Author Topic: Jewel of the Desert Festival (Read 13605 times)

DaveIronside · « **on:** November 06, 2017, 11:03:38 AM »

It was an annual gathering of great importance in the Seleucid calendar, each year the nations finest makers of jewellery would gather at the King's Palace of The Sands. It was an ancient tradition that on this day the King and his family would make their selections of the pieces made from this years diamond and gold mines that dotted the region near Ararak. Once the Royals had made their choices the way was open to any other customer to browse the numerous large tents that had been set up, those of the more prestigious traders closer to the Palace than the others. The King and his family attracted large crowds as they wandered the stores spoke to the traders. At times things could get heated as two or more traders competed for the royals attention or haggled, even though the King had unimaginable wealth it was part of the culture that prices were negotiable and was even considered an important social occasion.

"4,000 Drachmaes" Queen Katerina exclaimed loudly throwing her hands in the air in a show of disgust. "For this" she pointed to the delicate silver and ruby chain that hung in her hand. "I wouldn't imagine this has seen even 400 Drachmaes of metal" she said in what was a borderline insult. She began to place the item back on the traders tray. A large crowd had gathered outside Mehraiz & Son's tent, they were a small company but their daughter Ania had taken over the companies social media and marketing and many celebrities had been seen wearing their items and now they had the youngest of the three Queen's in their tent.

"But Madam, I can tell you these rubies are nearly as flawless as your beautiful eyes" Flatter was an important tool for Akais Mehraiz as he tried to persuade the Queen to make a purchase he knew could make them even bigger. "However to see such a beautiful item grace the most graceful of necks would be a great delight to a humble artist as myself" he placed a hand on his heart, "I could not let it go for less than 3,500" he countered.

"Hmmm" Katerina hummed, "Perhaps" she looked again, it was beautiful and she really wanted it, truth be told it was a bargain at 3,000 where he imagined agreement being reached but he knew it was worth hundreds times more in the marketing. "I will give you 2,000"

"1,600 more than before" the trader smiled, "The Queen clearly recognises the effort put into making such an object, but we are not giving away today" he poured her more mint tea. "I have three children to feed and 2,000 only just covers my costs" he lied

"Ah, your daughter is a slim beauty, she can't eat that much" Katerina chuckled. "I will give you 2,800" she drained the tea in one go.

"Progress" Akais smiled, "3,200" he countered, the Queen said nothing but dabbed her lips with a napkin before standing and heading for the door clearly unwilling to meet his price, "3,000" he blurted out as she reached the tents exit.

"Diana" Katerina turned to her servent, "Pay him and have it delievered" she smiled and received Akais' bow before leaving and the crowd who had waited to see the outcome parted. Two of the Queen's security guards remained at the tent until payment had been made and then escorting Diana and the item, placed in a luxury bag bearing the companies name through the sprawling festival site. Stalls selling food, tents with musical celebrations and dancing filled the site. Back at the tent as soon as the guards left new customers flooded in all keen to be seen wearing the same brand as Queen Katerina. Inside the Palace itself various people were meeting with the King, some traders given special privilege, others merely nobles keen to present the King with their compliments. The festival was more than just a chance to trade, it was a chance to socialise, arrange marriages, gamble and enjoy life. This year however they'd even permitted foreigners to come, even a handful of Lodjain jewellers had been given permission to come their reputation having reached the King's youngest daughter, Princess Thekla. She had returned with a large collection of their work and in a way this upset her father, he knew they had to open up to the world but there was principles, Seleucid knew gold and diamonds better than most and the Lodjains may have the raw materials but they lacked the grace of the Seleucid.

The King sat reclining on large soft cushions as more people made arrangements to come and see him but his eyes lit up as his wife Katerina returned and sat next to him. He held her close as he waited for the next guests to arrive.

The Young Pope · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2017, 12:30:19 PM »

"Isn't this so exciting? Ah, I can't wait to add these Seleucid jewels to my fabulous collection!" That was his holiness Pope Peter II who'd made arrangements with the Seleucid King for him to travel to his country to conduct some very good state business while taking the opportunity to check out on a few luxurious items in order to further add to current Pope's fame, glory and prestige which might have not been that Christian at all from the looks of it but hey, TYP reasoned with himself that the Celestian Catholic Church donates billions upon billions of Lira to charity and the faith overall, it's good from time to time to spend all of that church collect money on some fun stuff, in which he truly deserved it according to himself prior to arriving in this ultra capitalist, desert country, where he was performing his usual meditation onboard the plane. This was a good opportunity then to increase Seleucid and ES relations as they value order, traditions and not to say the least, the very definition of a Capitalist society in general.

As TYP made his way to the tent escorted by Guardians of St. Peter's throne he could notice a few beggars here and there outside of the restricted perimeters which only allowed those of wealth, influence and high importance. He went to them, spoke a few words before reaching into his pocket and gave them a few gold coins as he said "Spend them wisely...". With that in mind he returned to the normal procedures as the beggars fell to the ground and thanked him as he went away from them. "At least I done some of that daily Christian deeds one should try to perform" he told himself. "I wonder if the Seleucid variants of fine items could possbily beat the oppulence of our Lodjain neighbours, well only way to find out is to enter that tent, ok here we go." He took a deep breath as he was met by flashing cameras and a loud, large crowd with the merchants haggling away to their fullest as if they believed they would all die if they couldn't get at least something worth to be sold.

"Your most delightful majesties, I'm Pope Peter II of the Celestian Catholic Church, such an honor and pleasure to be greeted by your magnifience. I was hoping as discussed earlier that I'm to be shown around this tent with the best jewels Mundus could ever posess for purchasement as well as talks that could further enhance our nations' relations...I'm yours to be guided..." his holiness greeted.

