The Coronation of Valeria I, Empress of the Known Universe (1,000 IC)

[Lucius Malfoy]

Mars was soon buzzing with the arrival of various ships and transports that crowded the orbit over the Imperial capital. The 'Shield of Terra,' as it was reference by the late Symmachus I, the Progenitor Emperor, was once a barren planet with red sands. Now it was a vibrant and terraformed capital of the Empire with a massive population and spectacular cities. Among them rose the Clypeus, the Imperial Capital of Mars, the grandest marvel of the Empire's technological and architectural achievements. Here, within this grand city, rested the palace of the Emperor and the surrounding Imperial district. Today the city has flared to life with news of yet another coronation happening. The last couple decades had witnessed the rise and fall of rulers with great ease. The obvious question in everyone's mind was "would this one actually reign long?" Yet given the record of the one to be Empress, such thoughts were few and far between.

The coronation was to take place in the Citadel of the Lawmaker as chosen by the Landsraad and the elected successor of Alessandra II. The complex was named after Emperor Jahan I 'the Lawmaker', who ruled during the early 2nd Century IC, which rested in the northern sector of the Capital District. A grand statue dedicated to the late Jahan I was situated at the far end of the plaza where people entered in from. Near the statue were a few heralds who announced the arrival of persons. As times had changed, so did the location of the coronation. Tradition stated that the Emperor (or Empress in this case) was to always be crowned on the sacred planet of Terra. Yet the Landsraad felt it possible for the one elected to succeed the predecessor to choose either to be crowned at the Imperial Capital of Mars or on the sacred homeworld of humanity, Terra. Tradition was tradition, but as said before, times changed.

The various nobles and privileged persons of the Empire gathered within the large and decorated Plaza of the Lawmaker. The hum of chatting, laughing and shuffling of feet rang throughout the plaza. Holo-drones, which captured footage of the event to be played on the Empire's Galactic News, hovered overhead, taking good angles of the many faces within the sea of nobles. Some even came up close for good shots of veterans and famous people within the current politics and society of the Empire. Everyone was currently waiting for the ceremony to begin and for the Empress to be crowned, who had yet to arrive to the ceremony herself.

A new reign was dawning for the Empire and her citizens, it was only a question of what sort of reign this would be compared to the recent predecessors.

(Heralds are present to announce the arrival of people, so you can do that yourself. The Empress has yet to arrive to the ceremony, so take this time to interact with each other. Have fun everyone!)

tl;dr of last 61 years in 227 words

I know many of you won't have read the full history, but here's a brief summary of the last 61 years, which the oldest characters will probably remember some or all of. - Second Lord's Rebellion, 939-942, results in Jahan V being crowned Emperor. (61 to 58 years ago) - Empress Alessandra is elected in 965 (35 years ago), and she makes succession for Feudal families into Primogenature (male inheritance) - In 979 (21 years ago) Usul VI tried to revoke Primogenature and make Viceroys appointed by the Emperor. - Third Lord's Rebellion starts in 981 because of this, Delpha, Metropolis, Terra Nova and Durdane rebel, with Nu Scorpii and Dorsum being silent rebel supporters (eg LM's Nu Scorpii sent 'volunteers' to the rebel cause), Castor was neutral and Regulus, Sirius and Mizar were pro-Emperor. - Usul VI dies in the Battle of Durdane after a boarding action lead by Valeria (now Empress, above!) captures his Flagship. Valeria claims to have personally killed him, but the claim cannot be verified. Mizar surrenders at this point and the loyalists elect Devendra I. - War continues on but the Emperor is losing, with Sirius and Regulus surrendering in turn before rebel forces. - War ends in 987 (a mere 13 years ago!) with rebels winning, forcing Primogenature back as law and granting substantial rights to the Landsraad. - Devendra I abdicates in 990 in shame. Alessandra II is elected. She institutes the titles of Freyma, Kashik and Citizen. - She abdicates in 1,000 for poorly explained reasons and retires to a monastic life on Terra. Valeria is elected, and this thread is her coronation.

