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Post by astokohai on Aug 1, 2022 0:39:08 GMT
Having set sail from the Sheenish ports, the convoy of Patriarch Rybakar continued course, although taking a longer route as to avoid unnecessary tension in the waters near Moderal, slowly making their way to the lands of David, the Imperium Divinium. After quite a long and fairly eventless journey they finally make port at St Helena and quickly assemble a small meeting party and await their reception from the Latins, either by senate or royal, as their gifts to the state are prepared on their ships
The meeting party mostly consists of regular sailors and guards from aboard the ship, any that spoke Latin obviously shoved in, along with a handful of priests and of course Patriarch Rybakar herself, along with the previous patriarch Þancyer by her side as has become fairly standard in these visits. Patriarch Rybakar is for once not obscuring her eyes for the present moment, although her veil is merely flipped up until it is needed for whatever it is for, although she certainly seems a lot more confident and stable with her eyes unobscured, and she seems to be enjoying the new scenery the Imperium provides.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Aug 1, 2022 2:09:14 GMT
The awaiting Divinian party was rather small, consisting of 4 contabernia of the Harbor Guard, one of Praetorians, and Councilor Cathal Retorus. Retorus placed his hand to his chest in the traditional Divinian greeting.
“Ma’am. Welcome to Divinium. I am Cathal Retorus, Councilor to His Ephemeral Majesty and Her Serene Reigning Majesty. I’ve been sent to secure your passage to the Palace.” He motioned toward the awaiting motor carriages.
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Post by astokohai on Aug 3, 2022 20:52:43 GMT
Patriarch Rybakar nods slightly to them, still clearly taking in the scenery for a bit before turning back to Cathal Retorus and responding in Greek, although it is a little dated and accented "Ah, sorry about that, its been quite a while since I've been able to look around so freely, I assume it is ok if I bring a small delegation with me, I am new to my role and as such it has been deemed that I need advisors, either way I thank you for taking time out of your schedule to secure us passage to the palace, luckily our gift to his Majesty is not so large as not to fit in the carriage"
She then walks over to the motor carriages, followed by Þancyer and 3 of the guards from the ship, she is carrying a rather large bag with her which is presumably containing whatever gift it was that she brought. It is also very apparent that she is not used to motor carriages nor does she know which one is for her.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Aug 4, 2022 2:38:50 GMT
Cathal politely switched to Greek in turn. “Well then I hope the view is to your liking Ma’am. Though it’s a fair bit more beautiful without all the military vessels about.” He chose not to comment on her last point, instead simply gesturing to the most notably armored vehicle for her to step into.
With her entourage in the convoy behind, the cars chose not to take the direct route to the Palatine Hill, but instead the outside path around the city, which hugged the cliffs more tightly. Though it had generally been deemed a bit less safe, it was far easier than clearing the streets of civilians when the military was stretched so thin. It did however, allow an unusual view of the city, which the councilor couldn’t help but liken to a tiered cake. Though he had personally always considered the bright Latin architecture of St. Helena impressive generally, the Palatine Buildings jutting from the hill dominated the sky from this angle, almost austere from afar.
He was content to sit in silence until they arrived at the plaza of the Argent Palace, where the Praetorian Guard was fully assembled. The men had opted for traditional sword and board, with their masked helmets creating a vision of disturbing (in his opinion) uniformity. The sunbeam standards were struck against the pavement as he opened the door for the leader of New Respite to make her way inside the palace.
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Post by astokohai on Aug 6, 2022 0:41:57 GMT
"Well, I can at least assure you it will be a unique view to me, military vehicles included" She steps into the armoured vehicle and, with a little trouble with her ferula due to its height, makes herself comfortable, Þancyer accompanying her in the car if allowed.
Rybakar seemed to enjoy the view as they made their way along the cliffline, although she generally looked out towards the city itself rather then the sea front, most likely due to her coming from an island and being rather used to looking at the tides and waves of the ocean, and having been on a boat for the past while. She also hums to herself multiple times throughout the journey, not without some glances from Þancyer as clearly this isn't exactly seen as professional behaviour for her. She is however also content to not start conversation during the journey since she is more interested in the view.
