A friend's visit is a joyous occasion, indeed (CLOSED)

by **The Selkie** » Wed Aug 12, 2020 5:24 am

Quinn Tarra of the Tribe of Antrim.
Madame Cracráil bowed her head politely at the well-wishes and smiled, then made a small step back, while I drew attention via talking: "I am afraid, that I am not the Main Event - that'd be my Grandfather. He is waiting in the Ground Floor Salon, together with the other dinner guests. So..." I smiled at Flemming and then at the delegation. "Let's get inside. Introductions..."
I had to admit, Flemming was well-raised and quite polite.
As Madame Cracráil cleared her throat, drawing my attention to her and her raised eyebrow, I knew, that I had messed up. I looked at her quizzically.
She visibly suppressed a sigh. "My apologies for the foal, Mister Flemming, esteemed guests. This is her first time welcoming guests of state.", she said and I blushed, knowing, that I messed up somewhere along the way. "Nervousness can get the better of everyone in such a situation. Now, lass..." She looked at me with a smile. "...what's the first thing you do when welcoming guests?"
Now it was me, who suppressed something, in my case a groan. Of-bloody-course.
"My apologies.", I said and motioned for someone to come forward, a young man, maybe a year or two younger then me, it would seem, who carried a tablet with shot glasses of water, slightly cooled. "Of course... I forgot this..."
I motioned for everyone to take a glass and raised it. Madame Cracráil seemed satisfied.
"In the name of Sullivan Tarra, Elder of the Tribe of Antrim, I welcome you to Cnockan House.", I repeated, "With this glass of water, which you share with us, you are our guests and under our protection - both of the Tarra-Family and of the Tribe of Antrim." I smiled slightly. "To health!"
"To health!", Madame Cracráil echoed.

by **Lillorainen** » Wed Aug 12, 2020 6:12 am

Quinn spoke up, clarifying, that she wasn't the Main Event tonight, and in the moment Madame Cracráil cleared her throat, she already seemed to realize, that there was a tiny detail in the protocol she had messed up. She apologized on Quinn's behalf immediately and urged Quinn to correct her behavior, talking to her like she was six, which made the teenage girl visibly suppressing an expression of huff.
While she motioned a young lad with a tablet of shot glasses of water, Flemming smiled and said to Madame Cracráil, "No problem, Ma'am! I have yet so see anyone who isn't nervous when in a situation like this at the first time."
He took a glass; the other visitors took one each, too.
Quinn officially and solemnly welcomed the Lillos to Cnockan House in the name of her Grandfather, whose guests, and with that, under whose protection, they would be with this glass of water.
The guests raised their glasses as well.
"To health!" - they echoed.

by **The Selkie** » Wed Aug 12, 2020 8:37 am

Quinn Tarra of the Tribe of Antrim.
I smiled as all drank, then put my glass back onto the tablet.
The water was good in this warmth, one could not drink enough in summer anyway, didn't even have to be spirited.
I waited until everyone had placed his glass back on the table and exhaled.
"Now... let's get inside, shall we?", I said with a smile, turning. Madame Cracráil nodded, now it was correct. "We'll do formal introductions of everyone to everyone in the Salon. I hope you don't mind that?"
I knew, that some cultures put an enormous value on introducing oneself as often as one feasibly could, but I was sure, that Lillorainen was not among them. The reason, why we would do it in the Salon was simple: It saved time and nerves.
I approached the door.
"Oh, and if one of you needs a minute to refresh, there are appropriate rooms available.", I added with a smile.

by **Lillorainen** » Wed Aug 12, 2020 10:22 am

As everyone had their water, nine glasses found their way back onto the tablet. Indeed, in Summer, water was always something good to have around in order to stay hydrated - and, if one asked former tourists to Kyrenaia or Shamsiyya, or paramedics from these countries, the recommendation to do so wasn't necessarily limited to Summers.
Quinn suggested to move inside; Madame Cracráil's nod suggested, that there were no objections from her end this time. There would be formal introductions from everyone to everyone - there quite were cultures where formal introductions were as ceremonial as a Midsummer Festival was in Lillorainen, but formal introduction were nothing Lillos went mad over, at least not more than Selkie did. This wasn't Shikonjima.
Rooms for some minute of refreshment were available as well. Which especially the pipe smokers among the Lillorainian delegation would certainly make a use of somewhere tonight.
Flemming nodded. "Noted" - he said. "And don't worry about formal introductions - it will work fine well as it's planned!"
The others nodded, getting ready for entering the Salon.

