Of Cats and Foxes in the Land of Horses (Closed)

[The Selkie]

"Alright, then," Vershenov said. "Our laws on adoption are probably different from yours. One of our few public programs is the Soldier Adoption Progam: soldiers are given the choice of adoption if their wives divorce them while they're in service. Divorced couples, as well as couples marred by adultery, have their children removed and placed up for adoption for retired soldiers who have completed the minimum time requirement in the military and entered a civilian job." He folded his arms over his chest.

"Very much so, it seems.", Crionna said, identifying quite a few problems with that system in his head, but kept them to himself, both to not offend Vershenov or, more importantly, his boss and because he didn't know the full picture, cultural background and so on. So, sometimes being silent was worth more then anything. "We rarely have orphans, most children, who loose their parents in one way or the other, have relatives, who take them in or neighbours, who look after them - rarely children are handed to orphanages, but Kendra was one of them. We call them gan teach na dtuismitheoirí, translated freely, it means 'without parental home'. Someone without parental home is barred from entering the services of the Cults, the Free Lands, its cities or its armed forces."

[Krugeristan]

"Alright, then," Vershenov said. "Our laws on adoption are probably different from yours. One of our few public programs is the Soldier Adoption Progam: soldiers are given the choice of adoption if their wives divorce them while they're in service. Divorced couples, as well as couples marred by adultery, have their children removed and placed up for adoption for retired soldiers who have completed the minimum time requirement in the military and entered a civilian job." He folded his arms over his chest.

"Very much so, it seems.", Crionna said, identifying quite a few problems with that system in his head, but kept them to himself, both to not offend Vershenov or, more importantly, his boss and because he didn't know the full picture, cultural background and so on. So, sometimes being silent was worth more then anything. "We rarely have orphans, most children, who loose their parents in one way or the other, have relatives, who take them in or neighbours, who look after them - rarely children are handed to orphanages, but Kendra was one of them. We call them gan teach na dtuismitheoirí, translated freely, it means 'without parental home'. Someone without parental home is barred from entering the services of the Cults, the Free Lands, its cities or its armed forces."

Wide-eyed and concerned Vershenov was going to start an argument, Golahman stroked his scarf nervously. "So . . . we have some differences, alright? Please, stop . . . both of you."

[The Selkie]

Wide-eyed and concerned Vershenov was going to start an argument, Golahman stroked his scarf nervously. "So . . . we have some differences, alright? Please, stop . . . both of you."

Crionna raised an eyebrow, looking at Golahman, then at Vershenov, not in the least intending to start an argument.
As if that was the signal, the door opened and the blonde waitress from before, accompanied by two other employees, entered with their lunch, calling them all to the table. The Selkie complied easily and took their seats.
For Golahman, fried fish for Double-Finned Perch, the Perch, if one asked the Selkie, fried in oil on an open fire in a cast iron pan, covered in batter and seasoned with herbs of the house's own garden. The fish itself was a filet, cut from a perch caught in the morning off the shores of the Silver Bay. As a side, there were potatoes, freshly baked as well, and a salad fresh from the market with a nice, fresh sauce. As a drink, he got a white hot chocolade in a tall glass.
For Vershenov, clam chowder of the New England Variety with a spin on it from Selkie Cuisine, as the milk used was fresh and unmodified from a happy cow, the crackers were from the next bakery, the clams from Lake Mór, caught a few hours ago. Both the potatoes and the onions were fresh as well. Where the Selkie-Cuisine went all out with the usually rather thick chowder was with the decoration and seasoning, parsley and other herbs of the house being used. Saltine crackers and a herbal tea completed his menu.
Marla, sitting down, and Crionna got Stobhach, Selkie-stew of the house's variation, which smelled heavenly, with mutton in it, traditionally made in a cast iron pot over a hearthfire, carrots and onions, as well as cabbage and a lot of spices created a supernova of flavours in the mouth of an eater - or the same in the nose of everyone, who smelled it. It was a pleasant supernova, a smell of home and familiarity. Tea completed their menus as well.
Felicia had herself a steak with a side of potatoes and a thick, creamy sauce with carrots and kohlrabi, smelling very good. At her side was a small glass of tea, less a herbal mixture to calm, but more a herbal mixture to wake up.
Ava had cod, fried in oil without any batter, with potatoes and a salad at its side, smiling as she beheld her food, simple as it was, yet tasty as she knew.
Cara got another bowl of water and a plate with meat scraps, cuttings from the kitchen, which were ideal for him, as Felicia noted with a smile.
After the waiters stated the delivery and wished a good appetite, the Selkie thanked the waiters with small bows, the employees left again, the blonde staying outside, if there was anything they needed.
A moment passed.
Crionna motioned to their guests. "If you want to speak your graces, feel free to do so.", he told them with a smile.

