An Austrian on the Steppes

[TheShammySocialist]

[b]OOC: Closed to Sarah and I[/b]

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It was early evening as the festivities continued both inside and outside the Ashgabat Palace, as Timuridian Officials and members of the Royal Family mingled with their foreign guests. The sun was beginning to set in the clear sky, and the first stars were just coming out. The glass facades of the palace had tinted in the sun, to provide some solace from the warmness, but the tint had begun to fade on the western side of the palace. But as evening began to fall, a slight chill filled the air, as was typical at this mild time of the year, but it had little effect on Sham Timur, newly crowned Amir of the Greater Timuridian Empire.

He was giddy, whether it was because of the excitement that had filled his city, or the glasses of wine he had nursed throughout the reception, but he was still able to clearly converse with both dignitaries, from near and far. He was making small talk, conversing with Anwar Fourak, President of Caspian Petroleum and Chemicals, and the former Economic Minister, along with some of his associates. Sham took a small sip of wine, before looking over at the Duchess of Austria, and remembered he had promised to give her an audience, and a promise was a promise.

He adjusted his suit, having shed the traditional attire and crown of Amir as soon as he was clear of the Mosque. Quickly excusing himself from Fourak's ramblings about new drilling oil drilling sites on the Caspian, he ambled across the room to her side. Exchanging pleasantries with a few people along the way, he stepped up next to the Austrian royal, bowing his head.

"I believe I owe your highness an audience," he said, with a smile. "Would you do the honor of walking with me in the gardens?" he asked, waving his arm expansively at the small sea of green shrubbery and trees that lay behind the palace.

Edited March 8, 2011 by TheShammySocialist

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Maria had been busy discussing minor gossip with a man from the Amir's court when she heard a voice behind her and upon turning around was pleasantly surprised to find the Amir himself standing behind her. She was even more excited to hear that he would honor her with a private audience in the gardens in the back of the palace. Letting her hand rest in his own, the Duchess bowed and smiled. "It would be my pleasure Your Excellency," she said as he lead her out towards the courtyard and down the stairs into the garden itself. "But please, by all means, if we're going to be talking, call me Maria, we don't need formalities to interfere with us during our talk."

The cool air of the steppe gardens relaxed every feature of the Duchess' face as she stepped out into the warm evening air. Sounds of birds and other small animals joined a chorus, along with the far off buzz of the party's conversation and music. "This was really a wonderful evening and let me be allowed to personally congratulate you Tamur on your ascension to such a prestigious and historical throne." Still holding her wine glass from inside, Maria turned and toasted in front of the young man's face before staring back at the dark paths leading deeper into the gardens. "Tamerlane was someone I only read about in my history books and now I'm lucky enough to be walking hand in hand with his heir. I'm surprised my heart hasn't exploded yet."

As they walked, she listened to her heels crunch against the gravel beneath her, trying to repeat the rhythms they could both still hear inside. "Though I assume you'd like to talk politics, if only for a little bit, after all, these audiences should combine business with pleasure and what better way then to do it over a glass of Timuridian wine. Though please, let me start," Maria linked her arm and turned as a lock of blonde hair fell over her right eye. "A powerful nation like yours I'm sure will not be quick to look at Austria as a nation of opportunity, but nonetheless I try for friendship with anyone who would listen and I'm positive there is something to be gained from a friendship between us two. Hopefully two sensible people in world gone mad, we could start there for our similarities. What do you think?"

[TheShammySocialist]

"You are too kind, Maria," chuckled Sham, upon her compliment of him equaling the greatness of his ancestor. "I must say, my ancestor had many qualities, some good, some bad, I hope that my reign will never be a repeat of those bad qualities. Please, call me Sham." He said, as they walked into the garden, still carrying his glass of wine with him as they walked through the sounds of nature, in the middle of a still celebrating city.

"What is business without pleasure, Maria? This day has been nothing business, and I am pleased that you insist we not talk just business," said Sham, raising his glass of wine, and taking a sip of it. It had been a tiring day, being up early, having to greet people at the airbase, as well as the adrenaline rush associated with the coronation ceremony itself. Although he was tired, and he may have shown it, the chance to talk with Austrian monarch gave him some more energy, the prospect of talking to her on a more personal level, away from the social function that had swept over his nearby palace.

When Maria mentioned a world gone mad, Sham emitted another chuckle, "A world gone mad indeed, there are many things in this world I see wrong, but there is little opportunity to right them. As for your country, Maria, being an opportunity, I do not engage in talks just so that my association with them may be a means to an end, what you see is what you get. I am entertaining your grace, because you requested such an audience, because I am interested in what you would like to speak to me about, and perhaps maybe even for the sake of my sanity. I am sure that I am doing myself a bit of good walking this garden with lovely woman, and keeping this conversation as informal as possible, I was never one for such social gatherings like the one that has overrun my Palace."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Yes, I know the feeling all too well. Contrary to what most people think, I'm not exactly big on massive social engagements myself. I get nervous easily, but I've always been a bit self-conscious so I guess it comes with always being in the lime-light. On the other hand my sister Angelika," Maria chuckled. "She can't get enough of the political world, though I think I'm learning a bit more as I go."

The blush on her face hadn't quite disappeared from Sham's comment of her loveliness and her eyes sparkled as he said it. "You should know though never to compliment a woman like that, it's all she'll think about for the rest of a conversation. But now that I've given you that warning, well, I guess we can move on. What I was hoping to speak to you about, in the political game, is the possibility of cementing a strong friendship, both militarily and economically with Timuridia. Europe is pretty much all allied together, but the fact of the matter is, Austria does not see eye to eye with most of the European policies enacted right now. A nation moving towards constitutional monarchy like you have, well I won't say I didn't notice. Caspia may have been a bit red for my taste, but red is a beautiful color at times, I'm just not one to favor the recent global power base that Red Dawn constructed.

