Annual Christmas Party in Krugeristan (IC/MT/Ended)

[Last Reserve]

"Yes" Alric responded. "I hate spotlights. They always make me feel like I'm being singled out from my People. I would rather feel one with my People." Alric glanced over at Assad. "He does look like a spotlighty person. Sorry about the cat" He commented to Jerochenko. "He was in my way. Actually" Alric lifted his left foot to allow a tabby to pass under it "I rather think we might be in the way of the cats, and note the other way around"
"Mr. Kasanova." His guard spoke in a disinterested monotone.
"You do speak!" He exclaimed happily.
"Yes. Five languages. But only when necessary. I have been informed by a barely known informant that got his information from an unknown informant claiming that a trustworthy, although little-known informant told him that your house has temporarily been transformed to a homeless shelter due to your absence."
"Oh, yes thats fine." Alric turned back to Assad. "Sorry about that there. Anyway, you seem like a knowledagble man. Is there any food in this place- uh and not cats" He moved aside two tusseling kittens with the toe of his boot.

Abdullah grinned, shaking his head. "Assad's a decent guy, I guess. He's the president of Syria--my northern neighbor, if you look at a map. We met a few times, but that was years ago, long before the stupid civil war broke out. We don't see eye-to-eye on the way we run our countries, but, here isn't the place for arguing about politics. Why Krugeristan, a devoutly pro-Assad state, wants relations with Jordan, a very Western-friendly state, I'll never understand, but it's probably because we have similar goals in defeating ISIS."

Alric reached out and snagged a cookie from a server as he passed by them towards the door, eating it in one bite, before succombing to a fit of uncontrollable coughing "Sorry... that... had...a...habenaro in it." When the coughing subsided, he continued. "Who puts habenaros in their cookies? Probobly sabotaged. Anyway, isn't Isis an ancient egyptian god? Sorry for the lack of knowledge on current events, i live so far away from everything."

[Krugeristan]

Abdullah grinned, shaking his head. "Assad's a decent guy, I guess. He's the president of Syria--my northern neighbor, if you look at a map. We met a few times, but that was years ago, long before the stupid civil war broke out. We don't see eye-to-eye on the way we run our countries, but, here isn't the place for arguing about politics. Why Krugeristan, a devoutly pro-Assad state, wants relations with Jordan, a very Western-friendly state, I'll never understand, but it's probably because we have similar goals in defeating ISIS."

Alric reached out and snagged a cookie from a server as he passed by them towards the door, eating it in one bite, before succombing to a fit of uncontrollable coughing "Sorry... that... had...a...habenaro in it." When the coughing subsided, he continued. "Who puts habenaros in their cookies? Probobly sabotaged. Anyway, isn't Isis an ancient egyptian god? Sorry for the lack of knowledge on current events, i live so far away from everything."

"I think . . . you ate a cat treat, but, I could be wrong," Abdullah said, taking another sip of his cider. "Yes, there was an Egyptian goddess named Isis, but now ISIS is the acronym for the terrorist group named the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Jordan and most other Arab countries refer to them as Daesh when talking to English-speakers, but, over here, they're called ISIS."

[The Selkie]

"Wow, I'm really hungry, now . . . Filling, huh? You think you could write down some of the recipes?" Assad switched his gaze over to Sio. "Not much of a surprise Golahman allows guests to bring their pets, so long as they don't threaten the---" He stopped when he heard one of the cats, sitting on a nearby table, hissing at Sio.

Sio remained calm and steady, looking at the animal with vulpine grace, before he stuck out his tongue.
Fiona laughed and softly kissed the fox on the neck, much to his delight, as he rolled onto his back on her lap and demanded more petting. She scratched his stomach, hoping to have the situation defused.
"Sio had bad experiences with cats in the past, but as long as they stay there, they should be fine.", she told Assad with a smile.

[Last Reserve]

Alric reached out and snagged a cookie from a server as he passed by them towards the door, eating it in one bite, before succombing to a fit of uncontrollable coughing "Sorry... that... had...a...habenaro in it." When the coughing subsided, he continued. "Who puts habenaros in their cookies? Probobly sabotaged. Anyway, isn't Isis an ancient egyptian god? Sorry for the lack of knowledge on current events, i live so far away from everything."

"I think . . . you ate a cat treat, but, I could be wrong," Abdullah said, taking another sip of his cider. "Yes, there was an Egyptian goddess named Isis, but now ISIS is the acronym for the terrorist group named the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Jordan and most other Arab countries refer to them as Daesh when talking to English-speakers, but, over here, they're called ISIS."

"Cat treats" Alirc's nose wrinkled in disgust. "I don't even want to think about that. But Terorists, I can't stand them. They are one of the worst plagues to this land and I would eliminate them all if I could. Sadly, Last Reserve doesn't actually have a military, so I am not much help in that area. Now, if you wanted an army of experts on the habits of dung beetles, or an army of authours, that I could oblige you. Well, aren't you a cute ittle kitty." Alric was distracted by a small black kitten with a white star marking on it's face which he promptly lifted and stroked fondly. The cat meowed happily and snuggled up against Alric's chest.

[Krugeristan]

"Wow, I'm really hungry, now . . . Filling, huh? You think you could write down some of the recipes?" Assad switched his gaze over to Sio. "Not much of a surprise Golahman allows guests to bring their pets, so long as they don't threaten the---" He stopped when he heard one of the cats, sitting on a nearby table, hissing at Sio.

