The Stahl Ball

[Maelstrom Vortex]

[quote name='Domingo the Honored' timestamp='1314707538' post='2790963']
Grand Chancellor of the State Sergei Aleksandrov arrived a bit late, something he did not like to do. He had been busied with the handling of the incident between the United Socialist Republic of Siberia and the Magadan Oblast. With his leaving, any further developments in that incident would lie in the hands of his Cabinet. Sergei was happy to leave for a pleasant occasion away from the urgent conflict that awaited him after his last engagement. After his plane trip, he arrived in a car he himself drove, a white one befitting a normal civilian.

The man was comparatively young for a head of state, in only his mid-twenties. His jet black hair and youthful features, coupled with his nice suit and warm smile, made for an inviting presence. He seemed perfectly fit for a party, though he rarely if ever attended them. He first went to find the Empress and introduced himself. He thanked her for their newly signed treaty, and then went to take a look at the rest of the party and its guests.

He had no one to dance with and thus did not do so. He simply ordered a soft drink and went to sit for a little while at the table just next to the Angevin monarchs. He saw they seemed a bit uncomfortable, and felt bad. He didn't like to see people unhappy at a party, and so introduced himself and made some friendly conversation with them to lighten the mood.
[/quote]

Geoffrey and Christine smiled as Aleksandrov approached, "Hello, please have a seat." Geoffrey smiled. "If I recall from what I've read, you are Chancellor Aleksandrov? I am surprised you are not out on the dance floor like the others. I thought I would be the only one at a Ball gifted with two left feet or at the very least not wishing to dance." Geoffrey did not let on the truth was, they were not dancing because it would cause Christine quiet a bit of discomfort to be in among the crowd. Few realized the burden she bore being wed to a Head of State.

"So, how are things at home?" He thought that might be a warm way to begin the conversation.

Edited August 30, 2011 by Maelstrom Vortex

[Lestari]

[quote name='Californian' timestamp='1314721594' post='2791034']
[i]"Ms. et Violaine, it's a pleasure to meet you in person. Please, feel free to call me Kristjan."[/i]
[/quote]
et Violaine turned her head slightly at the sound of approaching footsteps, recognising President Kristjan Eyvindsson of the Greenland Republic as he addressed her. "The pleasure is entirely mine, Kristjan," she replied, standing to greet the President and holding out a hand to shake his. "And you in turn may feel free to call me Isabelle."

[I]"I do hope that our nations as well as ourselves can soon call each other allies,"[/I] Eyvindsson continued. [I]"And I must say, the Greenland people are quite enthused to see your nascent nation already hosting elections and enjoying your sovereignty."[/I]

"Indeed, I anticipate friendly relations between the Federation and Greenland in the near future," et Violaine replied with the merest of smiles pulling at the corners of her lips. "But shall we set aside politics today? I must confess that with all the work we have been doing to develop the Northern Federation into a full-fledged, developed nation, a day taking a break from that setting is most welcome."

[I]"Please forgive my manners, do tell me how are you enjoying yourself so far this evening?"[/I] Eyvindsson inquired.

"I am, quite enjoying myself. Budapest is a beautiful city, and this ball is a lovely affair. I hope the evening finds you well as well?"

[Triyun]

Jia went up to Theresia after the guests had cleared through and offered her a glass of a fantastical sweet deep amber colored wine. "If there is [i]one[/i] thing your people can do right its booze. Try this. You know, you always think of France as having the best wine in the world not Hungary, but this escenzia stuff is really the golden nectar of the gods. I'm going to have to get a super transport brought in..."

He noticed the fatigue on her face, "Well aren't you the popular one tonight? You doing ok?" he said with a reassuring smile on his face, not hiding his slight amusement at the mob.

"Personally I think fighting that giant robot of Kang's was more fun." he then joked clinging his glass against hers. "... Or at least the drugs afterwards."

"...So this is [i]my[/i] Waltz I suppose... you want to dance, I have been taking lessons!" he said proud of himself.

-------------------

Meanwhile Wei spotted Admiral Gao across the crowd. He walked over to the man, "Admiral it is good that you could join us here, have you had a chance to talk to the Imperator or Imperatrix yet?" he asked. "I trust preparations for the South Atlantic and Indian Squadrons are going on track? I would like to tell the Imperatrix soon of the planned visit to Morocco."

