Franco-Russian Relations

[Justinian the Mighty]

ooc: this takes place after the [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=87085"]Meeting at Reval[/url].

ic: It had been a few weeks since the end of the Paulist uprising. Justinian popularity at home was higher than ever before. His advisors were pressuring him to use his popularity to strengthen ties to old allies and create new ties with new ones. It just so happened that the Empress of France, Therese I, had written a letter to the Prime Minister in hopes of establishing some kind of relationship between their two countries. It was done then, The Tsar’s trip was set. North Germany and France would be the first leg of what his advisors hoped would become the Emperor’s global diplomatic mission.

After his visit to North Germany and having a fruitful discussion with Chancellor Martens Justinian’s plane arrives in France. Premier Medvedev it seemed had only just arrived himself. Neither seemed to believe in traveling lightly, each had brought with them their own personal parade of aides, advisors and even members of the Slavorussian Imperial Court. Everyone wanted to experience a bit of real French culture.

They arrived at Versailles without delay. The delegation made their way across the courtyard with Justinian at the head. He marches quickly as if he were trying to escape the eccentric crowd that had followed him to France. His boots tapped the ground and the medals on his uniform clanked together as he walked. As he walked he wondered what the Empress would be like, if they had similar goals and if they could align their nations to achieve those goals. Whatever the outcome this historic meeting between the east and west was a huge step forward in European diplomacy and he hoped it would go well.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Upon the arrival of the Russian delegation in Versailles, the Foreign Minister, Charles Talles walked out of main entrance corridors to the palace gardens to receive the Russians. The French aristocrats gathered throughout the courtyard looked on with a great deal of curiosity at the foreigners, for Russia had not had any real alliance, at least in their minds, this far west in a long time. It was amazing that both they and the North Germans could come to terms and so it was on everyone's mind what was to come from the Tsar's discussions with the Empress. As the Russians neared the front staircase, Talles bowed and smiled looking up at the Tsar. "Your Excellency, it is an absolute pleasure to have you here in Versailles today. Her Majesty is in her study at the moment and would rather speak with you personally instead of the entire entourage. Of course your court is more than welcome to take in the air of the palace. You have all been prepared rooms, but Your Highness, if you would follow me I will introduce you to Empress Therese."

He turned on his heels and moved slowly through the palace, Talles was old and his movements were stringy and rigid as his shoes clicked on the marble floor. They passed by gilded windows letting in beautiful yellow light, busts of European leaders of ages past, indeed included within were both Peter and Catherine the Great of Russia. The entire palace seemed to sparkle a gold and silver as they ventured up marble staircases to the upper corridors and to a pair of thick mahogany doors just slightly ajar. He pushed the door a bit further and led Justinian into a large study. The bookshelves ran across all corners and walls of the room, filled with books from top to bottom. A dying fire filled the hearth giving off a small amount of warmth, while the window curtains were drawn up and light was shining in. Therese sat in a large leather chair, her blonde hair hug low over her back as she stood up and closed the book in her hand. Her left eye met Justinian's, while the edge of her eye patch was revealed from her cascading hair on the other side of her face. Therese's gaze was stern yet caring, a dominating figure however she was perceived, wearing a military uniform of a long frock coat with epaulets on her shoulders, tight pants and black boots.

"Justinian." She smiled and clasped his hands in her own. "It is a pleasure, to finally make your acquaintance and so soon after your civil war. I have tried to keep up with those events as much as possible and my congratulations on the victory over the traitors. Please..." She pointed to another chair. "Sit, we must talk, Charles you are dismissed and remind the servants to bring up two cups of tea for myself and the Tsar."

"Of course Highness." Talles said as he bowed and left the room and Therese turned back to her guest.

