A friend's visit is a joyous occasion, indeed (CLOSED)

[The Selkie]

Hello and welcome to A friend's visit is a joyous occasion, indeed (name pending)!
This is a closed RP between me, Selks, and Lillorainen.
However, you are welcome to read along, if you wish!

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
Fortham Army Air Field. Evening of Day 1.
It was a sight, which I was used to, but it still made me nervous: Fortham Army Air Field, the largest air base and garrison of the Free Lands, ready to receive a guest of state. Today, it was Silas Flemming, the President of Lillorainen, a friend of the Free Lands and, if I were to be bold, of mine as well.
He had been here last year, during the signing ceremony of the SEA-Accords, but a dedicated state visit had been long in the works - too long. The Free Lands and Lillorainen were friends and fellow SEA-Members, but there could be more: More trade, more exchange of culture and knowledge, more coordination.
To this end, we had planned this state visit. The President and his fellow delegates would talk about business, about culture, about exchange, have a merry and good time in our lands and off they went - hopefully with good news for home. And we would have good news as well.
Today, however, was the first day. As a bit of an introduction, the President and his delegation would receive a small reception here and then move to Cnockan House, where Sullivan Tarra of the Tribe of Antrim, the Elder of His Tribe, expected them for dinner with a small number of guests. They would stay there overnight, too.
They would get from there to here via horse, as it should be, either riding themselves (it would not surprise me, if some of them knew how to) or by horse-drawn carriage. The evening was warm, too, a mild 20 degrees after a day, which had been 25 degrees Celsius at midday. Ideal weather for wearing Geansai, too, which I did, proudly wearing Monaghan's Colours.
Cara, my trusted Sickle Cat and like me from the Northern Islands, sat on his haunches by my side, watching the spectacle in front of him. It was not his favourite climate, his thick and luxurious fur not exactly working in his favour, but he managed. He was used to it, after all.
With us at the red carpet, where the plane would end up at, stood a squad of thirteen soldiers of the III. Squadron, 5th Dragan-Regiment, at the ready, wearing full SDF-Army Blue Dress and led by their Squad Sergeant. The men held their rifles at the ready, a military honour guard to welcome the delegation on a military base.
Along the sides of the air field, the usual hustle and bustle of a late evening went on, soldiers doing their jobs, which they had been assigned. A bit away, behind the large administrative building with the impressive tower, I knew, that my partner as a foreign representative of the Free Lands waited, together with the escort, the horses and everything.
And I knew, that in the air, the plane carrying the President of Lillorainen and his delegation was escorted by two Stuamas, markings of the 14th Air Combat Squadron on the sides. A purely ceremonial gesture, even if I knew, that the 14th ACS' commander and leading pilot on this mission, Lieutenant Colonel Finnegan Dóire of the Tribe of Sligo, would flirt with any woman, which might sit in the cockpit...
Still, Colonel Dóire's lack of restraint aside, at the end of the runway, a small Colúr-Tankette waited to move the plane to the red carpet along the taxiways should the pilot not want to taxi himself (or herself, who knew?).
I wiped a strand of hair behind my ear, looked to the Sergeant and nodded.
"Can you ask the tower, when they'll arrive, please?", I requested of him.
He nodded and used the button in his ear to do exactly that. A moment later, he reported: "A few minutes. We should be able to see them in a moment."
"Thank you.", I said and took a deep breath.
No need to be nervous, Filly...

[Lillorainen]

"Not only the situation the international community has, unfortunately, been stuck in for the last decades, but also the harsh reactions thereupon by decision makers of this Great Nation, no matter the time and system, have gradually created a culture of fear. Fear about Lillorainen getting dragged onto one side or the other, but also fear about Lillorainen ending up on the receiving end of the game of winning and losing some of said decision makers - falsely - understood international commerce as. People from all political factions, including my own, have a long tradition of perceiving trade as a zero-sum game, where one side wins and one loses. Which is not the case with any proper trade deal ensuring, that either side benefits at the end of the day. In this day and age, where the World Order has changed radically within but a couple of years, and where international relationships have become as essential as they have never been before, it is about time to make a change - in a wise and proper manner, mind you, not blindly. If so many nations begin to open up now, why would, of all countries, the one which once hosted one of the most powerful trade leagues east of Shikonjima refuse to do so? This is a new era, with new conditions, and it is time for this country to adopt to it."

- President Marie Seelscheid, during a public speech in Theede, Rathenia, October 6, 1992.

Nation Hopper, en route to the Fortham Army Air Field, Fortham, Free Lands of the Selkie.
Evening of Day 1.
For President Silas Flemming, this was an exciting day. The man with the brown hair and eyes, who woule turn 47 in October, had only been to Fortham for one single night, last year, during th signing ceremony of the SEA-Accords - but this, of course, could barely count as a full, meaningful state visit. While he was not entirely unexperienced with this kind of occasion, given the astonishing time of 18 years he had served as the President of the Federation by now, meeting a Selkie-delegation had always been different, given the special bond between Lillorainians and Selkie. And he was aware, that he was not alone with this opinion.
This opinion was also shared by Annika Seelscheid, Speaker of the Meritocratic Council. The woman in her early 40s, whose Aunt had been nobody lesser than the President of the Federation from 1989 to (her assassination in) 1994, and who barely looked half her age, would recognize Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan just as easily as Flemming would. She would represent the famous (or infamous, depending on whom you ask) Upper Chamber of the Federation's legislature - or, as a satirist named Achaz Engholm once had put it, the "bunch of bearded, vegan-beer-drinking, vaping technocrats spending the entire day planning six-laned highways through the backyards of the girls who refused to date them back in grade 7." At least, that one hadn't been the worst thing said about this chamber ...
Minister of Foreign Affairs Friedhelm Marquardt was a bit more calm, given how experienced he already was. Even though he was only in his late fifties, younger politicians often joked about his age and experience along the lines of, "Marquardt has already represented the Storöer-League!" His usual reaction was a grin and saying, "Yeah, I was in charge of holding on to the inkpot, but well, if that counts ..."
Seelscheid's counterpart, for the purpose of this travel, was Friederike Golkrath, Minister of Affairs of the Chamber of States - the second chamber of Lillorainen's federal legislature, encompassing elected representatives of the Federation's 14 states. Her primary job was mediating between the parliament and the State Governments in case of conflicts of interests - and minor conflicts did pop up every now and then, especially when it came to regulations or standards of interstate commerce, and it was generally believed, that if Lillorainen goes into talks on commerce, the last thing that should hinder the success thereof were issues due to regional variations of regulations and tax policy within the country. Golkrath was a blonde and brown-eyed woman in her mid-thirties.
Speaking of commerce - this was a field Albin Ragnar Estrup was in charge of. He had no experience in state visits whatsoever, as he had only been in charge of this ministry since February this year. He was in his mid-forties, younger than his predecessor in office, and with his dark-blonde hair fixed to the back using hair gel and his scrutinizing glance in his blue eyes, he always looked as if he took his job dead-seriously. However, a quick look behind the façade would quickly reveal his friendly kind, and even a good sense of humor. Especially his 41-year old colleague Lena Ammerup, Minister of Infrastructure and Technological Advancement, who came along as well, found, that Estrup was quite a charming person to be around with ...
Another charming lady aboard was Lykke Nörvenich, Minister of Education, Culture & Sports. Even though the dark-blonde, green-eyed woman had only seen 32 Summers by now, her cleen sweep had been astonishing, with her career as the leader of the Vedjading state branch of the Meritocratic Unity Party's youth organization from age 18 to age 21, as the youngest MP of Vedjading's state legislature until age 26, as a Member of the Chamber of States representing her home constituency for another four years, up to applying for and getting appointed to the Meritocratic Council.
Ole Klingebiel was but a year older than Nörvenich - still qualifying for the "young and wild generation", as older colleagues loved putting it -, and had quite a bit of experience serving as an Ambassador of the Federation. He had been a permanent representative to the Kingdom of Ahjada until its dissolution in 2018, and mostly had traveled along any official diplomatic occasion ever since.
And last, but not least, the youngest one aboard - Special Ambassador Ceyda Nimatuliha Jagoda, 23 years of age. Being the daughter of a Lillorainian and a Shamsiyyan diplomatic staff member (and the half-sister of a lassie from her Mom's second marriage her Dad actually had never wanted Ceyda to ever meet for reasons beyond her, but that was a different story ...), her way had been pathed from the get-go. Even though she rather less officially represented two countries (at least never at the same time), she was quite valued highly by her colleagues from either place, especially as a mediator for any negotiations between both countries.
Most of the men had opted for classical black tie, as it seemed appropriate for this event. Ceyda had decided to wear her favorite dress, in the same shade of green as the flag of Shamsiyya was (which was a coincidence, though); the other ladies had decided to go for Lillorainian traditional dress in varying colors.
As they entered the airspace of the Free Lands, Ceyda and Ammerup woke up from the short nap they had taken in order to avoid getting jetlagged from the timezone difference between Lysköping and Fortham.
"We're almost there" - Lykke Nörvenich noted.
"Indeed" - Flemming said. "Do we have to reiterate the general rules again, or are they known to everyone at this point?"
"You mean like, 'Don't overdo it with the whiskey!', 'Do leave a good impression!', 'Do be careful about whom you allow into your hotel room!', 'Don't behave worse than what you're accustomed to from back home!', and 'No shoes on the sofa!'?" - Ole Klingebiel asked, grinning.
"Exactly."
"No worries, we know how it works" - Klingebiel said, taking a drag from his pipe.
"The welcoming committee's arrived as well" - Ceyda noted and point out of the bulls' eye, through which one could easily see the two Stuamas now escorting the Nation Hopper, the famous airplane everyone recognized as the President's Plane by its colors, as it was completely painted in a black-yellow-vanilla horizontal tricolor.
Of course, the markings of the SDF's 14th Air Combat Squadron were not only noticed by the passengers, but also by the pilot and the co-pliot in the cockpit, for whom this was to expect. Bruno Rehweiler had many years of experience flying this plane. His much younger co-pilot, Nermin Shirvani, a pilot from Saressidia participating in a joint exercise program the Saresside Air Force and Lillorainen's KGJ (Kampfgruppe-Jäger, commonly nicknamed 'Commando Juliett') had started a few years back, was already professional enough to not get bothered by this, either. That Lt. Col. Dóire always failed to resist flirting with any woman who happened to sit in the cockpit of a plane entering the airspace of the Free Lands, this was a detail the MND had already informed her about.
The passengers in the back would soon get the following message to hear over the loudspeaker: "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to reach the Fortham Army Air Field in a couple of minutes. Please prepare to fasten your seatbelts and to cover your ears, and - Klingebiel and Estrup, this goes for the both of you in particular - finish smoking."
The last bit caused a round of chuckles. Rehweiler really knew them too well. The gentlemen addressed put out their pipes.
Rehweiler and Shirvani would stay in touch with the Tower, preparing for landing.

[The Selkie]

"Not only the situation the international community has, unfortunately, been stuck in for the last decades, but also the harsh reactions thereupon by decision makers of this Great Nation, no matter the time and system, have gradually created a culture of fear. Fear about Lillorainen getting dragged onto one side or the other, but also fear about Lillorainen ending up on the receiving end of the game of winning and losing some of said decision makers - falsely - understood international commerce as. People from all political factions, including my own, have a long tradition of perceiving trade as a zero-sum game, where one side wins and one loses. Which is not the case with any proper trade deal ensuring, that either side benefits at the end of the day. In this day and age, where the World Order has changed radically within but a couple of years, and where international relationships have become as essential as they have never been before, it is about time to make a change - in a wise and proper manner, mind you, not blindly. If so many nations begin to open up now, why would, of all countries, the one which once hosted one of the most powerful trade leagues east of Shikonjima refuse to do so? This is a new era, with new conditions, and it is time for this country to adopt to it."

- President Marie Seelscheid, during a public speech in Theede, Rathenia, October 6, 1992.