Sio remained calm and steady, looking at the animal with vulpine grace, before he stuck out his tongue.
Fiona laughed and softly kissed the fox on the neck, much to his delight, as he rolled onto his back on her lap and demanded more petting. She scratched his stomach, hoping to have the situation defused.
"Sio had bad experiences with cats in the past, but as long as they stay there, they should be fine.", she told Assad with a smile.

"Well, this'll be fun to hear about if, you know, you and Golahman ever start living together. Cats are very protective of their territory." Assad looked over at the cat, which had proceeded to just remain on the table and lick itself. "That's attractive," he said sarcastically, glancing back at Fiona. "I think Golahman's going to give his little introduction speech soon, but he hasn't gotten Abdullah yet." Feeling like he had run out of things to say, Assad reached into his pocket, taking out a small, wrapped box. "I almost forgot--Golahman's Christmas present." He set it on the table, and whispered, "It's a watch. Don't tell him."

"I think . . . you ate a cat treat, but, I could be wrong," Abdullah said, taking another sip of his cider. "Yes, there was an Egyptian goddess named Isis, but now ISIS is the acronym for the terrorist group named the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Jordan and most other Arab countries refer to them as Daesh when talking to English-speakers, but, over here, they're called ISIS."

"Cat treats" Alirc's nose wrinkled in disgust. "I don't even want to think about that. But Terorists, I can't stand them. They are one of the worst plagues to this land and I would eliminate them all if I could. Sadly, Last Reserve doesn't actually have a military, so I am not much help in that area. Now, if you wanted an army of experts on the habits of dung beetles, or an army of authours, that I could oblige you. Well, aren't you a cute ittle kitty." Alric was distracted by a small black kitten with a white star marking on it's face which he promptly lifted and stroked fondly. The cat meowed happily and snuggled up against Alric's chest.

Abdullah started laughing hard. "I like you, honestly. Dung beetles and authors."

At this point, Corporal Evanu approached Abdullah, and whispered, "Your Majesty, Golahman's ready for the speech."

"Alright." Abdullah looked at Alric. "I'll talk to you soon, when we're done with this stupid little speech."

[The Selkie]

Sio remained calm and steady, looking at the animal with vulpine grace, before he stuck out his tongue.
Fiona laughed and softly kissed the fox on the neck, much to his delight, as he rolled onto his back on her lap and demanded more petting. She scratched his stomach, hoping to have the situation defused.
"Sio had bad experiences with cats in the past, but as long as they stay there, they should be fine.", she told Assad with a smile.

"Well, this'll be fun to hear about if, you know, you and Golahman ever start living together. Cats are very protective of their territory." Assad looked over at the cat, which had proceeded to just remain on the table and lick itself. "That's attractive," he said sarcastically, glancing back at Fiona. "I think Golahman's going to give his little introduction speech soon, but he hasn't gotten Abdullah yet." Feeling like he had run out of things to say, Assad reached into his pocket, taking out a small, wrapped box. "I almost forgot--Golahman's Christmas present." He set it on the table, and whispered, "It's a watch. Don't tell him."

"Cat treats" Alirc's nose wrinkled in disgust. "I don't even want to think about that. But Terorists, I can't stand them. They are one of the worst plagues to this land and I would eliminate them all if I could. Sadly, Last Reserve doesn't actually have a military, so I am not much help in that area. Now, if you wanted an army of experts on the habits of dung beetles, or an army of authours, that I could oblige you. Well, aren't you a cute ittle kitty." Alric was distracted by a small black kitten with a white star marking on it's face which he promptly lifted and stroked fondly. The cat meowed happily and snuggled up against Alric's chest.

Abdullah started laughing hard. "I like you, honestly. Dung beetles and authors."

At this point, Corporal Evanu approached Abdullah, and whispered, "Your Majesty, Golahman's ready for the speech."

"Alright." Abdullah looked at Alric. "I'll talk to you soon, when we're done with this stupid little speech."

Fiona smiled. "I won't.", she whispered to him, still scratching Sio's belly, before she returned to normal volume. "Thing is, he's not going to attack them. If they respect his territory, he's going to respect theirs. If not... well, I don't want to think about it..."
She still had what Sio did with the cat, who slapped him, on her mind.
Or what remained of her.

[Krugeristan]

"Well, this'll be fun to hear about if, you know, you and Golahman ever start living together. Cats are very protective of their territory." Assad looked over at the cat, which had proceeded to just remain on the table and lick itself. "That's attractive," he said sarcastically, glancing back at Fiona. "I think Golahman's going to give his little introduction speech soon, but he hasn't gotten Abdullah yet." Feeling like he had run out of things to say, Assad reached into his pocket, taking out a small, wrapped box. "I almost forgot--Golahman's Christmas present." He set it on the table, and whispered, "It's a watch. Don't tell him."



Abdullah started laughing hard. "I like you, honestly. Dung beetles and authors."

At this point, Corporal Evanu approached Abdullah, and whispered, "Your Majesty, Golahman's ready for the speech."

"Alright." Abdullah looked at Alric. "I'll talk to you soon, when we're done with this stupid little speech."

