Open Up Our Minds (IC/MT)

[Krugeristan]

Inkyula Fairgrounds
Glacier District
Krugeristan

"I can enter my name in the drawing for this rabbit, right?" The president of Syria has presently succeeded in getting rabbit fur all over his suit, which embarrassed his military attaché, General al-Sarifah, greatly.

Adna Pilov, a young woman with shoulder-length brown hair and wearing a dark-blue sweater with black pants, smiled at the group of important men marveling the rabbit. "Of course you can. The drawing is random, so, no favoritism."

"Good." President Golahman's bodyguard, a grumpy man with white hair and a freshly pressed uniform, Commander Vershenov looked at Sarifah, silently begging him to not pester Assad with formalities. "General, I can assure you that sometime today, we will get to the discussion about selling you some ground-air missiles."

Sarifah was younger than Vershenov by about twenty years, with thick dark hair and a thin beard and mustache. He bit his lip, knowing Vershenov didn't back down on his word. "Alright, Commander."

President Golahman, a skinny young man with ice-blue eyes and a nervous demeanor, was trailed by a small, unusual creature on a leash--a Tine, from the Free Lands, named Luminous because of his sparkling ruby eyes. He wanted to oversee the progress of this experiment, as well as showing foreigners coming that he was open and didn't like hiding behind a desk.

Corporal Evanu strolled into the large tent, saluting everyone present, before handing Golahman a slip of paper. "Sir, personal notice for you."

Golahman looked at the sheet, his eyes widening before looking at Evanu. "Fiona and Gwen?"

"Yes, sir."

"Oh my God, that's wonderful! When will they arrive?"

"Not sure, sir."

Assad handed the rabbit back to Adna. "Your girlfriend and her mother?"

"Yes, you big dork!" Golahman laughed. "This'll be great! You're here, Fiona will be here, Gwen will be here, I brought Luminous--hopefully Fiona brings Sio . . ."

"Sir," Vershenov said, clearing his throat, "I understand that Fiona and her family mean a lot to you, but this fair is a big deal for us all. We need to show the world that we are capable of hosting tourists. It's a good way to generate income and give our best businesses a chance to sell their products to places other than Syria, so, we will need you to be at least walking around and talking to people."

"I can do that . . . I think. Yes, I can . . . I can . . . talk to people." Golahman paled, reaching down to pick up Luminous and caress him while the Tine cooed in his face.

Vershenov turned to his Syrian counterpart. "General, how about you and Kalif ride with me into the city. I have to pick up my wife and then we're coming right back, hopefully in time for this sh*tshow to start. We can talk along the way."

"You're sure Assad is safe here?" Sarifah asked, following Vershenov.

"I didn't order six squadrons of dogs for nothing, now, did I?"

OOC: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=409544

[The Selkie]

Entrance to the Inkyula Fairgrounds, Glacier District, Krugeristan.
The taxi came to a stop, marking the end of a long journey: From the Free Lands of the Selkie, Traverse International Airport, to the next airport and from there to the Fairgrounds via taxi. The driver had been nice, but a little bit un-talkative.
That was fine by the two Selkie and the Curly Mountain Fox he transported, they were too excited to concentrate on small-talk - in two cases, at least. The other two were busy watching the landscape pass by.
The excited ones were mother and daughter, Gwen and Fiona Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Cavan.
The mother was a brunette woman, in her mid-fifties, but looking like in her late thirties, her long and brown hair bound together by an orange ribbon at its end, swinging across her back, her emerald-green eyes shining with anticipation and excitement. Despite her age, and occupation as CEO of Gabha Blacksmiths Limited, she was a good looking woman, mature, with the corresponding curves and not afraid to show them. For the last time she had been in Krugeristan, the Halloween Party, she had worn her Geansai, in part as a costume, but that was now impossible. So, she opted for something simple, yet elegant and climate-fitting, a sheepskin jacket in a medium brown over a grey pullover, opened to allow her a bit of breathing, in addition to a dark pair of pants.
Her daughter Fiona was, as one could expect, rather similar to her mother, except she had brown eyes and looked more youthful then her more mature mother. She worked as a businesswoman for her mother's company and was successful at her job, although some liked to blame that onto her looks. She, too, went for simple and elegant, a riding coat in dark brown, with a flattering dipped back hem and an adjustable waist, bound to pronounce hers, made of cotton with an inner nylon lining. Underneath that was a pullover with a kitten on it, well worn despite her only having it since Christmas, as well as a pair of jeans.
The two of them were not here for business, but for private reasons: Fiona wanted to visit the Festival with her boyfriend and her mother with something the Selkie called their cubs, as one might call her a Grande Dame, but she did not like the term. Funnily enough, the cub and the boyfriend were the same person, Karak Golahman.
The other two were there for more business related reasons, but that did not make it any less possible for themselves to be amused. The two were Ambassador Group 3, Caja Glór of the Tribe of Laois, people calling her Aingeal, and Ayden Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow.
Ayden was a tall man, built like a wardrobe, with short red hair and red eyes. Although his sharply cut face was ideal for frowning, he rarely did outside of diplomatic talks. He, too, went for Foreign Dress, as it was called by the Selkie, a flying jacket in cream and brown, made of sheepskin, zipped up and combined with a pullover underneath it and a pair of jeans.
Aingeal was a rather short, well-curved young woman with long, black hair, worn openly, combed, but not styled. Her blue eyes, which might as well have been sapphires, sparkled. She also complied with the local dresscode, as the Selkie expected others to respect their culture when they visited, seeing no reason to respect theirs when in their country. That being said, her dark leather biker jacket hugged her in all the right places, the asymetric zip-fastening and the double-buckle detail only helping her. To that, a pair of jeans was worn, too.
All of their pockets were filled with useful stuff, from gloves to other things.
The last, but definately not the least, was the animal napping in Fiona's lap, a small, cute Curly Mountain Fox going by the name of Sio. His mistress' hand in his fur definately helped him in having good dreams, but as soon as the car came to a stop and the door was open, he jumped out.
Fiona, then her mother and Aingeal left the car after that, but stayed close, while Ayden took out his wallet and got out a rather large bank note - as a Selkie, he was more used to Silver Coinage, the Gil, one being worth 15 NSD. "Thank you for the ride, Sir.", he told the driver and handed him the note. "I'm sorry to ask, but is it appropriate to give you a tip?"
The others, outside, smiled as they saw and beheld the festival grounds - although a bit empty for now, they looked good. But two of them were on the lookout for someone as well...

