Author Topic: Agnus Dei and Fox among Saints & Angels (Read 6296 times)

The Young Pope · « **on:** September 01, 2017, 11:56:11 AM »

Lincolnshire Posy - VI. The Lost Lady Found By Percy Grainger

Spoiler: Lincolnshire Posy - VI. The Lost Lady Found By Percy Grainger • show

I, Sophia Underwood, First Daughter of President Frank Underwood and Vice-President Claire Underwood, was sitting in the Concert hall in the Opera House, admiring the tunes of the known, wacky composer Rhodesian-born Percy Grainger. It was at the final stage of this concert, and my absolute favorite part; The Lost Lady Found. The only SS-agent I had with me was the already veteranized Agent Frank Horrigan, funningly enough...I still don't get it why everyone's called Frank, the most generic name ever devised: Besides my dad's name, we got President Francis E. Urquhart, who's best buddies btw with dad and mom, and then we got this old agent beside me who should go in retirement as I don't think he's that fit anymore but dad ensured me that he's the best available...we'll see about that. To be honest, I didn't expect anything exciting to happen while I was in Rhodesia, just one of my regular week-end trips; there was something about this place that I really liked compared to Orania, which I haven't set my finger on yet...is it the cooler climate, the people, the culture? In any case the Percy Grainger piece was about to end pretty soon and I had no other plans for now..."Is there anyone else excpet you?" I whispered to Frank. "On my word as your faithful servant my princess, I swear that it's only myself and no one else watching you...". Frank liked to call me Princess, even though I wasn't techincally one; he said I had the personality and looks to be one though...if only that would ever occur in my life time I thought...

Achkaerin · « **Reply #1 on:** September 03, 2017, 08:16:19 PM »

Maki wiped the sweat from her brow, the Rhodesian air actually reminded her of well one of her homes at least. After her adventures in Zimalia[1] she'd needed some time to process everything so she'd called her good friend Tara Richmond and the two had decided to opt for some fun in the sun as it were. They'd spent the day having fun, paintball a little safari including a picnic and then a walk into town, Tara would soon be heading for the airport as she had to get back to Rokkenjima for the new university term, but first they'd managed to get some concert tickets.

"You look better than I've seen you for a while." Tara said when the concert was over "Anyone special?"
"Not yet." Maki said "What about you?"
"Maybe." Tara said "There's this girl at university."
"Good I hope." Maki said
"She's awesome." Tara said
"Then ask her out." Maki said "Or have you forgotten everything you said to me?" Tara cracked a smile
"I thought I hadn't" Tara said "Maybe I should remind myself?"
"Ask her out." Maki said, Tara glanced at her watch
"Shame I have to go." Tara said "I'll see you around."

Tara left for the airport to get on her flight, Maki meanwhile was still on holiday, well more enforced leave by Rion's orders. She still had a couple of days left before she'd be heading back up north, she turned in the direction of her hotel and as she did a girl came into view and it was like time stopped, like there was no one else in the Opera House lobby but the two of them, who the heck was she? Maki wondered.

1.	Everyone Has a Price reference

The Young Pope · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2017, 07:51:40 PM »

At first I didn't notice my future love-to be as it was quite late, the feeling of tiredness was creeping up and I just wanted to head back to the hotel. "Think it's time to get a few hours of good sleep, princess" Frank said as he was making sure that the coast was clear, as usual. "Y'know Frank, I don't think there would be anyone nasty trying to get me, I'm after all simply...". Before I could continue on with my rant, the SS agent had to correct me. "That's actually the wrong way of thinking my dear, a President's daughter is still a valuable target to strike or kidnap, anycone could use you as a negotiation leverage, and it's my job to ensure that nothing happens. 12 o'clock behind my back, there's still chick looking at you in a fishy way. If I were you I'd be careful approaching her...". I laughed a lil' as I turned my gaze towards the chick Frank referred too, I thought for myself that it was ridiculous, she was just probably looking at something else and I was simply caught in the way...or? In any case, I just focused on getting home but before anything could be processed, the fire alarm went in the entire building, the water sprinklers got active and yeah since the lobby was still full with people...masspanick ensued and everyone started to run towards the exists and soon everyone was dragging each other. It was simply a chaotic moment, a scary one indeed. "HELP, FRANK!!!"..."HOLD ON SOPHIE...AWW SHIT...LET ME THROUGH PEOPLE...SECRET SERVICE DAMMIT". The sea of wet-soaked people managed to seperate Frank and I, he was at least in the move towards the exit while the crowd dispersed me further in; there was some sort of space so I fell on someone and both the person and I hit the ground, I was on top of her....and oh man, her wet dress made everything so translucent so I noticed her very nice, eloquent figure and a nice pack of melons for that matter...yes, it was the chick who seemingly checked me out earllier and I got a lil' red hehehe. "I suppose we should help both of us to get the hell outta here?!" I screamed; most important thing was to reach Frank unharmed, otherwise he would get into big trouble with dad and mom, which of course I didn't want.

