Of Desert Lionesses and Sand Raptors (Closed)

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Wow, are you the local versio of Mr and Mrs Smith? asks the Emperor half joking with a smile. Seriously though, is your wife in the Intelligence Business too?
About my relationship with Anna, yes it is interesting. Although we do not fight to kill each other, but rather to know who will get to be on top for the night. And trust me, she knows to stand her ground, he adds with a smirk. Being muffled by her C-cup is one of my weaknesses, he finishes with a dreamy look. But I guess that's the dream of every man.

Anna was observing Elba with great care, making multiple possibilities about what the Kyrenaian Captain could think. On her side, she didn't think much of how Elba thought of her. As a Scarlet Ranger sometimes nicknamed the Black Widow for her deadly skills the mission was more important than anything else. You didn't have to be all lovey dovey with your allies to do the job
"Ddon't worry, we're going to let you do your job. We're just testing the capabilities of our Data Glove Paired, or Pipboys if you want, in a new environment. Once we got the list of frequencies, we'll stop the analysis and go back to music and the like. And it might look like a vacation, but it is not. The meeting with Vizier ben sahid tomorrow will not be all pleasant, especially since it includes an Admiral that some of our government consider as a war criminal for her actions. Ccan't believe we only learned recently that she was a woman. The SECIA (Scarlet Eaglean Central Intelligence Agency) fucked up on this.

"Good to know that you learned from the lessons of Islander's visit, says Pavel He turns to Atif and Malik: That's our codename for Duchess Marcella. From what we know, she's a very capable leader. And AHSCA is a great place to be. 10 years ago, after the Civil War, The Alpha 4 Squad of Alicia led a capture of a war criminal in Animalpolis. Standard bag and drag operation. Insertion by Submarine, capture and Extraction by the same way you came in. 1 day and a half on site, and no trace left."
He turns to the handmaiden and makes a small salute towards her: "Greeting Ma'am, you must be Shirin if I'm not mistaken. From what we heard, the lad over here tried to pair you with Prince Okan the Wise at one moment, but it didn't work so well." he adds with a gentle smile.
"Say Mahmut, is Kingpin always in full regalia? Does she has any other clothes or what? asks the Colonel with a small laugh. Oh, and Anax! he shouts towards his friend currently speaking with Jamkiya. Do you want to wrap this up, because First just told me we still had time.
-Yeah, let's just give the presents and be on our way, replies the Emperor before opening his bag and takin a stack of Operation Sand Raptors patches: All right everyone! We brought these patches as a small gift. If you want, we also patched some souvenir mugs and caps that are still in the plane. See with Commander Paul Allen for the distribution."
The others Scarlet Eagleans also take out a stack of their bags and start the distribution.

[Kyrenaia]

"Wow, are you the local versio of Mr and Mrs Smith? asks the Emperor half joking with a smile. Seriously though, is your wife in the Intelligence Business too?
About my relationship with Anna, yes it is interesting. Although we do not fight to kill each other, but rather to know who will get to be on top for the night. And trust me, she knows to stand her ground, he adds with a smirk. Being muffled by her C-cup is one of my weaknesses, he finishes with a dreamy look. But I guess that's the dream of every man.

Anna was observing Elba with great care, making multiple possibilities about what the Kyrenaian Captain could think. On her side, she didn't think much of how Elba thought of her. As a Scarlet Ranger sometimes nicknamed the Black Widow for her deadly skills the mission was more important than anything else. You didn't have to be all lovey dovey with your allies to do the job
"Ddon't worry, we're going to let you do your job. We're just testing the capabilities of our Data Glove Paired, or Pipboys if you want, in a new environment. Once we got the list of frequencies, we'll stop the analysis and go back to music and the like. And it might look like a vacation, but it is not. The meeting with Vizier ben sahid tomorrow will not be all pleasant, especially since it includes an Admiral that some of our government consider as a war criminal for her actions. Ccan't believe we only learned recently that she was a woman. The SECIA (Scarlet Eaglean Central Intelligence Agency) fucked up on this.

"Good to know that you learned from the lessons of Islander's visit, says Pavel He turns to Atif and Malik: That's our codename for Duchess Marcella. From what we know, she's a very capable leader. And AHSCA is a great place to be. 10 years ago, after the Civil War, The Alpha 4 Squad of Alicia led a capture of a war criminal in Animalpolis. Standard bag and drag operation. Insertion by Submarine, capture and Extraction by the same way you came in. 1 day and a half on site, and no trace left."
He turns to the handmaiden and makes a small salute towards her: "Greeting Ma'am, you must be Shirin if I'm not mistaken. From what we heard, the lad over here tried to pair you with Prince Okan the Wise at one moment, but it didn't work so well." he adds with a gentle smile.
"Say Mahmut, is Kingpin always in full regalia? Does she has any other clothes or what? asks the Colonel with a small laugh. Oh, and Anax! he shouts towards his friend currently speaking with Jamkiya. Do you want to wrap this up, because First just told me we still had time.
-Yeah, let's just give the presents and be on our way, replies the Emperor before opening his bag and takin a stack of Operation Sand Raptors patches: All right everyone! We brought these patches as a small gift. If you want, we also patched some souvenir mugs and caps that are still in the plane. See with Commander Paul Allen for the distribution."
The others Scarlet Eagleans also take out a stack of their bags and start the distribution.

Jamkiya raised a doubtful eyebrow. "You give up the fight with size C?", he asked, "I sure hope, that there is a major difference in the definitions of such terms, because size C means little around these parts." The spook shook his head. "Size C! The Handmaidens of the HGA's Tribute are size C, when they arrive freshly! And they're thirteen!"
He did not mention, that these words alone marked the Emperor as a weak-willed fool, in his mind, and that they would have to watch their interactions closely, as that could spell very, very difficult times ahead for the Empire. If their relations were purely based on carnal lust, then this relation would soon deteriorate.
If not, all the better for the Empire.
Jamkiya neither took a mission patch, nor did he want one, declining politely.

"Then I would fire those people of SECIA, who are responsible.", Elba replied coldly, "Such shoddy work... although your lawyers did shoddy work as well. Admiral Mawja is not a war criminal. For there to be a war criminal, there has to be a war in the first place, don't you think?"
She let a beat pass.
"If I were you, I would also not speak such accussations so lightly.", she added, "It's not very diplomatic. Although that might be the problem with letting those, who fancy themselves as great and mighty warriors rule. They have little to no sense for diplomatic behaviour and politics." She shrugged. "Then again, who am I to talk? I'm just a police officer and I, too, have no sense for politics and diplomacy. We'll meet again tonight, during the ball?"
She declined a mission patch not as politely as Jamkiya, but still in no uncertain terms.

