An Imperial Procession

::Hundreds of carriages, surrounded by hundred of guards, drive through many cities of Aradni, gaining strane glances from the citizens. Children wave, seeing a woman inside one, clad in thick red robes, her hair blonde and eyes brown. She msiles back, though it s a smile, painted on for this mission.
Finally, after three weeks ride, the carriages come to a halt, while guards take up places, preventing the people of the Capital of Aradni from coming any closer. From the carriages, step many men and women, each clad in strange black robes, while only one is clad in long, flowing red robes, trimmed in gold. The soldier immediately raise their swords and spears in salute, while the woman walks forth, accompanied by her entourage.::

"Empress Augusta Vradica of Rhomaria."::A crier calls to the palace, though there are very few here.::

"Dismissed, all but four."

::Augusta orders, prompting her guards to rush out, leaving only four of the black-robed men and women here to guard her.::

"Let us hope, our problems can be resolved peacefully."

::She raises, recognizing the Rhomarian Empress, her clothes of white and blue.::

"Augusta, it has been so long."

::She miles to her childhood friend.::

"Caterina!"

::Augusta cries, rushing to her old friend.::

"How goes the Dravidan Restorations?"

"No worse than before."

::Caterina laughs gently.::

"Yet, there are none who were loyal to Sethra or Paladine left. They have all fled, or were put to the sword by the Councillors."

"Same, for me."

::Augusta sighs.::

"Rhomaria has much to atone for, and I am going to have a hard time here, and in Harad."

"Not nearly as much as Dravidia. We attacked this land, killed many people, and attempted to slay its Empress. I am quite amazed that they have yet to attempt to assassinate me."

"Had they tried, they would meet a dark end, as I am sure..."

"Yes, the Cartago Squad is here."

"As I believed. Although, I do not understand why a Rhomarian Name?"

"Every member was born in Cartago, trained in Cartago, and hired in Cartago...hence the name Cartago Squad."

"Ah...but I do believe we will be left for more hours."

"Yes, I have been here for two days, shown rooms at night, then escorted back here at dawn to wait all day. These people are quite rude to dignitaries."

"Let us hope they keep us here for less time."

~Rhi turns a corner, having heard the commotion. Several townswomen walk ahead of and beside her, constantly chatting with their Empress. Rhi motions them to silence as they approach the foreigners.~
"Hallo. What's this?"
~She stops, regarding the strange women in silence. She recognizes the uniforms of the few guards attending them and smiles grimly.~
"Come to finish me off, then?"

((Rhi was not even so much as informed of your arrival, Caterina. The Aradnians aren't fond of foreigners, so Rhi will apologies for the crude manners of the townspeople if you'll just tell her.))

"Ah, If it were that, then would we have so few men."

::One of the remaining guards whispers in Augusta's ear, only two words are loud enough to hear: Your Holiness.::

"Actually, Both I and Catarina are here for...more diplomatic reasons, Your Grace."

"True...I apologize for the actions of the former lord."

::Caterina bows slightly.::

"But I am much annoyed as to your treatment of Imperial Dignitaries, Empress. I have waited a full two days and one half for you. Am I not important enough to take a moment of your time?"

~Rhi's eyes flash dangerously.~
"I was not...informed...of your arrival...which bids me question..."
~She turns to the townswomen.~
"...why I even trust my people..."
~She turns back to the foreign women.~
"Come. Allow me to show you to the Palace. I truly am sorry for the delay."

::Both women, and their guards, follow the Aradnian Empress, their robes flowing as they walk.::

"So, this is Aradni? I expected a...more impoverished nation by my older brother's accounts."

~Rhi frowns.~
"He must have some VERY high standards..."
~She glances at Caterina.~
"However, there was a recession during the first three years after Lucia's most recent death..."

::Augusta chuckles to herself.::

"Yes, I heard...as I have heard the influence of the Jaldeans now extends to your borders...rather I should call them Terrans, as they are not Jaldean anymore."

~Rhi's eyes again flash daggers.~
"Those fools refuse to leave...They have no influence on my people, I assure you."

"As I would hope...After all, I would prefer not to wage another Holy War."

~Rhi smirks.~
"I would prefer not to have to drive the enemies of my friends out of my borders every other day, but we can't always get what we want."
~The doors of the Palace swing open, and Rhi leads the two women straight through the throne room, where the townswomen stay and immediately begin cleaning everything (that is, removing imaginary dust so as to appear busy so they can get their salaries). She stops in front of another set of double doors, pulling a key from beneath her cloak.~
"I do hope you'll forgive the lack of formalities, m'Ladies, but I prefer to function without such pretenses. They are unneccessary and slow down processes that could take only minutes."
~She unlocks and opens the doors, revealing her own private study. She enters and sits down in front of what is, quite basically, the table used for Aradnian war counsels.~
"Please, have a seat."

::Augusta seats herself, brushing her hair from her face.::

::Caterina takes a seat next to Augusta, laying a small staff on the table.::

"Shall we begin?"