[Krugeristan]

Entrance to the Inkyula Fairgrounds, Glacier District, Krugeristan.
The taxi came to a stop, marking the end of a long journey: From the Free Lands of the Selkie, Traverse International Airport, to the next airport and from there to the Fairgrounds via taxi. The driver had been nice, but a little bit un-talkative.
That was fine by the two Selkie and the Curly Mountain Fox he transported, they were too excited to concentrate on small-talk - in two cases, at least. The other two were busy watching the landscape pass by.
The excited ones were mother and daughter, Gwen and Fiona Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Cavan.
The mother was a brunette woman, in her mid-fifties, but looking like in her late thirties, her long and brown hair bound together by an orange ribbon at its end, swinging across her back, her emerald-green eyes shining with anticipation and excitement. Despite her age, and occupation as CEO of Gabha Blacksmiths Limited, she was a good looking woman, mature, with the corresponding curves and not afraid to show them. For the last time she had been in Krugeristan, the Halloween Party, she had worn her Geansai, in part as a costume, but that was now impossible. So, she opted for something simple, yet elegant and climate-fitting, a sheepskin jacket in a medium brown over a grey pullover, opened to allow her a bit of breathing, in addition to a dark pair of pants.
Her daughter Fiona was, as one could expect, rather similar to her mother, except she had brown eyes and looked more youthful then her more mature mother. She worked as a businesswoman for her mother's company and was successful at her job, although some liked to blame that onto her looks. She, too, went for simple and elegant, a riding coat in dark brown, with a flattering dipped back hem and an adjustable waist, bound to pronounce hers, made of cotton with an inner nylon lining. Underneath that was a pullover with a kitten on it, well worn despite her only having it since Christmas, as well as a pair of jeans.
The two of them were not here for business, but for private reasons: Fiona wanted to visit the Festival with her boyfriend and her mother with something the Selkie called their cubs, as one might call her a Grande Dame, but she did not like the term. Funnily enough, the cub and the boyfriend were the same person, Karak Golahman.
The other two were there for more business related reasons, but that did not make it any less possible for themselves to be amused. The two were Ambassador Group 3, Caja Glór of the Tribe of Laois, people calling her Aingeal, and Ayden Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow.
Ayden was a tall man, built like a wardrobe, with short red hair and red eyes. Although his sharply cut face was ideal for frowning, he rarely did outside of diplomatic talks. He, too, went for Foreign Dress, as it was called by the Selkie, a flying jacket in cream and brown, made of sheepskin, zipped up and combined with a pullover underneath it and a pair of jeans.
Aingeal was a rather short, well-curved young woman with long, black hair, worn openly, combed, but not styled. Her blue eyes, which might as well have been sapphires, sparkled. She also complied with the local dresscode, as the Selkie expected others to respect their culture when they visited, seeing no reason to respect theirs when in their country. That being said, her dark leather biker jacket hugged her in all the right places, the asymetric zip-fastening and the double-buckle detail only helping her. To that, a pair of jeans was worn, too.
All of their pockets were filled with useful stuff, from gloves to other things.
The last, but definately not the least, was the animal napping in Fiona's lap, a small, cute Curly Mountain Fox going by the name of Sio. His mistress' hand in his fur definately helped him in having good dreams, but as soon as the car came to a stop and the door was open, he jumped out.
Fiona, then her mother and Aingeal left the car after that, but stayed close, while Ayden took out his wallet and got out a rather large bank note - as a Selkie, he was more used to Silver Coinage, the Gil, one being worth 15 NSD. "Thank you for the ride, Sir.", he told the driver and handed him the note. "I'm sorry to ask, but is it appropriate to give you a tip?"
The others, outside, smiled as they saw and beheld the festival grounds - although a bit empty for now, they looked good. But two of them were on the lookout for someone as well...

The driver glanced at Ayden. "If you're that satisfied with my service, then yes." He took the note, gave a nod to the Selkie, and began slowly pulling away from the entrance of the fairgrounds.

Two guards were standing at the entrance, leashed German shepherds at their sides. The guards' eyes were slightly covered by their caps as they stood still, letting their dogs take a few sniffs at the Selkie. The dogs were curious about Sio, until their leashes were given light tugs and they immediately went back to their masters' sides.

Once the Selkie were past the guards, the first thing they would see is Janu Axden's tent, along with the artist sitting outside in a black robe and grumpy expression as he stirred a cup of coffee. All he could really do here is nod, but turned his head when President Golahman came running over to the Selkie party, arms outstretched, followed closely by Assad, holding Luminous's leash.

[Lardingo]

Wildflower Jennings checked her phone for the fifth time. She had tried for the past ten minutes to ask the taxi driver questions, but he was adamantly silent. Eventually Wildflower had given up, and now the cap was uncomfortably quiet. She hated it. Jennings sighed and glanced down at her camera bag, which was stored safely beneath her feet. The cab drove over a bump and she winced, tightening her grip on the phone. Wildflower was wearing a simple green sweater and jeans. She liked to dress light when working. Suddenly the cab jolted to a stop. Stretching, Wildflower slung the camera bag over her shoulder and tucked the phone into her jean pocket. Ready to get started, she thanked the cab driver and stepped into the festival grounds. Her fingers twitched, itching to pull out the camera and start snapping. Take it slow, She reminded herself, These people aren't used to foreigners.

