The Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing (JSFAW) are East Moreland's specialist aviation unit that carry out clandestine operations or are involved in missions conducted by mainly Royal Marine Commandos and Red Legion. In addition the JSFAW are responsible for the operation of the aircraft that are used by the royal family on a day to day basis. While the unit is technically part of the Air Force it has a huge amount of autonomy and its commanding officer spends the majority of their time at Aldfield Barracks with Red Legion. While the vast majority of its members come from the Air Force there are also people recruited from Naval and Army Aviation units.

There are four Squadrons within the Wing however they are not organised in the traditional manner.

1. Royal Operations - These are responsible for the maintainence and operation of the fleet of aircraft normally used by the Ironside family.

2. Rotary Wing Operations - These are responsible for flying helicopters and are mainly tasked with inserting and exfiltrating members of the special forces.

3. Fixed wing Operations - These are responsible for operations using aircraft ranging from fighters to transport aircraft.

4. Aviation Commandos - These are individuals in support roles such as Air-Loadmasters, Winchmen and gunners who ensure the aircraft of all kinds can operate safely on operations.

Entrance to the unit is considered only after someone has served in an Air Force role or attached to an aviation unit in the Navy or Army for five years. Once an individual has five years of service they must have two officers act as a reference for their application. At this point the commanding officer of the Wing narrows things down. Those being considered suitable are invited to Ostlake West where selection training takes place. Selection begins with the individual having to pass the basic military fitness test twice in a day. The test requires an individual to run 2.4km in 11 minutes 11 seconds, reach level 9.1 on the beep test, complete 20 press ups in a minute and then 35 sit ups in two minutes. There is then a break of an hour and then the test repeated. Those passing the test then undertake a two weeks of fitness training culminating in with candidates having to pass Red Legions basic fitness test of 2.4km run to be completed in under 9mins30 seconds, followed immediately by 45 press ups and 55 sit ups to be completed in two minutes each.

At this point selection splits based on pilots flying either fixed wing or rotary wing or ground skills. Pilots are put through various training exercises utilising aircraft types not commonly used by East Moreland pilots with the idea of assessing their abilities to master learning new aircraft types as missions may require. Meanwhile ground crews undertake an eight week long skill at arms, medical, survival and technical training course as well as undertaking testing on their existing skills.

At the end of these sections of training the selection process reunites and undertakes a variety of simulated operations alongside Red Legions current cohort under continuation training. At the end of this simulation the Red Legion officers examine the performance of each candidate and on the final day of selection they are driven to Aldcliffe's air field and told of their pass or fail. Those who pass are given their black beret and beret badge and can call themselves official Aviation Commandos. Simply by passing though does not mean they begin working with the unit as sometimes their skills are not required at that moment in time. In the meantime they return to their unit and continue their service but for four days a month they undertake training allocated by the Wing to ensure their readiness is maintained. Only those in Royal Operations are permanently based at Ostlake West for active service. Those returning to their unit are entitled to wear their black beret (Air Force units wear dark blue, Naval Aviation Pale blue, Army Brown) and two cap badges.

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As expected the unit do not share the same inventory of aircraft the regular military maintains although they do have access to them should operations require.

Aircraft Regularly Used

EMAC Royal Edition - Ironside One - Despite the name this is an actual call sign not an aircraft itself. The aircraft most commonly seen as Ironside One is a specially designed EMAC Skyline II. It features additional range, has the ability to refuel in the air and has a whole range of classified modifications including systems for advanced communication, threat warning, chaff, flares and other decoy systems. It contains two en-suite bedrooms, a small cinema, full kitchen and a secure briefing room. There are infact two of these aircraft in operation.

EMAC Royal Flight The Royal Flight was the original Ironside One. It was utilised at the beginning of King David's reign and modified to have many of the defence features on the current Ironside One. It was though only really ideal for visit in the Mhorish and Illumic regions and as King David began more widespread travel became impractical. There are three of these and today utilised by the royal family for flights within East Moreland or by ministers hosting special events.

Royal Rotar The Royal Rotar is a highly modified helicopter usually used by the army for light duties. This version can only accomodate four passengers but in much greater luxury. There are three of these available to the Ironsides.

Ironside Skyhouse The Skyhouse has been used once in the squadrons history as of August 2023. It is an airship designed for long duration flights that gives the luxury of a hotel suite.



 

With David being busy with the situation in Mersch, the Festival of sail and having just heard of the deaths of the Lymm royalty it was not a simple task for him to head over the Illumic. Freya was busy with some negotiations with the new government of Mersch and so David had instructed his cousin, and Foreign Minister, Duchess Orlaith to go to the inauguration. She had flown from East Moreland's small Illumic HQ that morning and the flight was, relatively speaking short and thankfully uneventful. She was proud she'd managed to maintain her cousins reputation for punctuality and being the first to arrive she approached the soon to be sworn in President. "Mr.President" She extended a hand towards him, "I'd like to pass on my cousin King David's congratulations and wish you well for your term. As always my cousin is keen to forge friendships with nearby neighbours and so if you would like to visit Northfort he'd be happy to see you, sadly some of the situations in Alba Karinya have taken his attention away from today."

With schools in East Moreland due to return from the summer holidays in mid September it was today confirmed that Princess Rhiannon has headed to the Isle of Iskor where she will spend a month attending Iskor Girls Junior School. The Princess is to be accompanied by her mother Matilda Osman who agreed to the move saying "My daughter is one day going to find herself having to work closely with the Lodjains so I know she needs to be prepared. I'm fortunate enough that I can join her and experience life on a beautiful island which gives me a chance to observe whales and dolphins with Oliver while she's at school. Its like a combination of a holiday and school." The Island is part of the Dukedom overseen by Queen Stasya's father Duke Tobias Pelagiya. It is understood that Princess Rhiannon has what the Queen has described as "more than passable Lodjain" and that she will access the full Lodjain curriculum during her time there.

