Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
This forum is used with the NationStates web-game designed and run by Max Barry. While not officially affiliated, this serves as the regional forum for the regions: Middle East, African Continent, American Continent, Asian Continent, and European Continent.

You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and can "read only".

In order to get the most out of these forums, please become a member and read this guide - http://z3.invisionfree.com/nationstates/index.php?showtopic=3060


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
A Wedding and Coronation in Moscow; The Wedding and Coronation of Ivan VIII
Topic Started: Jun 4 2013, 02:57 PM (365 Views)
NRE
Member Avatar
Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Several Weeks Ago....

No sooner did they come off the presses that they were seal and couriers began leaving Moscow for all corners of the Earth. To every monarchy, to some of the greatest nobility, and to the finest statesmen they were sent. It was destined to be one of the finest events the world had yet experience in a year that seemed so turbulent for so many. Wars and deaths had been on the minds of so many but perhaps just for one day, the people could come together and enjoy a few hours of happiness and peace.

Posted Image


OOC: So although I was originally not going to RP the wedding I've decided to after all. While in past weddings I've asked that only allies or friends of the royal family attend, I'm forgoing that and opening the ceremony to everyone. I do ask though that if shenanigans are to be had (which I encourage actually), that shananigans be done at the reception after the wedding and not the ceremony itself. Other than that, consider this RP a free-for-all :D OH and the wedding ceremony will officially begin no later than the 7th so no rush at RPing your participant's arrivals but the ceremony will be begin this Friday at the earliest.
Edited by NRE, Jun 4 2013, 02:58 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Margrave
Member Avatar
Is very much a holla-back girl.
 *  *  *  *  *
Margrave Adrian von Lebus and Lady Eleanore Lorraine-Habsburg will be in attendance, and have the greatest wishes for the royal family.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Rhadamanthus
Member Avatar
Legitimist

OOC: For my internal timeline, I am assuming that this happens after the coronation of the Norse king in my other thread.

IC: The newly crowned King Harald of Norway and the Isles will attend the wedding and coronation of Grand Duke Ivan and Princess Helena. With him will come his closest advisor and associate, the Archbishop of Nidaros.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Quaon
Member Avatar
A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
President Andrei Yanosky of the State of Quaon will attend.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Whal
Member Avatar
"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
 *  *  *  *  *  *
Archduke Karl von Hapsburg-Lothringen and his son, Crown Prince Ferdinand, will be in attendance to the ceremony. Accompanying them will be the current Chancellor of the F.U.E.G.S, Klaus Schlesinger.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Porcu
Member Avatar
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

President Vopiscus Tarquinius Atratinus and Censor Lucius Aemilius Paullus of the Republic of Porcu will be in attendance.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NRE
Member Avatar
Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

OOC: Porcu, the Porcuian royalty should also attend if they are interested. Having them there could make things even more interesting :P

IC:

Moscow, Russia....

The hours were now winding down before the great wedding commenced. Ivan was naturally nervous over the wedding, after all he'd only spent time with the imperial Princess, Helena Elizabeth, briefly on a few occassions. Since coming to Russia he'd spent as much time as he could, getting to know the woman that would be his wife. She was beautiful, of that he could not deny nor could anyone else who saw her. Even past his physical attraction to her he was also drawn by her sincere kindness. Even in the face of her parent's death and the collapse of a country she'd loved for so long, she found ways however small, to show kindness to Ivan and his family for their hospitality. Though he could find few faults with her, and of those he did find they were due to his unfamiliarity with her, he was still troubled by the wedding.

Walking through the halls of the Great Kremlin Palace he came to the small personal chamber of his mother, Tsaritsa Atia Alexanderovna. "Oh Ivan its you, please come sit and have some tea with me" she said as she saw him in the door way. "I have been told the flowers have finally arrived, I was worried they would not make it in time but I have seen them myself and oh how they are divine."

"That is good mama" Ivan said, his voice uneasy. His mother could tell something trouble him as she put down the papers in her hand and gazed at him.