Snackz · « **Reply #2 on:** November 09, 2017, 12:08:36 PM »

Music played at a severely high volume from a brown, bullet-ridden, scratch bearing modded VAZ-2101. Traveling at around 110 km/h, the little car shot through the desert, leaving a trail of thick sand in its wake. As soon as it came into around 20 meters of the palace gates, it began to drift. When it was within 5 meters, it stopped. Comrade Lieutenant Artyom Basuda and Comrade Dictator Maxim Ivanoff hopped out of the damaged car. Artyom was in his casual leather and denim. Maxim was in a neat short sleeved suit. They grabbed their bags, along with the trading material.

"Holy Blyat this place is huge! Must have some sort of personal goldmine, whoever made this place" proclaimed the stunned Maxim as he gazed at the grand structure.
"Ha! You sound like a child, comrade! Come on, let us go." Artyom laughed as he pulled out a small flask of vodka to take a sip. "Let us see what is here comrade Maxim"
"We Shall walk through this capitalist paradise" Snarled Maxim

As Maxim and Artyom walked in they saw a scene that made them laugh quietly. The poor trader had his offer denied by Queen Katerina. Artyom took another sip. After she walked away, Artyom and Maxim made their way to the king and queen. He sat on his grand throne quietly. Artyom saw his comrade, Pope Peter II and exchanged short friendly gestures.

"Privet, Your Highness. We are representatives from Artyomov. I am Comrade Dictator Maxim Ivanoff and this is Comrade Lieutenant Artyom Basuda. We are here to visit you to talk about our relationship and how we can strengthen it. But first I would like to ask what else is there to do here and are Guns and Alcohol allowed on the premise?" He smiled with the confidence of a true communist

DaveIronside · « **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2017, 12:23:10 AM »

King Akakois had secretly wished that he could avoid these foreigners, they failed to understand his nations culture and frankly he had little desire to learn their's there were of course a few nations he admired and wished to get to know, Lodja seemed to have some similarities if they had misplaced notions of the dominant gender. He hadn't expected some holy man to attend from some Ecclesiastical nation, after all they didn't even have the correct number of Gods, there was this Trinity nonsense, three in one or something and frankly he found that ridicolous. He had once heard a scholar of Anahitaism suggest that Jesus may have been one of their pantheon, and that these foolish Christians had just been misguided. It was his soon Crown Prince Hadi who had insisted on the nation forming wider relations, since the collapse of their Empire it was necessary to now rebuild, they'd managed to blame the slaughter of the Cult of Helus on a failed military coup, something for which 200 army officers had been executed. Now Akakois watched this Pope chap with interest. "Welcome to our humble home" the King managed to say without any trace of irony, while being called a tent it was far from one, most tents didn't for example have a large indoor swimming pool. "I am sure we can discuss whatever you wish, you are of course our guest and it is my duty to ensure you enjoy your stay. It is important in our nation to be hospitable to all, we have many customs connected to it and you shall of course experience them all" he smiled as he caressed Queen Katerina's thigh. "Thekla" the King suddenly yelled without warning, almost instantly a girl dressed in a flowing white linen dress appeared.

"Father" she knelt in front of him. Her eyes at the floor, almost immediately the King placed a soft hand under her chin and guided her back to her feet and gestured for her to sit near his feet which the 17 year old obediently did.

"This is my daughter Princess Thekla" the King introduced her and she gave a formal bow. "She will play for us while we talk" a servant arrived and handed her a harp which she began playing straight away, "No...no...no" the King cut in, "I don't like that one." Thekla apologised and began playing another earning an approving look from her father.

Before a real conversation could start a noise interupted the beautiful music, the King was not happy but did his best to not show it. He wasn't really expecting a representative from Artyomov, after all the two nations had very little in common, but his people expected him to show hospitality to all during the festival and therefore he would have to allow them to stay, they did seem to know this priest man from ES and so he waited for them to be seated. "As for your question, we have much alcohol" he motioned to a serving girl who walked over and poured each of them a large glass of champagne. What did annoy him was the weapons, it said a lot about the perception of a Seleucid, once someone was in his home it was the home owners responsibility to protect them under his roof, now to carry a weapon into someone elses home was to accuse them of being incapable of such protection. "You will not require guns while here" the King said probably more sternly than he had intended. Two of his security staff, both men with shaved heads, sunglasses and immaculate linen suits took the weapons, "We shall keep them safe for you until you leave, if you wish protection while here the two gentleman will be honoured to accompany you, but everyone knows that any foreigner here is under my protection." and as everyone knew that meant a great deal, should anyone harm a guest of the King the chances are his whole family would pay the price in a terrible way, and that was not something anyone wished to tempt.

Norgeras · « **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2017, 01:07:20 PM »

Orion and Albrecht had been traversing the stalls for a while already, Orion dressed in a white Silk tunic with Gold trimm, wearing thick Sunglasses and a white Headscarf, Albrecht trailing beside him with a pristine White Parade Uniform. As if the couple was't odd enough, several security members where shadowing them from the adjacent Stalls.

"We should have told them we are visiting." Orion said, taking off his sunglasses to look at an assortment of cut Saphires: "We aren't exactly subtle."

Holding a piece of Wood furniture, Albrecht compared the color with the gemstones: "We will walk over, now that it's clearly unavoidable. I don't think Saphires work with the Cherry Wood at all. Maybe Emeralds?" He sighed and patted Orion's shoulders: "Would this have been an officially announced visit i wouldn't have been able to bring you along."

Orion's Shoulders slummed down, him not looking up: "I know. It was a false assumption we could do this in Peace. I should know better."

Giving his cousin an encouraging Pad on the Back, Albrecht smiled: "From what i know they have a fair good knowledge about Gemstones. Don't let the day get spoiled because we have to do a little Diplomacy, trust me, it usually is pleasant."

Pushing his soon to be crowned emperor towards the Group, Albrecht saluted as he arrived close by:

"King Akakois, a pleasure to be able to make your Acquaintance." before turning towards the other arrivals: "Gentlemen."

