#character: vivienne meijer

[armoricaroyalty]

Through fire and storm, the stone and slate of Morley Cottage had been its salvation. Older and grander buildings had been fallen into ruin, but the unassuming house had stood through the decades, a safe haven for generations of St. Fleurs. It was where Andre had taken his first steps, nearly sixty years before. It was the site of his last conversation with his mother. Swaying slightly, Andre rose to his feet. The conversation fell away, puzzled silence settling over the room as seven expectant faces turned toward him. There were tears in Elise's eyes. He forced himself to look away.

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author's note: so...this is it, the thing I've been building toward since the very beginning.

If you'd like to know more about how I plan to handle cancer as a subject (and a list of the tags I'll be using), click here.

Transcript beneath the cut.

ANDRE | Excuse me...I'll uh, try to keep this brief. I think we all know I'm not much of a public speaker.

A thin ripple of laughter. Amidst the uncertainty, Andre could feel Freddy seeking his gaze, but he kept his eyes down. It was too much like looking in a mirror.

ANDRE | There's something I've been keeping from you. And...I'm sorry. Last week, I...I...I... [ choking ] I'm sorry, I can't--

The silence in that room was profound. No one dared speak, no one dared breathe. Only Elise was unaffected by the dreadful atmosphere; she was on her feet the moment tears began to roll down Andre's cheeks.

There was only one thing she could do for him now.

ELISE | There's no easy way to say this, so...I'll just say it. Last week, your father met with his oncologist for a routine screening. He got the results two days ago. The cancer is back. And this time, it's terminal.

[armoricaroyalty]

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Roberts Apartment, Norrington Palace, Windenburg

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Thank you to @armoricaroyalty​ for this little collaboration - my first time hosting sims! 😊 I’ve really enjoyed working with someone and getting to know Jacques and Vivi a bit better. You can think of this as a prologue to Chapter Three 😊

Their post with Polo match can be found here ✨

Transcript under the cut

Keep reading

[armoricaroyalty]

Domestic press coverage of the Armorican royal family. Dec 2017 - Feb 2018

author's note: soooo many people contributed pics for this, thank you to my collaborators! In order of appearance:

@sirianasims @someone-elsa @funkyllama @empiredesimparte

@officialroyalsofpierreland @trhor @nexility-sims @housekonig

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[armoricaroyalty]

Every time her mother called, Vivi found herself defending her marriage. Her parents had never wholly approved of her relationship with Jacques, and their willingness to hold back on criticism had steadily deteriorated since Hugo was born. Now, when the phone rang, Vivi didn't always answer. When she did, she kept it brief. The prospect of spending an hour on the phone defending herself and her marriage appealed less and less with each passing day.

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Transcript under the cut.

VIVI | Hey Mom! VIVI | I’ve been good. Busy, but— VIVI | —yeah. Really busy. The Queen has me in a lot of meetings for the Healthy Families Initiative, so… VIVI | It’s interesting! Like, it’s something she’s been working on forever, but she’s been trying to get some stuff off her plate, so Jacques and I are kind of taking over from her. VIVI | Hm? He’s good… VIVI | Yeah. I was kind of worried, since the Olympics were so important to him, but I think he’s actually glad to be done with it? Like, it was a lot of pressure, and now we can just focus on— on us, I guess. VIVI | Yeah. It’s been kind of up and down, but…things are good right now. We’ve been working through some stuff, and…I dunno. It’s been good. VIVI | He loves me, Mom. VIVI | Like, I think we both lost sight of that, a little. I know I did. VIVI | Like, we were so young when we got together, that I feel like it’s easy, sometimes, to think maybe you missed out on something, but really…I dunno. Dating around doesn’t seem like very much fun, either. VIVI | [ laughs ] Of course I’m happy. VIVI | Like…we hit a rough patch, but things have been so good lately. He’s trying, Mom. He really is. VIVI | He’s been spoiling me. New jewelry, evenings out, the Jaguar. [ laughs ] I’m finally starting to actually feel like a princess, you know? Only took me three years. VIVI’S MOM | …Wow. That sounds like a big change, sweetheart. VIVI | …well. I guess we’ve both changed. VIVI | Anyway. Sundays are tough for me, right now. MORGAN | What about Saturday? We could do Saturday, if that’s easier for you. VIVI | Sorry, Mom..Maybe next week? MORGAN | That would be nice, sweetheart. VIVI | Yeah…next week, for sure! VIVI | …love you too, Mom. Talk later! Bye. Jacques emerges from the bathroom or whatever. JACQUES | Hey. VIVI | Hey. JACQUES | Can I… VIVI | Yeah. Come here.

