Emperor Artabanos's Welcome Back Party

Fremet · 18 Sept 2020, 05:33

It had been nearly 3 years since Gustaf's last visit to Inimicus. He looked out of the window as the government jet began its descent into the Inimican capital, and everything was just as he'd remembered it, the dark and dreary outer fringes of the city gave way to Telum's shining city centre.

He turned to his wife, Queen Silvia, and spoke, "I still have a crush on him you know. Ever since that glorious day oh so many years ago...." His voice trailed off as he thought back to one of his boyhood trips to Europolis, a rather steamy YMCA locker room, and Arty's strong figure when his wife interrupted his nostalgia trip.

"He's already broken your heart once Gustie. But if you think it is worth the risk, I won't have a problem as long as you let me watch." Her hand trailed down to {CENSORED} and {CENSORED}. An aide that had been preparing them a quick serving of coffee before arrival approached but Queen Silvia continued. She enjoyed the sight of the aide trying to avert their eyes as he carefully lowered the tray onto the royal couple's table.

After being married for more than 30 years, Fremet's royals liked to keep things spicy.

... Some time later ...

The Royal Couple arrived at the banquet hall, greeting Artabanos at the door. As Silvia made her way off to speak with the Inquistan Archbishop (she wanted all the latest tea on Bridge's affair with the Spainish PM), Gustaf turned to Artabanos, "It is good to see you again Arty, we were all so very worried for you. I'm glad you seem to be doing well. If you want to mingle a bit later, you'll find me next to wherever they keep the vodka in this damned place." Gustaf winked at him and went on his way.

Nikki was pleased government policy required that she fly separate from the royal family. She only barely tolerated them. In her time as Statsminister, she had developed a close relationship with Gustaf, and found him to be a good man. However, the institution of monarchy itself was outdated in her mind. Regardless, at least Fremet's priorities were straight: she would be arriving in the bigger plane.

As she walked down from the aircraft and was whisked away through Telum to the banquet, Nikki received her first taste of Inimicus. Likenesses of the Emperor were spread throughout the city, though they appeared to be displayed by private citizens. As with all things in Inimicus, however, there is little truth in that which is presented to you. You have to dig— and Nikki knew from personal experience that Artabanos does not appreciate prying. She had met the man in 2016, the sunset years of the height of her political career. She had seen the intelligence reports from the attack on Artabanos. Nikki wouldn't put it past the shadowy Emperor for him to have orchestrated this whole ordeal. The Iron Table agreed with Nikki's assessment, which is part of the reason they sent her here in lieu of Erna. Questionable motives aside, this event is a nevertheless important one as not often do such large and powerful groups of people coalesce in such an open manner.

Her car, a standard Fremetian Volkswagen Passat (black) modified for VIP transit, arrived at the banquet hall. She alighted from the vehicle and walked inside, greeting Artabanos at the door. "Your Imperial Majesty, it is a pleasure to see you again in such good health. I'm looking forward to what is sure to be an event to write home about."

Inimicus is uniquely positioned to be a valuable partner for Fremet in the coming years, but is such an endeavour worth the risk? Nikki was here to find out, and find out she will.

Inimicus · 18 Sept 2020, 08:01

Artabanos was in His element. Perhaps, just perhaps, this type of event was the best thing about being the Emperor. That, and the Imperial Palace apartments, naturally. The Emperor watched the columns of motorcades and limousines arrive at the Palace doors one by one, raising an eyebrow - thought not a malevolent one by any stretch of the imagination - at the bright pink limo He immediately recognised as Mikaela Kligenberg's.

"Ah, Princess Victoria", Artabanos said as His first guest arrived, "You look exceptionally radiant tonight. Thank you for this utterly wonderful gift - does it come with an extra postnominal I can add to my name? No? Ah, shame. Well, if you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to let me know personally" - He winked.

The famous Kennith Lifejumper was the next to arrive. Artabanos was eternally grateful he decided to keep his distance as the other leaders introduced themselves to the Emperor. Artabanos gave Vicarius Cocx a meaningful look and, to his credit, Cocx immediately got the hint and started making conversation to Lifejumper and Juncker. This handily allowed Artabanos to focus on the guest who was next to arrive - Lord Zgeirtan. "Ah.", He thought, "I guess this is what, in chess, is called giving away your pieces too soon. Wilfred??"

