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| The Falcon & the Bear; Hapsburg-Romanov Wedding | |
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| Topic Started: Dec 29 2017, 07:46 PM (169 Views) | |
| Whal | Dec 29 2017, 07:46 PM Post #1 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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With several weeks having passed since the public announcement of the betrothal of the Austrian Crown Prince to the Russian Grand Duchess, the Imperial Household had finally divulged the location and date of the royal wedding to the state-owned Austrian media. Inside the Austrian capital, jubilant crowds converged outside the Hofburg Palace, the Reichstag, as well as inside every local tavern across the country to watch the announcement of the second Austrian royal wedding. A rousing cheer echoed from every crowded bar and living room when Die Presse confirmed the wedding would commence in several days at the famous Karlskiche Cathedral. For several weeks now, talks between the Hofburg and the Winter Palace had progressed to an almost daily routine and both families were now prepared to send out their own respective invitations. While many inside both empires had pondered if the timing remained appropriate following all the turmoil currently engulfing the continent, the Archduke held no such reservations and was resolute in his commitment to secure the Vienna-St.Petersburg Alliance he had long envisioned. Perhaps not surprisingly, the true affections of his son and heir were far removed from his thoughts. Regardless, Crown Prince Ferdinand could not hide his true feelings for the Russian duchess. First impressions had not been the best, yet both royals couldn't deny that the many times they had spent together since that fateful day in Vienna had left their mark; Ferdinand and Sophia had indeed become very much enamored with one other. With the ceremony quickly approaching, invitations were extended first to allies and friends of the royal families. However, once the sheer opulence of the affair came closer to light, the Archduke decided to open up the invitation to all the heads of state in Europe. After-all, why shouldn't the entire continent marvel at the union of two of Europe's oldest families?
OOC: Feel free to show up and create any hi-jinks you please. It might be hard to top the previous Viennese wedding though. Edited by Whal, Dec 29 2017, 08:01 PM.
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| NRE | Jan 5 2018, 10:07 PM Post #2 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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Vienna, Austria.... Posted Image The royal jet, carrying the extended royal family was coming to a landing in Vienna. Inside was the extended Romanov clan and members of the Ribbenzoph family, a long time connect family to the Russian royals. In total there were twenty of them, six Ribbenzophs and fourteen Romanovs including Sophia's other brothers and sisters, her mother, grandmother, and of course her brother the Emperor and his wife and children. Exiting the aircraft to the crowds of people below, waving and cheering for the royal family, the clans entered a literal caravan of vehicles to make it to the royal palace. Emperor Ivan, his wife, and their six children loaded up into one of the SUVs before the whole lot carried off towards their final destination. Ivan himself looked out the window to the beautiful and ancient city of Vienna, believing the ride would be for the most part uneventful. His wife however, the Empress and blood royal to the Romans, Helena Elizabeth had others plans. "You know I don't think this marriage is for the best, you should have opposed it." "Opposed it" Ivan replied puzzled, "whatever for?" "I just don't think these Austrians can be trusted my dear" the Empress replied. "Surely you've heard the rumors, how they treat the slavs." "Yes, yes" Ivan stated, patting his wife's claps hands in her lap. "I am well aware of the rumors and have seen intelligence reports as well. Are some Slavs being mistreated here in the Austrian Empire? I am sure they are, but can I truly be the one to say something? After all these Slavs are their own people and I know nothing about them. Perhaps some of them are criminals, terrorists, and go forbid communists. Perhaps the restrictions the Austrian government has put upon them is simply their way, after all perhaps for them this is what must be done." "I just worry" the Empress replied. "I know my dear and I have taken precautions and am hopeful that Sophia can be a good influence to the future Austrian Emperor. Besides, let us not forget that we did that others might say were terrible things to the Genesisian Catholics. We outlawed their religion, confescated their properties, expelled their clerics, and forces them to convert to Orthodoxy. They terrorists and that was how we had to deal with them. Perhaps this is the only way for the Austrians to deal with their own problems." "Very well" Helena responded, "I certainly didn't intend to say anything myself. This is Sophia's day and despite what I might think about these Austrians I do care for your sister deeply and wouldn't dare do anything to jeopardize the happiness of this day for her." The remainder of the trip was relatively quiet as the caravan made its way to the beautiful Karlskiche Cathedral. The Romanovs and Ribbenzophs all filed out of their cars and made their way into the Cathedral. Flashes from the press and cheers from the crowds just across the street seemingly echoed into the Cathedral as the doors were opened. Given that Ivan and Sophia's father had long since passed, it was decided Ivan would give his sister away given he was now the head of the Romanov House. Departing from his wife, children, and the rest of their family, he made his way to his station to await Sophia so that he could properly walk her down the aisle. |
