Open Up Our Minds (IC/MT)

[Krugeristan]

"Over here, a married woman is referred to as 'Mrs.'," Golahman said. "It's actually extremely offensive to refer to someone as 'mistress', because it's a term commonly used when discussing affairs."

"I wouldn't trust Netya Vershenov to have any healthy tips on breakfast, but . . . don't tell her I said that," Assad replied.

Gwen bowed her head in apology. "I am very sorry, if someone is offended.", she said with a small frown, mostly frowning at herself, "We usually use Mistress as a honorific, denoting someone as a female master of something..."
"Mom is for example Mistress of Her House.", Fiona supplied with a smile.
Her mother nodded. "...or you are Sio's Mistress..." Her mother added to the example. "... anyway... or as the female equivalent of Mister, so I would be called Mistress Banphrionsa by any Selkie.", she said and smiled apologetically, "'Mrs.' is only used as a short form. I can see, where that one comes from, though, and I apologize again."

"Considering there are no female masters of anything here," Golahman replied, "the term isn't used in that regard, and, like I said, it's considered rude here." He smiled at Fiona. "Apology accepted. You didn't know, and that's alright."

[The Selkie]

"Considering there are no female masters of anything here," Golahman replied, "the term isn't used in that regard, and, like I said, it's considered rude here." He smiled at Fiona. "Apology accepted. You didn't know, and that's alright."

"You are aware...", Gwen said, interrupting her daughter, "...that when you and Fiona get married, she would be, by Selkie Right and Law, called Mistress of Her House, just like you would be called Master of Your House, the House in question being the same?"
Fiona blushed heavily, looking for a moment like a fish, gransping for air.
However, her mother wasn't finished. "Granted, it is not Krugeristani Right and Law, but it's worth mentioning. But anyway... that's far in the future and today is today - what's on the programme, if I may ask?"

[Krugeristan]

"Considering there are no female masters of anything here," Golahman replied, "the term isn't used in that regard, and, like I said, it's considered rude here." He smiled at Fiona. "Apology accepted. You didn't know, and that's alright."

"You are aware...", Gwen said, interrupting her daughter, "...that when you and Fiona get married, she would be, by Selkie Right and Law, called Mistress of Her House, just like you would be called Master of Your House, the House in question being the same?"
Fiona blushed heavily, looking for a moment like a fish, gransping for air.
However, her mother wasn't finished. "Granted, it is not Krugeristani Right and Law, but it's worth mentioning. But anyway... that's far in the future and today is today - what's on the programme, if I may ask?"

"Ah . . . I think it's called Lady of the House over here," Assad interjected.

"Janu Axden is unveiling some new portraits he finished a few days ago," Golahman said, shutting up Assad, "There's a drawing for a purebred Dutch rabbit--you have to take a psychological test before you can put your name in, though--there will be a drill run from the army, and there's a ring in the center where the local police will be showing new martial arts tactics . . . and Assad and Fiona can spar there, if they want."

[The Selkie]

"Ah . . . I think it's called Lady of the House over here," Assad interjected.

"Janu Axden is unveiling some new portraits he finished a few days ago," Golahman said, shutting up Assad, "There's a drawing for a purebred Dutch rabbit--you have to take a psychological test before you can put your name in, though--there will be a drill run from the army, and there's a ring in the center where the local police will be showing new martial arts tactics . . . and Assad and Fiona can spar there, if they want."

Assad was, for now, ignored as the Selkie listened to their gracious host with smiles.
"Later, maybe.", Fiona said and smiled, "Not in the mood to beat Mister Assad up, not yet... but the artist sounds interesting." She gave a joyful smile to her boyfriend, hope in her expression. "Wanna go later?"
Meanwhile, Aingeal smiled, thinking about the rabbit - it sounded too cute, she definately try and get into the drawing - and the curious lack of music in the programme. If that was not something the Krugeristani's wanted to show the world, it was okay, but in her mind, a festival needed music. Granted, she did not know, how festivals worked around these parts and she was not here to change the way Krugeristanis celebrated, but to observe, so she wouldn't interfere. She might ask later, though.
Asking was always fine.

[Krugeristan]

"Ah . . . I think it's called Lady of the House over here," Assad interjected.

"Janu Axden is unveiling some new portraits he finished a few days ago," Golahman said, shutting up Assad, "There's a drawing for a purebred Dutch rabbit--you have to take a psychological test before you can put your name in, though--there will be a drill run from the army, and there's a ring in the center where the local police will be showing new martial arts tactics . . . and Assad and Fiona can spar there, if they want."

