A Royal Invitation (Open)

To: The Esteemed Heads of State of the World
From: The Office of His Most Honorable and Just Esteemed Majesty King Leonidas Thornton of Regunalia, Regional Governor of Centria, Duke of Fortessium, Mayor of Regunalia City and Voice of the Regunalian People.

"My fellow esteemed heads of state, Regunalia has enjoyed a time of peace and prosperity for a while now, and the time has come for the kingdom to make its mark on the world stage. I would like to invite each of you to the Grand Royal Palace of Regunalia for a state dinner at which matters of diplomacy, trade, and other foreign affairs may be discussed. It is planned for the entire Royal Cabinet to be in attendance, save for the Minister of Defense, so that any and all matters of foreign affairs may efficiently be dealt with. Lavish housing accommodations have been arranged for each head of state, plus one additional government official and 4 guards, should you find it necessary. As far as transportation, Regunalia City International Airport has been notified of the state dinner and been instructed to prioritize planes of diplomatic nature. Once there, the Regunalian Honor Guard has been made available to escort foreign dignitaries from the airport to the Grand Royal Palace Complex. A jousting competition is scheduled the night of the dinner, several duels and other displays of exemplary swordsmanship, and more modern displays of archery, gunmanship, the Regunalian Honor Guard Drill Team, and other fantastic events for your entertainment. I look forward to seeing you and promoting peace and prosperity throughout the world!


-His Most Honorable and Just Esteemed Majesty King Leonidas Thornton of Regunalia, Regional Governor of Centria, Duke of Fortessium, Mayor of Regunalia City and Voice of the Regunalian people.

To his Majesty, While His Majesty King Hugo I is currently engaged in matters of state we are more then happy to send Prime Minister Maria Linz in his stead. We look forward to greater ties.

Lucas Von Hoffman
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Royal Federation of Hessunland

---

His Majesty
Leonidas Thornton
King of Regunalia
Regunalia City

Dear Your Majesty:

I gratefully accept your invitation to the forthcoming state dinner. I have complete confidence there will be fruitful and beneficial discourse in the momentous time we will share. The benefits of which it will accomplish, I am sure, shall prove bountiful.

It will be a great honor and privilege to take part in the opportunity this great exchange will give us, including our fellow heads of state and representatives, to become closer in the brotherhood of free nations. In return, I promise to endeavor and learn about your country, and honor the customs which will be celebrated in grand demonstration.

Until then, may it please Your Majesty to know I too look forward to meet you at last in the spirit of our common goals of peace and prosperity over the world.

Mabuhay!

Hochachtungsvoll,

Rajesh L. Galang
Präsident der Lawstoner Republik

---

To his majesty of Regunalia
The primer has will likely come but will be late as he is under alot of stress of being the Leader of the Federation. It will be an honor going and he will be there. Please your majesty of Regunalia I will hope to see our Primer see you and talk about meeting again.
- Secretary of Threnisk Daniel Krek

The Grand Royal Palace Complex Gates swing open with a line of Regunalian Honor Guard on either side of the path that leads to the steps of the front entrance of the Grand Royal Palace. The gates of the Grand Royal Palace, in turn, are also swung wide open, revealing the Grand Staircase that leads to the Arena Viewing Area on the 2nd Level. The 1st 2 knights to joust begin trotting around the perimeter of the arena as the Royal Cabinet and the 1st diplomatic vehicle arrives.

Thane Stig Eiderwig-Loðbrók was dressed rather subdued for the occasion, only wearing the dark khaki service uniform of a Royal Prydanian Army Field Marshal. He tended to dislike affairs of state. He was never one for pomp and circumstance. He felt a bit uneasy about the ceremony on display from Regunalia, but it was one of those things he'd been tasked with. His cousin the King wanted him here to represent him, and so he was here. He'd bare it if he had to.

He knew it would be awful to say. Hell, he even felt bad thinking it. Still? War was easier. No one expected so much self-flattery. That wasn't to say he missed war, or the bloodshed. He was happy peace had finally come to Prydania and its neighbours. He just didn't care for the pomp. And as a Thane and the heir to Prydanian Crown? Pomp was everywhere. He looked forwards to two days, really. The birth of Tobias' eldest child, and the day that child was old enough to take on these responsibilities. He could then spend his time with his work in the Army, and back home in Eiderwig. He had big plans to revive the town and Thanedom, and modernize it completely. He just couldn't at the moment. Not with the duties and responsibilities of state.

Regardless he entered as the gates of the Regunalian royal palace swung open.

As Thane Eiderwig enters, the line of Regunalian Honor Guard in full jet black with gold trim dress uniforms with tasseled pauldrons, white ceremonial caps, and dress white gloves on either side form an arch ahead of him consisting of rifles with fixed bayonets, raised to where only the tips of the bayonets were crossing, leaving plenty of room for the Thane to pass through. As he passes, each pair of Honor Guardsmen (that is, one on each side), lower their rifles and tap their rifle butts on the ground, making an audible click.

Once inside the Grand Royal Palace, the following becomes visible: A red carpet with gold trim is laid out that leads from the open doors to a grand staircase which leads to the dining area on the second level of the palace, several ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling of the second level, casting down a soft light throughout the space with the help of numerous wall-mounted lamps in the same style as the chandeliers. To the right of the entryway, stand 7 flags, one for each of the Regunalian Armed Services (Honor Guard, Army, Air Force, Navy, Specialist Corps, and National Guard, in that order from the closest to furthest from the entrance). On the left is hung a tapestry depicting Regunalian history from the tribal era, all the way up to the modern age. The dining area consists of a large open room, in which there is a long table with many seats and placards denoting the seats for those expected to come. At the head of the table is an especially ornate chair on which is inscribed a depiction of the Royal Armorial Achievement and gold trim, this chair is reserved for the King himself. Flanking this especially ornate chair are several slightly less ornate chairs depicting the logos of each of the Regunalian Royal Ministries, these chairs, of course, are reserved for the Ministers of their respective ministries. The chair for the Ministry of Defense, however, has a blue cloth draped over it, denoting that the Minister of Defense will not be in attendance this evening. At the back of the dining area (i.e, opposite the staircase) can be found the entrance to a hallway, this hallway leads to several offices and a staircase, which in turn, leads to the hallway on the 3rd level that contains the bedchambers and the living area of the royal family. On this occasion, the entrance to the aforementioned hallway is covered with a large Regunalian Flag as well as 2 Royal Heralds standing in front, bugles at their side as the King was not yet ready to make himself known. A second hallway on an adjacent wall (on the right side wall from the door's perspective) is clearly marked "Kitchen." On the opposite side of this hallway was the Royal Arena, which can be seen quite handily while seated at the table. The various Royal Ministers mingle amongst themselves in full formal dress at the top of the staircase.

