Open Up Our Minds (IC/MT)

[The Selkie]

"Why do you have to make it so difficult...?", Gwen mumbled to herself, rubbing the bridge of her nose. It would soon be all over the news, that was sure, one of the most influential women in the Free Lands had something happen to her... something bad. But telling him now, it would be a sign of trust. He was her cub, after all... but this was a deeply private matter as well.
At least until it went on the papers, serious ones, and then hit the net.
Gwen looked to her daughter - for years now, she was her most trusted advisor, her most loyal employee... and her daughter. Selkie were people, where such a thing mattered (although not in the ways of nepotism)
Fiona nodded, slightly, her expression grim.
Gwen stepped forward and began to whisper into his ear: "You remember Nora Cathlong, right? The woman with me back in Criska, who got herself pregnant. We all knew, that it would be a difficult thing, yet she still went ahead and carried that child... she's 53, after all." She made a small pause. "Two hours ago, she gave birth to a dead child, a girl. Kyra was her name, as per Selkie-custom."
She stepped back, bowed her head slightly, then looked over to Fiona, who looked like she wanted to say something.

Golahman glanced at Fiona, then back at Gwen. In truth, he wasn't sure what to say or do at this point, considering Krugeristani public attitude toward such situations. He was the president of this nation, after all. Betraying the trust of his people to uphold their values could have consequences no Krugeristani president has faced--especially since he was only the second president.

The other thing he didn't want to do was tell Vershenov. God only knows how Vershenov would react.

Folding his hands in his lap, Golahman sighed. "Considering this . . . sin was not the fault of the child, and that the whole of Krugeristan--" Golahman performed a cross sign in the air in front of him, "will pray the spirit of the child finds its way to a proper, loving family, I can allow you, Gwen, to leave Krugeristan by way of executive action. I will send a message to air traffic control and Doenya International that they are not allowed to ask any questions to you. You are still allowed to come and go into Krugeristan as you please."

The two Selkie looked at each other, into the eyes.
Their breathing was hard, calming considerably over the next few seconds as they took deeper and deeper ones - it was, as if one thought passed between them over and over again, wordlessly: He means well. He doesn't know how to say it or how to say it without betraying his culture, but he means well. That's all that counts.
Fact was, that no matter what Golahman thought, the Cathlongs would have loved Kyra with all their hearts, with their souls... and that they were a proper family by Selkie-Culture, just not by his. Nora did not sin, as the concept of sin meant something else for them then for the Krugeristanis (or Christians in general).
"Thank you, Karak.", Gwen said and smiled, although that certainly dod not reach her eyes, "I'll give your... message to Nora."
"Uhm, Mom.", Fiona said and hesitated, something very much unlike her.
Fiona smiled, fonder, yet still not reaching her eyes. "Spit it out."
"Can... can I come along with you?", she asked, "Gwenny might need me and... and..."
Her mother nodded. "Yes. You don't have anything against it, right?", she asked Karak - of course, he would have something against it, she thought, but she hoped, that he would understand.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman glanced at Fiona, then back at Gwen. In truth, he wasn't sure what to say or do at this point, considering Krugeristani public attitude toward such situations. He was the president of this nation, after all. Betraying the trust of his people to uphold their values could have consequences no Krugeristani president has faced--especially since he was only the second president.

The other thing he didn't want to do was tell Vershenov. God only knows how Vershenov would react.

Folding his hands in his lap, Golahman sighed. "Considering this . . . sin was not the fault of the child, and that the whole of Krugeristan--" Golahman performed a cross sign in the air in front of him, "will pray the spirit of the child finds its way to a proper, loving family, I can allow you, Gwen, to leave Krugeristan by way of executive action. I will send a message to air traffic control and Doenya International that they are not allowed to ask any questions to you. You are still allowed to come and go into Krugeristan as you please."

The two Selkie looked at each other, into the eyes.
Their breathing was hard, calming considerably over the next few seconds as they took deeper and deeper ones - it was, as if one thought passed between them over and over again, wordlessly: He means well. He doesn't know how to say it or how to say it without betraying his culture, but he means well. That's all that counts.
Fact was, that no matter what Golahman thought, the Cathlongs would have loved Kyra with all their hearts, with their souls... and that they were a proper family by Selkie-Culture, just not by his. Nora did not sin, as the concept of sin meant something else for them then for the Krugeristanis (or Christians in general).
"Thank you, Karak.", Gwen said and smiled, although that certainly dod not reach her eyes, "I'll give your... message to Nora."
"Uhm, Mom.", Fiona said and hesitated, something very much unlike her.
Fiona smiled, fonder, yet still not reaching her eyes. "Spit it out."
"Can... can I come along with you?", she asked, "Gwenny might need me and... and..."
Her mother nodded. "Yes. You don't have anything against it, right?", she asked Karak - of course, he would have something against it, she thought, but she hoped, that he would understand.

Golahman didn't reply right away. In fact, he didn't want to reply at all. He looked at his lap before glancing at Fiona and Gwen, unsure of what to say. After a moment of sitting quietly, he gave a sigh. "If you want to go, then go. I have nothing against you . . . leaving."