"Thank you, Lord Zgeirtan", Artabanos began with a plain sense of courtesy, "It is 'pretty cool' indeed. Please, be seated - once everyone is here I will open the event." - Artabanos swiftly checked the seating plan to see where Zgeirtan would be sat in relation to Himself. He sighed in relief, but did not have long to enjoy the moment as the Reitzmic delegation arrived next. "Hang on", He said to Lord Christopher, "How did Bridges get inside already? Famous Reitzmic intelligence indeed."

"Well well well", Artabanos continued as Prince William arrived, "I think we will be having a great night - I mean... I hope you have a great night, Your Royal Highness. Oh, you've brought your parents with you. How.... nice.... Yes, how nice."

"Ah! My Austrian friends", Artabanos said as Van der Bellen and Rendi-Wagner arrived, "Thank you for coming, welcome. That is one dapper tie you're sporting, Alexander. You will have to give me the address of your tailor. No, no, free postage is definitely one of the perks of living in the Imperial Palace. Please, have a drink and be seated."

Mikaela Kligenberg's arrival sent waves of butterflies sprining up in Lord Christopher Strathclyde's stomach. At the European Heads of Government meeting, he had first caught sight of her. He was not an obvious lover. But he would never forgive Artabanos for putting him across the room from her. "Mikaela, it's so good to see you again", Artabanos said in welcome. He winked at her and nodded in reassurance as the Archbishop whispered into his ear. "Mikaela", he whispered back, "Just say the word and I'll pay for the whole treatment..." Lord Christopher strangely disappeared after the Archbishop took her seat.

The Fremetians arrived next. Artabanos had been waiting for this moment. "Ah, Miss Felicia Latifah -- I mean, King Gustaf... Excellent to see you, my Queen -- eh, my King". The Emperor glanced at Queen Silvia, then back at Gustaf, and back at Silvia again. "You both look extremely radiant, Your Majesties. There shall be much mingling tonight, I'm sure - please, be seated. I'll start the event shortly."

Strathclyde suddenly returned as Nikki arrived, strangely detached from her royals. Although he was already in a bad mood, Strathclyde never passed up on the opportunity for political networking, and even before Haley could finish her words to Artabanos, she was marched into the banqueting hall by Lord Christopher, who immediately began querying Fremet's recently-acquired nuclear arsenal.

[OOC: feel free to RP some mingling before the event starts, or your arrivals if you haven't yet.]

Spain · 18 Sept 2020, 13:54

The Spanish Government President, Jesús Aguilar and the Kings Felipe VI and Leticia had just arrived into the Telum Airport on the Royal Family Aircraft. They were in a limousine so they could be all together without letting Leticia behind. Felipe looked at the President and asked "When is the baby supposed to be born?" Jesús Aguilar smiled and answered: "Next week, or that's what the doctor said."

The motorcade made it way to the Imperial Palace and the Spanish delegation entered the room.

Icholasen · 18 Sept 2020, 14:03

Queen Anastasia, Carlos and Prince Tommy

Queen Anastasia and Prince Tommy had been living in Ibiza for the last several months. It had been bliss - the weather was absolutely perfect. Of course, as September came, the heat on Ibiza had somewhat dampened - but it was still hot enough for both of them. A beach-side vacation had been just what they had needed. Since the revolution that had few boring royal engagements, like opening an orphanage - SNORE! Helping some schoolkids fund their new sports pitch - BORING!!! Encouraging some dying hospital patients to push through - DULL!!!!!! However, lazing by the sea was becoming boring, and they were all three ready for a party. A change of pace.

Anastasia and Tommy were getting ready in their quarters, as Tommy and Carlos were not yet married, they had to stay in separate quarters. Of course Tommy was as much of a virgin as a hooker from Trondheim, but they still had pretences to maintain, with this 40 year age-gap, homosexual and royal couple. Both Tommy and Anastasia had become rather tanned, their apartment in Ibiza being in prime position for both the beach and the pool that they shared with their Airbnb guests. They had rented it out to some Inquistan partiers, some Fremetian boomers and some Nicoleizian refugees with nowhere else to flee. Of course Anastasia had to kick these refugees out once they could no longer pay the fee.