Nation Hopper, en route to the Fortham Army Air Field, Fortham, Free Lands of the Selkie.
Evening of Day 1.
For President Silas Flemming, this was an exciting day. The man with the brown hair and eyes, who woule turn 47 in October, had only been to Fortham for one single night, last year, during th signing ceremony of the SEA-Accords - but this, of course, could barely count as a full, meaningful state visit. While he was not entirely unexperienced with this kind of occasion, given the astonishing time of 18 years he had served as the President of the Federation by now, meeting a Selkie-delegation had always been different, given the special bond between Lillorainians and Selkie. And he was aware, that he was not alone with this opinion.
This opinion was also shared by Annika Seelscheid, Speaker of the Meritocratic Council. The woman in her early 40s, whose Aunt had been nobody lesser than the President of the Federation from 1989 to (her assassination in) 1994, and who barely looked half her age, would recognize Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan just as easily as Flemming would. She would represent the famous (or infamous, depending on whom you ask) Upper Chamber of the Federation's legislature - or, as a satirist named Achaz Engholm once had put it, the "bunch of bearded, vegan-beer-drinking, vaping technocrats spending the entire day planning six-laned highways through the backyards of the girls who refused to date them back in grade 7." At least, that one hadn't been the worst thing said about this chamber ...
Minister of Foreign Affairs Friedhelm Marquardt was a bit more calm, given how experienced he already was. Even though he was only in his late fifties, younger politicians often joked about his age and experience along the lines of, "Marquardt has already represented the Storöer-League!" His usual reaction was a grin and saying, "Yeah, I was in charge of holding on to the inkpot, but well, if that counts ..."
Seelscheid's counterpart, for the purpose of this travel, was Friederike Golkrath, Minister of Affairs of the Chamber of States - the second chamber of Lillorainen's federal legislature, encompassing elected representatives of the Federation's 14 states. Her primary job was mediating between the parliament and the State Governments in case of conflicts of interests - and minor conflicts did pop up every now and then, especially when it came to regulations or standards of interstate commerce, and it was generally believed, that if Lillorainen goes into talks on commerce, the last thing that should hinder the success thereof were issues due to regional variations of regulations and tax policy within the country. Golkrath was a blonde and brown-eyed woman in her mid-thirties.
Speaking of commerce - this was a field Albin Ragnar Estrup was in charge of. He had no experience in state visits whatsoever, as he had only been in charge of this ministry since February this year. He was in his mid-forties, younger than his predecessor in office, and with his dark-blonde hair fixed to the back using hair gel and his scrutinizing glance in his blue eyes, he always looked as if he took his job dead-seriously. However, a quick look behind the façade would quickly reveal his friendly kind, and even a good sense of humor. Especially his 41-year old colleague Lena Ammerup, Minister of Infrastructure and Technological Advancement, who came along as well, found, that Estrup was quite a charming person to be around with ...
Another charming lady aboard was Lykke Nörvenich, Minister of Education, Culture & Sports. Even though the dark-blonde, green-eyed woman had only seen 32 Summers by now, her cleen sweep had been astonishing, with her career as the leader of the Vedjading state branch of the Meritocratic Unity Party's youth organization from age 18 to age 21, as the youngest MP of Vedjading's state legislature until age 26, as a Member of the Chamber of States representing her home constituency for another four years, up to applying for and getting appointed to the Meritocratic Council.
Ole Klingebiel was but a year older than Nörvenich - still qualifying for the "young and wild generation", as older colleagues loved putting it -, and had quite a bit of experience serving as an Ambassador of the Federation. He had been a permanent representative to the Kingdom of Ahjada until its dissolution in 2018, and mostly had traveled along any official diplomatic occasion ever since.
And last, but not least, the youngest one aboard - Special Ambassador Ceyda Nimatuliha Jagoda, 23 years of age. Being the daughter of a Lillorainian and a Shamsiyyan diplomatic staff member (and the half-sister of a lassie from her Mom's second marriage her Dad actually had never wanted Ceyda to ever meet for reasons beyond her, but that was a different story ...), her way had been pathed from the get-go. Even though she rather less officially represented two countries (at least never at the same time), she was quite valued highly by her colleagues from either place, especially as a mediator for any negotiations between both countries.
Most of the men had opted for classical black tie, as it seemed appropriate for this event. Ceyda had decided to wear her favorite dress, in the same shade of green as the flag of Shamsiyya was (which was a coincidence, though); the other ladies had decided to go for Lillorainian traditional dress in varying colors.
As they entered the airspace of the Free Lands, Ceyda and Ammerup woke up from the short nap they had taken in order to avoid getting jetlagged from the timezone difference between Lysköping and Fortham.
"We're almost there" - Lykke Nörvenich noted.
"Indeed" - Flemming said. "Do we have to reiterate the general rules again, or are they known to everyone at this point?"
"You mean like, 'Don't overdo it with the whiskey!', 'Do leave a good impression!', 'Do be careful about whom you allow into your hotel room!', 'Don't behave worse than what you're accustomed to from back home!', and 'No shoes on the sofa!'?" - Ole Klingebiel asked, grinning.
"Exactly."
"No worries, we know how it works" - Klingebiel said, taking a drag from his pipe.
"The welcoming committee's arrived as well" - Ceyda noted and point out of the bulls' eye, through which one could easily see the two Stuamas now escorting the Nation Hopper, the famous airplane everyone recognized as the President's Plane by its colors, as it was completely painted in a black-yellow-vanilla horizontal tricolor.
Of course, the markings of the SDF's 14th Air Combat Squadron were not only noticed by the passengers, but also by the pilot and the co-pliot in the cockpit, for whom this was to expect. Bruno Rehweiler had many years of experience flying this plane. His much younger co-pilot, Nermin Shirvani, a pilot from Saressidia participating in a joint exercise program the Saresside Air Force and Lillorainen's KGJ (Kampfgruppe-Jäger, commonly nicknamed 'Commando Juliett') had started a few years back, was already professional enough to not get bothered by this, either. That Lt. Col. Dóire always failed to resist flirting with any woman who happened to sit in the cockpit of a plane entering the airspace of the Free Lands, this was a detail the MND had already informed her about.
The passengers in the back would soon get the following message to hear over the loudspeaker: "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to reach the Fortham Army Air Field in a couple of minutes. Please prepare to fasten your seatbelts and to cover your ears, and - Klingebiel and Estrup, this goes for the both of you in particular - finish smoking."
The last bit caused a round of chuckles. Rehweiler really knew them too well. The gentlemen addressed put out their pipes.
Rehweiler and Shirvani would stay in touch with the Tower, preparing for landing.

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
Indeed, there in the distance, I could already see the small formation, the fighter glittering in the evening sun as they broke off in one sharp move, away from the Nation Hopper - truly an iconic paint scheme, that was for sure. Our Flight Readiness could not compete, mainly because we didn't apply such painting to our planes... anyway.
In my mind, I went over the list of people, which Flemming had said would accompany him:
Annika Seelscheid, Speaker of the Meritocratic Council - early fourties, niece of a murdered President, head of the Upper Chamber of Lillorainen's Parliament. Despite her appearance, a woman to be aware of. I would recognize her, without a doubt.
Friedhelm Marquardt, Minister of Foreign Affairs - my opposite, late fifties, experienced and more so then I was. Going by age, he could be my father... he had a sense of humour, though, which was always good.
Friederike Golkrath, Minister of Affairs of the Chamber of States - mid-thirties, a diplomat usually tasked with working out the kinks between the parliament and the State Governments, and a good sign, that the various companies of the Free Lands would soon have a new market to explore... and new competitors at home.
Albin Ragnar Estrup - mid forties, not only a good sign for imminent business talks, but almost a guarantee of it. I knew at least two people, who would pay very good money to meet him for a few minutes and I got him here to meet them, for free, of course. He was inexperienced abroad, that was for sure, but no one would be fooled by that.
Lena Ammerup, Minister of Infrastructure and Technological Advancement - 41 years. A Technocrat, if Naval Intelligence was to be believed. Fitting, honestly, and, if I knew some people right, someone, who might find an interesting proposition on the table for her as well.
Lykke Nörvenich, Minister of Education, Culture & Sports - 32 years, very impressive career. One of the persons, which I had wanted to meet, for trade was a guarantee for peace, but cultural exchange was a guarantee for friendship. We had a few things planned, which might surprise her.
Ole Klingebiel, an all-round diplomat - 33 years and until 2018, until its dissolution, Representative of the Federation in Ahjada. He and I were quite a bit alike in that we spent quite a lot of time on the road, or rather, in the air.
Ceyda Nimatuliha Jagoda - Special Ambassador. 23, complicated family history and half-Shamsiyyan. An advisor, especially when it came to the relations between her two countries, and no official representative of either, at least not at the same time. She was a bit of a surprise to me.
Granted, when I heard "Special Ambassador", I thought of Prince Damir or Princess Fara...
"Ma'am.", the Sergeant said to me, snapping me out of my thoughts, "Colonel Dóire's Wingwoman reports, that the co-pilot shot him down."
"That would explain the rather harsh breaking-off...", I mused, apparently to the bemusement of the Sergeant. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
With that, he went back to his position of attention. Dóire would surely comfort himself with his wingwoman and a few other pilots in the next inn, so there was no larger harm done... anyway, hopefully our advances would not find the same reaction.
The plane landed a few moments later, then began to taxi on its own. The tankette remained at the end of the runway, the driver watching the plane drive by.
I took a steadying breath, then a second, as the plane came to a stop, without a doubt guided by an experienced pilot, exactly where it needed to be.
I exhaled long and slowly.
"Time to shine.", I told the soldiers and Cara. My Sickle Cat lifted a paw and licked its back, then sat it down again, just as the door was about to open.

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
Indeed, there in the distance, I could already see the small formation, the fighter glittering in the evening sun as they broke off in one sharp move, away from the Nation Hopper - truly an iconic paint scheme, that was for sure. Our Flight Readiness could not compete, mainly because we didn't apply such painting to our planes... anyway.
In my mind, I went over the list of people, which Flemming had said would accompany him:
Annika Seelscheid, Speaker of the Meritocratic Council - early fourties, niece of a murdered President, head of the Upper Chamber of Lillorainen's Parliament. Despite her appearance, a woman to be aware of. I would recognize her, without a doubt.
Friedhelm Marquardt, Minister of Foreign Affairs - my opposite, late fifties, experienced and more so then I was. Going by age, he could be my father... he had a sense of humour, though, which was always good.
Friederike Golkrath, Minister of Affairs of the Chamber of States - mid-thirties, a diplomat usually tasked with working out the kinks between the parliament and the State Governments, and a good sign, that the various companies of the Free Lands would soon have a new market to explore... and new competitors at home.
Albin Ragnar Estrup - mid forties, not only a good sign for imminent business talks, but almost a guarantee of it. I knew at least two people, who would pay very good money to meet him for a few minutes and I got him here to meet them, for free, of course. He was inexperienced abroad, that was for sure, but no one would be fooled by that.
Lena Ammerup, Minister of Infrastructure and Technological Advancement - 41 years. A Technocrat, if Naval Intelligence was to be believed. Fitting, honestly, and, if I knew some people right, someone, who might find an interesting proposition on the table for her as well.
Lykke Nörvenich, Minister of Education, Culture & Sports - 32 years, very impressive career. One of the persons, which I had wanted to meet, for trade was a guarantee for peace, but cultural exchange was a guarantee for friendship. We had a few things planned, which might surprise her.
Ole Klingebiel, an all-round diplomat - 33 years and until 2018, until its dissolution, Representative of the Federation in Ahjada. He and I were quite a bit alike in that we spent quite a lot of time on the road, or rather, in the air.
Ceyda Nimatuliha Jagoda - Special Ambassador. 23, complicated family history and half-Shamsiyyan. An advisor, especially when it came to the relations between her two countries, and no official representative of either, at least not at the same time. She was a bit of a surprise to me.
Granted, when I heard "Special Ambassador", I thought of Prince Damir or Princess Fara...
"Ma'am.", the Sergeant said to me, snapping me out of my thoughts, "Colonel Dóire's Wingwoman reports, that the co-pilot shot him down."
"That would explain the rather harsh breaking-off...", I mused, apparently to the bemusement of the Sergeant. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
With that, he went back to his position of attention. Dóire would surely comfort himself with his wingwoman and a few other pilots in the next inn, so there was no larger harm done... anyway, hopefully our advances would not find the same reaction.
The plane landed a few moments later, then began to taxi on its own. The tankette remained at the end of the runway, the driver watching the plane drive by.
I took a steadying breath, then a second, as the plane came to a stop, without a doubt guided by an experienced pilot, exactly where it needed to be.
I exhaled long and slowly.
"Time to shine.", I told the soldiers and Cara. My Sickle Cat lifted a paw and licked its back, then sat it down again, just as the door was about to open.

