Return to Eleria - Kingdom and Greater Imperium

[callmedelta]

A few days after her exit, Ambassador Lang was already back on a return flight to Eleria. This time, however, she was flying in style, in the Royal Family's very own custom Synergie M-5. Compared to the fleet of M-1s the FA used as their plane of choice, the M-5 was an all around superior plane. Twin props instead of one, needed for the much more specious interior, with room enough to walk! Compared to the uncomfortable box with wings she was used to flying in, Amélie was in heaven. But she couldn't quite feel like she could enjoy any of it. The comfortable seats, with actual cushions that you could sink back into, a bathroom, and an honest to Father bar, but none of it was for Amélie. She felt as if it all were like a bubble, and the slightest touch would make it all shatter. Her compatriot had no such qualms, however. Deauxrex Jeune sat, sipping on a glass of wine as he chatted with the 'aid' he brought along, who in reality was the Deauxrex's bodyguard, though from what little interaction Lang had seen of the two, he certainly acted more like an aid than a soldier. Amélie simply did her best to ignore them, choosing instead to read her book. Quite a fascinating read too, a story about a magical band of thieves stealing from an evil emperor under the cover of mists. 

The opening of the plane's door put her plans of reading to a pause. "The pilot would like to inform you that we've just entered Elerian airspace," the copilot said, her head peeking out of the cabin, "It should only be an hour or so to Iomairt."

[DrMedic]

As the Franch transport neared Iomairt, they were approached by a large squadron of fighters with distinct livery. The silver birds flew close, surrounding the foreign aircraft in perfect formation. Almost as soon as they had settled in, the squadron leader hailed the pilot over radio, delivering a short message.

"This is Colonel Tavish MacPherson off yae two o'clock leading Luchd-Gleidhidh Airgid, His Majesty's finest, here tae escort yae intae Iomairt. Recommend yae maintain yer headin' an' begin descent in approximately forty-seven minutes. Be advised, we've gotten a heap of snow lately, but the runway should be clear as day fer ye."

[callmedelta]

"Copy that, Colonel," the pilot answered.

"Is all that escort really needed?" Jeune asked, taking a sip of his wine. The Deauxrex wished it could have been alcoholic, but he had work to do today. Why Dante thought it was a good idea to send him on this mission instead of going himself, Jeune didn't know, but Jeune couldn't refuse his older brother at a time like this. The Deauxrex was not the man the King was, but if he could help Franerre, it was Jeune's duty as a member of the Royal Family to do it. 

"I suppose you could consider it an honor," Duvell answered, "A full squadron of fighters is quite the escort for you. Perhaps they just wish to make sure you are extra safe?"

"I don't quite think I agree with you, sadly," Jeune replied, "If the Royal Guard were so concerned about my safety, they could have sent more than just you. I'm the King's brother, but we only sent a single guard. Does Eleria have a reason to be concerned that we don't know of?

"I believe you just answered your own question, sir," Duvell said, "If anything happened to the King's brother, it would make relations even worse than before the last mission, and evidently Eleria doesn't want that."

The Deauxrex sipped at his wine, thinking. "You may be right after all, Duvell. What do you think about it, Ambassador?" Jeune turned to where Amélie sat. 

"Well, they sent a few fighters to escort me last time," Lang answered, not looking up from her book, "It's likely standard procedure, but considering that you're on board, my Lord, the security must have been increased."

The Deauxrex nodded, before asking another question. "As it will not even be an hour until we land, do you have any last-minute tips? I read the briefing provided to me, but that doesn't quite compare to hearing it from the woman herself."

Amélie closed her book, answering, "Well, I only met the Imperatrix, so that's where my tips can only relate to her. If we meet the Imperator, he could be the exact same or her complete opposite for all I know. What I do know is that the woman is practically the opposite of herself at times. One moment, she's a sweet and caring figure and it pains her to be on the opposite side of you, and the next she's torturing your countrymen."

"Yes, yes, that was all in the briefing," Jeune said, "I was wondering if there's anything you left off the record."

Amélie bit her bottom lip, thinking. "Well, I didn't write it down in the briefing, but the Imperatrix was oddly physical. It nearly caught me off guard the first time, but I didn't think it important enough to note down. Two other tips for you: I might call the Imperatrix, Marina, by her first name, but you shouldn't unless she gives you permission, and be careful how much you talk about Eleria's inner workings. It's out of the bag that we were spying on them, but it's still best not to try and accidentally jeopardize the mission again."

"Duly noted, Ambassador," the Deauxrex said. Jeune resumed his conversation with Duvell, and Lang went back to her book until the pilot announced they were at Iomairt. 

[DrMedic]

"How long do you think it'll take for them to show up? This uniform is anything but breathable." Marina asked Laurence, both of them standing at the ready beside the runway, prepared to meet their second set of Franch guests.

"Not a clue darling, I don't know how fast their transports fly. Given the distance though, they should be arriving soon."

"You shouldn't have based their travel time off our aircraft Laurence, that was a foolish choice."