[The Selkie]

Golahman didn't reply right away. In fact, he didn't want to reply at all. He looked at his lap before glancing at Fiona and Gwen, unsure of what to say. After a moment of sitting quietly, he gave a sigh. "If you want to go, then go. I have nothing against you . . . leaving."

Fiona moved forward, pecked Karak on the lips. "Thank you... Gwenny's a sister to me, although not by blood, but that matters little.", she told him in a whisper, "So thank you. For not making this hard."
"Fi...", he mother said and she did not sound too happy, which was more about the general situation.
Fiona nodded, then snapped her fingers, pointing at the side of her right feet, on the ground - Sio understood and went to her side. "Ar aghaidh.", she told her mother in Selkie.
"Chuig briseadh.", Gwen agreed and nodded, "Come, let's get going."
And with that, not waiting for her daughter to confirm, the two left, talking in Selkie, Fiona getting out her cell to type something, a message to their jet, and off they were.

[Laneige]

"Is he in a bad mood today??" Catherine whispered to Assad. Worried at the chef's expression. She then turned to Rima, not knowing what to do. Rima gave Catherine a slight hand gesture, signaling her to lighten up the atmosphere. Catherine nodded and turned back to the Chef. "I'm sorry Chef Naven, I don't mind to offend. Its just that we're relatively new to Krugeristani's cuisines. Would you be so kind to introduce us some?" Catherine smiled.

Naven glared at Assad. "Again, they're asking for--"

"Why don't you tell me what's bothering you?" Assad asked.

"That is none of your business, no matter how much respect this country has for you. You're still a man, Mr. Assad, and you have no right to whatever's going on inside my head right now."

"I wasn't trying to do that."

"They want food? Here." Naven handed Assad two menus. "Have them place their order and I'll deliver it like the Goddamn slave I am to them!" He stormed off to the back of the tent, Assad watching in shock.

Catherine watched as the head chef of Krugeristan storms to the back of the tent. The two Laneigean looked at each other for a moment, in confusion. Catherine then turned to Assad to check his expression. It was not good. "Tell me that wasn't me, Mr. President." Catherine spoke to Assad.

[Krugeristan]

Naven glared at Assad. "Again, they're asking for--"

"Why don't you tell me what's bothering you?" Assad asked.

"That is none of your business, no matter how much respect this country has for you. You're still a man, Mr. Assad, and you have no right to whatever's going on inside my head right now."

"I wasn't trying to do that."

"They want food? Here." Naven handed Assad two menus. "Have them place their order and I'll deliver it like the Goddamn slave I am to them!" He stormed off to the back of the tent, Assad watching in shock.

Catherine watched as the head chef of Krugeristan storms to the back of the tent. The two Laneigean looked at each other for a moment, in confusion. Catherine then turned to Assad to check his expression. It was not good. "Tell me that wasn't me, Mr. President." Catherine spoke to Assad.

Assad shook his head when he glanced at Catherine. "No, it wasn't you, ma'am. Someone did something to set him off earlier in the day. He's usually . . . not like this."

A few seconds later, a uniformed man entered the tent. "Mr. President," he said.

"Yes?"

"President Golahman needs you. It's personal."

Assad bit his lip, not wanting to leave the Laneigeans. "I'll be there in a moment." He turned to Catherine. "I think . . . it'd be best if you approach Naven yourself. Krugeristanis find respect in someone willing to confront whatever's going on in their minds."

[The Selkie]

Catherine watched as the head chef of Krugeristan storms to the back of the tent. The two Laneigean looked at each other for a moment, in confusion. Catherine then turned to Assad to check his expression. It was not good. "Tell me that wasn't me, Mr. President." Catherine spoke to Assad.

Assad shook his head when he glanced at Catherine. "No, it wasn't you, ma'am. Someone did something to set him off earlier in the day. He's usually . . . not like this."

A few seconds later, a uniformed man entered the tent. "Mr. President," he said.

"Yes?"

"President Golahman needs you. It's personal."

Assad bit his lip, not wanting to leave the Laneigeans. "I'll be there in a moment." He turned to Catherine. "I think . . . it'd be best if you approach Naven yourself. Krugeristanis find respect in someone willing to confront whatever's going on in their minds."

While that was going on, with all the implications and Fiona remembering the nightmares of her boyfriend, of her leaving him, her mother having told her about them, Gwen herself was busy having a quiet conversation with Ayden in Selkie.
She told him, what was going to happen.
How it was going to happen.
And how she wanted him to react.
He nodded and thought his own things, then bowed his head. "I trust your judgement in that matter, Mistress Banphrionsa.", he said in Selkie, stiff backed, "May the winds be fair to you. And our... condolences and best wishes to Mistress Cathlong."
Gwen nodded. "Thank you. I'll make sure, that they'll reach them. See you back in the Land of the Living!", she said, Fiona nodding towards the diplomat instead of replying, and they were on their way again, hoping to get a taxi to drive them to the airport, where they would take the plane they arrived with back home.