Achkaerin · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2017, 06:32:15 PM »

The second she'd been knocked off balance Maki's training had kicked in, her right hand more as a reflex had gone towards her right thigh but then as her senses absorbed the situation she stopped, it wouldn't do to cause more trouble than the minor inconvenience caused by the fire alarm, she couldn't get up and noticed that the girl she'd noticed earlier was on top of her - yeah this wasn't awkward at all was it, and the surging crowd wasn't really helping was it? At the suggestion of getting the heck out of there, Maki took a deep breath.
"Good plan." Maki said

Sophia let Maki get up and then Maki grabbed her hand before pulling Sophia through the crowd and out into the rain.
"Now then." Maki said as she got her breath back in the pouring rain outside the building, I'm so going to need to change she thought "I say we find somewhere safe to wait this out."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #4 on:** September 16, 2017, 11:54:59 AM »

Sophia and Maki managed to get the frickin' hell outta there as the crowd was getting smaller and smaller as people made their way out thanks to the guards finally getting control of the situation. The Sanfidesti (national police) arrived as well as the Fire brigade; they apprehended a crazed man who was just blabbering and uttering strange and incomprehensible words, as if he was possessed by demons. "A'ight seems you'll need to receive some rehabilitation in the Repentance Camp, demons are surely the works of this...". The poor, crazed man didn't seem to care at all and allowed the police to escort him to the vehicle while continuing..."BAOJSBAUSBJHAGA, BALSJIBYWYSG!!". Sophia and Maki could see that, and after that the awkward silence came to an end.

"Thanks for helping me out there hihi, I'm Sophia Decoster, daughter to the quite eccentric and infamous Archaeologist Dr. Emmanuel Decoster...a pleasure to meet you Ms...?"

At that moment, Frank finally found me again, although instead of him escorting me home I explained that I would like to spend time with this mysterious girl who had some sort of interesting look at me back in the lobby. After some reluctance he agreed although made me promise to keep the tracker on in case. "Thanks Frank" I said before giving him a small kiss on his cheek and thus he went away with a smile. "My dad's so uptight about security, claims that bad men are after him and his precious family, can't blame him though...with all of his travels he surely must've made enemies on the way. He's currently in Tokulel to find some secretive treasure according to a poem he analyzed and the Sionists threatening to find it before the Papacy. Hope he's alright, he's like the only one I got left" Sophia told her with a sigh. She knew that he wasn't always a perfect father, but at least he was working hard to ensure that her upbringing went well, considering the amount of money they possess after his discoveries and books published, especially about Church history and his explanation of myth and conceptions, thus he earned a prime place in ES and he Papacy itself, granting him unlimited access to the Vatican "Secret" Archives.

Here Sophia was with a hot chick, and she knew herself as a Catholic that sinful behaviour would spring up if she couldn't contain herself, but oh she couldn't almost. There was something about this chick that she couldn't put a finger, she wanted to get to know her more and much closer to her. "Hey, you seem like you're new here and all,
have you had the chance to visit the famous sights Celestis, The Eternal City, Capital of the World, Throne of St. Peter, has to offer? If you want I could perhaps show you what this magnificent city has to offer...such as yourself" she said with a blush. "I find her quite attractive during the night...".

Achkaerin · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2017, 04:19:55 PM »

"I'd like that but first things first." Maki said "It would appear that we're both pretty much soaked thanks to those sprinklers in there." it was true although they were standing out in the dry there wasn't really enough warmth to dry them out quickly "So how about we sort that little thing out first? I'm at a hotel about fifteen minutes that way." she pointed "It's called the Renaissance Chateau. How about you meet me in the lobby there in say an hour and a half? You do your tour guide thing, pick a restaurant for something to eat and we go from there?"

Maki almost couldn't believe what she was saying, very unlike her to be this forward especially with someone she didn't really know.

The Young Pope · « **Reply #6 on:** September 24, 2017, 12:33:01 AM »

"Sure thing...Maki was it? Ah the Renaissance Chateau, I know a lot about that hotel...only the richest could afford a room even for one night, this tells me that you belong to that class, hmm you're definitely catching my interest. Well can't wait to discover more about you...". With that said, Maki and Sophia parted their ways and each went to their hotel and home respectively. Sophia was feeling a bit tingly and excited, finally a new person to befriend as well as the fact that she seemed to be more interesting than the previous ones she met. Once back home, she quickly took off her clothes, revealing her slender and well-trimmed body, drying herself up, fixing the hair before putting on such a lavishly-designed dress by the finest clothing makers in ES, all thanks to her dad's fortunes he made as a Historian and Adventurer.

