The Turn Of A Century

Chapter One: Entente

April 8, 1904

London, United Kingdom

The meeting room bustled with voices and shuffled papers. France thrummed his fingers on the conference table. The day is just a few hours in. The morning is grey from last night's rain. Clouds still grumbled in the sky. In contrast to his capital, London is almost always enclosed in a blanket of grey clouds.

Speaking of said capital, France trains his eyes on him. London sits next to France's capital, eyes distant as the two whispered amongst themselves. The meeting is still 15 minutes short from starting. Yet France had decided to come early. Anticipation churning in his stomach, France had jumped at the opportunity to accompany Paris as she helped London deal with the final arrangements of the meeting.

Usually, nations let their capitals deal with any last-minute necessities before any meeting. France is no different. Yet today, France had to come. Perhaps he wouldn't have come if he were back in his land. Easily able to distract himself by taking care of other issues. (France suspects that's what Britain is doing now). Alas, he is not in his land. He's in the UK. All he can do is wait for the meeting to start.

Turning his gaze back to the papers in front of him, France skims over the words for what has to be the twentieth time. Containing vital information about today's meeting. He had read over them multiple times. France still couldn't comprehend that everything was truly happening. After all, he is situated in the capital of his greatest enemy, awaiting said nation.

Today's meeting would shape Europe for many years to come. With tensions rising in Africa and the looming presence of Germany behind his shoulders, something has to be done. Frace could feel the power emitting from his neighbor. If he were not to be careful, his place on the world stage would be swept away from him.

France is snapped out of his musings when he feels Paris sit next to him. "Everything has been taken care of. " She gives him a small smile. "London says that Britain is on his way." France hadn't realized London had slipped out of the room. He gives her a curt nod, a thanks slips from his lips when the door of the meeting room opens.

Clad in a typical black suit, Britain strolls into the room with London right on his trail. Taking the seat across from him, Britain removes the tophat from his head and places it on the table in front of him.

"Good morning France. I hope the room you were given was accommodating." Britain inquires as London hands him a file.

"It was acceptable. " France replies immediately. Britain lifts his gaze from his files. Annoyance flickered through his gaze before quickly being concealed back.

"Since we're all here why don't we start the meeting," London states as he glances towards Britain next to him.

"Yes, of course," France says.

With the greetings exchanged, the meeting started like normal. The first issue to be discussed was the disputes in Africa. Paris and London both read out the terms. It was simple really. They both would recognize the other's respective domains over Africa and provide assistance when needed. They both went through the document. With every sentence read and discussed, It was finally time to sign the first documents.