Stroll in the desert. (UKUG-Dirian diplomacy)

[Greywall]

A telegram to the Dirian capital was sent from Edinburgh via the ministry of foreign affairs. The need to feed the Royal Air Force with petroleum fuels meant a large oil producing trade partner would be needed and no one made oil like the Dirian. Ambassador Barbara Murphy would be dispatched to meet with Dirian officials on establishing an embassy and expanded trade with the ukug.

[KyferLegs (Diria)]

Eleven men leaned in their chairs or hunched over the table as they reviewed documents and paperwork. One man sat at the head of the table with a small plaque embedded within table having the label titled with Toplantı Lideri. Every man at least wore a type of Keffiyeh of different shapes, colors, and designs. Their outfits were incredibly varied robes or thin button-up shirts. Nonetheless, the men got along in debate, and finally, they reached an answer. They’ll approve of communication and establish relations. The man at the head of the table nodded and spoke: “Who will be our ambassador?” The men sat in silence before a man with a grey and black keffiyeh, black button-up shirt, and white pants spoke up. “I’ll do it.” The man at the head of the table nodded and scribbled on his paper and said, “Atalay, you’ll talk to the state secretary; she’ll help you with the planning.” The man then raised the form and waved it to Atalay, who nodded, got up and grabbing, then walked quickly out of the room.

Atalay quickly rushed down the long decorated halls and pushed himself through the doors leading to the State Secretary's office. The woman inside wore glasses and a simple solid blue dress and hurried Atalay inside. “What brings you here in a rush Dr. Atalay?” The woman raised her right brow as Atalay handed her the papers, which she read and sighed. “Got it, okay, so..” She sat down at her table and rubbed her forehead. “I’ll run the embassy question through the city commissioner of Solis, see the areas we can reserve for a hypothetical embassy. Then we’ll hand that over to the UKUG Foreign Affairs.” She put her hands over the folder as Atalay found the seat across from her. The State Secretary appeared to trail off for a moment and spoke. “All you need to do currently is respond in the telegraph that we accept, even if we’re ready or not. We will be ready.” The woman folded the paper and stamped its underside. She then quickly wrote on a piece of paper, handing it to Atalay; before Atalay could respond, she picked up a rotary phone which was on the other side of her table and rang a number as she stared at Atalay who hadn’t moved. “That means you’ll have to find a telegraph, Dr. Atalay.”

Atalay scoffed, rushing out and repeating the process of running down the halls until he was in a room bustling with noises and activity. Avoiding the crowded workers inside, he managed to slip inside a small office where a young man pinned a paper to a board and another sat listening to the telegraph, his palm in his cheek. Atalay sighed in relief as the standing young man approached and spoke. “Sir? Do you need something?” Atalay nodded and handed him a paper; the young man read it and nodded, seeming a bit shocked as he handed it over to the man on the telegraph, who also looked appalled as he reviewed the message. Atalay nodded as he found a couch pushed against the wall with windows and rested, checking his watch. The young man on the telegraph finished reviewing the note and began to type shortly after.

“The Dirian Nation heartily accepts this request and prospect of negotiations. The Government of Diria and Ambassador Sun Atalay also accept Ambassador Barbara Murphy with open arms. Who, if able, may arrive from the port of Koshn for introductions and further transportation.”

[Greywall]

A telegram response would follow rather quickly.

Ambassador Murphy and her staff will be dispatched to arrive via ship in Western ports of Diria. 

Murphy and her team would board the HMS Mordu, the small corvette had just finished her maiden voyage after being assembled in the Edinburgh shipyards not but a few months ago. It would take a couple of days if not weeks to reach the Dirian coastline where Murphy and her team would await their hosts to take them into the capital. 

[KyferLegs (Diria)]

The Dirian Response was quick, as the message typed back:

"Excellent, we'll be awaiting your highly anticipated arrival."

