The Majesty of Winter

[Justinian the Mighty]

ooc: Sorry if I missed anyone in advance. Blame Melech.

[quote name='Vince Sixx' timestamp='1297310745' post='2627648']
"Short as it was, yes I did, thank you Count Lvov. Old Russian cities are beautiful," Vidarr said as they walked to the ballroom.

He entered the ballroom and was taken aback by the lavishness of it. The only palace he had been in was the Innsbruck Castle, and even that wasn't as rich as this. It was a bonafied Imperial palace, absolutely wonderful. His first stop was to see if they had Champagne or Cognac. [i]Time to get fancy,[/i] he thought
[/quote]


[quote name='dotCom' timestamp='1297316009' post='2627729']
"Russia as culture and as historical nation has always been of interest to me," De Ling replied. [i]Not to mention when you're the daughter of the biggest politician in the territory, and then the nation, learning major languages is kind of required.[/i] She watched the elabourate welcoming ceremony with a great amount of respect visible in her eyes as she observed the Cossacks, who withstood the biting cold as if it were not even there. Then again, this was Russia, the land infamous for its cold. This was probably considered 'meh, a bit chilly' in Slavorussia.
[/quote]

The band continued playing as more guests arrived. As people populated the ballroom more servers from the kitchen poured into the crowd carrying trays of hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Good old Count Lvov easily balance between welcoming guests, entertaining those who had already arrived, and keeping the evening on track.

[quote name='KaiserMelech Mikhail' timestamp='1297310973' post='2627649']
Dressed in his finest suit, Mikhail arrived in St. Petersburg. While he disembarked, the pilots instructed the ground crew at the airport to take a look at the left engine of the plane, as the oil pressure was acting strangely. After the drive in the car, Mikhail arrived at the palace. "Gates," he scoffed in Yiddish as he exited the car. No palace in Marscurian history had ever had gates. A king should have nothing to fear from his people. Still, one could see why the Tsar wanted them. The palace was simply magnificent, nothing in Mikhail's lands could even cast a pale comparison. It almost seemed like there was more gold on the statues than there was in the whole treasury back home. Striding up to the gate, Mikhail was careful to have everything in the right place. His sash and medals were neat and straight, his hair was perfectly done (mostly in an attempt to hide a receding hairline), and his shoes were polished to a shine. He walked up and held his invitation to the guards manning the gate. "I request entry into the premises on invitation from His Imperial Majesty, the Tsar," he said in fluent Russian, the language being one of the two official ones of his nation.
[/quote]

“Of course sir.” the guard says as he motions to his subordinates to open the gate, just as Count Lvov appears to greet Mikhail.

[quote name='Triyun' timestamp='1297364607' post='2628165']
Premier Wei Hai of the United Federation of the East arrived at the event in a charcoal colored Mao suit crisply ironed. While business suits were the norm in the World's largest socialist state, the Mao suit although ostensibly less formal was in fact the ceremonial dress worn by the members of the Politburo. Behind the Premier were high ranking officials from all the member states of the Federation: China, Indochina, Thailand, Singapore-Malaysia, and the Ryukyu Islands. Accompanying them was the Ambassador to the Czardom of Slavorussia as well as the Military Attache of the Embassy from the People's Liberation Army.

"Decadence at its height." mused Brig. General Han Xiao in Chinese, the attache. "It should remind us all that counter revolutionary forces are forever a threat." replied Premier Wei in Taiwan-hua, taking a greater precaution in the unlikely event that someone could understand mandarin.

As they approached the Czar, "Mr. Czar and Madame Czarina, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Premier Wei of the United Federation of the East, thank you for the invitation to your event." he said offering a hand shake to the Czar.
[/quote]

Justinian accepts Premier Wei’s gesture and returns it with a firm handshake. This being their fist meeting he wasn’t sure what to expect. On one hand he's refreshed by Wei casting aside royal protocol, but on the other hand slightly repelled by it. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wei. How are you?”


[quote name='Zoot Zoot' timestamp='1297367754' post='2628205']
The British Triumvirate was unable to attend the ball, however, King Alfred and Queen Elizabeth were able to attend. As they held no official power within Britain, but were still seen as public figureheads, not to mention the Monarchs-in-title, it was prudent and proper that they represent the nation.

