Roleplay > Diplomacy and Events

A Papal Visit to the Celestial Court

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Arda Tuluva:
Since the official announcement of Arda Tuluva's alliance to Lodja the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Velázquez, presented an official Letter of Request to the Consul of State asking for further talks to improve relations between the Celestial Empire and the Holy See. It was, therefore, decided by the Artaquë to invite the Pope to Imladris personally, the first time a Pope would come to Arda Tuluva. The Court Astrologers divined the proper time for a Papal visit, it was said that the alignment of the celestial bodies were most favorable this time a year and not to delay the visitation for after the next New Moon it would be ill-fated. Not something the Arda Tuluvans would tempt.

Relations between the two nations have traditionally been on good terms the past half century, trade flourished and money poured in from Arda Tuluva's investments and companies within the Ecclesiastical State. Historically speaking, however, the two were often, ideologically, at odds with one another. Christianity has always had a dubious and fluctuating stance in the Empire; at one time Christianity was banned and their adherents severely persecuted. Modern Arda Tuluva, however, allows religious freedom, but the Abrahamic faiths never really caught on in the Empire as loyalty must, above all else, be first to the Throne and, especially in modern times, many of the Abrahamic faith's hardliners seem to only care about sexuality, of which Arda Tuluvans have always been very open and free about sex and sexuality; the idea of repressing such attitudes boggles their minds.

Secretaries of the First Ministry have issued memoranda to the Throne expressing concern about the Catholic Church's new leader for his inflammatory comments about socialism and the tenets therein lies (of which Arda Tuluva could be considered) has caused alarm from within Arda Tuluva's Foreign Affairs Ministry. The Throne had issued decrees to the First Ministry pronouncing that the Ecclesiastical State would do nothing to harm the economic relations between them, that the Church's priority is to end the conflict with the separatists in the north. Many a country would classify Arda Tuluva as a socialist state, though, Arda Tuluvans would disagree. They say that Arda Tuluva follows no political or economic policy other than the concept of "Great Unity", which subscribes to the tenets of a harmonious and prosperous state; where each citizen is taken care of and works together for the betterment of society as a whole: education, welfare, and social policies are paramount within the Arda Tuluvan Empire. It is the goal of the central government to create and govern this Utopian society of Great Unity.

Truth be told, whatever ideals this new Pope proscribed to mattered little to the Throne, what the Empress cared for was peace and harmony in Albion. The Daughter of Heaven did not wish for relations between the two powerful nations to turn asunder. It was decided that a strong foundation shall be built to prevent any gaps from forming between the two. Thus, His Holiness was invited to Imladris to treat with the Throne for the betterment of the two societies.


It was late afternoon when the Papal aircraft landed at the Eönwë Airfield, a private airport used for the Arcalcassë Palace. The Arda Tuluvan contingent awaited for the Pope on a red carpet inlaid with subtle designs and outlined in intricate golden patterns led the way from the base of the stairs leading from the airplane to an entourage of black vehicles, sky-lanterns floated majestically along the way, fastened to the ground with golden rope.

Legionaries of the Imperial Azure Army's Honor Guard snapped to attention as the Pope descended from the stairs; flower petals in the colors of the Papal flag – red, yellow, and white – fell gracefully in abundance from the lanterns in the calm air. Inglor Anordradil, the Consul of State, bowed his head in greeting to Pope Peter II, while the other members of the Arda Tuluvan Imperial Government bowed low at the waist in the Arda Tuluvan fashion; hands before them left fist in the right palm. The many other lower ranking officials and servants fell to a full kowtow.

"Atta eleni sílar lúmenna omentielvo; Airatalda, Attá Sardo Tatya, Yantántúra i Ilyëa Cordo ar Talumë i Hristónustëa Norëo. Aya ar alcarë.[1]"  The Consul of State said in the traditional greeting. Lifting his head he continued, opening his arms in a friendly gesture. “It was with great esteem that we welcome His Holiness to Arda Tuluva. On behalf of Her Most Sublime and August Majesty we wish the Ecclesatical State fortune and blessings.” He, and the others, bowed again in respect.




 1. Translation: "Two stars shine at the hour of our meeting; Your Holiness, Pope Peter the Second, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church and Sovereign of the Ecclesiastical State. Honor and glory."