'Tommy I have been given a secret mission, and I'd like you to help me with it.' Said Anastasia

'What is it ? I'm not running coke across the border again - you know I'm clean now.'

'No, no nothing like that. The government has instructed me that pea warfare is back on. Now, I really do not want to get pea-ed on.'

'I thought you were into tha--'

'No, who said that?'

'I'm staying silent. There's nothing wrong with that though, of course. Everyone has their things. Like me, I'm into Icholo-Spanish Eurovoice royalty who are 40 years my former. It's kind of niche though, so I'm lucky I found Carlos.' Tommy commented.

'You really are lucky you found Carlos, you couldn't have found a normal man, no one who wasn't both 40 years older than you and also obese would like you.'

'That's unfair - but also kind of true. But hey, at least none of my husbands are dead.'

'Those were very unfortunate accidents.'

'Uh, yeah.' Tommy said.

Just then, a knock came at the door. It was Carlos. 'Guys, we're gonna be late.'

'You can come in, babe.' Tommy said.

Carlos entered, wearing a Hawaiian shirt. 'Why are you wearing that?' Tommy said.

(OOC: There are no pictures of Carlos in a remotely appropriate outfit. Let me live.)

'Accept my lifestyle.' Carlos said. 'This shirt got me through Eurovoice -- you know how stressful it is to work with Paloma Faith. If I didn't come second, I could've died.'

'Don't keep spreading those baseless accusations.' Anastasia said, scolding him. 'Paloma is literally a Saint. She would never ever lay a finger on anyone. Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.'

'Um, okay.' Carlos said. 'Anyway, we're late. I can hear Mikaela's shrill voice down there, she's going to be mad if we don't get down there very soon.'

'Okay, but before we go, we simply must defend each other against any peas.'

Carlos and Tommy nodded in agreement.

'And if necessary, we can take to the offensive.' Anastasia retorted.

Eilidh Whiteford:

Eilidh 'Centrist' Whiteford was coming in from Europolis after finishing her term as Premier Commissioner. She was pleased that her colleagues were going to be here for a last hurrah after finishing her term. She was very proud of what was achieved during her time in office. Whiteford was rather square. She was never a party girl. Maybe the Nicoleizian delegation and Jean-Claude 'Alcoholic' Juncker would be able to bring her out of her centrist, square, plain-Jane shell. She was now the official Korojaunu of the United Dominions of Icholasen and as such it was a gathering of the key Nicoleizians. Wouldn't it be terrible if some communists came and tried to kill her and the royals? Absolutely! Let's hope that doesn't happen.

Whiteford touched down in Inimicus and made her way to the party. She saw Tommy, Carlos and Anastasia walking through the corridor, and they recognised each other and decided to walk in together. They walked in the room and saw some people she recognised that she wanted to meet, but first she curtseyed in front of His Imperial Majesty, Artabanos, and said; 'Pleased to meet you, I'm not sure if we've met before.' Anastasia and the others followed Whiteford's lead.

Leagio · 18 Sept 2020, 21:17

"Commissioner Juncker, it's good to see you again. By the way congratulations on your re-election not only in the IAC but in the results in Leagio. An 11 point lead against the second-place candidate is in Leagio a very strong mandate. I hope you have been doing well since the election." President Lifejumper said as he shook hands with the Internal Affairs Commissioner.

Spain · 18 Sept 2020, 21:21

Juncker shook hands with Kenith. In fact, he considered the Leagioan President one of his European friends more than a workmate or someone he had to have a good relation with. "Thanks Kenith. It's really good to be re-elected on my favourite job which is looking for the European Union. I'm really proud of having 8 countries backing me up and got that strong mandate at your country and in many others like Inquista or Spain for example. Since then I've been doing well yeah, travelled to Montenbourg and we are working on a new Anti-Racism plan for the European Union. I also visited my sons and grandsons in Spain the day after I won elections and spent 2 days with them. My job doesn't allow me to meet my family as much as I'd like so I need to take the first chance to see them" The Internal Affairs Commissioner said and smiled.

