Day of Blood Ceremony

[Hassfurt]

The son of King Philip Thiessan and his former Queen, Anna Verchek, will reach the age of 18 soon. It is tradition in Hassfurt that the young Prince Jonas undergo the Day of Blood Ceremony. This will see the celebrant take part in a parade of others celebrating their 18th birthday the same week. At the Temple of the Two Gods Prince Jonas will undergo a form of ordeal by combat and if found worthy permitted to carry out his first blood sacrifice to the Gods. This is a momentous day in the life of any Dualist and as such we wish to open ourselves to the world to help form closer relations.

It must be noted that no exception to our faiths rules can be permitted. Those entering the temple must conform to our rules of belonging to the Ermwhal[1] or Tyranha Strata[2].

We look forward to hosting this event.

King Philip Thiessan & Queen Karin Biermann


The Palace of the Two sat on the edge of the "Old Town" of Codilla, the capital of the Diarchy. It was the day before the ceremony and in one of the ample courtyard of the Palace the recently turned 18 year old Prince Jonas was busy training with his father King Philip. The King stood holding punch pads on his hands having his son hit them in combination that he called out. The Prince was being criticised for his lack of power. "Boy tomorrow if you hit like this it will be embarassing" he informed his eldest son as they finished that round. "Come on" he waved his head towards the archway and began jogging his son, a tall boy, not as filled out as his father but his body leanly muscled followed. They ran up the hill towards the spire at the top. His father called this "The Gauntlet" and had made Jonas run it everyday for the last three years. His younger brother Stefan was also made to do the same and their security agent doubled as personal trainers ensuring it was done, today though Philip oversaw Jonas' final run. As they reached the next courtyard two wooden staffs waited and the two began sparring with them using as spears or long swords. The whole "Gauntlet" took close to an hour to run and by the end both were shined with sweat. "Get some rest now. Tomorrow I expect you to put on a show for the world. Now go change, your Mother is waiting"

"Yes father." Jonas turned bowed to his father and headed up he steps towards the interior of the Palace. His Mother Anna Verchek, the former Queen of Hassfurt had been watching them finish. Jonas saw her and smiled, "Mother" he said as he headed inside following his fathers orders. A few steps behind Anna was Queen Karin also technically his mother since she had become Queen following defeating Anna in a challenge. Jonas stopped and as expected bowed to Karin, "Mother" he said to her before heading off to change.

"So Philip how will our boy do?" Anna called down to Philip in the yard beneath.

"He should make a good show. He's a strong boy, his wrestling is good. His striking lacks power but hit often you maybe need to be less strong." Philip embraced Anna and kissed her on the cheek before hugging Karin.

"Yuk" Karin exclaimed, "You're covered in sweat" she protesed as she pulled herself back from him. "Get showered. We have family dinner in half an hour" she informed him. While Anna took her son for dinner in the capital the rest of the family would dine in the Palace."

That night Jonas slept in phases. His mind considering what tomorrow would be like. He had witnessed friends ceremonies and seen a few end up with broken noses, split lips and blackened eyes and wondered what would happen with him. His father was a good fighter and it helped having private tutors for wrestling, boxing and MMA drawn from the best of the military but as his father often said in fights luck is just as important as skill. Would he be lucky.


The next morning Karin placed out the black hooded robe that Jonas would wear on his parade through the streets. Beneath it she placed a gift, wrapped in red paper. He was in his bathroom singing along with some rock band as he showered. She listened for a moment hopeful his combat would be an improvement on his voice. She left quietly, she and her King agreed that Hassfurt must be more active globalwise and so had agreed to let the world witness this event. Naturally they had to ensure the purity of the Temple so with Jonas being Ermwhal he would ceremony alongside his own Strata and those of the slightly lesser Tyranha. The temple must only contain such people.

