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Cetatsenia-Demoness Meeting
Topic Started: Nov 18 2013, 07:41 PM (8,158 Views)
Cetatsenia
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If one was to take a place from the nation of Demoness to Cetatsenia, one would most likely see the dichotomy that the nation was rather known for. In the southern parts of the nation one would notice the highlands, heavily forested and almost untouched by man aside from the winding roads and the occasional town. But further north, the terrain would give away to the lowlands of the Centric Basin. This land was flat, and lacked the expansive forests, though there were smaller isolated forests. But the main difference one would notice would be the level of development, it was dominated by a large amount of farmland as the lowland soil was incredibly fertile, but there was also the occasional city, bustling with people.

Albraustana-zid was one such city, and it was the primate city of Cetatsenia, the richest and most populous and most important of them all. It was built along both sides of the great Albastru River that ran through much of Cetatsenia, though most of it was on the southern bank of the river. This was because of the simple fact that Albraustana-zid had begun life as three separate forts and settlements built along the river. Albrau and Stana had been built on the Southern bank, and over time had grown together until they were finally united into Albraustana. And while Zid would eventually become part of the greater whole, for a long time it was simply considered a city separated from the capital only by the river.

Since it had grown organically over the numerous years, and had once been three separate cities, the streets and roads had a habit of being winding and could be complicated to navigate for those unfamiliar with them who had no map. Though the roads had over time been widened and revamped in order to accommodate cars, and the newest sections of the city on the outskirts actually had a gridded street plan. As it was the middle of the day, the streets were currently filled with cars and buses, and the sidewalks filled with pedestrians, while the newest addition to the city's transportation network, the subway system, ran below the streets.

While there was a number of attractions in the city, such as the museums and baths, one of the most prominent is the Palatul Regal, the Royal Palace. The site of the original settlement of Albrau and lying atop a hill, it has been torn down or otherwise destroyed and then subsequently rebuilt several times throughout history. The most recent being the ascension of Ioan I to the throne of Cetatsenia, though it has been renovated and updated since then.

The Palace itself is surrounded by a wall that rings the entirety of the hill, with only a single gate leading up to it. The wall is patrolled by a special corps of Cetatsenian soldiers, easily identified by their bright blue ceremonial uniforms and ornate, pointed helmets. After that, a road lead up to the palace proper, an expansive building with a stone exterior that shared more in common with a medieval castle than what one thinks of when they hear the word 'palace'. It was home to a fair number of servants, as well as the guardsmen, and a small number of government officials. Most of those lived out in the city, and worked in their own buildings. It was absolutely huge, and in front of it was an expansive pool of water. Overall, it was an impressive sight that could be seen from a good portion of the city.

At the moment, however, Voivode Gavril IV Suveraneshti was not at his home in the palace. Rather he was at the airport, which had been cleared of any citizens besides him, the guards arrayed with him, and those who worked there; all flights to this airport had either been delayed or rerouted to other nearby airports. Today was an important day, as this was the decided upon day of Jia Li's visit to Cetatsenia. As two nations whose relationship could be accurately described as "mutually neutral", this was a rather important meeting, and Gavril did not want to mess anything up. So he stood alongside his older sister Andreea, the Steward of Cetatsenia, in the airport, ready to head out onto the tarmac to greet the Empress as soon as her plane set down.
Edited by Cetatsenia, Apr 22 2014, 09:58 PM.
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Demoness
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Jia Li eagerly looked out her window over the city below. It was fascinating how organically it had been allowed to grow. At one time, Sacred Rock had been the same, but the turn of the twentieth century had also brought with it rigid conformity and it was very much like the newer portions of Albraustana-zid: grid-like. It was also strange to her how spread out the city was in comparison to her own; Sacred Rock's population density was among the highest in the world, but she wondered if the same number of people lived in the city she saw below. "We should have brought Adiko," she mused to her husband. "She would have loved to see the cars on their little roads."