Fiona smiled. "I won't.", she whispered to him, still scratching Sio's belly, before she returned to normal volume. "Thing is, he's not going to attack them. If they respect his territory, he's going to respect theirs. If not... well, I don't want to think about it..."
She still had what Sio did with the cat, who slapped him, on her mind.
Or what remained of her.

Assad had a good idea about what "I don't want to think about" probably meant. "Honestly, I can't imagine," he said, "That would be really bad---we're thinking the same thought, aren't we?"

[Last Reserve]

Alric settled in for the speech, turning briefly to the guard behind him. "I wonder how good of a speaker this Golaham is. I always love a good speaker, don't you?"
Naturally, the guard refrained from responding.
"Well, you probobly don't, considering how you never speak yourself. Probobly just want him to be done with it, don't you?"
The guard grunted, which Alric took to be a yes.
"Can't believe I ate a cat treat. Ugh." He shuddered in spite himself, stroking the cat that was in his lap. "You would have liked it. You just tell me if you want anything, and I'll get it for you, Okay?"
The cat purred happily, streching.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman was holding one of the kittens as he nervously walked out on stage, taking the microphone and staring out at the crowd of people. He decided to focus his gaze on Fiona and Assad, and took a breath before speaking. "So . . . um . . . I know not everyone here celebrates this holiday, but, it's still considered a time of gathering with people---which is something I really don't like doing. Yeah, it's true, I'm not a party person. Now, if it was just me and a select few people here, it'd be OK . . . Alright . . . tonight's guest of honor is the king of Jordan, a nation I've had the pleasure of going to and trying to establish a friendly relationship with. But, um, tonight is not about politics, so, without further ado, here is King Abdullah the Second of Jordan." Golahman nervously handed off the microphone, disappearing into the back.

Giving a warm smile, Abdullah paced the stage a little. "What is true is that not all of us here celebrate Christmas, but what's also true is that we're capable of being around people who celebrate other holidays or no holidays at all, even. First of all, I'm pretty honored to be here. When I first met President Golahman, the last thing I expected a head-of-state to ask me right after we just met is, 'Do you want to come to a Christmas party?' I was a bit surprised, not really sure how to respond to that, so I told him I'd think about it. That night, my wife, my lovely Queen Rania, told me I should've just accepted Golahman's request right then and there. I asked why, and she said, 'You need to get out of the house for a while. Go experience something. Who knows? Maybe Golahman's a nerd, just like you.' So, because the wife's words always go, I called up Golahman the next morning and told him I'd come, and that was all I expected. I didn't expect him to make me guest of honor, but he did, and here I am, talking on a stage to you all, and, even though I don't celebrate Christmas, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas." He was about to put the microphone down, but quickly said, "Oh, and Merry Whateverthisis to the rest of you."

[The Selkie]

Assad had a good idea about what "I don't want to think about" probably meant. "Honestly, I can't imagine," he said, "That would be really bad---we're thinking the same thought, aren't we?"

Fiona nodded. "I'm afraid we do."
Her attention went back to the Curly Mountain Fox in her lap, who looked at her with big, innocent eyes, his paws extended towards her in a gesture of demanding. She happily gave him more attention, scratching his chest and upper belly.
"You know...", she began, but then, someone else began talking.

Golahman was holding one of the kittens as he nervously walked out on stage, taking the microphone and staring out at the crowd of people. He decided to focus his gaze on Fiona and Assad, and took a breath before speaking. "So . . . um . . . I know not everyone here celebrates this holiday, but, it's still considered a time of gathering with people---which is something I really don't like doing. Yeah, it's true, I'm not a party person. Now, if it was just me and a select few people here, it'd be OK . . . Alright . . . tonight's guest of honor is the king of Jordan, a nation I've had the pleasure of going to and trying to establish a friendly relationship with. But, um, tonight is not about politics, so, without further ado, here is King Abdullah the Second of Jordan." Golahman nervously handed off the microphone, disappearing into the back.

Giving a warm smile, Abdullah paced the stage a little. "What is true is that not all of us here celebrate Christmas, but what's also true is that we're capable of being around people who celebrate other holidays or no holidays at all, even. First of all, I'm pretty honored to be here. When I first met President Golahman, the last thing I expected a head-of-state to ask me right after we just met is, 'Do you want to come to a Christmas party?' I was a bit surprised, not really sure how to respond to that, so I told him I'd think about it. That night, my wife, my lovely Queen Rania, told me I should've just accepted Golahman's request right then and there. I asked why, and she said, 'You need to get out of the house for a while. Go experience something. Who knows? Maybe Golahman's a nerd, just like you.' So, because the wife's words always go, I called up Golahman the next morning and told him I'd come, and that was all I expected. I didn't expect him to make me guest of honor, but he did, and here I am, talking on a stage to you all, and, even though I don't celebrate Christmas, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas." He was about to put the microphone down, but quickly said, "Oh, and Merry Whateverthisis to the rest of you."

Fiona clapped as Karak had said his piece, smiling at him - it was for him, not for Abdullah, she wanted him to see that. He had spoken in front of a crowd of people, although it had appeared to her, that he had spoken more to her and Assad then the rest of the people.
Abdullah's speech was a finely rehearsed one, she had to admit, even cracking the odd joke, but her attention was more on Karak. While she applauded at the end of the King's Speech, she had her eyes focussed on Karak.
For a moment, she looked over to Assad. "If you would please excuse me for a moment?", she asked with a smile and stood up, setting Sio to the ground and ordered him to follow her.
With that, she made to approach Karak, far away from any cat.