Orion was about to bow to the King, yet stopped by Albrecht grabbing him at the collar whispering: "You are the to be crowned Emperor Orion, no bowing for you, offer to shake hands."
The young not yet crowned Emperor then reached his hand to the King, putting his sunglasses of before: "King Akaikois, a pleasure to meet."

Towards the Others, Orion gave a polite nod: "Pope Peter the Second, Gentlemen."

"We came here" Albrecht made an emphasis on the location: "...to find Gemstones fit for our Crown Jewels newest Addition." The regent smiled: "I hope we don't disturb your tradition."

Libby · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2017, 09:20:13 PM »

The Stasiuk family had arrived a few days ago off the coast of Royal Seleucid, they'd moored their Yacht in one of the many harbours and had a few days just catching up and enjoying the sunshire. The morning of the festival the three women had boarded their onboard helicopter and flown inland towards the festival site. As they began to descend and circle looking for a place to land the matriach of the family, Ekatarina glanced down and then opened her briefcase reaching inside and handing each of her two daughters a brown envelope. "When we land you need to circulate, mingle, get our faces shown and of course splash some cash. These Seleucid nobles have money and where there is money there is influence, we can always use more influence." and by that she meant for herself. The past few years had seen the Stasiuk family become more and more profitable and now they sat on a nice little fortune, but Ekatarina, the Duchess of Potaki wanted more.

"And what exactly are we buying Mother." Oksana, the eldest of the two daughters and hieress to the family title asked.

"Whatever your heart desires" Ekatarina laughed as the helicopter touched down, "Just so long as its expensive" She glanced across at her other daughter, "Now come on, books away" she chided Isidora who was sat with a small book in her hand. Ekatarina took it and tossed it into the rear seats away from her annoyed daughter. "Izzy stop looking so glum, you are a beautiful woman that alone is joyous enough" the co-pilot had now exited the aircraft and slid the door open, helping first Oksana and then Isidora out of the passenger cabin, Ekatarina came next a white silk scarf now wrapped around her head. "I had my hairdresser spend ages on this, I'm not letting these rotars mess it up" she scowled as the spinning blades began to slow and stop.

The three women stuck together examining many of the tented stalls and goods on display. "I think I'll circulate before buying anything" Oksana told her mother as she began haggling with a stall owner over the price of some raw diamonds.

"No" Ekatarina held her hand as she concluded her deal and handed over a bundle of cash. "I have arranged for us to go inside the Palace" she took hold of each of the girls arms and turned them towards the Palace gates, she showed their credentials and they were let inside. "This meeting could be useful so I want you to both be smiley" she directed the final words at Isidora. They were shown into the meeting room and Ekatarina noted the prescence of the Regent and future Emperor of Neu Uburzis, Pope Peter II and some Artyomov communist types, the latter of no interest to her. "Your Majesty" she bowed to the Seleucid King, "Your Highnesses, Pope, Gentleman" she nodded to each in turn. "This is rather some gathering Your Majesty" she took a seat her daughters alongside her. "I'm sorry if I interupt, but perhaps this is an oppurtunity I will not have again." her mind was racing rather quickly, "You see back home in Lodja I have a rather successful holiday resort empire" she boasted and could see Isidora roll her eyes, "So I wish it to be a global empire, but that creates problems. So to those gathered I have a request and an oppurtunity. I would like permission to invest freely in your nation, build a resort in each and be granted some favourable tax breaks. Now I know you will want something in return and so here it is, as you may be aware to do business in Lodja you must be either a Lodjain noble, have an agreement with the Queen or have some Lodjain willing to allow you to use their name." she looked around not sure if everyone understood, "What I propose is if you make business favourable for me, then I would be willing to allow you to make investments in Lodja using my name, something I usually tell the Plebs back home costs them 15% of their profit, for you however I will request only a token 1%. So can I interest anyone"

Snackz · « **Reply #6 on:** November 14, 2017, 08:49:46 AM »

Maxim pulled his revolver out and handed it to the bouncer, and Artyom was unarmed for a change.
"I hold respect for all foreigners, whether they are visiting me or I am visiting them" Maxim said sternly. "Anyway, what else is there to do here other than to gaze upon your beautiful collections of crystals?"

The Young Pope · « **Reply #7 on:** November 14, 2017, 09:23:51 AM »

TYP couldn't simply pass this golden opportunity to gain a few allies among the Lodjain nobility, especially when the offer came from such an enchanting figure such as Ekatarina, a woman of his dreams he discovered; just like with the Autarime Empress, his holiness had a soft spot for women who both had the brains and beauty. "Duchess Stasiuk, allow me to happily inform you that back in ES, I've taken the last measures to once and for all abolish most taxes, from personal income to corporation taxes; there's only an 8% sales tax which is so minute that you wouldn't even notice, so much so that you can easily invest and regulate your companies there as much as you want to your liking. In this case, you may already be granted this fabulous offer you're suggesting and I shall do the same and receive the 1% tokens only deal..." TYP then took her hand and kissed it gently, oh she smelled so sweet and really didn't want to let her go, however he had to considering a few seconds too much would trigger some sort of strange stares from the other officials. He let her go with a smile and proceeded back to his spot from there he once more gazed upon the king while taking the opportunity to greet his Communist friend and the Uburzis guests too; there was something he had to do and it became a sort of gimmick, a way to better get to know him as a person.

"Let me present myself properly my friends *cough*...

I am Pope Peter II, Bishop of Celestis, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of the Ecclesiastical State, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Celestian Province, Sovereign of the Ecclesiastical State, Supreme Secretary of the Magisterium, Supreme Secretary of the Blessed Consistory, Servant of the servants of God. In other words, since I began my pontificate I'm the leader of the Celestian Catholic Church, 1 billion and counting faithful, more than 1/5 of the entire population of Mundus.

