Of Desert Lionesses and Sand Raptors (Closed)

by **Kyrenaia** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 4:19 am

The young man bowed his head appropriately.
"The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty, Your Excellency.", he said and rose again, "If I may be allowed to say so, you look more stunning then at this morning." This was a compliment to both women, but just that: A compliment, not him trying to flirt with them. They were married and thus off-limits. "Indeed, their advice did give me a bit of pep."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 7:12 am

"Thank you Lieutenant, replies Anna at the compliments. Iif Ii may say, you look sharp enough yourself. So tell us, how did you ended up being chosen to be the Sultana's date tonight?"

by **Kyrenaia** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 2:45 pm

The Scarlet Eagle wrote:"Thank you Lieutenant, replies Anna at the compliments. Iif Ii may say, you look sharp enough yourself. So tell us, how did you ended up being chosen to be the Sultana's date tonight?"

"Well, since a few years, the Sultana likes to pick young men from the TBA as her date for state balls and such occasions.", he explained, "We don't complain, it's a nice thing, even if we usually die of nervousness before and in the first minutes. Until we realize, that most people have no idea, who we are and just start to chat."
He let a beat pass, leaning forward as if to tell a secret.
"Legend has it, that the Sultana loves to use such chances to introduce good young men to the different Princesses of Kyrenaia. The quota of lads ending up with girlfriends after such evenings certainly speeks for itself.", he said with a small shrug, after which he added: "Not getting my hopes up, though."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 2:58 pm

"Well, if you're already dead of nervousness, replies Alicia, it means you're a zombie then. Honey, can you go grab your shotgun? asks the female Colonel to her husband with a sweet smile.
-Sure thing, sweetheart, replies Pavel as he makes a few steps towards the exit, before coming back with a chuckle, as the other three laugh a bit as well.
-Joke aside, continues Anaximander, I suggest you keep your hopes down. Having a Princess as a girlfriend is all good, but when you truly have to face all the pressure from being a public persona, it can be exhausting on the long run. Especially here in Kyrenaia, if I was to quote Damir. I remember a couple of times the only way I could get out of this was to show this, he adds as he lifts the left side of his vest, showing his M1911 in his underarm holster before dropping the cloth. Maybe it wasn't the best course of actionn but at least it worked. Anyway, do you ahve an idea of what your comrades in the band have in store for us, or do they usually keep it secret?"

by **Kyrenaia** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:05 pm

Azad laughed with them, understanding the joke.
"Indeed, Sir.", he said with a firm nod to Anax after his demonstration, not exactly okay with that approach, but if it worked... "Atif can tell you stories about his time as a public persona. He was used to it a bit due to being an excellent axerider, but during the time he dated Aurelia, he got a bit more spotlight, to the point of gossip rags interrupting our training, which made us learn how a cavalry charge works."
He shrugged.
"Even if you know, that none of them will actually bean you over your head with the Tabar, two dozen fully armed cavalrymen make a good charge and will make you run, if all you have is a camera.", he explained, grinning.

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:17 pm

When Azad tells the about the cavalry charge, Anaximander, Anna, Pavel and Alicia can't help but laugh.
"Oh man, says the Empress, I wish we had seen that. It's not the best way to appease public relations, but when said public relations don't want to appease, well... The only time I remember having seen a cavalry charge was when my grandfather Frank showed me one he had to order in 1970, to disperse some protesters. You should have seen them, sabers at the ready.
-Usually, continues Alicia, we don't have this kind of problem with gossip rags trying to ambush you. That's one of the perks of having a Counter Assault Team with you, I guess."

by **Kyrenaia** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:25 pm

"Most likely.", Azad replied, "On the other hand, when Utica Met heard about our little action, they finally agreed to us escorting Guests of State to the Azure Hall." He smiled slightly. "We are actually part of the security concept. Should we have been attacked this morning, we would have been your first line of defense... and yes, I know, that you prefer to be the first of line of defense." He nodded to Pavel, acknowledging, that he got that idea from the Colonel. "Our premiere was during the State Visit of Marcella-Khana. Went well."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:41 pm

"Uh, interesting, replies Pavel with a nod. Although, to correct you, it's usually my wife's and my Squadron who are the first line of defense. Alicia and I are the last line, the human shield of their majesties, he adds with a wink to Anna and Anax. Considering that none of the citizens here can have firearms, you would have been at your advantage, coming down on them with your axes, standing a top a horse. The question I have though, is if you are ready to kill, Lieutenant?
-To be honest, continues Alicia, this morning, the biggest frear we had was that a sniper on the path may have been so angry with us he would have turned his weapon against us. Sure, he would have been executed on the spot, but when you think you have nothing to lose...
-Speaking of threats, has anyone seen Jamkiya? asks the Emperor as he sweeps the room with his eyes.
-Seriously Honey? asks the Empress. Don't take the words the Sultana said seriously, you know he's as dangerous as a ant.
-Yeah, but some ants can bite, answers Pavel. I agree with Anax, I don't want the fucker less than three meters of me."