Sophia went afterwards and waited in the lobby of Maki's hotel, thinking about where and what to show her first as well as how'd she look like tonight. "Good evening Ms. Decoster, you look so stunning this evening...waiting for someone?" the hotel manager asked, in which Sophia replied that she was waiting for a new friend she'd met this very fine evening under the bizarre and wet circumstances in a Celestian concert house..."Hahaha, well you see the Lord's ways work in strange ways indeed, anything and everything is possible...well I wish you good luck Sophia, take care and God Bless...". Sophia replied in the same manner and thanks to the manager's words, she felt happier and delighted.

Achkaerin · « **Reply #7 on:** September 28, 2017, 09:58:49 PM »

Truth be told Maki was probably what would be called rich, though she was nowhere near the level of the other major Royals what happened was that she had a cut of the Penultimo fortune - the majority of which was invested wisely, but some she kept sat in an emergency fund. She also had her salary and also an allowance from the Nueva Ardian Government which was essentially them ensuring that the Nueva Ardian Royals stayed in exile. She'd taken a rather hasty shower and now opened the hotel wardrobe smiling at what hung there, she'd been wanting an excuse to wear this wouldn't Serenity be slightly jealous that she'd got to wear hers first?

A few minutes later Maki was standing near to the top of the hotels grand staircase down into the lobby she'd spotted Sophia down there now she just waited for the right moment always make sure you make one hell of a good impression Tara's voice echoed through Maki's head as Sophia turned her attention to the staircase.

As Sophia's eyes turned on the staircase Maki started to walk down it, grateful that she didn't really like heels because she'd have probably made completely the wrong impression if she had been. if anything though it was the dress she was wearing that she liked the most, it was designed by Amelia Whitaker - the cousin of Achkaerin's Emperor and it had a little party piece, put it in the right light and it changed colour. So with all the light shining down on it from the hotel interior it looked white and gold but once they got outside it'd go blue and black in the outdoor night light.

She reached the bottom of the stairs and walked over to where Sophia was standing

"So where are you taking me?" she asked offering her hand with a smile

The Young Pope · « **Reply #8 on:** September 28, 2017, 11:16:42 PM »

Upon seeing Maki, Sophia got stunned immediately, she looked truly dazzling tonight..."Ehh...what, oh yeah, I'm supposed to show you what the Pope's city's all about hehe. Well I know exactly where we're heading first!". Without a shadow of doubt, the Agnus Dei held the paw of the fox, exited the hotel and off they went into the wilderness together.

As it was a friday evening, the crowd was larger than usual, with a lot of afterdrinks and partying in the bars and disco clubs, where one could even see priests and nuns having their fun, as well as heavily armed police and military patrolling the streets considering the country was set on the highest threat level, the holy father couldn't take any chances, even one terror attack will scare away tourists and alike from wanting to visit ES at all. Celestis was one of the well-maintained cities in the Ecclesiastical State, following an extensive refurbishment after the Great Papal Revolution and subsequent restoration of ES as the Pope's domain along with the Papal nobility which served at the holy father's pleasure and governed the provinces.

The couple stopped outside Sophia's favorite chocolate shop, Confetteria Moriondo e Gariglio. "I'm pretty sure you're craving for something sweet later on? That's why I've taken you to my absolute favorite chocolate shop in Celestis. Although they have oodles of heart-themed chocolates, I like to go old school. I choose my size of red ribboned box, they line it with gold foil, and then I start choosing which hand made chocolates should go in. There is something about putting together my own choices that I simply love..." Once inside the couple chose together what chocolates they'd like to munch on, and sooner or later they managed to acquire a Sweet Red Box. After that, it was now time for Sophia to show some of the Celestian sights. As they did so, a tune of great things to come started to echoe among the buildings of this ancient city, which made one feel the nostalgia Celestis manages to produce from one's mind.

"As you can see, we've reach the Celestian Forum, ancient since the days of Ardia itself.". They first strolled alongside the Complesso Vittoriano, towards the via dei Fori Imperiali, Heading up to the right passing the Risorgimento Museum, the museum on the side of the complex that houses splendid exhibitions of contemporary art. Then, walking down to the Belvedere overlooking the western branch of the Celestian Forum. "To the right, you can almost touch the Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus, symbol of Ancient Ardia. A few meters from your shoulders, stands the Mamertine Prison, the oldest in Celestis: Two superimposed levels of caves dug at the southern foot of the Capitol alongside Gemonian stairs." She explained to Maki. Sophia was feeling proud of showing what ES had in its storage, even better when she had this mysterious Maki at her side, strolling past the ruins of Ardian Emperors' glamour and madness.

"So, what'd you think of the first sight I showed you, pretty impressive ain't it?" she asked with a smile while squeezing the hand she was holding a tiny bit tighter. getting warmer in the process...

