[Lauchenoiria]

(Jointly written with [nation]Xiomera[/nation])

Ballroom, Arnott Residence, Grapevale, Kerlile
11th December 2019 - evening

The ballroom was grand and colourful, with tasteful music in the background at a volume that was neither too loud nor too quiet. Canapes were available from a multitude of servants milling around, and also from tables at the sides. Some women sat down, talking and idly sipping champagne, while a group of teenage girls, daughters of various Councillors, were already on the dancefloor.

President Arnott stood talking to her daughter Rosemary, who seemed to be disagreeing with something but in an amicable fashion. Other Councillors stood dotted around the room, including Hale who stood with water, still not drinking alcohol due to breastfeeding. Councillor Pierre hid in the corner, eating and watching the party, being approached every so often by her second daughter, Eva, who seemed to bring her news.

The most noticeable thing, however, for one from outside of Kerlile, was the lack of men. There were some, of course, but no more than 15 across the entire party, which stretched not just through the ballroom but into several adjacent corridors. Further from the ballroom, a pair of Chiu cousins were sitting on a staircase near the entrance, watching people come and go; and outside a group was gathered chatting in the fresh air.

As Yauhmi and her entourage entered the ballroom, the Empress stopped for a moment, theoretically to admire the scene. She was doing that, to be sure. Yauhmi was also sizing up the room, methodically noting who was present and who she wanted to speak with first. Seeing President Arnott and her daughter, the Empress nodded and made her way over to the pair. Her entourage followed at a distance, doing an excellent job of blending in with the party while still providing the Empress an escort.

"President Arnott, good evening," the Empress said with a broad smile. "You seem to have put together quite the party."

"Empress Yauhmi! Thank you, I do hope you will enjoy it," smiled President Arnott. "I believe you will have met my daughter Rosemary when you spoke with the Council yesterday?"

"Good evening, Empress," Rosemary said, nodding respectfully.

"I did," Yauhmi said. "It's a pleasure to see you again. I found the Council meeting quite fascinating. It is always interesting to see how others do things. We have a council that advises me, and of course my Cabinet as well. But it must be nice, sometimes, to not be the only one making all the decisions," the Empress mused. "I did enjoy meeting all of the Councillors. I shall have to be sure to make everyone's acquaintances again this evening," Yauhmi added with a smile, taking a glass of champagne from a passing server and thanking them.

"I am sure they all look forward to speaking with you again," President Arnott said. "Especially Councillor Hale, she told me earlier she has something she wishes to tell you? I do not know what."

The President finished her drink and handed the empty glass to a server as Rosemary stood, idly fidgeting with her own glass and glancing at the dancefloor every few seconds.

"I see," Yauhmi replied, a bemused expression forming on her features. "That does sound intiguing, and I do love a bit of intrigue. I do plan to dance a bit, but I suppose I shouldn't keep Councillor Hale waiting." The Empress finished off her drink with a swift gesture, placing the glass down on the table. She smiled again at both the Arnotts before making her way over to where Councillor Hale was standing with a determined stride.

Noticing the approach of the Empress, Hale glanced briefly in the direction of Councillor Pierre before smiling and turning towards Yauhmi. "Empress Yauhmi, I hope you're enjoying the party. Thank you so much for the birthday gift, also."

"I am enjoying the party very much. I rather suspect that this will be a very entertaining evening," Yauhmi replied, also glancing briefly at Pierre before returning her attention to Hale. "And I hope the gift was pleasing to you. We Xiomerans do admire strength in the face of adversity, and the mācuahuitl is historically a symbol of prowess, so it seemed a most fitting choice of gift for you."

"I thank you greatly," Hale smiled, and then lowered her voice. "I would like to give you something in return, however I do not believe Pauline over there would appreciate it. You really must try some of this dessert," she said as Eva Pierre walked past, leading Yauhmi over to a table on which a selection of sweet foods sat. "Its delicious," Hale said, picking up a plate and handing it to Yauhmi. Nestled under the plate was a folded up piece of paper Hale had slipped into the hand of the Empress.

Yauhmi gave no sign whatsoever of having received the piece of paper from Hale. She took a piece of dessert and ate it, making small talk with Hale throughout. When she was done, the Empress placed the plate on the table, expertly palming the note from Hale. She reached into her purse to retrieve a handkerchief to wipe the corners of her mouth; the paper slid into the purse unseen in such a skilled manner that an ASI spymaster would have applauded. "Thank you for the dessert recommendation. I did, indeed, find it very much worth my time," the Empress told Hale with a bright smile.

"I imagine some of the other Councillors will wonder how they were able to come by such a wonderful dessert in the current climate," replied Hale, smiling, "but there are always people who know where to look. Enjoy the rest of the party, Empress."