Xuehua for her part wondered the room, this was her first event outside of the UFE and she was very nervous about messing it up for either Jia or Theresia. She barely knew anyone, beyond the Hapsburgs, Chinese, and Athenians. She kept one eye warily on Moreau, she never really trusted his ilk since their last interaction...

Edited September 1, 2011 by Triyun

[Californian]

[quote name='Motorhead' timestamp='1314742807' post='2791241']
"I am, quite enjoying myself. Budapest is a beautiful city, and this ball is a lovely affair. I hope the evening finds you well as well?"
[/quote]

"Indeed, this event is more lively and entertaining than I imagined it would be." The President wasn't just being polite, it was true. He hadn't seen so many leaders of government and other prominent figures so close in proximity like this before and it truly was a sight to be seen. Isabelle was keen to socialize instead of discuss politics, and quite frankly Eyvindsson was as well, so he motioned for her to follow him. "Here, let me introduce you to some of my friends and other guests" as he walked with her over to the table where Aleksandrov and Geoffrey were chatting.

Kristjan had only met Sergei Aleksandrov briefly outside the palace before Theresia'a speech, but even from their small encounter Eyvindsson sensed he could trust the man. The Cyrantian representatives had seemed more similar to the Greenland delegation than most others present, if not for having to endure and thrive in the cold harsh environment of the Arctic. It shaped men and Eyvindsson was at ease when he interacted with the chancellor of Cyrantia.

"It's good to see you Mr. Aleksandrov, how has tonight treated you so far?" Eyvindsson stated as he bearhugged the man in true Greenland fashion. In a voice that only Sergei could hear, Kristjan whispered into his ear [i]Challenge Accepted[/i] before letting go and winking at the man. "Let me introduce you to Ms. et Violaine, Executive Director of the Northern Federation. Isabelle, this is Chancellor Aleksandrov of Cyrantia" He extended his hand to the man next to the Chancellor, whom he had not met before. "Greetings, I'm afraid I haven't met your acquaintance before, my name is Kristjan Eyvindsson and I am the President of Greenland. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"

[supercheese]

Message to the Austrian government

"It is with deep regret I will not be able to attend the ball with matter that requires me at the time. Thank you for the invite."
- Andrey Axsim, Magadan Oblast chancellor of foreign affairs

[Maelstrom Vortex]

Geoffrey watched as a few folks walked over to greet Aleksandrov. He said little, took a sip of his wine, watched... listened. He was content to wait for the affairs of others to be resolved. Christine smiled, gave his hand a small squeeze. Geoffrey had been faintly concerned with so many closing in about she may start getting nervous. But if she was, she was doing well enough at hiding it that he did not notice yet.

[Kankou]

With Himmler busy with the guest of honor, the other Grand Papuans silently slipped off, splitting up to see if they might get friendly with some of the other guests.

[Malatose]

Stahl chuckled, "You people have an interesting sense of humor, but that is besides the point. Perhaps you are so insecure about yourself that you're trying to be someone that you're not?"

Stahl rubbed his chin, "You are a disgrace to Europe and a disgrace to the Asian race. If I were the Empress, I would have invited a band of monkeys in your place. At least monkeys display common sense. I'd watch myself if I were you. Wouldn't want a random warhead to land in your capital."

As Stahl walked away laughing, he ran into Foreign Minister Tarazed. He bowed his head in total respect and began to speak.

"Minister Tarazed, it is an honor to meet you. I do hope this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship. In regards to your current economic situation, we would be willing to help. As you know, we are currently embarking on a massive construction project to build three new cities into every Imperial Province. As always, we are in need of skilled workers and laborers. Perhaps, you could help us there. We'd be willing to sign contracts of considerable sums, with your various technological and contracting companies, to help construct these cities. Your workers will receive generous salaries and benefits. Either way, your country would see a tremendous economic boost from such a contract."

[Kankou]

"Or perhaps being the Regent of a nation that needs allies for it to be of any influence in the world makes one self-important, don't you think?" Watching the short Regent move away, Himmler chuckled and whispered to himself, inaudible to all others. "Until the true Übermensch rises, we might as well allow those weak mongrels to be full of themselves."

