A Grand Ball

[Michael McBride]

A letter was sent to all nations of the world through standard communique:

[quote]
[center][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/That_Bum/EPIflag.png[/img]
[b][font="Book Antiqua"][size="5"]OFFICIAL IMPERIAL ANNOUNCEMENT[/size][/b]

By order of the Emperor, a Grand Ball is to be held for all nations of the world. All national leaders, dignitaries, diplomats, honored military guests, and politicians are invited to attend. Please limit twenty guests per nation, and correspond that you will be attending through private channels*. No weapons will be allowed, and all security will be provided by Imperial Security and military forces. A grand time is sure to be had by all at this celebration of Imperial victory in the War of Survival, War of Radical Islam Insanity, and the appointment of Thomas Atkinson-Asgeirsson as Emperor.

[b]Where:[/b] Syracuse, York
[b]When:[/b] In One Week**
[b]Attire:[/b] Black tie event. Formal gowns for females. Military dress uniforms for active military attendees.

Emperor Atkinson-Asgeirsson, Regent Sinclair, Colonel Atkinson-Asgeirsson and her Black Knights, General Percival "Sarge" Whaner, and Dr. Leonard L. Church will all be in attendance.

Signed,
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/That_Bum/thomasatkinsonasgeirsson.png[/img][/font][/center][/quote]

OOC: *No need to post saying you will come, just show up.
**Starts now, basically.
The people who I have said will be in attendance for the Empire will all be characters of mine you can interact with. So, if you wish to interact with characters of mine, here is the list.
Emperor Thomas Atkinson-Asgeirsson
Regent Arthur Sinclair, Jr.
Emperor-Emeritus Michael Harland, Sir
General Percival "Sarge" Whaner
Dr. Leonard L. Church
[b]The Black Knights[/b]
Colonel Alice Atkinson-Asgeirsson
Major Jesse Stewart
Captain Doug Fair
Captain Nathan Pouncey
Captain Nick Jordan
1st Lieutenant Sarah Naylor
1st Lieutenant Reese Moorman
1st Lieutenant Carla Gale
1st Lieutenant Zachary Garfield
2nd Lieutenant Oscar Madden
2nd Lieutenant Bruce Tamlan
2nd Lieutenant Jackie McClain

Edited March 10, 2011 by Pravus Ingruo

[Sarah Tintagyl]

After the invitation was received in Boise, Angelika von Hapsburg, the Austrian Princess and Mistress of the King of Idaho-Montana, was ecstatic. Her plans in North America had become difficult to advance as of late. A failed soiree with Virtus International had broken her motivation to see North America freed from Red influences from around the world, but she had been able to produce an alliance between the democratically oriented peoples of the southern territories and there at least was a chance for a successful resistance when the time came. The invitation to Syracuse was a true blessing, of all the American countries, Pravus Inguro looked to Angelika as the most influential and powerful, or at least the most tied to the rest of the world. A new Emperor sat on the throne of the East Coast and perhaps if Angelika could convince him to see the plight of his North American neighbors, his help would change the course of North American history. It was at least a hopeful thought.

Together with her now fiance, Franklyn of Idaho-Montana, Angelika arrived in Syracuse and proceeded to where the ball would be hosted and would be introduced as such. So much had changed since the War of Survival had begun in Pravus Inguro and it was the perfect time to make a lasting impression on the new Emperor, wherever he was, as the young Austrian arrived and began to subtly search.

[Beauty]

[i]After receiving the invitation it was burned, The fact that Islam was called Radical and Insane would be enough to burn the invitation and make the Sovereign laugh as she did it.[/i]

[King Timmy]

President Simon Pegg arrived with Elizabeth and two of his topmost generals, Anthony Melchett and George Mainwaring, and their wives.

They immediately went to the bar and after a drink or two would look around for someone interesting to talk to.

Edited March 10, 2011 by King Timmy

[Dinoz94]

President Wilcox, along with Generals Smith and Montgomery along with their wives, arrived in Syracuse as representatives of Nova Scotia.

[Germanic Republic]

Commander in Chief Stefan Holden arrived in uniform. It'd been awhile since he had attended any sort of social function, and was looking forward to unwinding. With him was Libertarian senator James Murphy who was the first President of the FRA's son, Texan governor Liam Duke, and a group of lower politicians.