Within the Royal Arena, 2 men in full plate armor prepare for a joust to kick off the night's festivities. This was a big night for the King, and Regunalia as a whole, as it was tonight that the King, and by extension Regunalia, could make a lasting impression, clearing a path to global diplomacy, or make a fool of themselves and become an international laughing stock. Only time will tell which will occur.

To His Majesty King Leonidas, greetings,

The Principality gladly accepts the invitation to attend His Majesty at Regunalia City for dinner and festivities as a sign of goodwill between nations. Princess Claidie is unable to attend due to prior commitments. Princess Alice, however, is available and will attend the event. We look forward to a healthy discussion of world affairs and greater cooperation between our nations.

William Bowers
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Principality of Sil Dorsett

---

(Alice Dorsett's point of view)

Unlike my sister, I actually enjoy being thrown into these social events from time to time. The more of these I do, the more I become the face of Sil Dorsett. It's not like I'm trying to take the spotlight away from my sister, though. She can handle the governance of the nation just fine. It's the public image that she struggles with. I had my mishaps before, but I've made it my goal to never let such things happen again. This meeting with the Regunalians, myself unaided, was a contribution to my plan to let my sister know that she can trust me with this kind of thing.

Keyword: "Was." As I followed the Prydanian representative, Stig Eiderwig, into the palace, I quickly realized how much in trouble I really was. All the instruction my father gave to me in my childhood covered all of this, but my experiences in adulthood directly conflicted with it. I thought back to when I accompanied our Phoenix Union ambassador, Malorie Allen, to Cogoria to survey the damage caused by the Scallendovians. It was then that all the opulence of royalty came into question when I thought about the struggles of the common citizens of the nation. And yet, here I was, back into the stereotypical royal environment. I just didn't enjoy it anymore.

I looked around at everything, from the carpets to the tables and all of the gold trim embedded in it all. The riches this royal family projected was honestly nauseating, and my thoughts of it all were all the more sickening. No longer did I bask in such wealth to think of myself as better than anyone. Instead, I was horrified by it, and thought to myself "This is how syndicalism begins." It was fortunate Tobias wasn't around to accompany Stig. I don't think he could have stood me thinking about it and reminding him of such a terrible time in his life.

The arena provided some comfort. Seeing the men in full plate armor reminded me of when Madeline was an actor in one of the local Fantasy Faires and I had the chance to make a sketch of her in my sketchbook. I took that sketchbook out of my purse and started drawing, capturing the gist of what was around me while I visualized in my mind what a full painting might be. No one had addressed me yet, so I made use of the time until someone did.

Regunalia City, Kingdom of Regunalia

Rajesh and Dalisay left most of their entourage in a nearby hotel, leaving with security and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Jejomar came with his wife Candi, and they sat across from Jejomar and the Dalisay in the limousine. Both of the couples smiled at each other as they had a little chat before their arrival.

"-But isn't it strange, Jejo?" Dalisay asked, "As Außenminister, what is your opinion on Regunalia's foreign policy?"

"What about it, Dali? I thought it didn't exist!" Jejomar jokes in Mercanti, laughing and his wife joined, as well as Rajesh. Dalisay just giggled, twinkling her eyes at Rajesh before nudging him to stop. He was getting too loud with his laughter.

"Ehem..." Rajesh cleared his throat, smiling in a submissive glance at Dalisay, "Let's try to speak Mercanti from this moment onwards. Has the new Ambassador arrived here yet?"

Jejomar shook his head. "No Raj. Anyway, the Regunalians haven't answered my last correspondence with them. We'll probably hear about it later."

"That's a shame. I wanted to learn what we can about this country so we'd be up to speed." Rajesh said, looking outside as the street began to look like a live bombardment in the night, in the form of flashing cameras. Journalists and their fellow voyeurs are waiting to scoop up anything they can from this event. He could swear he recognized some of them as reporters from back home. They must have come with him on the plane and saw them during his in-flight press conference shortly before they landed.

Dalisay took Rajesh in her hand and lifted his hand to her lips. She said, "You're not an academician, dear. You're President of Lawston. You're expected to know nothing."

Rajesh raised an eyebrow and chuckled, taking her hand and kissed it in return for her words of what barely counted for encouragement. Jejomar and Candi laughed at it.

The presidential limousine followed behind the Dorsettian car. One of the security guards opened the door. Rajesh first stepped out, holding Dalisay's hand, helping her up and out of the limo. The presidential couple watched Jejomar and Candi do the same, but Candi accidentally went out of the limo first and had to take the lead. Around them, the official documentations team from Balay Kalatogan took pictures and videos from different angles. The press are also here, on the other side of the road where the Regunalian police maintained their permitted distance.

Rajesh and Dalisay waved at the press, unleashing a flurry of flashes and shouts of questions, but they quickly turned away.

Rajesh and Jejomar both wore white barong, an intricately-embroidered shirt. Made from banana silk, it is translucent and would have rendered them naked from the bottom up if not for the undershirt. The barong is worn untucked and has decorative patterns of flowers and vines, among other plants, in a u-shape form in front surrounding the shirt buttons.

Both of them have brown skin, but Lasakit Syrixians like Rajesh tend to be lighter and Jejomar, a Lasakit of strong ancestry, became darker in comparison. Nonetheless, they both stood out under the night sky in the contrasting light colors of their barong.

However, light colors match too well on the translucent barongs they might be confused for one or the other. Especially in the dark. To easily distinguish the President from Jejomar to their foreign hosts, Rajesh was advised to put on the presidential sash, bearing the colors of the National Flag with a large black star in the middle.

