Open Up Our Minds (IC/MT)

[Laneige]

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?"

The ladies followed Evanu and eventually they reached the tent where they're supposed to wait for Golahman. They briefly entered when gestured. Golahman appeared shortly after.

Catherine noticed Golahman did not offered them a handshake when greeting. This disturbed her a little but she quickly shrug it off. She placed her hands behind her back instead. "It's no problem Mr. President. I'm sorry to bother at your personal time. It's just our ministry have received words of a cultural exchange taking place in your country and Madamme Felicia thought it would be a good gesture in return for us to attend."

Rima nodded in agreement.

"Madamme Felicia knew I hosted you prior and I did a study on Krugeristan also, although not very well. Therefore she picked me for represent the Imperium... How are you? How have you been doing since then? Do you still get those panic attacks?" Catherine continued.

[The Selkie]

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."

Aingeal thanked the man as she took her cup gently, bowing her head again. She did, as she was told.
Sio, meanwhile, let his tails swish back and forth in excitement and gave a yip of gratitude, Fiona smiling as well. "I think, that means 'Thank you for the second breakfast!'", she told the cook with a small laugh, before she turned to her pet. "But just so that we are in the clear, laddie, as soon as we get going, no carrying for you for the whole day!"
Every Selkie at the table knew, that she would carry him at some point later. She always did.
After the cook left them, Ayden smiled. "Thank you, Sir, that is indeed very large praise. So...", he made a small pause to collect his thoughts. "...do you want to go first?"
Aingeal nodded. "Sir, if I may introduce? Ayden Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow, a proud son of Wood Junction, a fiddler in his heart, a diplomat by occupation, a handiman by hobby... can't work a computer to safe his life, though." There was a round of laughter, which made Ayden smile, taking the hit. "Hard worker, honest, usually brutally so, and a fun person to be around in general."
The eyes shifted to the young man, who took a moment. "You know, Sir, I know this lassie... beautiful as the dawn after long night, with a heart large enough to fit the whole wide world, especially if one was small and fuzzy. Hard worker, especially when it came to working wood or her voice, sweeter then sweetest honey you will ever taste. Somebody, who listens and who talks, depending on what is needed. At her heart, though, she is a Star Lynx, one's heart beating in her chest." He smiled. "If I may introduce? Caja Glór of the Tribe of Laois, we usually call her Aingeal."

[Krugeristan]

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?"

The ladies followed Evanu and eventually they reached the tent where they're supposed to wait for Golahman. They briefly entered when gestured. Golahman appeared shortly after.

Catherine noticed Golahman did not offered them a handshake when greeting. This disturbed her a little but she quickly shrug it off. She placed her hands behind her back instead. "It's no problem Mr. President. I'm sorry to bother at your personal time. It's just our ministry have received words of a cultural exchange taking place in your country and Madamme Felicia thought it would be a good gesture in return for us to attend."

Rima nodded in agreement.

"Madamme Felicia knew I hosted you prior and I did a study on Krugeristan also, although not very well. Therefore she picked me for represent the Imperium... How are you? How have you been doing since then? Do you still get those panic attacks?" Catherine continued.

Golahman wasn't at all offended that Catherine asked about his panic attacks. In fact, he found it to be a sign she considered his physical and mental well-being. "Aye . . . I do still get panic attacks. They've decreased since I've found a girlfriend--you'll get a chance to meet her today--and President Assad has been attempting to help me . . . almost like a returned favor for us giving him weapons over the last few years."

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."

Aingeal thanked the man as she took her cup gently, bowing her head again. She did, as she was told.
Sio, meanwhile, let his tails swish back and forth in excitement and gave a yip of gratitude, Fiona smiling as well. "I think, that means 'Thank you for the second breakfast!'", she told the cook with a small laugh, before she turned to her pet. "But just so that we are in the clear, laddie, as soon as we get going, no carrying for you for the whole day!"
Every Selkie at the table knew, that she would carry him at some point later. She always did.
After the cook left them, Ayden smiled. "Thank you, Sir, that is indeed very large praise. So...", he made a small pause to collect his thoughts. "...do you want to go first?"
Aingeal nodded. "Sir, if I may introduce? Ayden Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow, a proud son of Wood Junction, a fiddler in his heart, a diplomat by occupation, a handiman by hobby... can't work a computer to safe his life, though." There was a round of laughter, which made Ayden smile, taking the hit. "Hard worker, honest, usually brutally so, and a fun person to be around in general."
The eyes shifted to the young man, who took a moment. "You know, Sir, I know this lassie... beautiful as the dawn after long night, with a heart large enough to fit the whole wide world, especially if one was small and fuzzy. Hard worker, especially when it came to working wood or her voice, sweeter then sweetest honey you will ever taste. Somebody, who listens and who talks, depending on what is needed. At her heart, though, she is a Star Lynx, one's heart beating in her chest." He smiled. "If I may introduce? Caja Glór of the Tribe of Laois, we usually call her Aingeal."

Assad listened as the two gave introductions for each other. To him, it seemed like they knew each other well and for a long time, and he was about to say something when a car motor was heard and suddenly stopped. Within minutes, Vershenov and his wife, Netya, an old woman around his age wearing a dark-blue shirt and a long plaid skirt, as well as a black bonnet, walked into the tent. They were followed by the Syrian general, al-Sarifah, who stayed by the entrance in silence.

Netya immediately grabbed Assad's cheeks to caress him and pinched them hard. "Still thin as a rod," she said. "No matter. A day at a Krugeristani fair will get you in shape." She ruffled Assad's hair. "Poor dear." While standing with Assad, Netya took notice of the Selkie, and turned to her husband. "Is these the people Golahman was talking about?"

"Yes, they are," Vershenov grumbled.