[Michael McBride]

[quote name='Rotavele' timestamp='1299715888' post='2658092']
[i]After receiving the invitation it was burned, The fact that Islam was called Radical and Insane would be enough to burn the invitation and make the Sovereign laugh as she did it.[/i]
[/quote]

OOC: lolwut? Reading comprehension is your friend. I said "War of Radical Islam Insanity" not "War on Islam for Being Insane and Radical". It was clearly distinguished that the war was against Radical Islam, not the religion as a whole. Still, if you choose to sit out an event where you might actually be able to meet some people and toss off the insane/ignorant moniker that has been placed on you, so be it. Your loss.

IC:

Emperor-Emeritus Harland stepped up to a microphone, smiling. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming this evening. I'm sure a wonderful time will be had by all. But first, before we get started, a toast to Thomas. May his reign be long, prosperous, and historic." Harland raised his glass and took a big gulp. "And now, to the party!" Music started playing from a full orchestra as the Emperor-Emeritus got down from the stage and began to mingle among the crowd.

Thomas, dressed in a smart-looking three button tuxedo with black long tie smiled at the toast and the congratulations of those around him. He also moved through the crowd, smiling, shaking hands, generally being a good host.

Alice was dressed in a daring navy blue dress that was practically backless and hung slightly loose at her sides, but tight in all the right places. The male Black Knights were in their dress blacks while the females were also in rather daring, yet formal, dresses.

[Axolotlia]

Habib Hisham and Muwaffaq Muta, representing The People's Republic of Africa, arrive a tad late. Habib Hisham brings his wife while Muwaffaq Muta does not. As they enter, they look around for dignitaries to talk to.

[TheShammySocialist]

Amir Sham Timur arrived, albeit just in time to catch the Emperor's speech, and had quickly grabbed a glass of wine from a passing servers' tray, and joined the ceremonial lifting of glasses, and had downed half the glass with his first gulp. The plane ride had been a long one, and having to listen to briefings for most of it had left his brain in a state of proverbial mush. He was wearing a gray suit jacket, and matching slacks, a black shirt underneath, with a white tie, and had his trademark energetic appearance as the orchestra played the first opening number. His appearance was approachable, and did not do the justice to the land he now ruled over.

Following him as his entourage to the ball was his cousin, and the Timuridian Economic Minister, Princess Maria Tatiana-Timur, a striking brunette who had earned her Doctorate in Economics from the prestigious Turkmenbasy University. The Princess had donned a striking black dress which ended just above her knees and she stood a good five inches taller on the heels she wore, the dress wrapped over one shoulder, and gave anyone behind her a clear look to the middle of her back. Clasping the Princess' hand was a young businessman, her fiance, the Vice-President of Timuridian (formerly Dawkins) International Logistics, Rockwell Pope, wearing a black tuxedo, his hair slick with gel. As the orchestra started playing, Sham stood with his two associates, speaking quietly, but also looking for familiar faces amongst the sea of faces and people at the ball that evening.

[Generalissimo]

Ai Yorishiro and two other S.M.S.S.T.F. affiliated schoolgirls, Elisapie Allakariallak and Manya Santago, were designated (theoretically) represent Procinctia. Ai and her supporters ambushed interim administrator Catalina Martinez and (literally) twisted the older woman’s arm to be allowed to attend this event as formal delegates. Ai and her cohorts didn’t realize that Catalina was completely willing to play along because finding anyone else in Procinctia who would actually want to travel to that nation, including administrator Martinez, without complete distain would have been difficult; too many Procinctians were unforgiving of Pravus Ingruo’s co-belligerence in the last war. Ai Yorishiro, former president of the once sovereign nation of Savoonga Municipal School Sarah Tintagyl Fanclub, hadn’t made an appearance like this since losing her country to Procinctia in an internationally televised sword dual. Being thoroughly defeated by Procinctia’s current ruler, even if Ai dealt far more punishment than received, was extremely humiliating.

Ai and Manya arrived their matching school uniforms and thus couldn’t actually gain entrance into this [b]black tie[/b] event. Ai always wore her school uniform on international excursions because it was practically trademark, on the other hand Manya could never afford anything close to a proper formal gown (even for what could have been her first ball), leaving both girls to awkwardly hang out where staff determined suitability of attire outside premises of the ball itself.

