Jan had expected a rather routine trip to Nordberg. Turn up, ask a few questions about the exhibition get to know a few faces and perhaps buy a few things to just maintain the idea that he was there as a purchaser of art work. While he had expected someone to meet him at some point he hadn't expected it to be through the medium of cookies, especially rather nice tasting ones. He was unsure of who the woman exactly was but Makar had told him someone would be in touch and as a result he believed there was not much to worry about. He followed the directions on the packet, kind of sorry he hadn't more time to explore somewhere new but perhaps that would come when they had finished their business.

It seemed upon his meeting with Agent Diedrich they had metaphorically missed the boat of the exhibition. "I assume we have a list of inventory or something that they held?" He asked just before the agent suggested they may be being followed. Linking his arm through hers as though out for a casual walk Jan crossed the road, turned to his right, walked about fifteen meters, recrossed the road and turned back to his right maintaining the way they had originally come. It was a simple enough way to test whether they were truly being followed and also gauge what that person might be doing.

"Do you have any suspects of who may be following us?" he asked casting a glance behind them.

---

While Gavril and Orion hadn't spent exactly a lot of time together in the years since their first meeting they had kept in touch. When he saw the number appear on his mobile he was rather pleased but then as the conversation turned to what seemed like a plot out of a James Bond film the young noble was out of his depth and didn't really know what to say. He had taken up residency on the Isle where he was at the small school there that helped prepare those for the higher eschalons of the civil service or diplomatic corps. It was never nailed on certainty but usually once exams were over it took a miracle not to get a job in one of those two roles. He did a few checks around the palace and got to know a little bit of what was happening after all gossip had a great way of moving around the Palace of the Goddess. That afternoon he texted Orion back. "JR sent on an art hunt for the Palace. Visiting some collection with some cash, expecting to buy something. All for now. x x"

Marco was keen to present the image of a gracious noble and so upon being introduced to Besarians wife gently offered a hand, "I assume its Lady Isidora, I'm honoured to meet you." He turned to Besarian, "You're indeed blessed with a beautiful wife." he added remembering the value Lodjains put on physical appearence and therefore assuming he would not have offended. The Emperor was pretty impressed by the Pelagiya families private yacht and while he had a whole host of luxury to fill his days with he had no yacht that would compare, a few sail boats but this was like a luxury hotel on the waves. While he waited for the Queen to finish her current conversation he made small talk with Besarian and Isidora while enjoying the beverage, it wasn't what his own personal choice would be but it hit the spot. While he talked he kept glancing over at the Queen and her ladies, especially Tonya who had inspired his visit.

Once introduced to Natalya he gave her a small bow, "Queen Natalya its wonderful to meet you again, and you look as beautiful as ever." It was true she was a striking woman but for now at least he sensed she would show little interest in his attentions as after all she was constantly linked to some Maori gentleman. "I came to ask both you and of course Lady Tonya if I could return the favour for the kindness shown to me when I visited Lodja." he produced from his jacket a small box which he offered towards Tonya, "I wanted to give you a small token of my thanks." There were a pair of gold earrings inlaid with red stones. "I also wondered if perhaps tonight I could borrow Lady Tonya for dinner tonight at our hotel, I'm told they have an excellent in house chef?"

Natalya couldn't help but find the Emperor amusing, his flattery was expected of course but when they had travelled Natalya hadn't expected to have Tonya being invited to dinner. The Queen though made a small play of trying to determine whether she could afford to lose the Lady in Waiting for the evening. Having turned round and discussed the matter with Jasmina and Svetlana, all be it rather tongue in cheek, she turned back to Tonya and the Emperor. "That is perfectly acceptable. I know Tonya enjoyed the time with you in Lodja and who am I to stand in the way of international diplomacy. Should we say 7pm?" She asked but it was more of an instruction after all it would give Tonya plenty of time to get ready.

With the business with the Emperor handled she left him free to chat with Tonya for a while while she noticed the East Moreland King waiting to speak with her. The King was shown up to the sundeck of the yacht and offered a seat along with a drink, "Is it too warm a day for Green Tea?" Natalya asked remembering the Kings favourite drink of choice. "Something perhaps stronger." She waited for him to make a choice and then for her stewards to take care of things. "Now I apologise but there is a reason I needed to try and see you. I had asked Besarian to see you but I believe you were inundated with guests. So thank you for coming. Now what I needed to do is a formal part of our nations courtly culture and as a man who I know respects tradition I hope you won't take offence. I believe you yourself experienced this too." She handed over a cream coloured envelope with her seal. She didn't wait for the King to open the envelope. "There is a tradition that anyone wanting to form a relationship with a Lady in Waiting need the Queen's permission. You had to ask Viktoriya for permission to romance Stasya and now I have the ambassador for Albion, your cousin Peter, seen very publicly with Jasmina literally everyday there at the Palace. I have no intention on stopping their relationship only formalities at court are seen as important in Lodja and with East Moreland being one of our closest friends things must seen to be done. That's a formal request for you as his monarch to put things in order, that is assuming he wants something more than just sharing her bed from time time?"

It had been some time since Makar and Adelheid had seen each other face to face but he found himself cringing a little as she called herself "too old" for the Lodjain balls. "Now you're someone with your finger on the pulse of fashon and you know very beautiful women are always in fashion in Lodja." he complimented her. The phone call over Makar passed on what he'd found out to his sister-in-law who in turn, as was often the case, told members of the Queen's security staff via the backdoor so to speak.

