NationStates Jolt Archive

Najaster, Capital of Kahanistan

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs Margaret Delray was on the phone with the Kahanistanian Ambassador to Xirnium, Dr. Omar ibn Khalid al-Sanadi.

"It's not good, Minister," said Dr. al-Sanadi. "The Xirniumites kind of left us hanging in the Pwnage invasion, and let us be butchered in the Freekish war, which we got into because we weren't going to back down in the face of Kraven terrorism, and we got involved there to save their butts." The Ambassador was furious. "I don't know how they'll explain themselves, if they want to remain our allies."

"They've been getting more isolationist since the end of the Kraven War," said the Minister. Not that that justifies abandoning your allies, she thought bitterly. They could have at least helped us, we did help them...

She took a breath. "I'll be there."

---

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Government of Kahanistan is greatly concerned about the relationship between our two nations. We wish to discuss the future of our alliance and diplomatic relations between our two nations.

We hope that the relations between our nations will survive this situation. If possible, I would like to meet with representatives of the Eternal Republic in person, in Xirnium.

Signed,
Margaret Delray,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/Xirnium/arms1.jpg
Confidential Governmental Memorandum - Office of the Leader of the Lower House
The Eternal Republic of Xirnium

Tárië Aicassë Laë Nainányéna! – For All Time! – Ad Vitam Aeternam!
To:

Ms Margaret Delray
Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Democratic Republic of Kahanistan

From:

Lady Yvette Glîrwen
Leader of the Legislative Assembly
The Eternal Republic of Xirnium


Dear Ms Delray

I was deeply troubled upon reading your recent letter and learning of the apprehension with which the government of Kahanistan now considers the current state of Xirniumite-Kahanistanian diplomatic relations. Indeed, the very fact that your Foreign Ministry is also questioning the mere continued existence of relations between our two States is a most disturbing one, and has come as something of quite a surprise to both Cabinet and myself. It is certainly no exaggeration at all to say that the Xirniumite Parliament was entirely unaware that the situation was considered so grave by the Kahanistanian Senate.

Needless to say, both the Ministry and the Supreme Parliament have found themselves to be in agreement with your suggestion that talks should immediately be scheduled in order to address your government’s concerns and grievances. I look forward to personally meeting you at the parliamentary country retreat in Únótimayëni, where we might discuss such matters in circumstances more conductive of cordial discourse.

Yours sincerely

[Signed]

Her Eminence
The Rt Hon Lady Yvette Glîrwen, MP
High Lady of Parliament and Leader of the House of Assembly
Chairwoman of the House Standing Committee on Long-Term Foreign Policy and Strategic International Alliances
The Sovereign Parliament of the Eternal Republic of Xirnium


_________________________________________


The Grand Vânyanarórë Citadel
Historic Country Retreat of the Xirniumite Parliamentary Ministers of State

Near the town of Únótimayëni, ninety kilometres outside Naèräth, the capital of Xirnium

Far from the sparkling, ultra-modern, glass and steel skyline of the Naèräthian metropolis and surrounded by sparse, coniferous woodland, the Xirniumite fortress of Vânyanarórë rose in arrogant splendour - white against the grey, overcast skies of the Eternal Republic. Completed in 1832 and expertly constructed in the classic English Revival, Jacobethan architectural style, the Vânyanarórë consisted of a prodigious multitude of slender spires and turreted towers, elegant flying buttresses and lofty cupolas, gargantuan arches and ornately balustraded balconies. Indeed, merely to stand for but a moment beneath its vast, towering mass was to be simultaneously in awe of both its majestic stateliness and intimidating grandeur. It was from here, from this serene and tranquil alpine location amongst the goregeous beauty of nature, that so much of the Byzantine intrigue, treachery and manipulation of the historic Xirniumite Parliament had once been centred.

When in the brooding shadow of Castle Vânyanarórë one felt the enormous weight of a long and deeply complex history baring down inexorably upon oneself, its rich pasts’ metaphoric presence every bit as tangible as the skilful masonry and ironwork itself. One might almost be inclined to believe that the very ghosts of its Machiavellian court still walked through the fortresses’ many chambers, that one need only listen for a moment to hear their long-dead, conniving whispers.

People now come here to relax, they come for recreation, thought a characteristically pensive Lady Glîrwen. The irony of the fact that the silent, labyrinthine corridors and passageways of the Vânyanarórë, now conductive of reflective contemplation, were once rife with political machinations and a myriad of complex plots was evidently not lost on one such as her. Though it might now be ideal for entertaining foreign dignitaries and honoured guests in an informal, relaxed atmosphere, its history was every bit as fascinating as its purpose was utilitarian.

Contrary to what is a pervasive popular culture stereotype, it was not currently raining in Xirnium (at least, not near Únótimayëni) – though the dark, foreboding clouds that hung low in the sky seemed to threaten the distinct possibility of storms later in the afternoon. Due to the frostiness of the day, the hidden sun had not yet banished the morning’s thin, icy fog, which continued to linger about lightly in the nearby valleys and under the shadow of the lofty pine trees. Additionally, a chilly wind had been blowing for most of the day, now and then waxing until it became a tortured howl or waning until it was little more than a gentle breeze.

