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

[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.

"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."

Ciri just stared at the strange man. He was walking around and talking with others as she remembered him talking with Abdullah earlier didn't she? He seemed to be completely fine. Then he decides to pick now to come up and talk to me. Right when I was... having a discussion with Assad. Ciri thought, He must be fucking with me...

"I suggest you talk with some one else." Ciri said firmly, "Now." She then said slightly louder and more hostile then before. She then turned and made a b-line over to Golahman. It seem that her guard Alžběta had moved and was now actively moving with her instead of saying back. Alžběta put an arm around her shoulders and acted as a shield as they together walked across the room from the trouble maker. she didn't have time to deal with his absurd allegations. Ciri had a strong fear of the unknown, and other things that couldn't be simply explained. Now she was fine with most things like jump scares and the like but when something like an allegation like that, and claim that there was a loss of life from an unknown group like that, she simply rationalized it as him fucking with her in an attempt to gain a reaction. There had been nothing wrong with this evening and he was completely fine. He was simply causing drama however her over active imagination got the better of her. Her acute form of Xenophobia or the Fear of the Unknown kicked in and she removed herself from the conversation. She had completely forgotten about the unknown factors with Assad that Alžběta triggered earlier. But, this could be rationalized away as her guard that she trusted to see to her safety knew what was best in that stance. However asking the question, "Does random terrorist organization 'A' have any loyalists here?" was not something she liked.

[Last Reserve]

Alric sighed. It was nothing new. There had been three other attempts on his life on the past, all spearheaded by the Blood Cult, and there was always someone who wouldn't believe. He turned to Bjorn.
"Call Fenor. Tell him where I am, he should be near here, and tell him to send his men where it would be most beneficial to us, and not here. He will know what I mean." Glancing around to make sure no-one was watching him, Alric added a quick twist of his hand.
Bjorn nodded, touching the side of his head and began to speak in a low undertone.
Alric asked a few other diplomats from random countries, but they either did not comprehend him or couldn't care less. Finally, he turned back to the group he had just left. Who would help him? I need to find someone who can tell me... or I will have to leave. That would be terrible for diplomacy. He though as Bjorn finished his conversation.
"He said he understood. He told me to tell you to he was on a Midnight Star."
Alric gave a slight smile. "Well, that's good news." But It doesn't matter if I can't find help here
"They struck again." Bjorn murmured. "The capitol. Fifteen dead. Seven wounded. They killed the gunman but he says he is one of many. We are onto Alpha Class Two."

[The Selkie]

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."

Fiona kissed Golahman on the cheek, lightly, but with a smile.
"Thank you.", she told him and placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it, "I'll of course leave any and all involvement of yours into pranking Mom with delicious cake out." She turned to the other present men. "And you guys heard nothing!", she demanded with a wink, before she turned back to her boyfriend. "You did it and you did it wonderfully, if you ask me. No offense, your Highness."
Her smile was a bit sheepish at that point, as she looked at the man.
"...we weren't introduced, were we?", she asked a bit sheepish.

[Krugeristan]

After hearing what Alric said about some attempt on his life, Corporal Evanu went outside to tell Vershenov, who was thoroughly pissed off now. The old commander stormed into the estate immediately confronting Alric. "An attempt on your life while you're over here in fucking Krugeristan?! And how dare you start accusing anyone here of being in a fucking cult! That is not your job while you're on our soil!" Blue eyes full of fire, Vershenov took a breath while still in Alric's face. "Sit down. Now. This isn't your country. You have no right to interrogate people here." Despite being tempted to backhand the man, Vershenov summoned Evanu and Jerochenko to stand a few feet away from him, making sure he sat down.

Assad had been about to talk more with Cirilla when shit hit the fan. Now, someone was saying there was an attempt on their life back home. Assad had nothing to say. He didn't know anyone in any terrorist organizations.

Abdullah pretty much had the same reaction as Assad, but he wanted to call bullshit. "Just what the hell are you trying to pull?" the Jordanian growled.

Golahman had no idea whose side to take, but knew his country's laws were to come first. "Disrupting the peace here and attempting to interrogate people is against the law," he said. "Vershenov's right; this is not your country. You have no right to question people here." He took the microphone from the stage. "Listen, everyone, I don't want anyone to be afraid, but, I also don't want anyone to feel obligated to answer this man's questions about your loyalties. I wouldn't have let any of you come if you were involved in cults and terrorist activities. The fact that the Last Reserve leader is trying to question you all, in a country that is not his own, is enough for me to believe that this is none of our concern. If such an event is happening, please note that you're all safe here."