It then fell to Jan Rezakov, a relatively junior member of the Queens security detail, to head on over to Neu Urburzi. He was picked because he was the newest member of the detail and frankly could be the missed the least. His job was a simple one, make contact with the exhibition and try and gauge what items they had and what could be "acquired" the nice thing was he had next to no exposure to the world in terms of his face being near the Queens but like most members of the detail he came from a Patrician family, his though a rather small one. If anyone checked him out they'd come to a company that had a small business in Gaia outfitting shops. His father had a small piece of land on the outskirts of Gaia in which a rather pretty little house existed known to some locals as "the mini palace". This had given Jan a few stories he could perhaps use but frankly he'd have prefered to have been in the Palace back home but Makar had told him there would be someone to meet him upon his arrival.

This weekend has marked the final of the annual summer balls. The traditional final ball of the season took place in the Palace on the Isle of the Goddess and was attended by around 1000 guests, a number reduced from previous years due to "stricter security" as it was the first following last years postponement during the conflict that rocked the nation. This year the ball was reinstated and the Queen had invited 200 guests with the remaining 800 being made up of a random selection from those who applied and were vetted for attendance. Among those fortunate enough to be invited were several ambassadors including Peter Kade, the cousin of East Moreland's King David who is rumoured to have been accompanying Chief Lady in Waiting Jasmina Danilov. As always with balls on the Isle the Queen was in attendance however as people had expected the Maori envoy Lt.Hahona Mere did not accompany her, the second engagement he has not attended which has lead some to consider whether their relationship, if there was one, is over. Instead the Queen was accompanied by Henrik Pelagiya, the younger brother of the Queen of East Moreland and former Lady in Waiting Stasya Pelagiya.

The ball lasted until 2am when High Priestess Arina Maksimov called a halt to proceedings and gave what has become the formal blessing to end the summer ball season. The youngest High Priestess in the faiths history said, "We today mark another summer passing and have watched as Sessifet has weaved her magic in allowing young people to find love. To those now preparing to marry the Goddess wishes you well and to those yet to make a match the Goddess wishes you happiness until next summer. May the Goddess be with you all." Traditionally the summer ball season has been a time where young noble girls upon reaching the age of 16 are formally introduced to noble society as eligible for marriage. As Professor Mesalov who has written several articles on Lodjain culture explains, "The age may have varied throughout history, usually it was the summer following a noble girl being able to have children that they were introduced, now we have all seemingly without discussion agreed at 16. Appearing at your first ball as a young woman is sending a message that you are on the market so to speak and the would be suitors can get to know you in a safe and fun setting for everyone involved. Normally this was the best way for many young women to have their pick as many girls could easily have multiple men seeking their attention."

Traditionally all girls attending who are unmarried and single wear white, a colour no other person may wear, thus marking them out. Each of the girls carries a dance card which any gentleman interested in her can be asked to be added to. Traditionally it is seen as exceptionally poor etiquette to accept a gentleman's invitation and then not follow through. Many girls who are known to be attending certain balls can actually find that they have a full dance card before even arriving at the ball with their family sometimes making arrangements or as one girl explained the use of a more modern method. "Everyone has social media these days, instagram is the main one where this happens. You post a picture showing your dress, because frankly you don't want someone turning up in the same as you, and what ball your going to  Quiet often guys will then slide into your DM's and ask if you'll add them to your dance card. For two of the summer balls I had full cards before even walking through the door. Its a bit of an ego boost and actually means you can chat with guys a bit first before the ball and get a sense if they're someone you'd get on with before adding them to your card."

The Lodjains ball season has also become more international this year as Lodjains living overseas have organised their own balls. The biggest of these though was the one hosted by Queen Stasya of East Moreland whose Silverhills home saw some 1,200 individuals attend. The event also raised a significant amount of money for Global Childbirth Initiative projects. Several embassies in Gaia also hosted events including the Cenneg embassy which introduced Cèilidh dancing to the Lodjains in attendance. Next year there have already been several other embassies asking to be added to the traditional approved list of balls and rumours that other nations with Lodjain diaspora have also intended to host them.

With the main aim of the Summer Ball Season being to secure marriages the office of the Queen has received several requests to approve marriages between noble girls and boys. A Royal spokesman explained, "All of the official balls have a certificate from the Queen authorising them. As such it is traditional that any marriages resulting from meetings at these balls should be approved by the Queen. We have so far received 162 requests for approval. In the coming days the Queen will be issuing formal approvals to these but likely we'll get a few more over the next few months." One of those hoping for approval is 17 year old Tanya Akeeva who is hoping to marry Fedor Milakonov in February once they are both 18. The two meet at a ball in Zhony and their parents began discussions about marriage soon after. Tanya said to us, "I know its extremely rare the Queen does not give approval but there is a sense of nerves until that letter arrives giving her blessing. I think it will always make my marriage to Fedor more special because you know the Queen, and therefore Sessifet think you're a suitable couple."