"My dear boy something troubles you does it not" she said in a low, concerned voice. "Tell me my dear Ivan what troubles you, we are but hours from what should only be the most happiest of occasions."

"Must we have such a grand spectacle of a marriage" Ivan said regrettably. "Father is barely cold in the grave and there are so many matters of state to attend to. Surely it would be more appropriate to concern ourselves less with this and more with matters that can only enrich the Empire."

"An this wedding will not?" Atia was quick to reply. "Ivan do not think me so pitiful as to not understand the matters of this state. I know full well the perils the Empire faces in this day and age. Our great ally the Roman Empire has fallen and even now the vulture continue to pick at its rotting body. We have a war in the West that continues to waste brave Russian lives and we've yet reclaimed any territory lost that your grandfather once held under the crown. Perhaps even closer to my own interest is the fact that my homeland is silence. The Grand Duchy of Draxis has gone silence, the few couriers the Empire had to keep an eye on the civil war have not sent word in sometime. The Empire chose to respect the wishes of my brother and remain neutral but now I fear if there is a house of Drax left. We are alone Ivan, alone in a world that would rather see us fail that praise us at our successes."

Ivan was speechless at his mother admission and while her tone had become quite demanding of attention, she softened as she finished.

"I understand how you must feel my dear son. You wish to fix all the problems of the Empire in the name of your father, a man whose life was ruthlessly cut short before its time. While this ceremony may see ill timed I assure you it is not. Russia needs to put on a face of strength, it needs to begin seeking new alliances. Inviting the world her, showing the world our resolve and that we are not on the decline, we will present a strong Russia that others will be willing to deal with. Why, I even sent word to Jihamed and invited the royal Voramix to Moscow."

"The Scyhirians" Ivan said alarmed, "Mother you must be joking."

"Quite the contrary" Atia said confidently. "While our two Empire may be at odds on a great number of issues we must understand that we are also carriers of the Imperial Will of Constantinople. The late Emperor promises the Scythirian family the hand of the imperial princess Maria Irene. They will ask for her eventually, and while it make take longer to mend diplomatic ties my son this gesture will do more than you may think. A sympathetic ear in the court of Jihamed may prove invaluable in the future."

"Mother I will defer to your judgement in this and if the Scythirians comply and come, I will great them as I would a brother" said Ivan. "However, I will not restrain my tongue on certain subjects if they present themselves and I cannot, with any certainty, believe that my own wedding will not go without complications in the end."

"I understand my son" Atia said, "leave everything to me and I assure you this ceremony will be the finest in all Russian history. Now if you will excuse me I am told some of the guests will soon be arriving and I want to make sure everyone's accommodations are met. "
Edited by NRE, Jun 8 2013, 03:09 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Alberto
Member Avatar
Resident Italian
The Grand Duke Ottokar I of Marslava and a small delegation of the Marslavan aristocracy will equally be in attendence.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NRE
Member Avatar
Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

OOC: Feel free to conisder yourself here, even if you might not have had to chance to comment yet, the wedding reception will begin directly after this post. So PLEASE feel free to begin conversations and what not :D As a bit of a side note, I've been trying to find some good websites on Russian Royal weddings but have come up empty, beside a wedding with the official wedding program of Nicholas II's wedding (which I am borrowing from now). If anyone knows anything better or comes across anything, please share for my future reference :)

IC:
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Moscow...