[Last Reserve]

After hearing what Alric said about some attempt on his life, Corporal Evanu went outside to tell Vershenov, who was thoroughly pissed off now. The old commander stormed into the estate immediately confronting Alric. "An attempt on your life while you're over here in fucking Krugeristan?! And how dare you start accusing anyone here of being in a fucking cult! That is not your job while you're on our soil!" Blue eyes full of fire, Vershenov took a breath while still in Alric's face. "Sit down. Now. This isn't your country. You have no right to interrogate people here." Despite being tempted to backhand the man, Vershenov summoned Evanu and Jerochenko to stand a few feet away from him, making sure he sat down.

Assad had been about to talk more with Cirilla when shit hit the fan. Now, someone was saying there was an attempt on their life back home. Assad had nothing to say. He didn't know anyone in any terrorist organizations.

Abdullah pretty much had the same reaction as Assad, but he wanted to call bullshit. "Just what the hell are you trying to pull?" the Jordanian growled.

Golahman had no idea whose side to take, but knew his country's laws were to come first. "Disrupting the peace here and attempting to interrogate people is against the law," he said. "Vershenov's right; this is not your country. You have no right to question people here." He took the microphone from the stage. "Listen, everyone, I don't want anyone to be afraid, but, I also don't want anyone to feel obligated to answer this man's questions about your loyalties. I wouldn't have let any of you come if you were involved in cults and terrorist activities. The fact that the Last Reserve leader is trying to question you all, in a country that is not his own, is enough for me to believe that this is none of our concern. If such an event is happening, please note that you're all safe here."

Alric sat down calmly, glancing around. He clasped his hands in his lap, and Bjorn began to mutter again. His other guard, Maya, glanced inside before calmly wandering past to the left. She began to speak in what was seemingly another language, but using all english words. "Nightime. I repeat Nightime. Not midnight, but surely dark. Midnight star to the North Pole. Follow the bears. Magus to the fire. Bear in the hole. The trappers have snares, watch the bait."

Meanwhile, the most liked High Dragonic Elect in Reservean history, elected by a measure of nearly 8 to 1 in his first election and 9 to 1 in his second was basically being held captive in a foreign country because a group of religious fanatics were trying to kill him.

"I don't see this as interragation." Alric's voice was eerily calm. "I simply asked if anyone was connected to terrorist orgainzations. I did not demand an answer. If I asked you right now if you had a dog, or what college you went to, would that be interragation? If I fell to my knees, begging to know what you had to breakfest, would I be forced to sit in this chair? I simply don't want to die, which I see as a perfectly reasonable request. Since it was not, I would like to make a few others. First, I would like to see the letter of the law that makes my questions illegal interagation. Secondly, I would like access to a lawyer if you wont show me. Thirdly, I would like an armed escort of some sort because an enitre religious cult wants me dead and has already killed a few of my top aids." The leader gently set his cat on the floor as he spoke. "Forth, I would like a slice of fruitcake." He smiled. "I know everyone hates it, but i seem to have an unhealthy obssession. Also, I'm starving and I eat when I'm nervous, which I tend to be when people are actively trying to kill me. To adress your accusations, I was accusing none. I was simply asking. And fanatic religious cults don't pay much attention to foreign diplomacy missions. They do not even no I'm here, but they can and most likely will guess. I imagine they are beggining to interrogate and torture my friends now. In any case, I appoligize for any breach of law, and to the fabulous guests of this party."

[Krugeristan]

After hearing what Alric said about some attempt on his life, Corporal Evanu went outside to tell Vershenov, who was thoroughly pissed off now. The old commander stormed into the estate immediately confronting Alric. "An attempt on your life while you're over here in fucking Krugeristan?! And how dare you start accusing anyone here of being in a fucking cult! That is not your job while you're on our soil!" Blue eyes full of fire, Vershenov took a breath while still in Alric's face. "Sit down. Now. This isn't your country. You have no right to interrogate people here." Despite being tempted to backhand the man, Vershenov summoned Evanu and Jerochenko to stand a few feet away from him, making sure he sat down.

Assad had been about to talk more with Cirilla when shit hit the fan. Now, someone was saying there was an attempt on their life back home. Assad had nothing to say. He didn't know anyone in any terrorist organizations.

Abdullah pretty much had the same reaction as Assad, but he wanted to call bullshit. "Just what the hell are you trying to pull?" the Jordanian growled.