[KaiserMelech Mikhail]

"Shoot, he's moving," Mikhail thought. As Jia moved towards the Empress, Mikhail would stay four steps behind him at all times. "Where to stand, where to stand," he pondered as he tried to maintain the four step radius around Jia and the Empress. The drink table provided an excellent new staging ground as Mikhail grabbed a glass of wine and began drinking it slowly. He was behind Jia, facing the Empress, to whom he gave a small smile and a friendly wink, and raised his glass a bit as to say, "I think you did a wonderful job in your diplomacy and reasoning with Dalmatia."

Edited August 31, 2011 by KaiserMelech Mikhail

[Kaiser Martens]

[quote]After speaking with various guests, the Emperor approached the German visitors. "Guten Tag, herr Glasserman. I believe I did not have the pleasure of meeting you before. How is grand old Germany doing in these recent rough times? I trust everything is stable, and prospering?" said the Emperor as he took a sip from his glass filled with Austrian wine.[/quote]

"Well we must admit that we were concerned about [i]your[/i] country, not our own, for some time. But contrary to what we feared, the Dalmatians haven't wiped you out from the maps, so that is a piece of good news for us. We're doing well enough as is, but we'd rather keep a low profile for the time being, if you know what I mean, which you do. We've been in the spotlight for too long. No light, no shine, no attention...just our own development." He raises his glass briefly and then sips.

[Domingo the Honored]

[quote name='Maelstrom Vortex' timestamp='1314741438' post='2791234']
Geoffrey and Christine smiled as Aleksandrov approached, "Hello, please have a seat." Geoffrey smiled. "If I recall from what I've read, you are Chancellor Aleksandrov? I am surprised you are not out on the dance floor like the others. I thought I would be the only one at a Ball gifted with two left feet or at the very least not wishing to dance." Geoffrey did not let on the truth was, they were not dancing because it would cause Christine quiet a bit of discomfort to be in among the crowd. Few realized the burden she bore being wed to a Head of State.

"So, how are things at home?" He thought that might be a warm way to begin the conversation.
[/quote]

"[i]I am he, but please, call me Sergei. No need for titles and formalities here, at least in my opinion. Ah, you see, I've not been lucky enough to have a companion accompanying me to this wonderful ball tonight.[/i]"

He shook King Geoffrey's hand and then smiled at the Queen of the Angevins. She was a nervous looking lady, one of beauty and status but discomfort. It troubled Sergei to see a woman as regal as her so uncomfortable at such a pleasant affair. He hoped he might make the evening a nicer one for her.

"[i]Cyrantian life has been busy lately, at least for myself. We've recently been sold a fair portion of land by the United Federation of the East, which my government and I toured through. Our neighbors to the north have also been hostile towards each other as of late, but we feel the situation is now in hand. Thus I have been allowed to attend the fine ball this evening. Tell me, how are affairs in the Angevin Kingdom?[/i]"

[quote name='Californian' timestamp='1314747445' post='2791275']
"Indeed, this event is more lively and entertaining than I imagined it would be." The President wasn't just being polite, it was true. He hadn't seen so many leaders of government and other prominent figures so close in proximity like this before and it truly was a sight to be seen. Isabelle was keen to socialize instead of discuss politics, and quite frankly Eyvindsson was as well, so he motioned for her to follow him. "Here, let me introduce you to some of my friends and other guests" as he walked with her over to the table where Aleksandrov and Geoffrey were chatting.

Kristjan had only met Sergei Aleksandrov briefly outside the palace before Theresia'a speech, but even from their small encounter Eyvindsson sensed he could trust the man. The Cyrantian representatives had seemed more similar to the Greenland delegation than most others present, if not for having to endure and thrive in the cold harsh environment of the Arctic. It shaped men and Eyvindsson was at ease when he interacted with the chancellor of Cyrantia.

"It's good to see you Mr. Aleksandrov, how has tonight treated you so far?" Eyvindsson stated as he bearhugged the man in true Greenland fashion. In a voice that only Sergei could hear, Kristjan whispered into his ear [i]Challenge Accepted[/i] before letting go and winking at the man. "Let me introduce you to Ms. et Violaine, Executive Director of the Northern Federation. Isabelle, this is Chancellor Aleksandrov of Cyrantia" He extended his hand to the man next to the Chancellor, whom he had not met before. "Greetings, I'm afraid I haven't met your acquaintance before, my name is Kristjan Eyvindsson and I am the President of Greenland. It's a pleasure to meet you."
[/quote]

Sergei saw Kristjan and the woman following him approaching as he finished his sentence to the monarchs. He had met the man before the event, and had been aware of his existence because his country was in the Confederation of Arctic Nations. Sergei knew that Cyrantia technically qualified for membership in the Confederation but had not inquired about it. The woman accompanying him was someone who Sergei found unfamiliar, but she was quite attractive - that much was sure.