Dalisay and Candi wore the baro't saya, a dress with short butterfly sleeves. Like the barong, it shares the same decorative patterns on the specially-embroidered sleeves, although it is not translucent. Dalisay's baro't saya is sunny yellow while Candi's is avocado green.

They are both Lasakit, but Candi is strangely whiter than she should look. It is likely she has mixed origins.

The presidential security, all in black suit and tie, dispersed from the motorcycle and car escorts that make up the presidential motorcade. Many of them went to their posts scattered around the area. Some of them kept their distance and only checked the perimeter, and returned to their vehicles when the President arrived at a closer distance to the palace. The documentations team took their last few shots and they also took their leave in the motorcade before it left the palace gates.

The ceremonial guards and their weapons are a common sight. Nothing out of the ordinary. But as soon as the presidential entourage entered the palace, everyone could confirm the Grand Royal Palace lives up to its name. Balay Kalatogan, the former imperial residence now presidential palace, could only be considered palatial to a certain extent. But this is an actual royal palace with the monarch in residence.

Still, there are many monarchs in Eras. There have been many red carpets, grand staircases, and luxurious and historically-rich decor. Rajesh, Dalisay, Jejomar, and Candi have walked on it, smelt it, and seen it, as they did on their way to the dining room upstairs.

Their eye-opening experience of seeing opulence like this for the first few times have been complimented to other countries a long time ago. When did each one happen has long been forgotten, none of them could even recall which countries they were, especially when they currently each have a pressing role to play in an entire new country.

The presidential entourage, arms interlocked with their partners, led in their happy little pairs and walked to the side of the room where they could see the arena up close.

"Hmm. How medieval." Rajesh commented.

In her many years of service to Hessunland, Marie Linz had seen many a strange sight during diplomatic visits but nothing had quite prepared her for the scene in front of her. Gothis had had knights once, but jousting was a historical curiosity occasionally reenacted at fairs, she would have never guessed Regunalian's still practised the ancient sport. It was honestly a welcome break from the troubles back in Gothis to be in Kian, the political vice Hessunland found itself in was a taxing thing and the strange pageantry of her current surrounds was a nice, if rather dramatic, pallet cleanser.

It was also her first official engagement as Prime minister, She had the curious honour of being the last President and first Prime minister of Hessunland, she was still unsure how she felt about being a bridge between two distinct periods of governance. King Hugo had been preoccupied with matters of state, the popular monarch was mere months into his reign and already the work of building relations and meeting and greeting seemed endless. Marie had journeyed to Regunalia in the king's stead, her ever-faithful husband Bernard in tow.

The wind from charging knights passing nearly blew her hat off as Marie gripped it with a gloved hand, she felt entirely out of place in this bizarre medieval spectacle. Bernard for his part was enjoying the entertainment, Mr Linz was a balding 50 something legal attache with horn-rim spectacles and a prominent belly, he was more used to late nights at the security ministry then the fresh air and pomp of a diplomatic visit. he seemed to be enjoying every minute of it.

'Amazing! Sehr Gut!' Bernard roared as the two knights clashed

Bernard always got into the spirit of any occasion, it was one of the things that endeared him to Marie most, she was glad to have him by her side, she would have felt rather adrift on her own.

'I wonder if the food will be as impressive!' Bernard chuckled as he polished his glasses

'It can't be any worse than the Essalanean dinner' Marie said with a warm smile

The Grilled marmot clan Karg served had been sufficient to ensure both Mr and Mrs Linz felt disinclined towards meat for months afterwards, nothing should ever be served with the face still present.

'Let's just hope they are as eager to exchange business details as culture' Marie said optimistically

As foreign dignitaries begin arriving, the Regunalian Honor Guard Band arrives right on time from the guard barracks and takes its place around the King's Hallway. As if on queue, the Royal Heralds raise their bugles to their lips and their bugles cut a thunderous roar that echoes through the room. Immediately afterward, the Honor Guard Drummers begin setting a beat to which trumpeters, flutists, violinists and musicians of all kinds join in. At this point, the Honor Guardsmen that had been lining the entrance enter the Palace itself and each line up shoulder-to-shoulder and take a knee facing the King's Hallway. The Royal Ministers take off their hats, face the King's Hallway, and salute. Finally, the Regunalian Flag is removed from the entrance and the man of the hour is revealed: His Esteemed Majesty King Leonidas Thornton, with 8 Honor Guardsmen following closely behind. These guardsmen, in particular, have a special honor: they are the King's Hand, those in charge of the safety of the king himself.

King Leonidas is wearing a neatly pressed, light grey, military-style dress shirt with a ribbon rack displaying the various ribbons and medals he has earned throughout his distinguished military career, a tradition long held. The King's black mustache and beard are clean-shaven, and the crown sits at its rightful place atop his head. From his gold tasseled pauldrons hangs a white cape with the Regunalian Royal Achievement emblazoned on the back that covers the front of the King's shoulders as well. There was a quiet confidence about him. He knew he had the skills to make a good impression for the good of Regunalia. The music softens as he shakes hands with each of the Royal Ministers in turn. The time has come for Regunalia to engage in global diplomacy. "My fellow esteemed heads of state, I thank you for answering my call to engage in diplomacy for the purposes of prosperity and friendship for all those involved. I invite you to sit, enjoy the show, and sample the finest that Regunalian cuisine can offer. Any matters of state and diplomacy may be addressed to me, or to my esteemed ministers you see around me. That being said, relax, enjoy yourselves, and may this first experience of Regunalian culture be a pleasant one."

"Isn't it heavy? How can they manage moving in that?"

"I think it requires training... A lot of it."

Dalisay and Candi watched the knights in the arena. They gawked and pointed at every little thing they caught with their sight, and giggled when they mistook it for something else. Meanwhile, Rajesh and Jejomar looked around the dining room, glancing at their fellow guests who have arrived so far (though they were actually looking for a waiter).

When things started to slow down, the King of Regunalia finally made his awaited appearance. All eyes and ears were on that one person in his regal and martial resplendence as head of state. It seemed common for monarchs, mostly men, to associate themselves in close affinity, and sometimes inseparable, the links between the power he represents and his country's armed forces. At the end of the royal greetings, everyone applauded the King's speech and carried on as they were.

