Of Desert Lionesses and Sand Raptors (Closed)

[Kyrenaia]

As the Handmaidens start to bring the plates in, Pavel takes a laege inspiration and says:
" Very spicy, that's what I'm talking about! ", causing his friends to chuckle a bit.
When the Handmaidens have positioned the plates in front of them, Anna and Anaximander thank them with a small nod, then the Emperor nods also to Razia.
After that, the four Americans cross their hands as in a prayer, close their eyes, and the Imperial Couple declare at the same time :
" To all the Scarlet Eagle Spirits, thank you for this meal, to everyone that contributed to it, and to the future relations of our two countries. Also, may you help Ilkhan Aaron find peace."
With that said, Anna and her husband open their eyes, followed by their bodyguards, before the Empress signals with a nod to everyone that they can eat.

The Kyrenaians nodded as well.
It was relatively uncommon in their Polytheism to speak graces before dinner, mainly as the cooks needed to be thanked for for preparing the food - the Gods of the Fields and of Crops, of Goats and of Fish, of all the many things the Kyrenaians ate, were usually thanked for in temples and by service to them, which could have many shapes.
All four of them noted, that the guests had included Aaron-Ilkhan into their prayer, which was seen as positive.
"Thank you.", the Sultana said and took her spoon, "Good appetite, everyone!"
And with that, the Kyrenaians began to eat.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

As the four Scarlet Eagleans take their first bite out of their stew, they stop for a bit, savoring the food. Then, Anaximander, whose face has heated up a bit, swallows his mouthful before pointing to his plate.
" it's good for your health to eat spicy, but with this, I'm sure to become a centenary! It's succulent. We'll be sure to thank the chefs for their work and skills, he adds before starting to eat again, a big smile on his face.

[Kyrenaia]

As the four Scarlet Eagleans take their first bite out of their stew, they stop for a bit, savoring the food. Then, Anaximander, whose face has heated up a bit, swallows his mouthful before pointing to his plate.
" it's good for your health to eat spicy, but with this, I'm sure to become a centenary! It's succulent. We'll be sure to thank the chefs for their work and skills, he adds before starting to eat again, a big smile on his face.

The Sultana nodded, swallowed and, once everything was safe down in her stomach, spoke: "Indeed, it is very spicy - usually, our kitchen is. To the point, that other guests of state remarked, that they would soon be spitting fire!"
That anecdote caused chuckles amongst the Kyrenaians.
"I am sure, that the cooks will like that compliment.", she added and took a spoon. "If I may ask, what would be eaten during a state visit to the Empire?" Adil raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, I'll not spoiler Aurelia or Damir, and so will no one here."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Don't worry if we spit fire, that would be good sign, says Alicia as she swallows her bite before taking a piece of bread and biting into it.
-What is eaten during a state visit during the Empire, continues Anna, is usually a combination of everyday meals, usually for lunch, and more refined dishes for dinners. A favourite of ours, and also of our guests, is a bison steak, served with mashed potatoes, carrots, and a special sauce made of black pepper, some jalapenos, and also some truffle."

[Kyrenaia]

"Don't worry if we spit fire, that would be good sign, says Alicia as she swallows her bite before taking a piece of bread and biting into it.
-What is eaten during a state visit during the Empire, continues Anna, is usually a combination of everyday meals, usually for lunch, and more refined dishes for dinners. A favourite of ours, and also of our guests, is a bison steak, served with mashed potatoes, carrots, and a special sauce made of black pepper, some jalapenos, and also some truffle."

"Sounds spicy.", Adil said with a small smile between spoons, "Though you'll never find bison on a Kyrenaian table, I'm afraid... bovines are not that common in general. We prefer goats and sheep."
He did not mean offense, only informing about how it was.
"Mashed potatoes are good, though...", Amana added and smiled, "The Gods know, that I can eat tons of that stuff and still not be sated."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Then you should come for Thanksgiving, replies Anna to Amana with a smirk. You should see Alexandra Leonheart, one of my Guards. She always eat almost an entire salad bowl of the stuff by herself during this celebration. I think you two would get along well.
- Say, Sultana, asks Pavel to Razia, I was wondering: when you or a member of your Household goes on a state visit, how much personnel do you bring with you?"

