A Friendly Visit (Closed, MT)

[The Selkie]

Silverport International Airport.
It was in the middle of winter. Many cities and town and villages were buried under a thick blanket of snow, Silverport in and of itself was no esception. In the old town and the outskirts, every step and hooffall was accompanied by the crunching of feet on snow.
The modern tradeport and the shipyards of Silverport Dockyards Ltd. were no exception, but unlike in the city, it was of utmost importance, that the snow was cleared. Same was with the Airport.
Silverport International was barely an international airport, its only saving grace being the fact, that it was one of the three airports in the Free Lands capable of receiving international flights. The others were Traverse International and the other was the Crarae Harbour Seaplane Port.
Silverport International was two runways, a few hangars, a tower and a small presence owed to the Naval Air Squadrons stationed in Silverport. At a small, enclosed area a little to the side of the main area of the airport, there was a hangar housing two of the four Sneachta Patrol Planes utilized by the 9th NAS, guarded by a few soldiers.
They were more or less unimportant, though, as Leonard Lách of the Tribe of Galway knew. The man of Ambassador Group 2 was tasked by his government to greet and the delegation coming from Riysa together with his more professional counterpart Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford. The copper-red haired man and his dark haired 'partner in crime' did not appear in Geansai, as their internal tradition said, but much rather in the much warmer Eadach Obaire, the Working Clothes.
Not only were they on their towards business, but they were definately warmer then the Geansai. Adding in a long coat made it warmer. At least it stopped snowing a few hours ago, long before the diplomatic flight touched down.
A staff member of the airport brought a cart with stairs up to the plane. They landed and came to a stop just now.
Behind him, a section of the 6th Regiment of Dragoons took up position as a formal greeting with military honours, ten soldiers in full Blue Dress, including the warm overcoat, their rifles shouldered and standing at attention at the bottom of the stairs in a neat line.
At that line's end, the two Selkie stood and waited.
It would be a very fun visit, they were sure of it. The Program was full as well. For today, they planned on getting the delegation to the hotel either via APC or horse, depending on what they preferred (the snow was simply to hard for a motorride), a dinner in the evening hosted by Fiona Cailin, the Elder of the Tribe of Cork in her own home, several other people of importance being in attendance.
Tomorrow would be full as well.
The Council wanted to win the Riysians as allies and friends - a good impression was mandatory.

[Riysa]

Silverport International Airport

"Okay, remember what we went over on the way, and be on your best behaviors, okay?"
"Yes, sidi!" The junior diplomats nodded like eager schoolchildren, while the four Diplomatic Guard Corps guards smiled and light nodded their heads. Baring himself, they were probably the most experienced of all of the people on board of this plane.
"Good, we need to make a good impression on them. Come, let us go."

Dr. Haitham Ghazi, senior diplomat of the Riysian Diplomatic Corps, opened the overhead compartment and retrieved his briefcase. A tall, thin man of forty-five, he had been appointed head of the first delegation to the Free Lands, with the possibility of becoming the permanent head ambassador if everything went well...and of course, the others becoming junior ambassadors as well. Putting his briefcase aside for a moment, he put on his gloves, the black and brown of the leather matching his hair and eyes. Other than the gloves, Haitham wore a wool overcoat over his suit and tie - they had told the group beforehand that winters there were not even comparable to those in Riysa - but retained a traditional look with his tarboush on his head, and his koufiyah draped like a cape over his shoulders.

Riysa had contact with the Free Lands before on multiple occasions, but due to some clerical mistakes no official diplomatic relations had been established yet. Of course, this had to be corrected, so the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had grabbed Dr. Ghazi and gave him a team. Two men, two women; they were Ziyad Alai, Abdul-Razzaq Saalim, Sanaa Abozaid, and Dalal Nouri. All junior, though far from inexperienced; this wasn't a simple courtesy call, after all. Still, Haitham regarded them as his children, to some extent - he was old enough to be their father.

The thirty-year-old Ziyad, unlike the southeastern Haitham, was from the north of the country, his dirty blond hair and green eyes betraying the fact that he was from Tel al-Riyah. The twenty eight-year-old Abdul-Razzaq, on the other hand, was a bit of an oddity - he had a dark complexion, compared to your average (very light) Riysian. This indicated his home governate being the territory of Maraya al-Bahr, and despite the political issues surrounding that small island, it obviously hadn't affected his progression into the ranks of the diplomatic corps. The two, however, were quite similar in terms of personality, as both were outgoing and energetic. This was no coincidence, the Diplomatic Corps needed sociable people in all aspects, particularly during the crucial establishment of diplomatic relations.

The doors swung open, with Dr. Ghazi first in line. He checked and made sure that the four diplomats were right behind him, and stepped out. The cold hit him like a hurricane, but he caught himself and waved to the reception as he descended down the steps. Today would be the start of new and interesting chapter in Riysian foreign relations.

[The Selkie]

Silverport International Airport

"Okay, remember what we went over on the way, and be on your best behaviors, okay?"
"Yes, sidi!" The junior diplomats nodded like eager schoolchildren, while the four Diplomatic Guard Corps guards smiled and light nodded their heads. Baring himself, they were probably the most experienced of all of the people on board of this plane.
"Good, we need to make a good impression on them. Come, let us go."

Dr. Haitham Ghazi, senior diplomat of the Riysian Diplomatic Corps, opened the overhead compartment and retrieved his briefcase. A tall, thin man of forty-five, he had been appointed head of the first delegation to the Free Lands, with the possibility of becoming the permanent head ambassador if everything went well...and of course, the others becoming junior ambassadors as well. Putting his briefcase aside for a moment, he put on his gloves, the black and brown of the leather matching his hair and eyes. Other than the gloves, Haitham wore a wool overcoat over his suit and tie - they had told the group beforehand that winters there were not even comparable to those in Riysa - but retained a traditional look with his tarboush on his head, and his koufiyah draped like a cape over his shoulders.

Riysa had contact with the Free Lands before on multiple occasions, but due to some clerical mistakes no official diplomatic relations had been established yet. Of course, this had to be corrected, so the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had grabbed Dr. Ghazi and gave him a team. Two men, two women; they were Ziyad Alai, Abdul-Razzaq Saalim, Sanaa Abozaid, and Dalal Nouri. All junior, though far from inexperienced; this wasn't a simple courtesy call, after all. Still, Haitham regarded them as his children, to some extent - he was old enough to be their father.