by **The Selkie** » Sun Aug 16, 2020 3:32 am

Quinn Tarra of the Tribe of Antrim.
I smiled and nodded, glad, that no one was taking offense.
Asteria had warned me, that some were too keen on making their names known, but this was nicer, I had to say. Asteria had helped a lot during the preparation phase for this state visit, in particular me.
She was experienced, I was not.
We approached the Main Entrance, then went into the entrance hall, a large, central room, stone pillars holding up the ceiling, with doors and stairways leading off into the rooms and wings of the house. The vulpine from my shoulder jumped off and ran towards a small sofa, where he made himself comfortable.
The pillars were decorated with flags in red and dark blue, the colours of the Tribe of Antrim. Torchholders of iron held torches, which were unlit - light was provided by a chandelier on the ceiling, made of copper and iron, the lightbulbs shining brightly.
Several of the doors were open, one large double-door leading into the dining room, another smaller one leading into the kitchen, as one could recognize from the wonderful smells coming from it.
Opposite to the kitchen door, on the left side of the entrance hall far away from the door, was a large portal into the Ground Floor Salon or Grand Salon. Next to the portal was the small sofa, next to which the vulpine had found his spot.
The young man in SDF-Army Uniform, full blue dress with everything and even a sabre, rose as he saw us, looked at me for a moment with a fond smile - the rank insignia on his shoulders saying Lieutenant, his age saying, that he was in his mid-twenties, maybe late-twenties - then looked at the guests, placing his hand over his heart and bowing his head, one hand on the handle of his sabre in a non-threatening gesture.
He was a good-looking young man, but he would not be part of tonight's dinner.
I smiled.
"Lieutenant Céilt, I thought, that you had departed a while ago?", I said with a small smile, then turned. "President Flemming, honoured guests, Lieutenant Ayden Céilt of the Tribe of Fermanagh, General Taoiseach's aide-de-camp."
"My apologies, Milady Tarra...", he said and rose, "...but how could I, an officer of the SDF, depart without bidding goodbye to the Lady of this House?"
I was quite sure, that he would not be still here, if my Grandmother was here. I still blushed a bit.

by **Lillorainen** » Sun Aug 16, 2020 5:21 am

The Selkie wrote:Quinn Tarra of the Tribe of Antrim.
I smiled and nodded, glad, that no one was taking offense.
Asteria had warned me, that some were too keen on making their names known, but this was nicer, I had to say. Asteria had helped a lot during the preparation phase for this state visit, in particular me.
She was experienced, I was not.
We approached the Main Entrance, then went into the entrance hall, a large, central room, stone pillars holding up the ceiling, with doors and stairways leading off into the rooms and wings of the house. The vulpine from my shoulder jumped off and ran towards a small sofa, where he made himself comfortable.
The pillars were decorated with flags in red and dark blue, the colours of the Tribe of Antrim. Torchholders of iron held torches, which were unlit - light was provided by a chandelier on the ceiling, made of copper and iron, the lightbulbs shining brightly.
Several of the doors were open, one large double-door leading into the dining room, another smaller one leading into the kitchen, as one could recognize from the wonderful smells coming from it.
Opposite to the kitchen door, on the left side of the entrance hall far away from the door, was a large portal into the Ground Floor Salon or Grand Salon. Next to the portal was the small sofa, next to which the vulpine had found his spot.
The young man in SDF-Army Uniform, full blue dress with everything and even a sabre, rose as he saw us, looked at me for a moment with a fond smile - the rank insignia on his shoulders saying Lieutenant, his age saying, that he was in his mid-twenties, maybe late-twenties - then looked at the guests, placing his hand over his heart and bowing his head, one hand on the handle of his sabre in a non-threatening gesture.
He was a good-looking young man, but he would not be part of tonight's dinner.
I smiled.
"Lieutenant Céilt, I thought, that you had departed a while ago?", I said with a small smile, then turned. "President Flemming, honoured guests, Lieutenant Ayden Céilt of the Tribe of Fermanagh, General Taoiseach's aide-de-camp."
"My apologies, Milady Tarra...", he said and rose, "...but how could I, an officer of the SDF, depart without bidding goodbye to the Lady of this House?"
I was quite sure, that he would not be still here, if my Grandmother was here. I still blushed a bit.

