Kalistan

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Ancient Order of Grey Smoke Holds Annual Conclave
Empress spotted wearing Hulanevek Diamond at annual Elite Function
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 30, 5685


Their Imperial Majesties at the Ananto House in Eveari for Annual Order Day where Empress sports Hulanevek Diamond

Their Imperial Majesties held the Annual Conclave of the Ancient Order of Gray Smoke, at Ananto House in Eveari. The event is the annual gathering of those who have been inducted into the Chivalric order of Knights and Ladies Companion to Their Imperial Majesties, and consists primarily of the Extended Royal Family, their Spouses, important political figures in both Kalistan and Gaduridos, and foreign Monarchs who share a special affinity for the Anantonese Empire. Conclaves are secret, but the events surrounding them are very well publicized and are well photographed--A Who's Whom of Kalistani High Society are always present, and an invitation to an Order event in Eveari is considered one of the most important tickets in Kalistan for those who wish to have some influence in the Imperial system.

"Its really a surprise that more foreigners don't seek admission into the Order," said society columnist Kim Conway, of La Moda. "If you are even a Knight or Lady Companion, you receive the right to speak directly, and privately, I might add, with Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Jennifer I Ananto. So few people have this opportunity, to speak to the mightiest sovereigns in Terra, in person, and unmitigated by any third party. For those wishing to have any influence in Kalistan this is almost a must."

Lady Ericka Donahue, fresh off her work in Egelion, was back in time for Order Day, which was delayed this year due to the extended negotiations in Norterra Egelion. "Their Imperial Majesties did not want to hold the event until we could be sure that we remained at peace with Egelion," said Conway. "Egelion's King Romulo once held membership in the Order, but Egelion has since not renewed that membership, and since it is not hereditary, it didn't simply pass on to the King's son Artemio. Needless to say, Egelion was not present this year, but Their Imperial Majesties wanted to ensure that Lady Donahue could complete her work on the Treaty."

In attendance were the expected cast of characters, including Their Imperial Majesties, Lady Donahue, Lord Craig Alvarez, Grand Duke of Kalistan, Her Excellency, Lady Anantonia Alvarez-Urquizo, Viceroy of Gaduridos, Her Highness, Princess of the Empire Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis and Lady Companion Victoria Jensen, Lady Commander of the Order, Queen Arianna Elizabeth Rosalyn Steuart-Carmichael of Hutori, Lady Amber Dawson, Their Imperial Majesties' Spokeswoman, Her Highness Princess Nicolette Ananto-Collins and Viscount Andrew Rohrbach, as well as much of the Peerage. Invited guests included Sir Henry Greene, Their Imperial Majesties' Foreign Minister, who was added to the Order as a Knight Companion, Queen of Art Rock Anne Jean, and Maria Jones and Alistair Carruthers, who will represent Kalistan at FOMAT next year in Valruzia, and Lt. General Walter Delgado, who is tasked with overseeing the beginning of Kalistan's withdrawal from Southern Kizenia this summer.

Also appearing, very unexpectedly was the Hulanevek Diamond, which was temporarily removed from the Crown Jewels exhibition on the Manor Grounds, set in a pendant of polished white gold and surrounded by 20 diamonds, one for each County in Ananto and Kalistan. "The Hulanevek Diamond is being displayed today upon the breast of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Jennifer I Ananto, as a symbol of peace and unity here in the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan," said Imperial Spokeswoman Lady Amber Dawson. "She and His Imperial Majesty, Fredrick IV Ananto asked Reed Jewlers to provide a new setting for the Diamond to be worn in Public following the signing of the peace treaty in Norterra Egelion by her Chancellor, Lady Ericka Donahue, to celebrate the return to peace and the successful resolution of the Northern Conflict, to which Kalistan, unified and strong, committed more than 3 Billion Imperial Rubles in materiel and logistical support to Egelion. Their Imperial Majesties feel it is important now to contribute what this Empire can to the restoration of peace and security in the country, and feel that we will best accomplish that by staying completely out of the way of the Egelion driven reconstruction effort that is already moving ahead at full steam."

The display of the Diamond at Order Day was unexpected, because it seemingly reversed the Empress' stance on the diamond that she last expressed at her coronation. "The Empress herself did not actually believe that the Diamond is cursed, but she felt that she wouldn't wear it at Coronation because the Emperor himself believes it is cursed," said Conway. "I think she wanted to wear it out primarily to demonstrate that in fact it was not cursed: It's been on display in Eveari for a couple years now, and seemingly nothing horrible has happened to Kalistan in the meanwhile. If it truly was cursed, you would have expected to see something happen by now." The Diamond was last worn by Empress Mary shortly before stepping down from her office and on all accounts, even the now Princess of the Empire was surprised to see it around the Empress' neck on a ruby and gold rope.

"Well, I had to warn her about that gem," said Her Highness, Princess of the Empire Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis. "I obviously wore it several times in public myself, and handled it countless times, but there seems to be a strange energy around that gem stone. I don't know: My sister insisted on the science of the matter, and told me numerous times that there is no such thing as curses. But, well, she's no longer with us, because ALS took her too early. I'm still here though and I wore that diamond a hundred times, so who can say? Jury's out. I just wanted to warn the Empress about being careful, that's all. It can't hurt to be too careful: Even if it is not cursed, it is still a precious, priceless artifact." According to Lady Dawson, the Diamond will remain in the setting, even while on display in the National Museum, throughout the rest of the year to commemorate Peace in Kizenia.

Order Day, 5685 is now in the books, and now the Nation turns to welcoming the Kalistani Regulars from Kizenia and preparing to return to peace.

@LaModa