The thirty-year-old Ziyad, unlike the southeastern Haitham, was from the north of the country, his dirty blond hair and green eyes betraying the fact that he was from Tel al-Riyah. The twenty eight-year-old Abdul-Razzaq, on the other hand, was a bit of an oddity - he had a dark complexion, compared to your average (very light) Riysian. This indicated his home governate being the territory of Maraya al-Bahr, and despite the political issues surrounding that small island, it obviously hadn't affected his progression into the ranks of the diplomatic corps. The two, however, were quite similar in terms of personality, as both were outgoing and energetic. This was no coincidence, the Diplomatic Corps needed sociable people in all aspects, particularly during the crucial establishment of diplomatic relations.

The doors swung open, with Dr. Ghazi first in line. He checked and made sure that the four diplomats were right behind him, and stepped out. The cold hit him like a hurricane, but he caught himself and waved to the reception as he descended down the steps. Today would be the start of new and interesting chapter in Riysian foreign relations.

The gentleman stepping out of the plane first waved after he had to catch himself due to the cold assaulting him viciously. Both Selkie and the soldiers could feel with him.
"Attention!", the Sergeant called, his teeth clattering only a little bit, and his nine soldiers did as they were told.
Leonard returned the wave, a friendly smile on his face. Sciamhach threw a glance his way, which maybe could be interpreted as a scowl. As she turned back to the older man (she was 26 after all) at the bottom of the stairs, she smiled and bowed her head in a respectful gesture amongst equals.
"Welcome to the Free Lands and to Silverport, Ambassador.", she said, her smile turning a bit apologetic as she extended her hand. "Please excuse the abyssmal weather, but Cailleach has little sense for diplomacy. At least it stopped snowing this morning. I am Kendra Sciamhach of the Tribe of Waterford, usually acting as Ambassador of the Free Lands when abroad. My companion..." She gestured to the young man at her side. "...is Leonard Lách of the Tribe of Galway, usually acting as Ambassador of the Selkie when abroad."
Leonard extended his hand as well, his smile turning to his usual lopsided grin, his handshake strong despite his rather unassuming stature. "It's a great pleasure to meet you and your companions."

[Riysa]

Dr. Ghazi nodded and patted his heart with his right hand in reply to Kendra, and shook Leonard's hand, taking his right glove off. "It is my pleasure and honor to meet you two. My name is Dr. Haitham Ghazi of the city of Rastaan, Riysian senior diplomat. Thank you and your nation very much for hosting us, it is always exciting to visit new countries." He said, smiling.

Right behind him, stepping off the plane, were Sanaa and Dalal - ladies first, of course - with the middle-aged Dalal leading in front of the younger Sanaa. Both wore the traditional silk jilbabs and shambars, each with their own unique patterns of embroidered flowers and geometric shapes, but also wore a coat over it due to the snow. As if matching their personalities, their color choices differed; the motherly Dalal chose a soft, curving mix of blues and whites, while the Sanaa went for a very...bold black, grey, and red polka-doted shambar. Of course, neither would publicly mention that they had spent an absurdly long time arguing about Sanaa's fashion sense, of course.

Walking up to the reception, Dalal first in line, they repeated what Dr. Ghazi had done...except in reverse. They extended their hands out to shake Kendra's, but patted their heart and nodded to Leonard.

"Greetings, Ms. Sciamhach and Mr. Lách, and it is my pleasure to meet you two. I'm Dalal Nouri of the village of Gharnaata, Riysian diplomat. I look forward to our time together."

[The Selkie]

Dr. Ghazi nodded and patted his heart with his right hand in reply to Kendra, and shook Leonard's hand, taking his right glove off. "It is my pleasure and honor to meet you two. My name is Dr. Haitham Ghazi of the city of Rastaan, Riysian senior diplomat. Thank you and your nation very much for hosting us, it is always exciting to visit new countries." He said, smiling.

Right behind him, stepping off the plane, were Sanaa and Dalal - ladies first, of course - with the middle-aged Dalal leading in front of the younger Sanaa. Both wore the traditional silk jilbabs and shambars, each with their own unique patterns of embroidered flowers and geometric shapes, but also wore a coat over it due to the snow. As if matching their personalities, their color choices differed; the motherly Dalal chose a soft, curving mix of blues and whites, while the Sanaa went for a very...bold black, grey, and red polka-doted shambar. Of course, neither would publicly mention that they had spent an absurdly long time arguing about Sanaa's fashion sense, of course.

Walking up to the reception, Dalal first in line, they repeated what Dr. Ghazi had done...except in reverse. They extended their hands out to shake Kendra's, but patted their heart and nodded to Leonard.

"Greetings, Ms. Sciamhach and Mr. Lách, and it is my pleasure to meet you two. I'm Dalal Nouri of the village of Gharnaata, Riysian diplomat. I look forward to our time together."

Leonard gave one of his typical lopsided grins as he bowed his head towards the two Riysan women. "Oh, I do, too, Miss Nouri."
Kendra gave him a wary glance from the side, her hand still in Dalal's. As she turned back, she gave a small, slightly lost smile. "The pleasure is mine, Miss Nouri. Welcome to the Free Lands." The Selkie liked the pattern on both of the women's dresses, it was lively in case of the younger woman and quite subdued in case of Dalal. It gave her an aura of calmness, at least as much as she could see it beneath the winter jackets. "Please excuse the weather, it's winter after all. And it will be only a light inconvinience."
She liked the dress and made the memo to herself to ask her later about it. Maybe she could wear it as well, as not all traditional costumes (she assumed this to be one) were as restrictive in the potential amount of wearers as the Geansai.
She would ask later, maybe during the ride.

[Riysa]

Dalal and Dr. Ghazi tactfully ignored Leonard's statement, while Sanaa gave him a quick look with her piercing blue eyes before turning back to Kendra. That didn't feel...completely innocent, though maybe it was something lost in cultural translation.

"It is no problem, Ms. Sciamhach! While its not as intense, we do get cold weather in Riysa, particularly in the mountains. Right around now is the time that people take vacations to the Jubul al-Riyah mountains; I heard skiing is popular there." Sanaa said.
"Mr. Ziyad Alai is from our capital of Tel al-Riyah, which is near those mountains, as a matter of fact." Dalal said, looking back as the two men came off of the plane.

