Greetings, to you all, and welcome to our Royal palace.

Please come this way, to the courtyard gardens.. the musicians are warming up as we speak..

Carbanousa's High Priest and enterage enter in a magnificent display.
(For those who have not seen the High Priest or enterage before, they seem to exude a Closed Cloistered, unmistakable aura).

The High Priest stands forward and speaks:

"We are honoured by your gracious invitiation and hospitality."

One of the Priests approaches and whispers in his ear.
The High Priest cuts him a piercing glance, and he resumes his position amongst the enterage.

"You will keep you opinions to yourself, Priest. I apologise for my Priests lack of manners, but they are ill-equipped to deal with matters of State. Perhaps less formal quarters are avilable for them, save my trusted Advisor. I leave thier accommodation during the Banquet in your hands."

(He and his Advisor move off toward the Courtyard Gardens, leaving the Priests and Clerics looking embarrassed about the Priests interjection.)

Beaver-Country-Canada's Prime Minister Lelana Songwind, Governor General Aubrie Clark and Trusted Advisor Lucius Northwest present themselves with a small batch of veteran military soldiers.

"Thank you for your invite, Cretonians!" says Prime Minister Lelana Songwind. "We hope to spend many years in your company on this great continent!"

:ph43r:(Suddenly, an assassin in black clothing, wielding a sharp katana and screaming a distinctly Oriental battle cry jumps out of the bushes and leaps at Ms. Songwind. She dodges just as a military veteran jumps up, slices and dices the assassin and returns to his post.)

"Sorry about that. I seem to have an endless supply of people trying to assassinate me; but they're all from out of my country, so I can't possibly fathom why!" Ms. Songwind says, laughing shakily. (Ms. Clark helps to steady her as she wavers on the spot.)

"We'll continue towards the gardens. I trust you have guards all around?" At the Cretonian's nod, Ms. Songwind nods as well. "Good. Then I shall be quite safe."

(Looking shaken, but otherwise unharmed, Ms. Songwind and her retinue of followers walk towards the Courtyard Gardens, while 2 soldiers stay behind to clean up the mess.)

Lelana

OOC: Probably a bit too much, but I needed something fun to do. Hope you don't mind! :unsure:

Throughout this episode, High Priest Mundus remains unphased. Calm, collected, and almost reverent in presence.
He moves silently over to the dead body of the Assassin and kneels. The Advisor looks around nervously. Mundus places his hand on the corpses face and mutters something. The Advisor hurries over and obscures your view of his back.

(Just for laughs, I'd make everybody take a Perception/Notice role at this point.)

Your sure this chap has wings. More importantly: Where's the Assassins corpse?

Strolling around the corner, King Richard XIV and Delaine Veritor, the Capitan-Royale witnessed the attack and subsequent demise of Ms. Songwind's assassin. As the Royal Guard, alerted by the assassin's shout quickly moved to defend Richard, he calmly chatted with Delaine, "Interesting technique of the guard. Variation of the reverse Quetraibreas?"

"Quite your Majesty," she replied. "Almost a Tyr-Droen influence, I'm sure Gehrig would love to discuss it with him if they have free time."

"And not yourself?" The King said with a playfull tone.

"Your Majesty knows well that Gehrig is, by far, the more skillful with a blade. In fact, I'm not even his second in the Guard."

"Yes, yes... 5 years in a row: Gehrig, Soryama and Veritor, 1, 2, 3." Richard growled softly, then grinning widely, "And thus it will ever be while my Capitan-Royale ensures her, I mean My Guardsmen get first pick of the plums, even before herself. Alright Troop, everything seems to be fine, let's go meet our host." And with a grin to his almost blushing Capitan, King Richard XIV of Boreal Tundra stepped forth to meet the Cretonian hosts, the 8 members of Guard forming up behind the pair as they passed.

As they passed the corpse and the Carbanousan High Preist, Sgt-Maj Gehrig thought he noticed something unusual about the High Priest's back and then that the corpse appears to be missing. 'Wings? Curious,' he thinks. 'Warrants a mention to the Capn and HRH' Over the headset comms built into the ceremonial helmets, he orders the guards to watch Mundus and his advisor as the Squad changes formation to greet and salute the Cretonians.

