[Lauchenoiria]

(Jointly written with [nation]Kvask[/nation])

Pavía’s office, Buttercity, Lauchenoiria

Sandra Pavía was busy at her desk, writing replies to letters as her secretary opened some and passed them to her. Most of the letters she received did not require a personal response, but it was always better to check. So, her secretary would filter her mail, checking to make sure nothing needed urgent attention.

Pavía had just finished responding to a petition from a group of Lauchenoirian businesspeople living in Laeral, who were writing to complain about the lack of support Lauchenoirian businesses abroad had been given by the government since the war had broken out last year, when her secretary came over and handed her a short letter with an unusual postage stamp.

“You should read this, ma’am. It is… quite interesting, I think you will agree.”

Curious, Pavía took the letter, examining the postage stamp, which looked like a red deer, with interest for a few moments, and then unfolded the letter and read through it.

To the most wise Sandra Pavía,

Good greetings to you and your nation. We know of the hardships you and your countryfolk face, and how few true allies one can find. Diplomatic scuffles with Xiomera, and your perpetual hatred of Kerlile makes your future uneasy.

Thusly, we, the Kvaskm Office of International Relations, are extending an offer towards you. We wish to establish formal relations between the Communities and Lauchenoiria. Although we have had our disagreements over Aelurian independence, reconciliation can be achieved. Hell, it may even bloom into a proper friendship between our nations

If interested in discussing the matter further, contact Ygr Krpat at 21-2050-92

Signed,
Ygr Krpat
Head of the KOIR

“You’re right,” Pavía mused to her secretary. “This is interesting. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I was under the impression that Kvask did not have formal diplomatic relations with anyone at the moment?”

“You are not wrong. That’s what makes this so fascinating.”

“And a great honour. Contact the Prime Minister, I think she would like to see this.”

“Of course, ma’am.”

*

Approximately 20 minutes later, Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez was standing in Pavía’s office, reading through the letter. When she was finished, she looked up, unable to disguise the joy on her face. Clearly, she thought the letter was good news. While Pavía had been anticipating a positive reaction, she was surprised to see one quite so positive.

“This is excellent news, Sandra,” Alvarez said. “It shows that Kvask likes us enough to begin a change in policy here. I hold no grudges for the Aeluria affair - and this would be a very good look for us to, I must add. It will prove that Lauchenoiria is open to relations with a diverse set of nations, encompassing different cultures and political systems.”

“I see you’re already writing your speech,” smirked Pavía. “It will also add to the better side of the publicity surrounding the new embassy with Shen. I was concerned at first it would get us bad press, but thankfully the way their ambassador handled that protest means that he at least is viewed in a positive manner, even if his country isn’t. But Kvask… well, most of Lauchenoiria quite likes Kvask.”

“Agreed. The communists like the economic policy, and those who were on our side of the civil war… well, don’t necessarily agree with their political structure, but admire it in certain ways. Make the call, Sandra. I look forward to hearing what… uh, maybe get someone who is knowledgeable in pronouncing Kvaskm names to make sure you get this one right before you start!”

“Of course, Prime Minister,” replied Pavía, smiling as she shook her head, amused.

*

Sandra Pavía sat down at her desk and dialled the number on the letter. She had made sure she knew how to pronounce a variety of Kvaskm words that may be necessary for the call, and was prepared. She was looking forward to this call. It would be a nice change of pace from scandals, and protests, and, well, Xiomerans. So she sat and listened to the line ring until someone picked it up on the other end.

On the other end, an loud buzzing came from an old landline on the desk of Ygr Krpat. Battling a hangover from a night of drinking at the Running Tap, he groaned as he picked up the phone, "Aljo?"

"Good day, this is Sandra Pavía, Foreign Minister of the Federation of Lauchenoiria. I am calling to speak to Ygr Krpat, in response to his letter sent to my office. I wish to discuss further the possibility of establishing formal relations between the Communities of Kvask and Lauchenoiria," she said, her voice calm and polite - and rather more sober.

"Eh, oh, OH!" Ygr stood up quickly and started shuffling through papers quite loudly to find his notes on speaking English, "Sorry, please give second." He coughed through some phlegm buildup and finally produced it. As he read from his notes, his accent was noticeable and rough with English, "Good day, Pavja, this indeed is Ygr Krpat's desk. It is quite wonderful to hear from you about building a good relationship with Kvask"

On the other side of the line, Pavía raised an eyebrow, though she was smiling. "We were pleased to receive your letter, Mr. Krpat. My government has made it a priority to seek positive diplomatic relations with as many nations as possible, and we would be happy to see Kvask added to that list."

A few page flips later come with Krpat's response, "Dja! It is one of many ways Kvask wishes to come back to global politics after so many decades in isolation. Especially with threats in the world like those damn Trivians." On the other end of the line, Krpat literally spits into a trashbin next to him after 'Trivian' passes his lips.

Pavía blinks, then shakes her head, convincing herself she had hallucinated the sound of spitting. "I'm... I'm very glad to hear that. And we are honoured that you have chosen Lauchenoiria."

"At course! Who else would we choose that has such a commitment to democracy in this age of dictators? Draczna, we hope the Olympic games go well for you this year!"

"I wish the same to you, regarding the Olympics," smiled Pavía. "And I am glad to see that you recognise our commitment to democracy. Despite all the things the world continues to throw at us, I am proud to say that we have stuck by that commitment, and will continue to do so."

"Mmm, dja. Is there anything else you want to discuss while I am on line?" Krpat lit a cigarette and waved away someone with a box of doughnuts; he was on a diet for the Olympics.

"Well, I know that Kvask has a very... non-traditional system of governance. So I imagine the traditional embassy format may be somewhat difficult, given you have several communities. Do you have a proposal for how such diplomatic relations would work? Would you appoint a single ambassador, or would you prefer we made some other arrangement?" she asked, not entirely sure how to phrase her question.

After a short drag, Krpat nodded and exhaled, "We would prefer to have a building with five areas, each dedicated to each Community; Noskv, Rszevnik, Uszvek, Lacz, and Yptr. They won't need much space, any building will do. As for you, we can arrange a single office or five in each of the major cities.”

"Okay, that sounds like something we can work with. How about I have my people draw up a proposal and send it to you?" Pavía asked.

"That will do just nice. Please do send it to the Noskv Office of International Relations as soon as you can. I am sure whatever you send us will be easily approved.”

"Of course, I will have it prepared immediately. Thank you once again for this honour," Pavía responded.

"Thank you, Pavja, and I hope our nations have a long and fruitful partnership."

"As do I. Good day, Mr. Krpat," Pavía finished, and hung up the phone, smiling to herself, then getting up and walking out to where a pool of foreign ministry secretaries would be, ready to give them their instructions.