Much like Dr. Ghazi, they wore a suit with an overcoat, but forewent the tarboush, making a more modern impression with their clothing choice. They came up, and just like Dr. Ghazi, shook Leonard's hand and nodded to Kendra, introducing themselves. After they were done, and before silence could find a home, Dr. Ghazi spoke up.

"Again, we're very honored to be here, and I think we've all got lots of questions that we'd like to ask. Or at least, I do." He looked around, giving a faint smile at the polite giggles from his entourage. "I hope its not an issue?"

[The Selkie]

Dalal and Dr. Ghazi tactfully ignored Leonard's statement, while Sanaa gave him a quick look with her piercing blue eyes before turning back to Kendra. That didn't feel...completely innocent, though maybe it was .

"It is no problem, Ms. Sciamhach! While its not as intense, we do get cold weather in Riysa, particularly in the mountains. Right around now is the time that people take vacations to the Jubul al-Riyah mountains; I heard skiing is popular there." Sanaa said.
"Mr. Ziyad Alai is from our capital of Tel al-Riyah, which is near those mountains, as a matter of fact." Dalal said, looking back as the two men came off of the plane.

Much like Dr. Ghazi, they wore a suit with an overcoat, but forewent the tarboush, making a more modern impression with their clothing choice. They came up, and just like Dr. Ghazi, shook Leonard's hand and nodded to Kendra, introducing themselves. After they were done, and before silence could find a home, Dr. Ghazi spoke up.

"Again, we're very honored to be here, and I think we've all got lots of questions that we'd like to ask. Or at least, I do." He looked around, giving a faint smile at the polite giggles from his entourage. "I hope its not an issue?"

"In and of itself?", Kendra said with a grin, "No, not in the least. We would be honoured to answer any questions you have - but let's get you out of the cold first! Follow me, please!"
A shiver of cold ran over the female Selkie as she led the delegation towards the airport building, a halfway new building, long and low, build in traditional Selkie-style of solid stone and good wood.
She held herself to the side of Dr. Ghazi. He and his delegation seemed like a nice group of people, decent and (if she was honest with herself) good looking in the case of Mister Abdul-Razzaq. She glanced over her shoulder to the man with the dark complexion - she made a note to herself to talk with him later, when the chance offered itself.
"Alright, fire away!", she said with a big grin as she turned back to the ambassador. It reinforced her good impression of him, as asking questions was a true mark of wisdom for them. "What do you want to know?"
With a steady, but slow pace, they would arrive within a few minutes. For a moment, she was worried where Leonard was, but he was thanking the soldiers for their good work and dismissing them, inviting the section for a drink sometime later.
Standart procedure.

[Riysa]

"Sure, sure, tafadali." Dr. Ghazi swept his hand forward in response to Kendra, as the delegates lined up and started walking to the building, the two women in front. It was very traditional-looking, to put it best - a basic construction of stone and wood unusual for an airport terminal, but it didn't seem to be adversely affecting operations. It reminded him, in fact, of some of the regional airports in Riysa, which were constructed out of stone and concrete. Very home-y. He liked it.

"Ah, yes, questions. Well, first of all, is it always this cold?" Dr. Ghazi joked, looking at Kendra. "That joke aside, what can you tell me about the culture of the Selkie people? Is there anything that we should know of, to avoid any...unfortunate incidents?"

[The Selkie]

"Sure, sure, tafadali." Dr. Ghazi swept his hand forward in response to Kendra, as the delegates lined up and started walking to the building, the two women in front. It was very traditional-looking, to put it best - a basic construction of stone and wood unusual for an airport terminal, but it didn't seem to be adversely affecting operations. It reminded him, in fact, of some of the regional airports in Riysa, which were constructed out of stone and concrete. Very home-y. He liked it.

"Ah, yes, questions. Well, first of all, is it always this cold?" Dr. Ghazi joked, looking at Kendra. "That joke aside, what can you tell me about the culture of the Selkie people? Is there anything that we should know of, to avoid any...unfortunate incidents?"

"Only in winter!", Kendra replied with a laugh, a smile on her lips and her eyes sparkling with amusement, "And even then not all the time!"
She walked a few steps, Leonard coming up at the Doctor's other side, before she replied: "Things better not to do... well, you will meet women in Geansai, tribal dress - try not to stare." The last things was said with a smile, indicating that, while it was important, it was also a bit joking. She did not believe, that any of the Riysians came to check out female Selkie. "Another few important things are... don't wave weapons around. Most Selkie are armed..." For emphasis, she drew a short dagger from her sleeve, letting it flash before putting it away again. "...but they usually don't unsheathe unless there were some real troubles. Waving a weapon around indicates someone wants to start troubles, which unsettles people. Police officers, sportspersons like Leonard and military are another question, though."
"Yep, I'm a Marcach.", the redhead said with pride, "A horseman and sportsman at the same time. I specialize in the bow, though, not in any blade."
Kendra nodded. "Also important, don't bow fully. It's an insult to fully bow to anyone here. Kneeling is right out either, as there are only two occassions where a Selkie kneels and I don't expect you to get into such a situation."
Once again, Leonard had something to add: "These two are getting adopted by a Selkie and surrendering in a war. A third one is outlined, but I don't really think, that any one of you has ambitions to become High King or High Queen."
"And many people would have something against it.", Kendra supplemented, "Selkie-politics are weird by international standarts." There was a short pause. "Other then that... be nice and... well, that would be the most common mistakes, I guess."
"Other then that.", Leonard added, "A Selkie is rather hard to really offend."
Kendra nodded. They arrived at the terminal and had someone from the inside open the door for them, a larger one, one wide enough for two people at once go through. Kendra led Doctor Ghazi through it, the Riysian women in front of them.
The inside of the hall was bare stone walls, a few posts with flight dates and advertisements in the hall itself. The floor was good wood, dark and strong. It was not only warm, but there was also a warm light, courtesy of a few lamps on the ceiling. Three customs officers stood at a small gateway, which proudly announced in five languages "You are now in the Free Lands. Welcome!"
The officers had strict orders to let them pass after checking their passports.
On their far side was a small waiting zone and two counters, manned by young men. One of them was arguing with a man of unidentifyable origin about a sign, again in five languages, which sat on both counters and was hung up over the schedules: "All flight operations are cancelled until further notice. We ask for your understanding."
Government flights were obviously excluded.
Most noticeable were around two dozen people with their thick cloaks opened to let warmth stream into their bodies. They were clad in Ceremonial Garb, highly decorated armour for Marcach only worn on formal occassions. One standing out was a woman, around Kendra's age: Above her bareness, she wore a long-sleeved, dark red leather shirt and dark brown leather pants without any decoration. What was the eyecatcher was the full-plate cuirass she wore, covering front and back, fitted close to her figure, strong iron polished to shine, with engravings in silver to emphasize her build. A dark red coat of wool was around her neck, lined there with black fur, covering the pauldrons of iron. A belt around her waist carried her sword safely in its sheath, hopefully not to be drawn. All in all, she looked a little bit like she was the evil female lead in one of her sister's movies (in which she sometimes acted as her stunt double) - Marla Cróimiam of the Tribe of Cork, her long, dark blue hair bound into a braid, stood up as one of her men nudged her and pointed into Kendra's direction.
"So... any more questions?", Kendra asked, enjoying being in the warmth - 90 percent of all winter-surviving techniques relied on staying home and warm, after all, and Selkie-ways in this weren't that different.