Assad was, for now, ignored as the Selkie listened to their gracious host with smiles.
"Later, maybe.", Fiona said and smiled, "Not in the mood to beat Mister Assad up, not yet... but the artist sounds interesting." She gave a joyful smile to her boyfriend, hope in her expression. "Wanna go later?"
Meanwhile, Aingeal smiled, thinking about the rabbit - it sounded too cute, she definately try and get into the drawing - and the curious lack of music in the programme. If that was not something the Krugeristani's wanted to show the world, it was okay, but in her mind, a festival needed music. Granted, she did not know, how festivals worked around these parts and she was not here to change the way Krugeristanis celebrated, but to observe, so she wouldn't interfere. She might ask later, though.
Asking was always fine.

Golahman nodded. "Sure. We can go later." He looked at Assad. "What are you in the mood for?"

Assad shrugged. "Whatever you're doing, I'll take part." He patted his stomach. "Just not food. I'm still digesting."

[Lardingo]

"It will either help us or hurt us," Axden replied. "There are aspects of foreign culture we don't want here, and we don't want them bringing it here, no matter what the cost. Preserving our way of life is of our utmost importance, and all we ask is that people visiting here don't bring their immoral behavior with them.

Jennings nodded as she scribbled down what he wrote, "That's understandable. For context, what are some things that are considered immoral here in Krugeristan that wouldn't be considered wrong in other parts of the world?

(OOC: Sorry I haven't been posting much. I might not be on much tomorrow as well.)

[The Selkie]

Golahman nodded. "Sure. We can go later." He looked at Assad. "What are you in the mood for?"

Assad shrugged. "Whatever you're doing, I'll take part." He patted his stomach. "Just not food. I'm still digesting."

Fiona did not let her beaming smile get ruined by him turning to Assad and asking him, what he wanted to do. She kind of hoped to ditch him a bit later, so that she could have a bit of couple-time with her boyfriend - everything completely legal by Krugeristani standards, of course.
Sio, who skipped at Luminous' side, looked up to his mistress and smiled on his vulpine muzzle.
She returned it in kind, happy, that her little one was happy as a clam.
"Sir, please excuse the question...", Aingeal began a bit sheepishly, "...but I noted a lack of music in the programme. May I ask, why that is?"

[Krugeristan]

"It will either help us or hurt us," Axden replied. "There are aspects of foreign culture we don't want here, and we don't want them bringing it here, no matter what the cost. Preserving our way of life is of our utmost importance, and all we ask is that people visiting here don't bring their immoral behavior with them.

Jennings nodded as she scribbled down what he wrote, "That's understandable. For context, what are some things that are considered immoral here in Krugeristan that wouldn't be considered wrong in other parts of the world?

(OOC: Sorry I haven't been posting much. I might not be on much tomorrow as well.)

"We might be here all day," Axden said, "Homosexuality, adultery, use of drugs, alcohol, politicians acting like robots, Communism, atheism, rap music." He shrugged. "This list does go on."

Golahman nodded. "Sure. We can go later." He looked at Assad. "What are you in the mood for?"

Assad shrugged. "Whatever you're doing, I'll take part." He patted his stomach. "Just not food. I'm still digesting."

Fiona did not let her beaming smile get ruined by him turning to Assad and asking him, what he wanted to do. She kind of hoped to ditch him a bit later, so that she could have a bit of couple-time with her boyfriend - everything completely legal by Krugeristani standards, of course.
Sio, who skipped at Luminous' side, looked up to his mistress and smiled on his vulpine muzzle.
She returned it in kind, happy, that her little one was happy as a clam.
"Sir, please excuse the question...", Aingeal began a bit sheepishly, "...but I noted a lack of music in the programme. May I ask, why that is?"

"No one was willing to play anything today," Golahman said. "We wouldn't force anyone into something like this. After all, most of our civilians aren't comfortable with this idea."

"That's not to say that there's no music," Assad added, "there're those loudspeakers broadcasting from a radio station."

[The Selkie]

"No one was willing to play anything today," Golahman said. "We wouldn't force anyone into something like this. After all, most of our civilians aren't comfortable with this idea."

"That's not to say that there's no music," Assad added, "there're those loudspeakers broadcasting from a radio station."

Aingeal nodded. "I see.", she said, contemplating for a moment, if she should offer to sing a song or two later, but then deciding against it, before turning to Assad: "I actually listened to those a bit, interesting, if you ask me."
Ayden smiled. "Just like Leonard prefers to get an idea about a country by it's cheese, Aingeal here uses music."
"Hey!"
"Not to say, that one is better then the other.", Ayden added, mollifying his friend with a smile, "It's a good start."

[Krugeristan]

"No one was willing to play anything today," Golahman said. "We wouldn't force anyone into something like this. After all, most of our civilians aren't comfortable with this idea."

