Across the Northern Sea (November 2017)

Prydania

Prydania

Það er alltaf sólríkt í Býkonsviði
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Pronouns
He/His/Him
TNP Nation
Prydania
Discord
lordgigaice
Gojannesstad began to appear below the clouds and a rush of excitement shot through Tobias. The fact was this was the first time he'd left Prydania. He never had the opportunity before hand. William could have moved him abroad during the Civil War, but he hadn't. "People need to know you're not abandoning them" he had told him.

Now though? Now he'd been invited. By the Grand Emperor of Goyanes. He knew only what he'd read about Anthony I. He felt intimidated, of course. Not just because of the grandness of the Imperial Federation Anthony I ruled. He felt a sense of inadequacy about his own presentation. Bunkers and safehouses in the midst of a civil war was no way for a prince to learn the protocols and behaviour expected from royalty. William had tried his best to instill that in him, but he could only do so much.
True, meeting Alycia was free of incident. The last minute nature of the meeting and their shared status as monarchs under siege had allowed for some freedom from what was expected.

Still, he calmed himself. He may not have been raised in court, but he had been taught about the proper ways to act. He just hoped he could avoid a serious misstep.
He smiled at his guards and pulled himself away from the window. He had just barely composed himself when the thud of the plane landing- a jarring experience for him- brought him back to reality. Before he knew it the plane had come to a stop and he had straightened his red, black and gold military tunic, finding his footing as his guards prepared themselves.

Unlike when he was in the air? He didn't focus on the windows. Unsure of what was waiting for him outside. He simply breathed deep and let the nervousness wash away...
 
Anthony, his wife, and Prime Minister Norberg were waiting within the special terminal at Gojannesstad International Airport designed for diplomatic travel. The Imperial Guardsman gave the go ahead signal as King Tobias’ aircraft was taxiing towards the tarmac from the runway, and they exited the building.

The plane was smaller than Anthony expected, but he reminded himself about the state Prydania was in, and became grateful they even had a plane to begin with. He was excited to meet the much fabled “boy-king” of Prydania, who was obviously no longer a boy, and had not been for a while. Ever since the Syndicalist regime took over in Prydania, there was much speculation on the royal lineage, and whether or not it survived. Many speculated that they had all been exterminated, but much of the hype within the Government was raised when Goyanean intelligence reports confirmed to high-ranking privy council members that Toby was alive. It was an honor for Anthony and his counterparts to meet such a brave and heroic individual.

As the plane came to a halt, the ground attendants moved towards the door of the aircraft, opening it, and lowering the built in stairway. They also quickly rolled out the red carpet towards the tent where the motorcade was waiting.

The military band began playing the standard fanfare, as the entourage awaited King Toby to disembark the aircraft.
 
The cool air of Gojannesstad wafted in as the door opened, with Royal Prydanian Army soldiers filing out. The music from the band filled the jet as Tobias stood, his heart feeling like it was lodged in his throat. He took a deep breath as he forced himself through the door, smiling as he gripped the railing as he descended the stair case.

He grinned, seeing the Grand Emperor of Goyanes, feeling a mix of nerves and purpose. He felt an overriding urge to prove he belonged to the station he was in, his nerves subdued through sheer force of will for the time being. He let the music put him into a state of mind to focus on Anthony, extending his hand as he approached.

"Your Imperial Majesty" he said calmly, as he extended his hand.
 
Watching the Prydanian soldiers file out of the plane, Anthony eagerly waited Toby to get off. It was finally the moment of truth. The King extended his hand.

"Your Royal Highness, It is very nice to finally meet you in person" Anthony said happily, shaking Tobias' hand. "I hope your journey went well."
 
Tobias smiled, shaking the Grand Emperor's hand. He felt as if he should be trembling, but everything crystallized...

"Likewise" he replied to Anthony, "it was quite an experience" he added. "I'm not sure what I expected from my first time in the air." He sighed with a bit of relief. He made the decision to make his lack of worldly experience something of a joke. That and the Grand Emperor's friendly demeanour helped put him at ease.
 
Anthony chuckled before responding. "Everybody has a first time at something" he said, pausing before continuing.

"Let me introduce you to my wife, Madam Claire Tages, and my prime minister, Sir Jon Norberg."

They both extended their hands one at a time to greet the King.
 
Tobias grinned, and took the hand of the Grand Emperor's wife.
"A pleasure to meet you Empress" he said, composed before turning to the Goyanean Prime Minister to shake his hand as well.
"And you Mr. Prime Minister" he said, grabbing Norberg's hand. "For taking my own Prime Minister's call" he added in good spirits.
 