"Oh, don't be such a sourpuss." Netya looked back at Assad. "They haven't made any lewd remarks to you, have they?"

"No, ma'am," Assad replied.

"Then they're fine." She looked at Gwen. "Please, introduce yourselves."

[Laneige]

The ladies followed Evanu and eventually they reached the tent where they're supposed to wait for Golahman. They briefly entered when gestured. Golahman appeared shortly after.

Catherine noticed Golahman did not offered them a handshake when greeting. This disturbed her a little but she quickly shrug it off. She placed her hands behind her back instead. "It's no problem Mr. President. I'm sorry to bother at your personal time. It's just our ministry have received words of a cultural exchange taking place in your country and Madamme Felicia thought it would be a good gesture in return for us to attend."

Rima nodded in agreement.

"Madamme Felicia knew I hosted you prior and I did a study on Krugeristan also, although not very well. Therefore she picked me for represent the Imperium... How are you? How have you been doing since then? Do you still get those panic attacks?" Catherine continued.

Golahman wasn't at all offended that Catherine asked about his panic attacks. In fact, he found it to be a sign she considered his physical and mental well-being. "Aye . . . I do still get panic attacks. They've decreased since I've found a girlfriend--you'll get a chance to meet her today--and President Assad has been attempting to help me . . . almost like a returned favor for us giving him weapons over the last few years."

"I see," Catherine delighted. "Finally there's someone to look after you now," she smiled before continuing, "The Imperium knows that your government had been aiding Assad in Syria. We have no formal relations with them but that doesn't stop us from being allies." She then paused for a moment.

"Its nice to see that you're hosting your own exchange this time around, mind showing around? I still have much to learn about your country."

[The Selkie]

The ladies followed Evanu and eventually they reached the tent where they're supposed to wait for Golahman. They briefly entered when gestured. Golahman appeared shortly after.

Catherine noticed Golahman did not offered them a handshake when greeting. This disturbed her a little but she quickly shrug it off. She placed her hands behind her back instead. "It's no problem Mr. President. I'm sorry to bother at your personal time. It's just our ministry have received words of a cultural exchange taking place in your country and Madamme Felicia thought it would be a good gesture in return for us to attend."

Rima nodded in agreement.

"Madamme Felicia knew I hosted you prior and I did a study on Krugeristan also, although not very well. Therefore she picked me for represent the Imperium... How are you? How have you been doing since then? Do you still get those panic attacks?" Catherine continued.

Golahman wasn't at all offended that Catherine asked about his panic attacks. In fact, he found it to be a sign she considered his physical and mental well-being. "Aye . . . I do still get panic attacks. They've decreased since I've found a girlfriend--you'll get a chance to meet her today--and President Assad has been attempting to help me . . . almost like a returned favor for us giving him weapons over the last few years."

Aingeal thanked the man as she took her cup gently, bowing her head again. She did, as she was told.
Sio, meanwhile, let his tails swish back and forth in excitement and gave a yip of gratitude, Fiona smiling as well. "I think, that means 'Thank you for the second breakfast!'", she told the cook with a small laugh, before she turned to her pet. "But just so that we are in the clear, laddie, as soon as we get going, no carrying for you for the whole day!"
Every Selkie at the table knew, that she would carry him at some point later. She always did.
After the cook left them, Ayden smiled. "Thank you, Sir, that is indeed very large praise. So...", he made a small pause to collect his thoughts. "...do you want to go first?"
Aingeal nodded. "Sir, if I may introduce? Ayden Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow, a proud son of Wood Junction, a fiddler in his heart, a diplomat by occupation, a handiman by hobby... can't work a computer to safe his life, though." There was a round of laughter, which made Ayden smile, taking the hit. "Hard worker, honest, usually brutally so, and a fun person to be around in general."
The eyes shifted to the young man, who took a moment. "You know, Sir, I know this lassie... beautiful as the dawn after long night, with a heart large enough to fit the whole wide world, especially if one was small and fuzzy. Hard worker, especially when it came to working wood or her voice, sweeter then sweetest honey you will ever taste. Somebody, who listens and who talks, depending on what is needed. At her heart, though, she is a Star Lynx, one's heart beating in her chest." He smiled. "If I may introduce? Caja Glór of the Tribe of Laois, we usually call her Aingeal."

Assad listened as the two gave introductions for each other. To him, it seemed like they knew each other well and for a long time, and he was about to say something when a car motor was heard and suddenly stopped. Within minutes, Vershenov and his wife, Netya, an old woman around his age wearing a dark-blue shirt and a long plaid skirt, as well as a black bonnet, walked into the tent. They were followed by the Syrian general, al-Sarifah, who stayed by the entrance in silence.

Netya immediately grabbed Assad's cheeks to caress him and pinched them hard. "Still thin as a rod," she said. "No matter. A day at a Krugeristani fair will get you in shape." She ruffled Assad's hair. "Poor dear." While standing with Assad, Netya took notice of the Selkie, and turned to her husband. "Is these the people Golahman was talking about?"

"Yes, they are," Vershenov grumbled.

"Oh, don't be such a sourpuss." Netya looked back at Assad. "They haven't made any lewd remarks to you, have they?"

"No, ma'am," Assad replied.

"Then they're fine." She looked at Gwen. "Please, introduce yourselves."