"So, Justinian, before I begin, I must ask you a few things first. Most people do not view France as an ally they would like to place themselves in the same boat with given our imperial pushes in the recent months and I will not lie to you that this is only the surface of what I would hope for France to achieve. Therefore, more than anything at at all, I would dream of seeing Russia and France standing side by side as we had done years back and at the pinnacle of two great empires. Slavorussia has been embarrassed in the past, as was France, but in this day and age there is time and we have the opportunity to reclaim our strength and power. I just only hope that Russia is looking for more in what they can transform the world with rather then just another treaty to sign and put in a drawer."

She smiled and leaned back. "Anyone can write their name on a piece of paper Justinian, few can make that paper mean something other than ink on a page. If you get what I mean."

[Justinian the Mighty]

Justinian took note of the palace as he walked through it. It was magnificent that much was given, but he joked with Dmitry about comparing it to Peterhof, his summer home. Inspite of the humor the palace was very pleasing to the eyes. He finally came to meet his hostess. she wasn’t entirely like what he had expected she would be. It was the uniform that threw him off he thought, he’s rarely ever seen a woman wearing a frock coat. All the same she was nice and very polite, forward, but still polite.

“Please Madame, the pleasure is all mine.” Justinian says in prefect French. He sits down and listens to the Empress. He smiles slightly, they both seem to be on the same wavelength.

“far be it from me to decry you nor France for having territorial ambitions. Imperialism has become a dirty word whispered to children to keep them behaved. The Lord knows I‘m not content with Russia as it is, fractured and strangled by socialism. Though I believe in the right of the people to rule themselves I find the institution of monarchy is best suited to maintaining moral values of the people. Politicians are not suited for this, because in the very act of being a politician negates the ideal of morality.”

Justinian rises from the chair for a moment and calls for his attendant whom he had left outside the door. A young man enters with a royal blue Faberge egg, decorated with gold, diamonds, rubies and emeralds. He sets it down in front of the Empress.

[img]http://www.therussianshop.com/russhop/eggs/1bluefleura.jpg[/img]

“I‘d nearly forgotten my manners,” Justinian continues, “It is customary to present a gift to one‘s hostess upon arrival.”

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Therese gasped at the egg as it was presented to her and taking it in her hands she trembled. "Oh Justinian, this is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you, very, very much." She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "I will keep it on my nightstand, something as beautiful as this deserves to be seen as often as possible." Calling in a guard, Therese gave the egg to him to be taken to her bedroom as she turned back to the Tsar and straightened herself.

"As to what we were saying however Justinian, I believe you are right. Imperialism is something that cannot be hidden in the world, every nation does it whether through threats, expansion, or various other means of power display. Russia is and should always been one of the most fearful powers of Europe. You beat the Germans in previous wars and dare I say, Napoleon the Great as well." Therese smiled. "It is in my interests to make sure that Russia becomes that kind of power and therefore Justinian, anything, anything at all that France can do for the strengthening of the Russian state, you need only to ask. It is Monarchy that has always proven a strong form of government for our peoples and I know you can restore Slavorussia to its old form. A grand state that Peter and Catherine would be proud of."

"Tell me." She rested her head on her hand. "What is your opinion with France currently and the rest of Europe as a whole?"

[Justinian the Mighty]

Justinian was glad that she liked the gift. He always said it was nearly impossible to find a gift for someone who could have anything they wanted. She liked it though, and that was good. When the Empress kisses him he blushes. He tries to hide his reaction but fails to, until he looks up at his attendant still standing there.

“Ahem. Thank you, that will be all--but I‘ll call for you if I need you.” he says sitting back upright in the chair. “As to your question, France is a cultural hub and a resurging military power in Europe. Although it‘s too early to call one should expect great thing to continue to come from France. In addition my personal view on the rest of Europe is improving, especially toward the North Germans. As a Christian I didn’t view their paganistic values very highly I‘m ashamed to say. Things are changing, but Europe is still a volatile place. It is crucial for model nations like ours to set the standard for all other Europeans.”

