Return to Eleria - Kingdom and Greater Imperium

[DrMedic]

"I certainly hope you did not come all this way simply to deliver me an invitation. That seems rather... wasteful."

[callmedelta]

"Well, I hope I didn't travel all this way to deliver an invitation," Jeune said, "Ambassador Lang informed me that as a condition for the trade agreements going through, we were to take any Franch spies out of Eleria and that my brother was to come to discuss them, though he cannot make it now, I have come in his stead. I hope those are still the terms, or this trip will have been wasteful, as you said."

[DrMedic]

"My word was given to you that I would continue these talks and attempt to find a solution that will benefit us both. If you believe me one to rescind that promise so swiftly, you must not think me an honest ruler. I'm not exactly sure the extent of Franerre's knowledge of Eleria, save you determined we were not an immediate threat and you know of the power of our air force, but I hope you know enough to make a confident guess that I'll keep my word." 

[callmedelta]

"I don't believe you to be that type of man, Imperator. These minutes talking to you make me believe that fact more than any file could," Jeune said, "But things can change rather quickly. If you told me a few days ago that I would be on a flight to Eleria, I would have called you crazy, but here I am."

[DrMedic]

"And were you to ask my squadron, they might agree with you that I'm insane. What I will say in my defense, is that you don't end up with thirty one aerial victories with one of them being against the man who knows your entire playbook without being off your head a little." 


As he finished his thought, the car slowed to a halt out in front of Whitecliff Palace. The Imperator stepped out and held the door for his wife and guests, the winter wind at the acropolis whipping his long coat behind him as he held on to his hat.

[callmedelta]

Ambassador Lang and Deauxrex Jeune quickly made their way into the palace to escape the freezing wind, the pair thanking the Imperator on their way in. Once inside, the Deauxrex paused for a moment to take in Whitecliff Palace. The entry deserved the palace title, at least. It wouldn't beat his home in Pareau, but he couldn't deny the beauty of the place. Something stood out to Jeune, though. "Imperator," the man said, "This palace looks quite magnificent, but it also appears to be quite older than the Imperium. Was it intentionally built this way?"

[DrMedic]

"Eonia constructed the building, it has been here as long as I can remember. We simply changed out the furniture, carpets, and curtains for something more Elerian. Reds instead of blues, dark hardwoods instead of lighter ones, warmer lighting, a cozier feel of home without losing the elegant craftsmanship. More than anything I'm just glad I don't have to scrub the floors day in and day out without pay, let alone suffering through Lady L'Hénaff and her incessant complaints. I wish her and her wretched husband a most terrible death." Marina replied, answering for her husband while he closed the door and hung up his coat.

[callmedelta]

"Ah," The Deauxrex said. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to imagine the palace as the Imperatrix described it. "The blue and light wood is an interesting aesthetic," the Deauxrex said, opening his eyes, "But I think the current style fits the palace better. I don't think the Ambassador and I were flown here to discuss history and aesthetics, though I do find them to be interesting topics. Perhaps we could discuss them after the agreements."

[DrMedic]

"Of course, please, follow me. Marina, would you be so kind as to fetch some tea?"

Marina nodded her head, giving a light smile. "I had Merida boil some water for us before we left for the airstrip, does anyone have any particular preference?"

[callmedelta]

The ambassador shook her head, while Jeune said, “Do you have camomile, by chance? It’s always been my favorite.”

[DrMedic]

"Chamomile? Do you intend to put yourself to sleep? If you are in need of a rest after your flight, we can make arrangements." Marina asked with a raised eyebrow.

[callmedelta]

The Deauxrex chuckled, "No, I'm perfectly fine. I just happen to know chamomile as a very calming tea, and considering the fact that Ambassador Lang could have very well been shot on her last trip here, I think we should try to let calm, cool heads prevail. Though I will admit, you would have been justified in doing such."

[DrMedic]

The Imperatrix turned back around to face Jeune, a fire blazing within her eyes as she seemingly stared through to his very soul. "Perhaps what Madame Lang told you was not the most... accurate information. At no point did I threaten her life, at no point did I hand out orders for her to be shot, and the same goes for all the sheep hiding amongst my pack wearing wolves' clothing. I did however, politely inform her that sheep have no place among us, and that they would be rooted out and dealt with, provided they would not leave of their own volition. Make no mistake, Deauxrex, I served my time in the navy, I gained a reputation for being a ruthless captain that gets her job done, no matter the odds. I know more than my share about sacrifice, having seen my men lay down their offerings and prepared my own, I would have been more than happy to teach your spies a thing or two. They should be thanking Madame Lang for saving their lives, had she not been so amiable I would have snuffed them all out in a heartbeat." 

[callmedelta]

"No, no, Imperatrix, you merely misinterpret me," Jeune hurried out, "It was not my intent to insinuate that you had threatened to shoot the Ambassador. I was merely stating the fact that there were many Franch and Elerian guns in that situation, and all it takes is one person on either side making a mistake for it to turn into a shootout. Regardless, I believe everyone here can appreciate the fact that there are no longer any 'sheep,' as you put in, in Eleria, save for the one still recovering in your care."

"Speaking of which," Amélie butted in, "How is Ms. Chapelière doing?"

[DrMedic]

"Well, and it will be a shame to see her go. Even though it pains me to send such a wolf back, I know that I must. I certainly hope you have room on that plane enough to take her with you." Marina replied, turning towards the kitchen, intent on not letting the water cool any more.


With a sigh, Laurence started down the hall, "Come, we will await her in the parlor."