"I shall.....have a good evening as well, Councillor," Yauhmi replied, giving Hale a polite nod. The Empress looked around the room again, before spotting Councillor Chiu. She mentally prepared herself to try to seem harmless and engaging, before walking over to where Chiu was standing. "Good evening, Councillor," the Empress said politely, waiting for Chiu to respond.

Councillor Chiu looked somewhat tense, but smiled anyway and nodded towards Yauhmi. "Empress, glad to see you at our ball. I saw you speaking with Councillor Hale, I hope she was not as lacking in decorum as she usually is."

Yauhmi laughed pleasantly in response. "Councillor Hale was....direct. But to be honest, I like direct conversation. It tends to save time," the Empress replied. "I am glad to see you here as well, Councillor. I was hoping to speak with you, actually."

"Oh?" Chiu said, stiffening a little, nervous. She had lived most of her life in a state of paranoia, everything made her frightened. "May I ask what about?"

Yauhmi noticed Chiu stiffen, and mentally sighed. This will require delicacy, she thought, keeping the friendly smile in place. "I mainly want to provide you reassurance. And to introduce myself, in a way. I understand that due to your family's history, and to my personal friendships, you may have reason to be concerned about the change in leadership in Xiomera."

Chiu gripped her glass tightly in both her hands and looked down at the floor. She took a couple of deep breaths before replying. "I do not know what you know of my family history, Empress. There are several versions, and the one your... friend is likely to tell is not one I would agree with."

She sighed and then handed her unfinished glass to a server. "I shall take a leaf out of Councillor Hale's book, however, and speak truthfully. I do not dislike you, nor do I dislike Xiomera. However, my nation is growing to rely on you, as you well know. Given your close relationship with the country my grandmother was banished from, that gives me cause for concern. I merely think that my government ought not to rely on a single other state... especially one that could end up having conflicting loyalties one day."

"Let's just say....that I make it a point to know all versions of a story before I make a decision on anything," Yauhmi replied gently. "I won't say something silly like I understand how you feel because I have not gone through anything like your family has. I will say, however, that I am not in the business of betraying allies - nor is the Xiomeran Empire." The Empress smiled and sipped from her drink. "I do agree with you that Kerlile should not be dependent on Xiomera, or any other state. Our goal is to help Kerlile rebuild its strength so that it need not be dependent on anyone. We are confident that our friendship will continue even after that day arrives. As for the concerns of your family....I have already made it clear to my....friends that Xiomera will never do anything against its own interest. Betraying you, or Kerlile, would definitively be against our interests. It would also be distasteful, something else I strive never to be."

The Empress signaled one of her attendants, who handed Chiu a paper with a number on it. "That is my personal phone number, Councillor. I imagine you could have gotten that anyway, but consider this my personal pledge. If you ever grow concerned about where things are headed concerning Xiomera, you are welcome to reach out to me."

Chiu took the paper and looked at it, then smiled at Yauhmi, her shoulders relaxing somewhat. "Thank you, Empress. I find your words reassuring. My concerns are likely unfounded, but my family does like to be very careful these days. I hope you enjoy the rest of the ball... and I look forward to seeing how the relationship between our two nations develops."

"As do I, Councillor, and I am glad I was able to reassure you. I hope you have a pleasant evening as well....and if you ever need anything, you have my number, as they say," the Empress finished with a small laugh. She smiled at Chiu once more before excusing herself. She looked around the room some more, and spotted Councillor Robinson. Mentally preparing herself once more, she walked over. "Good evening, Councillor Robinson," Yauhmi said. "Are you enjoying the ball?"

"Empress! I am indeed," smiled the Councillor, finishing off the dessert she had been enjoying. "I really enjoy this music, and the food is excellent. I was very happy to hear your proposals at Council yesterday, too. It is something worth celebrating."

"I quite agree. This entire evening has been wonderful, and the results of the Council meeting are indeed worth celebrating. I am glad that our two countries are coming closer together. I do believe there is much we can learn from each other," Yauhmi replied, taking another sip of her drink. Some might have wondered if the Empress was consuming drinks rather quickly, but Yauhmi was not an easily intoxicated sort.

"I agree," beamed Robinson, evidently more easily intoxicated than Yauhmi herself. "Kerlile is very grateful for the assistance you have provided. And between you and me," she lowered her voice. "The look on Councillor Pierre's face when you convinced that Aurora to stay was priceless. I have a copy of the CCTV footage if you want to see it. I might get a framed copy."

Yauhmi laughed quite loudly when Robinson mentioned the footage, probably causing a few heads to turn. "If you could send that to the Xiomeran Embassy, they will make sure I see it. If it's as entertaining as it sounds, I may want to have a private screening for myself at the Palace with some snacks!" The Empress grinned widely, whispering to Robinson, "I am glad that I ran into you as well, actually. I know we do not agree on many things politically speaking. However, I suspect that we agree on more than we disagree. And we do also have mutual....problems," Yauhmi said, glancing briefly over to the Pierres once more before turning back to Robinson.