Shirin did not reply, but she smiled slightly (she did not reply due to traditions, as she still wore the veil, not as a slight against the Colonel, as they surely knew), as Mahmut mumbled something about that darn interview.
Then he turned to the Colonel, as every handmaiden and most of the other guests declined the 'presents' (however, notably Malik took several, for a few deserving members of his staff and the Airport Museum, as he explained): "Actually, She has quite a wide array of clothing and jewelry, as I have been informed, but for formal occassions, one has to be dressed formally, wouldn't you agree?" He smiled slightly, declining a mission patch very politely, as he already had one. "For Her, that means full regalia... less formal occassions, like garden parties or one of the cups of the Old Academies sees Her in less formal clothing, though still regal in bearing and expression."
He raised his voice.
"Alright, everyone...", he adressed everyone in the hall, sounding unusually mature for his thirteen years: "...we'll be moving on in a few minutes. Ride in an open carriage, escorted by the HGA and TBA. As we speak, Mister Qalb is getting his people ready. ETA, half an hour." He let a beat pass. "Say your goodbyes and See you laters, grab a snack or a glass of water, for there won't be a chance for quite some time after we depart." He looked to Shirin, as if to ask Did I miss anything?, then it dawned upon him. "Anna-Schahbanou, Colonel Alicia, if I might have a word for a moment?"

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Anaximander replies to Jamkiya with only a small smirk: "Bingo. Seriously Captain, have you taken a.good look at ly wife to not see the obvious? he asks as he gestures to Anna with his right hand, especially to her well endowed bust. A C cup for us is big,another difference I guess.
And about the relationship with my wife, do you really think I would be shouting on the roof what we do behind closed doors? This is not your business, nor the Chandshar's. If you fell for that, I'm seriously dissapointed." He says with a serious face
"And about the HGA girls, I highly suggest you tone down on this subject in my presence. The legal in Kyrenaia is maybe lower than in the Empire, but have you not better things to do than look at a.young girls chest? Because you may think of us as uncouth warriors, but if I repeat what you said back home, some voices are going to ask if this nation is a paradise for pedophiles. Are we clear, Captain Jamkiya? he finishes while accentuating the last 2 words.

Yeah don't worry about that, we already took some dispositions, says the Empress with a neutral tone. And yes, it is a war crime. As soon as 2 armies clash, no matter if the war was formally declared,it is a war.
As Elba continues, Anna and Alicia share a good hearted laugh; You're right, it's not very diplomatic. But hanging people from lamposts to pass a message is not too. And that's coming from a woman who has done and seen things similar. But enough of that! I hope we'll meet again during the ball, under the gaze of the Lioness, and most important, in better circumstances

Pavel balls his fists for a sexond when he sees the numerous refusals, but he manages to not let the anger show itself on his face.
"Yeah,I understand he replies to Mahmut. But still, having to change so much time in a day sounds like something not pleasant. I guess it's because we're used to stick to our uniforms most of the time."
As Mahmut adresses the crowd, Anax quickly grabs a few snacks and Pavel some glasses that they pass to the restof the team. After that, Anna and Alicia turn to Mahmut, while their husbands are waiting and checking the ammo in their guns to pass the time.
"Of course Mahmut, what do you want to talk about? asks Eagle 2.

[Kyrenaia]

Anaximander replies to Jamkiya with only a small smirk: "Bingo. Seriously Captain, have you taken a.good look at ly wife to not see the obvious? he asks as he gestures to Anna with his right hand, especially to her well endowed bust. A C cup for us is big,another difference I guess.
And about the relationship with my wife, do you really think I would be shouting on the roof what we do behind closed doors? This is not your business, nor the Chandshar's. If you fell for that, I'm seriously dissapointed." He says with a serious face
"And about the HGA girls, I highly suggest you tone down on this subject in my presence. The legal in Kyrenaia is maybe lower than in the Empire, but have you not better things to do than look at a.young girls chest? Because you may think of us as uncouth warriors, but if I repeat what you said back home, some voices are going to ask if this nation is a paradise for pedophiles. Are we clear, Captain Jamkiya? he finishes while accentuating the last 2 words.

Yeah don't worry about that, we already took some dispositions, says the Empress with a neutral tone. And yes, it is a war crime. As soon as 2 armies clash, no matter if the war was formally declared,it is a war.
As Elba continues, Anna and Alicia share a good hearted laugh; You're right, it's not very diplomatic. But hanging people from lamposts to pass a message is not too. And that's coming from a woman who has done and seen things similar. But enough of that! I hope we'll meet again during the ball, under the gaze of the Lioness, and most important, in better circumstances

Pavel balls his fists for a sexond when he sees the numerous refusals, but he manages to not let the anger show itself on his face.
"Yeah,I understand he replies to Mahmut. But still, having to change so much time in a day sounds like something not pleasant. I guess it's because we're used to stick to our uniforms most of the time."
As Mahmut adresses the crowd, Anax quickly grabs a few snacks and Pavel some glasses that they pass to the restof the team. After that, Anna and Alicia turn to Mahmut, while their husbands are waiting and checking the ammo in their guns to pass the time.
"Of course Mahmut, what do you want to talk about? asks Eagle 2.

Jamkiya laughed out loud.
"Sorry, Your Majesty...", he said, taking a moment to get his laughter under control, raising his hand to ask for a moment, when he was ready, he took another moment, then cleared his throat, "Indeed, I have better things to do then staring at girls' chests, no matter their age. So do you, I take it." He let a beat pass, his eyes still shining his amusement. "Still, to alleviate your confusion, my information stems from the records of the Handmaiden Corps of the Palace of the Azure Hall, specifically their Uniform Store. It's kind-of their job, as you might guess, recording which size of dress they gave to the girls."
His amusement vanished.
"As for Kyrenaia being a paradise for pedophiles... well, most girls and boys know better then to fall for any foreigner.", he said and then made a waving hand gesture, "And coercion into intercourse, both with children and adults, is counted as rape. Rapists, as you might guess, are punished on the chop. As a young man, Aaron, the Ilkhan of Kyrene, even took a personal pleasure in beheading such people himself." Jamkiya shrugged. "Of course, nowadays he can't, he couldn't even differ between an axe and his desk on bad days, but I heard, that his daughter took up this venerable tradition."
Jamkiya smiled.
"If you speak about this at home, you might also want to mention that as well, young man.", he said and motioned forwards, "Now, come on, you have places to be! We'll meet again tonight, during the ball... sadly, without my wife, but that's life."