I guess you could say we could be friends outside of the mainstream the world's fallen into. Support each other as best as we can and of course, support one another on a personal level whenever ill-will might fall. A friendship between countries after all is a friendship between leaders." She said and they continued down the path. "I had spoken to people from your nation during a meeting of the Christian faith and I was very impressed by their eloquence. Coming here only made me believe more than the dividing line of Eurasia could easily be the best place for one of the strongest alliances and friendships Austria could make."

[TheShammySocialist]

"Well, my apologies if my compliment may prove a distraction, Maria," said Sham, with a warm smile as he watched the blush tint her cheeks. He continued, with a small laugh, "Under the tyrannical grip of my mother, a woman of particularly strong Eastern Orthodox faith, I had been taught to bestow the truth upon my peers."

"And while red is certainly a lovely color, being the representative color of passion, you can also find its hues in the beautiful pinks and deep oranges of sunsets, yes, but the other forms of red can be disturbing. Ideologically, it is rather unsettling to see its influence cross the globe, in such strength. The numbers of those resisting the urge to join its rather powerful ranks do dwindle every day, and it is rather disturbing," noted Sham, nodding his head slowly, as their walk took a stop near a bench underneath a tree.

The bench gave a prime view of a small pond that graced the garden, a small raft of ducks meandered aimlessly through the pool, popping underneath the shallow water every so often.

"One of the problems, I feel, associated with this spread, is that there is no balance to world politics as they stand now. I was invited, informally, on occasion, to join Red Dawn, my Foreign Office brought me a few hints from some nations that I should turn one of Central Asia's guardians into yet another member of the alliance. I must say, the temptation to join such a league, is, well... substantial. However, I also am a man who enjoys flexibility. I am a businessman, or was, anyways, before returning here, and I built my company on the premise of nothing ever going according to plan. And if I joined Red Dawn, I realized that doors would close for me, about the globe, in terms of diplomatic options," he continued softly, then urged Maria to sit with him, the nearby water fowl softly quacking as they tried to snap at insects that zipped across the water's glassy surface.

"Even though one can also leave Red Dawn, the fact remains that if I left suddenly, what would the fellow member states think of such a move? I was not about to put this nation and its people at the whims of a larger entity, I already have obligations to other nations. And if I was to join Red Dawn, I could also alienate my regional neighbors, which is something I could ill-afford to do," said Sham, giving Maria a solemn look.

He looked at the pond quietly for a minute, shaking his head a little, before turning his attention back to his European counterpart, "I would definitely be amenable to sowing the seeds of a relationship with the Austrian State, I feel such an agreement would be mutually beneficial to both of our nations. We can ill-afford, in this day in age, to lose touch with friends who share our common interests. Strategic alliances, alliances of convenience are one thing, Maria, they are a means to an end. Alliances, on an ideological level, are a much more different animal."

Edited March 8, 2011 by TheShammySocialist

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"And what about an alliance built on the promise of friendship and understanding alone." Maria said sitting down on the bench next to Sham and looked out over the pond, at the ducks and the foul going about their business as if no one in the world was watching. "Sometimes I wish life was as easy for us, as it is for the animals. They don't have a care in the world, food, shelter, sleep, and sex. I think that would be a life I could get used to if I wasn't careful. Though it's nice to hear someone speak so eloquently about the state of the current world and giving both sides as well. Most people stick to a rather biased view and then they go off rambling. Your decision to play both sides of the game, to be friends with everyone, its a good view to follow, and I'm sure that this country will reap the benefits for a long time and the chance to be privy to such prosperity, it would be a true honor."

Closing her eyes, the Duchess sighed and placed her glass on the arm of the bench. "I have dreams for my country, far reaching dreams, ones that I don't even know I will be able to grasp and Austria is in such a pitiful state as of now. Recession after recession, all while every country around us, the Germans, Athenians, Dalmatians prosper and grow stronger. I want what is best for my people and while we have no problem with trade, it is the central infrastructure in the cities that is essentially ruined, it is trying to hold yourself in discussions with rulers such as yourself, first world power nations and expecting some form of equality. There's no denying that Austria is part of the third world, I just wish it wasn't so. Its why I value the friendship of other countries so much, I will never allow myself or my people to become vassals or slaves of another state, however, friends I can manage." Maria smiled looking over at the Amir.

"But if Austria can't fight battles militarily or economically, then it is a matter of voice and I thank God everyday that he gave me the tongue I have now." She reached back over for her glass and finished the wine in a long gulp, sending a shudder through her nerves. "Oh! I have to say, some of the best wine I have ever tasted in my life. The people of you country certainly know how to make it."

Then her voice faded for a moment as the Duchess' gray eyes looked back at the duck now calmly staring back at the bench. "You don't know how easy you have it," she said shaking her head. "Though I guess the more I think of it, the less appealing it would be. After all," Maria laughed, "I'd hate to end up like the Swan Princess and have to deal with both the animal and the human problems. But I'm rambling, so I guess we could agree to a verbal proposition of friendship between our two lands?"

[TheShammySocialist]

"As much as I do like to maintain normal and cordial relations with both sides of the political fence, I do fear that this move to a constitutional monarchy, will strain some relations. Some may not take kindly to our new democratic rhetoric, all the same, this country is in the hands of its people, and that is what matters," sighed Sham, looking over at Maria, and then up at the darkening sky as night fell. He laughed as he considered her words concerning the animal kingdom, "If only life [i]were[/i] that easy, no animal kills for sport only, it maintains a position in the food chain, a balanced role in nature. If only our world were as simple as there's were, but of course, they have their own troubles as well. We all do, and what we may perceive as a threat, animals do not, and vice versa."