[Krugeristan]

Wide-eyed and concerned Vershenov was going to start an argument, Golahman stroked his scarf nervously. "So . . . we have some differences, alright? Please, stop . . . both of you."

Crionna raised an eyebrow, looking at Golahman, then at Vershenov, not in the least intending to start an argument.
As if that was the signal, the door opened and the blonde waitress from before, accompanied by two other employees, entered with their lunch, calling them all to the table. The Selkie complied easily and took their seats.
For Golahman, fried fish for Double-Finned Perch, the Perch, if one asked the Selkie, fried in oil on an open fire in a cast iron pan, covered in batter and seasoned with herbs of the house's own garden. The fish itself was a filet, cut from a perch caught in the morning off the shores of the Silver Bay. As a side, there were potatoes, freshly baked as well, and a salad fresh from the market with a nice, fresh sauce. As a drink, he got a white hot chocolade in a tall glass.
For Vershenov, clam chowder of the New England Variety with a spin on it from Selkie Cuisine, as the milk used was fresh and unmodified from a happy cow, the crackers were from the next bakery, the clams from Lake Mór, caught a few hours ago. Both the potatoes and the onions were fresh as well. Where the Selkie-Cuisine went all out with the usually rather thick chowder was with the decoration and seasoning, parsley and other herbs of the house being used. Saltine crackers and a herbal tea completed his menu.
Marla, sitting down, and Crionna got Stobhach, Selkie-stew of the house's variation, which smelled heavenly, with mutton in it, traditionally made in a cast iron pot over a hearthfire, carrots and onions, as well as cabbage and a lot of spices created a supernova of flavours in the mouth of an eater - or the same in the nose of everyone, who smelled it. It was a pleasant supernova, a smell of home and familiarity. Tea completed their menus as well.
Felicia had herself a steak with a side of potatoes and a thick, creamy sauce with carrots and kohlrabi, smelling very good. At her side was a small glass of tea, less a herbal mixture to calm, but more a herbal mixture to wake up.
Ava had cod, fried in oil without any batter, with potatoes and a salad at its side, smiling as she beheld her food, simple as it was, yet tasty as she knew.
Cara got another bowl of water and a plate with meat scraps, cuttings from the kitchen, which were ideal for him, as Felicia noted with a smile.
After the waiters stated the delivery and wished a good appetite, the Selkie thanked the waiters with small bows, the employees left again, the blonde staying outside, if there was anything they needed.
A moment passed.
Crionna motioned to their guests. "If you want to speak your graces, feel free to do so.", he told them with a smile.

The two men felt obliged to say grace in their heads, their hands folded as they sat silently with their heads bowed slightly. After whispering an "Amen", they picked up their spoons and forks.

Golahman was very embarrassed over what he had said, but he had seen political arguments with Vershenov before; they were not pretty, and usually ended with the old guard holding a grudge against someone, which was something Golahman didn't want happening. He wanted to stay with Fiona and continue to be invited the Free Lands, for both personal and professional reasons, without people being frightened of Vershenov. Plus, Golahman was the president, and if he needed to assert his authority over Vershenov, he would. Having heard about what went on between the old man and the younger Gwen last night, Golahman was starting to get irritated with Vershenov's lack of boundaries when it came to his criticisms of how the Selkie ran things, so he tried to keep conversations free of friction, however impossible that may seem.