[armoricaroyalty]

When historians wrote about the sixteen short years he spent on the throne, they would characterize it as a short preamble to Rosalind's reign. He would be remembered primarily as her father, his name a mere footnote in her biography. He could accept that.

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Transcription under the cut.

ELISE | You have to speak with her. ANDRE | :/ ELISE | She’s your heir, she needs to know. ANDRE | Now? What about the boys? ELISE | Now, Andre. ANDRE | [ sighs ] You’re right… ANDRE | Do you remember the time we came here when you were little? ANDRE | You must have been…six or seven? ANDRE | We went for a walk, just the two of us, and ended up right here. ANDRE | It was the first time I told you that you would be queen someday. Do you remember what you said? He looks at her for a moment. Flash back to Rosalind, Age 7 or 8. ROSALIND | Yeah, Daddy. I already know. The present. ANDRE | And then you started telling me all about your big ideas. You were so excited. You said that when you were Queen, you were going to end world hunger and close the hole in the ozone layer. You were going to save the world. ANDRE | [ heavily ] Rosalind…what I’m trying to tel you is…it’s…I’m.. ROSALIND | Dad? Is something wrong? ANDRE | I’m not mad at you. ROSALIND | What? ANDRE | [ exasperated ] Life is too short, Roz. I’m not going to waste time being angry about your girlfriend or what some stupid reporter said in some stupid magazine. ANDRE | [ exhales ] ANDRE | Look…I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my time. ROSALIND | Dad— ANDRE | Let me finish! ANDRE | When you’re queen, you’re going to have to do things your own way. You have to be a leader. You can’t dither, you can’t sit on the fence…you have to be decisive. ANDRE | You can’t let fear hold you back. [ beat ] ROSALIND | I love her, Dad. I’m going to marry her. ANDRE | You feel that strongly about her? Despite everything? ROSALIND | She’s everything to me. ANDRE | [ he looks at her intently, searching her expression. She’s serious. ] Well…I’d say that you and Mary have waited long enough, haven’t you? ANDRE | You tell her to pick out a ring. And tell her to pick a good one. ROSALIND | Dad! ANDRE | It has to be good. Good enough for a queen…

[armoricaroyalty]

TRH the Duke and Duchess of Laye are in Caledonya today for the wedding of the Princess Imperial and Viscount Bridger. This is the first time the Duke and Duchess have traveled internationally on behalf of the King since their wedding in August.

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Wedding of The Princess Imperial and Viscount Bridger: Foreign Royals Arrive

Foreign Royals from all over the sim continent have begun to arrive at St. Peter's Abbey.

The first of the foreign royals to arrive are Their Royal Highness' The Duke and Duchess of Lockwood. Her Royal Highness looks lovely in a dark blue lace dress and matching fascinator. This is TRH first visit to Caledonya and TIM hope to continue a friendship with Albany. @albanyroyals

The next to arrive are Their Royal Highness' The Crown Prince and Princess of Esha. Her Royal Highness dazzled in a green dress and matching fascinator. This is Their Royal Highness' first visit to Caledonya and we certainly hope it won't be the last. @crownsofesha

Following The Crown Princely couple are Their Royal Highness' The Duke and Duchess of Laye. Duchess Vivienne wore a lovely purple dress with a white fascinator with dark blue accents. This is again TRH first visit and TIM hope to further relationships with Armorica. @armoricaroyalty

Next to arrive is Their Royal Highness The Countess of Chafford and The Viscountess of Bellavista. The Countess looks gorgeous is a dark purple dress and The Viscountess sparkled in a dark green dress. Another new royal visitor to the Empire. TIM hope again to continue friendships with Kindelria. @houseoflennoxx

Next to arrive from Eltonia are Their Majesty's King Frederick and Queen Elenore. Queen Elenore looked gorgeous in a dark blue silk dress and fascinator. TM are friends and ally's of the Empire.@miyuzarry

Last of the foreign royals to arrive and distant cousins of the bride are Their Imperial Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Alexandria. Empress Regina dazzled in a light blue dress with a matching fascinator. @thealexandrianroyals