"That's not to say that there's no music," Assad added, "there're those loudspeakers broadcasting from a radio station."

Aingeal nodded. "I see.", she said, contemplating for a moment, if she should offer to sing a song or two later, but then deciding against it, before turning to Assad: "I actually listened to those a bit, interesting, if you ask me."
Ayden smiled. "Just like Leonard prefers to get an idea about a country by it's cheese, Aingeal here uses music."
"Hey!"
"Not to say, that one is better then the other.", Ayden added, mollifying his friend with a smile, "It's a good start."

Assad took on a joking look of nausea when he heard Ayden mention cheese. "Cheese is alright in certain amounts. Not when it's on and in just about every part of your breakfast."

"If Mrs. Vershenov hears you complaining, she'll smack you with a rolling pin," Golahman said.

"Not my fault."

[The Selkie]

Assad took on a joking look of nausea when he heard Ayden mention cheese. "Cheese is alright in certain amounts. Not when it's on and in just about every part of your breakfast."

"If Mrs. Vershenov hears you complaining, she'll smack you with a rolling pin," Golahman said.

"Not my fault."

Ayden laughed. "If Leonard hears him, he will cheer her on!", he said with a laugh, the other Selkie joining in.
"And it'd all be your fault, too. Never insult a woman's cooking, especially not one going at it with the best of intentions!", Gwen added to the general amusement, looking at Ayden, "A tip from a pro I can only send you along with, young man."
Ayden bowed his head in appreciation of the gesture.
"Cheese is good, though.", Fiona said with a nod, "Especially the good one, which riped in the classical way, from good milk of a bovine."

[Krugeristan]

Assad took on a joking look of nausea when he heard Ayden mention cheese. "Cheese is alright in certain amounts. Not when it's on and in just about every part of your breakfast."

"If Mrs. Vershenov hears you complaining, she'll smack you with a rolling pin," Golahman said.

"Not my fault."

Ayden laughed. "If Leonard hears him, he will cheer her on!", he said with a laugh, the other Selkie joining in.
"And it'd all be your fault, too. Never insult a woman's cooking, especially not one going at it with the best of intentions!", Gwen added to the general amusement, looking at Ayden, "A tip from a pro I can only send you along with, young man."
Ayden bowed his head in appreciation of the gesture.
"Cheese is good, though.", Fiona said with a nod, "Especially the good one, which riped in the classical way, from good milk of a bovine."

As much as Assad could agree, he had enough cheese for one day. "Anyway," he said, attempting to diffuse the conversation. However, he was stopped by Corporal Evanu, who saluted Golahman.

"Sir, two ladies from Laneige are here to see you personally," Evanu said.

Golahman nodded, looking at everyone else sadly. "Alright, um . . . I'll get that done first." He turned to Assad. "You, watch over Fiona and Luminous for me, please."

Assad smiled. "Don't worry about it, Karak." As Golahman left, Assad turned to the Selkie party, unsure of what to do. He shifted his weight, shrugging, and said, "Well, I'm not going to eat, as of now, but, if you want to see Krugeristani street food at its best . . ." He looked over his shoulder, spotting a trail of smoke coming from a rather large tent in the mix of all the smaller tents. "I think he's ready to serve people. Come along."

[The Selkie]

Ayden laughed. "If Leonard hears him, he will cheer her on!", he said with a laugh, the other Selkie joining in.
"And it'd all be your fault, too. Never insult a woman's cooking, especially not one going at it with the best of intentions!", Gwen added to the general amusement, looking at Ayden, "A tip from a pro I can only send you along with, young man."
Ayden bowed his head in appreciation of the gesture.
"Cheese is good, though.", Fiona said with a nod, "Especially the good one, which riped in the classical way, from good milk of a bovine."

As much as Assad could agree, he had enough cheese for one day. "Anyway," he said, attempting to diffuse the conversation. However, he was stopped by Corporal Evanu, who saluted Golahman.

"Sir, two ladies from Laneige are here to see you personally," Evanu said.

Golahman nodded, looking at everyone else sadly. "Alright, um . . . I'll get that done first." He turned to Assad. "You, watch over Fiona and Luminous for me, please."

Assad smiled. "Don't worry about it, Karak." As Golahman left, Assad turned to the Selkie party, unsure of what to do. He shifted his weight, shrugging, and said, "Well, I'm not going to eat, as of now, but, if you want to see Krugeristani street food at its best . . ." He looked over his shoulder, spotting a trail of smoke coming from a rather large tent in the mix of all the smaller tents. "I think he's ready to serve people. Come along."

