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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 20, 2009 1:09:57 GMT -5
Confused and frustrated enough emerging from the Nephrite-awakening situation, though he had not been hostile, which Usagi supposed was the best she could hope for-- she found herself with another itch to take the edge off. She managed to pass by a server on her way upstairs, snagging another flute of champagne, which she had managed to drain by the time she arrived at her dressing room doors.
Muddy and frozen, she knew she had to change, and it just so happened that she had a western gown awaiting her upstairs. Without food, the two prior flutes, the whiskey and cola mix, and her most recent flute went straight to her head. Stepping in with Hikari and another aide, Maria, at her heels, she powered down and stripped off the kimono, leaving bits and pieces about the room as she walked about, pulling out a nude colored dress with beading. "I think I'll do this," she announced.
Hikari and Maria shared a long, terrified look. "No!" they exclaimed in unison, causing Usagi to look at them with bemusement.
"No?"
"Uh... What about the Doir we had designed just for this event? And the opera gloves? And the sash?" Hikari insisted.
"The sash is very important!" Maria agreed.
Usagi, now quite inebriated, pulled her bottom lip into a sulk. "But, it's too Queenly! It's not sexy enough... Mamoru is here," she said by way of explanation, and held up the nude-colored dress again. "We have this one for a reason! It'll be fine!"
"We thought you'd wear that one only with other designers who would find it modest! The rest of the world won't!" Hikari nearly shrieked.
"I'm not wearing the other one!" Usagi declared, with a childish stamp of her foot. She could wear whatever she darn well wanted to! Who cared if everyone else found it immodest! Mamoru was here, and she had to show up any possible other female... Though why she still cared about his opinion, she couldn't say...
After a long debate, they had finally compromised and managed to get her into an Elie Saab gown. It was silky and golden, and practically weightless, floating about her ankles as she made her way back down to the ballroom. She chose long golden earrings, and a simple yellow diamond pendant to go with it. No need to overload on jewelry...
The guests seemed to have forgotten the upset earlier, and seemed to go back to dancing and chatting. For once, no one was ambushing her for attention, or trying to talk up their pet project, as if she had any patience for courtiers or lobbyists, anyway...
Usagi picked up yet another flute of champagne, this time sipping it slowly, watching the proceedings and attempting to relax. All in all, things were going well-- Nephrite hadn't attacked, Makoto was alright, the guests were happy and (as of yet) none-the-wiser, the evening was a success...
So why wasn't she happier?
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Post by Lord Alexander Meinrad on Apr 20, 2009 1:48:48 GMT -5
The disturbance in the garden had been shocking, to say the least, and Alexander was still quite perplexed by it. After all, whatever had been going on had drawn not only the queen, but every one of her attending senshi and the security detail. It was different, to say the least, and he shared a look with his bodyguard. Dominique left his side a moment later, slipping through the crowd to check up on things and left him on his own. He trusted that he was safe, no matter the distance, and instead moved to find a corner to hole up in and take a break from the crowd.
The disruption was soon dealt with, the Queen fled and Alexander had a little time where he didn't have to think about the things his parents had demanded of him. Though he'd known it was a possibility, he'd never planned for it and had hoped that with the new regime such things would be outdated. Things never really changed...
It was just as he was ready to head back into the crowd that the Queen returned. She made a quiet entrance, only a few people other than the security noticing it at all, Alexander was happy to note. He wasn't, however, very pleased to note that she seemed a little... off. He frowned, catching sight of one of the viscounts with a less-than-favourable reputation beginning to make their way towards her. He was closer, however, and soon approached with a polite smile upon his face.
Alexander kept his eyes for the Queen first, as was her right, and he met her with a respectful bow. "your highness," rather than reach for her hand without invitation, he kept one hand tucked behind him and extended the other to her, palm up. "Please, forgive me for being so forward, but I noticed you hadn't been out on the dance floor tonight. Might I have the honor...?"
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 20, 2009 2:08:57 GMT -5
She spoke (mentally) too soon... Some viscount or other seemed to be heading her way. Usagi quickly took another sip of champagne, looking around for someway to busy herself-- anyway, really... Couldn't a minister or an aide with vital business be found? The moment when she needed something to happen that would weigh her down with work, there wasn't a single piece of paper or briefing to be found anywhere?