Posted Image

The day of the wedding and coronation of a new monarch of the Russian Empire had finally come. Many were hopeful that the marriage of Ivan Alexeovich Romanov VIII to the Roman Princess Helena Elizabeth would not only further enrich and stabilize the Romanov dynasty, but also the Russian Empire. Though it had not been officially announced, it had been decided that Ivan and Helena would not be crown Tsar and Tsaritsa, but Emperor and Empress, inheriting from her family the title and ending the Fealty that Russia held to the Roman Empire. At dawn, a salvo of 21 cannon shots began from a military installation within Moscow, announcing the day of the solemn celebration of the marriage. Due to the fact that the war in Cologne continued, the people of Moscow had been warned several times during the week of the ceremonial firing of the cannons and many welcomed them as they began ringing throughout the city. It wasn't until around 11am that delegates and honored guests from around the world were slowly ushered into the Cathedral of Christ the Savior for the wedding ceremony. Of these guests there were members of the Clergy, the Ministers, the Ambassadors, the Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary, the State Secretaries, the Honorary Trustee, the Officers and Gentlemen of the Court the Military Household, those of the august foreign sovereigns, the Foreign princes and Grand Dukes, the General Officers, the Admirals, as well as Officers of the Guard, of the army and of the navy, the Nobility, the Officers and the retired Civil Servants, and the Mayors of all Russian cities

When they had all entered the church and were shown their seats by the various ushers, a new salvo of 51 cannon shots rang out throughout Moscow, marking the procession of the Imperial cortége from the interior apartments of the church. At the door to greet the Imperial cortége was Patriarch Tikhon II, the elderly Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church that had overseen the marriages of Ivan's father and grandfather. Upon their entries Ivan, his mother Tsaritsa Atia, and the rest of their Imperial cortége are presented the Cross and Holy Water by the Patriarch and assistance clergy. His elderly hands shank slightly as he preforms his duties, a great sense of pride on his face as he welcomes each guest. Following this the Gospels and the Cross and laid down upon a pulpit and are placed before the Holy Door. Ivan then proceeds down the isle and reaches the stage prepared for him at the center of the church. At this point his mother, Tsaritsa Atia brings forth the august fiancee, Princess Helena Elizabeth and escorts her to where Ivan awaits. The guests have now risen as Helena, dresses in a lavish gown of silk and gold, her train carrying several rows behind her, she wears the jewelry of the Romanov dynasty as looks indisputably beautiful. Once Tsaritsa Atia has presented the young princess, she then leaves and takes her place with the rest of Ivan's brothers and sisters. At this point the people are seated and the clergy, under the authority of the Patriarch, proceed with the ceremony. At this time, the archbishops of the court carry forward, upon plates of gold, the wedding rings towards the couple. The Patriarch takes the rings, placing one of the finger of Ivan and then the other on Helena while pronouncing the common prayers of the Orthodox Church.

After the exchange of the rings, Patriarch Tikhon II then lead the couple in procession into the end of the church, during which he chants in a still commanding voice Psalm 128. "Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways..." After having proceeded fully into the church itself, both Ivan and Helena are giving candles which they will possess throughout the remainder of the service. At this point the usher whom bear the crowns bring them forward and, as Patriarch Tikhon II crowns both Ivan and Helena and recites a prayer "O Lord, our God, crown them in glory and in honor..." This begins the nuptial benediction where the gospel is read and for the first time, the names of the groom and bride are give "We prayer for Emperor Alexei Paulovich Romanov and his wife the Empress, the most Orthodox Yelena Yelizaveta Constantinovna. When at last the nuptial benediction has been fininshed, the newlyweds then approach her majesty, Tsaritsa Atia and present to her their thanks. Following this the Patriarch, assisted by clergy of the court, proceed in offering prayers of thanksgiving. These prayers are accompanied by singers of the court who sing in a beautiful harmony, the hymn "Te Deum laudamus." These are followed by yet another salvo of cannon fire, this times 301 shots. With the ceremony now concluded, their majesties receive private congratulations from the Patriarch and the clergy of the court. At this time, the master of Ceremonies rises invites all dignitaries to the Grand Kremlin Palace. Their majesty, the Emperor and Empress, along with the rest of their Imperial cortége then proceed out of the sanctuary of their church and back to the apartments in the church. At this time the various nobles, foreign monarchs, state leaders, and all the other guests are shown out of the church in much the same order as they were shown in. Caravans of limousines await them, escorting them from the church to the Grand Kremlin Palace where the reception shall be held. When the last of the guests and the Imperial cortége have left, their majesties are shown out of the palace and into their gala carriage. The street course between the Cathedral and the palace are lined with troops, are dressed in their military finest, saluting the Emperor has he and his wife pass. Beyond the troops are crowds of people, all cheering and hoping to get their own picture of the new couple. The carriage following a rather slow pace and while some believed that choice was a security risk, Ivan was insistent about it and believed it would show his fearlessness on such a happy occasion.

