we're still kind of dealing with the, uh.... fallout? The fallout of our past colonialism. It's not a fun chapter of Xæthoon history."

[DaveIronside]

Henrietta sensed a potential problem but also an oppurtunity. "We have always found the Maori to be a people we can get along with, and our King has a good personal relationship with their monarch. Should you be willing and you think that there is liklihood of success I'm sure King David would enjoy trying to patch up the relationship between you. However we would need to understand more of the situation between yourselves. What stumbling blocks do you see in your relationship with the Maori and of course what issues do we need to overcome between the two of you. I would hate to think that the issues between yourselves and your neighbours would bring about reasons why we can't have a productive, mutually beneficial and friendly relations."

[Xaeth]

"Well..." Ælirn says, spending a very long moment silent and in thought, "I would be more than happy to talk things out and work on relations with the Iwi. After all the Xæthoons of the past were in the wrong; between the enslavement, Xæthoon settlement, expulsions, expropriation of land, and just general oppression. It wasn't even a hundred years ago that Maryrn was legally a part of Xæth instead of a colony and the official Xæthoon word for the Maori was changed to 'Mary' as opposed to... Well something very, very racist."

Then she forces a smile, "But I do want to work on improving relations with the Iwi! I have some ideas for Maryrn itself, although the Mary Iwis' land ownership is still an issue with no easy solution... But I would be very appreciative if East Moreland could serve as a sort of middleman."

[DaveIronside]

Henrietta nodded, "I can offer a solution that will already help ease matters slightly." she began, "The Maori are a proud people and their culture full of hidden but meaningful gestures and symbolism. Take for example the way King Piripi introduces himself, the average Maori would introduce themselves by their given name and then say "of the" before naming their tribe.  The King is the only one who does not, he introduces himself as King Piripi not of.....I forget the name of his tribe.......but of the Iwi. In that small gesture he is distancing himself from his own tribe in favour of the whole of the nation. A small gesture but an important one for his people. Now what I suggest is two fold, first don't call the Maori anything other than Maori. The second point being find a Maori who is well respected by that community, grant him some land, even a small piece would do and allow him to call it the home.....a wharenui" she struggled with the Maori word, "It means a communal home for the members of a tribe. Seeing a gesture such as recognising that Maori can potentially establish groups like tribes, Iwi, would go a long way. But regardless of whether you take actions I've suggested I'll do what I can to arrange a meeting between the three nations." Henrietta thought for a moment, "What's your opinion on rugby?"