This season has also seen the first same-sex request for a blessing. While this has never been outlawed most balls are very clearly the territory of hetrosexual couples. This year though there has been three official balls that have been advertised as "Rainbow Balls" which have been marketed as LGBTQ+ events. The first same sex couple to ask for royal approval for marriage is 17 year old Svetlana Ludmilla and 18 year old Anna Sharakova who meet as a ball in Luben. Svetlana told us "Sessifet is very clear that love and passion are beautiful and that it does not matter who you love. I meet Anna at Duke Rorias ball and we just clicked, that night our parents began talking and even though we both went to other balls during the summer we kept in touch and meet at a few of them and then two weeks ago our parents approved our marriage and now we just wait for Queen Natalya to give her and Sessifets blessing. We're hoping to get married on my 18th birthday in July next year.

For now though the white dresses and tuxedos can be packed away until May next year.

Erin listened to Attal's review of his own nations stance. "While we clearly have issues with similar enemies there is one thing that marks us as different. You've had since the 1970's to revive your nation, your people and dare I say even your culture. We are in our infancy. We fought a three year long guerilla war in the desert and mountains to gain what we have. Now I suspect we could have pushed on and gained more but in doing so we'd have wiped out practically all our Truthsayer reserves meaning anyone could literally walk in and take us over. Add to that the fact that we had no real homeland of our own, Niklaus here was until a few years ago a Cenneg businessman, Krystina a school teacher and dutiful wife of a lawyer in Aosta. We've a need to come together as a nation and sadly some renegade Truthsayer soiled our reputation on the global stage by indulging in acts of potential nuclear terrorism, that means we've a lack of support globally we're now trying to overcome. You speak of us working together to contain, certainly, reduce, push back or destroy we're a way off doing anytime soon. We've a few cards up our sleeves but a time and place will come for them but for now we seek to ensure the new border of the Theocracy is tight."

Krystina took over, "Let me put it this way, if your nation is in terms of other nations globally a teenager, we've yet to master walking. Now please keep in mind as a fighting force we can likely on her turf stand toe to toe with the Kaitiane Defence Force (KDF) and hold our own but its going to cost us."

Niklaus took up the discussion. "Now what we do have that perhaps is more developed than yourself is our economic connections, thanks to our diaspora we've large Bene Gesserit, and thus Theocracy citizens in Ui Cenneslaig, Aosta, Achkaerin and Cantabria, we've got cross border trade arrangements with Chistopol and we've access to raw materials from Waddan in exchange for running education systems there for a lot of people. So what needs to be discussed then is how we build each other up. WHat does the Empire need in life?"

Erin had to her best not to laugh at the irony of giving a desert nation fish. She however instead thanked the President for the gift "I'm thinking the best place to display this will be at the Missionara's HQ, I'm told that watching fish can help be rather relaxing. Beside those ladies are rather keen to study anything and I suspect many of them won't have seen such fish. I thank you again for the gift." She began wondering the logistics of getting them to Kaitaine but that would be for the military in charge of her flight to sort out not her.

Once everyone was sat she looked at the list allowing Niklaus and Krysta to examine it. "While at the moment I have nothing further to add that is something we can revisit as things carry on. I will however seek clarification about your second point, you see we are not a nation that are anti-Communist, we are anti-Soviet. Life is full of political experiments that have failed and so long as a system does not actively seek to harm people then I have no issue with it existing and people supporting it. The time comes to oppose it if it becomes a case of a tyranny of minority. We went to war with the Soviets not because they are Communist but because they were occupiers into our sacred home land. So when you say co-operation in the face of Communist aggression what exactly are you thinking?"

Besarian was still waiting for a chance to speak to King David, his matter was not urgent and while there were other ways he could deal with the matter, such as giving King David the letter in his jacket pocket to read at his leisure, but those were not exactly fair to the monarch. He was enjoying a plate of poached eggs and toast with his wife when the Emperor of Abertone arrived. "Your Imperial Majesty" he stood and bowed, "May I introduce my wife, Isidora. The blonde haired younger woman stood and bobbed respectfully to the Emperor. "As for her Divine Majesty she's basing herself on the Pelagiya families yacht during the event and yes Lady Tonya has made the journey, it a full scale Lodjain expedition in a way." He smiled, the Queen never travelled without a rather large entourage. Besarian looked back over at the King of East Moreland who was still in conversation and made his mind up that he'd come back later. He tapped his hand to the letter he was carrying and then finished his coffee. "Could we accompany you over to the Iskorian?" Besarian asked as he stood and pulled his wife's chair out for her.

The trio made their way through the crowded docksides until they reached the Iskorian. A pair of naval guards manned the walkway and stepped aside to let the Duke, Duchess and their Emperor guest through without question. Natalya was sat on the upper most deck with her Ladies and a few other gentleman who were in the midst of telling her all about some floating energy contraption, one of several meetings with people she'd arranged for the visit. "She should be done soon." Besarian informed the Emperor having caught the eye of Lady Jasmina who was the most senior of the Ladies. In the meantime Besarian offered the Emperor a "Bloody Mary" a hearty way of kickstarting the day. Once the Queen was done Lady Jasmina gave Besarian a small sign to come over. "She's free" Besarian said pointing with his head and crossing the deck to the comfortable looking horseshoe of seats. "Your Divine Majesty I'm sure you know Emperor Marco, I just happened to bump into him and he asked if he could stop by and pay his compliments to you, and to Lady Tonya." With that Besarians job was done and he wandered back to his wife considering whether the Morelander King would be free or not by now.