[Kyrenaia]

"Then you should come for Thanksgiving, replies Anna to Amana with a smirk. You should see Alexandra Leonheart, one of my Guards. She always eat almost an entire salad bowl of the stuff by herself during this celebration. I think you two would get along well.
- Say, Sultana, asks Pavel to Razia, I was wondering: when you or a member of your Household goes on a state visit, how much personnel do you bring with you?"

"I'll try to make it there to Thanksgiving then, one day.", Amana said and smiled slightly, "But first... I believe, that both her and I have duties to attend to. Different ones, yes, but important ones in both cases."
The Sultana wore a small, proud smile as she heard Amana's words, but was taken a bit off guard at Pavel's question, but had to raise a finger to ask for a moment. There was still a spoon in her mouth and talking with her mouth full was considered rude.
"That literally depends on who goes where and what the hosting nation has as limitations and cultural particularities... and our relations with them.", she replied, after she had swallowed, having used the time to formulate a response. "If, for example, I were to visit the Free Lands of the Selkie, I would have my Rashiq, that's my own yacht, and her crew and staff, as well as an escorting vessel of the Navy, which will use the chance for calling a few ports while I am in talks with the Elders and do State Visit Things. As bodyguards, I would have a Handmaiden, my good Lady Fara, with me and that's about it."
She let a beat pass.
"The Navy Vessel would be part of the visit, not my escort, just by sheer coincidence keeping pace with my yacht, because the Captain and the crew want to show off for the Handmaidens.", the Sultana added with a grin, "Lady Fara would be not as a bodyguard, but as an aide and my Yacht... well, the Selkie love boats and I have to get from A to B in some way, don't I?" She stirred a bit in her bowl. "The reason for the lack of a huge escort being, that the Selkie had been our friends for a long, long time now... and that they see a huge escort, for example of the Tabardariyya, as a sign of mistrust in the ability of the host, them, to keep me, the guest, safe. And believe me, you do not want to give a Selkie the impression, that you mistrust him!"

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Indeed, you and Alexandra have important duties to fulfill, replies Alicia with a small smile, but know that you have a serious challenger in this domain, adds the female Colonel with a small smirk. After all, we do not nickname her Sasha only because it is the diminutive form of her name in Russian, but also because she's likd Sasha Braus from SNK, just like I'm called Annie because I look a bit like the character, and my second name is Annie."
After having listened to the Sultana's explanation, the four friends look at each other with a small look of surprise.
"Well, no offense to you, Sultana, but with this security, I would feel a bit...naked, says Anaximander as he rubs the back of his neck with his left hand.
-That's completely understandable, replies Alicia, but when you look at it from an external point of view, having an entire Squadron, including a Counter-Assault Squad, plus an entire armored convoy, including a van carrying NRBC gear, and bringing this everywhere you go, seems exagerated, and it's like you're cutting yourself away from the ordinary citizens.
-I agree, answers Anna, but at least you can't say we do not have all bases covered. Besides, do you know of any other heads of state who carry pouches of the same blood type as them in their limo.
-Right now, I can't think of any, continues Pavel. But you're right, Honey, he adds as he turns his gaze to his wife, it feels like Anna and Anax are not relatable to everyone, bur that's a small price compared to his life.
Now, Sultana, he says as he turns his head to Razia, I completely believe you when you talk about the Selkie like that. We do not know much about them, but we'll gladly take your advice on it. And about the security you provided, although it's not our ways to function like that, it's nice to have people who stay firm in their shoes in front of you, for you to work their way and not yours. So thank you for that."