His shower complete he exited to find the robe. He held it up, just plain black, some had drawstring for the hood in colours, some occasionally had hems embroider with a feint pattern but his was just plain, a slight disappointment.  He slipped it on tied the belt around his waist. It gave a look like some film monk. He then saw the red paper package and looked at the tag. "Love from Mother Karin" it said and he unwrapped it. Inside was a black box which he opened and found a small silver badge. He knew the story. It was worn by Karin when she had challenged Jonas' birth mother Anna for the throne, it was not uncommon to pin lucky charmings on the inside of robes. He placed it carefully and headed down for breakfast. The Palace courtyard was filling. Normally on the weekly ceremony of Day of Blood people gathered at the sports arena close to the Temple. It was about a 400m procession but with today presenting a Prince the Palace would be used meaning around 1km to be covered. Families were grateful to be inside the Palace for their family special day and black jacketed soldiers checked ID against list and then guided each Strata to their own courtyard. Today around 30 people would be taking part, some even from other cities had asked to share the day with the Prince. Six others shared the Prince's courtyard and while they did not dislike each other people eyed each other with eyes like a boxer eying an opponent before a match. "He's a long set of legs. I bet he kicks." Princess Agatha, Jonas 12 year old sister advised pointing at the boy talking with his family opposite.

At the Palace gate 71 year old Prince Marcel Bartial waited. He was Prince by stint of being a former King. He had been an over-confident 52 year old who had thought he could still fight younger men. Philip Thiessan had knocked him out in around 30 seconds taking the throne. He bore Philip no ill will, and knew one day Philip would likely feel the same shame and embarrassment he had felt. It was the way of Hassfurt monarchs and  a necessity. He would be responsible for meeting those foreign guests who would be driven from the airport, along the new modern highway which Marcel hated. Then through the "Old Town" mighty stone wall and up to the courtyard entrance where Prince Marcel waited.

1.	Blonde hair and blue eyes
2.	Blonde hair

[KrisNord]

Since the announcement from Hassfurt Stein Ulfsson had felt sorry for the emerging nation. The people of his own nation had found themselves largely criticised and hounded for sticking to their strict religious ways and now another nation was having the same issues. Ethnically the Ålanders were mainly Ermwahl and so in many ways the Head Gothi was looking forward to his visit and to witness a culture he could see similarities with their own, not maybe the strata system but the reverence for bravery and martial skills.

The Palace was rather majestic on its hillside and Stein was kind of sad no such grand places existed in Krokom, it was a more modern city. He made his way towards Prince Marcel and extended a hand. "Your Highness, a pleasure to meet you. I am Head Gothi Stein Ulfsson and I'm honoured to be here."

[Norgeras]

Kurt was less then thrilled to make the Trip. Not because he had any ill will towards Hassfurt, at it's core both Nations followed very similar values, but because he was after all in a wheelchair and he'd had to leave his wife with the imperial dwarf garden for a couple of days. Orion's schedule was overfilled as it was for a young teen, and the only Blonde Adult available was him. a chuckle escaped a him as his car drove towards the palace, he never thought his formerly red haired hottie of a wife would have produced an issue years later.

The van with him drive up to the Palace, where the driver and two Bodyguards got the Wheelchair ramp out before slowly rolling Kurt out and towards Ulfsson and the elderly prince:

"Your Highness." he nodded to the local prince: "A pleasure to finally be able to have diplomacy between us neighbors." he then turned his head to the Gothi:

"A pleasure making your acquaintance as well, your Holiness." before pointing to his wheelchair:

"I'd stand up to offer my hand but I've been incapable of that for some years now. My Apologies."

[Aurelius III]

The son of King Philip Thiessan and his former Queen, Anna Verchek, will reach the age of 18 soon. It is tradition in Hassfurt that the young Prince Jonas undergo the Day of Blood Ceremony. This will see the celebrant take part in a parade of others celebrating their 18th birthday the same week. At the Temple of the Two Gods Prince Jonas will undergo a form of ordeal by combat and if found worthy permitted to carry out his first blood sacrifice to the Gods. This is a momentous day in the life of any Dualist and as such we wish to open ourselves to the world to help form closer relations.

It must be noted that no exception to our faiths rules can be permitted. Those entering the temple must conform to our rules of belonging to the Ermwhal[1] or Tyranha Strata[2].