She could always call on security, but that would be an overreaction. Mentally groaning, she supposed she was going to have to just face it and try to see the man off as soon as possible...
...Until salvation presented itself in the form of a golden-haired Adonis, bowing and greeting her in smooth, cultured tones. Someone that was closer to her own age! Usagi gave him a genuine smile, not just from rescuing her from a boorish noble, but for the kind offer to dance. She had not been asked, yet, and it would be nice. Though, hopefully with her drinking, she'd be able to keep from embarrassing herself...
"You are too kind," she exhaled, depositing her half-full flute on a servers tray as he swept about them. Usagi gave him her hand, letting herself be lead out onto the floor. "Thank you, not only for the honor, but from saving me from an awkward conversation. What is the name of my most esteemed dance partner?" she inquired, trying to be as graceful as possible, though she couldn't help the small flush on her cheeks. This was what one thought of when the subject of a ball came up... A handsome stranger asking to dance!
He seemed European, his demeanor in asking her was quite Continental. She met his eyes briefly before glancing away, knowing it would be too impolite to sustain eye contact. Why was she so flustered all of a sudden?
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Post by Lord Alexander Meinrad on Apr 20, 2009 2:22:35 GMT -5
Alexander's eyes flickered briefly to the viscount as he lead the Queen to the floor. He knew the look that had flickered briefly over the man's face and secretly delighted in it. Usagi, as much as she had been dealing with them the past year or so, couldn't know the ins and outs of the royals the way someone born to their lot did. She hadn't grown up with that man.
Yet she seemed to know enough that she didn't wish an encounter with him, and that said a lot. Alexander fell into the familiar steps of the light waltz that was playing with an ease only born of a lifetime of practice. He lead, as was customary, but made sure the Queen could keep up--and kept a weather eye for any inclination to trip. "The honor is all mine, My Queen."
They were customary words, no matter the foreign language in which they were spoke, yet Alexander did mean them in this case. He'd grown a great deal of respect for the Queen in the past two years. "That would depend on which circle you were a part of, and your... hold upon tradition." He chuckled to show that his poking at one of the stronger points of resistance to her regime was meant as a tease.
After giving her a gentle twirl in response to the music he inclined his head, "Lord Alexander loan Cruza Meinrad. It is a pleasure to meet you, your majesty. I'm afraid I would have sooner, but my flight to Japan was delayed. I'm with the Romanian Embassy."
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 20, 2009 2:36:02 GMT -5
He was a great lead, and she found herself slipping into the steps naturally. If dancing was this easy with him... She'd come back for seconds! Usagi felt her shoulders lose some of their tension, just enjoying moving to the gentle sounds of the music, especially with such surprisingly delightful company.
"Please, call me Usagi," she insisted effortlessly with a gentle smile, laughing lightly at his next tease. "As you can see, sir, my hold on tradition is tenuous at best. I hate formality applied to my own person... I wish others to feel comfortable to be called by whatever name they wish, rather than those tradition would thrust upon them..." She remarked mischievously, once again lifting her head, eyes twinkling. Was she... flirting? I can't believe I'm doing this! But his manners, were so... Relaxed, and debonair, yet unpretentious at the same time. True grace.
She twirled easily under the influence of his exquisite dancing skills, returning to his arms on time, even managing to keep to the beat. Well, Lord Alexander could waltz like Fred Astaire!
Usagi couldn't help but grinning at the long name. "That's incredible, and I thought my name was complicated! So, what should I call you, my lord? Not what tradition or custom would have me, but what you would desire to be addressed as." She wondered just when he had flown in, thinking about this new information. "Romania? You know, that is one part of eastern Europe that I have not yet had the pleasure to visit."
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Post by Lord Alexander Meinrad on Apr 20, 2009 2:45:19 GMT -5
"I can see," Alexander inclined his head in affirmation and accompanied it with a light chuckle. She was certainly a sweet woman, he had to admit, more so than he thought she'd be. Ignoring the faint stab of guilt at that realization, he ignored the few suspicious glances they were getting by the other courtiers--probably those who were thinking exactly the right thing--and concentrated on her. At least she would be easy to get along with... perhaps they'd be friends?