"Emperor Marco lovely to see you again." The Queen stood to greet the Emperor. "I wonder what brings you here" she gave a mischievous side glance to Tonya. "How can we be of service."

With all the reforms Queen Natalya was attempting in Lodja that had meant new jobs for several of the nobility, especially those who had direct links to the royal family, both past and present. As he had once been married to a Queen of Lodja Roman Chownyk was now entitled to use the title Prince and had been assigned a role as a representative to the CNN, for the time being. He sat and listened to Sir Jacob and then said.

"While I have no issue with your proposals it is very sea related. We should also look at utilising air assets to support the security of the southern part of the Matildas so therefore I'm also suggesting to the Iwi that we look at sending whatever air assets King Piripi thinks may be needed. "

Alana Tar may have had the title of Princess but she was no relation to Queen Natalya. She held the title simply by being the youngest sister of former Queen, Viktoriya Tar. The family was one of the most respected in Lodja, their respect dated back so far that one of the islands of Lodja was even named after their family. Since her sister tragic death Alana meanwhile had faced a life a kind of limbo. On one hand she was shown great respect everywhere she went, on the other she had no control over aspects of her life, any job would need to be approved by the Queen, any potential husband approved by the Queen, even her place of residence. It was sad that her life had kind of been lost in the chaotic shuffle that had been the last few years of life in Lodja. She had managed to get herself to University on the Isle of Tar which had all but become her refuge. She graduated last summer with her degree in Music and had spent the time since enjoying the beaches of the beautiful island as well as helping establish the Tar Musical Library, a huge depository of musical manuscripts, recordings and even instruments. It was her hope the Library would have pleased her now deceased sister Viktoriya. Things had been made even worse for her once it had been discovered her mother, Duchess Helene Tar, had betrayed Queen Klara and sided with Leopold Hamsik. Now things had settled down she'd been largely ignored even more than before. She had therefore been surprised that she had been contacted and asked to attend this meeting.

The morning of the meeting she had been escorted to the Isle of the Goddess by the Air Force after being flown in from the Isle of Tar. It was nice to see the capital again and she hoped to find time to catch up with some old friends once they had done, assuming she was allowed to. She was nervous what the summons had meant but upon arriving she relaxed a little, she was escorted into the Conclave room and found herself sat alongside Princess Anfisa, a great-grandaughter of Queen Sonya, a few of the other descendants of Sonya sat further down the row but largely ignored her. Anfisa gave her a small hug once seated and engaged her in small talk until the Queen was announced. The Princesses stood and gave a courtesy as Natalya entered and sat once the Queen signalled people may do so.

Natalya looked around the room and once it had gone silent nodded to a man in a smart suit by the door who turned on a video camera. Once satisfied this was being recorded the Queen began, "Thank you for coming, I am bringing you good and bad news. Good news is that I am introducing reforms to make Lodja a stronger nation, the bad news is for some of you......you will not like what I am to say but you will accept it." There were nervous glances and a few whispered words. "First I will reinforce, we are a nation that belongs to Sessifet. Devotion to the Goddess and her teachings must be and will be the centre of everything I do. That though does not mean other faiths have anything to fear. Sessifet recognised herself that other Gods existed, those of you following other Gods have merely yet to make the discovery of the truth of Sessifet, and that is OK, I will pray that one day you will embrace the Goddess and I know she will embrace you. The problem we have had is that over the last four centuries or so we've seen people steer us away from the Goddess as corrupt men and women manipulated the Goddess for feathering their own beds. That will end. I have always been a person with faith but no knowledge, thanks to Arina Maksimov's crash course in the teachings of the Priesthood I believe I am now capable of seeing our errors clearly." She paused, took a deep breath and noticed a fair few where nodding. He saw in the crowd Maria Shvets , another relatively young Priestess who had gained prestige within the faith, she smiled at Natalya and nodded approvingly which helped Natalya continue.

"Sessifet fought a war against the Gods who tried to corrupt us and won, as such she set up a hierarchy, she set up a system designed to have those with the ability to support those in need of guidance, help and love to do so. We have had the Patrician and Plebeian arrangement as a result and that will not change as Sessifet still needs those of us sat here to take our roles. What has changed is how we mark time, people live longer, people have more ways of making a difference to their nation and as such I will be making a route to Patricianhood even easier. One way I will do that is by creating a series of titles, these will allow me to elevate those who have shown they have made the progress to be able to support the ideas of Sessifet to attain Patricianhood immediately." A few of the Dukes looked a little concerned, would they lose land to these newly titled people whoever they were?

"Secondly I am tired of seeing the patricians exploiting the Plebians. We see laws that have been manipulated to allow our class to extort money from those less fortunate. We see, potentially even people in this room, who have taken money from businesses in their infancy to allow them to operate and then just sat back knowing full well they fail. I intend to pass a decree that means no Patrician may now take money in return for allowing a Plebeian to operate a business. Instead you may only take shares up to 10%, this as a result means if you want money you have to help the company grow. Far too many of you have not concerned yourself with growing our economy just your own bank balance." Dragan Knežević couldn't help but nod his head with a broad smile. He had served as finance minister for several years under Viktoriya and then for a while Klara and during all that time he'd pushed for similar reforms now it seemed once he'd "retired" back to his home town of Noginsk things were going to happen.