We look forward to hosting this event.

King Philip Thiessan & Queen Karin Biermann


The Palace of the Two sat on the edge of the "Old Town" of Codilla, the capital of the Diarchy. It was the day before the ceremony and in one of the ample courtyard of the Palace the recently turned 18 year old Prince Jonas was busy training with his father King Philip. The King stood holding punch pads on his hands having his son hit them in combination that he called out. The Prince was being criticised for his lack of power. "Boy tomorrow if you hit like this it will be embarassing" he informed his eldest son as they finished that round. "Come on" he waved his head towards the archway and began jogging his son, a tall boy, not as filled out as his father but his body leanly muscled followed. They ran up the hill towards the spire at the top. His father called this "The Gauntlet" and had made Jonas run it everyday for the last three years. His younger brother Stefan was also made to do the same and their security agent doubled as personal trainers ensuring it was done, today though Philip oversaw Jonas' final run. As they reached the next courtyard two wooden staffs waited and the two began sparring with them using as spears or long swords. The whole "Gauntlet" took close to an hour to run and by the end both were shined with sweat. "Get some rest now. Tomorrow I expect you to put on a show for the world. Now go change, your Mother is waiting"

"Yes father." Jonas turned bowed to his father and headed up he steps towards the interior of the Palace. His Mother Anna Verchek, the former Queen of Hassfurt had been watching them finish. Jonas saw her and smiled, "Mother" he said as he headed inside following his fathers orders. A few steps behind Anna was Queen Karin also technically his mother since she had become Queen following defeating Anna in a challenge. Jonas stopped and as expected bowed to Karin, "Mother" he said to her before heading off to change.

"So Philip how will our boy do?" Anna called down to Philip in the yard beneath.

"He should make a good show. He's a strong boy, his wrestling is good. His striking lacks power but hit often you maybe need to be less strong." Philip embraced Anna and kissed her on the cheek before hugging Karin.

"Yuk" Karin exclaimed, "You're covered in sweat" she protesed as she pulled herself back from him. "Get showered. We have family dinner in half an hour" she informed him. While Anna took her son for dinner in the capital the rest of the family would dine in the Palace."

That night Jonas slept in phases. His mind considering what tomorrow would be like. He had witnessed friends ceremonies and seen a few end up with broken noses, split lips and blackened eyes and wondered what would happen with him. His father was a good fighter and it helped having private tutors for wrestling, boxing and MMA drawn from the best of the military but as his father often said in fights luck is just as important as skill. Would he be lucky.


The next morning Karin placed out the black hooded robe that Jonas would wear on his parade through the streets. Beneath it she placed a gift, wrapped in red paper. He was in his bathroom singing along with some rock band as he showered. She listened for a moment hopeful his combat would be an improvement on his voice. She left quietly, she and her King agreed that Hassfurt must be more active globalwise and so had agreed to let the world witness this event. Naturally they had to ensure the purity of the Temple so with Jonas being Ermwhal he would ceremony alongside his own Strata and those of the slightly lesser Tyranha. The temple must only contain such people.

His shower complete he exited to find the robe. He held it up, just plain black, some had drawstring for the hood in colours, some occasionally had hems embroider with a feint pattern but his was just plain, a slight disappointment.  He slipped it on tied the belt around his waist. It gave a look like some film monk. He then saw the red paper package and looked at the tag. "Love from Mother Karin" it said and he unwrapped it. Inside was a black box which he opened and found a small silver badge. He knew the story. It was worn by Karin when she had challenged Jonas' birth mother Anna for the throne, it was not uncommon to pin lucky charmings on the inside of robes. He placed it carefully and headed down for breakfast. The Palace courtyard was filling. Normally on the weekly ceremony of Day of Blood people gathered at the sports arena close to the Temple. It was about a 400m procession but with today presenting a Prince the Palace would be used meaning around 1km to be covered. Families were grateful to be inside the Palace for their family special day and black jacketed soldiers checked ID against list and then guided each Strata to their own courtyard. Today around 30 people would be taking part, some even from other cities had asked to share the day with the Prince. Six others shared the Prince's courtyard and while they did not dislike each other people eyed each other with eyes like a boxer eying an opponent before a match. "He's a long set of legs. I bet he kicks." Princess Agatha, Jonas 12 year old sister advised pointing at the boy talking with his family opposite.