"Ah, but for a foreign tongue it is. Still, complicated does not mean less melodic. I've always been fond of the Japanese language--it seems as if one is singing every sentence. And yes, I had realized. It is a rather small place, however, I can understand how it might be overlooked for larger population bases. This is a rather large world we share, after all, and one cannot expect to see every inch of it. But should your highness--Usagi, forgive me--wish, we would be more than happy to open our doors for you. Romania is a beautiful country, and perfect for a vacation from... tedious political situations."
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 20, 2009 3:03:57 GMT -5
Usagi beamed back. "How lovely of you to say that about our language. What made you interested in learning it to begin with? I'm afraid I know nothing of Romanian... I had enough struggles with learning English and another European language." The late nights, the hours upon hours of cramming... It was worth it, definitely, but it would be years before she could let go of the sheer difficulty of attaining fluency.
"I do expect to see every inch of the world, at least eventually. I loved Europe-- I have to say, I favored Versailles and Paris, it had always been a dream to visit those. And Brussels was... diverting." In more ways than one, she had gotten into quite a spot of trouble there. "I studied in the Balkans, that's as close to eastern Europe as I've been, besides being in Moscow and St. Petersburg."
She grinned up at him at his remark. "Ah, but it's not a country anymore, is it?" she corrected slyly. "I know, it's difficult to to move from those geopolitical identities. But, a vacation, you say? I do need a vacation... What city are you originally from? I've heard Bucharest is stunning... What did bring you to Japan? Other than meeting me," she teased. "Which is a good enough reason for me, I assure you. I thank you for the pleasure of your company-- I'm enjoying it enough that I hope this waltz lasts for a good while."
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Post by Lord Alexander Meinrad on Apr 20, 2009 3:26:41 GMT -5
"Well... to be honest I hadn't considered it until the last few months of the war," Alexander admitted readily. He gave her an apologetic smile for mentioning so horrible an event on an otherwise pleasant night, but continued on. "When it seemed that Japan's influence in the events was going to turn them into major players in global politics, I thought it prudent to familiarize myself. Fortunately I've had a lot of practice with foreign languages... I couldn't imagine trying to learn so many in as short a time as you have."
That was the honest truth; no matter what anyone said about the Queen, she was a highly intelligent individual. "I wish you luck in that effort, then, my lady. It's a large place.. but I'm sure you'll find it quite welcoming indeed."
But he had to wince, if only faintly, at her correction and laugh in a sheepish manner. "Do forgive me, it is rather difficult to refer to ones homeland as a 'territory' after... well I'm certain you've heard all the arguments." He would have waved a hand dismissively, except that they were dancing. Instead he gave her another little twirl, admiring the way her strange hairdo spun about her, and caught her in his arms once more.
"Technically, I'm from Bucharest, but I've spent most of my time in Brasov. ... I believe, if we ask politely, we could get another piece from the group before their break." He smiled at her. "I'm with the embassy as a... technically, I am referred to as an Envoy for the time being." It wasn't what they'd have chosen to call him, but it was the best that they could come up with under the new regime.
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 20, 2009 3:43:13 GMT -5
Usagi shook her head slightly, since she could not wave off his smile of apology. "Oh, I understand. Though, I haven't taken much to learning any new languages lately, besides the basics that will allow me to know if a translator is being completely forthcoming or not. I learned English and French when I was at the University-- English and another language were requirements, and picked up tidbits of others when studying abroad. I have enough policy to study," she smiled. "English has proved most useful, though there are others who seem to be picking up Japanese, especially as so many civil servants are relocating to Japan-- it's still the lingua franca of the world. I can get by with just about anyone with it." She wondered if in a few millenniums, there would be one global language, a giant mish-mash of all tongues. That would make communicating easier, perhaps, but... Well, there were beauty to separate languages, she hoped they could be preserved. She need to put that on her long-term, 1000-year-outlook to-do list.
"Large to us, yes. But I'm going to have lots of time in the future. I expect to live awhile," she remarked cutely, deciding not to mention that her lifetime could be measured in eons rather than years. And so might his, under the influence of the Ginzuishou, should no dangerous accidents or attacks befall him. But she didn't want to think about near immortality at the moment.