I'm a Contradiction...Like God, One in Three and Three in One...Like Mary, the Virgin, the Mother...Like Man, in Good and Evil...I have no sins to confess. My only sin is that my consciense has nothing to accuse me of anything. Some say that I'm certainly Strange...But I don't care about anyone's opinions if I'm up for the task, I don't care if I'm considered weak, a scoundrel. Some are afraid of me I've heard, but that's not exactly true...But it will be. Some claim that there are others running the entire show...In other words...Gossip *let's off a smile*. There are those who want me to resign the pontificate, as the Young are always more extreme than the Old. I'm always asking this question...who's betraying me? My answer is simple...tell me right now or you'll see the ruin of the Church. Am I a terrible Pope, the most dangerous in modern times they keep asking? I tell them...I'm ready to wage war without end against you!...*takes deep breath* I know everything a powerful man needs to know with the people he works with...and I'm the most powerful man of all...Also, beautiful tune you're playing there Thekla...

Now my dear King Akakois, I request that some of your staff bring me the finest gem stones and other treasures they might find in this tent, bring them to me as I examine them while holding proper diplomatic discussions? I got a lot of Drachmas here I wish to spend to any cost whatsoever, the Celestian Catholic Church is one of the richest organisations of Mundus, a period of 1,984 years of wealth accumulation...the first points that shall be included is Trade itself which means more money for both of us, ain't that true?

- The parties pledge to trade fairly with each other and to respect the lawful commerce of each party.

- Neither of the parties shall create taxes, limits, bans, or quotas on the goods or services of the other party on basis of their origin from the other party, with exception to such taxes, limits, bans, or quotas created by international organizations of which the parties are members thereof.

- The parties recognize the right of free commercial navigation through the waters and airspace of the other party, with adherence to local laws and procedures.

What do you make the sound of that?"

Norgeras · « **Reply #8 on:** November 15, 2017, 10:47:32 PM »

Orion had his arms crossed and rolled his eyes, putting back his sunglasses on as he cleanched his fists together, taking a deep Breath.

Albrecht smiled at the Lodjan women, nodding: "You might bring this to our Senate or the Lodjan Embassy. Maybe the Uburzian Ambassador in Lodja as well, i feel like this is not the Place discussing our own potential Partnerships when we are at his Majesties Palace."

Orion was almost hiding behind Albrecht at his point, seemingly fighting his urge to avoid this overly crowded meeting.

DaveIronside · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2017, 09:59:24 AM »

The Jewel of the Desert festival was always a time when business was done, for example last year the King had used the festival as a way f buying himself several new horses from various people within the country. This year he was excited because of the opportunities of working with new nations such as Lodja and the others he now saw before him. The fact that these three Lodjain women where offering him such a deal was also a positive. He was obliged however to first turn his mind to the Artyomov delegates, "The Festival is an age old tradition. In ancient times it was when the various families gathered en mass, today however that's easier, but it is still a time to celebrate, if you wander the festival site you will find all manner of distractions, feasting, drinking, gambling, whoring...." he hesitated wondering whether such things were acceptable but then shrugged their opinion of little consequences. "you'll find horse racing in the dunes as well." It would be that night that things became a little wilder after the merchants closed and began celebrating their days success or drowning their sorrows.

Unexpectedly the Pope seemed to jump in and begin talking business, the King had no issue with that, it was half the purpose of this festival. As the apparent monologue went on the King shifted, he had no idea who this man thought he was, after all Seleucid had never been under Christian influence and for this man to begin bragging was rather unseeming, it was only the King's own faiths teachings about hospitality and not insulting a guest intentionally that stopped him interrupting him. What the King had wanted to say was "you're not even the most powerful man in this tent." but what actually came out of his mouth was, "Well what you need to know here is that the gems do not come to you. Its half the fun, the haggling, the competition between them. Beside I would not begin to guess your tastes." he explained, beside by calling merchants into his Palace they would feel obliged to offer lower prices to ensure the King's guests were happy and not offend him, something the King believed would be unfair. "As for your Treaty offer it is interesting, I shall reflect on it, and have my son Hadi look into the benefits it could bring."

The King now turned his attention back to the Lodjain woman, this Ekatarina. "I am of course interested in such an agreement, however I will require some more information, perhaps you would care to dine with me this evening, and tell me more of the chances you can offer in your native home."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #10 on:** November 16, 2017, 11:22:09 AM »

"Ah yes of course your majesty but I was assuming you'd like to discuss more of this in a calm and collective environment, looking at treasures while discussing the points one by one is actually pretty good multitasking if I say so myself. But since you're apparently a rather...impatient...man if I would put it mildly and truthfully, I already compiled all points into one document serving as the proposed treaty. Oh and by the way, I'm not here for haggling business, would take up too much time for my liking I'm afraid, I'll just pay handsomely whatever the seller's offering, it's not as if money's of my concern you see. Since you're suggesting that I should move around the bazaar to see these treasures, I would then like to request a guide to show me around this place that I've not been before, perhaps one of your staff? Princess Thekla even, unless you still want to her to continue playing, which is much beautiful I must add?"

*In Greek* "Also I wish to continue our talk in...what we call in ES for Hellenic and you label it like your country, I think we may get a better understanding of one another no? It's after all the official language in ES alongside Latin and English."

Spoiler: Proposed Treaty • show

"Anything you'd wish to add more of? Also, I've withdrawn the Security/Military section for now as it needs more discussion I assume...How's relations with the people of the Iwi for instance, a country that ES likes to call as friends?

Snackz · « **Reply #11 on:** November 16, 2017, 10:14:59 PM »

"Okay. Thank you, comrade. I will go out with Artyom and explore this palace. Goodbye!"
Maxim and Artyom wandered off to explore the palace grounds. They passed the gems, where they could see their reflections as if it were a mirror. As they walked around, the two saw different jewels and gems. Artyom paused and checked his wallet. He had his card and some cartridges. Cartridges got the name after how they made the coins in the early 1900s- melted bullet cartridges. Notes also exist. He became frustrated that he didn't get to an exchange earlier. He walked up to a man at a tent
"Privet, comrade! I saw a fine jewel of yours that I was considering buying" Artyom lied "Shame I can't buy anything. Wrong currency! You wouldn't know if there was an exchange booth or something like that here, comrade?"