Fortham Army Air Field.
"You'll need to be careful" - Bruno Rehweiler had told Nermin Shirvani, "for this isn't exactly Marieholm or Pontrath. The Fortham Army Air Field might be a tad-bit smaller than you might be used to from an International airport. This is the moment where everything depends on but a millimeter."
Nermin Shirvani had snorted. "I've already landed a plane back home in Yenidaghköy - and their airfield was quite small. If not to say, the football field next to it was already bigger."
"I just wanted to note, that this isn't the Marieholm Air Field - let alone the airport of Hochheyde, or Utica, or any other place we might end up landing together at some point or the other."
"I'm well aware of that, but still, thank you ..."
In this moment, a certain Lieutenant Colonel Dóire had spoken up.
And a moment later, Shirvani had sworn, "Tengri's balls, don't boys really never grow up?!" in Saresside language, then switched back to English, responded on the radio, "Yeah, nice try" - and shut him down.
"You are gonna talk to him, I guess" - she had said, shrugging. "His approaches clearly have seen better days, really."
For a pilot with many years of experience (especially one who had already landed in here successfully) and a co-pilot with only a few, but certainly valuable years of experience, there hadn't been any problems to land successfully - quite on the contrary. Rehweiler and Shirvani, taxiing on their own, came to a stop precisely where they were supposed to do so.
Finally with pros!
For now, Rehweiler unlocked the door for the passengers without any issues, then, he and Shirvani looked at each other for but a second, then bowed their heads to each other while keeping their eyes closed during this and only opening them again afterwards. Rehweiler knew, that this was the customary way to pay respect to somebody in Saressidia.
Meanwhile, the passengers left the plane, with Flemming, who kept smiling, coming first, followed by his Delegation.

[The Selkie]

Fortham Army Air Field.
"You'll need to be careful" - Bruno Rehweiler had told Nermin Shirvani, "for this isn't exactly Marieholm or Pontrath. The Fortham Army Air Field might be a tad-bit smaller than you might be used to from an International airport. This is the moment where everything depends on but a millimeter."
Nermin Shirvani had snorted. "I've already landed a plane back home in Yenidaghköy - and their airfield was quite small. If not to say, the football field next to it was already bigger."
"I just wanted to note, that this isn't the Marieholm Air Field - let alone the airport of Hochheyde, or Utica, or any other place we might end up landing together at some point or the other."
"I'm well aware of that, but still, thank you ..."
In this moment, a certain Lieutenant Colonel Dóire had spoken up.
And a moment later, Shirvani had sworn, "Tengri's balls, don't boys really never grow up?!" in Saresside language, then switched back to English, responded on the radio, "Yeah, nice try" - and shut him down.
"You are gonna talk to him, I guess" - she had said, shrugging. "His approaches clearly have seen better days, really."
For a pilot with many years of experience (especially one who had already landed in here successfully) and a co-pilot with only a few, but certainly valuable years of experience, there hadn't been any problems to land successfully - quite on the contrary. Rehweiler and Shirvani, taxiing on their own, came to a stop precisely where they were supposed to do so.
Finally with pros!
For now, Rehweiler unlocked the door for the passengers without any issues, then, he and Shirvani looked at each other for but a second, then bowed their heads to each other while keeping their eyes closed during this and only opening them again afterwards. Rehweiler knew, that this was the customary way to pay respect to somebody in Saressidia.
Meanwhile, the passengers left the plane, with Flemming, who kept smiling, coming first, followed by his Delegation.

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
The plane came to a stop at just the right moment, professionals, indeed, and after a short delay, the door opened. I knew, that the first cameras were starting to take pictures.
The Sergeant called out a command and the soldiers under his command snapped to attention, presented arms, as did he. Their heads snapped into the direction of the stairs, towards Flemming, only to turn with him as he would walk by until they were facing forward.
I smiled and prepared myself - as he stood in front of me, I put my hand over my heart and gracefully bowed my head, a gesture of respect, usually performed in front of an Elder, but also accepted to perform with equivalents, for example foreign presidents.
"Greetings, President Flemming, and welcome to our Lands.", I spoke with a small smile, raised my heads again, "It is a great pleasure to meet you again. I hope, that you and your fellow travelers had a nice trip?"

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
The plane came to a stop at just the right moment, professionals, indeed, and after a short delay, the door opened. I knew, that the first cameras were starting to take pictures.
The Sergeant called out a command and the soldiers under his command snapped to attention, presented arms, as did he. Their heads snapped into the direction of the stairs, towards Flemming, only to turn with him as he would walk by until they were facing forward.
I smiled and prepared myself - as he stood in front of me, I put my hand over my heart and gracefully bowed my head, a gesture of respect, usually performed in front of an Elder, but also accepted to perform with equivalents, for example foreign presidents.
"Greetings, President Flemming, and welcome to our Lands.", I spoke with a small smile, raised my heads again, "It is a great pleasure to meet you again. I hope, that you and your fellow travelers had a nice trip?"

While the soldiers presented arms and turned their heads towards the President of the Federation - a normal procedure at such occasions -, Flemming kept similing while he walked down. His Delegation left the plane slowly as well, one following another.
Of course, reporters were around as well, ready to take snapshots.
Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan put her hand to her heart and bowed her head gracefully, which was a common gesture of gretting either the Elders or foreign Heads of State; of course, Flemming was aware of this. He bowed his head in return.
Normally, handshakes were common in Lillorainen - but Lillorainian Presidents quite had a habit of adopting to foreign customs as a sign of respect, and since the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Thulia last month, with a total lockdown and strict contact limits following as a result, handshakes were gradually losing popularity in some parts of Lillorainen, anyway.
"It's a great pleasure and honor for me to be here, Miss Sciotóg" - Flemming said. "I indeed had a convenient and pleasant trip, and I can safely say, so did the other travelers I came here with."

[The Selkie]

While the soldiers presented arms and turned their heads towards the President of the Federation - a normal procedure at such occasions -, Flemming kept similing while he walked down. His Delegation left the plane slowly as well, one following another.
Of course, reporters were around as well, ready to take snapshots.
Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan put her hand to her heart and bowed her head gracefully, which was a common gesture of gretting either the Elders or foreign Heads of State; of course, Flemming was aware of this. He bowed his head in return.
Normally, handshakes were common in Lillorainen - but Lillorainian Presidents quite had a habit of adopting to foreign customs as a sign of respect, and since the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Thulia last month, with a total lockdown and strict contact limits following as a result, handshakes were gradually losing popularity in some parts of Lillorainen, anyway.
"It's a great pleasure and honor for me to be here, Miss Sciotóg" - Flemming said. "I indeed had a convenient and pleasant trip, and I can safely say, so did the other travelers I came here with."

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I smiled - I was well aware, that Lillo-Presidents adapted to foreign cultures they visited, at least to some extend. For a moment, I asked myself, if he would kneel in front of the Sultana, but then again, I had it on good authority, that the Sultana would not ask that of him... being on good terms with the Uncle of the Sultana's Granddaughter, and said granddaughter herself, did have its perks...
That aside, I also knew about the COVID-19 Outbreak in Thulia, we had offered assistance via one of our hospital vessels of the Navy, but I had no idea, that this had led to a sharp decline in popularity of handshakes as well.
"That is good to hear. I hope, we can talk later a bit more, but for now, duty calls, I'm afraid!", I said and nodded, then spoke a bit more loudly, addressing the whole group: "And to the rest of the delegation, a hearty welcome. As some of you might be aware, Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan, Head of the Foreign Office and Mister Marquardt's opposite - I hope, that we can talk later, Sir!" I nodded at him with a smile. "That aside, I see a few familiar faces, hello, Annika, but also a few new ones. I hope, that we all get to know each other quite a bit... and that we all have a fruitful and successful time with each other."
I let a beat pass, in case someone wanted to interject something - or introduce oneself. I knew their faces, what Naval Intelligence had gathered about them, but little more. This would be interesting!

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I smiled - I was well aware, that Lillo-Presidents adapted to foreign cultures they visited, at least to some extend. For a moment, I asked myself, if he would kneel in front of the Sultana, but then again, I had it on good authority, that the Sultana would not ask that of him... being on good terms with the Uncle of the Sultana's Granddaughter, and said granddaughter herself, did have its perks...
That aside, I also knew about the COVID-19 Outbreak in Thulia, we had offered assistance via one of our hospital vessels of the Navy, but I had no idea, that this had led to a sharp decline in popularity of handshakes as well.
"That is good to hear. I hope, we can talk later a bit more, but for now, duty calls, I'm afraid!", I said and nodded, then spoke a bit more loudly, addressing the whole group: "And to the rest of the delegation, a hearty welcome. As some of you might be aware, Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan, Head of the Foreign Office and Mister Marquardt's opposite - I hope, that we can talk later, Sir!" I nodded at him with a smile. "That aside, I see a few familiar faces, hello, Annika, but also a few new ones. I hope, that we all get to know each other quite a bit... and that we all have a fruitful and successful time with each other."
I let a beat pass, in case someone wanted to interject something - or introduce oneself. I knew their faces, what Naval Intelligence had gathered about them, but little more. This would be interesting!

If asked, Flemming probably hadn't spent too much of thought on whether he would kneel in front of the Sultana, and he was aware, that she probably wouldn't expect him to do so, either. He was already glad, that he had sucessfully figured the proper way to bow in front of a Shikonjimanese Princess, including the exact angle ...
"We will certainly find some occasion later on!" - Flemming said and stepped aside a bit for his fellow travelers.
"Hello, Felicia!" - Annika Seelscheid responded to the Head of the Foreign Office, whom she indeed already knew well. "Brunhilde couldn't come along this time, I'm afraid, but I'm confident, that Miss Golkrath will do the job as well."
Friederike Golkrath bowed her head. Brunhilde, of course, was Brunhilde Lövenich, Speaker of the Chamber of States, whom Miss Sciotóg had already met before, for instance, during the Gala in South Ceti in April last year.
Friedhelm Marquardt bowed his head lightly as well, smiling; as did the others.
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Sciotóg" - Estrup now said, "I think, we haven't met as of yet. I am Albin Ragnar Estrup, Minister of Commerce since February this year." He looked serious as always, even though he smiled and spoke in a friendly tone.
"And we might have the pleasure a few more times as well in the future" - Ceyda said. "Ceyda Nimatuliha Jagoda, Special Ambassador." The names Nimatuliha and Jagoda would certainly ring a bell with Miss Sciotóg. Ceyda grinned. "Or rather, the girl who suddenly ends up dragged along at any occasion of this sort!" - she joked. As she had already noticed the Sickle Cat named Cara, unbeknownst to her, she had already prepared one of the sausage snacks she had brought along as a snack for the travel, and went into the knees in order to let the cat have one.