Days Later -

Atalay straightened his dress shirt collar, the dark velvet color visible, his white pants a perfect fit, and the polished leather shoes. His keffiyeh was tied tightly to his head as it blew outwards from his neck every time he faced the breeze. Nonetheless, his outfit appealed nicely to the warm weather and scenery of Koshn port. The sun was relentless. The only protection from it was either hats, tall palm trees, or surrounding sandstone and brick buildings. The design of the selected port could fill any newcomer and marvel of ancient themed wanderlust, with the chiseled designs of old figures or battles along the bleached rock walls as the rocky beaches stretched across the docks. Palm trees rustled in the breeze as the sounds of rubber rolling across pressed gravel broke the sounds of a piece of isolated beauty in a city of a million. Atalay smiled as he observed a black luxury coach pulled in with four following trucks' tarps covering their beds as they parked near the entrance of the port entrance. Earlier planning had packed one truck with fuel canisters, food supplies, tools, and other emergency reserves in case of a worse scenario along the journey. The three other trucks' tailgates opened as a group of at least fifty-five soldiers disembarked, sixteen of them dressed and armed with rifles in khaki-colored BDU uniforms. However, the other forty-nine soldiers wore navy blue uniforms with long capes fixed with white shoulder pouldrons. Their boots shined, and ribbons hung off their uniforms in white braided ties. They all wore marshal hats with a tuft of feathers or fabric hanging from their top, its brim decorated with a curved, wavy white line and a two moon crescent. However, most were armed with a rifle with ribbons tied across the barrels and elegant Zhanphires engravings. A military band of twenty-nine made their way behind the Coach. They positioned themselves in the order given to them against the chiseled designed wall. Furthermore, the last two men on each truck embarked with different flags. The national flag of Diria quickly unfurled in the breeze. The flag fluttered as the other flag, sticking out like a sore thumb, unfurled, showing the banner of The United Kingdom of Ulster-Gaelia.

Atalay couldn't help but smile as he looked at his watch, knowing the UKUG Ambassador Barbara Murphy would be here any hour. He then began to walk across the line as two uniformed soldiers quickly unrolled a navy blue carpet across the gravel path that led from the port walkway. Soldiers now covered the entire port. Honor guards positioned themselves in the order of their trucks in a shoulder to shoulder line at least 6 feet from the blue carpet. The farthest two men down the line were revealed as officers separated by three white stripes on their cuffs and pants. Other fully dressed soldiers took positions in entrances and exits with a surplus of four honor guards guarding each corner of the coach. Everything appeared to be in order as the color guards positioned their flags to be pointing at each other, both flags waving toward the sideways positioned coach. Atalay then began to walk his way back to the length of the port, watching the horizon for a foreign UKUG ship.

[Greywall]

The Mordu reached the port and docked with relatively little fanfare, Ambassador Murphy and her team were taken aback by the reception they received as it was much warmer than anticipated. She made her way down to the section of the port where Atalay would be down the blue carpet simply stunned at the reception. She approached Atalay smiling and said, "Hello, I'm Barbara Murphy Ambassador for his highness King Rufus McDonald. This is my team; we thank you for the reception it is incredibly appreciated."

[KyferLegs (Diria)]

Sun Atalay quickly extended his hand to shake Barbara Murphy with his white gloves, spotless and perfectly fitting around his hands. Suddenly Atalay spoke loudly but warmly as he began to welcome Ambassador Murphy, "Welcome! As you know, I'm Ambassador Sun Atalay. I welcome you as the gracious host and representative to your visit across the Dirian nation. May this new development between our nations bare fruit, yes?" The first shocking detail to Ambassador Murphy was that Atalay was speaking near-perfect Caledonian with a twist to his native language. His outfit maintained a perfect spotlessness as it became apparent that his clothes seemed particularly warm for the weather, but Atalay didn't seem to be affected by the heat. His cheeks rose, and dimples were visible as he nodded and shaked the hand of the ambassador with firmness. The spectacle of honor guards maintained their positions, rifles stocks on the ground, and their position maintaining a tight-legged posture.