"Maria, I treat everyone on an equal basis, no matter where they come from, you will get the same respect that I dole out to a leader from Cochin, or from the UFE. Your nation may be troubled, but you needn't worry about the respect or equality you receive here, for it is the right thing for me to do. You can only expect that while you are here, from me, and from my government, I cannot willfully enslave another nation without it weighing heavily on my heart for this nation's past has also been troubled," said Sham, quietly. "I have had few personal meetings with leaders from abroad, but I must say this is the most enjoyable so far." As Sham said that, a helicopter circle by above, the beat of its rotor blade whirring as it cut into the air, before it banked away from the palace, and over the city, and was gone as quickly as it had come.

Sham raised his glass to his lips, and took the last gulp of wine, setting the glass down on the side of the bench. Speaking softly, he said, "Nations like ours, in times like these, times that lull us into complacency when there are threats that could loom at our gates at any moment, require friendship and understanding amongst one another. My country will gladly assist Austria with guarantees of both economic, and military assistance, and partnership, and of course, friendship." He smiled at her warmly, as the night began to fall around them, a slightly chilling breeze from the west rustling the trees' leaves above them.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

The breeze fluttered across Maria's shoulders and by instinct she pushed herself closer to Sham for extra warmth. "Well then I would say this little audience produced a wealth of knowledge between us two. I never understood why I pay an ambassador so much money to go to another country and simply talk with leaders to sign treaties and establish relations when it is as easy as this and I can go by myself and have a bit of fun in the process." Maria hiccuped after she finished the sentence and her entire body jumped at once as she laughed, nearly falling over herself with laughter. "Apparently though I've had a bit too much fun, oh this is embarrassing," she said leaning back onto the bench.

"Though I guess that its simply time to let life take its course and whatever comes, comes." Maria sighed and looked at the darkened sky. "It would appear that nature is telling us our audience is over, which is a shame because I was having such a good time talking to you Sham, really, if more people would drop the formalities of meetings, I think I would want to travel so much more. Though who am I to call our soiree to a close, if you have anything else on your mind Sham, please, I believe I'm staying the night somewhere in the capital, some hotel, whatever my foreign minister happened to arrange for me. I just don't want to trouble you with my rambling and by all means if there's more to discuss, perhaps outside of politics even, I would be more than happy to stay until daybreak." A smirk crossed her face.

[TheShammySocialist]

“Here,” said Sham, kindly, quickly slipping off his dress coat, wearing a black button up shirt and white tie underneath his coat. He slipped it over Maria’s shoulders gently, smoothing it over them slowly, and smiling, “There we are.” Upon her comment of embarrassment, Sham held up his hand gently, “Please, don’t be embarrassed, the fact that you are like this around me is more of a positive thing than anything. It shows that you are trusting and open with me, I cannot always take leaders serious who cannot open up around me, especially in private talks such as this.”

“Nature can command us, but sometimes, we can offset that command,” smiled Sham, nodding at solar-regenerated path lights slowly come on, giving the garden a soft glow as they lit up. “You are staying at the Regency Hotel, which is actually right behind this palace.” He jutted his right thumb backwards to emphasize his point, before continuing, “My government arranged that all foreign government delegations, and other dignitaries, to be housed in that building, of course at the cost of our own money. You, and the other delegations, are our guests for this special day.”

He smiled, “It would be a pleasure to continue to enjoy your company, Maria, you are far from being a rambling annoyance, and your presence is a calm and a complete opposite to the rush that I have been harried on all day. I must ask about your country, I want to hear about it, from the gates of the City of Vienna, which held back the Ottomans, to the tops of the Austrian Alps. I have never had the pleasure of visiting Austria, but I have heard much, but who better to ask that question of, but Austria’s monarch herself. And perhaps even hearing about some of the most troubling issues it is facing at this moment.” He cleared his throat softly, before continuing, “And if you would like a more illuminated locality, there is a lovely little gazebo, that has its own lights, just down the path."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"That would be most enjoyable, Sham, thank you." Maria rose to her feet and let the Amir take her arm again as they began to stroll down the gravel pathway towards the gazebo near the middle of the garden.

"Well," she said trying to get her thoughts in order. "I would barely know where to begin in describing Austria, at least in its current state. Europe has been through so much trouble over the years and decades, from the time I was born and from what I've heard in my history class, this is the most stable the continent has ever been in all its long years. I should be thankful for it, but I barely have the time to be thankful for stability. When I grew up Sham, I used to consider Vienna and Salzburg a proverbial fairy tale. I would think of myself as a princess, going from castle to castle, wearing beautiful dresses and attending lavish balls. Though in truth I realized I was just a toy to my parents and grandparents, looking back on it though, I should have appreciated it more. Because after the Revolution came, life was barely enjoyable for me.

I'm not sure how much you know of recent Austrian history, but my grandfather, Alexander the First, was the man who brought back the Hapsburg Regime. But after a civil war with Pro-Fascist supporters, the country was ruined. Innsbruck was destroyed, Vienna was burning, and what came after was the militarization of the Communist Regime. My family and I went into exile after their rise to power and every day I wanted to return to my old life.

After the Franco-German War the Communists were invaded by the Athenians and the Dalmatians, who were replaced by the Goths. The Goths in my opinion weren't much better for the Austrian people. Turning the country into some Neo-Pagan tribute to the Greater Germanic Union, but that isn't what the people wanted. The people wanted an Austria, an Austria resistant to Communism, to Fascism, we wanted to be left alone.

Of course..." By this time the two and made it to the gazebo and Maria walked over to the wooden railing looking over at the at the illuminated trees, strung with lanterns of blues and yellows that hung from branches and leaves. The gentle trickle of fountains filled her ears and relaxed her as she rested her elbows on the wooden rail. "...one can't be left alone in a globalized world like this. But one still can appreciate the beauty of one's homeland." She looked back and beckoned the Amir to join her. "It is a beautiful country and after the cities are brought back to life, I know Austria will glow with the same radiant beauty that it always has. You can walk up on the tops of the Alps and breathe the fresh air of a snow covered world, look out and the entire world stretched at your feet and just yell. Release everything built up in your soul. Then you can see the cities, their cobblestone streets and if you listen closely enough you can still hear the concertos of Haydn and Mozart buzzing through concert halls and palaces. It is an entirely different world Sham, romance, passion, magic..."