"If you're going to keep complaining, why don't you change out of your dress whites? I'm not going to force you to stay here dressed like that if it's going to sour your mood."

"But if I'm gone when they show-"

"I doubt it'll matter much, I simply tell them you're waiting for us at the palace and that's that, problem solved." He replied, giving her a light smile.

"No, I'll stay here, it isn't worth all the trouble."

Laurence rolled his eyes and looked to one of the guard captains, who simply returned his gaze with a light shrug. Not a moment later, the voice of Colonel MacPherson crackled over a nearby radio, bringing details of the arrival of their guests.

"Your Majesty, we should be landing in around five minutes, just as a final warning to you. Everything is going smoothly thus far for us, but I'd also like to double check and ensure the plan still remains unchanged."

The Imperator quietly nodded to his wife and walked over to the nearby truck, picking up the handset to send a message of his own.

"Affirmative, everything will proceed as was detailed in your briefing. Come on Tav, you really think I wouldn't tell you if something went wrong?"

"You've said it yourself plenty Sir, no plan ever survives first contact."

"Indeed, but it seems that at least for now, fortune favors us. Let's just hope our luck doesn't run out too soon, last thing I need is dead foreign delegates on my hands."

"Aye, I hear ya. We'll be on the ground shortly, be ready for us. Out."

With that, Laurence sent the truck on its way back to one of the hangars, well out of site as he and the rest of the group stood at the ready, awaiting the arrival of the Franch delegation.

[callmedelta]

The Franch Synergie M-5 touched down on the runway with a few bumps, the Deauxrex inside grimacing. "This is the part about flying that I always despise," the man said, only standing up from his seat once he was sure the plane had stopped. "Takeoff and landing are always so rough. I wish this agreement goes through, if nothing else than for the fact that I could simply take the train and a ferry to Iomairt in the future."

"In my line of business, it's just one of the things you get used to your Highness," Amélie said, picking up her briefcase and zipping up her new coat, "Air travel is much faster than trains, and time is always of the essence in the FA."

Duvell picked up the Deauxrex's briefcase before zipping up his own coat. "I agree with the Ambassador on this one, m'Lord. Sure, planes can be a bit bumpy, but a few hours by air beat a few days by train any day in my book, and in Lang's book, and probably the book she was reading too, for good measure." The pair chuckled at Duvell's joke

Jeune threw back the last of his wine before zipping up his coat. "You two and that book are hopeless then, I'm afraid. Is everyone ready?" His two subjects nodded, the book remaining motionless. "Very well then." Duvell opened up the door to the plane, a staircase down already prepared by the Elerian ground crew. The Deauxrex mustered up all the royalty in his body, walking down the steps with his head held high, his back straight, and a natural, charming smile on his face. Lang followed, wrapping her arms around herself, the coat only able to do so to stave off the Elerian cold. Duvell brought up the rear of their trio, the joking smile he wore replaced by a face of cold professionalism, a stark contrast to the jovial man who sat with the Deauxrex a few moments before. Perhaps Lang hadn't given the man enough credit. 

"Bonjour Imperator, Imperatrix," Jeune said, extending a hand to Laurence, "I am Deauxrex Jeune Marchégia, brother to his Highness Dante Marchégia IV. It is a wonder to be in Iomairt. The Ambassador told me about the weather here. I've seen the snow in the Franch mountains before, but it's a bit different here, and it looked quite beautiful from the air."

Amélie walked a bit behind the Deauxrex, coming to a stop in front of the Imperatrix. "Imperatrix Marina," Lang said, beaming, "I'm glad to see you again. Imperator," the Ambassador said with a small bow. Duvell stood behind the pair, his face neutral. 

[DrMedic]

"Indeed. I've seen my fair share of snowy regions from above, but I will admit that Eleria and her white cliffs can never seem to be topped. I trust your journey went well?" Laurence replied, giving the man a firm handshake and offering one to Lang as well.

Marina returned Lang's bow with a curtsy, delicately lifting the sides of her white skirt. "Likewise, it is good to see you once more Amélie. How are things back home?"

[callmedelta]

“Well, takeoff and landing are always a bit rocky but other than that it was a smooth flight,” Jeune said. “I’ve been told that you were away the the last time Ambassador Lang was here. I take it your trip went well, I hope?”

“Little has changed from last time, I’m afraid, but things are beginning to look better,” Lang said, “How have things changed here in Eleria? I think it’s almost gotten colder, or maybe this coat just isn’t as thick as I think it is.”

[DrMedic]

"As well as could be expected, given the circumstances, though I'm not certain I'm perfectly satisfied with the outcome." The Imperator replied, letting his thought trail.

"It is a fair bit chillier than it was the last time you came around, but worry not, I made sure to come prepared. There is a warm cashmere coat waiting for you in the car, one I had made for you after your last visit as a bit of a personal gift. If it doesn't fit proper, we can see the tailor I'd commissioned and have adjustments made for you." Marina said. "I do hope you'll come to like it, fabric like that doesn't exactly come cheap. I did my best to find a master tailor who could produce something elegant enough to be worn in Franerre without people thinking you a foreigner, but distinctly Elerian. Consider it an apology for how harshly I treated you the last time you paid us a visit."