[Krugeristan]

Assad shook his head when he glanced at Catherine. "No, it wasn't you, ma'am. Someone did something to set him off earlier in the day. He's usually . . . not like this."

A few seconds later, a uniformed man entered the tent. "Mr. President," he said.

"Yes?"

"President Golahman needs you. It's personal."

Assad bit his lip, not wanting to leave the Laneigeans. "I'll be there in a moment." He turned to Catherine. "I think . . . it'd be best if you approach Naven yourself. Krugeristanis find respect in someone willing to confront whatever's going on in their minds."

While that was going on, with all the implications and Fiona remembering the nightmares of her boyfriend, of her leaving him, her mother having told her about them, Gwen herself was busy having a quiet conversation with Ayden in Selkie.
She told him, what was going to happen.
How it was going to happen.
And how she wanted him to react.
He nodded and thought his own things, then bowed his head. "I trust your judgement in that matter, Mistress Banphrionsa.", he said in Selkie, stiff backed, "May the winds be fair to you. And our... condolences and best wishes to Mistress Cathlong."
Gwen nodded. "Thank you. I'll make sure, that they'll reach them. See you back in the Land of the Living!", she said, Fiona nodding towards the diplomat instead of replying, and they were on their way again, hoping to get a taxi to drive them to the airport, where they would take the plane they arrived with back home.

The guard explained to Assad in a hushed voice what had happened, having been sent by Golahman to fetch the Syrian president. When the guard stopped, he pointed Assad in the direction of the tent where Golahman was sitting by himself with Luminous on his lap. Assad could see Ayden was still here, in a conversation with Gwen, though he couldn't hear anything they were saying.

Ducking into the tent, Assad sat across from Golahman, who gestured for the lady behind the counter to leave while he talked to his friend.

Assad wasn't at all familiar with what happened to Nora, and Golahman spent a good amount of time telling him about how Krugeristani politicians were quick to bar her and Lukas from entering Krugeristan's airspace, as well as how many were questioning the fragility of the relationship between Krugeristan and the Free Lands.

"Now that I'm letting Gwen and Fiona go . . . to see someone who isn't allowed into my country on a personal visit . . . what will my own people think?" Golahman asked. "I don't want to lie to them."

"Why say anything at all?" Assad replied.

"Because I gave an executive action. Airport security isn't allowed to ask about why Gwen and Fiona are leaving."

"Did you state why they're not allowed to ask?"

"No."

"Then you're not lying to anyone. It's deeply personal. No one, in any country, has the right to question something on a deep, personal level such as this. It's a one-time thing. It doesn't mean that the Banisphoras are betraying you. Hell, they've known this Nora woman longer than they've known you." Assad shifted in his chair. "How much do you love Fiona?"

"A lot. More than anything in the world." Golahman flicked his gaze to Assad. "Why do you ask?"

"Don't you think you would show her that you truly love her if you allow her to visit her friend in a time of crisis? Don't you think that would show her that you trust her?"

"I guess it does . . . does it? I do trust her."

"She has to know you trust her, and you can't just say it. You have to show it."

Golahman tilted his head a little. "Is this how you and Asma have been together for so long?"

"Every couple is unique in its own way. Besides, the way Krugeristanis and Selkie deal with relationships is pretty different. I'm not sure advice from a couple of the same country will help."

Nodding, Golahman stood up, going over to the tent flap to see if Ayden was still there.

[The Selkie]

While that was going on, with all the implications and Fiona remembering the nightmares of her boyfriend, of her leaving him, her mother having told her about them, Gwen herself was busy having a quiet conversation with Ayden in Selkie.
She told him, what was going to happen.
How it was going to happen.
And how she wanted him to react.
He nodded and thought his own things, then bowed his head. "I trust your judgement in that matter, Mistress Banphrionsa.", he said in Selkie, stiff backed, "May the winds be fair to you. And our... condolences and best wishes to Mistress Cathlong."
Gwen nodded. "Thank you. I'll make sure, that they'll reach them. See you back in the Land of the Living!", she said, Fiona nodding towards the diplomat instead of replying, and they were on their way again, hoping to get a taxi to drive them to the airport, where they would take the plane they arrived with back home.

The guard explained to Assad in a hushed voice what had happened, having been sent by Golahman to fetch the Syrian president. When the guard stopped, he pointed Assad in the direction of the tent where Golahman was sitting by himself with Luminous on his lap. Assad could see Ayden was still here, in a conversation with Gwen, though he couldn't hear anything they were saying.

Ducking into the tent, Assad sat across from Golahman, who gestured for the lady behind the counter to leave while he talked to his friend.

Assad wasn't at all familiar with what happened to Nora, and Golahman spent a good amount of time telling him about how Krugeristani politicians were quick to bar her and Lukas from entering Krugeristan's airspace, as well as how many were questioning the fragility of the relationship between Krugeristan and the Free Lands.

"Now that I'm letting Gwen and Fiona go . . . to see someone who isn't allowed into my country on a personal visit . . . what will my own people think?" Golahman asked. "I don't want to lie to them."

"Why say anything at all?" Assad replied.