[The Mad Skylord]

A herald announces:

"Darr and Eoife Cogaíoch, Duke and Duchess of Terra Nova and the Duchy of Terra Nova. Karr and Sinn Cogaíoch, their sons and Kathleen Cogaíoch, their granddaughter."

Lord Darr and his family filter out into the room, looking for someone they know.

[Poach]

(Heralds are present to announce the arrival of people, so you can do that yourself. The Empress has yet to arrive to the ceremony, so take this time to interact with each other. Have fun everyone!)

A herald announces:

"Darr and Eoife Cogaíoch, Duke and Duchess of Terra Nova and the Duchy of Terra Nova. Karr and Sinn Cogaíoch, their sons and Kathleen Cogaíoch, their granddaughter."

Lord Darr Cogaíoch moved to the front of the Empress and knelt, there he swore:

"Majesty, I swear to you my eternal loyalty. The Cogaíochs will defend your Southern border, as they have done for many, many years. Long live the Empress."

Lord Cogaíoch then moves calmly away.

Woops?

* * * *

Duke Klaus Graf and his two sons, Eric and William, arrive in the scene. The herald looks at them and then quickly to his screen as the information on the three men's identity appears for announcement. As he draws a breath to speak, a hand grasps his shoulder firmly. The wives of Klaus' children, and those children, followed on.

"We'll pass, good sir." said Klaus nonchalantly. The herald gave a quick, flustered nod as he looked down the corridor for the next group of arriving nobility.

They mingled into the crowd, Eric and William quickly finding their own friends and acquaintances among the gathered people. Eric had followed in his father's footsteps and taken up a naval career, serving time in both the Imperial Navy and, at present, in the Delphan Navy. His fifteen years service among the Imperial fleet had given him a social circle encompassing many of the young noblemen of the martial persuasion in the Empire. William, on the other hand, was an Army man and largely mingled with people from prominent Delphan families whose sons and brothers were serving officers in the small, but well-regarded, Delphan Army.

Klaus, for his part, had a similar social circle to that of his eldest son Eric, albeit rather more senior men in both age and rank. He spoke briefly with the Lord of Durdane, a long-time friend from as far back as the Third Rebellion and currently an Admiral of the Imperial Navy: many former rebels had taken up important posts in the Imperial Navy as an attempt at reconciliation after the war, as many of the loyalists previously occupying the positions had died at their posts or resigned after the fighting.

His ears piqued up when he heard the name Iskander: the gentleman from the other side of the Empire who had commanded the small but useful 'volunteer' squadrons during the war. They had exchanged few words back then, but certainly knew each other. Klaus excused himself from the Lord of Durdane and began moving through the expansive crowd to locate his old comrade-in-arms.

[Xion]

"Presenting Lady Saeko Akatsuya, Duchess of the Metropolis Domain, Countess of Jehenna, Viscountess of Suishou and Seian. Lady Ameya Akatsuya, Lord Kenshin Akatsuya, and the Sir Osamu Reiuzi."


The herald announces as the small party from Metropolis arrives after the lords of Gumpalt and Porteno were announced with their retinues, along with several lords, courtiers, and other figures of the Akatsuya's court who arrived prior bowing slightly to their lady as she walks past with her family. The entire retinue are wearing traditional Jehennan styled clothing, somewhat ornate and decorated with austrian knots, tassels, and jewelry made from gems mined either from the arctic caves of Suishou or the myriad of lava sources and caves of several planets and moons of the system.

Ameya and Kenshin split off from their elder sister and her admiral shortly after entering, gravitating first towards some other other younger nobility from Metropolis while the duchess and her admiral speak to the gathered nobles of the Metropolis domain before observing the crowd of nobles, some keshiks, and other figures mingle and probably plot in small groups. Saeko is handed a glass of blood red wine, a Jehnnenan vintage grown in the underground cities known for it's rather strong flavor due to the spices added while musing in her mind over recent events and the election of the "Heroine of Durende" as some of her strongest supporters(and believers of her claim of slaying Usul VI) call her. "A militant...probably will favor the Marchers, but we'll see.." she thinks before taking a sip of her wine.