[callmedelta]

“Hopefully both parties can walk away satisfied from this exchange, then,” the Deauxrex said, waiting for a chance to talk to the Imperatrix.

Lang blushed, though her cheeks didn’t look too much more red than they already were in the cold. “Thank you, Marina. I’m sure it will be quite warm, though sadly I don’t believe I’ll have many chances to use it in Franerre. Then again, that might just mean I’ll need to make a few more trips to Eleria.” The Ambassador chuckled, before noticing the Imperator’s hand. “Imperator,” Lang said, “It’s an honor to be able to meet you. I was admittedly a bit sad when I heard I wouldn’t be meeting with the man himself the first time, but the Imperatrix certainlt made up for it.”

“Imperatrix,” Jeune said, extending a hand to the woman. From Lang’s briefing, he wasn’t quite sure what to make of the woman, and now that Jeune met her, he still didn’t know. “The Ambassador told me about you, and that you had quite the tea. I’d love to try some.”

[DrMedic]

"Disappointed you couldn't meet me? Well, I hope nobody spent time with you building me up to be some magic-man who makes everything well in the world. I'm nobody special, and I say Marina's my better half for a reason. Im very glad she made a good impression though, I knew she was plenty capable. Neverthelesss, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my wife spoke quite highly of you." Laurence replied with a smile.

"If you would think me one to have guests and not prepare at least a pot of tea, you are sorely mistaken. It's not the tea that makes a good cup though, rather the company you share it with." The Imperatrix removed her white gloves, giving him a solid handshake before slipping them back on.

[callmedelta]

"For a worse half, you certainly don't look the part. Then again, if there's one thing I learned with Marina, looks in Eleria can be deceiving." Amélie shivered as a strong gust of wind blew through the landing strip. "This conversation would probably be much better if we weren't standing out here in the cold."

"That's certainly true. I've shared many a tea with many a man and woman, but it's never the tea I remember," Jeune said, "And that sounds like a wonderful idea, Ambassador. Shall we?" the man said, gesturing to the car behind the Imperator and Imperatrix.

[DrMedic]

"Of course, please, follow me."

Laurence led the group to their waiting car, the same as before. He opened the door for his wife, helping her in first before tending to Jeune and Amélie, only joining them inside once they were comfortable. As soon as the chauffeur was certain they were all settled, he drove off towards the palace without so much as a word.

"Here Amélie, the coat I'd mentioned," Marina said as she lifted a black bag with the top of a coat hanger sticking out. She unbuttoned it, revealing a long white coat with gold embroidery and buttons, the collar in particular being well decorated with said embroidery. "I'd like to see you try it on before you return home."

[callmedelta]

Lang ran her hand up and down the coat, taking in the soft fabric. Amélie didn't have the best eye for clothes, but the coat looked like it would fit. "I would love to try it on," Lang said, the awe clear on her face. This very well could be the most expensive item the woman had ever held. "I don't quite think I would be able to try it on in here, sadly, but it feels wonderful. Is this what you wear all the time, Marina?"

Jeune relaxed back into his seat, the seat in the car a bit stiffer than the one in his plane, if only just. He turned to the Imperator, "You know, I'm getting a bit jealous of those two, on a first-name basis. Are we going to go by Imperator and Deauxrex, or Laurence and Jeune?"

[DrMedic]

"Not all the time, though when I go out when it's chilly and I'm in my dress, I usually wear a nice long coat like that. As for expecting you to try that on in the car, that would seem a bit unrealistic, don't you think?" She said with a smile and a light chuckle.

"Perhaps in time, whatever Madame Lang has done to earn the privilege of calling my beloved by her given name, she's earned it. I'm afraid you will have to do the same Deauxrex Jeune." Laurence replied.

[callmedelta]

Jeune sighed. "That's understandable, Imperator Laurence." The Franchmen reached into his coat, bringing out a wax-sealed letter. "For you," he said, handing it to the Imperator, "Straight from the pen of his Highness himself." Inside, the letter held the same message in three languages, Commons, Franch, and Tireil, written in the same small, neat penmanship.

"To Imperator Laurence Bruce Albion VI, Savior of Man, High Arbiter of Eleria,

It is my deepest regret that I am unable to meet with you in person. As a fellow monarch, you of all men are in a position to understand the powerful symbol we can be for our people. In these times, the Franch people need a symbol to rally behind, and they are unable to do that if I am not here in Franerre. These troubled times will not last forever, and Lady willing they will be over soon. In the meantime, Deauxrex Jeune and Ambassador Lang must suffice in my stead. 

Once these days are over, it would be my honor to host you and the Imperatrix in Pareau. I know the life of men such as us is nothing if not unpredictable, and time is always a scarcity, but if you could not make time, I would also be willing to journey to Iomairt, if you were willing to host me. I feel there is much to be gained in the cooperation of our nations.

-His Royal Highness King Dante Emmanuel Marchégia IV, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Franerre"