"Because I gave an executive action. Airport security isn't allowed to ask about why Gwen and Fiona are leaving."

"Did you state why they're not allowed to ask?"

"No."

"Then you're not lying to anyone. It's deeply personal. No one, in any country, has the right to question something on a deep, personal level such as this. It's a one-time thing. It doesn't mean that the Banisphoras are betraying you. Hell, they've known this Nora woman longer than they've known you." Assad shifted in his chair. "How much do you love Fiona?"

"A lot. More than anything in the world." Golahman flicked his gaze to Assad. "Why do you ask?"

"Don't you think you would show her that you truly love her if you allow her to visit her friend in a time of crisis? Don't you think that would show her that you trust her?"

"I guess it does . . . does it? I do trust her."

"She has to know you trust her, and you can't just say it. You have to show it."

Golahman tilted his head a little. "Is this how you and Asma have been together for so long?"

"Every couple is unique in its own way. Besides, the way Krugeristanis and Selkie deal with relationships is pretty different. I'm not sure advice from a couple of the same country will help."

Nodding, Golahman stood up, going over to the tent flap to see if Ayden was still there.

Ayden, having by now taken a few deep breaths, formulated the next course of action. Quite frankly, Ayden shared Brigadier Eitil's estimate - he would, however, never voice that and neither would the Brigadier. After all, this was a courtesy visit.
Voicing that opinion, with all it entailed, would be rather impolite.
Still, he had a job to do. There was more going on in the quaint and quiet Free Lands then anything led on, that was for sure.
As Golahman approached him, he smiled a small smile, slightly forlorn note creeping into it. By tradition of his people, he placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head, a gesture reserved to greet an Elder or a foreign Head of State. "Good afternoon, Mister President. What can I do for you?", he asked with an honest tone as soon as he got up again.

[Krugeristan]

The guard explained to Assad in a hushed voice what had happened, having been sent by Golahman to fetch the Syrian president. When the guard stopped, he pointed Assad in the direction of the tent where Golahman was sitting by himself with Luminous on his lap. Assad could see Ayden was still here, in a conversation with Gwen, though he couldn't hear anything they were saying.

Ducking into the tent, Assad sat across from Golahman, who gestured for the lady behind the counter to leave while he talked to his friend.

Assad wasn't at all familiar with what happened to Nora, and Golahman spent a good amount of time telling him about how Krugeristani politicians were quick to bar her and Lukas from entering Krugeristan's airspace, as well as how many were questioning the fragility of the relationship between Krugeristan and the Free Lands.

"Now that I'm letting Gwen and Fiona go . . . to see someone who isn't allowed into my country on a personal visit . . . what will my own people think?" Golahman asked. "I don't want to lie to them."

"Why say anything at all?" Assad replied.

"Because I gave an executive action. Airport security isn't allowed to ask about why Gwen and Fiona are leaving."

"Did you state why they're not allowed to ask?"

"No."

"Then you're not lying to anyone. It's deeply personal. No one, in any country, has the right to question something on a deep, personal level such as this. It's a one-time thing. It doesn't mean that the Banisphoras are betraying you. Hell, they've known this Nora woman longer than they've known you." Assad shifted in his chair. "How much do you love Fiona?"

"A lot. More than anything in the world." Golahman flicked his gaze to Assad. "Why do you ask?"

"Don't you think you would show her that you truly love her if you allow her to visit her friend in a time of crisis? Don't you think that would show her that you trust her?"

"I guess it does . . . does it? I do trust her."

"She has to know you trust her, and you can't just say it. You have to show it."

Golahman tilted his head a little. "Is this how you and Asma have been together for so long?"

"Every couple is unique in its own way. Besides, the way Krugeristanis and Selkie deal with relationships is pretty different. I'm not sure advice from a couple of the same country will help."

Nodding, Golahman stood up, going over to the tent flap to see if Ayden was still there.

Ayden, having by now taken a few deep breaths, formulated the next course of action. Quite frankly, Ayden shared Brigadier Eitil's estimate - he would, however, never voice that and neither would the Brigadier. After all, this was a courtesy visit.
Voicing that opinion, with all it entailed, would be rather impolite.
Still, he had a job to do. There was more going on in the quaint and quiet Free Lands then anything led on, that was for sure.
As Golahman approached him, he smiled a small smile, slightly forlorn note creeping into it. By tradition of his people, he placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head, a gesture reserved to greet an Elder or a foreign Head of State. "Good afternoon, Mister President. What can I do for you?", he asked with an honest tone as soon as he got up again.

"Nothing," Golahman replied, nervously. "Where is Aingeal?"

Assad peered out of the tent as well. He, for one, was still upset over the Selkie's decision to deny him a summer retreat, but he had forced himself to not form a grudge over it.

[The Selkie]

"Nothing," Golahman replied, nervously. "Where is Aingeal?"

Assad peered out of the tent as well. He, for one, was still upset over the Selkie's decision to deny him a summer retreat, but he had forced himself to not form a grudge over it.

