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A Royal Marriage in Prague
Topic Started: May 17 2014, 04:01 PM (330 Views)
Alberto
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Prague, May

Prague had not seen a royal marriage in the last twenty years. The previous Grand Duke, Carol II, had not had the time to marry as he suddently died only three months after his ascent to the throne. Before him, Vladislav II, who had reigned for thirty long and unstable years, had never married and had died without a direct heir as rumors on his presumed homosexuality became more and more widespread. The current Grand Duke had come to the throne after a short civil war and had done much to give Marslava that stability which allowed it to regain its prosperity and to assert its power. Now, after this period of prosperity, the Grand Duke could marry. Marslava, and Prague in particular, had rejoiced at the news (to many this was a good sign, the others rejoiced that they would be given a day off !).

The bride was Maria Karageorgevic, daughter of the Voivoda of Serbia and effective ruler of Belgrade. She and Otokar Ist Premysl had met when the latter was still a lieutenant in the Ducal Guard, a far relative of the Grand Duke Vladislav II and very unlikely to sit anywhere close to the throne. The two had to put up with the hostility of their families for years, until the end of Marslava's civil war put Otokar on the throne. Dark haired, of medium height, and gifted with a nonchalante elegance, she was to become Marslava's first Grand Duchess since time immemorial. At the same time, any child who was to born from thus union would bear both the name of the Premysl and the Karageorgevic, and possess a claim to the Serbian throne. And this, given the last events in the Balkans, was especially important. This said, even in such a solemn occasion, the Grand Duke adhered to the Marslavan tradition of sobriety and refused excessively luxurious ceremony. The marriage was celebrated in Prague's protestant cathedral. Yet, under the insistence of the Voivoda Lazar Karageorgevic of Serbia, the marriage was celebrated both with the protestant hussite and with the orthodox ritual. He was adamant that, after all, Maria was still a Serb and had to marry like a Serb. A large crowd had gathered in front of Prague's cathedral, and waited as the ceremony went on.

At last the doors of St Vitus cathedral opened and the Grand Duke came wearing the uniform of the Ducal Guard and holding a splendid Maria on his arms. The couple communicated an incredible joy, and one deeply felt cheer came out of the crowd. The inhabitants of Prague were cheering their Grand Duke, but they were also rejoicing for the beautiful bride, for their stunning city, and for themselves - the people who had built, kept together, and occasionally rebuilt this country.

But this was not only a marriage, it was also a gathering of the powerful. All of Europe's heads of state - or any representative they would deem wise to send in their stead - had been invited to attend the ceremony and the celebrations that would follow. To the Marslavan throne, this was an occasion to reach out to the other crowned heads and leaders of Europe, to better know them, and to get them to know better Marslava. A marriage such as this one could also provide an excellent occasion not only for friends to gather, but also for adversaries to talk and established an understanding.

OOC: this could basically be a gathering of European aristocracy, or not, depending from what you guys post. In any way the marriage has happened.
Edited by Alberto, May 17 2014, 04:09 PM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

It was more in the hopes of distancing herself from the suffocating atmosphere of Ariminae that President Canae Ardea Gularis decided on visiting Prague than as a straightforward and public example of maintaining Porcu's commitment to her newly minted 'Friend and Ally'. Nonetheless, President Ardea Gularis looked forward to reminding the Marslavans of who exactly it was that had supported their fight to built a prosperous, liberal, plural, and democratic Marslava. Arminae was well aware of the current discussions being held in Moscow and, while not wishing to interrupt the proceedings, merely wanted the Russians to understand that Porcu had not forgotten of Moscow's meddling.

Wearing a conservative blue and white dress, President Ardea Gularis was ushered into the celebrations with all the splendor the Marslavans could bring to bear for the Head of State of a close ally. With a captivating smile and warm eyes, Ardea Gularis forwarded the congratulations of all Porcuians to the newly married Grand Duke and his bride.
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Alberto
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The Podebrady, the Slavniks, the von Lichnowskis, all these ancient aristocratic families had come to render their homages to the Grand Duke and his wife. For centuries, these families had fought over trivial questions of protocol when addressing the Grand Duke. The question was to know who had the highest position after the one of the sovereign. Each of the country's great aristocratic families had never renounced to claim the privilege of being called first in these occasions. And at each occasion, the Protocol of the Ducal Court had to come up with creative solutions to solve this "important" question.