Once the Princess returns to East Moreland she will begin her first year at the Northfort Academy for Girls, which takes students from ages 10-18 and has educated every female member of the Ironside family since 1750. While the Academy has boarding facilities she will not be a boarder as King David explained "We live just down the road and while I think boarding schools can give students a rich experience in life Rhiannon also has other forms of education she needs to tend to and that can't be done by the wonderful staff at the Academy. Beside there would be a significant greater disruption to the other girls educations and that is something I think is unfair." The Princess has been placed in Espada House, one of four in the Academy, the others being Sabre, Rapier and Long. Princess Freya was once head girl of Espada House and still holds the House record for Cross Country, with the schools record being held by Archduchess Sophie Harrison-Ironside who was in Sabre House, which counted High Priestess Joanna Ironside among its alumni. It is said that Princess Rhiannon is a good student who excels in History and Painting.

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The Ministry of Defence have today confirmed that EMAC have won a contract to provide 5,000 man portable micro drones over the next three years with an option to accelerate delivery if required. The WING (Weaponised Intelligence and Navigation Gadget) Munition is capable of being fired either from a device that looks like a slightly larger hand held flare or utilising the grenade launchers issued to some Legionnaires. Once launched WING can be controlled from a squad commanders communication device and can stay airborne for 35 minutes. During this time the weapon can transmit images up to 10km and can even be put into a autonomous mode where it will track a vehicle using visual sensors. It can also be programmed to follow a set route to relay images. There is a small payload capacity which allows it to be detonated alternatively it can simply land and be retrieved for reuse from a grenade launcher. Weighting in at just 250grams the device is thought capable of being carried easily in a tactical vest. 

Sir Alan Maybury of EMAC responded to questions saying, "The explosives won't take out tanks or anything with substantial armour but could certainly be used to take out infantry units or to help breach target houses. We're once again proud to have teamed with SmartWar for part of the project and as always we're honoured to do our part to support our armed forces." It is believed that the contract for the devices, training in use and control software will be in the region of £40million. 

OOC- Sorry thought I'd replied to these.

Bartek was not used to so many questions but to ignore them or dismiss them casually would have been seen as rude and that was unacceptable, especially to foreigners. "My family have been in this business for many generations, I suppose you could therefore say I've been in this line of work all my 40 something years. Now he heard the guest describe his produce as "quite satisfying" and hissed some instructions at his son who was acting as his assistant when he returned with a small tray of fresh off the polisher diamonds Bartek addressed his potential customers. "The Festival is not simply about satisfaction, it is about finding something to make you happy and this is my quest, to make you happy" He laid out on the black tray a selection of freshly cut and polished diamonds of varying kinds. "If none of these meet your happiness, forget satsifaction, then we have several uncut diamonds and gems in the back that we can get perfect for your needs or desires. You see we may find ourselves busy with Seleucid shoppers but they have the oppurtunity to come see us repeatedly even in our building in Ipsus, you meanwhile are always welcome there but it is of course quiet the trek. So we want to make sure you get this perfectly the first time. While all the sellers are selling goods from Seleucid mines a few inferior Waddanite ones are beginning to sneak in, but they are not to the same standard as what we find, likewise the Rayyuan appearence this year seems to trade in "grown diamonds", in my view simply an expensive way of saying fake diamonds but everything else is as Seleucid as I am."

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Balas chuckled slightly as Melaine's question, from her explanation he had her down now as some sort of scholar or academic but perhaps one new to Seleucid history. "Forgive me" he said before starting to explain what had amused him, "If you walk through this festival you will see people purchasing gold, diamonds, hopefully books even. You will see them accept payment in many forms, now cash or credit card seem to be the way but go back just a century and you will have seen people such as minor land owners exchanging bags of maize or rice for enough gold to make a bracelet for their loved one, next you would see a man swap a few head of cattle for the rough diamond to try and impress his beloved. We were a nation of traders, if you have something I want or need that thing becomes a currency to get something from me that you want or need. Diamonds would have been traded yes, their size, colour, quality and the like determining what you could get with them." He pointed to a tent slightly across from his own, "That is Guzman, one of his diamonds would get you a fine horse perhaps, there though is Ashad, his diamonds tend to be small and dull, the same horse would cost six or seven of his. The diamond trade has not changed much here for centuries, land owners are lucky enough to have lands that you can find diamonds, gold, silver and various other things in, some of those have operated their own mines or in other cases contracted for a trader to come in and in return for letting that trader take the things they dig up they receive a share of the profits. There were, and still are things called Asnafs which regulated the quality of any profession. You wanted the top quality diamonds you went to the Diamond Asnaf, the system of Asnaf's died out in the 19th Century as mechanisation took place but people like Ashad can trace their families line back to a business that was once a member. There old HQ lies in Ipsus and is still a beautiful building, I believe today its a restaurant." He shrugged his shoulders unsure whether he was actually correct."

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Meaniwle in the tent Cerys spoke of shopping and talking, to Katerina that seemed like a request. "I am sure we can handle that." She turned and spoke to a man sat close by who had been busying himself with a few pieces of paper and a notebook but now closed them and hurried off. Soon a group of men in suits arrived, Katerina's escort. "Now is there anywhere or anything you'd like to begin with?" She asked as they headed towards the door to the festival itself. As was custom amongst Seleucid ladies of rank Katerina had instinctively wrapped her arm through Cerys as they walked.

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Other Towns

Village of Halstead:

Site of a major atrocity commited by the Seaforth Catholic Church, the entire village was wiped out.

Heatherington:

Town of 45,000 on the border between Strathcona and Arc-Royal. Site of humanitarian efforts by the Rafealites of Mountjoy.

Sir Jacob nodded as he scanned the new document. "I can assure you that if we are all in agreement East Moreland will support this."