Ayden raised an eyebrow.
...Okay., he thought, a little bit surprised, if he was honest. He thought, that this was highly uncharacteristic of Golahman, but he could guess the reasons. "Very well.", he said with a nod, lowering his voice, "I actually called her over to inform her about the early departure of the Banphrionsas. She knows the reasons and... well..."
"Not exactly.", Aingeal said from behind him. She looked worried - after all, the Cathlongs oftentimes accompanied the Ambassador Groups as part of the business delegation. Ayden looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "The situation is not well."
"Don't explain the word-play.", Ayden sighed, "It makes me look like an idiot..."
Aingeal smiled, then looked to Golahman, placed a hand over her heart and bowed her head, something, which looked rather nice in her leather jacket. "My apologies, Mister President, for greeting you late. If you want, I can leave you and Ayden to some talks."
She knew, that Ayden would have nothing against her staying by his side.

[Krugeristan]

"Nothing," Golahman replied, nervously. "Where is Aingeal?"

Assad peered out of the tent as well. He, for one, was still upset over the Selkie's decision to deny him a summer retreat, but he had forced himself to not form a grudge over it.

Ayden raised an eyebrow.
...Okay., he thought, a little bit surprised, if he was honest. He thought, that this was highly uncharacteristic of Golahman, but he could guess the reasons. "Very well.", he said with a nod, lowering his voice, "I actually called her over to inform her about the early departure of the Banphrionsas. She knows the reasons and... well..."
"Not exactly.", Aingeal said from behind him. She looked worried - after all, the Cathlongs oftentimes accompanied the Ambassador Groups as part of the business delegation. Ayden looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "The situation is not well."
"Don't explain the word-play.", Ayden sighed, "It makes me look like an idiot..."
Aingeal smiled, then looked to Golahman, placed a hand over her heart and bowed her head, something, which looked rather nice in her leather jacket. "My apologies, Mister President, for greeting you late. If you want, I can leave you and Ayden to some talks."
She knew, that Ayden would have nothing against her staying by his side.

"No, I just want . . . people around me, right now," Golahman stammered, bending over to pick up Luminous.

Assad looked around, wondering if there was anything that would keep everyone's mind occupied. He was aware he still had his new crossbow over his shoulder, and then pointed in the direction of a large fenced area with small targets on its furthest end away from the fairgrounds. "Why don't we shoot at targets?" he suggested.

Glancing at his friend, Golahman gave a somewhat noticeable nod. "Um . . . alright."

[The Selkie]

"No, I just want . . . people around me, right now," Golahman stammered, bending over to pick up Luminous.

Assad looked around, wondering if there was anything that would keep everyone's mind occupied. He was aware he still had his new crossbow over his shoulder, and then pointed in the direction of a large fenced area with small targets on its furthest end away from the fairgrounds. "Why don't we shoot at targets?" he suggested.

Glancing at his friend, Golahman gave a somewhat noticeable nod. "Um . . . alright."

Ayden and Aingeal both nodded, not needing a glance to communicate - they would keep that poor man company, they decided each of their own.
Aingeal spoke up first: "I'm in, but I'll have you know..." She grinned a dangerous grin. "I was with the Mounted Crossbows of the Millhouse Younger Militia. There was a time, when I could place a bolt into an apple-sized target at two-hundred metres from the back of a galloping horse... granted, I am a bit rusty by now, so..." She shrugged. "Don't make any bets yet."
Ayden grinned. "Oh, you'll be fine!", he said with a grin, "Now, let's go!"

[Krugeristan]

"No, I just want . . . people around me, right now," Golahman stammered, bending over to pick up Luminous.

Assad looked around, wondering if there was anything that would keep everyone's mind occupied. He was aware he still had his new crossbow over his shoulder, and then pointed in the direction of a large fenced area with small targets on its furthest end away from the fairgrounds. "Why don't we shoot at targets?" he suggested.

Glancing at his friend, Golahman gave a somewhat noticeable nod. "Um . . . alright."

Ayden and Aingeal both nodded, not needing a glance to communicate - they would keep that poor man company, they decided each of their own.
Aingeal spoke up first: "I'm in, but I'll have you know..." She grinned a dangerous grin. "I was with the Mounted Crossbows of the Millhouse Younger Militia. There was a time, when I could place a bolt into an apple-sized target at two-hundred metres from the back of a galloping horse... granted, I am a bit rusty by now, so..." She shrugged. "Don't make any bets yet."
Ayden grinned. "Oh, you'll be fine!", he said with a grin, "Now, let's go!"

"Bragging and bets are frowned upon here," a new voice called. Approaching them was a short man was light-brown hair, wearing a black jacket covered in straps for holding weapons and ammunition. He folded his arms over his chest, a slight smile on his face. "For that, you may be going last. Besides, you can shoot anything you want at these targets." He gestured for them to follow him to a really small stand, filled with various types of weapons. "We have your traditional bows, crossbows, pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, anything you want."

[The Selkie]

"Bragging and bets are frowned upon here," a new voice called. Approaching them was a short man was light-brown hair, wearing a black jacket covered in straps for holding weapons and ammunition. He folded his arms over his chest, a slight smile on his face. "For that, you may be going last. Besides, you can shoot anything you want at these targets." He gestured for them to follow him to a really small stand, filled with various types of weapons. "We have your traditional bows, crossbows, pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, anything you want."