He was delighted with how the fish came out. The potatoes, too, though he burned his mouth a little on one, and took a sip of water. "I think it's fair that we exchange recipes," Golahman said. "I can provide the recipe for pumpkin pie in exchange for the recipe of this fish."

[The Selkie]

Crionna raised an eyebrow, looking at Golahman, then at Vershenov, not in the least intending to start an argument.
As if that was the signal, the door opened and the blonde waitress from before, accompanied by two other employees, entered with their lunch, calling them all to the table. The Selkie complied easily and took their seats.
For Golahman, fried fish for Double-Finned Perch, the Perch, if one asked the Selkie, fried in oil on an open fire in a cast iron pan, covered in batter and seasoned with herbs of the house's own garden. The fish itself was a filet, cut from a perch caught in the morning off the shores of the Silver Bay. As a side, there were potatoes, freshly baked as well, and a salad fresh from the market with a nice, fresh sauce. As a drink, he got a white hot chocolade in a tall glass.
For Vershenov, clam chowder of the New England Variety with a spin on it from Selkie Cuisine, as the milk used was fresh and unmodified from a happy cow, the crackers were from the next bakery, the clams from Lake Mór, caught a few hours ago. Both the potatoes and the onions were fresh as well. Where the Selkie-Cuisine went all out with the usually rather thick chowder was with the decoration and seasoning, parsley and other herbs of the house being used. Saltine crackers and a herbal tea completed his menu.
Marla, sitting down, and Crionna got Stobhach, Selkie-stew of the house's variation, which smelled heavenly, with mutton in it, traditionally made in a cast iron pot over a hearthfire, carrots and onions, as well as cabbage and a lot of spices created a supernova of flavours in the mouth of an eater - or the same in the nose of everyone, who smelled it. It was a pleasant supernova, a smell of home and familiarity. Tea completed their menus as well.
Felicia had herself a steak with a side of potatoes and a thick, creamy sauce with carrots and kohlrabi, smelling very good. At her side was a small glass of tea, less a herbal mixture to calm, but more a herbal mixture to wake up.
Ava had cod, fried in oil without any batter, with potatoes and a salad at its side, smiling as she beheld her food, simple as it was, yet tasty as she knew.
Cara got another bowl of water and a plate with meat scraps, cuttings from the kitchen, which were ideal for him, as Felicia noted with a smile.
After the waiters stated the delivery and wished a good appetite, the Selkie thanked the waiters with small bows, the employees left again, the blonde staying outside, if there was anything they needed.
A moment passed.
Crionna motioned to their guests. "If you want to speak your graces, feel free to do so.", he told them with a smile.

The two men felt obliged to say grace in their heads, their hands folded as they sat silently with their heads bowed slightly. After whispering an "Amen", they picked up their spoons and forks.

Golahman was very embarrassed over what he had said, but he had seen political arguments with Vershenov before; they were not pretty, and usually ended with the old guard holding a grudge against someone, which was something Golahman didn't want happening. He wanted to stay with Fiona and continue to be invited the Free Lands, for both personal and professional reasons, without people being frightened of Vershenov. Plus, Golahman was the president, and if he needed to assert his authority over Vershenov, he would. Having heard about what went on between the old man and the younger Gwen last night, Golahman was starting to get irritated with Vershenov's lack of boundaries when it came to his criticisms of how the Selkie ran things, so he tried to keep conversations free of friction, however impossible that may seem.

He was delighted with how the fish came out. The potatoes, too, though he burned his mouth a little on one, and took a sip of water. "I think it's fair that we exchange recipes," Golahman said. "I can provide the recipe for pumpkin pie in exchange for the recipe of this fish."