This time, Rajesh and Jejomar paid special attention to one person in particular.

Rajesh and Jejomar eyed their regal host from bottom to top, focused what sits on the top. Rajesh said, "Other than queens and princesses...it's the first time I've seen a king wear a crown to a state dinner."

"Oo." Jejomar nodded, "I think you meant tiaras, but it does seem rather...out of place. Perhaps the men here wear jewelry just as normally as women do?"

"Ah. Maybe it is!" Rajesh's eyes brightened up, "Just like home!"

Grinning, Jejomar leaned in to Rajesh's ear. He suggestively whispered, "Baka rumarampa Ang Kanyang Kamahalan."

Rajesh and Jejomar laughed. Too loud, in fact, it earned the familiar ire of the First Lady and the Minister's wife who both glared daggers at them. They saw each other, one to his rightful wife, and the men settled it with a wave and a smile. They called to them, almost in unison, "Paumanhin!"

Now they had some fun. Rajesh cleared his head of any thought of entertainment and ascertained himself, remembering the duties that are present and needs fulfilling. He looked at Jejomar and, almost immediately, he nodded when it became apparent. To make sure they do understand each other, Rajesh nodded back.

"So, Mister President. Who shall we talk to first?" Jejomar asked.

Rajesh took a quick scan of the dignitaries and smiled when he found who he was looking for. He eagerly suggested, "What about Thane Eiderwig? Imagine the stories he can tell!"

Jejomar chuckled one out, but it nearly sounded like a snort. "Ja, quite right. But that isn't advisable."

"Why not?" Rajesh frowned, narrowing his eyes. What could be the reason for such a sad advice? If anything, this would also be an experience for them personally. Rajesh if Jejomar would not.

"Because the only person you'll satisfy this evening would be The Thane." Jejomar said as-a-matter-of-factly.

Rajesh shot his eyes wide open and nearly choked on his saliva as he nervously gulped it down. He was shocked at what Jejomar just said. What in Bathala's enlightening rays does that suppose to mean? If it really means what it supposed to mean-

"Oh." Jejomar reacted, and made it apparent to Rajesh in Jejomar's raised eyebrows, that his intended meaning has been lost.

Jejomar cleared his throat and said, "Oh no, no, no, no. That wasn't what I said. I was just trying to bring up government practice in these situations."

"Ahh." Rajesh sighed, shaking his head in relief and grinned at how he understood that, thankful Jejomar meant it differently. But one question lingers in his mind, now that something else has also became apparent.

"Wait...government practice?" Rajesh tilted his head at Jejomar.

Jejomar raised an eyebrow, nodding slowly. "Ja...government practice, Mister President. In state dinners, coronations, gatherings of this scale and importance, involving so many international dignitaries, naturally require a certain degree of prioritization... Don't you know that?"

"Of course, I do! I'm the President!" Rajesh declared, before he could stop words from slipping out of his mouth. "No-I-don't-know-anything-about-it-tell-me-now. Please."

"Well, it's simple really. It only involves two steps. First, we evaluate the relationship between our country and a dignitary's country. If they're allies or friends, we avoid them-"

"Wait, why avoid them?" Rajesh interjected.

Jejomar licked his lips. "Unlike summits, discussions in these events are usually impromptu. Which means we really mean what we say, whereas in scripted events we don't really mean what we say. Summits and the like are mostly for PR and the prestige of the host nation, but the spotlight could be shared if the attending nations were few in number."

Rajesh stared blankly at Jejomar.

Jejomar ignored it and continued, "So if we say something bad to an ally it might impose unforeseen ramifications on our country. All because they thought we actually meant it... True for most of the time. That's why it's better to talk to our enemies than risk destroying advantageous ties."

"Ja..." Rajesh nodded. "I think I'm starting to understand it now. So what's the second step?"

Jejomar stretched his hand and pointed an open palm at all their fellow guests. "We now identify which of them would be instrumental to put in more than a good word for us in their government."

"That part sounds easy!" Rajesh beamed. "Let's do it!"

Smiling at each other in their common understanding, or at least that is how one sees it and hopefully it is the case. Jejomar began, "Looking at all the representatives here, I am confident to say none of them are our allies or friends. Though it would have been preferred if we had our enemies: The pariah states, nations bent on world domination, and, most importantly, the socialists... I suppose these...countries will do for now."

"Enemies..." Rajesh did not like the sound of that word. "Is this our foreign policy?"

Jejomar shook his head. "Nein. But we all know that so it's unofficial. We need to pretend we don't actually have enemies."

Rajesh smiled. "So we could make more friends and allies in the grand brotherhood of free nations? To unite democracies heirs in spirit of those who gave us the freedoms and rights supposedly endowed on all of us as human beings, under our common goal for world peace? For the good of all mankind?"

Jejomar frowned. "Nein, of course not! It's so we could make more money for the economy. War is bad for business."

Rajesh was...shook.

"Um... So going back to my original question, why not The Thane? He must be a very important person after his time in the FNU. And why isn't Prydania a friend to Lawston? We watched and saw the war that ravaged their country. We were moved to tears and mine certainly dropped. Me and my family... Why- I...I take this personally! I can't fathom the idea of looking them in the eye and telling myself they're not our friends."

Jejomar raised his hands. "Raj, you're not going to face a Prydanian: The Thane is nothing more than a royal representing his country and king, in this case his cousin, and at best, perhaps, their military, but what can they do and what's it to us. Consider also the fact that the Kingdom of Prydania is a constitutional monarchy. He's no more powerful than King Tobias, or the Emperor-Shalit of Iraelia, or you-"

Rajesh stepped back and glared at Jejomar. "Me...!?"

"Oh, nein." Jejomar waved denial with his hands. "That was a mistake. I was very indiscreet."

Rajesh dropped his mouth open.

"-And wrong!" Jejomar hastily added, nearly shouting before he put his hand on his mouth and remembered where they were again.

Rajesh looked away and gulped a deep breath. He took a moment to look at everyone. "Tsk... What about Princess Alice of Sil Dorsett?"