Elisapie, who had commissioned a custom hand crafted ball gown specifically for this event, had no reservations about leaving her friends at the door – even with that delay still arrived just (barely ) in time to catch the entirety of the Emperor's speech.



[i]Ai’s entourage[/i]
Manya Santago, age 16, a carefree yet materialistic girl who purchased a surplus armored fighting vehicle from Selenactos’ military because she considers it an [i]awesomely sweet ride[/i]

Elisapie Allakariallak, age 17, a straightforward young woman who had recently been one of the high school students instructed in modern warfare by Selenarctan liaison Major Nerio Reséndez

Edited March 10, 2011 by Generalissimo

[Sarah Tintagyl]

The moment Harland stepped down from his toast, Angelika bid farewell to Franklyn with a smile and a kiss and began to cross the room hoping to find the Emperor among the crowd, though as soon as she began her search she knew that it was going to be difficult. Her dress, while a bit more conservative than Alice's was still daring and she hoped would be enough to entice the Emperor into conversation, however, the Austrian Princess believed full well that it was her ability at conversation as well as her looks that helped her through the world. To rely solely on one and having no skill in the other was a recipe for failure.

Luck would be on her side as Angelika mingled through the throngs of people separating her from her target, but finally she was nearly right in front of the Emperor and when he would turn, he would be face to face with the Austrian beauty from Idaho-Montana. Her bright eyes sparkled in the chandelier lights of the hall, while her hair, a colorful array of browns and blondes, hung low over her back. She bowed her head and pressed her hand over her heart. "Your Highness, Emperor Atkinson-Asgeirsson, it is a pleasure to finally have the chance to meet you. My name is Maria Angelika von Hapsburg, I am the fiancee of His Highness Franklyn the First of Idaho-Montana." She sighed immediately after finishing the sentence. "I'm sorry my fiance isn't here at the moment, I'm not quite sure where he ran off too, but I was hoping to talk to you about a few things concerning the state of affairs of our two countries."

Angelika smirked and rose her hands after finishing the sentence, "Though I would imagine a business-sound man like yourself would be quick to discuss, though I was hoping perhaps we might do it while on the dance floor?" Her eyes twinkled and her Austrian accent sweetly serenaded the air in harmony with the music.

[Michael McBride]

[quote name='Generalissimo' timestamp='1299776744' post='2658617']
Ai and Manya arrived their matching school uniforms and thus couldn’t actually gain entrance into this [b]black tie[/b] event. Ai always wore her school uniform on international excursions because it was practically trademark, on the other hand Manya could never afford anything close to a proper formal gown (even for what could have been her first ball), leaving both girls to awkwardly hang out where staff determined suitability of attire outside premises of the ball itself.

Elisapie, who had commissioned a custom hand crafted ball gown specifically for this event, had no reservations about leaving her friends at the door – even with that delay still arrived just (barely ) in time to catch the entirety of the Emperor's speech.



[i]Ai’s entourage[/i]
Manya Santago, age 16, a carefree yet materialistic girl who purchased a surplus armored fighting vehicle from Selenactos’ military because she considers it an [i]awesomely sweet ride[/i]

Elisapie Allakariallak, age 17, a straightforward young woman who had recently been one of the high school students instructed in modern warfare by Selenarctan liaison Major Nerio Reséndez
[/quote]

The security at the door, taking pity on the two young girls, allowed them inside after giving them the standard check for weapons.

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1299917632' post='2661273']
The moment Harland stepped down from his toast, Angelika bid farewell to Franklyn with a smile and a kiss and began to cross the room hoping to find the Emperor among the crowd, though as soon as she began her search she knew that it was going to be difficult. Her dress, while a bit more conservative than Alice's was still daring and she hoped would be enough to entice the Emperor into conversation, however, the Austrian Princess believed full well that it was her ability at conversation as well as her looks that helped her through the world. To rely solely on one and having no skill in the other was a recipe for failure.

Luck would be on her side as Angelika mingled through the throngs of people separating her from her target, but finally she was nearly right in front of the Emperor and when he would turn, he would be face to face with the Austrian beauty from Idaho-Montana. Her bright eyes sparkled in the chandelier lights of the hall, while her hair, a colorful array of browns and blondes, hung low over her back. She bowed her head and pressed her hand over her heart. "Your Highness, Emperor Atkinson-Asgeirsson, it is a pleasure to finally have the chance to meet you. My name is Maria Angelika von Hapsburg, I am the fiancee of His Highness Franklyn the First of Idaho-Montana." She sighed immediately after finishing the sentence. "I'm sorry my fiance isn't here at the moment, I'm not quite sure where he ran off too, but I was hoping to talk to you about a few things concerning the state of affairs of our two countries."