Xel shook his head. "Adiko wouldn't remember a thing," he replied with amusement. His wife was closest to their youngest, but it would be soon time for them to separate; Adiwyn would begin school soon and Jia Li needed to get used to their time apart rather than having the small child sit on her knee.

She chuckled. "True. The twins then, if they weren't back in Fenwick." She sighed deeply, missing them, and turned back to her husband. This was an important meeting between her nation and that of Cetatsenia, so she did not need the distraction of her children. Despite a great deal of interaction between the two nations during the world wars, their relationship hadn't progressed much beyond neutral. They had exchanged embassies and had a non-aggression pact, but not much more, and she knew friendly relations between monarchies were vital in a world that was rapidly becoming democratic. As a gesture of good faith, Jia Li's only escorts were her High Guards, Ariana Nedia, and a handful of Handmaids, which was the least amount of security she brought anywhere but Fenwick.

Xel squeezed her hand reassuringly and smiled at her. The plane landed, and then taxied to the appropriate place on the tarmac. Ariana had a right to exit the plane first and she waited patiently at the bottom of the stairs as Xel escorted his wife. Since she was not in her country, Jia Li had chosen a simple but elegant dress rather than the customary adornments which were meant to intimidate. She was followed closely by one of her High Guards while the other would supervise the unloading of the plane.

Xel released his wife's hand and bowed slightly. "Your Grace, I present my wife, Empress Jia Li."
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Cetatsenia
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In the time since his visit to Demoness, Gavril had attempted his best to learn about Demoness and the culture of its people as much as he could. So he returned the slight bow Xel had given him. However while he was aware that the individual of lower status bowed first, with the individual above them returning it, he still wasn't entirely sure of how it worked with two individuals of equal status. And since the Voivode and the Empress were both rulers of their own nations, and Gavril did not believe in their religion, he viewed her as an equal.

So he instead opted to extend out his hand for a handshake, a smile on his face, "It is a pleasure to see you again, Empress; I hope all has been well."

In the mean time Andreea stood back waiting to be introduced until Gavril had greeted the Imperial couple. She was dressed in a simple dark blue dress with a black jacket, and her black hair was styled in a long braid that reached over her left shoulder. She was interested in meeting them, as Gavril had told her about his visit to Demoness after he'd returned. He'd told most of the family that showed up to the Palace for the Ziua Roddomn feast in fact.
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OOC: As a side note, Jia Li does consider Gavril her equal, but since she is in his territory, she is being "deferential" by having Xel bow for her. However, Gavril's interpretation of the exchange is perfectly valid as well.

IC:
Jia Li smiled warmly. "It has been well, brother," she replied. Truthfully, no one was considered "brother" or "sister" to her, but she was aware that many monarchies considered themselves related to one another, generally by past blood ties, and it seemed reasonable to use a similar address. "It is a pleasure to see you again and to see your country up close. I was remarking to my husband that my children would have liked to see the differences. The only other country they've been to is Fenwick."
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Cetatsenia
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"Why zank you, and I can imagine your children would be quite interested in it," he said, "I have not been to much of your nation, but I can say zat it is quite different than Sacred Rock at least, in numerous ways."

Then Gavril clasped his hands together, then turned and gestured to his sister, "And I would also like to introduce you boz to Princessa Andreea Suveraneshti."

Andreea then proceeded to both to both the Empress and her husband. Being the face of Cetatsenia when Gavril was unable to be, she was at least passingly familiar with most cultures around the world. And Jia Li was a sovereign ruler, whilst Xel was her husband; Andreea may be the Gavril's sister, but she still ranked below them. "I must say zat it is a pleasure to make both of your acquaintances," she said.

"Andreea is boz my sister and Cetatsenia's Steward," he said.

"I am essentially ze one who represents Cetatsenia when my brozer is unable to do so," Andreea explained, as the meaning of the term 'steward' could vary quite widely.
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Xel again bowed on his wife's behalf. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, Lady Steward," Jia Li replied. "Pardon, but I believe your counterpart in my country would be my husband or perhaps my Lawspeaker, if I understanding you correctly." She frowned; "Lawspeaker" was an archaic translation and the best equivalent appeared to be Prime Minister. However, in ancient times, the Empress was unable to be everywhere and the Lawspeaker was able to represent her and in some cases, dispense justice on her behalf - hence the name.