‘Should our guest not be here by now?’ asked Lord Dägnir, frowning as he compulsively checked his pocket watch once more. Together with Yvette Glîrwen, Félix Dägnir waited impatiently at the end of the entrance driveway for the Kahanistanian Foreign Affairs Minister – eager to greet this foreign representative.

The once powerful and influential, Iáthërnian, Dägnir family had historically been of the landowning upper class, and was still quite rich (though certainly not fabulously wealthy, as was the case with, for instance, Lady Sabëlinà’s famous noble house). Though the members of the family were not members of the peerage, House Dägnir was often described as an “old family” (which occasionally grated on the nerves of the members of the Xirniumite aristocracy). From relatively humble origins as wealthy seaside merchants, the Dägnirs had risen to prominence through banking and trading during Xirnium’s Renaissance, a period in which it acquired some political power in the coastal city of Iáthërn. During its golden age in the fifteenth century, numerous individuals in its employ had made contributions to the fields of art and architecture, but the patrician dynasty had lost much of its influence after it’s enemies conspired to bring about its fall from prominence in the seventeenth century. Fate had certainly not been kind to fortunes of the Dägnir family.

‘The chauffeur reported that the cavalcade should be arriving momentarily,’ repeated Lady Glîrwen. ‘Patience, Félix,’ added the Leader of the Legislative Assembly, smiling encouragingly.

Yvette’s appearance was archetypically Xirniumite, with fair skin, dark chestnut-brown hair, and a willowy, sylphlike build. Though no longer particularly young (Lady Glîrwen had recently reached forty-two years of age), the Leader of the House of Assembly was nonetheless a fairly attractive woman and possessed the distinguished, graceful features that one gains only from worldly experience. The parliamentarian was of slightly above average height and possessed emerald-coloured eyes that glittered with profoundly sharp intellect from behind the contact lenses that she wore to correct her myopic vision.

‘You never did explain to me why we are meeting Ms Delray out here at the Únótimayëni retreat, rather than in Naèräth,’ prompted Lord Dägnir, idly making conversation as the two waited. As Interior Minister of the Eternal Republic, Félix was to attend the meeting with the foreign dignitary from Kahanistan due to his portfolio responsibilities in the area of national security – for which any change to Xirniumite-Kahanistanian diplomatic relations would doubtless have implications. Ideally, the Foreign Minister or her Parliamentary Secretary would also have been present, but both were currently abroad and the Supreme Parliament had decided not to tarry until they returned before resolving this matter.

Unfortunately, however, the day's intermittent wind had briefly increased in intensity until it reached a level that was almost a veritable scream (ruffling their cloaks and Yvette’s knee-length skirt, in addition to tousling her long hair) – and had caused Lady Glîrwen to miss Félix’s question. Having been born with near total congenital deafness, Yvette utilised sophisticated electronic hearing aids in order to converse normally with those around her. Occasionally, the Xirniumite experienced some difficulty understanding utterances when the ambient level of noise was too loud or chaotic, as was evidently the case now.

‘Yvette?’ asked the Interior Minister, touching his colleague gently on the arm to get her attention.

Noticing that Félix must obviously had just asked her a question, Lady Glîrwen turned to face her colleague. ‘Pardon?’ she inquired with a patient smile, apologetically indicating that she had not heard what he had said by briefly tapping her ear.

‘I asked: why are we meeting the Kahanistanian Foreign Affairs Minister all the way out here?’ repeated Félix measuredly as Yvette stared intently at his features.

‘Ohh…’ replied Lady Glîrwen, carefully reading the Interior Minister’s lips. ‘Well... how often do you get to come out to this lovely place?’ replied a cryptic Yvette, smiling wryly.

‘I suspect Cabinet had other reasons in mind,’ opined a grinning Lord Dägnir.

‘Oh, assuredly,’ agreed Yvette with a nod, her eyes still focused on his mouth.

Presently, the wind died down to a level where Lady Glîrwen’s hearing aids became effective once more.

‘Do you suspect that the Kahanistanians have genuine grievances about our diplomatic relationship?’ asked the House Leader, expressing their previously unvoiced question. ‘Their government's message has been quite entirely out of the blue.’

‘Truly, who can tell?’ asked Lord Dägnir rhetorically, shrugging his shoulders . ‘Perhaps they were irked by the fact that we did not commit the Xirniumite Defence Force to Kahanistan’s protection in its war against the Freekish government.’

‘The second article of the Adamantine Pact did place such an international obligation on us,’ conceded Yvette reluctantly.

‘For all intents and purposes, the Adamantine Alliance is defunct,’ replied Félix dismissively. ‘One can hardly expect the Eternal Republic to willingly pay the butcher’s bill for the political errors of the Kahanistanian government.’