[Riysa]

Dr. Ghazi nodded. The not staring thing sounded just like Riysa, where staring at a woman was considered rude, though he wondered how that had anything to do their dress. Well, whatever. He quickly glanced to the back, seeing Ziyad and Abdul-Razzaq talking in Arabic with a low voice about something that happened a few days before they left. He turned back to Kendra.

Weapons, huh? Just like Riysa! He smiled as she flashed his dagger, it reminded him of home. "Well, in fact, that's not all too different than back home. For boys, a traditional sign that they've become a man is that they get to carry a khanjar dagger, though most don't carry or own one. And of course, you're not supposed to unsheathe it unless you're planning to draw blood."

He nodded at the bowing mention. It wouldn't be a problem either, as they were religiously forbidden to bow to anyone. All in all, it didn't seem like it'd be too difficult, which was good. "Thank you very much Ms. Sciamhach and Mr. Lách for the...what do you call it in English...aha! "Crash course" in Selkie culture. I think we'll be surprised by how much we have in common. I have no more questions at the moment." He said as the last of the diplomatic guards entered the terminal, waiting for the next move to be made.

[The Selkie]

Dr. Ghazi nodded. The not staring thing sounded just like Riysa, where staring at a woman was considered rude, though he wondered how that had anything to do their dress. Well, whatever. He quickly glanced to the back, seeing Ziyad and Abdul-Razzaq talking in Arabic with a low voice about something that happened a few days before they left. He turned back to Kendra.

Weapons, huh? Just like Riysa! He smiled as she flashed his dagger, it reminded him of home. "Well, in fact, that's not all too different than back home. For boys, a traditional sign that they've become a man is that they get to carry a khanjar dagger, though most don't carry or own one. And of course, you're not supposed to unsheathe it unless you're planning to draw blood."

He nodded at the bowing mention. It wouldn't be a problem either, as they were religiously forbidden to bow to anyone. All in all, it didn't seem like it'd be too difficult, which was good. "Thank you very much Ms. Sciamhach and Mr. Lách for the...what do you call it in English...aha! "Crash course" in Selkie culture. I think we'll be surprised by how much we have in common. I have no more questions at the moment." He said as the last of the diplomatic guards entered the terminal, waiting for the next move to be made.

"You're welcome, Doctor!", Kendra laughed. She didn't dare to mention, that this was basically just a course in 'What not to do'. She had seen his smile as she drew her small dagger - the great difference seemed to be, that every Selkie owned at least one dagger, at least the adults. Self-defense classes taught its usage in a defensive manner.
"I would love to see Riysa one day.", Kendra said with a wide smile, "Must be a wonderful place. And a lot warmer, too!"
One of the customs officers exchanged a few words with Leonard, who sighed and made a disgrunted face as he trudged back to Kendra. "Bad news.", he said, "The APCs are stuck on Banaí Hill. There has been an avalance coming down and the street's gone."
"Cailleach really has no sense of diplomacy.", Kendra replied, biting back a curse. "You see, Doctor, we planned to take you to your hotel via SDF-APCs, not as a demonstration of martial power, but because no other vehicle would come through - at least not at a reasonable pace. We wanted to leave the choice between them or the major mode of transportation in the Free Lands up to you, but it appears as if there isn't any choice..."
Leonard nodded grimly. "Very sorry, Sir.", he joined Kendra, "On the bright side, you will see more of the landscape!"
With a nod, Kendra gave him that point. "Plan B, then... Leonard, if you would do us the honours?"
"But of course.", the redhead replied, a small grin blossoming on his face - one could see, that the riders waiting in the lobby were terrible actors: All of them looked as if they were totally and utterly uninterested in the group, but they were and failed to look their part.
That was, until Leonard made steps towards them, raising his voice: "Marcach!", he called, a grin now on his face, "Ar aghaidh! Chuig briseadh!"
The battlecry was received by the horseriders in ceremonial garb standing up, the blue haired woman standing up, and throwing a sheathed sword at the redhead. "Then get mounted!", she commanded with a grin as her riders took up positions in a row for the Riysians, some going outside into the cold to get the mode of transportation ready, "And good coats!"
Kendra leaned over to the doctor and whispered: "I hope you all can ride. We will make it short anyways!"

[Riysa]

Dr. Ghazi shrugged. It wasn't the first time something had gone wrong, and it wouldn't be the last, though he felt a bit disappointed that the vehicles hadn't already been on hand. "Well, thank you for your intentions, but don't worry, I trust that you'll-oh."

Horse riding? Certainly a...unique choice of getting around. Dr.Ghazi smiled, while Abdul-Razzaq fought to stifle a laugh. Ziyad looked a bit uneasy, while Sanaa' was whispering something to Dalal. "Well, I think it'll be an... enlightening experience for all of us." Dr. Ghazi said. "Please, do go easy on us."

Abdul-Razzaq slapped Ziyad on the back, speaking to him in broken English. "Come, citydweller! I'll show you how to ride mitil jidduna."
"Bita akid you'd know how to ride, fallahi..." Ziyad replied, referencing Abdul-Razzaq's rural heritage.