[Laneige]

Inkyula Fairgrounds, Glacier District, Krugeristan

The Laneigean delegates landed in Krugeristan shortly before the cultural exchange was mean't to take place. The Laneigean team consists only of two members; Catherine Dior, previously an affairs officer attached with the Defense Ministry, now Chargés d'affaires for Krugeristan under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rima Zeidan, a captain of the 1st Imperial Reiksguard Regiment and now tasked as Catherine's companion and bodyguard for this diplomatic mission.

The Laneigean plane quickly taxied to a stop, Catherine and Rima alighted the plane soon after. The baggage claim and custom's clearance didn't take long. The two quickly find themselves en route to the venue of the exchange shortly after, which impresses Catherine of the short duration it takes to transition from the plane. "The efficiency of this country is rather impressive no? Rima? It''s much different from what I remembered," she asked as a black SUV ferries them into a city. The vehicle was specially requested by the Laneigean government on behalf of the delegates so as that there would be no hiccups during the journey to meet the Krugeristan leaders.

"Yes, considering our previous profile of this country, it has improved a lot," Rima replied in her heavy French accent.

After a couple of miles and some bumpy roads, Catherine and Rima arrived at the Inkyula Fairgrounds. The driver, whose Krugeristani quickly got off the car as soon as they arrived at the venue. He opened Catherine's door swiftly and gave a welcoming gesture to the Laneigean. Catherine thanked the driver and alighted with Rima.

Laneigeans were very particular of their image and culture. This was especially evident in the design of their uniforms. Catherine was donning a caped blouse coupled with a golden laced skirt, a standard for all Laneigean female officers and secretariats. Meanwhile, Rima was clad in the more standard Laneigean military long dress paired with Hermean black boots to reflect her affiliations with the Imperial Reiksguard.

The pair stood at the front of the venue and wondered if they should just step in.

[The Selkie]

Entrance to the Inkyula Fairgrounds, Glacier District, Krugeristan.
The taxi came to a stop, marking the end of a long journey: From the Free Lands of the Selkie, Traverse International Airport, to the next airport and from there to the Fairgrounds via taxi. The driver had been nice, but a little bit un-talkative.
That was fine by the two Selkie and the Curly Mountain Fox he transported, they were too excited to concentrate on small-talk - in two cases, at least. The other two were busy watching the landscape pass by.
The excited ones were mother and daughter, Gwen and Fiona Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Cavan.
The mother was a brunette woman, in her mid-fifties, but looking like in her late thirties, her long and brown hair bound together by an orange ribbon at its end, swinging across her back, her emerald-green eyes shining with anticipation and excitement. Despite her age, and occupation as CEO of Gabha Blacksmiths Limited, she was a good looking woman, mature, with the corresponding curves and not afraid to show them. For the last time she had been in Krugeristan, the Halloween Party, she had worn her Geansai, in part as a costume, but that was now impossible. So, she opted for something simple, yet elegant and climate-fitting, a sheepskin jacket in a medium brown over a grey pullover, opened to allow her a bit of breathing, in addition to a dark pair of pants.
Her daughter Fiona was, as one could expect, rather similar to her mother, except she had brown eyes and looked more youthful then her more mature mother. She worked as a businesswoman for her mother's company and was successful at her job, although some liked to blame that onto her looks. She, too, went for simple and elegant, a riding coat in dark brown, with a flattering dipped back hem and an adjustable waist, bound to pronounce hers, made of cotton with an inner nylon lining. Underneath that was a pullover with a kitten on it, well worn despite her only having it since Christmas, as well as a pair of jeans.
The two of them were not here for business, but for private reasons: Fiona wanted to visit the Festival with her boyfriend and her mother with something the Selkie called their cubs, as one might call her a Grande Dame, but she did not like the term. Funnily enough, the cub and the boyfriend were the same person, Karak Golahman.
The other two were there for more business related reasons, but that did not make it any less possible for themselves to be amused. The two were Ambassador Group 3, Caja Glór of the Tribe of Laois, people calling her Aingeal, and Ayden Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow.
Ayden was a tall man, built like a wardrobe, with short red hair and red eyes. Although his sharply cut face was ideal for frowning, he rarely did outside of diplomatic talks. He, too, went for Foreign Dress, as it was called by the Selkie, a flying jacket in cream and brown, made of sheepskin, zipped up and combined with a pullover underneath it and a pair of jeans.
Aingeal was a rather short, well-curved young woman with long, black hair, worn openly, combed, but not styled. Her blue eyes, which might as well have been sapphires, sparkled. She also complied with the local dresscode, as the Selkie expected others to respect their culture when they visited, seeing no reason to respect theirs when in their country. That being said, her dark leather biker jacket hugged her in all the right places, the asymetric zip-fastening and the double-buckle detail only helping her. To that, a pair of jeans was worn, too.
All of their pockets were filled with useful stuff, from gloves to other things.
The last, but definately not the least, was the animal napping in Fiona's lap, a small, cute Curly Mountain Fox going by the name of Sio. His mistress' hand in his fur definately helped him in having good dreams, but as soon as the car came to a stop and the door was open, he jumped out.
Fiona, then her mother and Aingeal left the car after that, but stayed close, while Ayden took out his wallet and got out a rather large bank note - as a Selkie, he was more used to Silver Coinage, the Gil, one being worth 15 NSD. "Thank you for the ride, Sir.", he told the driver and handed him the note. "I'm sorry to ask, but is it appropriate to give you a tip?"
The others, outside, smiled as they saw and beheld the festival grounds - although a bit empty for now, they looked good. But two of them were on the lookout for someone as well...