The Young Pope:

As always, his holiness Pope Peter II, a.k.a "The Young Pope" was having his meditative praying session in the middle of the plane, praying for the great nation of Arda Tuluva. "God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude, the Empress and other government leaders of the Arda Tuluvan Empire. May they always seek the ways of righteousness, justice and mercy. Grant that they may be enabled by your powerful protection to lead their country with honesty and integrity. We ask this through Christ our Lord. In nomine Patri, et fili et Spiritus Sancti. Amen."

TYP was accompanied by Cardinal Adalberto Giancola, Secretary of State, Cardinal Barthélemy Houdin, Secretary for the Economy, and Cardinal Jarosław Cieslewicz, Secretary for Ecclesiastical Security, all three would provide their assistance and special attention to the three main government inquiries that would occur between AT and ES, as the ES delegation hoped the treaty set between Lodja and AT would resemble their own so to say. As the plane landed, TYP had to of course put his finest attire on to show-case the wealth and ABSOLUTE POWAAA of the Celestian Catholic Church. Ah there we go, I'm sexy and I know it hehe..." he commented after looking in the mirror at himself. With that in mind, the plane doors opened and the sun light beamed right at the Papal delegation, a good omen indeed. Along with the Cardinal Secretaries, a small group of Guardians of St. Peter's throned with their commander leading them, were there to provide protection as well as to display nice colors radiating from the Ecclesiastical delegation.

"Likewise to you my Consul of State of this great Empire of Arda Tuluva, God Bless truly...finally a physical presence of the leader from the Earthly Kingdom of Heaven will get to meet the leader of another Eartly Kingdom of Heaven, in her own home in fact. I have with me several gifts from our most humble abode, it is our hope that it'll be to the heavenly daughter's liking..."

Arda Tuluva:
"Her Most Sublime and August Majesty would be more than happy to receive His Holiness' gifts personally at the appointed hour." The Consul said with a nod of his head as he gestured for the Pope to follow, "The legionaries of the Azure Army's Honor Guard await the Supreme Pontiff's review."

They eventually were all lead to a line of black limousines which were waiting to drive them to the Arcalcassë Palace. The pathway that they drove on, the Meridian Way, was adorned with hundreds of marble statues of guardians against evil spirits and omens that lead straight through the gatehouse to the palace. It was built in a ravine surrounded by the Holy Oronruan Mountains, a massive square - the Menelwaruinë Square - sat before the Gateway of Perpetual Balance, two monolithic stone doors decorated with an azure dragon on the eastern door and a red-golden phoenix on the western.

To the left and right of the Gatetway, two large white[1] banners embroidered with silver and grey accents hung from the rafters almost the length of the gates. In old Sarati[2] were the words: Tári Nacilmë, Cunda i Valóro, sérë manulyassë, which meant, 'Queen Viktoriya, Guardian of Sessifet, peace upon her soul'.

They drove through a massive tunnel hollowed out from the mountain after passing through the Gate of Perpetual Balance. The sides held inscriptions of auspicious prayers carved into them. There were large cracks throughout the tunnel that seemed to illuminate as the convoy drove through, from tectonic and earthquakes the tunnel had been repaired many times throughout the centuries in a fashion that the Arda Tuluvans call entaminnlaurëa, or ‘to repair with gold;’ the art of repairing something with gold or silver lacquer and understanding that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken. The philosophy behind it encompasses the concepts of non-attachment, acceptance of change and fate as aspects of human life.

Like all things in Arda Tuluva, symbolism and meaning was everywhere. Even in the names of buildings and gates; the first was the Gate of Perpetual Balance: a reminder that a balance in all things brought harmony and kept Heaven appeased. For as Arda Tuluva’s most famed philosopher, Mindarúcina, once said, “Rituals and regulations are what keep the world from spiraling towards chaos.”

The second was the Gate of Supreme Tranquility: a reminder to the Empress that she must keep peace and tranquility, a tranquil state secured the Dynasty's hold on the Mandate of Heaven. The last was the Gate of Heavenly Brilliance: with Heaven's grace the Empire would remain the center of the world and civilization would continue to flourish. Each Gate might have become smaller as they progressed, but each was more beautiful and more adorned then the last. The Gate of Heavenly Brilliance seemed to have been cut from a dream. The artistry and craftsmanship was perfectly done. Like all things in Arda Tuluva, great care was taken to achieve a vision of beauty, of greatness, of sublimity.

Usually guests of the Throne would have been housed at the Hall of Tranquil Longevity. However, the Hall was under renovations and technical upgrades at the time. So it was decided by the Imperial Household Bureau (which ran the daily operations of the entire Arcalcassë Palace complex) that the Pope and his entourage would be given the run of the Palace of Great Benevolence; which was larger - and in some respected grander - than the Hall of Tranquil Longevity, however it did not offer the same splendid view of the gardens.