Crionna, who had spoken a short thanks to Rhiannon for the rich harvest of the fields, smiled as he took the first spoon, watching the people around him.
Marla was digging in heartily, albeit with good and decent restraint, while Felicia was enjoying her meal, too, Ava carefully cutting her fish. Cara was happily munching away.
He assumed, that there was a bit going on between Golahman and his guard, but he didn't want to dig into it deeper then necessary - which was to say, that he wouldn't dig at all. It was their matter and quite honestly, if Vershenov disliked him or the Selkie, it mattered little to Crionna.
Important was Golahman and his government. Crionna was a diplomat, not a high-school girl, which wanted to be liked by everyone.
He smiled at Golahman's inquiry. "I am quite sure, that something can be arranged.", he said with a small smile, "Although, the best recipe will not help you, if your ingredients are bad - or vice versa."

[Krugeristan]

The two men felt obliged to say grace in their heads, their hands folded as they sat silently with their heads bowed slightly. After whispering an "Amen", they picked up their spoons and forks.

Golahman was very embarrassed over what he had said, but he had seen political arguments with Vershenov before; they were not pretty, and usually ended with the old guard holding a grudge against someone, which was something Golahman didn't want happening. He wanted to stay with Fiona and continue to be invited the Free Lands, for both personal and professional reasons, without people being frightened of Vershenov. Plus, Golahman was the president, and if he needed to assert his authority over Vershenov, he would. Having heard about what went on between the old man and the younger Gwen last night, Golahman was starting to get irritated with Vershenov's lack of boundaries when it came to his criticisms of how the Selkie ran things, so he tried to keep conversations free of friction, however impossible that may seem.

He was delighted with how the fish came out. The potatoes, too, though he burned his mouth a little on one, and took a sip of water. "I think it's fair that we exchange recipes," Golahman said. "I can provide the recipe for pumpkin pie in exchange for the recipe of this fish."

Crionna, who had spoken a short thanks to Rhiannon for the rich harvest of the fields, smiled as he took the first spoon, watching the people around him.
Marla was digging in heartily, albeit with good and decent restraint, while Felicia was enjoying her meal, too, Ava carefully cutting her fish. Cara was happily munching away.
He assumed, that there was a bit going on between Golahman and his guard, but he didn't want to dig into it deeper then necessary - which was to say, that he wouldn't dig at all. It was their matter and quite honestly, if Vershenov disliked him or the Selkie, it mattered little to Crionna.
Important was Golahman and his government. Crionna was a diplomat, not a high-school girl, which wanted to be liked by everyone.
He smiled at Golahman's inquiry. "I am quite sure, that something can be arranged.", he said with a small smile, "Although, the best recipe will not help you, if your ingredients are bad - or vice versa."

"We have a very capable fishing industry," Golahman replied. "Hell, we're pretty much surrounded by water. What type of fish is this, first off?"

[The Selkie]

"We have a very capable fishing industry," Golahman replied. "Hell, we're pretty much surrounded by water. What type of fish is this, first off?"

"It's Double-Finned Perch, or, as we call it, The Perch.", Crionna replied with a smile, "A fish, that lives in the seas around the Free Lands, between the Archipelago and the Northern Islands, known for its name-giving double fins and being relatively light for a perch, only seven kilograms of adult average weight."
He did not mention, that the Selkie were people, who's very myths talked about them coming from the sea itself, that they were people, who were born for both the sea and the saddle, that they were surrounded by sea as well - and that fishing indeed was one of the most important culinary factor in their cuisine.

[Krugeristan]

"We have a very capable fishing industry," Golahman replied. "Hell, we're pretty much surrounded by water. What type of fish is this, first off?"

"It's Double-Finned Perch, or, as we call it, The Perch.", Crionna replied with a smile, "A fish, that lives in the seas around the Free Lands, between the Archipelago and the Northern Islands, known for its name-giving double fins and being relatively light for a perch, only seven kilograms of adult average weight."
He did not mention, that the Selkie were people, who's very myths talked about them coming from the sea itself, that they were people, who were born for both the sea and the saddle, that they were surrounded by sea as well - and that fishing indeed was one of the most important culinary factor in their cuisine.