Sergeant Demi Bennett is the current East Moreland Women's Heavyweight Medieval MMA Champion and heavily fancied to do well in the upcoming Mundus Games in Achkaerin. The 26 year old is now undefeated in sixteen bouts and enters the games on the back of a victory over Fran Merson to take the national championship in front of a crowd of 60,000 at King Robert Arena two weeks ago. Bennett serves in the Royal Engineers Regiment and has also represented Pegasus Legion in the recent Ostlake Games helping take the Women's Tug of War Championship as well as coming third in the gym challenge. Bennett however says the games will hopefully be her final moments in competition having confirmed that she is the second woman in the 21st Century to be accepted onto Red Legion selection. The first was Princess Freya who broke her ankle on one of the final selection tests and therefore was deemed to have failed, despite many saying the Princess had performed well throughout selection she has not attended for what would be her second and final attempt and has not confirmed whether she ever intends to. Bennett would if successful be the first female to enter the elite regiment in its history. Standing at just under 6ft and described by her Mundus Games team-mates as a "Gym Monster" the Rockhampton native is considered by many to stand a much better chance than the Princess. Sir Charles Townshend, who himself served in Red Legion and has been a guest coach at the Medieval MMA teams sessions has been asked about Bennett's chances, "From what I've seen she is a natural warrior, aggressive, intelligent and determined. She is however rather more muscle bound than the average Red, that can prove problems as she'll have to carry that muscle up and over some of the biggest hills in East Moreland and that's a challenge. Mentally I'd put her in the Legion tomorrow but the Legion doesn't work like that. For the media it makes so much better press talking of the first female Red but for now I want to concentrate on her winning the gold."

Bennett has served in the Seaforth's Eugenics War and Marseille and has been awarded two mentions in dispatches for clearing minefields under fire. The Red Legion selection process takes place twice a year, once in summer and once in winter, and has a success rate of less than 10%. Experts believe that both selection intakes bring unique challenges with one former Red Legionnaire instructor saying, "You turn up in summer and your facing the scorching sun as you hike through the countryside with packs weighing up to 80lbs on your back. Thats horrific especially as packs are weighed at the end and so taking water, which is a must in the summer, needs to be carefully balanced to make sure you don't end up with 79.9 lbs when you finish as that gets you sent back to your home unit. Winter is no easier as now you have to contend with the risks of frost bite and hyperthermia in the Alps foothills. Both are horrific but worth it if your successful."

The Games begin soon and Bennett is one of a huge number of military athletes competing.

"The Cross Alpine Ski and Social Club are going to Reinberg Pass this weekend. Snow and Cocktails for all" the Instagram post declared. Grace Yacobs sat watching the account she ran for an apparent group of Merschians and Morelanders who liked to exchange tips and advice for skiing in the Alps. The account was a boring series of pictures of hills, skiis and videos of ski runs, it had just over 700 followers, the vast majority of them not actually real. In her office in Northfort she waited until suddenly getting a ping someone had left a comment, Thomas May said "I prefer the runs at Mayselle." Grace took a note of that. A minute later a second comment, this time Peter Hartson, "The cocktails at Yarlberg are far better." She wrote that down and picked up a phone. "Hi, Alex its Grace, we have green lights. First pick up is at the estate, second the beach house."

"Roger that Grace. We'll head out". Alex Redfern confirmed before putting the phone down and heading out of the building that was serving as Red Legion's digs at Roberton FOB while the Mersch situation was on going. "We've a green light Olly. Estate pick up for young Rochus Kristoffer. Let the Taxi Service know. Meanwhile Markus Switzer needs the water taxi." They had a series of plans that had been agreed months ago for evacuating each of the candidates and now it was just a matter of putting them into play. "Olly you'll take Rochus, I'm getting my feet wet."

"OK boss." Olly put down his magazine and got out of his deck chair in the hangar. "LADS!" He yelled and instantly all the activity stopped. "We're on, Bravo you're with me, Delta with Redfern" there was a mixture of high fives and groans as those getting to go on the op celebrated a chance of some action beside the mind numbing boredom of being on base, meanwhile those not getting a chance to take part felt a pang of jealousy." The four men in each unit made their way at a brisk jog to the quartermaster who already had their gear stored in boxes. Merschian camo for Bravo and wet gear and parachutes for Delta. The commanders were last to pick up theres and get geared up. Meanwhile four members of the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing had disappeared and were readying aircraft. Bravo team had the luxury of a recently acquired Merschian Air Force Salamander helicopter while Delta had the converted Twin Otter. The two teams did their final prep and then with Delta setting off first because of the longer distance to cover they made their entry.

Bravo team would have the easier operation. The five man team dressed in their borrowed uniforms were flown through the Alps at low altitude before announcing themselves as a training flight that hadn't ever actually been running and had just been created to fulfil this operation. The pilot handled all the formalities until after about twenty minutes in Merschian air space they set down on a disused tennis court outside a little countryside estate. At the sound of the helicopter 19 year old Rochus' security detail had prepared to take him outside, they'd been told to stay indoors until the Red Legionnaires appeared and gave the correct password. Olly and Thomas Barks made the short run from the helicopter to the house while the other three took up positions to potentially defend the extraction. As they reached the house the door opened. "In!" Olly yelled pushing the security detail inside. "You should have waited for the password. Inglorius" the Red Legionnaire had his weapon half raised as his eyes searched the five figures in the corridor to identify their cargo. The Merschian's head of security gave back the challenge "Nomad" and had expected things to relax, he was sadly disappointed. Olly had identified  Rochus Kristoffer and already was grabbing him to hand him to Barks. The 19 year old noble was a little taken aback at the aggression and his complaints were ignored as Barks was already escorting him back across the lawn. The security detail made to follow and Olly raised his weapon. "You stay here!" He commanded. They're was a mole somewhere in the security details and he had no intention of taking it to East Moreland, the men complained and a few put hands on weapons but Olly simply backed away out the door and could see in his peripheral vision Legionnaire Saxby set up to give covering fire if he needed it. "You stay there." he commanded again and with the noble now being literally thrown into the helicopters rear knew they were not welcome. The Red's backed off and within three minutes of hitting the deck had extracted their candidate. "Bravo is clear stage one" Olly confirmed as he felt them make a turn away from the estate. It would be around twenty minutes later that he confirmed "Bravo is clear stage two" as they exited Merschian air space and then ten minutes later touched down at Roberton.