Her eyes fluttered and a radiant smile crossed her face. "One day all the ruin from so many wars and a troubled past will be cleared away and that magic will be back again." She closed her eyes and could almost hear the [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gByWGQPKJL8&feature=related"]sounds[/url] of Strauss and other dances crossing over land so far and across the steppes so vibrant with the same magic.

[TheShammySocialist]

As Maria talked, her arm around his, as they proceeded to the gazebo, Sham listened attentively to her words, his imagination running wild of the country to the West. He let her speak without interruption, not looking at her as he gently led her slowly through the garden, he would bestow the understanding nod where it was due, and as they approached the gazebo, he was glad that its lights looked as nice as ever in the growing darkness. He gently led her up the handful of steps, their shoes echoing on the wooden deck, he then waited for her to sit before sitting himself down next to her.

"A turbulent history, I must say," nodded Sham, his voice quiet and grave, a tone of remorse prevalent in it. It was a shame to hear of the destruction the card dealer of fate had dealt Austria for a hand. "It is a pity to hear about one of Europe's cultural capitals to be reduced to such a deplorable state," he continued, with a shake of his head. "Everyone talks about the glory and majesty of the European traditions of old, and while my own country does have some magic and intrigue of its own, I know that Austria's is substantially more. I saw this country at its worst only a couple months ago, we're still rebuilding it, and it will take time, toil, sweat, and tears to do so."

"But we cannot build what you already have for tradition, our tradition was built on nomadic herdsmen, and lets be frank, violence. This country can trace its heritage back to the Golden Horde of the Great Khan, Tamerlane was a descendant of Genghis Khan. It is by no means a country free of the lasting reputation of scourge and terror that was wrought when the Golden Horde rode through here, destroying anything that stood in its way. Cities were flattened, populations slaughtered, and to read of it in the history books; and then to hear about that same barbarity happening in our own time! To hear that a center of fine culture, the arts, and just magical country as you describe reduced to a shell of itself, in a time when I would hope we could move on to more [i]peaceful[/i] ways of resolving conflicts, is no better then what my predecessor did himself so long ago."

"The people of this region have that violent past, they have spilled their blood over these sands, these hills and ridges, and mountains for centuries, and they never found peace, until only recently. They understand what it is like to live in such a place, they remember the oral traditions passed down from the old times, and they repeat 'never again'. They have seen what happens when civilization breaks down and fractures, when we lose our way of life, and what was most dear to us, what we treasured, and they wish never to see that upon another nation. We are here to grow, not to destroy or break down, and that is something I promised to the people who I now lead as their Amir."

"Your words of your homeland certainly define the magic and passion for your nation, it is one thing to lead a nation, it is quite totally another to love it and the people whom you lead, I have seen many a leader deplore having to lead their countries sometimes. Your words make me envy my envoy I sent to the Papal Conference, as they had the chance to visit some areas in Europe while they are there," he laughed softly, his words thoughtful as he looked at her, then out into the darkness. A soft waltz could be heard coming from the direction of the palace, and he smiled warmly at the calm tone of the music, a moment of calm in a sea of uncertainty, of swells that could be harmless at one moment, and downright dangerous the next.

Edited March 8, 2011 by TheShammySocialist

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Oh listen to us." Moved back away from the railing of the gazebo. "Talking about such grave subjects the evening after your coronation, this is supposed to be a happy occasion and we're speaking about cities being leveled and the like. Now," Maria said walking to him, standing close. "I know it is isn't traditional for the lady to ask such a request, but here we are in a gazebo, surrounded by lantern lights, with just the slight sounds of the waltz inside mixing with the sounds of nature. If we weren't to take advantage of such a moment, well I wouldn't be Austrian."

Maria opened her hand with the palm facing down and smirked at the Amir. "Sham, would be so kind as to ask the lady if she would care to dance? I have a feeling that she would say yes."

[TheShammySocialist]

"Well, I apologize if our topic matter doesn't appear to be the most [i]positive[/i] of sorts, I guess I did a little rambling of my own," Sham said, with a nervous chuckle. "You do have a point, this is certainly supposed to be a happy day," he nodded, he appeared to be slightly more energetic, his tone much more upbeat when she encouraged him to ask her to dance.

The newly-anointed Amir stood up, smoothing his shirt, before taking her hand, and smiling warmly, "Would you, Maria, do me the honor of a dance?" His face had lightened from the grave look it had held only moments before, appearing much more giddy, and his face now had a warmer, more approachable expression. Although if one looked closely into his eyes, and noticed the slightly darkened shadow underneath them, they could still see that the exhaustion that permeated through the facade that was shored up by adrenaline. However, the opportunity to enjoy a moment of personal enjoyment with the Austrian monarch, was a moment that was one that he could not pass up, especially after delving into the negative moments that stained both the past and the present.

Edited March 9, 2011 by TheShammySocialist

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Their feet clicked lightly on the wooded floor of the gazebo as the Amir and the Duchess rotated gently around themselves, hands and eyes joined to each other's movements. They weren't that different, Maria thought to herself as the soft waltz continued, for all the power and prestige that the Empire had, the same troubles of economics, of diplomacy and politics that plagued Austria, were the same problems encountered on the steppes. Yet, for a moment, Maria was able to forget about all of those problems, the poverty and cries of the homeland and the fear of the greater world around her. For now all that mattered was following the graceful moves of the Amir across the floor and becoming hypnotized by the music. As the dance began to come to a close, Maria could feel her entire body becoming heavy from the day's fatigue, but the brightness never faded from her features or her grin.