The Young Pope · « **Reply #9 on:** October 14, 2017, 10:15:07 PM »

While Maki and Sophia were on their next move, suddenly as if out of nowhere figures dressed in heavy coats and hats surrounded them. The pair naturally wondered what the hell was going on and Sophia thought for a moment they were about to get robbed. "Oh please, spare our lives my good gentlemen, Here *opens handbag* take anything you want...You want money? Jewelry? Anything but our lives PLEASE!". The men then started to look confused at each other and also wondered what the kind of commodity Sophia was trying to make. "Oh for goodness' sakes men, knock it off will ya, you're frightening these two women!". What seemed to be the leader emerged from the circle of coat-covered men and revealed himself in the light. "K-k-king Oscar III of Scandinavia?!". It was a total shock, what was the Scandinavian Monarch doing out in the night in ES, of all the places even? "That's right Ms. Decoster and please keep your voice down we don't want to wake the citizens of ES up *sigh*...and good day to you Maki...Hamer. Ah yes I know your name already, I know all those of blue blood, from the mightiest catch to the tiniest of the fishes. I suggest you come with me, there's a lot of explaining to do, don't worry we won't bite...these men will escort us safely!"

Oscar led them to a insignificant alley down the road from the ancient attractions. "Now listen closely, especially you Maki...As you know I haven't announced my heir as of yet to the throne, simply because I don't have any children of my own, despite the fact that my other siblings have they've refused to succeed me, everyone of them. I am as a matter of fact...Gay...yes, seem to be the first official one anyway and I'm of the old school variant, never married to another man and or adopted any children for myself. Which is why I have to ask you Hamer...are you willing to be adopted into my royal house and carry its glory in continuance? I know it's out of the blue and must be overwhelming, an old 80-year old senile king asking to do something just to uphold Scandinavia and blablabla. I think you're the answer for Scandinavia's future...you got everything in the package...hotness, smarts and if I assume correctly you must be lesbian as well? You're then going to suit perfectly as the next monarch, especially appealing to the youngsters, those are the ones that needs most convincing as to why the monarchy is a vital structure to our great nature...The only issue is that according to the constitution the candidate must be a citizen of Scandinavia...but I got the right connections and we can work something out to make you eligible in the eyes of the congress, who'll have to first choose you as prime successor before moving this to a nationwide referenda where the average man will decide if you're worthy or not. As you're probably a green horn in Scandinavian culture, you would need to give interviews and such for the possible referenda, make the people get to know you as a person,
show them why you'd like to have this job...learn a thing or two about the languages, history, culture...

I will thus also become the first monarch to abdicate out of my own will, if you choose to accept my offer and become the new mother for all Scandinavians...So what do you say?"

This was now the moment of truth, would the King's gamble be successful?

Achkaerin · « **Reply #10 on:** October 15, 2017, 11:27:16 PM »

Maki had initially been sizing up the men who had surrounded them, calculating height weight, strategizing how best to get her and Sophia out of there but then the King of Scandinavia had shown up, Maki had to half smile at the thought - right from when she'd found out she was a Nueva Ardian Princess the one thing she had never wanted had been the Throne, no she'd have rather that had gone to her older half sister Janelle, not being the heir apparent had been helpful back then and even now Maki didn't desire that kind of power she'd never been raised a Royal so that was probably why she'd never really thought about it.

"Come to Valtheim in three days[1] I'll give you my answer then." Maki said "And I'm sure you'd appreciate the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone." this wasn't something she was going to jump blindly into, no she wanted to talk to the closest person she had to a father first.

1.	Or whenever you can post it

The Young Pope · « **Reply #11 on:** October 16, 2017, 03:06:50 PM »

"I'll accept your officer then...til' then, Hejdå!". With the king and his men leaving the scene, Sophia and Maki were left alone in the alley; it was at this moment they realized that it was quite late and had to return home. "It was fun getting to know you and all...to think you're an actual princess is pretty cool I must say...well time to part-off it seems...Here's my phone number and this is my LifeInvader Profile, I'll send you a friend request." Sophia then shook Maki's hand and thus said good bye for now, feeling overjoyed at that moment, she really hoped that they would see each other again...

A few days later...

King Oscar III had to wait for a few days for Maki's decision and to be able to travel to the Achkaerienese capital of Valtheim, which surprisingly looked awfully similar to Celestis in the Ecclesiastical State. "Am always amazed every time I come back, if I recall correctly the architect was Achkaerienese himself and when he moved to Rome, had homesickness and decided to painstakingly re-model the entire city including the Basilica, without the Pope even knowing to begin with..." he recalled for himself, staring out of the window looking down upon this great, ancient city of magnificance. When the plane landed and made its way to the appropriate terminal, he had already requested that the welcoming committee would be quite spartan as he didn't want to alert his presence in the country. He stepped out of the plane and wondered who would greet him...