"It is very nice to meet you too, your Royal Highness" she said.

"As always, we are here to help, and it is a pleasure to meet you in person, your Royal Highness" said Norberg.

Anthony faced King Tobias, "Very well Your Highness, we should be getting on to the formalities of this all. Do board the motorcade, we will be proceeding toads the city at once."
 
Tobias entered the limousine waiting for him, resting as he sat. It was a bit surprising that he felt so at ease sitting down again after the flight, but his nerves took his toll. It was one thing to meet Queen Alycia in an emergency. Common cause and common circumstance had united them. Anthony I, however, was Grand Emperor of Goyanes. A nation that commanded the rest of every other power on the planet. Never mind the debt he felt his nation owed to the Emperor and his country.
 
Once Anthony boarded the limousine, seating himself next to Tobias, they pulled away end exited the airport.

Anthony chuckled before saying "Well, feel free to call me Anthony, Tobias. Save the formalities for the press."

The motorcade sped along the autobaner, heading towards the crowds awaiting them at Tageskiele palace.
 
The Grand Emperor's informality caused him to relax further.
"Thank you Anthony" he said with a faint smile. The fact was he wasn't sure how royals who grew up royals acted. As silly as it sounded? He wasn't sure if formality was a thing they ever set aside.

He looked out the window, taking in what he could from the limo's surroundings before returning his attention to Anthony quickly.
"I want to thank you" he said. "I wasn't expecting the invitation. I don't think a Prydanian King has been to Goyanes since..." he paused for a moment to try and recall the right king..."Eric VI I think. When he swore fealty to the King-Emperor of the UKAG."
He wasn't entirely sure if that was the best thing to say, or if he'd accidentally implied something he didn't mean to. Still, he tried to keep himself relaxed.

"And as I said. I wanted to say thank you. It meant a lot to receive the invitation."
 
"Don't worry about it" Anthony replied. "After all, we should to everything we can to assist our Nordic brothers. The limo is heading to Tageskiele. We'll hold a press meeting there, and then the limo will take you to your hotel to prepare for the dinner tonight."

The skyline of the city slowly appeared ahead of the car.
 
Tobias nodded, looking out the window again. Gojannesstad was easily the largest city he'd ever seen, and the sight of it was awe-inspiring enough.

"I look forward to it" he replied.
"The press in Prydania is a bit...tentative. It's truly unfortunate, but I don't suppose I can blame them. There's been a lot of death over the past decade and a half. Mostly over ideals. Maybe one day they won't be afraid to ask me a challenging question or two" he added.

The limo made its way to Tageskiele, a place Tobias had heard much about. He had studied all of the great Gotic Kingdoms, and Tageskiele was said to be the grandest seat of power historically speaking. He couldn't wait, but he tried not to seem to excited.

"That being said Anthony" he began, "I'll look forward to dinner. I think there's a lot to discuss. Craviter's at a crossroads. And I'm worried. Certain forces seem intent on pushing us off of the more peaceful path."
 
"Yes... quite. I'm afraid Craviter is becoming a place where certain socialist and communist powers are attempting to alter the course of events into their favor. We will certainly be keeping an eye on that."

Meanwhile, the limousine and the rest of the motorcade pull up to the front door of Tageskiele Palace, and Imperial Guardsmen open the doors, allowing the Grand Emperor and the King to enter the palace.
 
Crowds were one thing Tobias was used to, and had grown comfortable around. He'd been interacting with them since it became relatively safe for him to appear in public during the Civil War. He smiled and waved at the crowds as he followed the Grand Emperor into the palace.

He had expected the upcoming press conference, and he and William had worked out what he would likely say. He said likely. He wasn't afraid to go off script. He was almost eager to get talking...
 
"Well Toby, here we are. I'll introduce you, and you can start off with your speech."

As Anthony and Tobias walked into the press chamber, standing before the podiums, the reporters all stood and bowed before resuming the picture taking frenzy.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, it is my distinct honor and privilege to introduce one of my contemporaries and friends, King Tobias of Prydania. We have been working very closely with Prydania over the last months in helping the recovery after their devastating civil war. Once again, His Royal Highness, King Tobias."

The members of the press began applauding, and photographers began quickly snapping photographs once again.
 
Tobias smiled as he got to the podium, looking out into the sea of reporters. He steadied himself by breathing deep, before beginning in accented but fluent Gojan.

"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty. For your hospitality, your generosity, and your friendship."

He paused for a moment before continuing.

"Nor I or any of my countrymen can ever repay Goyanes for the generosity, kindness, and sacrifices made for us. All I can do is offer my sincere thanks, here in the presence of Grand Emperor Anthony, the Goyanean nation, and God Almighty."