Drawing back away from Sham at the end of the dance, the Duchess curtsied and bowed her head low towards the ground. "You're a wonderful dancer Sham, we will have to do this again sometime. Perhaps in Vienna and we can reenact the invasions of East against West and I can show you that magic that I was talking about, the majesty of Old Europe. Of course, another day maybe we could see the greater expanse of the steppes as well." Maria crossed over to the railing of the gazebo and looked out towards the wilderness blocked by the trees and the cityscape. "It must be beautiful out there."

A yawn escaped her voice and the Duchess stretched her back and took off the suit the Amir had given to her and handed it back to him. "But I think it would be best if I start getting myself together to get back to the hotel. It was a beautiful evening, thank you for the audience." Leaning over Maria kissed Sham on the cheek and smiled, her teeth and eyes sparkling in the dimming light. "I think it's the beginning of a beautiful friendship to quote the phrase."

She pointed back to the palace where her entourage was surely waiting for her and their return to the hotel and soon back to the homeland. "Shall we?"

[TheShammySocialist]

As they danced, Sham felt that he was able to concentrate much more on the present, letting the pressing issues of the Empire slip to the back of his mind for the moment as he enjoyed their jaunt together. His eyes kept locked on hers as they moved gracefully about the gazebo, their feet in a seemingly perfect choreographed scene that one would see in the movies. He had been taught at a young age how to dance, he had been to enough formal functions since that time to maintain that formal training, and he was glad he had done so. The crisp click of their shoes echoed under the gazebo as they silently waltzed to the soft but clear tune that emanated from inside of the palace.

As soon as the music ended, Sham returned Maria's curtsy with a bow, giving the top of her hand that he still held a gentle kiss.

"I must say, it has been awhile since I have danced, I'm glad that I was able to maintain my edge enough to keep up. That was very lovely, Maria, thank you," said Sham, with a kind smile. "I would certainly love to visit Austria sometime, it would do me well to see the magic for myself. And you, m'dear, are welcome here whenever you like, guests are always welcome in the Timuridian Empire, we enjoy the presence of outsiders. Should you return for another jaunt, I'll be sure to have you see the vast Steppes, and the glittering sands on the beaches of Turkmenbasy on the Caspian, feel free to return at any time."

He smiled when she yawned, knowing that she was probably as exhausted as he was, from the long trip from Vienna to Ashgabat, and the festivities of the day itself. He nodded when she spoke of friendship, "I believe this is definitely the start of a lovely friendship, and one that stretches from here to Vienna. Your audience capped off a lovely day, but I myself am also feeling a bit faint as well." He turned the faintest shades of red when her lips caressed his cheek as he slipped on his coat again, and his lips turned upward in a smile again.

He then took her arm gently, saying, "We shall," before leading her slowly down the steps of the Gazebo towards the Palace again. He felt like the evening had definitely been a positive one, and he had enjoyed it immensely, it topped off the end to a hectic, yet beautiful day.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

As the limousine rolled down the street, the Amir's palace began to disappear from sight. Maria sat on the plush leather seats inside the vehicle wrapping a lock of hair around her finger over and over. The night had been most memorable, she had met so many different people from all walks of life, and her audience with the Amir couldn't have been better. Maria had discovered he was a man of deep-thought, a man who knew how the world worked, and most importantly he was a romantic and she had enjoyed the dance more than anything else during the night. Her audience had scored Austria an ally and the Duchess a personal friend, one who she believed would provide a gateway to the rest of the world. It was no surprise that Austria was not deemed a powerful nation by many, but with help from the Timuridians, it would free the homeland from her dependency on Athens and the rest of Europe, of everything, that was what Maria believed was most important.

Arriving at the hotel it didn't take long for Maria to move through her room, the clothes falling off her drunken body as she scampered her way to the bed. Her hair fell to her back, her gown rested messily on the side of the bed and she hit the pillow with one earring still hanging on her ear. Falling asleep drunk was her favorite, she could feel the world spinning around her like she was in a whirlpool as order and chaos became harder and harder to distinguish their differences.

Her eyes closed to the sounds of the waltzes she had danced with the Amir and the sparkling of Vienna a world away.

[TheShammySocialist]

The Amir had seen Maria to her limousine, bidding her a good night, it had been a long day, but a productive one, as he watched the red tail lights disappear down the street. The soft rushing of the water fountains in front of the Ashgabat palace was relaxing, as Sham sighed. He was exhausted, physically and mentally, the adrenaline rush was leaving him on the border of collapse, but he had one last task to do that night. The guests had been ushered out, or were leaving, and he tiredly exchanged a few pleasantries with them as they passed him. Maria had been one of the last to leave, their time in the garden having taken up more then he had imagined, but it was of no consequence, it had left him with pleasant thoughts to end the evening with.

As soon as the last limo door shut, and the vehicle steadily pulled away, Sham pulled his cell phone from his pocket, and hit a speed dial. The phone rang for a few a moments, Sham standing alone, except for a few of the Amir's guards silently standing nearby at the entrance at their posts, in front of his palace. The phone finally was picked up, and Sham said, whilst rubbing his temples, "Andrey, yeah, its Sham."

"Shouldn't you be finding a bed, a couch, or even one of those nice rugs on your floor to be laying on, Sham, you've done enough for today," responded the grumbling Foreign Minister, Prince Andrey Davydov-Timur.

"Look, you can have the day off tomorrow, I won't call you for twenty-four hours, okay?"

"What do you request, [i]oh great one[/i]?" chuckled Andrey, emphasizing the last three words with sarcasm, causing Sham to chuckle tiredly.