[Rodstov Republic]

Golahman was holding one of the kittens as he nervously walked out on stage, taking the microphone and staring out at the crowd of people. He decided to focus his gaze on Fiona and Assad, and took a breath before speaking. "So . . . um . . . I know not everyone here celebrates this holiday, but, it's still considered a time of gathering with people---which is something I really don't like doing. Yeah, it's true, I'm not a party person. Now, if it was just me and a select few people here, it'd be OK . . . Alright . . . tonight's guest of honor is the king of Jordan, a nation I've had the pleasure of going to and trying to establish a friendly relationship with. But, um, tonight is not about politics, so, without further ado, here is King Abdullah the Second of Jordan." Golahman nervously handed off the microphone, disappearing into the back.

Giving a warm smile, Abdullah paced the stage a little. "What is true is that not all of us here celebrate Christmas, but what's also true is that we're capable of being around people who celebrate other holidays or no holidays at all, even. First of all, I'm pretty honored to be here. When I first met President Golahman, the last thing I expected a head-of-state to ask me right after we just met is, 'Do you want to come to a Christmas party?' I was a bit surprised, not really sure how to respond to that, so I told him I'd think about it. That night, my wife, my lovely Queen Rania, told me I should've just accepted Golahman's request right then and there. I asked why, and she said, 'You need to get out of the house for a while. Go experience something. Who knows? Maybe Golahman's a nerd, just like you.' So, because the wife's words always go, I called up Golahman the next morning and told him I'd come, and that was all I expected. I didn't expect him to make me guest of honor, but he did, and here I am, talking on a stage to you all, and, even though I don't celebrate Christmas, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas." He was about to put the microphone down, but quickly said, "Oh, and Merry Whateverthisis to the rest of you."

The crowd of dignitaries had slowly moved from the entrance into a assembly area. There was a dais with a microphone on it and tables with chairs all matching the festive theme. Golahman, had moved away from the group and climbed up onto the dais where he had his speech. Ciri and Karel listened attentively as they took a seat at one of the tables. When Golahman called Abdullah up to the dais Ciri and Karel clapped politely. After Abdullah finished they politely clapped again. During all this their guards stood watch over the room at the entrance to the assembly area from the entrance. A few moments after the speech Karel's phone beeped softly.

Pi-Pi-Pi-Pi

Karel's hand whipped to it as if he was reaching for his pistol to draw. He answered in the Military-esque manner.

"Go for Maly" He said calmly standing and walking out of the room leaving Ciri under the watchfull eye of her protectors. Karels phone only rang if something extremely important for Ciri or himself. Ciri frowned as Karel walked out of the room leaving Alžběta to take over the close guard of her person. Alžběta walked softly over to Ciri and stole Karel's seat next to Ciri.

"Somethings up, I can tell." Alžběta said assuredly, "He never has that sort of look on him if there wasn't, we may have to leave early to deal with it." Alžběta upon noticing her leaders shoulders droop a bit she corrected. "Us, meaning Karel, Jan and I, ma'am."

Ciri smiled, It was rare for her to talk with new people that didn't treat her like some high class citizen, to talk with others that were just polite and not constantly sir-ing and ma'am-ing you.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman was holding one of the kittens as he nervously walked out on stage, taking the microphone and staring out at the crowd of people. He decided to focus his gaze on Fiona and Assad, and took a breath before speaking. "So . . . um . . . I know not everyone here celebrates this holiday, but, it's still considered a time of gathering with people---which is something I really don't like doing. Yeah, it's true, I'm not a party person. Now, if it was just me and a select few people here, it'd be OK . . . Alright . . . tonight's guest of honor is the king of Jordan, a nation I've had the pleasure of going to and trying to establish a friendly relationship with. But, um, tonight is not about politics, so, without further ado, here is King Abdullah the Second of Jordan." Golahman nervously handed off the microphone, disappearing into the back.

Giving a warm smile, Abdullah paced the stage a little. "What is true is that not all of us here celebrate Christmas, but what's also true is that we're capable of being around people who celebrate other holidays or no holidays at all, even. First of all, I'm pretty honored to be here. When I first met President Golahman, the last thing I expected a head-of-state to ask me right after we just met is, 'Do you want to come to a Christmas party?' I was a bit surprised, not really sure how to respond to that, so I told him I'd think about it. That night, my wife, my lovely Queen Rania, told me I should've just accepted Golahman's request right then and there. I asked why, and she said, 'You need to get out of the house for a while. Go experience something. Who knows? Maybe Golahman's a nerd, just like you.' So, because the wife's words always go, I called up Golahman the next morning and told him I'd come, and that was all I expected. I didn't expect him to make me guest of honor, but he did, and here I am, talking on a stage to you all, and, even though I don't celebrate Christmas, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas." He was about to put the microphone down, but quickly said, "Oh, and Merry Whateverthisis to the rest of you."