The driver glanced at Ayden. "If you're that satisfied with my service, then yes." He took the note, gave a nod to the Selkie, and began slowly pulling away from the entrance of the fairgrounds.

Two guards were standing at the entrance, leashed German shepherds at their sides. The guards' eyes were slightly covered by their caps as they stood still, letting their dogs take a few sniffs at the Selkie. The dogs were curious about Sio, until their leashes were given light tugs and they immediately went back to their masters' sides.

Once the Selkie were past the guards, the first thing they would see is Janu Axden's tent, along with the artist sitting outside in a black robe and grumpy expression as he stirred a cup of coffee. All he could really do here is nod, but turned his head when President Golahman came running over to the Selkie party, arms outstretched, followed closely by Assad, holding Luminous's leash.

Ayden left the taxi driver with the bill, mainly due to him indeed being very satisfied with the service, and smiled after the speeding off car. The Selkie then entered, letting the dogs sniff them, which was nothing unusual for them.
After all, the security precautions at Gabha were strict and many airports and security points internationally used dogs as a security measure. The Free Lands did, too, but that was rather rare. Sio stood with quiet dignity, resisting the urge to sniff back, mostly due to him trying to stay at his Mistress' side. The dogs frightened him.
With that done, they were clear to enter the festival.
An artist had his tent erected near it, nodding to the Selkie, but turning his head towards a sight: Golahman came running towards them, making the two official tourists smile, his arms outstretched.
It was Fiona, who received him, smiling widely, too, hugging the living daylights out of him, despite nearly being bowled over by her own fault. She was happy.
Gwen went down to a knee, greeting Luminous together with Sio, nodding to Assad for the time being. Aingeal and Ayden kept themselves in the background for the time being, looking approachable, although Aingeal made note of the artist - she wanted to talk shop with him, later.

[Krugeristan]

Wildflower Jennings checked her phone for the fifth time. She had tried for the past ten minutes to ask the taxi driver questions, but he was adamantly silent. Eventually Wildflower had given up, and now the cap was uncomfortably quiet. She hated it. Jennings sighed and glanced down at her camera bag, which was stored safely beneath her feet. The cab drove over a bump and she winced, tightening her grip on the phone. Wildflower was wearing a simple green sweater and jeans. She liked to dress light when working. Suddenly the cab jolted to a stop. Stretching, Wildflower slung the camera bag over her shoulder and tucked the phone into her jean pocket. Ready to get started, she thanked the cab driver and stepped into the festival grounds. Her fingers twitched, itching to pull out the camera and start snapping. Take it slow, She reminded herself, These people aren't used to foreigners.

Janu Axden was the first person to see Jennings after she got past the guards. He pretty much looked more unfriendly than the guards at the entrance, but gave her a nod. Upon seeing that she had a camera, he became suspicious, but he knew that the whole purpose of this festival was to get acquainted with foreigners, so he stood up, his black robe flowing, appearing more menacing with his hood up. Unsure if the woman was married or single, he refrained from offering a handshake, instead saying, "Greetings, madam."

Inkyula Fairgrounds, Glacier District, Krugeristan

The Laneigean delegates landed in Krugeristan shortly before the cultural exchange was mean't to take place. The Laneigean team consists only of two members; Catherine Dior, previously an affairs officer attached with the Defense Ministry, now Chargés d'affaires for Krugeristan under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rima Zeidan, a captain of the 1st Imperial Reiksguard Regiment and now tasked as Catherine's companion and bodyguard for this diplomatic mission.

The Laneigean plane quickly taxied to a stop, Catherine and Rima alighted the plane soon after. The baggage claim and custom's clearance didn't take long. The two quickly find themselves en route to the venue of the exchange shortly after, which impresses Catherine of the short duration it takes to transition from the plane. "The efficiency of this country is rather impressive no? Rima? It''s much different from what I remembered," she asked as a black SUV ferries them into a city. The vehicle was specially requested by the Laneigean government on behalf of the delegates so as that there would be no hiccups during the journey to meet the Krugeristan leaders.

"Yes, considering our previous profile of this country, it has improved a lot," Rima replied in her heavy French accent.

After a couple of miles and some bumpy roads, Catherine and Rima arrived at the Inkyula Fairgrounds. The driver, whose Krugeristani quickly got off the car as soon as they arrived at the venue. He opened Catherine's door swiftly and gave a welcoming gesture to the Laneigean. Catherine thanked the driver and alighted with Rima.

Laneigeans were very particular of their image and culture. This was especially evident in the design of their uniforms. Catherine was donning a caped blouse coupled with a golden laced skirt, a standard for all Laneigean female officers and secretariats. Meanwhile, Rima was clad in the more standard Laneigean military long dress paired with Hermean black boots to reflect her affiliations with the Imperial Reiksguard.

The pair stood at the front of the venue and wondered if they should just step in.

The two guards and their dogs turned their heads to see the Laneigeans. Having studied their pictures beforehand, they simply let the dogs sniff the air around them, and let them inside.

Once they were inside, another guard directed them to President Golahman's personal tent, and ordered them to wait for either the president or his personal guard, Commander Vershenov.

The driver glanced at Ayden. "If you're that satisfied with my service, then yes." He took the note, gave a nod to the Selkie, and began slowly pulling away from the entrance of the fairgrounds.

Two guards were standing at the entrance, leashed German shepherds at their sides. The guards' eyes were slightly covered by their caps as they stood still, letting their dogs take a few sniffs at the Selkie. The dogs were curious about Sio, until their leashes were given light tugs and they immediately went back to their masters' sides.

Once the Selkie were past the guards, the first thing they would see is Janu Axden's tent, along with the artist sitting outside in a black robe and grumpy expression as he stirred a cup of coffee. All he could really do here is nod, but turned his head when President Golahman came running over to the Selkie party, arms outstretched, followed closely by Assad, holding Luminous's leash.