Norgeras · « **Reply #12 on:** November 17, 2017, 12:37:15 AM »

Orion grabbed Albrechts wrist, shaking his head strongly: "Afferte mihi ab hoc loco." glaring around himself increasingly nervous.

Taking on the hint, Albrecht walked over to the King, nodding slowly: "Would you mind giving us some advice on which stall to look for gemstones rather than trinkets?" Turning towards the Lodjians he nodded: "Maybe one of your Daughters would fancy accompanying us while we search for a fitting jewel?"

Turning back to the King, and trying to keep the increasingly nervous Orion calm, Albrecht smiled:

"I know it might seem much to ask, but perhaps one of your Daughters might Guide us across the market. We do not know your customs very well, but with a little help at our side, we might be able to avoid smaller cultural incidents."

Libby · « **Reply #13 on:** November 19, 2017, 08:34:23 PM »

Ekatarina spoke to Isidora in Lodjain quietly as the Pope spoke to the King, she had her foot in the door now with the man with the invitation of a private dinner. "I'd be delighted to attend dinner with Your Majesty" she said gracously as the Pope finished his little speech in a strange language. "Obviously my daughters will be enjoying the festival, perhaps Your Imperial Highness would permit my daughter Isidora to accompany you as you explore. I know she has much she wishes to buy but sadly business keeps me here and I would like my daughter Oksana's advice on political matters, her being a Mayor" the Stasiuk's youngest girl stood and went to sit near Orion.

"It would be an honour to be able to spend time with a future Emperor, it must be very exciting" Isidora asked as she made herself comfortable.

DaveIronside · « **Reply #14 on:** November 22, 2017, 10:02:47 AM »

The King looked at the Pope rather surprised. "I do not know how things are done in your nation, but here an unmarried woman does not go around a market with a man without accompaniment, especially one who is yet to turn 18. I will however permit her to accompany you if take Danyal, my grandson with you. There was some commotion from behind the elegant silk screen and soon a tall, willowy youth appeared, he was dressed in a linen suit and was hastily putting on a matching jacket.

"Grandfather" the youth bowed to his King.

"Danyal here is a good boy, soon to turn 18 just like Thelka, at that time I shall be dispatching him off to our Navy." the youth turned to the Pope and gave a swift nod of respect. "As for the treaty I shall examine it while you venture outside and have a response for when you return. As for the Iwi they are nothing but brutes, childish brutes, since my reign began I withdrew our troops there yet still they pursue my nation. My ancestors may have done much wrong, however the reasons behind it were sound. The Maori are a people who do not grasp the 21st Century, clinging to systems of tribalism that have done nothing for them. That is all I wish to say about this childish race." The King spoke briefly to his daughter Thelka who stopped playing and joined her nephew, it was a relationship that amused the Princess, they were both born within days of each other, Danyal first and then her, the pair acted more like brother and sister than nephew and auntie.

The two young royals lead the Pope out of the tent. "So what kind of thing are we looking for?" Thelka asked, "Rings, ornaments, food, drink, dancing, gambling?"

Back inside the tent, which was now fast emptying of foreigners, the King began dispensing his advice, "All the traders here are reputable, after all they are on my property and should the swindle anyone I would feel it necessary to end their business as it makes me look bad, you can rest assured that whatever you look at you will be of a good quality. If you however want extra reassurance that what you buy is top quality I can give you two tips, the first is to look for this." He held up a cushion with a coat of arms with a hawk on, "Only traders that have satisfactorily completed work for the royal family may display it. The second way is if I send my wife here Katerina with you, she has expensive taste and a good eye." he smiled, kissed his wife on the lips as she escorted Orion, Albrecht and Isidora outside. As they exited the tent she saw Artyom discussing with a stall owner, keen to ensure no foreign guests had a bad experience she made her way over and instantly snapped at the stall owner in fast paced Persian. The man placed a hand on his heart and smiled before hurrying into the back of his stall. He tapped away on a calculator before appearing with a bundle of Drachmaes, handing them over to Arytom in exchange for his currency. As the group disappeared, with Arytom having had more than a fair deal thanks to Queen Katrina, a member of the Queen's security group handed the man a note promising to pay him the difference between the value of the Cartridges and the Drachmaes he had handed over. The Queen bid farewell to Arytom and began heading back towards the tent of her favourite designer.

"Your Majesty" a bearded man dressed in a designer suit, the pin stripes made from real silver thread. "Two visits in one day, it is as though I am in heaven.....and I see you bring a beautiful guest" he took Isidora's hand and kissed it. "And a fine gentleman" he extended a hand covered in various rings, "So is there anything I can find for any of you, there is no finer quality anywhere in the camp."

gknight3 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 22, 2017, 02:51:00 PM »

Princess Laura the second and prince Paul the 5th of the grand duchie of Prylen (a state in our nation) along with the Kaiser's Brother Wilhelm the 4th were strolling along looking at the different shops and haggling for prices.

Wilhelm the 4th was sent to open relations with the Emrite of Royal Seleucid and the princess and prince came along to explore the place and since they were to be married in 3 months made it a trip to buy stuff for there wedding.

After buying some emeralds Wilhelm the 5th went to where most of the other heads of state or there representatives were to greet the king.

Major Jaws · « **Reply #16 on:** November 22, 2017, 03:01:11 PM »

King Lapu arrived late, in a stereotypical Quintelian fashion. He travelled in his limo along with his guards. After the brief visit to the Ecclesiastical State, he decided it was best to go to the Emirate of Royal Seleucid, as he has never visited the nation until now. As the limousine pulls over, he signaled to his guards to park it in a secure location and rest.