by **Kyrenaia** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 4:11 pm

Azad pointed to a blonde head with short hair, a tall man with white hair standing nearby, who were conversing with Khan Adil and his date, Princess Amana, both of which they knew from the dinner.
"He's over there.", he said, "Don't worry about him, though, unless he is ordered, that you are on his bad side, he will not harm you. As far as I know, the greatest threat he currently poses to you is to the Ladies' feet, during dancing. He might have taught us, but even teachers are not above mistakes. In any case, quite on the contrary, as he is a member of the Chandshar, and thus a Servant of Kyrenaia, he would lay down his life to protect you, if that was necessary."
"And what leads you to this analysis, Young Horseman?", the Sultana suddenly asked from the side.
He was silent for a moment. "It is in Kyrenaia's best interest, that the Guests leave the Sultanate alive and well, both due to simple manners and due to Kyrenaia's interests. As the Chandshar is one of the security organs, both dealing with internal and external threats, it would be logical to assume, that its officers were instructed to protect the guests at all costs - very much like we were."
The Sultana nodded. "That leaves, however, one question open."
"Indeed.", Azad said and looked at Pavel, "While there are options to defend against a cavalry charge then firearms, I have never been in front of the choice to take a life or not. And to be honest, Sir, I would greatly prefer, if I would never be in front of that choice. My answer to your question, whether or not I am ready to kill, thus is..." He let a small smile show. "I do not know. And I do not want to find out."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 4:24 pm

"Yeah, answers the Empress as she casts a quick glance at the Chandshar Captain, it's just that harm us or not, we just don't like his behavior, etc. Especially when he tried to outsmart my husband
-I was at fault, too impulsive, replies Anaximander.
-Maybe, says Anna as she strokes her husband's shoulder, but considering the difference in hierarchy (and paycheck), he should not have done that.
-To get back to your second answer, Azad, replies Pavel to the TBA Lieutenant, it's an interesting one, one I haven't heard often. And I indeed hope for you you never find out. But since you do not intend to make a carreer as a soldier, then what do you plan to do for the rest of your life? asks the male Colonel.

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 2:18 am

Azad gave a small smile at the explanation of why they didn't like Jamkiya - that sounded just like him. And most likely, he had achieved exactly what he had wanted to achieve without them even realizing it.
"I actually plan to study.", he said and gave a small smile, "Veterinary medicine. On the side, I wanted to still be an axerider, combining my passion with my career aspiration."
"That sounds familiar.", the Sultana said with a smile.
"I was inspired by Marla Cróimiam, that's a Selkie-Marcach. She, too, is a veterinarian and sportswoman.", he admitted, explaining for the benefit of the Imperials. "I even had the pleasure with her once, even danced with her."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 2:53 am

"Oh, a wise choice, replies Anna. Combining passion and work is a good thing. Anyway, wasn't Miss Cróimiam involved in the attack in Berlin too?
-According to our sources, yes, answers the Emperor to his wife's question, after having checked something on his smartphone. And you, Sultana? continues Anaximander as he turns to Razia with a smile. Did you too managed to combine passion and work?"

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 3:02 am

The Scarlet Eagle wrote:"Oh, a wise choice, replies Anna. Combining passion and work is a good thing. Anyway, wasn't Miss Cróimiam involved in the attack in Berlin too?
-According to our sources, yes, answers the Emperor to his wife's question, after having checked something on his smartphone. And you, Sultana? continues Anaximander as he turns to Razia with a smile. Did you too managed to combine passion and work?"

"She was.", Razia confirmed to the question about the Attack on Berlin, "Poor girl... she is very close to Mister Crionna, posed as his caretaker on many occasions. Including here... if they admitted it or not, that was sometimes more then necessary."
She exhaled.
"As for me, I was able to make my work into my passion. When I was around Azad's age..." The young man blushed a bit, as the Sultana spoke of him with his first name. "...I actually wanted to become a Priestess, so both occupations are quite close to each other."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 3:14 am

"Uuh, if I remember well, says Anax, one of your titles is indeed the Lioness's Servant, so does that mean you have religious functions, like directing a prayer, or something?"

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 3:26 am

The Scarlet Eagle wrote:"Uuh, if I remember well, says Anax, one of your titles is indeed the Lioness's Servant, so does that mean you have religious functions, like directing a prayer, or something?"