Stepping forward and giving a simple yet elegantly flourished salute with her blade, the Capitan-Royale announces in a clear strong alto voice, "Greetings from His Majesty, Protector of the People, Arbiter of Justice, Crown of Boreal Tundra, King Richard XIV."

Under his breath to Delaine, "I must really do something about those excessive formal titles." Then with a flash of his brilliant smile, Richard step forward and extends his hand, "Unfortunetly, the Queen is attending another banquet after we presented new Colours to one of our regiments. For myself, it is a great pleasure and honour to be your guest."

Your host grimices with concern as he adresses the assembled guests.

"That was an alarming episode, but it is indeed springtime.. and as surely as springtime brings new blossoms, it brings out the ninjas."

He motions to a a few of the Royal Cretonian gaurd.

"While your own people are immensely capable they too should be made to feel as guests here, and as such we are increasing our security immieidiately to ensure that there are no more uninvited guests,"

You are all led to a large lush courtyard garden. Three long tables have been set ladden with food. A fourth table is set up for guests to place their wheat puffs and other national dishes.

various marble picnic benches are set up to allow for seating.

A small stage has been set up with and a dance floor laid down. The musicians Lou Reed, Neil Young and their accompanying musiscians are completing sound check.

A large silver haired man enters the courtyard. Smoke curls up from the cigar clenched between his thick fingers.

"Ahh excellent, General Patrick Quinn !"

The man nods curtly, but polietly.

"Ladies and gentlemnen"

The host then Adressess the group.

"Naval Commodore Ron Dell regrets that his commitment to overseeing of the reconstruction of Sephrioth has rendered him unable to attend this event, and wishes me to extend his regrets.

General Quinn draws deeply from his cigar. "Well I am certainly delighted to be attending such a prestigious event, and with my presence here you can rest assured that the gaurd wont get lazy on their defensive coverage."

Eel Cezno and his cabinet rush in all dressed in green ponchos and wearing peace medallions. "Yeah sorry we're late man". "I congratulate your country on having such a grand event". Eel Cezno glances at the assasain's corpse, "What a poor way to start a banquet I dare say, but I hope the rest of the banquet will be a wonderful occasion". A pleasure to be a guest sir.

A low hum fills the air and then the band begins to play..

Royal Cretonian Concert


OOC: this in RL was recorded at the WhiteHouse for Clinton and Vaclav Havel

Prime Minister Bweezy arrives in his finest duds, reminiscent of something that would have been worn in a Miami Vice episode. He smiles and waves.

(Meanwhile, in the Courtyard Gardens, Ms. Songwind and a representative from the Cretonian Empire are talking quietly on an ivy-covered bench, among the soft-lit lights and the multi-coloured flowers. They are discussing politics and assassination, and how they are related in Ms. Songwind's empire. As the music comes on, the representative asks Ms. Songwind to dance, but her bodyguard steps in.)

"Ms. Songwind is not to be allowed out of our sight, is that clear?" he says in a low, deep, harsh, clear, and very threatening voice.

"Crystal!" the representative replies shakily, but he still helps Ms. Songwind up, and they go off a little ways to dance with the other countries' representatives.

(The bodyguards watch Ms. Songwind carefully, as if they expect another attack at any moment -- but nothing happens. The music ends, the representative from the Cretonians walks off, and Ms. Songwind returns to her ivy-covered perch, to watch the other reps.)

(After about three minutes, a representative from King Richard's kingdom walks up and sits down, and Ms. Songwind starts another interesting conversation.)

Lelana

A cretonian aid rushes in and whispers into General Quinn's ear.

He listens intently, and then after a thoughtfull pull on his cigar smiles.

"Good news, I have recieved news that we have been able to avoid armed conflict over our efforts to rebuild Sephrioth,"

The host claps politely

"That is indeed good news general"

The General continues..

" It would seem a strong desire to reach a diplomatic resolution along with a strong but restrained millitary presence has allowed a peacefull resolution to this crissis"

General Quinn pausses to pick up and eat a puffed wheat square. The delight he finds in the puffed wheat square is clearly evident.