The four Selkie watched the exchange with bemusement, watching Vershenov having brought his real master - his wife, the legendary Mistress Mrs. Vershenov. They watched her handling Assad, too, although the comment about lewd remarks did strung a bit.
Only because they were not from here did not mean, that they couldn't behave by the local customs.
"Then they're fine.", Mrs. Vershenov said and looked at the oldest of the four Selkie. "Please, introduce yourselves."
Gwen nodded, hinting at a bow with that gesture, but stayed seated. "Well, it seems to me, that the two of us are united in the objective of getting some meat onto their dry bones, his and Karak's.", she told her and grinned, while she thought But Karak's take precedence. "I'm Gwen Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Cavan." She motioned to Fiona, who bowed her head in earnest, but stayed seated, too. "My daughter, Fiona. The fine lad by her feet, currently getting some chicken into his system, is Master Sionnach or Sio for short."
She nodded to Ayden, who stood up and respectfully bowed his head to the older woman. "Ayden Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow, Ambassador of the Free Lands, currently on tour to Krugeristan on behalf of the Council of Elders of the Fifteen Tribes of the Selkie." He motioned to Aingeal, who stood up, too, and bowed her head. "My partner, Caja Glór of the Tribe of Laois, Ambassador of the Selkie, currently on the same."
The younger woman smiled. "Please, do call me Aingeal.", she said in a nice and sweet tone, as she sat down again, as did Ayden.
Gwen motioned for both Vershenovs and the General towards the table. "Please, do have seats... my treat.", she invited.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman wasn't at all offended that Catherine asked about his panic attacks. In fact, he found it to be a sign she considered his physical and mental well-being. "Aye . . . I do still get panic attacks. They've decreased since I've found a girlfriend--you'll get a chance to meet her today--and President Assad has been attempting to help me . . . almost like a returned favor for us giving him weapons over the last few years."

"I see," Catherine delighted. "Finally there's someone to look after you now," she smiled before continuing, "The Imperium knows that your government had been aiding Assad in Syria. We have no formal relations with them but that doesn't stop us from being allies." She then paused for a moment.

"Its nice to see that you're hosting your own exchange this time around, mind showing around? I still have much to learn about your country."

"That you probably do," Golahman whispered, a little worriedly. "Alright. Follow me, then. Do me a favor, and don't make it obvious that you're diplomats . . . the civilians will get protective of themselves and their turf. Mr. Axden especially."

Golahman wasn't at all offended that Catherine asked about his panic attacks. In fact, he found it to be a sign she considered his physical and mental well-being. "Aye . . . I do still get panic attacks. They've decreased since I've found a girlfriend--you'll get a chance to meet her today--and President Assad has been attempting to help me . . . almost like a returned favor for us giving him weapons over the last few years."



Assad listened as the two gave introductions for each other. To him, it seemed like they knew each other well and for a long time, and he was about to say something when a car motor was heard and suddenly stopped. Within minutes, Vershenov and his wife, Netya, an old woman around his age wearing a dark-blue shirt and a long plaid skirt, as well as a black bonnet, walked into the tent. They were followed by the Syrian general, al-Sarifah, who stayed by the entrance in silence.

Netya immediately grabbed Assad's cheeks to caress him and pinched them hard. "Still thin as a rod," she said. "No matter. A day at a Krugeristani fair will get you in shape." She ruffled Assad's hair. "Poor dear." While standing with Assad, Netya took notice of the Selkie, and turned to her husband. "Is these the people Golahman was talking about?"

"Yes, they are," Vershenov grumbled.

"Oh, don't be such a sourpuss." Netya looked back at Assad. "They haven't made any lewd remarks to you, have they?"

"No, ma'am," Assad replied.

"Then they're fine." She looked at Gwen. "Please, introduce yourselves."

The four Selkie watched the exchange with bemusement, watching Vershenov having brought his real master - his wife, the legendary Mistress Mrs. Vershenov. They watched her handling Assad, too, although the comment about lewd remarks did strung a bit.
Only because they were not from here did not mean, that they couldn't behave by the local customs.
"Then they're fine.", Mrs. Vershenov said and looked at the oldest of the four Selkie. "Please, introduce yourselves."
Gwen nodded, hinting at a bow with that gesture, but stayed seated. "Well, it seems to me, that the two of us are united in the objective of getting some meat onto their dry bones, his and Karak's.", she told her and grinned, while she thought But Karak's take precedence. "I'm Gwen Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Cavan." She motioned to Fiona, who bowed her head in earnest, but stayed seated, too. "My daughter, Fiona. The fine lad by her feet, currently getting some chicken into his system, is Master Sionnach or Sio for short."
She nodded to Ayden, who stood up and respectfully bowed his head to the older woman. "Ayden Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow, Ambassador of the Free Lands, currently on tour to Krugeristan on behalf of the Council of Elders of the Fifteen Tribes of the Selkie." He motioned to Aingeal, who stood up, too, and bowed her head. "My partner, Caja Glór of the Tribe of Laois, Ambassador of the Selkie, currently on the same."
The younger woman smiled. "Please, do call me Aingeal.", she said in a nice and sweet tone, as she sat down again, as did Ayden.
Gwen motioned for both Vershenovs and the General towards the table. "Please, do have seats... my treat.", she invited.

"Oh, no, no, no, Madame Banisphora, no, that's not how we run at all. You're in our country. Everything is our treat to you, especially since you and your daughter have done a marvelous job at helping Golahman with his anxiety," Netya replied, rubbing Assad's hair.

Vershenov was remaining silent at this point, glancing over at Sarifah, who said, "Any time you'd like to show me your new ground-to-air missile defense system, I'd appreciate that."

Vershenov shook his head. "We'll sit down, General, please, expect this type of shit for the rest of the day."

"Damn right you will." Netya reached over to make her husband sit next to her while she sat next to Assad to pull rabbit hairs out of his suit.

[The Selkie]

"Oh, no, no, no, Madame Banisphora, no, that's not how we run at all. You're in our country. Everything is our treat to you, especially since you and your daughter have done a marvelous job at helping Golahman with his anxiety," Netya replied, rubbing Assad's hair.

Vershenov was remaining silent at this point, glancing over at Sarifah, who said, "Any time you'd like to show me your new ground-to-air missile defense system, I'd appreciate that."