"I'll have to see if it has a related species in the Pacific Ocean," Golahman said, writing it down in a small notebook. "Thank you, anyways. I can tell you all take pride in your cuisine."

[The Selkie]

"I'll have to see if it has a related species in the Pacific Ocean," Golahman said, writing it down in a small notebook. "Thank you, anyways. I can tell you all take pride in your cuisine."

Crionna smiled.
"We do.", he said and nodded, "Every meal is a celebration for us, as every meal means, that one can get together with friends and family and people held dear to enjoy it. Making it delicious is an added bonus of a good houseman or housewoman."
Marla nodded at that.

[Krugeristan]

"I'll have to see if it has a related species in the Pacific Ocean," Golahman said, writing it down in a small notebook. "Thank you, anyways. I can tell you all take pride in your cuisine."

Crionna smiled.
"We do.", he said and nodded, "Every meal is a celebration for us, as every meal means, that one can get together with friends and family and people held dear to enjoy it. Making it delicious is an added bonus of a good houseman or housewoman."
Marla nodded at that.

Golahman's thoughts turned to home. "Consider yourselves lucky, I guess," he said, "I really don't . . . sit down with people at every meal at home. Most of the time, I don't get to eat at all. When I do get to sit down with people, I have no idea what to do with myself--"

"So you talk about Assad as if he were your own child," Vershenov said.

[The Selkie]

Golahman's thoughts turned to home. "Consider yourselves lucky, I guess," he said, "I really don't . . . sit down with people at every meal at home. Most of the time, I don't get to eat at all. When I do get to sit down with people, I have no idea what to do with myself--"

"So you talk about Assad as if he were your own child," Vershenov said.

There were amused smiles and quite a few looks at Crionna, who smiled as well, but with a familiar note.
"I see... mainly because I am, too, guilty of that...", he said and smiled, "Though I do not talk about Mister Assad, I do usually talk about my grandchildren... some even accused me of bragging about them, although those are baseless accussations."
"Yeah, sure...", five women chorused and rolled their eyes in unison.
"Can't you permit an old man to be proud?", Crionna asked with mirth in his eyes.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman's thoughts turned to home. "Consider yourselves lucky, I guess," he said, "I really don't . . . sit down with people at every meal at home. Most of the time, I don't get to eat at all. When I do get to sit down with people, I have no idea what to do with myself--"

"So you talk about Assad as if he were your own child," Vershenov said.

There were amused smiles and quite a few looks at Crionna, who smiled as well, but with a familiar note.
"I see... mainly because I am, too, guilty of that...", he said and smiled, "Though I do not talk about Mister Assad, I do usually talk about my grandchildren... some even accused me of bragging about them, although those are baseless accussations."
"Yeah, sure...", five women chorused and rolled their eyes in unison.
"Can't you permit an old man to be proud?", Crionna asked with mirth in his eyes.

"Depends on what you're proud of," Vershenov replied. "We do enjoy hearing about the feats of your relatives, but bragging or making it sound like this particular relative is a robot that does nothing but said feat is considered extremely rude."

Golahman gave a nod. "Pets are different, though. When I attend the Cat Fanciers' shows, that's all we do is talk about our cats."

[The Selkie]

"Depends on what you're proud of," Vershenov replied. "We do enjoy hearing about the feats of your relatives, but bragging or making it sound like this particular relative is a robot that does nothing but said feat is considered extremely rude."

Golahman gave a nod. "Pets are different, though. When I attend the Cat Fanciers' shows, that's all we do is talk about our cats."

I know the fine difference between being proud and a braggard, Commander, thank you very much., Crionna thought, disliking the Commander more and more as he, a person, who could be his own child age-wise, showed blatant disrespect for those older and above him in rank then him. He did not voice that, though.
"I can imagine.", Marla said in his stead, replying to Golahman, "It is a bit of the same with the Marcach and tournaments or the annual horse-market in Rainse - nearly all, that is talked about are the horses, both at home and in attendance, how the foals are coming along and so on... including, that Liam still has the best horses and that it's more a contest of who's second place in the Grand Race rather then a contest about who's first."

