[h1][center]The Grand Survaek Empire[/center][/h1]

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Jalek Gveyeldi, ranking Imperial Diplomatic Corps Officer of the Survaekom delegation to Soroya, was not fond of photographs.  Nor was he fond of Centran fashion, white-columned "classical" Centran architecture, conciliatory diplomacy towards former enemies of the Grand Empire, or the Soroyan language.  Yet, the loyal servant of the Sword of Aed endured all of these for the good of Crown and Country.  It was habit, after all, that he and his perpetually tired-looking face go to meet whoever and wherever needed, stopping for portraits or photographs whenever requested.  He had served with such deference since before the reign of Shayaer, and his age certainly wasn't going to make him any [i]less[/i] complacent.

Of course, he had lodged a complain with the Diplomatic Corps and even written to his Imperial Majesty in protest over the last few weeks, but to no avail.  The Grand Survaek Empire would sign the Treaty of Sikea, and Officer Jalek Gveyeldi would sign it by his own hand.  In fact, as far as the Imperial Press Service was concerned, now that Gveyeldi had sat for a photograph, it had all already happened.  Their typists were already tapping away at the article: He could hear them in the next room over, chatting with one another and a few counterparts from other nations represented in Soroya.

With a heavy, labored sigh, the diplomatic officer rose from his seat.  It was time to walk to the main conference hall, where fresh ink and a very large sheet of paper awaited him.  Upon entering the room, he gave his best smile and was sure to bow to every other dignitary, including the Soroyans.  "[i]A good day for Survaek, and for the whole world![/i]" he even said, managing something close to convincing enthusiasm.  For such an old and experienced diplomat, the proceedings were something of a blur that he navigated on pure instinct, and soon he found himself with a pen in hand, elaborately signing the Aed-forsaken treaty in the finest Classical Survaekom calligraphy he could manage with a Centran pen.  

At least that was something Jalek could be proud of: A proper signature.  They ought to have taken a photograph of [i]that[/i], not his tired old body in a ridiculous outfit.  A little something to glorify Survaek in the midst of what he deeply suspected was a grave mistake.

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-- The Grand Survaek Empire signs the [b]Treaty of Sikea.[/b]