Vershenov shook his head. "We'll sit down, General, please, expect this type of shit for the rest of the day."

"Damn right you will." Netya reached over to make her husband sit next to her while she sat next to Assad to pull rabbit hairs out of his suit.

Gwen wanted to reply immediately, but the exchange after that not only robbed her of the opportunity, it also made her laugh, as did the other Selkie, Ayden keeping it to a smile.
"Alright, Mrs. Vershenov...", Gwen said, still grinning widely, not missing her daughter watching her as she nodded, "If you insist, I would be honoured."
"And so would we be.", Fiona said with a small bow of her head, before she gave the Commander's wife a small, proud smile. "I must admit, though, that I had little to do with it. Luminous and he himself did most of the work. I only nudged a bit here and there."
"Don't sell yourself short, Fiona.", her mother admonished with a small smile, before she said something in Selkie, that made Fiona blush and avert her eyes. Gwen turned back to the Vershenovs. "Now, the Mrs. Vershenov, if it's not too much to ask for, tell a bit about yourself!"

[Krugeristan]

"Oh, no, no, no, Madame Banisphora, no, that's not how we run at all. You're in our country. Everything is our treat to you, especially since you and your daughter have done a marvelous job at helping Golahman with his anxiety," Netya replied, rubbing Assad's hair.

Vershenov was remaining silent at this point, glancing over at Sarifah, who said, "Any time you'd like to show me your new ground-to-air missile defense system, I'd appreciate that."

Vershenov shook his head. "We'll sit down, General, please, expect this type of shit for the rest of the day."

"Damn right you will." Netya reached over to make her husband sit next to her while she sat next to Assad to pull rabbit hairs out of his suit.

Gwen wanted to reply immediately, but the exchange after that not only robbed her of the opportunity, it also made her laugh, as did the other Selkie, Ayden keeping it to a smile.
"Alright, Mrs. Vershenov...", Gwen said, still grinning widely, not missing her daughter watching her as she nodded, "If you insist, I would be honoured."
"And so would we be.", Fiona said with a small bow of her head, before she gave the Commander's wife a small, proud smile. "I must admit, though, that I had little to do with it. Luminous and he himself did most of the work. I only nudged a bit here and there."
"Don't sell yourself short, Fiona.", her mother admonished with a small smile, before she said something in Selkie, that made Fiona blush and avert her eyes. Gwen turned back to the Vershenovs. "Now, the Mrs. Vershenov, if it's not too much to ask for, tell a bit about yourself!"

"Well, unlike Sergei, who was born in Moscow, I was born in Vladivostok, Russia, when the Soviet Union was still kicking somewhat. My father was a very poor man--cursed the Soviet system every night ever since I was born--but you should've seen the look on his face when Gorbachev started to unravel the whole mess. Only other time I saw him that happy was when Sergei and I fell in love. Right now, I'm living in Doenya, I come here to Inkyula whenever I can."

"She educates the wives of politicians on how to behave," Vershenov added, "when she isn't trying to fatten up Assad."

Netya gave Vershenov a slight slap. "I'm not trying to fatten him up! I'm trying to get him at a healthy weight so he doesn't suffer so much while he's dealing with war at home!" She looked back at Gwen. "He's right about the educating of wives thing." Netya pointed to Fiona. "If you and Golahman ever decide to tie a knot, you'll be attending my classes, too."

[Lardingo]

"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."

(OOC: Sorry for vanishing)

Jennings nodded and closed up her notepad, "Well, thank you for your time Mr...What's your name? Unless you would rather remain anonymous of course."

[Krugeristan]

"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."

(OOC: Sorry for vanishing)

Jennings nodded and closed up her notepad, "Well, thank you for your time Mr...What's your name? Unless you would rather remain anonymous of course."

"Janu Axden," Axden replied, a little irritated considering he had said his name before. He took a moment to think, before saying, "I can direct you to wherever you wish to go next, unless you want to stay and talk more or get a look at what I do for a living." He gestured behind him, to the portraits of world leaders (the relative few) that Krugeristan had respect for, as well as President Golahman.

[The Selkie]

Gwen wanted to reply immediately, but the exchange after that not only robbed her of the opportunity, it also made her laugh, as did the other Selkie, Ayden keeping it to a smile.
"Alright, Mrs. Vershenov...", Gwen said, still grinning widely, not missing her daughter watching her as she nodded, "If you insist, I would be honoured."
"And so would we be.", Fiona said with a small bow of her head, before she gave the Commander's wife a small, proud smile. "I must admit, though, that I had little to do with it. Luminous and he himself did most of the work. I only nudged a bit here and there."
"Don't sell yourself short, Fiona.", her mother admonished with a small smile, before she said something in Selkie, that made Fiona blush and avert her eyes. Gwen turned back to the Vershenovs. "Now, the Mrs. Vershenov, if it's not too much to ask for, tell a bit about yourself!"

"Well, unlike Sergei, who was born in Moscow, I was born in Vladivostok, Russia, when the Soviet Union was still kicking somewhat. My father was a very poor man--cursed the Soviet system every night ever since I was born--but you should've seen the look on his face when Gorbachev started to unravel the whole mess. Only other time I saw him that happy was when Sergei and I fell in love. Right now, I'm living in Doenya, I come here to Inkyula whenever I can."

"She educates the wives of politicians on how to behave," Vershenov added, "when she isn't trying to fatten up Assad."

Netya gave Vershenov a slight slap. "I'm not trying to fatten him up! I'm trying to get him at a healthy weight so he doesn't suffer so much while he's dealing with war at home!" She looked back at Gwen. "He's right about the educating of wives thing." Netya pointed to Fiona. "If you and Golahman ever decide to tie a knot, you'll be attending my classes, too."