Ayden left the taxi driver with the bill, mainly due to him indeed being very satisfied with the service, and smiled after the speeding off car. The Selkie then entered, letting the dogs sniff them, which was nothing unusual for them.
After all, the security precautions at Gabha were strict and many airports and security points internationally used dogs as a security measure. The Free Lands did, too, but that was rather rare. Sio stood with quiet dignity, resisting the urge to sniff back, mostly due to him trying to stay at his Mistress' side. The dogs frightened him.
With that done, they were clear to enter the festival.
An artist had his tent erected near it, nodding to the Selkie, but turning his head towards a sight: Golahman came running towards them, making the two official tourists smile, his arms outstretched.
It was Fiona, who received him, smiling widely, too, hugging the living daylights out of him, despite nearly being bowled over by her own fault. She was happy.
Gwen went down to a knee, greeting Luminous together with Sio, nodding to Assad for the time being. Aingeal and Ayden kept themselves in the background for the time being, looking approachable, although Aingeal made note of the artist - she wanted to talk shop with him, later.

Golahman squeezed Fiona tightly. "Fiona! I'm so glad you're here!" He didn't realize he was crying, but he was, and he gave her a subtle kiss on the cheek.

Assad squatted, greeting Gwen and Sio. "Hello," he said. "Nice to see you again, Mrs. Banisphora."

[The Selkie]

Golahman squeezed Fiona tightly. "Fiona! I'm so glad you're here!" He didn't realize he was crying, but he was, and he gave her a subtle kiss on the cheek.

Assad squatted, greeting Gwen and Sio. "Hello," he said. "Nice to see you again, Mrs. Banisphora."

Fiona replied to the subtle kiss by holding herself back, lest she kissed him with all her might - she knew, that such displays were frowned upon in Krugeristan, which was why she held herself back, only hugging Golahman to herself even tighter.
"Likewise, Karak.", she whispered to him lovingly, "Missed you, too."

Sio received the greeting with polite courteousness, but nothing more, while his mistress' mother gave a polite bow of her head. "Hello, Mister Assad. It is my pleasure. How are you?", she asked.
Aingeal and Ayden meanwhile made a step away, so that they weren't interfering or interposing themselves into anything. The two diplomats, however, had a few things to talk about with the President of Syria, but that could wait. For now, celebrations were in order.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman squeezed Fiona tightly. "Fiona! I'm so glad you're here!" He didn't realize he was crying, but he was, and he gave her a subtle kiss on the cheek.

Assad squatted, greeting Gwen and Sio. "Hello," he said. "Nice to see you again, Mrs. Banisphora."

Fiona replied to the subtle kiss by holding herself back, lest she kissed him with all her might - she knew, that such displays were frowned upon in Krugeristan, which was why she held herself back, only hugging Golahman to herself even tighter.
"Likewise, Karak.", she whispered to him lovingly, "Missed you, too."

Sio received the greeting with polite courteousness, but nothing more, while his mistress' mother gave a polite bow of her head. "Hello, Mister Assad. It is my pleasure. How are you?", she asked.
Aingeal and Ayden meanwhile made a step away, so that they weren't interfering or interposing themselves into anything. The two diplomats, however, had a few things to talk about with the President of Syria, but that could wait. For now, celebrations were in order.

Golahman let go, slightly. "Today . . . I hope . . . will be a good day. You'll get to watch me work . . . I know that may seem a little boring but--" He pointed to Assad, "Assad's here. Hopefully, he'll make things a little interesting."

Assad glanced at Golahman, ignoring the comment with a smile. "I've seen better days, Mrs. Banisphora," he replied. "Woke up at the crack of dawn and had the heaviest breakfast you can imagine. Fried chicken sandwiches, flavored coffee, chocolate muffins, malt cream. Didn't help in waking me up."

[Lardingo]

Wildflower stepped back a little, taking in the cloaked figure. She could tell he was uncomfortable about the camera bag slung around her shoulder, so she subtly tucked it behind her as best she could. Unfortunately, it was still glaringly obvious.

"Hello," Wildflower nodded back and smiled politely, her eyes taking in the tent behind him, "Are you one of the shopkeepers here?"

[Krugeristan]

Wildflower stepped back a little, taking in the cloaked figure. She could tell he was uncomfortable about the camera bag slung around her shoulder, so she subtly tucked it behind her as best she could. Unfortunately, it was still glaringly obvious.

"Hello," Wildflower nodded back and smiled politely, her eyes taking in the tent behind him, "Are you one of the shopkeepers here?"

"Yes. I am an artist, Janu Axden. I paint portraits of people, and that's . . . basically all my talent," Axden said.

(OOC: Sorry for short post.)

[The Selkie]

Golahman let go, slightly. "Today . . . I hope . . . will be a good day. You'll get to watch me work . . . I know that may seem a little boring but--" He pointed to Assad, "Assad's here. Hopefully, he'll make things a little interesting."

Assad glanced at Golahman, ignoring the comment with a smile. "I've seen better days, Mrs. Banisphora," he replied. "Woke up at the crack of dawn and had the heaviest breakfast you can imagine. Fried chicken sandwiches, flavored coffee, chocolate muffins, malt cream. Didn't help in waking me up."

Fiona wanted to reply, that she looked forward to seeing him at work, she really wanted to, but as she heard him mentioning Assad (and the man in question rattling down his breakfast), she couldn't help but have a slight dent in her smile.
"How about us?", she said and motioned to the whole group of Selkie, four of them, including the two diplomats, who gave a small wave. "We don't make it interesting, too?"
She had not forgotten, that there was a challenge by Assad, but that could wait for a bit.