Golahman had no idea whose side to take, but knew his country's laws were to come first. "Disrupting the peace here and attempting to interrogate people is against the law," he said. "Vershenov's right; this is not your country. You have no right to question people here." He took the microphone from the stage. "Listen, everyone, I don't want anyone to be afraid, but, I also don't want anyone to feel obligated to answer this man's questions about your loyalties. I wouldn't have let any of you come if you were involved in cults and terrorist activities. The fact that the Last Reserve leader is trying to question you all, in a country that is not his own, is enough for me to believe that this is none of our concern. If such an event is happening, please note that you're all safe here."

Alric sat down calmly, glancing around. He clasped his hands in his lap, and Bjorn began to mutter again. His other guard, Maya, glanced inside before calmly wandering past to the left. She began to speak in what was seemingly another language, but using all english words. "Nightime. I repeat Nightime. Not midnight, but surely dark. Midnight star to the North Pole. Follow the bears. Magus to the fire. Bear in the hole. The trappers have snares, watch the bait."

Meanwhile, the most liked High Dragonic Elect in Reservean history, elected by a measure of nearly 8 to 1 in his first election and 9 to 1 in his second was basically being held captive in a foreign country because a group of religious fanatics were trying to kill him.

"I don't see this as interragation." Alric's voice was eerily calm. "I simply asked if anyone was connected to terrorist orgainzations. I did not demand an answer. If I asked you right now if you had a dog, or what college you went to, would that be interragation? If I fell to my knees, begging to know what you had to breakfest, would I be forced to sit in this chair? I simply don't want to die, which I see as a perfectly reasonable request. Since it was not, I would like to make a few others. First, I would like to see the letter of the law that makes my questions illegal interagation. Secondly, I would like access to a lawyer if you wont show me. Thirdly, I would like an armed escort of some sort because an enitre religious cult wants me dead and has already killed a few of my top aids." The leader gently set his cat on the floor as he spoke. "Forth, I would like a slice of fruitcake." He smiled. "I know everyone hates it, but i seem to have an unhealthy obssession. Also, I'm starving and I eat when I'm nervous, which I tend to be when people are actively trying to kill me. To adress your accusations, I was accusing none. I was simply asking. And fanatic religious cults don't pay much attention to foreign diplomacy missions. They do not even no I'm here, but they can and most likely will guess. I imagine they are beggining to interrogate and torture my friends now. In any case, I appoligize for any breach of law, and to the fabulous guests of this party."

Vershenov, his arms folded over his chest, sighed as he looked over at Golahman. "What do you think, sir?"

Nervously, Golahman beckoned Vershenov over to him, and they began whispering. "I'm going to ask him permission to send in the special forces. How many units are available?"

"Four. Task Force Iceball, Task Force Penumbra, Task Force Aurora, and Task Force Soul."

"Have TF Penumbra's commander on standby." Golahman walked away from Vershenov, approaching Alric. "Listen, I'm willing to ship one of my special task forces to your nation to wipe this cult out, as an apologetic gesture for my actions and the actions of my personal guard here. I can have them there within three hours."

[Rodstov Republic]

Alžběta and Cirilla had moved to the opposite side of the room and they had sat down at one of the tables that had yet to be used. Alžběta was attempting to calm Cirilla down, while she (Cirilla) kneaded her knuckles into her forehead attempting to calm herself. Karel and Jan had jogged back into the room. It had seemed that Jan was taking extra precautions. In the event of any confrontation Jan and Alžběta were to suit up from their class one* status to their class two**. Jan carried a jet black Plate carrier with two pouches threaded on using the molle-weaving. Jan wore a matching set however, Jan had a radio pouch on his back as well. Karel pointed at Ciri and Alžběta and it was clear to Jan what he was asking. Karel then walked over to the host, Golahman.

"Excuse my absence," he said politely. "May I ask what is going on. One of my men informed me briefly however, I would like to know if we are safe here currently and what measures your taking to the buildings security. I also would like to assist as well as long as my charge remains safe."

Looking over his shoulder he saw Alric and the two Krugeristani guards watching him. Karel frowned but threw the thought to the back of his mind for now.


* : Class One; Plain clothes protection, collapsible baton, concealed MP-443 with one magazine.
** : Class Two; Plain clothes protection upgraded to Tier one plate carrier if necessary, Pepper Spray and zip-ties added. Extra Magazine for MP-443 added.