"[i]Pleasant to see you as well, Mr. Eyvindsson. The evening has been rather uneventful, except for my making acquaintance with various attendees.[/i]"

He received the hug from the President with ease, as quite a few men from Sergei's corner of the world had the same habit. He heard the two words in his ear and thought he had perhaps imagined them before he saw the wink from Kristjan. There were plenty of women at the party, and the fact that this man had brought his personal preference over to compete was a bit odd. He chuckled very slightly under his breath. He wasn't sure if he wanted to be playing this game with Kristjan, as he had eyes for some of the female Austrian aristocrats in attendance. Still, he took the woman's hand and kissed it softly.

"[i]Hello, Miss et Voilane. It is a pleasure to meet you, and please, call me Sergei. How are you this evening, and how are things in the Northern Federation? I've heard your nation's birth has been very recent.[/i]"

Edited August 31, 2011 by Domingo the Honored

[Maelstrom Vortex]

Geoffrey chuckled faintly to Sergei's question, "Fairly quiet. Couple of new neighbors. One for whom I am fond.. One I'm wondering why they are so far away from home, but otherwise uneventful. Just the perpetual chores of growth and making people happy; the latter being the hardest to achieve of course. Was kind of hoping for a united France, but the Burgunds wanted their own King. But well, it is what the people want and that is truly what matters. I'm hoping to work with Fitzroy V and maybe finally getting things in West Europe to settle some." He smiled. "Wouldn't that be a nice change?"

Christine sighed, she hated politics. She didn't really have much to say about any of their affairs. She took out a small sketch book and doodled a few animated designs of some falcons and smaller animals. Geoffrey's gaze would shift away a little, to watch her. Her talents always amazed him.

Edited August 31, 2011 by Maelstrom Vortex

[Justinian the Mighty]

Justinian had second thoughts about attending a ball so soon after his wife had died. It had only been a month since she was buried and he did not feel like celebrating. His friends and advisors convinced him to get out of the country for a few days and enjoy himself, but changed his mind a couple times before finally boarding the plane, accompanied by the Foreign Minister and his wife, as well as his German tutor. Although his indecision caused them to be late, they finally arrived without missing much of the festivities.

They arrived inconspicuously, with a painting commemorating one of the first embassies between the Habsburg Monarchy and the Tsars of Muscovy.

[Maelstrom Vortex]

Christine looked up and saw Justinian come in. She stood and walked over to him after opening the large purse she carried with her. "Emperor Justinian, I drew this in honor of your late wife. I thought you may appreciate it." She handed to him a very carefully and elegantly drawn image of the horse and rider from his heraldry with the rider lifting his arm to give a pristine and beautifully detailed, crowned white double headed eagle a lift into the heavens as if to set it free or to return it to its creator. Instead of Peter the Great sitting upon the horse, however, there was Emperor Justinian. The image was in only a light frame, but was on very high quality paper, the image itself was done mostly in oils.

Geoffrey was caught off guard by her sudden motion, but watched his angel cross the floor to Justinian.. unawares as to her intent.

Edited September 5, 2011 by Maelstrom Vortex

[Lestari]

[I]"Indeed, this event is more lively and entertaining than I imagined it would be,"[/I] President Eyvindsson replied, glancing around the room briefly before motioning for et Violaine to follow him. [I]"Here, let me introduce you to some of my friends and other guests."[/I] Isabelle nodded and followed Eyvindsson, as the two premiers made their way towards a small entourage, which et Violaine recognised to be the leadership of the Chancellery of Cyrantia. She followed Eyvindsson's lead as he approached the Cyrantians, greeting the Chancellor at the helm of the group with a few words and a friendly hug before turning to introduce her to the Chancellor.