At the Palace gate 71 year old Prince Marcel Bartial waited. He was Prince by stint of being a former King. He had been an over-confident 52 year old who had thought he could still fight younger men. Philip Thiessan had knocked him out in around 30 seconds taking the throne. He bore Philip no ill will, and knew one day Philip would likely feel the same shame and embarrassment he had felt. It was the way of Hassfurt monarchs and  a necessity. He would be responsible for meeting those foreign guests who would be driven from the airport, along the new modern highway which Marcel hated. Then through the "Old Town" mighty stone wall and up to the courtyard entrance where Prince Marcel waited.

1.	Blonde hair and blue eyes
2.	Blonde hair

Upon Hearing of this, The king, who could not come because of his own Child's 18-year old  Ceremony,the Odenathe, and because he had to plan for his Son's Wedding, Decided to send his Oldest Daughter, Elisabeth II, to witness the ceremony. Although the king did not especially like the Hassfurt way, he still understood the need to help his fellow Emerging nations, as Montagnes was slowly emerging after years of Global Isolation and critisicm of their Non-Orthodox and fairly Liberal Form of Christianity, and for their Tribal Religion, Vereisa(after Montagnes's non-french name, Verveis, meaning "land of sun-kissed roses)

[Hassfurt]

Prince Marcel was rather pleased that at least at last someone arrived. Had he still been the King he believed he would not have invited anyone from abroad for the worries of it being lacking in response. Now he had at least three nations approaching.

First he greeted the Alander leader. "Your Holiness" Marcel extended a hand in friendship to the man. "We are delighted that you have come to see us." The Odinist faith was one he saw as in some ways similar to the Dualist faith, one that gave respect to martial skill and warrior standing.

Next there was this man in a wheelchair from their northern neighbors. "The two Gods do what they see fit to us for whatever reason they have in mind so no need to apologise" Marcel replied to Kurt. "You must accept my apology. What role do you have in the government of Neu Urburizs, sadly with me no longer being an official of our government I am reduced to a ceremonial role and as such not always up to date on foreign affairs."

Finally there was Princess Elisabeth. "Welcome to Hassfurt Your Highness."

Once all three foreign guests had been greeted Marcel took them up through the various courtyard. Each saw small groups preparing, groups of families gathered with their child, each dressed in a black robe with the minimum of decorative work. The groups had some seeming to warm up like for an athletic event, others seemed to be praying. As they reached the courtyard where the Royal Family were gathered Queen Karin approached.  "Thank you for coming." She greeted each of them. "I hope once the ceremony is over there may be chance for us to all talk as leaders." she turned and rejoined the group where her King and family were stood with Prince Jonas.

Marcel spoke with the group again. "We shall have a small journey through the old town, some well wishers may come out to see the Parade especially as the Prince is involved. Once into the courtyard of the Temple the Priest and Priestess will call each group in. We shall be on the top floor and called in first. There we shall witness those involved in todays groupings fight to remove each other from a chalk circle. While boys and girls shall be inside at one time they may only try and remove the same gender. The fight shall last around five minutes and it matters not how many times you are removed as long as you return. They seek to see who has courage and determination to fight. You may do anything other than bite or attack the genitals." He explained.

Soon two figures wearing red robes appeared on the castle steps. Each wore a silver mask, one very male complete with moulded beard and moustache, the other female. The Priest of Heremod and the Priestess of Sandraudiga. The Priest held a long staff which was actually a spear while the Priestess a long bow staff with the string removed and tied in her hair. They rang a handbell and everyone turned. The Priest spoke first. "Today we have the Day of Blood for those of the Faithful."

