"Now then," Beatrice said with a chuckle, "may I offer my own congratulations? To see love flourish between two souls is always reason for joy and celebration, and to share it with those of such esteem as our Tytorian allies and, dare I say it, extended family; it's beautiful. I also imagine Adriana may share her reign with yours, and to know that you are already building such an affinity between yourselves leaves me reassured in our futures. I imagine you have other guests who should wish to speak with you, so we shall allow that to transpire, but I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other before our return home."

Beatrice soon found her way to King Michael, "Your Majesty, a beautiful ceremony and a most certainly blessed couple; you must be overjoyed. Although I must say I had to go to extraordinary measures to ensure Emperor Alex would be on his best behaviour at such a dry affair," she sighed. "Getting a spirit which mimics alcohol, yet doesn't contain it, was a pain but what he doesn't know won't hurt him. Look," she pointed with a smirk, "He's sipping again."

Although they were both unconscious at the time of our visit it was important to me that I visited them. Two of my citizens dragged from the comfort of their beds, beyond the doors of their homes, to be beaten in the streets of my Kingdom? To even think that one had survived an attempt to drown them weighed upon me with a greater weight than I had felt in some time. These things don't happen here, that's what we all tell ourselves, until they do in fact happen.

It was long beyond normal visiting hours as I found myself in an office which had been made available to the Prince and I, so that we may converse in private. Though Clysperi they were also Manists, and to have him join me to be at their side would send a message that despite this our peoples and nations stand together. "But, why," my voice broke the silence, the second hand of the clock doing much the same to a lesser degree. "Who would do this, and why?"

"The Soviets hurt our people, now they turn to hurting each other? Have I failed somewhere, in some manner, that I couldn't protect two of my own? And the mosque," I was speaking each thought as it passed through my mind, as I often do when overcome with emotion. As I felt the tears well in my eyes I turned from him, finding support in the wall nearest to me.

"Now I'm weeping before you," I said aloud, "but why do I feel shame? No, I shouldn't feel shame," I continued as I turned around, "these small minds, I see it as clearly as I see you before me, they seek to sow division amongst my People. But as I weep here, as I feel anger for what they did, it shows their failure. Those two souls, those Clysperi Manists, the only thing they've done is drawn me closer to them, to make sure they're safe and looked after; this is the example I must set for my people to follow."

In common discussion amongst those in the homogeneous world Midaranye is often viewed as a problem which must be dealt with, or a challenge which their leaders must solve. Both of these notions go to the very root of why I speak out so forcefully: these enlightened superpowers believe that a region which they are not a part of, indeed in all cases actually, one which they don't even border, is an area of concern which they have to address. This ignores the fact that Midaranye is comprised of several native peoples, ruled by several sovereign governments, all of which are capable of addressing the needs of Midaranye. Our Midaranye is not a problem for you to deal with, it is not a problem for you to solve, nor is it a 'concern' which is your responsibility to address; indeed it is most certainly not a domain in which you, or your rulers, have any say or influence over.

No matter how they dress themselves, with purported values of equality and universal rights, these powers trample over the rights of sovereign states to govern themselves in accordance with their traditions and cultures unless, as is the case of the Maori, you placate them, serve their interests and in doing so buy their protection. As we saw with Seaforth, one of the most outspoken of critics of Midaranye nations and their cultures, who elected to celebrate holidays through the implementation of sanctions against Tamora, or when King David of East Moreland spoke of Morelander concerns for Midaranye whilst proclaiming that a "...Midaranye that is free of slavery, religious intollereance and nuclear weapons" is the "dream of Helus" which they must "work to try and...bring about." Excuse me, but let me stop you right there.

The dreams of your 'god' are irrelevant outside of the borders of your Kingdom; it is not Helus who commands the fate of Midaranye, or you for that matter. What happens within the borders of Tamora are for its Emperor and People to determine, in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet. You are entitled to be offended by slavery, but you are not entitled to enforcing your views, principles or beliefs upon Tamora and its People because of your offense. Tamora is a sovereign state, just as East Moreland is, and despite the many attempts of East Moreland and its Helusian minions Tamora remains standing in proud defiance of the cultural genocide which East Moreland and its ilk would wish to visit upon Midaranye.