[Krugeristan]

"Depends on what you're proud of," Vershenov replied. "We do enjoy hearing about the feats of your relatives, but bragging or making it sound like this particular relative is a robot that does nothing but said feat is considered extremely rude."

Golahman gave a nod. "Pets are different, though. When I attend the Cat Fanciers' shows, that's all we do is talk about our cats."

I know the fine difference between being proud and a braggard, Commander, thank you very much., Crionna thought, disliking the Commander more and more as he, a person, who could be his own child age-wise, showed blatant disrespect for those older and above him in rank then him. He did not voice that, though.
"I can imagine.", Marla said in his stead, replying to Golahman, "It is a bit of the same with the Marcach and tournaments or the annual horse-market in Rainse - nearly all, that is talked about are the horses, both at home and in attendance, how the foals are coming along and so on... including, that Liam still has the best horses and that it's more a contest of who's second place in the Grand Race rather then a contest about who's first."

"I'd like to see that someday," Golahman said, thinking about how he'd probably fall off the horse in a race. "Do you have a lot of animal shows and events?" He nervously reached his hand out to Cara.

[The Selkie]

"I'd like to see that someday," Golahman said, thinking about how he'd probably fall off the horse in a race. "Do you have a lot of animal shows and events?" He nervously reached his hand out to Cara.

Felicia wanted to stop Golahman with a warning, taking in air already, that he shouldn't pet a Sickle Cat while he was eating, being a wild predator and so on, but he was faster - and to her big surprise, Cara let himself get petted, while he ate, although he stopped for a moment, looked at the human and his hand, yawned, and went back to decimating his food.
"Huh.", Felicia said silently, "Didn't expect that."
Marla continued the conversation as if nothing happened. "It's not animal shows and events in the way many foreigners understand it. We have a lot of tournaments as Marcach and horse racers, and every festival has a petting zoo, but pet shows, where we present the newest fashions, breeds, breeding technology and so on don't really happen. There is a magazine, though, which does all of that and more."

[Krugeristan]

"I'd like to see that someday," Golahman said, thinking about how he'd probably fall off the horse in a race. "Do you have a lot of animal shows and events?" He nervously reached his hand out to Cara.

Felicia wanted to stop Golahman with a warning, taking in air already, that he shouldn't pet a Sickle Cat while he was eating, being a wild predator and so on, but he was faster - and to her big surprise, Cara let himself get petted, while he ate, although he stopped for a moment, looked at the human and his hand, yawned, and went back to decimating his food.
"Huh.", Felicia said silently, "Didn't expect that."
Marla continued the conversation as if nothing happened. "It's not animal shows and events in the way many foreigners understand it. We have a lot of tournaments as Marcach and horse racers, and every festival has a petting zoo, but pet shows, where we present the newest fashions, breeds, breeding technology and so on don't really happen. There is a magazine, though, which does all of that and more."

Golahman sat back, glancing at Marla. "Is this magazine only available here, or, is there a way to get it internationally?" he asked, still looking at Cara.

[The Selkie]

Golahman sat back, glancing at Marla. "Is this magazine only available here, or, is there a way to get it internationally?" he asked, still looking at Cara.

Cara gave a sound, which could be interpreted as "Pet me more, puny human!", if one was so inclined, which made Felicia giggle.
Marla nodded. "There's a subscription programme, they send it to a whole lot of places in the world, although they have a large fee for customers outside of the Free Lands. Postal services, you know." She smiled and stirred her Stobhach a bit. "Alternatively, you could always ask Fiona about her getting the magazine for you and sending it your way..."

[Krugeristan]

Golahman sat back, glancing at Marla. "Is this magazine only available here, or, is there a way to get it internationally?" he asked, still looking at Cara.