While Olly was landing on the lawn to retrieve Rochus. The Twin Otter, utilising the callsign connected to a medical evacuation flight had their coastal target in sight. "Right get set" Redfern instructed two of his men who now double checked parachutes. The aircraft's pilot made a few last minute navigation checks and with a raised thumb indicated it was time. "See you in ten" Alex instructed as he clipped his safety harness to to the wires and then opened the door for the two men. Awkwardly assembling at the door the two men exited into the slipstream and Alex checked he could see their chutes. Happy they were on track and in good shape the pilot began his own preparations. Alex did his best to use his spotters scope to check the beach and could just about make out the shape of the motorboat they'd parked there a few weeks ago.

"Delta Leader this Delta One. ETA target two minutes." Tristan Rowe had landed and having freed himself from his chute was now alongside Chris Shelley making their way towards the beach house. They slipped over the back wall announcing themselves as they did so. "Red Legion. Password Inglorious" Rowe yelled as he scanned the walled garden. It appeared clear. A yell from the house came back "Nomad". It seemed everything was in order.

"Delta One we are thirty seconds out" Alex and the two other Reds had now landed in the Twin Otter and with the pilot expertly getting it as close into shore as possible they splashed out. Alex moved to the top of the small sand dune to check the exit Rowe and Shelley would make while his two men gave the motor boat the once over. The Twin Otter was busying itself moving into position to take off again.

Inside the house Markus Switzer looked far from ready. He had several large bags. "They contain my journals and arts" he complained. As Rowe informed him they would not be coming and instead pushed him out the front door just behind Shelley who was scanning the way. In much the same way as Olly had covered the security detail once he was happy Redfern had them covered Rowe turned to the Security detail and informed them they'd be staying. The chief of the detail nodded his understanding and had his men retreat to the house where they could be seen in the windows clearly watching the group disappear towards the beach. Redfern waited until they'd passed him and he heard the RHIB's motor fire up. He fell back and even before he'd fully got in the boat was racing off towards where the Twin Otter float plane was just about done. The Merschian noble was helped inside still complaining before as last man in Redfern gave the thumbs up that they were ready and with no further warning the aircraft bounced across the water and headed off. Once in East Moreland's airspace they all relaxed a little and once back at Rockhampton decisions had to be made. The two potential candidates were kept separate and phase two put into operation. Markus would be flown to Silverhills where he would be put into Queen Stasya's private house. The coming and going of helicopters there was not unusual and it had a great security set up not to different to Northfort Palace itself. Meanwhile  Rochus Kristoffer was given a East Moreland military uniform and put into a convoy of vehicles. About 10km up the road was Rockhampton Royal Retreat, the Kings usual summer palace and as such also no stranger to military convoys and soldiers. The two venues would be perfect for securing the two evacuees. Meanwhile East Moreland already had young Jasmin Volk at Ostlake. For now at least the future of the Merschian crown should be safe.

Jocelyn hadn't expected to be disturbed, not that she minded. She wasn't fully aware of who this man approaching her was but he did seem slightly familiar. She looked up from her sketchbook and was thankful that he introduced himself. Now she knew her was a Kodiman royal she stood and gave a small bow. "I'd be honoured if you joined me Your Highness" she said. She might have been a commoner by birth but her grandfather being Sir Charles Townsend meant she'd spent most of her life around the nobility so she moved between the two worlds with relative ease she was however rather surprised that a Kodiman Prince considered himself a follower of her work, perhaps he was merely flattering her but obviously it didn't do to suggest he was being dishonest. "I'm grateful for your kind words and I would most certainly consider photography a form of art, is there anything I can help you with while your here?"

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Freya couldn't help but smile, it made her consider just how quickly perhaps Sutāraito had inherited the throne. Rhiannon was already on the path to this level of diplomatic education and she'd attended enough state occasions that she was perhaps considered a veteran for now. In response though to the Empresses question Freya gave an equally quiet answer, "For now you nod respectfully and say "Thank you Major" the formalities out the way Freya removed her hat and took a seat. "Your protocol will end up being what it is, but make it consistent. As for saluting goes our own nations tradition says the salute goes back to the time of knights, they would lift their visor when approaching each other with their right hand, it served two purposes, first they could see each others eyes and that is important when talking to someone, secondly and possibly more important it showed they came respectfully in peace. The idea of respect is important so if you show respect to a salute the manner in which you do it is less important. David for example always gives a nod of his head and the words Thank You followed by the persons rank, unless of course he himself is in uniform at which point he simply returns the salute, nationality or religion pay no role in that, but you'll find your own way for your own reasons." Freya had nothing planned for herself and so having instructed her security escort she tossed her uniform jacket and cap to one of the stewards. "Shall we go see the Austrana then?" She said as she rolled the sleeves up on her khaki shirt.

King David today cut short a visit to Chamwick following news of various incidents across Mundus. The King had been visiting the city as part of a planned meeting to check on progress of various EMAC projects when he was whisked away by his security detail with no explanation. News then filtered through that Daito had been hit by a missile strike and then later that Mersch had been the scene of a targeted series of terrorist attacks.

The missile attack in Awara, Tochigi Province, Daitō was launched from the turbulent area of Kalasin and caused "thousands" of casualties. The government of Daitō have stated the nature of the attack leads them to believe there has been "direct involvement from the government in Pattani" or Kalasin separatists. The weapon used is believed to have also included a thermobaric warhead. Later in the day the King gave a statement on the attack saying, "I now my best wishes will be of no help to the people of Daitō. They shall have mine, and East Moreland's, prayer but that shall bring the bereved little comfort. East Moreland knows the horror of similar attacks having seen Freestone hit by two missiles during the early part of my reign. There we measured the dead in hundreds but it did not break us as a people and I am confident this shall not break the people of Daitō. We will stand ready to offer what support we can. We are active members of the Joint Emergency Team and through them we have always had ready to deploy specialist search dogs who can help find people trapped in rubble. These teams can and will deploy within hours of being given the go ahead from Daitō. In addition we can send water, food and various other supplies. While Daitō are a nation with a capable military we have assets designed for missile defence stored in The Commonwealth of the Iwi and we would consider, if required, loaning these. The perpatrators must be discovered and while I am a firm believer in people being free to determine their own future if this is separatists then I would urge them to cease these activities for fear of losing any international support they may have."