[I]"Let me introduce you to Ms. et Violaine, Executive Director of the Northern Federation. Isabelle, this is Chancellor Aleksandrov of Cyrantia."[/I] Isabelle prepared to hold out her hand to shake the hand of Chancellor Aleksandrov, but she was instead taken slightly by surprise as Aleksandrov lightly kissed her hand. [I]"Hello, Miss et Voilane. It is a pleasure to meet you, and please, call me Sergei,"[/I] he said. [I]"How are you this evening, and how are things in the Northern Federation? I've heard your nation's birth has been very recent."[/I]

"And a pleasure to meet you, Sergei. Feel free to call me Isabelle as well. And yes, the Northern Federation is very new to the international stage. The past few months have been quite hectic getting the new-born nation in order and on track. And yourself, Chancellor Aleksandrov? I hope all is well in the Chancellery?"

[Amyante]

- "Perhaps i shall test your words then, and visit Vienna before i return."

She considered asking about the wars the Count had waged against the then-Ottoman Empire, but Theresia had to excuse herself. It was perfectly understandable, she could remember some of the parties she had had in Zargathia quite well, and the temperature in the room tended to rise tenfold when one was occupied with conversing with several international guests in a row. There was simply so much to keep in mind. With a nod, she backed away again, aiming to make Theresia feel more at ease by not appearing to be waiting for her return. There were ties to be maintained after all.

She was interrupted by the approach of a young aristocrat, inviting her for a dance. She smirked at that, wondering if he knew how old she was, but blessed with having kept her young looks she figured she might as well make the most out of what she still had. Her hair had been losing some of its color of late, but the hairdresser had turned it into a nice shade of platinum blond that made it look as natural as if she had been born with it. A quick look across the room told her that Larissa was talking to one of the other guests, knowing her likely in their native language too, and Rebecca... she didn't really see her. Oh well, she'd show up sooner or later, this wasn't an official state visit after all.

-----

Rebecca would be approaching the delegation from Grand Papua. She didn't really know much about them and as it was her job as Royal Secretary to know of such things, she figured this would be as good an opportunity as any to find out. Not really familiar with titles and lacking any real information about Grand Papua other than perhaps one of the mixed demographics of any country in the world she knew of, decided to just address the group as a whole. Given the nature of the meeting chances were great that the leader or at least a high ranking diplomat was amongst them, who could answer some of the questions she had. The problem was however that she had no idea who that might be.

- "Good evening. If i had some questions about the Grand Papuan government, whom would i need to speak to?"

Edited August 31, 2011 by Amyante

[king of cochin]

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1314740768' post='2791222']
Furthermore, in the center of the room, another romance was beginning to shape up as Margareta Salis, the dashing aristocrat who the Cochin general had wrapped in his hands. Though it would be more appropriate to say that it was Margareta who had taken Varma into her arms and body. She was taller than him, seemed more muscular in her dress and much more fluid with her movements as they moved onto the dance floor.

[i]"Hello there dear. I hope you are having a good time?"[/i] Said the general as she took his hand.

"My dear General, we haven't even begun. It is only nine o'clock and I can assure you that if you're with me, this good time won't be ending for another eight hours or so." She said and they lost themselves in the musical wilderness.
[/quote]

Speechless and shell shocked, the old General had no recourse other than to follow the lead of the gregarious and boisterous young woman who drew them both into a whirlwind of music and dance.

[Domingo the Honored]

[quote name='Maelstrom Vortex' timestamp='1314754386' post='2791338']
Geoffrey chuckled faintly to Sergei's question, "Fairly quiet. Couple of new neighbors. One for whom I am fond.. One I'm wondering why they are so far away from home, but otherwise uneventful. Just the perpetual chores of growth and making people happy; the latter being the hardest to achieve of course. Was kind of hoping for a united France, but the Burgunds wanted their own King. But well, it is what the people want and that is truly what matters. I'm hoping to work with Fitzroy V and maybe finally getting things in West Europe to settle some." He smiled. "Wouldn't that be a nice change?"

Christine sighed, she hated politics. She didn't really have much to say about any of their affairs. She took out a small sketch book and doodled a few animated designs of some falcons and smaller animals. Geoffrey's gaze would shift away a little, to watch her. Her talents always amazed him.
[/quote]

"[i]It would be. The troubled times of Western Europe have not been of the greatest interest to us, but we do not want suffering and war in the world. Peace is beneficial for all, to have the region settle down could only do good.[/i]"

Sergei saw the Queen draw her sketch pad and watched her as well, with silence spreading over the small group for a moment. The drawings were quite good for such quick work, and Sergei would've complimented them, had she not gotten up to leave so abruptly. He looked back to King Geoffrey.