Fiona clapped as Karak had said his piece, smiling at him - it was for him, not for Abdullah, she wanted him to see that. He had spoken in front of a crowd of people, although it had appeared to her, that he had spoken more to her and Assad then the rest of the people.
Abdullah's speech was a finely rehearsed one, she had to admit, even cracking the odd joke, but her attention was more on Karak. While she applauded at the end of the King's Speech, she had her eyes focussed on Karak.
For a moment, she looked over to Assad. "If you would please excuse me for a moment?", she asked with a smile and stood up, setting Sio to the ground and ordered him to follow her.
With that, she made to approach Karak, far away from any cat.

Golahman had hid behind the stage while Abdullah spoke, afraid he embarrassed himself again, and then nervously came out when it was over and everyone was clapping. He noticed Fiona approaching him, and stood still.

Golahman was holding one of the kittens as he nervously walked out on stage, taking the microphone and staring out at the crowd of people. He decided to focus his gaze on Fiona and Assad, and took a breath before speaking. "So . . . um . . . I know not everyone here celebrates this holiday, but, it's still considered a time of gathering with people---which is something I really don't like doing. Yeah, it's true, I'm not a party person. Now, if it was just me and a select few people here, it'd be OK . . . Alright . . . tonight's guest of honor is the king of Jordan, a nation I've had the pleasure of going to and trying to establish a friendly relationship with. But, um, tonight is not about politics, so, without further ado, here is King Abdullah the Second of Jordan." Golahman nervously handed off the microphone, disappearing into the back.

Giving a warm smile, Abdullah paced the stage a little. "What is true is that not all of us here celebrate Christmas, but what's also true is that we're capable of being around people who celebrate other holidays or no holidays at all, even. First of all, I'm pretty honored to be here. When I first met President Golahman, the last thing I expected a head-of-state to ask me right after we just met is, 'Do you want to come to a Christmas party?' I was a bit surprised, not really sure how to respond to that, so I told him I'd think about it. That night, my wife, my lovely Queen Rania, told me I should've just accepted Golahman's request right then and there. I asked why, and she said, 'You need to get out of the house for a while. Go experience something. Who knows? Maybe Golahman's a nerd, just like you.' So, because the wife's words always go, I called up Golahman the next morning and told him I'd come, and that was all I expected. I didn't expect him to make me guest of honor, but he did, and here I am, talking on a stage to you all, and, even though I don't celebrate Christmas, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas." He was about to put the microphone down, but quickly said, "Oh, and Merry Whateverthisis to the rest of you."

The crowd of dignitaries had slowly moved from the entrance into a assembly area. There was a dais with a microphone on it and tables with chairs all matching the festive theme. Golahman, had moved away from the group and climbed up onto the dais where he had his speech. Ciri and Karel listened attentively as they took a seat at one of the tables. When Golahman called Abdullah up to the dais Ciri and Karel clapped politely. After Abdullah finished they politely clapped again. During all this their guards stood watch over the room at the entrance to the assembly area from the entrance. A few moments after the speech Karel's phone beeped softly.

Pi-Pi-Pi-Pi

Karel's hand whipped to it as if he was reaching for his pistol to draw. He answered in the Military-esque manner.

"Go for Maly" He said calmly standing and walking out of the room leaving Ciri under the watchfull eye of her protectors. Karels phone only rang if something extremely important for Ciri or himself. Ciri frowned as Karel walked out of the room leaving Alžběta to take over the close guard of her person. Alžběta walked softly over to Ciri and stole Karel's seat next to Ciri.

"Somethings up, I can tell." Alžběta said assuredly, "He never has that sort of look on him if there wasn't, we may have to leave early to deal with it." Alžběta upon noticing her leaders shoulders droop a bit she corrected. "Us, meaning Karel, Jan and I, ma'am."

Ciri smiled, It was rare for her to talk with new people that didn't treat her like some high class citizen, to talk with others that were just polite and not constantly sir-ing and ma'am-ing you.

Assad hadn't noticed the ridiculously tall guards from Rodstov until he had gotten up to go to the refreshment table. At six-two, he usually saw himself as the awkward, lanky guy in the room, but now found himself looking at a Rodstovian guard that was over seven feet. Even weirder was the fact that the guard was female, because really tall women were incredibly rare.

It was his guess that the really short woman was probably their leader, and watched as a man from the group took out a phone and walked away, talking into it. Assad wanted to point out what the guy was doing was rude by Krugeristani customs, but refrained from doing so, taking a slice of the infamous Christmas fruitcake and walking over to the short woman. "Hey. You don't look very happy."

[The Selkie]

Golahman had hid behind the stage while Abdullah spoke, afraid he embarrassed himself again, and then nervously came out when it was over and everyone was clapping. He noticed Fiona approaching him, and stood still.

[...]

Fiona approached him and gave him a quick hug, congratulating him by stating: "You were awesome!"
Sio agreed with a chirp, his tails wagging.
"It was short, sweet and told what needed to be told.", she said with a smile, a hand on his shoulder.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman had hid behind the stage while Abdullah spoke, afraid he embarrassed himself again, and then nervously came out when it was over and everyone was clapping. He noticed Fiona approaching him, and stood still.

[...]

Fiona approached him and gave him a quick hug, congratulating him by stating: "You were awesome!"
Sio agreed with a chirp, his tails wagging.
"It was short, sweet and told what needed to be told.", she said with a smile, a hand on his shoulder.

