[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

(Written jointly with Laeral)

Rilos, Laeral

Mathias Jansons pushed open the door into the brand-new Laeralian skating facility, waving a pass to an attendant at the counter. The Eirian figure skater had a large bag slung across his shoulder that he routinely adjusted as he walked towards the half wall of the nearby rink. On the ice was an easily recognizable face who was skating by his lonesome. Jansons gave a bit of a wave, being careful to not break the skater's concentration abruptly.

Kerry Chan, wearing a tight-fitting black jumpsuit, skated smoothly to a stop at the edge of the rink before stepping off the ice. "Mathias Jansons?" he said, his expression surprised. "I knew there were a group of Eirians coming to visit today—but I had no idea we'd be graced with your presence. I would've come to meet you! It's been too long, we only got to exchange a few words back at the last Olympics."

Jansons smiled. "It has been too long, Kuren," He said with a nod, his light voice reminiscent of a distinctly Northern Eirian accent. "The Ministry of Diplomacy convinced me to tag along with the junior team for some extra publicity. They've been trying to get me for years, so I finally gave in a little."

He put his bag down, unzipping one of the pockets. "Plus, it allowed me to do something else..." After a bit of rifling, he pulled out a manilla envelope that was sealed with an elaborate red stamp of a torch. "Here you are."

Kerry reached out and took the envelope with two hands, as was polite, before breaking the seal. Inside were a pair of certificates printed on sturdy paper, one in English, the other in Eirian. The words "Commission for the Foreign Ensign Rank of the Order of White Fire" were written across the top of the English copy. The document went on to detail the Laeralite's figure skating success, and contained the signature of both Jansons and Chancellor Stendē (although the latter looked more like an autopen). Behind the papers were a ribbon and a small red and white rosette.

"I..." Kerry scanned the paper. "I'm afraid my English isn't the best; what is this exactly? It looks like an award of some kind, and I see your signature."

"Not to worry, my English isn't great either." Jansons gave a small chuckle. "It is an award. The Chancellor made a sports merit order some time back, and they chose me to help lead it. We decided to make an award for exemplary foreign athletes as well, but they wanted a trial run. So, I put up your name to be the first." His grin widened. "After all, anyone skilled enough to beat an Eirian at one of our... How do you say it? Birth sports? Blood sports? I don't know if there's an English translation, but a sport that we are known for. Anyone like that deserves some recognition."

"Well, I'm honored," Kerry said, clasping his hand over his heart. "That's the utmost of good sportsmanship from your country. I know that I must've given your coaches no measure of heartburn from how we've gone head to head at the Olympics, and the world championships, these past few years." He studied the certificate again. "So, this...Order of White Fire, what responsibilities or privileges are involved?"

"Hmm. You get some post-nominal letters, for sure. Eirian members are allowed to use the title Kuren on official documents, but I'm not sure how that translates to foreign nations. You would also be invited to the Party of Honors every year, with all of the merit order recipients in attendance. You wouldn't need to go, though. Some tell me that that they can be a little boring."

Jansons looked around, trying to think of the other benefits of the Order. "Besides that medal and rosette, I can't think of much else. But I'd want your advice on new international members for the order."

The Eirian turned his gaze back to his Laeralite counterpart. "And it doesn't matter what my coach or anyone else thinks. You're a fantastic skater and a very kind person. You absolutely deserve this and every other honor that you can receive."

"Well, please do tell the Order that I'm honored to attain their membership, and I'll happily go through any ceremonies or galas they might require. And if you like, we can always stand in the corner and talk short programs and free skates all night," Kerry said. "And thank you. You're an excellent skater as well, and I hope that we can keep sharing the podium at every championship we compete in. I know we haven't gotten the chance to interact much when we've crossed paths, but I want you to know that I'm a tremendous fan of your charity work, with the Colorful Rings Fund and such. If our sport is going to grow and prosper in the future, we've got to keep getting the next generation involved and we've got a responsibility to make it more welcoming than it was for ourselves, or for people in your mom's time. You've been such a leader in that."

Mathias blushed, nodding his appreciation. "Thank you. I am glad that my work has an impact. And you said keeping the sport growing? You've been doing amazing in that regard. Besides being the best skater alive, you also are so kind and welcoming. Even our junior skaters dream of being like you, and with how open and understanding you are, you draw them into the sport. You have the weight of an entire sport on your shoulders, and you are lifting us up. There is no one else who I would prefer to lose to!" Jansons chuckled as he delivered that last remark.

Kerry shrugged his shoulders, grinning broadly in an "aww-shucks" sort of gesture. "You're too kind, man, far too kind. I've trained using your videos just as much as I'm sure you've trained on mine. And I'm sure you had plenty of our young skaters mobbing you earlier as well." Kerry reached over and grabbed a towel to dry off the sweat he'd built up in spite of the rink's cold. "Look, let's walk and talk and get ourselves someplace warmer. This is your first time in Rilos, yes? I'd love to show you the sights, there's a park with some modern art installations downtown I always take visitors to."

"It is. And that sounds very nice! I would love to see the city. I never get to explore when I come to Laeral, except a little bit in Hanshui. To see a city without having the heavy weight of competition on your mind sounds lovely." Jansons reached back for his bag. "And that would allow me to buy you a drink, since you beat my short skate record. It's a new tradition that is spreading on our team."

"A drink? I didn't think of you as much of a drinker, but that sounds lovely," Kerry said. "Lead on, then!"