Gwen smiled, openly amused. "That's not heavy, Mister Assad.", she said, "I'd invite you to a Full Course of a Selkie-Breakfast, but as they include sausages and the mackarel usually used as a replacement for those, who can not eat sausages, aren't as heavy, we have to think of something else."
She gave him a smile.
"Still... it's good to see, that you are in one piece.", she said and made a step back, including Ayden into their conversation with a nod of her head. "Though, while we are at it... if I may introduce? Mister Ayden Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow, Foreign Office of the Free Lands, Ambassador Group 3. Ayden, Mister Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria."
The young man, build like a wardrobe, placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head. "It's a pleasure, Sir.", he said and extended his hand for a shake, Aingeal watching them from the corner of her eye, "I heard many stories about you."

[Krugeristan]

Golahman let go, slightly. "Today . . . I hope . . . will be a good day. You'll get to watch me work . . . I know that may seem a little boring but--" He pointed to Assad, "Assad's here. Hopefully, he'll make things a little interesting."

Assad glanced at Golahman, ignoring the comment with a smile. "I've seen better days, Mrs. Banisphora," he replied. "Woke up at the crack of dawn and had the heaviest breakfast you can imagine. Fried chicken sandwiches, flavored coffee, chocolate muffins, malt cream. Didn't help in waking me up."

Fiona wanted to reply, that she looked forward to seeing him at work, she really wanted to, but as she heard him mentioning Assad (and the man in question rattling down his breakfast), she couldn't help but have a slight dent in her smile.
"How about us?", she said and motioned to the whole group of Selkie, four of them, including the two diplomats, who gave a small wave. "We don't make it interesting, too?"
She had not forgotten, that there was a challenge by Assad, but that could wait for a bit.

Gwen smiled, openly amused. "That's not heavy, Mister Assad.", she said, "I'd invite you to a Full Course of a Selkie-Breakfast, but as they include sausages and the mackarel usually used as a replacement for those, who can not eat sausages, aren't as heavy, we have to think of something else."
She gave him a smile.
"Still... it's good to see, that you are in one piece.", she said and made a step back, including Ayden into their conversation with a nod of her head. "Though, while we are at it... if I may introduce? Mister Ayden Tine of the Tribe of Wicklow, Foreign Office of the Free Lands, Ambassador Group 3. Ayden, Mister Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria."
The young man, build like a wardrobe, placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head. "It's a pleasure, Sir.", he said and extended his hand for a shake, Aingeal watching them from the corner of her eye, "I heard many stories about you."

"Of course you'll make it interesting. I just can't get overly distracted while working, though," Golahman said, walking with Fiona over to Assad.

"It's heavy if you haven't eaten like that before," Assad replied, glancing over at Golahman. He stood up, shaking Ayden's hand. "Pleasure to meet you all, as well." He flushed red at the mention of "many stories". "I'm sure you have. Lots. Golahman can turn into a talker when it comes to me."

[The Selkie]

"Of course you'll make it interesting. I just can't get overly distracted while working, though," Golahman said, walking with Fiona over to Assad.

"It's heavy if you haven't eaten like that before," Assad replied, glancing over at Golahman. He stood up, shaking Ayden's hand. "Pleasure to meet you all, as well." He flushed red at the mention of "many stories". "I'm sure you have. Lots. Golahman can turn into a talker when it comes to me."

A bit mollified, Fiona followed her boyfriend, smiling a bit at Assad, happy to be with her boyfriend.
At the same time, there was a different note in her eyes: She hadn't forgotten the challenge they had...
Still, she much rather listened to Ayden then thinking about beating the man he talked to up, as he explained with a smile: "Not only from him, but also from Mistress Banphrionsa. She prepared us rather well in that regard."

[Krugeristan]

"Of course you'll make it interesting. I just can't get overly distracted while working, though," Golahman said, walking with Fiona over to Assad.

"It's heavy if you haven't eaten like that before," Assad replied, glancing over at Golahman. He stood up, shaking Ayden's hand. "Pleasure to meet you all, as well." He flushed red at the mention of "many stories". "I'm sure you have. Lots. Golahman can turn into a talker when it comes to me."

A bit mollified, Fiona followed her boyfriend, smiling a bit at Assad, happy to be with her boyfriend.
At the same time, there was a different note in her eyes: She hadn't forgotten the challenge they had...
Still, she much rather listened to Ayden then thinking about beating the man he talked to up, as he explained with a smile: "Not only from him, but also from Mistress Banphrionsa. She prepared us rather well in that regard."

Assad smirked. "Really?" He would admit that was a little flattering, but remembered what Golahman told him about "being a good boy today". He hadn't forgotten the challenge, either, and was aware that they would be sparring in a ring set up in the middle of the fairgrounds. God only knows if people would be watching.

Golahman leaned over to greet Sio and take Luminous's leash from Assad. "Hi, Sio," Golahman whispered. "Remember me? So glad you could come too." He stroked Sio's back, remembering not to touch his head.

[The Selkie]

Assad smirked. "Really?" He would admit that was a little flattering, but remembered what Golahman told him about "being a good boy today". He hadn't forgotten the challenge, either, and was aware that they would be sparring in a ring set up in the middle of the fairgrounds. God only knows if people would be watching.

Golahman leaned over to greet Sio and take Luminous's leash from Assad. "Hi, Sio," Golahman whispered. "Remember me? So glad you could come too." He stroked Sio's back, remembering not to touch his head.

Sio indeed remembered Golahman and happily so, leaning into the petting of his back, quite comfortable at it.
He even closed his eyes in pure bliss.
He, it should be noted, was glad by now to have come, too. His nose took in Luminous' scent, but he would check up on the Tine later, for now, he had other things to worry about.
Ayden, meanwhile, nodded. "Really." The young man then turned to Golahman and bowed his head again, hand over his heart. "Mister Golahman, it is a great pleasure to meet you again. Marvellous festival so far... I'm sorry that I couldn't catch you during the Spring Festival in Cuan, but Aingeal and I were occupied on the Ceol Square."

