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To:-Her Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Autárimë Emperor

While our two nations may believe in different religions we believe there is much more that unites our nations. We are both nations in which the female is entrusted to rule the nation, we believe that our nations are blessed as the home land of Goddesses and we are both committed to maintaining our nations cultures and traditions. We therefore believe that it has been too long that we have not meet face to face. With this in mind we would like to arrange a state visit between us, be it in your homeland or ours. We have many issues we wish to discuss with you.

We look forward to your response.

Her Divine Majesty Queen Viktoriya Tar
Guardian of Sessifet.

[center][big][big]Imperial Memorial from the Throne[/big][/big]

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Queen of Lodja, Guardian of Sessifet, Viktorya Tar; greetings and honor,

It has long been since last Our two nations treated with one another. Much has changed, yet much is maintained. It is agreed that Lodja and Arda Tuluva should come together in harmony for the prosperity and tranquility for all.

Their is but little strife between Us because of Our differences for they are complimented by Our similarities. Rituals and traditions keep the word from spiraling towards chaos. A maxim held in high regard for both Sessifet's Avatar and the Great Tercenë. Much can be achieved if Our two wills work in conjunction.

It is with this regard We wish to treat with Lodja; to move forward to a new dawn, to created a foundation of harmony and prosperity. Alas, dear Queen, Oh Guardian, the auspices are unfavorable for the coming Lunar cycle to extant an invitation to Our Court. The Augurs and Astrologers assure Us that the omens are most approving for travel to Our southern neighbor. With Heaven's consent do We, with joy, accept an invitation to treat with Your Majesty in Gaia.


Blessings of Heaven and Earth.


So let it be written.


Autárimë Tararan i Yéndë o Menel
Erëa ar Eressë Tararan ar Arata Tureryan ilya nu-Menelo

Gaia was beginning to get used to high profile visits and receptions now, and the people loved it. There was not much that the Lodjain people enjoyed more than the pomp and ceremony of their royal family and while Queen Sonja had been no stranger to parades and ceremonies they had never featured foreign visitors. The main road from the airport to the Isle of the Goddess. A possession of blue jacketed Queen's Lancers sat on their horses awaiting the arrival of their guests. As the soldiers milled around on their horses Lord Besarian Ivanov mingled between them. The Lord of the Conclave, the Queen's highest advisor walked amongst them chatting to a few officers he knew back in his days as a soldier. He was rather looking forward to a chance to meet a foreign Head of State and her entourage, since the Queen's marriage he had been confined merely to Conclave duties, offering advice on matters of state rather than actually getting out and about.

With Besarian was Helene Tar the Queen's mother and therefore afforded the title "Mother of The Guardian", she herself was four months pregnant but was still keen to be seen to doing her bit to help her daughter. Either side of her stood two of the dismounted lancer officers each carrying long polished spears. A few horse drawn carriages awaited each with the horses freshly brushed down and their manes interweaved with threads of gold to make them glimmer in the sunlight. "When will they arrive?" Helene asked Besarian as he returned from chatting with two men he'd served with back in his former days.

"I believe Your Most Regal Highness anytime soon." He stood waiting silently, glancing at his watch keen to get underway.

Among the Blood of Arda Tuluva’s nobility it was thought scandalous that their sovereign would “demean” herself to travel abroad at the behest of a foreign monarch. However, all oppression was silenced after the Empress issued an Imperial Edict declaring it treason to question the Will and Decision of the Autárimë Empress’ wish to re-forge relations with Lodja in person. Those against is quickly ended their oppression and retired to their own estates in repentance and meditation. It was rare for the Empress to issue an Edict with such harsh penalties, but she needed to maintain her stance of a new and changing Arda Tuluva, and with hope the Empress will have less opposition in the future.

The Arda Tuluvan Empress arrived in Gaia early that morning from the sea. It has been decided that it most auspicious – and pious – to travel by boat as then the Empress could perform prayers and sacrifices to the Vala Ulmo, Lord of Waters.