"You're just saying that. It was terrible. I stuttered through the whole thing. I hated it," Golahman said, wringing his hands. "Oh well, it was better than the Halloween one . . . I did terrible. Abdullah should get all the praise, Fiona. He didn't stutter, and he made people laugh. I can't make people laugh--except you, your mother, and Assad--wait, where is he anyway?" Golahman looked behind Fiona, seeing Assad trying to talk to the Rodstovians. "Oh, no, I've ignored him again!"

[The Selkie]

"You're just saying that. It was terrible. I stuttered through the whole thing. I hated it," Golahman said, wringing his hands. "Oh well, it was better than the Halloween one . . . I did terrible. Abdullah should get all the praise, Fiona. He didn't stutter, and he made people laugh. I can't make people laugh--except you, your mother, and Assad--wait, where is he anyway?" Golahman looked behind Fiona, seeing Assad trying to talk to the Rodstovians. "Oh, no, I've ignored him again!"

Fiona raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Abdullah didn't stutter.", Fiona admitted him, holding onto his hands, "But he gave a rehearsed speech, studied in, while you talked freely and openly. That..." She leaned in and whispered. "...and I liked the part about this being a time of gathering - if not yet, when else?"
She smiled and walked, still holding his hand.
"Mom told me about Halloween, though.", she said and led them towards Assad.

[Krugeristan]

"You're just saying that. It was terrible. I stuttered through the whole thing. I hated it," Golahman said, wringing his hands. "Oh well, it was better than the Halloween one . . . I did terrible. Abdullah should get all the praise, Fiona. He didn't stutter, and he made people laugh. I can't make people laugh--except you, your mother, and Assad--wait, where is he anyway?" Golahman looked behind Fiona, seeing Assad trying to talk to the Rodstovians. "Oh, no, I've ignored him again!"

Fiona raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Abdullah didn't stutter.", Fiona admitted him, holding onto his hands, "But he gave a rehearsed speech, studied in, while you talked freely and openly. That..." She leaned in and whispered. "...and I liked the part about this being a time of gathering - if not yet, when else?"
She smiled and walked, still holding his hand.
"Mom told me about Halloween, though.", she said and led them towards Assad.

"Abdullah didn't rehearse. That was completely freelanced. He just . . . does it better than me." Golahman sighed, but then gave a confused frown when they approached Assad. "You're literally the only dimwit here who's eating the fruitcake."

"There's nothing wrong with it," Assad said. "What's so bad about the fruitcake?"

"Anyone who celebrates Christmas knows fruitcake is the most disgusting thing that can be served, and the only reason people serve it at all is for laughs."

"I don't think it's disgusting at all."

Golahman looked at Fiona. "Well, I've learned something new today."

[The Selkie]

Fiona raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Abdullah didn't stutter.", Fiona admitted him, holding onto his hands, "But he gave a rehearsed speech, studied in, while you talked freely and openly. That..." She leaned in and whispered. "...and I liked the part about this being a time of gathering - if not yet, when else?"
She smiled and walked, still holding his hand.
"Mom told me about Halloween, though.", she said and led them towards Assad.

"Abdullah didn't rehearse. That was completely freelanced. He just . . . does it better than me." Golahman sighed, but then gave a confused frown when they approached Assad. "You're literally the only dimwit here who's eating the fruitcake."

"There's nothing wrong with it," Assad said. "What's so bad about the fruitcake?"

"Anyone who celebrates Christmas knows fruitcake is the most disgusting thing that can be served, and the only reason people serve it at all is for laughs."

"I don't think it's disgusting at all."

Golahman looked at Fiona. "Well, I've learned something new today."

I can guarantee you, that he did., Fiona thought with a smile, flanking him as he talked to Assad.
Her cue came and she took it in stride. "Doesn't look bad, if you ask me...", she said and took a fork, lifting it, but not stabbing the piece of cake. "May I, Mister Assad?"
It was not only, that it didn't look bad, she was also curious - if this food was as disgusting as Karak claimed, then it would not look that good, so maybe she could prank her mother with that... who knew?

[Krugeristan]

"Abdullah didn't rehearse. That was completely freelanced. He just . . . does it better than me." Golahman sighed, but then gave a confused frown when they approached Assad. "You're literally the only dimwit here who's eating the fruitcake."

"There's nothing wrong with it," Assad said. "What's so bad about the fruitcake?"

"Anyone who celebrates Christmas knows fruitcake is the most disgusting thing that can be served, and the only reason people serve it at all is for laughs."

"I don't think it's disgusting at all."

Golahman looked at Fiona. "Well, I've learned something new today."

I can guarantee you, that he did., Fiona thought with a smile, flanking him as he talked to Assad.
Her cue came and she took it in stride. "Doesn't look bad, if you ask me...", she said and took a fork, lifting it, but not stabbing the piece of cake. "May I, Mister Assad?"
It was not only, that it didn't look bad, she was also curious - if this food was as disgusting as Karak claimed, then it would not look that good, so maybe she could prank her mother with that... who knew?

"It's just . . . really sweet and really dry," Assad said. "Take a bite if you want."

"It was made that way on purpose," muttered Golahman.

"Oh, wow." Assad looked at Golahman. "Say, where's His Majesty, Abdullah?"

"He told me he went to the bathroom."

"Well, he's been in there a while. Think he's alright?"