[Honors Bastion]

"Presenting Lady Saeko Akatsuya, Duchess of the Metropolis Domain, Countess of Jehenna, Viscountess of Suishou and Seian. Lady Ameya Akatsuya, Lord Kenshin Akatsuya, and the Sir Osamu Reiuzi."


The herald announces as the small party from Metropolis arrives after the lords of Gumpalt and Porteno were announced with their retinues, along with several lords, courtiers, and other figures of the Akatsuya's court who arrived prior bowing slightly to their lady as she walks past with her family. The entire retinue are wearing traditional Jehennan styled clothing, somewhat ornate and decorated with austrian knots, tassels, and jewelry made from gems mined either from the arctic caves of Suishou or the myriad of lava sources and caves of several planets and moons of the system.

Ameya and Kenshin split off from their elder sister and her admiral shortly after entering, gravitating first towards some other other younger nobility from Metropolis while the duchess and her admiral speak to the gathered nobles of the Metropolis domain before observing the crowd of nobles, some keshiks, and other figures mingle and probably plot in small groups. Saeko is handed a glass of blood red wine, a Jehnnenan vintage grown in the underground cities known for it's rather strong flavor due to the spices added while musing in her mind over recent events and the election of the "Heroine of Durende" as some of her strongest supporters(and believers of her claim of slaying Usul VI) call her. "A militant...probably will favor the Marchers, but we'll see.." she thinks before taking a sip of her wine.

After mingling with some of his local nobility, Lord Alexei heard the herald announce the arrival of the Akatsuya, former vassals per say of his own family during the Divided Empire and the Tetrachy and who the Au'lairs had managed to keep cordial if not always the most friendliest of relations. The Duke apporached the Akatsuya party and gave a modestly respectful bow to the lady before he said "Greetings Lady Saeko. I hope you and your Metropolis System are faring well?"

[Xion]

After mingling with some of his local nobility, Lord Alexei heard the herald announce the arrival of the Akatsuya, former vassals per say of his own family during the Divided Empire and the Tetrachy and who the Au'lairs had managed to keep cordial if not always the most friendliest of relations. The Duke apporached the Akatsuya party and gave a modestly respectful bow to the lady before he said "Greetings Lady Saeko. I hope you and your Metropolis System are faring well?"

Saeko takes another sip of her wine as she discusses some economic arrangement with a lesser merchant from the Republic of Kruger that was interrupted by the Third Lords' Rebellion before Sir Osamu, observing the crowd, notifies her of the approaching Duke of Castor. She excuses herself from her present discussion to meet the Duke, giving an equally respectful bow to Lord Alexei. "Good day, Lord Alexei...and yes, Metropolis fares well..and hopefully will continue to for years come." She pauses to take a sip from her glass. "How fares Castor?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

His ears piqued up when he heard the name Iskander: the gentleman from the other side of the Empire who had commanded the small but useful 'volunteer' squadrons during the war. They had exchanged few words back then, but certainly knew each other. Klaus excused himself from the Lord of Durdane and began moving through the expansive crowd to locate his old comrade-in-arms.

As Iskandar was moving through the crowd with his wife beside him, his eyes came across a rather robust male his age. For a moment, the Count wasn't sure who he was, but then the familiar facial features helped his memory. Iskandar held out his hand to take a good handshake from his old comrade-in-arms, Klaus, the Duke of Delpha. Iskandar flashed a grin at Klaus. Despite the years, House Calidan always found a friend in House Graf.

I am surprised to find you socializing, Klaus...or should I say Duke Graf...I always thought you were the type to attend only the military ceremonies, never these formal settings.

Iskandar then gestures to his wife who approached from the right side. Lady Calidan curtsies Klaus as any noblewoman was taught to do.

Klaus, allow me to introduce you to my wife, Lady Bahiyya Calidan. M'lady, this is Klaus of House Graf, Duke of the Delpha Sector. Father sent me to help his House during the late rebellion as you remember.