"I am also disgusted at how we sometimes hold love to ransom. We have the power to block the plebeians from marrying. While I am aware many marry not just for love but for what the marriage can bring to families. Many Plebians have found a route out of poverty and obscurity by simply having a daughter marry into an influential family. I am not going to stop that but once more things must change. Once any Plebian reaches the age of 23 they marry without permission of a Patrician. It will deemed as though I have granted them permission, so long as they can find a Priestess to conduct the ceremony. Sessifet promotes beauty and love above all and we can not stand in the way of that."

The Queen was now heading for what would be the most controversial part of her speech. "In the beginning of the Queendom we did our best to emulate the ways of Sessifet. It was then in the 17th Century Duke Vitali Eramenko corrupted our ways. He used his influence with the military to make himself the effective Queen-Marker of Lodja and from that point on he manipulated our way to make a mockery of our name, Queendom. I am the embodyment of Sessifet, I am a leader, I am a woman, I may sound arrogant but I'm a beautiful woman and above all else I am determined. Sessifet is the strongest power in the Universe and I will channel that power. Women originally were the line of inheritance, now it has become the way that noble titles pass down the male line, that is now over. I will not throw families into turmoil by stating this starts immediately. Once a title of nobility has passed twice it shall head down the female blood line. I will maintain, as far as practical a Conclave of 50/50 but not by sacrificing quality. I will look for similar status within all government controlled spheres, it will take many generations but the balance of Sessifet will be restored. Leadership of this nation has for the past four years been chaotic, first the assassination of Viktoriya, then the rebellion against Klara and now me, none of us knew we would be Queen, none of us expected to be Queen. Look at our friends in nations such as East Moreland, they know one day Princess Rhiannon will sit upon their throne and the ten year old child is already more versed in how to be a leader than many people in this room. I will not and can not make Lodja a hereditary monarchy, it goes against the very faith of Sessifet. What I can do though is make sure that whoever Sessifet picks is prepared. I am therefore making some changes. Originally our texts tell us Queens were given the throne at 14, then life expectancy was much much younger, then it became 16, and then 18. I am therefore changing this again to 21. I am also making it the case that each year on the anniversary of a Queen's coronation they will name a successor for the next 12 months, should anything happen to the Queen then that girl will inherit the throne, no ifs or buts, as such we shall have a smooth transition. Should she accept I am naming Princess Alana Tar as the Crown Princess, she will be my heir for the next 12 months should she accept." Alana had not been warned of this and now she felt Anfisa grip her hand reassuringly as she felt a sense of surprise and panic. "Viktoriya was a strong Queen who would have made us a great nation, if her sister is half the person her older sister was then Lodja would have a great Queen. Alana has spent years understanding the workings of government expecting one day to be unleashed as a diplomat for our nation." Natalya turned to face Alana, "We shall speak upon this this afternoon." It was worded not as a request but an order and Alana just mouthed her acceptance. Natalya turned back to the audience, "To prepare for the future I am also taking a page from the Bene Gesserit book. We shall be opening a school for girls dedicated to ensuring the future Queen is ready. It will be open initially at the age of 4 to any noble girl, at the age of 16 they shall sit exams and those considered to be both intelligent and beautiful will proceed to further study until degree level at the age of 21. Once at that age all girls graduating shall be offered roles within the government in some form. The school shall begin in September with an intake for a University standard for 18 to 21 year olds and our first intake of four year olds. Over time the school shall expand and become one of the leading institutes not just in Lodja but the world. This is a matter I have been preparing for several months and I am proud to announce that we have secured respected East Moreland scholar Dr. Maddie Howard to establish the first year and then ensure the leadership is handed over to a scholar approved by the High Priestess. This brings me to my final message. Klara declared herself the High Priestess, this is not appropriate. I am the Guardian of Sessifet, she lives inside me but at times hearing what she tells me and understanding it is difficult. There must be a voice to help guide me, as such I will hand that title back to the actual Priesthood, it will be no surprise therefore that I appoint Arina Maksimov to that role. The role will assume similar standards to the Queens position. Only a graduate of the new school may assume the position and furthermore the incumbent will select a non-related successor, this successor will remain successor once approved by the Queen until such a time as the High Priestess selects a different successor. With no school present I will choose the first successor and that shall be Maria Shvets, between the two of these ladies our faith has been secure in troubling times and I thank them on behalf of the nation." A small round of applause in appreciation rippled around the room.

"There shall be decrees confirming all of this in the coming day. For now I will not be taking meetings. I wish you all well." The Queen turned and keen to be respectful people hurried to their feet understanding that the Queen was leaving. As Natalya left she could already hear people discussing what she had said. Duke Lubos was the only noble who was permitted to follow her.

"Your Divine Majesty" he called after her, she stopped and turned, "I know it was not discussed but you spoke of changes in the Conclave, if you desire it I will tender my resignation immediately. I think your proposals are ones I can support but I understand if you need your own choice. I serve at your pleasure." Natalya walked up to him and placed a hand on his large arm.

"Your still going to lead the Conclave, it'll just be a very different Conclave. You are quiet literally our nations rock Lubos, we'll speak tomorrow. For today relax." The Queen turned and accompanied by her entourage headed off to begin the considerably large amount of paperwork she'd just created for herself.