So, as they wore the uniforms of the Ducal Guard and their many decorations, the heads of these powerful houses stood proudly and looked with contempt at the delegations of Marslava's political parties. In particular, the two communists were frowned upon. Still, what these aristocrat suffered the most was that, over all the sovereigns, princes, dukes and other nobles, it was the name of the president of Porcu to be called by the chamberlain so that she could present her congratulations.In this way, the sovereign had recalled them that their Marslava - and their world - was ending.

The old blood which flew in their veins boiled with contempt toward that woman (elected through a democratic election, oh the horror !). Yet, she was one of the world's most powerful persons, and the Republic's power outshined Marslava's in all respects. In this way, the aristocrats were being reminded that their world may very well be ending, and that the Grand Duke in person was aware of that. The facility with which he had accepted a democratic Marslava, his respect of the popular vote, and his alliance with Porcu were all things that the Marslavan noble families would rather not stand. Yet, their golden age was over and their power was now declining.

The Grand Duke Otokar Ist had never had the honor to meet President Gularis. Maria was the first one to talk, with sincere joy:
"I am extremely glad to meet the most powerful woman in the world !" she said as she saluted the President.
" President Gularis" said the Grand Duke "your arrival in this occasion is a honor to all of us. Porcu is and remains Marslava's natural ally... particularly now that some very delicate negotiations are being carried between Porcu and Austria. I want to ensure you that whatever happens, Marslava will keep its word and stand along Porcu"

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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Given the state of events in Russia and across the seas in the Americas, Emperor Ivan himself could not attend the wedding. While it was generally customary for a close kin to go in his stead, the events in Austria proved that security under such circumstances was lacking for the Russian royal family. That's not to say that Ivan fear any such event in Prague, no indeed he did not as he felt he knew the Marslavans better than he did the Austrians. Still, the world was a dangerous place and the Russian Emperor was seeing more and more enemies the greater he looked around him. So instead, Prince Boris Ribbenzoph V which in truth was a distant elder cousin to the Emperor, was sent. He was the Empire's Prime Minister which for many, outside of Russia, meant the Emperor's puppet. After all, what power could a Prime Minister have in an autocrat's court?

In truth the Prime Minister of Russia had more power than most might have imagined. At least, this was the case for Prince Ribbenzoph who was old enough to be the Emperor's Grandfather, if only slightly. He'd served as an older council to Alexei and an even older and seemingly wiser council to Ivan. He's words rang deeply in Moscow and beyond this, the Emperor gave him a great amount of autonomy to run the government when the Emperor of preoccupied. In all this, Prince Ribbenzoph was a powerful man.

The Prince, dressed in one of his finest tuxedos adored with a stately sash, mingled with the crowd. He was pleased to be so warmly welcomed among the Marslavan elite, something he believed he'd have to become more accustom to should talks be as successive as was hoped back in Moscow. The Prince had come to the wedding with his wife, Princess Elizabeth of the Russian Lvov. The Prince had noticed the Porcuian President at the ceremony, though they sat far apart from one another. She was indeed as radiant as he had heard though, in his mind, not as beautiful as his Elizabeth had been in her youth nor as she was still in his eye. After paying their respects to the royal couple, congratulating them on their marriage as well as presenting them with the various lavish and rather expensive gifts (such as a priceless 1760's painting) from Russia, the Russian couple then took to mingling with the Marslavan crowd once again.

He was quick to notice members of the Slavnik house, a house with which the Russians knew well. Moving towards them he greeted with with a warm smile. "I am Prince Boris Ribbenzoph and this is my wife, Princess Elizabeth Konstantinova. I do not believe we've ever had the fortunate chance of being acquainted. This is quite the lovely event is it not?"
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Alberto
May 19 2014, 03:35 PM
The Grand Duke Otokar Ist had never had the honor to meet President Gularis. Maria was the first one to talk, with sincere joy:
"I am extremely glad to meet the most powerful woman in the world !" she said as she saluted the President.
" President Gularis" said the Grand Duke "your arrival in this occasion is a honor to all of us. Porcu is and remains Marslava's natural ally... particularly now that some very delicate negotiations are being carried between Porcu and Austria. I want to ensure you that whatever happens, Marslava will keep its word and stand along Porcu"

President Ardea Gularis beamed in return. "It is an honor for me, Your Majesty, for this is a momentous and joyous occasion and I am fortunate to be so welcome here in Prague."