"Well, it certainly seems like we'll be getting the full experience!" Dalal exclaimed. "If you two ever decide to visit, we'll have to treat you in kind. "

"Most certainly, but please, do feel free to visit in your own time!" Dr. Ghazi added. "The climate is definitely different, but as long as you're all okay with some heat, then I think you'll both enjoy it. "

[The Selkie]

Dr. Ghazi shrugged. It wasn't the first time something had gone wrong, and it wouldn't be the last, though he felt a bit disappointed that the vehicles hadn't already been on hand. "Well, thank you for your intentions, but don't worry, I trust that you'll-oh."

Horse riding? Certainly a...unique choice of getting around. Dr.Ghazi smiled, while Abdul-Razzaq fought to stifle a laugh. Ziyad looked a bit uneasy, while Sanaa' was whispering something to Dalal. "Well, I think it'll be an... enlightening experience for all of us." Dr. Ghazi said. "Please, do go easy on us."

Abdul-Razzaq slapped Ziyad on the back, speaking to him in broken English. "Come, citydweller! I'll show you how to ride mitil jidduna."
"Bita akid you'd know how to ride, fallahi..." Ziyad replied, referencing Abdul-Razzaq's rural heritage.

"Well, it certainly seems like we'll be getting the full experience!" Dalal exclaimed. "If you two ever decide to visit, we'll have to treat you in kind. "

"Most certainly, but please, do feel free to visit in your own time!" Dr. Ghazi added. "The climate is definitely different, but as long as you're all okay with some heat, then I think you'll both enjoy it. "

"We would be honoured to!", Kendra spoke for the two Selkie, grinning as Leonard made the riders get a move on.
He was a very energetic man, if he needed to - and some would say, that he needed now.
The horseriders were not some poor sods they put in armour and onto horsebacks, they were the best marcach the Free Lands had to offer: Marla, Gwen and their father Tyran Cróimiam of the Tribe of Cork, the man like a wardrobe, Virgil Mór of the Tribe of Wicklow, the red haired Enya Páirc of the Tribe of Fingal, Daniel Crua of the Tribe of Kildare, Gwen Rinn of the Tribe of Waterford, both more known for their achievements on both feet then on the back of a horse, and a few more names only a Selkie would recognize - the best riders of the Free Lands.
Kendra smiled as one of them handed her a big pack of long winter coats.
"You will get some of Silverport's calmest and easiest horses, from a farm not that far away from here.", Kendra explained as she led the diplomats through the row towards the exit. "Our horses are, at their hearts, work horses, not really suited for dressage or such things. It will be a short ride, for our emergency plan states, that we will bring you to Elder Cailin for the night in the hopes of getting a mode of transportation, which might be easier for you, tomorrow. She only lives around an hour away from here."
With that said, Kendra opened the doors of the airport, where three men with half a dozen horses waited. Their leather reins were securely in their gloved hands. Another man held out a small wooden crate with leather gloves for the soon to be riders.
Of the six horses, three were somewhere between brown and fuchsia, one was black, one was a fuchsia mare with a white mane and one was a brown stallion. None of them were foals, the smallest stood at 1.53 metres, the tallest at 1.8 metres. They were all bridled, saddles of finest wood and leather sitting on their backs and new headgear of brown leather around their heads. None of them had blinders as those were frowned upon by the Selkie. The fuchsia mare was a bit more decorated with a white blanket under her saddle, her tail done in a queue with golden threads as highlights woven into it, glinting a bit as she swished the tail back and forth.
The man with her reins had an especially good eye on her.
"Please.", Kendra said as the other riders began to file out of the airport terminal, mounting their own horses, while she indicated to the half dozen before them. "Select one."
Leonard came towards them with two horses on reins, one his own, one Kendra's who accepted the reins, and a lick from her affectionate companion, with a grin, bringing her forehead to the horse's forehead.
"If anyone needs help...", Leonard told the Riysians, "Please do not hesitate to ask. As my father always says: Better a bruised ego then a..." Kendra shot him a glare. "Well, I guess you get the idea."
There was a bit of sniggering amongst the other riders.

[Riysa]

"Well...thank you two very much." Dr. Ghazi replied. "I definitely think some of us will need assistance."
"Ms. Sciamhach, perhaps you could assist us?" Dalal asked."Neither of us have ridden before."
"And Mr. Lách, I think Ziyad and I will need help." Dr. Ghazi added.

Meanwhile, Abdul-Razzaq already walked over to the horses, and was picking out his steed for the hour. As a fallahi - a Riysian peasant or farmer/villager - he, unlike the others, was familiar with riding and livestock. The horses looked like real work horses and not pampered showpieces, which was excellent, as he could safely ride them. The ceremonial riders intrigued him; he didn't recognize any of the faces, but they looked competent. He strolled over to the brown stallion, which vaguely reminded him of the work horse back at his home, and said, in Arabic: "Come on, lets ride like our grandfathers used to!"

[The Selkie]

"Well...thank you two very much." Dr. Ghazi replied. "I definitely think some of us will need assistance."
"Ms. Sciamhach, perhaps you could assist us?" Dalal asked."Neither of us have ridden before."
"And Mr. Lách, I think Ziyad and I will need help." Dr. Ghazi added.

Meanwhile, Abdul-Razzaq already walked over to the horses, and was picking out his steed for the hour. As a fallahi - a Riysian peasant or farmer/villager - he, unlike the others, was familiar with riding and livestock. The horses looked like real work horses and not pampered showpieces, which was excellent, as he could safely ride them. The ceremonial riders intrigued him; he didn't recognize any of the faces, but they looked competent. He strolled over to the brown stallion, which vaguely reminded him of the work horse back at his home, and said, in Arabic: "Come on, lets ride like our grandfathers used to!"