It was Usagi's turn to give him an apologetic smile at her words. "Fair enough. It's only been a year, I'm sure these things take time... There were a lot of dreams, plans lost with the rise of a global government... Believe me, I understand that." She did, sometimes painfully, as separatist groups and terrorists and rebels and guerrillas and insurgents and everyone in between seemed to want to fight over the erosion of national boundaries, the eclipse of the very idea of a nation-state. "Can't we be proud of our homelands, while still remember that we are all human? Someday I'd like everyone to be just as proud of Earth as they are of their former nation-states. But, we shouldn't talk politics too much..." she laughed, happily twirling once more, a fresh smile spreading over her face as he caught her so easily. This was so magical!
"Envoy, diplomat..." It was all the same to her. "Well, you do a wonderful job of representing Romania, if all of its inhabitants have your manners and charm, I may have to relocate. The scenery is idyllic as well, I'm told. Someday soon you'll show me? If I tour, I like it to be personalized," she needled, though Usagi was obviously partially serious. She would love to see a new place, especially with a new friend... she could call him her new friend, couldn't she? And maybe a little more, considering that she couldn't keep from flirting with him. "Have you been to Japan, before? I could give you a tour!" Usagi laughed.
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Post by Lord Alexander Meinrad on Apr 20, 2009 3:55:33 GMT -5
"Well, one could also argue that what are terms? if one is proud of a homeland, one is proud of a homeland... for instance, the United-states-that-were did have a system as we're speaking of now. I had a few friends from there, as a boy, and was often amazed at how much love they had for their home state, accompanied by a respect for the rest of their country. Perhaps a reason for the reaction is because many people feel as if they're being forced to forget their homeland, and their histories, and leave them in the dust." Alex's words were gentle, but he was quite serious. He smiled, still, at her happy expression and was glad that he could at least please the Queen in conversation.
"Once a prince of Romania, always a prince of Romania," he laughed as his father would have and managed a loose shrug despite the steps of their dance. "I would very much like to give you a tour, whenever you may have a chance. Most of the land there is forested--we are very fond of our land, and tend to it as well as we can. Much of the territory is maintained as a national reserve, especially around the old castles. Perhaps you could visit Bran; it's a magical place, especially in the summer."
Alexander had to shake his head, though, "I have not. But I hope to look forward to many years here, should my position please you. I'm to relieve the current Ambassador, once he's overseen a training period... and I would be honored, my lady, to see your homeland as you see it."
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 20, 2009 4:12:12 GMT -5
"I cannot change history, nor would I wish to. Pluralism is what makes this Earth great. When have I ever told citizens to forget their backgrounds? I'd rather invite them to take it with them. It is my belief that much of the reaction is more psychological than patriotic." Usagi replied, emboldened by Alexander's frankness with her. It was nice to have someone wiling to discuss these things seriously, and not just kiss up to her and agree with everything she said, often a problem she ran into with courtiers, and why she shied away from them as much as possible, preferring civil servants instead, though they were not entirely devoid of the affliction of brown-nosing.
"Oooh, castles," Usagi said, dropping the formality for a moment of innocent wonderment. "I'm a Queen, how can I not love castles? I'll have to set a date, then!" she declared with a smile, fully intending to take him up on the offer. "Maybe soon. I'm sure it's magical during the winter, as well, especially with the Carpathian Mountains... I say that because I can't think ahead to the summer!" she laughed at herself. "I have a hard enough time planning ahead several days in advance, much less months..."
She gave the shoulder that her hand was resting on a gentle squeeze in support. "It pleases me. And it's Usagi," she winked. "No more formality. I'd love to show you, and mind you, it'd be a real tour-- no boring factory visits where we put on hardhats and smile real wide for the cameras and hope they're welding something behind us for the dramatic sparking that will look so nice on the front page of the Daily Yomuiri. I'll take you to Odaiba, and the Rainbow Bridge, and the fun places. No press corps allowed."
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Post by Lord Alexander Meinrad on Apr 20, 2009 4:20:12 GMT -5
"Mm, I agree on the psycological point, and I do realize that you've never told them to do anything so heinous... But from experience I might add that what one says and what people percieve or decide you've said is an entirely different matter." He inclined his head, letting the point drop if she so wished it. Alexander didn't really mind discussing politics on the dance floor--it was expected and it was a large part of both their lives. To leave it off just wasn't something he was capable of.