He then continues..

" I think we can see that we would never have been able to negotiate peace if we had done so from a position of weakness.. people would be dying as we speak.. innocent Sephrothians.."

He pauses and consumes annother wheat square and pours himself a glass of newt wine.

" As a millitary man, I can tell you that I am mighty proud of our defence forces."

The host smiles and interjects.

" Yes, indeed, we have a an excellent defense industry, I think, however that our guests are here for a social gathering.. and not to negotiate defence contracts"

General Quinn chuckles..

"Right you are, just seemed like such a comfortable environment to do buisness"

The host nods, "Indeed general, if any of the representatives of these fine nations initiate discussions, then by all means.. otherwise we will be sending trade delegates from our Millitary and Trout and Newt farming industries amongst others at a later date"

Suddenly a loud yell is heard.

"its not possble!!" a voice yells as gunfire fills the air.

A guard rushes in, damage to his combat exo-skelliton shows that she has taken fire.

A second gaurd rushes in after her..

"Play them the recording!" he looks up "this is less than a kilometer away.. we are currently sending in Osprey helicopters and aditional armour.."

The first gaurd pulls a portable holo-projector from her belt and activates it..

holo-record 2324-6c

General Quinn stomps out his cigar " We thought we'd seen the last of them.. and this time we will make sure.."

general Quinn begins to rush off

"I will personally see to it.. prepare my combat armour!!"

The guard picks up her holo-projector.

"Sorry to cause a disturbance, we have the threat contained.. you are safe here.. and will be kept fully informed if this changes."

She rushes off.

The host looks somewhat uncomfortable

" I appologise for this disturbance, let us continue shall we.."

High Priest Mundus glances at his Advisor who nods openly. The Advisor speaks to Mundus, "CARBAN one and two have visuals as well as GPS and tactical analysis. Adeon can be deployed using the standard methods."

"I trust these militant fools about as much as I have faith in order," retorts Mundus. "Inform Adeon and Tathar to rendevous outside the Palace. Inform the Fotress Monastery Prime I require Infernus."

"...Infernus..?" questions the Advisor. "Your will. Infernus is ready."

Mundus strides away toward the main gate and unsheathes a sword from an Onyx scabbard, equalling a hand a half. It's white metal appears to absorb the light at it falls on the muilt-folded blade. Exquisite engravings can be seen etched into the blade and the hilt crafted from solid gold.

"This is not supposed to happen yet," are his final words to his advisor as he walks toward the Palace entrance.

Noting that Ms. Songwind has finished her dance, one of the Boreal Tundran party approaches. As he reaches the nearest bodyguard, he casually removes his swordbelt and hands it to the guard with the comment.

"Just avoiding the primary difficulties my good man, at least you have fewer weapons to watch."

Then with a simple bow, he introduces himself, "Sir Maximillian Traverse, High Commissioner of the Boreal Tundra Ambassadorial Offices. It is a great pleasure to meet you Prime Minister."

After a few more pleasantries, the discussion turns to food and then the not yet arrived contribution from Boreal Tundra, "Ah yes, here comes Antonio now," notes Sir Max as he glances towards the entrance.

There, following two guardsmen in formal mess kit carrying a large chest, is Antonio Ferrati, Minister of Commerce and behind him, 5 more troopers carrying similar but smaller chests.

"Right Antonio, what are you hiding in those chests? More of your private reserve I'd wager!" :) Then to Ms. Songwind, "Antonio is one of the gourmands of our nation, especially when it comes to alchohol and pasta. We jokingly refer to it as "homebrew" and "plonk" but, nectar of life is more accurate. Shall we go peruse and perhaps a dance or a refreshement." As he rises, taking Ms. Songbirds hand, he glances over to the fast approaching bodyguard. "Yes, yes, come along gentlemen."

At the tables, they find Antonio intently studying a puffed wheat square, he has nibbled on one corner and is savouring the flavour and texture of the delicacy. With a sudden grin he strides over to the large chest and selects a bottle from the several there. "Yes, this one should be perfect. Ah Max," then with a quick bow he introduces himself to Ms. Songwind.