Inimicus · 19 Sept 2020, 08:14

"The Hawaiian T-shirt is certainly completely tasteless", thought Artabanos as the Nicolezian delegation arrived at the Palace, "But I admire his bravery. Yes, yes. Definitely my favourite outfit of the night. How did he snag such a stud, too? Hmmm, we will have much to discuss tonight"

"Ah, King Felipe, Queen Leticia, wonderful to see you. I hope, my King, you are pleased with your seat on the dais - the new and special bond between our two nations is certainly something to be celebrated, I should think. I apologise to have to separate you from your husband, Queen Leticia - although I trust Consul Strathclyde will be an immensely courteous host. He is a fantastic conversationalist, in any case. You will not be bored, I assure you - at the end of the night, you will know all about Inimician taxation policy and the Empire's federal constitutional framework."

After noticing Leticia seemed to already be dozing off, Artabanos decided it was time to start the event. He nodded at Gert Veruylscht, who prepared to walk inside. Vicarius Cocx appeared immensely pleased to be liberated from his duties in keeping Lord Zgeirtan from eating the Palace tapestries and curtains, and promised he would stay behind to welcome any remaining guests that hadn't arrived.

Veruylscht rang the dinner bell, and all guests were seated. "Ladies and gentlemen", he announced, "His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus!"

An instrumental rendition of the Imperial Anthem played as Artabanos made His way to the dais. The 20-metre walk must have taken Him ten seconds, but not in Artabanos's mind. Every step appeared to remind Him of the shuddering of the aircraft fuselage three months ago. The ringing sound of His decorations created flashbacks to the deafening sound of the plane breaking apart. All eyes were fixed on Him. As they had been when paramedics had dragged Him from the burning wreckage. For a moment, He felt Himself waver halfway to His seat. Some concerned looks from King Gustaf and Princess Victoria made Him realise it did not go unnoticed. Was He even ready for this type of stuff again? It did not matter. He had to persist.

"Esteemed guests, Your Majesties, Excellencies, colleagues, friends. Welcome", Artabanos began, wishing He could reach into His chest pocket unnoticed, "I am, we are, utterly and extremely grateful you have managed to reach the Palace in good health and even better spirits. The Empire thanks you for attending and for reinforcing the inseparable bond it has with all of you" - He looked at Reitzmic PM Bridges - "Inimicus is not new to the European stage. But it is reinvigorated. In 2011, a dictatorial clique ruled what is now the Empire, for its own personal gain, its own wealth, and its own wellbeing. Under the brave and unwavering leadership of late Emperor William, the Inimician People finally took charge of their own destiny, and founded a state built on principles of tolerance, freedom, political self-determination, and civil rights."

Some of the faces of the politicians Artabanos had had to discard on His way to power passed his retina. He paused before continuing. "The Empire faced a long, long road to becoming accepted in the international community and on the European stage. From the use of toxic nerve gas on our streets during the aftermath of the revolution, to Inimician politicians working to achieve peace and stability in war-struck nations such as Eastern Haane. We have come a long way indeed. We were outcasts in 2012, yet we delivered the Foreign and the Premier Commissioner on two occasions during 2014.

"I see this event as the culmination of the Empire's growth process. The cream of European royalty and statehood, gathered here in the Imperial Palace for the first time in history. I hope, and the nation hopes, that you will find tonight's events conducive to the relationships between our two countries. And, who knows, perhaps some arms deals might result." - some of those present appeared to take this for the humour it was, while others who did not know the Emperor as well were seen frowning or raising an eyebrow - "I won't digress on recent events all too much - in many ways, they are still too painful, literally and figuratively, to address. But I am elated, ecstatic, and flattered, that you have joined me in this Throne Room, where my adventure at the helm of the nation began in 2014. Now, I think we need some food to accompany those deliciously strong aperitifs. Here goes!"

Upon the conclusion of the Emperor's speech, an army of waiters and pursers entered the room from various hitherto undescribed entrances, carrying the first of five courses this banquet would consist of - the traditional amount in any Inimician state occasion. Artabanos saw Queen Anastasia eagerly looking at whether the current dish contained any peas, while Lord Zgeirtan could already be seen shunning any of the expensive cutlery on offer. What a night tonight would be.

[OOC: dinnertime is here! And what better conversation time than dinnertime? Interact away!]