Shifting her gaze to the Grand Duke, Ardea Gularis continued, "I am confident that the Austrians will see reason and come to an understanding that will preserve European stability and peace. Today, however, is yours - so do allow yourselves to think of nothing else!"
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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
 *  *  *  *  *  *
President Gularis' words could not have been uttered at a more perfect time. So far, the party congratulating the Grand Duke and Duchess had been a rather joyous, yet rather predictable affair. The Russians had attended and sought out their allies within the Marslavan aristocracy. The Porcuian president naturally found her way to the Grand Duke and his new bride. All seemed to be in order, until the music dimmed and another delegation entered the room.

To much surprise (and possibly dismay), Archduke Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen II and his brother, Duke Georg, calmly strolled into the party.

The Austrians had not expected to receive an invitation nonetheless actual attend the event, but once one was actually sent to Vienna the Archduke could see no greater a place to meet with his adversaries on a personal level. Forgoing his usual policy of micromanagement at home, Karl II found himself completely incapable of passing the opportunity by and decided a trip to Prague was in order. Not only would Austria be able to show its approval of the new union, therefore shattering the conception that Austria desired harm on Marslava, but her sovereign could also meet the woman who had caused the newly re-emergent empire so much hassle and headache - President Ardea Gularis.

An eerie quiet descended wherever the Austrians went. Whispers and quiet insults were uttered at every turn, but the Archduke and his sibling merely smiled and politely attempted conversation. Much too their dismay, and too their dishonor, the pair were often rebuffed after only a few terse remarks. Apparently, the animosity and resentment towards Vienna ran deeper inside Prague than the Archduke had anticipated.

"Please accept on the behalf of Austria and myself, a most sincere and heartfelt congratulations on this most joyous union," Karl II stated towards the royal couple as he approached. "While our three nations share an unfortunate volatile relationship at present moment, It is my most sincerest hope that we may overcome such divisions and coexist in peace."

"..Europe is far from want or need of conflict..," the Archduke stated, his eyes having shifted towards President Gularis.
Edited by Whal, May 20 2014, 10:28 AM.
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Margrave
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Is very much a holla-back girl.
 *  *  *  *  *
Herald Alexander Salian
 
The Margrave von Lebus asks permission for he, the Marquise Eleanor, brother and herald to attend the wedding. The Margrave recognizes the tense situation and wishes not to increase the damage between the two nations.
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Alberto
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OOC: The Margrave has been invited to the marriage, he is welcome. The more we are, the better ! To Whal: the chancelor Schlsesinger of the East German Republic has been invited too, feel free to rp him if you want.

IC:

The arrival of the Austrian sovereign was unexpected. Certainly, an invitation had been sent to Prague, but no one expected that the self-proclaimed heirs of the Holy Roman Empire would accept to come to Prague. Truly, since the XVth century religious revolt that threw them out of Bohemia, no Habsburg had dared to come to Marslava. It was as if the heirs of the holy roman emperors thought that visiting that country brought bad luck.

Yet, while they were rivals, the relations between Marslava and Austria were not hostile. Marslava, differently from Porcu, had de facto recognized the Archduke's rule, and the two countries still traded and cooperated in certain sectors. Still, for centuries, the Habsburg had not been appreciated in Marslava. For a moment the Marslavan aristocrats forgot their dismay toward the commoners composing the political parties' delegations. Together, nobles and commoners, were united in their spite toward the Habsburg. This did not please the Grand Duke: the Habsburgs were above all guests, and they needed to be treated as such.

"I welcome you ,Archduke Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen, and you, Duke Georg von Habsburg-Lothringen, to Prague" he started "the dismay caused by your visit does not come from any personal hostility toward you. The fact is that, since the times of Jan Hus, no Habsburg has ever visited Prague. It is normal that your arrival would cause some commotion". Finally, thought Otokar of the Premyslids, he had met the new sovereign of Austria. The archduke's grab for power had changed everything, and had shattered the tranquility that Marslava had painfully built after the Dominion wars. The Habsburg was corteous and eloquent, but clearly he was also ruthless.
As he squared the Habsburg, the Grand Duke thought that it would be better to let President Gularis reply to the Archduke's sentence. Nonetheless, he thought, if Austria had been powerful as Porcu is today, the Archduke would not have formulated such a wish.