Once they arrive at the palace and finagle the ferula out of the car again, Rybakar smiles at the praetorians although is clearly also put off by them slightly although whether this is due to the uniformity or something else is not readily apparent as she makes her way inside the palace.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Aug 6, 2022 4:00:05 GMT
Female servants were sent out to perform a cursory search of the visitors luggage and ensure the safety of the Imperial family before they were allowed into the Argent Palace proper.
Once inside they were escorted to the main hall, and then into a small drawing room to the side, where the Empress sat with Florin, who was twisting several ferns into a crown. A small pile of different wreaths sat in front of him, making it rather apparent he was acting out of a nervous habit more than conscious. The two rose, and Cathal spoke.
“May I present Her Serene Majesty, Ethlynn von Marcum The Empress Regent of Divinium, and her grandson, His Ephemeral Majesty, Florin Aurelius von Marcum-Hollestra, by the grace of God and will of the Aera, Holy Emperor of the Imperium Divinium, King of Divinium, Marcum, Estraria, and Tanysira, High King of the Gankands, Sovereign Prince of Chalphys, Grand Duke of Tateland, Suzerain of the Petrine Dominions, Archduke of St Helena, Prince Popular of Chalphys and of Sorleis, Duke of Rigel and of Munflotd, Count of Mainzell, Leostädtt, Astranum, Ludenz, and Coronae’i’Xarn, Margrave of Neuvele and Gautier, and Dictator of the Latin League.”
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Post by astokohai on Aug 6, 2022 4:18:11 GMT
Rybakar, Þancyer and their guards bow to Empress Regent Ethlynn and Emperor Florin before Þancyer turns and presents Rybakar:
"May I in turn present Patriarch Rybakar of New Respite, first of her name, Maranasi of the Great Sanhedrin, Princess of Caudia, Rashkebahag of the Midal-Volker and Caudian, Canoness of the Virtuous Sorority of the Virgin Mother, the Virginial Church of Caudia, Daughter of God, Bishop of Mercia, Successor of Saint Saul of Tarsus, Metropolitan of the First Ward, Unifier of the tribes of Caudia, Servant of the Servants of God and Kohen Gadol of the Grand Temple of Mercia.
Rybakar seems rather uncomfortable being lorded like this, even if these are "inherited" titles mostly, awkwardly sitting down opposite the two with a small curtsey, shortly followed by Þancyer.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Aug 6, 2022 5:14:24 GMT
Ethlynn smiled politely, returning to her seat. “I’m so very pleased to be the first monarch to welcome a representative of New Respite to Divinium. I trust the journey here wasn’t impeded too terribly by our current… difficulties with Moderal?” She spun the table about, offering a tray of refreshments to her guest. Florin simply grimaced, crushing the ferns in his fists.
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Post by astokohai on Aug 6, 2022 21:51:40 GMT
Rybakar smiled back, still clearly a little embarrassed about the titles, and nervous about the whole situation. "I am pleased likewise to be the first Patriarch of my people to visit these lands since... Well I don't think our Greek ancestors would have had a proper Patriarch back then. The journey itself was pleasant enough, we had intended to visit Moderal as well but obviously thats not a great idea now... Also I do hope nothing about our entrance offends you, we are not exactly used to Divinian culture" She says while quite obviously looking towards Florin and his crushed ferns "We are here to make friends and good relations, not enemies, and while I myself am not entirely used to politics, I think it is in our best interests to at least deal with any culture clashes that may occur as they occur, rather then let it cause more issues and tension" Rybakar rests her ferula on her shoulder as she absent mindedly fiddles with her long scarlet hair, although Þancyer clearly disapproves.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Aug 7, 2022 0:48:56 GMT
The boy mumbled indiscernably while staring at the tabletop. Ethlynn interjected, placing her hand firmly upon his. “We have no quarrel with those of different faiths, now do we Florin? After all, I was high High Priestess of the Aerali’i in my time as Consort. And I would certainly hope no one in Divinium would wish me ill for it.”
The blood drained from the young emperor’s face as he gave a shake of his head. In response, he pushed the small pile of assorted floral wreaths toward Rybakar.
“Here. As the Proxenos of Divinium… you can have one. If you want. I mean you should. I’d like you to have one. Umm, please?”