‘Ahh,’ mused the Leader of the Legislative Assembly, smiling knowingly. ‘By that you mean, of course, that even the lives of a million Kahanistanian nationals are not worth that of a single Xirniumite citizen,’ summarised Lady Glîrwen.

‘Do you disagree?’ asked Félix with a smile. He already knew that his parliamentary colleague most certainly did not.

‘That question is entirely academic,’ replied Yvette evasively. ‘In fact, I do believe that this entire meeting will likely prove to be of no practical relevance, as well. Regardless of the extent of the displeasure of the Kahanistanian government with our Supreme Parliament’s foreign policy (if, indeed, that is what this is all about) they will not dare to degrade diplomatic relations. It is not in their interests.’

‘They might ask for a new military pact that more effectively secures their interests…’ pointed out the Interior Minister.

‘Such is entirely out of the question, of course, and I am fairly certain that Ms Delray already knows that,’ said Lady Glîrwen.

‘I suspect that a fact which Ms Delray and her government does not yet appreciate, however, is that the Supreme Parliament simply does not consider the improvement of Xirniumite-Kahanistanian relations as a matter of particularly high priority,’ opined Lord Dägnir. ‘The nation of Kahanistan is, after all, a near failed state, a “banana republic”. Politically unstable, unable to maintain basic law and order within the confines of its own territorial boundaries, and ruled over by an incompetent and bungling military clique.’

At last, the foreign dignitary’s motorcade, with its minor police escort, had arrived at the parliamentary country retreat at Únótimayëni. Crunching the road’s gravel underneath its black tires, the sleek limousine slowly proceeded up to the end of the winding driveway before stopping. Due to the extensive environmental protection legislation, pollution level regulations and emission standards which had been adopted in the Eternal Republic, the vehicles (which were all models manufactured by Xirnium’s local automotive industry) were powered by ultra efficient gas-electric hybrid engines – though several of the motor vehicles in the entourage were zero-emissions battery electric cars.

‘And right on time,’ remarked Lady Glîrwen to her side, her lips already curling into an suitable, if perhaps slightly forced, friendly smile. Félix confirmed his colleague’s statement with a quick glance at his watch.

Margaret Delray gingerly stepped out of the limousine, quickly spotting the two parliamentarians. Both wore expensively tailored suits and long overcoats as a ward against the cold mountain air. Various other government staff members could be seen ambling about, though any guards (if, indeed, guards there were here) were not overtly present and quite inconspicuous.

‘Minister Delray, it is a distinct pleasure to meet you,’ announced Lady Glîrwen. She stepped forward to exchange brief kisses to the cheek with the Kahanistanian woman as traditional in Xirniumite greetings.

‘Good afternoon, Minister,’ said Lord Dägnir pleasantly, also kissing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The two politicians quickly introduced themselves and shook Margaret’s hand friendlily.

‘Come, let us get out of this cold,’ remarked Lady Glîrwen with a grin, wrapping her coat more tightly about herself. The Xirniumite parliamentarian was mindful of the fact that Ms Delray might be quite unaccustomed to such frigid weather.

Delray nodded. "Let's," she said, the weather chilling her to the bone through her heavy winter coat. "The Ambassador himself contacted me, but let's get in out of this cold so we can talk."

The Kahanistanian Foreign Minister was a roughly average sized woman, 42 years old, 5'4", and 130 pounds (162 cm, 59 kg) and had shoulder-length light red hair, worn down like that of most Kahanistanian women. She was not especially attractive, but she did appear friendly when she smiled, which was less often these days, what with the stresses of her position.

"This is a most urgent matter, otherwise I would not have given it my personal attention. But we should discuss this inside..."

Félix raised a quizzical eyebrow at what were, in his opinion, the overly melodramatic statements of the Kahanistanian Foreign Minister - causing Lady Glîrwen to smile back at her Progressive Democrat Party colleague in amusement. The two parliamentarians chose to remain silent, although their brief exchange of meaningful glances carried unsaid an entire surreptitious conversation.

‘Please follow me then, madam,’ indicated Lord Dägnir politely, leading Ms Delray through the fortress’ massive, ornately carved, solid oak gate and into the vastness of Castle Vânyanarórë. Having entered the building’s cavernous entrance hall, the group proceeded purposefully towards a room where they might talk in comfort.

‘It might interest you to know, Ms Delray, that the Únótimayëni country retreat has one of the largest and most impressive private collections of original paintings by Ithìldëss Dúlinn, the famous nineteenth century Xirniumite painter of the “Realism” movement of visual arts, in the entire Eternal Republic,’ explained Yvette nonchalantly. As they walked through the echoing corridors of the Vânyanarórë, Margaret and the Xirniumite politicians passed by walls resplendent in magnificently golden-framed paintings depicting everyday scenes, characters and events. Unembellished (yet masterful) images of ordinary individuals bartering at the marketplace, of humble peasants tilling fields, of frankly candid portraits showing forgotten personages – all solemnly greeted the three individuals as they continued rapidly to the drawing room.