The Main Entrace led to a central hall, a large hall with stone pillars holding up the ceilings, decorated with flags in the colors of the Tribe of Antrim, red and dark blue. As a chandelier provided enough light to illuminate the hall, the torches held by iron torchholders were unlit. Doors and stairways led off to the rooms and wings of the house. Several doors were open, including the double-door leading to the dining room and a smaller door leading to a room where a smell came from which suggested, that it was the kitchen.
The vulpine on Quinn's should had jumped off and found its spot on a small sofa.
Lykke Nörvenich felt reminded of the Entrance Hall of Schloss Kolkhoven in Leewerder, which, despite being a castle, wasn't particularly huge, barely bigger than Cnockan House, yet, as it hosted the State Chancellery of Vedjading, had an important function. She had admired that hall, decorated with banners in black-white-blue, the colors of the state, everytime she had entered it, especially since her visit to Rathenia's counterpart in Jillich had turned out to just lead into a bog-standard office building where the State Chancellery had just rented an office and called it a day. Pragmatic, sure, but still a somewhat awkward place to run a state from.
Ceyda, who, during her studies in Junaira, had grown accustomed to seeing such pillars in sandstone, gave the hall more than one quick look as well. At least until a young man in the uniform of the SDF-Army, in his mid-to-late twenties, rose and greeted the guests in the customary way to greet state guests (and Elders) in here, with his other hand on his sabre. Lieutenant Ayden Céilt of the Tribe of Fermanagh, as his name turned out to be, was the aide-de-camp of General Taoiseach. Apparently, he should have left a while ago already, but told, that he decided to stay around until the Lady of the House would arrive.
Among the guests, the question, whether or not this was his only reason to stay, popped up - unbeknownst to them, Quinn had a similar thought.
Flemming bowed his head lightly. "Lieutenant" - he said.
Some of other guests bowed their heads as well, others indicated a small salute.

by **The Selkie** » Mon Aug 17, 2020 1:51 pm

Lillorainen wrote:The Main Entrace led to a central hall, a large hall with stone pillars holding up the ceilings, decorated with flags in the colors of the Tribe of Antrim, red and dark blue. As a chandelier provided enough light to illuminate the hall, the torches held by iron torchholders were unlit. Doors and stairways led off to the rooms and wings of the house. Several doors were open, including the double-door leading to the dining room and a smaller door leading to a room where a smell came from which suggested, that it was the kitchen.
The vulpine on Quinn's should had jumped off and found its spot on a small sofa.
Lykke Nörvenich felt reminded of the Entrance Hall of Schloss Kolkhoven in Leewerder, which, despite being a castle, wasn't particularly huge, barely bigger than Cnockan House, yet, as it hosted the State Chancellery of Vedjading, had an important function. She had admired that hall, decorated with banners in black-white-blue, the colors of the state, everytime she had entered it, especially since her visit to Rathenia's counterpart in Jillich had turned out to just lead into a bog-standard office building where the State Chancellery had just rented an office and called it a day. Pragmatic, sure, but still a somewhat awkward place to run a state from.
Ceyda, who, during her studies in Junaira, had grown accustomed to seeing such pillars in sandstone, gave the hall more than one quick look as well. At least until a young man in the uniform of the SDF-Army, in his mid-to-late twenties, rose and greeted the guests in the customary way to greet state guests (and Elders) in here, with his other hand on his sabre. Lieutenant Ayden Céilt of the Tribe of Fermanagh, as his name turned out to be, was the aide-de-camp of General Taoiseach. Apparently, he should have left a while ago already, but told, that he decided to stay around until the Lady of the House would arrive.
Among the guests, the question, whether or not this was his only reason to stay, popped up - unbeknownst to them, Quinn had a similar thought.
Flemming bowed his head lightly. "Lieutenant" - he said.
Some of other guests bowed their heads as well, others indicated a small salute.