The stallion snorted in approval as the man with the reins extended his other towards Abdul-Razzaq.
He smiled. "An excellent horse.", he said, his soft accent shining through, soft vowels and rolling Rs, "You have a good eye. His name is Donn, brown-haired in English. He is of Seabhcóir, like they all are."
Leonard grinned as he heard that, turning back to the two men. "No problem.", he told the two men. Although he would have loved to help the two women, but he offered his help, so he would give it when asked to. He handed his own reins to one of the other riders and and took two from the boy with them, one belonging to the black horse, the other to one of the others with mixed colours. Leading them over to Dr. Ghazi and Ziyad, he began to explain for all, Kendra pointing at him for explanation: "Selkie-horses are incredibly calm, but don't let that fool you. A calm and steady hand is one of the most important things you need. Strength and respect are also requirements. Kendra, if I may ask you...?"
"The basics are simple.", the trained diplomat continued, placing her foot in the stirrup, both hands on the saddle, before she swung herself up with a heave, swinging her leg over the saddle and placing her foot on the other side, looking down. "Getting up is the easy part. Sit upright and let your legs hang a little. Steering a horse is a bit more complicated then steering a car, but one basic rule remains: Never take the hands off the reins, at least not while you are still a beginner. These horses are used to beginners, usually children, so there shouldn't be any problems."
Kendra gave the horse a little squeeze of her legs, which made her horse move forwards, slowly but steadily.
"Give a light squeeze with your calves...", Leonard took over again, "...to tell the horse to start. Look up and forward, not down on the back of your horse's head. I once knew a girl, who flicked her finger against the back of the head of her horse and while that is a possibility for steering, these horses aren't trained for that, so they will either throw you off if you do that or do nothing. Anyway..." Kendra, playing the example-rider, steered her horse around them in circles, looking down upon the assembly. "...as our dear Kendra demonstrates, steering is rather simple as well: First, you turn towards the direction you want to steer to, turn with your shoulders. Then lightly tug the reins on the side you want to steer to and lightly squeeze your leg on that side as well. For stopping..." Kendra demonstrated. "...either tug the reins, which is rather uncomfortable for the horse, or you take the shoulders back and calmly breath in and out, take the arms and reins with you. When the horse begins to slow down, begin to slowly move forward again. Many make the mistake of handling too hard, but that's all a question of familiarisation and experience." Leonard clapped. "That's the basics of moving a horse from point A to point B."
Kendra dismounted, taking the reins of two more horses, one of them being the fuchsia mare, over to the two Riysian women. "Don't worry, we will be with you all the way. Most of the route is covered in thick snow anyway, so don't worry about falling off."
Leonard nodded. "The rest will either be learned by trial and error or watching other horseriders.", the red-haired Marcach told the Riysians, "If anything happens, we are here to give assistance. And someone here has a radio set, so if anything really bad happens, we can call aid. Questions?"

[Riysa]

The Riysians looked on intently, trying to record the steps in their minds. No one wanted to risk screwing up and falling off the horse, even if there was snow on the ground. Dr. Ghazi glanced around after they finished their explanation, seeing if anyone had questions. None?

"None, it seems." Dr. Ghazi said, approaching the black horse. "Well then, lets ride. I hope this goes well, for all of our sakes."

The remaining Riysians - Abdul-Razzaq having already made his way up his steed - sized up their rides, and slowly but surely tried to make their way up them. Foot into the stirrup, heave body over saddle, put foot into stirrup on other side. Simple, and thankfully without mishap. Now, came the harder part, actually riding the horse. Ziyad muttered something under his breath, possibly praying for the horse not to be too injured, while Abdul-Razzaq looked like he was going to have the time of his life. Dalal and Sanaa looked fine, if a bit nervous, while Dr. Ghazi retained a calm demeanor. Now, they were ready to roll.

[The Selkie]

The Riysians looked on intently, trying to record the steps in their minds. No one wanted to risk screwing up and falling off the horse, even if there was snow on the ground. Dr. Ghazi glanced around after they finished their explanation, seeing if anyone had questions. None?

"None, it seems." Dr. Ghazi said, approaching the black horse. "Well then, lets ride. I hope this goes well, for all of our sakes."

The remaining Riysians - Abdul-Razzaq having already made his way up his steed - sized up their rides, and slowly but surely tried to make their way up them. Foot into the stirrup, heave body over saddle, put foot into stirrup on other side. Simple, and thankfully without mishap. Now, came the harder part, actually riding the horse. Ziyad muttered something under his breath, possibly praying for the horse not to be too injured, while Abdul-Razzaq looked like he was going to have the time of his life. Dalal and Sanaa looked fine, if a bit nervous, while Dr. Ghazi retained a calm demeanor. Now, they were ready to roll.

Leonard mounted on as well, looking around to see, if the entire group was ready.
Ziyad looked nervous, as did the two women, quickly getting flanked by two riders each with wordless offers of assistance to the three. Kendra pulled up next to the ambassador with a smile, reassuring him, that everything would be alright.
Only Abdul-Razzaq looked utterly unconcerned, as if he was at home. A man after my heart!, Leonard thought with a grin, feeling a bit of kinship to the foreigner. He turned to the blue haired rider, grinning a bit. "Marla, do us the honours, please!"
She nodded, taking a silver horn to her lips, taking in air - with a mighty blow, she sounded the instrument, a long and proud tone, calling for the riders to assemble and to start on their merry journey, a pennon being unrolled: The Bratach, the Flag of the Free Lands and the Fifteen Tribes.
"Let's get going!", the woman called over them, the entire convoy making its way - as it was the great advantage with horses, they didn't need to follow the street, were capable of reworking the route a bit across the landscape in favour of shedding speed. For their guests, they made ways slowly, escort riders keeping close eyes on their charges.
And so, the caravan set off towards the home of Elder Cailin, an hour away. Lots of opportunities to talk, if one wanted to talk.
Leonard did, as he approached Abdul-Razzaq after checking with Kendra (who was still flanking Doctor Ghazi). He looked how the man rode, a lopsided grin on his face. "You seem to be used to horses.", he noted. "Wanna race?"
His horse seemed to be quite happy with his rider as well.
It would certainly be fun.

[Riysa]

And so, with the blowing of the horn, the delegates started up their own horses - after a few failed attempts for some, moving alongside the ceremonial riders. So far, so good. Dr. Ghazi looked to his right as Kendra rode back up. "Pardon me, how long did you see the trip would take, again?"

Down the convoy, Ziyad looked left and right at the flanking riders, smiling and raising his hand in greeting. He figured that it'd be worthwhile to try to get to know the escorts; after all, they'd have plenty of time on the way.

Meanwhile, Abdul-Razzaq smiled at Leonard's challenge. "It comes as a benefit of being raised in a farming village. How far will we race, and what will be the rules?"

Overhearing this, Dr. Ghazi turned around and said something in Arabic. Abdul-Razzaq nodded and turned back to Leonard. "Well, with the caveat that it doesn't get too dangerous, I accept!"

[The Selkie]

And so, with the blowing of the horn, the delegates started up their own horses - after a few failed attempts for some, moving alongside the ceremonial riders. So far, so good. Dr. Ghazi looked to his right as Kendra rode back up. "Pardon me, how long did you see the trip would take, again?"