Elba held herself back from mentioning, that there had not been two armies clashing during the Occupation Operation of Jazirat Alshahwa, but that the commanders of all armed units within the then-Republic had been informed, in no uncertain terms, that if the Sultanate encountered any armed resistance, that the Sultanate would react with all measures at its disposal.
Most commanders had surrendered at that message, the rest at looking down the barrel of a 30mm gun. The unfortunate few, who had seen it as their patriotic duty to fire at the Kyrenaian troops... well...
She rather smiled at the Empress: "I look forward to it." She motioned to her to come closer, then whispered: "One small thing, though, the Lioness' Gaze is also a term for the Sun. For nightly occassions, like that ball, we speak of Manat's Gaze or Manat's Light. Goddess of Moon and Fate." Moving back again, Elba cleared her throat. "Now then, we'll meet there. Have fun with the carriage ride!"

Seeing the Colonel ball his fist, Shirin motioned for Mahmut to go on, then bowed down, bringing her mouth next to his ear: "Don't take it too personal, Colonel.", she whispered, the only way she was allowed to speak while wearing the veil, "We Handmaidens are not allowed to accept such gifts directly. I'm quite sure, that a few of the girls here will get a patch from Mister Malik later. They don't belong to the Palace's Handmaiden Corps, but to his House's."

Mahmut smiled at both women, who were quite taller then him. One day, he thought, he would be taller then them.
Still, he spoke up, his voice a bit low, motioning for the two women to come closer: "Anna-Schahbanou, Colonel, I want to ask something of you. It were Handmaidens under his House's employ, with the exception of Shirin, who waited you during your time at the Airport. A tradition, that fell to the wayside a bit is, that the guest of another House's Handmaiden Corps thanks said Handmaiden Corps... not by a gift, but by polite words. I know, for a fact, that the Handmaidens would be very grateful for such words, especially when they came from the two of you." He shrugged. "The most common phrase is something along the lines of 'Thank you, ladies.' these days.", he added with a small smile.
Diplomacy, Vizier ben Sahid had taught him, began with small, polite gestures and this gesture would go a long way, he knew.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Oh, so the info comes from there, I see. My bad, replies Anaximander with an apologetic smile. But next time, just say where it comes from, to not create any misunderstandings.
Good to know we see eye to eye with the subject of forced intercourse. It is counted as rape too, but instead of killing the person, we castrate it chemically. After all, he can still be useful to society without the abulity to procreate, and it would be a waste to just kill a valid pair of arms, no?
You're right, we'll meet again at the ball. Too bad you can't bring your wife, but pass my regards to her if you will, finishes Anax with a smile. And don't worry, I'll be sure to talk about Aaron back home."

As Anna gives a warm smile to Captain Elba before parting ways, she listens to her explanation.
"Yes, I understand. But what I meant to say was: if you consider that the Sultana is the Lioness's Servant, therefore we can maybe consider that her gaze is the gaze of her Mistress, and since the Sultana will be at the ball, too will be the Lioness. But you're right, let's stick to the truth and use Manat's gaze. I look forward to learn more about the Kyrenaian Polytheism, more than the summary notes we got from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thank you Nesrin, see you later and pass our thanks to your teams for our protection."

As Pavel hears Shirin whisper into his ear, his eyes dawn with understanding. He too brings his mouth to her ear and whisper: "Thanks for the info my dear. It's just that for us, it's a bit impolite to refuse openly a gift. If someone offers something to the members of our personnel, we do not forbid them to accept it. I'll relay the message to the others"

As both the Empress and her faithful bodyguard listen to the young Prince, they smile warmy at him and the Handmaidens.
"You don't need to ask, Prince Mahmut replies Alicia. We would rather kick ourselves than depart without thanking all the people responsible for this warm welcome and the hard work it was to prepare it.
"Indeed Alicia, it would be one of the most impolite things to do, adds the Empress. She then turns fully to the handmaidens: Ladies, I don't have a word big enough to thank you for your warm and efficient service for this occasion, despite the small tensions still plaguing the relations between our 2 great nations. So, in my name and my friend's, thank you, for the bottom of our heart, she declares with a very sincere tone of voice. As she finishes her sentence, she puts her arms in front of her, hands on one another at waist level, and bows deeply, a gesture repeated by Alicia, along with Anaximander and Pavel, who, when they heard Anna's word on their earpieces, approached quickly.
When they rise back up, Anax makes a large circular movement with his left arm and starts speaking in a loud voice:
"All right everyone, let's move! We're Oscar Mike!" He then puts his shades back on, as well as his companions, and prepares to follow Mahmut outside.

[Kyrenaia]

"Oh, so the info comes from there, I see. My bad, replies Anaximander with an apologetic smile. But next time, just say where it comes from, to not create any misunderstandings.
Good to know we see eye to eye with the subject of forced intercourse. It is counted as rape too, but instead of killing the person, we castrate it chemically. After all, he can still be useful to society without the abulity to procreate, and it would be a waste to just kill a valid pair of arms, no?
You're right, we'll meet again at the ball. Too bad you can't bring your wife, but pass my regards to her if you will, finishes Anax with a smile. And don't worry, I'll be sure to talk about Aaron back home."

As Anna gives a warm smile to Captain Elba before parting ways, she listens to her explanation.
"Yes, I understand. But what I meant to say was: if you consider that the Sultana is the Lioness's Servant, therefore we can maybe consider that her gaze is the gaze of her Mistress, and since the Sultana will be at the ball, too will be the Lioness. But you're right, let's stick to the truth and use Manat's gaze. I look forward to learn more about the Kyrenaian Polytheism, more than the summary notes we got from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thank you Nesrin, see you later and pass our thanks to your teams for our protection."

As Pavel hears Shirin whisper into his ear, his eyes dawn with understanding. He too brings his mouth to her ear and whisper: "Thanks for the info my dear. It's just that for us, it's a bit impolite to refuse openly a gift. If someone offers something to the members of our personnel, we do not forbid them to accept it. I'll relay the message to the others"

As both the Empress and her faithful bodyguard listen to the young Prince, they smile warmy at him and the Handmaidens.
"You don't need to ask, Prince Mahmut replies Alicia. We would rather kick ourselves than depart without thanking all the people responsible for this warm welcome and the hard work it was to prepare it.
"Indeed Alicia, it would be one of the most impolite things to do, adds the Empress. She then turns fully to the handmaidens: Ladies, I don't have a word big enough to thank you for your warm and efficient service for this occasion, despite the small tensions still plaguing the relations between our 2 great nations. So, in my name and my friend's, thank you, for the bottom of our heart, she declares with a very sincere tone of voice. As she finishes her sentence, she puts her arms in front of her, hands on one another at waist level, and bows deeply, a gesture repeated by Alicia, along with Anaximander and Pavel, who, when they heard Anna's word on their earpieces, approached quickly.
When they rise back up, Anax makes a large circular movement with his left arm and starts speaking in a loud voice:
"All right everyone, let's move! We're Oscar Mike!" He then puts his shades back on, as well as his companions, and prepares to follow Mahmut outside.