The Arda Tuluvan Imperial entourage arrived at the Isle of the Goddess. The Empress was carried upon a palanquin with a golden silk umbrella shielding her from the sun. A host of servants held up various banners and sigils displaying Imperial symbols of power: the phoenix, the dragon, the chrysanthemum.

The Empress’ Ómari, Ehtelë, spoke as he bowed low to the Queen Mother then to Lord  Besarian, “Your Regnal Highness. Your Lordship. Honor and glory to Lodja! Honor and glory to Sessifet's Guardian!”

“May I present Her Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Autárimë Emperor, the Daughter of Heaven.” As he spoke the Arda Tuluvan sovereign descended from her palanquin as most of her entourage bowed in a full kowtow.

She approached the Lodjans, the golden silk umbrella was detached and the servants holding the sigils of the phoenix appeared behind their monarch. The Autárimë Empress slightly extended her arms in greeting. She was the Daughter of Heaven, Holder of the Mandate; as such she did not bow nor incline her head as was so typical of Arda Tuluvans.

“Atta eleni sílar lúmenna omentielvo.”[note] Translation: Two stars shine at the hour of our meeting. Honor and glory.[/note] The Empress said, speaking the traditional greetings. According to Arda Tuluvan tradition the Empress is considered superior to all, as such her Ómari generally would have been used to speak on her behalf. However, the Empress had decided that she would show her hosts the greatest of respects by speaking directly to them.

Helene bowed as Besarian did likewise, the courseway over to the island behind them was lined by the Lancers, they had hours before the tide cut the island off so there was no hurry. "Your Imperial Majesty honours us with her presence" The Queen's mother began. "I must ask something sensitive before we proceed." she was nervous and glanced sideways at Besarian and the Priestess Raisa who stood a few paces behind.

"If I may Ma'am" Besairan began. "You see Your Imperial Majesty" it was clear Besarian was looking down as he spoke, he recalled something about it being a sign of respect, and while he held no sway with these people's traditions, barely doing the same for his own nations, he was under strict orders to make sure the meeting went off without a problem. "It is customary for the Island to be kept pure, and upon entering it for the first time there is a ritual of purification." he paused for a moment, seeing the Priestess in her black robe keen to get started. "However our Queen has determined you yourself are already pure and therefore there is no need." He could see Raisa about to protest but a slight backwards glance stopped her. "This purity extending to those you deem worthy" he wasn't entirely comfortable with this himself but Viktoriya had been firm in this. "So unless you wish to experience this ceremony please follow me."

There were a number of press following and some of the accompanying Lancers had never set foot on the island, and the ceremony to them was not optional, in fact many couldn't wait and an expectant cue was forming. Raisa stepped forward, and once blessing those from Arda Tuluva[1] who were submitting to the ritual she began on those waiting patiently. The rank of the individual didn't matter, each was ordered to close their eyes as the Preistess dipped her thumb in the sea and sprinkled a few drops of water on the top of their head or hat. Next she walked around the person sprinkling pinches of sea salt she'd made herself onto them, all the time praying. The parties made their way over the causeway and reached the bottom of the hill.

Besarain began again. "Now Your Majesty has a choice, the streets here are narrow, and the only people who live here are members of the royal household, but no vehicles can get through because of the narrowness, its about a half a mile walk up a steep hill." he pointed up towards the imposing castle at the summit. "Or alternatively we have this" he pointed to a steep cliffside railway cabin which stood waiting. Once the Empress had made her decision the ascent started, upon reaching the summit Queen Viktoriya herself was waiting, she looked serene in a blue dress, golden thread used to pick out a stag down her right hand side and a Five clawed Dragon on the other.