Wearing the requested attire the King and Queen entered the reception arm in arm and began introducing themselves to the representatives that were already in attendance. Not being as formal as other leaders, they would introduce themselves simply as King Alfie and Queen Lizzy.
[/quote]

Count Lvov would quickly come and round up the king and queen and bring them to the drawing room, where their presence was requested. The empress would greet them when they arrived and offer them tea and conversation with the Duchess of Austria.

[quote name='Centurius' timestamp='1297387004' post='2628570']
A single jet was flying over the Greater Nordic Empire of Dalmatia, featuring the Athenian flag and coat of arms it was clear it was the Imperial Jet of the Eastern Athenian Federation. While they would have preferred to have both Monarch’s attend one was needed to handle important matters of state. This was a special occasion for Ariadne, she hadn’t been to an event like this before in her life. She wasn’t even sure how to act.

“When you talk to the Slavorussian royalty you address the Emperor and Empress as Imperial Majesties. The Tsar-Regent, Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are Imperial Highnesses.”

Ariadne sighed, her personal lieutenant had been briefing her on proper etiquette for the entire trip and she was getting sick of it.

“Yes, yes. I get it, please leave me alone now.” She said as she looked through the window, the jet was just crossing Slavorussian airspace and heading for its final path. Ariadne even in this event would show herself as an Empress of the people, she wore a red dress and hat as a reflection of her political color and even had a brooch designed in the form of a hammer and sickle.

An hour later she would enter the great palace where it was all held. Escorted by her Personal Lieutenant, who had left her weapons in the jet, she would head for the drawing room of the Slavorussian Empress. After all it was an invitation she could hardly refuse. Near the room she ordered her Lieutenant to enjoy herself as Ariadne walked into the room.

“Your Imperial Majesties, Imperial Highnesses. It is a pleasure meeting you”
[/quote]

Events were beginning to move more swiftly now. It had only been a moment since the King and Queen of England arrived “The pleasure is all ours.” Christine said as she rose to meet Ariadne. “Please join us. We were just engaging in small talk.”


[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1297311450' post='2627660']
"I'll be sure to extend my thanks with the Tsar when I get the chance Christina, though talking about politics only for a moment. I've been able to meet with both the heads of state of the Germanic Union and the Athenian Federation in the weeks since Austria's independence though perhaps I would be able to ask a few political questions of my own." She blushed for a moment more. "All in light talk of course, but I'm curious of Slavorussia's views of politics, in Europe and the Greater World as a whole. Such an ancient nation as this, one that has never been brought under the banner of another people, must have a great deal of insight to give and I would be happy to listen, we venerable monarchies have to stick together after all, of with the wide range of Communist and Socialist style governments popping up all over the world.

Austria has only recently applied to the Zurich Pact for safety among Europe's country, thought I feel a tie to Slavorussia is even more prevalent than what that pact could offer. As a mentor and as a friend." Magdalena raised her tea cup in salute to the Tsarina. "There's no telling what we could accomplish."

She paused for a moment, hearing a bit louder commotion from out of the drawing room. "Your husband sure knows how to throw a party, it seems the festivities are well underway."
[/quote]

After talking briefly to Premier Wei, Justinian quietly enters the drawing room with Prime Minister Medvedev. “I rarely ever give advice and it is even more rare for people to accept it.” he quipped as he crossed toward the party gathered in the middle of the room. “But for whatever it‘s worth, I suggest you leave politics to politicians.”

[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1297313439' post='2627688']
Although the ongoing strife at home was dictating significant attention, President Sham Dawkins felt that as part of his duty to his country, was to attend the Winter Ball. A man that was trained in business, Dawkins knew the value of keeping up appearances, and to refuse such an invitation was, at least what he felt, a diplomatic snub. His closest advisers had encouraged his attendance, and had seen him off, he would return in the same night.

His private jet touched down at the Pushkin airport without incident, he admired the long rows of other aircraft, from various other countries that lined the tarmac, before stepping into the chartered car that would take him to the Peterhof. It seemed so peaceful here, with a light snow falling, the countryside glazed with the whiteness of winter. So much different from the dusty nature of the Caspian Clique, it was a whole different world. The ride would give him a quiet moment to reflect on his short term as a leader thus far. Things had been going well, but there was still much to do; maybe he could garner some outside support in trying to accomplish his goals by being here tonight? While Dawkins' finances were well taken care of, rebuilding and establishing a nation took capital, capital that could come from abroad.