King Lapu knows that foreign dignitaries would arrive in the Festival, but what surprised him is seeing the Pope along with what he thinks is a young bodyguard and a female escort. As he walked passed the stall, he came into an awkward eye contact with the Pope and a knowing grin formed on each other's faces. He did not bother and continued to walk to the tent. He entered the tent and saw no other delegates other than a Lodjian "Huh, must've been late again" he thought to himself. He gave a slow nod to the Lodjian "Greetings, King Akakios" he started. Although he himself is a king, he always calls them by their official titles as an act of respect. His hands extend to greet. "I'm King Ferdinand Lapu from Quintelia, and I'm here to offer trapped and agreements between our nations. I think it is for the betterment of our nations." He finishes as another person enters the tent.

The Young Pope · « **Reply #17 on:** November 22, 2017, 06:24:23 PM »

Pope Peter II was a bit surprised that the Seleucids held a much more conservative stance on women than the Ecclesiastical State, such as only letting them accompany a male guardian if they were underaged and unmarried, considering he thought that ES already took home that front, but apparently not, quite a medieval view he must admit although he was there to be entertained and possbly gain a new trade partner and judge in the second hand rather. "Of course Danyal may accompany if if that would make you more comfortable and adhered to the traditions, I wouldn't mind either getting to know someone new, after all it's part of my job hehe."

With that said, TYP, Thekla and Danyal proceeded out of the tent and headed to the greater market area, where TYP was naturally excited to take in new sights, smells and sounds. After hearing the princesse's question, he had to think for a minute before remembering that he had to just purchase the finest jewels there was at the market. "I think it's time to browse for some of that delicate treasures that are made here, I'm eager and literally dying for them to be added to the My-...I mean Vatican collections, yes. The gambling and drinking will take place after hours of shopping hehe." TYP was fascinated by the young ages of these royals who were auntie and nephew respectively, so young that they could rather pose as mere siblings...he wouldn't be surprised if there was something...dirty...behind those two. Oh he sometimes got those fantasies right in his head whenever he sensed something quite exceptional, he chuckled a bit although quickly conformed himself and tried to think straight while heading to the Bazaar.

Achkaerin · « **Reply #18 on:** November 22, 2017, 06:39:22 PM »

If there was one certainty in this life it was that nothing went to plan when kids were involved, the Vafleon Royals had turned up on time but then the youngest two Princess Marion and Prince Courtois had run off exploring like kids in a candy store and truth be told there was something almost magical about the setting. Still that hadn't stopped Prince Robin and his twin sister Princess Elianor from enjoying the stalls, though they'd been consistently running around after Marion and Courtois trying to keep them out of trouble. Having finally managed to reign the pair in they went in search of their host King Akakios, it was after all good manners to do so. Robin and Elianor were essentially doing two jobs here firstly they were diplomatically speaking saying hello, secondly they were keeping Marion and Courtois busy just in case the long expected and long dreaded news came from back home.

Stepping into a tent the four found who they were looking for
"Your Majesty." Robin said "Prince Robin Silverwood of Vafleon, this is my twin sister Princess Elianor, younger sister Princess Marion and younger brother Prince Courtois. It's quite the sight this market a credit to your nation."

Gates · « **Reply #19 on:** November 25, 2017, 01:07:44 PM »

A glass of hard whisky in one hand, bending against a wall next to a stall, Sir Stephan Cullen was watching the whole show of these noble families. Impatient, he was officially on a mission. "Show Ioras interests in the Jewelries and precious stones of Selucid" but why would a nation, whose primary sector is precious stone mining, send its Minister of Foreign Affairs to show interest in such a sector? An alibi it was for sure...

DaveIronside · « **Reply #20 on:** November 26, 2017, 05:06:18 PM »

The King had believed that his diplomatic duties for the day were over and was about to get down to what he really wished he could be doing, enjoying himself. It was then that his Chamberlain announced Wilhelm's entrance. The King waited for the man to be seated before offering him a plate of figs that before helping himself to one. "The Figs in our nation have a very special significance" he began, "You see our nation is not naturally blessed with clean water sources, as such it is difficult for us to farm on a large scale. The wonder of these little things" he rolled the Fig between two fingers "Is they grow in almost every kind of water imaginable, a true gift from the God." he placed it in his mouth and enjoyed the flavour. "Now as guest in my tent is there anything I can do for you?"

Thekla was the expert in this kind of expedition, her nephew Danyal was more of an outdoors type and would probably have felt more at home kite surfing in the dunes, but like all the family he was drilled in duty coming above all. "Now you'll not find many items connected to your faith, after all Christianity is all but unknown here" she stopped and looked at a small wrack of bangels at one store and shook her head as the eager craftsman approached, quickly turning and heading off. "Not the place" she said more to herself than to The Pope, "However my father is keen for the nations bounty to start being traded, we after all do ok in terms of mineral wealth, and he's investing cleverly" she was proud of her father, she knew he was a man she probably feared too, as did most in the nation, he was known for extremes of generosity and barbarity among the people. "If for example these stall holders know in years to come more and more foreigners will come here then I'm sure we'll see gold plated rosaries or something before long." She stopped in front of a stall in a pale blue tent.

"Princess....ah you have important friends I see" a woman in her early 30's approached and bowed before clapping her hands theatrically. A man dressed in a kind of butlers outfit arrived carrying a tray with champagne flutes and offered them to the potential customers. "I had hoped to see you, come in sit."

"Mariam, I'm here with this gentleman, the Catholic Pope, he's looking for something nice." Thekla took one of the offered seats and watched as Mariam thought for a moment.

"Please, one moment" she disappared and a host of yelling could be heard in the back.

"Mariam is a distant cousin of our family, her father owns a diamond mine nearby, however Mariam has diversified the company and now they make jewellrey and such too. She's becoming quiet the household name, I suspect this time next year you'll pay double for what she shows." As if in cue Mariam reappared followed by three men dressed in suits and three women in beautiful silk dresses.

"These are just to wet your appetite" Mariam began as she instructed the first man to approach the Pope, as if going through with some pre-arranged routine her proceeded to show his watch to the man, before going onto his diamond encrusted cufflinks, tie pin and the like, each of the five others stepped forward showing ever more extravagent items ranging from the everyday to one of the girls tiara's which shone like a mirror thanks to the white gold and diamonds.