Viktoriya moved towards them, her pale complexion and smooth movements adding to her mystique. "We are thankful you have agreed to come here, it means much to all of us" Her entourage came behind her, one of them dressed in a white dress with flame red hair handed a small wooden box over. It was embossed with gold patterns, Jasmina lifted the lid as she passed it over. "We here in Lodja see salt as a sign of purity, so please accept from one monarch to another this gift" she handed the box towards the Empress, next Dragan Knežević, the Finance Minister stepped forward. He handed forward a purple silk cushion, a Blue John Dragon perched on top of it.

The Minister spoke, like Besarian his eyes lowered. "Your Imperial Majesty, on behalf of the Patricians of Lodja please accept our gift. It's made from a gem stone called Blue John, as far as we know its only found in Lodja." He stepped back. To almost immediately be replaced by a woman dressed in a smart man's style suit with short cropped hair. Lady Anna Utkin had a similar but smaller cushion to Dragan. "Your Imperial majesty, on behalf of the Plebleians of Lodja please accept this gift." She handed over a strange ring, it was made out of smoothly polished wood the top a block of resin containing a single blossom. It was a rare looking object and had been made by her father Tomas who despite his daughters raise to prominence was still a lowly Pleb artisan. The gifts presented Viktoriya stepped forward once more.

"Please walk with us" she headed off inside and the Lodjain's fell into step with a member of the Empresses entourage as a wide proscession made their way through the grey stone corridors of the Palace of the Goddess. "We firmly believe that in many ways we're kinded spirits, both thrust into a lifetime of service, both divinely connected and both determined to make our nations great." she kept her eyes looking ahead as she seemingly glided along the corridors. "It is our hope that we can go beyond simply building closer ties between us, but that our nations can act as a beacon of what strong women can achieve for their nations" by now they'd reached a door which was dominating the whole corridor. Behind it lay a wing of the Palace with a variety of bedrooms and lounges, it even had its own kitchen that could prepare mini banquets, the staff already in place had been practicing some of the guests delicacies for weeks now. "Please make yourself at home, our home is your home" she nodded and Anna Immich took a key from around her neck and unlocked the door, before turning and presenting it to one of the Empresses followers. "This is Lady Anna, she is our Head Lady in Waiting, for the duration of your stay she is at your service, whatever duty you need her to perform, whatever desire you need her to fulfil she will do as though it was an order we gave. Now when you have rested and are ready we would like to invite you to tea on our private balcony." The Queen bowed to her opposite number briefly before turning and leaving with her entourage.

"If Your Imperial Majesty would step this way, it’s an honour to be in your service" Anna held an arm inviting them to step inside.

They understand much. The Empress signed discretely to Ehtelë following quickly by another odd gesture as she followed Lord Besarian forgoing the ritual herself.

“By command of Her Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Daughter of Heaven.” Ehtelë announced as he turned to face the Arda Tuluvans, “We are to submit ourselves to the Ritual of Purification.”

The Empress opted for the railway cabin, her robes were far to heavy and cumbersome for an elegant stroll that long, it didn’t help that her neck was beginning to stiffen from weight of her headdress. The Empress was attended by Arda Tuluva’s Consul of State, Inglor Lord Anordradil; her Ómari and seneschal, Ehtelë; and her two standard-bearers. The rest of the Arda Tuluvan entourage took the pathway that lead to the Castle proper.


When Queen Vikoriya presented her gift the Arda Tuluvan Empress accepted it personally, a small smile appeared on her lips as she locked eyes with her fellow monarch. She thanked her host, “It is with gratitude that we accept this gift. As it is, salt holds a long historical importance to my people and society.”


Then Lodjan Finance Minister, Dragan Knežević, presented his gift. He, too, like the others averted his eyes. These small gestures that her hosts give have already gone a long way in impressing the Empress. The Arda Tuluvan sovereign made a gesture of thanks and warding of omens with her right hand (the pointer and pinky fingers folded in while the other three remained straight and she waved a small circle). The Empress’ most trusted anvir’arma took the pillow case from Minister Knežević and presented it to the Autárimë Empress, who nodded her head approvingly while signing to Ehtelë as he handed it off to another attendant. “Her Most Sublime and August Majesty wishes to convey gratitude and thanks for this gift on from the Patricians of Lodja.” Ehtelë Voiced.