Angelika smirked and rose her hands after finishing the sentence, "Though I would imagine a business-sound man like yourself would be quick to discuss, though I was hoping perhaps we might do it while on the dance floor?" Her eyes twinkled and her Austrian accent sweetly serenaded the air in harmony with the music.
[/quote]

Thomas was, to put it mildly, stunned by Angelika. The grace she moved with instantly told him that she was of some sort of aristocratic or royal blood, and he smiled as he placed his hand over his heart and bowed forward as well. She continued before he could open his mouth again, and the smile he had on his face faltered ever the slightest.

[i]She[/i] was engaged to the diplomat from Idaho-Montana? Thomas' eyes quickly flashed through the crowd, but he didn't see Franklyn, his mind went to a picture of him and Thomas mentally shrugged. Something in his gut, along with her sigh, told him the engagement wasn't because of love... it was something else. What that something was, he wasn't sure of. But it certainly wasn't because of true love.

Ah, but of course she wanted to discuss some foreign affairs with him. Everyone at this party, supposed to be a celebration, had some ulterior motive for being there. Thomas guessed it was simply too much to hope for that a beautiful woman would have wanted to simply [i]talk[/i] to the new Emperor without wanting something. He sighed.

"Of course, Miss von Hapsburg." He offered her his hand before walking out onto the dance floor, moving his right hand out and his left hand to her right shoulder blade. "Though I will insist on calling you Miss von Hapsburg if you insist on calling me Emperor Atkinson-Asgeirsson. Since I know that mine is at least somewhat of a handful, please, call me Thomas. What did you wish to discuss?" As his question finished, a new song, a waltz, started up and Thomas started leading her in the dance.

[Triyun]

The UFE would RSVP sending chief of staff of the PLA, Field Marshall Ding to the event. The third in command of the UFE now under martial law would be making a brief stop to meet with North American allies about potential problems on the horizon. Ding had sent a message before hand requesting that he be allowed to have some private time with the Emperor to discuss pressing matters of state at his host's convenience.

Field Marshall Ding arrived with an entourage of aids who would escort him to the door. While the field marshall knew who the Emperor was, aides at the last minute would be cramming him with details about the imperial family and their major staff. The top field commander and spymaster of the UFE would ironically stand out in a crowd like a sore thumb, afterall his ancestry was german with blond hair and blue eyes, in contrast to the entire entourage of asians around him. His aides parted with him at the door and he entered the ball room in his sharp Federation military uniform, he began to make his way through the ball room to the tables of the Imperial leadership taking careful note about who was there.

[King Timmy]

President Pegg watched the new Emperor dance with the Austrian royal. He would wait until they had finished and then talk to him. It was the only reason he was attending.

Relations between Pravus Ingruo and Maine had been distant for too long, and it was of the utmost importance to the President to make sure they were on better terms before the night was over.

If anyone attempted to talk to the Emperor before him, his wife Elizabeth of 6 feet and 10 inches who was built like a tank was dancing nearby him and would intervene to ensure her husband was the next to gain audience with him.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

[quote name='Pravus Ingruo' timestamp='1299929478' post='2661388']
Thomas was, to put it mildly, stunned by Angelika. The grace she moved with instantly told him that she was of some sort of aristocratic or royal blood, and he smiled as he placed his hand over his heart and bowed forward as well. She continued before he could open his mouth again, and the smile he had on his face faltered ever the slightest.

[i]She[/i] was engaged to the diplomat from Idaho-Montana? Thomas' eyes quickly flashed through the crowd, but he didn't see Franklyn, his mind went to a picture of him and Thomas mentally shrugged. Something in his gut, along with her sigh, told him the engagement wasn't because of love... it was something else. What that something was, he wasn't sure of. But it certainly wasn't because of true love.

Ah, but of course she wanted to discuss some foreign affairs with him. Everyone at this party, supposed to be a celebration, had some ulterior motive for being there. Thomas guessed it was simply too much to hope for that a beautiful woman would have wanted to simply [i]talk[/i] to the new Emperor without wanting something. He sighed.

