[Lauchenoiria]

Jointly written with [nation]Democratic Republic of Eiria[/nation]

Eirian Embassy, Laeralsford

Emily Rouchard sat at the head of the small meeting room table in the Eirian Embassy, straightening papers and fidgeting, waiting for her guest. The request for a meeting with Councillor Georgiou had come as a surprise, but not necessarily an unwelcome one. Rouchard was recently appointed the Envoy and Eirian Aide to Crown Prince Texoccoatl, and since this was only her second assignment abroad, she was determined to start off on the right foot.

Upon arriving at the embassy, Councillor Georgiou took a deep breath before going inside and informing the Eirians she was here. She was nervous about this meeting, she didn't know how they would react to Kerlile's suggestion to work together, especially given recent history between the two nations on the Aurora affair.

The Ambassador opened the meeting room door and gestured in. "Councillor Georgiou. Welcome." She invited her in and took a seat. "I have to admit, I was surprised to get your message. I'm sorry that my boss, Minister Lancaster, had to fly back so soon, otherwise you could have met with her as well."

"Thank you for meeting with me, Ambassador," Georgiou smiled, relaxing a little as no hostility was evident immediately. She decided to start with a little small talk, something Kerlians weren't particularly known for. "I hope your flight to Laeral was pleasant?"

"Yes, it was, thank you. Though I confess, I was sleeping for a portion of it. I don't do the best with heights personally. Plus it doesn't help that the weather outside Geminus when I took off wasn't the best." Her cordial smile waned a bit. "However, my discomfort was necessary. The situation in Xiomera is frightening, to say the least."

"I agree," nodded Georgiou. "Your nation did not participate in the Lauchenoirian war of 2018, but for us it was both a tragedy and a much-needed catalyst to set in motion our policies of reform. This situation, while being rather different, holds certain worrying similarities."

"Agreed. And I have no doubt that we would have helped if we could have. We were getting back on our feet, and the Senate was stuck in debate after debate over it. It is very concerning that this situation can arise so fast. I trust that Kerlile will aid Xiomera with what they can?".

"Of course," nodded Georgiou. "That is why I'm here. I would like to propose that all nations supporting the rightful Empress work together on this matter. This way, we avoid duplication of effort, as well as the possibility of treading on each others toes or undermining each others efforts accidentally."

Rouchard nodded. She knew that Kerlile is hoping to get back into the world's good graces, and this situation provides an easy route for said hopes. "A smart idea, and all help given to the Crown Prince will help reinstate democracy, or Xiomera's version of it. However, some politicians in Geminus are wary of the source of some of the aid, given recent events."

Georgiou gestured for Rouchard to elaborate, not trusting herself to speak until she'd heard the full situation laid out to her.

"Well, Kerlile doesn't have the best reputation around the world as of late, and Geminus is no exception. The Aurora program shook Eiria up, and some Senators would not want to be associated with Kerlile, even though recent reforms have been made. It doesn't help that the Council appears chaotic and unpredictable to an outsider."

"I can assure you that the Council has been working well together recently, the disputes between ourselves have ceased. We are united on the matter of Xiomera, not even Councillor Pierre is objecting to our strategy in this matter."

Rouchard raised her eyebrows. "Really? Well, that is nice to hear. This situation has also united the Senate, at least, more than usual". She sighed. "The Senate is like a four hundred and fifty player game of cards. Some people have obvious poker faces, some are obscure, and some you have no clue where they stand. This is why I became a diplomat. Politics is too unpredictable."

"I have sat on the Council long enough that it has become rather easy to read the other Councillors," Georgiou smiled slightly, though she was becoming rather nervous again. "Those outside of Kerlile, however, I have more trouble with. Will the politics of your country make it impossible for us to work together, or is there a way to do this?"

She pondered this for a moment. "Well, I believe we will be able to work together, at least for now. Xiomera is our primary concern. The Crown Prince assigned us a task to attempt to break the propoganda filters in Xiomera and expose the truth about the Junta and the coup. The EICA is working on that as we speak. Has Texoccoatl assigned Kerlile a particular task?".

"We'll be helping with the counter-revolutionary efforts on the ground," Georgiou replied smoothly. "Providing Xiomerans who wish to stand up against the illegitimate government with advice and resources."

"Okay. How do you plan to get these resources in? I doubt the new Xiomeran leadership will let you just ship supplies in."

"That is still to be decided," Georgiou replied. "We're formulating various plans just now, we have yet to settle on a decision. Nothing is without risk."

"Indeed". She tapped her pen idly on the arm of her chair. "Is there anything else you would like to discuss?".

"I think that will be sufficient," Georgiou nodded. "I'm glad we can agree to cooperate on this matter in spite of our differences."

"I am as well. Thank you for meeting with me".

"My pleasure," Georgiou stood, shaking Rouchard's hand and leaving the room, wondering just how long this tentative alliance could last.