Just before, Boris Ribbenzoph and Elizabeth Konstantinova had been entertained by Lady Daria Slavnikova . Her brother, Zvitomir Slavnikov, was currently in Moscow to negotiate a strategic alliance with the Russian Empire. "Yes" had replied Lady Slavnikova "the event is splendid: it is something we needed after what has happened recently". Lady Slavnikova would have liked to ask him more about the negotiations that were being concluded in Moscow, and about Russia's intentions toward Central Europe, but this would have been impolite. Instead, she joked "I am very surprised to see here such an important man from Russia: I thought the Tsar would be more reluctant to send relatives to marriages in Central Europe. As you must know, the region is not peaceful as it used to be".

And then, the Austrian Archduke and his noble brother had entered. Lady Slavnikova, whose family despised earnestly all who spoke German, did not hide her contempt toward the Austrians. She felt that the Grand Duke was being perhaps too urbane and polite to the Grand Duke. Still, she had felt some envy toward the Archduke as he had been successful where her family had not been. In a way, she thought, the Archduke Karl was very similar to her older brother, Slavomir, who had briefly seized the throne before being defeated by a popular revolt. Both of them were determined and ruthless, but the Habsburg had been luckier.
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NRE
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Alberto
May 22 2014, 03:24 PM
....Just before, Boris Ribbenzoph and Elizabeth Konstantinova had been entertained by Lady Daria Slavnikova . Her brother, Zvitomir Slavnikov, was currently in Moscow to negotiate a strategic alliance with the Russian Empire. "Yes" had replied Lady Slavnikova "the event is splendid: it is something we needed after what has happened recently". Lady Slavnikova would have liked to ask him more about the negotiations that were being concluded in Moscow, and about Russia's intentions toward Central Europe, but this would have been impolite. Instead, she joked "I am very surprised to see here such an important man from Russia: I thought the Tsar would be more reluctant to send relatives to marriages in Central Europe. As you must know, the region is not peaceful as it used to be".

And then, the Austrian Archduke and his noble brother had entered. Lady Slavnikova, whose family despised earnestly all who spoke German, did not hide her contempt toward the Austrians. She felt that the Grand Duke was being perhaps too urbane and polite to the Grand Duke. Still, she had felt some envy toward the Archduke as he had been successful where her family had not been. In a way, she thought, the Archduke Karl was very similar to her older brother, Slavomir, who had briefly seized the throne before being defeated by a popular revolt. Both of them were determined and ruthless, but the Habsburg had been luckier.
Boris smiled, "His Majesty held precautions and felt some hesitation in sending an emissary on his behalf since the events in Vienna. Still, he felt that the necessity to show Russia's solidarity with Marslava and its support of the royal marriage outweighed these fears. I was sent given my season nature verses a younger member of the royal family. I imagine in the years to come Prague we'll see many a Romanov face come to visit." The Prince's last statement was his oh-so subtle way in hinting to his Slavnik host that talks in Moscow were going well and that Russia's intentions in closer relations were strong. This, of course, without outright coming forward and discussing such things which naturally was impolite given that the occasion was for celebration, not political maneuvering. Then again, whenever politicians and nobility are involved, isn't ever occasion one for political maneuvering?

Looking around, Boris noticed some of the other noble families, families with whom he knew little over. "Lady Slavnikova, if you could, I would love so to be introduced to some of the other houses here today. I find that I know too little about Marslavan nobility and would like to better familiarize myself with these fine houses. If, of course, this is not too much to ask or to impolite to ask, given the occasion."
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

President Ardea Gularis, in all her splendor, remained beautifully stoic while the procession of Austrians slowly made its way to the Grand Duke and his lovely bride, the Lady Slavnikova. Untouched by the Archduke's opening remarks and perfectly willing to return his gaze, Ardea Gularis smiled brightly and gave a curt nod of the head - impolite, but an acknowledgement nonetheless.

"How considerate for the Archduke to consider the desires of the peoples of Europe." President Ardea Gularis replied, the barb not lost on any of the Austrians. "Peace is fragile, that is true, and I happily welcome any effort by the Archduke to promote peace and stability on the Continent."

Ardea Gularis tilted her head slightly and added in a soft voice, "Please give my very best to the Lady Eleanor, and know full well that I nor anyone else in Porcu knew of Atratinus' plans. The damage done to your daughter's name is terrible. I would like to take the opportunity to apologize; I'm sorry for the embarrassment she had to suffer on her wedding day."
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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
 *  *  *  *  *  *
"How considerate for the Archduke to consider the desires of the peoples of Europe."