While the Empress and her bodyguard, and the rest of the delegation, thanked the handmaidens, Mahmut smiled, especially as he suddenly heard a very familiar voice whispering into his ear: "You orchestrated this, didn't you?"
Mahmut smiled slightly over his shoulder at his handmaiden, his most important confidant, big-sister-figure, his music teacher and everything but servant. "Turns out I didn't need to.", he whispered to her as the Empress spoke, "They see not thanking them as an insult. And a grave one at that."
"As much as they see not accepting gifts as an insult.", Shirin whispered back.
In front of them, the oldest handmaiden took off her veil, folding it neatly and putting it into her pocket. Then, the woman with the black hair, maybe in the middle of her thirties, spoke in a calm, melodic voice, while her co-workers wore small, barely noticeable smiles: "In the name of my colleagues, and those lent to us, I accept Your gratitude, Anna-Schahbanou. Your words honour us deeply. In their name, and my own, I wish You and Your Comrades a safe journey. May the Lioness smile upon Your trip, so that it may lead to favourable results for all of us."
The small exchange ended pleasantly, with the Emperor announcing them being on the move, Shirin ruffling Mahmut's hair one more time before she disappeared again - the Handmaidens' Secret Art of appearing, where they needed to go as if coming from thin air, rarely seen, but always felt, their moves as graceful and silent as a feline's.
Mahmut smiled, then motioned for the group to follow him.
"This way, please.", he said and went ahead, towards the door of the terminal leading to the outside, to the forecourt of the terminal. There, they could see through the wide windows, their horseman escort was just marching up - or rather galloping up, a little bit more then two dozen of them. At the doors, Mahmut stopped, grinning at the Empress. "The ladies were delighted. Thank you."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"And may the Scarlet Eagle Spirit smile to you too, replies the Empress to the oldest handmaiden with a warm smile.
After that, she and the others follow Mahmut as he leads them outside, taking the same positions they took when they walked down the red carpet: Anaximander on Mahmut's right side and Anna on his left side, while Pavel and Alicia take positions behind them. As they prepare to step outside, the dust themselves off a bit and readjust their berets on their heads.
"I'm glad to know that, replies Anna to Mahmut.
-We're glad, you mean, corrects her husband with a smirk. Anyway, it's now time to go on a safari! Please remember to keep your arms inside the carriage at all times he adds with a laugh.

[Kyrenaia]

"And may the Scarlet Eagle Spirit smile to you too, replies the Empress to the oldest handmaiden with a warm smile.
After that, she and the others follow Mahmut as he leads them outside, taking the same positions they took when they walked down the red carpet: Anaximander on Mahmut's right side and Anna on his left side, while Pavel and Alicia take positions behind them. As they prepare to step outside, the dust themselves off a bit and readjust their berets on their heads.
"I'm glad to know that, replies Anna to Mahmut.
-We're glad, you mean, corrects her husband with a smirk. Anyway, it's now time to go on a safari! Please remember to keep your arms inside the carriage at all times he adds with a laugh.

Mahmut smiled to himself. He had approached the Empress and Alicia with that request on purpose, but at Anax's joke he gave a small, almost inaudible snort in amusement.
The Sultana was Sultana for longer then Anax and Anna were even alive, put together, and many of the Ilkhans and other people of high social and political standing they would see during their introduction at Court had been at this business for decades now.
It would be a grave mistake to underestimate them.
"Then let's go.", he instead said out loud and made the final steps to the exit of the terminal, the doors opening... and a wall of hot, dry, dusty air hitting them in the face. He put on his trademark smirk, as he stepped out under the Lioness' Loving Gaze. And really, She seemed to look very thoroughly today. He was glad for all the water he drank.
The forecourt of the terminal, where usually travelling busses and taxis nearly stacked, was devoid of either of them today. Cameras flashed and a round of cheers arose... those people, judging by the banners, had heard about the Emperor's Work in regards other then Kyrenaia and seemed to be fans of some of that. And in the sea of banners of that was one, one extra large, that specifically welcomed the two bodyguards and Special Ambassadors.
The carriage, for all the size and splendor Kyrenaia had, was almost modest, but the same black one with silver inlays, that Dschamilla, Marcella and Gisella had taken, with velvet-clad soft cushions and a crew of four, two on the block, one on the board behind the passenger seats, a fourth soon to be joining him, but currently employed to offer anyone needing aid to mount the carriage said aid.
Two mighty horses were to pull the carriage.
And in the hubbub, a group of 28 horsemen and horsewomen formed up, an equal split between male and female, horsearchers and mounted axemen, all of them clad in the lamellar typical for Kyrenaia and leading their horses with steady and calm hands, looking very good and professional.
Four mounted falconers were with them as well, one of them Princess Fadia, who visibly missed her Dog-Leader and her Canines, but at least had her falcon Junah with her. As a Small Kyrenaian Falcon, that kind of bird was one of the primary birds of prey living in Kyrenaia, this example spanning nearly two and a half metres from wingtip to wingtip, dressed in a suit of armour of very lightweight kevlar lamellar on the body, the claws sharpened. This was not a bird of prey anymore, but a bird of war.
The Princess, of course, was dressed in lamellar as well, a Type 2 Sabre on her hip, but without a helmet, her short, blonde hair rustled as her gigantic armoured bird landed on her outstretched and equally armoured arm, her smile radiant as her ruby-red eyes glistered.
Atif led the entire horseman assembly, together with three banner-carriers, one banner of the TBA, one of the HGA, one banner being the flag of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle. The latter's carrier was a horsearcher from the HGA, who winked at the Imperial Couple, her blue eyes sparkling. The spike on the top of her helmet was silver, which usually signified a Lieutenant.
One would note the absence of horse armour, but that had a simple reason: It was too hot.
Mahmut led to the carriage, then offered his hand, in addition to that of the steward, offering help should it be needed. "Ladies first.", he said with a roguish smile.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