Aingeal was close to making a comment about not bragging, but stating a fact and that she had indeed been able to, once and that any bet would go to the nearest charity, church or temple - she withheld anything in that regard, though, first because of her own pride (both of her skills and of herself) and second because she did not want a repeat of the Naven-situation.
Plus, she wasn't too eager on killing helpless targets anyway.
Ayden took over for her: "Well... that's certainly something.", he said with a wide grin, before he asked, "Can you tell me a bit about the models of assault rifles you have here? Only Krugeristani ones or foreign makes as well?"

[Krugeristan]

"Bragging and bets are frowned upon here," a new voice called. Approaching them was a short man was light-brown hair, wearing a black jacket covered in straps for holding weapons and ammunition. He folded his arms over his chest, a slight smile on his face. "For that, you may be going last. Besides, you can shoot anything you want at these targets." He gestured for them to follow him to a really small stand, filled with various types of weapons. "We have your traditional bows, crossbows, pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, anything you want."

Aingeal was close to making a comment about not bragging, but stating a fact and that she had indeed been able to, once and that any bet would go to the nearest charity, church or temple - she withheld anything in that regard, though, first because of her own pride (both of her skills and of herself) and second because she did not want a repeat of the Naven-situation.
Plus, she wasn't too eager on killing helpless targets anyway.
Ayden took over for her: "Well... that's certainly something.", he said with a wide grin, before he asked, "Can you tell me a bit about the models of assault rifles you have here? Only Krugeristani ones or foreign makes as well?"

"The standard issue weapon as of today, for the army has been the Russian-made AK-47," the man replied. "We have plenty of those, including a few displayed here. There are only two Krugeristani-made assault rifles that are mass-produced, with more models being tested out as we speak so we can be nearly independent when it comes to our arms. The KR-26, first made in 1997, has been sold to Syria, and more recently, to Israel for testing by the IDF. Like the AK-47--" the man took a heavy-looking assault rifle from a rack, "it is ambidextrous. However, this is the first of it's kind to be strictly ambidextrous and provides easy use for the left-handed. The button to take out the magazine is in the center, and to charge a round, you use your thumb to press forward a small lever near the trigger."

[The Selkie]

Aingeal was close to making a comment about not bragging, but stating a fact and that she had indeed been able to, once and that any bet would go to the nearest charity, church or temple - she withheld anything in that regard, though, first because of her own pride (both of her skills and of herself) and second because she did not want a repeat of the Naven-situation.
Plus, she wasn't too eager on killing helpless targets anyway.
Ayden took over for her: "Well... that's certainly something.", he said with a wide grin, before he asked, "Can you tell me a bit about the models of assault rifles you have here? Only Krugeristani ones or foreign makes as well?"

"The standard issue weapon as of today, for the army has been the Russian-made AK-47," the man replied. "We have plenty of those, including a few displayed here. There are only two Krugeristani-made assault rifles that are mass-produced, with more models being tested out as we speak so we can be nearly independent when it comes to our arms. The KR-26, first made in 1997, has been sold to Syria, and more recently, to Israel for testing by the IDF. Like the AK-47--" the man took a heavy-looking assault rifle from a rack, "it is ambidextrous. However, this is the first of it's kind to be strictly ambidextrous and provides easy use for the left-handed. The button to take out the magazine is in the center, and to charge a round, you use your thumb to press forward a small lever near the trigger."

Be happy., Ayden thought as he looked at the AK-47, Be happy that the Banphrionsas' are already on their merry way, otherwise they would rip this thing apart and give you five hundred reasons why this thing is, in their and their engineers' minds obsolete scrap metal.
He, however, did not voice that. He was more interested in the KR-26 anyway.
With a smile, a nod and respect for the weapon in his hands, he took the weapon, which was, to him, at least, lighter the he would have estimated. He kept his finger as far away from the trigger as he could, aiming the weapon downward, at the ground, as he first took out the magazine, checked it, noting the rounds, then took the bullet out of the chamber, looked for the safety switch and nodded.
It was clear, that he wasn't new to firearms and while he was a bit rusty, this one was a clear new one to him.
"Interesting design choices.", he said with a nod, "Are those 7.62-39-millimetre rounds?"

[Krugeristan]

"The standard issue weapon as of today, for the army has been the Russian-made AK-47," the man replied. "We have plenty of those, including a few displayed here. There are only two Krugeristani-made assault rifles that are mass-produced, with more models being tested out as we speak so we can be nearly independent when it comes to our arms. The KR-26, first made in 1997, has been sold to Syria, and more recently, to Israel for testing by the IDF. Like the AK-47--" the man took a heavy-looking assault rifle from a rack, "it is ambidextrous. However, this is the first of it's kind to be strictly ambidextrous and provides easy use for the left-handed. The button to take out the magazine is in the center, and to charge a round, you use your thumb to press forward a small lever near the trigger."