Jejomar looked at Rajesh and then at Princess Alice standing quite near but still too far for her to hear or even notice them. Jejomar huffed. "She's got power as Co-Princess of the Principality, but she's only got face value from what I know. In terms of influence, scaling that with the power she uses, not even too far up from The Thane. If it was Princess Claidie, we would seriously consider going over there by now."

Rajesh nodded. "So it's either President- Er... I mean, Prime Minister Linz of Hessunland or our royal host. Should we evaluate which one first?"

Without saying another word, Jejomar sighed as he led the way to King Leonidas. Of course, Rajesh understood who will obviously be first. He just wanted to hear what Jejomar would advice. Leonidas is the host and, therefore, he is the first person everybody here should talk to, or at least greet if conversation is an inconvenience to the King. Rajesh followed right behind Jejomar.

Seeing their husbands have moved away, Dalisay and Candi caught up with them and they took their arms again, ready to present themselves to the leader of this strange country.

"Magandang gabi po! Good evening, Majestät! I am Rajesh Dalisay, Präsident von Lawston. Pangulo ng Haring Ganatrang Kalatogan." Rajesh greeted and offered his hand.

King Leonidas is whispering to one of the Palace Staff as Rajesh approaches, this particular staff member hurries off into the kitchen. King Leonidas hears Rajesh's greeting and the King turns round to face him. "Pax Vobis, Mr. President. I hope you are enjoying yourself." King Leonidas says as he meets Rajesh's hand with his own white-gloved hand. In the background, various waiters and similar Palace Staff begin spilling out of the kitchen carrying platters of drinks of various kinds. One of them sees the King talking to President Rajesh and approaches, but dares not interrupt the conversation. The jousts are completed for the night, and a champion crowned. The Royal Arena becomes busy with staff members taking down the jousting partition in preparation for the duels to come. Additional palace staff pour out of the kitchen with various appetizers. The King's Hand idly stands by the King, rifles pointing upward, butts on the floor.

Rajesh smiled.

Looking at the King closely, an air of peculiarity grounds Rajesh in a state of...suppressed entertainment. Something was, in the lack of better words, prominently exotic and certainly bizarre in this state of affairs. The King may not be exempt from it, but whether that is the case or not, Rajesh turned to Jejomar. "This is Jejomar Adlawan, Minister of Foreign Affairs."

Jejomar bowed. He also smiled. "Magandang gabi, Your Majesty. With excitement, we look forward to the duration of our stay here."

Rajesh looked at Dalisay. They shared a knowing grin with each other. "This is my wife, Dalisay. She's actually the real person in charge. I'm just a puppet."

They laughed, heartily when it came with Dalisay, but Jejomar probably laughed the hardest. It almost sounded like there is something else to whatever that is he is laughing at.

"Half-truth!" Jejomar chuckled out.

Rajesh jerked his head. He looked at Jejomar with a narrowed eye.

"Ah, uh." Jejomar raised a finger. "And half-lie!"

At the King, Dalisay rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Allow me to reassure Your Majesty of the fact that just because I've been spearheading renovations in the Presidential Palace, doesn't change the fact that I've always been dependent on my husband's executive prerogative. One of the few things I get to be known for."

Rajesh looked right next to Dalisay, between her and Jejomar. "And this is Jejomar's wife, Candi."

Candi curtsied. "Malaking pasasalamat po sa inyong pag-aanyaya sa amin. Isa pong malaking karalangan itong pagbisita at pagkilala sayo, Kamahalan, dito sa Regunalia."

Rajesh made a funny-frowny face at Candi. His lips scrunched open to reveal his teeth gritting inside his mouth. "I hope we're not going to need a translator the entire evening because I am not going to. I know I'm President, but as head of state I don't think I'm obligated by our principles of multiculturalism and become multilingual."

Candi snorted. She tossed her head at Jejomar. "We have the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He's supposed to know two or ten languages." She looked at Jejomar. "Hindi ba, mahal? Magsalita ka nga ng Suchari."

"Bevakupha! Shant rahiye."

And they laughed.

OOC:

King Leonidas motions to State Minister Neal Peterson, who comes over and stands beside the King. "A pleasure to meet you all." King Leonidas says as he takes a slight bow. "Standing beside me is Minister Neal Peterson, the Regunalian Minister of State, and resident expert on all matters external. Neal Peterson bows respectfully in response, but dares not interrupt the King. "I truly wish that Queen Kathryn could have joined us this evening, but-", the King is cut off by the timely entrance of the Queen in an elegant dark green dress.

Queen Kathryn: "But what dear? I am just as capable of diplomacy, and just as adept with these state events as you are."
King Leonidas: "No my love, it's not that, it's just-"
Queen Kathryn: "Just what? Do you honestly want to do this alone? We promised each other we'd work as a team, for the good of the Kingdom."
King Leonidas: "Of course dear, but you've been so busy lately, I thought you would like some time to yourself."
Queen Kathryn: "Hogwash, I love these sort of occasions, you know I'm an extrovert."
King Leonidas: "Alright my queen, together it is." King Leonidas snaps his fingers to get a palace servant's attention, whispers to the palace servant, and within minutes, a chair identical to that of King Leonidas is brought out from a back room and placed alongside King Leonidas's seat at the table.
King Leonidas: "President, Minister, please, sit, enjoy the show, the main course should be coming out any minute now."

As if on cue, cooks begin spilling out of the kitchen with Bratwurst, Roast Chicken, Potato Salad, Marzipan, Sauerbraten, Sauerkraut, Spanferkel, Roasted Goose, Spatzle, Fingernudel, Saumagen, Chicken Tikka Masala, Eisbein, Beef Wellington, Cottage Pies, Pottage shrimps, Ceasar Salads, Chef Salads, and others, each dish having a small card attached on which is the name of the dish in Mercanti, and what region it came from. At the same time, in the Royal Arena, the last part of the jousting partition is broken down and put away as 2 swordsmen come out in full plate armor, one with a blue cape, the other with a red cape. The swordsman with the blue cape carries a hand-and-a-half sword and a heater shield, while the swordsman with the red cape carries an Arming Sword and buckler. The two cross swords, take 5 paces back, and the duel begins.
King Leonidas (to Rajesh): "Tu loqueris umbriala: praeses?" (Do you speak umbrial, President?)