[Lardingo]

Wildflower stepped back a little, taking in the cloaked figure. She could tell he was uncomfortable about the camera bag slung around her shoulder, so she subtly tucked it behind her as best she could. Unfortunately, it was still glaringly obvious.

"Hello," Wildflower nodded back and smiled politely, her eyes taking in the tent behind him, "Are you one of the shopkeepers here?"

"Yes. I am an artist, Janu Axden. I paint portraits of people, and that's . . . basically all my talent," Axden said.

(OOC: Sorry for short post.)

(OOC: Its completely fine)

"Well, that seems like enough talent to me. I've dabbled in a little bit of painting, but my portraits of people are very unflattering" Wildflower stuck out her hand, "My name is Wildflower Jennings. I'm a journalist for the Lardingo Record. I am here to write an article on the current situation in your country, especially it's recent decision to open itself up to foreigners. Do you mind if I ask your opinion on it?"

[Krugeristan]

Assad smirked. "Really?" He would admit that was a little flattering, but remembered what Golahman told him about "being a good boy today". He hadn't forgotten the challenge, either, and was aware that they would be sparring in a ring set up in the middle of the fairgrounds. God only knows if people would be watching.

Golahman leaned over to greet Sio and take Luminous's leash from Assad. "Hi, Sio," Golahman whispered. "Remember me? So glad you could come too." He stroked Sio's back, remembering not to touch his head.

Sio indeed remembered Golahman and happily so, leaning into the petting of his back, quite comfortable at it.
He even closed his eyes in pure bliss.
He, it should be noted, was glad by now to have come, too. His nose took in Luminous' scent, but he would check up on the Tine later, for now, he had other things to worry about.
Ayden, meanwhile, nodded. "Really." The young man then turned to Golahman and bowed his head again, hand over his heart. "Mister Golahman, it is a great pleasure to meet you again. Marvellous festival so far... I'm sorry that I couldn't catch you during the Spring Festival in Cuan, but Aingeal and I were occupied on the Ceol Square."

"Well, I hope you had fun as well," Golahman said, softly, his voice trailing off, unsure of what Ayden meant by "occupied on the Ceol Square". He looked at Assad. "Um . . . alright, let's . . . let's all head to my tent, while we wait for Vershenov and his missus."

Assad walked alongside Gwen with his hands in his pockets. "As I was saying, I've never really eaten anything heavy before, so, I can characterize my breakfast as heavy. If you don't think so, oh well."

"Yes. I am an artist, Janu Axden. I paint portraits of people, and that's . . . basically all my talent," Axden said.

(OOC: Sorry for short post.)

(OOC: Its completely fine)

"Well, that seems like enough talent to me. I've dabbled in a little bit of painting, but my portraits of people are very unflattering" Wildflower stuck out her hand, "My name is Wildflower Jennings. I'm a journalist for the Lardingo Record. I am here to write an article on the current situation in your country, especially it's recent decision to open itself up to foreigners. Do you mind if I ask your opinion on it?"

Axden, with some degree of reluctance, shook Jennings's hand. "Ask away. Frankly, I don't care. As long as foreigners can follow the rules, I honestly do not care whether or not we're an open country. If I can make a profit in order to pay for my apartment and car, I don't care. If you can respect the subject material I paint and pay for it in order to properly hang it on the wall, I don't care."

[The Selkie]

"Well, I hope you had fun as well," Golahman said, softly, his voice trailing off, unsure of what Ayden meant by "occupied on the Ceol Square". He looked at Assad. "Um . . . alright, let's . . . let's all head to my tent, while we wait for Vershenov and his missus."

Assad walked alongside Gwen with his hands in his pockets. "As I was saying, I've never really eaten anything heavy before, so, I can characterize my breakfast as heavy. If you don't think so, oh well."

The Selkie nodded and went along, Fiona and Ayden flanking Golahman, the former far closer to him then the latter, who told him about what he did in Cuan, namely playing music on the Ceol Square as he was a part-time fiddler and the background musician of Aingeal, if she had a show coming up, unless they had Waari close at hand, in which case he was banned to the background (like at the Spring Festival). He also helped out a band, who had their fiddler ill and had to practice, so he indeed had a fun day.
Aingeal flanked Gwen, walking at her left side as to her right, Assad walked. "I do not think so, Mister Assad.", Gwen said with a small smile, "Sorry to say, but Selkie-Cuisine is quite heavy, when we want to... but we also have light stuff. We'll get meat onto your collective bones, yours and Karak's, believe me that!"

[Krugeristan]

"Well, I hope you had fun as well," Golahman said, softly, his voice trailing off, unsure of what Ayden meant by "occupied on the Ceol Square". He looked at Assad. "Um . . . alright, let's . . . let's all head to my tent, while we wait for Vershenov and his missus."

Assad walked alongside Gwen with his hands in his pockets. "As I was saying, I've never really eaten anything heavy before, so, I can characterize my breakfast as heavy. If you don't think so, oh well."

The Selkie nodded and went along, Fiona and Ayden flanking Golahman, the former far closer to him then the latter, who told him about what he did in Cuan, namely playing music on the Ceol Square as he was a part-time fiddler and the background musician of Aingeal, if she had a show coming up, unless they had Waari close at hand, in which case he was banned to the background (like at the Spring Festival). He also helped out a band, who had their fiddler ill and had to practice, so he indeed had a fun day.
Aingeal flanked Gwen, walking at her left side as to her right, Assad walked. "I do not think so, Mister Assad.", Gwen said with a small smile, "Sorry to say, but Selkie-Cuisine is quite heavy, when we want to... but we also have light stuff. We'll get meat onto your collective bones, yours and Karak's, believe me that!"

"That'd be nice," Assad replied. "I think that may have been his goal this morning. He came into my bedroom and told me to make sure I had a completely empty stomach, because Vershenov's wife made breakfast for us. Golahman didn't finish, so I took that as a challenge . . . big mistake on my part. I still feel like I swallowed a bowling ball."