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Therese chuckled. "Indeed, if Europe is to accept the Imperialist Doctrine that we have set for us. But I think that kind of competition is healthy. Likewise, our relations with North Germany is strong, same with the South Germans. I think that most of Western Europe can say they are finally united to a common goal. Which as far as I am concerned is peace, albeit, Iberia will know peace much better once there is no more division."

She shifted and tilted her head. "With that in mind Your Highness, what would you deem appropriate as an alliance with the Empire?"

[Justinian the Mighty]

Justinian sits silent for a moment to weigh the pros and cons in his mind. Parliament was in a frenzy to reinsert Slavorussian in European and global affairs, On the other hand it might not be a wise idea to jump head first into treaties so soon after the war. In the end he chose to relay the former, “Simply put, I definitely think some form of an alliance with France is a real possibility. What kind depends on our mutual goals, and I think the mutual preservation of our two governments and related institutions from agitators and foreign invaders is paramount.” he replied.

Edited June 9, 2010 by Justinian the Mighty

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Of course." Therese stood up for a moment walking over to the desk on the far side of the room. Taking out a piece of parchment and after taking a few pen strokes to it walked back over towards Justinian and presented the treaty to him. "A Pact of Mutual Defense Your Highness, would you find this acceptable?"

[quote]
Article I: Recognition
Both signatories recognize the Sovereignty of the each other. Under this Agreement, both signatory nations shall not invade, claim, or otherwise compromise the each other’s Sovereignty.

Article II: Mutual Defense
Under this agreement, both signatories are to come to the each other’s aid in event of a defensive war. As such, an act of aggression and/or war on one signatory nation is, thus, an act of aggression and/or war on the other, and shall be dealt with appropriately.

Article III: Intelligence
If any of both signatory nations receive information of any kind that is crucial or otherwise important to the well-beings of both signatory nations, they are expected to share the said information with the each other.

Article IV: Economics and Trade
Both signatories agree to lower or abolish tariffs between trade with each other. In the wake of war, internal issues or deficit, both signatories agree to help in the rebuilding of their country.

Article V: Cancellation
Upon wishing to cancel this agreement, the signatory must give seventy two hours notice. Cancellation is prohibited in times of war.

Signed for the Empire of France,

Therese Zelle,
Empress of France

Charles Talles,
Foreign Minister
[/quote]

[Justinian the Mighty]

Justinian read the paper once then checked it again. “Everything seems in order.” he says while he reaches for a pen to sign the paper. After he affixes his signature he has his attendant find Prime Minister Medvedev so that he can sign it too. When he arrives Dmitry signs as well.

Signed for Slavorussia,
Justinian Mikhailovich Romanov, Emperor of Slavorussia
Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev, Prime Minister

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Many thanks Your Highness." Therese said folding up the treaty. "I appreciate everything that was done here today and I hope that you got as much as I did our of this visit. Of course I'm welcomed to further discussion as well if anything is on your mind, but I don't want to hold you up either. I'm sure that you're quite the busy man." She rose to her feet and took his hands. "It was a pleasure though to finally meet a ruler of your caliber and strength. I wish the best for Russia. Always."

[Justinian the Mighty]

“Actually Madame, I--uh,” Justinian hesitates for a moment. He glances at the treaty then to Therese. “I‘m in town for a few days, and since this is my first visit to France since my childhood I was curious, would you happen to know of any good places for my delegation and I to visit? I‘ll admit they can be a rambunctious group but they did travel all this way for a taste of authentic French culture.”

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Oh, well of course Your Highness, though if we're off the prying eye of formalities, please, call me Therese and I would be happy to call you Justinian." She stood up from the chair and walked over to the window of the room over looking the gardens below. "Though I have to say, I've never really lead a tour of the country and a whole delegation, why, I wouldn't know where to start?" She chuckled and looked back at the Tsar. "Nevertheless, if it is the good nature of furthering French and Russian relations and a friendship between yourself and I Justinian, consider me your eyes and ears to the French people and nation. I would just need to know where precisely you are interested in seeing, how many will be coming with us and how much of the country do you want to see." Therese chuckled. "I need to know if I should pack my wardrobe."

