Hearing a knock at the door Russia sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Yes?" He called out.
"Sorry for interrupting but the empress would like to see you in her sitting room sir." His attendant bowed deeply, waiting for his response.
The nation sighed, "Very well I will be there straight away."
His attendant straightened and left him then. Leaving Ivan to his thoughts. He hoped Catherine wasn't just looking for a plaything to waste time with again. He shuddered thinking about her last attempts. Though he supposed it could be something important. Perhaps something happened with his tradesmen over in northern America.
Rising from his desk he went to Catherine's door, making sure everything on his tailcoat was clean and thoroughly buttoned before knocking. "Come in~" called a sweet voice that sent a shudder down Russia's spine. So far this wasn't boding well.
Upon entering he found the empress perched on one of the overstuffed chairs, luckily in one of her more ornate gowns that restricted her movements. In her hands was a piece of parchment with a rather lengthy block of text. "You wished to see me?"
"Yes my dear please come sit~" she patted the cushion beside her.
Trying not to visibly wince he walked over and sat stiffly. "What is the parchment? Word from our fur traders?"
"Oh no something much more interesting~ You remember the British Empire's little colony America right?"
He could clearly picture the small blue eyed blonde. So much curiosity and fire in a being so young it was hard not to notice. Though he hadn't been around much lately, he supposed it was due to Britain's absence as well. "Of course."
"Well it turns out he's none too happy with daddy right now. He's causing quite the stir and has even started a conflict."
"A conflict?" Ivan's face contorted into concern, did she mean war?
The woman giggled, "Yes, one could even call it a war by this point. It seems the little rascal is giving Britain a bit of trouble so the stuffy man has asked us to send over troops to help him." She waved the parchment around for emphasis.
"I see...and what were you thinking of doing with this information?" A war? He had considered the possibility, knowing how rigid Britain could be and having witnessed Alfred's free spirit. Though he wondered how the young nation himself was coping, it was his first war after all. He knew he wanted to side with him as opposed to Britain, the man had always rubbed him the wrong way.
"So formal~ Tell me Ivan, what would you have me do?" Her eyes were alight with curiosity, a playful smile on her face.
He paused for a moment before smirking, "I would tell him to kiss up to someone else."
Catherine chuckled, waving over an attendant. "Then that is just what we will do~"
Their response was met with a bit of backlash from the British nation. Apparently not liking their tone. Though that did not stop them from asking for support again, this time from their naval forces. Ivan decided they would have to send more than parchment in response to get their opinion across.
As such he along with a couple attendants took one of their ships over to the British colony, catching the attention of the young colony's ships. Showing they were of no threat they were allowed into port at their current capital. Ivan had made sure to dress in his finest uniform. Gold cord, medals, and epaulettes contrasted against the navy fabric in an eye catching display. Making sure his scarf was secure he and his attendants walked down into the port to be met by a group of soldiers and officials. They looked a bit haggard but still in decent health.
"State your business." One, who appeared to be a captain, spoke gruffly giving him a wary eye.
"I am Ivan Braginski, head of military forces. I am simply here to be showing support from Russian Empire in the name of tsarina Catherine the Great."
Eventually Ivan gained the trust of the American officials and asked into the whereabouts of one Alfred Kirkland. Many gave him confused looks but once the right people caught wind of this they thoroughly questioned the Russian official. Finally realizing just exactly who Ivan was they informed him where he would find their representative and arranged travel for him. He was amused to hear the scrappy young blonde had decided to change his name to Alfred F. Jones.
Soon enough he arrived on the outskirts of a soldier camp. As he and his attendants were escorted in many gave him inquisitive looks, some none too friendly. He kept his eyes peeled for a young, blonde boy but couldn't find him anywhere. Though he supposed his short stature could be being blocked by the many men and tents packed in here.
Alfred was told there was supposed to be another representative arriving at camp soon. He could only remember bits and pieces about the man in question...his thoughts conjured a man who was huge and looked like a prince. France had a good laugh when Alfred told him that, the two waiting for Russia's arrival.
Alfred standing tall among his men was surprised to see such a princely man come out of the carriage. They had been at war for a while now so any extra decoration like that wasn't heard of and a lot of his men were put off. Smiling brightly, Alfred and another blond man greeted the group. "Hello, how might we help ya?"