At the request of Golahman to watch over Fiona and the Tine for him, four Selkie had to bite back laughs: They were more then able to watch out for themselves, defend themselves if need should arise.
The thought was very much appreciated, though.
The suggestion of food sounded nice, too, and so, Gwen took the word for the group, which was younger then she was: "Well, then, lead the way, Mister Assad.", she told him with a nod, before she asked: "Besides heavy stuff, what can we expect from Krugeristani Cuisine?"
Decoyed by the food, the rest of the group followed the oldest of the bunch, mouths watering a bit already - after all, they skipped breakfast.

[Krugeristan]

As much as Assad could agree, he had enough cheese for one day. "Anyway," he said, attempting to diffuse the conversation. However, he was stopped by Corporal Evanu, who saluted Golahman.

"Sir, two ladies from Laneige are here to see you personally," Evanu said.

Golahman nodded, looking at everyone else sadly. "Alright, um . . . I'll get that done first." He turned to Assad. "You, watch over Fiona and Luminous for me, please."

Assad smiled. "Don't worry about it, Karak." As Golahman left, Assad turned to the Selkie party, unsure of what to do. He shifted his weight, shrugging, and said, "Well, I'm not going to eat, as of now, but, if you want to see Krugeristani street food at its best . . ." He looked over his shoulder, spotting a trail of smoke coming from a rather large tent in the mix of all the smaller tents. "I think he's ready to serve people. Come along."

At the request of Golahman to watch over Fiona and the Tine for him, four Selkie had to bite back laughs: They were more then able to watch out for themselves, defend themselves if need should arise.
The thought was very much appreciated, though.
The suggestion of food sounded nice, too, and so, Gwen took the word for the group, which was younger then she was: "Well, then, lead the way, Mister Assad.", she told him with a nod, before she asked: "Besides heavy stuff, what can we expect from Krugeristani Cuisine?"
Decoyed by the food, the rest of the group followed the oldest of the bunch, mouths watering a bit already - after all, they skipped breakfast.

"Well, Mr. Naven," Assad started, "always has some surprises up his sleeve. Interesting man, I've noticed. Runs the Silver Diamond chain across Krugeristan, wants to open more restaurants across the globe. You can expect a variety of light fare. Raspberry tarts, fried potato wedges, chocolate-covered hazelnuts, four-berry pies, chicken soups, pumpkin shakes, almost anything you can think of." He personally didn't want to think of food at the moment; it was making his stomach clench a little.

He led them to the large tent where a short man with reddish hair and a shaven face was turning sirloin tips in a pan. He was wearing a white chef's uniform without the hat, and while he was deep in concentration, he was smiling, glancing up as Assad entered. "President Assad!" he shouted, joyfully, before holding up a tiny pink bottle. "Come back for another shot of Pepto-Bismol?"

"Um, not yet. Naven, this is the Selkie party, all the way from the Free Lands. Gwen, and her daughter, Fiona, and diplomats Aingeal and Ayden."

"Ah, yes, I've heard Fiona is dating Golahman." Naven smirked. "Means I can't shake her hand or her mother's." He covered the pan, approaching Assad to shake his hand and offer his hand to Ayden. "Now, what can I get for anyone?"

[The Selkie]

At the request of Golahman to watch over Fiona and the Tine for him, four Selkie had to bite back laughs: They were more then able to watch out for themselves, defend themselves if need should arise.
The thought was very much appreciated, though.
The suggestion of food sounded nice, too, and so, Gwen took the word for the group, which was younger then she was: "Well, then, lead the way, Mister Assad.", she told him with a nod, before she asked: "Besides heavy stuff, what can we expect from Krugeristani Cuisine?"
Decoyed by the food, the rest of the group followed the oldest of the bunch, mouths watering a bit already - after all, they skipped breakfast.

"Well, Mr. Naven," Assad started, "always has some surprises up his sleeve. Interesting man, I've noticed. Runs the Silver Diamond chain across Krugeristan, wants to open more restaurants across the globe. You can expect a variety of light fare. Raspberry tarts, fried potato wedges, chocolate-covered hazelnuts, four-berry pies, chicken soups, pumpkin shakes, almost anything you can think of." He personally didn't want to think of food at the moment; it was making his stomach clench a little.

He led them to the large tent where a short man with reddish hair and a shaven face was turning sirloin tips in a pan. He was wearing a white chef's uniform without the hat, and while he was deep in concentration, he was smiling, glancing up as Assad entered. "President Assad!" he shouted, joyfully, before holding up a tiny pink bottle. "Come back for another shot of Pepto-Bismol?"