[Kyrenaia]

"Indeed, you and Alexandra have important duties to fulfill, replies Alicia with a small smile, but know that you have a serious challenger in this domain, adds the female Colonel with a small smirk. After all, we do not nickname her Sasha only because it is the diminutive form of her name in Russian, but also because she's likd Sasha Braus from SNK, just like I'm called Annie because I look a bit like the character, and my second name is Annie."
After having listened to the Sultana's explanation, the four friends look at each other with a small look of surprise.
"Well, no offense to you, Sultana, but with this security, I would feel a bit...naked, says Anaximander as he rubs the back of his neck with his left hand.
-That's completely understandable, replies Alicia, but when you look at it from an external point of view, having an entire Squadron, including a Counter-Assault Squad, plus an entire armored convoy, including a van carrying NRBC gear, and bringing this everywhere you go, seems exagerated, and it's like you're cutting yourself away from the ordinary citizens.
-I agree, answers Anna, but at least you can't say we do not have all bases covered. Besides, do you know of any other heads of state who carry pouches of the same blood type as them in their limo.
-Right now, I can't think of any, continues Pavel. But you're right, Honey, he adds as he turns his gaze to his wife, it feels like Anna and Anax are not relatable to everyone, bur that's a small price compared to his life.
Now, Sultana, he says as he turns his head to Razia, I completely believe you when you talk about the Selkie like that. We do not know much about them, but we'll gladly take your advice on it. And about the security you provided, although it's not our ways to function like that, it's nice to have people who stay firm in their shoes in front of you, for you to work their way and not yours. So thank you for that."

Amana grinned at the explanation, although the cultural reference went right over her head.
The Sultana, however, listened with interest to the explanation by her guests.
"It honours me, that you believe in my words about the Selkie so much, especially since you already know a Kyrenaian, who is sometimes more of a Selkie then a Kyrenaian... or a Princess, for that matter.", she said and smiled at distant memories, "You should have known Aurelia when she first came here!"
Shaking her head, she continued: "I do, however, understand, where your 'covering of all bases' comes from and where your feeling of nakedness would come from. Understand - not agree with." She added for a Kyrenaian, who wanted to raise protests. "The fact, that you are not be sitting here with these coverings is due to one thing: Culture. Sure, for your people, it would be a splendid spectacle, but for us, it would be a grave insult. Believe me in saying, that if you want better relations to foreign nations, insulting them might not be the best course of action." The Grand Vizier almost snorted in amusement as the Sultana added: "Call it experience from a few misadventures... to say, that I was born to be Sultana would be... a bit of an overstatement."
She let a beat pass.
"But amongst the eight of us...", the Sultana added as if she was telling a secret, even winking, "...don't ask Lady Fara what she is carrying in her pouch!"
In a corner behind the Sultana, easily visible for all looking at her, Lady Fara motioned to a small pouch sitting on the ground next to her, a small, mysterious smile on her lips.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Do not worry, Sultana, replies Anaximander with a reassuring smile after having taken a bite of bread, no one here wants to insult you or your culture. Anyway, now that you mentioned it, you can be surd that the four of us will want to see what she has in her pouch! he addd with a small chuckle, soon joined by his wife and friends.
-Based on the size, continues Pavel after having detailed the pouch for a moment, it's big enough to at least welcome a Glock 26 and two additional mags, or something of similar size."

[Kyrenaia]

"Do not worry, Sultana, replies Anaximander with a reassuring smile after having taken a bite of bread, no one here wants to insult you or your culture. Anyway, now that you mentioned it, you can be surd that the four of us will want to see what she has in her pouch! he addd with a small chuckle, soon joined by his wife and friends.
-Based on the size, continues Pavel after having detailed the pouch for a moment, it's big enough to at least welcome a Glock 26 and two additional mags, or something of similar size."