Be happy., Ayden thought as he looked at the AK-47, Be happy that the Banphrionsas' are already on their merry way, otherwise they would rip this thing apart and give you five hundred reasons why this thing is, in their and their engineers' minds obsolete scrap metal.
He, however, did not voice that. He was more interested in the KR-26 anyway.
With a smile, a nod and respect for the weapon in his hands, he took the weapon, which was, to him, at least, lighter the he would have estimated. He kept his finger as far away from the trigger as he could, aiming the weapon downward, at the ground, as he first took out the magazine, checked it, noting the rounds, then took the bullet out of the chamber, looked for the safety switch and nodded.
It was clear, that he wasn't new to firearms and while he was a bit rusty, this one was a clear new one to him.
"Interesting design choices.", he said with a nod, "Are those 7.62-39-millimetre rounds?"

"Yes, they are," the man replied. "There's a good deal of recoil, and this thing is rather loud." He took a set of earmuffs from his belt. "Don't worry, they're freshly sanitized." He walked over to Assad, noting the Syrian's eagerness to play with the crossbow. "Hold your horses, there, boy. Don't get too happy," he muttered while taking the lock off the crossbow's trigger. He gestured for Golahman and Aingeal to stand back. "Whenever you're ready, take the safety off and fire. You've got five minutes apiece."

[The Selkie]

"Yes, they are," the man replied. "There's a good deal of recoil, and this thing is rather loud." He took a set of earmuffs from his belt. "Don't worry, they're freshly sanitized." He walked over to Assad, noting the Syrian's eagerness to play with the crossbow. "Hold your horses, there, boy. Don't get too happy," he muttered while taking the lock off the crossbow's trigger. He gestured for Golahman and Aingeal to stand back. "Whenever you're ready, take the safety off and fire. You've got five minutes apiece."

Ayden nodded and turned down the range - he did not take the earmuffs with a thankful, but declining smile and a shake of his head. Instead, he looked downrange, loaded the weapon with precise handmovements and chambered a round.
He took a breath...
...in one swift move, he brought the rifle up, switched off the safety, to semi-automatic, and gave the first target three rounds, which were appropriately spaced for two hits in the chest and one in the head. It was the firing pattern the SDF drilled into its soldiers.
A moment later, he nodded, satisfied - indeed, there was a harsh recoil and there were definately more silent weapons in the world, but so far, this weapon was not bad. Not bad at all. He would, though, still prefer the CAM 2008 or CAM 1966, but the weapon of Krugeristani origin was not bad at all.
He picked the next target.
Aingeal, meanwhile, took out a pair of small field glasses and watched Ayden decimate the targets, giving an appraising whistle at one point, offering the small binoculars, which would not be out of place for a bird watcher, to Golahman.

[Krugeristan]

"Yes, they are," the man replied. "There's a good deal of recoil, and this thing is rather loud." He took a set of earmuffs from his belt. "Don't worry, they're freshly sanitized." He walked over to Assad, noting the Syrian's eagerness to play with the crossbow. "Hold your horses, there, boy. Don't get too happy," he muttered while taking the lock off the crossbow's trigger. He gestured for Golahman and Aingeal to stand back. "Whenever you're ready, take the safety off and fire. You've got five minutes apiece."

Ayden nodded and turned down the range - he did not take the earmuffs with a thankful, but declining smile and a shake of his head. Instead, he looked downrange, loaded the weapon with precise handmovements and chambered a round.
He took a breath...
...in one swift move, he brought the rifle up, switched off the safety, to semi-automatic, and gave the first target three rounds, which were appropriately spaced for two hits in the chest and one in the head. It was the firing pattern the SDF drilled into its soldiers.
A moment later, he nodded, satisfied - indeed, there was a harsh recoil and there were definately more silent weapons in the world, but so far, this weapon was not bad. Not bad at all. He would, though, still prefer the CAM 2008 or CAM 1966, but the weapon of Krugeristani origin was not bad at all.
He picked the next target.
Aingeal, meanwhile, took out a pair of small field glasses and watched Ayden decimate the targets, giving an appraising whistle at one point, offering the small binoculars, which would not be out of place for a bird watcher, to Golahman.

Assad waited for the instructor to step back after he was handed an arrow. He pulled the string back, nocking the arrow, and aimed at his target, unsure of what he was doing.

After a full thirty seconds of waiting, Assad fired the arrow--which landed in a less-than-desired place on the target.

"Brilliant, Assad," the instructor replied. "You've rendered your enemy incapable of reproducing."

Assad glanced behind him, thoroughly embarrassed.

[The Selkie]

Assad waited for the instructor to step back after he was handed an arrow. He pulled the string back, nocking the arrow, and aimed at his target, unsure of what he was doing.

After a full thirty seconds of waiting, Assad fired the arrow--which landed in a less-than-desired place on the target.

"Brilliant, Assad," the instructor replied. "You've rendered your enemy incapable of reproducing."

Assad glanced behind him, thoroughly embarrassed.