Down the convoy, Ziyad looked left and right at the flanking riders, smiling and raising his hand in greeting. He figured that it'd be worthwhile to try to get to know the escorts; after all, they'd have plenty of time on the way.

Meanwhile, Abdul-Razzaq smiled at Leonard's challenge. "It comes as a benefit of being raised in a farming village. How far will we race, and what will be the rules?"

Overhearing this, Dr. Ghazi turned around and said something in Arabic. Abdul-Razzaq nodded and turned back to Leonard. "Well, with the caveat that it doesn't get too dangerous, I accept!"

Kendra watched the exchange between the Doctor and his colleague, smiling along the way. Leonard was again going to do, what he did best, riding his horse.
He didn't have his bow with him, but that was alright, at least for him. He pointed towards a small hill, where the ruin of an old tower stood, grey stone peeking out from underneath a blanket of snow. "See that ruin? First there and back to the group wins! On Kendra's signal!"
The Selkie grinned as she rolled her eyes, looking towards Doctor Ghazi. Young Men..., it seemed to say. She gave both men and their horses around half a minute to prepare themselves, getting a sword from one of the riders. She lifted the steel weapon up, high above her head and far away from the Doctor or any other rider.
"Get ready. Set...", she told the two and the little bit of audience, which trotted over to watch. "GO!"
The sword came down as the signal and off both of them were.
All of them waited for a few seconds, before Marla spoke up: "Come people, let's get going. We're giving them a little bit of a moving target to intercept!"
And on their way again they were, Kendra gave the sword back to its owner and turned to the Doctor. "We should be there in around an hour, unless something happens. But there shouldn't be any problems or dangers, at least not with our speed junkies." Kendra smiled reassuringly, before something entered her mind. "Oh, while we are at it, is there anything you can not eat or drink? Because of allergies or religious commandments or personal preference?"

Ziyad's escorts meanwhile waved back, smiles on their faces.
"So...", the younger of the two said, looking at the man riding - not perfect, but it worked. "Feeling well on horseback?"

[Riysa]

"Very well!" Abdul-Razzaq affirmed, readying himself for the race. "May the best win!" He leaned forward, waiting for the flash of silver. He never would have guessed that he'd be horse racing within an hour of having landed in a foreign country, but he sure was going to enjoy it.

Go! He tapped the sides of the horse, leaning forward as it lurched into motion. "Undeleh! Undeleh! Undeleh!" He shouted, encouraging it forward, hoping to at least match Leonard. It wasn't his dad's horse, but he was sure he could still put up a good fight.

Watching them run away, Dr. Ghazi shook his head, smiling, and looked back at Kendra. "They're very energetic...oh, as for food, well, there are two things that we can't eat; pork products and alcohol. It shouldn't be too much hassle, I hope. Anything else is fine for us, though."

"Thank you for asking." Ziyad replied to the escort. "Its been good so far, I think. Sorry, what was your name again?" He extended his hand out. "I didn't catch it before we rode."

[The Selkie]

"Very well!" Abdul-Razzaq affirmed, readying himself for the race. "May the best win!" He leaned forward, waiting for the flash of silver. He never would have guessed that he'd be horse racing within an hour of having landed in a foreign country, but he sure was going to enjoy it.

Go! He tapped the sides of the horse, leaning forward as it lurched into motion. "Undeleh! Undeleh! Undeleh!" He shouted, encouraging it forward, hoping to at least match Leonard. It wasn't his dad's horse, but he was sure he could still put up a good fight.

Watching them run away, Dr. Ghazi shook his head, smiling, and looked back at Kendra. "They're very energetic...oh, as for food, well, there are two things that we can't eat; pork products and alcohol. It shouldn't be too much hassle, I hope. Anything else is fine for us, though."

"Thank you for asking." Ziyad replied to the escort. "Its been good so far, I think. Sorry, what was your name again?" He extended his hand out. "I didn't catch it before we rode."

Leonard didn't want to insult his opponent in this race, plus the horses were struggling a bit with the snow, so he didn't let his horse run at full speed.
Still, he was a bit surprised: That Riysian knew, what he was doing. That was more, then he was used to by foreign ambassadors. He respected such things.
His lead wasn't a large as others would assume, but he was in the lead.
However, the blanket of snow was only getting thicker.

Kendra nodded. "That should be alright.", she said, turning in her saddle towards a man.
He gave a nod and sped forwards.
"A messenger.", Kendra explained with a smile, "We have mobile phones, but some things are better left to more traditional means of communication. Plus, several masts in this area collapsed."
Kendra smiled.
"No pork and no alcohol should be no problem. If I remember correctly, you will get your first taste of the Free Lands with Stobhach, Elder Cailin's special recepy." The Ambassador gave her colleague a wink. "I hope you don't mind me not spoiling the surprise!"

The younger of the two, by the light sound of her voice a woman, smiled.
"I'm Gwen. Gwen Rinn of the Tribe of Waterford." Wiping a strand of her blonde hair, having liberated itself from her braid, she motioned to the other rider, on the other side of the foreign diplomat. "That's Vigil Rualacha of the Tribe of Tipperary."
The red haired man extended a hand. "Just call me Vigil.", he offered, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

[Riysa]

Abdul-Razzaq pushed his horse, faster and faster, but Leonard was still in the lead. The snow, the unfamiliar horse, and - if he sucked up some of his pride - Leonard just seemingly being better all worked against him. A change in strategy was needed...perhaps instead of racing to win, he should race to tie.

"I can understand, its always good to maintain that capability, isn't it? I hope the mast repair won't be too difficult." Dr. Ghazi replied. He felt sympathy for whoever would have to go out in this inhumane weather to effect the repairs. "Aha! I'm certainly look forward to tasting it...mind if I ask, what is it?" He inquired, interested in the foreign cuisine that was going to be offered.

"The pleasure is mine!" Ziyad enthusiastically replied, awkwardly trying to shake Vigil's hand. "Are you two enjoying the weather?" He asked, in a joking tone.

[The Selkie]

Abdul-Razzaq pushed his horse, faster and faster, but Leonard was still in the lead. The snow, the unfamiliar horse, and - if he sucked up some of his pride - Leonard just seemingly being better all worked against him. A change in strategy was needed...perhaps instead of racing to win, he should race to tie.