"[i]Your wife is a very talented lady. I get the feeling she's not a fan of me, this party, or both, though![/i]"

[quote name='Motorhead' timestamp='1314756497' post='2791353']
[I]"Indeed, this event is more lively and entertaining than I imagined it would be,"[/I] President Eyvindsson replied, glancing around the room briefly before motioning for et Violaine to follow him. [I]"Here, let me introduce you to some of my friends and other guests."[/I] Isabelle nodded and followed Eyvindsson, as the two premiers made their way towards a small entourage, which et Violaine recognised to be the leadership of the Chancellery of Cyrantia. She followed Eyvindsson's lead as he approached the Cyrantians, greeting the Chancellor at the helm of the group with a few words and a friendly hug before turning to introduce her to the Chancellor.

[I]"Let me introduce you to Ms. et Violaine, Executive Director of the Northern Federation. Isabelle, this is Chancellor Aleksandrov of Cyrantia."[/I] Isabelle prepared to hold out her hand to shake the hand of Chancellor Aleksandrov, but she was instead taken slightly by surprise as Aleksandrov lightly kissed her hand. [I]"Hello, Miss et Voilane. It is a pleasure to meet you, and please, call me Sergei,"[/I] he said. [I]"How are you this evening, and how are things in the Northern Federation? I've heard your nation's birth has been very recent."[/I]

"And a pleasure to meet you, Sergei. Feel free to call me Isabelle as well. And yes, the Northern Federation is very new to the international stage. The past few months have been quite hectic getting the new-born nation in order and on track. And yourself, Chancellor Aleksandrov? I hope all is well in the Chancellery?"
[/quote]

Sergei felt a bit embarrassed at his boldness. Holding himself back from his impulses was something he had to do as the leader of a nation, and yet he had just betrayed himself at something as simple as a party. Still, it was done, so he smiled and listened.

"[i]Well, I'm glad you've found time between getting your nation off the ground to attend this ball, Isabelle. The Chancellery has been hectic as well; conflict to the north has kept us busy, as well as a recent land acquisition. It's been a while since we were in your situation, but I wish you luck. I do remember the difficulties it can present to be new.[/i]"

Edited August 31, 2011 by Domingo the Honored

[Lestari]

[quote name='Domingo the Honored' timestamp='1314786611' post='2791549']
"[i]Well, I'm glad you've found time between getting your nation off the ground to attend this ball, Isabelle. The Chancellery has been hectic as well; conflict to the north has kept us busy, as well as a recent land acquisition.[/i]"
[/quote]
"Ah--yes, the situation between the USRS and the Magadan Oblast," et Violaine nodded. "Though my understanding of the full situation is rather vague. One can only hope it will be resolved quickly and peacefully for all involved."

[I]It's been a while since we were in your situation, but I wish you luck,"[/I] Aleksandrov continued. [I]"I do remember the difficulties it can present to be new."[/I]

"Thank you. It has proven a challenge to help in facilitating the rise of our nation, but we have all worked hard, the government and the people, to build a nation we can all take pride in."

[Maelstrom Vortex]

[quote name='Domingo the Honored' timestamp='1314786611' post='2791549']
"[i]It would be. The troubled times of Western Europe have not been of the greatest interest to us, but we do not want suffering and war in the world. Peace is beneficial for all, to have the region settle down could only do good.[/i]"

Sergei saw the Queen draw her sketch pad and watched her as well, with silence spreading over the small group for a moment. The drawings were quite good for such quick work, and Sergei would've complimented them, had she not gotten up to leave so abruptly. He looked back to King Geoffrey.

"[i]Your wife is a very talented lady. I get the feeling she's not a fan of me, this party, or both, though![/i]"



Sergei felt a bit embarrassed at his boldness. Holding himself back from his impulses was something he had to do as the leader of a nation, and yet he had just betrayed himself at something as simple as a party. Still, it was done, so he smiled and listened.

"[i]Well, I'm glad you've found time between getting your nation off the ground to attend this ball, Isabelle. The Chancellery has been hectic as well; conflict to the north has kept us busy, as well as a recent land acquisition. It's been a while since we were in your situation, but I wish you luck. I do remember the difficulties it can present to be new.[/i]"
[/quote]

He looked back to Sergei from his wife's sudden departure. "It's not you Sergei. She doesn't like crowds in general. Yet she wed a statesman who must almost always be somewhat near them. It's not bad when she's elevated above or out of them, but when she's amidst them it's a little troublesome. I just wonder what she is giving the Russian Emperor. She does all these little pet projects based on her inspirations and does not tell me about them all."