The same format followed after receiving the gift from Lady Utkin, Ehtele took the cushion presenting it to the Autárimë Empress before handing it off to another attendant, “Her Most Sublime and August Majesty wishes to convey gratitude and thanks for this gift on from the Plebeians of Lodja.” Ehtelë Voiced.

A box made of sandalwood and gilded in intricate golden designs was brought before Queen Vikoryia and was opened for her. “Jade, silk, and saffron.” The Empress said, it had taken Ehtelë off guard who looked a bit shocked. “We present the three traditional gifts to you as a sign of Our thanks and of Our hopes for a fruitful meeting.”

The Autárimë Empress followed in stride with the Lodjan Queen. The two glided down the corridor with such poise and grace it appeared to many the two floated, they held an aura of authority, of power: truly goddesses of their domains.

“We do what destiny wills.” The Empress said in response. “We are also arbiters of our own fate. For We are Heaven’s chosen and you selected by Sessifet.” She said with conviction. Like her counterpart the Arda Tuluvan sovereign kelpt her eyes forward as if peering into the their future. “We are beacons of light in a world dominated by men. We shall be a pharos to guide the ships of fortune and fate. In ages past the Queendom and the Empire worked hand in hand to the benefit of all. It is with this in mind that We are desirous to bring about an era of prosperity and tranquility between Lodja and Arda Tuluva.”



Any desire, Majesty. Did you hear that? Ehtelë signed to the Empress whose eyes shot him a quick, admonishing look as she flicked her hand. He bowed quickly and formally in apology, eyes averted to the floor as he took a few steps back allowing the Empress to pass by. The Empress and the Consul held a brief conversation before he departed to Arda Tuluva's embassy to meet with the ambassador and other concerns there.

 “Her Most Sublime and August Majesty expresses great joy and gratitude for such honors of staying in the Divine Queen’s Palace.” He said to Lady Anna as the Empress walked by followed by a host of servants holding the sigils. “I am called Ehtelë, chief anvir’arma and primary seneschal to the Daughter of Heaven.”

He gestured to for Lady Anna to enter first before following her inside. Soon an army of attendants flooded the room bringing in various cases and trunks. The Arda Tuluvan sovereign had disappeared into her bedroom to change and prepare for tea later that day.

He gestured to one of the couches in the parlor for Lady Anna before taking a seat himself. “I am sure you have been informed already, but I would be lacking in my duties if I did not stress the following.” He smiled at her reassuringly, “It is of great importance that you, nor your staff, speak or make eye contact with the Daughter of Heaven. If, by some miracle, the Daughter of Heaven speaks to you, you must show complete difference averting your gaze and first refer to the Daughter of Heaven as ‘Your Most Sublime and August Majesty’ and then thereafter as ‘Your Imperial Majesty.’”

“Any and all concerns or questions should be brought to my attention. Rituals and tradition govern all aspects of the Daughter of Heaven’s life. I do not believe there is enough time to explain even a tenth of them before our visit if over.” He said humorously with a smile.


It was then that Ehtelë requested that he be showed the apartments and staff that the Lodjans had prepaired for the Arda Tuluvans' stay.

He was informed that the cooking staff were becoming proficient in Arda Tuluvan cuisine, which was met with approval from Ehtelë.

After assessing the rooms and meeting the staff the Empress' senechal nodded his respects to Lady Anna, "Lodja truly is a most  honorable and gracious host, Lady Anna. This shall go far in the eyes of the Daughter of Heaven."