"I can understand, its always good to maintain that capability, isn't it? I hope the mast repair won't be too difficult." Dr. Ghazi replied. He felt sympathy for whoever would have to go out in this inhumane weather to effect the repairs. "Aha! I'm certainly look forward to tasting it...mind if I ask, what is it?" He inquired, interested in the foreign cuisine that was going to be offered.

"The pleasure is mine!" Ziyad enthusiastically replied, awkwardly trying to shake Vigil's hand. "Are you two enjoying the weather?" He asked, in a joking tone.

The snow was getting thicker, his horse having more and more trouble with it, as the hill began to slope upwards.
The slope directly in front of them had a deeper cover then the rest, it was the windswept side and all the snow had been blown against it. Selkie Horses were sturdy and hardy, but even they had their limits.
Finally, Leonard had enough: He left the direct path up to the tower and made a curve around the bank instead of getting bogged down. A horserace wasn't all about who was the better rider and who had the better horse, but also, which rider was capable of choosing another way to reach the target.
At least, Selkie-horseraces were a bit about this, too.

"Stobhach is a good and healthy stew usually including lamb, carrots, onions and parsley. There are more herbs with it, usually, and more vegetables as well." Kendra smiled. "Recipies vary from family to family, though. My dear mother for example always adds a few dashes of sage, rosemary and thyme, Leonard's sisters use venison instead of lamb and... well, we could continue this until we are with the Elder.
Point is, every family has its own recipe, which makes it unique. I was never invited to the Elder's home for dinner, so I honestly can't answer you.", she leaned in as if she wanted to tell a secret. "But amongst us, the Elder's cooking has a huge reputation. You will be in for a treat!"

Vigil grabbed the hand of the Riysian with a wide grin. "Ah, it works, it works. Especially from a fireplace with a warm tea, a good fur and pleasurable company."
Gwen snorted in amusement, grinning, starting to talk in her best accent. "Pish-posh, are yae honestly sayin', that this here weather bothers you, laddie?!" Vigil laughed, as Gwen turned back to Ziyad. "No, fun aside, I am from Tuaisceart, an island far north, hence the accent. This here..." She spread her arms with a smile, encompassing the snow-covered landscape. "... is usual for me for six months a year, not just three. Feels a bit like home!"

[Riysa]

The wind and cold bit at his bones, but he kept pushing on, aiming for his new goal. Beyond just being a good tactical idea, it was also a smart political move...neither side would want to be embarrassed during these talks, and if one distinctively won, it might cause some issues. Forcing a tie, or a near-tie, would be the best outcome. Suddenly, Abdul-Razzaq noticed his opponent veering off the path they were racing on. Was Leonard trying to gain an advantage? Or was he trying to make it easier for him to win? Whatever. Abdul-Razzaq was committed to forcing a tie, so there was only one option left. He followed suit, veering off the path, noticing that his horse seemed to pick up the speed a little bit.

"Great, great." Dr. Ghazi replied. "I look forward to tonight, for sure. Say, you and Leonard will be also in attendance, yes? Who else, do you know, will be there?"

Ziyad snickered. "Sounds...very fun. This weather is a bit unusual for us back home, especially in my home town, which normally doesn't go that far below 0 C in the winter. Depending on where you're from, of course; the mountains tend to be very cold, while the southeast rarely gets snow. On the other hand, it can get quite hot in the summer, if you're not prepared. I don't think here has the same problem, eh?"

[The Selkie]

The wind and cold bit at his bones, but he kept pushing on, aiming for his new goal. Beyond just being a good tactical idea, it was also a smart political move...neither side would want to be embarrassed during these talks, and if one distinctively won, it might cause some issues. Forcing a tie, or a near-tie, would be the best outcome. Suddenly, Abdul-Razzaq noticed his opponent veering off the path they were racing on. Was Leonard trying to gain an advantage? Or was he trying to make it easier for him to win? Whatever. Abdul-Razzaq was committed to forcing a tie, so there was only one option left. He followed suit, veering off the path, noticing that his horse seemed to pick up the speed a little bit.

"Great, great." Dr. Ghazi replied. "I look forward to tonight, for sure. Say, you and Leonard will be also in attendance, yes? Who else, do you know, will be there?"

Ziyad snickered. "Sounds...very fun. This weather is a bit unusual for us back home, especially in my home town, which normally doesn't go that far below 0 C in the winter. Depending on where you're from, of course; the mountains tend to be very cold, while the southeast rarely gets snow. On the other hand, it can get quite hot in the summer, if you're not prepared. I don't think here has the same problem, eh?"

Leonard noticed his opponent following him on his changed course - and the Selkie grinned.
That guy was good. Better then he expected, if he was quite honest.
On open plain field in summer, it would be a pure joy and bliss to ride against the man, he would have to make sure, that he would be invited by that time - if not as a Riysian diplomat, then as a private person.
Their hoofed mounts thundered across the landscape, up the hill. Truly, the tower on Tower Hill was completely ruined, a wreck under snow. From time to time children made dares out here, daring each other to climb up and mostly falling. Some even broke something on the way down.
Sometimes, though, children only learned via experience and pain.
As soon as the crown was nearly reached, Leonard let his horse slow down to a relaxing pace, not thundering anymore, but definately not trotting. Catching breath, maybe exchange a few words with the opponent.
Downhill would be race to the finish line.

Kendra smiled.
"Well, Leonard and myself will be in attendance.", she listed, "Elder Cailin, of course, her granddaughter and caretaker Felicia, Marla after a quick change, Donald Críonna of the Tribe of Louth, our boss and the closest thing we have to a minister of foreign affairs, Lieutenant General Finn Nióchan of the Tribe of Cork, SDF-Army, with his wife Ava, High Priestess Fiona Ardsagart of the Tribe of Antrim with her caretaker Liv Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow, both Servants to Ladra, and Colonel Liam Óga of the Tribe of Laois, SDF Mobile Forces Command."
Kendra had counted them off her fingers, looking at her hands and the many extended fingers.
"Well... that will be a big pot.", she said.

Vigil grinned.
"Oh, we have our warm summers, too, especially in the Trossach!", he said, "But they rarely even scratch the 30 degrees celsius maximum." He thought for a moment. "Last year the average in the Trossach was 22.6 during days."
Gwen grinned. "We have cold the whole year around. Our summer average was 9.3 last year, also during days. But we all have a lot of rain to make up for it, helps the crops grow."
"And overflows rivers.", Vigil nodded, remembering the disaster fielding of the Guild the year prior. It hadn't been fun.