"You must put the hood of your robes up and follow us." the Priestess descended the steps side by side with her partner and headed out of the courtyard. The process repeated in four more corridors and soon the whole of those taking the day were in a long single line of black behind the two Red robes religious figures. The foreign guests followed behind in an open top horse drawn carriage. The streets were not filled but there were many stood applauding the group as they passed. A few threw flowers at the carriage holding the Queen who waved cheerily at those who did so.

At the courtyard of the Temple five lines were formed and each person knelt ready to receive their instructions.

"If any of you wish to not witness the violence we understand." Prince Marcel said to the visitors. "Or if before we begin you have any questions then I'd be happy to explain."

[Aurelius III]

Princess Elisabeth gave a small smile, but then took it back in a flash, hoping nobody had noticed.
"It would be fine to see the violence, but, I do have an question, in that it seems that our 2 religions, and for mine I am talking about Vereisa, which both honour  martial skill and bravery, and the similar rites of adulthood. I would, if it is not  too much of an intrusion, to learn about your religion's belief system."
She was fine with the violence, she had watched her Brother do his Aëvërnætë, which roughly translated to: Trial of the Eagle, In which they would fight a trial by combat, and  let out a small portion of their own blood, and finally sarificed a Lamb. She had also done it, except for females they had no combat, and had to sacrifice 1 Bull and 1 Lamb. She gathered her thpught, to stop them from wandering, and listened to the other ambassadors of their nations speak.

[Hassfurt]

Marcel stroked his chin for a moment following the Princess question. He motioned to a nearby hooded figure who approached. "This is Gerhard, one of the Priests of Heremod. He is far better ready to explain your question." Marcel repeated the question and then like Elisabeth waited for the answer.

"Our faith tells us that the Gods exist in pairs, male and female. Certain tribes favoured certain pairings. Eventually the pairs warred for superior status causing natural disasters on Mundus. Sandraudiga and her lover Heremod were only supported by the Ermwahl tribe of people and because of the Gods own strength and the loyalty of the Ermwahl were victorious. We believe that by perfecting our lives and preparing ourselves to protect the Two Gods creations we ascend eventually to live with the Gods. A good life means we are reborn in a higher status until eventually if we attain perfection we become almost Godlike. If we lead poor lives or don't prepare ourselves then we are reborn to try again, only in a lower status. We honour the two Gods by praying at first light, last light and when the sun is at its highest, we give the gods blood once a week and believe that our bodies must be maintained for physical perfection. I hope that answers your question." Gerhard said with a bow.

There was a voice then from behind. Queen Karin had appeared. "We have some key rules to follow. Multiply as much as possible to give the two Gods soldiers should their enemies return and of course we must always follow the Champions of the Gods after all if we were not approved of by them we would be defeated in combat." She looked sideways at Marcel, she'd never liked him, "Wouldn't we Prince Marcel."

In 2000 Marcel had been defeated in combat by Philip in the very Temple they were about to enter.

[KrisNord]

Stein had been rather happy to observe the happenings so far. He had liked the way the people seemed to support their day and while the God was different he could see elements of Odin spreading his influence here. This gave the Head Gothi some hope, given time and an oppurtunity perhaps these Dualists could be made to see the marvellous truth of Odin. He listened carefully to the fairy-story that this Priest Gerhard had explained and began concocting ways of perhaps showing them thhis Heremod was Odin and Sandraudiga was Frigg. The belief in martial combat as part of the faiths centres would also help, in that way Daniel Stenberg's death could prove to be an inspirational story if Stein thought the faith shared their ideas about combat. The story of a brave man facing a slow painful death dying as a soldier with a sword in his hand. Surely it would command their respect.

"So what would you have us do during the ceremony" Stein asked, he had no intention of saying their words or doing their actions but as a witness there may be some things he was expected to do. "Do we just watch or do we encourage, maybe some words of advice?" Stein smiled, "I did a little boxing back in my youth but I don't think it will help anyone today." he chuckled more to himself than anyone else.