"And yet despite all that is given? It falls to us to take advantage of the chances you have given us. We will not be careless with the opportunity you have given us. We must consider our future before marching towards it. Forces who would again see us under the heel of tyranny plot against us and infringe on the sovereignty of our neighbours and regional allies."

"This is why what you have given us is so important. It represents not just ourselves and our hopes for the future. It represents the future of all of Craviter. To Grand Emperor Anthony and the Goyanean people? You will have an eternal friend in Prydania. Forged by common heritage, shed blood, and shared values. We will do what we can, and what we must, to uphold those values in Craviter. For our sake, the shake of the region, and for the sake of our allies, friends, brothers, and sisters.

Thank you."
 
Anthony and the rest of the audience applauded Tobias after he spoke.

"Thank you, Your Royal Highness. I believe that the gratitude of the Prydanian realm is a perfect reparation to us. I expect nothing more. Prydania has suffered under the grip of an authoritarian, inhuman, merciless, communist regime. The people have been subjected to something so utterly horrible, that it has become our duty to help our brethren, not only as Gotics, but as good christians."

"We will do our best to help the Prydanian Kingdom recover from these atrocities. We will commit our best to this. Echoing the words of my fellow contemporary. Prydania has an eternal friend in Goyanes. No longer shall we stand by as barbaric powers wish to destroy the livelihoods of innocent people. "
 
State Dinner, Tageskiele

Tobias had enjoyed the pomp and circumstance. He had always been nervous about it, but if nothing else? He'd grown used to it by now. Happily greeting everyone who approached him. He had to admit that the grandness of Goyanean nobles were in and of themselves intimidating though. Most of Prydania's own nobility had been wiped out. What nobles did remain were members of the resistance. Far more hardened and...practical...then the nobility of Goyanes he had met. Not that they were bad people. There was a certain freedom that came with not having to share the experiences of war.

Still? The music faded into the background and Tobias found himself with a free moment to speak with the Goyanean Grand Emperor as they ate.

"If you don't mind me asking," he said softly, "what experiences do you have with Sfan K'ter of the Stan Yera?"
 
Anthony put down his champagne flute and leaned in closer to speak to Tobias among the loud chatter of the dining hall.

"Sfan K'ter... Hmm."

He paused for a moment.

"Not much besides the letter that he pens to Andrenne's government they pay reparations for causing their civil war. What a crackhead, eh?"

Anthony chuckled before continuing.

"Otherwise, I have been paying attention to the defense reports of their naval strength, not to mention their fondness to the Cogorians and Skandans. Causing quite the stir on the world stage."
 
Tobias nodded...
"He's sent his armada in Korova to blockaded Norsia. I've honoured my promise to Queen Alycia, and opened Prydanian ports to anyone who is pledging to help her government...."
He looked down for a moment before he again returned his focus to the Grand Emperor.

"The War in Norsia will be over soon despite his attempts to hobble the legitimate government, God willing. I fear, though, that the SY's blockade represents a constant threat to Norisa and Prydania. What if the communists lose in Norsia, as it looks like may happen, and Sfan declares that's unacceptable? What if he decides Prydania's open ports are a threat?"

Tobias calmed himself.
"Sfan's blockade has already forced Queen Alycia to re-militarize the East Norsian Highlands. How much longer until it leads to a war? Neither Prydania or Norsia, after our respective civil wars, can stand up to him. I was hoping that your government had some experience in dealing with Sfan K'ter. We cannot afford another war. Not one with a power like the Stan Yera."
 
Anthony responded...
"Sfan K'ter is a manipulative fool trying to take advantage of the fact that Prydania and Norsia are recovering from war. Advancing his influence, one could say. It's all fear tactics that he and his communist allies are trying to push to keep us in compliance with their plans."

He took a sip from the champagne glass before continuing.

"I don't think the Northeast is going to fall into war. As I said, it's fear tactics. What I recommend to you is to stand up. Show Sfan that you have friends willing to help. You have an ally in Goyanes. We will not stand down and allow your nation to be pushed around by whoever pleases to. Show Sfan that they're not the bosses anymore. We'll be right at your side."
 
Toby nodded.
"Thank you" he said softly, with a somewhat confident nod.
"Both for your confidence that we're not about to be plunged into war and for your friendship."

He took a sip of his champagne before continuing.
"It's something I've thinking on...and between the Stan Yera and Cogoria? I've instructed my ministers to consider the overtures the Malorians have been making. My Prime Minister..." he chuckled a bit..."William is weary of the Severyns. And I am too, to be honest. Yet they're offering me security. While our communist neighbours only offer...well...the only thing communists have ever offered me. Threats of destruction."