As they step outside, the 4 Scarlet Eagleans are once again assaulted by the hot and dry air of Kyrenaia, and are a bit surprised by the cheering crowd, as they were expecting more protesters.
" Nice thinking, says Pavel to Mahmut. First the protesters, and then the nicer crowd. You really know how to handle the heat and the cold, as we say in the Empire. And there's even one banner for Alicia and me! That's so cool! he adds with a large smile.
As the delegation follows Mahmut to the carriage, they wave at the crowd and make thumbs up sign, with at one moment Anaximander bringing his hands to his mouth like a megaphone and shouting: "THANK YOU KYRENAIA!".
"Oh look honey, says Alicia to Pavel, they even have falconers. And wait, isn't this one Princess Fadia? The falcon she's carrying is huge. I believe he has a chance to survive if he takes out a drone and it detonates.
- Yup, that's her, replies her husband. Seems like our escort is very royal today. And I'm not saying that because of the splendor of the carriage.
- You're right, replies Anax to his friend, because that's not the only Royal around. As we say: "Never two without three". Take a look at the flag carrier carrying our flag. It's Archer ( referring to Princess Aurelia codename)
- Holy shit, you're right! exclaims Pavel. He, along with his friends, wink back to the Princess and make a Vulcan Salute, in memory of how the male Colonel and the Princess met a few months ago in Camelone.
Although Alicia and Anna didn't need Mahmut's or the steward's help to climb into thr carriage, they still accepted it. Anna took a seat on the rear left, Alicia on the front left, facing bacwards; Anax on the rear right and Pvel on the front right, facing backwards.

[Kyrenaia]

As they step outside, the 4 Scarlet Eagleans are once again assaulted by the hot and dry air of Kyrenaia, and are a bit surprised by the cheering crowd, as they were expecting more protesters.
" Nice thinking, says Pavel to Mahmut. First the protesters, and then the nicer crowd. You really know how to handle the heat and the cold, as we say in the Empire. And there's even one banner for Alicia and me! That's so cool! he adds with a large smile.
As the delegation follows Mahmut to the carriage, they wave at the crowd and make thumbs up sign, with at one moment Anaximander bringing his hands to his mouth like a megaphone and shouting: "THANK YOU KYRENAIA!".
"Oh look honey, says Alicia to Pavel, they even have falconers. And wait, isn't this one Princess Fadia? The falcon she's carrying is huge. I believe he has a chance to survive if he takes out a drone and it detonates.
- Yup, that's her, replies her husband. Seems like our escort is very royal today. And I'm not saying that because of the splendor of the carriage.
- You're right, replies Anax to his friend, because that's not the only Royal around. As we say: "Never two without three". Take a look at the flag carrier carrying our flag. It's Archer ( referring to Princess Aurelia codename)
- Holy shit, you're right! exclaims Pavel. He, along with his friends, wink back to the Princess and make a Vulcan Salute, in memory of how the male Colonel and the Princess met a few months ago in Camelone.
Although Alicia and Anna didn't need Mahmut's or the steward's help to climb into thr carriage, they still accepted it. Anna took a seat on the rear left, Alicia on the front left, facing bacwards; Anax on the rear right and Pvel on the front right, facing backwards.

At the thank you from Anax and the waving, the crowds cheer - it was not all doom and gloom for the diplomatic relations between the two nations, if the public opinions could be trusted. They were devided, quite heavily, along several fault lines, but that might be a good topic for another time.
The falconers, at their mention, gave a short glance into their direction, thanks to the cocktail party effect, before turning back to their duties, Fadia giving them a short bow before she turned back to Junah, softly clicking her tongue to call for the attention of the gigantic bird on her arm. The bird, who had watched the guests, too, turned back to her, cocking his head.
Then the Princess raised her arm and the bird departed her, departing into the sky once more, to make his circles.
Aurelia, apparently her codename was archer, grinned at the Vulcan Salute, did one herself in return, though not as openly as the delegation (but still very visible for them) - she had an image to keep up, after all. She liked Anax and his merry troupe, on a personal level, and she was deeply honoured to be chosen as banner-carrier for the Empire's Flag. Her father's opinion of them was not as good, but he had his reasons, while she had her reasons for liking them.
As soon as the four guests were seated, it became apparent, that there was no space for Mahmut left, which he replied to with a trademark roguish grin. He was glad, that his and the help of the steward, had been appreciated, but there was one thing left, namely getting him transported. That would not happen on the block, as one of the horsearchers, very obviously a girl (one could see a bosom develop under the lamellar she wore), a bit of dark-purple, maybe black peaking out from underneath her helmet, her deep-blue eyes sparkling, her skin light and soft. One boot wasn't in the stirrups.
Mahmut stepped back from the carriage, grinning up to the girl, in fact the youngest of the horsearchers assigned as their escorts, and took her offered arm, putting his foot into the stirrup and lifting himself into the saddle behind her with ease.
She grinned over her shoulder as he got comfortable, arms loosely around her hips, whispering a few words to her, which made her nod and grin herself.
The horsemen formed up, Mahmut and his socius on the right side of the carriage carthorses, the flag-bearers and a good potion of the armed horsemen in front, then the carriage, then the falconers, after that the rest of the escort, Atif would be taking the left of the carthorses, both him and Mahmut falling back for conversation, if that was wished.
Then the attention was drawn to Atif, who appeared on the carriage's other side on horseback, his massive axe over his shoulder. The axe looked sharp and the young man ready to bash in anyone's head, only one move required to bring it down, his other hand not holding the reins, but reaching for a horn on his hip. He spoke, his face a professional mask but his eyes sparkling with the same friendliness as before, during the conversations in the terminal: "Guests from across the Endless Seas... on Your signal."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

As Anax, Anna, Pavel and Alicia get into the carriage, they soon realize that there is no space left for Mahmut. As they start to think of a plan to have the Prince sit with them, the latter is already sitting behind one of the female horsearchers.
"You tricky Prince! says the Emperor with a smile. You planned this, no? I hope you'll introduce us to this fine girl later, he adds with a small bow of the head towards said girl.
As Atif speaks to them, the 4 friends look at one another, then, as one, take out their pistols and chamber a round.
"Sorry about the noise Atif, but it is a thing we want to do, replies Anna as she points her gun in the air, along with her friends. Meanwhile, Pavel and Alicia have stood up and are now facing forward, one knee on their seat to stabilize themselves, their other foot on the carriage floor.
"Cavalry, on our mark,... starts Anna in a loud voice. Immediatly after, the 4 friends pull the trigger, and a loud "BANG" is heard, with 4 bullet cases falling on the sides of the carriage
"CHARGE! shouts Anaximander, Alicia and Pavel.