Kingdom of Reitzmag · 19 Sept 2020, 08:33

As Simon got his meal, he carefully placed the tablecloth above the collar of his shirt. He gently picked up the fork and the knife and dug into his meal. Simon was afraid something wrong could happen so he thought for a while if he would eat or not. He knows that he is in danger which is why he brought some body guards with him apart from those serving the royals. But if anything goes wrong Simon, as a former GCHQ Spy, knew what to do and knows self defense. He has a hand gun ready to take aim if there's any threat.

King George and Queen Katherine on the other hand were very cautious for the level of security they have. Despite this, they enjoyed their meal. Except, George examined his food first if it has too much oil and/or salt before he ate.

Prince William was between 2 EU Commissioners. He wished he could've been seated next to Anastasia to show his 6 pack abs. As he receives his meal, he gently pushed the fork into the meat to know if it has fats and oil.

"Luckily they didn't give me food I hate" said William to himself.

Simon looked at William to confirm whether the food was safe. After about 3 minutes of observation, Simon dug into his meal and began to eat. He waited for a while before taking his second bite to confirm if the food is really safe. But nothing happened yet.

George and Katherine were in front of 5 people of which are of varying countries. George and Katherine stayed close to each other if something goes wrong. They have treated Artabanos like a brother for a long time but their relationship was wrecked by the government.

Spain · 19 Sept 2020, 09:31

Jean-Claude Juncker started to eat, and he really was enjoying the food. His favourite meal and cooked in a great quality. What could go wrong appart from the Haanexit? He had to made a statement about it, they didn't even make a referendum, nor let the people decide about it. But he thought Austria would be a safe place for them, and many would migrate. The Internal Affairs Commissioner found himself really confortable. He wasn't seated next to Antoni, but it was a round table and had the Leagioan President Lifejumper on his other side. He looked to Prince William and Prime Minister Bridges to do that weird things with the food.

"Is everything ok Simon?" Juncker asked. Seeing one of his friends doing that was alarming. "I saw you both doing that and that's why I'm asking." Jean-Claude said to clarify everything and not alarms the Reitzmics more than they were now.

Meanwhile, Aguilar found himself really uncomfortable. 2 Mennrimians in the tavkle was something he asked to avoid, but Artie decides so he had to smile. He looked at the Consul and as Inimicus and Spain were close allies, he decided to talk about that with him:

"Well Christopher, the Inimican army has started its trainings in the designated bases in Spain, and we are happy to have seen the same with our army in Inimicus. We will have to agree a date for the joint trainings soon, won't we?" Said the Spanish President.

Leticia looked at Queen Victoria and decided to start a conversation with her. The Montenbourg's royals were impressive and you need to talk with them every time you get to see them. Leticia knew she was really beauty, but she wanted more advices:

"Victoria, you look awesome tonight, as always. Was your flight ok? Mine has been a bit wavy." The Queen said.

And finally, the King Felipe was having a nice time chatting with the gran table. The Fremetian Royals were really funny, which made the night funnier. And despite the image you can get of Artabanos by TV, he was completely different.

Kingdom of Reitzmag · 19 Sept 2020, 10:05

"Yeah umm Mr. Juncker, there isn't any problem" said Simon trying to hide his doubts on the safety of the food.

Mennrimiak · 19 Sept 2020, 20:08

And finally the Mennrimian Plane arrived to Inimicus, it was a normal thing because the plane needed to do one escale at Europolis for refueling and system checking but all was good and the Royals with the Prime Minister Arrived.
Sauli: your Majesties im gonna get down of the plane and check if there is a motorcade ready.

Some time passed and not much after their arrival they reached the Inimician Imperial Palace where they waited for someone to recieve them.

Inquista · 20 Sept 2020, 23:55

Mikaela tucked into her salad as she scanned the room, before then turning to Carlos who was sitting beside her.

"It's always so fun to see you, Carlos. I've really missed you! I haven't been back to Ibiza in quite a while. I think I need a holiday real soon. Although, speaking of which, we really need to begin planning our joint wedding. I know you've been pushing for a Hawaiian themed wedding, but I don't think my dress will fit the theme."

Mikaela continued to scan the room, before her eyes landed on Prince Tommy, who was seated away for some reason.