The Sultana smiled slightly and nodded to her personal Handmaiden, who brought the bag forward.
"My apologies.", she said to the entire round, "This is actually a bit rude."
"You shall be forgiven... mainly because even I don't know, what's in that pouch.", the Grand Vizier said, his own curiosity reaching new heights as there were chuckles.
The Sultana gave a small smile and opened the flap and began to take things out.
First were a few utensils for makeup, which the Sultana commented with a small smile and a shrug. She was a woman, after all, even if that played into a cliché.
Next came a card, which detailed, that in case of her death, all usable organs could be harvested.
A small photobook, which she put close to her. If they wanted to see it, she would show it around during dessert.
A lighter, for it was always useful.
A small steel box, which carried the sign for medical supplies on it - indeed, a miniature first aid kit. Not exactly suited for road traffic, but someone with a hole in the abdomen could get treated until medics, paramedics or other professionals arrived.
And that was it.
"Usually, there would be a digital camera and my smart phone along with it, but I don't have either in here for hopefully obvious reasons.", she added with a small smile.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Well, nothing surprising for a woman's handbag, comments Anna once Raiz has emptied the pouch. Not too dissapointed that there wans't a pistol, Pavel? asls the Empress to her friend with a small smirk, causing Anaximander and Alicia to chuckle, while Pavel simply gives the finger to Anna before resuming eating.
-Jjust like you said, there's nothing surprising, says the male Colonel after having swallowed his spoonfull. And you were right to not bring your smartphone with you, although we're usually cool about that.
-Anyway, continues the Emperor, I have to congratulate your Handmaidens, Sultana. Since I've been watching them, they have not shown a single sign of discomfort on their faces, although accordig to one of our Handmaidens, it can be very uncomfortable on the long run. he even told us of a few tricks to compensate that."

[Kyrenaia]

"Well, nothing surprising for a woman's handbag, comments Anna once Raiz has emptied the pouch. Not too dissapointed that there wans't a pistol, Pavel? asls the Empress to her friend with a small smirk, causing Anaximander and Alicia to chuckle, while Pavel simply gives the finger to Anna before resuming eating.
-Jjust like you said, there's nothing surprising, says the male Colonel after having swallowed his spoonfull. And you were right to not bring your smartphone with you, although we're usually cool about that.
-Anyway, continues the Emperor, I have to congratulate your Handmaidens, Sultana. Since I've been watching them, they have not shown a single sign of discomfort on their faces, although accordig to one of our Handmaidens, it can be very uncomfortable on the long run. he even told us of a few tricks to compensate that."

Lady Fara, in the name of the other Handmaidens, bowed her head in gratitude to the compliment.
The Sultana smiled as well. For a Kyrenaian Household of power and influence to have a Handmaiden, or in their case a Handmaiden Corps, which neither showed discomfort nor any other emotion other then cold professionalism, was a great piece of pride and it was always nice as well, when that received compliments, both for the Handmaidens themselves and for the Master of the House.
"Indeed, having my smartphone along, even on vibration mode or completely silent, would be rude.", the Sultana said, smiling slightly, "It would suggest, that I would have better things to do then to enjoy the meal with the company I have and that is decidedly not the case. I do enjoy eating with all of you." She smiled as she let a beat pass, looking into the entire round, her countrymen and her guests of state. "If World War III breaks out while we are eating, it can wait as well for a few minutes. And for the kettle to be hot."
"And if more pressing things happen...", the Grand Vizier added, "...there might be a second kettle needed."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"That's an interesting view on things, replies Anna. Although for us, it's more duty comes first, even when we're enjoying our current company, like right now. If WW3 was to happen, we'd be a bit more stressed and on edge. And no, I don't want to hear what you two would be doing, she adds to her husband and Pavel with a serious tone and look, the two men quickly dissipating the mischevious smirks they had on their faces, before looking down with sheepish smiles.
-Men these days, finishes Alicia with a small chuckle as she looks at her husband.

[Kyrenaia]

"That's an interesting view on things, replies Anna. Although for us, it's more duty comes first, even when we're enjoying our current company, like right now. If WW3 was to happen, we'd be a bit more stressed and on edge. And no, I don't want to hear what you two would be doing, she adds to her husband and Pavel with a serious tone and look, the two men quickly dissipating the mischevious smirks they had on their faces, before looking down with sheepish smiles.
-Men these days, finishes Alicia with a small chuckle as she looks at her husband.