[The Selkie]

If asked, Flemming probably hadn't spent too much of thought on whether he would kneel in front of the Sultana, and he was aware, that she probably wouldn't expect him to do so, either. He was already glad, that he had sucessfully figured the proper way to bow in front of a Shikonjimanese Princess, including the exact angle ...
"We will certainly find some occasion later on!" - Flemming said and stepped aside a bit for his fellow travelers.
"Hello, Felicia!" - Annika Seelscheid responded to the Head of the Foreign Office, whom she indeed already knew well. "Brunhilde couldn't come along this time, I'm afraid, but I'm confident, that Miss Nörvenich will do the job as well."
Lykke Nörvenich bowed her head. Brunhilde, of course, was Brunhilde Lövenich, Speaker of the Chamber of States, whom Miss Sciotóg had already met before, for instance, during the Gala in South Ceti in April last year.
Friedhelm Marquardt bowed his head lightly as well, smiling; as did the others.
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Sciotóg" - Estrup now said, "I think, we haven't met as of yet. I am Albin Ragnar Estrup, Minister of Commerce since February this year." He looked serious as always, even though he smiled and spoke in a friendly tone.
"And we might have the pleasure a few more times as well in the future" - Ceyda said. "Ceyda Nimatuliha Jagoda, Special Ambassador." The names Nimatuliha and Jagoda would certainly ring a bell with Miss Sciotóg. Ceyda grinned. "Or rather, the girl who suddenly ends up dragged along at any occasion of this sort!" - she joked. As she had already noticed the Sickle Cat named Cara, unbeknownst to her, she had already prepared one of the sausage snacks she had brought along as a snack for the travel, and went into the knees in order to let the cat have one.

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
It was a shame, that Brunhilde hadn't come along, but I was sure, that important duties kept her back in Lillorainen.
When Estrup introduced herself, I returned the bow in kind, smiled in reply. "It is my pleasure. And I am sure, that we'll meet a whole lot in the future, Mister Estrup.", I told him. We would soon enough come to call each other by our first names, I was sure about that.
Then Ceyda introduced herself - her names were familiar to me, she basically had diplomacy in her blood. As said, interesting family history.
"I know the feeling, believe me.", I said with a nod, "Daideo dragged me out of the Graduation Ceremony and told me, that I should become part of his staff. Fifteen years later..."
I shrugged, then noticed her going on her knees to offer Cara a sausage snack - aside from the fact, that this might get the dress, in a really nice and somewhat familiar shade of green, dirty, Cara turned his head away.
"My apologies, I trained him to never take food from strangers.", I told Ceyda, putting a hand on Cara's head. "It might not be much of an issue in the Free Lands, but abroad... there are Not Nice people out there." I let a beat pass, then noticed something. "Right, my apologies, I completely forgot: This gentleman is Cara, my Sickle Cat and a very close friend of mine." Cara bowed his head lightly, full of dignity, which my have something to do with me signalling him to do so by tapping my foot lightly twice. He was well trained. "He might not be an official representative of the Free Lands, but believe me, when I say, that he is well-liked, especially with younger foreign representatives."
I let a beat pass.
"Alright, let's get going - I believe, that we all have a dinner date later tonight. The Stobhach might be best when boiled long, but we don't want anyone to die from hunger, now do we?", I joked. Then again, Quinn was a young woman and I knew, how much we could eat, if we wanted.
I turned and motioned for them to follow me, snapped my fingers to call Cara

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
It was a shame, that Brunhilde hadn't come along, but I was sure, that important duties kept her back in Lillorainen.
When Estrup introduced herself, I returned the bow in kind, smiled in reply. "It is my pleasure. And I am sure, that we'll meet a whole lot in the future, Mister Estrup.", I told him. We would soon enough come to call each other by our first names, I was sure about that.
Then Ceyda introduced herself - her names were familiar to me, she basically had diplomacy in her blood. As said, interesting family history.
"I know the feeling, believe me.", I said with a nod, "Daideo dragged me out of the Graduation Ceremony and told me, that I should become part of his staff. Fifteen years later..."
I shrugged, then noticed her going on her knees to offer Cara a sausage snack - aside from the fact, that this might get the dress, in a really nice and somewhat familiar shade of green, dirty, Cara turned his head away.
"My apologies, I trained him to never take food from strangers.", I told Ceyda, putting a hand on Cara's head. "It might not be much of an issue in the Free Lands, but abroad... there are Not Nice people out there." I let a beat pass, then noticed something. "Right, my apologies, I completely forgot: This gentleman is Cara, my Sickle Cat and a very close friend of mine." Cara bowed his head lightly, full of dignity, which my have something to do with me signalling him to do so by tapping my foot lightly twice. He was well trained. "He might not be an official representative of the Free Lands, but believe me, when I say, that he is well-liked, especially with younger foreign representatives."
I let a beat pass.
"Alright, let's get going - I believe, that we all have a dinner date later tonight. The Stobhach might be best when boiled long, but we don't want anyone to die from hunger, now do we?", I joked. Then again, Quinn was a young woman and I knew, how much we could eat, if we wanted.
I turned and motioned for them to follow me, snapped my fingers to call Cara

Ceyda nodded - she had already been made aware of how suddenly Felicia had become a part of the diplomatic staff of the Free Lands back then, a backstory she could definitely relate to, even though in her case, it hadn't been the Graduation Ceremony, but a normal, sunny day at the University of Junaira, where Ceyda had studied International Relations - and finished successfully by now.
The Sickle Cat turned his head away from Ceyda's snack, and received an explanation for that at once. Cara, as his name turned out to be, was trained to refuse food from strangers.
She nodded and got up again, pushing her dark hair back and making sure, that her dress was still sitting well. "Understandable - not everyone has the best intentions, sadly" - she said and let the snack vanish without anyone noticing.
The owner of the feline unofficial staff member suggested to get going.
"Indeed, let's get going!" - Estrup said. "And before I forget about it, Miss Sciotóg - I think, that it's not too bold of me to send you greetings and best wishes on behalf of my predecessor, Emmerich Marscheid. As you might have heard, I succeeded him due to his resign for health concerns back in February. His heart, you know ..."
President Flemming and his Delegation got ready for moving on, as, indeed, nobody wanted to die from hunger.

[The Selkie]

Ceyda nodded - she had already been made aware of how suddenly Felicia had become a part of the diplomatic staff of the Free Lands back then, a backstory she could definitely relate to, even though in her case, it hadn't been the Graduation Ceremony, but a normal, sunny day at the University of Junaira, where Ceyda had studied International Relations - and finished successfully by now.
The Sickle Cat turned his head away from Ceyda's snack, and received an explanation for that at once. Cara, as his name turned out to be, was trained to refuse food from strangers.
She nodded and got up again, pushing her dark hair back and making sure, that her dress was still sitting well. "Understandable - not everyone has the best intentions, sadly" - she said and let the snack vanish without anyone noticing.
The owner of the feline unofficial staff member suggested to get going.
"Indeed, let's get going!" - Estrup said. "And before I forget about it, Miss Sciotóg - I think, that it's not too bold of me to send you greetings and best wishes on behalf of my predecessor, Emmerich Marscheid. As you might have heard, I succeeded him due to his resign for health concerns back in February. His heart, you know ..."
President Flemming and his Delegation got ready for moving on, as, indeed, nobody wanted to die from hunger.

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I nodded at Estrup's message.
"Yes, I heard of it.", I said, a bit somberly, "Mister Marscheid was very good at his job and I am sure, that it is a heavy blow to loose someone with his experience." Much like it was with Daideo's retirement. However, it was not meant as a jab at Estrup and his relative inexperience, but then again, I was not better by much. "Please relay to him my best wishes."
There was a bit of silence as we walked.
"So, onto something merrier.", I said and smiled a bit sheepish, "I am afraid, that I completely forgot to ask: Who of you can ride a horse, who of you wants to learn and who of you would prefer to ride in one of the carriages?"
We had prepared horses and carriages aplenty, so no need to be shy.

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I nodded at Estrup's message.
"Yes, I heard of it.", I said, a bit somberly, "Mister Marscheid was very good at his job and I am sure, that it is a heavy blow to loose someone with his experience." Much like it was with Daideo's retirement. However, it was not meant as a jab at Estrup and his relative inexperience, but then again, I was not better by much. "Please relay to him my best wishes."
There was a bit of silence as we walked.
"So, onto something merrier.", I said and smiled a bit sheepish, "I am afraid, that I completely forgot to ask: Who of you can ride a horse, who of you wants to learn and who of you would prefer to ride in one of the carriages?"
We had prepared horses and carriages aplenty, so no need to be shy.

"Will do!" - Estrup had said, well understanding, that she didn't mean to imply anything about his own experience. It was certainly known, that Estrup had already served as a State Minister of Commerce of Storöer (his pronunciation of German names, just like his slight cadence in his otherwise perfect English pronunciation, would already suggest, that he was from the East) prior to his appointment to the Meritocratic Council, where he had served as a Spokesman for Economic Policy of the Meritocratic Unity Party under Marscheid's ministry - thus, his inexperience was indeed relative to Marscheid's one, certainly also because of the age gap. Marscheid had been a tremendously routined man, whom it has always been inspiring to work with and under. Losing him had indeed been a heavy blow.
As they walked on, there was a bit of silence - until Felicia raised a quite not too unimportant question.
Golkrath and Nörvenich all but synchronously said, "I can!"
Ceyda said, "Yeah, I'll certainly manage as well. I might not have the experience of a Hilda Leverdal, but I can hold on to the reins!"
"I'll give it a shot, too!" - Flemming said. "The riding lessons are supposed to pay off, after all."
"I'd prefer the carriage" - Estrup said. Marquardt and Klingebiel nodded, which made Seelscheid snort.
Either they're lazy, or they think, that they can't hold on to the reins while lighting their pipes up - she thought. Loudly, she said, "My last riding lesson was like twenty-five years ago, but I'm confident, that I'm not going to kiss the cobblestone, so I'll go for a horse."
Lena Ammerup said, "I'll be aboard the carriage - the Gentlemen need some company, after all."
Klingebiel snorted. "Someone to take care, you mean!"
"Nooooho, why would you think that?!" - Ammerup said, trying to look innocent.

[The Selkie]

"Will do!" - Estrup had said, well understanding, that she didn't mean to imply anything about his own experience. It was certainly known, that Estrup had already served as a State Minister of Commerce of Storöer (his pronunciation of German names, just like his slight cadence in his otherwise perfect English pronunciation, would already suggest, that he was from the East) prior to his appointment to the Meritocratic Council, where he had served as a Spokesman for Economic Policy of the Meritocratic Unity Party under Marscheid's ministry - thus, his inexperience was indeed relative to Marscheid's one, certainly also because of the age gap. Marscheid had been a tremendously routined man, whom it has always been inspiring to work with and under. Losing him had indeed been a heavy blow.
As they walked on, there was a bit of silence - until Felicia raised a quite not too unimportant question.
Golkrath and Nörvenich all but synchronously said, "I can!"
Ceyda said, "Yeah, I'll certainly manage as well. I might not have the experience of a Hilda Leverdal, but I can hold on to the reins!"
"I'll give it a shot, too!" - Flemming said. "The riding lessons are supposed to pay off, after all."
"I'd prefer the carriage" - Estrup said. Marquardt and Klingebiel nodded, which made Seelscheid snort.
Either they're lazy, or they think, that they can't hold on to the reins while lighting their pipes up - she thought. Loudly, she said, "My last riding lesson was like twenty-five years ago, but I'm confident, that I'm not going to kiss the cobblestone, so I'll go for a horse."
Lena Ammerup said, "I'll be aboard the carriage - the Gentlemen need some company, after all."
Klingebiel snorted. "Someone to take care, you mean!"
"Nooooho, why would you think that?!" - Ammerup said, trying to look innocent.