News then came of attacks closer to home when Mersch saw three of the leading candidates for the monarchy of Mersch assassinated within an extremely short time. Jasmin Volk, one of the daughters of a leading candidate is already in East Moreland following unsuccessful attempts on her fathers life however the King now offered refuge to others. "We were already working with the provisional government in Mersch to re-establish their monarchy, as was determined by a referendum. Now we have a major issue as in one swing of the sword terrorists have caused the plan there to collapse. We shall however help scoop those bricks up and re-set them. I gave my word that we would help support them as they restored their monarchy, and ensured the stability once loved there returns. We stand committed to this and any of the candidates for the crown shall find safety here. We will work with Prime Minister Dahl to make sure the timeline we were working on is reviewed and if required amended. It is still our hope to have the matter concluded before the end of 2023.

The King has moved East Moreland forces to a higher alert level and ships were already being deployed towards the Commonwealth of the Iwi for the annual CNN summer exercise. It is understood these ships may now be diverted to support humanitarian efforts. Meanwhile Princess Freya was due to meet with Prime Minister Dahl in Mersch shortly however the Palace will now not confirm or deny that the meeting will go ahead. 

David of course was pleased to see the Achkaerin delegation arrive, naturally he would have preferred it to have been Peter but it was nice that Serenity had come for her first festival as Empress. "You're always welcome" David said as a white clad naval steward pulled her seat out for her to take a seat. As she presented the necklace David felt a sadness, "Just a moment please" he looked past Serenity to where Rhiannon was just about done with her story, "Rhiannon come here please." He instructed his daughter and as ever the 10 year old made her way over. "Rhiannon, this is Serenity, she is the Empress of Achkaerin and the daughter of Llewellyn's sword father, yours to." David watched as his daughter gave a small courtesy. "The Empress has brought a gift" He showed her the necklace.

"Thats like the one on my desk tree" the Princess said.

"Yes it is" The Princess had lots of formal attire but David had insisted that the important ones were always on an ornate carved tree on her desktop so she was always reminded. "You remember what its for?" Again the Princess nodded. "Well as Protector of the Sword for Llewellyn you need to make sure this is kept safe too." Rhiannon looked at the necklace, thanked Serenity and then was told to head back to her mother and brother, she took the necklace to show them and David was sure Serenity would hear Rhiannon explaining to Oliver what it was. "Thank you" David added his own thanks. We still hold out hope that your father will one day grace the Festival with his presence." He added. "I suppose the majority of your times focused on the Mundus Games, I don't suppose I could offer you some cash to help out the Honeybadgers could I?" He grinned.

As the King and Serenity chatted young Empress of Rokkenjima appeared, "Please join us" David motioned as the Naval Stewards hurried to do chair duty for the foreign royal. "The treaty that was put together seems a long time ago, there will be a need for some review from my side, fingers crossed everything is still in order. As for other business that's kind of what the Festival has become, floating stuff and diplomacy. As for Freya she is around somewhere." David looked around but there was no sign of his younger sister but that would soon be remedied. David had his security detail radio Freyas and twenty minutes later the Princess arrived still dressed in her Light Scouts uniform, ever the soldier she saluted the Empress.

"Its good to see you again. This time perhaps less walking will be involved." Freya added her salute over she took off her peaked cap and joined the table having ordered herself a round of toast and marmalade.

Across the tables Sir Charles Townsend had just finished his kippers and dabbed a napkin at his mouth before thanking the Naval staff for their hospitality. He tucked the programme for the day under his arm and donned his straw panama hat and was heading for the tents exit when an intriguing sight appeared, a tall wall of a man seemingly dressed as a bear and a figure in a silver mask. "How very interesting" Charles said to himself and watched as she took a seat seemingly with no agenda. Sir Charles approached and stopped a little away from the table. "If I may be so bold, Lady Aurora of the Eyrie?" He waited for the confirmation and then took off his hat and bowed not entirely sure if that was protocol but it was polite. "Please allow me to introduce myself. I'm Charles Townsend, honoured to be the Swordmaster of the Royal Household, can I be of any assistance?"

Back at the King's table David's eyes were watching the room, he'd just spotted Aurora's arrival and was going to invite her over until he saw Sir Charles intercept her. He liked Charles even though he suspected he had taught Rhiannon some not exactly honourable swordsmanship tricks but he himself had once been on the receiving end of quiet a few and he figured it wouldn't do any harm. He did however spot Lord Besarian and excusing himself momentarily went to great the Lodjian.

Across the Festival grounds the King's cousin and Foreign Minister Orlaith Kade had been busying herself at the Preorian RNS Aggressor while now heading to find a coffee before some meeting in an hour or so. As she was looking for the stand that normally sold that fancy caramel coffee that she liked she spotted Emperor Eijirō and his entourage. "Never off duty heh" she said to herself and headed over hoping the purple lanyard and huge ID pass she had on gave her identity away as at least someone the Emperor should speak to. "Good Morning Your Imperial Majesty" She gave a bow, "I'm Duchess Orlaith Kade, East Moreland's foreign minister, I hope you've made yourself at home?" She asked, "My cousins over in the VIP tent if you're looking for him, alternatively there should be somewhere to get a very good coffee somewhere if your thirsty" She looked around and thought she'd found the stand. "Can I ask if your simply here for sightseeing or can we help you with something."