Fiona blushed and replied after a moment of thinking: "While I appreciate the offer, Ma'am, it might be a long time, until I will attend such a course. Please don't plan on it any time soon."
Gwen, meanwhile, thought about something else: Assad was secondary, who needed more flesh on his bones was Karak - and she would do her best to deliver it and even if she had to shove it down his throat. He was only bones and more bones to her eyes.
She thought about how to break that matter to Vershenov's wife, especially considering, that it was nearly traditional for Krugeristani leaders to be as skinny as possible from what she understood.
Ayden, meanwhile, looked at the Syrian General. "So, then, Sir... judging by your uniform, you belong to Mister Assad.", he said with a small smile.

[Krugeristan]

"Well, unlike Sergei, who was born in Moscow, I was born in Vladivostok, Russia, when the Soviet Union was still kicking somewhat. My father was a very poor man--cursed the Soviet system every night ever since I was born--but you should've seen the look on his face when Gorbachev started to unravel the whole mess. Only other time I saw him that happy was when Sergei and I fell in love. Right now, I'm living in Doenya, I come here to Inkyula whenever I can."

"She educates the wives of politicians on how to behave," Vershenov added, "when she isn't trying to fatten up Assad."

Netya gave Vershenov a slight slap. "I'm not trying to fatten him up! I'm trying to get him at a healthy weight so he doesn't suffer so much while he's dealing with war at home!" She looked back at Gwen. "He's right about the educating of wives thing." Netya pointed to Fiona. "If you and Golahman ever decide to tie a knot, you'll be attending my classes, too."

Fiona blushed and replied after a moment of thinking: "While I appreciate the offer, Ma'am, it might be a long time, until I will attend such a course. Please don't plan on it any time soon."
Gwen, meanwhile, thought about something else: Assad was secondary, who needed more flesh on his bones was Karak - and she would do her best to deliver it and even if she had to shove it down his throat. He was only bones and more bones to her eyes.
She thought about how to break that matter to Vershenov's wife, especially considering, that it was nearly traditional for Krugeristani leaders to be as skinny as possible from what she understood.
Ayden, meanwhile, looked at the Syrian General. "So, then, Sir... judging by your uniform, you belong to Mister Assad.", he said with a small smile.

"Work for," Sarifah corrected. "'Belong' is a bit strong, considering the harsh language used by most to describe my president. I'm the military attaché to Krugeristan. Been hopping back and forth between Krugeristan and Syria for almost six years." His English was by no means flawless; his accent was heavy, and he would stutter somewhat, but, overall, some would think he had been raised with English in his home."

Assad was starting to get annoyed with Netya's fussing, but she pinched his upper arm hard, trying to get him to sit still while she continued to pull rabbit fur from his clothing. "Good Baby Jesus, were you sitting in the rabbit exhibit again?" she asked.

"No, ma'am," Assad muttered. "I put my name in the drawing for the little Dutch they're showing today."

"Well, good, I don't think any tourist who comes here would be qualified."

Vershenov was smiling a little, and leaned in to whisper to Gwen, Fiona, and the two diplomats. "And now you see why we're made for each other."

Naven, the chef, returned to the table with a large plate of raspberry tarts. "Commander, I didn't expect you to be here without Golahman," he said.

"Golahman's better suited to deal with those bloody Laneigeans than I am," Vershenov growled.

"Oh, stop it, Sergei. Just because they sent two females doesn't mean they will attempt to seduce Golahman. Besides--" Netya pinched Assad's cheeks and turned the Syrian's head to face her husband, "Assad's here. He'll scare off any whore who tries to ruin the delicate dignity of poor Golahman."

Assad wasn't sure whether to take that as a compliment or an insult.

[Laneige]

"I see," Catherine delighted. "Finally there's someone to look after you now," she smiled before continuing, "The Imperium knows that your government had been aiding Assad in Syria. We have no formal relations with them but that doesn't stop us from being allies." She then paused for a moment.

"Its nice to see that you're hosting your own exchange this time around, mind showing around? I still have much to learn about your country."

"That you probably do," Golahman whispered, a little worriedly. "Alright. Follow me, then. Do me a favor, and don't make it obvious that you're diplomats . . . the civilians will get protective of themselves and their turf. Mr. Axden especially."

Catherine smiled as Golahman directed her and Rima out of the tent. She nodded upon the President's advise. "Good thing most of the clothing we brought along are mostly casual right Rima?"

"Uhh.. Yeah," Rima replied but rather puzzled as to why the locals would be hostile towards foreigners. "I guess you can sort of take this as more of a vacation than work," Rima continued jokingly.

Catherine then turns back to Golahman, "We will do our best to act as little as we can as diplomats!" she exclaims enthusiastically. "But who is this Mr. Axden thou? An attache of yours?"

[Krugeristan]

"That you probably do," Golahman whispered, a little worriedly. "Alright. Follow me, then. Do me a favor, and don't make it obvious that you're diplomats . . . the civilians will get protective of themselves and their turf. Mr. Axden especially."

Catherine smiled as Golahman directed her and Rima out of the tent. She nodded upon the President's advise. "Good thing most of the clothing we brought along are mostly casual right Rima?"

"Uhh.. Yeah," Rima replied but rather puzzled as to why the locals would be hostile towards foreigners. "I guess you can sort of take this as more of a vacation than work," Rima continued jokingly.

Catherine then turns back to Golahman, "We will do our best to act as little as we can as diplomats!" she exclaims enthusiastically. "But who is this Mr. Axden thou? An attache of yours?"

"He's an internationally known artist," Golahman replied. "I've commissioned him to paint portraits for my estate before. He's a decent person, if you don't piss him off right away. Mind your manners and don't say anything that may sound stupid--like obvious questions."