Achkaerin · « **Reply #12 on:** October 17, 2017, 01:36:24 AM »

Ygritte Amberbrook had been stood around the arrivals terminal of Valtheim International Airport, this had been very much thrown together at the last minute but they would manage it as best they could. She glanced up as some quite obvious Scandinavians walked out of one of the gates. She pushed off the dividing barrier she'd been leaning on and made her way over

"Your Majesty I am Ygritte Amberbrook I've been asked to escort you to the Marble Palace. If you would follow me I have a car waiting." she said

At the Marble Palace metal was striking metal as Emperor Peter Azurewind took part in one of his fencing sessions, his opponent for the day was Maki, though fencing probably described something a lot more constrained than this, what they were doing was close to a full on duel. Maki was quick on the attack as they fought but Peter was experienced enough to retain control and he was moving a lot less than she was. The room they were in was sort of a gym though more for sparring than anything else there were various handheld melee weapons hanging on the walls and in stands around the perimeter of the room while a large canvass mat dominated the floor.

"I know what you're doing." Maki said as they circled each other again "The old water strategy, you let me wear myself out and then take me down when I'm exhausted."
"Rion teach you that?" Peter asked
"She sure did." Maki said twirling her blade "But she also taught me how to counter it."

Maki rushed at Peter who saw her coming, like her he knew the counter that was generally taught - surge the attack, hit and run, get your breath and then hit again the aim was to cajole Peter into attacking rather than defending with counter tactics. But that said Peter was cunning enough to know what to do, he blocked Maki's swing and in so doing continued his motion as he span around her letting her momentum carry her forwards and an accurate kick to the back of the knee send her onto the floor her blade skittering across the floor.
"Enough for today." Peter said

They put their blades back on their stands and Maki then sat down on a chair, she was sweating, she took a towel and ran it through her hair and over her face. Peter meanwhile was taking a drink of water before offering Maki a bottle.
"Thanks." Maki said
"So what's going on?" Peter asked "Why did you ask the King of Scandinavia here?"
"You know I went on well...let's call it enforced leave to Ecclesiastical State?" Maki asked
"Yes Rion told you to take time off after what went down in Zimalia." Peter said
"Well I met a girl..." Maki said "Sophia, brilliant, beautiful, intelligent..."
"You like her?" Peter asked sitting next to Maki
"Yeah." Maki said running a hand down her legs, she was wearing a t-shirt and shorts because it was the practical clothing for the exercise "Anyway we were accosted by King Oscar and he asked me whether I'd consider taking his place on the throne."

"Are you thinking about it?" Peter asked
"I've never wanted that power." Maki said
"Neither did I." Peter said "Seemed like too much responsibility, too much pressure...I was so worried when I took the throne that I'd screw it all up."
"But you didn't." Maki said

"No I didn't. The paradox of a Monarch is that they can be granted all this power but the true Monarch's never have any need of that power." Peter said he glanced at Maki "If you do this take my advice build your household out of those loyal to you, better to face the threats from outside than from within. Remember that a Monarch is not served by the people they serve the people take the feudal pyramid you've learned in High School and flip it on its point. Stay true to yourself and your instincts, you're a survivor, a fighter, you're young and you're likable remember it is not the Crown that defines a Monarch but the head that wears it. It's not easy and it's not a game, there's no score you'll have the answer sometimes and other times you won't. Most importantly don't try to be someone you're not, let it come naturally."

"Promise me something." Maki said
"What?" Peter asked
"I can't do this alone." Maki said
"You've got my number." Peter said
"Will you sing at the coronation?" Maki asked
"Is that a deal breaker?" Peter asked, Maki raised an eyebrow "Deal." he chuckled

"What?" Maki asked
"I'm just remembering the first time we met." Peter said "And now I can't believe how much you've grown."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #13 on:** October 18, 2017, 10:53:13 AM »

The King shook her hands, "Ah yes good day to you as well, I would like to thank you for trying to keep this confidential as possible, even my own Baltic people don't even know I've been travelling abroad this time around.". The King and his entourage followed Amberbrook to a set of cars, himself went with her and assured his men that he would be fine in the car alone with her entirely. As Amberbrook proceeded to exit the airport area, the King continued, "Y'know I wasn't there in ES to try to, forgive, "stalk"
your Ardian princess and her newfound romance, has to do with my interest in history; ES as a country is like a preserved museum since nearly 2,000 years when the Church state was founded by the first Pope Saint Peter and also of elderly history; there are hundreds of thousands of monuments of any sort such as museums, palaces, buildings, statues, churches, art galleries, villas, fountains, historic houses and archaeological remains, which I must say is quite staggering and unique in Mundus...By the way, I take it Mrs. Amberbrook that you have a notable degree in history and especially the history of Albion, how impressive and quite a coincidence that you got to escort me hehe. Also I may be in my 80s but enjoy a lovely time of tennis and you're quite proficient in that lovely sport, perhaps we should book a court time...Now going back to the real affair, any tips or suggestions on how I should present Maki to the government and the Baltic people if she accepts my precious offer?"