Atalay spoke, his joy nearly infectious, "Otherwise than formalities, welcome to Koshn! Or the Green Jewel of Zumarud Cliffs. I assure you this journey, and the ones across these ancient lands you now stand on, will be a sight you will never forget, madam Murphy." More details became apparent to the UKUG ambassador, like the detailed UKUG flag with golden stands and the Dirian flag opposite side with its gold trimming. Furthermore. The honor guards raised their heads in near-perfect symmetry as officers held scimitars across their waists, pointing them towards the coach on the far end of the port. The Coach, a luxurious four-doored car, had an elegantly curved body with three similar vehicles ready to leave as their engines run, but without drivers.

[Greywall]

Murphy found herself smiling completely enjoying the welcome, she extended her hand to shake Atalay's offered hand. "Your Caledonian is perfect; you have made me feel like royalty today." She took in the scene and looked at the UKUG flag in all its decorative glory, she tried to keep herself from appearing noticeably warm, but her woolen tartan and cotton top were not helping much. Her clan colors of green, orange and white on the tartan wrapped around her chest and formed a kilt the lower portion of her body. Her shoes were modest chucks made from a local shoe store in Oppidum, the shoe had taken the nation by storm and the ambassador was no exception.
She would then see the coach, cars were reserved for the wealthy elite or members of government as most Gaelians took the train, trolley or walked where they needed to go. The coach in all its luxurious detail showed the wealth of Diria. "I think I am going to enjoy my time here, Mr. Atalay."

[KyferLegs (Diria)]

Atalay nodded and spoke back cheerful as ever, not minding the time it would take to adjust to the climate as he knew the route was full of plenty of areas to stop, which their owners would hop at the chance to host an essential journey like this was going to be. Including the trucks which would closely follow their routes full of emergency supplies if needed. Atalay let go of the handshake and followed with short shakes of gratitude to every individual member of her team before he gave a cordial and comedic gesture to walk with him across the blue carpet. As he quickly turned around and approached the first row of honor guards, revealed to be officers, rose their scimitars from their waist. They pointed them to the sky as they shouted in a language entirely unintelligible to Ambassador Murphy. After the unknown order, the other soldiers quickly presented arms as rifles rose from the ground and twisted to press against their chests. Following the display of synchronized stomps and shuffling with rifles being slapped by gloved hands, the color guard lowered the flags they held, so they sat at a 45-degree angle facing each other. Atalay kept his place relatively slow as the honor guard showed no signs of breaking formation or gestures as their eyes focused on the sky.

As the group began to reach the end of the carpet, the coaches glistened in the bright sunlight as the chisel wall became visible, the incredible but soft carvings of tan sandstone with images of great battles or prominent leaders as the artwork stretched near across the entire port. Atalay stopped as he moved his hands behind his back, clasping them together as he calmly spoke. "I will warn you, madam Murphy. The next part is the feu de joie, which can be quite loud." Atalay then pointed to the right exit of the port, silence once again seeming respectful. An officer in a similar uniform to the ones at the front of the greeting honor guard column inspected a row of ten men. The scimitar he held hung low and pointed to the ground as he stopped a foot away from the last solider in the column, twisted his heel, and shouted an order. He was shouting in the same unintelligible language as before. The column of ten soldiers quickly presented arms. The officer then yelled out another order as the ten soldiers loaded what appeared to be three blank rounds into the chambers of rifles with a near synchronized bolted chambers. The officer then raised his scimitar, and with another yell of orders, they pointed their rifles to the sky. The port went silent as a group of drummers from a yet-to-be-seen location played a drum line. Anticipation quickly built up as one last command yelled out as the drum roll ended, and the officer scimitar flew downwards as if a race had begun. The rifles started to fire a ceremonial volley in the sky. The volley repeated itself two more times, with the repetitive yell fading under the sound of combined rifle fire. As the gunfire ended, the officer yelled out a series of orders to the soldiers returning their weapons to present arms.

