A Celebration of Peace

[KyferLegs (Diria)]

Ezekiel Atay, or more simply Mr. Atay seeing the quarters provided to him by the Koians, could only fixate on one word: extravagant, at least to his standards. Thrust into what he'd assumed was a loft. The feeling was entirely different, and reminiscing of Safareen, his hometown within Egris, he had lived most of his early adulthood in a studio flat cramped with another tight friend from university. Of course, his standing at home had moderately improved since, but now, he truly lived in luxury. Twitching his left-attentive ear and with a shake of his tail, the short Zarou strolled towards the apartment's other half as if to discover it was merely a painted mural, but it was, in fact, genuine. Turning around in a large loop, the flabbergasted Zarou further inspected the room, his head twisting fast, noticing the neatly placed letter and gift basket he missed. Dodging his intrusive childish desire to search the gift basket, he slowly lifted the note, closely inspecting it, and whispered the well-translated letter, which he evaded in foreign Koian words that he uttered to himself.

Nevertheless, internally accepting its gratitude, his face stayed stagnant. Putting the note back down, his hands instantly redirected to the gift basket, pulling its tie apart and uncovering its contents. Though, unlike the message, his face appeared excited at the physical goods it presented. Moving out the bottles of wine and skimming aside the flowers, his hand immediately curved around the confectionary he detected. His tail seemed to shake further in excitement, only to freeze, seeing it was chocolate. An audible sigh escaped his lips as he placed it down, thinking to himself, "Might as well take a cathartic." Forgiving it, considering how he was across the continent away from his home, and chocolate and carob was an easy mixup, he instead fixated next to the flag in his room. His quick inspection of it revealed an accurate replica of the Dirian flag.

Regardless, his expectations of the Koians, even after the chocolate fiasco that he remained internally pouty over, stood beyond what he had anticipated. Finally, but not before sampling the room's lofty bed softness with his hand, he approached the 'lofts' window, towing the curtains open and gazing at the scenery the space entitled him to see, delivering a subtle nod of approval while looking at the decorations around the locations of the Peace Celebration. At this point, this is the most pleasant trip of his career. Thus, he let one invasive idea win, "I wonder how the wine tastes?"

[aimway921]

Tagomych was deeply impressed by the accomodations, being a guest from a country that's not part of the Staol Treaty, he expected less of a grand welcome - instead he was pleasantly surprised by the Koians hospitality.

He bowed in gratitude to the hotel staff as they left him after escorting him and his baggage to the room, he began inspecting the welcoming gifts left for him by the Koians. Finding poetic beauty in the letter, he couldn't wait to thank them personally once he gets the chance.

Inspecting the gift basket, he pondered the flowers, the blossom being unfamiliar to him, and making a mental note to find out if he can get some seeds for his personal garden back home. The wine and chocolates he decided to leave unopened, rather pack them to share with the Queen once he returns to Ashinara.

As much as the atmosphere was inviting, and as much as he would love to just relax and enjoy the celebrations, business was at hand. First he got ready to go to the main event, where he'd have the chance to meet all the world leaders (or representatives) that came to attend.

Dressing in a traditional Vyshyvanka, a Kataginu vest and red sapfyan boots just barely visible under the traditional wide-legged trousers, he got ready to go down. Opening the door, he came face to face with a dark skinned girl dressed similarly to him. She was on her way to knock on his door as he opened it.

The girl was Vitonia Kotomochi. A peculiar girl, from her half-Ashinaran appearance to her borderline Kumo-sounding last name. Her family were expats living for many generations on Elenrian mainland. They have adopted the Kumo name not long after the Kumo takeover of Elenria, and only with Ashinara opening their borders again in the 1880's were they able to move to their homeland again.

Half-Ashinarans had a dark tan skin tone, with eyes ranging from green to purple to brown - with Vitonia's being a deep dark shade of purple. They had fox ears and tails just like regular Ashinarans, but aside from a little scruff on the back of their necks, they had no fur. Or whiskers, or claws. If she were wearing a hat and a cloak, she would be undistinguishable from a human.