Achkaerin · « **Reply #14 on:** October 21, 2017, 07:33:06 PM »

"My advice." Ygritte said as they traveled through the city towards the Marble Palace "Is don't try to handle her, let her be herself. Your government need to ask her questions then let them ask, simply scheduling a session of your nations legislature should do that. Your people need to get to know her then set up some events where she can meet them. Have her interviewed on television let your people get to know Maki Hamer the person not Maki Hamer the Princess."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #15 on:** October 21, 2017, 07:44:25 PM »

"Yes yes of course, all of those things have already been thought through, the challenge for Maki is to convince the Congress...as well as the people, as to why they should choose her considering she isn't a citizen of Balticum...yet. She does really need to show her true self, kinda like what she did to her Decoster love interest back there, looked so cute to be frank. In any case looks like we're here already.... After a few minutes of driving the entourage finally arrived at the Marble Palace, which looked strikingly similar to St. Peter's Basilica in Celestis. "Thank you so much Ygritte for driving an old, humble man to meet his potential adoptive family member and heir to the Baltic throne, if our Gods be willing that is...". Oscar along with his followers stepped into the marble palace on a red carpet and gazed in wonder of the magnificent sight they beholded. "Now Ms. Hamer should meet us right here..."

Achkaerin · « **Reply #16 on:** October 21, 2017, 08:35:53 PM »

"Your Majesty" it wasn't Maki but rather Peter himself, alongside him was his foreign affairs adviser Nettie Taylor "Maki's right this way I know you were expecting her but I have this habit of wanting to welcome each guest into my home personally." he showed Oscar inside the Palace "I also wanted a quick word with you before you talk to Maki, as I understand it Maki has to be a citizen of your country to be Monarch I'd like to know how you propose to resolve that issue. Also when you've spoken to Maki myself and Nettie Taylor here would like to discuss relations between your country and Achkaerin."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #17 on:** October 21, 2017, 09:10:29 PM »

"Peter, what's up my man? As a fellow monarch to another, great to see you receving me in your humble abode *shakes hand*...Greetings Ms. Taylor *kisses hand* are the Achkaerinese people always so lovely such as yourself?". Peter showed Oscar the interior of the palace which fascinated him dearly as he was interested in the arts and cultures of different nations overall. "I got to hand it to you Peter, it's truly beautiful and stunning here, reminds me of ES which is one of my favorite countries when it comes to everything historical. Now as for the citizenship-issue...it's already been taken care of". The King reached for his inner jacket-pocket and showed Peter and Ms. Taylor a set of documents. "This here my friends, are a set of documents containing the newly acquired Baltic citizenship for Maki, she doesn't need to undergo all that bucreaucratic mess and spend years living in Balticum as well as undergoing tests. This of course didn't come cheap and my reputation will probably dip for a while considering it wouldn't be viewed by many as 'fair' to say the least, oh the socialist, equality mindset of the Baltic people *sigh*. But in any case this could be a chance for Maki to prove the Kongress and people otherwise she's worthy to my throne...Also I would like to discuss national relations with you two, but keep it in mind that the Monarch's role in Balticum is simply represent as well as to act as Commander-in-Chief; it's the Reichskanzler with the advice of the Monarch as well as the approval of the Senate who can ratify deals and such...if that was your thinking. Now, I think it's time for me to hear what Maki has to say yes?".

Achkaerin · « **Reply #18 on:** October 21, 2017, 11:59:19 PM »

"First thing we did when Maki told Peter was research." Nettie said "We know that Mr Pomeroy would have to be involved our hope is that you'll take our proposal to him and that it will go through your process that way. We just figured it was better to do that before any potential change of Monarch."

Peter opened the door to his study where Maki sat...well lay on the sofa. She got into a sitting position as Peter showed Oscar in.
"Can you stay?" Maki asked looking at Peter
"Yeah." Peter said, he went and sat next to Maki, Oscar sat opposite her while Nettie went and perched on the edge of Peter's desk.