Upon reaching the drawing room, with its lavish furnishings and sumptuously rich decorations, the parliamentarians promptly took their seats in adjacently positioned, plushly upholstered armchairs – indicating with a polite gesture that Ms Delray should do the same. A low fire was already gently burning in the room’s marbled fireplace, giving the place a comfortable, homely feeling. Above the politicians, the elaborately ornate plaster ceiling illustrated the Victorian penchant for adorning rooms with bold patterns and dazzling colours.

‘Very well... Ms Delray,’ began the Leader of the House of Assembly, picking up a glass of excellent aged Xirniumite Hällwèn fruit brandy (which had been provided earlier by an attendant) and taking a tiny sip. ‘I trust that your journey to the Eternal Republic was pleasant? Not overly tiring, I hope?’ asked Lady Glîrwen with genuine curiosity, crossing her legs at the knee and leaning forward slightly. ‘You aren’t hungry? Because if so, then a meal can, of course, always be arranged...’

Although unlikely to be detected by the Kahanistanian foreigner, Yvette’s voice lacked something of the fullness of the distinct, continentally European, Xirniumite accent. Apart from the mainly concealed presence of her hearing aids, this was one of the few external traits that hinted at Lady Glîrwen profound deafness.

The Foreign Minister wasn't in the mood for art appreciation, her purpose being to try to save relations with Xirnium if possible, but she nodded politely. When offered hospitality, she casually replied, "I'm fine, the airline provides decent meals... Thank you for the offer."

"First things first," said the Foreign Minister. "The Kahanistanian government is fairly... disappointed in the way the alliance has progressed. We had hoped that after our alliance, we would have... certain support, as in, not being abandoned in our time of need."

"The Supreme Soviet felt that they could no longer rely on the Eternal Republic keeping its obligations under the Adamantine Pact, and we were forced to seek allies elsewhere, such as Allanea. Now, I am fully aware of your new-found isolationism, but certainly the providing of weapons, sharing of technology, such cooperation... would not cost the lives of Xirniumite soldiers...?"

Lord Dägnir frowned, as if he privately found the Kahanistanian’s brusque manner somewhat distasteful. No time at all for simple pleasantries… how distinctly uncivilised, he reflected silently.

‘I must say that I find it rather… disappointing, Ms Delray, that your government should feel that it was “abandoned” by the Eternal Republic,’ replied Lady Glîrwen in gently reasonable tones. ‘Have your people so quickly forgotten Xirnium’s valiant humanitarian operation to spirit away Kahanistanian civilians trapped within the line of fire during the Freekish War? In your darkest time of need, we generously opened our arms and selflessly provided sanctuary and asylum to your nationals - and yet, rather than gratitude, we receive this? Is it fair, in your opinion, that the Xirniumite Parliament’s motives should be impugned despite such altruistic actions? When the world silently condemned the Kahanistanian republic to ignominious annihilation, we alone voiced our disgust and condemned those responsible for their barbarous, savage, methods. Please do not ever forget that,’ urged the Leader of the Lower House of Parliament, taking another sip of her chilled blackberry brandy.

The Interior Minister had steepled his hands thoughtfully as he listened to his colleague speak, pondering the issue carefully. ‘I do not believe, Ms Delray, that there is much to be gained from dwelling on the tragedies of Kahanistan's past. What was done, was done – rest assured that we had our own valid reasons for not committing our military to Kahanistan’s defence. There is little gain to be had from examining such reasons now,’ explained Félix. ‘The Adamantine Alliance was forged in a different age, a different world, Ms Delray. The international climate has since changed, and it can no longer be considered relevant. Xirnium is not (as you suggest) slipping into isolation, quite the contrary. We do hope for ever improving diplomatic relations with your nation.’

Lady Glîrwen nodded her head in agreement. ‘Indeed, closer relations would suit both of our States, as would a formal re-evaluation of our alliance.’

The Foreign Minister nodded her head. She had indeed not forgotten the Xirniumite operation to remove civilians from the line of fire, but the Kahanistanian idea of a military alliance meant helping them fight the enemy, if not with troops, at least with weapons.

"Yes, we should re-evaluate our alliance." And prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future... "We would like to keep friendly relations, even if we decide not to continue the alliance. How would you evaluate our relations?"

Félix sighed at such comments, as they seemed to him to provide little alternative than to lead rapidly down the path towards a final ultimatum.

‘I do not believe that it would be in your government’s best interests, Ms Delray, to risk an end to our alliance,’ explained Lord Dägnir with a helpful smile. ‘That would be a truly disastrous move for the Kahanistanian Republic to make. Our nation has, in my opinion, been remarkably accommodating towards your state's concerns thus far. To now place our countries’ diplomatic relationship in such jeopardy might prove utterly catastrophic for Kahanistanian interests across the globe.’