Vitonia was the daughter of Tagomych's closest assistant, and a new face in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But Tagomych requested her to come for a particular intricate matter. Ashinara wanted to open relations with Kumosenkan, and seeing as there would be Kumo representatives at this celebration, they saw this as the most convenient way to contact them.

Looking almost like a grandfather and his granddaughter, the old Minister and the young aide made their way down to the main event.

[EpicToaster1]

Two Days before the Celebration
Mynti 13, 1934

The representatives awoke to a relatively mild day for the late spring. A warm 72°F and partly cloudy, the morning light shone over the tops of the mountain peaks surrounding the Kraater. A letter slipped under the door of each representative and guard at both of the hotels, bearing simple instructions written up as a one-size-fits-all message.

Dear Sir/Madam.

We strongly urge you to wear informal clothing or otherwise not your nicest clothing due to outside of activities today.

The hotel kitchen will be closed from 10:00 MT - 02:00 AT due to these activities. If you plan to remain in your room throughout the day, please call the front desk before this time if you'd like food delivered to your room during this timeframe.

The MiniEyes has requested us to remind you that no firearms are not allowed on city streets.

Thank you. Management.

---

The streets below already sounded crowded as the clocks struck 8:00 MT. The trams and street-runners rolled along at significantly slower paces as the streets were crowded with hundreds of citizens from every walk of life and of a massive range of species took to the streets. Street vendors and stalls had set up much earlier some point through the night, selling their goods to the passersby. The dark asphalt hid completely under the mass of people walking about on the streets, each person dressed in white and/or pastel colors only, only foreigners wearing clothes that had any form of darker colors on their persons. If the representatives chose to go outside at this time, the hotel staff at the door would hand them small white cones that had a cover on the widest part and a small string protruding out the thinnest part. They'd be told not to pull the string until the time was right, and they'd know when that was.

The colorful lights shown brightly along the buildings, giving the roads an almost fairy-like quality. Though, following the line of sight to the lights and further up would reveal soldiers standing among the roofs and balconies of the buildings, armed with their rifles as they carefully watch over the crowded streets.

The rails embedded in the streets stayed relatively empty so the trams and trains could pass. Though, as one train made its way down the line, its front light changed from the usual white light to bright blue, the hordes of people would crowd onto the tracks as it passed, the small steam locomotive chuffing by at a very slow pace. Compared to the trains that had passed earlier, this switcher wasn't even hauling anything; clearly here solely for whatever was going on. As it passed in front of the Quiet Jewel Embassy Hotel, the whistle creeped open before blowing full blast, rattling the windows of all the nearby buildings.

The train continued further down the road, its puffing soon fading off into the background noise of the street as it seemed to get even busier. As suddenly as the last train appeared and disappeared, a Koian would jump above the crowd, their dark brown and red body contrasting their pastel blue shirt and white pants. He'd say something barely audible above the roar of the crowd before raising a similar cone to as the foreign dignitaries were given before leaving. As his hand went up, so too did all of the crowd lower their voices and raise their own cones above their heads.

"Today! Asdes' light be upon us and welcome Rymos!"

The crowd would cheer at the man's words before his hand would reach up and grab the string of the cone. He'd spin a circle, giving everyone a look as the rest of the crowd would put their hands to the string as well. He'd yank hard on the string, popping the top off and releasing a yellow dust into the air. The rest of the crowd would almost in unison follow behind, each popping their own poppers and releasing a multitude of colored dusts into the air which would soon rain back down upon the crowd and coat their lightly colored clothes in a massive tye-dye of vibrant colors from all across the rainbow and then some.

[Sophie]

"You're not old enough for that." Empress Reito's head maid Yuu Nishimura chastised as the young Empress inspected the wine so generously left by the Koians. She was preparing the Empress's outfit for the party; it was a custom-made yukata using blue fabric on the left, black on the right, and white stemming from the neckline that the blue and black collapsed upon. Two overlapping white/grey circles were laid into the black side, along with small stars made from real gold so they shimmered in the light. "Put it back."