Born in 1984 Kacie grew up in the city of Northfort. Both her mother and father were members of the Police Force. Kacie was fortunate enough to be identified as a "potential sporting great" at the age of five for her gymnastic skills and as a result was offered a place at Northfort Girls Academy, a prestigious boarding school. She was able to maintain this place through her sporting excellence until the age of 13 however with her development in the sport stalled she lost her scholarship and as such transferred to Wallington Street High School. Despite this change in educational background she still did well academically and graduated with top grades in Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

In 2002 she went to Keepton University to study Nursing and graduated in 2006. Her University completed she enrolled for her national service and actually discovered she enjoyed her time in the military. As a result she opted to follow a military career path as an officer in Royal Army Medical Corps. In 2016 she tried for Red Legion however was rejected from even attending selection at Aldcliffe. Her application though did catch the eye of Brigadier Richard Kelly who instead handed her file to the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing who offered her a place as an Air Loadmaster on one of their courses. She passed the course in 2017 and was based on helicopters that transported Red  Legionnaires, Paratrooper Pathfinders and Royal Marines into and out of operations. In addition she also was part of flights involving Ironside One. Despite her title saying Air Loadmaster she was still very much a medic and also way highly trained in combat operations. She served on operations into Zimalia, Seaforth, Mavrosia, Royal Seleucid and Lodja.

In 2023 she handed in her resignation for her commission having reached the rank of Captain. She had been approached by Brigadier Kelly on the recommendation of Lewis Cartwright to join his newly established business Red-e Security Consultancy. Her role there is as an instructor teaching combat first aid and has provided medical advice and training to those training maritime security forces. 

Lewis was born in 1979 in the East Moreland city of Portworth. As a kid he was a little bit of a delinquent and by the time he was 12 he had been arrested four times for stealing sailing boats from various marinas around the city. His parents were both alcoholic and as a result Lewis spent very little time at school. When he was caught for the fifth time trying on this occasion to steal a small motorboat he was put before the local magistrate who rather than sentencing him to community service gave him a choice of two years in a youth detention centre or attending Navy Cadets for a period of 12 months and gaining a satisfactory report from the youth groups commanding officer. Lewis was fortunate enough to meet Bruce Christophers, a former Royal Marine Commando who helped run the Cadet group. Christophers ensured Lewis began attending school regularly and helped ensure that he had help maintaining his uniform for Cadets. It also helped that Lewis saw that if he threw himself into the units activities he actually was given regular access to the boats that he longed to have adventures on. At the end of the 12 months he was given an excellent report and the magistrate told Lewis he could now leave Cadets if he wished however it wasn't until reaching the age of 18 that Lewis did. During his time in cadets he earned a vast number of qualifications and awards and still holds the Navy Cadet record for the 1km open water swim.

Despite not being an academically gifted youngster his exemplary report from the Navy Cadets meant that when he reported for national service he was able to choose his own pathway and as such requested to join the Royal Marines. Lewis excelled in basic training and as such in 1997 was sent off to Officer Training College. He served as an officer in the Commando until 2005 when he joined Red Legion. He specialised in amphibious warfare and in 2015 was recruited to head up the Amphibious Warfare Training Course undertaken by all Red Legionnaires. He saw active duty in Seaforth, Royal Seleucid and Lodja.

In May 2023 his term of service reached its end and he was offered a five year extension. He however turned this down after being head hunted by his former commanding officer, Brigadier Richard Kelly, to join his private security business Red-e Security Consultancy. Lewis now leads the Maritime Security Division of the business and offers services aimed at helping ensure merchant shipping can protect themselves.

In 2007 he married Evonne Banks, a surgeon at Aldcliffe Hospital. The two have a daughter born in 2014 called Lara.

As a little boy David had hated the festival. To him it was pointless, Morelanders hardly went anywhere and boats were pretty boring, they just bobbed about and were slow. While he still didn't get the excitement of them the grown up David had grown to love the festival and that growth was reflected in the public too. Tickets for the showgrounds were getting harder and harder to come by and despite pressure from the local council the King had refused to charge more for the tickets, this was a celebration for all Morelanders not just the wealthy. The showgrounds had changed too, the confines of Portworth Naval Base and the nearby Royal Marina could no longer contain the festival but thankfully keenly sensed developers had built newer Marina's in David's 30 years and more of life. Even the neighbouring town of Seabrooke had begun to see some overspill and that was great for the local economy. It was though the last three or four years that had seen a huge boost globally and in some ways David put that down to his wife. She had brought the young keen eyes of the fashionable crowds on Portworth and now the marina was already filling with a variety of rich and celebrity owned yachts, a good number considering the now Queen Stasya a friend.

This morning as the festival was preparing to get underway it was pretty routine. The white water front house with the clock tower that for the rest of the year served as the Commander of the Navies home was handed over to the royals. Admiral James Thompson had instead been spending his nights tucked up onboards the REMNS King Robert as the flagship of the navy. David liked the Admirals House, the doors of the 2nd floor balcony leading directly onto a dockside which was now filling with Royal Marines who would be a large part of the days activities. While today dressed in the black tunics and red trimmed trousers they looked perfect parade ground soldiers however beneath each white peaked cap was a commando proud to serve in the Navy and looking forward to their day. The King woke when the snap of hundreds of feet coming to attention indicated that it was time to get up. He leaned over and gently kissed the shoulder of Stasya, "Time to wake up" he whispered to her and even though she said nothing he could sense she was awake. "I'll get sorted and grab the kids. We'll see you downstairs." He swung himself out of bed and into the shower before dressing in his Alpine Cadre uniform. It was not his normal festival of sail attire but today there were a few things that would be different and a more formal approach would be required in his mind. His advisers had said he should wear his own Admiral of the Fleet uniform but there was just something wrong in his eyes about wearing a uniform he hadn't fought for beside he couldn't ever imagine wearing a uniform other than the black jacket and trousers of the Alpines, he adjusted his cross belt so the rather odd locking cartridge box sat in the middle of his back. Satisfied he donned the white beret.