Yvette frowned at her colleague’s comments. Such a distinct lack of subtlety, or even imagination, in his coercive threats were unbecoming of a Xirniumite politican.

‘The Eternal Republic is desirous of a continuing state of alliance with your state. However, let us be very clear about what such an alliance must entail,’ interjected Lady Glîrwen. ‘If you expect our diplomatic relationship to be little more than an elaborate insurance policy for the grievous political errors made, from time to time, by your nation’s inexperienced government, then you are very much mistaken, Ms Delray. We are not a charity, we are not unselfish. We shall never pay for your own foolish mistakes. If, rather, you should consider an alliance to be a mechanism whereby we can further mutually beneficial ends, then we find ourselves to be in pleasant agreement.’

‘Is the Supreme Parliament's stance on this matter quite understandable, Ms Delray?’ asked Félix politely, once again steepling his hands and peering at Margaret intently. Apart from the gentle sounds of a log ablaze in the drawing room’s fireplace, and the rhythmic ticking of a nearby antique longcase clock’s swinging pendulum, not a single sound disturbed the silence that awaited the Kahanistanian Foreign Minister’s response.

Inexperienced government? Foolish mistakes? Who do they think we are, Fascist White States? With each passing minute, Delray was beginning to like those arrogant bastards less and less.

"I see military alliances as helping each other fight our enemies in battle, as we helped when Kraven tried to lay waste to your nation, or as we're currently doing with another ally, providing our warplanes to St. Fedski for the conflict with Farmina, in which we are not supplying troops. Alliances aren't one-sided, nobody's asking you to help us out every time we make a political error."

"What mutually beneficial goals can we provide each other?" asked the Minister. Mutual defense is clearly out... Trade was a possibility, if the Xirniumites were open to it.

Ahh… Farminia, thought Lord Dägnir, recalling one of the more interesting international political messes to have developed in recent months. Yet another conflict that the Kahanistanian government has seen fit to charge headlong into without even the barest preliminary thought to such minor concerns as, for instance, its specific details! It really does seem that there is no conflict too complex, too multifaceted, or too delicate, that the Kahanistanian Republic will not enter into with all of the subtly of a blundering elephant. I would scarcely be surprised if I found that Kahanistan’s Foreign Ministry was entirely ignorant even of which side Saint Fedski had thrown their lot in with in the first place!

The Leader of the House of Assembly, however, was focused instead on Margaret’s implied suggestion that, merely because of Kahanistan’s minor assistance rendered to the Eternal Republic in a past war, Xirnium should therefore feel some type of perpetually unending, moral obligation to the Kahanistanian Republic. Such childish naïvety… no wonder they cannot run their own nation, thought Yvette, draining her brandy glass.

‘As we attempted to explain to you earlier, Ms Delray,’ began Lady Glîrwen with admirable patience, ‘the international climate (within which both our nations are situated, and which therefore forms the context inside which all our decisions must be considered) has changed drastically since last we devised our alliance. At the time of the early Kraven Wars, it was, in fact, in our own interests (indeed, it was in the interests of many nations) to pursue mutual defence pacts with like-minded nations. Now, however, such a conclusion is no longer tenable. Since the Xirniumite Defence Force utterly crushed the Kraven expeditionary army along the beaches of Iáthërn and drove it into the sea to be annihilated wholesale, our nation has been in a state of perpetual peace. Xirnium is ascendant, completely lacking in any credible threats to its national security. Any alliance whereby we should need to rush to Kahanistan’s defence every time your government manages to get itself into another destructive war would merely burden us, I’m afraid,’ explained Yvette apologetically.

‘Perhaps if your nation was not so… prone to find itself in states of armed conflict,’ offered Félix, ‘the Supreme Parliament’s position on this matter might be different. As things stand, however, there simply would not be any gain for us. Your penchant for escalating situations towards violence makes Kahanistan unsuitable as a military ally. I agree, it is a most unfortunate situation for you,’ added the Interior Minister with practised regret.

‘Oh, certainly. We are sorry that we cannot help you,’ agreed Lady Glîrwen with an emphatic nod. ‘Now, what was your last point, Ms Delray? I’m afraid I didn’t quite hear you before,’ Yvette explained, flashing the Kahanistanian politician a slightly embarrassed smile.

‘She asked what mutually beneficial goals we might pursue…’ repeated the Interior Minister softly.

‘Ohh, okay. Well…’ Lady Glîrwen began, thinking pensively. ‘Our companies already have near complete access to markets in Kahanistan, due to your government’s staunch anti-protectionist legislation. What we would like to see, however, is greater coordination in foreign policy strategies. For instance, your nation’s recent surge in support for the United States of Allanea was quite displeasing, as was your military involvement in Yazmarea.’

Delray nodded sadly. "You're right... a military alliance is currently untenable." Just what I was trying to say all along. "As for our foreign policy, we joined forces with Allanea because we needed an alliance with a powerful nation that believes in fighting for human rights, we felt that it was more compatible with our more interventionist ideologies."