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| Porcu | Jan 6 2018, 01:32 AM Post #3 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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OOC: Oh...I can try :gnarkgnark: IC: The civil war raging between the Republican and Nationalist factions of Porcu only grew with intensity as the days turned into weeks, which in turn became swallowed up in months. Despite the occasional ripple of unrest in Ariminae and warnings against such a decision by the military high command, Servius Tricostus Caeliomontanus decided that he would bless the royal wedding with his own presence. As tempting as it would be for the Republicans to target the gathering by aerial strike, Tricostus Caeliomontanus correctly assumed that Aemilius Cesca would consider that suicide. A curt reply was quickly drafted and returned to the Austrians informing them of the sincere pleasure of the Porcuian President's trip to Vienna. In addition to being a bold statement on its own, Tricostus Caeliomontanus hoped that he would have the opportunity to speak with Austrians and Russians at the highest level, solidifying their support for the Nationalist cause and sentencing the Republicans to inevitable defeat. . . . The conversation and decision on whether or not to send a representative to the royal wedding was very different across the Continent. President Servius Aemilius Cesca was firmly against the idea, while several members of the Consilium such as Publius Vibius Pansa, Canae Ardea Gularis, and Theodorus Palilicius Graecus attempted to sway the President. In the end, Aemilius Cesca acquiesced after a tally was done and it was jointly decided that the senior Quaestor Theodorus Palilicius Graecus would attend as the official representative of the Republic. |
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| Whal | Feb 14 2018, 11:14 AM Post #4 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Karlskirche Catholic Cathedral, Vienna.. As the Russians were landing at Vienna's airport, the Austrian royal family was still busy preparing for the day's ceremonies. While various servants attached to the imperial household were diligently setting the stage for the wedding around them, the Archduke, Crown Prince, and the rest of the Habsburg nuclear family remained comfortably in their private rooms readying themselves. Each separate member of the illustrious family had their own predilections regarding the marriage and quite unsurprisingly there was some disagreement. From the spacious private room ceded to him graciously by the Archbishop, Crown Prince Ferdinand paced back and forth nervously. That he was relinquishing the life of bachelor was not what worried him, it was rather the thought of seeing his beloved bride-to-be that had his heart beating so rapidly. Ferdinand and Sophia had been apart for several weeks preceding the wedding; no doubt that her family desired her to remain back in Russia for as long as possible before she began her new life in Austria. While he thought himself foolish for fearing their time apart had dampened her affections, Ferdinand nonetheless felt a creeping uneasiness that only exacerbated his worries for the ceremony to come. Could it be possible that she has any regrets? the young Prince found himself brooding on the terrifying thought. Suddenly, he stopped his pacing and smiled. After a decade of romancing ladies of the court, commoners, and at least one actress, very few people would have believed that the Archduke's eldest son would have actually fallen for his match in an arranged marriage - least of all Ferdinand himself. There was a time not too long ago where even the thought of marriage made Ferdinand wretch; being tied to another person for all eternity was not on the Prince's list of fantasies. No matter these past fears, it appeared that now marriage to Sophia delighted him and he was prepared to be utterly committed to her. A knock at his door freed Ferdinand from his thoughts. He cracked the door slightly, afraid to show his nervousness to anyone, but was relieved to find the smiling face of his sister staring back at him. Of all of his siblings and cousins, Ferdinand was closest with Eleanore and her presence always had a calming affect over him. It was she who stood at his bedside when he collapsed following the unfortunate altercation with then Porcuian President Atratinus and he had returned the favor by raising her spirits during her husbands imprisonment in the now defunct Margraviate of Brandenburg-Vopommern. While Eleanore had emerged from the debacle of her wedding and its aftermath with grace, Ferdinand had still never reconciled what he had seen and experienced when he crossed the titan of Porcuian politics. Indeed, the young prince was still victim to strange mood swings and mental breakdowns that very few outside the royal family could trace in origin. Eleanore must have noticed his tensed expression as she adeptly acted in his defense. Gently pushing the door open and walking past him, Eleanore entered to room and sat at on the Archbishop's bed. "What's troubling you so deeply, Ferdinand," she asked sincerely, leaning forward enough that her long blonde hair hung freely over her elegant blue dress. "I can always tell when you're out of you right mind." Ferdinand turned to face her. "Oh, its nothing really," he began, attempting to seem aloof. "I'm glad your here actually. Do I look presentable? Father chose this damn tuxedo." "Oh yes, very handsome," Eleanore said mockingly, rising to meet him and grabbing the lapels of his tuxedo. She then smiled happily. "Sophia will love it. She's rather taken with you, you know?" "What a relief!" Ferdinand attempted to say without sounding too serious. "Now, if we can only forgo incident this time, I dare say we'll all have a pleasant evening." Eleanore backed away slightly and her beautifully smiling face was suddenly replaced with deep sorrow as the memories of her own wedding played like a horrific sideshow before her eyes. How she still loved her husband despite all the horrendous effects his actions had on their family. She prayed earnestly that nothing of the sort would plague her brother's wedding. Yet, with rumors that both Porcuian delegations would be sending representatives to the wedding, anything was possible and was more than likely probable. Ferdinand's face sunk with his sisters. "I did not mean to open old wounds," he whispered, reaching out a hand and clasping hers. "That was insensitive, I know. We all regret what Adrian did even if that devil Atratinus deserved to be punished. I will always detest those snakes for supporting such a man. At least we can take solace in his death." "Indeed," Eleanore said with a forced smile. Several years had passed since their last interaction, yet the Duchess still could not find the will to hate Atratinus or any Porcuian for that matter. If anything, her