Ah a fighter! I rather like this one, the Archduke thought to himself at Gularis' taunt. He had been misinformed about the latest Porcuian president. Indeed, perhaps President Canae Ardea Gularis was not as timid and malleable as he had been told. However, her fiery attitude here was not enough to convince the Archduke of her being a threat quite yet, and he would need to study her more closely before passing his final judgment. After all, her move to seize the Loki platforms, whether directly her idea or one influenced mostly by her cabinet, had been rather risky and was already criticized heavily inside the Imperial Court and the Porcuian Parliament respectfully. She was either a naïve gambler or a bold tactician.

At present moment, the Archduke was unaware whether he preferred the former over the latter as it could most easily lead to conflict ahead of Austria's preparedness. Karl II would have stayed silent longer to think, but Gularis' thought felt remarks about his poor daughter's wedding required a response.

"That is comforting to hear, Madame President," he replied softly, "My daughter was dastardly wronged at a most important and solemn occasion, yet she has rebounded rather quickly and skillfully from the entire affair. Indeed, she continues to radiate brilliance. I most humbly and graciously accept your condolences on her behalf; as her misfortune was most certainly not of your design or fault of your own." Karl finished with a hand over his heart and a slight humble bow.

President Gularis responded with a polite nod and a wide smile. Suddenly, the elegant music being played at the reception turned to a classic Viennese waltz. Seizing his chance at the most opportune moment, the Archduke turned towards President Gularis once more.

"Would you care to dance, Madame President?" Karl replied sincerely with outstretched hand.

Visibly shocked by the offer, Canae Ardea Gularis froze momentarily as she realized she was without the guidance of anyone. However, graceful as any Porcuian was, she quickly regained her composure and met the Archduke's hand.

"I would love too, your Majesty."

The pair strolled onto the dance floor, where it was watched carefully by a shocked procession of onlookers. Careful not to seize all the attention, but masterfully moving in a fashion where many gazes were held, Karl II led President Gularis through a respectable waltz. They appeared to move well together and once they were momentarily at their closest, the Archduke spoke.

"It was quite the bold move to seize the platforms, my Lady. I do hope you have an idea of what you have set in motion..."
Edited by Whal, May 25 2014, 03:44 PM.
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Alberto
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"Well" said Lady Slavnikova "as you know, Marslava is a strange country: it is both aristocratic and democratic and cannot decide between the two. The Houses of Marslava are all re-defining themselves in function of the choice they make regarding this issue".

"Also, Marslava has been always in the middle of Europe, its houses looking at different directions" interrupted a young lieutenant from the Ducal Guard, who had been listening. Daria introduced him to the Russian Prince "Prince Ribbenzoph, this is Karol von Lichnowski. The Von Lichnowskis are a great house, they pride themselves of being "cosmopolitan", they possess land all over Europe, their children speak better french than czech, and they adore Porcu".
Carol was unimpressed by the introduction "The truth is that we look west because our future comes from there. I mean no offense, Prince Ribbenzoph" said the young lieutenant "but everywhere in Europe, sovereigns have more and more obliged to concede power to the people... to become accountable". In such a world, stated Karol von Lichnowski "the aristocracy must adapt to mass politics or die, because our societies will just not believe in the myth of nobility and absolute monarchy"

"I respect very much the Slavniks, who have understood this: by creating the Pan-Slavist league, your family is playing the game of democracy, imitating those Porcuians whom the Slavniks despise so much". Carol von Lichnowski was young and impulsive, while being just a lieutenant, his young spirit prevailed over everything: he talked like someone who had not doubts about the rightness of his arguments.

"Over there" continued Daria Slavnikova "is the archbishop Jan Podebrady, his family is the one that rebelled against the Holy Romn Emperor, and held the Grand Duchy for four centuries. The last Grand Duke of that dinasty was Vladislav II, whose ineptitude led the military to take over and Marslava to become part of the World Military Dominion. The last Podebrady, Jan, is just a peaceful and lazy ecclesiastic". There were many more families, the Czernin from Slovakia, the Mitrovic, the Benyovski. Carol von Lichnowski talked about their ancient origins, their vane pride, stating that the Bohemian aristocracy was becoming a reserve of soldiers for the elite Ducal Guard. For the rest, they held little political influence, and that was perhaps for the best. Daria Slavnikova did not agree "Carol von Lichnowski, you talk of us - and yourself - as if we were all dead. The aristocracy is loyal to the Grand Duke, but there are some disagreements. This said, the majority of us views an alliance with Russia extremely favorably". Then the waltz started, and Carol was gone - dancing with the young Eva Benyovskaia.