When will such foolish leaders learn that the era where their word was the law beyond their borders is long over? They cling to an era where their word, backed by the might of their arms or coin, extended imperialism beyond physical control and occupation. Today employing the power of their 'Cult' to occupy hearts and minds, or principles exported from their lands and forced upon Peoples who have no want nor desire to assimilate into this growing mass devoid of native cultures and directions. Countless peoples removed from their roots as a flower cut from a plant, made to sip upon the words of Helus as water in a vase, only it cannot sustain them; inevitably, they wilt and die, fading into the mass of the Cult itself.

Or we've the self-proclaimed 'Born Again Sons of Helus', who arrived on the coasts of Aranye from Ui Cennselaig, forcing the native Peoples from their lands to build the Kingdom of Thieves. When King Andrew cast his eyes upon Clysperis and imposed sanctions in response to the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Clysperis he was merely honouring his heritage: both as the King of a People who look well beyond their own affairs, and as a Son of Helus who views the world around him as his birthright: if it is not prescribed by his faith, it must be wrong, yes? Thus he's compelled to act, removed from his native lands, the faith of his forefathers, on soil that rightfully belongs not to him or his Ardian peoples, he shows the world that he will act upon principles he has no understanding of while incorporating the Kingdom of Thieves as an effective satellite of the Helusian Empire.

Speaking of Midaranye we've the Holy Empire of Achkaerin while, not a Helusian satellite itself, effectively dedicates its existence to the upholding of its world order at the expense of its fellow Aranye peoples. Instead of using its myriad international treaties and respectable positions in economic and diplomatic power in the support of those it shares a continent with, the Holy Empire is content in remaining a complacent bystander who few could be forgiven for suspecting it of holding vast sympathies for its traditional Helusian allies and their pursuits upon the world stage. Like many of this cartel of nations it views itself as a shining city on a hill, a bastion which holds values superior to those who live in the darkness of the world around it. Historically it has inserted itself into conflicts and situations across Mundus and, while not as outspoken as their allies, is most certainly not a part of any solution to checking the ambitions of these powers.

I have digressed, however, such matters are an intricate web which can touch upon countless tangents as one looks at the whole sum of the situation as it presently stands. To be certain there are shimmers of light such as Nyx, a state which thus far stands as a stark contrast to the Sons of Helus and his countless bastards. A state which has an interest in addressing the historic injustices imposed upon Midaranye by foreign powers, has put its money where its mouth is, and offers an example which is woefully lacking in Mundus. As I said before, returning to my original statement, Midaranye is not a problem, challenge or puzzle to be solved by foreign powers playing their games.

We are a region of countless unique cultures and traditions which have withstood the tests of time, standing today where many around us have either faded or assimilated (by force or otherwise) into other cultures.

We are a region which is home to many Peoples, who are the legitimate masters of the destiny of Midaranye and, obviously, their nations. It is not the place of a Morelander, Seaforthian, Rokkenjiman, Cennselaig or even Achkaerinese monarch to determine its fate, or what transpires within the borders of Midaranye's sovereign nations.

We are a region of principles and beliefs, perhaps not your principles and beliefs, but they're just as valid and worthy of defense as those you and your leaders espouse.

We are Midaranye, and we declare our irrevocable independence. Not that it had to be declared or that it didn't exist before, however, so long as your lot remains focused upon attempting to exert all manners of influence upon Midaranye perhaps it's best that we ensure that you get the memo. Nor do we require your validation for this statement of fact. Be aware that as strongly as you push upon our Peoples and Nations your beliefs and morals, we shall push back and, following the example of Tamora, we shall not yield an inch of our land or even a sliver of our souls to your rule.

Perhaps we shall see a day where the tables are turned, one in which Midaranye is in a position to impose upon you as you have imposed upon it, to intervene in your sovereign affairs as you've interfered in ours. Instead of imposing, intervening and declaring our right over your Peoples and Lands, we'll leave you be; as I've tried to make clear your ways are not our ways. What happens in Seaforth is not consequential to the Clysperi People, and if only you shared that wisdom in kind, maybe Mundus would be the better place the noble superpowers so wish it to be.