[Krugeristan]

Alžběta and Cirilla had moved to the opposite side of the room and they had sat down at one of the tables that had yet to be used. Alžběta was attempting to calm Cirilla down, while she (Cirilla) kneaded her knuckles into her forehead attempting to calm herself. Karel and Jan had jogged back into the room. It had seemed that Jan was taking extra precautions. In the event of any confrontation Jan and Alžběta were to suit up from their class one* status to their class two**. Jan carried a jet black Plate carrier with two pouches threaded on using the molle-weaving. Jan wore a matching set however, Jan had a radio pouch on his back as well. Karel pointed at Ciri and Alžběta and it was clear to Jan what he was asking. Karel then walked over to the host, Golahman.

"Excuse my absence," he said politely. "May I ask what is going on. One of my men informed me briefly however, I would like to know if we are safe here currently and what measures your taking to the buildings security. I also would like to assist as well as long as my charge remains safe."

Looking over his shoulder he saw Alric and the two Krugeristani guards watching him. Karel frowned but threw the thought to the back of his mind for now.

Golahman was frowning at the sight of the Rodstovian guards around Cirilla, and snapped, "Just leave your leader the hell alone. You surrounding her like a bunch of sheep isn't going to solve anything. You all look like . . . like fucking robots. The building's fine, now, stop it. Just, stop it."

In the meantime, Assad had remained in place for the duration of the sudden nuttiness, and felt bad that he was watching this. He knew he was risking getting shot, beaten into the floor, or just plain dismembered, but he shyly approached Cirilla again, not making any sudden moves, not appearing hostile, and holding a kitten.

[Last Reserve]

Alric nodded to Golahman. "You can try, I don't doubt your ability but... they are elusive. However, as I mentioned to Abdullah earlier, our army is not the best, so you never know." He glanced to Bjorn who nodded and begain to mutter something about sunshine and trappers with peace offerings. "The commander of my special forces, Fenor, will be expecting you. He will assist you with what forces we have available. Our nation will be deeply in your debt if you suceed, and I forgive you for chasing me into this chair. Now, I have one request left. Where's my fruitcake?" As Alric wstood, the white-starred kitten lept happily into his arms.

[Rodstov Republic]

Alžběta and Cirilla had moved to the opposite side of the room and they had sat down at one of the tables that had yet to be used. Alžběta was attempting to calm Cirilla down, while she (Cirilla) kneaded her knuckles into her forehead attempting to calm herself. Karel and Jan had jogged back into the room. It had seemed that Jan was taking extra precautions. In the event of any confrontation Jan and Alžběta were to suit up from their class one* status to their class two**. Jan carried a jet black Plate carrier with two pouches threaded on using the molle-weaving. Jan wore a matching set however, Jan had a radio pouch on his back as well. Karel pointed at Ciri and Alžběta and it was clear to Jan what he was asking. Karel then walked over to the host, Golahman.

"Excuse my absence," he said politely. "May I ask what is going on. One of my men informed me briefly however, I would like to know if we are safe here currently and what measures your taking to the buildings security. I also would like to assist as well as long as my charge remains safe."

Looking over his shoulder he saw Alric and the two Krugeristani guards watching him. Karel frowned but threw the thought to the back of his mind for now.

Golahman was frowning at the sight of the Rodstovian guards around Cirilla, and snapped, "Just leave your leader the hell alone. You surrounding her like a bunch of sheep isn't going to solve anything. You all look like . . . like fucking robots. The building's fine, now, stop it. Just, stop it."

In the meantime, Assad had remained in place for the duration of the sudden nuttiness, and felt bad that he was watching this. He knew he was risking getting shot, beaten into the floor, or just plain dismembered, but he shyly approached Cirilla again, not making any sudden moves, not appearing hostile, and holding a kitten.

Karel stood slightly shocked at the out burst, however he remained calm. "Yelling, and snapping in that direction will make her more nervous, we are simply following our way of doing things. If you disagree we can gladly leave." Karel spoke calmly. "We live in a different world than you where our militaristic culture drives how each member of our nation. Now, throwing insults like that would not be advised." Karel's voice was level and calm as he spoke never raising it from his normal tone, he made every effort to not deviate. "Now, I shall ask again, what is going on." He said bluntly. "I do ask that your response is not of a yelling tone as we will gladly just leave."