"Awww, it's a shame Tommy isn't sitting with us, I know he really adores me! To be fair though, he is sitting with Cocx - which is what he probably prefers. Don't you think that Artabanos looks really great for someone who escaped almost certain death from a firey airplane crash? His plastic surgeon must be good. Like really good. You should find out who that is and tell Tommy. I don't know. I'm just throwing that out there. No reason at all."

The Archbishop then leaned forward, so as to catch the view of Queen Anatasia, who was sitting beside Carlos. "Ana, don't you agree? Artie looks great!"

Mikaela then leaned even further forward, so at to catch the view of Emperor Artabanos. "Artie, I bet all the guys must be eyeing you right now. Who will be the Emperor's next fling? I'm sure all the papers must be going crazy. There are so many fine gentlemen here this evening. I'm a very good wingwoman. Just let me know the word and I'll set my GBF right up."

Mikaela then looked back at Queen Anastasia. "Girl, Prince William can't get enough you. He's like... staring at us right now. So what's the plan, are we going in for the swoop or are we flinging peas at him?"

The Archbishop then leaned closely to Carlos. "Imagine a 6-person joint wedding..."

Commissioner Reynels was rather mystified with the people at his table. For a former GCHQ spy, Prime Minister Bridges had absolutely zero chill. The man was eating his food with rather bizarre suspicion, and was taking his sweet time between each of his bites. All in all, it was a very odd display. It made the mood at the table rather uncomfortable.

The Commissioner leaned toward Korojaunu Whiteford and whispered. "You're lucky you're no longer in the Commission. These people make me not agree with, but better understand euroscepticism. Europeans are so weird."

Commissioner Reynels then looked over the table to President Lifejumper. "So, President, when can we expect some fresh new content from your TouTube channel?"

Mennrimiak · 21 Sept 2020, 01:08

After some time the kings and the prime minister noticed anyone cared about them they headed towards the room where the "Meeting" was happening, when they entered just goed to the place with their names and wait for the food, but they saw every one was already eating, and then like they think the same the Mennrimian invitees knew this thing was going to go from bad to worse for them.

Sauli took his place and said: Cool, looks like we are not important, anyone thinked about us.
Anyways are you enjoying your food Juncker?, if not you can leave it to me, maybe the food already ended and im just existing now.

21 Sept 2020, 03:39

The President was eating his food - carefully. One has to do so when being truly encircled by the insane. To his right were the royals of a country he was quite sure was a dictatorship (he would never be convinced otherwise; he would be a Reitzmag truther to the death); in front of him was the...eccentric leader of the last unindustrialized country in Europe; and to his left, a scandal-ridden prince in exile.

The real issue, however, was that all of these people had power. He could not do anything, even the tiniest thing, wrong, lest they overreact and threaten a totally defenceless Austria. He would have much preferred to be in the place of the Chancellor; but then again he would be trapped between two warring nations.

In fact, he doubted that he was even suited to be in this place. He was used to calm, orderly, and slow politics; not fast, bizarre, and nonsensical. Sebastian however; he would be better. For some bizarre reason, older women were attracted to him, despite his gayness - a trait that too would help him here, with the Emperor and - perhaps - the Prince. Attraction was or seemed to be everything in European politics these days.

"Well, how are you doing today?" the President asked the Reitzmic royals, trying desperately to mask his fear behind a smile. Who knew what these people would do to him; perhaps they would place him into a camp where he would be brainwashed into becoming a die-hard Winston supporter, or even worse, kill him.

The Chancellor was worried herself. Thankfully, the Mennrimian-Spanish feud had not arisen yet, although she knew that it was likely because they had just arrived. She did not want to be trapped in a shouting match; she attempted to distract those on both sides.

"Well, this food is amazing!" she said over-enthusiastically to no one in particular. "How about yours?"

She cursed internally. Her nerves were getting the better of her; nothing today would go well. She glanced at the President, who seemed flustered as he spoke with the Reitzmic royals. Nothing unusual; everyone felt like that here, today, for the entire party was a bomb waiting to go off. Judging by what she had overheard the Prime Minister of Mennrimiak say, there were only a few seconds left.

Kingdom of Reitzmag · 21 Sept 2020, 03:41

To their surprise, someone from the table has finally talked to them.