"Ceremonial functions, yes.", she said, "But I am, for example, not allowed to hold a service. I'm not even allowed to take a broom and to clean a temple's stairs." She grinned at that. "I am, however, the head of the Council of High Priests and more like the only adult in a kindergarten at times... especially when it comes to some new legislation. They might not have any actual say in politics, but they do have opinions and I should listen to what they have to say."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 4:01 am

"Different and similar of our functions as the same time, replies the Empress. Although in the Empire, there is a clear separation between church and state. The Emperor is considered to be named by the Spirits, but we only have a right of look in the Council of Patriarchs. Similarly, they can give their opinions on matters of state, but we're not obligated to listen to everything. And of course, there's also the ceremonial functions."

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 4:18 am

The Scarlet Eagle wrote:"Different and similar of our functions as the same time, replies the Empress. Although in the Empire, there is a clear separation between church and state. The Emperor is considered to be named by the Spirits, but we only have a right of look in the Council of Patriarchs. Similarly, they can give their opinions on matters of state, but we're not obligated to listen to everything. And of course, there's also the ceremonial functions."

The Sultana nodded.
Kyrenaia, too, separated between religion and state, but apparently, the practical implications of that differed at times. As long as it worked...
"Ah, so you practice the Doctrine of Divine Right.", Azad said with a nod, "Interesting. While there were tries by some potentates in the past to claim that right as well, it is, today, within Kyrenaian Polytheism, usually seen as blasphemy. And Madness."
"Madness?", the Sultana said with a grin, then put a hand on the young man's shoulder. "This is Kyrenaia."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 5:03 am

Anna and Alicia, upon hearing the Sultana's reference to 300, look at each other with a raised eyebrow, then to their husbands, who were looking at each other with a big grin. "The others are definitely going to think we're nuts after that, won't they? asks the female Colonel.
-Well, that's a small price to pay, replies the Empress with a shrug. Uh, she sighs, before asking the question: Alphas, what is your profession?
-Aouh! Aouh! Aouh! shouts Anax and Pavel while pumping their fists in the air. After that, all the Americans break into laughter.
-Phew, says the Emperor once everything has calmed down. To get back to what you said Azad, we do not practice the Doctrine of Divine Right stricto sensus, in the meaning that it is not written in the Constitution or any other important text, but since my ancestor Anaximander the Great put back the Empire on its feet after having a vision of the Spirits, and since our dynasty has ruled ever since without too much problems, it sort of imprinted itself in the collective mind, you see?"

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 3:21 pm

Azad nodded. "...which is why it is not part of your titling."
There had been a few odd glanced thrown into the direction of the group at the Aouhs, but as nothing further happened, the other guests had returned to their conversations.
The young man wanted to add something, as suddenly, a husky, sensual voice with a warm timbre sounded through the Wheat Hall: "Good evening, guests and friends, from close and far. May I ask you, in the name of us musicians, to take your seats? The concert, in honour of Guests of State, will begin shortly."
At the microphone, a young woman stood - everyone knew, that she was of the HGA, eighteen years old. She still looked as if she was twenty-five, wore her Altanafus min la Shay with pride and maturity.
The young men of the Big Band stood at the ready with their instruments. There was a guitar, a piano, a double bass and a drumset, three trumpets, three trombones, two saxophones and, of course, the singer and the conductor, a total of thirteen young men and one young woman standing on the stage.
In front of said stage, rows of seating cushions had been laid out, in small groups of four around low tables.
The Sultana linked arms with Azad. "I believe, that is our signal.", she said to the young man.
"Indeed it is, Milady.", he said and rose to his full height. "Ladies, Gentlemen, if you would please excuse us? Until later."
Of the small seating groups, there was not one single one right in the middle in the first row, but two, a slight bit offset to the left and right respectively, to give a clear view to the one in the second row's centre. Everyone should have a good view and the acoustics were amazing.
The Sultana and her date took the one in the first row to the left of the centre, soon joined by Aurelia and Atif, while the Imperials could get the other one in the first row's middle, but they would be alone there.
On the other hand, there were a lot of tables with only two inhabitants. One example would be Damir and Elba, another would be Fadia and Jamkiya, Princess Alya and her date (although one could see, that she and the young man were not dating) were sitting with two spots free - there were options.