Back in the tent the King had just done welcoming Wilhelm when another announcement was made, "Prince Robin, Princess Elianor. Princess Marion, Prince Courtois" he said carefully remembering the order they had been introduced, "Such a noble delegation, I'm honoured" he stood as there were not enough seats for them all, "Princess Elianor take this one" the King motioned to his own seat as he began pouring each drinks, he hesitated as he reached the two youngest, "Are such young royals permitted a little wine?" he asked Robin as the gold plated jug of wine hovered over the glass of Princess Marion.

Norgeras · « **Reply #21 on:** November 27, 2017, 08:03:47 PM »

"Nothing finer than in your camp?" Albrecht raised an eyebrow before tipping Orion on his Shoulder: "What do you say, your Majesty?"

Orion sighed, as he took down his sunglasses browsing the stall: "Maybe something for Adelheid. She just loves trinkets and bits, but do you think he could have the Stones we look for?" Orion tiptoed around the stall, shrugging slightly: "I am not sure, i can't be the Emperor with the least expensive Piece of Jewelry. I don't see anything befitting our Budget."

Albrecht took his position next to the Queen, investigating a beautiful blood red Garnet tiara: "His work is sophisticated. Elegant. But i know what you are saying. It befits everyday and smaller holidays. Let's see what he can offer for the fine Lady here." Albrecht offered his hand to Isidora: "May i have the honor? Let him find a piece for you, consider it a Gift."

Orion took position next to the Queen, nervously moving his feet around: "Your Majesty." holding up a piece of deep red cherry Veneer: "Id be delighted to hear your Opinion. We considered Diamonds and fancy Red gemstones going along this color." he attempted to bow again, thinking better off himself as Albrecht did send him a silent signal by shaking his head: "But we'd be delighted to hear a versed Expert's opinion of what coloration might compliment the whole setting best."
Orions speech pattern seemed somewhat memorized, as he spoke slower than before, trying hard to find the right way to adress her.

DaveIronside · « **Reply #22 on:** November 27, 2017, 09:15:07 PM »

"Ah, King Lapu" Akakois walked over shaking the King of Quintelia's hand. "So delightful to see you" he steered him towards a large bean bag type chair. In the tented palace everything was about comfort, the King rather enjoyed his lazy days in the main room, his daughter playing music and just spending time with his family, today though his peace was constantly disrupted, but so was the lot of a monarch. "I understand this is the first time a Quintelian monarch has visited Royal Seleucid in....well....as long as I can remember, not that you aren't welcome. So may I ask what agreements you had in mind, it seems today is a day for such matters, first the beautiful Ekatarina and then you. Although Your Majesty will find it difficult to compete with someone so radiant as our Lodjain guest, but non the less I look forward to his proposal.

OOC- Norgeras, expect a joint Ironside Productions post later.

Snackz · « **Reply #23 on:** November 28, 2017, 06:45:26 AM »

Artyom and Maxim chose to split up for their own reasons. Artyom wanted to see if he could get a hold of Queen Katrina to thank her while also asking some questions about the nation. Maxim, however, went out to seek the king to discuss an upcoming project of his and to hopefully develop a healthy relationship between the two nations via this program

The Young Pope · « **Reply #24 on:** November 28, 2017, 12:24:45 PM »

Indeed, what they just presented The Young Pope truly made his dreams even more wet and moisty, oh boy was he truly in heaven after all? Diamond encrusted cufflinks, tie pins, tiaras and more extravagent items, covered with white gold and diamonds...in such good quality. TYP couldn't possibly know what else to say or add, the treasures right in front of him seemed to take up all the conversational topics that one could muster by one's brain.

"I have to say that all of this presented in front of me...are simply marvelous pieces of work, out of this world in fact, greater quality of such fine treasures are hard to beat and this is a true testimony to all others in Mundus as to how splendied they are...Could you now show me your finest pieces of art you've crafted and you think would suit a Pope's role in this mortal world? As for the lack of Christian items of display...I'm willing to offer your company Papal support with monetary funds and perhaps expertise in that range as well as making it the official Papal Tiara manufacturer, you see I'm also willing to commission a new one and shed a new light, popularity on Popes wearing it once more, such a shame that my predecessors refused to wear them..."

Achkaerin · « **Reply #25 on:** November 28, 2017, 10:16:32 PM »

Robin and Elianor exchanged glances this wasn't a question they'd expected still as the oldest two of the four they very quickly held a conversation with their eyes.
"I believe Your Majesty." Robin said turning to Akakois "That one small amount of wine will be okay but no more than that." a simple precaution compromise don't offend the hosts hospitality but at the same time make sure Marion and Courtois stayed used to what they got at home when it was a state dinner or other formal occasion.

"Your Majesty." Elianor said "May I ask a little about the history of this festival? What kind of thing is on sale here, any hidden gems?"
"Slow down El let his Majesty answer a question before you ambush him a landslide of them." Robin said
"My apologies Your Majesty." Elianor said "I got a little excited being in a place I've never been before."

Libby · « **Reply #26 on:** December 02, 2017, 09:19:37 PM »

A joint Ironside prodcution.

Norgeras

Queen Katrina seemed surprised that Orion and Albrecht seemed so negative, after all this was a rather fine set item. She snapped at the stall holder who promptly bowed and hurried away into the back of the tent, moments later he reappeared with a young girl carrying a notepad and pencil, tucked under his arm was a steel briefcase. He placed it onto the table and spun some little wheels until the right combination was put in, it flipped open revealing several neat little trays full of diamons, rubies, emeralds and every imaginable precious stone. "This here is Astaria, she is a great designer" the young girl bowed and began flipping through her sketch book showing all manner of different items. "For my special customers we are able to make absolutley anything your hearts desires, and Astaria here can design it."