"Um, not yet. Naven, this is the Selkie party, all the way from the Free Lands. Gwen, and her daughter, Fiona, and diplomats Aingeal and Ayden."

"Ah, yes, I've heard Fiona is dating Golahman." Naven smirked. "Means I can't shake her hand or her mother's." He covered the pan, approaching Assad to shake his hand and offer his hand to Ayden. "Now, what can I get for anyone?"

Fiona and Gwen both smiled, bowing their heads in respect lightly. "That's absolutely fine, Sir.", Gwen said with a smile, which really said, that it was absolutely fine, all while Ayden gave the man a firm and good handshake, more compareable to a vice then a handshake. Aingeal bowed her head in respect as well. "Now, Mister Assad was singing praises of you..." A slight bit of an overstatement, that was true, but it met the core of the thing. "...and he mentioned the four-berry pies you make. Fiona, you with me on one?"
"If you makes it a large one, Sir, I'm all in to share one with Mom.", her daughter replied with a smirk, hoping, that she was not overestimating her hunger. "And a pumpkin shake along with it, please."
Gwen nodded. "A large four-berry pie, please, and two pumpkin shakes.", she told the cook with a smile. "Ayden, Aingeal and Mister Assad, should he decide to eat or drink something, are on me."
"Ma'am, that's...", Aingeal began.
"No, not having any of it, young lady, I invite you three.", the oldest of the group shushed her effectively.
Ayden nodded, complying with the inevitable. "Well, then... Raspberry tarts for me and the lady here, please..." Aingeal nodded. "...and by any chance, do you have teas?"

[Krugeristan]

"Well, Mr. Naven," Assad started, "always has some surprises up his sleeve. Interesting man, I've noticed. Runs the Silver Diamond chain across Krugeristan, wants to open more restaurants across the globe. You can expect a variety of light fare. Raspberry tarts, fried potato wedges, chocolate-covered hazelnuts, four-berry pies, chicken soups, pumpkin shakes, almost anything you can think of." He personally didn't want to think of food at the moment; it was making his stomach clench a little.

He led them to the large tent where a short man with reddish hair and a shaven face was turning sirloin tips in a pan. He was wearing a white chef's uniform without the hat, and while he was deep in concentration, he was smiling, glancing up as Assad entered. "President Assad!" he shouted, joyfully, before holding up a tiny pink bottle. "Come back for another shot of Pepto-Bismol?"

"Um, not yet. Naven, this is the Selkie party, all the way from the Free Lands. Gwen, and her daughter, Fiona, and diplomats Aingeal and Ayden."

"Ah, yes, I've heard Fiona is dating Golahman." Naven smirked. "Means I can't shake her hand or her mother's." He covered the pan, approaching Assad to shake his hand and offer his hand to Ayden. "Now, what can I get for anyone?"

Fiona and Gwen both smiled, bowing their heads in respect lightly. "That's absolutely fine, Sir.", Gwen said with a smile, which really said, that it was absolutely fine, all while Ayden gave the man a firm and good handshake, more compareable to a vice then a handshake. Aingeal bowed her head in respect as well. "Now, Mister Assad was singing praises of you..." A slight bit of an overstatement, that was true, but it met the core of the thing. "...and he mentioned the four-berry pies you make. Fiona, you with me on one?"
"If you makes it a large one, Sir, I'm all in to share one with Mom.", her daughter replied with a smirk, hoping, that she was not overestimating her hunger. "And a pumpkin shake along with it, please."
Gwen nodded. "A large four-berry pie, please, and two pumpkin shakes.", she told the cook with a smile. "Ayden, Aingeal and Mister Assad, should he decide to eat or drink something, are on me."
"Ma'am, that's...", Aingeal began.
"No, not having any of it, young lady, I invite you three.", the oldest of the group shushed her effectively.
Ayden nodded, complying with the inevitable. "Well, then... Raspberry tarts for me and the lady here, please..." Aingeal nodded. "...and by any chance, do you have teas?"

"Of course," Naven replied with a slight bow. "You all might be lucky I have some pies fresh out of the oven." He pulled a box down from a shelf, opening it to let them see it before handing it to them. "And, the shakes will be done in a moment. Just let me . . ." He turned, searching for something, "Where's my . . . blender? Oh, there it is." He gestured to them to be patient, directing them first to a large wooden table nearby. "I'll be right back, and, don't worry, ma'am, I'll show you the tea list when I return."

Assad faced the Selkie party while sitting down. "He's a fun man to be around, but not without some awkwardness. A bit more open than most Krugeristanis." Assad shrugged. "I'll eat, if you insist on paying, I guess."

[Laneige]

The Laneigeans followed the Krugeristani guard as they're led to Golahman's tent. Catherine appreciated the guards for not letting the dogs get too close as it would be rather uncomfortable.