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 3:45 pm

As the young woman of the HGA, who was sexy as hell, according to the Emperor's and the male Colonel's books (and their wives too, but the two ladies would never admit it), Anaximander, Anna, Pavel and Alicia nod to Razia and Azad, saying a simple "See you" before both men present their left arms to their wives.
"My Empress, would you make me the honor of accompanying me for a spleasant evening of music?" asks Anax with a husky voice and a sensual smile, to which Anna replies by fluttering her eyelashes and answering on the same tone: "Yes, My Emperor, you may".
Pavel, meanwhile, is a bit more simple in his words, but nonetheless as romantic as his friends.
"Alicia, my sunlight, would you please come with me for this great moment?", to which the female Colonel replies "Sure my little sugar, wherever you want I'll follow you."
"Sweet nothings aside, says Anaximander to the group, what do you prefer in terms of seating? Do we stick together or we separate?
-Well, replies Pavel with a small wince, I don't feel like sitting with Jamkiya right now, or anothe rperson we don't know in fact. After all, we still have two entracts to mingle with people, don't we?
-Then it's settled, declares Anna, we stick together. Now I suggest we hurry, we're the last one standings."
And so, the Imperial Couple and the Special Ambassadors go to sit at the table in the first row's middle.

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 4:58 pm

The plan was simple: Three blocks of music, intermissions between them.
The first block was dedicated to the guests of state, to music, which they hopefully would like.
The second block was music, which was for a more general audience amongst them, which was (much like the first block), planned for the dancing part of the State Ball, but axing the explicit dancing songs like Cheek to Cheek.
The third block was dedicated to Aaron-Ilkhan and his favourite music, which would surprise.
Of course, every song they would play was a surprise for everyone outside of the Big Band.
As the Wheat Hall turned silent, the guitar began to play a riff, which the anime-fans amongst the audience would recognize with certainty - from the many smiles and grins amongst the Kyrenaians, there were enough, who recognized the song and the show it came from.
Even the Sultana grinned.
After all, who didn't need fluffy times every now and then?
Surprisingly enough, the singer with the husky voice, sang the song not like a JPop-Song, but more like a Jazz-song, the band following her interpretation, which made it very different from Mio Akiyama's first performance. The husky voice, compared to Mio's girl's voice, gave the song a more seductive note, a more playful note and still kept a lot of the innocence of the song.
The brass instruments did not supply much, playing a bit silently, accentuating, not too loud.
When the song was finished, there was a lot of applause.

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 1:37 am

When the guitar begins to play, a small look of surprise appear on the four American faces, who don't recognize the song, despite being anime fans themselves.
Without hesitation, Pavel whips his smartphone out of his vest and launches Shazam, who after a few seconds gives them the name of the song. After capturing a screen, the male Colonel puts back the smartphone where it belongs, and the four friends listen to the song, understanding everything with their fluentness in Japanese.
Once the song has ended, the Imperial Couple and the Morozovs applause with tremendous fervor, before the Emperor leans towards the group and whispers: "Note to ourselves, we have another anime to watch." To which his wife and colleagues reply with a nod.

by **Kyrenaia** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 3:18 am

Seeing, that their first song went over well, the musicians smiled at each other.
That was a good start for the concert, especially that the guest liked this entrance into the First Block. That left only the other five songs of the block.
The singer nodded to her bandmates and then, the next song was being played by the band - again, an anime opening, but this one from a legendary one, if for nothing else, then for exactly that opening.
And more then one bobbing foot made it clear as to why this song was so catchy as Miss Smoky-Voice spoke into her microphone: "I think it's time we blow this scene - get everybody and the stuff together. Ok, three, two, one, let's jam!"
And jamming, they did, the end of the performance leading to applause.

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 4:14 am

Contrary to the first song which they had not recognized, the second one immediatly rings a bell in the Scarlet Eagleans minds. Although they had not seen CowBoy Beepbop, they had listened to this song many times when they were younger, and enjoyed it greatly.
So, it is with no surprise that during the entire song, the four of them move from side to side, snapping their fingers at times.
When the song ends, they make a triumph to the musicians, while Pavel slams his fist on the table and exclaims: "This is what I'm here for!"

by **Kyrenaia** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 2:07 pm

Pavel's reaction caused a number of chuckles, but his opinion was shared.
The song was masterfully played and the band was thankful for the approval shown. Razia was, once again, applauding the Big Band's Advisor's Choice for his musicians this evening. She also realized, that Miss Husky Voice was also one of the reasons for the tremendous success.
When the applause died down, the next song started - going along the same line, this time with another classic, this time, not from an anime. This time, Miss Husky-Voice also had more to do and she relished in it, showing the full range and skill of her voice and singing.
And one saw in her eyes, how much fun she had.

Who's that man, who is he, who is he?
He is called the Devil, the Devilman, he's Devilman!

Of Desert Lionesses and Sand Raptors (Closed)

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