"Very handsome" Stasya smiled at him from the bathroom door, she crossed and straightened his epulettes before kissing him. "I'll be twenty minutes" she told him. David would have liked the believe that but knew it was much more likely to be 30. He didn't argue and instead made his way down and found Rhiannon already up and about. She was ten years old now and David knew she would have outgrown her love for the Vikings boat but she still seemed excited for the day. She gave her father a good morning hug, she was dressed less casually than she had been in previous years, even she knew today would mark something important. Llewellyn arrived being carried by her auntie, Princess Freya, who like her brother had dressed in military attire which in her case was the 2nd Light Scouts. David smiled and snapped her a salute, he himself wore the rank of a mere Captain today while his sister held Major.

"Good Morning Captain Ironside. I have a Prince for you." She handed Llewellyn over to his father and snapped a salute back. The group stood chatting until Stasya joined them. At first David had concerns about her choice of attire, which was not unusual for the Queen. Today rather than it being the rather risqué nature of the outfit it was the colour scheme. She had opted for a pale blue dress with golden stitching around the neck and sleeves. To the unfamiliar it was just a nice dress however it was similar in palette to that traditionally worn by the Queen of Lodja, Stasya's own native homeland. David knew better than to critique his wife when it came to fashion and so instead complimented on her attire and once Rhiannon had taken hold of her step-mothers hand the family exited onto the quayside. A large crowd had gathered but was kept well back by a security barrier and the parading Marines would have formed a further barrier. The King had no need to tell Stasya to wait for the press to get their shot for tomorrows front covers as she was already ensuring she had spotted the best photographers and made sure to smile directly down their camera. The Marines paid their respects which David returned with a salute and then the family walked down the quayside. At the end of the Admirals garden that ran down the quayside a series of large white marquee tents had been set up, it was here the various VIP's could get breakfast and the royals sat and waited for the REMNS Mess Stewards to take their orders and bring coffee and juices. Even Rhiannon knew today was going to be busy and eagerly tucked into her Rice Crispies, it was going to be such a busy day her father even had given her permission for Coco Pops, a treat for only the most tiring of days. While others filtered into the tent for their own breakfasts the King exchanged only polite waves and nods, there would be a chance for more in depth meetings but there was a sense of nerves in the King.

Once the Rice Crispies had been consumed and David drained the last of his Green Tea it was time to get into position. Along the opposite quayside a large grandstand had been set up, effectively turning it into a kind of makeshift arena. The seats were already filling up and unlike everyone else who had to get past a Red Legion security check, masquerading as Royal Marines much to Sgt.Olly Thomas annoyance, before they could take a seat. It was a blessed day, the sun was up and not much wind and while that could be a problem for some of the sail boats the King was confident that Port Master Timothy Doben would have everything in order. Quiet likely even now out at the rendevous point out in the Mhorish he would be moving hundreds of ships ranging from large historical sail boats to modern day aircraft carriers into position. The parade of boats was a highlight for many and while it would still be around half an hour before the ships reached the sight of those attending the ceremony people sat on the approach beaches would already be waving at the passing ships.

The sight of tall ships like RNS Aggressor and Kaiwo-maru where the audiences first clue that the ships were close. Their masts visible above some of the more modern ships like the IMS Jehoiakim gave a real sense of just how much change had taken place. Doben had placed the replica of the HIMS Insolent at the lead of the tall masted ships, he knew King David's love of history and the romantic legend that went with it would be something that would please the King. Once the historic vessels, some needing a bit of held from tugs or local trawlers, had passed the various military ships came along. For many seeing Achkaerin's INS Rhyth Icerider brought back memories of the Lodjain conflict, a ship similar in shape, the Lodjain "Morelander" had gone rogue and been one of the first Moreland built ships in many decades to sink. A few who had been there in the Alucard for that battle muttered prayers of sorts wishing the Achkaerin sailors onboard better luck. The civilian ships were headed by the twin Rokkenjiman vessels, the HMY Austrana and United States while the final ship in that section was what Rhiannon called a rather "sweet looking" Akatatsu-maru. There was one final vessel. Traditionally the last ship in the parade hung a red lantern across its stern, today however there was no need. Apollo's Beacon shone its own inbuilt red light that even in the sun of the morning light could still be seen blinking steadily on and off. As the ships got closer to shore several kayakers and entusiastic locals in their own small sail boats got close and one or two nearly came to mischief when not heeding the calls of the marshals, especially when it came to the nimble vessels of Achkaerin's Mermaids who had been given permission to ride as almost outriders doing dives and leaps like dolphins alongside the parade. As the ships made the turn towards land they formed two columns, one heading for each arm of the large naval base. Only three ships proceeded towards the centre. REMNS King Robert as the nations flagship was in the centre of the three while to its starboard the "mega-yacht", Iskorian owned by the Pelagiya family, to the portside a sight that brought delight to the King, a river steamer from Ostlake. The King had been told it would only be here if the sea was calm and even now with the help of being slightly ahead of the other two it was not looking the most comfortable of rides. The three ships were able to tie up and a single figure appeared off each. A whistle blew a series of notes indicating they could approach. The three figures moved forward and meet just in front of the grandstand, in a dress almost matching Stasya's own was Queen Natalya of Lodja, in the centre a uniformed Alex Redfern in Red Legion dress attire and the final in a a smart suit but dirty leather apron Maxwell Power, the Royal Smith. The King stood and gave Natalya a bow, she had kindly agreed to be part of this slightly adapted opening. David waited for his press secretary Malcolm Tucker to check the microphone before he could address the crowd.

"I would normally begin today by saying welcome to the many hundred and something version of the Festival of Sail. Today though is for me something much more special. Today I am able to turn the tables on Lodja. I am fortunate, not also saddened, to have been part of three coronations in Lodja, this is an honour not before extended to a foreigner and while I wish I had only once undertaken this solemn but special duty I am delighted to welcome Queen Natalya here. Today she is helping us mark a special occasion in the life of my own family. Prince Llewellyn is now 18 months old which means I have just six months to ensure my duties as a father are completed in preparing him for his childhood. To a Morelander that means having a sword, something to practice and grow with when the time is right. Llewellyn though is a first for East Moreland, he is a child born of two lands. While he is a Morelander Prince he is also tied forever to Lodja and the Queen and myself want him to know both lands, both people and both cultures. We are therefore proud to hand the proceedings to Queen Natalya." The Lodjain monarch came forward and at the foot on the steps to the grandstand took a small purple cushion off of one of her strategically placed Ladies in Waiting. The Queen ascended to grandstand stage and approached the microphone.