"Indeed," Beatrice said with the irritation clear in her tone. "Perhaps you could explain what the hell I just heard from you in there? I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but Lakhzovia and Rokkenjima are allies, yes? I've always been there for you when I could be, yes? I've also stood against the advice of my own officials and allies on paper Achkaerin in offering you a level of support you don't enjoy with any other nation, yes? So why could a casual observer be mistaken for believing Lakhzovia is an ally of Slava Lavosk from the display you just put on?"

Beatrice paused, "During the last trouble with that forsaken land Rokkenjima was stabbed in the back by it's LISA "allies", due to that, Rokkenjima saw a referendum which saw it removed from LISA. Even with all of your issues and the clear concerns that many could raise about your government, I have stood at your side, discounting the concerns of the aforementioned parties and my own family in the form of Evanthe. Was I wrong to put such faith in you, Kadassa? Should I have perhaps listened to them?"

"Because," she looked straight into his eyes with a stare that could pierce through to the soul as if it were a knife, "I am done dealing with allies of convenience, I am done with fair weather friends, and I have had it up to here with these sort of fucking surprises. I am a woman of my word and have given you no reason to doubt mine and, please remember, I wouldn't have to make up a story; if I wished it, Slava Lavosk could be wiped off the map minutes from now. So what have I done to deserve such a betrayal?"

Pausing again Beatrice sighed, speaking solemnly "I'm only going to say this once, don't fuck me Sachim. I've already enough knives in my back and will absolutely not bear another. Also, we'll have no transfers of material between Slava Lavosk and Lakhzovia, such a plan is not only irresponsible but wholly insane given the standing of Lakhzovia in the broader international community. You'll have every intelligence agency on Mundus poking holes in your defenses and succeeding and," she lowered her voice, "should you have nefarious intentions, every fiber of my being is committed to a nuclear-free Mundus. In such a case, you would be shown no mercy."

"I do not enjoy speaking to you like this," she said, reflecting on Kadassa's visit to Rokkenjima, "but I will not be stabbed in the back again; the era where nations walked over Rokkenjima as if they had divine right to is long in the rear view mirror. So I guess what I need to know is, are you still with me, or are you another fair-weather friend of convenience?"

One of the two men involved in the vicious beatings of two Clysperi Manists are in custody tonight following a dash to the Clysperi Embassy District. Salma Antar, who had recognized Bahar from the Pharaoh's Tweet, chased him down as he ran for what appears to be the Achkaerinese Embassy, tackling him before he could reach its grounds. "I saw him and I knew I had to act quickly," she recalled to CSMC. "I shouted at him to stop, but he refused; so I lunged at him with speed and by the will of the gods I took him to the ground."

Bahar wouldn't rise from the tackle, offering some struggle although he was reported to have hit his head in the fall. Onlookers couldn't be certain if he had suffered the strike in the fall or if Antar had struck his head against the pavement herself. "Even if she did, she did so to subdue an animal," one officer shared with CSMC, "She'd face no charges in her upholding of Ma'at." Bahar is in the custody of Khemnen Police pending a rendering of his sentence.

Pharaoh Beketaten praised Salma and Khemnen Police in "seeing Bahar removed from our streets, a coward who may drag sleeping Clysperi from their beds to beat them yet runs from the force of justice. Once his accomplice is in our custody their sentences shall be rendered together and, I say this with full conviction, that I will ensure no one else should set a foot in their path. It's only a matter of time before Sarkis is found, and the very soil of Clysperis shall act to ensure he is denied any refuge he may seek."

"These men sow evil, they sow division, yet all Clysperi should look to the example set by Salma Antar in confronting them swiftly, with force, and without hesitation or mercy. Khemnen Police, under the supervision of my local Priest, are seeing that Bahar will be transfered to a holding facility on the Palace grounds until he's joined by Sarkis. A proper and fitting reward will be granted to Salma, the nature of which I shall discuss with her in the coming days. To be certain, her work in the service of the gods will be met with a most fitting reward; tonight, all Clysperi are Salma, for her actions represent our true common spirit."