Turning his attention to the energized voice Russia was momentarily taken off guard by the man's looks. Sure he looked a bit battle worn but his hair still shined like golden wheat beneath the sun and his eyes were exquisitely blue and bright, like a summer sky. Alfred sure had some beautiful soldiers. Smiling politely he addressed the men, "Hallo soldiers, sorry to be causing fuss but I am looking for someone." He tried to speak clearly but his accent was quite thick much to his dismay. "Is being small boy with hair of similar color to your own going by name of Alfred F. Jones."
The man next to Alfred glanced over at him, unsure what to respond with. Not all of his soldiers knew of his existence and it would be good to avoid that. Alfred held in giggles, his accent and formal way of speaking was kind of funny and cute. Forcing his face to look confused he responded, "No need to be so so formal, I'm sure we can find who you're looking for!" He nodded at the men next to him.
One of the more loud outspoken men in the back chimed, "I don't recall seeing a small boy at this camp though..." To which a couple more soldiers chimed in agreement.
He was thankful for the soldiers help but was disheartened hearing the others say they haven't seen anyone like he described. "Ah maybe I am having wrong camp then?" He murmured in thought as he looked around a bit more. Noticing French soldiers among the ranks he wondered if he might find another representative around these parts. "I do not suppose anyone has seen Frenchmen with long blonde hair by name of Francis Bonnefoy then?"
The same man chimed in from the back, "You mean the French soldier that looks prettier than actual women?" A couple of men laughed at that.
Alfred watched the Russian man curiously. So he was definitely Ivan Braginski, their representative...but why was he here and being so friendly... potential alliance or maybe it was just to see France?
Ivan chuckled lightly, "Da that is one! So you have seen him?"
"Yeah, he's toward the center of the camp with all the other Frenchies." The man continued to talk.
Alfred taking the opportunity to talk when everyone quieted, "So who are you?"
At least France was here, maybe he could help him locate the colonies representative. He smiled sheepishly at the blonde soldier, he seemed to hold a bit of authority here. His stance was one of someone confident and bold, though he also seemed wiser than his young years suggested. "Ah my apologies, I am Ivan Braginski head of military forces for Russian Empire. I am being here on behalf of her grace tsarina Catherine." He had told the woman many times that she should be referred to by her last name but she just wouldn't have it.
All the other men seemed to have quieted down when Alfred was talking but picked back up after the Russian man finished. "You're not a loyalist are you?" Another man asked suspiciously.
Alfred chuckled, "I don't think he'd tell ya if he was one! Also y'all will probably be reprimanded for talking to a higher foreign official like this so you should skedaddle." Pointing to a large tent with guards around it he smiled brightly, "That's his tent." The men around him began to disperse, trudging off in various directions. Alfred waved to the guards, easily getting Ivan inside.
Murmuring a quick thank you Russia entered the tent. France was currently looking over a map with a look of concentration not usually seen on his features. "Здравствуйте Francis, I hope I am not intruding." He smiled politely.
Turning to greet him the ever composed Frenchman smiled easily, "Not at all my dear Ivan~ Though I was not expecting you to be here." His tone was friendly and warm as the two shared a brief hug in greeting.
Pulling away he smiled lightly, he'd been enjoying France's company more and more these days. He was always so welcoming and understanding, allowing the two to become friends rather easily. "Da was being bit last minute decision. Catherine wanted me to be showing support for young colony and give him our word of neutrality but I have not been able to find representative."
"Oh? That is strange I could have sworn I just saw Alfred a moment ago." The Frenchman pondered.
"Other men were telling me they have not seen small boy around here at all." He frowned, "I was thinking I might have wrong camp."
"Small boy?" Francis echoed before laughing softly, "Oh ma petite russie, I think I know your problem. You are looking for a boy when you should be looking for a man~" he smiled knowingly while Ivan gave him a look of utter confusion.
Curiosity getting the better of him Alfred decided to stroll in, he gave the old folks enough time to chat right? "Have enough alone time~?" he said with a wink walking in. Easily picking up on their close relationship.
Not expecting the blonde soldier to come in Ivan was thrown off guard. Face heating up slightly at the implication he chuckled, "Ah nyet is not like this."
"It could be~" Francis gave him a sultry look.
"Francis please." He bit out, keeping the polite smile in place.
"Ah Russie you are no fun." France pouted.
"I'm not judging, I can easily come back later!" Alfred chuckled.