Alžběta and Jan were frowning at Golahman's out burst, while Cirilla just laughed softly. He is yelling at a nation of warriors and soldiers... and here's me freaking out of a silly little thing. grabbing Alžběta arm she pulled herself up with Alžběta breaking her gaze to look at her (Cirilla). Ciri smiled and patted the taller body guard on the chest. The hard plate carrier making a dull "thuck" sound each time. "Thank you Jan, Alžběta that will be all." she whispered. Both of the guards performed shallow bows with their left fist clenched on their chests as they retreated back to the entrance hall. She looked at Karel giving Golahman this steady stare as he spoke to him. He did the same thing when he was attempting to calm down some diplomats at a peace talks during the Zerrian Civil War where their country intervened to stop an international war from starting. He was good at that so Ciri was sure that the situation would defuse from here. Ciri face towards the movement out of the corner of her eye and she saw Assad slowly moving towards her with a small cat in his arms. It was like he was walking on egg shells, it was... pretty funny to watch.

"Mr. Assad," Ciri said adopting the same pose as she did before but however her fist grabbed her dress and gently pulled it out to the side and did a slight bow. "Now where were we?"

[Impireacht]

The Impireans moved through the hall and found a place to sit- soon after, Loryn went off in search of ma unoccupied guest to strike a conversation with.

((Sorry for the disappearance and short post, been busy and don't quite know what's happening. Can someone fill me in?))

[The Selkie]

Fiona watched the whole spectacle with a smile.
It wasn't that she was happy for such a situation to occur, but she was happy to see another face of Karak: Someone, who could lead people and knew, what he was doing. He was not nervous, not his natural nervousness at least, but decisive and deciding.
It was quite a change from the half-way nervous wreck, which he had been after his speech.
Watching him in silence for a bit, as he directed and ordered, Fiona saw, that the Krugeristanis made the right decision with choosing him. But did she make the right decision, back at Leas House?
She was here to find that out, to look at him with rose-tinted glasses and without.
Sio rubbed his snout against her calf in a reassuring gesture, which she responded to, waiting for Karak to finish his official business. She had no business in that - maybe yet, maybe never, who knew?
Meanwhile, she was alone and free to be talked to.

[Kiribati-Tarawa]

The King and Queen of Kiribati rejoin the party guests (sorry, was gone, I'll make a longer post soon).

[Last Reserve]

The Impireans moved through the hall and found a place to sit- soon after, Loryn went off in search of ma unoccupied guest to strike a conversation with.

((Sorry for the disappearance and short post, been busy and don't quite know what's happening. Can someone fill me in?))

Alric, mow happily eating his fruit cake with the kitten perched on his left shoulder walked over to the diplomats from Impireacht. "Well that was interesting wasn't it? I'm Alric Kasanova by the way, the leader of my country by election. Sorry about the disturbance. There was an attempt on my life, and that man" He gestured to Vershenov "Upheld his countries laws quite well by restraining me. But it is all worked out now, and I think there is no bad blood."

Fiona watched the whole spectacle with a smile.
It wasn't that she was happy for such a situation to occur, but she was happy to see another face of Karak: Someone, who could lead people and knew, what he was doing. He was not nervous, not his natural nervousness at least, but decisive and deciding.
It was quite a change from the half-way nervous wreck, which he had been after his speech.
Watching him in silence for a bit, as he directed and ordered, Fiona saw, that the Krugeristanis made the right decision with choosing him. But did she make the right decision, back at Leas House?
She was here to find that out, to look at him with rose-tinted glasses and without.
Sio rubbed his snout against her calf in a reassuring gesture, which she responded to, waiting for Karak to finish his official business. She had no business in that - maybe yet, maybe never, who knew?
Meanwhile, she was alone and free to be talked to.

Maya, the guard who had nervously paced around the outside of the house, walked inside, deciding to size up some of the politicians. Something about one from the Free Lands caught her eye. She decided to strike up a conversation, walking over and extending her hand. "Hello. How are you?"

[The Selkie]

[...]

Maya, the guard who had nervously paced around the outside of the house, walked inside, deciding to size up some of the politicians. Something about one from the Free Lands caught her eye. She decided to strike up a conversation, walking over and extending her hand. "Hello. How are you?"

Fiona was startled out of her thoughts, but quickly regained her metaphorical footing, Sio looking at the new arrival with curious eyes.
"Good evening!", the Selkie greeted the new arrival, something military, if she was not completely mistaken. She offered a hand, a bit awkwardly, as she was not used to this gesture. "I'm very well, thanks for asking, and you?"

[Krugeristan]

Golahman was frowning at the sight of the Rodstovian guards around Cirilla, and snapped, "Just leave your leader the hell alone. You surrounding her like a bunch of sheep isn't going to solve anything. You all look like . . . like fucking robots. The building's fine, now, stop it. Just, stop it."