formal education granted her the appreciation for republican ideals and she had often found it hard to reconcile her political beliefs for her love of her family and her country. If Eleanore hated anyone, it was the Austrian fascists whose antics in her eyes had further tarnished what legitimacy her father's Empire had. Regardless, whether for love or duty, she kept her apprehensions hidden from everyone - her family included. "I guess it makes no difference," Ferdinand continued, turning away from her and starring out a nearby window. "The Republicans will come and we must be ready. As God as my witness, I won't let them interfere with this union. I could give a damn about the alliance father is so hell-bent on, but I love Sophia and if that means I need to take her family with her then so be it. Let those psychopaths in the Reichstag be damned." "You're going to need to be a voice of tolerance regarding Sophia's people, Ferdinand," Eleanore blurted out, perhaps unwisely, but she allowed her soul a moment in the sun. "If at least for her sake." Ferdinand turned abruptly, his expression one of confusion. "You know the difficulty of that. More than half the country is calling for Slavic blood and they don't notice subtitle differences like borders or flags. Even if I wanted too, I could no better stall war with Marslava than fly. At least with Russia we can reach an agreement. As for the rest, if they are not related to Sophia, I care not." "Ferdinand, do you honestly think it will stop with the Marslavans?" Eleanore retorted, obviously enraged. "The Adlerites will eventually force you to turn on her. I assure you!" "What has gotten into you!?" Ferdinand yelled. Another knock at the door prematurely interrupted an argument that threatened to engulf the two siblings. A terse and angered bark from Ferdinand granted the knocker leave to enter the room. Quickly and sheepishly, an aide of the royal household cracked open the door and peeped his head inside. The tension in the room was now palpable. "Your Grace, my lady, your father requests your presence below," he stammered nervously. "The Russians and others have arrived." Ferdinand tensed his brow and turned away from his sister and towards the door without a word. A sharp barb from Eleanore stalled him a few seconds longer however. "Do the right thing." She stated quietly, but with a sense of purpose and weight. "I do not wish to have this conversation again, do you understand?," He replied angrily before he followed the aid out of the room and down the hallway. He did not wait for his sister to comply. He knew she would not, but he also now knew that something stirred in his sister he never expected or realized. She was an idealist. He wondered if he should tell his father or how he would react. For now, he remained unsure if he should tell him. In a few minutes, Ferdinand had descended to the main foyer in the cathedral and joined his father and the Archbishop at the alter. Looking around, he could make out the faces of several members of the most influential Austrian noble families, high-ranking military officers, imperial governors, and even some Hungarian and Croatian nobles from the provinces. Notoriously absent were members of the international press and foreign dignitaries from the rest of Europe. Ferdinand wondered if it was due to his own state's censorship or the fact that his wedding was actually being protested by the international community. He didn't have long to wait for the answer as a herald approached the royals and announced that both the Russians and Porcuians had just pulled up outside. Karl von Habsburg's face was as serious as ever. "You're late. What were you doing?" "The right thing," Ferdinand answered confidently. His heart began to beat furiously again as he awaited the arrival of his bride. Posted Image |
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| Porcu | Feb 17 2018, 11:35 PM Post #5 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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The first of the Porcuians to arrive was none other than the Nationalist leader himself. A fighter escort more for show than for any practical defence brought the President's aircraft directly up to Austrian airspace before veering off and returning north. The aircraft's slow descent allowed Tricostus Caeliomontanus to survey the lush landscape and rolling hills of the Continent. The closer he came to Vienna the faster and shallower his breathing became. He understood this was an important test and opportunity for him. Vienna was stunning. The day was clear and the sun brought a warmth that seemed to reflect God's favorable opinion of the coming union. President Tricostus Caeliomontanus was promptly escorted from the airport to the historic Karlskirche Cathedral and happened to arrive just after the Russians. Unknown to him, the Republican Porcuian delegation had just landed at the airport and would soon join. Tricostus Caeliomontanus, tall and immaculately dressed, kept his composure despite his racing heart as he entered the cathedral, his arrival loudly announced and broadcast throughout. A short time later, and with little in the way of acknowledgement, Theodorus Palilicius Graecus arrived. Upon entering, he sought to move slowly and not to disrupt even the shallowest conversation. |
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| NRE | Feb 18 2018, 04:13 PM Post #6 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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After entering the Cathedral and seeing his family in, Ivan had departed from the rest of his family to find his sister. Aides showed the Russian Emperor to the suite where his sister was being prepared. A host of women were helping the Russian Princess to fit into her luxurious, one of a kind wedding gown. A gentle knock at the door was made on Ivan's behalf and he was announced in. Inside he found his sister Sophia looking more radiant than he'd ever seen her look before. "Our father would be proud" he stated and he took his sister's hands and smiled. He could tell that there was a tremble in her grip and his face turned to one of concern. "Is everything ok my dearest sister?" Sophia smiled, "It is my dearest brother, it is. I suppose I am just nervous as any bride to be should be yes?" "I imagine but you are not having second thoughts are you?" "No certainly not" Sophia stated