"The ties between East Moreland and Lodja are stronger in my mind than any on Mundus. They are ties not built by diplomacy, by politics or money, they are ties built by love. That love is symbolised by the union of King David and one of my greatest friends Queen Stasya. That bond recently played out that our forces, for the first time in history, fought side by side to defeat an evil facing my people. During that time Lodjains knew our friends in East Moreland, as well as those of our CNN friends, Achkaerin and our new friends in Aosta would not allow evil to win and we are grateful for that. This is why I was so happy to be asked to do this. In Lodja a noble child becomes upon their birth a Patrician, an individual marked by our Gods and expected to lead those in their care to a better life. Our faith may differ but that duty is one Sessifet and Helus value. Prince Llewellyn may well be a Prince of East Moreland but he is also a Patrician of Lodja and today I present him with a symbol of that rank." The cushion had a silver bracelet, much too big for the child, in its centre. A pair of small red stones were placed in its band worked to sit as eyes upon a outline of a Honeybadger. The Queen gently took Llewellyn arms and slid the bracelet on making sure it didn't fall of. She placed a brushing kiss on the childs head as David held him. The King and Queen exchanged words and then David handed her the child as she made her way to stand next to Stasya.

David returned to the microphone. "The ceremony begins with me accepting my sword, today though I will be joined by my daughter for the first time." Rhiannon almost skipped forward to stand beside her father. "She one day will stand here in my place and take her own sword. Today though she will be acting as the Protector of the Sword, a position held by someone who will care for the sword of a child until they are ready to wield it themselves. My daughter has shown she's a fine swords woman herself and is an incredible big sister. When the time comes I know she will also be a great teacher for her brother." The crowd cheered loudly, Rhiannon was beloved by the people, partly because of the tragedy of her twin brother Caspian but also because of the fact she and Prince Augustin of Neu Urburzis had, at the age of six, "fought" Crocodiles in an aquarium to save Augustins pet rabbit Snufflechen. On cue Redfern and Maxwell headed towards the King with Redfern holding the Kings, a large straight edged cavalry sword ahead of him unsheathed. Max held on the flat of his palms a small sword, it would never do for an adult but that wasn't the point. The King had collected the raw materials himself from the Gods Forge here in Portworth and to the King this presentation was almost the sword returning home. Redfern offered the King his own sword and David accepted it, gave his friend a sweeping salute with it before ritualistically replacing it in the scabbard on his hip. At the same time Rhiannon took the sword from Maxwell and unsheathed it, she held it up the light inspecting it. Like her own blade had the date of birth was etched onto the blade which ran into a dark blue handle. The sword would likely last Llewellyn until he was a teenager and then like Rhiannon would soon he'd choose his own blade. Rhiannon checked the area around and her and sure no ones was closeby gave it a few swipes and swings. She then loudly spoke. "The sword is more than fitting for a Prince" Maxwell smiled acknowledging the words. Rhiannon sheathed the sword, turned and presented it to her father who attached it to his own belt and handed Rhiannon a small leather pouch which she couriered to Maxwell. "Payment in full for the work of a smith fit for Jekar" she declared and handed him the 112 silver coins.

"Thank you Your Highness" Maxwell winked at Rhiannon who had spent several hours watching him make the sword.

The crowd once again applauded and David spoke. "All that is left is for me to thank the men and women who serve in our Navy for their duty. I also want us to thank those who stood alongside them in Lodja and anyone who serves in the navies of the world ensuring the safety of the innocent on the seas. Today marks a day we celebrate the seas, for Morelanders they once stood as a barrier, a defence to keep out an imagined evil. Today they stand as a roadway leading old friends and new to join us as we try and build a better future not just for Morelanders but for the world. I wish each of you a happy Festival and fair seas." The King breathed a sigh of relief as his first task was done, the Festival was done and now he could enjoy himself a little. The family made their way back to the large tent, no doubt his Head of Household would have meetings and the like to keep him busy but that was usually more relaxed. As they returned to the tent Matilda Osman, the Kings divorced wife and mother of Rhiannon was waiting. As agreed she'd get day one of the festival this year with their daughter now that her own duties were over. The step-brother of Rhiannon, Oliver, was propped up in a wheel chair because of his Hunter Syndrome, his eyes though lit up when he saw his big sister who hugged him and begged her father to let her show him Llewellyn sword. David agreed and handed her the blade keeping careful watch as he and Matilda discussed parental matters for a few minutes, David would return to the Festival grounds each day and tomorrow he would be here with her so it was more a case of who was taking her to what, naturally as King it was David who could get access to some of the more unique parts and so Matilda was going to head to the Viking ship as Rhiannon wanted to discuss Axe V's Sword fighting but then she wanted to see Akatatsu-maru up close. Matilda first though wanted to get them drinks as she knew it could be a long day. They sat at the table next to David, Stasya and the other Ironsides and David smiled as he could hear Rhiannon gently explaining the story of Jekar making the first sword to the four year old Oliver.

The tables began to fill with various members of the East Moreland nobility, government and business worlds. It was a great chance to network but also for Sir Harry Samuelson to have his Hobbit like 2nd breakfast of grilled Mackrel on toast. On the table next to him Jocelyn Hopkins sat with a plate of toast and a sketch book in which she gently shaded a sketch as "Royal Artist in Residence" she would try and produce something for todays unique ceremony and for now was in her own little world. David would enjoy a 2nd Green Tea, wait for Rhiannon to go see her Vikings and then be about his own day, he had a feeling it was going to be a busy but rewarding day.