Reito, who was currently just wearing a hadajuban and susoyoke, stared back at her maid. "Are you telling your Empress what she can and can't do?" She chided in a half-joking tone.

"I'm advising the fifteen-year-old Empress against making a mistake." Nishimura corrected with a glare. "However, if you are so insistent on rank, then you do as you wish."

Reito frowned. "I didn't mean it like that." She paused and let her voice trail off. Without a further response from Nishimura, she popped open the cork on the wine and took a sip. "ACK!" The Empress immediately spat it back out and began hacking and coughing. "That's disgusting!" She glared at the label. "How do people ruin their lives over this stuff?"

Nishimura snatched away the bottle. "They don't do it for the taste. Next time listen to me."

"Sorry." Reito practically whispered as she retreated into herself.

"Its fine Reito. Lets finish getting you ready." Nishimura responded with a half-hearted smile. With the help of her maid, Reito was fully made up and dressed up within the hour.

[KyferLegs (Diria)]

Mr. Atay had taken the time to watch the festivities from afar rather than from the comforts of the room provided to him. Without guards, he didn't dare to stroll forth into the crowd at the moment, for his short posture, in his mind, surely meant being trampled and not being able to see anything. Thus, he took comfort from a higher flight of stairs near the location of the Quiet Jewel Embassy Hotel. His attire was quite similar to what he had before, informal business, but even more casual, excluding his coat or tie as he sported just stylish khakis, suspenders holding them up, and a bright blue dress shirt—allowing him to see the spectacular event and dye bomb that transpired over the cheering and ecstatic mass, without having to stress about ruined attire as he used the popper gifted to him.

Nonetheless, watching the tight-packed masses, experiencing its delight, and having filled his already-sized gut with the local food-stand cuisine, he thought himself the luckiest Zarou and Dirian alive. Unlike the searing heat back home, the weather was perfect. Despite not happening long ago, he reminisced over his journey out of the Brass Temple Embassy Hotel, down the streets, and to the location he was out now. The architecture was so uncommon to him. Although there were rare fancy buildings around Shrand and Etaroh, it seemed universal here. The people also seemed pleasant, but it occasionally felt artificial, considering the nature of Koi. He also thought of a subject he hoped he hadn't, diplomacy. The occasion in Põhiliin had barely been up on the to-dos of the Dirian Government and her Ministries. Yet, here he was tasked to open relations with the Koians and other nationalities who attended. As his internal mood turned slightly sour, the voice in his head wanted to call the event's name a stunt. Some nations had peace, but Diria only recently acquired it. However, before he could ruin the fake or real happiness of the occasion, he remembered certain Bado scriptures and took a deep breath, promptly soothing himself.

Reluctantly, Atay gave up his position, wandering into the crowd daringly to find who to talk to. At first, he started with the basics, local workers, politicians, and Koian figures he saw and felt were important to talk to. Next were diplomats and representatives, like from Pomazanniki, Othorian, or the royalty of their southern borders, like that of the CMS. However, out of the numerous talks he contended in, some bland, some standard, and some uncomfortable, he found the most satisfaction with the Valderans so far, whose conversation, conducted by Kathrine Tolvaj, was polite but also academic, Atay regarding their perspectives remarkably similar to his own, and therefore his government; he even felt like he had just unlocked the doorway for a future trade agreement.

Resuming his duties, he suddenly saw a particular sight, an Elenrian. Seeing an opportunity, he quickly budged his way through the crowd to the displeasure of the eventgoers, who weren't pleasantly surprised with the just above five-foot Zarou making his way past them. Proud that he didn't get trampled, Atay, with some clever footwork, found himself in front of the Elenrian, acting like he hadn't just put himself there. The Zarou then extended his hand, clamoring, "Oh, Hello!" Oblivious of how Elenrians took salutations, Atay fretted that he was disrespectful. However, the second after, he registered the Kumo guard's presence, shocking himself, considering their size. For a brief second, he had to combat his look of disdain, showing he was at least knowledgeable on Elenria's status. Nevertheless, before the guard could notice, the gaze disappeared and returned to his regular guile expression, now fixated on the Elenrian again.