The waltz had started, and the Archduke had left with Porcu's president. "So that is the man" said Maria Karageorgevic to her husband. Her voice was spiteful: Maria was a Serb, and the Serbs were capable of relentless and unforgiving hatred. She knew that, just at that time, Austria and the Roman Empire were dividing their respective spheres of influence, without asking the Serbs' opinion. "Yes" he replied "he is the man who wants to Emperor, we must make sure he will only remain an arch-duke". Otokar then seized the hand of Maria, and joined the vortex of couples who followed the waltz's rhytm. The orchestra was of course playing Strauss, the Austrian sovereign must have thought with satisfaction that the Bohemians appreciated the talent of the Austrian people.




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NRE
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"I can understand his admiration for the west" Prince Ribbenzoph stated to lardy Slavnik when the lieutenant took to the dance floor. "There is much innovation that has traditionally come from the west. Progress for the people of Europe seemed born in the West first. Still" the Prince said, with a sigh, "what is progress when it costs tradition? Is tradition not what makes us who we are, what gives our people culture? No, his generation may think of Russia what they will, but it can never be said that it forsake its traditions for progress. Of course, that is not to say progress has not happened, for indeed Russia is far more different today than of its past. However, where other nations rushed for progress, we have chosen a different, more moderately paced path. I should think if the political climate in Moscow were to ever change, it will come in with a whimper and not a thunder."

As the Prince stood there he could tell that his wife was interested in joining the others for a dance. He imagined he'd done enough diplomacy with the Lady Slavnik for the time being and thus excused himself, before taking Elizabeth's hand and joining in the waltz. While he dance he took note of the position of the other dignitaries in the area.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Whal
May 25 2014, 03:41 PM
The pair strolled onto the dance floor, where it was watched carefully by a shocked procession of onlookers. Careful not to seize all the attention, but masterfully moving in a fashion where many gazes were held, Karl II led President Gularis through a respectable waltz. They appeared to move well together and once they were momentarily at their closest, the Archduke spoke.

"It was quite the bold move to seize the platforms, my Lady. I do hope you have an idea of what you have set in motion..."
"An idea?" Ardea Gularis replied rhetorically. "Of course, but neither you nor I really know where this is going to finish."

Considering the Archduke's birth and standing, the Porcuian President was not surprised in the least to find him an excellent dancer. She had little time to relax with the cumulative stress of her position, and she couldn't remember the last time she danced with her husband, so she allowed herself the pleasure of this small respite. Her short, dark hair gleamed under the bright lights of the hall and as she closed her eyes momentarily she looked ten years younger.

Yet, ever the politician, Ardea Gularis mused about the immediate future of Porcuian-Austrian relations. She hoped that discussions between the Consul Aemilius Cesca and his Austrian colleagues was enlightening, if not fruitful, and secretly hoped for an understanding to arise between Ariminae and Vienna. As much as she wanted to continue to press for real social reforms that were close to her heart, Ardea Gularis realized that that Parliament would never give her pause.

"And what of yourself?" President Ardea Gularis replied. "What is your endgame?"
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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
 *  *  *  *  *  *
President Gularis was an exquisite dancer and Karl couldn't help but revel for a moment in her beauty, which radiated even through the dim glow of the room. It had been several years since he too had danced with his late ex-wife and the bliss of the moment was not lost on the aging Archduke. Truth be told, the years hadn't been as kind as he would have hoped and, despite his recent victories on the political field, Karl was losing the battle for romance to which he now realized he so desperately desired.

The dancing had been a welcome escape, however if only for a brief moment. The soothing waltz was now entering its conclusion and Karl himself had his own ideas for how it would meet its end. As Karl geared up for his final move, President Gularis directed a question his way. Instead of answering outright, the Archduke smiled politely and twirled his partner vigorously as the tempo quickened. Knowing the President's dancing skills would merit a proper match, Karl took full liberty and gave the conclusion his all - lifting Gularis into the air and then setting her down gently. As the music slowed to a halt, he twirled her one last time with the final revolution ending in an eloquent bow for the both of them. The nearest party goers clapped in awe of the splendid performance.

Both Karl and President Gularis were panting heavily and as their eyes met, the Archduke answered.

"Glory through peace, madam," He replied, "All I desire is safety and prosperity for my family and for Austria. A reasonable request, wouldn't you agree?"
Edited by Whal, Jun 16 2014, 11:17 AM.
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