Once they arrived at the front of the tent, the ladies quietly waited for the Krugeristani President to arrive. Or his bodyguard.

"Vorshonov? Verheniv? What was it again?" Catherine whispered to Rima. Krugeristani names had proved to be a little difficult for her to catch due to their difference in culture.

"I believe he said Vershenov, Madamme Dior" Rima replied.

"Ah yes!" Catherine smiled.

Corporal Evanu stepped into the tent first, gesturing to the Laneigeans. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be escorting you to a different tent. The president is having a personal conference and Commander Vershenov has not arrived yet."

Catherine nodded followed the Corporal. "There seemed to be a lot of food here, Rima!" Catherine spoked excitingly, "I think I'm going to gain a few kg's before heading back home."

Rima chuckled, "Well, I'm sure you are but you still have to watch your diet. You're have just recovered."

"I'm fine Rima, don't worry about me." Catherine replied.

"Hmm.. This is why Felicia wants me to watch over you," Rima thought to herself as both the ladies exited the tent.

They followed the Corporal quietly as they anticipate Golahman.

[The Selkie]

Fiona and Gwen both smiled, bowing their heads in respect lightly. "That's absolutely fine, Sir.", Gwen said with a smile, which really said, that it was absolutely fine, all while Ayden gave the man a firm and good handshake, more compareable to a vice then a handshake. Aingeal bowed her head in respect as well. "Now, Mister Assad was singing praises of you..." A slight bit of an overstatement, that was true, but it met the core of the thing. "...and he mentioned the four-berry pies you make. Fiona, you with me on one?"
"If you makes it a large one, Sir, I'm all in to share one with Mom.", her daughter replied with a smirk, hoping, that she was not overestimating her hunger. "And a pumpkin shake along with it, please."
Gwen nodded. "A large four-berry pie, please, and two pumpkin shakes.", she told the cook with a smile. "Ayden, Aingeal and Mister Assad, should he decide to eat or drink something, are on me."
"Ma'am, that's...", Aingeal began.
"No, not having any of it, young lady, I invite you three.", the oldest of the group shushed her effectively.
Ayden nodded, complying with the inevitable. "Well, then... Raspberry tarts for me and the lady here, please..." Aingeal nodded. "...and by any chance, do you have teas?"

"Of course," Naven replied with a slight bow. "You all might be lucky I have some pies fresh out of the oven." He pulled a box down from a shelf, opening it to let them see it before handing it to them. "And, the shakes will be done in a moment. Just let me . . ." He turned, searching for something, "Where's my . . . blender? Oh, there it is." He gestured to them to be patient, directing them first to a large wooden table nearby. "I'll be right back, and, don't worry, ma'am, I'll show you the tea list when I return."

Assad faced the Selkie party while sitting down. "He's a fun man to be around, but not without some awkwardness. A bit more open than most Krugeristanis." Assad shrugged. "I'll eat, if you insist on paying, I guess."

The Selkie took their seats and nodded in gratitude and thanks - it felt a bit like home, if they were honest.
Aingeal had nodded at the comment about the teas and had thanked the cook before following the others.
Gwen, meanwhile, smiled at Assad: "I'm sure he is.", she said and nodded, "And I insist, yes, but that does not mean, that you have to eat something. It means, that I pay for it. That being said..." She glanced at Luminous, who was with Sio. "Do you know, if he had breakfast already?"
"Sio did.", Fiona supplied with a smile, making Sio look up with hope in his eyes, "And you don't need a second one. You're gaining a bit of weight anyway... we need to go out more often, the two of us, you know?"
Sio made a sad face, but Fiona was not one to be swayed, much to his dislike.

[Krugeristan]

Corporal Evanu stepped into the tent first, gesturing to the Laneigeans. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be escorting you to a different tent. The president is having a personal conference and Commander Vershenov has not arrived yet."

Catherine nodded followed the Corporal. "There seemed to be a lot of food here, Rima!" Catherine spoked excitingly, "I think I'm going to gain a few kg's before heading back home."

Rima chuckled, "Well, I'm sure you are but you still have to watch your diet. You're have just recovered."

"I'm fine Rima, don't worry about me." Catherine replied.

"Hmm.. This is why Felicia wants me to watch over you," Rima thought to herself as both the ladies exited the tent.

They followed the Corporal quietly as they anticipate Golahman.

Having been listening to the conversation, Evanu was visibly disturbed and curious, but this was none of his business, period. He saluted Golahman as the president entered his tent, greeting the two Laneigeans politely but not offering a handshake.