Upon their arrival to the gates of the Kremlin, the Couple stop and exit the carriage, giving waves and a gentle kiss between them to the great crowds of Russians and others. Allowing for only a few short minutes that perfect picture, the couple return to the carriage and enter the Kremlin and then come to the palace itself. St. Alexander's Hall, within the grand palace was chosen for the reception of the wedding. Tables lined the room and guests were shown seats and a great feast of food would soon be served, no expense to small. Some of the finest stores of Georgian Wine were brought out of the personal wine sellers of the Romanov family to be offered to their guests along with all the liquors one could wish for. A grand symphony played beautiful melodies as every guest was settled and ever need of theirs was met by the virtual army of ushers and waiters. When at last the couple was ready, the master of ceremonies came to the doors of the hall, opened them and then announced the couples arrival. "Lords and Ladies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you his imperial majesty, Ivan Alexeovich II , By the Grace of God, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias; and Her Imperial Majesty Yelena Yelizaveta Constantinovna, the Empress of All the Russias." A thunderous applause echoed throughout the hall as Ivan and Yelena enter the room. They would no doubt be spending the next several hours, enjoying the food and wine as well as making their rounds and receiving the various congratulations of all who attended.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Porcu
Member Avatar
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Larger than some but smaller than many others, the Porcuian delegation was comprised of seven members: 5 royal, 1 patrician, and 1 plebeian. The Russian hosts would notice several distinctly familiar faces (most likely with a mixture of emotions) and two completely new faces. One of these newer guests was none other than the King of Porcu, Julius Decimus Maxentius IV. The King was serving as the provincial governor of Carolina-Georgia when the (in)famous debutante ball was held in Berlin and though he was disappointed at not being given leave (governors may only leave their provinces with explicit permission from Parliament), the still-boyish royal was fascinated to hear his wife's recounting of events. Now, having been rid of that boring but patriotic duty, Decimus Maxentius IV was excited to travel to Moscow and encounter the Russian nobility.

The other new face, and a rotund one at that, belonged to Lucius Aemilius Paullus. Head of the Paullii line of the gens Aemilia, Lucius Aemilius was a wonder to his general physician. At an age when most individuals began utilizing aids for mobility, the elder Aemilius Paullus waddled on without so much as missing a step, and though he had been obese for a large majority of his life he never seemed to have suffered of it - no heart attacks, strokes, or breathing complaints. Truthfully, his blood pressure was a tad on the high side, but he laughed that off whenever he was reminded. His fortune translated well into business, where he was one of the first to grasp the transformative potential of cellular communication and the internet. Having managed very well in finance before the onset of the information age, Aemilius Paullus' fame skyrocketed overnight with a series of shrewd calculations and investments. Presently, the man occupied the second highest position in the cursus honorum in terms of prestige and honor after the presidency - Censor.

The rest of the Porcuians that had made the trip were all familiar to their hosts, and many of the guests, and it was likely fair to assume that all but one garnered admiration from the Russians. The reason why Atratinus had made the trip was understandable, if not regrettable, and so the newly crowned Ivan made sure to provide the minimum amount of courtesy and respect to he who, after all, was the Praesidis of the Republic of Porcu and the prime mover of events within the country.

An opportunity to congratulate Ivan and Yelena did not materialize for some time, but the Porcuians were prepared when, at last, their turn arrived. King Julius Decimus Maxentius IV stepped forward, dressed in a marvelously well tailored tuxedo with royal sash draped across him and highly decorated with medals, awards, and orders, and bowed deeply. Ivan noticed with distaste that Atratinus bowed the least when the rest of the Porcuians followed the lead of the King.