"My father is too kind" The girl blushed, "But if you were to tell me what you wish I will be happy to sketch it, three days from now it can be a reality." she held her pencil at the ready. "So perhaps if you tell me what you wish I can begin" she waited for Orion to begin his description.

Meanwhile Isidora was examining a tray of delicate looking bracelets made from silver, Isidora prefered it to gold to be honest. "If you are sure, this is beautiful" she said holding up a bracelet of two thin strips of metal wrapped around each other, a small red stone alternating with a green one. It wasn't the most expensive, but the tiny nature of it appealed to her. She waited for Albrect to return to oversee the design work and then began exploring other trays, her mother had given her strict instructions to create a good impression and so that was her plan. She spotted it and descreetly spoke with a vender almost using fingers to agree a price. As the design work was still going on she interupted. "I hope its not to early for a coronation gift" Isidora sat down in a seat opposite the soon to be Emperor. "My father believes that you should always judge a man by his watch, time is the most precious thing and how a man marks it tells you a lot about him" she handed him the blue velvet lined box with the lid open revealing the pocket watch. "I hope you like it" she handed it over.

TYP

Mariam bowed deeply, "it would be an honour to be able to work regularly for such a noted and esteemed man as yourself" she placed a hand on her chest as though showing her joy at the potential wealth. "If you truly wish to have the finest tiara perhaps you would like to send a representative to our families mine, there we can allow them to have the first selection of whatever comes out of the ground." Mariam turned to Thekla after addressing the Pope, "Obviously once your father's representative has made selections" After all the royal family spent thousands upon thousands each year with the various companies and it would be of no use if they lost the patronage of the royal family. "So what exactly would you like to find?"

Achkaerin

Everyone was given a drink, the younger ones a smaller amount than the adults. "This festival goes back to the time the majority of our people were still semi-nomadic, many workers would travel through the year working for various masters to get what they needed, as such as this time of year came it became neccessary to think of marriages for the young as the seasons change and people became more settled over the winter ahead, although our winter is very mild, we don't know of this snow thing" the King smiled as he refilled his own glass. "In our culture it is important for men to be able to show they can support their wives, and what better way than turning up with elaborate gifts and precious metals and stones, as such this was a chance for families to stock up with the things needed to turn a pretty girls head, and of course meet those pretty girls. Today it has become a highlight of the social calender, for the young a chance to spend all their time posting photos of themselves on Face Twitter or whatever its called" he waved an uninterested hand. "For us older people, it is a chance to reconnect with our past, enjoy the nicer things in life, make new friends and conduct a little business. From time to time you still meet pretty ladies" he glanced at Ekatarina as he spoke the last sentence.

The Young Pope · « **Reply #27 on:** December 04, 2017, 04:11:05 PM »

The Young Pope felt flattered by Mariam's kind words. "Oh and it would be an honour to be able to comission regularly for such a noted and esteemed family as yourselves; as a matter of fact, I shall actually personally visit your family's mine instead of handing it down to a so-called representative who'll just mess up every order and details if it weren't for my supervision, no it's better if the mastermind behind these treasures will handle everything. As for what i would like to purchase today with what I'm seeing in front, I would like to comission the following: A Sword of Heroes, An Emerald scepter, a Sturdy-looking armor and a Crown."

Achkaerin · « **Reply #28 on:** December 07, 2017, 10:43:51 PM »

"I see." Robin said, though he wasn't much of a social media fan himself, it reminded him of some of the social traditions that were the norm back home, well among the nobility at least. He noticed the King's glance and smiled, he hadn't met such a girl yet but he understood that sort of feeling, it wasn't the same but the chances were Elianor was always going to be the person he was closest to. He was enjoying himself so far, he far preferred more loose events like this rather than the balls and the like "I can certainly tell the pride of the craftsman judging from what I've seen on my way in, my brother Amulius will be jealous he's the artistic one in the family. We'll have to make sure to pick up some examples for him to aspire to."

Plus you need to get El her Christmas Present the thought ran through Robin's mind, she was always the most difficult to buy for, not because they didn't understand each other but because the pair were together a whole lot of the time so opportunity's for secretive buying were limited.

"I think what my brother is trying to say Your Majesty." Elianor said "Is that we'd appreciate any guidance you may have in terms of us having a look around the various stalls."

Norgeras · « **Reply #29 on:** December 08, 2017, 08:08:29 PM »

Orion nodded slightly, taking the pocket watch carefully: "Thank you. I will see if we can fit it in one of my Future Attires. The Coronation Tunic doesn't have Pocket's though."

Albrecht tapped Orions shoulder twice this time, before winking a man over from the sidelines. One of their shadows carried an unusual long briefcase, before handing t to the pair with a bow returning to his observing Position.

Inside was what seemed like a simple steel blade, missing it's guard still:

"We need this to overcome it's simple base material with a hilt worth for an Emperor. This blade has defended a Live already, and stands for the highest sacrifice possible. One live given for that of others. We have the finest cherry wood veneer but that just does not do it Justice. And just to clarify, we are talking of a budget in gems above a number with seven zero's. Not counted any Gold or Silber you might want to use for inlays and Ornativs."
Orion clutched his own arm as he took a seat in the Tent, with Albrecht smiling.

"Fancy Red Diamonds maybe? The Senates clearly told us to go up and above to make sure the other Nations don't think us beggars on the coronation."
he tilted his head to the Lodian girl: "As for you Mother proposal, while i do like a crafty businesswoman, she's jumping the gun a little. Big Tourist Resorts with Bedding Bunkers is probably the least thing she might get a chance to impress our Senates with. Show off you can go the full green road, and maybe they might start listening. Not to mention he problem that our justice system does not recognize judicial Persons. So to Speak, if you own a Company, you are responsible for what it does. Entirely."

Tilting his head on the item she picked, he smiled: "I like that, it's delicate, fine. Not like someone who want's to show off he has some money, but the elegance of someone who really knows how to spend it."

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Author Topic: Jewel of the Desert Festival (Read 13605 times)