The two had taken their seats back in the main reception area of the suite. Other Lodjan servants brought and prepared traditional Arda Tuluvan jasmine tea. Ehtelë took a sip and was pleasantly surprised by its aroma and taste. Just delightful. As the two drank the tea Ehtelë had, quite diplomatically, steered the conversation to the subject of Lodjan Royal protocol. He inquired if there was any special ritual or procedure the Empress should be aware of when meeting with Lodja's Divine Queen.

He has listened to Lady Anna and as she finished another of the Empress' servants appeared, bowed politely to the two then whispered in Ehtelë's ear. He raised a brow quisitively. He turned his head slowly to Anna. "Today is full of surprises. It appeared, Lady Anna, that you have been granted a rare opportunity for you have been summoned by the Daughter of Heaven."

Ehtelë lead Anna to the sleeping quarters given to Arda Tuluva's sovereign. Bowing low at the waist Ehtelë announced their arrival. There was a large paper multipaneled screen set up with lovely paintings of women regaling along a river bank with an abundance of flowered and cranes. The women were dressed in the style of the old Cúldarë dynasty show casing it's age.

Beyond the screen a blurred silhouette of the Empress could be seen. She appeared to sit, back facing them, almost lazily on a chair, yet with an aura of grace and authority. Two female servants attended to her hair, styling and adorning it with pendants and ornaments; while tworking others were rubbing oils onto her arms and legs.

It seemed an eternity before the Daughter of Heaven finally spoke, "Anna Immich, Chief Lady in Waiting to the Queen." She paused again. Her voice was soft, precise and astute. "A lofty position that few truly understand. Privy to much, yet unnoticed by many." She extended her arm as the oiks and lotions were worked further into her smooth, unblemished skin.

"Before We met with your monarch We would know who Queen Viktoriya truly is, of her character and person. Know that We have no ulterior motives. We wish only for harmony between Arda Tuluva and Lodja."

It was an awkward question that the Empress had asked, after all out of all the people in Lodja it was probably Anna who knew the Queen best, however by the same token she was in a position that required total discreetion. She was however only too keenly aware that to say the diplomatic lines would be a little obvious, she thought for a moment before starting her answer. "Well Your Majesty" Anna said looking out of the window "Queen Viktoriya is someone I've only known a year, therefore I wouldn't persume to consider myself an expert on what she is like. I do know that she is a person of two parts.....I don't mean the Goddess and Viktoriya, I mean within herself." She thought for a moment, she wasn't making much sense in her own mind. "If I can explain.....she is young, she's been brought up in a family that while wealthy aren't the richest in Lodja" Anna's own family were equally wealthy, "In public she knows she has to be the epitimy of calmness and authority, yet behind closed doors she is I would say growing into that role. She still often consults the Conclave, as well as other trusted people, over the smallest of issues. Yet when in the public eye she has no problem letting the people know she carries all the power, prestige and authority of the Goddess." Anna was feeling more relaxed now and found it easier to talk. "I suppose Your Majesty could say that the Queen at times though is rather sad, I don't think the life she leads has quiet lived up to the fantasy a young girl would have had. I mean what young girl doesn't imagine being a Queen in a fancy castle leading the life of a fairytale Princess." She thought back to her own childhood and the same thoughts had gone through her head, she had however never had chance at being Queen and therefore was rather pleased with how her own life had turned out. "I think she'll be happier once she finds her 2nd husband, a man she marries for love, but that'll take time" she finished wondering if she had said too much.

Over the other side of the Palace Dragan Knežević the nations finance minister had purposely placed himself between the visitors appartments and the Queen's private balcony. Hearing the tell tale click clack of the entourages heels he began his walk towards them, a deep red leather folder tucked under his arm. "Ah Good Day Your Divine Majesty" He bowed while moving. "I trust our guests are settling in" he said as he waited for her to past, "They seemed rather friendly when I meet them earlier" he said keen to reaffirm his position with her.

The Queen surprisingly stopped and turned to Dragan. "We're glad you think so" Viktoriya began, "It is our firm hope that our two nations can become firm friends." she said icely.