Quinn Tarra of the Tribe of Antrim.
The other guests used the chance to greet the Lieutenant, who returned the salutes, in the old way, by balling his right fist and tapping it lightly over where his heart was. This greeting was ancient, from the times, when horsemen, and in particular our Marcach, ruled the battlefields.
In any case, that also gave me the chance to regain myself.
"Ma'ams, Sirs.", he returned, then turned back to me, extending his hand. I put mine into his, knowing, what would follow: He knelt down on one knee, then softly kissed the back of my hand, looking at me along the length of my arm. He cupped my hand with his other one, then rose and bowed. "Milady Tarra."
"Lieutenant.", I brought out - to be honest, I was blushing deep red. It certainly had another quality, when a young and dashing officer did that, when compared to an old sod and General.
And with that, he was gone.
I heard the bloody wide grin as Madame Cracráil spoke: "We might want to give the Lady Tarra a moment to recuperate."
I was now certain, that he would have long since been gone if my Grandmother would have been around.

by **Lillorainen** » Tue Aug 18, 2020 4:42 am

The Lieutenant returned the salutes, in the old fashion that was prominent enough even in Lillorainen, where the way of balling one's fist and tapping it over one's heart was commonly known as the Marcachgruss. Then, he extended his hand to Quinn, who took it, knelt on one knee, kissed the back of her hand, cupped her hand with his other hand, rosed, and bowed.
Quinn was blushing scarlet, and it didn't stop, even when the Lieutenant was gone.
Madame Cracráil grinned widely, announcing to give Quinn a small break to recuperate - Quinn seemed to add this statement into her collection of comments by Madame Cracráil she needed around as urgently as a fish needed a bicycle.
Ceyda, who had similar experiences with young, charming men, like Prince Yunus of Ahjada, gave Quinn an understanding smile.
"We might" - she said.
Her compatriots nodded.

by **The Selkie** » Fri Aug 21, 2020 2:55 am

Quinn Tarra of the Tribe of Antrim.
I was unaware, that the greeting of the Marcach even had international fame, but when I would learn of that, I'd either blame it on a few expats, on our shared history or, which seemed most likely, on the Movies.
Either of those three.
Anyway, I nodded, took a breath and smiled.
"Sorry about that.", I said and cleared my throat. "Now... straighten your ties and off we go!"
"Ar aghaidh! Chuig briseadh!", Madame Cracráil chimed in with the old battlecry.
Onwards! Towards Battle! Though, this battle would also be a battle of wits.
I led the group to the portal leading into the Ground Floor Salon, stood on the threshold and cleared my throat - the occupants turned their heads and I led the group in, Madame Cracráil splitting off.
The room was large, more then large enough to accommodate two dozen people comfortably, a fireplace opposite to the entrance, surrounded by bookshelves. When one entered, to the left and around the fireplace were bookshelves, filled with books old and new, while the wall with the portal was occupied by framed photographs.
To the right, a windowfront with a cushioned windowsill gave a wonderful view of a small paddock, where a few foals were grazing under the watchful eye of older mares. Just as we entered, the horse, which Flemming had ridden, carefully went outside from the stable, now without the reins and saddle and everything.
A few meters away from the paddock, a flowerbed shone in all colours of nature.
The room itself was furnished with chairs and armchairs, two of them directly in front of the fireplace, a few sideboards and side-tables, tastefully decorated with flower vases, and a pair of larger tables, one to the side.
The room was far from unoccupied, five new people were here, two in uniforms of the SDF, one in suit and tie, two women in Geansai, as well as, sitting in a chair by the fireplace, an old man in a brown robe.
"Grandfather, Ladies and Gentlemen...", I began once I had everyone's attention, "...if I may introduce, the Lillorainian Delegation, led by President Flemming, a Son of Distant Shores." I smiled. "Mister Flemming, esteemed guests, I'd like you to meet Sullivan Tarra, Elder of the Tribe of Antrim and Host of this evening."
The old man by the fireplace rose surprisingly quickly, especially when considering, that he was nearing seventy Springs. He had grey hair, I knew it to be formerly in a hue similar to mine, and piercing blue eyes. He also had a moustache, which curled slightly upwards with a smile.
"I am very glad to be able to welcome you in my home, Mister Flemming, as well as you, Daughters and Sons of Distant Shores.", my Grandfather spoke with a small bow, hand over his heart. He rose and smiled. "I hope, that the trip was nice." He moved forward, towards the delegation. "Please, I would be glad to know, who's company I will enjoy on this evening."
The last was accompanied by a sweep at all the faces in the delegation.
I knew, that after the Lillos had introduced themselves, Grandfather would introduce the Children of the Tribe of Antrim, which were present.