He grew dower for a moment before sighing with a smile.
"I'm sorry" he added. "I don't mean to come off so serious. It's just been weighing on me."

He took another sip of champagne before brightening up a bit.
"I don't mean to shower you with 'thank yous' but I have to one more time. The GRK Radio broadcasts into Prydania during the Syndicalist era made my time in hiding that much more bearable."
 
"Don't worry," Anthony responded "I would take the Malorian offer. It's better than nothing. But be wary, they have a tendency to involve blood ties into lots of the things they do, even nowadays. William has all the reason to be wary of them."

He paused for a moment.

"Just stay vigilant is all I have to say. Try not to get caught in one of their blood feuds."
 
"Both you and my Prime Minister have told me the same thing" Tobias replied with a chuckle.
"Queen Alycia's visit in Beaconsfield got him particularly worried..." he paused.

"I don't blame him though. I'm sure you're quite adapt at avoiding those landmines. I'm afraid I'm not. I just want to do what I can. The Malorian offer looks promising, but the Severyns are...the Severyns. The last thing Prydania needs is another dictatorship."

He set his glace down, turning to the Grand Emperor.
"I'm terrified Anthony" he said calmly. "I'm terrified that I don't know what I'm doing. I think I know that Prydania needs a strong king, but I'm terrified that I can only make things worse."

Tobias remained calm as he spoke, even smiling as kept up appearances. Yet he expressed his greatest fear to the Grand Emperor. Why? He'd proven himself to be a friend of Prydania but even more than that? He was a monarch. William had taught him as best as he could, but at the end of the day? The concept of Kingship was something that awed him. And when he felt lost? He had no one to turn to. There was only one King of Prydania, after all. No one else who could truly understand the weight he felt on his shoulders. Alycia knew that too, yes. Like him though? She was still struggling to find her footing. Anthony though? Well Tobias couldn't help it. He had to hear from someone else who knew the anxieties he was dealing with.
 
Anthony looked at Tobias before responding.

"Tobias, I was feeling the same way 19 years ago when my father died suddenly. The key to this is to always be listening to your people. After all, a monarch is nothing without his populace's support. Be willing to embrace what society has to offer, but also be willing to do what is right for your nation. Set up a privy council, or a cabinet for yourself. A single man needs help ruling a nation. Your country needs effective solutions, and they'll be there to help you make those decisions. And remember, if you ever have a question, I'm just a phone call away."
 
Tobias nodded...

"Thank you Anthony" he replied, nodding before continuing. "I didn't get much in the way of a formal education I'm afraid, but Natan III, your father? He seemed like a good man, from what I can recall from my studies..."
"I promised elections three years after being crowned, but I've been thinking on the matter. That's too long. For better or worse? I may need to announce them earlier. The people of Prydania can't go that long without a voice..." He stopped for a moment.

"I didn't do much fighting during the Civil War, you know. William wouldn't have let me near the front lines..." he was soft spoken in that regard. He'd wanted to prove himself as a soldier many times as a teenager, only to realize how silly that desire was later on.
"When I got older though? And we started to wrestle territory away from the Syndicalists? I got to met people. Starving people, hurt people. I don't know what they all want, but I figure a say in government is better sooner than later. They deserve to see that talk about democracy in Prydania isn't cheap."
 
"Thank you Tobias..." He took a sip of the champagne once again.

"I recommend your local policing authorities prepare to start registering people to vote. Once that process is completed and secured, I would start the voting process. But take time, don't rush. Prydania is still in the stages of recovery, no need for a voter fraud incident."
 
Tobias sipped his own champagne again before lighting up.
"It's really quite exciting. The Royal Prydanian Army and the Royalist militias left over from the Civil War have been policing the nation since the fighting stopped but, well, I won't make Andrew III's mistake of relying on the military for so long. Soldiers are not police officers..." he said repeating what he had been taught as a young child in hiding.
"Regardless" he continued, "Keris and Hadden will join Beaconsfield in being entirely in the hands of local police."

He grinned at that hopeful ideal.
"I wished to speak to you about that. I don't want to ask more of Goyanes, but I wanted to ask you how you would feel the PGU would respond to a request to monitor an upcoming Prydanian election, should I make the decision to call for one?"
 
"Bring it up when election season comes around." Anthony paused before continuing.

"I think we could get a bill like that passed easily, but if the PGU doesn't come around to it, Goyanes would be willing to send monitors to help."
 
Tobias nodded..."that's very good to hear, thank you" he said with a smile.