"Mine too Your Divine Majesty" he said, "I believe the two of us could have some superb business and economic links" he said sewing his little seed of a thought into her mind.

"We would be keen to hear your ideas" Viktoriya was easy enough to get meetings with if you worded things right. "Please follow us" Viktoriya motioned as she headed towards her own private balcony. Dragan bowed his obidience and fell into step alongside Angelina Evanov , the Queens newest security officer, and the first Pleb to serve in the position.

"Hello Angelina" Dragan said politely as he fell into step with her, she liked him, not just because he was handsome but because he was the only noble who seemed to not look down upon her. "How's the visit going?" he asked understanding that bedding the Queen's female household wasn't the only way to get information.

"Very good Your Lordship" Angelina replied as they rounded the corner.

"Now...now....what have we said" he mockingly admonished her.

"Very good Dragan" she smiled as she blushed, just like with everyone he meet the future Duke of Kezen insisted they use his first name. It felt awkward though. They had reached the Queens door and beyond it was a large balcony, large enough to fit five or six good sized dining tables on, but today a single coffee table and comfortable seats filled the space, enough for a large entourage but with two seats face to face in the centre. Angelina waved goodbye to Dragan as she took up position on the door to let the Empress in. Dragan and the Queen disappeared inside along with the rest of the security team and Ladies in Waiting.

"Please be so kind as to pour us a lemon tea" Viktoriya asked Dragan as she disappeared to take off some of the baubles of state leaving her in just the dress representing her nation. "Please join us until the Empress arrives."

The Autárimë Empress understood all too well the burden of power. Being one person in two parts. Yes, indeed, she understood that she must, like Viktoriya, maintain an astute, ever calm demeanor, to portray only authority and grace while in public. In private, well, the Empress had to follow the constant daily rituals and repetitions that governed the life of an Arda Tuluvan sovereign.

The Autarime Empress knew what her life would be like since her aspirations to Ascend. Her mother, the Tar-Ancalimë Empress had taught her well. One must keep their distance; it was an extremely lonely at the top. But, they believed they were doing Heaven’s will. But giving one’s life wholly to the State was a small sacrifice for the greater good of the Empire.

Lady Anna’s answers were exactly what the Empress wanted to hear. She knew she was extremely lucky to have found love in her first husband, the Ingaran, unlike her mother who found like solace in any of her consorts. She made a gesture at the thought of Eruenvinyanto and made a small prayer to Heaven for his quick recovery from the illness that has befallen him.

 The Empress signaled to Ehtelë that Lady Anna could be dismissed who politely lead her out before returning again to set up a small altar with a statue of Estë i Valië Milya, the Heaven’s aspiration of healing and renewal. Incense was lite and the Empress bowed before the Altar to offer her prayers.


Autárimë Empress was dressed in white silken robes embroidered with golden chrysanthemums and various ornate patterns. The Arda Tuluvan sovereign left her personal quarters with only a small contingent: two servants who walked before her holding traditional lanterns ‘to light the way and scare demons’, two standard bearers of the Phoenix sigil behind her and four other servants, along with Ehtelë who walked just behind his sovereign. Once the Empress arrived she was greeted properly and lead to Lodja’s Divine Queen.

The Empress nodded her head to the Queen and extended her arms, “Your Majesty.” Viktoriya gestured for her guest to take her seat. The Empress sat down gracefully as her servants arranged her long train and dress. The Empress was offered refreshments which she gladly accepted. She looked around with a small smile, “A splendid view, Majesty. It is Our hope that one day We might offer hospitality at the Arcalcassë Palace.”

Dragan was sat rather enjoying the view and his opportunity to explain some of his finer thoughts and plans to the Queen, he was never happier than when he was working his brain, unless it was killing it in a bar with booze. He was keen to try and change things for his nation, he saw great potential in Lodja, but it was untapped, in his mind that was a crime in itself. "and that Your Divine Majesty is why I think we could really push with this." he was busy rounding up his latest idea when the Empress approached. "The Empress is arriving" he said quietly to Viktoriya as their visitor approached. He stood politely and stepped away from the table, Viktoriya had been sat with her back to the door and stood too.

