08-04-2021, 08:35 PM
(A Joint Post with Lauchenoiria)
Day One: Evening Reception
Alice Lancaster scanned the room, looking for her next discussion partner(and potential victim of her fire-like temper). The discussion with Calhualyana had left her reinvigorated and ready to make pleasant conversation and/or angry debate with anyone she could.
She noticed a pair of Kerlian Councillors enjoying a discussion. Georgiou and Hart. Now there's a pair. This could be interesting. And I might as well pay my dues to the hosts while we're here. She grabbed a new wine glass and gestured to her guards the direction she was headed, before beelining for the pair. Her navy blue formal dress drifted behind her somewhat, giving her an air of elegance and making her seem almost regal.
She gave a nod to both of the women as she got to them, her eyes glancing between them. "Councillor Georgiou, itg's a pleasure to see you again. And under better circumstances. Negotiating a tense peace treaty really doesn't make for a good meeting place." She turned to the other woman. "And you must be Councillor Hart? Pleasure to meet you. Alice Lancaster, representing the Eirian government." Alice gave a slight, respectful bow to Hart.
"A pleasure to meet you," returned Councillor Hart. "Is this your first visit to Kerlile?"
"Yes it is. I don't believe I've really had the opportunity to travel here before. It's a rare treat." Alice spoke politely, slightly biting her lip on that last remark.
"Well, if you're heading out on one of the tours of Grapevale, you have to stop off at the Central Secadualist Temple. It's one of the oldest Secadualist temples in existence, it was here back before Fleura split in two! It's absolutely gorgeous. We were just discussing the stained glass designs."
"In great detail," Councillor Georgiou piped up, sending a meaningful look to Alice. "Very great detail. But it is a gorgeous temple, so if you want a break from stuffy conference centres you should consider a trip. How have you been enjoying the reception?"
"It has been excellent so far. I've had the opportunity to have some..." Alice glanced at Calhualyana before returning her gaze to the Councillors. "... interesting conversations. Plus the drink keeps flowing. What more could anyone ask for?" She glanced around the room, chuckling slightly when she noticed Alvarez trying to keep an enraged Pavía from yelling at a Milintican. "Well, I think Alvarez could probably use an aspirin or something."
The two Councillors followed her gaze, and Hart snorted in laughter. "I told Jennifer that if she didn't show up the Lauchenoirians would get in trouble. But she wanted everything to be..." Hart trailed off as Georgiou shot her a sharp look. Evidently whatever she was going to say wasn't meant to be public knowledge.
"Kerlile is very different from Eiria," Georgiou said, making an understatement. "We're very pleased to have everyone attending this conference, it's been a long time since people have been willing to come here. I hope we have many more opportunities like this in the future."
Alice noted Georgiou's reaction to Hart's comment with a slight eyebrow raise, not wanting to comment on it and push her luck. "Yes, Kerlile is very different from what I'm used to. I was surprised to hear you have a national plan in case of a nuclear attack. It's very smart to be prepared for every situation. And I hope both of you get a chance to visit Eiria sometimes. We love hosting foreign visitors."
"I would love to visit Eiria," Georgiou replied eagerly. "I hear you've got quite a lovely collection of art! As for the nuclear attack plan, you can never be too careful when you have as many enemies as we have historically had, alas. I wish it wasn't this way but better safe than sorry."
"Yeah, we do have sizable museums. And I may be slightly biased, but some of the Architecture in both big cities and smaller settlements is amazing." Alice turned to Councillor Hart. "If you like religious art and stained glass, you should visit Ņuceda, the 'Capital of Unitism'. The Cathedtal of the Angels is a huge church full of amazing art and statues, with intricate stained glass all over. It even hosts the 10 Great Angels, which are amazing statues by Madame Lapis, a famous Eirian Sculptor and Artist. She practically defined Eirian art for centuries."
"She?" Hart mused for a second. "I will consider it. I'm not fond of travel personally, I find airplanes make me rather sick."
"That's only because you don't fly enough," chuckled Georgiou.
"Flying isn't safe!" Hart snapped back, leading to Georgiou giving Alice an exaggerated expression of amused shock.
"Ignore my colleague, Minister Lancaster," Georgiou chuckled. "She has a small plane phobia - and a phobia that 'patriarchal elements' will down her plane and arrest her."
A small smile crossed Alice's face. "Ah. Well, planes can be intimidating. But yes, Madame Lapis was a very strong influence on Eirian art. In fact, the Lapis Academy is still one of the best Artistic schools in all of Eiria. It has contributed hundreds of amazing alumni to the Eirian art community. And the Ten Great Angels are her most well known and best work. It took her and her apprentices years to finish, but when they did, they were truly stunning depictions of the five Unitist Great Angels and their duality."