Oh how could I not forget...you men and your wargames. I swear, your father had to send you away from my arms. Thankfully I had your mother's company to keep me sane.

The Count rolls his eyes only to get a glare from his wife, which was responded by a laugh from Iskandar.

"Presenting Lord Alamgir II Mihram, Mirza of Dorsum and Count of the Known Universe Empire. Lord Khurram Mihram, Viscount of Darum, and his Lady Wife, Lady Alimah Calidan. And their children, Lady Zeb-Un-Nisa, Lord Khosrau, Lord Ismail and Lady Nur Jahan, of the House of Mihram"

Shortly after speaking with his old comrade, the Count ventured to find his neighbor, Alamgir of House Mihram. His wife had ventured to stay with their daughter while Sulayman joined his father. Iskandar scanned the crowds before finding the familiar neighborly face of Alamgir. The Count came from out of the crowd near the Lord of House Mihram and offered his hand with a good smile. Despite the history of Calidan overlordship during the Tetrarchy Era over Dorsum, House Calidan kept cordial relations with his neighbor, the Mihram of Dorsum.

Alamgir, it is good to see you again, my old friend. How is Dorsum these days? I don't think I have seen it since we assembled our forces during the Second Lord's Rebellion.

[Oznerol]

Rin Goto nods at Alamgir's initial repsonse.

"Business is thriving as usual, though one wishes there would be more time for more recreation. No rest for the wicked."

She chuckles before letting out a small sigh.

"Kruger's economy has almost recovered, but the last lords' rebellion disrupted trade quite more than we first expected. Hopefully the new empress' path will be lighted up by heaven so that the peace continues. Maybe she'll even listen to the republics' plight for more participation in the Landsraad, but the future will always be hidden from us."

"Anyway, I hope that Dorsum is prospering as well. The rebellion must've affected the domain much more than our little system at the edge of the empire."

"Trade is the fluid that keeps our world running, without it our economies would crumble, and only the heavenly wisdom would know what would happen next. I will try to defend the Republic's cause before the Landsraad, you deserve to speak with your own voice, as fitting for your instrumental role in the Empire's day-to-day"

He strikes the floor with his cane.

"Dorsum is faring well, indeed. Our industries would befit of some more ore, however. I've heard that Kruger's mines are faring extremely well lately"

Shortly after speaking with his old comrade, the Count ventured to find his neighbor, Alamgir of House Mihram. His wife had ventured to stay with their daughter while Sulayman joined his father. Iskandar scanned the crowds before finding the familiar neighborly face of Alamgir. The Count came from out of the crowd near the Lord of House Mihram and offered his hand with a good smile. Despite the history of Calidan overlordship during the Tetrarchy Era over Dorsum, House Calidan kept cordial relations with his neighbor, the Mihram of Dorsum.

Alamgir, it is good to see you again, my old friend. How is Dorsum these days? I don't think I have seen it since we assembled our forces during the Second Lord's Rebellion.

ooc: You mean the third, right? Your father Malik led the Second along Alamgir's father. Alamgir participated in the Third, not openly, and was his son, the one married with a Calidan, who actually led the troops.

Alamgir, tall and thin, grabs his hand warmly. His pointed perfumed mustache barely conceals a wide smile. His white beard shakes with laughter.

"My dear Iskander, Dorsum has recovered its pace after the effort of the wars that led us to this day. Hopefully the empress will be more prone to accept our rightful role in the Empire. Our Lordly authority mustn't be defied, again"

[Jokern]

"Trade is the fluid that keeps our world running, without it our economies would crumble, and only the heavenly wisdom would know what would happen next. I will try to defend the Republic's cause before the Landsraad, you deserve to speak with your own voice, as fitting for your instrumental role in the Empire's day-to-day"

He strikes the floor with his cane.

"Dorsum is faring well, indeed. Our industries would befit of some more ore, however. I've heard that Kruger's mines are faring extremely well lately"

"On behalf of the republic, I thank you for your support my lord. It is good to hear that there are people who understand the importance of merchants, instead of only focusing on the military."