"Empress" she nodded politely as she approached the table, " We are most impressed by your dress" she smiled, Lodjains were renowned for being rather materialistic and shallow, especially when it came to physical appearance, and of course fashion. Dragan pulled out the chair he had been sat on further and turned it slightly for the Empress.

"Please Your Imperial Majesty, be seated" Dragan said holding the chair and waiting for her to do so. Once she had taken her place he helped slide it closer to the table before stepping back. "Your Divine Majesty" he said turning to his monarch. "I beg your leave, I'm sure two monarchs don't need my presence" he bowed his head.

"Lord Knežević, thank you for your company and advice. We hope to see you soon" She smiled at the bearded nobleman's son.

"I count the hours" he said with a smile knowing how many ladies enjoyed flattery. "Empress, meeting you has been an honour yet again" he bowed to her and then walked away, whistling a merry little tune as he went.

Viktoriya waited for him to leave the balcony. "May I pour you a drink" she held up a bottle of white wine that had been chilling in a cooler. She poured them both a glass and then replaced the bottle. "We rather enjoy our time here, the view is beautiful we agree" she smiled, "However in winter it does get very icey out here, legend has it one guardian of Sessifet once slid over the side losing her balance.....although that is not something we think very likely" she chuckled, "Unless of course she had somehow offended the Goddess. May we speak alone?" the Queen asked and waited for the various entourage to leave, she had sent hers away long before the Empress had arrived, leaving them sat inside the lounge.

It was in the lounge that Roksana now took over hosting duties. With Anna on loan so to speak to the Empress it had fallen to the 2nd most senior lady in waiting to look after the Empresses entourage. "Please take a seat" she pointed to the soft low sofa's that dominated the lounge, it was was huge, easily capable of hosting thirty or so people. "We've various foods, all Lodjain specialties, stuffed olives, fruit pancakes, I can recommend the Pelmeni, they are small vegetable, fish or meat dumplings" she held up the plate of the dumplings towards the guests. "So how long have you been in the service your Empress? Do you get lots of balls in your Palace?" she asked, Roksana loved the balls, mainly for the attention that she gained but also just the luxury of the whole thing.

Outside the Queen was relaxing slightly, although she didn't really know the Empress Viktoriya somehow felt that there was a connection, perhaps it was the fact they'd been similar ages when they took power. "If I may speak plainly" Viktoriya faced seemed less stern, as though the mask of Queenhood had been dropped, "I wanted to invite you here not just because I feel our two nations can be friends, but also I believe that we can become friends, as two individuals. Each of us have a great burden placed upon us, both by our position and our faiths. I don't know about you but at times I feel that its something that can be hard to carry, and while I have been fortunate enough to build a group around me I can trust..." she thought for a moment about the Conclave...."mostly trust" she continued, "and I have been lucky to make friends with people such as King David of East Moreland and King Finley of Ui Cenneslaig, I feel they can not understand the challenges the two of us face. I hope you don't feel I am talking out of turn, but I hope that the talks between us can be done not just as two monarchs leading nations keen to make their way in the world, but as two friends. I would therefore appreciate it if while we talk alone you call me Viktoriya and not by any title" she smiled not sure if such a lack of formality would go over well with a nation she knew liked their rituals. The door opened and Roksana appeared and approached the table with a tray made up of the selection of foods from inside. "We thank you for the food Roksana" the Queen's stoney expressionless face was back. "Perhaps you could take the Empresses entourage to the kitchen, ensure they are satisfied with preparations for this evenings meal." Roskana nodded and returned to her duties. Viktoriya waited for the door to close, the mask once more seeming to dissolve. "I wonder then if there is a topic you wish to discuss first?" she asked as she offered the plate of food to her hopefully new friend.