"But it is up to you Justinian, France awaits."

She looked at him slyly, the hesitation in his voice and the sheer fact that he wanted to stay in her company immediately told a few things to the Empress about this Russian Tsar. Therese walked over to him and smiled, fully covering her eye patch with her strands of air, trying to place all notice of fierceness aside, the more feminine the better at this point. And took Justinian's hand as she helped him off the chair. "I'm very glad that you decided to stay a while longer, we can do a lot in a few days. I think I will pack my wardrobe, we'll go on a grand tour and the aristocrats can converse with each other. While I get to know you better as well. Europe will thank us in the end." She linked his arm to her own and began to lead him out to the corridors of the palace awaiting his answer.

[Justinian the Mighty]

“Thank you Mada--Therese. It happens so rarely that I find myself in the position to address foreign leaders by their names. The form and ceremony are so deeply entrenched in my mind that sometimes I even address my own family members by their titles.” he chuckles and fiddles with one of his medals. “As I understand my delegation wishes to see and experience everything.”

Justinian rises from the chair and brushes out the wrinkles in his uniform. He catches a brief glimpse of her eye patch, something he hadn’t caught before. He wondered to himself how she could have acquired such a defining accessory and how it must affect her life. She seemed like a kind person, what kind of enemies scar a young woman’s face in such a horrifying way? He smiles sheepishly in response to her own smile. “Of course we should begin in Paris. Then perhaps a wine region or two? ”

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Therese guided Justinian down through Versailles, light conversation along the way as she held close to him, under his arm. They broke free of the palace out to the sunlit courtyards where the various Imperial Courts of both Russia and France were gathered, though it didn't take long after both the Empress and the Tsar made way to their private car, that the aristocrats would follow in turn. It was to be a day of merriment and excess, as only the French knew how to do. The town car, wasn't really even a town car, much to Justinian's would-be amazement, it was a carriage, with a driver dressed in the garb of the Enlightenment with four white horses to drive. A footman opened the door for Therese and the Tsar to enter and once inside, along with a iced Champagne, a few pastries, and a ting of their glasses, the two rulers were riding gently down the gravel roads of Versailles out towards the Parisian metropolis that lay in the distance.

As the carriage gently limbered on, Therese relaxed, looking out the window at the passing scenery. "We should be in Paris within the hour Justinian and I can assure you, you and your court are in for a lovely time. I'm very glad actually that you were able to come in the first place. I don't have many friends on your side of Europe, personally or politically, most of the gentlemen I talk to are unfortunately on the other side of the Atlantic or far off in Australia. But you Russians are some of the most pleasant company a woman could grace herself with. But tell me, personally, how are things in Russia, I would like to go their myself one day. Catherine the Great has always been one of my idols."

[Justinian the Mighty]

Justinian chuckles to himself “There are traitors everywhere, and backstabbing has become an acceptable political tool.” He remarks with unrestrained disgust. “Moscow’s influence over the east peaked and plummeted with Soviet Union. The only thing that remains is a collection of balkanized states slowly dying under the weight of their own legacies. I suspect that your idol is spinning in her crypt as we speak.”

Justinian’s attention wandered from one object to another as the carriage moved slowly down the road. He drank some champagne, ate some pastries and was in general a perfect gentleman, but from time to time his gaze wandered back to the mysterious eye patch that Therese hid behind her hair. He was too much of a gentleman to ask, but he could speculate to himself within the confines of his own mind. He touched his leg which secretly hid a few scars of his own. Positions of leadership these days it seemed were more perilous than ever.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"In truth Justinian, I was a little girl when the first of the European-Asian Wars began. I remember looking at maps when the Slavorussian Empire extended from the Urals well into what is now held by the Germans and the Slavs. The world has treated you unfairly, the Germans, that woman from Australia those years back, and so on, even Arkhangelsk is a boil on the face of a great empire." Therese turned over and took his right hand in both of hers. "What I said back at Versailles, I'm not lying to you. Slavorussia deserves their Empire, they are one of the oldest states in the world and one of the heartiest peoples I have never come to know about. Both the Russians and the French have something in common in this world, we have been persecuted by the past Empires of Europe, I don't know many incarnations of Nordland we have weathered through, but we still survive. We deserve strength and we should have strength, but you will always have a friend in France, Your Highness."