[armoricaroyalty]

"He said they're getting a divorce." Emily's voice was quiet, barely above a whisper. "He said that the King has been having an affair." Mary stood very still, arms folded across her chest. Emily watched her closely. They were cousins, but they hadn't grown up together, hadn't spent more than a few hours together until their shared association with the St. Fleur siblings had drawn them into one another's orbit. Emily had been relieved to have a ready-made ally among the St. Fleurs, but Mary had remained inscrutable to her. Her jaw tightened; her shoulders inched upward. Surprise, Emily thought, but not shock. Her father bad been right, Mary had somehow already known about the affair. When she spoke, her tone was all business. "What else did he tell you?"

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Transcript under the cut.

EMILY | Wow...Mary, look at the view! EMILY | This has to be the best room in the house! why on earth is it just sitting empty? MARY | It belonged to the Crown Princess. MARY | The late Crown Princess. EMILY | ...oh. MARY | After she died in 1987, the King—the old King—had all her things sold or put into storage. Apparently, the memories were too painful. EMILY | ...that makes sense, I suppose. EMILY | It's normal to go a little crazy when you lose someone, isn't it? You end up doing all kinds of things that don't make much sense. MARY | Em. What was it you needed to tell me? EMILY | I don't know if it's true, alright? It's just something my dad told me. MARY | What is it? EMILY | It's about the King and Queen... [ clock ticking ] FREDERICK | So...Dad is upstairs? Resting? ELISE | [ tersely ] He had a long flight from Iona. FREDERICK | He got back Thursday, didn't he? [ car door slamming, muffled voices ] ELISE | That'll be your brother! ELISE | I'm going to go let them in— FREDERICK | Ma— JACQUES | Hey, hey party people! Look who's finally here! VIVI | Hello, everyone. JACQUES | ...wait, where's Dad? ELISE | He's resting, JJ. Freddy, go find the girls and have them meet us in the marble room. I want some nice pictures before we sit down for dinner. FREDERICK | Really? [ sighs ] Okay... MARY | ...play it cool, okay? Just...act like you don't know anything. EMILY | How? Mary, this is huge— FREDERICK | What's huge? EMILY | N-nothing! We weren't talking about anything! MARY | Aaaaactually, we were talking about tampons— EMILY | Mary! Please! MARY | —and unfortunately for Emily, I only stock ultra-wides. FREDERICK | Okay, okay! Sorry I asked... FREDERICK | Anyway....Brace yourselves, Jacques and Vivi just showed up with Hugo, and Mom has a fu— er, a regular photographer in the marble room. MARY | Uh, I don't think she wants me in the pictures... FREDERICK | No, she wants both of you. She said, "go find the girls," plural. EMILY | Really? That's great, Mare, she's warming up to you—I FREDERICK | I don't know what's up with her. She's been acting super weird since we got here. MARY | Oh? I uh, hadn't noticed. FREDERICK | Yeah, the vibes are rancid. She's acting like someone died or something...

[armoricaroyalty]

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Transcript under the cut.

Crown Museum of Uspanian Art and Culture // Armorican State Visit - Day 3

VIVI | ...I kind of hate them. Does that make me terrible? JULIÁN | Prince Frederick and Lady Emily? Why? VIVI | They're so perfect together. JULIÁN | ...are they? VIVI | Well, I think so. Opposites attract, right? JULIÁN | I think there's something to be said for shared interests. VIVI | Like what? Music and fashion? JULIÁN | Music, fashion, long walks on the beach...you look lovely, by the way. VIVI | Stop. You're ridiculous. JULIÁN | Beautiful, I'll say it as many times as it takes for you to believe it. VIVI | Shh! What if someone overhears you? VIVI | ...we should find somewhere we can speak privately. [Makin' out in the coat check room] VIVI | [moans softly] JULIÁN | [softly] Mmm...we should get out of here. JULIÁN | [breathily] I want you in my bed. I want to get my mouth on you. I want— VIVI | [gasps] W-wait— JULIÁN | Are you okay? VIVI | I'm sorry. You've been amazing, but I can't do this. VIVI | My husband— JULIÁN | He's not here, beautiful. He can't hurt you. VIVI | I know. VIVI | I'm sorry. You've been amazing, but...I just can't. VIVI | I really want to, but... JULIÁN | I get it. You're a good girl. VIVI | I'm sorry. JULIÁN | You apologize too much. You've done nothing wrong. But if you ever change your mind... JULIÁN | ...I'll be right here, waiting.