Lubos Kubik may be getting on in years but that wasn't going to stop him doing what he had most days since he'd been sixteen. He started the day with a egg white omelette, glass of milk and a quick blast of cardio. He may be 75 years of age but the two guardsman who accompanied him on his short "Scuttle" around the Palace grounds were also breathing heavily by the time they finished. "Same time tomorrow gentleman"  Lubos bumped fists with each of them, "assuming I'm not sacked."

"Not a chance sir!" One of them said confidently.

"Thanks Pavel" Lubos entered his rooms, a lounge, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and office served as his home on the Isle of the Goddess and it was decorated as befitting the Lord of the Conclave. His Queen had informed him three days ago that she was going to address the Conclave and a large crowd of assembled guests but beyond that had given him no details. His job was to advise the Queen, to conduct discussions deemed too mundane for her to attend and generally take the load of her shoulders. He was good at it. He had been a commander of a Regiment for thirty years under the old military system where a persons wealth and status mattered more than actual sound military knowledge, back then it had been possible to quiet literally buy promotions yet under his father Lubos had been made to serve first as a Private, then a Liutenenant and then slowly work his way up. When his father became ill he did jump a few ranks to General and Lubos was proud that during all his time in command not as much as a single round of ammunition ever went missing. Those were the glory days of military corruption and Lubos had heard all manner of horror stories ranging from noble men taking crates of rifles and using them on hunting weekends to one man even ordering his unit a new helicopter simply to taxi his favourite call girl into his countryside retreat. Now Lubos was proud at the changes that they had made, he'd first served as Minister of Defence and had spent hour upon hour personally visiting military establishments making sure people where following the reforms they had made. First Viktoriya had called in the Morelanders, then Klara had given them even more free reign and now under Natalya it would appear the reforms were almost complete. There was one huge indication of that, one of her first decrees had been to consign the "Warriors of Gaia", the royal guard, to the past. The unit had failed in their duty to protect the Isle of the Goddess and several had even joined the rebel King Leopolds army. Now the Queen's Honour Guard Regiment stood in their place, a new unit created with only those who had completed the new East Moreland commanded training regime. So far the unit had been doing a good job and the two men who joined Lubos on his run were fine soldiers, or at least Lubos had that impression and he prided himself on being a good judge of character.

His morning routine over he donned his favourite dark blue suit with thin grey pin stripes. His wife Brigette handed him his briefcase, kissed him goodbye and watched him walk away down the corridor discussing last nights boxing that had been on TV. Like everyone else he had no idea what the Queen would be saying but he had a good feeling. In the short time Natalya had been Queen she'd seemed positive, and decisive something Viktoriya and Klara had failed to do instead referring everything to the Conclave. Natalya of course did so too but normally she had all but made a decision on most things. It was the day to day matters that the Conclave now dealt with, something Lubos believed was its actual purpose. He entered the room and shook hands with friends, they mused over what it was. Lubos expected some kind of marriage plan that would see that Maori officer named as a future King. Lubos would have mixed feelings on that. On one hand having a foreign King who did not worship Sessifet would be in his eyes a problem however Lubos had got to know Hahona and actually liked him. When the young Maori army officer walked in it surprised Lubos, if it was a marriage announcement then surely he'd arrive with Natalya. When ambassadors and priestesses began arriving Lubos realised this was not going to be a normal announcement.

Lady Jasmina entered the room indicating that the Queen couldn't be too far behind. The room hushed and stood as the announcement of formalities was made. The Queen entered and Lubos bowed to her and then when permitted took his seat.

"Thank you for coming, I am bringing you good and bad news. Good news is that I am introducing reforms to make Lodja a stronger nation, the bad news is for some of you......you will not like what I am to say but you will accept it." Natalya said confidently. Lubos leaned forward in his chair, he had no idea what would come next but what he was sure of was that everyone in the rooms attention had been grabbed.

#

The Island of the Goddess is an island in the bay of Gaia only reachable by causeway for a few hours each day, the rest of the time boat is the only way to reach the island. It is believed by followers of Sessifet that the Island is the first and last place the physical form of Sessifet touched Mundus. Over the centuries more and more has been added to the Island, the oldest building being a subterranian shrine to the Goddess dating from around the 11th Century. Today the Island is home to the Palace of the Goddess which is the home to central government and the Queen's household. The Palace sits at the very top of the Islands hill and is reached either by a winding road or since the early 19th century a Vernacular Railway.

The Island has a series of Terraced style houses that today are often made into self contained apartments, these are given as part of the salary of the servants and staff who work on the Island in the Queen's household. This has seen a little community start on the Island that consists of around 1,000 people who live permanently there. The community has a small school, a few shops, a two boat fishing fleet and a tavern which sits next to the Quay.

On top of the hill and sits the Palace itself. This is home to many nobles who have suites on the Island including all members of the Conclave, Ladies in Waiting and several ambassadors. The palace has 19 state rooms (for the Queen, her husbands and children), 52 principal bedrooms (for the Ladies in Waiting, Conclave and Ambassadors), 188 staff bedrooms (for Junior Ministers and Palace servants on rotation) and 92 offices. Many of the rooms are lined along stone carved Cloisters open sided corridors looking out either to the sea or many of the small gardens in the Palace. The Palace is built around a number of Quads which are spots for social gatherings by staff or informal meetings. The Queen has her own private Quad which is shared by her direct family and the Ladies in Waiting.