"I'm unfamiliar with the teachings of Unitism but I'm going to do some research after this reception," Councillor Hart assured the Eirian. "And you too would fear planes, Georgiou, if you'd been there during the incident."
Alice glanced between the women, wondering what 'The incident' entailed. "Researching other cultures is honestly one of my favorite parts of this job. It's so interesting and unique, to watch how the people of other nations go about their day-to-day lives."
"I agree," Georgiou said, then winced slightly as the argument between Pavía and the Milintican hit a new volume. "We in Kerlile haven't had the opportunity for a while, thanks to the policies of some of the previous presidents, so I'm glad we can finally meet more people from other cultures and develop positive relationships."
"So long as we remember our purpose," Hart said sharply, eyeing Georgiou. "And we do not allow ourselves to be influenced by patriarchal elements," she added, glaring in the direction of the Slokasian delegation.
Alice followed her gaze, pursing her lips at Hart's comment. Hmm. How the hell should I play this? "World politics has always been an immensely complicated subject, so positive relationship are a key to survival." Alice smirked slightly at the shouting argument across the room. "But, alas, international politics are tricky."
"I don't know why the Milinticans think they can shove their communist propaganda at Lauchenoirians," Hart said irritably. "It's pretty clear that they won't be doing that again anytime soon. Ah, well, perhaps we'll get some amusement out of it if Pavía throws something."
"Natalia, be civil," hissed Georgiou. "My apologies, my colleague may have had a little too much to drink. I am sure that the Lauchenoirians and Milinticans can work something out."
"I sure hope so. But hopefully the Milintican doesn't push Pavía any further. It's not going to end well." She shook her head. "No need to apologize. Aggressive discourse can, sometimes, be entertaining. I know that's not the most diplomatic thing for the Minister of Diplomacy to say, but hey, debate's fun." She smirked. "You should here some of the more dramatic Eirian debates. They actually started selling popcorn to the audience."
"Eirians are very interested in politics, aren't they?" Georgiou asked. "I find it interesting how political engagement varies across nations."
"Well, for some, it's not their cup of tea. But Eirians tend to be a bit more... Flamboyant with their beliefs, at least when in Eiria. We have a very high civic participation, after all, so debates and protests are quite common." Alice sipped her drink slowly.
"You may be surprised at how many debates we have here in Kerlile," Georgiou chuckled slightly. "At least, behind closed doors. As for protests, I'm sure Councillor Hart here can enlighten you about the situation here."
"Just because the Secadualist community sometimes needs to make its voice heard loudly does not mean I am interested in furthering the causes of anarchy and chaos," Hart retorted.
"Councillor Hart is the number one signer of protest permits on the Council," Georgiou laughed as Hart crossed her arms and glared. "Any time the Secadualist Church wants a permit, she's right in there. Of course, if any other group wants a grievance heard, she's down at the police station turning them in."
Alice nodded slowly, donning a fake expression of interest to hide her amusement. "Interesting. I'm relatively unfamiliar with how protesting works in Kerlile. In Eiria, you have a right to protest on public property or on private property with the owner's permission. You only need a permit if you intend to block any streets or roadways. What does getting a permit allow? And does a Councillor have to approve a permit?"
"Basically, yes," Georgiou nodded. "A Councillor has to approve a permit, otherwise the protest is deemed illegal. Though, in the last couple of years we've been more lenient on allowing protests without permits to go ahead, as long as they're peaceful."
"I'm glad to hear that. Protests are very important to Eirian society. If we didn't have the right to protest... Well, there would probably be a protest." Alice said, laughing a little.
"How would that work, then?" Hart frowned, confused. Georgiou rolled her eyes and waved over a waiter, handing Hart another drink.
"It seems that Eirian society and Kerlian society differ greatly," Georgiou said to Lancaster. "I do hope that in spite of this we can have a better relationship going forward."
"So do I. And I do hope that you'll be able to visit Eiria soon. We've had a bit of a tourism boom since the Olympics, so some of the famous sights may be crowded, but we can help you find the hidden gems." Alice said, trying not to laugh at Georgiou's eye roll.
"I hope we have the opportunity," agreed Georgiou. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I'm going to make sure Natalia here has some food to go with all this wine."
"You're the one who keeps giving me more wine!"
"It was lovely to see you again, Minister," Georgiou said, ignoring Hart's comment.
"Thank you, it was lovely to talk to both of you. Have a pleasant reception!" She waited for both Councillors to leave before letting out a bit of a laugh. That was way more hilarious that I expected. She glanced back at Pavía, still leading a heated argument with some poor Milintican. Perhaps Kerlile will be more entertaining than I thought.