[EpicToaster1]

The Celebration

The night before the big event, the representatives were given papers to list off any food allergies and restrictions they may have culture-wise so the cooks were aware prior to the bigger celebrations.

The morning of the big day, the representatives would see a paper slipped under their doors, giving them instructions for where to go and what they should reasonably bring. In bold, red lettering at the end of the paper, a few lines bared its teeth to everyone coming. Personal guards will not be permitted within the grand hall, only the representative(s) of each country. Do not bring any weapons inside; being caught with a weapon is grounds for internment. Security is provided by the Grand Army of the Republic.

---

The morning would pass, allowing all the various representatives to prepare their looks for the event. Compared to the days prior, the streets would be emptier as soldiers line the streets leading from the two hotels to the capital building. Representatives would be allowed to walk with their guards up the grounds of the capital building, at which point they were instructed to either wait there or return to their living quarters while the representatives were escorted inside. Along the way, they'd be able to see some of the other various government buildings, like the treasury with its stark white exterior; the townhall with its vibrant oranges and pastel blues; several ministry buildings; but those walking from the Quiet Jewel would also get the eerie feeling they were being watched as they passed one ministry building. This building blended in with the rest of the row of the Ministry of Staol and the Ministry of Peace, all three being a smooth white with multiple colored banners. But the massive blue, black, and yellow eyes hanging from the front of the building alone gave it an eerie feel. Several white boxes poked out around the building, a small black square on one side the only thing indicating where it seemed to be pointing, though what they were isn't entirely clear; just that this building placed a small hint of fear in all those who walked past. A single, small sign on the front gave any a clue to what it was: the Ministry of Eyes.

The Capital Building itself would have two large, marble staircases leading up to the entrance. The doors made of large dark oak and massive marble archways protecting the frame of the doors, set amongst a facade of white and tan bricks and a strong dull red roof. The doors themselves seemed to be double hinged, allowing them to remain open further for the larger species of Ouhiri.

The interior's design was even more showing of the wealth of Koi. The floors of a speckled granite made of blacks, whites, grays, tans, and golds, with walls painted in pastels blues and high, white ceilings. Giant electric lamps shown overhead, helping to keep the entire interior as bright as the skylights for when the sun goes down. Large orange silken drapes lined each window, while paintings of various landscapes, persons, and scenes covered the walls.

The grand hall in which they all met in was extremely spacious, giving room to breathe despite the leaders of most of the world's countries all being located in a single room. Koian guards stand periodically around the walls, with further guards located on balconies overlooking the room, giving them a high vantage point to keep their eyes on things.

Representatives found themselves escorted to their seats, the seats preassigned and making many sit in places they likely wouldn't have wanted to find themselves. The Lusatians would find themselves next to the Kumo, who in turn would be near Shaum Shela and the Franerre. Ulster-Gaelia would be sitting next to the Amalians, Verakis, and the Orthorians. The Galran would be sat near the Roskanans, Maizi, and Ashinarans. The Grinvelians found themselves with the Zarich, Mestrians, and Nevarrans. The Dirians would be near the Adrians, Moflans, and Treici. The Valderans would find themselves with the UST, Pomaz, and the Greek States. Among others.

The backs of the chairs would be marked with color placards, which soon were found to be the dietary restrictions for the staff at a glance. The Galran's chair had the most, denying almost every type of available food and drink.

Regardless of this, the two Koian Dictators would stand as everyone took their seats.


"It's with great pleasure for us to welcome you all to our nation. We hope you've enjoyed your time spent here. We thank you all for the opportunity to be here this day, and for the hundred years of peace we have all shared together."

[callmedelta]

It was hard not to notice the greater amount of soldiers out in the streets. But what streets they were. The grand buildings of the many Koian ministries, all pristine and imposing. Sure, some, or perhaps most of it was simply for the anniversary, but when compared to the dense, tight packing of cities like Pareau or Alcasse, it was hard not to be amazed by how impressive it all was. It made the space feel paradoxically liberating and constricting, at least to Mesny. d'Armande didn't seem to see most of the negatives Mesny saw, or at the very least they didn't seem to stand out enough to drop the genuine sense of awe and wonder from Marcel's face.