"With Kazansky back in power, an alliance with Allanea is now equally untenable. We intervened in Yazmarea because nations like them give the Socialist system a bad international reputation, it makes them think that Socialism is ideologies like Juche and Stalinism, rather than simply human equality, and gives ammunition to organizations like the World Anti-Communist League, of which many of our enemies are members, and we also intervened in Yazmarea because we were helping an ally. We are not militarily involved in Farmina, we're giving weapons to our allies who are already involved. If they don't want to lose soldiers, they can at least send us weapons to fight our enemies ourselves. Now, what kind of cooperation in foreign policy can we arrive at?"

The Foreign Minister looked across the table, waiting to see what the Xirniumites would want with her.

Lord Dägnir frowned as he considered Margaret’s words, taking the brief opportunity to carefully pour himself a cup of Xirniumite Ardâhwëst tea from an exquisitely crafted, porcelain teapot, before adding some sugar with a sterling silver teaspoon and a bit of lemon. The parliamentarian allowed himself the luxury of the smallest of sips, savouring the rich, vaguely muscatel, aroma.

‘It is curious, Ms Delray…’ Félix began, shifting position in his chair. ‘You have come here today, apparently (or so you insist) to address a matter of the gravest importance, making grand claims about terminating our nations’ alliance, and yet you are asking us what we want. Ms Delray, if we had particularly desired your government’s cooperation on some matter you can rest assured that we would have asked you for it. I simply must confess, Minister… I really do not know just what it is that you and your government want from us. Why don’t you merely come out and say it plainly?’

‘Since Ms Delray has asked how they might alter their foreign policy strategy in order to better cooperate with the Eternal Republic, I feel we should offer our honest opinion,’ opined Lady Glîrwen.

‘I suppose so,’ agreed the Interior Minister, smiling at his parliamentary colleague.

‘Very well,’ began Yvette, turning to look at the Kahanistanian. ‘Minister, we should desire from your nation’s government a complete re-evaluation of the way it conducts itself on the world stage. This… "crusading" mentality of yours, this interventionist attitude, it must end. Every time violence is used instead of diplomacy the international climate becomes just that little bit more unstable, just that little bit more uncertain. Your government never thinks before it acts. Driven by ideology alone, rather than utilitarian practicality, Kahanistan frequently makes the situation worse than what it was. You are blinded by your own zealotry, never considering consequences before making decisions. Can you not see, this is what makes you an unsuitable military ally for the Eternal Republic.’

‘Ostensibly in the name of human rights,’ Lord Dägnir explained, ‘your government has played its part in causing fatalities which have run into the millions. The civilian death toll in Yazmarea was atrocious. The international coalition that your nation fought with directly targeted the same civilians that it shamelessly claimed to be warring on behalf of. Such self-righteous hypocrisy!’

‘You went to war in Yazmarea, Minister, because you felt that nations like theirs give “give the Socialist system a bad international reputation”? Yazmarean civilians were forced to pay for your government's decision with their own blood. You asked what we wanted from you, and our answer is simple – just a little more maturity,’ said the Leader of the House of Assembly solemnly.

"What Kahanistan wants, in plain English, is to know exactly what the policy of the Eternal Republic is toward us, so we can make a decision on what course of action to take," said the Foreign Minister.

"We never targeted civilians in Yazmarea. We are not responsible for the Allaneans' recklessness... the same recklessness that's straining the alliance with Allanea as it is. We certainly did not make the civilian casualties any worse."

"We do try diplomacy, do you think diplomacy works against the likes of Kravania or Yazmarea? Brutal, oppressive nations in the grips of irrational lunatics? Maybe we're a little more blunt than you are, but we do always try diplomacy before we go to war."

‘I’ll be plain with you, Minister,’ explained Lady Glîrwen, her tone cordial. ‘The government of the Eternal Republic considers the Kahanistanian state to be reckless, rash and extremely irresponsible. You simply cannot escape blame for the various unfortunate outcomes of the multiple international crusades that your nation has actively lent its support to, no matter how much you should like to do exactly that. The blood of Yazmarean civilians stains your government’s hands just as it stains Allanea’s. Kahanistan’s predisposition towards dangerously escalating situations that do not in any way concern your country’s vital interests makes you a danger to the stability of the world economy and a threat to certainty within the international community.’

‘It has been most fortunate (for Kahanistan) that, thus far, your nation’s… proclivities have not indirectly harmed any Xirniumite interests,’ pointed out Lord Dägnir, with false innocuousness.

Lady Glîrwen frowned at this interjection, finding it rather distasteful. ‘I am, of course, certain that none of this is your own fault, Ms Delray,’ added Yvette with a friendly smile. ‘After all, your government is dominated by the military – such things are therefore to be expected. You can only influence the policy of your Armed Forces so much.’