"On behalf of myself and my family and all of Porcu, I wish to congratulate you, Emperor Ivan, and you, Empress Yelena, on your exchange of vows. This is a wonderful day and we are honored to have been accorded a place in the festivities."

The Russian Emperor replied before each of the other members of the Porcuian delegation were introduced, except for Atratinus. This was entirely purposeful on the part of Decimus Maxentius IV, for he knew (and was afraid of) what Atratinus could do or could provoke, yet when he interrupted it seemed completely natural.

"No doubt the Empire could use a major event like this to provide inspiration and joy to the peoples of Russia!" Decimus Maxentius IV said with a warm smile.

Atratinus then stepped forward, causing those around him to hold their breath. Atratinus neither smiled nor frowned, but maintained a cold stone-like facade. His pale grey eyes did not wander, but nor did they turn into piercing daggers.

"Your Majesty, I hope you and the Empress would follow me for just a moment. There is something I wish to share with you." Atratinus said with the aid of a translator, as he did not wish to butcher his pronunciation. He had been denied a normal introduction, so a special one was necessary.

Confused but intrigued, the two newlyweds were led through the Kremlin, royal guards in tow of course, and brought to a small opening in between buildings that acted as a garden. In the middle of a patch of grass stood a magnificent marble statue, a winged depiction of the goddess Victory with detail that the well traveled nobles had rarely witnessed. Of simply elegant and impeccable form, the goddess struck an awesome pose and stood in the sunlight of that bright Moscow day without shame of her exposed features.

Atratinus had walked forward slightly once Ivan and Yelena had stopped in their tracks in order to gaze at the figure before them. He watched their expressions with glee, though it did not show, and allowed enough time for them to only just begin to appreciate the work of art before addressing them once again.

"This statue is one of the Republic's greatest treasures. Generally agreed to be dated about the 1st century B.C., it is Nike in her full and triumphant form." Atratinus said with a clear voice. "In preparing for this event and trying to decide on an appropriate gift to commemorate a new chapter in Russia's history I happened across an intriguing bit of information. Many, many centuries ago the Russian royal house was invited to, and were guests of, a marriage celebration for the Porcuian royal house.

At that time, the Republic was still small and terribly insignificant and the presence of your ancestors was an absolute honor in itself. Still, your ancestors, Ivan, gave the Republic numerous gifts - all of which we still have and keep maintained. For instance, a written history of Russia was provided in a handwritten book of golden pages and this text sits in among other priceless texts in the Royal palace. Unfortunately, we Porcuians never repaid our debt."

Atratinus paused. "I hope this properly compensates your family, Your Majesty."
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NRE
Member Avatar
Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Ivan and Yelena stood in the doorway and looked out upon the statue with amazement. Yelena had seen such magnificent statuary before, many dotted the great gardens of the Roman Empire she'd grown up in. However, despite having seen such before it did not make the gift any less special. In truth, for Yelena, it perhaps made the gift all the more special in that having the statue was like having a piece of her homeland now in her new homeland. No doubt for years to come she'd find herself gazing upon it and remembering times gone bye, people no longer with her. For Ivan, he was amazed at the splendor and elegance of the gift. Though he'd never personally met Atratinus, his brother had told him of the Porcuian President and his more forward personality. That being said, Ivan couldn't help but think better of him that his brother in seeing the gift before him.

"President Atratinus, on behalf of myself and my wife, we gracious accept this gift in the spirit that it was given" Ivan said, he and Yelena smiling towards the president. "Surely through this token and gesture of the Republic of Porcu, the people may know that courtesy has been repaid in full. Perhaps an era of better understanding between our two nations are in order. Please, let us return to the ball but trust that I would like to speak with you more before this evening is over."

With that the Emperor, Empress, their guards , and the President walked back through the Kremlin halls towards the ballroom and back to their guests. Ivan and Yelena found the Porcuian King and Ivan made it a point to speak with him.