Aingeal nodded. "The enemy will have problems with the manpower supply in around twenty years.", she said with utmost seriousness, before she looked back to Ayden, who had finished his first clip, nodding with approval. "You know, you can't buy one of those!"
"Yeah, yeah...", he said and waved his free hand, the rifle pointed upwards, "Restrictions on the buying and selling of weapons of war and all that jazz." He still grinned. "Still, if Krugeristan ever decides to export these things, they'll be quite a competitor, I'd imagine!"
"Let the guys at Gabha worry about that!", Aingeal said with a smile, watching as Ayden made sure, that the weapon was empty, by taking out the magazine and opening the chamber, and handed the rifle back with utmost care and thankfulness. "They have the firearms exports of the Free Lands in their pockets, after all."

[Krugeristan]

Assad waited for the instructor to step back after he was handed an arrow. He pulled the string back, nocking the arrow, and aimed at his target, unsure of what he was doing.

After a full thirty seconds of waiting, Assad fired the arrow--which landed in a less-than-desired place on the target.

"Brilliant, Assad," the instructor replied. "You've rendered your enemy incapable of reproducing."

Assad glanced behind him, thoroughly embarrassed.

Aingeal nodded. "The enemy will have problems with the manpower supply in around twenty years.", she said with utmost seriousness, before she looked back to Ayden, who had finished his first clip, nodding with approval. "You know, you can't buy one of those!"
"Yeah, yeah...", he said and waved his free hand, the rifle pointed upwards, "Restrictions on the buying and selling of weapons of war and all that jazz." He still grinned. "Still, if Krugeristan ever decides to export these things, they'll be quite a competitor, I'd imagine!"
"Let the guys at Gabha worry about that!", Aingeal said with a smile, watching as Ayden made sure, that the weapon was empty, by taking out the magazine and opening the chamber, and handed the rifle back with utmost care and thankfulness. "They have the firearms exports of the Free Lands in their pockets, after all."

Golahman frowned while listening. The instructor looked absolutely terrified, and Assad was still glancing back at everyone.

"We don't export to monopolies," the instructor snarled.

Golahman looked at the instructor. "Sir. Now isn't a good time. Let the Senate handle it."

All the instructor did was nod.

[The Selkie]

Golahman frowned while listening. The instructor looked absolutely terrified, and Assad was still glancing back at everyone.

"We don't export to monopolies," the instructor snarled.

Golahman looked at the instructor. "Sir. Now isn't a good time. Let the Senate handle it."

All the instructor did was nod.

Aingeal looked confused, asking herself, what was wrong this time, looked over to Ayden, who quite openly shrugged.
So, Aingeal and Ayden decided to do as the President did, ignoring it - let the Merchant Guild explain to the Krugeristani Senate in clear, simple and easy to understand main sentences, that Gabha was the only firearms manufacturer of the Free Lands exporting weapons on a large scale, what that meant, what that meant for Krugeristan and their arms exports. Both of them would make bets, that it wasn't Miss Banphrionsa's hobby to explain her boyfriend's people how economy worked.
Subsequently, Ayden and Aingeal stayed silent on that matter.
"Well, thank you for that opportunity, Sir.", Ayden said, giving the vendor a thankful nod, "I must admit, that the Ambassador Groups received SDF-Training, including with firearms... I did not make any major mistakes, right?"

[Krugeristan]

Golahman frowned while listening. The instructor looked absolutely terrified, and Assad was still glancing back at everyone.

"We don't export to monopolies," the instructor snarled.

Golahman looked at the instructor. "Sir. Now isn't a good time. Let the Senate handle it."

All the instructor did was nod.

Aingeal looked confused, asking herself, what was wrong this time, looked over to Ayden, who quite openly shrugged.
So, Aingeal and Ayden decided to do as the President did, ignoring it - let the Merchant Guild explain to the Krugeristani Senate in clear, simple and easy to understand main sentences, that Gabha was the only firearms manufacturer of the Free Lands exporting weapons on a large scale, what that meant, what that meant for Krugeristan and their arms exports. Both of them would make bets, that it wasn't Miss Banphrionsa's hobby to explain her boyfriend's people how economy worked.
Subsequently, Ayden and Aingeal stayed silent on that matter.
"Well, thank you for that opportunity, Sir.", Ayden said, giving the vendor a thankful nod, "I must admit, that the Ambassador Groups received SDF-Training, including with firearms... I did not make any major mistakes, right?"

"Effectively, if that target was alive, you killed it," the instructor replied. "No mistakes." Taking a package of wipes from his belt, he began cleaning the weapon he got back, not looking at anyone present.

Assad picked up the package of arrows he was given, holding them out to the other man.

"Keep them, Mr. President. Never know when you might need them."

Golahman was certain that this plan of having Krugeristani civilians observe foreigners wasn't going well, and he wasn't sure if it was because everyone was stubborn or their guests hadn't taken the local culture into account. Or maybe it was a bit of both. Leading the group away from the firing range, Golahman was approached by a uniformed young man about the opening speech he was supposed to give. With some reluctance, Golahman turned to his companions, saying, "If you'll excuse me, I'll be on the stage in the center of the grounds. My speech begins in ten minutes, if you want to have a seat."