‘There will be no change to the status quo in Xirniumite-Kahanistanian diplomatic relations,’ added Félix. ‘On a somewhat related note,’ continued the Interior Minister, ‘I should like to advise you, unofficially of course, that the Kahanistanian government promptly withdraw its remaining peacekeeping troops stationed in Torontia. They no longer serve a purpose there, and the Supreme Parliament had planned to eject them by no later than the end of the month. If you would quietly remove them yourselves it would save us from having to deal with any unwelcome questions from the press later.’

"There are only about 1,000 troops left there, they are in the process of withdrawing," said Minister Delray. "The Defense Ministry has already reassigned the majority of them, the remaining soldiers should leave within the next few days. Are you sure they aren't needed to deal with the forces in Idaho?"

"As for our policies of interventionism, you cannot expect that we will simply change. We might change how we intervene, but we will probably never adopt your policy that a thousand dead foreigners are preferable to one of our soldiers. It flies in the face of our ideology... from each according to their ability, to each according to their need."

"Perhaps a new alliance treaty should be drawn up... one more appropriate to the present political climate than the old Adamantine Pact. One that clearly delineates the terms of the relationship between our nations."

‘Rest assured, Ms Delray, that your peacekeeping troops are not needed. Please do see to it that they are gone within the next few days,’ replied Félix pleasantly.

‘Regarding the suggestion of drafting a formal alliance treaty…’ explained Lady Glîrwen, refilling her brandy glass, ‘I think that such would not really be appropriate at this point in time. Our government would prefer a more informal alliance with your nation, something that provides the required flexibility needed to adapt to the erratic nature of the international political climate. You will appreciate, Ms Delray, that when dealing with a nation as unpredictable as yours, these details do tend to become rather important concerns.’

‘Quite,’ agreed Lord Dägnir, smiling at his party colleague as if sharing a private joke with her.

"I see. Well, it seems that the only thing I can take from this meeting is the idea of being more predictable, as you put it. The Defense Ministry will have the troops withdrawn."

The Minister sighed deeply. "Since I'm here... and we seem to have little else to discuss... I'd like to see the city before I go. That is, unless you have something else to add to the discussion..."

"Although, at some point in the future, the Supreme Soviet will likely wish to conclude a formal new alliance treaty."

Yvette paused momentarily, abruptly withdrawing the port glass from the edge of her lips and frowning. ‘Which city did she say she wanted to visit, Félix?’ whispered Lady Glîrwen to her Progressive Democrat colleague, thinking that she had perhaps missed a part of the conversation again. The Kahanistanian’s lazy accent would be hard enough to understand without having to hear it through these silly hearing aids… Yvette reflected with a silent sigh.

‘She didn’t specify…’ explained Félix with a helpfully smile.

‘Ah…’ replied the Leader of the House of Assembly. ‘Did you perchance mean Únótimayëni, Ms Delray?’

‘Yes..’ clarified Margaret, nodding politely.

‘Oh, okay. Únótimayëni is only a town though, not a city,’ explained Yvette with a smile. ‘It is probably a little cold to be outdoors today, but certainly if you would like we could arrange to visit it,’ indicated the parliamentarian, looking over inquiringly at her colleague for agreement.

After a further brief discussion with her aides, an impromptu state visit to Únótimayëni was indeed scheduled – and a small motorcade assembled. As before, a minor (primarily symbolic) police escort was to be provided. By Kahanistanian standards, the economically-designed vehicles of the Eternal Republic would likely have appeared rather small to Minister Delray.

‘Únótimayëni is a simply lovely town,’ explained Lady Glîrwen to the Kahanistanian as she settled into one of the limousine’s plush leather passenger seats, a tall iced tea in her hand. A sudden change in the smoothness (or, perhaps, the lack thereof) of the vehicle’s movement told Yvette that they had left the finely gravelled surface of the Vânyanarórë country retreat’s driveway and reached the dark asphalt of the main road. Even in such remote a location as this, the Xirniumite government’s extensive and well-funded infrastructure programmes meant that the roads were always superbly maintained - with relatively freshly applied surface markings and newly mounted traffic signs.

‘I take it that you have visited Únótimayëni before, Yvette?’ asked Lord Dägnir, mostly ignoring the Kahanistanian and chatting friendlily with the Leader of the Legislative Assembly.

‘As a matter of fact…’ explained Yvette, ‘Lady Sabëlinà dragged me up here to go fox hunting last winter.’

Félix smiled inwardly, briefly imagining Lady Glîrwen riding a horse in the full scarlet hunting costume of a Xirniumite noblewoman. ‘How did you find it?’

‘To be quite honest, Félix – and don’t tell Eleanor that I said this, mind you,’ added Lady Glîrwen with a conspiratorial smile, ‘I really did not see what all of the fuss was about. On the whole, it was all rather boring - and I’m not very good at riding anyway. It must be an “aristorcracy” type of thing, if you ask me.

Eleanor does own some really magnificent purebred foxhounds, though,’ Yvette conceded.