A mosque in Nebpi was vandalized late last night with messages such as "Muslims go home," "not welcome," "you're not stealing Clysperis too," and "Beketaten lays with dogs" spray painted all over the mosque. Inside, the vandals left a seen of wreckage, leaving almost nothing untouched as they made their way through the mosque. While they attempted to burn the mosque to the ground the manner in which they built the fire saw it smother itself before growing to a point of concern. Nebpi Metropolitan Police are currently reviewing footage of the neighbourhood and will be seeking the identities of those involved.

In two other acts of religious intollerance two Manists, one man and one woman, living in Khemnen were dragged from their homes and beaten in the streets; the woman suffered several broken bones, while the man was thrown into the Ḥ'pī and left to drown in a state of unconsciousness. Bystanders who witnessed the man being dumped into the river were quick to act, dragging him to the shores and alerting local authorities to the attack. He remains in Khemnen Central Hospital in 'critical' condition; the names of both Manists are being withheld at this time, however they have been shared with the Tamoran Government.

"These vile attacks aren't representative of who we are as Clysperi," Pharaoh Beketaten said of the attacks. "When I was alerted to these acts I wept; that people in my country are harming our brothers and sisters and defacing others houses of worship." In the hours after the defacing of the mosque the Pharaoh, along with her security detail, were on hand at the Nepbi mosque; helping to pick up the pieces inside and bringing fresh paint to remove the messages painted on the mosque.

"Those responsible for this," she said as she pointed to 'Beketaten lays with dogs,' "shows who the animals are in this. I have informed the Imam that anything he should need will be provided, while also ordering local police agencies across the Kingdom to protect our mosques just as they would one of my temples. I am also proclaiming now that these individuals will be found, they will be charged, and they will face the same punishment as if they had defiled one of my own Temples: they shall be burned and shall not know the afterlife. I said you'd be made an example of and you decided to test my resolve? So be it."

Pharaoh Beketaten is presently on her way to Khemnen Central Hospital and early reports indicate she has requested Prince Naser to join her. "Clysperis loves its Manist brothers and sisters, it loves its Muslim Clysperi, and we're going to show them. Those involved in these vicious beatings will be punished accordingly, and I've a target or two for them to try to beat. It'll be just as fair as the position they placed their victims in."

CSMC will follow these developments closely. No word has been received on the arrival of His Royal Highness Prince Naser at time of publication.

Pyrena Castle
Office of the Imperial Media Liaison

---

For Immediate Release
Recognizing The Wise Northern Soul

When the news of Paul the Explorer visiting these lands broke it solved many questions regarding the 'wise man who visits from Northern shores', indeed many Rosari scholars point to a variety of reforms in the Rosari Faith following this time. Islyna's Code, that which all Rosari are instructed to keep in their daily lives, is thought to have been heavily influenced by ideals which Paul shared with our People during his travels here. Prior tothe isolation of East Moreland, prior to our meeting in the modern era, ties were made, influences imparted, that even at this time of impasse we must mutually honour.

That the Rokkenjiman and Morelander Peoples are connected by this common bond is of no accident, for our very Rosari Faith speaks of a 'grand alliance to preserve order from chaos'. I firmly believe that the forces aligned to chaos, those of Charles the Great Betrayer, saw fit to sow the seeds of discontent to further the agenda of chaos, and thus far, he has won. No longer, I say. To admit the Rosari Faith, although older than that of the Cult officially, is indeed influenced by Paul himself, is a matter we should take pride in. A man wise beyond his own mortality, we should all take a moment to revere him just as we do Islyna herself.

It truly pained me when Grand Marshal Henry Cole who, like myself is, a descendant of Paul the Explorer, determined it best to remain here in Rokkenjima whilst East Moreland laid him to rest. In response I have requested his early resignation, a request he has fulfilled, and thus I announce that Admiral Alex Rowe is our newly appointed Grand Marshal of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces.