Maki looked at Oscar
"I owe you an answer." Maki said "I've always struggled with being a Princess, I found out about who I really was late on. I've always been the street smart kid, never the girly girl, certainly never the princess. Of the four of us" she was now referring to her half siblings "I'm the least stereotypically royal one in the family and yes I'm the gay one too. But I'm also the brave one." she paused to brush at her hair "I accept the offer."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #19 on:** October 23, 2017, 10:00:08 AM »

"Wow..." The King simply sat there in amazement and for a while took in those words spoken by this eloquently, beautiful young woman. "I must say...this sounds exactly like my own life story hehe...Welcome onboard, you're truly the perfect heir I'm looking for and you sound exactly like the ultimate monarch...I can finally attend to my eternal sleep in a peaceful way!" With that being said, Oscar couldn't wait to bring Maki home to his Baltic nation, but he knew that she would need to prepare a few things before both could journey home, announce Oscar's abdication and for the first time reveal his preferred heir, in which afterwards she has to convince 50,000,000 Balts that she is the rightful Monarch after Oscar, which was quite huge.

As Oscar talked about the above-mentioned plans, "As long as you're with me and can keep up the pressure no worries, you'll receive a lot of support from my court and you got Pete over here, everyone here's for you and your destiny that you so deserve. President Pomeroy's currently in Herrenbucht among our Germanic brothers and sisters, you see I quite lack the competent Reichmarschall, who is directly responsible for the organization and affairs of the court, and for maintaining liaison arrangements with the Congress and the Presidential Government. Press releases and official statements from the Baltic Royal Family to the press and the public are typically released through the Marshal of the Realm. I believe that the Duke's cousin would be the perfect match, although his controversial remarks about female succession has left me in a lil' doubt though if he can manage being ruled by a female...it should be fine hehe.

Also I would need to adopt you as well into my royal family, become an Oldenburg, you could of course modify the name a lil, Oldenburg-Hamer sounds relatively nice. Oh right, come up with your own Royal Motto which will also become the national one...My father and grandmother as well as I utililize the same...'Alles für Baltikum/All far Bahltmark' Everything for Balticum. But since you're going to introduce a new line of 'New generation' monarchs, it should sound something ro reflect upon that but in the end it's up to you. Also as for court officials you may bring your own Achkaerinese people and..." The King realized that he had been blabbering for quite some time, excused himself saying that he's just too excited and reminded himself that it's time for him, Pete and the foreign adviser to have a chat about the countries' relations. "I also wish to discuss with you Maki how the 'procurement-of-an-heir' project should be conducted although I think this is a matter that we'll take upon later, just that I want my dynasty's unique genetics to survive through you...Besides the Baltic genetics which means increased life expectancy, we got Herrembuchto, Werman and other fine Ary-Eh I mean Germanic genes hehe...accpeting this would honor not only myself and my ancestors who've fought to maintain it but also the people and its legacy...

Well I think it's now time for the foreign relations bit, btw Pete would it be possible to include your Vafleon brothers and sisters in this, a nation of high interest for Balicum as well...anything else you wonder my dear Maki?"

Achkaerin · « **Reply #20 on:** October 23, 2017, 12:40:05 PM »

"I think that's enough for me to think about for now." Maki said "I'll be out in the gardens." Peter opened the door for her and Maki left.

"First things first, obviously I'm not Vafleon's head of state so I can't speak for them." Peter said "If you want to find out about Vafleon in detail I suggest you talk to them, all I can say is that for coming up close to a thousand years now Achkaerin has had a friendly relationship with them. Look at what they did during the war years - they sent food across the ocean to us so that Abydos didn't starve us out, they served as a safe haven for the Achkaerinese Navy during the conflict. But as I say if Balticum wishes foreign relations with Vafleon you would have to take that up with them, their King is presently seriously ill some believe it to be terminal so get in touch with their younger generation of Royals am I open to an agreement that includes Achkaerin, Balticum and Vafleon? Yes but first we would need Vafleon's agreement to that so may I suggest we sort bi-lateral ties out first and then turn our attention to more adventurous ideas?"

The Young Pope · « **Reply #21 on:** October 23, 2017, 12:48:46 PM »

"Yes yes of course, it wasn't my intention to offend the Achkaerinese diplomatic capabilities, am glad to hear that Vafleon and your country are quite close with one another...So in terms of said bi-lateral treaties what did you have in mind that could work well for both of our nations?"

Achkaerin · « **Reply #22 on:** October 23, 2017, 10:40:51 PM »

"What's important to me." Peter said "Especially now that Maki has accepted your offer is that Achkaerin and Balticum have a strong and durable relationship this will not only benefit both our nations but give Maki a safety net, she's young and we've seen young monarch's struggle before, not this time, not if I can help it. What I would propose is a trade deal where we ease accessibility to each others markets and encourage business investment, where we encourage collaboration on projects with some sort of reward scheme perhaps. We may embark on some joint ventures in various fields at a national level, perhaps some sort of annual sporting event is in order."