‘I hear that the Viscountess’ entire family regularly joins her on these hunting expeditions,’ remarked Lord Dägnir vaguely. ‘Although why, I can’t imagine. She’s a fairly unpleasant individual, in my opinion.’

‘Mmm,’ replied Yvette noncommittally.

Upon arriving at the small Xirniumite town of Únótimayëni, one was immediately struck by its sense of sheer picturesque beauty and rustic country charm. With a population of barely eight thousand, the perched village was home to an impressive number of early medieval “Romanesque”-style structures, roofed often with bucolically traditional, curved barrel tiles of every conceivable shade of lovely terracotta-brown. From its impressive vantage point, one could command a breathtakingly magnificent view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, pristine broadleaf deciduous woodland and fertile valleys, all of which perfectly showcased the vast natural beauty of the Xirniumite Motherland.

The settlement at Únótimayëni had, from prehistoric times, been situated along important travel routes which went through the local alpine regions, and indeed Xirniumite palaeoanthropologists had, for many decades, extensively studied the nearby cave networks – where many splendid examples of primitive human ochre paintings and rock etchings could be seen. After the conquest of Xirnia Superior by Emperor Trajan’s legions in 106 CE, a remote Roman outpost had been erected in Únótimayëni, and remains of certain segments of the fort’s outer stone wall still remained, marking part of the old town’s perimeter. At present, a tiny section of the ancient fortifications were undergoing careful archaeological excavations by an academic team from the University of Ingolëninquë – although work on the dig had recently ceased for the day.

By far the most immediately notable feature of Únótimayëni was certainly, however, its fine examples of eleventh century medieval architecture. The slightly pointed arches, crossed vaults and cruciform piers that are so characteristic of Romanesque buildings throughout Europe were all readily apparent in the earliest structures of the old town. Towards the northernmost limits of the town, one could even still see the crumbling ruins of a twelfth century motte-and-bailey castle’s stone keep. The village’s ancient Guildhall, with its lofty gothic clock tower, dominated the centre of Únótimayëni, and was perhaps its most noticeable landmark. Adjacent to the Guildhall was situated the town square, patterned in elegant cobblestone paving and surrounded by trendy cafés, chic clothing stores, classy bakeries and other refined small shops.

Another, indeed quite prominent, attraction of Únótimayëni was the town’s village green. A sizeable area of meticulously tended, common grass moorland, the village green gently sloped down until it reached a large duck pond and was sparsely dotted with spindly trees. With a traditional ribbon-festooned birch maypole at its centre, the idyllic green provided a perfect location for the town’s public celebrations and events. As the government motorcade gradually made its way to the centre of the town, they also passed by an open air marketplace teeming with typically fashionably attired Xirniumite individuals buying fresh produce.

‘The Únótimayëni market sells the nicest oranges,’ commented Lady Glîrwen, rather extraneously in Félix’s private opinion.

Though singularly beautiful and possessing the quaint appeal common to most remote villages, it would have been quite a mistake to assume that Únótimayëni lacked the services enjoyed by other urban Xirniumite areas. The town was both highly contemporary and affluent, serenely peaceful and yet thriving, its prosperous inhabitants living in comfortable, modern homes and with access to the most desirable amenities.

‘Do you see the statue atop that large commemorative monument at the centre of the square? That is of Lady Protector Emaèldiä,’ explained Yvette to Ms Delray as their small cavalcade reached Únótimayëni’s town square, indicating beyond the tinted window with her slender index finger. The bronze sculpture to which the Xirniumite pointed depicted a beautiful, shield-baring, young woman atop a mighty armoured warhorse. Armed with a long lance, her prominent helm pulled back to better reveal her lovely, elegant visage, and with great cloak billowing freely in the wind, Emaèldiä was shown mounted sidesaddle on her rearing steed in a (most probably quite impractical, yet nonetheless heroically-appropriate) romantically idealised stance. ‘She is the cultural personification of Mother Xirnium,’ elaborated Lady Glîrwen with slightly discernable fondness. ‘The metaphorical embodiment of our most lauded values.’

‘And here we are, at last,’ announced Félix, looking at the granite steps leading to the town’s impressive Guildhall as the motor car finally came to a slow stop. ‘Únótimayëni.’

Delray had never been to Xirnium before. It was certainly nothing like Kahanistan, whose cities were full of huge, quickly constructed, but very sturdy buildings, thirty-two lane intercity highways, and vast underground facilities, the Soviet Republic's way of supporting its growing immigrant population. The Xirniumite town was far less industrial-looking than any major Kahanistanian city.

I wonder what Nærath is like. She would have to see Naerath before she left. After checking out the old Roman forts (and even trying to read the Latin writings on them) and the Mother Xirnium statues, she nodded her head in response to the comment about oranges. The Minister had converted several hundred Kahanistanian shekels into Xirniumite pounds before leaving, and just had to bring back a sack or two.

"Where is the fruit shop?" asked the Minister.