Evanu was ordered to stay outside the tent, and Golahman faced the two women. "Now, I do apologize for the wait. A number of personal friends of mine are visiting today. What can I do for you?"

"Of course," Naven replied with a slight bow. "You all might be lucky I have some pies fresh out of the oven." He pulled a box down from a shelf, opening it to let them see it before handing it to them. "And, the shakes will be done in a moment. Just let me . . ." He turned, searching for something, "Where's my . . . blender? Oh, there it is." He gestured to them to be patient, directing them first to a large wooden table nearby. "I'll be right back, and, don't worry, ma'am, I'll show you the tea list when I return."

Assad faced the Selkie party while sitting down. "He's a fun man to be around, but not without some awkwardness. A bit more open than most Krugeristanis." Assad shrugged. "I'll eat, if you insist on paying, I guess."

The Selkie took their seats and nodded in gratitude and thanks - it felt a bit like home, if they were honest.
Aingeal had nodded at the comment about the teas and had thanked the cook before following the others.
Gwen, meanwhile, smiled at Assad: "I'm sure he is.", she said and nodded, "And I insist, yes, but that does not mean, that you have to eat something. It means, that I pay for it. That being said..." She glanced at Luminous, who was with Sio. "Do you know, if he had breakfast already?"
"Sio did.", Fiona supplied with a smile, making Sio look up with hope in his eyes, "And you don't need a second one. You're gaining a bit of weight anyway... we need to go out more often, the two of us, you know?"
Sio made a sad face, but Fiona was not one to be swayed, much to his dislike.

"It'll be pretty pointless if I order something and don't eat. More of a waste, if you ask me, and--" Assad glanced in Naven's direction, "it'd be a major insult to him. I can't do that." After a moment of thinking, Assad looked at Sio with a smirk. "I'll run around with him, see who falls over faster."

[The Selkie]

"It'll be pretty pointless if I order something and don't eat. More of a waste, if you ask me, and--" Assad glanced in Naven's direction, "it'd be a major insult to him. I can't do that." After a moment of thinking, Assad looked at Sio with a smirk. "I'll run around with him, see who falls over faster."

"You.", four voices answered flatly, Sio adding a happy chirp.
"Besides that this little laddie is a fast little predator...", Gwen said with a smile at her daughter's pet, who was eyeing Aingeal's lap now, the young woman smiling down at him with a sparkle in her eyes, while Fiona watched the two, "...what I meant was, if you order something to eat or to drink, I'll pay for it - you don't have to. Sorry for the misunderstanding. And it would be an insult for a Selkie, too."

[Krugeristan]

"It'll be pretty pointless if I order something and don't eat. More of a waste, if you ask me, and--" Assad glanced in Naven's direction, "it'd be a major insult to him. I can't do that." After a moment of thinking, Assad looked at Sio with a smirk. "I'll run around with him, see who falls over faster."

"You.", four voices answered flatly, Sio adding a happy chirp.
"Besides that this little laddie is a fast little predator...", Gwen said with a smile at her daughter's pet, who was eyeing Aingeal's lap now, the young woman smiling down at him with a sparkle in her eyes, while Fiona watched the two, "...what I meant was, if you order something to eat or to drink, I'll pay for it - you don't have to. Sorry for the misunderstanding. And it would be an insult for a Selkie, too."

Assad turned a faint shade of red, figuring they were probably right. He probably would wear himself out for no clear reason and trip over himself in front of Sio. "If that's the case," he muttered. "Gwen, I'm not going to order anything, so, don't worry about it."

Naven came over carrying the pumpkin shakes and a laminated list of teas for Aingeal. "Here you are, ma'am," he said, before looking at Assad. "You want anything, sir? I've got plenty of stuff easy on an upset stomach if that's what you're worried about, most of it on that tea list."

Assad gave a sigh, not wanting to say no. "Alright."

Naven put his hands on Assad's shoulders, looking at Aingeal with a friendly smile. "Ma'am, when you're done with my list, do give it to the poor sick man over here."

[The Selkie]

"You.", four voices answered flatly, Sio adding a happy chirp.
"Besides that this little laddie is a fast little predator...", Gwen said with a smile at her daughter's pet, who was eyeing Aingeal's lap now, the young woman smiling down at him with a sparkle in her eyes, while Fiona watched the two, "...what I meant was, if you order something to eat or to drink, I'll pay for it - you don't have to. Sorry for the misunderstanding. And it would be an insult for a Selkie, too."

Assad turned a faint shade of red, figuring they were probably right. He probably would wear himself out for no clear reason and trip over himself in front of Sio. "If that's the case," he muttered. "Gwen, I'm not going to order anything, so, don't worry about it."