"King Maxentius" said Ivan with a smile, "I believe this is the first time you and I have been introduced. My brother spoke highly of your wife and children of whom he and my sister's met. I was told you served as Governor in the Americas, I am curious of how it is there in the Americas? I myself am planning a trip to the Hawaiian isles."
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Porcu
Member Avatar
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

"You are most kind, Your Majesty..."

While King Decimus Maxentius IV spoke with Ivan, Aemilius Paullus waddled around the crowd and nudged Atratinus slightly.

"Most impressive, Vopiscus Tarquinius." a heavy sip of champagne ending that particular remark.

Atratinus appeared not to have heard, but a momentary smile was enough to signal to the Censor that he had understood.

"I have to say, this is something. I'm actually envious that you do this more frequently that I. Imagine! Company that few Porcuians have had the honor of keeping and they're just a few feet from me."

"You seem awestruck, Lucius Aemilius." Atratinus responded.

"Well...no...impressed." the obese Porcuian stuttered after a few moments, firmly deciding upon the last word.

"I wonder what Cornelius Scipio or Claudius Marcellus would have to say of a prominent patrician of Porcu composing themselves like a pubescent girl."

Aemilius Paullus turned a deep crimson but kept his mouth shut. For the best, as the attention of the Russian royals had turned to him.

"I see you're enjoying the champagne." Ivan remarked, referencing the still flushed cheeks of the Porcuian Censor, drawing a round of laughter from those gathered around. "His Majesty, Decimus Maxentius informed me of your new system for designating provincial governors. Do I understand it correctly that as Censor you have the ability, if you wish, to choose your province?"

"Uh, well, yes..." Aemilius Paullus said with a slight stutter. Atratinus was good - another small piece fit into place. Reminding himself of his standing, the Porcuian cleared his throat before continuing. "Yes, that is absolutely correct, Your Majesty, though I am considering simply putting my name in with the rest of the lot. Syracusae is a very tempting choice, however."

While innocent, the response easily could be steered to politics and that was something the newlywed Ivan was in no mood to discuss in detail.

Curiously, although the two had been standing next to each other for a few minutes it was only when Crown Prince Marcus Decimus shifted his balance and nudge the beauty beside him that he took notice of Princess Sophia. Unsure how he could have glanced over her so easily, Marcus Decimus flushed and chuckled an apology.

She was radiant and the Porcuian royal suddenly felt insignificant before her.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NRE
Member Avatar
Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

The Grand Dutchess smiled at the young Porcuian prince as he made every attempt to apologize for his earlier grievance. "My Lord, I believe this time I can pardon you from such a transgression against my person" Sophia said with a chuckle in her own voice, her radiant smile never leaving her face. "However, it would seem that I have not found myself a suitable partner for the next dance. Perhaps you could do me the honor of being my partner in payment of your pardon?" The Crown Prince smiled and the two escorted one another to the dance floor as the symphony began playing the next piece. Emperor Ivan spoke with King Decimus for several minutes, speaking of the Americas as well as other topics of relevance. He was impressed by the King depth of knowledge and Ivan realized his preconception of King was wrong. He'd always believed that the man knew little in terms of matters of state given he and his family were no more than ceremonial figures in their homeland.

Eventually, the Emperor excused himself from the Porcuian King's presence and made his way through the crowd of guests. Many of the nobles of the Russian Empire were present, all offering the Emperor their congratulations in an effort to court his favor for their own personal gain. After a few minutes of mingling between one Russian lord to the next, the Emperor spotted the Quaonian President.
Andrei Yanosky, the Prince of Kiev as he was more well known in Russia, was a man few in Russia had actually had the pleasure of meeting. Quaon had, for sometime following the Dominion Wars, isolated itself from much of the regional business of Europe and the international business of the world. For Russia however, communication between Moscow and Kiev had never ended, slowed perhaps, but never had there been a moment of silence. Both the Quaonian ambassador in Moscow and the Russian Ambassador in Kiev continued on their business and in fact, perhaps, worked harder than some Ambassador as they provided the main voice for their respective governments. Still, Ivan had never been Quaon nor had he ever personally met the Prince of Kiev. Looking to remedy this, he approach the man with a smile.

