England sighed and theatrically brought a hand to his forehead as he heard someone else coming, the ragged fanfare... Wait, no, he knew who it was. He perked up almost immediately and threw his arms wide as France came in the room. France, his oldest associate, France, his wife, sirer of his favourite child, [i]France,[/i] his oldest ally and rival. "Mon petit cho-fluer," he said in less than perfect French, but with an expression of love on his face. He was... Well, his French was only about eight hundred years rusty, but it had evolved in that time- he could speak Latin better than he could French, which was unfortunate.

"I only expected to be hosting our daughter and our [i]rather rebellious son[/i] Britain stared pointedly at his wife. There were many things he had forgiven France for, but assisting America in leaving the commonwealth was not one of them. She had had no right- what if he had supported a rebellion in Northern Africa? 

Talking about North Africa... "Where are my manners. Germany thew me off my stride... Please, come along to the dining room... What few of you remain. I did have a meal prepared for our visitors... Dammit, has anyone seen Anne anywhere?" The host, suddenly with something to do, lead the small party that remained to the... Banquet hall was a far better word for it. It was a room large enough to house most of the civilised world for a dinner party, but it would seem pathetically empty with what few remained.

"Now, I'm sure you're not expecting something amazing, however... India, my dear?" One benefit of having the Jewel of the Empire was that he did have access to her absolutely wonderful cooking. The country came out with a bow, a turban wrapped around his head, and he carried out a number of dishes- India had a strange ability of breaking himself up into various provinces, an ability that proved useful in stewardship.

"No starter I'm afraid, it's straight to the main course. We have a number of dishes, korma, rogan josh, vindaloo..." His face hardened. "And tactics. Russia, France," he nodded to the pair. "India, you best stay here. I'll need your men for what is to come." His son nodded and pulled up a chair some way away from the main participants of the conversation. 

"Now, as I was saying. Russia. France. Japan. If America was here I would talk to him too, but somehow I believe this will be a European affair. If Germany invades, then chances are that she will attack through Belgium. As her father and..." Well, lover it was true. He was related to most countries, incest was slightly unavoidable. He cleared his throat. "As her father, and as the signer of a pact that ensures her independence, you must understand that I cannot let this occur. France and Russia, you will be on the frontlines."