Goto smiles a small grin. How fast they had gotten to a mutual understanding without even bringing up the subject of trade. It had been a good idea to talk to Count Alamgir. At least the parliament would shut up for once about her being too passive.

"Indeed, the asteroid belts of Kruger are filled with valuable minerals and metals. My private company is at the forefront of exporting the goods, so if we would discuss a mutual trade it could be handled fairly easy. I've heard quite a lot about the electronic industry of Dorsum, which would benefit the republic if available on our markets."

[DarkOne89]

Xirä saw Lord Akihiko in the masses there were important matters to discuss.

Lord Akihiko if we could talk in private I have a business arrangement for you if you are interested but it is not for everyone's ears. From the pocket Xirä took a small medallion on it a symbol of a Black Market symbol know only to Lords that dealt with such things

"My Lord Xirä, we are enjoying the ceremony indeed. I hope the Empress will be up to the expectations of everyone here gathered, and we all wish a most joyous and long reign to Her Imperial Majesty. We should not gamble about these kind of things. After all was the honorable Laandsraad who elected Her Highness"

He coughs to clear his voice.

"I see the whole Dorüm family has gathered for the ceremony, I congratulate that you are all fine"

Yes my Lord Laandsraad elected Her Highness but I worry that we had to many wars in the last 100 years there is to much bad blood between all the Lord's it is a matter of time before that barrel blouse again. But let us not discuss such a dark themes after all this is a happy time for human race. I am looking to establish a trading route would you be interested in trade between our two worlds?

[Pericles of Athens]

Xirä saw Lord Akihiko in the masses there were important matters to discuss.

Lord Akihiko if we could talk in private I have a business arrangement for you if you are interested but it is not for everyone's ears. From the pocket Xirä took a small medallion on it a symbol of a Black Market symbol know only to Lords that dealt with such things

The Kumicho nodded his head discreetly, "The Yakuza is always looking for new friends.. Soon you may even count yourself among them."

[Lucius Malfoy]

One of the heralds notices a banner of Nu Scorpii being raised at the door as a new party enters the Citadel. The herald clears his voice and announces the arrivals.

Presenting, Lord Iskandar III and Lady Bahiyya of House Calidan and Nu Scorpii. Count and Countess of the County of Nu Scorpii. With them, their son, Lord Sulayman Calidan and his sister, Lady Husna Calidan.

The herald bows to the party as they passed. Iskandar, a man of sixty-three with a bald head, nods his head to the herald in thanks as he escorted his wife towards the crowd. Sulayman, their heir, escorted his young sister, Husna. Nobles from Nu Scorpii who arrived ahead of their overlords, bowed as they approached the Count and Countess as well as at their son and heir, Sulayman. Iskandar sighs for a moment. Four coronations in the past two decades, what a sad state of affairs. At least the Landsraad seemed to have learned from that mistake and elected someone with reputable experience. Iskandar, as a noble of the Empire and a member of the Landsraad, did vote for the Empress since it seemed no one else of reputable status nor experience was presented as a worthy candidate.

The Count glances back at his son and nods to him, indicating Sulayman and his sister could venture on their own now. Sulayman and Husna bow to their heads to their father and depart to mingle with everyone. Iskandar felt a tug on his sleeve and noticed his aged wife smiling at him. He pats her hand lightly and walks into the crowd with her, wondering if there were any familiar faces.

[Oznerol]

"Presenting Lord Alamgir II Mihram, Mirza of Dorsum and Count of the Known Universe Empire. Lord Khurram Mihram, Viscount of Darum, and his Lady Wife, Lady Alimah Calidan. And their children, Lady Zeb-Un-Nisa, Lord Khosrau, Lord Ismail and Lady Nur Jahan, of the House of Mihram"

Yet another emperor... Empress.

Alamgir reminded himself and sighed.

And another militaristic dumb-ass sitting up there. I hope she'll be entertained celebrating parades and fighting brigands. And wise enough to scrupulously respect the Vox Domini.