Day One: Evening Reception
Alice Lancaster scanned the room, looking for her next discussion partner(and potential victim of her fire-like temper). The discussion with Calhualyana had left her reinvigorated and ready to make pleasant conversation and/or angry debate with anyone she could.
She noticed a pair of Kerlian Councillors enjoying a discussion. Georgiou and Hart. Now there's a pair. This could be interesting. And I might as well pay my dues to the hosts while we're here. She grabbed a new wine glass and gestured to her guards the direction she was headed, before beelining for the pair. Her navy blue formal dress drifted behind her somewhat, giving her an air of elegance and making her seem almost regal.
She gave a nod to both of the women as she got to them, her eyes glancing between them. "Councillor Georgiou, itg's a pleasure to see you again. And under better circumstances. Negotiating a tense peace treaty really doesn't make for a good meeting place." She turned to the other woman. "And you must be Councillor Hart? Pleasure to meet you. Alice Lancaster, representing the Eirian government." Alice gave a slight, respectful bow to Hart.
"A pleasure to meet you," returned Councillor Hart. "Is this your first visit to Kerlile?"
"Yes it is. I don't believe I've really had the opportunity to travel here before. It's a rare treat." Alice spoke politely, slightly biting her lip on that last remark.
"Well, if you're heading out on one of the tours of Grapevale, you have to stop off at the Central Secadualist Temple. It's one of the oldest Secadualist temples in existence, it was here back before Fleura split in two! It's absolutely gorgeous. We were just discussing the stained glass designs."
"In great detail," Councillor Georgiou piped up, sending a meaningful look to Alice. "Very great detail. But it is a gorgeous temple, so if you want a break from stuffy conference centres you should consider a trip. How have you been enjoying the reception?"
"It has been excellent so far. I've had the opportunity to have some..." Alice glanced at Calhualyana before returning her gaze to the Councillors. "... interesting conversations. Plus the drink keeps flowing. What more could anyone ask for?" She glanced around the room, chuckling slightly when she noticed Alvarez trying to keep an enraged Pavía from yelling at a Milintican. "Well, I think Alvarez could probably use an aspirin or something."
The two Councillors followed her gaze, and Hart snorted in laughter. "I told Jennifer that if she didn't show up the Lauchenoirians would get in trouble. But she wanted everything to be..." Hart trailed off as Georgiou shot her a sharp look. Evidently whatever she was going to say wasn't meant to be public knowledge.
"Kerlile is very different from Eiria," Georgiou said, making an understatement. "We're very pleased to have everyone attending this conference, it's been a long time since people have been willing to come here. I hope we have many more opportunities like this in the future."
Alice noted Georgiou's reaction to Hart's comment with a slight eyebrow raise, not wanting to comment on it and push her luck. "Yes, Kerlile is very different from what I'm used to. I was surprised to hear you have a national plan in case of a nuclear attack. It's very smart to be prepared for every situation. And I hope both of you get a chance to visit Eiria sometimes. We love hosting foreign visitors."
"I would love to visit Eiria," Georgiou replied eagerly. "I hear you've got quite a lovely collection of art! As for the nuclear attack plan, you can never be too careful when you have as many enemies as we have historically had, alas. I wish it wasn't this way but better safe than sorry."
"Yeah, we do have sizable museums. And I may be slightly biased, but some of the Architecture in both big cities and smaller settlements is amazing." Alice turned to Councillor Hart. "If you like religious art and stained glass, you should visit Ņuceda, the 'Capital of Unitism'. The Cathedtal of the Angels is a huge church full of amazing art and statues, with intricate stained glass all over. It even hosts the 10 Great Angels, which are amazing statues by Madame Lapis, a famous Eirian Sculptor and Artist. She practically defined Eirian art for centuries."
"She?" Hart mused for a second. "I will consider it. I'm not fond of travel personally, I find airplanes make me rather sick."
"That's only because you don't fly enough," chuckled Georgiou.
"Flying isn't safe!" Hart snapped back, leading to Georgiou giving Alice an exaggerated expression of amused shock.
"Ignore my colleague, Minister Lancaster," Georgiou chuckled. "She has a small plane phobia - and a phobia that 'patriarchal elements' will down her plane and arrest her."
A small smile crossed Alice's face. "Ah. Well, planes can be intimidating. But yes, Madame Lapis was a very strong influence on Eirian art. In fact, the Lapis Academy is still one of the best Artistic schools in all of Eiria. It has contributed hundreds of amazing alumni to the Eirian art community. And the Ten Great Angels are her most well known and best work. It took her and her apprentices years to finish, but when they did, they were truly stunning depictions of the five Unitist Great Angels and their duality."