She frowned and gestured to her husband. "In any case, this is my husband, High Priest Xel." He bowed again, this time to represent himself, and responded, "Your Grace."
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Cetatsenia
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Andreea nodded, "I see, zat is interesting." She found it fascinating that the individual who may be the Demonessian equivalent of her position could be a priest. Interesting, but not surprising considered how closely religion and government were intertwined with Demoness. It was far different from the secular Cetatsenia, where currently ordained priests and priestesses were forbidden by law from holding official positions within the government.

"All right zen," Gavril said, now that introductions had been completed, "As much as I would like to continue conversing, I zink zat ze palace would be a more appropriate place for such zings than the runway of the airport. And I'm certain zat the airport would like to reopen to civilian traffic."

It was true, the airport had been closed in preparation of Jia LI's arrival for a good while, and the sooner it was reopened the better. "Now, if you would follow me," he said, starting to leave for the airport proper. Out were a serious of several jet black cars; transportation arranged for the the group and any who would accompany them, including their guards, to the Palatul Regal.
Edited by Cetatsenia, Nov 20 2013, 12:30 AM.
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Jia Li appeared shocking, having temporarily forgotten that civilian traffic was shot down, and giggled. "Of course," she replied and followed Gavril.

Of course, "followed" was relative. Jia Li was escorted by her husband on her right and flanked by the Solar High Guard. Despite the title, both appeared to be guarding her because old habits tended to die hard. The trio was followed by a deceptively demure Ariana, who trailed no less than ten steps behind. This tight group was the smallest her entourage could become without severe fussing; even after years of assurances that Jia Li did not need to be coddled, the overprotectiveness remained and it wasn't without reason. The Lunar High Guard followed behind with the remaining handmaids, a number of which carried luggage as if their delicate dresses were of no consequence; these broke into other available transports.
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Gavril lead the group to a limousine in the very middle of the lineup, where the driver was waiting with the door open. Gavril stood next to the door and gestured inside, "After you." The car was more than large enough to accommodate her entourage in addition to the Voivode and Steward, and both of the Cetatsena waited until the Demonessians were inside until entering the vehicle themselves, it was only polite.

After this the cars would drive off, making their way through the winding streets of Albraustana-zid. Not wanting to interfere with the flow of traffic, Gavril hadn't blocked off the route to the palace. After all, the Albraustana-zid Airport had been built in the portion of the city that had originally been Stana, while the Palatul Regal was in the former Albrau, on the other side of the city.

Gavril waited to speak until the Palatul Regal was visible above the buildings of the city, which wasn't long considering the height of the hill it stood atop.

"Well everyone, if you wish to see our destination, simply look out the window," Gavril said, gesturing towards the building and smiling, "That is the Palatul Regal, the Royal Palace and my home." It was quite obvious he was proud of the building; while it didn't compare to the age of some of the structures in Demoness, it was still the oldest surviving structure in Cetatsenia. And it had been constructed by one of the nation's most revered leaders and Gavril's direct ancestor. Even from this far away one could see the great stone walls that surrounded the hill, and the thick buttresses of the massive castle-palace. Ioan I had constructed it as a symbol of his power and dominion over a united and independent Cetatsenia, and it was still an impressive building even in the modern day.
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"Beautiful," Jia Li complimented him. She stared at the structure a moment more before continuing, "I always find it interesting to compare old architecture. I mean, our ancestors were all smart enough to use arches and stones, but they did so many different things with them. If I gave an ancient Cetasen a ton of brick and glass, xe'd come up with a completely different structure than a Demonessian." She looked at the palace. "Besides different styles, you can learn a lot about what each culture thought was important by what they emphasize on their buildings. Some chose religion, others chose law or acumen, or daily life, or even-" She blushed slightly as she cut herself off; until that point, she had been surprisingly deep.
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