Stig drank a bit of wine. It wasn't popular in Prydania. Not even among high society- or what was left of high society at any rate. He paid special attention as King Leonidas made his way in. He was wearing a crown. Interesting. His own King had only worn the crown once in his presence, at the coronation. He'd worn it again as he addressed the Alþingi, but that was it. It usually wasn't worn for special functions. It must be a southern thing. Like the wine.

He had observed the jousts with a passing interest. He found strategy compelling, even in sport, and found a certain enjoyment in studying the slight movement of the combatants and how they reacted to variables. Stig had never fenced himself, but the mechanics of it seemed straightforward enough.

The commotion near the kitchen had indicated to the Thane that the main course was arriving. Yet it was Queen Kathryn of Regunalia, like clap of thunder before a flood, that commanded his attention. Stig had a reputation. Being serious to the point of being dour, lacking a sense of humour, and being overly harsh in person. Not undeserved, to be sure. He wasn't the most personable man. Yet he couldn't help but crack a smile at the Queen of Regunalia showing up her husband like that. It was just so...unexpected given the pomp around King Leonidas' person. He couldn't help but be amused, even as he noticed some rumblings coming from the Lawstonian delegation.

The food itself was quite good, but it had to be. He didn't think a palace this opulent could get away with subpar offerings. Though like his surroundings? He found it a bit too rich. He sighed a bit, turned to Alice Dorsett, who was sitting next to him. He'd kept to himself most of the night, but that one Lawstonian bloke seemed like he wanted to fight him. The Silean Princess seemed like better company.

"Southern opulence" he remarked with a subtle smirk.
"I didn't think the jousting was necessary, but when you've spent nearly as much on gold as the Syrixian Emperor, why be subtle?"

(Alice Dorsett's point of view)

It took the appearance of the king's wife for me to really understand what was going on. This wasn't a state dinner; this was looking more and more like a show for him to impress us rather than a chance to discuss important matters. For what reason, I didn't know. But, for his wife to initially not even be scheduled to appear, and then for the servants to rapidly prepare a seat for her seemed off. I couldn't help but think that the king was just a little bit afraid of her in these events.

The food came out, a smorgasbord of various dishes that combined appear to appease our taste buds than to truly give us a taste of Regunalian cuisine. Or maybe this was Regunalian? There were a lot of gotic dishes, but that one faux-Krevti dish stuck out as odd. That beef tenderloin in puff pastry did look good, though. But honestly, were we being served buffet style? Not even my sister would have found that acceptable, I don't think...

As I watched the king and the Lawstonian president chatter away, my disappointment was nearly immeasurable as not even a minister or anyone came to ask me questions or talk about anything useful. That was almost reason enough for me to tell Claidie that the trip was ruined. Stig, however, was observant, and ensured that I wasn't sitting around in silence waiting to be properly fed.

"If only they had spent less on the decorations and more on the wait staff and a more impressive and exotic meal..." I replied to Stig. "Tell me, Field Marshal, what do you make of all of this? Is this a state dinner or is this a stage show?"

"Stag show" he replied matter of factly, not as put out by the food. But then again he'd been eating rations and relief aid packets for fifteen years. And was a soldier on top of that.

"Your Highness" he said, pointing to the duellists performing before them.
"You'll notice the one with the larger shield has the larger sword. That's not ideal. You can wield that weapon with one hand, to be sure, but you should be able to switch to two hands if the fight goes long and you lose your strength. He can't do that with heater shield. And the other one, with the smaller buckler. He's facing a man with an imposing enough weapon. And he brings a buckler?" he shook his head, memories from his day at the Royal Military Academy as a young man coming back to him.
"It's like two novices picked whatever caught their eye from an armoury" he pointed, his finger slightly following some of the movements.
"Of course one could make the argument that the lad with the buckler is going for speed over brawn, but still. He's taking an unnecessary risk. You're going against a man with a sword that big, you're either going to need a larger shield or another bloody sword."

He shrugged.
"So yes, I would say it's a show. I was unfortunately unable to meet you, your sister, or the Madame Prime Minister when you visited Prydania, but I trust my cousin didn't bring out the Knights of the Storm to play fight for you while you all ate dinner?" he asked with a slight snarky grin, clearly not wowed by the opulence on display.

"It's nice to meet you, Mister Peterson."

With his lips covered, Rajesh leaned to Jejomar and whispered: "Resident expert in all matters external? Is that jargon?"

Jejomar shook his head. Rajesh nodded in reply.

Jejomar reached his hand to Peterson and shook hands with him. "I'm very glad to finally meet you in person, Mister Peterson! The correspondence has been very helpful and I couldn't thank you more for your personal undertaking. When our two countries finally achieve a closer relationship in the future, I hope we'll see a more open Regunalia. Though the press can be a pest, it's not advisable to limit their activities. After all, limits are meant to be broken."

"Except term limits." Rajesh silently laughed with his mouth open.

Jejomar smiled. "Ja, Mister President. But you don't have term limits."

"Ah. You got me! Should I resign then?"

It was well received among the delegation. It earned the same round of laughter and brightly-lit faces. A merry moment fit for a meritocratic occasion.

Queen Kathryn arrived and everybody went silent. They watched the King and Queen not see eye-to-eye on the royal couple's attendance of this event in relation to one's tiresome work ethics and another person's natural gregariousness. It became amicable pretty quick without difficulty and the King acknowledged the Queen's presence by calling his servants to fetch an extra chair for her next to his chair. The food they began to serve caught everyone's attention.

Rajesh raised his eyebrows at what appears to be a buffet. Bless me with voracity. It's just like home!

Before he forgot, he moved closer to Jejomar and to his ear. "If there's anything I don't want to happen in these kinds of events, it's my wife taking over. She proposed to me, I took her name, and I've never had my way in the bedroom. In my entire life, I've never had my way with anyone!"

"Well thank God I'm Courantist." Jejomar smirked.

The delegation sat near the King, and Rajesh took the lead in the conversation, though the King's question was not in his personal favor. In fact, he has been caught in a disadvantage regarding his language skills.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I can be multilingual but I'm not a polyglot. I don't know any other foreign language other than Mercanti and Suchari. I only know this many languages because I was born in a country where you're expected to learn at least five languages. I simply got used to it. Especially if you're living in the rural areas where dialects and languages are usually diverse."