"We saw most of this when we came in," Mesny commented in Franerri as the pair strolled by the...Ministry of Eyes, the sign read. Phillipe felt a chill down his spine, noting the feeling but shrugging it off. "Why do you still seem so awestruck?"

"Does a woman become any less beautiful when you see her the second time?" Marcel asked.

"I never took you for a romantic," Phillipe said.

"I wouldn't call myself a romantic," d'Armande replied, "The metaphor simply came to me. No, I see this city, and I see what Pareau could be one day now that we've joined the ISTT."

"Pareau will never be this," Mesny said, frank, "Koi is so rich because it sells the Staol. Franerre buys, and we have nothing like it we can offer the world. Don't get me wrong," Mesny continued, preempting Marcels' response as the pair ascended the steps to the capital, "Joining the ISTT is good for Franerre. But Franerre will never be this." The pair entered the capital building, pausing to take in the scene. The gold-speckled granite, the paintings, the marble staircases, the entire thing was a display of wealth that trumped anything the two had ever seen before, and perhaps would ever see again.

Marcel whistled, impressed. "You can definitely see why I think the way I think, no?"

"...yeah," Mesny answered, finding no witty retort forthcoming.

The pair continued on to their seats, only for d'Armande to let out a muttered string of curses as he saw the seating arrangement. "Couldn't they have placed Ashinara next to us instead of Kumo? Think we can switch the cards around?"

Mesny chuckled a bit at d'Armande's joke. "I wish. With any luck, the next time we have to see one of those things is when we retake Elenerre. Now let's just sit, wait, and pray this gets over with quickly."

[Sophie]

In Reito's newly fitted Yukata, made from her own silk, was a concealed handgun. Another concealed weapon was hidden inside Yuu Nishimura's outfit, who was joining Empress Reito in attendance. Reito was thrilled to see she would be seated next to Lusatia and made a practical beeline for the Lusatian representative. She bowed upon meeting them. "It is a delight to share this room with you, Prime Minister. I was thrilled to hear that your people reached out to mine to restore proper relations between our two people. I am looking forward to further deepening the cooperation between the two of us. I understand that your elections have just concluded, so I need not worry about working with a stranger for quite some time, but should you need anything from Kumosenkan to help ensure your future victories, don't hesitate to ask. I much prefer working with someone I know and is open to Kumo relations."

[alxeu]

When the Kumo Empress approached the Lusatian pair of delegates and addressed the Prime Minister, the Count of Czarnelasy (the head of the Privy Council) smirked and bowed, taking the cue to let the Prime Minister handle the conversation.

---

Prime Minister Komorowski was dressed in a fine blue suit, aware of the Koian sensibilities regarding colors (or, rather, their disdain of the lack thereof) and not wanting to offend his hosts. When Reito introduced herself to Komorowksi, he bowed in return, suppressing the sudden nerves that came over him when the pair of Kumo approached.

"I appreciate your kind words, Your Majesty. More cooperation between our nations will enrich us both and leave us better protected in the coming years, and I'm sure the Foreign Minister and your Ambassador to Lusatia will be able negotiate mutually agreeable trade treaties in the near future. I also appreciate the congratulations on my electoral victory, but if you'd permit me to complain, I'd have rather the right-wing of politics be my opposition, not the left. I'm not blind to the social reforms Lusatia's workers demand in order to have the same standards of work and living as in Ulster-Gaelia, or, as reported, in Kumosenkan, but the big tent of ideologies that make up the SLP poses a bigger danger than a handful of reactionary monarchists."

[Sophie]

"Oh please," Reito waved a hand of dismissal. "You are not my charge nor my subject. Just call me Reito; we both stand on the same ground as leaders, and this is just a party. While my people are all monarchists, you should be aware my mother implemented several successful left-wing policies, and I plan to continue and expand them. I'm not sure if you recall the protests after our war against the UKUG, but we are no strangers to appealing to the left. I'd be happy to send you my advisors to aid in successfully implementing policies that will not just placate your left wing but actively please them." Reito offered with a professional smile. "Of course, working closer with us could also placate your right wing."