Robinson nodded, glancing at their corner too. Eva was whispering urgently to her mother about something that had caused her eyes to widen in fear. "Certain things can be very common problems, yes. My grandmother found that out the hard way, and paid for it with her life. There are some enemies it is dangerous to make."

"This is very true. However, I usually tend to be one of those dangerous enemies, rather than the other way around." Yauhmi's smile grew slightly wider. "But fortunately, I have no desire to be your enemy."

"I am glad to hear it," chuckled Robinson. "I have far too many as it is. You're my eldest daughter's favourite world leader, you know."

"That is quite a compliment," Yauhmi beamed, "especially since I am not on everyone's favorites list these days. Certain world leaders are definitely not quite as fond of me. Please be sure to give your daughter my compliments."

"I will, Empress," nodded Robinson, helping herself to another glass of champagne from a server. "Enjoy the party, and I will definitely deliver that little gift to the embassy for you to enjoy."

"Excellent, I do appreciate it. And if you do ever need anything, feel free to contact my office. Enjoy your evening," Yauhmi replied with another wide smile. While she was genuinely pleased with speaking to Robinson, the big smiles were also partially a performance for the last person the Empress planned on speaking with. She drew it out for a bit, sampling some more of the various party offerings and engaging various other Councillors and daughters in light conversation. She also extended Myra Georgiou an invitation for her mother to come visit Xiomera at some point to experience the culture of the Empire. But once the socializing was done, it was time for a final bit of business. Without hesitation, Yauhmi finally strolled over to where Councillor Pierre was standing. "Good evening, Councillor Pierre. How is your evening going? Are you enjoying the ball?" the Empress inquired politely.

Startled, Pierre looked up from the phone she had been using and froze. She locked the device quickly and slipped it into her bag, composing herself and adopting a mildly frosty facial expression. "It is a lovely ball, Empress. Unfortunately I have been rather busy lately and my tasks are proving distracting."

"Ah yes....I imagine a Councillor's work is never done. Much like that of an Empress. I also do imagine that recent events have left you rather a bit more busy than normal," Yauhmi replied with a slight smile.

Councillor Pierre turned a shade paler and then pursed her lips angrily. "Yes, the Olympics have been rather stressful for us. We still have not ascertained which fencer was spreading treasonous lies to the Tequilans," she said crisply, knowing fine well that was not what Yauhmi was referring to.

"Indeed. I suppose it can be rather irritating when someone like your fencer does something like that, undertaking impulsive actions without even asking those affected for permission or bothering to consider.....what the consequences might be," Yauhmi replied blandly. "I can certainly relate to such a feeling."

What little colour remained on Pierre's face drained completely. "Yes, it is a real shame when someone decides to betray her country like that. It makes you wonder if such an individual is even capable of loyalty, or if she will just betray anyone she pledges loyalty to. I certainly would never trust someone like that. One would be foolish to do so, and we are both sensible women who see that such foolish actions should not be undertaken lightly."

"Perhaps....although one must also remember that loyalty is not just a one-sided pledge. If both parties to a promise are doing what is right, no one ever needs to worry about a promise being broken." The Empress smiled slowly. "I do agree that one must be cautious about trust. For myself, I prefer to give people a chance to earn my trust - with the expectation that my generosity will be returned by equal trust and loyalty. I find that I achieve very good results in most cases by doing so. Such people usually end up quite loyal to me - the kind of fierce loyalty that deserves equal loyalty and protection in return." The Empress sipped her tea after that last remark.

"I am sure that is easier to trust in a country that does not have the same challenges we do," replied Pierre, glancing around the room while the Empress sipped her tea as if seeking salvation. "For us, trusting others is difficult - most people tend to be out to get us. So we have learned to take measures to protect ourselves that others often see as hostile, when in reality they are only about protecting Kerlile and the dream of a feminist utopia."

"That is a reasonable reaction, one Xiomerans can relate to, at least to some degree," Yauhmi said, sounding a bit more sympathetic. "Xiomera does itself seem to generate quite the hostile reaction in certain quarters for completely irrational reasons." The Empress looked directly at Pierre at this point, defying her attempts to look away. "But at some point, one has to discern as to who one should fear, and who one can trust. Perhaps some others are sympathetic to your dream." The Empress suddenly found herself weary of baiting Pierre. In her own twisted way, the Kerlian Councillor was doing the same thing Yauhmi was - trying to protect a unique place and people from a hostile world. It almost seemed....unsporting to continue.

Besides, Yauhmi was confident her point had been made. She decided to release Pierre from the torture of polite loaded chat with an Empress. "In any event, as much fun as the ball has been, bedtime comes early for an old woman." Yauhmi certainly didn't look tired or elderly, but she nevertheless gave Pierre a polite, almost friendly nod. "I think I will have one dance before I retire. Thank you for the conversation, Councillor. I hope you have a pleasant evening." Yauhmi walked calmly away, idly strolling to the dance floor.