[Kyrenaia]

As Anax, Anna, Pavel and Alicia get into the carriage, they soon realize that there is no space left for Mahmut. As they start to think of a plan to have the Prince sit with them, the latter is already sitting behind one of the female horsearchers.
"You tricky Prince! says the Emperor with a smile. You planned this, no? I hope you'll introduce us to this fine girl later, he adds with a small bow of the head towards said girl.
As Atif speaks to them, the 4 friends look at one another, then, as one, take out their pistols and chamber a round.
"Sorry about the noise Atif, but it is a thing we want to do, replies Anna as she points her gun in the air, along with her friends. Meanwhile, Pavel and Alicia have stood up and are now facing forward, one knee on their seat to stabilize themselves, their other foot on the carriage floor.
"Cavalry, on our mark,... starts Anna in a loud voice. Immediatly after, the 4 friends pull the trigger, and a loud "BANG" is heard, with 4 bullet cases falling on the sides of the carriage
"CHARGE! shouts Anaximander, Alicia and Pavel.

Mahmut grinned at the comment, nodding, the girl wearing a small blush at the comment about the 'fine girl' - luckily, the blush was hidden underneath the cheek guards.
As Atif spoke, the Prince suddenly had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, especially as the horsemen grabbed the reins better, tighter, bracing their horses for whatever was to come... in this case, four people shooting into the air with what he could only assume was live ammunition.
The crowd watched with befuddlement at the way the command was given - and not a thing began to move.
"I take this as your go-signal.", Atif commented drily, causing a few chuckles as he raised the horn to his lips, blowing into it.
The sound the ram's horn gave into the air was long, deep and shook men, women, horses, everything, to the core, lasting for a full half-minute, with the possibility of lasting longer. As the young man sounded his instrument, it seemed as if everything in the world was silent, only this tall, brown-haired man in armour on a horse seemed to matter.
As he stopped, lowered the horn, sounds returned to the world.
One of them was him speaking as he clipped the horn back to his belt: "That's ours. Let's go! Bsre!"
And the whole caravan began to move, everyone at their assigned space, the crowd cheering again.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

When they hear the sound coming from the horn, the Scarlet Eagleans are shaken like everyone else. After all, it is a sound.very different from the bugle signals they are used to hear.
As Pavel and Alicia sit back down, Anax simply says: Wohooh! Finally we're on our way! as the caravan starts moving.

[Kyrenaia]

When they hear the sound coming from the horn, the Scarlet Eagleans are shaken like everyone else. After all, it is a sound.very different from the bugle signals they are used to hear.
As Pavel and Alicia sit back down, Anax simply says: Wohooh! Finally we're on our way! as the caravan starts moving.

Indeed, it moved, not quickly at first, they were still on the parking lot and there was a speed limit for horse-drawn carriages, including a traffic cop at the exit having a very sharp eye on them.
The last thing they needed today was a speeding ticket.
The noise protection wall to their left hindered any view further down, but as soon as they left the parking lot and entered the Main Entrance Street, the old broad highway leading into Utica, by now paved and indeed a highway, that hindrance vanished.
And before them, under the Lioness' Loving Gaze, was Utica, a metropolis of fifty million people, stretching out before them. The centre was dominated by the Palace of the Azure Hall, sitting on a hill, snug to a cliff facing west - once, the structure of 69 hectars had been a fortress, but by now, it was a palace, a museum and a centre of government, seated in the heart of Kyrenaia's Shining Jewel.
At the foot of the hill, one could see the Main Campus of the University of Utica, with the University Clinic closeby. A few older fortresses at places, where the city ended in ages long past served as government buildings these days as well, but one of the greatest prides were the Haram Campus and the Airtafae Campus, the Campi of the Old Academies of Utica.
Around all these and many more central structures of importance and not-importance were small houses, millions and seemingly billions of them forming a labyrinth of streets, alleys and paths, their flat roofs covered in colourful cloths, the patterns intricate and chaotic, even from afar. Squares for markets were present as well, in regular intervals, their stalls and their own colourful cloth roofs only adding to the confusing pattern.
Towers reached up into the sky, minarettes decorated with the azure banner of the City, while the cupolas of the Palace and the many larger buildings shone in the sun, for they were of copper or gold.
Where, in the distance, a series of aqueducts brought water into the city, there were a few castles of glass and steel, producing their own power. Solar panels in general were on many of the city's roofs, adding their glistering to the general shining.
"Welcome to Utica.", Mahmut said from behind the girl, having half turned, grinning, "The Shining, and very confusing, Jewel of Kyrenaia. Surely, there are larger, less chaotic or more beautiful cities in the world, but Utica has one advantage over the lot of them, if you ask me." He let a beat pass. "It's home."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

As the carriage finally moves on the highway and offers to its passengers a veiw of the city, Anaximander, Anna, Pavel and Alicia are awestruck by the beauty of the city. Without any hesitation, they start snapping pictures with their shades. Pavel even takes out his drone again, and makes it fly relatively close to the carriage, so that one of the falcons doesn't takes it out.
"Princess Fadia! calls the male Colonel. Can you please ensure that your bird doesn't take out my toy? Thanks!"
-Thank you Mahmut, replies Anaximander to the young Prince. It is indeed a Jewel with a capital J. And indeed, it is an advantage for you, because it's home. We always think the same whenever we're back to Scarlet Eagle City after a long trip: "Finally home." Oh, I'm so thrilled, aren't you guys? he asks to his group, which they reply with a nod and large smiles on their faces.
-So, in how much time will we reach the Azure Hall? asks Anna.

[Kyrenaia]

As the carriage finally moves on the highway and offers to its passengers a veiw of the city, Anaximander, Anna, Pavel and Alicia are awestruck by the beauty of the city. Without any hesitation, they start snapping pictures with their shades. Pavel even takes out his drone again, and makes it fly relatively close to the carriage, so that one of the falcons doesn't takes it out.
"Princess Fadia! calls the male Colonel. Can you please ensure that your bird doesn't take out my toy? Thanks!"
-Thank you Mahmut, replies Anaximander to the young Prince. It is indeed a Jewel with a capital J. And indeed, it is an advantage for you, because it's home. We always think the same whenever we're back to Scarlet Eagle City after a long trip: "Finally home." Oh, I'm so thrilled, aren't you guys? he asks to his group, which they reply with a nod and large smiles on their faces.
-So, in how much time will we reach the Azure Hall? asks Anna.