[Hassfurt]

Seven Ermwahl strata youngsters stood in a line before the Priest of Heremod, other more junior Priests of the male God stood in front of the other groups. "It is time" Prince Marcel informed the group and guided them inside. The Temple had a stone staircase with old fashioned metal torches lining the way up. Luckily for the guest from Norgeras the Temple had renewed over the years and had a lift. The group reconvened on the top floor of the Temple. It was just one large stone lined wall. Images of the God and Goddess in battle with their foes lined the wall. At the North end a statue of Heremod and at the South end the statue of Sandraudiga stood. Each of the statues had an alter at the foot end. In the space between normally rows of wooden benches would have been placed for services. Today those had been cleared and a roughly chalked circle had been drawn. The youngsters and their families stood around the edge of the circle. The foreign guests had been ushered into place by Marcel.

The dark robed and masked Priest went and placed a rose at the feet of Sandraudiga while the Priestess went and placed a glass of wine at the feet of Heremod. The offerings given it was time for the ceremony. The four boys and three girls had now taken off their robes and were all dressed in variations of training pants and t-shirts, some had wrapped their hands in bandages and all had no shoes. They knelt in the centre of the circle. The pair of Priests were offering blessings to the seven and  then to their parents all of whom which included King Philip, Queen Karin and the former Queen Anna. They all stood and took a few steps back before the Priest spoke.

"Today the seven of you will in the sight of the Gods prove that you are worthy to be called an adult. Worthy of defending your family and your people. When the sand begins to flow you will try and push others of your gender out the circle. If you are out you may re-enter if you wish. When the sand ends you will stop immediately." The Priest was holding a sand clock and as the people gave one last stretch turned it. Almost immediately punches and kicks were being thrown. Jonas did as his father had suggested by keeping his back to the edge of the circle and moving constantly. He waited for one boy, a shorter boy to approach to push him out and fired a teep kick into his stomach. The opponent had expected to wrestle and was not preparing for the kick, he bent double and Jonas grabbed him. The headlock meant he could easily then drag him out. As Jonas returned to face the centre circle point another boy tried to push him, Jonas grabbed the boys arms and the two clinched. They wrestled as a third boy tried almost rugby tackling them to the floor. The three tussled as the other boy returned having caught his breath. It was then two of the girls stumbled over the grappling boys and fell. Jonas was in a head lock and instintively grabbed a leg for leverage. Jonas did not realise it was a girl and found himself kicked hard in the face with a heel busting his lip. After some seconds he managed to gain a position atop the boy he was grappling with and hammered punches at the boys face whom blocked weakly. Soon the boy was dazed and Jonas got to his feet and dragged the boy out but was flying kneed in the spine falling out himself. He looked up and his father urged him back in. The boy returned to his feet and rejoined the action trading kicks, blocks and counters with a boy who was clearly skilled in fighting. As the two boys tussled the same girl who had kicked Jonas in the face stumbled into his jarring Jonas knee. He avoided several attempts to kick him while down but soon found he was limping on his feet. The violence lasted around another minute and Jonas merely weathered the onslaught until the Priest yelled "STOP"

The youngsters some like Jonas with blood on their face knelt once more. The Priest walked up and down the line as though judging them. The Priestess walked a step behind a series of amulets hanging from her arm. One at a time the Priest touched the youngsters on the head and the Priestess hung the steel amulet around their necks. The parents and family of the now adult clapped. Once distributed all stood. Jonas struggled as his knee was stiff. As he shook hands with the boys seconds later he had fought he felt a tap on his shoulder. It was the girl he had been kicked by and who had then hurt his knee. "Your Highness" she knelt before him. "I am sorry for disrupting your fight. Please forgive me." she added.

"Of course he forgives you" King Philip motioned for her to get up. "Don't you."

"Of course" Jonas said rather surprised.

"You should invite your new friend to the Palace celebrations this evening." Philip added as he patted his son on the shoulder.

"Erm....would you and your family like to come to the celebration at the Palace." Jonas dutifully did as instructed.

"I'd like that." the girl responded.

"I didn't catch you name." Jonas realised he'd at least need to tell the guards to expect them.