"Ah, Ms. van der Bellen, we're doing fine. Congratulations to Austria for joining the EU." said George

"We have no worries Ms. van der Bellen, how about you? We are hoping that Austria and Reitzmag would cherish a strong relationship in all aspects" said Katherine.

As Simon saw Sauli, he was very happy and relieved that two of his friends are there with him again.

"Sauli my friend, how are you doing today?" said Simon with a big smile on his face.

Fremet · 21 Sept 2020, 04:18

Nikki had just managed to pry herself from Lord Christopher, who had taken a rather disconcerting level of interest to Fremet's defensive readiness and nuclear strike capabilities. With every question, Nikki responded with the universal official line of the Fremetian government in regards to defence: "Our readiness is constant and our capabilities superior." Nikki found her opening when she saw the Austrian President take his seat. "Lord Christopher, we must chat later on, after all, there is so much I want to ask you! For now, however, we really must be taking our seats."

She sat down at the table across from the Reitzmic royal family. I thought this was why we have guillotines. Of all the European monarchies, Reitzmag's was by far the most obsessed with pomp and circumstance. The entire nation seemed enthralled with it. Showmanship has its place, but hosting a multi-million euro ball for the royal family's new pet dog is a bit... excessive. Give the people what they want I suppose. The Reitzmic royal family also enjoyed one of the highest levels of public support in Europe. Are we sure about lifting those travel restrictions?

TOMMY OH GOD Nikki's mind flashed back to a certain fashion disaster wherein Tommy saw her underwear at a rather critical summit in Saint Regina during her time as Statsminister. She did her best to avert her eyes. Maybe he doesn't remember?

She looked up at King George and managed to deliver a slight nod and a smile before looking down and gulping the glass in front of her. She raised her hand and a server immediately came to replenish her drink. She grabbed their arm, saying "Stick right here" as she turned to down a second glass. They refilled her drink once more and she waved them away before turning to the Austrian President and speaking, "Hello errr President Van der Bellen? Nikki Oleman, Visestatsminister, Fremet. I promise I'm not usually like this, but there is something to be said for one's alcohol tolerance. Not necessarily one's tolerance of alcohol, but rather one's tolerance of others under the influence thereof. Regardless, is this your first visit to Inimicus?"

Gustaf was seated next to Artabanos. He looked over at Arty's towering figure, surveying the crowd. Gustaf was a bit disappointed that it was a bit of a cultural taboo for such large and flamboyant to be held at the behest of the royal family. Fremet's monarchy was barely holding on to its very existence, and Gustaf couldn't help but admire the souls in the room that had so managed to hold on to this institution. He was concerned. Fremet's Statsraat has yet to affirm him as King, a requirement under the 1935 constitution. Though they have until December, past legislatures almost always affirm the monarchy in the first session. The first session of this Staatsrat was weeks ago. The appointment of Nikki Oleman to the Visestatsministership, a fervent supporter of bringing about a return to the republic (she had told him herself), only served to fuel his worry. When he ascended to the throne in 2015, he was told by many at the time that he would likely be Fremet's last monarch. But could that day have come so soon? Five years into his rule? Only time would tell, and Gustaf had to be careful to keep what he knew under his hat.

He looked down at his food and started away on the Inimican specialties in front of him. He and his wife had a private kitchen in the royal residence where they would experiment with foreign dishes, and he grew quite curious about this particular one. "Arty, tell me, what do you call this here? It is absolutely DEVINE. You must supply me with a recipe so that Silvia and I could try our hands at this!"

Leagio · 21 Sept 2020, 06:42

President Lifejumper leaned toward Commissioner Reynels and responded, "Probably by the end of the year, when things proabably settle down hopefully. "

The President was watching Bridges as he was eating. There was something not right here. Maybe the Prime Minister from Reitzmag was just having a bad day over the ruling of the recent case in the European Court of Justice.

Montenbourg · 21 Sept 2020, 13:10

The Crown Princess Victoria, was very happy with the dinner and the time in the table with Queen Leticia, Consul Christopher, Queen Sonja, Rendi Wagner, and Jesus Aguilar. She smiled back to Queen Leticia and answered "Oh Leticia, you look beautiful, my flight was with a bit of turbulence, you know flying south europe is kind of a long flight but definetly worth it. I must ask, how are you? hows your family and @Spain, marvelous country."