"I've heard that you were a fighter pilot" he asked. "That must have been exciting. I don't know much about the war in Gotmark though."

He was curious, certainly. Combat was paradoxically something Tobias had been close to and far away from for most of his life.
 
"It was very exciting. In Goyanes, it is expected that members of the Royal Family serve the nation apolitically for a certain time of their life. My calling was to the Navy. After I graduated university, majoring in aeronautical engineering, I enlisted in the Naval Aviation Service. My first deployment was to the war in Gotmark. Ninhundland, rather stupidly, tried to invade Gotmark, which was met with a quick response by Gotmark, Goyanes, and Andrenne."

He paused to remember before continuing.

"I was stationed on the HMS Danneg IV, our newest aircraft carrier at the time. She had a fresh crew, and it was her first combat test. I was a pilot on a GTK V-4. The navy doesn't fly those anymore, but God, were they fun. I did several strategic bombing missions as part of the offensive, as well as doing surveillance on Ninhundish ships in the Næsser Sea."
 
Tobias nodded, soaking in as much as he could.
"I've heard that the Goyanean military still produces parts for the Harrier jump jets. The civil war all but wiped out the navy and the air force is down to...I believe my Minister of Defence said eight Harriers?"
He chuckled nervously.

"We've been negotiating with the Andrennians for a proper fleet of their next-generation fighters, but we would be willing to pay Goyanes for spare Harrier parts. So we have at least the remnants of an air force while the conflict in Norisa wages on."

"You also have to tell me about the HMS Danneg IV" he added with a smile. "The navy's going to be our top priority, meaning we're going to have to build a carrier to replace the KPS Stormhaven eventually!"
 
"I can get you in contact with my Defense Minister. He's got the list of manufacturers for parts."

He took a swig of his champagne.

"So" he continued, "The good ol' Danneg IV. She's a great ship. Built in '93. A proven carrier platform that's been exported with modifications. She'll last you as long as you need her to last. I remember every nook and cranny aboard that ship."
 
"1993? That ship's older than I am" he said with a chuckle, even as he raised his champagne flute to a dignitary who approached him to offer a bow.

"I'm amazed it still runs" he added, before hastily adding "not that I question Goyanian engineering. Just...well I'm used to a lot of older equipment needing a lot of improvisation."

He took a sip of champagne, setting the flute down.
"The carrier KPS Stormhaven was built in 1975. It was the flagship of the Royal Prydanian Navy and...well it sank during the Civil War, but it's something of a legend. The Captain, Nina Fischer, refused to side with the Syndicalists, and had the Harriers evacuate to the east. It was, I'm told, our first significant victory. Having something of an air force...Syndicalists sank it shortly thereafter."
 
"Oh yeah, she still runs like a charm. We bring her in for maintenance after every deployment, not to mention her amazing crew is always keeping her in tip-top shape."

He paused to think.

"We recently just brought some Fascist War-era battleships into the fleet, we completely overhauled them. The best part is, they've still got the 16 -inchers on 'em. I think one of them is actually headed over to Prydania as we speak."
 
Tobias nodded.
"I've heard! I hope they don't have to stay long though. The sooner we all succeed in Prydania the better we're all be. We've also been in negotiations with the Kanadian government. To purchase a number of their older ships. We desperately need a navy, and this deal, if it goes through, will make for a solid backbone of our fleet, I think."

He sipped some more champagne.
"It got me thinking though, and your purchase of those Fascist War-era ships brought it to mind...what do you think about the idea of using older ships...and jets for that matter? I admit I'm not a soldier but you can't hack a ship that doesn't have a computer. Or at least one that uses an entirely closed system. I was wondering what you thought about that, being a soldier and all..."
 
Anthony remembered.

"All Goyanean ships use a closed computer system, with the only interaction being made between other Goyanean Navy and Ministry of Defense closed systems."

He sipped some more champagne.

"It's important this day and age to be able to protect against cybernetic threats."
 
Tobias nodded. Anthony was right, of course, but he admitted he was getting outside of his realm of expertise. Instead he decided to ask the Grand Emperor about something he'd been wondering about for some time.

"You know Anthony, you're still held in high regard in eastern Prydania. You're still recognized as Defender of the Faith among many of Prydania's Countrists. A tradition many hold onto dating back to the UKAG days..."

He paused, before asking. "Do you do much, in your role as Defender of the Faith?"
 
"I am very tolerant of people's faiths. And while I am not a religious official, if they see me as a moral guide and standard, I am cool with it. I try my hardest to maintain an upstanding moral character."

He paused to think.

"If people see me as their spiritual protector, so be it."
 
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