"Lilian Herzog Your Highness" The pair exchanged handshakes as Lilian rejoined her own family.

"Pretty girl. Good at fighting. Lord Herzog's eldest daughter." Queen Karin was talking to Philip, "They'd make good children" she chuckled.

Marcel had watched the event with the foreign guests and now the fight over and the ceremony done it was time to enjoy a drink. Wine was brought and distributed to each guest. "I hope that was not disappointing" the former King asked. "Now we shall socialise and then return to the Palace for festivities."

[KrisNord]

Stein had watched the fighting rather intently, wrestling was popular back home at least the traditional stuff, this so called "Professional Wrestling" was merely acting in his view and not worth the time. He'd actually been rather taken by how proficient each of them had seen as when he'd heard about the event he expected just wild flailing and scuffles but now it was clear this was something to be taken seriously. Stein went around each of the young people who had been in the ceremony and shook their hand "Well fought" he simply said with a smile giving a high compliment for an Odinist. Finally he approached Prince Jonas. "Well done Your Highness" he extended a hand. "A good display. I'm sure your family are proud." He removed a small Mjölnir pendent from his pocket. "This is a symbol of one our Gods, no doubt your familiar with it through the nonsense of the Marvel films" he shook his head disapprovingly. "Despite the nonsense the films show you us Odinists believe that Thor is the greatest example of a warrior it is possible to be brave, strong, cares for his people and shows mercy when required. Fine traits. I hope you'll accept this as a token of respect from one warrior nation to another." he said as he handed it across.

Stein accepted a glass of wine, he'd have preferred mead but when in Rome...or Hassfurt. He looked around for King Philip and made himself known to him. "I know today is an important day for your family but perhaps if possible at a moment of quiet, or even tomorrow if better I'd appreciate some time for a more formal chat. If that is possible, you must forgive me but I am still learning the ways of your people and your government."

[Hassfurt]

Jonas was surprised to find a Head Gothi coming for a talk. "Thank you Your Holiness" he gripped the man's hand firmly. "He recognised the emblem and gratefully took it. The emblem may mean little to his faith but he knew it was used by the culture of the Nordics as a sign of a warrior and he liked that. He had naturally like many of his teenage colleagues he had of course seen the Marvel films. He rather enjoyed them. He knew the Nya people had banned those with Thor in, but he liked the man. He may not have the politics experience of his father but he knew better. " Ah yes, the fairy stories of cinema" he said. "I'm thankful for your kind gift sir. Perhaps soon I can visit your nation" he added before bidding the Gothi farewell.

As Philip meet the Gothi he had expected some business to be discussed. "Well we have a small party back at the castle, Jonas will have his friends over, their parents of course. People will mingle and the youth will be a little.....crazy. I remember my own event was empty of my elders by 10pm. I think my parents actually just sat in the garden of our estate with their friends." He had challenged for King just 9 months later and the course of his life changed forever. "Perhaps then we can talk business. You would however need the Queen's attendance. Any agreements the Diarchy make must have the approval of both monarchs. So for as long as you don't mind Karin's attendance that should be possible. For now though we should be moving back to the Palace."

The group made their way downstairs. From the lower floors others were moving out. Some bloodied and bruised faces. Some with bandages. Each making their way back into the city. Some would no doubt be of friends with each other and as such would be having joint celebrations. All the Ermwahl would make a journey back home, change and then reappear at the Palace ready to share their evening with the Prince and the royals. The King headed to a car and waited for Stein to join him. " I must say the Vikings of your homeland they are a people I like to read about. I think it is "Saga's" that you call them. I've read a handful and they are inspiring stuff. How do they play as part of your faith." He asked.

Karin had taken a separate car with Princess Elisabeth of Montagnes. "Now we can put the fighting to one side. Tonight shall be about celebration. Enjoying nice food, nice wine and good company. I think you'll hopefully find Hassfurt is a nation that works hard, fights hard and plays hard." She smiled. "May I ask how significant is your monarchy? I mean no offence just I know nation such as Tytor they have monarch of zero real power where as here our word is significant. I ask because evenings such as this can be the start of national relations."