"I don't know. I'll send Jerochenko to check on him." Golahman summoned over the guard. "Lieutenant . . . Lieutenant, I need a favor. Can you go check on Abdullah, see if he's OK? He's in the bathroom."

Jerochenko nodded, walking away.

[The Selkie]

I can guarantee you, that he did., Fiona thought with a smile, flanking him as he talked to Assad.
Her cue came and she took it in stride. "Doesn't look bad, if you ask me...", she said and took a fork, lifting it, but not stabbing the piece of cake. "May I, Mister Assad?"
It was not only, that it didn't look bad, she was also curious - if this food was as disgusting as Karak claimed, then it would not look that good, so maybe she could prank her mother with that... who knew?

"It's just . . . really sweet and really dry," Assad said. "Take a bite if you want."

"It was made that way on purpose," muttered Golahman.

"Oh, wow." Assad looked at Golahman. "Say, where's His Majesty, Abdullah?"

"He told me he went to the bathroom."

"Well, he's been in there a while. Think he's alright?"

"I don't know. I'll send Jerochenko to check on him." Golahman summoned over the guard. "Lieutenant . . . Lieutenant, I need a favor. Can you go check on Abdullah, see if he's OK? He's in the bathroom."

Jerochenko nodded, walking away.

Fiona didn't need to be told twice, went with her fork into the cake and took her bite.
Immediately, she both regretted it and had to laugh.
Said laugh wasn't the best sounding one as there was still fruitcake in her mouth, until she had chewed on it enough and swallowed. "That...", she said, "...was awful. My compliments to the chefs, if that was really their intention..."
She smiled at Golahman, her eyes filled with a dangerous glint.
"I need the recipe."
A few crumbs had fallen to the ground, only to be sniffed at by Sio, who didn't like the smell as well.

[Krugeristan]

"It's just . . . really sweet and really dry," Assad said. "Take a bite if you want."

"It was made that way on purpose," muttered Golahman.

"Oh, wow." Assad looked at Golahman. "Say, where's His Majesty, Abdullah?"

"He told me he went to the bathroom."

"Well, he's been in there a while. Think he's alright?"

"I don't know. I'll send Jerochenko to check on him." Golahman summoned over the guard. "Lieutenant . . . Lieutenant, I need a favor. Can you go check on Abdullah, see if he's OK? He's in the bathroom."

Jerochenko nodded, walking away.

Fiona didn't need to be told twice, went with her fork into the cake and took her bite.
Immediately, she both regretted it and had to laugh.
Said laugh wasn't the best sounding one as there was still fruitcake in her mouth, until she had chewed on it enough and swallowed. "That...", she said, "...was awful. My compliments to the chefs, if that was really their intention..."
She smiled at Golahman, her eyes filled with a dangerous glint.
"I need the recipe."
A few crumbs had fallen to the ground, only to be sniffed at by Sio, who didn't like the smell as well.

Golahman sighed a little. Assad was still actually eating the abomination that was fruitcake.

Jerochenko came back with the Jordanian king following him. "He's alright, sir," Jerochenko said, saluting before leaving.

Abdullah looked at Golahman. "Well, you didn't do terrible on your speech."

"Don't say that. It's not true. I stuttered and had no idea what I was doing," Golahman said.

"At least you did it."

"Yeah . . . that's true." Putting his hands behind his back, Golahman glanced at Fiona. "I'll get you the recipe, I promise."

[Rodstov Republic]

The two Rostovian women looked up form their seats to see Assad speaking to them. Alžběta went rigid when Assad spoke. She had very little knowledge of him personally however she knew exactly what the rumors said, years of training kicked in and her rigidness blended into normal resting expression. She had moved her foot to warn Ciri of her suspicions about the man, she tapped the top of Ciri's toe. Ciri gave a sideways glance but Alžběta gave back a fake smile as she stood, she leaded in and whispered "I'm going to get Jan. Alžběta took one last look at Assad she stood at 6'11" so she was looking down on the slightly shorter man and walked off keeping her resting expression.

Ciri then directed her attention to the dignitary from Syria. She stood and spoke. "I don't think we have met, yes?" Ciri Asked. "I'm Cirilla Azarov, Figure head of the Azarov Family, Head Minister and Archon of the Republican Government in Rodstov. You have disturbed one of my guards it seems... who are you." Cirilla finished defensively. her arms mimicked a fighting stance for women back in Rodstov. Her left hand was hidden behind the folds of her dress clenched in a fist. the other was loose and open handed facing her palm towards Assad in a gesture as if she was about to bow. Her face mimicked Alžběta's resting expression which ended up looking more of a frown. which failed at her attempt to hide her expression.

-=-=-=-=-

Jan saw all of what transpired which put him on edge on the inside however he didn't flinch from his "at Ease" state. Alžběta made eye contact with Jan and thus he moved to a more relaxed standing stand and he stepped towards Alžběta as she arrived.

"Whats wrong?" He asked hoping it was just Alžběta being defensive of her charge. "Who is that speaking with her?"

"Bashar al-Assad..." Alžběta replied. "President of Syria. Currently in a Cease Fire with a civil uprising, Kurdish Irregulars and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. It is said that he is a brutal dictator, and he's done some questionable things in the past as reported by the Civil uprising and the Kurds."