The carriage bounced a bit as they came to rest in Paris, Therese and Justinian exited and began to walk, their aristocrats trailing behind them as they made their way into the Louvre. It was a breathtaking exhibition, as the Courts walked through the various paintings, statues, and facades of the Empire and of past civilization collected by the French. Stopping at a few portraits of an Eastern Theme, the Empress stopped flicking back her hair and smiling. "I've heard Peterhof and the Winter Palace though could give my art collections a run for their money."

[Justinian the Mighty]

“Da, the Empire is crumbling underneath my own feet. The situation grows more and more out of control with each passing day until I just want to yell 'enough!' We’ve taken great steps toward reclaiming what has been lost, but many places still elude us. But still, even though we have been cheated out of so much, I do not hate the people who are responsible--well, I don’t hate most of them.”

After they arrive at the Louvre everyone begins to fan out. The Russian aristocrats crowd the museum after leaving their cars. They’re all very excited and want to see the exhibits, but others want to meet the Empress. A few approach the Empress while Justinian’s attention is otherwise occupied. The exhibits captivate the Russian aristocrats and Justinian especially. Some of the pieces have a nostalgic effect on him, especially the Islamic art of which his father is an avid collector. He examines the works of art as if he were an expert on the style. “9 million Muslims live in Russia almost 10% of the population and I still find the art they produce foreign and exotic.” he confesses.

“Yes, there are many wonderful pieces of art in Russia. I try to encourage private collectors to contribute their collections to special exhibits and I try to lead by example. Most of my private collection have a permanent home at the Hermitage Museum. To be honest the walls of Peterhof are quite bare, except in rooms that are open to the public, but I keep some of my favorites stashed away there when I‘m on vacation.” He feels a little embarrassed after talking so much about himself. He smiles apolitically at Therese. “Sometimes I‘m so self-absorbed. Tell me about yourself.”

[Sarah Tintagyl]

She smiled, trying her best to console him as they walked through the museum and then back out into the open air of Paris towards the railings over looking the Seine. "Tell you about me?" Therese chuckled, "I'm sure you don't want to listen to this little girl tell a man like yourself about her life." She leaned over the rail and put her elbows firmly on the stone bar. "I guess I'd say I'm still getting used to all of this." The Empress said pushing her hair back behind her ears.

"I was actually a staunch anti-royalist when I was younger. But a lot of that came from the hatred I had that there has not been a truly French France in so long. Anyways, I was born to a decently large family, cousins, uncles, and aunts, and all that, a loving mother and father, and an imbecile brother who is actually King of Aragon right now." Therese chuckled. "We weren't that well to do or anything, but my father set us up pretty well, he worked for the Scottish government and I went to school in Oxford and Cambridge for a fraction of the price, for Political Science. After that I ran for Mayor of Bordeaux and after winning, the independence movement followed pretty much immediately. Now..." She sighed. "I'm Empress of one of the stronger nations in the world, though by no means the strongest. I guess I still don't really trust much of the world, in fact I probably don't trust any of the world except for a few people. I've become very jaded as of late, but I guess a few wars and imperialist dreams will do that to a young woman, make her hate the world."

Therese looked back at him, her hair pushed fully aside and her one eye sparkling. "I want what's best for my nation Justinian, nothing more, France has been pushed aside for far too long. Alsace-Lorraine are in foreign hands, Monaco, and Iberia is still a nuisance." She closed her eye and clenched her fist. "It just annoys me that's all, but I guess certain nations and certain people take precedence in the world. My people never have and probably never will. But the fact that you're so cordial Justinian, that does a lot for me." She touched his cheek. "It really does."