"I'm unfamiliar with the teachings of Unitism but I'm going to do some research after this reception," Councillor Hart assured the Eirian. "And you too would fear planes, Georgiou, if you'd been there during the incident."
Alice glanced between the women, wondering what 'The incident' entailed. "Researching other cultures is honestly one of my favorite parts of this job. It's so interesting and unique, to watch how the people of other nations go about their day-to-day lives."
"I agree," Georgiou said, then winced slightly as the argument between Pavía and the Milintican hit a new volume. "We in Kerlile haven't had the opportunity for a while, thanks to the policies of some of the previous presidents, so I'm glad we can finally meet more people from other cultures and develop positive relationships."
"So long as we remember our purpose," Hart said sharply, eyeing Georgiou. "And we do not allow ourselves to be influenced by patriarchal elements," she added, glaring in the direction of the Slokasian delegation.
Alice followed her gaze, pursing her lips at Hart's comment. Hmm. How the hell should I play this? "World politics has always been an immensely complicated subject, so positive relationship are a key to survival." Alice smirked slightly at the shouting argument across the room. "But, alas, international politics are tricky."
"I don't know why the Milinticans think they can shove their communist propaganda at Lauchenoirians," Hart said irritably. "It's pretty clear that they won't be doing that again anytime soon. Ah, well, perhaps we'll get some amusement out of it if Pavía throws something."
"Natalia, be civil," hissed Georgiou. "My apologies, my colleague may have had a little too much to drink. I am sure that the Lauchenoirians and Milinticans can work something out."
"I sure hope so. But hopefully the Milintican doesn't push Pavía any further. It's not going to end well." She shook her head. "No need to apologize. Aggressive discourse can, sometimes, be entertaining. I know that's not the most diplomatic thing for the Minister of Diplomacy to say, but hey, debate's fun." She smirked. "You should here some of the more dramatic Eirian debates. They actually started selling popcorn to the audience."
"Eirians are very interested in politics, aren't they?" Georgiou asked. "I find it interesting how political engagement varies across nations."
"Well, for some, it's not their cup of tea. But Eirians tend to be a bit more... Flamboyant with their beliefs, at least when in Eiria. We have a very high civic participation, after all, so debates and protests are quite common." Alice sipped her drink slowly.
"You may be surprised at how many debates we have here in Kerlile," Georgiou chuckled slightly. "At least, behind closed doors. As for protests, I'm sure Councillor Hart here can enlighten you about the situation here."
"Just because the Secadualist community sometimes needs to make its voice heard loudly does not mean I am interested in furthering the causes of anarchy and chaos," Hart retorted.
"Councillor Hart is the number one signer of protest permits on the Council," Georgiou laughed as Hart crossed her arms and glared. "Any time the Secadualist Church wants a permit, she's right in there. Of course, if any other group wants a grievance heard, she's down at the police station turning them in."
Alice nodded slowly, donning a fake expression of interest to hide her amusement. "Interesting. I'm relatively unfamiliar with how protesting works in Kerlile. In Eiria, you have a right to protest on public property or on private property with the owner's permission. You only need a permit if you intend to block any streets or roadways. What does getting a permit allow? And does a Councillor have to approve a permit?"
"Basically, yes," Georgiou nodded. "A Councillor has to approve a permit, otherwise the protest is deemed illegal. Though, in the last couple of years we've been more lenient on allowing protests without permits to go ahead, as long as they're peaceful."
"I'm glad to hear that. Protests are very important to Eirian society. If we didn't have the right to protest... Well, there would probably be a protest." Alice said, laughing a little.
"How would that work, then?" Hart frowned, confused. Georgiou rolled her eyes and waved over a waiter, handing Hart another drink.
"It seems that Eirian society and Kerlian society differ greatly," Georgiou said to Lancaster. "I do hope that in spite of this we can have a better relationship going forward."
"So do I. And I do hope that you'll be able to visit Eiria soon. We've had a bit of a tourism boom since the Olympics, so some of the famous sights may be crowded, but we can help you find the hidden gems." Alice said, trying not to laugh at Georgiou's eye roll.
"I hope we have the opportunity," agreed Georgiou. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I'm going to make sure Natalia here has some food to go with all this wine."
"You're the one who keeps giving me more wine!"
"It was lovely to see you again, Minister," Georgiou said, ignoring Hart's comment.
"Thank you, it was lovely to talk to both of you. Have a pleasant reception!" She waited for both Councillors to leave before letting out a bit of a laugh. That was way more hilarious that I expected. She glanced back at Pavía, still leading a heated argument with some poor Milintican. Perhaps Kerlile will be more entertaining than I thought.
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