confidently. "I am deeply in love with Ferdinand and this time apart that we've spent recently has only reassured me on my passion for the man. I suppose I am just worried over the reception I will have in the eyes of the Austrian people and perhaps worse of all, the Austrian nobility and elite." Ivan took his sister's hands and the two sat down on a couch in the middle of the room and smiled at her reassuringly. "My dearest sisters I imagine you are feeling what generations of wives to be have felt since the institution on monarchy began. It is a time old tradition that we families intermingle with our contemporaries in order to previous and commence alliances as well as to serve as the bedrock of tradition for a civilized Europe. I undoubtedly feel that my own Helena felt the same way. After all we took her from the opulence of the Roman Empire and brought her to Saint Petersburg. While it has its own glamour and charm, I am open to admitting it is no Constantinople. Regardless, we have welcomed her and those kinsmen that followed her into our nation and our court. " "What if they do not" Sophia questioned, "what if the Austrians never accept me and what if they force Ferdinand to choose crown and country or me?" "They won't" Ivan stated, "they wouldn't dare to insult such a prestigious linage as your own. However, if they dared then you stand firm and defiant. You are Sophia Alexeovicha Romanova, Grand Duchess of the Russian Empire and in a few minutes, future Empress of the Austrian Empire. If you rise then they should bow, if you speak then they should listen, and if you order then they should obey. You are tradition, your are culture, you are the bedrock which will ensure the lineage of their monarchy. Most importantly, you are now and forever shall be my sister and as God as my witness if these people ever turn against you I will unleash hell itself upon them until they kneel at your feet in gratitude and reverence." Sophia smiled at first, believing her brother to be joking with her in some degree or another. The seriousness of his face spoke otherwise and in some parts of her own self she did not doubt the fact that if her life ever became endangered in the Austrian court that he'd order the full might on the Russian Imperial Army against Austria. She turned to look at the antique clock on the wall and changing the mood and the subject simply stated. "I believe its time" Ivan also looked at the clock and patting his sister on the hands he nodded and rose. "I believe you are right, shall we?" he asked, extending his hand. Sophia took it as she rose to her feet and the two left her private room for the main sanctuary of the Cathedral. Along the way an aide with the Russian family informed the Emperor that the Porcuians had arrived, both representatives with the Republicans and the Nationalists. Ivan was a bit soured that the Nationalists had arrived, their war efforts in Finland were naturally displeasing to the Russian monarch but today was not his day to play Emperor but instead play eldest brother. Wiping such expressions from his face the two made it to the main entrance of the sanctuary, its doors still closed. "Again Sophia, Father would have been proud" Ivan stated, causing a smile to break across Sophia's face and he music began and the doors opened. |
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| Whal | Feb 22 2018, 10:00 PM Post #7 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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With the arrival of the Russians, the ceremony was finally allowed to commence. The doors to the cathedral were opened fully and the historic chamber was awash with the blinding light from the midday Viennese sun. As the Russian Duchess walked through the open doorway, all who rested their gazes upon her couldn't help but linger at her radiant natural beauty. Dressed in a pristine white wedding gown that cost more than the average Russian or Austrian subject made each year, Sophia Alexeovicha Romanova reminded onlookers half the world away of the sheer wealth and prestige of the Russian Empire. Watching her from what felt like miles away, was the Austrian Crown Prince. Ferdinand Zvonimir Hapsburg-Lothringen was dressed no less marvelously; his tunic was crafted from the most expensive of Italian silk and it rested perfectly on his immaculate physique, yet even he paled in comparison to his bride-to-be. The mixture of the radiant light enveloping her as she walked from the doorway and the fantastical music from the cathedrals organ and choir made Sophia appear as an angel to her fiance. Indeed, when Ferdinand gazed at her, all of the troubles of the word faded away like a distant memory. Once the last bit of fabric from Sophia's dress had entered the chamber, the doors to the Karlskirche were closed and would remain so until the end of the ceremony. The Archduke had planned the day down to the second and no detail was too small to be overlooked. With all of the essential personnel present and accounted for inside the cathedral, Karl von Hapsburg could ensure that no "undesirables" would be able to impede the union of Vienna and Moscow, of Habsburg and Romanov, of falcon and bear. For once in a long while, the aging Hapsburg patriarch felt at peace. Despite all that he had accomplished in recent years, Karl von Hapsburg was an increasingly paranoid man and his obsession with order and control often removed any semblance of relaxation. Always calculating his course of action, always scanning for the next enemy or threat to his family and his legacy, the Austrian Archduke nonetheless allowed himself the rare pleasure of letting his guard down on this most joyous occasion. His eldest son, the heir to his lands and titles, the next patriarch of the great house of Hapsburg-Lorraine was cementing their family legacy on the very annals of history and would ensure the future prosperity and grown the Austrian Empire. All eyes fell upon the young couple as they finally met at the alter. Ferdinand's rapidly beating heart which had raced from the moment he woke that morning was abruptly and pleasantly allowed a reprieve once Sophia's veil was removed to reveal her smiling face. As he stared into her beautiful light blue eyes, Ferdinand was reminded of the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean; the destination he hoped to surprise his new wife with on their upcoming honeymoon. In