The Arcalcassë Palace itself was in a rather somber mood for it was in an official state of mourning since the death of Lodja's Queen was announced. After the return of the Autárimë Empress from her journey to Lodja it was published that Viktoriya was "a great friend of the Throne". Therefore, white banners embroidered with silver and grey accents adorned many buildings, the servants and various Palace officials wore white tunics over their robes. The members of the Imperial Clan wore white silken robes embroidered with silver zinnia flowers, in homage to the flower that Viktoriya had given to the Empress on her visit. But the Throne was determined to keep face and continue the scheduled Papal visit. Upon arrival at the Palace of Great Benevolence the Consul bade farewell to the Pope and had informed His Holiness that he shall be entertained at the Pavilion of Abundant Grace later that evening.


The Papal contingent had taken the opportunity to relax and freshen up before the appointed time to depart for the banquet. Once they arrived in the antechamber Pope Peter was approached by high ranking servant, who bowed low before speaking, "Your Holiness, if you would." He gestured to a doorway with another bow. He was lead into a room that was empty save for an ornate chair that, strangely enough, was facing directly at a thick purple curtain that spanned the width of the room. The servant gestured to the chair before he took his leave. Peter finally took a seat, and once he did the curtains were drawn and a sheer white silk screen appeared before him, through the screen Peter could clearly see the Empress, who was also alone, wearing beautiful white and grey silken robes with black accents and the soft colors of purple and blue forming patterns of branches and flowers. Her ornate hairpins and headdress were silver decorated in diamonds and pearls. 

"We thought it prudent to become acquainted with Your Holiness before you commence negotiations with Our ministers on the morrow." The Empress said. Her voice was soft, delicate, yet held the dignity and awe of her station. "It is known to Us what Your Holiness desires between the Celestial Empire and Holy See. However. Your Holiness. Before We consider giving Imperial Consent to those who govern in Our Holy Name; We shall know who the Young Pope is."





 1. White is the traditional color of mourning in Arda Tuluva. 2. Sarati was one of the first writing system used in Arda Tuluva. It is written in a mirrored fashion from top to bottom

The Young Pope:
"Wow..." Before TYP could respond properly and present himself, he was awestruck at the sight of the Autarime Emperor, never have he seen such beautiful opulence radiated from a woman in such a long time, as well as the the very perfection of the most eloquent and graceful voice he'd ever heard, the ES women whose reputations reach far heights when it comes to such matters, can't match the grandness of her; He could also notice again the best dressed AT he ever put his eyes upon he started to feel some tingling sensation, surely it can't mean...did he found the perfect match in his life? Was she the same like him with a few tweaks here and there? Oh he must find out yes, he must find out if...Oh snap out of it TYP! he reminded himself quickly.

"No wonder you're a pure Goddesss...Oh, what ehm, sorry I mean...ah of course I need to give you a better picture of who I am but first let's dedicate one silent moment for our former Queen Lodja, let her legacy become ever forgotten in the realm of Man. TYP stood up from his chair, bowed his head slightly and placed his hands together to dedicate a prayer towards an ally he unfrotunately didn't have the opportunity to meet that much but understood that despite her short presence on Mundus accomplished a whole lot.

"God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.

In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.

Amen."
After that short yet intense silent moment, TYP didn't return to his seat, instead he put his hands behind his back and proceeded to take a small promenade inside the room, knowingly that he perhaps broke any protocol but if he were to utter his presentation it wouldn't have been impressive, he had to show her that he's simply more than a typical old, 'boring' pontiff that speaks of the Gospel and God. "Who am I you may ask?"...He took a few steps to sink that rhetorical question in and let the host contemplate, while examining the various pieces of art and splendour inside the chamber, with a tone of seriousness he began.

"I am Pope Peter II, Bishop of Celestis, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of the Ecclesiastical State, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Celestian Province, Sovereign of the Ecclesiastical State, Supreme Secretary of the Magisterium, Supreme Secretary of the Blessed Consistory, Servant of the servants of God. In other words, since I began my pontificate I'm the leader of the Celestian Catholic Church, 1 billion and counting faithful, more than 1/5 of the entire population of Mundus.