In the meantime, Assad had remained in place for the duration of the sudden nuttiness, and felt bad that he was watching this. He knew he was risking getting shot, beaten into the floor, or just plain dismembered, but he shyly approached Cirilla again, not making any sudden moves, not appearing hostile, and holding a kitten.

Karel stood slightly shocked at the out burst, however he remained calm. "Yelling, and snapping in that direction will make her more nervous, we are simply following our way of doing things. If you disagree we can gladly leave." Karel spoke calmly. "We live in a different world than you where our militaristic culture drives how each member of our nation. Now, throwing insults like that would not be advised." Karel's voice was level and calm as he spoke never raising it from his normal tone, he made every effort to not deviate. "Now, I shall ask again, what is going on." He said bluntly. "I do ask that your response is not of a yelling tone as we will gladly just leave."

Alžběta and Jan were frowning at Golahman's out burst, while Cirilla just laughed softly. He is yelling at a nation of warriors and soldiers... and here's me freaking out of a silly little thing. grabbing Alžběta arm she pulled herself up with Alžběta breaking her gaze to look at her (Cirilla). Ciri smiled and patted the taller body guard on the chest. The hard plate carrier making a dull "thuck" sound each time. "Thank you Jan, Alžběta that will be all." she whispered. Both of the guards performed shallow bows with their left fist clenched on their chests as they retreated back to the entrance hall. She looked at Karel giving Golahman this steady stare as he spoke to him. He did the same thing when he was attempting to calm down some diplomats at a peace talks during the Zerrian Civil War where their country intervened to stop an international war from starting. He was good at that so Ciri was sure that the situation would defuse from here. Ciri face towards the movement out of the corner of her eye and she saw Assad slowly moving towards her with a small cat in his arms. It was like he was walking on egg shells, it was... pretty funny to watch.

"Mr. Assad," Ciri said adopting the same pose as she did before but however her fist grabbed her dress and gently pulled it out to the side and did a slight bow. "Now where were we?"

"We're militaristic, too, but in places like this, where we are informal and free to communicate with each other like naturally born human beings, we do not assume a robotic posture and shelter our men from the real world," Golahman replied, softer this time. "This is a holiday party, not a political conference. When we are not in a political conference, we are more like humans. If this is how daily life is like for your poor leader . . . then I pity you."

OK, so I'm not going to be ripped apart, here. Assad stood straight again, gently stroking the kitten against his chest. "Well, first, I want to apologize for what's happening. It was . . . really untimely, but . . . anyway, secondly, I just wanted to say hi, introduce myself, and . . ." Assad gave a quick glance to a man behind a record table. Seconds later, the man placed a record under the needle, and the room filled with slow Christmas music. ". . . and . . . maybe--" Assad set down the kitten, "--care to dance?"

[Rodstov Republic]

"We're militaristic, too, but in places like this, where we are informal and free to communicate with each other like naturally born human beings, we do not assume a robotic posture and shelter our men from the real world," Golahman replied, softer this time. "This is a holiday party, not a political conference. When we are not in a political conference, we are more like humans. If this is how daily life is like for your poor leader . . . then I pity you."

"Excuse me?" Karel spoke. "Are you pointing that insult at me or my guards? I have just stepped out of the room for an important call, I've asked twice what had happen and you continue to belittle us and quiet frankly ignore what I've been kindly asking you. Now I haven't the foggiest idea what your going on about and I've had just about enough of your off handed insults. Now I've spoken plainly now its high time you do the same." Karel had left his calm demeanor behind and his expression had changed. However his voice was lower.

OK, so I'm not going to be ripped apart, here. Assad stood straight again, gently stroking the kitten against his chest. "Well, first, I want to apologize for what's happening. It was . . . really untimely, but . . . anyway, secondly, I just wanted to say hi, introduce myself, and . . ." Assad gave a quick glance to a man behind a record table. Seconds later, the man placed a record under the needle, and the room filled with slow Christmas music. ". . . and . . . maybe--" Assad set down the kitten, "--care to dance?"

Ciri had this blank look on her face like she had just been flicked in the nose. "Oh uh..." Completely at a loss for words as well as her face going a wonderful shade of red.

[Krugeristan]

"We're militaristic, too, but in places like this, where we are informal and free to communicate with each other like naturally born human beings, we do not assume a robotic posture and shelter our men from the real world," Golahman replied, softer this time. "This is a holiday party, not a political conference. When we are not in a political conference, we are more like humans. If this is how daily life is like for your poor leader . . . then I pity you."