He was tall and thin, over six feet his head rose above the ground, his purely white beard, well-trimmed and perfumed, framing a handsome face, with deep wrinkles around mouth and eyes. He wore an splendid attire, all silk and embroidery, his cloak, crimson and golden, held in place by a lion-shaped brooch, studded with diamonds and rubies, as the scabbard of his ceremonial sword, a sword coming back from the days of Hassan III, his forefather. He walked erect and in good pace, but held a cane in a hand, more a scepter than a necessary help. His hair was combed backwards over a tall cylindrical hat. His chest was covered in medals and medals and livery badges, including the Great Order of the Lion, of which the Lord of Dorsum was Great Sovereign (a way to keep nobility content invented by Alamgir's great-grandfather), unknown to everyone the badge concealed a hearing device and a micro-camera. Knowledge is power, after all. He looked around with a mix of arrogance and weariness, his cloak wavering behind his back. He looked for familiar faces and those of his pairs or vassals.

So many people... How do nobility breed nowadays? Like Dursuam Gruntics? I remember when the Lawgiver had to limit childbearing because the pressing population of some planets, still not completely terraformed, which could not support those demographic levels. Was it in the tome VI, year...? Never mind... Grumff

Behind Alamgir walked his son and heir, Khurram, who was clad in similar attire, but with the add of a ceremonial chestplate, engraved with a roaring lion, with a rising sun, all inlaid in gold, he was strikingly similar to his father, but having inherited some traits of his long-dead mother, including penetrating dark eyes. Walking by his arm, calmly, wearing the best jewels of the Count's collection, was his Lady wife, Lady Alimah Calidan. Tall and dignified he was as proud as his lord husband. Following them their children, including his father's heir, Zeb-Un-Nisa Mihram, considered the pearl of the system, a renowned beauty who wore a complicated dress, including a headdress in the shape of a schematic sun, in gold and studded with diamonds. His robes were as heavily inlaid with embroidery as his parents and grandfather's attires. Her beauty had a peculiar touch, her eyes were heterochromic, one was light blue and the other dark like a star-less night. His younger brothers and her sister, less-splendidly dressed, but still recognizable as highborn and scions of a proud noble family, followed her trail; Khosrau, Ismail and Nur Jahan.

[Jokern]

A herald glances at the new arrivals. Despite showing a clear disdain, he announces them nonetheless.

"State Governor Rin Goto of the Republic of Kruger, accompanied by her husband Lumas Goto and their children, Sakura Goto and Tela Goto. Also accompanying State Governor Goto is High Admiral Kell Schrin and the Krugan Sectretary of Foreign Affairs, Sun Wan-Ki."

Rin Goto smiled along with her family as they greet the nobles who recognize their presence. Inside her emotions stirred. She had no love for the imperial aristocracy celebrating its own excess and illusions of grandeur. The empress would most likely be yet another puppet of the dukes and the counts, the vultures really. The Landsraad was in their hands as well, with the republics of the empire being banned from voting. It was an issue she had tackled herself for several years, though it was like hitting your head at a wall. From her experience, the nobility had no love for republicans either. The sooner the Krugans could return home, the better. The necessity of being here stood above her own opinions on the ruling class of the empire though. The republic needed to attract attention: Trade had started to slow, a death threat to Kruger's big export and import companies. So they moved into the crowd to mingle like everyone else, while Admiral Schrin and Sun Wan-Ki left the Goto family to find new company.

[The Mad Skylord]

[Insert dalek voice] IRRELEVANT

[Honors Bastion]

"Announcing the arrival of the members of House Au'lair: Duke Alexei Au'lair, Lord of Castor and Duke of the Castor Domain, his wife, Lady Sabrina Au'lair, and their sons, Vice Admiral Aurelius Au'lair and General Tiberius Au'lair." said the herald as the Au'lair Household arrived into the coronation hall.