"There is one other thing we'd like to float." Nettie said "Part of our recent policy review included a reorganization of our naval support vessels with the phasing out of the Gladius Class and the introduction of the Yangtzee Khiang Class, this class of vessel works best when strategically placed around Mundus so that the supplies can get to the crisis zone quickly. We would like to position one in Balticum if that's agreeable."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #23 on:** October 24, 2017, 04:12:08 PM »

"That sounds quite agreeable to all the points you just made, including the positioning of that naval support vessel. I'll of course bring these suggestions back home to the government and see what they can do about it, now that the leftist-oriented coaltion's got the majority in both houses they might more or less pass these brilliant suggestions that'll surely benefit our countries in the long run and thus highlight the ancient collaboration which has existed between Achkaerin and Balticum for centuries...the crusades to the Great War, our peoples surely experienced great adventures together...I know exactly what you mean with young monarchs struggling, my grandmother Queen Kristina, may God bless that string woman, stepped on the throne when she was just 20 yrs old and it took a while for her to get used to the role...Also, how would the sound of common military exercises between our armed forces be?"

Achkaerin · « **Reply #24 on:** October 27, 2017, 11:52:46 PM »

"I'd say there wouldn't be a problem with that." Peter said "Just one thing in that regard though Achkaerin military exercises tend to be proving grounds for new equipment that we choose not to advertise to the world, due to the risk of triggering arms races. Something that with a relatively peaceful world at the moment we'd rather not see happen. So obviously what I'm saying is if you join our exercises then we'd appreciate discretion in that regard. Especially at the present time. You see we have some naval exercises coming up in the next few days with Vaguzia and we've got the Revanans coming up north for them, these exercises have a very clear direction plan and we'd rather that this wasn't known."

The Young Pope · « **Reply #25 on:** October 28, 2017, 12:36:18 AM »

"Yes of course, I can assure you that the Baltic people are known to be quite discrete...Now, if we further extend this beyond mere military exercises...Ah, thank you so much dear servant of mine. You see here on this tablet is a newly written proposed treaty between our nations, as I'll let you quickly skim through it and find any possible irregularities you want to see edited. Alright take this? A reminder, I'll have to of course bring this to the President, the senate needs to approve this and bla bla...

Spoiler: The Baltic-Achkaerinese Alliance Treaty • show

"Alternatively I have to also ask, is it worth joining LISA so that we might even skip most of these points that are detailed in this proposed treaty?"

1.	Thank you to AT for providing this in a nother RP of yours!

Achkaerin · « **Reply #26 on:** November 02, 2017, 10:05:34 PM »

"If you wish to join LISA then make an application and go through the process." Peter said he thought it better to answer the question so as to give Nettie time to read the proposed Treaty which was more her area "But that's a decision for you and your nation. I can't influence you in that regard."

"With respect Your Majesty." Nettie said as she read the treaty "This reads very much like a one size fits all treaty, and to be honest is the kind of treaty I'd expect to see between two otherwise isolated nations. You could easily condense the vast majority of article one into a single section of the Treaty which would address the other international commitments of the two nations because this goes beyond LISA, Achkaerin's a member of the CMA and we have other treaty's with mutual defence clauses with other nations such as East Moreland, you see the issue I trust if Balticum were to attack East Moreland then Achkaerin is obligated by treaty to assist East Moreland which would run afoul of section A in your proposal. So allow me to make you a counter proposal that covers what we've agreed and carries the spirit of your proposal and our intent."

Spoiler: Proposed Treaty • show

"If this is agreeable then all you two need to do is decide which sport you wish to compete at annually." Nettie finished

The Young Pope · « **Reply #27 on:** November 02, 2017, 10:36:50 PM »

"Excellent editing of this treaty of ours and as for the annual sport held annually...I'm gonna say...Tennis, such a gentleman's and royal sport to begin with as well as the most popular among the Baltic people. Now...anything more you wish to discuss or can we shake hands for such a lovely time we had together?"

Achkaerin · « **Reply #28 on:** November 17, 2017, 12:26:55 AM »

"Nothing specific." Peter said "Just remember that girl out there." he indicated where Maki could be seen in the garden's "I count as a daughter, I will be looking out for her something you I'm sure can understand." it was a role Peter found interesting really he was the closest thing Maki had to a father, the closest thing Isaac his son in law had to a father and that was not forgetting Danielle.

"There's only one suitable way to conclude a deal like this." Peter said "And that's with a handshake with one hand and a drink in the other. So what's your fancy?"

The Young Pope · « **Reply #29 on:** November 17, 2017, 11:12:21 AM »

"and I'm going to likewise to the same, would have to treat her as my granddaughter, considering I never had one, apart from my siblings' own, and I guess you would be the son I never had hehe. I like the sound of holding a drink in one hand and shaking with the other...Oh as for what I fancy, how about you surprise me with something of your taste?".

The King felt never proud than before what he just accomplished in a few span of hours...Balticum's future was thus finally saved at last, and his dynasty secured for the coming generations, he was sure of it.

News:

Author Topic: Agnus Dei and Fox among Saints & Angels (Read 6296 times)