"It is both heartening and disheartening to see, that men are the same everywhere.", the Sultana replied to Alicia with a shake of her head, Amana agreeing with a nod, "But in all serious... the correct response to any sort of crisis in Kyrenaia is a cuppa. It calms, it soothes and that is what it is supposed to do: Calm and sooth so that clear and level-headed decisions can be made. Rashness and panic can wait for the time the missile alert is sounded."
"I can understand you, though.", Adil told both Anax and Pavel, smiling, "If I would know, that my life was minutes away from ending by nuclear apocalypse, I, too, would prefer to go out hugging someone I love."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Indeed, Khan, replies Anaximander to Adil with a smile, that's what we would do. Although, to be honest, we would wait to have reached the safety of our bunker first. I hope you have one underneath the Azure Hall in things goes south? asks the Emperor as he turns his gaze to Razia.

[Kyrenaia]

"Indeed, Khan, replies Anaximander to Adil with a smile, that's what we would do. Although, to be honest, we would wait to have reached the safety of our bunker first. I hope you have one underneath the Azure Hall in things goes south? asks the Emperor as he turns his gaze to Razia.

"I'm afraid, that I can not answer that question, as it is classified.", the Sultana said with an apologetic smile, "Rest assured, though, that Kyrenaia's capabilities in such a case are guaranteed by security measures - which I will not detail either."
She let a beat pass.
"Now, let's change the topic away from nuclear apocalypses to something more fun.", she said and smiled, "There will be a return visit, most likely headed by Aurelia and Damir... although the exact modalities would have to be worked out, you asked before, how many people I would take along for a visit - now, returning to that, how many people would you want the two of them to take along?"

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Uhh, let's see, says Anaximander while stroking his chin. I would say a group of six Tabardariyya with their axes, to start, because I don't have to remind you that for us, it's appearing in a weak light to not bring a small amount of your security with you.
-You can also bring a group of four Handmaidens, continues Anna with a small smile. We would love to have them tag along. And while you're at it, why not have Captain Elba tag along? I'm sure your son would like to have a friend with him, other than his daughter.
-Also, Sultana, follows Pavel, as you surely know it, we usually show to a member of the guest's security apparatus the different security measures before the guest arrives properly. So don't hesitate to send someone before."

[Kyrenaia]

"Uhh, let's see, says Anaximander while stroking his chin. I would say a group of six Tabardariyya with their axes, to start, because I don't have to remind you that for us, it's appearing in a weak light to not bring a small amount of your security with you.
-You can also bring a group of four Handmaidens, continues Anna with a small smile. We would love to have them tag along. And while you're at it, why not have Captain Elba tag along? I'm sure your son would like to have a friend with him, other than his daughter.
-Also, Sultana, follows Pavel, as you surely know it, we usually show to a member of the guest's security apparatus the different security measures before the guest arrives properly. So don't hesitate to send someone before."

The Sultana, as her guests spoke, could not shake the feeling, that her guests were concealing well-placed jabs at them under their reply, but maybe that was just her hearing.
In any case, she nodded.
"I see.", the Sultana replied, "Thank you for your reply. I will relay it to all possibly involved... as for Captain Elba, that would place us in front of quite a few difficulties." She let a beat pass. "Sure, she is all but Damir's girlfriend, Aurelia's reference person, more so then Rasha or me, but bringing her along would mean, that she would be his date for balls and similar occasions, which would make him unavailable as a date to Aurelia for the same occasions, which would make her needing a date. Although there are enough people, who would be hacking off their legs for a chance to have one dance with Aurelia, not to mention spending a whole evening with her, that would compromise her." She shrugged. "I do not like, that she has a girlfriend, but I accept it and I would hate to inconvenience her... or to send her to such an occasion with an Admiral four times her age."
"Again.", Amana slipped from the side.
"Again.", the Sultana agreed.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Uh, you raise a good point, Sultana, replies Anax. If Aurelia having a date with her is the only problem, then why not invite Marcella at the same time? This way we could do both statte visit in one. And it's not like we would have a problem with both parties not knowing each other, adds the Emperor with a small smirk. But we all know here this would be a problem to coordinate everyone's availability.
-There's a solution far easier than that, continues Anna. Why not have the young Atif Qalb come with her? Bam! Problem solved! exclaims the Empress, receiving nods of approval from her husband and their bodyguards.