As the car splashed through the slushy streets, and he had his first view of the Peterhof, he was astounded by its glory, its splendor. When he arrived at the gate, he produced the invitation from his front pocket, to hand to the guard, with a small smile. "President Sham Dawkins, of the Caspian Clique," he said, the Russian rolling naturally off his tongue.
[/quote]

“Good evening.” replied the remarkably fast Count Lvov. “The other guests are already gathering in the ballroom. The Imperial Family will be arriving soon.”

[quote name='Imperator Azenquor' timestamp='1297367044' post='2628193']
OOC: Hope it’s not too late for me to drop in

A single Vaulian Tu-144 approached the Pushkin Airport. The pilot radioed ahead for landing instructions and awaited final confirmation from the Slavorussian authorities.

Her Royal Highness, Princess Yulia accompanied by Lord Sergei Petrovich, waited on the aircraft for permission to land. The couple was accompanied by a translator and a single diplomat.
[/quote]

This is air traffic control at Pushkin airport to incoming Vaulian aircraft. You have permission to land.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

[quote name='Justinian the Mighty' timestamp='1297645934' post='2631748']
After talking briefly to Premier Wei, Justinian quietly enters the drawing room with Prime Minister Medvedev. “I rarely ever give advice and it is even more rare for people to accept it.” he quipped as he crossed toward the party gathered in the middle of the room. “But for whatever it‘s worth, I suggest you leave politics to politicians.”
[/quote]

The sudden entrance of the Tsar made Maria jump and the blush in her face flared up once again, then staring back at the Empress and her immediate family, the Duchess of Austria was at a lost for words. "Your husband Christina, is he always so blunt with his words? I would imagine that you have some ability when it comes to politics, to completely dismiss you would be a strange thing indeed."

She looked around at the great crowd of people beginning to arrive within the palace halls and corridors. "But if this is politics then I don't know anyone besides women who would excel at it." Maria chuckled looking back at the Empress. "Perhaps it might be best to do some mingling at this point? Care to join me?"

[Triyun]

[quote name='Justinian the Mighty' timestamp='1297645934' post='2631748']
Justinian accepts Premier Wei’s gesture and returns it with a firm handshake. This being their fist meeting he wasn’t sure what to expect. On one hand he's refreshed by Wei casting aside royal protocol, but on the other hand slightly repelled by it. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wei. How are you?”
[/quote]

Taking note that the Czar did not extend the same courtesy of calling him by his title, the democratically elected premier of a sixth the world's population he responded, "I am quite well Mr. Romanov thank you for asking. Have a good evening."

[TheShammySocialist]

After gaining entrance to the Peterhof, Sham Dawkins adjusted his crisp business suit before stepping into the ballroom, he was astounded by the magnificence of it all. Dawkins, of course, enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle back in Caspia, but the pomp and splendor displayed here was utterly jaw-dropping. He didn't entirely feel comfortable being here, and his stiffer body language showed it, it wasn't that he was shy, just not used to this awe-inspiring celebration. As a server went by with a tray of champagne glasses, he picked one up.

"Thank you," he nodded, as the server bowed his head. He sighed out softly, and said, "To Caspia... bottoms up." He took a sip as he saw the Tsar and Tsarina, along with an entourage of guests walk into the main corridor where the guests had clustered. "... And to this night," he added quickly, polishing off the glass with another sip, and putting on a polite and friendly smile.

[Imperator Azenquor]

As soon as Princess Yulia and Lord Petrovic arrived at the venue, the Princess set about delivering the message from the Imperator. As soon as she was able to speak to the Emperor and Empress, she would say (in Russian):

[i]“Your Imperial Majesties, I thank you for your gracious invitation. I also convey the sincere greetings of the Imperator and the people of Vaule. I have also been asked to convey the following message from the Imperator”[/i]-Princess Yulia.

The Princess pulled out a small parchment scroll with a handwritten message on it, and handed it to the Emperor.

[quote]
[b] To: Their Imperial Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of the Slavorussian Empire[/b]

I express my thanks for your invitation, and I express my sincere regret that I am unable to attend in person. Nonetheless I wish you and the Empress well, and I hope that we may take concrete steps to improve the diplomatic, cultural and economic ties between our two nations.

Signed,
Pyotr R.I.
[/quote]

With their first task complete, the Princess and the Lord proceeded to mingle amongst the other guests.

[Justinian the Mighty]

[quote name='Triyun' timestamp='1297744228' post='2633973']
Taking note that the Czar did not extend the same courtesy of calling him by his title, the democratically elected premier of a sixth the world's population he responded, "I am quite well Mr. Romanov thank you for asking. Have a good evening."
[/quote]

“I hope I haven’t offended you. I have a knack for committing the odd faux pas at these events. In spite of my misstep I hope you enjoy yourself tonight.”