"Prince Yanosky I presume" said Ivan with that smile, "it has been sometime since a Russian palace has hosted the Prince of Kiev. How are the Quaonian people?"
Edited by NRE, Jul 22 2013, 02:59 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Rhadamanthus
Member Avatar
Legitimist

OOC: I have to apologize. I really wanted to RP in this thread, but I haven't been active at all in a little while. I've been busy with the new job. It's somewhat funny to say that, because my most recent burst of activity was after I had started this job and such, but I've gotten more busy since the first month and a half or so. I want to continue to develop Norway, RP here in Europe, and maybe play a nation in Asia too.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Quaon
Member Avatar
A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
Old Man Yanosky, the one constant of post-war Quaonian politics, in many ways the father of the nation - really, the man who had finally defined Quaon as something more than the little brother of Russia, at least in the domestic sphere - looked at the Russian Emperor with a mix of interest and weariness. Yanosky, suffering from a cancer whose secret diagnosis had come just days before the start of the Catholic War, had, in his nearly forty years of rule, contrived to never meet a Russian Tsar in the flesh. There was something about monarchy that brought a foul taste to his mouth - perhaps a consequence of his service in the war against Tsar Alekan Duleska, his nation's erstwhile socialism. And yet, in what was surely the last days of his administration, he had decided to come here. Strange.

"Hopefully they're doing better than I am, my friend," he said, stifling a cough. He inspected the Tsar with a cold gaze that many years before had come to be feared in Quaon. "You have my and my people's congratulations, of course. I hope you will convey them to your bride.

"Truly, a pity our friends the Drax were unable to send a representative to this fine affair."

OOC: Can we act as if Russia and Quaon have had low-level off-camera interactions without interruption? I always find the idea of a nation going dark to be unrealistic; my IC justification for my non-participation in RP has been that Quaon has adopted a policy of non-intervention and military isolationism under Yanosky.

Oh, also, for reference, the Prince of Kiev is a title that Quaonian Presidents technically possess for reasons of protocol (essentially, to allow Quaonian Presidents not to bow to foreign monarchs), though it's not used domestically. In Quaonian law, the Prince of Kiev is equal in stature to any monarch, up to and including the Emperor of the Romans. It's up to you whether the Emperor acknowledges Yanosky as his equal. (I came up with this idea a while ago, but have never written it down).
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NRE
Member Avatar
Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

OOC: I've edited my previous post to reflect our low-level communications Q. I actually feel similarly when it comes to inactive nations. Also, I have no problems acknowledging the President as Prince and in fact will prefer to use that title over President so long as that's ok.

OOC2: No problems RD :D

IC:

"I must confess Prince Yanosky, I have heard there has been expressed concerns over your health. Of course, I do not intend to pry into your personal affairs. However, if there is ever a way the Russian Empire can assist you personally please do not hesitate to ask." Ivan had been informed by the Ambassador of Kiev that rumors existed but most here weak and none had any evidence to support them. Still, the Prince's comments intrigued the new Emperor and he felt it only necessary to offer aid if aid could be given. "Yes the situation in Draxis is most troubling indeed. We've been maintain communication with my uncle and the loyalist forces for some time. My uncle and father agreed that Russia would only maintain a quarantine of their borders and otherwise not interfere. However, our communications have since gone dark and I fear the worst for my uncle. It seems Russia has no other choice but interfere to aid the legitimate government of Draxis."

"Yes thank you Prince Yanosky" said Ivan attempting to lighten and change the subject of the conversation to something more cheerful. "I will certainly express your wishes to the Empress, I seem to have lost her now in the crowd. One of the lasts of the Roman dynasty, I am sure there are many who wish her attention at this moment. I assure you that intend my reign to be a fruitful one, ending the Catholic War a top priority of mine at the moment. I am hopeful that perhaps Russia can also further strengthen its relations with Quaon."
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Quaon
Member Avatar
A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
"It seems that rumors flow through Kiev like the Dnieper," Yanosky said. "In the interest of frankness, let me say that in the coming year and a half I'll be putting the finish touches on my legacy.