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I smiled as the various replies came in, including at the joke.
That Ceyda wanted to try her hand at a Selkie-Horse was no surprise, Golkrath and Nörvenich were a bit more surprising, if I were honest. Flemming's willingness to ride was the greatest surprise, though, I had not heard, that he took lessons. Annika would ride as well, she did mention in a side-sentence once, that she knew how to.
The rest, Estrup, Marquardt, Ammerup and Klingebiel, went for the carriages.
"Don't worry about the horses.", I assured them, "The Fortham City Guard was so nice and lent us a few old mares of theirs, so those are going to be calm and steady horses without much of a temper."
Unlike my own., I added in my thoughts.
And then we rounded the corner of the Terminal Building and it all came into view: Horses, carriages, escorts, dozens of horsemen making the last preparations, their horses saddled up and ready.
There were nine members of the delegation, each one honoured by a Lance, a formation of six of the best Marcach of the Guild, escorting them as part of the convoy, plus a tenth Lance to lead the Vanguard. Fully armed and dressed in Ceremonial Garb, including the iconic half-cuirasses and horseman bows, this sight had taught the ancestors of the delegation, what the term 'fear' meant (much like the infantry fielded by the Lillos did in reverse), but today, it was us honouring the esteemed guests. In the veritable forest of lances, there would two flags easily to spot: One of the horsemen carried the Black-Yellow-Vanilla Tricolor of Lillorainen, the other the Red-White Raven-Banner of Carman Fea, Goddess of War and Science and patron of diplomats.
A low sound emanated from the side, as a rather young-looking chap blew a horn, signalling our arrival.
I raised a hand, four fingers extended - four for the carriage, we needed five horses. A few stablehands in Army Uniforms, which had mingled (and gotten quite a few autographs), ran to the nearby impromptu stable (a.k.a. an empty hangar) and got five horses, while a figure, which Flemming and Annika would recognize without a doubt, stepped in front of the assembly.
There was a reason, why Selkie-Diplomats always traveled in pairs, one representing the government, the other representing the people, and there was a reason, why half of the latter were Marcach: They were so iconic and important to our culture, that no one could imagine anything else. And the one, who had cemented that image both at home and abroad now led the escort for this state visit, dressed in half-cuirass, taking the helmet with the large plume off and shaking out her long, luxurious blue hair.
Marla Cróimiam of the Tribe of Cork smiled as she placed her gloved and armoured hand over her heart, bowed her head as all the other Marcach did as well.
"Hail, President Flemming, Son of Distant Shores.", she spoke solemnly, then rose again, smiling, "And hail to the delegation as well. Welcome to our lands. I am Marla Cróimiam of the Tribe of Cork and I will command your escort today."
And what an escort it was!
Leonard Lách of the Tribe of Galway rode as one of the Lance-Sergeants, my own Partner-in-Diplomatic-Crime Ava Coileán of the Tribe of Westmeath was along for the ride, Marla's sister Gwen was somewhere in the group, Viola Péire of the Tribe of Cork was one of the Lieutenants of the Formation, the red eyes of Amy Laoch of the Tribe of Dundalk shone with excitement, standing next to the massive form of Kean Tuadóir of the Tribe of Wexford, while the ancient Nia Sneachtúil, of Cefnffordd Descent, was another Lieutenant and well-used by now to the circus of diplomatic occasions in these lands, considering, that she had been the organizer and one of the speakers at the signing ceremony. One of the Lances was composed entirely of Lancemaidens, worse still the heavily armed and armoured Beasts of Rhiannon, led by Isla Stiúrthóir of the Tribe of Fingal, the Captain of the Defenders of the Temple of Chorn, their armors shimmering golden in the setting sun. The youngest of the group, one of which had blown the horn, were Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel and Ceili Báigh of the Tribe of Fermanagh, the kids joining the assembly at the side. Marla's eternal rival, Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh, held the Flag of Lillorainen. It was also a bit international, as Alya Hudwa, a student and fully-certified Marcach from Megido in Kyrenaia rode with the escort, her red hair, pointy ears and dark skin making her stand out a bit.
I smiled and took a step to the side to make the way free for the delegation to properly greet their escort.

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I smiled as the various replies came in, including at the joke.
That Ceyda wanted to try her hand at a Selkie-Horse was no surprise, Golkrath and Nörvenich were a bit more surprising, if I were honest. Flemming's willingness to ride was the greatest surprise, though, I had not heard, that he took lessons. Annika would ride as well, she did mention in a side-sentence once, that she knew how to.
The rest, Estrup, Marquardt, Ammerup and Klingebiel, went for the carriages.
"Don't worry about the horses.", I assured them, "The Fortham City Guard was so nice and lent us a few old mares of theirs, so those are going to be calm and steady horses without much of a temper."
Unlike my own., I added in my thoughts.
And then we rounded the corner of the Terminal Building and it all came into view: Horses, carriages, escorts, dozens of horsemen making the last preparations, their horses saddled up and ready.
There were nine members of the delegation, each one honoured by a Lance, a formation of six of the best Marcach of the Guild, escorting them as part of the convoy, plus a tenth Lance to lead the Vanguard. Fully armed and dressed in Ceremonial Garb, including the iconic half-cuirasses and horseman bows, this sight had taught the ancestors of the delegation, what the term 'fear' meant (much like the infantry fielded by the Lillos did in reverse), but today, it was us honouring the esteemed guests. In the veritable forest of lances, there would two flags easily to spot: One of the horsemen carried the Black-Yellow-Vanilla Tricolor of Lillorainen, the other the Red-White Raven-Banner of Carman Fea, Goddess of War and Science and patron of diplomats.
A low sound emanated from the side, as a rather young-looking chap blew a horn, signalling our arrival.
I raised a hand, four fingers extended - four for the carriage, we needed five horses. A few stablehands in Army Uniforms, which had mingled (and gotten quite a few autographs), ran to the nearby impromptu stable (a.k.a. an empty hangar) and got five horses, while a figure, which Flemming and Annika would recognize without a doubt, stepped in front of the assembly.
There was a reason, why Selkie-Diplomats always traveled in pairs, one representing the government, the other representing the people, and there was a reason, why half of the latter were Marcach: They were so iconic and important to our culture, that no one could imagine anything else. And the one, who had cemented that image both at home and abroad now led the escort for this state visit, dressed in half-cuirass, taking the helmet with the large plume off and shaking out her long, luxurious blue hair.
Marla Cróimiam of the Tribe of Cork smiled as she placed her gloved and armoured hand over her heart, bowed her head as all the other Marcach did as well.
"Hail, President Flemming, Son of Distant Shores.", she spoke solemnly, then rose again, smiling, "And hail to the delegation as well. Welcome to our lands. I am Marla Cróimiam of the Tribe of Cork and I will command your escort today."
And what an escort it was!
Leonard Lách of the Tribe of Galway rode as one of the Lance-Sergeants, my own Partner-in-Diplomatic-Crime Ava Coileán of the Tribe of Westmeath was along for the ride, Marla's sister Gwen was somewhere in the group, Viola Péire of the Tribe of Cork was one of the Lieutenants of the Formation, the red eyes of Amy Laoch of the Tribe of Dundalk shone with excitement, standing next to the massive form of Kean Tuadóir of the Tribe of Wexford, while the ancient Nia Sneachtúil, of Cefnffordd Descent, was another Lieutenant and well-used by now to the circus of diplomatic occasions in these lands, considering, that she had been the organizer and one of the speakers at the signing ceremony. One of the Lances was composed entirely of Lancemaidens, worse still the heavily armed and armoured Beasts of Rhiannon, led by Isla Stiúrthóir of the Tribe of Fingal, the Captain of the Defenders of the Temple of Chorn, their armors shimmering golden in the setting sun. The youngest of the group, one of which had blown the horn, were Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel and Ceili Báigh of the Tribe of Fermanagh, the kids joining the assembly at the side. Marla's eternal rival, Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh, held the Flag of Lillorainen. It was also a bit international, as Alya Hudwa, a student and fully-certified Marcach from Megido in Kyrenaia rode with the escort, her red hair, pointy ears and dark skin making her stand out a bit.
I smiled and took a step to the side to make the way free for the delegation to properly greet their escort.

Some of the Lillos nodded, getting assured, that the horses would be calm and steady, given they were lent by the Fortham City Guards - which was indeed an assurance, as this would guarantee a certain standard, not too dissimilar from the Mounted Police Forces most states in Lillorainen still maintained to this day.
While they rounded the Terminal Building, Ceyda still thought about how Cara was some kind of unofficial member of the Diplomatic Staff, and imagined how Felicia would bring him along to Shamsiyya. It was quite an amusing thought, that President Arafat Ismaili and other members of the Shamsiyyan Federal Government would stand in a row and bow their heads to Cara, given the religious meaning cats had in Shamsiyya.
This thought process found its abrupt end, as she saw how the delegation was honored in here - by fully armored Marcach, with nine Lances, each one honoring a member of the delegation, with the Banner of Carman Fea and the Federation's Tricolor. A young chap, whom a few members of the delegation could have sworn to already have seen somewhere on WhoTube, blew a horn, signalling the delegation's arrival; Felicia held four fingers up in order to pass the information as to how many carriages and horses would be needed on to horsemen.
"What the shit ...!" - Ole Klingebiel exclaimed in admiration, in a low tone, almost whispering, and a few Rhenish exclamations of astonishment escaped a few other mouths within the group as well.
Marla Cróimiam of the Tribe of Cork approached the group, especially Flemming, who recognized the bluenette immediately, as he was well aware of the cultural meaning of the Marcach in these parts.
"It's an honor and pleasure to be in your lands, Miss Cróimiam!" - he responded, bowing his head. "And to have you commanding our quite impressive escort today."
Which was a blatant understatement, as it occured to Lena Ammerup, that her mouth was still open.
She cleared her throat, then, like the others did as well, made a step forward to bow her head lightly to Miss Cróimiam.
"It is not any less of an honor for us as well!" - Annika Seelscheid said. The others nodded.
Indeed, in earlier centuries, being confronted with a formation looking like this would have made anyone reevaluate their understanding of the term 'fear', much akin to Lillorainian Berserks or Sharulsi Mangudai. But now, they were around to escort the foreign visitors. And how!
Flemming looked at his fellow countrypeople and said, smiling, "Well, it does seem to me, that some of us will just need a moment to cool their astonishment down, before we can get going."

[The Selkie]

Some of the Lillos nodded, getting assured, that the horses would be calm and steady, given they were lent by the Fortham City Guards - which was indeed an assurance, as this would guarantee a certain standard, not too dissimilar from the Mounted Police Forces most states in Lillorainen still maintained to this day.
While they rounded the Terminal Building, Ceyda still thought about how Cara was some kind of unofficial member of the Diplomatic Staff, and imagined how Felicia would bring him along to Shamsiyya. It was quite an amusing thought, that President Arafat Ismaili and other members of the Shamsiyyan Federal Government would stand in a row and bow their heads to Cara, given the religious meaning cats had in Shamsiyya.
This thought process found its abrupt end, as she saw how the delegation was honored in here - by fully armored Marcach, with nine Lances, each one honoring a member of the delegation, with the Banner of Carman Fea and the Federation's Tricolor. A young chap, whom a few members of the delegation could have sworn to already have seen somewhere on WhoTube, blew a horn, signalling the delegation's arrival; Felicia held four fingers up in order to pass the information as to how many carriages and horses would be needed on to horsemen.
"What the shit ...!" - Ole Klingebiel exclaimed in admiration, in a low tone, almost whispering, and a few Rhenish exclamations of astonishment escaped a few other mouths within the group as well.
Marla Cróimiam of the Tribe of Cork approached the group, especially Flemming, who recognized the bluenette immediately, as he was well aware of the cultural meaning of the Marcach in these parts.
"It's an honor and pleasure to be in your lands, Miss Cróimiam!" - he responded, bowing his head. "And to have you commanding our quite impressive escort today."
Which was a blatant understatement, as it occured to Lena Ammerup, that her mouth was still open.
She cleared her throat, then, like the others did as well, made a step forward to bow her head lightly to Miss Cróimiam.
"It is not any less of an honor for us as well!" - Annika Seelscheid said. The others nodded.
Indeed, in earlier centuries, being confronted with a formation looking like this would have made anyone reevaluate their understanding of the term 'fear', much akin to Lillorainian Berserks or Sharulsi Mangudai. But now, they were around to escort the foreign visitors. And how!
Flemming looked at his fellow countrypeople and said, smiling, "Well, it does seem to me, that some of us will just need a moment to cool their astonishment down, before we can get going."