Then, he picks up the bottle (which no one noticed he'd set down) and, taking Max's sword from the bodyguard, expertly sabres the bottle open and returns the sword to the guard in one motion. He quickly grabs 3 glasses from the table and fills each with the clear, slightly greenish liquor. "Try this with the squares, fantastico!" Then glancing at the Beaver-Country guards he adds, "Does one of you need to taste it first?"

At this point the gunfire starts.

(OOC) Will get to the rest later.


With that taken care of they each try the wine and squares and find that the wine perfectly enhances the flavour of the squares. Bravo Antonio, once again you've found a perfect match!

(Ms. Songwind is startled to find a young and overly courteous gentlemen leading her in a whirlwind dance around the floor. As he had given his sword to her guards, she felt she had no reason not to dance, and the music was perfectly suiting. After the dance has ended, she and Sir Maximillian sit down surrounded by bodyguards. As one of his attendants Antonio, she remembers comes over with a bottle full of a greenish ichor-like liquid, she looks at it dubiously, but decides to try it first. After her bodyguards try it. Suddenly, as Antonio makes a casually witty remark, her bodyguards open fire.)

"Stop! STOP I said!" she says firmly as she stands up. (Ms. Songwind surveys her bodyguards with the impression that she is about to scold children.) "Just because the man made a witty remark does NOT mean you open fire! We went through this!" (She advances on the bodyguards and they look scared, indeed, even terrified!)

"You are here to protect from threats, not from a harmless drink!" (Antonio silently hands one of the bodyguards a glass of the green drink. The bodyguard, whom looks slightly green himself, downs the drink quickly. After a minute, when no effect happens, the bodyguards look flushed and embarrassed.)

"There, you see? Silly men. I'm terribly sorry, Sir Maximillian," (Ms. Songwind turns with a dazzling smile towards the High Commissioner.) "These men have been trained to overcome any obstacle to protect me." (She glares at the head bodyguard.) "Correct, Meyers?"

"Yes, Ma'am!" Meyers the bodyguard snaps to attention.

"That's better. Now, lets get back to business, shall we?" (Ms. Songwind again turns to Sir Maximillian and sits down again. Antonio hands Ms. Songwind a glass and a square, both of which she finds delightful. The party continues.)

Lelana

Shortly after this fracard a low droning noise can be heared from the front gate.
A huge technological monstrosity can be seen approaching at relatively high speed toward the front gate. As it approaches closer you can make out that it is a tank, although it does not conform to any standard classification. It's armaments are awe-indspiring. Searchlights, and what appears to be military-grade blind lasers are fitted to racks around the turret. The front section has a twin-mini gun on a pivotal axis granting a 180 degree arc of fire. Forward firing M60's and RPK heavy machine guns with 45 degree fire arcs are also noteable. Each side has has four RPG emplacements and an array of roof-mounted SAMS. Providing cover for the rear are the same configuration of M60's and RPK's. The hull appears to be constructed from depleted Uranium. The front has a dozer-balde like grab, on which is simply printed "Infernus".

From the side-doors ten troops alight with names clearly showing on their commanding officers armour and helmets: Adeon and Tathar. All ten men display courtesy as Mundus approaches and they open a large crate passing him black, white, and gold body armour of the same material as Infernus. Finally, Adeon passes a small box and takes out what appears to be a modified SMG/machine pistol, coloured red and yellow.

"Gentlemen. I believe CARBAN one and two have provided co-ordinates. We leave immediately."
With strange synchronicity, all ten men simply reply, "By your command."
All twelve men enter Infernus as it performs a 180 degree turn on the spot and follows the Cretonian forces to the location of the incursion. (It all seems odd that an armour of this size was able to be deployed at such short notice.)

Corporal Ronald Maclain stood stock still, hiding the boredom that befell hi

In fact none of the guests at the banquet would have notices any emotion on the man.. save for a breif moment when he thought to himself..

"It DOES seem odd that an armour of that size was deployed so quickly!"

but since he knew it was allied armour and that he personally was not involved in the battle he thought nothing more of it.