The Au'lair Household walked into the coronation hall, standing proudly and dressed in the best that money could buy. All of the men were dressed cleanly in their ceremonial military attire, sleek white coats with gold buttons, the Au'lair crimson phoenix proudly displayed on their left breast, with elegant deep black pants and ceremonial though battle-ready longswords with jeweled pommels at their sides. The women wore fine crimson and white dresses, proudly displaying the Au'lair colors to the Empire's nobility.

As he walked in, tall and fully erect in posture, Duke Alexei scanned the room for the gathered nobility. For the most part, he was not impressed by who had gathered. The coronation attracted so many useless fools, hoping to get their 15 minutes of glory before they get ushered back into the shadows. "Pathetic little fools" he thought. However, at least there were some more interesting folk, like the Calidans, Grafs, and Mihram, all Houses of whom House Au'lair has fought with and been allied to at least once in the past. "This may be a fun evening after all. Especially with who is taking the throne." Duke Alexei then began to mingle with the noblemen before the coronation ceremony began.

[DarkOne89]

Presenting Baron Xirä I Dorüm of Acamar System his son Xirä II Dorüm and his brother Lirim III Dorüm

Xirä I Dorüm was walking slowly looking for the place where they could sit while they wait for a new Empress to be crowned. Xirä I was all in red symbolising the fate of the House to the Undying Sun. Many lord found that Dorüm House was crazy for following some sect but for them it was faith their ancestors paid the true faith with blood.

Xirä I Dorüm thought for himself The parade of Lord that hate each other and would most like kill one another if only had a chance and now they are all smiling and joking. Dorüms never liked this parades of fools and there were many parades of fools in a last 100 years all because stupid people can not decide. In the crowd he spotted his Lord Alamgir II Mihram. For him he had respect Mihram family never treated their Vassals bad and for that and for that Dorüm were always there by there side in every war.

Xirä I Dorüm bowed as he approached his lord My Lord Alamgir. I hope that you are enjoying this "beautiful" ceremony. It is always a privilege to see all of your children and your wife by your side. And then with a low voice so that only his Lord can here it Xirä asked. My family is running a bet to see for how long will this Empress be on here throne before she is dead do you have an opinion my Lord I give here 15 years at best.

[Trot]

Jana strides into the hall not bothering to wait for the herald to announce her arrival. Her crisp imperial admirals uniform looks out of place among the sea of gowns and suits that seemed to be favored in the empire these days. She moves through the crowd of overly dressed pompous nobles ignoring the displays of decadence around her. She pauses for a moment before spying Klaus Graf through the crowd and going to greet him.

"My Lord Graf," she says greeting him with a short bow. "It is a pleasure to see you again." If only so I can talk to someone who isn't quite so stuck up as the rest of these over dressed peacocks. She adds to herself.

Jaycen enters a few steps behind his aunt falling behind a moment later to marvel in the displays of wealth around him. He picks up some wine from a serving woman favoring her with a charming smile. She was pretty with dazzling green eyes. Maybe after the harmony he could have some fun. After a moment he turns back to the crowd of nobles and begins looking for someone to talk to.

[Jokern]

After mingling through the crowd of guests, meeting some head of states from the other republics, Rin Goto notices the cylindrical hat of someone who could only be a Mihram of Dorsum. After a closer inspection, she smiles a genuine smile, the first since arriving on Mars. It is indeed Count Alamgir II of Dorsum. Rin once visited the art collection of the Mihrams, an impressive gathering of art. There she had met the count and found him to be a bit more tolerable than other nobles. His pacifist stance in life, even if he had risen up in the Third Lords' Rebellion, along with his extended knowledge in philosophy and history had made a mark on her. She remembered it fondly. Walking up to him, Rin Goto made a slight bow to Alamgir.

"May heaven bless your path, my lord. It's been some time since we last met, though I remember you well, Count Alamgir. Rin Goto, of the Republic of Kruger."

[The Mad Skylord]

Lord Darr Cogaíoch strode up to Klaus Graf, they had been comrades once, and Darr had always liked liked and respected his neighbour. Dressed in his Imperial Uniform, along with a heavy ceremonial saber, his medals were polished and displayed proudly.

"Lord Graf, it has been a long time. How have you been?"