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
"I would not have it any other way, Mister Flemming.", Marla said and grinned, her effect completely achieved. "Please, take your time to gather up your lower jaws!"
There was a round of laughs and snorts, I couldn't help myself either.
It was not often, that foreign visitors were honoured by a full Marcach-Escort, the last time had indeed been in 2000, when Razia-Sultana visited the Free Lands with her two sons, the large stir during the Signing Ceremony had not counted to her or the Marcach-Guild.
It would not be the last time, that the Lillos, either individuals or as a group, would be honoured today or tomorrow.
"Those who wish to ride with the carriages, please follow Donny - where are ya, lad?", Marla asked and a boy, with a long, pink braid raised his hand and jumped up make himself visible in the sea of taller adults, which also made him look like a hyperactive, heavily armed and armoured squirrel on a sugar rush. "There ya are! Anyway, carriage-riders, follow him. Horse-riders, come with me please! The rest, last preparations!"
The assembled front of Marcach began to disperse, checked reins, saddles and their fastenings, mounted up as well, Ceili and Donny standing at the ready to receive the ones, who'd ride the carriages.
The SDF-Army Stablehands brought forth five old mares, calm and steady, their reins and saddles of good quality, but nothing special, led them to where Marla was waiting. I decided to join them, especially as Ava brought my own mare close, throwing me a wink.

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
"I would not have it any other way, Mister Flemming.", Marla said and grinned, her effect completely achieved. "Please, take your time to gather up your lower jaws!"
There was a round of laughs and snorts, I couldn't help myself either.
It was not often, that foreign visitors were honoured by a full Marcach-Escort, the last time had indeed been in 2000, when Razia-Sultana visited the Free Lands with her two sons, the large stir during the Signing Ceremony had not counted to her or the Marcach-Guild.
It would not be the last time, that the Lillos, either individuals or as a group, would be honoured today or tomorrow.
"Those who wish to ride with the carriages, please follow Donny - where are ya, lad?", Marla asked and a boy, with a long, pink braid raised his hand and jumped up make himself visible in the sea of taller adults, which also made him look like a hyperactive, heavily armed and armoured squirrel on a sugar rush. "There ya are! Anyway, carriage-riders, follow him. Horse-riders, come with me please! The rest, last preparations!"
The assembled front of Marcach began to disperse, checked reins, saddles and their fastenings, mounted up as well, Ceili and Donny standing at the ready to receive the ones, who'd ride the carriages.
The SDF-Army Stablehands brought forth five old mares, calm and steady, their reins and saddles of good quality, but nothing special, led them to where Marla was waiting. I decided to join them, especially as Ava brought my own mare close, throwing me a wink.

Judging by Marla's grin, she wasn't exactly disappointed about the reactions of the Lillorainian guests, quite on the contrary.
A few more whispered exclamations followed, along the lines of, "Jötter, wat is dat jeil!" and "Leck mech ens in de Täsch!", then, but a moment later, nine lower jaws were where they belonged again.
Marquardt, Estrup, Klingebiel, and Ammerup, who had spoken up for riding on the carriage, were instructed to follow Donny, the young chap with the horn, whose jumping left the group amused, to say the least (lesson of the day - don't put squirrels into full armor and give them sugar!). Flemming, Golkrath, Nörvenich, Seelscheid, and Ceyda, who had spoken up for testing their varying riding skills, were instructed to follow Marla.
Ole Klingebiel could not help but keep grinning. He already had been on a few diplomatic missions, including the United Confederacy of the Moana Nui Islands, from where he got the nice memory of getting approached by a bunch of lightly-clad girls putting a flower wreath around him and other Ambassadors while saying, "Aloha!"; the airshow arranged by the C.D. Air Force in Agade, Saressidia, had been another unforgettable moment - but this one was an entirely different level.
Especially since this way of honoration wasn't done too often in these parts, either.
The old mares looked calm and steady, as expected from police horses (or rather, guard horses), ideal for beginners and advanced riders alike.

[The Selkie]

Judging by Marla's grin, she wasn't exactly disappointed about the reactions of the Lillorainian guests, quite on the contrary.
A few more whispered exclamations followed, along the lines of, "Jötter, wat is dat jeil!" and "Leck mech ens in de Täsch!", then, but a moment later, nine lower jaws were where they belonged again.
Marquardt, Estrup, Klingebiel, and Ammerup, who had spoken up for riding on the carriage, were instructed to follow Donny, the young chap with the horn, whose jumping left the group amused, to say the least (lesson of the day - don't put squirrels into full armor and give them sugar!). Flemming, Golkrath, Nörvenich, Seelscheid, and Ceyda, who had spoken up for testing their varying riding skills, were instructed to follow Marla.
Ole Klingebiel could not help but keep grinning. He already had been on a few diplomatic missions, including the United Confederacy of the Moana Nui Islands, from where he got the nice memory of getting approached by a bunch of lightly-clad girls putting a flower wreath around him and other Ambassadors while saying, "Aloha!"; the airshow arranged by the C.D. Air Force in Agade, Saressidia, had been another unforgettable moment - but this one was an entirely different level.
Especially since this way of honoration wasn't done too often in these parts, either.
The old mares looked calm and steady, as expected from police horses (or rather, guard horses), ideal for beginners and advanced riders alike.

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
As the Guard Horses joined our little assembly with Marla, Flemming and the other riders, I couldn't help but smile.
Marla explained: "...right, I don't think, that I need to tell you, how to get these lassies here moving. It's pretty standard. I ask you, however, to give them your hands for smelling - see it as you introducing yourself to them. It might happen, that they react adversely to it, but I don't think, that they will. They're good lassies." She smiled and petted the side of the throat of one of the equines. "So... go ahead!"
All five were of the Garda Onóra Breed, brown or black horses, all around 1.6 meters at the shoulder. They had powerful hinquarters and clean legs, their manes well-combed. I would not dare to call them all the same, but they were similar to each other, also owed to the fact, that they were actually foals of the same mother.
"Also...", Marla said and pulled out a number of black horseman helmets, "...we have helmets, if you want, so that only break bones and not crack your skulls open, if you fall off."
She had a tendency to be blunt at times...

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
It was a huge honour for a Marcach to even be considered to escort a guest of state, especially when the Marcach in question was of twelve Springs - that was, at least, what Ceili's Mam had told me and she knew about such things. Ceili herself was at my side and when the four adults, three men and one woman, approached us, she squeezed my hand, reassuring me, and was off, no doubt making the last checks on our horses.
Compared to the horses of the adult Marcach, ours appeared to be but ponies, but they could keep up.
I rested my right hand on the handle of my armour piercer on my right hip, smiled and bowed my head. "Hi!", I greeted, my English correct in grammar, but pronounciation would need a lot of work. "I am Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel, but Donny's fine!" I motioned for them to follow me. "Please follow me!"

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
As the Guard Horses joined our little assembly with Marla, Flemming and the other riders, I couldn't help but smile.
Marla explained: "...right, I don't think, that I need to tell you, how to get these lassies here moving. It's pretty standard. I ask you, however, to give them your hands for smelling - see it as you introducing yourself to them. It might happen, that they react adversely to it, but I don't think, that they will. They're good lassies." She smiled and petted the side of the throat of one of the equines. "So... go ahead!"
All five were of the Garda Onóra Breed, brown or black horses, all around 1.6 meters at the shoulder. They had powerful hinquarters and clean legs, their manes well-combed. I would not dare to call them all the same, but they were similar to each other, also owed to the fact, that they were actually foals of the same mother.
"Also...", Marla said and pulled out a number of black horseman helmets, "...we have helmets, if you want, so that only break bones and not crack your skulls open, if you fall off."
She had a tendency to be blunt at times...

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
It was a huge honour for a Marcach to even be considered to escort a guest of state, especially when the Marcach in question was of twelve Springs - that was, at least, what Ceili's Mam had told me and she knew about such things. Ceili herself was at my side and when the four adults, three men and one woman, approached us, she squeezed my hand, reassuring me, and was off, no doubt making the last checks on our horses.
Compared to the horses of the adult Marcach, ours appeared to be but ponies, but they could keep up.
I rested my right hand on the handle of my armour piercer on my right hip, smiled and bowed my head. "Hi!", I greeted, my English correct in grammar, but pronounciation would need a lot of work. "I am Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel, but Donny's fine!" I motioned for them to follow me. "Please follow me!"

From the first glance, Ceyda could guess, that the five horses were not only of the same breed, but most certainly also from the same parent. She was the first one to approach one of them, letting her smell her hand.
Flemming took a helmet, following Marla's straightforward recommendation. "I'll take one" - he announced, "and I'd strongly recommend you all to take one as well. After all, all of us are still needed somewhere - in this world, mind you, not in Helheim."
Who says, that only Marla can be blunt ...?
Annika Seelscheid, who had fairly good, almost too good memories of the last time a President of the Federation had not left this world out of old age, for a certain reason, nodded. "Better safe than sorry."
Friederike Golkrath and Lykke Nörvenich, quite experienced riders according to their own statements, had already introduced themselves to their horses as well. Of course, they would follow the advice given.
Remember, kids: #AlwaysWearProtection.
Flemming was the last one to let his mare familiarize herself with the smell of his hand.
Golkrath grinned. "I'm already looking forward to seeing how well you do on horseback, Silas!" - she said.
"I'm well-prepared, Rike, no worries!" - Flemming countered, grinning back.

Meanwhile, three men and a women followed the young lad and the girl, both of whom they guesstimated around eleven or twelve years old, and who were obvious proud of the important job they were now about doing.
Donny introduced himself, bowing his head, speaking English with a perfect grammar, but a heavy accent, the latter not being a surprise for a boy of his age, at least outside the Anglosphere.
Gods in Asgard ... this was the moment when Lena Ammerup shortly wished to be around three decades younger ... but then again, judging by how the not-any-less-cute girl had squeezed his hand, this would probably have brought her into some conflict.
"I'm Lena Ammerup" - she introduced herself. "But Lena is fine!"
The Gentlemen introduced themselves in a similar manner, while following Donny's motion.

[The Selkie]

From the first glance, Ceyda could guess, that the five horses were not only of the same breed, but most certainly also from the same parent. She was the first one to approach one of them, letting her smell her hand.
Flemming took a helmet, folling Marla's straightforward recommendation. "I'll take one" - he announced, "and I'd strongly recommend you all to take one as well. After all, all of us are still needed somewhere - in this world, mind you, not in Helheim."
Who says, that only Marla can be blunt ...?
Annika Seelscheid, who had fairly good, almost too good memories of the last time a President of the Federation had not left this world out of old age, for a certain reason, nodded. "Better safe than sorry."
Friederike Golkrath and Lykke Nörvenich, quite experienced riders according to their own statements, had already introduced themselves to their horses as well. Of course, they would follow the advice given.
Remember, kids: #AlwaysWearProtection.
Flemming was the last one to let his mare familiarize herself with the smell of his hand.
Golkrath grinned. "I'm already looking forward to seeing how well you do on horseback, Silas!" - she said.
"I'm well-prepared, Rike, no worries!" - Flemming countered, grinning back.

Meanwhile, three men and a women followed the young lad and the girl, both of whom they guesstimated around eleven or twelve years old, and who were obvious proud of the important job they were now about doing.
Donny introduced himself, bowing his head, speaking English with a perfect grammar, but a heavy accent, the latter not being a surprise for a boy of his age, at least outside the Anglosphere.
Gods in Asgard ... this was the moment when Lena Ammerup shortly wished to be around three decades younger ... but then again, judging by how the not-any-less-cute girl had squeezed his hand, this would probably have brought her into some conflict.
"I'm Lena Ammerup" - she introduced herself. "But Lena is fine!"
The Gentlemen introduced themselves in a similar manner, while following Donny's motion.

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I smiled and saw Marla nod. There was no shame in wearing protection, be it from falling off a horse or when in the horizontal (otherwise, we both would have been blessed by Rhiannon a few times already) or in other situations.
The horses didn't seem to find anything objectionable about the Lillos, on the contrary: The one, which Ceyda chose, quickly and decisively, licked her hand with a small neigh.
"He likes ya.", Marla said with a nod as she handed out the last helmets. Her own was still under her arm. "Alright, let's mount up!"