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Post by astokohai on Aug 7, 2022 1:38:41 GMT
"Why thank you" Rybakar says as she gently picks up one of the wreaths, placing her mitre on her lap as she puts the fern crown on her head "You know, my younger brother, Nerðoch, used to do something similar with the field flowers... Honestly my mother seemed to have a new one of those every day of the week" She smiles softly at Florin again "Of course, you're a lot more regal then he is, or then I am to be true, and I'm sure your mother would have loved to wear these as much as mine loved wearing Nerðocho wreaths" Rybakar hopes that the mention of Catherine will be seen as a compliment or at least a nicety and won't bring up memories or comments about how she didn't know Catherine.
"Oh and that reminds me, we brought a gift for you too, would you like to see it your Majesties? It seems only fair given this lovely crown you've given me" Rybakar really really hopes she's not coming off as condescending or rude as she puts a hand on the big bag that is next to her chair.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Aug 7, 2022 2:59:08 GMT
“Mom only really liked the pretty smelling plants. She couldn’t see them well I guess. Maybe dad would like them, but he has a new family now.” The statement dropped like a pound of bricks on the table, but Florin did not seem particularly emotional on the topic. Instead he pressed on.
“Why do foreigners always bring gifts? You don’t need to pay us for taking you in.” Despite saying this, he did lean forward in his chair, peering toward the bag.
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Post by astokohai on Aug 7, 2022 3:12:11 GMT
"Oh, I suppose I can sympathise, although my blindness is self medicated and not something I suffer from, I do often have to lack vision for my own sake, and... Well I'm sure your father would at least appreciate the gesture" Rybakar is clearly a little relieved she hasn't been accidently rude so far "Anyway, the gift is not a payment, its a sign of co-operation and friendly relations, given that our nations haven't had much diplomacy in the past, it seemed like a good first impression"
Rybakar picks up the bag and places it on a part of the table where it won't crush anything before opening it, revealing many packets labelled in words neither Ethlynn nor Florin can read, a book with the title "A guide to Caudian flora in Greek" with a small extra bit at the bottom in Latin reading "Dedicated to the late Empress Catherine", between these two bits of text is a pomegranite tree with a large snake coiled around its base. As well as this there is a doll made of straw and husks dressed in a stola bearing the colours of the Divian flag, the doll is also flanked by 4 wooden toys that have been painted to look like Praetorians, although their design is clearly more based on historical Praetorians and not their modern counterparts.
"We had heard that the late Empress Catherine enjoyed botany and, even though I was elected after her sad departure from this world, we wanted to gift you something to show that we, if not sharing your pain, at least understand it. The doll and toys are my personal gift however, even if the other members of the council objected... I've made the dolls myself, one for each nation on the vision, its a folk custom in Caudia, they're said to give the blessings of the angel Rhyan onto the field and while normally this is just for the one field I hope that this doll may bless all the fields of Divinium. I also made the toys, I used to make similar things for my siblings and... Well when we departed Florin was a fair bit younger and I thought he might like them, I understand if they aren't exactly a prised addition" Rybakar's nervousness has very evidently resurfaced
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Aug 7, 2022 3:59:30 GMT
“I don’t think father would like it very much actually. They say he’s really serious. But Cathal said it doesn’t matter. He’s kind of like a dad now I guess.” Ethlynn broke into a coughing fit, giving time for the gifts to be presented.
The boy eyed each carefully. He leafed through the book first, humming satisfied. “I can go read it to mamma. I hope she likes it. Even though she couldn’t see them too well, the Order of St. Augustine worked with her in the botanical gardens. The flowers there are really neat.”
Next he inspected the carved soldiers. Military matters always bothered the boy, though he thought these ones seemed a little more friendly than his guards. “I’ll have to get them a medic. Oh, and a quartermaster! That way they’ll be really healthy! Can we?” Ethlynn dabbed her mouth and stashed away her handkerchief quickly before replying. “I’m sure we could procure a tinsmith for the job.”
Finally he grasped the doll. Though the idea of a fake angel blessing the fields seemed odd to him, he was enamored with the little figure. He looked at the cuttings in front of him, frowning. “Trilliums. That’s what it needs.” He pushed back the chair and swung his legs off, landing barefoot on the marble floor. As he padded off, Ethlynn called out to him. “Make sure you bring back the gifts for our guests!”
“M’kay!” He called, plodding out the door. He quickly ducked his head back into the room though, and offered a quiet thank you before speeding back out.
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