[armoricaroyalty]

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Transcript under the cut.

The Passionflower // Armorican State Visit - Day 4

JULIÁN | …I’m not going to kiss and tell. I’m a gentleman. GERMÁN | Bullshit. And come on, man. I’m not asking for the play-by-play just…y’know. Are you going to see her again? JULIÁN | Uh...maybe?  JULIÁN | [sighs] I had fun, but... GERMÁN | But? JULIÁN | So how do I measure up? VIVI | To my husband? JULIÁN | [laughs] No, I’m confident I’m a better lover than him. JULIÁN | But am I the best you’ve ever had? Flatter me, beautiful, I'm very sensitive. VIVI | [chuckles] Fine. VIVI | You're the best I've ever had. [chuckles] Best of two. JULIÁN | Wait— JULIÁN | How was I supposed to know she was a virgin? GERMÁN | She’s got a child, doesn't she. JULIÁN | Fine. The nearest thing to a virgin. JULIÁN | [sighs] I feel like a dirty old man. GERMÁN | [laughs] Hey man. If the shoe fits… ROSALIND | He’s really milking it, isn’t he? MARY | Oh come on. It was your idea. You told him to do this. ROSALIND | I told him to propose, not to shove it down everyone’s throats. MARY | I think you’re jealous. ROSALIND | Of course I'm jealous! He stole my ring! MARY | Stole? You gave it to him. ROSALIND |I had to! The engagement would have been obvious as a diversion if he’d gone out and bought a ring from some Uspanian jeweler. ROSALIND | [sighs unhappily] I wanted to see you wearing it. MARY | …maybe it’s for the best. MARY | Don’t get me wrong. It’s a beautiful ring, but. Ah. It’s not really to my taste. ROSALIND | … ROSALIND | Well, we’ll have to pick out something together then, won’t we? [ROSALIND’s phone vibrates.] ROSALIND | Hold on...oh no. Shit. MARY | What is it? MARY | Let me see! ... Oh no. Shit. ROSALIND | I'll speak to my father. We need to change our flight. EMILY | ...this trip has been incredible. Honestly, it still feels a little unreal. VIVI | Yeah? EMILY | Yeah. And...I've been meaning to ask you. How did you adjust? EMILY | I mean, with your background, it must have been a struggle. Like, I'm used to the lifestyle, but no one really knows what to expect, do they? VIVI | [sighs] EMILY | Do you have any advice for me, since we're going to be sisters and all? VIVI | No. EMILY | Uh...no? VIVI | What do you want me to say? EMILY | I just thought that you might— VIVI | Figure it out. I did. VIVI | ...even with my background. EMILY | What? Oh, Vivi, I didn't mean it like that— VIVI | Whatever. It's fine. EMILY | I'm sorry...Please don't be angry with me. I want us to be close. VIVI | I said it's fine. VIVI | [sighs] I can't wait for all this to be over. I want to go home.

[armoricaroyalty]

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author's note: transcript under the cut!

Nakawe Palace // Armorican State Visit - Day 2

FREDERICK | I'm bad at this kind of thing. So I guess I'll just say it... EMILY | [softly] Frederick... FREDERICK | You make me a better man. I can't imagine life without you. EMILY | I love you— EMILY | [gasps] Ohmygod— FREDERICK | Let me finish! Lady Emily Chandra... FREDERICK | ...will you marry me? EMILY | Yes, yes, yes— EMILY | It's perfect. FREDERICK | It was my great-grandmother's...

Nakawe Palace // Armorican State Visit - Day 3

[flashbulbs, reporters calling out] JOURNALIST | How did you know she was the one? JOURNALIST | Can you comment on your sister's relationship? JOURNALIST | Did you ask her father's permission? JOURNALIST | When's the wedding? JOURNALIST | Will the Layes be in the wedding party? JOURNALIST | How did the King react when you told him? JOURNALIST | When will the Palace comment on the Crown Princess's rumored relationship?

