The sun now shined brightly in the middle of the sky, the clear blue skies assuring the people below that the festival shall commence. Today was a very special day for the people of the Greater Republic, specifically those of the Valkyeria. Today was September 4th, the day that the Liberian Wars finally came to a close and all of the lands of Avalia were freed from the tyrannical, theocratic rulers. However, today was extra special for the nation. 

Visiting the nation, were both the Prime Minister of Yllendthyr and the Premier Commissar Yekaterina Velikaya of the PRK. The leaders of both nations had stayed the past two days in a wonderful old hotel. It was much like most of the other governmental and administrative buildings, impressive, but not extravagant. The rooms were well decorated and comfortable, but lacked that older, royal finesse that so many other nations still carried. Instead, it was much more modern in its style, more clear cut and straightforward. Both leaders had been told by attendants that the Chancellor apologizes for not being able to meet them right away, as she has been incredibly busy with the preparations for the festival. 

However today, those great leaders of their nations sit in front of the Senate at the entrance to the pentagonal shaped building that housed the legislative branch of the government. They sat atop the many stairs and in front of the towering white columns. Before them was the large strip of clear space, flanked by various administrative buildings. The open area was dotted with parks and monuments to fallen heroes. The roads on the two sides of the area were crowded with people, vendors, booths, and otherwise, all waiting patiently for the festival to officially begin. 

At exactly 12:30, the rumbling hum of aircraft engines could be heard. In the sky flying low above the capital, the 1st Airborne fleet made its way over the clearing. It consisted mainly of five Destroyers, two Battle Cruisers, and most notably one single Fortress Class. The massive airship caste a great shadow over much of the square, confetti rained down from the bomb bays as they flew over, the people cheering. Once they passed, flights of fighters flew over, then the most anticipated fighter group of them all, Strike Witches, came diving out of the sky. Everyone at first was shocked to see who led the flight, but then cheered even louder once it sunk in. The Chancellor herself, Helena Vortzeria, was flying lead for the 506th Strike Witches flight. They preformed great aerobatic maneuvers before the Chancellor in a spectacular landing, looped once then touched down on the ground in front of the steps of the Senate Building. People whistled and cheered as she approached the stand, all amazed by her feats. 

She raised her hand for silence, and eventually she was given that silence. The Chancellor began. "People of the Republic, honored guests, and members of the Senate. I see before me a strong, young nation. A nation not ruled by tyrants, by Emperors, by kings, but by people! No matter where you live in this world, the people always hold the most power for change, not the person. I live in a nation, where a little young girl, with no parents, and not a cent to her name, can rise to the level of Chancellor in this nation. Where hard work and drive make the difference, not birthright. Today, on this fateful day, the last shot was fired in defending the freedom of this nation. Today marked the day that our nation truly stepped onto the world stage and told everyone that we, people of Avalia, will not go quietly into the pages of history! We are here to stay, to prosper, to live out lives to their fullest! We now have control of our natural domain, our true home! The sky! Today, is the greatest day of our history!" she paused as a member of her cabinet approached her with a glass of beer. She thanked him and turned to the ground, holding out the glass to the crowd. "May the Festival of the Sky begin!" With that, the crowd roared with applause and cheers, the band began to play the songs of Avalia, and the festival was finally underway. The Chancellor drank from the glass and then came down from the podium, shaking hands with the members of the Senate, before finally approaching the Prime Minister and Commissar. There was an obvious contrast in their dress, as she wore a more rugged pilot's outfit as opposed to a suit or military uniform. 

"Friends of Avalia, please, let me welcome you my nation! I must once again apologize for not meeting you both the moment of your arrivals, but as you can tell now, I had to brush up on my flying skills for today's events. Come now, let us head inside and begin our discussion."  As the leaders entered the building, the parades had begun in the main mall. Unlike other nations, the parade only consisted of one military unit, the local army unit, while the majority of the parade was made up of civilian floats. 

Both the Festival and opening talks with Avalia's prospective allies were now underway.