[Laneige]

Catherine smiled as Golahman directed her and Rima out of the tent. She nodded upon the President's advise. "Good thing most of the clothing we brought along are mostly casual right Rima?"

"Uhh.. Yeah," Rima replied but rather puzzled as to why the locals would be hostile towards foreigners. "I guess you can sort of take this as more of a vacation than work," Rima continued jokingly.

Catherine then turns back to Golahman, "We will do our best to act as little as we can as diplomats!" she exclaims enthusiastically. "But who is this Mr. Axden thou? An attache of yours?"

"He's an internationally known artist," Golahman replied. "I've commissioned him to paint portraits for my estate before. He's a decent person, if you don't piss him off right away. Mind your manners and don't say anything that may sound stupid--like obvious questions."

Catherine frowned. "Hmm.. I guess I better consult you first when I'm about to ask Mr. Axden any questions. But no doubt I would like to see his arts since he is internationally renowned." She then tries to change the topic. "So.. Where will you be taking us first?"

[Krugeristan]

"He's an internationally known artist," Golahman replied. "I've commissioned him to paint portraits for my estate before. He's a decent person, if you don't piss him off right away. Mind your manners and don't say anything that may sound stupid--like obvious questions."

Catherine frowned. "Hmm.. I guess I better consult you first when I'm about to ask Mr. Axden any questions. But no doubt I would like to see his arts since he is internationally renowned." She then tries to change the topic. "So.. Where will you be taking us first?"

"I will be taking you to the arena first," Golahman said. "We have a small exhibition of Krugeristani history and government, and there's a rabbit available for adoption through a random drawing. You have to be psychologically evaluated before you put your names in, though."

[Laneige]

Catherine frowned. "Hmm.. I guess I better consult you first when I'm about to ask Mr. Axden any questions. But no doubt I would like to see his arts since he is internationally renowned." She then tries to change the topic. "So.. Where will you be taking us first?"

"I will be taking you to the arena first," Golahman said. "We have a small exhibition of Krugeristani history and government, and there's a rabbit available for adoption through a random drawing. You have to be psychologically evaluated before you put your names in, though."

"A rabbit up for adoption?!" Catherine thrilled. She was always a sucker towards cute animals. But Rima wasn't very impressed, "But Catherine, wait! I don't think it's a very good idea to adopt a rabbit."

"Why not?" Catherine retorts.

"Well, that's because we have a very long flight back home and its not very suitable for a rabbit to make that journey with us. Plus, its pretty cold back home even during the summer. Home is not a very good place for a rabbit to live."

Catherine defeated and agreed with Rima, "Hmm.. I guess you're right. It's not like we'll be picked in the draw anyway."

"And I don't think Felicia would be very pleased if you were evaluated psychologically. The psychology state of a high tier government official such as you is considered a state secret and its very precious. Who knows what other people might do to you if you're not careful," Rima however continued, warning Catherine in a soft tone when she speaks.

But Catherine knew, its was just a harmless tests to evaluate the emotional state of the adopter so that the rabbit doesn't get abused. Nonetheless, Catherine on the advise of her bodyguard, remained vigilant.

She turned back to Golahman, "It's would be nice to go see some furries but I guess we shouldn't participate."

[Krugeristan]

"I will be taking you to the arena first," Golahman said. "We have a small exhibition of Krugeristani history and government, and there's a rabbit available for adoption through a random drawing. You have to be psychologically evaluated before you put your names in, though."

"A rabbit up for adoption?!" Catherine thrilled. She was always a sucker towards cute animals. But Rima wasn't very impressed, "But Catherine, wait! I don't think it's a very good idea to adopt a rabbit."

"Why not?" Catherine retorts.

"Well, that's because we have a very long flight back home and its not very suitable for a rabbit to make that journey with us. Plus, its pretty cold back home even during the summer. Home is not a very good place for a rabbit to live."

Catherine defeated and agreed with Rima, "Hmm.. I guess you're right. It's not like we'll be picked in the draw anyway."

"And I don't think Felicia would be very pleased if you were evaluated psychologically. The psychology state of a high tier government official such as you is considered a state secret and its very precious. Who knows what other people might do to you if you're not careful," Rima however continued, warning Catherine in a soft tone when she speaks.

But Catherine knew, its was just a harmless tests to evaluate the emotional state of the adopter so that the rabbit doesn't get abused. Nonetheless, Catherine on the advise of her bodyguard, remained vigilant.

She turned back to Golahman, "It's would be nice to go see some furries but I guess we shouldn't participate."

Golahman twitched. "The psychological state of a government official should never be a secret. At least, it isn't here. We make sure we're open, not robots."

[The Selkie]

Fiona blushed and replied after a moment of thinking: "While I appreciate the offer, Ma'am, it might be a long time, until I will attend such a course. Please don't plan on it any time soon."
Gwen, meanwhile, thought about something else: Assad was secondary, who needed more flesh on his bones was Karak - and she would do her best to deliver it and even if she had to shove it down his throat. He was only bones and more bones to her eyes.
She thought about how to break that matter to Vershenov's wife, especially considering, that it was nearly traditional for Krugeristani leaders to be as skinny as possible from what she understood.
Ayden, meanwhile, looked at the Syrian General. "So, then, Sir... judging by your uniform, you belong to Mister Assad.", he said with a small smile.

"Work for," Sarifah corrected. "'Belong' is a bit strong, considering the harsh language used by most to describe my president. I'm the military attaché to Krugeristan. Been hopping back and forth between Krugeristan and Syria for almost six years." His English was by no means flawless; his accent was heavy, and he would stutter somewhat, but, overall, some would think he had been raised with English in his home."