Cara gave a sound, which could be interpreted as "Pet me more, puny human!", if one was so inclined, which made Felicia giggle.
Marla nodded. "There's a subscription programme, they send it to a whole lot of places in the world, although they have a large fee for customers outside of the Free Lands. Postal services, you know." She smiled and stirred her Stobhach a bit. "Alternatively, you could always ask Fiona about her getting the magazine for you and sending it your way..."

"I can see that," Golahman said, leaning back over to stroke Cara some more. "I don't think people would be happy I spend money on that, though, but . . . I also don't want to . . . make other people . . . pay for things I want. I mean, it isn't important . . ."

[The Selkie]

"I can see that," Golahman said, leaning back over to stroke Cara some more. "I don't think people would be happy I spend money on that, though, but . . . I also don't want to . . . make other people . . . pay for things I want. I mean, it isn't important . . ."

Cara was, Felicia could tell, happy with the world.
Marla nodded, smiling a bit. "I see... but if you would like to get that magazine in one way or the other, it is important. What you do with the money you earn is yours to decide, after all." She made a pause. "Also, who said, that you can't just use her address with her agreement and pay for everything yourself?"

[Krugeristan]

"I can see that," Golahman said, leaning back over to stroke Cara some more. "I don't think people would be happy I spend money on that, though, but . . . I also don't want to . . . make other people . . . pay for things I want. I mean, it isn't important . . ."

Cara was, Felicia could tell, happy with the world.
Marla nodded, smiling a bit. "I see... but if you would like to get that magazine in one way or the other, it is important. What you do with the money you earn is yours to decide, after all." She made a pause. "Also, who said, that you can't just use her address with her agreement and pay for everything yourself?"

"That . . . is possible, and . . . certainly not illegal, I suppose," Golahman replied. "I'll see what I can do about that."

[The Selkie]

"That . . . is possible, and . . . certainly not illegal, I suppose," Golahman replied. "I'll see what I can do about that."

Marla nodded, smiling. "Do that." She then leaned forward, as if to tell a secret. "A few friends of mine, of my sister and of my father living abroad do that with their own magazines, so it is not really uncommon. And I know from Miss Cathlong, that SDY sends a whole lot of magazines in all the world for their own employees in yards around the world."

[Krugeristan]

"That . . . is possible, and . . . certainly not illegal, I suppose," Golahman replied. "I'll see what I can do about that."

Marla nodded, smiling. "Do that." She then leaned forward, as if to tell a secret. "A few friends of mine, of my sister and of my father living abroad do that with their own magazines, so it is not really uncommon. And I know from Miss Cathlong, that SDY sends a whole lot of magazines in all the world for their own employees in yards around the world."

Nodding shyly, Golahman remained silent while finishing his food. Feeling that he had run out of things to say, he retreated back into his head, wondering what was going on back home.

Even Vershenov wasn't going to say anything, but he kept getting the vibe from Golahman that the president both wanted to call Assad and go back to Leas House as soon as possible, so he gave a sigh while handing Golahman his phone. "You can call Assad when we ride back to Leas House, alright?"

[The Selkie]

Nodding shyly, Golahman remained silent while finishing his food. Feeling that he had run out of things to say, he retreated back into his head, wondering what was going on back home.

Even Vershenov wasn't going to say anything, but he kept getting the vibe from Golahman that the president both wanted to call Assad and go back to Leas House as soon as possible, so he gave a sigh while handing Golahman his phone. "You can call Assad when we ride back to Leas House, alright?"

Marla smiled a small smile. "You really like him, don't you?", she asked with a tender expression, "Mister Assad, I mean. If I may ask, how did you two get so close to each other?"
The rest of the Selkie in attendance meanwhile continued to eat, listening to any story, which may be told, while Cara, finished with eating himself, padded over to Golahman and put his head in his lap, demanding petting now that he was finished with eating. After that, Felicia knew, it was nap time.

[Krugeristan]

Nodding shyly, Golahman remained silent while finishing his food. Feeling that he had run out of things to say, he retreated back into his head, wondering what was going on back home.