[Justinian the Mighty]

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='29 June 2010 - 11:11 PM' timestamp='1277867477' post='2354778']
She smiled, trying her best to console him as they walked through the museum and then back out into the open air of Paris towards the railings over looking the Seine. "Tell you about me?" Therese chuckled, "I'm sure you don't want to listen to this little girl tell a man like yourself about her life." She leaned over the rail and put her elbows firmly on the stone bar. "I guess I'd say I'm still getting used to all of this." The Empress said pushing her hair back behind her ears.

"I was actually a staunch anti-royalist when I was younger. But a lot of that came from the hatred I had that there has not been a truly French France in so long. Anyways, I was born to a decently large family, cousins, uncles, and aunts, and all that, a loving mother and father, and an imbecile brother who is actually King of Aragon right now." Therese chuckled. "We weren't that well to do or anything, but my father set us up pretty well, he worked for the Scottish government and I went to school in Oxford and Cambridge for a fraction of the price, for Political Science. After that I ran for Mayor of Bordeaux and after winning, the independence movement followed pretty much immediately. Now..." She sighed. "I'm Empress of one of the stronger nations in the world, though by no means the strongest. I guess I still don't really trust much of the world, in fact I probably don't trust any of the world except for a few people. I've become very jaded as of late, but I guess a few wars and imperialist dreams will do that to a young woman, make her hate the world."
[/quote]

Justinian leans over the bar as well. His medals clink and clank together as he leans forward. A labored sigh escapes his lips as he rests his elbows. “We are a special breed--royals I mean. For centuries we commanded unlimited power and wealth. A single word from the lips of any of the kings and queens of Europe could send entire continents spiraling into war. The same is true today. People don’t realize how hard it is on us.”

Justinian is sympathetic, agreeing with the Empress ‘s every word. “It‘s all in who you know and who you have backing you up. I have infinite disgust for the people who took Arkhangelsk from it‘s rightful owners. Even when they had the chance to return it they didn‘t, purely out of spite. Even though it’s in better hands I still feel the tremendous loss and I can say the same for the rest of Russia. I wish I could comfort you as I wish I could comfort the millions of people displaced by foreign occupations.”

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='29 June 2010 - 11:11 PM' timestamp='1277867477' post='2354778']Therese looked back at him, her hair pushed fully aside and her one eye sparkling. "I want what's best for my nation Justinian, nothing more, France has been pushed aside for far too long. Alsace-Lorraine are in foreign hands, Monaco, and Iberia is still a nuisance." She closed her eye and clenched her fist. "It just annoys me that's all, but I guess certain nations and certain people take precedence in the world. My people never have and probably never will. But the fact that you're so cordial Justinian, that does a lot for me." She touched his cheek. "It really does."
[/quote]

He pauses to move a few rogue strands of hair away from Therese’s face, revealing her eye patch. He’s suddenly emboldened, perhaps because of the champagne or something else. In any case his curiosity finally gets the better of him. “I wonder, what secrets lie behind this piece of fabric? What could you have done to have warranted receiving this wound?”

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Therese smiled and turned away back to the Seine, resting her right hand on the black fabric of the patch, a fleur-dis-lis emblazoned on it. "I guess if I told you the real reason, you wouldn't believe it, I scarcely can anymore. But what I will say, is that it was done for a reason and since that time I have had a strength and a willpower that I have not yet come across. But it was a snake, a snake sprayed venom when I was sleeping in bed. We have snakes in the gardens, in the terrariums, but they're supposed to be locked up and out of sight, only for visitors. I on the other hand, was subject to one. He sprayed me and left me writhing on my bed as my right eye pretty much foamed out of my head before the Emperor of Holy America came to my bedside and helped me." She took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm sure you might not believe it, as I said, it seems like a bit much. But, the Emperor, said that there was no greater blessing in his religion than something like that. I wear my patch with a token of pride Justinian, a sign of strength, longevity, whatever."