Jan just nodded and left to get Karel. Alžběta took up Jan's spot and stared daggers into Assad. if he even puts a finger on her I'll pumble him into the dirt she thought. at the same moment Ciri's green eye's attempted to read Assad's face to see any sign's of unjust attention; flirting or invasive touching in the like. She couldn't fathom what Alžběta saw in the man in front of her however, it was enough to put her on edge.

(FYI if you guys haven't caught on Cirilla is Cirilla from Witcher : the Wild Hunt, White hair Green eyes pale skin roughly 5'6" or so.)

[Krugeristan]

The two Rostovian women looked up form their seats to see Assad speaking to them. Alžběta went rigid when Assad spoke. She had very little knowledge of him personally however she knew exactly what the rumors said, years of training kicked in and her rigidness blended into normal resting expression. She had moved her foot to warn Ciri of her suspicions about the man, she tapped the top of Ciri's toe. Ciri gave a sideways glance but Alžběta gave back a fake smile as she stood, she leaded in and whispered "I'm going to get Jan. Alžběta took one last look at Assad she stood at 6'11" so she was looking down on the slightly shorter man and walked off keeping her resting expression.

Ciri then directed her attention to the dignitary from Syria. She stood and spoke. "I don't think we have met, yes?" Ciri Asked. "I'm Cirilla Azarov, Figure head of the Azarov Family, Head Minister and Archon of the Republican Government in Rodstov. You have disturbed one of my guards it seems... who are you." Cirilla finished defensively. her arms mimicked a fighting stance for women back in Rodstov. Her left hand was hidden behind the folds of her dress clenched in a fist. the other was loose and open handed facing her palm towards Assad in a gesture as if she was about to bow. Her face mimicked Alžběta's resting expression which ended up looking more of a frown. which failed at her attempt to hide her expression.

-=-=-=-=-

Jan saw all of what transpired which put him on edge on the inside however he didn't flinch from his "at Ease" state. Alžběta made eye contact with Jan and thus he moved to a more relaxed standing stand and he stepped towards Alžběta as she arrived.

"Whats wrong?" He asked hoping it was just Alžběta being defensive of her charge. "Who is that speaking with her?"

"Bashar al-Assad..." Alžběta replied. "President of Syria. Currently in a Cease Fire with a civil uprising, Kurdish Irregulars and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. It is said that he is a brutal dictator, and he's done some questionable things in the past as reported by the Civil uprising and the Kurds."

Jan just nodded and left to get Karel. Alžběta took up Jan's spot and stared daggers into Assad. if he even puts a finger on her I'll pumble him into the dirt she thought. at the same moment Ciri's green eye's attempted to read Assad's face to see any sign's of unjust attention; flirting or invasive touching in the like. She couldn't fathom what Alžběta saw in the man in front of her however, it was enough to put her on edge.

(FYI if you guys haven't caught on Cirilla is Cirilla from Witcher : the Wild Hunt, White hair Green eyes pale skin roughly 5'6" or so.)

"President Assad, of Syria. I . . ." Assad trailed off, not sure if Cirilla was holding out her hand to shake his or some other reason. Thoroughly confused, he held out his hand to her. "Sorry. Not sure if you're doing some kind of greeting from your country. Anyway, President Golahman and I are pretty close friends, both professionally and personally, and that's pretty much it, I guess."

[Last Reserve]

Alric had been standing perfectly still far longer than was natural, staring blankly at the wall in front of him, after Abdullah and Golaham finished speaking. Finally, after almost a minute, he said one word, long and drawn out. "No."
He then whipped around to his guard. "Thats a beta, correct?"
The guard nodded. "Beta class one."
"Damn." He walked towards the group of dignitaries including Assad, a purpose in hist step that he had not had when he first entered the party. Cathcing the eye of his second guard who had been stationed of by the wall, he gave a quick hand signal. The guards eyes widened, and she nodded, walking quickly to the door. His other guards hand hovered over a concealed weapon at his side.
"Gentlemen and woman." Alric informed the group. "There has just been an attempt on my life. Ten killed and five others wounded. The gunman is lose and claims to have allies. Is i need to know if it safe for me here."

[Rodstov Republic]

Cirilla, barely had time to register what Assad had said when yet another individual that she didn't know started talking.

"Gentlemen and woman." The man said. "There has just been an attempt on my life. Ten killed and five others wounded. The gunman is lose and claims to have allies. Is i need to know if it safe for me here."

"Are you joking?" Ciri said blankly, She had forgotten about the worries about Assad and shifted to what this man had just said.

[Last Reserve]

Cirilla, barely had time to register what Assad had said when yet another individual that she didn't know started talking.

"Gentlemen and woman." The man said. "There has just been an attempt on my life. Ten killed and five others wounded. The gunman is lose and claims to have allies. Is i need to know if it safe for me here."

"Are you joking?" Ciri said blankly, She had forgotten about the worries about Assad and shifted to what this man had just said.

"No. I am perfectly serious." Arlic responded calmly. "I would not joke of such matters. I sent one guard, Maya, outside to watch the front door. Bjorn, the silent-but-strong type behind me there will stay by me at all times for at least the next 24 hours. I trust him completely and he is well armed. But I must ask you, is there anyone in this room with ties to religious fanatic groups, terrorists or the Blood Cult of Last Reserve? And would anyone have a reason to want me or my family dead. I need to know this. Please, my friends and allies, I need this information."