the instant their eyes met, the young royals were almost swept away by the euphoria of the rest of their lives. Ferdinand could barely contain his urge to meet her lips with a passionate kiss. "I've missed you terribly," he whispered softly, finally unable to contain his thoughts. "And I, you" came her reply, equally as quiet and heartfelt. Out in the crowd, the sight of the two royals together engendered a mixture of emotions. For many members of the Austrian nobility, the union was celebrated as a lasting bond with one of Europe's strongest and oldest monarchies; a bedrock on which the legacy of both empires could be founded and protected from the seas of communists, anarchists, and republicans eagerly waiting to retake control. Yet, for a select few others, the marriage of Hapsburg to Romanov was an abomination; the bastardization of the natural order of German superiority over the lesser peoples of the east. Chief among these dissenters were the leaders of the Adlerites, that imposing party of neofascists who now so strongly clung to the spine of the Austrian state and dictated so much of its society; noblemen like Duke Jurgen von Pless, who had reluctantly attended the ceremony purely out of formality and not of solidarity to his sovereign or his prince. Chancellor von Pless, War Minister Lothar von Pommern, Education Minister Herman Harpe, and even ambitious social climbing commoners like Propaganda Minister Werner Hoch watched the Austrian Prince's infatuation with the Russian Duchess with growing unease. While each had approached the Archduke at one point or another to voice their concerns, none had been able to sway him from his course. Now, faced with failures, they stood in silent solidarity; solidarity that something had to be done to stop the wedding and make the Archduke see reason. Such strong passions did not flare without caution however, and even the most shortsighted Adlerite fascist knew the consequences of crossing the Archduke in such a public setting. Action needed to be taken, but very few were made privy to exactly how. Back at the alter, the elderly Austrian Archbishop, the highest religious authority in the Empire, had begun to address the most important congregation of his life. "We are gathered here today, in the eyes of all-mighty God, to bless this union between the great houses of Hapsburg-Lorraine and Romanov," the man began. "Let this union also be the harbinger of peace, prosperity, and friendship between two historic peoples...." The Archbishop continued further into his speech and committed wholly to his most important task. Surely, the man had undertaken countless wedding ceremonies and his words were marvelously uplifting and joyous. Nonetheless, the time that all in the cathedral had eagerly or apprehensively awaited had finally arrived - the marriage vows. Turning to face both Ferdinand and Sophia, the Archbishop began earnestly. "Ferdinand Zvonimir Hapsburg-Lothringen and Sophia Alexeovicha Romanova, have you come here to enter into marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?" "Yes," Came a reply in unison. "Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?" "Yes" "Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?" "We are" "Since it is your intention to enter into the covenant of Holy Matrimony, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church," the Archbishop stated happily, backing away to allow the couple to touch hands. Ferdinand was the first to speak. While there could have been over two hundred people crammed into the Cathedral, the young Prince saw only one. As he grasped Sophia's hands, he felt the words spring up from his heart. "I, Ferdinand, Crown Prince of Austria, take you, Sophia, Duchess of Russia, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life." Sophia's eyes welled in delight and she squeezed his hand tightly. From a cursory glance over his shoulder, Sophia could just make out her father in law. To her surprise, Sophia caught a glimpse of a single tear rolling down the Archduke's face. She matched Ferdinand's words, "I, Sophia, take you, Ferdinand, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life." The Archbishop smiled widely and rejoined his position in between the couples. Waiting patiently behind him, an alter boy gripped a white satin pillow laden with two ornate golden rings. Throughout the cathedral, the two hundred or so onlookers awaited the Archbishops next words and held their breath. ""What God joins together, let no one put asunder," he stated emphatically. "If there is one who would speak to why these two should not be wed, let him speak now or forever hold his peace..." Posted Image OOC: Thought i'd leave this opportunity open in case anyone wants to use it. Otherwise, ill just continue on once I figure out what I'd like to do :lol: |
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| Porcu | Mar 1 2018, 01:31 AM Post #8 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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From an otherwise terrible position off to the side of the cathedral, President Tricostus Caeliomontanus donned a warm smile. "I suppose it is fine to celebrate the small victories in life. It is beautiful, without question, but it too shall come to an end." Several members of the audience remembered with varying degrees of bitterness and anger the last time a Porcuian representative had attended a royal wedding. Their hearts began to race and their blood began to boil when noticing the jovial facade of the Porcuian President, as if to preempt another disgraceful interruption. None came, however. On the opposite side of the cathedral from Tricostus Caeliomontanus, and from an equally terrible position, Theodorus Palilicius Graecus maintained a stoic demeanour. His background in the Greco-Roman imperial court afforded him a deep and well rehearsed understanding of royal etiquette, mannerisms, and expectations. He was genuinely happy for the young couple, but most of all he was pleased to see Ivan happy beyond measure. Palilicius Graecus, always known to the Romanovs as Prince and Lord Theodore Aldebaran, had certainly lived an interesting life thus far. He had always carried the considerations of a soldier, even subsequent to his adoption by the Republic of Porcu following the heavy collapse of the Greco-Roman Empire, but had come in time to mature into a capable and talented diplomat. His skill and opinions did not go unnoticed within Ariminae and he was soon brought into the fold. The landscape of Porcuian politics, culture, and daily life fascinated him and although he faced difficulties early on he adjusted well and, as evidenced by his attendance at present, came to be trusted and indispensable. After all, he was still Aldebaran - the Arabian star. |