Crown Museum of Uspanian Culture and Arts // Armorican State Visit - Day 3

JOURNALIST | [offscreen] ...of course, this is an exciting time for the royal family! How did you feel when you heard that Prince Frederick had proposed to Lady Emily? VIVI | Oh, I was thrilled, of course. Lady Emily was in my year at Elton, and she's always been such a sweet girl. I'm thrilled she'll be joining the family. JOURNALIST | And the Crown Princess's relationship? Were you aware that she was seeing Mary Yokoyama or aware of the accusations against her? VIVI | ...oh, well. I don't want to comment on that. I wouldn't want to steal Freddy and Emily's spotlight! They just got engaged! VIVI | [offscreen] It's their moment! VIVI | [offscreen] They've earned it.

[armoricaroyalty]

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Transcript under the cut.

Rosewood Hall // Kingswood Green, Armorica

HUGO | [looking out the window, humming] HUGO | [gasps] [a car pulls up, gravel crunching under its tires] HUGO | Mama's home! VIVI | [sighs] VIVI | Home sweet home... HUGO | Mama! VIVI | Hugo! HUGO | Mama, I fell. I got stitches. VIVI | I know, baby. Daddy told me. He said you were very brave. HUGO | Mama? I love you. VIVI | I love you too, Huey. I missed you. JACQUES | Hi. VIVI | ...hi. VIVI | ... JACQUES | ... JACQUES | ...I missed you. JACQUES | ... VIVI | Oh Jacques... VIVI | I missed you, too. JACQUES | [softly] I love you, Vivi. So much it hurts. VIVI | [softly] I love you too. HUGO | [giggling] Me too! Me too! JACQUES | [chuckling] I love you too, buddy. It's just the three of us against the world...

[armoricaroyalty]

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author's note: Toddlers, huh?

transcript under the cut!

Nakawe // Armorican State Visit - Day 2

VIVI | What is this place, exactly? JULIAN | It's a vacant building, owned by...some crown agency or something. I don't know. They're going to redevelop it into low-income housing. VIVI | ...are we allowed to be here? JULIAN | [offscreen] Who's going to stop us? C'mon! VIVI | How am I supposed to climb this ladder? I'm wearing ballet flats! JULIAN | [offscreen] Better than heels! VIVI | [grumbling] This has better be worth it...

Rosewood Hall // Residence of the Duke and Duchess of Laye

HUGO | JUMP! JUMP! JUMP! ELISE | Hugo Michael Rowan. What do you think you're doing, young man? HUGO | I'm jumping, Grandma! Watch me jump! ELISE | This isn't a playground. No jumping on the couch, you could fall and get hurt. HUGO | Mama lets me! ELISE | [offscreen, skeptically] Your mother lets you jump on the furniture? I don't think so. It's not nice to tell lies, Huey. JACQUES | No, he's telling the truth. ELISE | [offscreen] What? Vivi lets him roughhouse inside and climb on the furniture? JACQUES | She never says no to him. JACQUES | She's so permissive, she's turning him into a little monster. ELISE | [offscreen] Jacques, that's unhelpful. JACQUES | [offscreen] It's true! Every time I try to set limits, she undermines me. ELISE | [offscreen] The two of you need to get on the same page. JACQUES | Ma, I've tried. Vivi is completely unreasonable. ELISE | Jacques, I think that you need to go back to the counselor. Both of you. JACQUES | Not this again— ELISE | [offscreen] I think she could help you with your communication skills. JACQUES | [offscreen] Can she help Vivi with her listening skills? JACQUES | [offscreen] You don't get it! She's always starting fights, and she just pokes and pokes and pokes until I snap at her, and then she cries and acts like she's the victim. I'm always walking on eggshells around her. ELISE | [offscreen] JJ, I hear you, but she is your wife. Be reasonable. What are you going to do, if you're not willing to work through this with her? JACQUES | [offscreen] ...I don't know. JACQUES | Honestly, Mom? I'm so scared of losing her. She's beautiful and smart and everybody loves her. She could go anywhere, do anything, be with anyone...why would a girl like that settle for me? ELISE | Oh honey...don't put yourself down, any woman would be— HUGO | Grandma! Daddy! Look! I climbed up all by myself! ELISE | [gasps] ELISE | [offscreen] Get down from there! HUGO | Watch me, Grandma! Watch me jump! JACQUES | [offscreen] HUGO, NO!