"Of course, Miss von Hapsburg." He offered her his hand before walking out onto the dance floor, moving his right hand out and his left hand to her right shoulder blade. "Though I will insist on calling you Miss von Hapsburg if you insist on calling me Emperor Atkinson-Asgeirsson. Since I know that mine is at least somewhat of a handful, please, call me Thomas. What did you wish to discuss?" As his question finished, a new song, a waltz, started up and Thomas started leading her in the dance.
[/quote]

"And then I will only respond if you call me Angelika, Miss von Hapsburg is my sister, and my sister could never be as lucky to dance with the Emperor of Pravus Inguro. Also," she reached up and pushed Thomas' face up with her fingers, turning his serious look into a large grin. "You are dancing with a Princess and you're going to have such a serious look? Not in a million years." Angelika turned back over to the orchestra and nodded at the conductor. "Sir,[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poAb0MhEvmk"]Geschichten aus dem Wiener Wald[/url], if you please, danke."

Immediately the room settled and the sounds of the Viennese countryside began to slowly permeate through the crowded hall in Syracuse. As the waltz began and the Inguroians and their partners began to settle themselves to the floor, Angelika laughed, the image that she conjured in her head was perfect and it reminded her so much of her childhood that she jumped into Thomas' hands like a little girl as they began to execute the waltz with professional precision. She twirled and skipped wonderfully as the Emperor led the couple around the dance floor, his coattails jumping against the air, and her dress becoming more like a top in between the spins and jaunts. But even as the waltz picked up speed, Angelika was always able to speak and caress the Emperor with her words as well as her movements.

"I do apologize for wanting to discuss with you anything on the lines of foreign affairs, Thomas, I could tell you were disappointed the moment I spoke to you about it and perhaps we can put that off until the very end of the night. I can assure you, I'm in no rush to talk politics, and with the end of your terrible crisis," her features softened along with the very grasp of her fingers. "It is a miracle and a true display of the willpower of your people to survive such an event. I think the world has a lot to learn from a country doesn't fold even under than kind of pressure and now with Idaho-Montana in a much better state within North American affairs, I might be able to see the East, much more. You have a beautiful country from what I have see Thomas, rolling mountains and hills. It reminds me a great deal of my home in Austria. But why not," Angelika finished as they whirled around another couple on the floor. "tell me a bit about yourself and where you learned such impeccable dancing skills."

Edited March 12, 2011 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Michael McBride]

[quote name='Triyun' timestamp='1299942473' post='2661488']
The UFE would RSVP sending chief of staff of the PLA, Field Marshall Ding to the event. The third in command of the UFE now under martial law would be making a brief stop to meet with North American allies about potential problems on the horizon. Ding had sent a message before hand requesting that he be allowed to have some private time with the Emperor to discuss pressing matters of state at his host's convenience.

Field Marshall Ding arrived with an entourage of aids who would escort him to the door. While the field marshall knew who the Emperor was, aides at the last minute would be cramming him with details about the imperial family and their major staff. The top field commander and spymaster of the UFE would ironically stand out in a crowd like a sore thumb, afterall his ancestry was german with blond hair and blue eyes, in contrast to the entire entourage of asians around him. His aides parted with him at the door and he entered the ball room in his sharp Federation military uniform, he began to make his way through the ball room to the tables of the Imperial leadership taking careful note about who was there.
[/quote]

Regent Sinclair, Dr. Leonard L. Church, and Emperor-Emeritus Harland were all sitting at the leadership table at the moment, speaking to each other in hushed tones, glasses of various alcoholic beverages before them.

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1299949859' post='2661582']
"And then I will only respond if you call me Angelika, Miss von Hapsburg is my sister, and my sister could never be as lucky to dance with the Emperor of Pravus Inguro. Also," she reached up and pushed Thomas' face up with her fingers, turning his serious look into a large grin. "You are dancing with a Princess and you're going to have such a serious look? Not in a million years." Angelika turned back over to the orchestra and nodded at the conductor. "Sir,[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poAb0MhEvmk"]Geschichten aus dem Wiener Wald[/url], if you please, danke."