Jejomar nodded. "We politicians are not orators. Who needs semantic and syntactic pragmatism when you have a speechwriter?"

Rajesh chuckled.

The duel concludes and both fighters exit the Royal Arena as 2 new, more experienced fighters enter. The first fighter is clad in full plate armor and carries with him a heraldic heater shield and an arming sword, the second is also clad in full plate armor and carries with him a heraldic heater shield and a battleaxe. With the new fighters also comes a new ruleset, duels will now continue until one fighter either is disarmed or surrenders. The duel will be no holds barred until that point. The two fighters cross weapons, turn around, take ten paces away from each other, turn back around and lunge at each other.

Commerce Minister Abbey Statham notices Alice's disappointment and wanders over in her direction. "Princess Alice, I presume? A pleasure to meet you, I am Abbey Statham, the Commerce Minister." Ms. Statham extends her hand in Alice's direction for a handshake, her other hand gingerly holding several binders with various binders containing spreadsheets, charts, and lists of commerce-related information of all kinds. "I trust your travels went smoothly? I have heard some quite good things about you from the Foreign Affairs Ministry."

King Leonidas turns to Rajesh and Jejomar. "I whole-heartedly disagree, effective oration is an important skill for any head of state. How else can you communicate to your people your ideas and goals? How else can you galvanize your people behind a common cause to be a crucial part of improving their communities and indeed their nation? When a tragedy occurs, how else can you communicate your very personal sorrow for their loss and turn it into action to prevent such a tragedy from happening again? I say to you sirs, I have no time for a speechwriter, and even if I did have one on staff, he would never be able to communicate my message as effectively as I could myself, free from the taint of the views of anyone else. A nation needs an inspiring leader to ward off apathy in the populace and to stir their people into productive action. I know not what laws or policies are in place in Lawston, but here, in the Grand Kingdom of Regunalia, we have no need for speechwriters and the like, not only myself, but my ministers, my regional governors, my dukes and duchesses, even my mayors and mayoresses are effective orators as well, not because they want to be, but because oration is an essential part of their respective offices mandated by royal law. On the subject of pragmatism, if something is not practical for the populace of a nation, then why shall it be enacted in the first place? A good head of state must listen to their people, understand their needs, and act in their best interests. One should do this not because that is what is expected of them, but because it is their job to do so, and it is for the good of their nation."

A broad-shouldered, well built, and well-dressed man approaches Stig. "Thane Eiderwig, I have heard much of your distinguished military career. It brings me pride to be in the presence of a man who knows how to serve his country well. I am Kirk Casal, the Minister of Justice, also known as the Minister-General. I am good friends with the Minister of Defense, and although he could not attend this evening, he wished for me to tell you that he thinks quite highly of you. As for me, you strike me as the kind of man who doesn't particularly enjoy these kinds of occasions, a practical, knowledgeable man, not unlike the King himself"

"Ja...of course."

I didn't understand what he was trying to say here...

That...caught him off-guard. It was...something. It was most irregular.

Jejomar put on a smile and threw it at Rajesh, hoping the President might do something useful.

"Oh look, Raj! Another duel."

It took a while since Rajesh was distracted by the duel. Dalisay and Candi have been watching it the entire time the King went on and on about speeches. He was so passionate and assertive of the role of speeches, he actually gave one to them! Like...by Sidapa's blessed endowment. Jejomar couldn't even remember what he said before the King replied. Much less the time that passed. For him, and perhaps everybody else, it felt like an hour although Jejomar is pretty sure it wasn't.

Gosh, he couldn't figure out why the King said all those things... Was it something he said? Does the King hate republican democracies? Or maybe he's annoyed by the Queen's presence?

In the meantime, it was...mentally painful. All of them, including Jejomar, put their attention in the duel. Nobody talked, only silence, all smiles. Everybody, other than looking like creepy dolls with the unsettling permanent grins, acted like nothing happened, as in nothing ever happened at any point earlier. It was terribly awkward.

And then Rajesh turned to the Queen. He nodded his head at her.

"Good evening, Your Majesty."

Ah, now Jejomar recalled. When the Queen came out of nowhere, none of them greeted her properly. At this point, now that Rajesh returned their attention to the table, Jejomar is sure everyone is now concerned about the Queen's unrequited presence. Even though it was sudden, they still have to properly greet her in exchange for the lack of it in their undue and out-of-place confusion.

"Good evening, Ma'am." Everybody else greeted.

Afterwards, Rajesh nodded again at the Queen, then at the King.

"So...what does Regunalia think about homosexuals? Is it illegal here?"

What...?

If it's physically possible for Jejomar's head to explode in account of second-hand embarrassment, it would be at this very moment. Dalisay and Candi snorted at the question and exchanged giggling looks with each other.

But Dalisay couldn't take it anymore and slapped Rajesh's hand. She burst into laughter.

"Sorry!! Haha! I'm- Oh! Forgive us, Your Majesties... It's just that we're...curious since Lawstoner society, morally and legally, doesn't discriminate sexual preferences. We don't even distinguish gender to the point it becomes fundamental in marriage, like in most countries. Regunalia is a Messianist country, isn't it?"

Rajesh pulled his hand away from the table and rubbed the reddening mark where she hit him.

"Ouchie..." He began blowing on it.

A tired-looking man dressed in full military regalia sat quietly, sipping his wine. He had observed the festivities with a calculatory eye, one that he was renown for in Valencia; he knew that it was the reason he was selected to be Suprème-Maréchal of the Royal Armed Forces in the Kingdom. He outward demeanor was largely cold, and he was known for his shrewd, almost ruthlessly efficient tactics and strategy. Léonard L. P. Tourneur, much like the rest of the guests of any function they were volun-told to go to, wasn't really a festivities-type of individual. But his King -- Maximilian Subercaseaux VII -- had asked that he personally attend in lieu of his own presence in order to strengthen diplomatic and military relations between the two countries since Regunalia had just been admitted into the Kian Union. Maxie, a military man much like Léo, knew how droll such affairs could be (and thus tried to limit how many of the affairs Valencia was required to attend), but informed him that this was a particularly special occasion that they needed to show face at. And so the Marshall was present in body, but not really in spirit. However, it wasn't against his character to be as such.