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| Whal | Mar 7 2018, 08:58 AM Post #9 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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The Archbishop's words brought a momentary pause from the crowd. With bated breath, Ferdinand, Sophia, and especially the Archduke looked around the room for any sense of interruption or potential embarrassment. There were more than a few who were deeply upset by the union of Russia and the Empire and many of these dissenters had considerable clout within the Austrian royal court and within the Reichstag; such a crucial moment in the ceremony could present a powerful moment to strike. At first, no one moved and no hands were raised in protest. The Archduke smiled widely to himself, believing he had avoided one more challenge to his will and ensured the alliance that would further promote his legacy. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be an imperial wedding without some form of interruption or spectacle. From some far flung position in the periphery of the cathedral, Karl von Hapsburg noticed movement among his courtiers as a figure cut through the crowd directly towards the altar. As the man's face came close enough for Karl to make out his features, the aging monarch was frustrated to learn he did not know his face. Heinrich Lemmelson was a relative nobody; a violent drifter who couldn't manage to hold down a job. Never willing to acknowledge his own shortcomings or lack of formal education as a cause for his lot in life, Lemmelson instead found himself drawn to the accusatory, racial dogma of the Adlerite movement . It was the eastern Slavs and communists who had stolen all the "good" jobs from hardworking Austrians like himself, and it was the republican pigs and capitalists who had stood idly by as they tarnished the glory of his beloved Austria. For Lemmelson and others like him, the Archduke's decision to marry Austria's future leader to a Slav was a betrayal of the ultra-nationalist ideals his revolution had engendered in the Austro-fascists. Instead of discouraging dissent, many Adlerite leaders echoed the growing anger of their base. As he moved up through the crowd, Lemmelson clutched a concealed 9mm Glock 26 pistol tightly from inside his jacket pocket. How he had managed to get into the cathedral was still a mystery - Lemmelson was one of a few commoners present - , but that did not make the aspiring assassin's task any easier. He still had to contend with the omnipresent security and threat posed by both the soldiers of the RSD's Kaiser Division and the Archduke's Royal Uhlan guard. Indeed, Lemmelson knew the mission was more-or-less suicide, yet his resolve was properly cemented. By the time he was within the kill radius of his pocket-sidearm, Lemmelson's presence was already noticed. As he motioned to pull the weapon from his pocket, he locked eyes first with the Archduke and then his target - the beautiful Russian duchess. A smile crossed his face as the weapon made its way outside his pocket. Austria's justice would be swift and unflinching. He did not notice the Archduke's equally wide smile. The whole incident was over in a flash. Lemmelson's arm clutching the pistol was expertly twisted aside as a firm kick was delivered to the backside of his knees. His chances to react were further hampered by another forceful smack to his gut and a firm grip on a tuft of his hair. Only mere seconds after gazing at the Russian duchess, his eyes were now fixed firmly on the angry face and red beret of a Royal Uhlan. Lemmelson opened his mouth to yell out, but a gloved hand immediately stiffed his cries as another arm crushed his windpipe and greatly diminished his breathing. In no time at all, Lemmelson found himself being forcefully pulled away from the altar and to a side room. From the few courtiers looking at him, Lemmelson realized with dread that his interruption was somehow barely even noticed. To his horror, not even his pistol remained on the floor after it fell from his hand. The Archduke wasted no time in wrestling control of the situation and minimizing the damage done by the interruption. No doubt, Ivan and certainly Sophia had noticed the attempted assassination even if they never saw the pistol. He turned a stern unforgiving gaze towards his Chancellor and the other upper-echelon Adlerites, before turning to the Archbishop. "Get on with it!" he barked coldly. "No one objects to the union." The old religious leader snapped immediately to the task. He cleared his throat before speaking, whilst taking the gold rings and placing them on the two royal's fingers. "By the power vested in me by All-mighty God, I hereby pronounce you man and wife. My Prince, you may now kiss the bride." Ferdinand also wasted no time in his task. He smiled and held Sophia close. He kissed her passionately and hoped her resolve was not shaken by the assassin's bold interruption. As he pulled away, he noticed a slight tremble. Whispering in her ear softly, he comforted her the best way he could. "I will never abandon you," He whispered sincerely. "I will always protect you." With the ceremony official reaching its end, the Archduke wanted nothing more then to get out of the cathedral. Taking a momentary advantage of the crowd's fixation on the royal couple, he grabbed his Guard captain , Duke Otto von Treschow, and made the preparations for the assassin's interrogation as well as ordering a full sweep of the grounds. The young guard captain nodded and immediately informed his men to fan through the cathedral and apprehend anyone suspicious - the Porcuians withstanding - and bring them to the room where the assassin was being held. Once the matter was settled, the Archduke scanned the room for the Russian Tsar and approached him. "My apologies for that minor scuffle," Karl stated flatly, not trying to give Ivan any sense of dread. "I assure you that nothing of the sort shall happen again so long as you remain within the Empire." Edited by Whal, Mar 7 2018, 09:28 AM.
