A Pilgrimage of Sorts

[The Federation]

Hamish Rowe, stood to the side with a wide eyed, bemused look upon his face, he wore a simple black business suit unadorned with any awards or cultural accoutrements, besides a red tie. After having helped finalize the deal with Elben for the submarines they had just taken delivery of, he was hoping to have some time off skiing. "Why is the whole thing necessary?"

At the Slavonian's comments he choked back a chuckle and attempted to keep silent out of respect for the Elbener King. "Who sends a prince to be an ambassador?" Monarchists are weird folk. At least this is mildly entertaining." He listened to the words of the Justosian before him about religious differences. "That's easy to fix, just don't believe in god, keep things open on Sundays, fucking fictionals."

 

[Vaquero Free State]

Don Juan Vázquez was dressed in full party uniform, green tunic and trousers with knee high boots with a sword at his side which while decorative was also somewhat practical dueling was commonplace in the Free State especially among politicians. Vazquez idled up to the Caledonian ambassador and in halting German " can you tell me..what is the point of this farce, why is some southern prince from the arse end of himyar giving out jewelry?"

 

[Justosia]

Julian's ears perked up. They hard caught the Sylvanian Ambassador vile, bigoted, demonic remarks. He was firstly amazed that he didn't whisper this yet spoke it loud enough to be heard.

"Your Majesty. In a court as dignified and righteous, and holy as yours, I think it proper we remind those from nations on darkened, stray paths to remember where they are and respect its sanctity."

 

[Justosia]

Such would likely be HRH's only quip, or trounce as the young, usually firery tempered prince thought to himself as he watched the king examine the medal.

 

[Elben]

A gift. The king took the medal in his hands and looked at it while the translator spoke.

"It is very fine. A welcome gesture from your king. Such a gift must be matched. We will think on it and choose well for when our own ambassador eventually travels to Justosia to take up his post there. As for those here watching, remember your station, but also that in the end, all will share the grave. We are no better or worse under His eyes, except where we break His laws."

The king handed the medal off to Erich to hold along with Julian's credentials. Raising his voice, he spoke then to all assembled, "Lo, our lords and ladies, ambassadors from near and far, this day we have received letters from the King of Justosia asking that we accept this man as ambassador from that kingdom. Selah! So be it."

With that, he turned and walked back up the steps to his throne and sat down. The audience with Julian was over.

 

[Natal]

Niall was still following the events slightly bemused, but he kept a straight face that if it showed an emotion, it was closer to boredom, than the mockery which was going on his mind. He found the Vaquero ambassador intriguing. In Caledonian Gaelic, they were called Bóaire, literally Cattle Lords. He was intrigued that he could have a sword, even a ceremonial one in the presence of the court, but if it was part of his national costume, it could be acceptable. "I don't know yet for sure, but it seems that a big part of Justosian foreign politics go about the idea of making enemies of strong close by nations and ally or befriend nations that are so far away that they are impractical friends. It's quite revolutionary, if you think of it," he whispered, while still keeping his straight face.

As the Elbener king left, Niall turned to the Slavonian, Sylvanian and Vaquero ambassadors and slowly said: "Well, thank's God its over. Would you like a glass of whiskey?"

 

[Crotobaltislavonia]

Rok Danijel Kozel let out a sigh in relief. That God talk was tedious. It was bad enough that the Motherland tolerated the Droxies, the Tibbers, the Twits, the Yicks, and that new Ar Worship cult. But having to stand by and listen to that kind of drivel was near impossible. Speaking to the other ambassadors, Kozel said, "keep your friends close, but your enemies even closer, is that it, do you think?"

 

[Justosia]

The diplomatic mission was accomplished. A success! Julian thanked God silently in quick prayer. He then again bowed most respectfully. He then allowed himself a subtle head turn & smirk at the chuckling hens in audience. Whatever worst fears they had designed for him failed staunchly to realize. Julian didn't harbor much love in his heart or Catholic soul for his king. However even he had to acknowledge his move here. Sending another crowned head was a strong jumping off point for these deepening relations. Every move his king made he viewed via a chess match. Both king & prince were confident they were winning.

Once the king had signaled his attention was elsewhere Julian allowed himself to turn.

"Good day.........gentlemen." Still smirking.

He then began looking for Erich.

 

[Elben]

Erich handed what he was holding off to a court page and then escorted Julian from the Great Hall.

"Sir, we'll take you back to your hotel. I thought that went really well. You certainly made an impression."

 

[Justosia]

Julian, confident Erich would have an answer, inquired.

"Thank you my good man. I'm curious. Why does your Holy Father reside in Eiffelland and not within your borders?"

 

[Elben]

"The popes kind of move around. When the old one died, he had been staying at a monastery in Eiffelland and when the new pope was elected, he decided to stay there since everything was already there. Herzogenrode Abbey I think they call it."

 

[Justosia]

"My friend, I need to see him. Can you begin those arrangements for me please? I mean to reply in person to something he sent to me...."

 

[Imimoya]

Lars' ambassador, as usual, had arrived late, now the ceremony was over and the people present were leaving.
The delay would have been unacceptable under various circumstances, but given the event, perhaps this time the ambassador delayed on purpose.
In the end, as he had arrived, the ambassador of Lars left the room to go back to his offices.

 

[The Federation]

Hamish was relived the ceremony ended quickly, at the mention of whiskey he felt rejuvenated. Ignoring the Justosian's smirk he turned to the Caledonian, "Niall, buddy, I'd love a wee dram of the good stuff." He walked off with the rest of the ambassadors.

 

[Vaquero Free State]

"Now I do not partake in the consuming of Alcohol as it clouds the mind and weakens the spirit making it easier to fall to temptation....however in the spirit of diplomacy I feel that I could be prepared to make a sacrifice for my nation and in the spirit of friendship I would also like to share something from my homeland with you esteemed gentlemen". at this he pulled a small plastic bag from his tunic containing white powder.

 

[Elben]

Erich rode with Julian in the back of the limo.

"You want me to arrange for you to meet with the pope? That's a little above my pay grade. Maybe we should stop and you can talk to a priest or something at the cathedral? I'm just a mid-level FSO and translator."

 

[Justosia]

"Then yes. That. I need to meet with a member of your Holy See that can swiftly arrange this please."

 

[Elben]

The cathedral was not busy. Erich led Julian inside and left him at a side altar while he went to find a priest. The vast interior of the cathedral was dark and gloomy, most of the lights off and not much sun making it in as clouds had rolled in during the earlier audience.

After awhile...

There was a whisper of feet and an old man with white hair walked up, a black cassock and white Tiburan collar marking him as a priest. "My son, did you want to make your confession?"

 

[Justosia]

"Good evening Father. I'd like to confess to needing your help for an audience with your Holy Father. I am Julian Francisco-Francois the Second. Prince of Justosia."

 

[Elben]

"With my holy father... Wait, the Holy Father?" The priest, who had seated himself in the row ahead of Julian and was half turned to look at him looked surprised. Thankfully his expression was lost in the shadows. "My son, hmmm. The pope is a busy man, he has in his care all of our souls. Perhaps you can tell me why you must see him? Anything you say I will hold under the Seal."