Naven came over carrying the pumpkin shakes and a laminated list of teas for Aingeal. "Here you are, ma'am," he said, before looking at Assad. "You want anything, sir? I've got plenty of stuff easy on an upset stomach if that's what you're worried about, most of it on that tea list."

Assad gave a sigh, not wanting to say no. "Alright."

Naven put his hands on Assad's shoulders, looking at Aingeal with a friendly smile. "Ma'am, when you're done with my list, do give it to the poor sick man over here."

Aingeal handed the list over. "No, no, sick persons first!", she said with a smile, before she grinned and took in air to add something...
...only for Sio to interrupt her by jumping into her lap and curling up, giving her a look that demanded Pet me!
The young woman happily obliged as Fiona watched on, taking a sip of her shake. "Thank you, Sir.", she thanked the cook, as did her mother and Ayden, before she turned back to Sio: "Unfaithful, aren't you?" Sio gave her a chirp, happily as he was petted by the singer, carver and diplomat in one. Fiona nodded. "And right you are. Get as many girls to pet you as you can, laddie!"
Aingeal obliged until the tea card was handed back to her, then Sio took the cue and jumped off her lap only to return to his mistress' side. Fiona looked at Naven. "Sir, if it isn't too much too ask, do you have any meat cuts from the chickens, scraps and things that would usually go into the junk?", she asked.

[Krugeristan]

Assad turned a faint shade of red, figuring they were probably right. He probably would wear himself out for no clear reason and trip over himself in front of Sio. "If that's the case," he muttered. "Gwen, I'm not going to order anything, so, don't worry about it."

Naven came over carrying the pumpkin shakes and a laminated list of teas for Aingeal. "Here you are, ma'am," he said, before looking at Assad. "You want anything, sir? I've got plenty of stuff easy on an upset stomach if that's what you're worried about, most of it on that tea list."

Assad gave a sigh, not wanting to say no. "Alright."

Naven put his hands on Assad's shoulders, looking at Aingeal with a friendly smile. "Ma'am, when you're done with my list, do give it to the poor sick man over here."

Aingeal handed the list over. "No, no, sick persons first!", she said with a smile, before she grinned and took in air to add something...
...only for Sio to interrupt her by jumping into her lap and curling up, giving her a look that demanded Pet me!
The young woman happily obliged as Fiona watched on, taking a sip of her shake. "Thank you, Sir.", she thanked the cook, as did her mother and Ayden, before she turned back to Sio: "Unfaithful, aren't you?" Sio gave her a chirp, happily as he was petted by the singer, carver and diplomat in one. Fiona nodded. "And right you are. Get as many girls to pet you as you can, laddie!"
Aingeal obliged until the tea card was handed back to her, then Sio took the cue and jumped off her lap only to return to his mistress' side. Fiona looked at Naven. "Sir, if it isn't too much too ask, do you have any meat cuts from the chickens, scraps and things that would usually go into the junk?", she asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do," Naven said. "I'll bring them out when these two order tea."

Assad glanced over the list, thinking a little, and deciding on peppermint tea before handing the list to Aingeal.

[The Selkie]

"As a matter of fact, I do," Naven said. "I'll bring them out when these two order tea."

Assad glanced over the list, thinking a little, and deciding on peppermint tea before handing the list to Aingeal.

"Thank you.", Fiona said with a small smile, bowing her head in gratitude. "Hear that, laddie?"
Sio gave a chirp and a vulpine smile to the cook, while Aingeal took the list.
"Thank you.", she said to Assad with a smile and read over it for a moment, "Earl Grey, please.", she asked of the cook and handed him the card. "Need to wake up a bit."

[Krugeristan]

"As a matter of fact, I do," Naven said. "I'll bring them out when these two order tea."

Assad glanced over the list, thinking a little, and deciding on peppermint tea before handing the list to Aingeal.

"Thank you.", Fiona said with a small smile, bowing her head in gratitude. "Hear that, laddie?"
Sio gave a chirp and a vulpine smile to the cook, while Aingeal took the list.
"Thank you.", she said to Assad with a smile and read over it for a moment, "Earl Grey, please.", she asked of the cook and handed him the card. "Need to wake up a bit."

Naven left without a word, returned about five minutes later with two cups. "Give it a few minutes to steep, my friends. Enjoy." After setting the cups down, he took a small bowl from his tray, placing it on the ground next to Sio. It contained five good-sized pieces of chicken scrap.

Assad gently brought his cup closer to him. "So, Golahman told me a lot about the agreements he's made regarding diplomats from the Free Lands. He had a lot of good words about you two--" He gestured to Ayden and Aingeal. "Tell me about yourselves."