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1297741956' post='2633933']
The sudden entrance of the Tsar made Maria jump and the blush in her face flared up once again, then staring back at the Empress and her immediate family, the Duchess of Austria was at a lost for words. "Your husband Christina, is he always so blunt with his words? I would imagine that you have some ability when it comes to politics, to completely dismiss you would be a strange thing indeed."

She looked around at the great crowd of people beginning to arrive within the palace halls and corridors. "But if this is politics then I don't know anyone besides women who would excel at it." Maria chuckled looking back at the Empress. "Perhaps it might be best to do some mingling at this point? Care to join me?"
[/quote]

“He can be quite blunt when it comes to politics.” Christina replies.

“I am always blunt when it comes to politics.” Justinian adds, “It‘s a game I‘d prefer not to play. It‘s dangerous and the spectators are almost as vicious as the players. I favor advising the government rather than guiding it. Where are my manners? I am Justinian, Emperor of All the Russias, and you must be Maria Magdalena, Duchess of Austria. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

ooc: I'll get to the other posts after the tea room section of the thread is finished.

Edited February 17, 2011 by Justinian the Mighty

[Justinian the Mighty]

[img]http://www.davidrobertslithographs.com/Louis_Haghe_The_New_Ballroom_1856-oct.jpg[/img]

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TGKJ9MgCOQ"] [To set the mood...] [/url]
By now the sun had dipped below the horizon and the sky turned dark. The evening twilight mixed with gently falling snowflakes. It looked like the jewels in the Empress’s tiara. The ballroom was magnificent. Close attention was paid to every detail. The golden statues had just been cleaned and they shined with the intensity of the sun. The crowd was large and the music loud. All manner of Russian elite mixed and mingled with the foreign guests. Everyone danced amid the clatter of glasses clanging together and corks popping off bottles of champagne. The band played a slow waltz for the guests to dance to and old Count Lvov was as spry as ever.

Suddenly the music changed to a lively symphony as if to shock the guests. A murmur rippled through the crowd and they step away from the center of the room. The doors in the back open and out stride the Tsar and Tsaritsa with wide, dignified smiles. The train on the Christina’s dress trailed behind her and medals studded Justinian’s Preobrazhensky uniform. Following them, a long entourage of Grand Dukes and Grand Duchesses of the Imperial Family, honored military officers, and guests of honor who had been kind enough to accept the invitation. They stopped at the far end of the room and turned to welcome their guests and Justinian steps forward to speak.

“Welcome gracious guests and esteemed friends to Peter‘s Court. Her Majesty and I are so pleased that you could come. Many of you have traveled from across the world tonight. For that I am truly humbled. Let us put aside what makes us different for this one night and rejoice in the pleasure of each other‘s company.”

A flash of light illuminates the night sky, seen through the ballroom windows. Then several others follow. The sight of fireworks bursting and then cascading back to earth as the music changes once more. This time a lively Russian folk song accompanies and dancers in traditional folk dress as they gather in the center.

“So without further delay, please enjoy the rest of the evening.”

[Justinian the Mighty]

After they arrived Justinian and Christina worked their way through the crowd. The emperor moved with grace and dignity as he sauntered through the crowd to converse with his generals, ministers, and foreign guests. In the excitement he had failed to introduce himself to Mikhail from Marscurian Siberia.

“Hello,” he says extending his hand, “It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. May I ask if you‘re enjoying yourself this evening?”

Edited February 27, 2011 by Justinian the Mighty

[KaiserMelech Mikhail]

"Your majesty," Mikhail said, bowing deeply, "this whole party is astounding. I have never seen such opulence in my whole life."

[Justinian the Mighty]

[quote name='KaiserMelech Mikhail' timestamp='1298798936' post='2646057']
"Your majesty," Mikhail said, bowing deeply, "this whole party is astounding. I have never seen such opulence in my whole life."
[/quote]


“You don’t need to bow. It‘s true we adhere rigidly to traditions here in the palace, but the practice of bowing, especially from a foreign dignitary, has all but disappeared. Is this your first time visiting Slavorussia?”

[KaiserMelech Mikhail]

"But sir," Mikhail said, "it is our custom. Proper respect must always be given, even between kings. And yes, this is my first time in Slavorussia. It's a beautiful nation. You should be very proud to lead it."