by **Lillorainen** » Fri Aug 21, 2020 6:27 am

The Selkie wrote:Quinn Tarra of the Tribe of Antrim.
I was unaware, that the greeting of the Marcach even had international fame, but when I would learn of that, I'd either blame it on a few expats, on our shared history or, which seemed most likely, on the Movies.
Either of those three.
Anyway, I nodded, took a breath and smiled.
"Sorry about that.", I said and cleared my throat. "Now... straighten your ties and off we go!"
"Ar aghaidh! Chuig briseadh!", Madame Cracráil chimed in with the old battlecry.
Onwards! Towards Battle! Though, this battle would also be a battle of wits.
I led the group to the portal leading into the Ground Floor Salon, stood on the threshold and cleared my throat - the occupants turned their heads and I led the group in, Madame Cracráil splitting off.
The room was large, more then large enough to accommodate two dozen people comfortably, a fireplace opposite to the entrance, surrounded by bookshelves. When one entered, to the left and around the fireplace were bookshelves, filled with books old and new, while the wall with the portal was occupied by framed photographs.
To the right, a windowfront with a cushioned windowsill gave a wonderful view of a small paddock, where a few foals were grazing under the watchful eye of older mares. Just as we entered, the horse, which Flemming had ridden, carefully went outside from the stable, now without the reins and saddle and everything.
A few meters away from the paddock, a flowerbed shone in all colours of nature.
The room itself was furnished with chairs and armchairs, two of them directly in front of the fireplace, a few sideboards and side-tables, tastefully decorated with flower vases, and a pair of larger tables, one to the side.
The room was far from unoccupied, five new people were here, two in uniforms of the SDF, one in suit and tie, two women in Geansai, as well as, sitting in a chair by the fireplace, an old man in a brown robe.
"Grandfather, Ladies and Gentlemen...", I began once I had everyone's attention, "...if I may introduce, the Lillorainian Delegation, led by President Flemming, a Son of Distant Shores." I smiled. "Mister Flemming, esteemed guests, I'd like you to meet Sullivan Tarra, Elder of the Tribe of Antrim and Host of this evening."
The old man by the fireplace rose surprisingly quickly, especially when considering, that he was nearing seventy Springs. He had grey hair, I knew it to be formerly in a hue similar to mine, and piercing blue eyes. He also had a moustache, which curled slightly upwards with a smile.
"I am very glad to be able to welcome you in my home, Mister Flemming, as well as you, Daughters and Sons of Distant Shores.", my Grandfather spoke with a small bow, hand over his heart. He rose and smiled. "I hope, that the trip was nice." He moved forward, towards the delegation. "Please, I would be glad to know, who's company I will enjoy on this evening."
The last was accompanied by a sweep at all the faces in the delegation.
I knew, that after the Lillos had introduced themselves, Grandfather would introduce the Children of the Tribe of Antrim, which were present.