Francis smiled, giving the blonde a pointed look. "How long are you going to tease the man?"
Alfred continued to laugh, "I could ask you the same thing!"
"I am not a tease! You hurt me Alfred." The Frenchman turned away dabbing at his eyes in mock hurt leaving Ivan in his confusion.
The Russian quickly looked over to the blonde soldier in surprise. "Alfred?" He murmured, looking the other up and down. This man was the representative? But he had been so little not that long ago. He would've had to have grown at the same rate of a human to be this size, which frankly was just unheard of.
Alfred finally calmed himself down from laughing, slightly mad at Francis for wrecking his fun. "Yeah, sorry I couldn't introduce himself properly out there in front of my soldiers. I'm Alfred F. Jones. Pleasure to meet you Ivan Braginski." He said holding out his hand.
"A-ah da, is pleasure." Slipping off his glove he shook the blonde's hand, suddenly very aware of the thoughts he'd been having about this soldier. "Sorry I was not recognizing you, I was not thinking you would grow so quickly."
Alfred chuckled some with his smile showing brightly. "No one did, that lobsterback didn't see it coming."
Ivan raised an eyebrow at the name, "Creative." He smirked before composing himself. "Are you having free moment to talk?"
Alfred raised an eyebrow, he seemed kind of like a stick in the mud...noted. At least Francis was fun. Causally he replied, "Sure, what's up?"
"Is being reason for my visit. I have come to let you know the Russian Empire will not be supporting Britain. We are wanting to aid you by keeping stance of neutrality. We are even willing to be mediator between you two in hopes of settling things peacefully before there is being too much bloodshed." He had practiced a bit of this on the way here, hoping it didn't come off as being too rude.
Alfred looked at the large man carefully for a second and glanced at Francis before turning back with a smile. Francis seemed to trust him and frankly they've been trading illegally with Ivan's country for a while now. He quite liked Catherine's rule for a monarchy... "I like the sound of that!"
Russia relaxed smiling brightly, "Wonderful! I will stay here until we can be having negotiations if would be being alright?" He couldn't stop himself from thinking Alfred had a beautiful smile.
Alfred nodded, "I'll let my commander know." He said walking out, "Francis should be able to keep you occupied until then~" he said humming.
Ivan paused, did that man just- Meanwhile Francis laughed, "That young man is quite a riot."
His cheeks heated up a bit, "Do not encourage him."
The Frenchman smiled, "Come now Russie do not be so stiff. Well unless it is for me of course~"
He sighed chuckling a bit, "You are incorrigible Francis. I am only trying to be polite and decent."
"You are being stuffy and boring." He sniffed looking back at the map. "I know you are trying to put on a good show for the boy but you do not have to. He is not like the other nations."
"What are you meaning by this?" He asked curiously.
"He is much more...free spirited. I have realized one will get farther with him by being fun than by being formal. Most likely due to Arthur's influence." He explained.
"Ah I see, is making sense for one so young. I am still shocked he had grown so quickly." His voice had an edge of disbelief.
Francis chuckled, "If you think about it is not so surprising. Due to Britain's meddling he was forced to grow up much faster than our kind does usually non?"
"I suppose you are making point..." he thought for a moment. "So you really believe he could win this?" He was hesitant to ask but he was curious as to what the man truly thought.
"Oui I do. I am not here purely out of obligation after all." He gave the other a sly smile, "I have a feeling I am not the only one~"
Ivan returned the expression, "You are knowing me too well I think."
"Or not well enough~" Francis winked causing Ivan to blush again. "Ah I really do like that expression, it suits you much more than that usual diplomatic smile of yours." The Frenchmen commented wistfully.
"Alfred was right I think, you are quite the tease." He bantered back, blush easing slightly. Sometimes he really didn't know if the man was being honest or simply playing.
Alfred came back with Washington, the general greeting the nation's happily. Russia was a bit surprised to be meeting with the oppositions current leader but realized Alfred was still a new representative and wouldn't know how to actually handle the situation. He spoke with the man as an equal, seeing no reason to do otherwise. His reason for being here was to simply offer neutral support after all. In the meantime he would be staying in a town close by so they could keep tabs on him while he was here. He was a bit offended by this but understood completely. How could they know he was truly being honest or trustworthy? He hoped by being close he could have chances to talk more with Alfred, at least the boy had France for guidance at this time but he may be able to offer a bit of extra wisdom.