The cars arrived at the Palace. The sound of a band warm up could be heard as staff rushed to make the final touch for the evenings event. Banners were hung of the two families, the Thiessan and Biermann families who were the current monarchs. Then those of former still living monarchs like Marcel and Jonas' own mother Anna. As they exited the cars the King lead Stein while Karin Elisabeth to the lounge between their two offices. "I wonder do you know each other?" Philip said as he showed people to a seat.

[Aurelius III]

Elisabeth tasted the wine "Quite good, and I would mnow. Montagnes has one of the best wines on  Mundus!
AS for the Monarchy?
Well, it's complicated. The Monarch gives up SOME power to the PM and  SOME to the parliament, but as a whole, the Monarchy has  large amounts of power.

[Hassfurt]

Philip and Karin exchanged glances. "Here in Hassfurt we believe that a strong monarchy is key. Those who have diluted their trust in the crowns given by Gods do not represent true power." Karin began, she turned to Stein. "You however are different" she gave him a small smile, "A Theocracy in many ways is like a monarchy. You are a person trusted to know the ways of a God. Not our God sadly, but not everyone is perfect" she gave Stein's arm a friendly pat showing she was just being teaseful. "We have come to realise that globally our faith may be a minor one, but many of its aspects we can see in faiths like Odinism. Some of our Priests consider you a "brother faith." One that we share ideals of martial skill being prized, of strong morals."

Philip took over. "In many ways the fact we have elected to stay out of world affairs for so long has helped and hindered us. It has helped us keep our nation close to the Gods, but it has in some ways made us outcasts. I had hoped my sons ceremony would maybe help but perhaps it has taken us further away from the international community. Many had forgotten we even exist." He shrugged, "Tonight though I hope we can put talk of our nations to a side. We are here to enjoy ourselves so I hope you'll both accept our invitation to stay tonight in our home. Perhaps in the morning we can discuss more matters of state. Once the hangovers disappear."

There was the sound of music from outside the lounge door. "It seems the youngsters are here" Karin stood and took hold of Philip and Elisabeth's hand leading them out the large double doors and into the Palace's avenue of corridors that lead to the ball room. It was already filling up, mainly young men in smart suits, or in some cases military uniform. Beside them in pretty dresses were girls, many with purple flowers, the mark of the season, woven into their hair. Some of them had already paired off and begun dancing. "Would you care to dance?" Karin asked Stein as Philip asked the same of Elisabeth.

[KrisNord]

Stein was not much of a dancer but it was hard to refuse a host, manners ensured that you had to and so he accepted. "I am delighted that you think their are possibilities of a friendship between our nations. Historically us Nords have had good relations with many however our strict adherence to our faith seems to have made many uncomfortable and so as such we've not maybe had as many opportunities as we would have liked. I hate to say it Your Majesty but the Diarchy will I believe find it hard to find true friends because of the determination to hang onto your own traditions. I suspect that even many in our land will see your Strata system as unjust, I understand it but our faith teaches us to judge people based on their actions and so paying for the sins of a past life will be something most Odinists won't accept. I hope though we can still form a bond of friendship but for that to happen I need to know more about these Guine Strata and what their life is like. I'm sorry for asking at a time supposedly of celebration for your family."

[Hassfurt]

Karin knew that some day the issue of the Strata would be addressed. " The Guine are those who have done one of three things in a prior life. They have repeatedly displeased the Gods over a number of lifetimes. They have committed an horrific act of evil in their past life or they are a freshly created soul. The Strata system is kinder than many faiths. You see Christianity you get created by a God, live one life and are either punished or rewarded for how you did it, despite not always being given chances. In Duality you are given many chances until you get things correct. We do not see life as a single experience. So we see it as a Guine is someone who must earn a betterment in life.  They are not mistreated, they are not  victimised. They just are not given the same rewards as those who have pleased the Dual Gods." She hoped she had made herself clear. "If all Strata were treated the same what incentive would there be for bettering yourself and doing good?" she asked.