"Just get your tush over to the Palace, we'll make this as quick as possible," responded Sham, with a tired smile, before flipping his phone shut. He turned around as his chief of staff, Prince Ephraim Tolstoy came out the door, also looking tired as he strode over to Sham.

"A wonderful day, your majesty," said Ephraim, with a smile. "Shall I have the kitchen staff send up a pitcher of water before you retire?"

"No Ephraim, thank you, you can have a pot of coffee made and delivered to my study, please."

"I beg your pardon, my Amir, but the hour is late."

"And the hour will be later when my head touch the comfort of a pillow, I have some last minute work I need to do," said Sham, as he turned to head inside again, resolved to finish his work tonight. He could afford to sleep in a little tomorrow, but before he felt the comfort of his own bed, he had a affirmation of friendship to make.

[center][b]*** *** ***[/b][/center]

It would be close to two o'clock in the morning when the final lights went out in the personal quarters of the newly-anointed Amir of the Timuridians, by which time almost three pots of coffee had been filled and emptied. A small group of men had pored over a document for most of that time, making adjustments and haggling over ideas to incorporate. As soon as it was agreed upon and completed, Sham had shooed them away to their homes, and had a message sent to the Regency Hotel. The short, hand-delivered note was given to one of Maria's attendants, provided they were awake, and was written in a rather messy, but still legible scrawl.

[quote]The Amir would enjoy the honor to meet with the Duchess as soon as she is available in the morning, please accept my apologies of the abruptness of this note.

[IMG]http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa325/VictorDeltaRomeo/sigsham2final.png[/IMG]

HRH, Amir of the Greater Timuridian Empire[/quote]

As soon as all the individuals had been dismissed from his study, Sham retired to his bedroom, but he did not sleep, he turned off the lights in his room, and picked up the glass of water he had poured. He nursed the glass of water slowly, looking out the window at the lit gardens behind the palace, at the lit city skyline that surrounded his palace, the towering Regency Hotel that sat behind his palace, his eyes wandered the cityscape slowly, tiredly. The window he had left open slightly, and the occasional bark of a dog, or car could be heard in the distance, but for the most part, silence. It had been a long day, and it would probably prove to be a long night, his thoughts were racing, and he could never sleep when they whirled through his mind like they did now.

Edited March 9, 2011 by TheShammySocialist

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Your Grace?"

The voice sounded faraway, coming through a wall of fog and haze. In the middle of a world of ballrooms and palaces, where Maria was only ten years old and Austria still existed in her peak, the words were coming through a ceiling. She heard the words again and then the walls of the ballroom began to fall apart and the fog filled the entire world, she was confused and she was no longer on her feet.

"Your Grace?"

Maria groaned loudly as she grabbed her pillows and pulled it tightly over her ears. "Go away Kant. I'm not getting up right now."

"Your Grace, I apologize for bothering you so early, but I received a communique from the Amir this morning. He is asking for your presence at the palace at your earliest convenience."

"Kant."

"Yes, Your Grace?" The Foreign Minister asked curiously.

"Define convenience for me."

"When you are most comfortable and the like."

She sighed again and pushed herself up from the bed. Her hair hung in broken strands over her face and stuck with sweat to her back, her clothes covered the room and she shook her head at the mess on the floor. "Send a message to the Amir that I will be down at the palace in two hours or so, after the room stops spinning and I can get a bath. Good Lord."

"Of course, Your Grace." Kant said closing the door again and Maria fell back into the pillows watching the ceiling turning like a top.

---

When she finally arrived Maria had dressed casually, a black turtle-neck, with a black suit and a gray skirt that went past her knees. Her heels clicked up the staircase of the palace and her pony-tail swung happily behind her head as she walked rhythmically into the great foyer and waited to be received by the Amir. The Duchess chuckled as she stood there with her Foreign Minister and a few Household Guards, she must have made quite the impression on the Young Sham Timur. Her Austrian beauty hadn't failed her yet.

[TheShammySocialist]

"Your majesty, good morning," said Prince Ephraim Tolstoy, emerging from the hallway leading towards the back of the palace. He curtly stood in front of her, before bowing before her curtly. "I daresay we weren't expecting you to arrive so hastily, I do hope that the Amir's letter was not the cause for your waking, I believe he didn't want you to have to wake too early, for his sake..." his voice trailing off, he looked at Kant, and then at Maria.

"Please, follow me, the Amir is having brunch on the back patio," said Tolstoy, energetically changing his tone, and smiling widely, and hastening towards the back of the Palace.

The back patio was a long porch that extended along the entire length of the back portion of the palace, having multiple entryways. It had a marble railing, with hourglass shapes in between the bottom of the porch and railing proper, and every five feet or so, the railing turned to a plant-holding banister. The banisters all had fragrant, sweet smelling flowers that emanated into the palace a little ways, and were well kept and managed. The patio also had a multitude of high-quality wrought-iron tables, with plush-padded wicker chairs sitting at them, and an umbrella to shield the seated individuals who chose to sit at the tables. A line of chaise lounges were placed along the wall as well, to give the avid individual who liked to catch some sun every so often, to sit upon them.

Seated at an umbrella-less table was the Amir, the [i]Caspian Journal[/i], the national newspaper, sitting next to him, with headlines of his coronation covering the front page. He was dressed in a white button-up shirt, but was without a tie, the top button unbuttoned, and his shirt ruffled a little, he also wore a pair of khaki pants, and cross-trainers for shoes, the air surrounding him informal, but approachable. He looked very tired, but his face remained as cheerful as it was the night before, before him on the table was a number of coffee cups, yet to be filled, as well as covered platters of food. Next to him sat a manila envelope, which he was tapping quietly with his fingers, his eyes fixed on it before he heard Maria and her Foreign Minister approach.

As soon as he heard the clicks of their shoes, he smiled at their approach, out through the large glass doors, where a couple servants stood on one side of, and one of his own guards silently stood on the other.