Inimicus · 21 Sept 2020, 17:42

Gert Veruylscht of the Imperial Household had been watching the front door carefully, extremely carefully, as the Mennrimians hadn't arrived just yet - except for just five minutes, when the smells and delights cming from inside had become too much and he had slipped off for a quick bite and a swift drink of scotch. Naturally, when he found the Mennrimian delegation had slipped inside and had been left waiting for the time he had gone, he knew he had to leave. The Emperor's punishments were most acceptable when inside His bedroom, but outside... Gert did not fancy spending 20 years in a camp near Orbis Terrarum - yes, he had read some of the secret files on Artabanos's desk occasionally. Gert looked around and, after stuffing his pockets full of banquet food, quietly slipped off into the night.

Meanwhile, Artabanos was nearly forgetting about the pain in His lower chest due to the immense chatter in the room. He had always known seating Archbishop Kligenberg and Queen Anastasia within even 10 metres of Himself would most likely imply an auditory recovery time of at least 72 hours from tomorrow morning, but, in the end, this is what He loved.

"Mmm, Mikaela, I think I'll be needing your wingwoman services before long. Hang on, do I even have your number? How can I even reach you when I'm next out in Telum's pink village? Anyway, I have to compliment you on your limo, Mikaela. Definitely stands out. I was actually hoping for a similar design for the Imperial Motorcade - but maybe involving some flowery patterns too" Artabanos suddenly turned to Carlos, "Oh hey, perhaps you can hit me up with your shirt designer?"

Artabanos found King Gustaf oddly interested in what the courses consisted of. "Ah, yes, old friend, this dish is actually had more in North Diessen than Inimicus, but don't tell anyone, I might have a war on my hands with current public opinions. It's a delicate mixture of the finest peppers and sun-ripened tomatoes along with hints of Rosarian onion and Legatian garlic, with several eggs from our own henhouse in the Palace stirred in. A simple dish but quite satisfying. Then again... not nearly as satisfying as that night in Europolis. Ah, Gustaf. Do you remember? The sights, the sounds, the fun..."

Consul Lord Christopher Strathclyde had decided that his secondary source of entertainment, after attempting to coax the Fremetian PM into giving away her nation's nuclear secrets, would be the stirring of some beef between the Spanish and Mennrimian delegations, the latter of which he had noticed just entering the Palace, looking slightly frazzled. "Ah, friends!" he said as they arrived, "You're right here, not to worry - waiters! Worry not, we are all among friends here, are we not, Jesús? Ah, you're quite right, by the way, we should definitely schedule in some fun military training soon. Might be a nice way to get a drink together, too. Tell you what, why don't we invite these fine Mennrimians to join us?"

Spain · 22 Sept 2020, 08:54

Absolutely! Said Jesús as an answer to Lord Christopher's question. While he made a gesture to get the Mennrimians on the table, he answered to the Consul: "A drink together would be amazing, but I think you'll have to chat with Soraya since next week. I'm having a son." Jesús smiled. "But if you can wait for 2 weeks, I can be the one who drinks with you, so it's up to you!"

Felipe entered in a conversation with Artabanos: "Mr. Artabanos, I'm really happy to see you have fully recovered after the incident. And I have to agree with Gustaf, the food is absolutely delicious. We need that recipe too!" Said the Spanish King. It had been a while since the king had a visit abroad. The crisis with Reitzmag and the conflicts all around Europe didn't allow the agenda to be big arounf Europe.

His father did not help too. Juan Carlos running away to Nofoaga and no one except the Government and the Royals knowing about it was irritating for some. The Spanish Monarchy could be in danger, but Felipe needed to show he was different to his father and his family. He had the support of the 2 major parties, the Partido Popular and the Partido Socialista, so at the moment, the monarchy was safe. At least, until 2023, if nothing went wrong.

Leticia smiled and answered Victoria: "We are doing more or less I have to say. You know, summer has been tense after Juan Carlos left. I can't say where he is now because he doesn't want us to do it, but the others are really fine. Leonor and Sofía are back to school and both are growing really fast. And Spain, despite everything, is doing really fine. Is Montenbourg doing ok too? And what about your family?"