I also proclaim the date upon which this link was discovered a national day of reverence, as well as declaring an eternal reverence to East Moreland for the knowledge their ancestor shared with our earliest of peoples. That they have shaped our nation so deeply and strongly is of little surprise to me, for the Rosari Faith has always called upon us to 'look to the Northern shores for the wisdom of the ages, for you are descended from the North yourself. Thus spake the Wise Northern Soul.'

Not only shall we revere this past but we shall honour them into the future: today I proclaim a national mobilization to see that our beliefs and practices are unmistakable from our foreign policy. Paul the Explorer, or the Wise Soul from the North as he is known here, we shall honour you in all our actions as a nation. For, without him, we would have been without a rudder. To think that the Rosari Faith, older than that of our Morelander friends, could have been so heavily influenced by Paul; that thought truly humbles me. I thank both Paul himself and the Morelander People for blessing us as such.

A most happy "Paul" Day to you all.

Beatrice Anselmo
Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook
Student of Paul

Vaticinator Vizla,

I shall look forward to your arrival, and to the arrangements we shall mutually set forth.

Pharaoh Beketaten-Hesy-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, High Priest of Every Temple, The Living Horus.

"Funny seeing you here," I said as we sat at the table, a consignment area at the Elysium Economic Forum. "I...I have a proposal, that I'm not sure what to do with. On one hand it could bring more prosperity to my people, on the other, the price tag is most expensive. I could do it if my will is strong enough, with funds foreign and domestic, but it will be a massive undertaking no matter how I look at it. Essentially," she lowered her voice, "I am creating a new wonder for the modern age; even the Achkaerinese will look down with jealousy..."

She showed him an image on her phone, "Setri, that's the city of dreams," she said as he gazed over the image. "It will take money, labour, and time but....when finished, it will rival these international cities. Be it in Rokkenjima, Achkaerin or the Conglomerate itself; Setri will be a city without comparison. I'm just worried we'll have to give something up to achieve it, you know? I'll need foreign backing and the Gods know Tamora couldn't, and shouldn't, bear these costs wholly; but what do I do with the means at my disposal which are admittedly limited?"

I soon felt his hand slide over mine, his eyes entwined with mine. His words are still a whisper to me, but to the photographer on the lower level, this exchange was likely worth millions of Dinars. We were quite foolish in that moment, although it is one I still treasure dearly. Amongst the first times I felt his touch, warmth radiating from his hand to mine, damn the costs involved.

Beketaten was originally scheduled to conduct business at home, however, she had relegated most of those tasks to the Vizier so that she could attend the EEF. She stopped for a moment to take questions from the press, setting her eyes first upon TINS.

"Any opportunity to visit Tamora is one I could hardly pass upon," Beketaten said with a warm familiarity with the TINS journalists on hand. "As you know the Kingdom of Clysperis is devoting its energies toward a vast economic retooling, thus an event such as the Elysium Economic Forum is a platform I am certainly interested in. Aside from investment opportunities across the Clysperi economy and our work force, I feel that Clysperi culture is a key advantage to doing business with the Kingdom, not to mention joint economic proposals which exist between the Kingdom and the Empire which I hope to see yield fruit. From those items we're already aware of to a proposal I've yet to unveil which will focus greatly in our economic endeavours, the Clysperi nation is primed and mobilized for expansion."

"Perhaps I may also learn while I am here," she continued. "I feel as though I've already learned much from His Royal Highness, Prince Naser, but there is always room to learn more. Thank you for your time and, as always, your continued service to journalistic excellence."

"Lakhzovia fails to mention that the provision would apply equally and does not single out Slava Lavosk in any manner. Further precedence is established via the Outer Space Standards Convention which recognizes space-based weapons platforms as a threat to the common sovereignty of all states and enables them to take action to remove such a threat. Likewise, the decision to test a nuclear weapon following the unanimous disarmament of all nuclear powers at the time poses a similar threat. With verification methods being agreed upon by us all there would also be no scenario where one state could magically produce evidence and bring into motion the fantasy scenario which Lakhzovia has presented."