Assad was starting to get annoyed with Netya's fussing, but she pinched his upper arm hard, trying to get him to sit still while she continued to pull rabbit fur from his clothing. "Good Baby Jesus, were you sitting in the rabbit exhibit again?" she asked.

"No, ma'am," Assad muttered. "I put my name in the drawing for the little Dutch they're showing today."

"Well, good, I don't think any tourist who comes here would be qualified."

Vershenov was smiling a little, and leaned in to whisper to Gwen, Fiona, and the two diplomats. "And now you see why we're made for each other."

Naven, the chef, returned to the table with a large plate of raspberry tarts. "Commander, I didn't expect you to be here without Golahman," he said.

"Golahman's better suited to deal with those bloody Laneigeans than I am," Vershenov growled.

"Oh, stop it, Sergei. Just because they sent two females doesn't mean they will attempt to seduce Golahman. Besides--" Netya pinched Assad's cheeks and turned the Syrian's head to face her husband, "Assad's here. He'll scare off any whore who tries to ruin the delicate dignity of poor Golahman."

Assad wasn't sure whether to take that as a compliment or an insult.

Fiona frowned and suddenly, there was a throwing knife in her hand, which she used to cut a piece of tart which she then took the fork for, while she replied: "Mister Assad and his capabilities in such regards in all honours, Mrs. Vershenov, but you will very soon find out, that a Selkie is not a pathetic little girl waiting for her Prince Charming. Quite on the contrary, in fact."
She gave a smile, which would remind more then the odd person at the table of a very large feline predator with far too large teeth.
"If one of those little whores thinks, that she can make moves on my boyfriend and does not get the message, that he already has a girlfriend, they will have to answer to me." She scooped the piece of tart up with a fork. "And believe me, your gracious husband would be green with envy about some of the things I would do with them, simply due to the fact, that he didn't have the ideas my people had in dealing with such matters."
Her mother smiled with pride. "Thank you, Mister Naven, it looks very delicious.", she told the cook, "That being said, however, there is a proverb: 'In the chest of every female Selkie, there beats the heart of a Star Lynx.'" She let a beat pass. "Good appetite!"

[Krugeristan]

"Work for," Sarifah corrected. "'Belong' is a bit strong, considering the harsh language used by most to describe my president. I'm the military attaché to Krugeristan. Been hopping back and forth between Krugeristan and Syria for almost six years." His English was by no means flawless; his accent was heavy, and he would stutter somewhat, but, overall, some would think he had been raised with English in his home."

Assad was starting to get annoyed with Netya's fussing, but she pinched his upper arm hard, trying to get him to sit still while she continued to pull rabbit fur from his clothing. "Good Baby Jesus, were you sitting in the rabbit exhibit again?" she asked.

"No, ma'am," Assad muttered. "I put my name in the drawing for the little Dutch they're showing today."

"Well, good, I don't think any tourist who comes here would be qualified."

Vershenov was smiling a little, and leaned in to whisper to Gwen, Fiona, and the two diplomats. "And now you see why we're made for each other."

Naven, the chef, returned to the table with a large plate of raspberry tarts. "Commander, I didn't expect you to be here without Golahman," he said.

"Golahman's better suited to deal with those bloody Laneigeans than I am," Vershenov growled.

"Oh, stop it, Sergei. Just because they sent two females doesn't mean they will attempt to seduce Golahman. Besides--" Netya pinched Assad's cheeks and turned the Syrian's head to face her husband, "Assad's here. He'll scare off any whore who tries to ruin the delicate dignity of poor Golahman."

Assad wasn't sure whether to take that as a compliment or an insult.

Fiona frowned and suddenly, there was a throwing knife in her hand, which she used to cut a piece of tart which she then took the fork for, while she replied: "Mister Assad and his capabilities in such regards in all honours, Mrs. Vershenov, but you will very soon find out, that a Selkie is not a pathetic little girl waiting for her Prince Charming. Quite on the contrary, in fact."
She gave a smile, which would remind more then the odd person at the table of a very large feline predator with far too large teeth.
"If one of those little whores thinks, that she can make moves on my boyfriend and does not get the message, that he already has a girlfriend, they will have to answer to me." She scooped the piece of tart up with a fork. "And believe me, your gracious husband would be green with envy about some of the things I would do with them, simply due to the fact, that he didn't have the ideas my people had in dealing with such matters."
Her mother smiled with pride. "Thank you, Mister Naven, it looks very delicious.", she told the cook, "That being said, however, there is a proverb: 'In the chest of every female Selkie, there beats the heart of a Star Lynx.'" She let a beat pass. "Good appetite!"

"I see," Netya said. "I also see Golahman made a good choice with you. The fact that you're upset by what I said regarding Assad shows you're loyal to Golahman, but, and I don't want to repeat it, because I'm sure Golahman has mentioned this to you before, he has plenty of space in his heart for people. He will always make time for the people he loves, but, he's mentioned that your people are exceptional when it comes to fighting, and--" she looked at Vershenov, "I'm sure we'll agree it'd do Assad some good to learn how to fight physically."

[Laneige]

"A rabbit up for adoption?!" Catherine thrilled. She was always a sucker towards cute animals. But Rima wasn't very impressed, "But Catherine, wait! I don't think it's a very good idea to adopt a rabbit."

"Why not?" Catherine retorts.

"Well, that's because we have a very long flight back home and its not very suitable for a rabbit to make that journey with us. Plus, its pretty cold back home even during the summer. Home is not a very good place for a rabbit to live."

Catherine defeated and agreed with Rima, "Hmm.. I guess you're right. It's not like we'll be picked in the draw anyway."

"And I don't think Felicia would be very pleased if you were evaluated psychologically. The psychology state of a high tier government official such as you is considered a state secret and its very precious. Who knows what other people might do to you if you're not careful," Rima however continued, warning Catherine in a soft tone when she speaks.