Nakawe

VIVI | Wow... JULIAN | Well? Was it worth the climb? VIVI | Maybe... VIVI | I need to know what else you have planned for me. JULIAN | Mmm...whatever you want, beautiful. VIVI | Ah~ VIVI | It's my husband. JULIAN | Ah. VIVI | I've been ignoring him...I'm sorry, I should pick up. VIVI | [offscreen] Stitches?!? Jacques, you're supposed to be watching him— VIVI | ... I'm not even in the country, how could it be my fault— VIVI | [offscreen] That's not fair ... no you're just being mean! VIVI | We were supposed to be here together! ... Jacques, please— VIVI | [exhales unsteadily] JULIAN | Hey...are you alright? VIVI | [gasps] VIVI | [crying] JULIAN | Hey...it's okay. It's going to be okay. VIVI | [whsipering] Can I tell you something? JULIAN | [whsipering] Yeah. VIVI | [whsipering] Sometimes, I hate him.

[armoricaroyalty]

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author's note: don't say I never did anything for ya

Transcript below the cut.

Nakawe Palace // Armorican State Visit - Day 1

There is a quartet playing a waltz. IDK enough about waltz music to pick an appropriate song, use your imagination. EMILY | You know...this is how we met. FRECERICK | I remember. It was New Year's Eve, your brother's wedding. EMILY | Mhm. We danced in the greenhouse... FREDERICK | That's right. You were hiding because you hate crowds. EMILY | I was not! And anyway, you were sneaking out— FREDERICK | Was I? [laughs] Saints alive, I was such a shit back then. EMILY | [laughs] I think everyone would agree that you're much improved. FREDERICK | All thanks to you, darling. Vivi watches Freddy and Emily being cute and has sad girl hours.

ARNAUT | Tomorrow should be uneventful. Just the soccer match, limited press. JULIÁN | Oh, is that all? I'd hoped for a little more? LORRAINE | You were briefed on this, Julián. The time to object was weeks ago. JULIÁN | I would have, but— hey, is that who I think it is? ARNAUT | [sighs] Here she comes. LORRAINE | [whispering] Behave yourself. JULIÁN | [whispering] You worry too much, Auntie! VIVI | Julián, would you dance the next dance with me? JULIÁN | I'd be honored, Your Highness. LORRAINE | [whispering] I thought you were going to speak with him. ARNAUT | [whispering] I did. But when has he ever listened?

JULIÁN | I hope you're enjoying yourself tonight, Your Highness. VIVI | I am. Your entire family has been very welcoming. JULIÁN | I'm glad. It breaks my heart to see a beautiful woman looking so sad. VIVI | Why are you doing this? JULIÁN | Doing what? VIVI | Flirting with me. You know I'm married...nothing can come of this. JULIÁN | Does it have to come to something? JULIÁN | [whispering] What's wrong with just enjoying ourselves, here and now? VIVI | [full-bodied horny shiver] VIVI | [whispering] My husband... JULIÁN | I won't tell him if you don't. VIVI | Anyway...I suppose I should thank you. JULIÁN | Oh? What for? VIVI | It's silly! It's just...oh, I don't know. VIVI | ...I guess I'm just to used to being looked at that I forgot how good it feels to be seen.

[armoricaroyalty]

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Transcript under the cut.

Nakawe International Airport // Armorica State Visit - Day 2

MARY | [via text] Landed, headed to baggage claim ROSALIND | [via text] Can't wait to see you 😍😍 MARY | [via text] Love you! FL with your speech PAPARAZZI 1 | [offscreen] ...is that her? PAPARAZZI 2 | [offscreen] It's her! There she is! PAPARAZZI 1 | Mary! Tell us about your relationship with the Crown Princess! PAPARAZZI 2 | How long have you been dating Rosalind? PAPARAZZI 3 | Where's your husband, Mary! Did you have him killed? MARY | Shit.

Nakawe v. Canaris

[crowd cheering and chanting] [crowd screaming] ANDRE | Quite a match... ANDRE | Vivi, you'll tell me who wins, won't you? VIVI | You're not staying? But the match just started... ANDRE | I have a prior commitment. But you two should enjoy yourselves! JULIAN | Thank you, Sir. JULIAN | So. Are you a soccer fan? VIVI | [sighs] No. Not really... JULIAN | Well...do you want to get out of here? VIVI | ...I think I'd like that.