His golden tassled epaulettes and attentes sat atop fairly thin shoulders, his back almost ramrod-straight in his clean-pressed dark-gray dress uniform. The thick golden braiding of his kepi - which was resting atop the table and facing outward, squared with the rest of the accouterments on the table - matched the braiding and color of his epaulets and aiguillette which secured the shoulder-cape across his right shoulder. As Supreme Marshall, his prior service was supposed to be inconsequential and indistinguishable from his current role as head of the entire military, but his shoulder-cape was the only sort of clue as to his history of service, colored a dark wine red on the inverse that denoted association with the tank regiments.

Léo had done his due diligence and read over dossiers about the various minister and - of course - the King and Queen themselves, but even so, the unexpected arrival of the Queen and the absence of the Defense Minister had a cornucopia of various emotions plaguing him, even despite the presence of the Prydanian man whose brain Léo most wanted to pick at.

"Merci," the deep timbred voice of the man said as a waiter refilled his glass of wine for the third time that night.

The 2 adepts in the arena are as evenly matched as 2 fighters could be, one would corner the other, then the next moment would be pushing him back. There is no end to the duel in sight.

Queen Kathryn pipes in: "We haven't considered it as an issue in any official capacity. No matter their sexual orientation as long as any given citizen fulfills their duties to the state, they can identify as whatever they like. We have had some try to use sexual orientation to dodge their compulsory period of military service for example, but these are few and far between and are dealt with swiftly." King Leonidas procures a goblet of his favorite Regunalian domestic beer: Centrian Nature Wisp, known to most as CNW.

Stig's eyebrows raised a bit as he sipped his brennivin.
"You may inform your Minister of Defence, however, that his praise is appreciated. He didn't say much more on the subject of his military history. He'd fought a fifteen year war, and it had changed him. From something of a kind but quiet soul to something of a hardened man. He'd been ruthless in his duty to his country and in inflicting vengeance on the Syndicalists who had tried to steal it. The war had turned with Hadden's capture in the winter of 2015, and he'd hammered the enemy relentlessly. Poor Felix...he'd held him as he died. And not just him. He didn't know every solider under his command, but even in the heavy days after Hadden? He could not bare to hear the casualty reports. One did not see a war like the Civil War to completion and emerge as a man who wished to discuss it much.

"You'll have to forgive me Mr. Casal" he added.
"Prydania, even in the best of times, tends not to be so...opulent. And it hasn't been the best of times for a while. I'm used to very light pomp" he sipped his drink again. "I don't mean to appear rude, up north we have more austere tastes. We don't rely on so much gold" he looked around at his surroundings.
"You say that King Leonidas IV is a man of practical knowledge though" he turned to face the Minister. "He sounds like my sort of man. Forgive me if I am being too brash, but what is it His Majesty wishes from me, or should I say us, this evening?"

Minister Casal, as one of the palace staff pour him a glass of beer: "But of course, the gold was not the King's decision, in fact. It was a joint decision of the Regional Governors that the King should be bestowed with great opulence. King Leonidas merely sees it as a sign of their appreciation for his style of rule. As for his esteemed majesty's goals for the evening, they are threefold: Firstly, to show off Regunalia at its best, much like a father making sure his son is dressed in his very best before heading off to church. Secondly, to establish diplomatic relations with nations near and far in the pursuit of lasting peace and prosperity for the Regunalian people. Lastly, the pursuit of trade between Regunalia and any of the nations represented here that are so willing. Now, a question for you: What is that drink you have there? It does not bear the mark of any Regunalian brewery that I am aware of."

"Brennivín" the Thane replied with something of a smile curling across his lips.
"It's a Prydanian drink, derived from akvavit from Andrenne, the land of our forefathers. It's usually a drink that takes foreigners a bit by surprise" he explained as he sipped some more.
"But I've been drinking it since my youth. You get used to it after a while I suppose."

He let his gaze drift across the room for a moment before returning his attention to Minister Casal.
"I admit I'm not the man to discuss trade with" he shrugged. "I don't even take my up seat in the Alþingi unless I am absolutely forced to. As for good relations, however? I can assure you, Minister, that His Majesty King Tobias of Prydania wishes positive relations. He would not have sent me otherwise. I may not be the man to speak to regarding trade, but I can speak to the potential of our militaries becoming closer" he shrugged.
"Joint operations would be beneficial for Prydania given our military's transition since the end of the Civil War."

He let the sights and sounds of the evening capture his attention for a moment before he tilted his head just a bit.
"Strange, that the Regional Governors should go against the wishes of the King like that. My own sovereign is also one who is, mercifully, against extravagance beyond the minimum of what is expected. My cousin may be inexperienced as King, but he does know how to make his wishes very clear."

Kirk Casal: "Brennivin, hm, i don't believe I've ever encountered such a drink before. (Muttering under breath) I might have to look into procuring some for my personal collection. (End of muttering) As far as matters of the military, 2 of the Regunalian Honor Guard Generals, 1 Regunalian Army General, the Chief of Staff of the Regunalian Navy, 2 Regunalian Air Force Colonels, 2 Specialist Corps Coordinator and 3 National Guard 1st Lieutenants are all in attendance at the moment. So if you wish to discuss matters of the military, do feel free to approach one of them."

The ongoing duel ends when 1 fighter strikes the other in the wrist hard, causing his sword to be loosed from his hand. The first fighter then kicks him onto the ground and holds the point of his sword to the opponent's chin. The defeated fighter raises both hands, the signal that he wishes to yield.

Elsewhere, His Esteemed Majesty King Leonidas finishes his current conversation and spots Thane Eiderwig from across the dining room and approaches him flanked by the King's Hand on either side. "Thane Eiderwig of the Kingdom of Prydania, my staff have told me much of your military career during the Syndicalist Wars. I wish I could say I was an accomplished martial man myself, but alas, that time has passed many years ago, Regunalia has peacefully existed for over a century now, and the most heated matters seem to be easily resolvable through the proper channels. I fear the 7 sided star is becoming more of a cheap school than the proud force it once was. But enough of me, are you enjoying yourself?"