Immediately the room settled and the sounds of the Viennese countryside began to slowly permeate through the crowded hall in Syracuse. As the waltz began and the Inguroians and their partners began to settle themselves to the floor, Angelika laughed, the image that she conjured in her head was perfect and it reminded her so much of her childhood that she jumped into Thomas' hands like a little girl as they began to execute the waltz with professional precision. She twirled and skipped wonderfully as the Emperor led the couple around the dance floor, his coattails jumping against the air, and her dress becoming more like a top in between the spins and jaunts. But even as the waltz picked up speed, Angelika was always able to speak and caress the Emperor with her words as well as her movements.

"I do apologize for wanting to discuss with you anything on the lines of foreign affairs, Thomas, I could tell you were disappointed the moment I spoke to you about it and perhaps we can put that off until the very end of the night. I can assure you, I'm in no rush to talk politics, and with the end of your terrible crisis," her features softened along with the very grasp of her fingers. "It is a miracle and a true display of the willpower of your people to survive such an event. I think the world has a lot to learn from a country doesn't fold even under than kind of pressure and now with Idaho-Montana in a much better state within North American affairs, I might be able to see the East, much more. You have a beautiful country from what I have see Thomas, rolling mountains and hills. It reminds me a great deal of my home in Austria. But why not," Angelika finished as they whirled around another couple on the floor. "tell me a bit about yourself and where you learned such impeccable dancing skills."
[/quote]

Thomas smiled as the dance picked up. It had been a little while since his last dance lessons, almost two years in fact, but it seemed that dancing was like riding a bicycle for him. It wasn't something he just forgot how to do.

"Lucky more accurately describes our survival from the undead horde," Thomas interjected as they twirled around. "The Air Force was the biggest reason why we are still here today... along with the Black Knights." He gestured his head in the direction of his sister and her pilots. "As for me... well, I am the son of David K. Atkinson and Hannah Asgeirsson, former Queen of Australia. That's actually how and why I learned to dance. Mother made sure that Alice and I had all the proper training to become royalty while in Australia. After the first collapse of the Queendom, dad brought Alice and I, along with Mother, here to Pravus Ingruo. Dad made sure that Alice and I entered the military and we both chose the Air Force... she's the better pilot though. She took after our father, I took after our mother and went into politics. Former Emperor Harland groomed me to take his place, and, well, here I am." Thomas smiled again as he twirled the Austrian princess over the dance floor.

"So what about you, Angelika... how did an Austrian princess end up engaged to... well, that guy?"

[Sarah Tintagyl]

The Princess laughed, biting her tongue between her teeth playfully. "I should start out by saying that my sister, Maria Magdalena, is perhaps one of the most ambitious people on the Earth, which doesn't make much sense given that Austria can barely field an army of twenty-thousand. But it was by her request that I came to North America, she hoped that I would be able to get in with one of the rulers of the continent. I traveled in the Federal Republic, the Confederated States, but Republics and the like can be so messy when it comes to royal politics, your country at the time of course was going under its internal crisis and so I found myself charmed by the likes of Franklyn Chadwick." Angelika continued to spin as they danced through the crowd, continuing her story as her feet artfully clicked across the floor.

"He hadn't been King of Idaho-Montana at the time, but I have a way with words, though what I hadn't expected to become so involved within North American politics. I've discovered that Franklyn, the poor dear, doesn't speak much and with the recent conflict in Alaska, I've been organizing the other states on the continent as best as I can. Call me a regular Madame de Pompadour when it comes to court intrigue." Her hand gently caressed the Emperor's back as she flew into another twirl around the ballroom and came back strongly into his arms. "In all truth, it was that concern that I had wanted to talk to you about, see how nice it is to mix business and pleasure." She said as the dance came to an end, but kept Thomas close as not to lose his attention.

"In truth Thomas, I don't want to bother you with mindless political dribble, but what would the chances be for this new administration in Pravus Inguro to look at Idaho-Montana as friends and not as near enemies?" Angelika shook her head in spite of herself. "Though no matter what your answer, I would hope that you and I could at least share a glass of wine, or perhaps something harder, I'd hate for politics to ruin a sudden and promising friendship between us." She looked like a glittering diamond in the light of the hall, as a lost strand of hair fell gently over her left eye. "Franklyn isn't one for parties so at the very least, you could introduce me to Pravus Inguroian Society, perhaps if our nations would become friends, I could make a few more trips to the East Coast."