[Kyrenaia]

"Uh, you raise a good point, Sultana, replies Anax. If Aurelia having a date with her is the only problem, then why not invite Marcella at the same time? This way we could do both statte visit in one. And it's not like we would have a problem with both parties not knowing each other, adds the Emperor with a small smirk. But we all know here this would be a problem to coordinate everyone's availability.
-There's a solution far easier than that, continues Anna. Why not have the young Atif Qalb come with her? Bam! Problem solved! exclaims the Empress, receiving nods of approval from her husband and their bodyguards.

"Oh, Atif will be a wonderful man one day, no question asked, but he still would not be Aurelia's girlfriend.", the Sultana raised as a point, "It would still raise quite a few eyebrows in uncomfortable contexts. Even if the go 'only as friends', they once were much more then that." She let a beat pass. "What could be done, however, would be sending another relative of hers along..."
The Sultana thought, then groaned.
"Well, my brother Damir is mad and has no children, my brother Ilia died young, my sister Rasha..." By now, the guests might have noticed a naming pattern of the Sultana's own children. "...has broken off all contact... my son Ilia might be an option..." She thought for a moment. "...yes, why not?"
She looked at the guests. "Would you mind Ilia coming along?"

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"I'm sorry for your siblings, says Anaximander with a sad smile. But about Ilia, we wouldn't mind at all if he came along. The more the merrier, and it would be nice to have the counterpart of our Secretary of the Navy coming along. Admiral Vicente Reagan has expressed his desire to meet him multiple times since the state visit was announced.
Also, would it bother you if he was to have his own security detail of Navy servicemen? I can't help but think that the diversity of the uniforms would look good for the pictures.
-If I may ask, Sultana, asks Alicia, why would it be considered a problem if Atif came along? I understand that it may raise some eyebrows from your compatriots, but ours have no such concerns."

[Kyrenaia]

"I'm sorry for your siblings, says Anaximander with a sad smile. But about Ilia, we wouldn't mind at all if he came along. The more the merrier, and it would be nice to have the counterpart of our Secretary of the Navy coming along. Admiral Vicente Reagan has expressed his desire to meet him multiple times since the state visit was announced.
Also, would it bother you if he was to have his own security detail of Navy servicemen? I can't help but think that the diversity of the uniforms would look good for the pictures.
-If I may ask, Sultana, asks Alicia, why would it be considered a problem if Atif came along? I understand that it may raise some eyebrows from your compatriots, but ours have no such concerns."

"That's the problem.", the Sultana said with a small smile, "For our compatriots. Just like this state visit is reported about both here and in the Empire, the return visit will be reported about as well. As such, we need to look to make the best impression and see to it, that this impression is best in all directions. I believe, that everyone at this table is aware of Atif and Aurelia having been an item? A rather safe bet for a while, before she fell for Marcella?"
There were nods.
"Having him come along, would suggest, that Aurelia is unfaithful to Marcella, which, while some would welcome it, it would still have the tinge of her being unfaithful to her girlfriend. I do not need to mention, that this would raise more then a few eyebrows, definately here, maybe in the Empire as well.", the Sultana finished, "As for Ilia, if he wants to come along, I am sure, that he could bring a few people from the Fleet Ground Forces along. And his aide-de-camp."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"All right then, says Anna, we'll welcome Atif at a later time. Nobody wants to make 1n unnecessary fuss.
-About your son, Sultana, asks Pavel, who is his aide de camp?"

[Kyrenaia]

"All right then, says Anna, we'll welcome Atif at a later time. Nobody wants to make 1n unnecessary fuss.
-About your son, Sultana, asks Pavel, who is his aide de camp?"

The Sultana nodded, but raised an eyebrow at the question.
"Able Sailor Rasha Qadir.", she replied, "A nice young woman, if you ask me. I did have the pleasure with her. Very dedicated to her duty and despite her low rank, she is a very serious worker, too. And she has a passion for popsicles, which is never a bad thing for a girl."
"That is a bad cliché and you know it.", Amana grumbled.
"You, too, will find the find the sweets, which you fall in love with, my dear.", the Sultana said with a smile, earning a deadpan stare from the young woman.