"Good morning, your majesty, I do hope that my letter was not the cause of your early rising?" inquired Sham, as he stood up with a concerned smile, and bowing his head. The sounds of birds twittering and chirping eagerly in the garden below, drowning out much of the sound of city that surrounded the palace.

Edited March 10, 2011 by TheShammySocialist

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"No, it wasn't a problem at all Sham." Maria waved her hand, dismissing the subject entirely. She was still tired, but she wasn't about to let that ruin her morning and she was happy that she was able to say a few last words to the Amir before departing back to Austria. She would be able to sleep on the plane ride back and the scent of coffee, breakfast, and the sweet smelling flowers were enough that Maria completely forgot about her fatigue. "I needed to get up anyways, honestly, if I'm not prodded out of bed I can stay there all day and never move."

She sat down at the table and directed Kant to the seat next to her. "Also I would like to introduce you to my Foreign Minister, Frederich Kant. Now with our introductions out of the way, I want to say Sham, seeing the palace in the morning without all the people crowding through the hallways and verandas, this is one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. I will have to take you up on that offer of coming back here, very soon actually, living like a Duchess is nice, but I can imagine living as the heir of Tamerlane would be ten times more luxurious. Maybe if the world was a bit more chaotic and divided we could go conquering weak states with the great hordes of the East. I wouldn't fit in much, but then again, I'm all about breaking tradition."

"Your Grace..."

Maria rolled her eyes and leaned back against the chair, "My apologies, I enjoy mixing small talk with my business." Her head lifted back up to Sham's. "Anyways, what do I own the pleasure of being called back so early in the morning. I'll assume breakfast perhaps," she said with the food and coffee covering the table. "But what do I owe the pleasure? Politics or light conversation over coffee and food? I'd rather the latter, but I like mixing politics with food and coffee."

[TheShammySocialist]

Sham lightened more when she waved off the early waking, and he greeted the Austrian Foreign Minister curtly, with a firm handshake, "Herr Kant."

Sitting down around the table, Sham gently waved the servants standing near the door to come forward and take the platter covers off, and take their cups, asking what they would prefer for beverages. Arrayed on the platters were an assortment of pastries, fresh fruits, all cut and their juices glistening in the morning sun, included in the mix were sausage and waffles, the steam rising from them as the platters were uncovered. Lined against the wall of the palace were coffee brewers, a samovar, as well as a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice. As their drinks were delivered, Sham thanked his service staff, warmly smiling, dismissing them into the palace.

"I'm afraid I wouldn't fit in much with the hordes of the East either, I look too much like a businessman then my forefathers. But, the invitation to return is always open to you, I must say I enjoyed your company last night. I also made sure to get in a little work before I turned in," nodded Sham, with a smile. "And please forgive the absence of my own Foreign Minister, Prince Andrey Davydov, I promised him a day off, so he is either sleeping, or spending time with his wife; I heard she was one of what you may call, the 'belles of the ball' last night. She and the Prince are both avid pair dancers, and apparently decided to drive all of the couples off the dance floor before doing an energetic waltz of theirs while we were prowling the garden."

He smelled his coffee a little, before taking a sip, "Coffee from the Arabian Peninsula," he said, before making a small singsong voice to say, "A good way, to start any day. I do like to get a little food into me before I usually talk business, so light conversation will definitely do for now. I do hope your accommodations were comfortable last night?"

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Well the ride back to the hotel was, if I can speak bluntly," Maria began much to the groan of Kant beside her, "I don't remember much of it, it was kind of a blur, but the bed was extremely soft and I fell right asleep. I do mean it when I say, I didn't want to wake up in the morning at all. The accommodations were excellent for me and I believe the entire Austrian delegation enjoyed their stay."

"Her Grace should learn to hold herself better at these engagements, you will have forgive our delegation Your Excellency." Said Kant to the Amir, bowing his head solemnly to the ground.

"Yes and at times I don't appreciate being treated as if I was a child and a novice on the field of diplomatic discussion. Now please Minister, Sham and I are making small talk." Maria reached for a cup of coffee that the Amir poured for her and took in the aroma through her nose. Her entire body began to relax at the smell and with the right measurement of cream and sugar it would taste as heavenly as it smelled. "Also, don't worry about introducing Prince Davydov, we probably won't be staying all that long today anyways, duty is already calling back on the home front and I'm sure I have a stack of papers on my desk that I could climb to the sky."

"Ah..." Kant interjected into the conversation again. "So you were in the gardens all yesterday night, there were a few people looking for you."

"Well I'm sure it wasn't all that important, especially to come in line to the creation of a strong friendship between Timuridia and Austria. You'd be surprised what I night of frolicking through gardens and waltzing in gazebos can do for countries. Ah!" Maria's eyes brightened and she looked back up at Sham. "I did want to mention that to you, when I get back to Vienna, I will send a copy of a treaty proposal to your embassy. I would be fine normally with a verbal treaty Sham, but in today's day and age, you need documentation for everything. I hope that won't inconvenience you."

Edited March 10, 2011 by Sarah Tintagyl

[TheShammySocialist]

Sham laughed softly as he watched the exchange between Maria and her Foreign Minister, whilst sipping his cup of coffee. He smiled, "I'm also have much work to do as well, last night, my desk as already covered in a large amount of files and things for me to pore over. Though, I did not have time last night to look them over, I had [i]other[/i] business to attend to." He had a mysterious smile on his face, as he nibbled at a piece of strudel. "It is of no worry, Herr Kant, I can assure you that she was on her best behavior last night," he said, with a grin.

"The Duchess is correct in her statement, my dear Kant, if only all diplomatic engagements between sovereigns and leaders were as enjoyable as last nights, I daresay you might be out of a job! But, alas, they cannot all be," laughed Sham, raising his coffee cup at Kant, and taking another sip. When the duchess mentioned the written treaty proposal, he held a hand up, with an, "Mmmm," as he sipped his coffee. He polished off the cup of coffee, and then picked up the Manila envelope that had sat next to him, opening it carefully.