Nakawe Finance Society

ROSALIND | ...the philanthropic spirit is alive and well in the banking industry. ROSALIND | This year alone, major financial firms in both Armorica and Uspana have contributed well over §1 million to charity, in addition to advocating for deregulation to cut back on red tape for account holders. PHOTOGRAPHER 1 | [whispering] Is she for real? PHOTOGRAPHER 2 | [whispering] I can't tell if she believes everything she says or nothing. I dunno which'd be worse... ROSALIND | ...together, we can continue to push for real change and real diversity where it matters most: the boardroom. Thank you. [enthusiastic applause] [applause continues] ROSALIND | Thank you, thank you... [applause starts to taper off] BODYGUARD | [whispering] a situation at the airport... [audience murmurs] [microphone feedback] ROSALIND | Th-thank you. Unfortunately, we will be cutting today's program a little short. Please accept my sincerest apologies. [leaves] AUDIENCE MEMBER | ...but what about the Q&A session? :(

[armoricaroyalty]

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author's note: @nexility-sims and I talked for a long time about what these two should do on their date, and we finally decided on "goofing around in a recording studio." we love it when a man supports vivi's interest in music.

also, I made a (short) playlist when I was trying to choose a song for this post, and I thought it'd be fun to share. enjoy!

[armoricaroyalty]

Nakawe Palace was both larger and grander than Blackwell Palace, all gilt trim and veined marble. Uspanians went rather more for ornamentation than the Armoricans, who still regarded damask wallpaper as the very height of sophistication and who had long preferred to showcase their wealth by pretending that it didn't exist.

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author's note: This post was an absolute monster to put together—12 sims, a couple dozen poses, and multiple rounds of revision with @nexility-sims. I'm ultimately very pleased with how it came together, but from now on, all my sims will exclusively be meeting in pairs in nondescript rooms.

Transcript under the cut!

Nakawe Palace // Armorican State Visit - Day 1

FREDERICK | I am going to pass out. EMILY | You're not going to pass out. Just relax. FREDERICK | How am I supposed to relax? I've got so much riding on this— EMILY | Frederick. You need to chill out. It's a lunch, not a battle. FREDERICK | Okay, it's not a battle. But you gotta admit, it is a minefield... ANDRE | ...y'know, you're the only thing that makes these things tolerable. LEONOR | Poor Andre...how would you ever make it through lunch without me. ANDRE | I wouldn't. I'd waste away. LEONOR | Then I suppose we're both lucky I'm here. [indistinct conversation] VIVI | [sighs] JULIÁN | Excuse me...is this seat taken? VIVI | ...there are name cards by every plate. JULIÁN | Well, then I suppose I'll have to rearrange them, won't I? JULIÁN | Anyway...how are you, Your Highness? VIVI | I'm sorry...have we been introduced? JULIÁN | I've forgotten my manners! Julián Reyes, at your service. ARNAUT | [offscreen] Julián. ARNAUT | [shakes head] JULIÁN | [does his very best "who, me?" routine] ARNAUT | [clears throat] Excuse me! On behalf of Mother Beatriz, I would like to invite our Armorican friends to find their seats so we can share this meal. [indistinct chatter] ANDRE | This is nice! I'm surprised everything is going so well... LEONOR | Were you expecting us to be poor hosts? ANDRE | No, I was expecting at least one of my children to act out. LEONOR | You don't need to worry about them, Andre. They do you credit. INVISIBLE FOOTMAN | Announcing...Her Majesty Queen Beatriz of Uspana! ANDRE | ...she seems to have her sights directly on me. LEONOR | Oh, Mother Beatriz is very eager to speak with you. Didn't I warn you? ANDRE | You did not. LEONOR | [amused] No? Oh dear. ANDRE | You are a cruel woman. LEONOR | Strange, you've never complained before... LEONOR | [whispers] Good luck. ANDRE | [in halting Uspanian] Good afternoon, Your Majesty— BEATRIZ | Please, let's continue in a language we both speak fluently. ANDRE | I have to apologize. I practice, but I've always struggled with languages. BEATRIZ | You tried. I can't fault you for making an effort. BEATRIZ | Anyway...it's really too bad that your wife couldn't join us. I was looking forward to finally meeting her. Pity. ANDRE | Elise keeps a very full diary. She does important work and I would never dream of asking her to set it aside— BEATRIZ | Interesting. We'll discuss this later. ANDRE | What— ANDRE | Where are you— BEATRIZ | I have to circulate. ANDRE | ...why does this always happen to me?