The Royal Ball

It was the affair of the spring season in the Odessenau capital city of Chisinau.  Princess Ash had traveled from Odessa to host the gala to kick of "the new season."  All the great leaders of Odessenau and neighboring countries were present.  England born Admiral Adams was there, boasting of the new addition to the Odessenau navy that would give them a decisive advantage in the Black Sea.  Field Marshal Oleksander, senior officer in the army was present and looking distracted, as if he wished to be elsewhere.  Prince Clayton Alaniz aka. "The Terror of Vaneria" strutted about with an air of confidence that seemed out of place for the occasion.  Finally Baron Brandon Duron, royal ambassador glided effortlessly from guest to guest, spending equal time with all.

The Odessinau general, prince and king.

King Philippe Alaniz

Among the dignitaries was ambassador Nikolai Casimir of Latveria and General Leopold von Alten and his son, Rudolf.  The wags might have made something of the attendance by the two top generals in their respective armies had they not been distracted by attempting to fill their dance cards.

Even the Vanerian ambassador had been invited, in what they assumed to be an inside joke at his expense.

Vizier Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu

The orchestra managed several minuets and waltzes to the delight of the assembled crowd

As the evening progressed the party was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a courier that went directly to Field Marshal Oleksander.  

He waved other officers and diplomats over to share the information.  Abruptly Baron Duron turned to Vizier Çavuşoğlu and shaking the message in the air demanded, "What is the meaning of this?!"  

At that the Vizier glided over as if floating, his feet obscured by his robes.  "By the Grace of Allah we have learned of your aggressive intentions against us and have taken peremptory action.  Even as we speak our forces are crossing into Odessinau at fords we found on the river and plan to punish you for your temerity."  Calmly he continued as Duron could only sputter, "The Sovereign of Two Continents and Khan of Khan of the Two Seas cannot tolerate such action.  This," digging into his robes as various hands went to sword hilts, "is our declaration of goals and demands.  Until such time as you agree I suppose we are at war.  Gentleman."  As he handed off the papers and bowed deeply.  "Princess Ash, my thanks for a most entertaining evening."  As a diplomat, protocol required that the Vizier and his escort be allowed to leave, the dance was left disrupted and all abuzz.  

The elder von Alten took command of the situation.  "Gentlemen, the accursed Ottomans and their vassals have taken the initiative from us.  Officers, make your farewells and report to your commands.  Diplomats, get to work."  With that the festivities ended and war officially began.