Under the Palace itself is the complex dedicated to the Goddess Sessifet. The main room of this is the Temple of The Goddess this small circular brightly decorated room is said to have been where the Goddess first joined with a Queen of Lodja. It is reached by passing down a large decorated corridor and then through a smaller shrine where a staircase takes you down to the Temple. The Queen's funeral, wedding and coronation all take place in the Temple.


The Palace also is supposed to be more of a community for nobility than just the Island, it hosts regular balls and events and great artists, musicians, scholars and other respected cultural figures are guests. The Queen keeps a company of dancers, musicians and poets who are all encouraged to make the Palace into a thriving and beautiful retreat. Many foreign ambassadors, if of noble heritage, are given bedrooms in the Palace and while usually also having rooms at their own embassy are encouraged to spend as much time as possible on the Island being part of the nobles community. It is a tradition that many approaches to the Queen by ambassadors come through members of the Conclave who have formed informal relationships with the ambassadors. It is also not uncommon for an Ambassador to "Bump into" the Queen during her regular journeys around the Palace.


The Queen's council known as The Conclave meet in a room used only for this purpose. The Queen sits on a seat on the top of a series of steps, one step below her sit her husbands if present and then one below that their children (if attending). A large rectangular table sits at the bottom with no one sat at the head, the Lord of the Conclave (think Prime Minister) sits closest to the Queen on the right hand side, the other ministers and any specialists addressing the Conclave arranged down the table in order of their service to the monarchy. To date only two foreign delegates have been permitted inside the Conclave room, the first being er Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Autárimë Emperor of Arda Tuluva (who was sat at an equal level to the Queen), the second being King David III of East Moreland (when Queen Viktoriya was in hospital and sat on the 2nd step). The Conclave room is also occasionally used for private audiences with the Queen.

POST CIVIL WAR RECONSTRUCTION


During the conflict in 2022 parts of the Isle were damaged. Most noticeably the streets of the settlement at the foot of the hill saw intense gun battles fought on the opening day. As such a great many of the homes required extensive reconstruction. This was done to maintain the style of the period in which they were built but interior work was also carried out meaning that the vast majority of these homes are now powered by tidal energy and modern central heating systems making them much cosier and sustainable. The Palace was also damaged, most extensively around the parts where the Queen lived. In the rebuilding the total number of bedrooms were reduced, especially for staff who can now access the mainland more easily than the 16th Century when the Palace was largely constructed. In addition large underground sections of the Palace which had once been used for cold storage etc were renovated so that the Palace now has a fully functioning gym, bowling alley, 50 seat cinema and swimming pool. Work is underway to further expand these undergound areas into the rock on which the Palace sits to allow for even more facilities.

The Divine Queendom of Lodja is a non-heriditary monarchy. Its earliest origin can be found in the 10th Century when the city of Gaia was claimed by raiders from the "Rus" originating Lodjain tribe. These people had mirgated steadily south from Aranye over the proceeding centuries and claimed various islands in the Alucard which brought them into clashes with people from Paracambi, the Alanders and what were to become the Bakkermayans. The original Lodjain tribe were persecuted in the Rus homeland for worshipping the Goddess Sessifet and under the guidance of the Priestesses sought out where Sessifet had first begun to inhabit a human host in the form of Miriam. It was believed here the people could have a home. Evidence suggests it was Queen Rosanna, who was one of multiple Lodjain Queens who inhabited the islands and claimed to be High Queen of Sessifet, who launched a raid on the mainland of Albion. There her Priestesses, while inspecting for slaves, discovered a cave on a tidal island and "evidence" of this being the location of Sessifet and Miriam's joining. Rather than leave the mainland as had happened in other raids the Lodjains remained, fortified the island and then began claiming the land. This finally saw all Lodjains declare loyalty to Rosanna and thus the modern day version of the nation was born.

The Divine Queendom remained largely unchanged until the 1600's when Duke Vitali Eramenko used his influence to effectively pick three Queens, one being his daughter and two his nieces. This gave him effective control of the Queendom and while the nation remained one devoted to the worship of Sessifet and venerating the Queen as a living guardian of the Goddess the power balance began to shift. As the nation remained on paper a matriachy Duke Vitali effectively ensured that in terms of military power and control of the Conclave the nation was all but ruled by men. While the Queen has had the power to rule practically unopposed the Conclave selecting the Queen at the previous ones passing have ensured that the Dukes have remained largely in control. It was only in the reign of Queen Sonya  which began in 1916 that this balance began to reshift. Under the subsequent Queens, first Viktoriya, then Klara, this power shift continued but political uphevel at these changes caused change to be slow and many believe lead to their deaths. Viktoriya via assassination by the then High Priestess for effectively marginalising the Priesthood, and then Klara who died during the "Civil War" which began after King Leopold believed he could seize power. 

Government Type:- Theocratic Monarchy
Population:-:- 164million
Capital City:- Gaia (2million)
Demonym:- Lodjain

ECONOMY

Currency:- The Geld
GDP per Capita:- $26,000
Unemployment Rate:- 2.7%
Main Industries:- Natural Gas/Oil, Precious Metals, Textiles, jewellery, ores.