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
I grinned, nodded. "Alright, Lena, Albin, Mister Marquardt, Mister Klingenbiel...", I said and I will admit, that the two older men intimidated me a bit. I was also unaware of Lena's thoughts about being three decades younger - I didn't know, what went on in Ceili's head most of the time and I knew her since I could think, how should I know that about a woman I met a minute ago? "...here we are!"
And indeed, here we were: A four-man carriage, the driver sitting on the block, watching us with a smile from under his straw hat. He was no Marcach, but a quiver with arrows and a bow sat by his side. It was a black, two-axle vehicle, pulled by two old Guard Horses as well, cushions on the seats in a bid to make it more comfortable. The carriage did have suspension and we wouldn't race to Cnockan House, so it would be a comfortable ride.
Ceili stood a few meters away, with the reins of both of our horses in hand, as I opened one side of the carriage and offered my hand to Lena to help her up.
Mam, and Ceili's Mam, admittedly, didn't raise a rude lad!

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I smiled and saw Marla nod. There was no shame in wearing protection, be it from falling off a horse or when in the horizontal (otherwise, we both would have been blessed by Rhiannon a few times already) or in other situations.
The horses didn't seem to find anything objectionable about the Lillos, on the contrary: The one, which Ceyda chose, quickly and decisively, licked her hand with a small neigh.
"He likes ya.", Marla said with a nod as she handed out the last helmets. Her own was still under her arm. "Alright, let's mount up!"

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
I grinned, nodded. "Alright, Lena, Albin, Mister Marquardt, Mister Klingenbiel...", I said and I will admit, that the two older men intimidated me a bit. I was also unaware of Lena's thoughts about being three decades younger - I didn't know, what went on in Ceili's head most of the time and I knew her since I could think, how should I know that about a woman I met a minute ago? "...here we are!"
And indeed, here we were: A four-man carriage, the driver sitting on the block, watching us with a smile from under his straw hat. He was no Marcach, but a quiver with arrows and a bow sat by his side. It was a black, two-axle vehicle, pulled by two old Guard Horses as well, cushions on the seats in a bid to make it more comfortable. The carriage did have suspension and we wouldn't race to Cnockan House, so it would be a comfortable ride.
Ceili stood a few meters away, with the reins of both of our horses in hand, as I opened one side of the carriage and offered my hand to Lena to help her up.
Mam, and Ceili's Mam, admittedly, didn't raise a rude lad!

Indeed, there was nothing wrong about wearing protections in the eyes of the Lillorainian Ladies, either, neither in this case, or a possible other one - especially not if one was keen on avoiding getting blessed by Freyja in unfitting moments (or, in Ceyda's case, by either Freyja or Ishtar, depending on which Goddess the respective lad typically worshipped).
With this said, Rhiannon was in a good mood today, at least as regards one of Her other jurisdictions. She seemed to mean well especially with Ceyda, who, judging by her wet hand, had a new friend now.
Lykke Nörvenich was the first one to have successfully mounted up; Golkrath and Ceyda followed quickly, and while Flemming needed a few seconds more, he had no trouble at all. Whomever he might have taken his lessons from, he or she had done a good job.
"So far, so good, I'd say!" - he said.

While Estrup and Marquardt were unaware of their intimidating aura, they would hardly have been surprised to hear about that, as their vibes of authority, especially Estrup's, had already intimidated a number of people, even grown adults.
In fact, even Princess Kyouko had visible respect everytime she met Marquardt. And it wouldn't be any better during her next state visit to Lillorainen - as soon as she would talk to both Marquardt and Estrup, she would most certainly look less like a Sovereign of a not exactly weak realm and more like a frightened Shikonjimanese schoolgirl who, for whatever dumb reason, wore a military uniform during a parent-teacher conference ...
They arrived at the carriage, a black vehicle with two axles, pulled by two horses. It provided space for four passengers plus the driver, and already looked quite comfortable from afar.
Donny, who seemed to be well-raised indeed, offered his hand to Lena to help her up, which she gladly accepted. "Thank you a lot, Donny!" - she said, smiling. If it went on like this, she would become insulin-dependent before dinner.
The Gentlemen quickly followed.

[The Selkie]

Indeed, there was nothing wrong about wearing protections in the eyes of the Lillorainian Ladies, either, neither in this case, or a possible other one - especially not if one was keen on avoiding getting blessed by Freyja in unfitting moments (or, in Ceyda's case, by either Freyja or Ishtar, depending on which Goddess the respective lad typically worshipped).
With this said, Rhiannon was in a good mood today, at least as regards one of Her other jurisdictions. She seemed to mean well especially with Ceyda, who, judging by her wet hand, had a new friend now.
Lykke Nörvenich was the first one to have successfully mounted up; Golkrath and Ceyda followed quickly, and while Flemming needed a few seconds more, he had no trouble at all. Whomever he might have taken his lessons from, he or she had done a good job.
"So far, so good, I'd say!" - he said.

While Estrup and Marquardt were unaware of their intimidating aura, they would hardly have been surprised to hear about that, as their vibes of authority, especially Estrup's, had already intimidated a number of people, even grown adults.
In fact, even Princess Kyouko had visible respect everytime she met Marquardt. And it wouldn't be any better during her next state visit to Lillorainen - as soon as she would talk to both Marquardt and Estrup, she would most certainly look less like a Sovereign of a not exactly weak realm and more like a frightened Shikonjimanese schoolgirl who, for whatever dumb reason, wore a military uniform during a parent-teacher conference ...
They arrived at the carriage, a black vehicle with two axles, pulled by two horses. It provided space for four passengers plus the driver, and already looked quite comfortable from afar.
Donny, who seemed to be well-raised indeed, offered his hand to Lena to help her up, which she gladly accepted. "Thank you a lot, Donny!" - she said, smiling. If it went on like this, she would become insulin-dependent before dinner.
The Gentlemen quickly followed.

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I watched our guest get onto their horses and settled and Marla standing at the ready to provide assistance or to catch someone (or at least feather their fall, if the need arose). Then she nodded as everyone seemed to have settled in.
"Seems like it.", she said and knocked her knuckled onto her helmet once, to disencourage any evil spirits, which might have felt encouraged. She then gathered up her long hair and placed the helmet onto her own head, the plume rising impressively. As she fastened the leather strap holding everything in place, she added: "Looks good so far, people."
"The lessons seem to have paid off.", I added, earning a raised eyebrow from the bluenette as I swung myself up onto my horse, then gathered up my hair and stuffed it under my own helmet, one very much one like the ones Marla had handed out. "Now we wait for the readiness of the carriage, and off we go!"
"Indeed.", Marla said and mounted her own horse.

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
I smiled as Lena indeed took my offer, helped her up.
That done, and with the gentlemen aboard as well, I closed the door and grinned, turning towards Ceili, who had led my own colt to us, her own on its reins.
Mine was a black Móinteán, a Moorlander, a work horse at heart and it showed. Strong, hardy, enduring, deep ribcage, feathered legs - it was a simple horse for simple works, which required a lot of strength and although it was used for riding, it was at heart a draught horse. His name was Teocht, which means warmth, for he had given me exactly that on multiple occasions in the past. His saddle and reins were of simple make, but sturdy and hardy, and they suited him well. Saddle bags, a sleeping roll, medical kit, hatchet, bow case and quiver with two dozen arrows, water skins, all was there, even the shield, a round shield of wood, which hung to the right of his chest, depicting a griffon, one claw raised for the attack, its beak open. I had painted it in art class, got a good grade for it, too.
Ceili rode a chestnut-coloured Bratach Ríoga, a Royal Standard, and its feathered legs and strong bones and refined jawline made it known, that Biorach, pointed, due to his short and slightly pointed ears, was on a different level. This was not a working horse, this was a horse for riding and war, even if the latter use was out of fashion these days. Reins and saddles were of good make, silver decorations running along the deep brown leather, and it carried the same equipment as Teocht did, even with a shield. Hers was white and showed a Blue Seal, made during the same art class.
We took our swords off our belts and fastened them to the left side of the saddle, where an appropriate holder sat, then we swung ourselves up with no difficulties. Helmets followed a moment later, in our cases, they were Cuircín or Comb Style Helmets, including its cheek pieces.
An older Marcach handed us our lances - as we had been hired as Full Marcach, it was only appropriate for us to be armed as full Marcach, even if I couldn't use a bow to safe my life...
I turned to the carriage, grinned at Lena.
"Which damsel needs rescue?", I asked with a roguish grin.
A moment later, Kean gave me a slap on the helmet, commenting, to general amusement, with "Don't get ahead of yerself, lad! Ya still have a few centimeters to grow!"
I grinned, too.

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I watched our guest get onto their horses and settled and Marla standing at the ready to provide assistance or to catch someone (or at least feather their fall, if the need arose). Then she nodded as everyone seemed to have settled in.
"Seems like it.", she said and knocked her knuckled onto her helmet once, to disencourage any evil spirits, which might have felt encouraged. She then gathered up her long hair and placed the helmet onto her own head, the plume rising impressively. As she fastened the leather strap holding everything in place, she added: "Looks good so far, people."
"The lessons seem to have paid off.", I added, earning a raised eyebrow from the bluenette as I swung myself up onto my horse, then gathered up my hair and stuffed it under my own helmet, one very much one like the ones Marla had handed out. "Now we wait for the readiness of the carriage, and off we go!"
"Indeed.", Marla said and mounted her own horse.

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
I smiled as Lena indeed took my offer, helped her up.
That done, and with the gentlemen aboard as well, I closed the door and grinned, turning towards Ceili, who had led my own colt to us, her own on its reins.
Mine was a black Móinteán, a Moorlander, a work horse at heart and it showed. Strong, hardy, enduring, deep ribcage, feathered legs - it was a simple horse for simple works, which required a lot of strength and although it was used for riding, it was at heart a draught horse. His name was Teocht, which means warmth, for he had given me exactly that on multiple occasions in the past. His saddle and reins were of simple make, but sturdy and hardy, and they suited him well. Saddle bags, a sleeping roll, medical kit, hatchet, bow case and quiver with two dozen arrows, water skins, all was there, even the shield, a round shield of wood, which hung to the right of his chest, depicting a griffon, one claw raised for the attack, its beak open. I had painted it in art class, got a good grade for it, too.
Ceili rode a chestnut-coloured Bratach Ríoga, a Royal Standard, and its feathered legs and strong bones and refined jawline made it known, that Biorach, pointed, due to his short and slightly pointed ears, was on a different level. This was not a working horse, this was a horse for riding and war, even if the latter use was out of fashion these days. Reins and saddles were of good make, silver decorations running along the deep brown leather, and it carried the same equipment as Teocht did, even with a shield. Hers was white and showed a Blue Seal, made during the same art class.
We took our swords off our belts and fastened them to the left side of the saddle, where an appropriate holder sat, then we swung ourselves up with no difficulties. Helmets followed a moment later, in our cases, they were Cuircín or Comb Style Helmets, including its cheek pieces.
An older Marcach handed us our lances - as we had been hired as Full Marcach, it was only appropriate for us to be armed as full Marcach, even if I couldn't use a bow to safe my life...
I turned to the carriage, grinned at Lena.
"Which damsel needs rescue?", I asked with a roguish grin.
A moment later, Kean gave me a slap on the helmet, commenting, to general amusement, with "Don't get ahead of yerself, lad! Ya still have a few centimeters to grow!"
I grinned, too.

Marla kept ready to provide assistance in case of a need, but since there apparently was no case of a need, she knuckled onto her helmet once - even though the Lillos couldn't know for sure, they could assume, that it was primarily for the purpose of discouraging evil spirits.
Felicia eventually mounted her own horse as well; as did Marla.
"Indeed, all we're waiting for is the carriage to be ready" - Flemming said.
In this moment, there was a sound to hear, as if someone were shooting a photo from a smartphone - and indeed, Friederike Golkrath had taken a snapshot of Flemming sitting on the horse.
Flemming snorted and asked the question Rhenish-speaking Lillos tended to ask quite often, "Watjittdatwennetfädichis?" - What is this going to be when it's done?
Golkrath grinned and replied in English, "Seeing you on horseback isn't exactly anything usual, Silas."
Flemming shrugged. "As I said, I tend to wish to be prepared for occasions like this one."
"I'd just love to know who your riding teacher was!" - Ceyda said, laughing.
Flemming grinned. "You may eat everything, but not know everything!"