"Excuse me?" Karel spoke. "Are you pointing that insult at me or my guards? I have just stepped out of the room for an important call, I've asked twice what had happen and you continue to belittle us and quiet frankly ignore what I've been kindly asking you. Now I haven't the foggiest idea what your going on about and I've had just about enough of your off handed insults. Now I've spoken plainly now its high time you do the same." Karel had left his calm demeanor behind and his expression had changed. However his voice was lower.

"Someone else here decided to get up and announce that some cult has tried to kill him back in his own country," Golahman replied, "He then proceeded to try and ask everyone where their loyalties lie, sending this whole thing into a bloody frenzy for no reason. I'm trying to get everyone to calm down . . . there's no reason to worry about anything."

OK, so I'm not going to be ripped apart, here. Assad stood straight again, gently stroking the kitten against his chest. "Well, first, I want to apologize for what's happening. It was . . . really untimely, but . . . anyway, secondly, I just wanted to say hi, introduce myself, and . . ." Assad gave a quick glance to a man behind a record table. Seconds later, the man placed a record under the needle, and the room filled with slow Christmas music. ". . . and . . . maybe--" Assad set down the kitten, "--care to dance?"

Ciri had this blank look on her face like she had just been flicked in the nose. "Oh uh..." Completely at a loss for words as well as her face going a wonderful shade of red.[/quote]

"If you don't want to, that's OK. Just an offer. I know it's gotten a little, you know, crazy in here." Assad wasn't sure if smiling would help, and he wasn't sure what would make the very tall guards tear him to pieces, so he smiled weakly.

[Last Reserve]

[...]

Maya, the guard who had nervously paced around the outside of the house, walked inside, deciding to size up some of the politicians. Something about one from the Free Lands caught her eye. She decided to strike up a conversation, walking over and extending her hand. "Hello. How are you?"

Fiona was startled out of her thoughts, but quickly regained her metaphorical footing, Sio looking at the new arrival with curious eyes.
"Good evening!", the Selkie greeted the new arrival, something military, if she was not completely mistaken. She offered a hand, a bit awkwardly, as she was not used to this gesture. "I'm very well, thanks for asking, and you?"

"As well as I can be in this situation." Maya responded. "Do you know why there are so many cats here? And what is the deal with that guy?" She nodded her head towards Vershenov.

[Krugeristan]

Alric nodded to Golahman. "You can try, I don't doubt your ability but... they are elusive. However, as I mentioned to Abdullah earlier, our army is not the best, so you never know." He glanced to Bjorn who nodded and begain to mutter something about sunshine and trappers with peace offerings. "The commander of my special forces, Fenor, will be expecting you. He will assist you with what forces we have available. Our nation will be deeply in your debt if you suceed, and I forgive you for chasing me into this chair. Now, I have one request left. Where's my fruitcake?" As Alric wstood, the white-starred kitten lept happily into his arms.

[spoiler=]Accidentally skipped over this post. Sorry.[/spoiler]

Vershenov, watching Golahman suddenly explode on the Rodstovians, looked back at Alric. "Just pray it doesn't get bad enough we have to call Russia." He turned away in order to patch the message to TF Penumbra's commander, Lieutenant General Novya.

Jerochenko gave Alric the slice of fruitcake. "Sorry you had to see Vershenov's pissy side," he whispered.

[Last Reserve]

Alric nodded to Golahman. "You can try, I don't doubt your ability but... they are elusive. However, as I mentioned to Abdullah earlier, our army is not the best, so you never know." He glanced to Bjorn who nodded and begain to mutter something about sunshine and trappers with peace offerings. "The commander of my special forces, Fenor, will be expecting you. He will assist you with what forces we have available. Our nation will be deeply in your debt if you suceed, and I forgive you for chasing me into this chair. Now, I have one request left. Where's my fruitcake?" As Alric wstood, the white-starred kitten lept happily into his arms.

[spoiler=]Accidentally skipped over this post. Sorry.[/spoiler]

Vershenov, watching Golahman suddenly explode on the Rodstovians, looked back at Alric. "Just pray it doesn't get bad enough we have to call Russia." He turned away in order to patch the message to TF Penumbra's commander, Lieutenant General Novya.

Jerochenko gave Alric the slice of fruitcake. "Sorry you had to see Vershenov's pissy side," he whispered.