"There is no need to fax a copy," noted Sham, as he slipped two sheets of paper out of the envelope, and handed one each over to Kant and Maria. "These are copies of the treaty proposal, the original is on my desk inside, ready for our signatures to be put on it. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask."

[quote][b]Preamble
[/b]
[i]Under the pretext of friendship and mutual understanding, the governments of Timuridia and Austria, in good faith, do ascertain, by signatures of their sovereigns, that they shall accede to the following Articles.[/i]

[b]Article I. “Statement of Neutrality”[/b]

Section 1: The governments of both contract parties of this document shall maintain a state of peaceful relations between one another, and shall not engage in any behavior with one another, or in the company of a third party that will lead to aggression.

[b]Article II. “On Common Interests[/b]

Section 1: The governments of both contract parties shall maintain close contact with one another, to ensure smooth relations and to keep the other party appraised of any common threats or conflicts that may arise.

[b]Article III. “On Conflicting Interests”
[/b]
Section 1: The governments of both contract parties shall, should either find themselves at conflicting interests with one another, work through diplomatic channels, and if necessary joint arbitrary committees, to ensure peaceful resolution of said conflicting interests.

[b]Article IV. “On Mutual Defense”
[/b]
Section 1: The governments of both contract parties agree to that if one or the other is engaged by a third party in an act of belligerence, the other is mutually responsible to respond with appropriate force to protect the other.

Section 2: The governments of both contract parties shall work together to maintain the readiness and effectiveness of each other’s armed forces. This proviso includes, but is not limited to; preferential defense contracts, training and technical assistance, joint military exercises, and stationing of one another’s troops within the boundaries of each other’s territories.

[b]Article V. “On Trade and Economic Assistance”
[/b]
Section 1: The governments of both contract parties shall work with one another to lower trade tariffs and encourage private trade and capital to flow freely between each nation.

Section 2: The government of the Greater Timuridian Empire pledges to maintain (through the Caspian Petroleum and Chemicals) a low, affordable market price on fuel oil and natural gas between the winter months of October and April.

Section 3: The government of the Greater Timuridian Empire pledges to deploy a [url=http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=99474&view=findpost&p=2654392]Timuridian International Development Assistance (TIDA)[/url] Forward Operations Team to Austria to assist with economic development and better coordinate Timuridian economic efforts and investment in the region.

[i]Signatures[/i]

[/quote]

Edited March 10, 2011 by TheShammySocialist

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Maria and Kant read over the treaty and both of their faces began to pale. The treaty was in all ways perfect, the language was clear and concise, but it was too much and when the Duchess and Foreign Minister looked at each other, they instantly saw that shame on both of their faces. Laying the treaty back down on the table, Maria looked back at Sham and tried to smile, rather uncomfortably, through the beginnings of a frown. "Sham, Austria can't accept this," a light chuckle parted her lips. "It's called a mutual defense treaty for a purpose and this is definitely not mutual, the leaps and bounds that Timuridia would be going through to provide Austria with protection, economic perks, and social strength. It," she stuttered, "It just seems too much, I don't think I could accept something like this, knowing that your people are barely getting anything out of this aside from taking on a desolate and ruined country as a burden."

"Maria." Kant looked at her with narrow eyes, "There are better ways to decline than to put your heart on your sleeve."

"If that is how I choose to discuss diplomacy, who are you to challenge that? I don't know Sham," she said picking up the treaty again. "This is a true gift, really, the help that Austria could secure from something like this is monumental. But I can't accept it unless I know how Austria can mutually repay you and your country. I hate playing the damsel in distress and I'm sure you know be better than that." Maria reached down into her purse and picked out a fountain pen amidst the packs of tic-tacs, chap stick, and a few other necessities. "You tell me how Austria can commit itself either now or in the future and you have my signature, but I'm not going to take advantage of your goodwill Sham. I want to be a friend, not a burden."

[TheShammySocialist]

Sham had a feeling that this would occur, he knew that his offers of goodwill in the treaty may have been a little too much, but he knew that Austria could prove to be a long-term friend in Europe. If his short-term offer of generosity paid off, it would pay itself back to his people and nation in long term dividends. He was not about to let his new friend across the table turn down his generosity, but he knew that she would also want to assure herself that his country would benefit from this treaty as well. Of course, the night before, he couldn't write the terms for the Austrians, nor could he make assumptions on what they would agree too, so he only added his own offers of good will in it.

Sham smiled kindly, despite Maria's hesitations to accept the treaty, he had refilled his coffee cup while the two had gone over the treaty, and took a sip of the aromatic brew before responding.

"I definitely understand where you are coming from Maria, and I will gladly assure you that this will be a [i]mutually[/i] beneficial agreement," he said, sitting up, his demeanor now matching the businessman he had been only a handful of months before. "You see, the Timuridian Military will gain access to a partner in Central Europe, a place where we lack any sort of strategic projection. Our air force gains an important place to refuel, as well as additional long range airborne warning to our West, while our troops on the ground will be able to gain experience in both training and giving technical assistance to your own forces. On the economic side of things, our industries gain a new market, which will pay dividends over the long term, and as your country grows and prospers, our own capital will grow from that investment and trade. While our country will not see the short term benefits of this agreement, yours will, we do not need those short term benefits, your country does.

Davydov also talked to me last night that he has some investors who are looking for bi-national joint business agreements abroad, which would spread profits evenly for both our countries, should our countries go forward with this agreement. I assure you that while my country may not see the benefits in the short term, it will slowly even out over time as we go forward together in this partnership." His smile was reassuring, as he looked at Maria and Kant, leaning back into his chair, taking a sip of coffee.