"Furthermore, as I understand we shall have verifiable channels for the processing which Lakhzovia has proposed, as such, I would very much be in opposition to an arrangement which removes yet another level of independent verification from the process. I would further remind Lakhzovia of its treaty obligations to the First Empire, and likewise the lack of such obligations with Slava Lavosk. The proposition for a force, which I can only assume would be aimed against Rokkenjiman forces, is a move which would burn a bridge which would be quite expensive for the Republic's foreign ambitions."

"Quite simply if Slava Lavosk is honest and shows good faith there should be nothing to worry about and I may allow our fine sailors to return home, as opposed to maintaining their deployment. Furthermore, we wouldn't even be having this conversation had Slava Lavosk not created a crisis where one didn't exist. How quick we are to forget the circumstances which led us to this point, while treating Slava Lavosk as a victim. President Kravec created this crisis, he brought measures upon his nation that would not have been brought to bear otherwise, and it's very much upon him to prove that he's trustworthy."

In that case I have cleared any NQF aircraft to land at Khemnen International Airport, and have left instructions for my officials to direct you to my Palace. Your response speaks to my soul, and my recognition of your state as a worthy partner to the Kingdom.

I look forward to our meeting.

Pharaoh Beketaten-Hesy-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, High Priest of Every Temple, The Living Horus.

To: Grand General Ianaha Hasaenori

The Kingdom of Clysperis hereby extends an invitation to the Neo Quywe Federation for the purposes of establishing diplomatic relations between our nations. Unlike most of the nations which reside upon the Ardian continent the NQF seems to have a level head upon its shoulders, resisting the urges to cast its gaze into the affairs of other states, especially those far from its borders. This is a quality which the Kingdom respects, and one which draws me to grant this invitation. The Kingdom of Clysperis, likewise, does not cast its gaze upon the affairs of states beyond Midaranye, despite several powers seeing fit to cast theirs into mine and proclaiming the right to tell us how to live our lives.

With that being said, I feel that this mutual view of the world around us would serve as a strong basis for a relationship between our respective states. I so look forward to your reply, and hope that this view is indeed shared between our states.

Pharaoh Beketaten-Hesy-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, Beloved of Amun, Chosen of Ra, Lord of the Three Lands, High Priest of Every Temple, The Living Horus.

"No, not really," she looked around, before returning eye contact. "I do have other motives for coming over because, for the first time since I was younger, I see you and my mother in the same room. Your family could be considered closer than even my dad's family. It was never like that before and I saw you so much more, then when everything changed it's all these words and feelings being broadcasted until things really exploded. I mean I had this friend last year and we drifted apart, I asked someone I knew wouldn't give me bad advice what I should do, and she guided me in the right direction. Maybe that's all you need, someone who you know won't lead you wrong and maybe you'll be the one coming to visit my castle next time?"

"If I can figure that out an adult can, right? Sorry," she turned for a moment, "Mom says I need to work on when something can sound sarcastic, and I didn't mean that to come off that way. I'm just....you've noticed she's different, noticeably silent on the world stage too, she didn't even want to come here really but the Vicegerent has a lot on his plate so she was sort of forced into it. Amari's anniversary is in a few days, my sibling and another victim of the Lenira bombing, it's hard on all of us but especially her. So if you guys do bump into each other, take it easy on her yeah?"

Adriana wasn't sure what to think, and although she was good at keeping her emotions hidden what she had seen left her shaken. Seeing King David and King Andrew together Adriana nudged Beatrice, "I think I need some water, may I get some?" she asked. "Of course, I'll see to it..." "No," Adriana interrupted, "I'm sorry, but I need a moment to myself. Lucretia could keep her eyes on me though if that's ok?" Beatrice sighed, "Very well, I'll take the opportunity to relay a few brief messages home and update the Vicegerent on what we've learned thus far."

After pouring her water she made her way to the Morelander and Seaforthian Kings. "Your Majesties," Adriana said with a bow, "I'm sorry if I interrupted you but, this has all been a lot to take in. I don't even think I would be here if my mother knew what was going to happen. It's just, when I feel frightened, I get drawn to somewhere I feel safe, and I always felt safe in East Moreland so I guess their King would feel the most safe here, right? Now I don't want to cut you guys short, but if it's okay, I was kind of hoping we could talk," she continued, looking to King David.