[Laneige]

Inkyula Fairgrounds, Glacier District, Krugeristan

The Laneigean delegates landed in Krugeristan shortly before the cultural exchange was mean't to take place. The Laneigean team consists only of two members; Catherine Dior, previously an affairs officer attached with the Defense Ministry, now Chargés d'affaires for Krugeristan under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rima Zeidan, a captain of the 1st Imperial Reiksguard Regiment and now tasked as Catherine's companion and bodyguard for this diplomatic mission.

The Laneigean plane quickly taxied to a stop, Catherine and Rima alighted the plane soon after. The baggage claim and custom's clearance didn't take long. The two quickly find themselves en route to the venue of the exchange shortly after, which impresses Catherine of the short duration it takes to transition from the plane. "The efficiency of this country is rather impressive no? Rima? It''s much different from what I remembered," she asked as a black SUV ferries them into a city. The vehicle was specially requested by the Laneigean government on behalf of the delegates so as that there would be no hiccups during the journey to meet the Krugeristan leaders.

"Yes, considering our previous profile of this country, it has improved a lot," Rima replied in her heavy French accent.

After a couple of miles and some bumpy roads, Catherine and Rima arrived at the Inkyula Fairgrounds. The driver, whose Krugeristani quickly got off the car as soon as they arrived at the venue. He opened Catherine's door swiftly and gave a welcoming gesture to the Laneigean. Catherine thanked the driver and alighted with Rima.

Laneigeans were very particular of their image and culture. This was especially evident in the design of their uniforms. Catherine was donning a caped blouse coupled with a golden laced skirt, a standard for all Laneigean female officers and secretariats. Meanwhile, Rima was clad in the more standard Laneigean military long dress paired with Hermean black boots to reflect her affiliations with the Imperial Reiksguard.

The pair stood at the front of the venue and wondered if they should just step in.

The two guards and their dogs turned their heads to see the Laneigeans. Having studied their pictures beforehand, they simply let the dogs sniff the air around them, and let them inside.

Once they were inside, another guard directed them to President Golahman's personal tent, and ordered them to wait for either the president or his personal guard, Commander Vershenov.

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.

[Lardingo]

Axden, with some degree of reluctance, shook Jennings's hand. "Ask away. Frankly, I don't care. As long as foreigners can follow the rules, I honestly do not care whether or not we're an open country. If I can make a profit in order to pay for my apartment and car, I don't care. If you can respect the subject material I paint and pay for it in order to properly hang it on the wall, I don't care."

Jennings nodded, "Well an influx of foreigners would certainly help business, right?"

[The Selkie]

"That'd be nice," Assad replied. "I think that may have been his goal this morning. He came into my bedroom and told me to make sure I had a completely empty stomach, because Vershenov's wife made breakfast for us. Golahman didn't finish, so I took that as a challenge . . . big mistake on my part. I still feel like I swallowed a bowling ball."

"Oh, that sounds like Mistress Vershenov and I absolutely need to talk to each other!", Gwen said with a smile, "Exchanging recipies, tips for cooking, that stuff - Finn always asks me to bring him back a few of either and I am quite interested in such things myself, especially cooking. A good breakfast is a good start of any day and if she has a few tips on it, then all the better."
Fiona, meanwhile, squeezed her boyfriend's hand, listening to Ayden's retelling. "Oh, I remember that, I think. You filled in at Luasc-Cheol, right?", she asked with interest, making conversation so that Karak wasn't forced to or felt forced to.
"Exactly, Miss Banphrionsa.", he replied with a wide smile, "I must admit, that I always dreamed of playing with them, even as a little boy and their Jazz-Rock is what I always wanted to play."
"He still listens to it!", Aingeal supplied from behind, "And imagine his little-boyish joy at them asking him to play with them!"

[Krugeristan]

The two guards and their dogs turned their heads to see the Laneigeans. Having studied their pictures beforehand, they simply let the dogs sniff the air around them, and let them inside.

Once they were inside, another guard directed them to President Golahman's personal tent, and ordered them to wait for either the president or his personal guard, Commander Vershenov.

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."

Axden, with some degree of reluctance, shook Jennings's hand. "Ask away. Frankly, I don't care. As long as foreigners can follow the rules, I honestly do not care whether or not we're an open country. If I can make a profit in order to pay for my apartment and car, I don't care. If you can respect the subject material I paint and pay for it in order to properly hang it on the wall, I don't care."

Jennings nodded, "Well an influx of foreigners would certainly help business, right?"

"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."

"That'd be nice," Assad replied. "I think that may have been his goal this morning. He came into my bedroom and told me to make sure I had a completely empty stomach, because Vershenov's wife made breakfast for us. Golahman didn't finish, so I took that as a challenge . . . big mistake on my part. I still feel like I swallowed a bowling ball."

"Oh, that sounds like Mistress Vershenov and I absolutely need to talk to each other!", Gwen said with a smile, "Exchanging recipies, tips for cooking, that stuff - Finn always asks me to bring him back a few of either and I am quite interested in such things myself, especially cooking. A good breakfast is a good start of any day and if she has a few tips on it, then all the better."
Fiona, meanwhile, squeezed her boyfriend's hand, listening to Ayden's retelling. "Oh, I remember that, I think. You filled in at Luasc-Cheol, right?", she asked with interest, making conversation so that Karak wasn't forced to or felt forced to.
"Exactly, Miss Banphrionsa.", he replied with a wide smile, "I must admit, that I always dreamed of playing with them, even as a little boy and their Jazz-Rock is what I always wanted to play."
"He still listens to it!", Aingeal supplied from behind, "And imagine his little-boyish joy at them asking him to play with them!"

"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.

[The Selkie]

"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."