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| NRE | Mar 11 2018, 08:01 PM Post #10 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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Perhaps Helena was right.....perhaps this was a mistake..... Ivan had enjoyed the ceremony, the grandeur of the entire experience had been the sort of spectacle that Europe had come to expect to dynasties as old as his and the Austrians. He had thought that people would go on talking about the wedding for months to come given the expense that had been given for the event. The thought that such a wedding would trump the conversations even in Republican matters made him personally pleased. All that happiness, all that joy however faded like sand in an hourglass when the assassin caught the Emperor's eye. Like a ballet carefully choreographed and performed in perfect slow motion, Ivan watched helplessly as the man attempt to reach the altar. His fist became clinched and petrified when he caught what he believe to be a weapon the man began reaching for in his coat pocket. The thought that his sister could have been assassinated in as cold blooded a way as their father pained him almost as much as his knuckle felt now, well after the moment passed. Stiffened and sore, Ivan began stretching his right hand as if he were compressing and decompressing an invisible stress ball with the Archduke approached him. His face emotionless as he listened to what Karl had to say, his response was in a hushed, but direct tone. "There are some things we need to discuss before this day is over Archduke" Ivan stated, continuing "but first I would speak with this man and any of his collaborators. I am sure that you are now having them rounded up if they exist here on the premises. I would speak with all of them face to face before we speak of unresolved matters concerning this marriage ourselves." |
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| Whal | Mar 17 2018, 09:50 AM Post #11 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Karl von Hapsburg was not shocked by Ivan's anger nor of his doubts regarding their nascent alliance. Had their roles been reversed and a Russian assassin attempted to murder the Crown Prince in St. Petersburg, the Archduke would have demanded a similar meeting with the assassin and looked with suspicion at the Russians. While Karl could not fault the Russian Tsar for this, he was nonetheless ashamed and with his shame came his own cool-breed of anger. It would seem that both royal heads of state would be enacting their frustrations upon any unfortunate members of the conspiracy to which God himself could not protect the conspirators. "Yes, of course," Karl replied sincerely. "Come with me, my royal guard have already set up a place for our chat with the man." Both Karl and Ivan made their way briskly through the crowd sporting false smiles and awarding empty pleasantries to guests who approached them to offer their congratulations. It was not that they were ungrateful, but both monarchs wanted nothing more than to escape that chamber and skip to the matter at hand. After a few minutes of surviving the crowd, Karl and Ivan were met by two Royal Uhlans who escorted them to a private wing of the cathedral where the assassin was being kept. Karl immediately recognized the area as the lodgings used by his family to prepare for the wedding not an hour before. As the men made their way deeper into the private wing, they began to hear the unmistakable sounds of a violent interrogation; shouts, whimpers, and the sounds of force hitting meat were audibly apparent as they approached a closed wooden door at the end of a long hallway. Standing guard stoically, two black-shirted RSD soldiers of the Kaiser Division parted ways and opened the door for their sovereign and the Russian emperor. What greeted them was a violent scene. Two men, one that was easily recognized as the assassin Heinrich Lemmelson and another one who was currently unrecognized, sat tied to wooden chairs as two civilian agents of the RSD's Kriminalpolizei (Criminal Police) beat the men senseless with their fists. From the large pool of blood accumulating at their feet, Karl and Ivan had realized that this "interrogation" had started almost immediately after their capture. Seeing the arrival of the Royals, both agents halted their assault and turned to speak with the newcomers. "Your Majesties," the senior of the two men greeted the pair. "You've arrived at the perfect time. We are just about to get the meat of their cowardly deeds." The Archduke's brow furrowed, "Surely, you could have waited for us to speak with them before you started your brutalization?" "I'm s-sorry, your Majesty," the second man piped up. "In our line of work, we've noticed that men speak more freely with a little bit of encouragement." Karl turned to Ivan who's expression was difficult to read. The Russian's stone face made it impossible to tell if he relished the chance to jump at the bound men himself, or if he opposed the savage beatings. Regardless, Karl wasted no time in clearing the room so that they could speak with the assassins alone. "I see," he stated disapprovingly. "Well, I believe that the Tsar and I would like to speak with this man alone. I kindly ask you to wait outside with the others." The RSD agents appeared shocked. The younger man once again interjected, "Y-your Majesty, we have orders from the Reichskanzler to not let these men out of our sights. Surely, we cou-" "Is Chancellor von Pless the leader of Austria, or me?" Karl interrupted him not loudly, but with a stern look that froze the man's soul. The elder of the two agents got the hint immediately and turned his head towards the door and beckoned the younger man to follow. Not wanting to incur the Archduke's wrath, he complied and both men quickly hurried out of the room leaving the two monarchs alone with the conspirators. Both beaten men raised their bloodied heads to look upon Karl and Ivan's faces. The swollen eyes of the would-be assassin met the Russian Tsar's and he immediately averted his gaze. Karl sighed before speaking, "Well, I imagine that you two understand what is going to happen here? Before that however, why not make it easier on yourselves and your families and answer some questions? The Emperor has something he would like to say to you both..." ____ Back outside in the man chamber of the Cathedral, most of the crowd began the slow process of exiting and making their way to the adjacent building outside for the wedding reception. The bride and groom were ushered out first (this time, under much tighter security) and members of the Austrian noble families quickly followed suit. This left a small number of people left in the cathedral and made "hiding" among the crowd much more difficult. For both Porcuians present, this meant they could no longer ignore each other. Tricostus Caeliomontanus and Palilicius Graecus stared at one another from across a mostly empty room. With a smile, the Nationalist leader stepped forward to treat with his rebellious countryman, but was intercepted midway by none-other than the Austrian Chancellor, Jurgen von Pless. "Mr. President," von Pless greeted him, a modicum of distaste at the word evident in his tone. "I hope you have enjoyed the festivities. His Majesty, wanted me to personally gather you and escort you to the reception hall. He regretted not having the chance to welcome you personally, but hopes that you understand given the nature of the event." |