PEOPLE


Ethnicity:- 90% Lodjain (RL.Russian)/ 10% Other
Languages:- Lodjain
Religions:- Nation is based on Sessifet teachings
Average Life Expectancy:- 78 years of age

GOVERNMENT

Head of State:- Queen Natalya Guardian of Sessifet
Head of Government:- Lord  Lubos Kubik
Name of Legislative Body:- The Conclave

The trip from the Theocracy to Kishon was rather short compared to many that the Reverend Mother Erin MacGregor had taken. She arrived alongside the Duke Niklaus Corrino and Krystina Garner, an instructor in the Truthsayers and wife of Simon Fremen and so she would one day be the Duchess. The trio exited the cars and while Erin nodded her thanks to the honour guard the Duke and Krysta stood a step behind her. Niklaus wore a smart pinstripe suit while Krysta wore the khaki uniform of the Truthsayers, her peak hat tucked under her right arm. Erin pushed the large hood back from her head. She was a pretty 23 year old, but as tradition dictated she had shaved her head totally for her return to Kaitaine and for a while after had maintained the baldness, then she thought better of it and now her head was slowly regrowing her blonde hair but for the moment a fuzz of sort remained. She glanced around, found Barasha and then smiled. As his hand appeared she hesitated slightly while he mind considered a more Bene Gesserit greeting but instead she simply accepted the hand-shake. "Thank you for the invitation our trip was thankfully uneventful" she explained. Next she removed from the pouch bag around her waist a small wooden box. "I have brought you a gift from my people to yours" She handed it over, the wooden was smooth oak and the hinges made of gold. Its top featured an inscription of a mythical giant sandworm and inside a few tablespoons of the faiths ritualistic "spice". "I hope it will allow us to see our work here today rewarded with positivity for both nations."

Erin and her two advisers, Melissa and Aileas, followed the others up the stairs. She would make a point once these talks were done to meet the new Sultan as if the Bene Gesserit were desert creatures so were the people of Waddan and perhaps this was enough to begin some kind of friendship with the new Sultan. The old one had allowed the Bene Gesserit to begin a few small education plans but now it was important to capitalise of this. As soon as she sat down Erin pushed her hood back to reveal a young woman in her early 20's, her hair short to her head, she had taken now to not keep the traditional bald look favoured by some of the senior Mothers within the faith. As the others voiced their concerns Erin waited with everyone finished her fingers flashed to her country folk using "double-speak" sign language, "Its now or never" and with that said Erin spoke. "I want to first of all get an elephant out of the room." She looked across the table at Stasya, "Queen Stasya of East Moreland represents a nation of 100million people, she will no doubt say that she is here as the High Princess of Semelberg and I am only too keen to welcome Prince Batholomew here but what I think is we must be careful that the deal is the best it can be for Semelberg and not for East Moreland. That said I hope Her Majesty will convey a message to her husband for me and the people of the Theocracy. We do not share warm relations, I understand that members of the faith I represent have committed grave crimes against East Moreland and just as criminals of other faiths are chased globally I will ensure both the Theocracy of Kaitaine and the Bene Gesserit faith does everything reasonable to bring those to justice who tried to steal nuclear waste in East Moreland. I would like to extend, in front of you witnesses, an offer to the King of East Moreland, should he make available to us the evidence they have on the crimes we shall agree to co-operate should it be possible to utilise the apparatus of the Historic Crimes Treaty in order to make sure those tracked down and arrested are brought to justice. Perhaps this olive branch between the Bene Gesserit faith and the Morelanders can be this Councils first business?" She cracked a small smile, "In terms of what this organisation could be then I hope we can bring about a kind of united front so that each of us becomes a stronger individual. I support Lady Aurora's views and share the views that just because a select few large nations have largely monopolised global apparatus not all of them have done so with mean intent."

The Four Holy Houses had been arguing for quiet some time over who should visit the far extreme of Mundus representing the Theocracy of Kaitaine. Erin, the Reverened Mother and leader of the tiny desert nation was getting tired of the endless bickering and in-fighting between the Corrino, Harkonnen, Atreides and Fremen families and so before they could begin their argument again she had quiet literally put her foot down. Slamming her foot onto the sandstone floor of the office that she worked out of she told the four leaders of the Holy Houses to be "silent" having conveyed her annoyance she made a decision. "I will be attending the talks in Weißenwald and none of you will be coming with me. Frankly I'm getting tired of your politicking. You have until I return to get your acts together. I will take Melissa and Aileas Faulkner with me." There was muttered acceptance around the room and Erin stood, pulled her hood over her head and walked out.

Several days later Erin regretted taking the trip, "I am a desert creature" she laughed to herself as she exited the airplane. Her dark robe hid a thick woollen sweater and her short hair covered by the raised hood meant her ears didn't get cold. She greeted Prince Maximillion, stopping her natural urge to spit as she greeted him. In Kaitaine it was considered a high honour as water was scarce and as such giving up water to greet someone showed respect, yet she knew from her time growing up in Ui Cenneslaig not everyone knew this basic fact of life. She enjoyed the trip in the heated car, the idea of the snowy countryside was nice and brought back memories of the Highlands of Ui Cennesliag but she was pleased those days were behind her now. "I am a desert creature" she repeated as she watched the soldier on the Reindeer with amusement. "Your Majesty" she bowed slightly to King Aldwin, "I'm thrilled to have this chance, the Theocracy needs more friends and I hope you'll help us do that today." She looked nervously over at Queen Stasya, the Theocracy and East Moreland had not got off to the greatest of starts and she knew there were still issues, perhaps via the Semelberg route she could begin to somehow patch these up.