There was not one bird escorting the convoy, but four, one from each of the mounted falconers, all four of them had reconnoitred the drone, all four of them, Junah, a bird a bit smaller then he was but of the same kind, and two bird, which were actually vultures and not falcons, watching closely.
They had been trained to attack any flying object moving close to the convoy not any flying object already being with the convoy.
Fadia, meanwhile, was having a short conference over a radio button in her ear, then raised her arm and shook it, a chime sounding - even over the clopping of hooves, the wheels turning and all the other sounds around them, the birds heard her and her mates, who soon did something similar. The birds landed on the outstretched arms of the moving mounted falconers, who did not even need to break formation and they were to stay there.
"Next time, please ask before you launch your toy, Colonel!", Fadia said, well aware, that their little slight in training might just had prevented something unpleasant from happening (although the complete extend of the problem was unknown to her, she just thought, that it would be diplomatically unpleasant for the toy to be destroyed).
Mahmut grinned at Anax's words, nodding. Ugarit barely held the same connotation for him, despite it being the place he was born and where his mother and sisters lived - Utica and the Azure Hall were more of a home for him.
"Between half an hour and three quarters of it.", he called back at Anna's question, grinning still, "Ironically, would you take a car, it would take several hours during this time of the day. Rush Hour!"

[The Scarlet Eagle]

As he sees the birds being called back by their falconers, Pavel breathes a sigh of relief:
" Don't worry,I'll remember for the next time. Just so you know, this baby carries 1 gram of Semtex,incase we have to self destruct it. And the last thing I want is to have your precious bird spilling its guts on us. Alicia, did you finally manage to get their frequencies? he asks his wife.
-Yeah, I.just got a small conversation on one of them. I couldn't understand many things, but I got the word " falcon" in Kyrenaian, replies Alicia.
-Good, answers Anax. Yeah, he adds towards Mahmut. Rush hour, huh? I can relate, Scarlet Eagle City is often the same. And when a foreign guest comes, we have to make things more impractical by boosting the security to the max

[Kyrenaia]

As he sees the birds being called back by their falconers, Pavel breathes a sigh of relief:
" Don't worry,I'll remember for the next time. Just so you know, this baby carries 1 gram of Semtex,incase we have to self destruct it. And the last thing I want is to have your precious bird spilling its guts on us. Alicia, did you finally manage to get their frequencies? he asks his wife.
-Yeah, I.just got a small conversation on one of them. I couldn't understand many things, but I got the word " falcon" in Kyrenaian, replies Alicia.
-Good, answers Anax. Yeah, he adds towards Mahmut. Rush hour, huh? I can relate, Scarlet Eagle City is often the same. And when a foreign guest comes, we have to make things more impractical by boosting the security to the max

Mahmut saw Fadia chuckle to herself - she had, apparently, used one of the open frequencies, not one of the encrypted ones. None of the horseman escort had access to those.
"Thank you for the warning, Colonel.", she called forward, "But Junah here and his comrades were armoured for exactly that reason. It might not stop a bullet and the wings would be shreds, but it protect them from a bit of shrapnel. I would be more worried about yourself, if I were you, if that case were to happen so close to your carriage, but your concern touches my heart and those of my fellow falconers." The other three nodded. "I'll have to take it upon me, in the name of my fellow falconers and provided your wife agrees, to have a dance with you during this evening's ball in gratitude."

"I was not introduced to the exact plans.", Mahmut said from the beginning, just to avoid any confusion in his conversation with the Emperor and his wife, "But I know, that the Main Entrance Street, this one, was blocked off for today, which makes traffic in Utica a chaotic mess of proportions no one can fathom. And the security was heightened considerably as well. They even debated whether or not to deploy troops to ensure your safety, but they didn't, in the end... at least not to my knowledge."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Yeah, except it's not a bit of shrapnel Junah's armor would have to endure, but a big explosion, replies Pavel to Fadia. It was Alicia who designed the charges in the drones, and she had the good idea to add some PETN to the Semtex, to boost the power. And don't worry about us, it's true we would be scorched with 3rd degree burns, but there is a high chance we would survive it.
We are hard to kill,after all." As he says that, the Colonel shows the scar he has.on the right side of his head. " And about the dance tonight, I'm fine with it as long as my wife is. Sweetheart,your advise on the matter? he asks to his wife.
-I agree, on the condition I'll have a dance with you too,Princess, replies Alicia. I hope you can handle a few offensed stares, she adds with a teasing smirk.

"That's good to know, replies Anna to Mahmut. I hope the people understand that it is a necessary measure. It would have been great to see your troops in action,but I think your people would not have liked it. Too bad, I would have loved to see the 2nd Mechanized Brigade in action.
-You're saying that because you remember that Princess Dschamilla, aka the Flower of Fenschu, did her service there, right? asks Anaximander with a smirk.
-Yeah, it is, answers the Empress with a sheepish smile.

[Kyrenaia]

"Yeah, except it's not a bit of shrapnel Junah's armor would have to endure, but a big explosion, replies Pavel to Fadia. It was Alicia who designed the charges in the drones, and she had the good idea to add some PETN to the Semtex, to boost the power. And don't worry about us, it's true we would be scorched with 3rd degree burns, but there is a high chance we would survive it.
We are hard to kill,after all." As he says that, the Colonel shows the scar he has.on the right side of his head. " And about the dance tonight, I'm fine with it as long as my wife is. Sweetheart,your advise on the matter? he asks to his wife.
-I agree, on the condition I'll have a dance with you too,Princess, replies Alicia. I hope you can handle a few offensed stares, she adds with a teasing smirk.

"That's good to know, replies Anna to Mahmut. I hope the people understand that it is a necessary measure. It would have been great to see your troops in action,but I think your people would not have liked it. Too bad, I would have loved to see the 2nd Mechanized Brigade in action.
-You're saying that because you remember that Princess Dschamilla, aka the Flower of Fenschu, did her service there, right? asks Anaximander with a smirk.
-Yeah, it is, answers the Empress with a sheepish smile.

Fadia grinned, accepting the argument of the male Colonel as it was: A prideful boast not without justification... she just thought to herself, that if he was still alive despite his life, then people definately didn't try to kill him hard enough.
"You and I both know, that a few offended stares are not worth mentioning. I drew them for a long time now with my choices in dates for such occassions.", she replied to Alicia with a nod, "I would be glad to have a dance with both of you."
She did not mention, that a few offended stares were not the least of what could happen, but she hoped, that this was something the Colonel was well aware of. Still, as if Aurelia's stunt during Duchess Marcella's visit had opened a floodgate, there had been a few female dance pairs and a few male dance pairs on the dance floors - most of them doing it for the shits and giggles, with corresponding grins, but still.
"I have to insist on leading, though.", she added with a look at Alicia.

