Pax Carpatica

[Ceausescu]

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE THE DICTATOR, GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE'S GATHERING, THE ALLIED STATES OF CARPATHIA AND MOLDOVA From: The Office Of The Dictator, Allied States of Carpathia and Moldova To: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Damen II of the Holy Lanlanian Empire Date: Wednesday 4 Ochtyr 1579 CE Encription: None (Public)
We, The Dictator, Government and People's Gathering of the Allied States of Carpathia and Moldova, hereby issue this document to serve as a diplomatic missive towards His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Damen, second of his name, of the Holy Lanlanian Empire. In the interest of reinforcing the peace and building stronger ties between our two great nations, we believe that it serves the best interests of both the Holy Lanlanian Empire and the Allied States, to arrange a diplomatic visit to Halvadag, with the purpose of formalizing the peaceful relation between our countries and, perhaps, establishing commercial ties as well, with a trade treaty. The political authorities of the Allied States, believe that this would be the best course of action for our countries, as it would help increase global stability and foster economic growth, which would benefit both our peoples. Should you decide to agree to this proposal, a Carpathian delegation consisting of myself, political aides and an honor guard, would travel to Halvadag by airplane, to discuss the terms of our cooperation.
Signed in the Name of The Government And The People Of The Allied States of Carpathia and Moldova, The Honorable Victor Ceaușescu, Dictator of the Allied States

[Ayzek]

Halvadag, Holy Lanlanian Empire
Thursday, 12 Treizen 1579

The Lanlanian winter was mild. The ocean breeze, sweeping in unobstructed from the South Sea to the east, was fresh and cool, and kept the temperature pleasant, even for the men and women in business dress that had sealed off a section of the airport. Holy Lanlanian Imperial Guards were scattered throughout the regional airport, while elements of a motorcade waited near the incoming Allied States state aircraft—which was taxiing to a stop not too far from the terminal. The Dictator's vehicle waited for him, along with elements of Allied States security services. Not too far from the motorcade, a gathered crowd of reporters eagerly awaited the arrival of the Carpathian Dictator in what was the first official visit by a Carpathian dictator to the empire in over a decade, and certainly Victor Ceausescu's first.

The murmurs of the crowd came to a stop with the aircraft. A staircase was driven to the door as the engines idled. When the door came open and Ceausescu made his appearance, there was a flurry of snaps and pops as the media captured the moment, and attempted to perfect it as the Dictator and his entourage met the receiving delegation.

"Dictator," said the Prime Minister of the Holy Lanlanian Empire, Bernard Sandlund, "welcome to the Empire." The two men shook hands—another high moment for the media—before the Carpathian ambassador to the empire traded a few words with his head of state.

"We are pleased to host you for this official visit," Sandlund continued afterwards. Indeed, in the months since the Carpathians proposed the meeting to the Holy Lanlanians, much discussion and negotiations was held between their state departments, to the point where the conversation between the heads of state was largely determined, and any documents to sign already prepared. The visit was largely a ceremonial affair to close the agreements, to sign the documents and project a feeling of good will between the two countries. Still, it had been too short notice to organize a full state visit, though the fact that the Dictator himself was visiting made it more than a simple working visit.

"His Imperial and Royal Apostolic Majesty is awaiting your arrival at the Imperial Palace for an official reception." Though the schedule too had been predetermined, it was still a courtesy gesture to communicate it. "We shall leave when you're ready." With a short nod, Sandlund moved with his own small entourage to his own vehicle, leaving the Dictator and his ambassador to board their state car. Within a few minutes, the train of vehicles—lead, flanked, and followed by Halvadag Duchy Sheriffs—was leaving the airport and heading towards the Imperial Palace.

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Holy Lanlanian Imperial Palace

Damen II turned 35 this year, five years into his reign. Five years since his father, Wilhelm IV, had been assassinated by Azreaen separatists. The Empire had lumbered along since, lost as to where to focus is attention and resources. Though Azreaen separatism had faltered in the reactionary movement to the assassination, it hadn't disappeared entirely—and was instead again rearing its head. Azreaen independence was perhaps not far away. At least the empire's other members were more politically secure; ultra-conservative parties were faltering in both the Kingdoms of Lanlania and Rylmark, while the separatist movement in Syorid was weak.

The Carpathian and Moldovans proposing a non-aggression pact had came as a curious note to the Holy Lanlanians—albeit not entirely surprising. After all, the Allied States were quite strategically disadvantaged, due in no small part to the diplomatic and geopolitical efforts of Wilhelm IV and his late Prime Minister, Rodner Aberheim, whose policy of passive containment the Empire still followed.

"They have arrived, Sire."

Damen nodded shortly. The Imperial Guard who delivered the message stepped back to join his colleagues, behind the Emperor, his wife, Princess Lariss Margot of Galeae, and a few other high-ranking officials. They waited at the steps of the South Porch of the palace, with a clear view of the Main Courtyard and its guests—officials, media, and other high-profile persons on the king's right, and the Imperial Honor Guard on the left. Further out were the bands and a pair of canons. At the center of the courtyard was a large fountain, where a statue of Kayden I, founder of the Holy Lanlanian Empire, stood surrounded by angels.

The band began playing the Allied States national anthem as the Dictator exited his vehicle. Sandlund joined him a moment later, along with the Allied States ambassador and the Dictator's delegation. A few whispers were traded, before the delegation approached the Emperor.

"Dictator," Emperor Damen began, extending his hand for a picturesque shake, "welcome."

Perhaps they whispered more, but the media was out of range to hear it, instead capturing only the ceremonial meeting of the two heads of state. The reception would continue for several more minutes, and include a review of the Honor Guard and a 21-gun salute, before the Emperor and his guests would continue into the palace.