Even though the passengers of the carriage weren't exactly native equestrians, they did give both Donny's and Ceili's horses some look, as both seemed to be of breeds barely seen outside the Free Lands, let alone the typical horse of your average rider you pass on a Lillorainian country road - a Móinteán and a Bratach Ríoga, whose respective original purpose had been diametrically opposed to each other, but seemed to harmonize well for this purpose - even though the way their respective riders seemed to harmonize with each other might or might not have played into this a bit as well.
Lena Ammerup grinned upon the question asked by now fully-equipped Donny - which would certainly have brought her a bit closer to diabetes, had it not been for the older Marcach, who slapped him on the helmet as a friendly reminder, that he would have a few centimeters to grow. Lena and the Gentlemen snorted and grinned upon this.
"Should I end up locked in some tower for whatever reason, you'll certainly be the first one I call!" - she replied, grinning.
Klingebiel turned to Lena. "Better hope, that your hair grows long enough until then, so he can climb it up" - he said.
"Nah, if I were Rapunzel, I'd just tell him to use a rope with a biton and call it a day."
Klingebiel shrugged. "Touché ..." - he said.

[The Selkie]

Marla kept ready provide assistance in case of a need, but since there apparently was no case of a need, she knuckled onto her helmet once - even though the Lillos couldn't know for sure, they could assume, that it was primarily for the purpose of discouraging evil spirits.
Felicia eventually mounted her own horse as well; as did Marla.
"Indeed, all we're waiting for is the carriage to be ready" - Flemming said.
In this moment, there was a sound to hear, as if someone were shooting a photo from a smartphone - and indeed, Friederike Golkrath had taken a snapshot of Flemming sitting on the horse.
Flemming snorted and asked the qustion Rhenish-speaking Lillos tended to ask quite often, "Watjittdatwennetfädichis?" - What is this going to be when it's done?
Golkrath grinned and replied in English, "Seeing you on horseback isn't exactly anything usual, Silas."
Flemming shrugged. "As I said, I tend to wish to be prepared for occasions like this one."
"I'd just love to know who your riding teacher was!" - Ceyda said, laughing.
Flemming grinned. "You may eat everything, but not know everything!"

Even though the passengers of the carriage weren't exactly native equestrians, they did give both Donny's and Ceili's horses some look, as both seemed to be of breeds barely seen outside the Free Lands, let alone the typical horse of your average rider you pass on a Lillorainian country road - a Móinteán and a Bratach Ríoga, whose respective original purpose had been diametrically opposed to each other, but seemed to harmonize well for this purpose - even though the way their respective riders seemed to harmonize with each other might or might not have placed into this a bit as well.
Lena Ammerup grinned upon the question asked by now fully-equipped Donny - which would certainly have brought her a bit closer to diabetes, had it not been for the older Marcach, who slapped him on the helmet as a friendly reminder, that he would have a few centimeters to grow. Lena and the Gentlemen snorted and grinned upon this.
"Should I end up locked in some tower for whatever reason, you'll certainly be the first one I call!" - she replied, grinning.
Klingebiel turned to Lena. "Better hope, that your hair grows long enough until then, so he can climb it up" - he said.
"Nah, if I were Rapunzel, I'd just tell him to use a rope with a biton and call it a day."
Klingebiel shrugged. "Touché ..." - he said.

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
"I bet Hilda Leverdal.", Marla and I said in unison, me in a joking manner, Marla in a deadpan, which suggested, that she was serious.
We looked at each for a moment, then Marla shook her head.
Before anyone could say anything, though, a Runner came up, on horseback, an reported in Selkie: "Rearguard ready!"
She nodded and send him on his way again.
"Well, then.", she said and nodded to one man with a horn. "Cover your ears!"
The sound was long and proud, making the bones shake. Cara, at my side, lowered his head. He did not like that.
"Depart in good order!", Marla ordered once she could be sure, that everyone listened - and that we did.

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
Before I could reply to Lena, a deep sound made us all look up and Miss Cróimiam's order made me nod.
"Right, off we go!", I said with cheer, taking up position on the right side of the carriage, in direction of motion, Ceili taking the other. We were a bit offset to the back so that the passengers could appreciate the beauty of the Mór-Land in summer, with the rest of our Lance and the nine others taking up formation.
Two Lances formed the Vanguard, two the Rearguard, six the Main Force. From an observer looking from the top, the entire convoy was easily identifiable as such, with a small gap between the elements.
The Banner-Carriers were with the Main Force and our Lance, in front of the Carriage, with two other horsemen right behind it. Marla directed Miss Sciotóg and the horse-mounted visitors between the banner-carriers and the carriage, with the explicit option for them to fall back to talk with their colleagues or to zip up and down to talk to anyone, who they might think interesting, at least until we were in viewing distance of Cnockan House.
Of course, those in the carriage were a bit more limited, but that was, what Ceili and I were for.
The other horsemen arranged themselves in rows three abreast, slowly starting to move at another horn blast.
Cara jumped up the block and rolled up next to the carriage driver, who gave him a short grin.
It was quite a bit of a caravan and I knew, that I was proud to be here.

[Lillorainen]

Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan.
"I bet Hilda Leverdal.", Marla and I said in unison, me in a joking manner, Marla in a deadpan, which suggested, that she was serious.
We looked at each for a moment, then Marla shook her head.
Before anyone could say anything, though, a Runner came up, on horseback, an reported in Selkie: "Rearguard ready!"
She nodded and send him on his way again.
"Well, then.", she said and nodded to one man with a horn. "Cover your ears!"
The sound was long and proud, making the bones shake. Cara, at my side, lowered his head. He did not like that.
"Depart in good order!", Marla ordered once she could be sure, that everyone listened - and that we did.

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
Before I could reply to Lena, a deep sound made us all look up and Miss Cróimiam's order made me nod.
"Right, off we go!", I said with cheer, taking up position on the right side of the carriage, in direction of motion, Ceili taking the other. We were a bit offset to the back so that the passengers could appreciate the beauty of the Mór-Land in summer, with the rest of our Lance and the nine others taking up formation.
Two Lances formed the Vanguard, two the Rearguard, six the Main Force. From an observer looking from the top, the entire convoy was easily identifiable as such, with a small gap between the elements.
The Banner-Carriers were with the Main Force and our Lance, in front of the Carriage, with two other horsemen right behind it. Marla directed Miss Sciotóg and the horse-mounted visitors between the banner-carriers and the carriage, with the explicit option for them to fall back to talk with their colleagues or to zip up and down to talk to anyone, who they might think interesting, at least until we were in viewing distance of Cnockan House.
Of course, those in the carriage were a bit more limited, but that was, what Ceili and I were for.
The other horsemen arranged themselves in rows three abreast, slowly starting to move at another horn blast.
Cara jumped up the block and rolled up next to the carriage driver, who gave him a short grin.
It was quite a bit of a caravan and I knew, that I was proud to be here.

Before Flemming could have responded to the Selkie-women's assumption (which was either a joke or an educated guess, depending on whom you asked), a Runner came up, saying something in Selkie sounding like a report for readiness.
Marla told everyone to cover their ears - and with the horn being blown by some guy, this turned out to be a good idea. Ceyda pitied Cara - it was already extremely loud for human ears, so it must have been completely unbearable for a feline hearing.
As soon as this was over, Marla gave an order the Lillos didn't understand, but could easily deduce the meaning of.
It was time for departing.
Everyone noticed, that they moved particularly slowly, in order to let the carriage catch up.

Before Donny could have replied to Lena, a deep sound, followed by an order, interrupted their conversation. While no one could understand the order certainly coming from Miss Cróimiam, there was only one possible meaning it could have - something along the lines of, Get yourself into the formation you're assigned to, we're gonna get moving now!
The passengers noticed, that Cara had decided to jump up the carriage and to roll up next to the driver. He certainly wasn't particularly fond of all the noise suddenly coming up.
Considering how much better a feline hearing was compared to a human one, who would hold it against him ...?
Estrup took a pack of matches out of one of his pockets and lit one, in order to light his pipe up, then passed the burning match on to Klingebiel, who hummed thankfully and took it to light his own pipe up.
As they would move on, Estrup said, "Hm, I'm starting to understand something." He let a beat pass. "I've spent my entire life wondering about how few cars exist in the Free Lands compared to Lillorainen, given how practical they are. Now I'm traveling in a horse-drawn carriage, and what should I say? I think, that it's a means of traveling I definitely could grow used to."
Marquardt nodded. "It's way less stressful, now isn't it?"
"Indeed" - Estrup interjected. "Even though motorized vehicles aren't exactly unheard of in these parts, inter-city travel in these parts is certainly way more calm than it is back home."

[The Selkie]

Before Flemming could have responded to the Selkie-women's assumption (which was either a joke or an educated guess, depending on whom you asked), a Runner came up, saying something in Selkie sounding like a report for readiness.
Marla told everyone to cover their ears - and with the horn being blown by some guy, this turned out to be a good idea. Ceyda pitied Cara - it was already extremely loud for human ears, so it must have been completely unbearable for a feline hearing.
As soon as this was over, Marla gave an order the Lillos didn't understand, but could easily deduce the meaning of.
It was time for departing.
Everyone noticed, that they moved particularly slowly, in order to let the carriage catch up.

Before Donny could have replied to Lena, a deep sound, followed by an order, interrupted their conversation. While no one could understand the order certainly coming from Miss Cróimiam, there was only one possible meaning it could have - something along the lines of, Get yourself into the formation you're assigned to, we're gonna get moving now!
The passengers noticed, that Cara had decided to jump up the carriage and to roll up next to the driver. He certainly wasn't particularly fond of all the noise suddenly coming up.
Considering how much better a feline hearing was compared to a human one, who would hold it against him ...?
Estrup took a pack of matches out of one of his pockets and lit one, in order to light his pipe up, then passed the burning match on to Klingebiel, who hummed thankfully and took it to light his own pipe up.
As they would move on, Estrup said, "Hm, I'm starting to understand something." He let a beat pass. "I've spent my entire life wondering about how few cars exist in the Free Lands compared to Lillorainen, given how practical they are. Now I'm traveling in a horse-drawn carriage, and what should I say? I think, that it's a means of traveling I definitely could grow used to."
Marquardt nodded. "It's way less stressful, now isn't it?"
"Indeed" - Estrup interjected. "Even though motorized vehicles aren't exactly unheard of in these parts, inter-city travel in these parts is certainly way more calm than it is back home."

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
As we got moving and smiled at Albin's observation after he had lit his pipe.
"Yeah, it's a lot slower then in other parts of the world.", I confirmed, "That doesn't mean, that we don't have hectic days either, though..."
"Especially when a certain someone is late for school?", Ceili asked and I blushed a bit sheepishly. She turned to the ones in the carriage. "Though, truth being told, we do travel a lot slower then others and we still reach our destinations in time. Carriage rides or riding are usually only short-distance trips, though."
"Yep!", I confirmed, "We have really fast trains for that! Almost a hundred kilometers per hour at times!"
I had no idea how fast trains in Lillorainen were, but I knew, that for me, trains were pretty fast. Slowly, the speed of the caravan reached our marching speed, a trot at around twelve kilometers per hour - as Cnockan House was around nine kilometers away, we would be on the road for three quarters of an hour.

Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I had been Marla's Rival for a long time now - it was an almost bitter rivalry and the two of us were most certainly not friends, not like Leonard and I or Leonard and Marla were, but I was still fine with her being in charge of the convoy. She had the experience and I was honoured to be one of the flagbearers.
Next to me, Fiona Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Cavan carried the Banner of Carman Fea, high and proud. Of course, we didn't carry it with the arm free in the air, the entire weight in one hand, but we had a small slot in one of the stirrups, which held the majority of the weight instead of the arm.
I looked over to Fiona, who looked back, and then we both turned further to see the riding guests. They looked good and the horses were performing as we expected.
"So...", I said with a small grin, "...it was Leverdal, wasn't it?"