It took Quinn but a moment to recuperate, excusing herself, then suggesting to move on. Madame Cracráil chimed in with the old battlecry, which could occasionally be heard in movies as well. Indeed, movies were one of the possible reasons why the Marcach's greetings and cries were so well-known outside the Free Lands; the other two reasons were plausible as well.
Quinn led the group into the Salon, a large room providing enough space for two dozens of people to be in at the same time without stepping onto each other's feet, with a fireplace on the opposite side, bookshelves, photographs on the wall, and a windowfront offering a view onto the paddock, with foals grazing and older mares watching; one could recognize the horse Flemming had ridden leaving the stable. A flowerbed shone in all colors known to nature. The room's furniture consisted of chairs and armchairs, sideboards and side-tables, decorated with flower vases, and two larger tables. Five people were sitting in the room already, two in SDF-uniforms, one in suit and tie, and an old man in brown robe, the latter sitting in front of the fireplace.
He immediately turned out to be Sullivan Tarra, the Elder of the Tribe of Antrim and Quinn's Grandfather. While Madame Cracráil had split off, Quinn introduced Flemming and him to each other, this time without any flaws. The Elder welcomed Flemming himself, rising surprisingly fast, given his age, with a slight bow and hand over his heart, and also included the others.
The President of the Federation returned the gesture and said, smiling, "It is an honor and pleasure for me, and I think, I can say, for us all, to be guests in your home tonight, Mister Tarra. Indeed, we had a pleasant journey into and through these wonderful Lands."
The other guests had already formed a chain, so Flemming could step aside and introduce each of them by order, one by one.
"The company you will enjoy tonight" - he continued, "consists of: Annika Seelscheid, Speaker of the Meritocratic Council; Friederike Golkrath, Minister of Affairs of the Chamber of States, representing Speaker of the Chamber of States Brunhilde Lövenich at this occasion; Friedhelm Marquardt, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs; Albin Ragnar Estrup, Federal Minister of Commerce; Lena Ammerup, Federal Minister Infrastructure and Technological Advancement; Lykke Nörvenich, Federal Minister of Education, Culture & Sports; Ole Klingebiel, Ambassador of the Federation; and last but not least, Ceyda Nimatuliha Jagoda, Special Ambassador for the Federation."
Each member of the delegation bowed their head upon their naming.
The order followed the usual protocol in Lillorainen, by hierarchy - first come the Federal President, then the Speakers or otherwise representatives of the parliament chambers naming the upper chamber first, then come Federal Ministers, then members of State Governments with Governors first and then State Ministers (as none were present, this fell flat in this case), then Ambassadors and Special Ambassadors.

by **The Selkie** » Thu Aug 27, 2020 1:39 am

Lillorainen wrote:It took Quinn but a moment to recuperate, excusing herself, then suggesting to move on. Madame Cracráil chimed in with the old battlecry, which could occasionally be heard in movies as well. Indeed, movies were one of the possible reasons why the Marcach's greetings and cries were so well-known outside the Free Lands; the other two reasons were plausible as well.
Quinn led the group into the Salon, a large room providing enough space for two dozens of people to be in at the same time without stepping onto each other's feet, with a fireplace on the opposite side, bookshelves, photographs on the wall, and a windowfront offering a view onto the paddock, with foals grazing and older mares watching; one could recognize the horse Flemming had ridden leaving the stable. A flowerbed shone in all colors known to nature. The room's furniture consisted of chairs and armchairs, sideboards and side-tables, decorated with flower vases, and two larger tables. Five people were sitting in the room already, two in SDF-uniforms, one in suit and tie, and an old man in brown robe, the latter sitting in front of the fireplace.
He immediately turned out to be Sullivan Tarra, the Elder of the Tribe of Antrim and Quinn's Grandfather. While Madame Cracráil had split off, Quinn introduced Flemming and him to each other, this time without any flaws. The Elder welcomed Flemming himself, rising surprisingly fast, given his age, with a slight bow and hand over his heart, and also included the others.
The President of the Federation returned the gesture and said, smiling, "It is an honor and pleasure for me, and I think, I can say, for us all, to be guests in your home tonight, Mister Tarra. Indeed, we had a pleasant journey into and through these wonderful Lands."
The other guests had already formed a chain, so Flemming could step aside and introduce each of them by order, one by one.
"The company you will enjoy tonight" - he continued, "consists of: Annika Seelscheid, Speaker of the Meritocratic Council; Friederike Golkrath, Minister of Affairs of the Chamber of States, representing Speaker of the Chamber of States Brunhilde Lövenich at this occasion; Friedhelm Marquardt, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs; Albin Ragnar Estrup, Federal Minister of Commerce; Lena Ammerup, Federal Minister Infrastructure and Technological Advancement; Lykke Nörvenich, Federal Minister of Education, Culture & Sports; Ole Klingebiel, Ambassador of the Federation; and last but not least, Ceyda Nimatuliha Jagoda, Special Ambassador for the Federation."
Each member of the delegation bowed their head upon their naming.
The order followed the usual protocol in Lillorainen, by hierarchy - first come the Federal President, then the Speakers or otherwise representatives of the parliament chambers naming the upper chamber first, then come Federal Ministers, then members of State Governments with Governors first and then State Ministers (as none were present, this fell flat in this case), then Ambassadors and Special Ambassadors.