Alric had to restrain himself from interfearing in the conversation between Golahaman and Karel, instead clenching his jaw and shrugging it off. As an elected official he had learned to restrain himself. But he really wanted to tell Golahamn he had only asked three people and only asked them if there were terrorists or enemies of his family in his room. He also wanted to comment that nobody had really gone crazy untill the the military official had started swearing at him and forced him into the chair. He held his calm. Golahaman had made reperations, and he could not have everyone as a friend, he only wished to have them as allies. "You would call in... Russia? Why? And i'm sure he's a good guy. I can see why he would, well, freak out. I mean, it is a terorist group after all.

[Rodstov Republic]

"Someone else here decided to get up and announce that some cult has tried to kill him back in his own country," Golahman replied, "He then proceeded to try and ask everyone where their loyalties lie, sending this whole thing into a bloody frenzy for no reason. I'm trying to get everyone to calm down . . . there's no reason to worry about anything."

"So this gives you the right to yell at my fellow countrymen and women?" Karel then asked raising an eyebrow.

"If you don't want to, that's OK. Just an offer. I know it's gotten a little, you know, crazy in here." Assad wasn't sure if smiling would help, and he wasn't sure what would make the very tall guards tear him to pieces, so he smiled weakly.

"Its not that!" Ciri said waving her hand in front of her face, partly in a dismissal partly to cool her face of from the random and frankly unexpected gesture from the man. "I-I've just met you, I'd rather not." She then said politely keeping a smile upon her face.

[The Selkie]

"As well as I can be in this situation." Maya responded. "Do you know why there are so many cats here? And what is the deal with that guy?" She nodded her head towards Vershenov.

Fiona smiled.
"Well, our gracious host, Karak Golahman, that's this guy over there..." She pointed out her boyfriend with a loving smile. "...really loves his cats and they're cute, too." From down below, Sio gave a chirp, which made Fiona turn towards him, winking. "You're cute, too."
The Selkie turned back to Maya, smiling. "As for Commander Vershenov, he's just doing his job with dedication. And he does it well, if you ask me."

[Last Reserve]

"As well as I can be in this situation." Maya responded. "Do you know why there are so many cats here? And what is the deal with that guy?" She nodded her head towards Vershenov.

Fiona smiled.
"Well, our gracious host, Karak Golahman, that's this guy over there..." She pointed out her boyfriend with a loving smile. "...really loves his cats and they're cute, too." From down below, Sio gave a chirp, which made Fiona turn towards him, winking. "You're cute, too."
The Selkie turned back to Maya, smiling. "As for Commander Vershenov, he's just doing his job with dedication. And he does it well, if you ask me."

"Yeah, your right. About Vershenov and the fox." Maya looked down at the fox-like creature. "That is a fox, right? Anyway, it is a adorable. I wouldn't mind having one of those. Golahman seems like a nice guy, and he sure does love cats, which gives me an automatically good feeling about him, because in genereal animal lovers are good people. My name is Maya by the way. I am a guard for Kasanova, one of the very few Reserveans trained in fighting techniques. I doubt anyone in Last Reserve could take me down except Bear over there." She looked fondly at Bjorn before continuing. "Your country... is the Selkie right? But often called the Free Land?"

[The Selkie]

"Yeah, your right. About Vershenov and the fox." Maya looked down at the fox-like creature. "That is a fox, right? Anyway, it is a adorable. I wouldn't mind having one of those. Golahman seems like a nice guy, and he sure does love cats, which gives me an automatically good feeling about him, because in genereal animal lovers are good people. My name is Maya by the way. I am a guard for Kasanova, one of the very few Reserveans trained in fighting techniques. I doubt anyone in Last Reserve could take me down except Bear over there." She looked fondly at Bjorn before continuing. "Your country... is the Selkie right? But often called the Free Land?"

Sio gave a chirp of approval, conforming, that he was indeed a fox - a Curly Mountain Fox, as it was visible by the curled hair on his head and curled tails.
Fiona smiled. "That's true, Maya. I'm a Selkie - we call our nation the Free Lands." She put a bit of an emphasis on the plural-S. "I'm Fiona, by the way, and that's Sio."
The little fox raised a paw as a greeting.
"Believe me.", Fiona smiled, looking over to the President, "Karak is a nice man, believe me about that."
Maya made a nice impression, at least on Fiona and Sio, she was nice. Her admittance to her inability to fighting seemed honest, but nothing that the Selkie worried about, they were at a ball, after all - and Vershenov really did take his job serious.