When she agreed to a vacation, no matter the date, he had to admit he was happy for that. His homeland was dear to him, and he relished the notion of showing it off. "It is. We have a deep winter there... lots of snow ad wind, but it's beautiful and idyllic for Christmas, if you celebrate it. It stays that way into the late spring, and then the mountains are covered in wild flowers. But the doors of Bran Castle will always be open to you, whenever you wish."
That was a bold offer, he knew, and he hoped she wouldn't take offense to it. As the leader of an entire planet, however, she had to be under a good deal of stress.. and as much as he loved his homeland, he knew very well that it was considered to be rather "back water" by many other nations. She'd have an escape there. "I think the media may object to not being allowed to come, but I'm willing to try if you are. Has anyone showed you the tricks of it yet?"
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 20, 2009 4:30:13 GMT -5
"Agreed," Usagi remarked, the smile never leaving her face. "But since I have committed myself by the Charter to freedom of speech, press, and expression, my options to combat other's reporting and parsing of my words is quite limited. Let them have their propaganda. Eventually, actions will speak louder than words-- and taken-out-of-context soundbites. And for some, there is nothing that I could say or do that would satisfy them, and for others, there are compromises that are simply untenable. And then, as Von Clausewitz so aptly put it, we must pursue 'politics by other means.'"
Usagi's expression was rather dreamy as she listened to his words, imagining the scene in her mind. "I do. Celebrate Christmas, that is... You must have white Christmases there, it sounds delightful." Her smile grew broader at his offer. "Beware, I fully intend to take you up on that, and sometime soon." Usagi was touched rather than offended by his boldness, and had no hesitation in returning the audacity, at least when it came to being personal.
"The press corps here will squawk for a morning and then find some other story to pursue. I do have security for a reason," she said playfully, knowing that Lucan would be more than happy to keep the jackals (his term) at bay for an afternoon or two. "So yes, let's try. What time would be best for you?"
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Post by Lord Alexander Meinrad on Apr 23, 2009 23:06:22 GMT -5
Alexander nodded to the white christmases. Those they had indeed, and often with far too much "white" than anyone would like. He didn't mind though--he loved every second of it. Once again giving her a graceful twirl, Alexander kept his smile polite without giving the onlookers too much of a reason to gossip. It wouldn't do to start more rumors, even if that might be inevitable. Sometimes it was just best not to encourage them.
"Yes. Sometimes it's better to just work with the media though, even the gossip rags. Unfortunately with your position, I'm not quite sure the common means of dealing with it would work for you..."
With a grateful nod, and a slight widening of his smile to show for it, Alex chuckled. "Any time, to be honest. I've just gotten here and Ambassador Bordie seems disinclined to change his schedule to suit me, the cad." He laughed at this, showing it be a joke, "As it is, I've got some free time to, as he put it, 'get used to the place."
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 23, 2009 23:23:44 GMT -5
Usagi smiled. "There are various methods, it just depends on the issue. I don't mean to sound bitter, the government needs the media, to keep us honest. Free speech and an independent press are absolutely essential to fighting corruption and maintaining transparency. But it's a very precarious relationship. Luckily I have a wonderful staff, and wonderful security, who both work together to make sure that the 'relationship' stays healthy-- for both parties. Sometimes you have to just let them have their photographs and their stories, and other times-- there need to be boundaries. I've found that you have to be careful not to use the media as a mirror, to try and reflect your life back at you. The feedback is always distorted." It was lesson she had learned by fire.
Usagi smirked back. "Well, I suppose he won't mind then if I commandeer you for my own purposes," she said slyly. "I shall make it soon, then. Count on it."
She was quickly finding that Alexander's company was alluring enough that she wanted to ignore all of the other things that needed to be done, such as actually speaking with Mamoru, and paying respects to other VIPs. "Are you going to be sticking around?" Usagi found herself inquiring. "I would hate to monopolize your attention all evening, but I would... like to see you again." Dancing with him was a dream. She felt like she could do it all night, he was an excellent partner and made it seem as easy as walking.
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