Edited August 31, 2011 by Maelstrom Vortex

[JEDCJT]

President J Thomas Christopher sighed softly to himself as he watched the other foreign dignitaries swarm around the Austrian-Hungarian Empress Theresia. The ball wasn't half-bad...so far. Being a somewhat reserved person himself, Christopher tended to have an aversion to social gatherings; whenever he did go, he tended to keep to the shadows, in the background. Heck, although he was the head of state of the Corporate Republic, he tended to work in the background, delegating the public attention to Administrator Bianchi.

Still, he went, because he wanted to meet the Austrian-Hungarian Empress and her delegation, and to give them his regards, but given the current situation, he would have to wait. Scanning the crowd, holding a glass in his hand, Christopher silently wandered around the floor, noticing the Greenlandic, Cochin, Cajun, UFE, and Pravus Ingruoian leaders, among many others.

He chuckled softly to himself. So far nobody noticed him, and he'd bet that a few in the world had heard of him. This was what he expected, but he wasn't going to break his character and try to get attention. Sidling over to a long table full of refreshment and food, the President grabbed a plate and pored over the table, trying to decide what to eat.

[Padraig Rua]

[quote name='Kaiser Martens' timestamp='1314753093' post='2791324']
"Well we must admit that we were concerned about [i]your[/i] country, not our own, for some time. But contrary to what we feared, the Dalmatians haven't wiped you out from the maps, so that is a piece of good news for us. We're doing well enough as is, but we'd rather keep a low profile for the time being, if you know what I mean, which you do. We've been in the spotlight for too long. No light, no shine, no attention...just our own development." He raises his glass briefly and then sips.
[/quote]
[i]"Well that is very pleasing to hear. Usually, to us, peace and prosperity in neighboring nations means economic stability and no hindrance of cultural development which is caused by war and instability. I hope that good relations will continue between Germany and Bohemia. But not to a degree that Dalmatia must invade.....again."[/i] chuckled the Emperor as he took another sip of his drink.

[Yawoo]

Admiral Gao bowed his head in a respectful greeting to Wei before speaking. "Preparations for the South Atlantic and Indian squadrons continue on schedule. Unfortunately, my staff encountered a small glitch in the reactors on one of the command ships which kept me from being able to attend the ball earlier. I made the computer technicians run extra diagnostics to ensure similar glitches could be found and isolated. Though I haven't had the chance to speak with either the Imperator or Imperatrix yet I will assure them that all fleets will sail on schedule including to Morocco. Small technical difficulties will not impair the U.F.E.'s Navy from fulfilling her duty."

[Domingo the Honored]

[quote name='Motorhead' timestamp='1314801108' post='2791606']
"Ah--yes, the situation between the USRS and the Magadan Oblast," et Violaine nodded. "Though my understanding of the full situation is rather vague. One can only hope it will be resolved quickly and peacefully for all involved."

[I]It's been a while since we were in your situation, but I wish you luck,"[/I] Aleksandrov continued. [I]"I do remember the difficulties it can present to be new."[/I]

"Thank you. It has proven a challenge to help in facilitating the rise of our nation, but we have all worked hard, the government and the people, to build a nation we can all take pride in."
[/quote]

Sergei raised his half-full glass of Coca-Cola in the air, smiling and chuckling. "[i]To the success of the Northern Federation![/i]" he said, taking a drink. He put the glass back down on the table and turned towards King Geoffrey.

[quote name='Maelstrom Vortex' timestamp='1314811275' post='2791668']
He looked back to Sergei from his wife's sudden departure. "It's not you Sergei. She doesn't like crowds in general. Yet she wed a statesman who must almost always be somewhat near them. It's not bad when she's elevated above or out of them, but when she's amidst them it's a little troublesome. I just wonder what she is giving the Russian Emperor. She does all these little pet projects based on her inspirations and does not tell me about them all."
[/quote]

"[i]Well, we all are a bit misinformed at the moment with her activities. Let's hope she's in a more open mood when she returns. If we're fortunate, we might catch a glimpse at her latest project.[/i]"