"Oh, you already have seen the Kyrenaian Armed Forces in action, Empress.", Mahmut said with a small smile, "The Fighters escorting Your plane to Utica International were of the Armies of the Five Deserts. Granted, they didn't fly an air show this time, but after the chewing out they got after last time..."
He shrugged.
"Though, to my knowledge, you will meet the Flower of Fenchu later as well." He grinned at Anna. "Then you can judge, whether her Father's monicker for her was justified or not."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

" Good, good, replies Alicia with a smile. Don't worry, we'll let you lead. After all, you're more experienced than us in this type of dance."
Although Pavel and Alicia didn't know what Fadia was thining at that moment, they were told before about the possible reactions a same-sex dance could draw, but for them,anyone trying to harm them would be dead by sunlight, literally.

" Yeah, and they performed greatly, replies Anaximander to Mahmut. Although quick question, why didn't you separated the Army and the Air Force?
- It would be our pleasure to meet her, says Anna about Princess Dschamilla. And from the few photos we've seen of her, it seems her nickname is justified."

[Kyrenaia]

" Good, good, replies Alicia with a smile. Don't worry, we'll let you lead. After all, you're more experienced than us in this type of dance."
Although Pavel and Alicia didn't know what Fadia was thining at that moment, they were told before about the possible reactions a same-sex dance could draw, but for them,anyone trying to harm them would be dead by sunlight, literally.

" Yeah, and they performed greatly, replies Anaximander to Mahmut. Although quick question, why didn't you separated the Army and the Air Force?
- It would be our pleasure to meet her, says Anna about Princess Dschamilla. And from the few photos we've seen of her, it seems her nickname is justified."

"I image that is the case - as much as you are more experienced in another kind of dance, Colonel.", Fadia said with a small nod, well aware of the more... violent tendencies of the Emperor, the Empress and their bodyguards, which would be of little to no use to them in Kyrenaia, very much on the contrary. "To my knowledge, the TBA Big Band has even planned a small surprise for you and your superiors during the ball, so you can look forward to that. Swing and Jazz will still be the orders of the day, though, to my knowledge, so it's at least not ballroom dancing."
The way she said the latter two words suggested absolute disgust at the very concept. Junah shuddering told of the same.

Mahmut noted very much, that it was Anna, who commented on Princess Dschamilla's duty, nodding to her.
"Indeed, she deserves that name. Even I, who has lost his heart to someone else, has to admit that.", he said and blushed lightly at this admission. His love for Princess Gisella was not exactly a state secret, but he wasn't one to shout it from all roofs. The eyes of his armoured partner on the back of the horse turned melancholic and sad for a moment, before Mahmut's thumb, of the hand still slung around her hips, slightly tapped against her lamellar, a sound almost inaudible for anyone but the two of them. A secret signal between them. "I know, that she looks forward to meeting you as well. Prepare your dance cards, though."
He let a beat pass, before he turned to Anax.
"As for why the Air Force is part of the Army and not an independent force..." He shrugged. "I don't know. If I were to guess, though, it has something to do with the Army Air Command's Main Mission is being a force multiplier for the Army, but I am not sure. You might want to pose that question to Princess Rasha. She's the Army's Lady-Commander."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Indeed Princess, replies Alicia with an enigmatic smile. Although, for my husband, he's more of a singer, when he makes his M27 SAW sing in combat.
-Thanks Princess, adds Pavel. But you know, although Anax and Anna are higher than us in the chain of command, we're not too much keen on hierarchy. Proof of that..."
He turns his head to the Emperor and says: "Hey, Anax, you smell like garbage!
-Oh yeah? replies the latter as he turns his head. Last I remember, your mother wasn't saying that last night!" He then gives his friend the finger, before turning to Fadia: "See, my dear? We often throw this small insults at one another, but it's all for joke."


Anna, spots for a split second the look of melancholy on the face of Mahmut's partner, but it disapears shortly after. Huh, I'll have to dig in that, thniks the Empress.
-It would be good to meet the Lady Commander, she says to Mahmut. By the way, does the command of Fleet Ground Forces, like the ones used in Va'a Mamao, fall under Rasha or Ilia's jurisdiction?

[Kyrenaia]

"Indeed Princess, replies Alicia with an enigmatic smile. Although, for my husband, he's more of a singer, when he makes his M27 SAW sing in combat.
-Thanks Princess, adds Pavel. But you know, although Anax and Anna are higher than us in the chain of command, we're not too much keen on hierarchy. Proof of that..."
He turns his head to the Emperor and says: "Hey, Anax, you smell like garbage!
-Oh yeah? replies the latter as he turns his head. Last I remember, your mother wasn't saying that last night!" He then gives his friend the finger, before turning to Fadia: "See, my dear? We often throw this small insults at one another, but it's all for joke."


Anna, spots for a split second the look of melancholy on the face of Mahmut's partner, but it disapears shortly after. Huh, I'll have to dig in that, thniks the Empress.
-It would be good to meet the Lady Commander, she says to Mahmut. By the way, does the command of Fleet Ground Forces, like the ones used in Va'a Mamao, fall under Rasha or Ilia's jurisdiction?

Fadia raised an eyebrow, especially at being called 'My dear' by the male Colonel.
"Something like that would not be possible with us.", she said with a frown, "The relation between a head of the team and her team is, for us at the Mounted Falconry Squadron, mostly defined by respect for the skills of the others, insults not being part of showing that." She let a beat pass. "Friendships often develop as well, especially between those working closely together, but I would never have the idea of calling Alaya, that's my Dog Leader, any names or comment on her smell in that manner... or on any sexual relations of her mother."
She bowed her head slightly.
"That might just be a cultural difference, though.", she admitted.

Mahmut smiled.
"Fleet Ground Forces - it's in the name. The ground forces, that belong to the Fleet.", he said with a shrug. "They belong to Crown Prince Ilia's domain on the seas, but the Navy works together with the Armies of the Five Deserts in many aspects, including procurement. I'm not privy to the strategic planning, though, quite obviously."
He smiled.
"I'll never be much of a strategist, though.", he admitted with a grin, "Uncle always beats me at chess."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"And you're completely right in doing that, replies Pavel. And what you witnessed was not a cultural difference, but a big show of immaturity between 2 grown men who should have moved long ago from such manners.
-We're just messing with each other to relief the pressure a bit, adds Anaximander. After all, the meeting with the Court of the Azure Hall is not something to take lightly, and from this first impression will depend the future of the relations between the Sultanate and the Empire." finishes the Emperor with a serious look on his face, a sharp contrast from a few seconds ago.

"Oh, chess, says Alicia with a happy tone as she joins Mahmut and Anna in their conversation. I would love to have a game with your uncle, since I'm the best of us 4 at this game. Don't worry, you don't need to be a strategist to succeed in life, although from what we heard, it's a good thing to have at the Kyrenaian Court."