Even Vershenov wasn't going to say anything, but he kept getting the vibe from Golahman that the president both wanted to call Assad and go back to Leas House as soon as possible, so he gave a sigh while handing Golahman his phone. "You can call Assad when we ride back to Leas House, alright?"

Marla smiled a small smile. "You really like him, don't you?", she asked with a tender expression, "Mister Assad, I mean. If I may ask, how did you two get so close to each other?"
The rest of the Selkie in attendance meanwhile continued to eat, listening to any story, which may be told, while Cara, finished with eating himself, padded over to Golahman and put his head in his lap, demanding petting now that he was finished with eating. After that, Felicia knew, it was nap time.

"Well, when the war broke out in Syria, the Senate voted to aid Assad for the duration of the war, and when we make a promise, we keep that promise, no matter what." Golahman rested his hand on Cara's head. "I went to Syria myself a few years ago, to discuss money and weapons, and Assad was mildly impressed with how we conduct ourselves, even finding it welcoming. We continued to have meetings, both formal and informal, over a few months, and then I decided to invite him to an Easter dinner in Doenya. When the church service was over, I drove him to my estate--now, he was very quiet the last few hours, because you're supposed to be quiet in church, and I said, 'You can talk now.'

"He looked at me and said nothing. I asked if there was something wrong. He shook his head. Gradually, I was getting very concerned, but then he looked at me again and said, 'I really have to go to the bathroom,' so I stepped on the gas pedal and tried to get to my estate as fast as possible. Lo and behold, we're pulled over by an officer for speeding, and I looked at the officer and said, 'The Syrian president has to go to the bathroom, sir.' The officer starts laughing, Assad starts laughing, and I got a ticket for speeding. When we got to the estate, Assad is still laughing at me, and I said, 'This isn't funny.'

"He gives me this goofball look, and says, 'Yes, it is.'" Golahman shrugged. "From that moment on, we're started becoming more personal friends."

[The Selkie]

Marla smiled a small smile. "You really like him, don't you?", she asked with a tender expression, "Mister Assad, I mean. If I may ask, how did you two get so close to each other?"
The rest of the Selkie in attendance meanwhile continued to eat, listening to any story, which may be told, while Cara, finished with eating himself, padded over to Golahman and put his head in his lap, demanding petting now that he was finished with eating. After that, Felicia knew, it was nap time.

"Well, when the war broke out in Syria, the Senate voted to aid Assad for the duration of the war, and when we make a promise, we keep that promise, no matter what." Golahman rested his hand on Cara's head. "I went to Syria myself a few years ago, to discuss money and weapons, and Assad was mildly impressed with how we conduct ourselves, even finding it welcoming. We continued to have meetings, both formal and informal, over a few months, and then I decided to invite him to an Easter dinner in Doenya. When the church service was over, I drove him to my estate--now, he was very quiet the last few hours, because you're supposed to be quiet in church, and I said, 'You can talk now.'

"He looked at me and said nothing. I asked if there was something wrong. He shook his head. Gradually, I was getting very concerned, but then he looked at me again and said, 'I really have to go to the bathroom,' so I stepped on the gas pedal and tried to get to my estate as fast as possible. Lo and behold, we're pulled over by an officer for speeding, and I looked at the officer and said, 'The Syrian president has to go to the bathroom, sir.' The officer starts laughing, Assad starts laughing, and I got a ticket for speeding. When we got to the estate, Assad is still laughing at me, and I said, 'This isn't funny.'

"He gives me this goofball look, and says, 'Yes, it is.'" Golahman shrugged. "From that moment on, we're started becoming more personal friends."

There was laughter shared all around at the end of the anecdote, as it indeed was a funny story - even if the humour seen in it was a bit imature.
Still, both Crionna and Marla needed it, bitterly.
It took a bit for them to cease laughing.
Marla was the first to recover. "Thank you.", she said with a smile, this time a very honest one, showing amusement and mirth. "For sharing that story, I mean. It was very funny."
Crionna nodded in agreement. "What she said."
That earned him the odd glance from his co-workers.