Quinn Tarra of the Tribe of Antrim.
Flemming thanked Grandfather for the opportunity of being his guests tonight, which he returned with a small bow of his head - he was glad to have them, he really was. The compliment about our beautiful lands and the trip through them was well received, too.
I noted, how stringently he followed the order of precedence, as he introduced his traveling companions, top down from the President and the speakers of the parliament to the Special Ambassadors.
It was a very Kyrenaian approach, if you asked me, although there were a lot of side-rules coming along with it as well, while how Flemming did it seemed almost straight-forward.
Dad bowed his head lightly to each and every one of them as they were introduced.
"It is a great pleasure to have you all here.", he spoke and smiled slightly, as evidenced by a slight movement of his beard. "And, of course, to share a table with you. Please allow me to now introduce the Children of my Tribe, who will be sharing this meal with us tonight."
He motioned to a uniformed man, SDF-Army Blue Dress and short, black hair, as well as a moustache. His left eye was covered by an eyepatch, while his right eye shone with bemusement. As the tall man of 1.93 meters rose, his expression was jolly and humurous, but also welcoming.
"General Ferris Taoiseach of the Tribe of Antrim...", Grandfather spoke, "...the Head and Supreme Commander of the Strategic Defence Force."
"It is a pleasure, Sirs, Ma'ams.", the man said and bowed his head lightly.
Next to him, a far shorter, far younger woman stood, blonde, blue eyed and in a school uniform, which identified her as a student of the Naval School. She smiled, although she seemed a bit nervous.
"This young lady is Cadet Nolwenn Dallaigh of the Tribe of Antrim, the Captain of the Naval School Sensha-Do Team.", Grandfather continued and the young woman bowed her head respectfully, too nervous to speak a peep.
Next came a young man with short, aqua hair and yellow eyes, dressed in a blue suit with a grey shirt and a black tie.
"This young man is Aonghus Cugussart of the Tribe of Antrim, accomplished student of the University of Leuda and Marcach.", Grandfather introduced. "To my knowledge, you don't have a sponsor yet, right, searrach?"
The young man smiled as he rose from his own bow. "Indeed I do not, Sir.", he said politely, then glancing to the female members of the Lillorainian Delegation. Maybe it was a trick of the light, but did he just wink at them?
Next to him, a young woman of around the same age in Geansai stood, which also showed that she had, shall we say, considerable 'argumentation amplifiers' and was not afraid to show them. Her orange hair was a long and open mane.
"If I may next introduce Miss Iuna Scubaid of the Tribe of Antrim, accomplished student of History over in Fortham and photographer?", Grandfather said and smiled as the young woman bowed her head.
"It is a pleasure.", she said and rose, "I do hope, that you won't mind me questioning you a bit about Lillorainian History - and especially how far and in which ways that history is related to our own."
I knew, that there were some things, but aside from the snippets she mentioned prior, I had no idea.
"And...", Grandfather said and smiled at the last woman, who wore Geansai as well, her red hair shoulder-long, "...last, but not least, Miss Ida Feic of the Tribe of Antrim, Representative of the Merchant Guild of Leuda with the Elder Council and the City Council of Fortham."
"It is an honour.", she said more then politely, rising from her bow.
"And of course you already know Milady Belana and my Granddaughter Quinn." Grandfather smiled with a lot of pride as he motioned to both of us, especially me. "Alright, then, make yourselves comfortable.", he said and motioned into the room, then looked at me. "To my knowledge, the stew will take a few minutes still?"
"Indeed, ten to fifteen.", I said, then bowed my head lightly, "If the ladies and gentlemen would please excuse me, the pot is calling for attention."
Grandfather nodded. If anyone did not want to fill the Salon even more, they were welcome to accompany me to the kitchen for the intricacies of Selkie-Cuisine - no one would hold it against them.
For the rest, appetizers and drinks (non-alcoholic, it was before dinner) stood at the ready, together with pleasant conversation. Groups could easily assemble, too.
As I left the room, though, I heard Dad invite Flemming to sit with him by the fireplace and Miss Feic inviting Mister Estrup to join her by the panorama window.

A friend's visit is a joyous occasion, indeed (CLOSED)

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