"Let me be direct: I have a proposition for you. That Quaon accompany Russia on its mission, establishing a protectorate west of the Dnieper, and perhaps in the Crimea, at least until the legitimate government of Draxis can reassert its claims. Though of course, matters of state can wait until a later time; I wouldn't wish to mar the festivities."
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NRE
Member Avatar
Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Ivan smiled, perhaps more out of amusement than anything else. "I assure you Prince Yanosky, if the Russian Empire does anything in Draxis, we will consult your government as well as their security does reflect on Quaon's security as well, given the border." Ivan continued small talk with the Prince until the Empress Yelena joined him and after a few pleasantries and well-wishes were exchanged, the couple excused themselves from Prince Yanosky's side the continue their customary mingling through the crowd. It wasn't long before they spotted Margrave Adrian von Lebus and Lady Eleanore Lorraine-Habsburg, the recently engaged couple from Brandenburg. Ivan had heard much about the Margrave from his brother though he'd not had the chance to meet him personally. The Emperor and Empiress came before the Brandenburg couple.

"Margrave Adrian von Lebus and Lady Eleanore Lorraine-Habsburg" Ivan said with a smile, "welcome to Russia. I am glad the two of you could come, my brother has told me much about you and your fiance."
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Margrave
Member Avatar
Is very much a holla-back girl.
 *  *  *  *  *
The Margrave saw the Emperor approached and smiled to accommodate him, giving him a slight bow and lightly kissing the Empress's ring.

"I too have heard much about you, Emperor Ivan." Adrian's smile dropped and he solemnly whispered. "My condolences on the passing of your father, I'm sure he was a great man. But come, now is not a time for sorrow, indeed, it is a time for celebration!" Adrian said, his face again lighting up. Come, I must present you with your gift!"

Closing in on a window, the small retinue looked outside, where a small team of German workers carefully unloading boxes, but their contents glittered with an orange color.

"These are the remains of the Amber Room." Adrian said flatly, almost monotone. "As you know, the room was dismantled by the Wehrmacht during..." His tone dropped to a near whisper. "a dark time in both our nations' history. I can think of no better way to begin relations again than to return these pieces of history. Not everything is here, but this is what remains after all these years."

In truth, Adrian had little care for Nazis or World Wars, he simply wanted to try to outdo that Porcuian bastard. If that meant tracking down pieces of some long forgotten room, so be it. It was better than regifting a statue.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NRE
Member Avatar
Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

"Indeed my father was a great man" said Ivan with a smile, "and while he is not with us here today physically, I feel he is here in spirit and in testament to his own legacy to the Empire." When Ivan came to the window and saw what was being unloaded, he could not believe his eyes.

"What a marvelous gift" Yelena said with a smile, "such beauty I have only seen before in my home of old."

"Yes this gift it quite wondrous" Ivan said in agreement. "This is something that Russia has long hoped returned and while we have, from time to time, made attempts to locate ourselves, we have failed. To have it returned and returned as a gift of such an occasion as this. You have truly outdone yourself Margrave von Lebus, I assure you Russia will not easily forget this gift."

The two couples exchanged a little small talk after that, the Margrave speaking fondly of his home and the Emperor of his. Ivan commented on Russia's ties to the German region, having been traditional allies to several past states that had occupied the German region in the past.

"Of course that is now history" Ivan said, "and I am eager at looking towards the future. I am hopeful to hear of your undoubtedly upcoming wedding Margrave von Lebus and furthermore I am hopeful to speak of future relations. I am sure the current state of affairs in central Europe today are as troubling to you as they have been for Russia."
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Fully Featured & Customizable Free Forums
Learn More · Register for Free
« Previous Topic · European Continent · Next Topic »
Add Reply