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| NRE | Jun 7 2018, 12:46 PM Post #12 |
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OOC: Damn I let this sit waaay too long. My sincerest apologize Whal...in my head I was waiting on your response and well, apparently next looked to see you responded...like ages ago :( IC: Emperor Ivan sized both men up and down as he moved closer, not close enough to dirty himself by such filth but close enough to smell the blood. He'd never personally seen an interrogation himself, though he'd read enough detailed reports from his own country's intelligence community to understand the particulars and the realities of such tactics. To his knowledge the only Russian Emperor in recent memory to have been in the room of an interrogation and, in some family accounts, participated was Ivan's grandfather Paul II. Though the family did not speak of it often, it was said that Paul personally interrogated the usurper Yusupov and even branded him for his treason before expelling him from Russia for life. Ivan fiddled with one of his own rings, wondering if he could get it hot enough to brand these men as assassins and traitors. "Pathetic" Ivan stated finally, his voice so cold that bits of ice seemed to spit from his mouth. "You are both truly pathetic you know that? How dare you believe that you, such insignificant worms, could even attempt to take the life of a Romanov. Who are you to have such hubris to think that you could do what others, far better than you could not. My family has endured revolution itself to plunge us from the earth yet here I stand, seated still on the throne of Russia. Your assassination has failed and your lives have now been forfeited. Only God, creator of heaven and earth, can stop the wrath which you both have called upon yourselves and your families." Ivan didn't blink, he didn't even look back to see Karl's reaction to the threat not only to these would-be assassins, but to their families. "Trust me when I say that you will suffer and so will all you love and hold dear. Thes mere cuts and bruises will be trifle little things compared to what will come soon enough. You will beg for release, beg for a death we will never grant you. This I do not swear to you as a promise, but tell you as a matter of fact. Yet before this inevitable pain, I think I speak for both Russia and Austria when I say we give you this one chance to repent, to confess your sins." "So then I will ask you this once, and only once before leaving you to what fate shall give you. Know, however, that what you tell me now will not spare you but perhaps will move me to spare your families from a similar fate as yours. Who hired you to assassinate the married couple and for what purpose would their deaths serve?" |
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| Whal | Today, 10:14 AM Post #13 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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OOC: No worries, NRE. I have been equally busy. My reply is finally up! IC: The bound men stared blankly at the Russian Czar as if somewhat perplexed by his question. After several seconds that seemed to drag on for minutes, their gazes traveled beyond the Czar's and found the sharp angry eyes of their sovereign. Karl's own glare seemed to confirm exactly what they too were thinking. Did the Russians truly not understand how deeply racial and ethnic prejudices flew through the veins of the multi-ethnic empire? Unperturbed by Ivan's threats and somewhat amused by his conspiratorial thinking, the assassin, Lemmelson, finally broke the silence. "Hired us?" he chided. "No one hired us to kill your sister; her betrothal to the Crown Prince was a travesty that needed to be corrected." It was now the Archduke who stepped menacingly close to the captured men. He positioned himself next to the Czar, but was unafraid to get closer to this rabble. "Now you listen carefully," Karl stated calmly, but with his famously stern tone. "It would have behooved you to consider the ramifications on your actions. Did you honestly believe that by murdering the Princess that you could damage the Russian Empire and strengthen Austria? Preposterous! Your actions, had they been successful, would have only emboldened Russia to join with our most hated enemies against us. And for what - some bar-room theory of racial superiority? You are fools; myopic, misguided fools who believe they know what is better for their country more than their sovereign. Listen to me well when I say no one will mourn your passing nor remember your deeds." Karl knew that these men were influenced heavily by the rhetoric of the growing Austrian fascist movement. The proto-Adlerites had been staunch supporters of the monarchy in the lead-up and during the coup 'd'etat, yet had grown to be a formidable force of their own over the past two years. In truth, Karl von Habsburg was beginning to fear their influence and he was quickly beginning to characterize them for what they were - a blight on his diplomatic relations. While Ivan had probably surmised correctly that Karl and his family were sympathetic to the notions of German superiority, he also couldn't ignore that his new found ally was also wholly committed to strengthening his position as a monarch. As such, the Habsburg Dynasty would shun anything that threatened its hegemony and the sanctity of Austria's borders. Enter the need for the Austro-Russian alliance and accompanying royal marriage. Nonetheless, Ivan remained cautiously suspicious. "Indeed, yet even zealots and fanatics can have friends in high places," Ivan hissed, his subdued Russian accent leaking into his German. "Surely, you don't believe they've acted alone?" Karl shook his head, his eyes still not leaving the condemned men. "Their actions were their own, yet others are guilty of motivating their deeds. There is much hatred simmering here in Austria." Ivan's anger was slowly boiling over. For the first time with an outward display of frustration towards his ally, he turned to Karl. "And what will you do about this? I have put my own sister in your care." Karl now left the men and turned to face the Tsar. The assassination attempt had failed, but the aging monarch knew that it would not discourage further acts of violence. Ever a practical man, the Archduke had a solution for this problem much like all the others - diversion. "I will use them," Karl replied calmly. "These fanatics, as you correctly call them, have a purpose like all other subjects. Your sister will no longer be a target as I have decided to draw their attention elsewhere. Come with me. We can discuss this matter elsewhere if you are done here? My royal guard will ensure these degenerates are properly punished." Edited by Whal, 26 minutes ago.
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11:32 AM Jul 13