[alxeu]

Feliks raised an eyebrow, "if you wish, Reito. I'll admit your modesty compared to other nobles is somewhat refreshing. I'd suggest you stay away from the Shah of Seleucidenia with such talk, should you run into him."

"As much as the offer is appreciated regarding social reforms, I'll have to decline. Every nation has its path towards tomorrow; what works for Kumosenkan might not work for Lusatia. Besides, it won't look good to have national policy be heavily influenced by foreign advisors, regardless of national origin."

"There's plenty of ways for our nations to still cooperate, however, especially in foreign policy," the Prime Minister continued, trying to spot where the Galran delegation was, "The frosty relations between Ulster-Gaelia and Kumosenkan have warmed, and both of our nations are, I'm sure, mutually concerned about certain other powers."

[Sophie]

"I quite appreciate you saying so. There are those back home that find my attitude is less than favorable. I simply believe other world leaders are due the same level of respect I expect for myself. You and I have my mother to thank for that." She smiled a bit more solemnly. "The offer still stands if you ever want to hear their words of wisdom. Your path forward is yours to take, but it's always wise to seek help when you need it, and with the warming waters in the shawbelt my hand will always be offered."

Reito and Yuu shared a glance over towards the Galrans, then to the Veraki. "Of course, there are such concerns, though now is neither the time nor place to discuss them. I am sure such discussions will further our friendship in the future." She annunciated the word friendship quite clearly before taking her seat. "I appreciate your warm reception, Minister Feliks. Part of me was worried that despite the warming relations, you may still hold some personal begrudgement toward my people or me."

[alxeu]

"Most of our reservations regarding your nation were, if you'd permit me saying as such, with your now-passed mother and the advisors she surrounded herself with, particularly those responsible for the Hawaii War and those who pushed for the Notch War. Lusatia's populace as a whole is still distrustful of your nation as a result of the latter conflict, but my administration recognizes that much of that conflict's planning and execution were handled by your mother's government, which you presumably had little to no say in, if only because of your age."

"Basically, if Ulster-Gaelia is willing to give you a chance, it would be remiss for me to not lead Lusatia into a chance a better relations, also."

[callmedelta]

"We'll see how long that chance lasts," d'Armande muttered in Franerri. He'd been itching to comment over the entire conversation thus far, but it was Feliks' most recent comment that tipped that desire over the edge into action.

"Hold your tongue, d'Armande," Mesny chided.

"What?" d'Armande asked, "I wouldn't be surprised if most of the people in the previous Empress's government were still around. When King Dante died, it wasn't like everyone else in government died along with him, and the new Empress isn't exactly rushing to hand back over rightful Franerri territory."

"I told you to hold your tongue, d'Armande," Mesny pressed further.

Marcel cut him off before Phillipe could continue. "Are you afraid of them? Those spiders can't even understand us right now."

"Hardly. They may not be able to, but the Lusatians may, and I would rather you did not conduct yourself poorly in front of them," Mesny replied, "Besides, it's rude to talk amongst ourselves while other people at the table cannot understand us."

"Would you prefer I make my comments so the entire room can hear them, then?" d'Armande asked.

"I would prefer you stay quiet."

[Sophie]

"The Hawaii war was my mother's mother's responsibility. You should study up on your history Minister Feliks." She said in a half-joking manner. "Though it was an inevitable outcome of two vastly different powers competing for dominance of the silk sea. As for the Notch reclamation," She continued. "I was fully involved as my mother's second in command." Her voice was firm. "Once I heard her and the Minister's reasoning for it, I pushed for the engagement just as much as my mother did. Even in hindsight, she has my full support for making that call. The land, after all, is Elenrian."

"Despite any disagreement, you may have on that matter, I'm sure we can both look forward to a prosperous future together. In spite of those who would work to divide us." She again slanted a glance at the Galrans all while ignoring the muttering coming from the Franerri.