But Catherine knew, its was just a harmless tests to evaluate the emotional state of the adopter so that the rabbit doesn't get abused. Nonetheless, Catherine on the advise of her bodyguard, remained vigilant.

She turned back to Golahman, "It's would be nice to go see some furries but I guess we shouldn't participate."

Golahman twitched. "The psychological state of a government official should never be a secret. At least, it isn't here. We make sure we're open, not robots."

Catherine noticed Golahman had overheard Rima's comments, she blushed immediately, embarrassed. "Oh! Uh.. You overheard! Eh.. Don't mind Rima, she's a soldier and she's assigned to protect me after all. So we can't really blame her for being vigilant haha.." Catherine ending her speech in an awkward laugh. "Just.. Just.. Nevermind what Rina just said."

[Krugeristan]

Golahman twitched. "The psychological state of a government official should never be a secret. At least, it isn't here. We make sure we're open, not robots."

Catherine noticed Golahman had overheard Rima's comments, she blushed immediately, embarrassed. "Oh! Uh.. You overheard! Eh.. Don't mind Rima, she's a soldier and she's assigned to protect me after all. So we can't really blame her for being vigilant haha.." Catherine ending her speech in an awkward laugh. "Just.. Just.. Nevermind what Rina just said."

Even Vershenov wouldn't say something like that. "Of course," Golahman replied. "Um . . . in case you're curious, the president of Syria will be with us today." Golahman looked around. "Not sure where he is, though."

[The Selkie]

"I see," Netya said. "I also see Golahman made a good choice with you. The fact that you're upset by what I said regarding Assad shows you're loyal to Golahman, but, and I don't want to repeat it, because I'm sure Golahman has mentioned this to you before, he has plenty of space in his heart for people. He will always make time for the people he loves, but, he's mentioned that your people are exceptional when it comes to fighting, and--" she looked at Vershenov, "I'm sure we'll agree it'd do Assad some good to learn how to fight physically."

"He did mention something like that.", Fiona said with a nod, a small frown overtaking her face, taking a fork, her expression clearing up considerably, smiling at the cook. "Doesn't only look good, tastes good, too. My compliments to the chef!"
"Mine as well.", Gwen said as her daughter took another fork, smiling at Assad, a small, slightly maliscious glint in her eyes. "And I agree, Mrs. Vershenov. He definately needs to learn how to fight for himself, be it by hand or with the sword... and I do not mean the letter-openers his people usually prefer, but a good sword of good steel. I even know someone, who would be able to train him, if everything goes alright..."

Ayden, distracted for a moment, turned back to the General. "My apologies, Sir.", he said, a slight accent in his English as well, rolling Rs and dropped vowels, as well as a certain melodic character to his speaking, like it was usual for the Selkie. "It must be a rather stressful job, from the sounds of it?"

[Krugeristan]

"I see," Netya said. "I also see Golahman made a good choice with you. The fact that you're upset by what I said regarding Assad shows you're loyal to Golahman, but, and I don't want to repeat it, because I'm sure Golahman has mentioned this to you before, he has plenty of space in his heart for people. He will always make time for the people he loves, but, he's mentioned that your people are exceptional when it comes to fighting, and--" she looked at Vershenov, "I'm sure we'll agree it'd do Assad some good to learn how to fight physically."

"He did mention something like that.", Fiona said with a nod, a small frown overtaking her face, taking a fork, her expression clearing up considerably, smiling at the cook. "Doesn't only look good, tastes good, too. My compliments to the chef!"
"Mine as well.", Gwen said as her daughter took another fork, smiling at Assad, a small, slightly maliscious glint in her eyes. "And I agree, Mrs. Vershenov. He definately needs to learn how to fight for himself, be it by hand or with the sword... and I do not mean the letter-openers his people usually prefer, but a good sword of good steel. I even know someone, who would be able to train him, if everything goes alright..."

Ayden, distracted for a moment, turned back to the General. "My apologies, Sir.", he said, a slight accent in his English as well, rolling Rs and dropped vowels, as well as a certain melodic character to his speaking, like it was usual for the Selkie. "It must be a rather stressful job, from the sounds of it?"

Assad turned red with embarrassment, figuring the handgun tucked in his belt didn't qualify as "knowledge of fighting". "I wouldn't mind . . . training."

"It is a stressful job, to an extent," Sarifah replied, ignoring the personal jabs thrown at his president. "I live in Krugeristan most of the year, and occasionally, it can be no different than Syria when sirens go off in the middle of the night because somebody got caught doing something they're not supposed to."

[The Selkie]

Assad turned red with embarrassment, figuring the handgun tucked in his belt didn't qualify as "knowledge of fighting". "I wouldn't mind . . . training."

"It is a stressful job, to an extent," Sarifah replied, ignoring the personal jabs thrown at his president. "I live in Krugeristan most of the year, and occasionally, it can be no different than Syria when sirens go off in the middle of the night because somebody got caught doing something they're not supposed to."

Gwen laughed. "Oh, do lighten up!", she said with a wide grin, "It's not going to kill you!"
Fiona looked at her mother with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, not right away, mind you, but that's another question!", Gwen corrected herself with a wide smile, "One needs to do something with the own body to burn off excess energy. Sports or arms training is a good way to do so. Fiona inherited my talent with the sword, after all."
"That means, no talent with the sword at all.", Fiona added with a smile.

Ayden nodded. "I... see. I think.", he said with a small smile, "Reminds me of a few of the visits I did as an Ambassador. And a few uncomfortably close run-ins with Cailb we had over the years." He shrugged and Aingeal nodded. "Not that Goddess of Death isn't a charming Lady, but I can live without meeting her so often, if you want to put it that way."