"But...I guess you're one of the first people to really care or even ask and as for Russia and France and our comforts. I will never, my country or myself, let Russia fall. I promise you that, a friend keeps her friend safe Justinian, no matter what the cost." Therese leaned forward embracing the Tsar tightly. "Thank you."

[Justinian the Mighty]

“Thank God you survived that.” Justinian turns away from the Seine and leans his back against the rail, then looks up into the endless sky. “I have a scar on my right leg from an assassin. This particular assassin masqueraded as my friend for sometime. It happened after the the country was captured by the Nordic invaders. When I discovered my friend‘s true nature he attacked, plunged a knife into my leg and twisted it. Fortunately I stopped him before he could finish his work. It took months for me to be able to walk properly again, but the scar remains, much like your eye patch, as a sign.”

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Signs of our leadership, our ability to persevere perhaps." Therese shook her head like forgetting a bad memory and looked back out at the river. "I think we've spent quite enough time talking about negative things like this." She looked over at him and smiled. "With the sun setting and all, I think its just the right time to go out in the countryside. There are a few wine markets out near Rheims, which I think we could get too if we hurry, right as the spring lights are turning on, it'll be marvelous I'm sure. To be honest, I'd love to take you to Metz, Justinian, but unfortunately, that French city lays a bit on the other side of the German border so its impossible I'm afraid. Though, I am working on that I assure you. That, Monaco, and Spain." The Empress laughed as she ushered the Tsar back into the carriage as they set off through Paris yet again, towards the countryside below Rheims.

They reached the metropolis of tents south of Rheims just as darkness swept over the land. Though it was anything but dark amidst the light of the tents, there were electric lights strung up along the edges, torches, music, dancing, and the clank of glasses from down below. As the carriages and cars parked on the outside, the people attending the fair gently moved away as the Empress and her guests passed them. But Therese was quick to make sure they continued, she had no intention of appearing any better than she was. "First Servant of the State." She said to Justinian. "I read that somewhere, though I forget who said it."

Approaching one of the tents, Therese picked up two glasses of Merlot and walked back over to where Justinian was standing, as they found a quiet place to sit down under the coolness of a large oak. There she sipped and leaned her head back against the bark. "So what else is there for two rulers intertwined in this god-forsaken world of ours. I understand that you and your wife gave birth to a son, the Tsarivich, my congratulations." She smirked. "Its something that I need to get on, a legacy, a monarchy, never seem the have the time though. That. And never seem to be able to find the right guy."

[Justinian the Mighty]

When the carriage stopped again this time among the lights and tents he felt somewhat vulnerable. In most cases when he mingled this closely to the regular people he was always surrounded by guards and under close watch. However this impromptu visit didn’t leave much room for those kinds of preparations. The few guards who were present were surely more vigilant than ever before. “Ich bin der erste Diener meines Staates” Justinian replies. “Frederick the Great, Empress Catherine II‘s great rival.” Justinian smiles.

Justinian looks around while he waits for Therese to return. Sipping wine under the large oak tree relaxes him, at least a little. “Actually the Empress hasn‘t given birth yet, but the time is almost near.” Justinian replies, although the typical emotions associated with such a happy prospect are absent in his face. “To be honest I fear bringing child into this world. I fear the continuity of the Romanov Dynasty even more I must confess. My once grand house has degraded into a group of deviant thieves, thugs and murderers.”

Justinian downs the glass of wine and sighs. “I‘m sorry I have a tendency to ramble. Don’t let my silly fears discourage you from continuing your search. Once I get past my fears the prospect of fatherhood is really exciting. Even though he may be hard to find I know there is at least one man out there for you, and I think you would be a great mother.” a sly thought comes over him as he tips the empty glass. He glances at the Empress out of the corner of his eye. “You don’t have any suitors in mind? Perhaps you should come to visit Russia to search for one.”