I'm a Contradiction...Like God, One in Three and Three in One...Like Mary, the Virgin, the Mother...Like Man, in Good and Evil...I have no sins to confess. My only sin is that my consciense has nothing to accuse me of anything. Some say that I'm certainly Strange...But I don't care about anyone's opinions if I'm up for the task, I don't care if I'm considered weak, a scoundrel. Some are afraid of me I've heard, but that's not exactly true...But it will be. Some claim that there are others running the entire show...In other words...Gossip *let's off a smile*. There are those who want me to resign the pontificate, as the Young are always more extreme than the Old. I'm always asking thi question...who's betraying me? My answer is simple...tell me right now or you'll see the ruin of the Church. Am I a terrible Pope, the most dangerous in modern times they keep asking? I tell them...I'm ready to wage war without end against you!...*takes deep breath* I know everything a powerful man needs to know with the people he works with...and I'm the most powerful man of all..."

After his most impressive presentation as to whom TYP truly is, he ended his small promenade, stood in front of the Empress below from where she sat and asked " in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; We shall know who Her Most Sublime and August Majesty, the Autarime Emperor is..."

Arda Tuluva:
The Empress also stood when Peter did to pray to his god; she lifted her arms up, palms facing towards her and quietly uttered her own prayer:

"Násië i Fëanturi tulyantë fëarya.
Násië i híras sérë, rainë, ar valin.
Ëas Valinórdessë, már as Valóra.
Menel laita i Lelyari."

(May the Fëanturi guide her soul.
May she find solace, peace and happiness.
She is in paradise, home with Sessifet.
Heaven bless the Lodjan people.)

Taking her seat once more the Empress' eyes followed the Pope as he traipsed the room. A peculiar man, she thought, as he began to ramble his myriad of titles. He spoke passionately and with purpose as he described himself and the obstacles he is facing from within his church. He was one who freely spoke his mind and did not hide behind mask, or was this the mask he hid behind? A conundrum, perhaps. The Pope did say he was a 'contradiction'. Either way, it was strange to the Empress how this man conducted himself before her, but, truth be told, she found it rather refreshing. Everyone in Arda Tuluva followed the proper procedure while in her presence. True, Peter was not an Arda Tuluvan and had not been properly briefed on official Imperial etiquette; therefore he acted as himself which was what the Empress wanted.


"We are the Autárimë Empress, Prosperous and With Enlightened Rule, the Daughter of Heaven, the Tranquil, the Ordainer of Heavenly Will, She Who Brings Order, the Authority of All, Empress and Supreme Autocrat of all Under Heaven, We are the beacon and the center, for rituals and regulations are what keep the world from spiraling towards chaos. It is Our sacred obligation to uphold the traditions and rituals of the Empire, lest We loose the Mandate of Heaven and succumb to calamity.” She stated some of her titles as well, he seemed to be a man who enjoyed his and would find impression of hearing some of hers. “We maintain the order and the stability of the Empire, for the Arda Tuluvan people look to the Throne for guidance, for wisdom, for protection."

She understood some of the opposition that Peter was facing with his pontificate; she too ascended the Phoenix Throne at a young age and has endeavored to bring reform to Imperial social policy, to make Arda Tuluva a contender on the world stage; much to the disapproval of the Empire's older, more conservative civil servants. 

“Three hundred years ago the Mandate of Heaven was bequeathed to Our ancestors who formed this Great Tercenë Dynasty. The Mandate has now passed to Us, for We are the Daughter of Heaven, commanded to govern and rule by Heaven's divine favor and blessing. It is akin to your own election to the Papacy, Your Holiness. Divinely inspired, ordained by your god.”

The Empress paused for a moment as the Pope took his seat once more, “It is a known truth that the Catholic Faith and i Voronwë do not work in conjunction well with one another. Empresses of this Holy Dynasty have issued Imperial Edicts against the Church; banning the faith, persecutions, proscriptions against missionaries, and eventually Edicts of acceptance and tolerance. Past pontificates have decreed Papal Bulls condemning and denouncing Arda Tuluva, prohibiting Arda Tuluvan Catholics from participating in Mindaricunan ancestral rites. Our ministers do enjoy illuminating Us on this history.”

“The past is a teacher, from history we learn. The present is a test, one we endeavor to pass. Our two societies have accomplished much when working in cohesion for a common goal. It is the modern age, and in this world we must put aside our differences and seek out, instead, the similarities between the Empire and the Holy See.; to descry our commonalities for the betterment of Albion. Of Mundus."

"Honor and glory." The Empress said standing, making a circular gesture with her right hand (the first and pinky fingers folded; while the thumb, middle, and ring fingers remained erect). With that the thick purple curtains were drawn closed.

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