Atalay couldn't help but pull his hands from his back and give a gentle and quick clap for a response. Following an applauding moment, his hands were to his back, and he once more walked to the coach. Every coach had an honor guard dressed minimally, holding the driver's doors open and saluting to the group as they then disappeared inside the vehicles. The beauty of the cars became visible after the doors shut. The most direct feature appeared to be the pitch back paint scheme and wavy silver trim covering the car's corners and ornaments built into the grille and headlights' outer length. The coaches also had beautiful whitewall tires with dark black rims and silver designs. The car seemed to have a dark blue zhanphire as a hood ornament and other cultural nods like the two moon crescent designed subtly into its grille. Finally, the cars also appeared custom-made with extra metal in the frames, possibly acting as added insulation and a seat sacrificed for a small metal box that seemed to be an ice chest.

Across the coaches' side were a row of chairs on top of more blue carpet oddly facing the chiseled wall. Atalay then pointed up, and it became evident that there were two well-blended flag poles not yet hoisted with anything. Atalay then cheerfully spoke, breaking the long period of silence or suppression reaction in universal signs of respect. "They will be playing anthems soon and hoisting our national flags. Even if less appropriate for the occasion. I inquired and felt chairs would be helpful, mainly cause of the cruel sun, beautiful, yes, but it proves an unrivaled foe for people new to Diria." He smiled as he checked his watch quickly and resumed speaking, his chipper mood still proving mixed with infectious joy. "Nonetheless, we have some time to recap!" Atalay said with glee as he remained well-mannered and considerate even with a loud tone. "I do hope the current state of the ceremony hasn't proven troubling or overbearing. I'd imagine this stark transition from the ocean waves to rifle salutes can throw one-off." Atalay nodded, feeling confident in his nation's ability to hold grandiose ceremonies as he awaited a longly anticipated response.

[Greywall]

Murphy still had a smile stuck on her face when she entered the car, it was indeed a lavish and rather huge welcoming committee. "I am at a loss for words Mr. Atalay" she laughed riding on a high-end emotional response. "So how long will this trip be to the capital?"

[KyferLegs (Diria)]

Atalay smiled and tilted to his side as he watched the honor guard moments before opening the door for Ambassador Murphy. He politely declined the honor guard's request to open his own as he entered the coach. He quickly reached below the seat and pulled a small case, opening it up as Murphy could watch troops marching around to new positions, legs lifting high into the air as they paraded to the sides of the coach, then looking up to the flag poles with just their heads. From the direction of the chiseled walls, four fully uniformed soldiers quickly grabbed the seats that were supposed to be used in a stunning display of adaption to the sudden fact that the UKUG delegation had entered the coaches without warning. Quickly the soldiers carried the chairs off to unknown positions. As Atalay completely ignored the change of plans, probably because it was better for the ambassador's comfort. Then he handed the right corner of a large but simplified map of Diria and the Southern Nari'dras Desert to Ambassador Murphy and pointed to their position. "Currently, as you know, we are in Koshn, and considering options to make the journey enjoyable and bearable for your utmost comfort, we have mixed a combined rural and urban route." He nodded as he kept his finger around Koshn and spoke with a smile, saying softer. "For now, however, we don't need to worry about leaving the city. Today is a time of preparation, adaptation, and reverence for your presence." The way Atalay only deepened the fact that the journey was already well planned and furthered their sense of royalty to Murphy as he pulled out a list from the case. "As of now, our first step is to wait for the anthems. The local anthem can be pretty complex, so they ensure everything is in order. After that, we will take the main boulevard through the city and arrive at the plaza." He then grabbed a hand fan, set it next to Murphy, and spoke once more to Atalay for the first time, actually sounding calmer than he did before. "However, today will be primarily cameras, handshakes, and conversation with the local mayor, nomadic representatives, and anyone who had accepted the invitations. I assure you that anytime you need a moment of recovery from heat or conversation, there will be cold therapy rooms, banquets, and a bedroom for you and your team. But I assure you, madam, the real adventure begins after today."

As Atalay progressed through his sentence, his joy picked up as he was seeking an adventure and the entire idea of a more grandiloquent event seemed an impossible standard after the only first part of the parade. Atalay then spoke more, tapping on the map. "Furthermore, once we embark, you will find that we have employed multiple rest stops run by locals to host and stops to the cities and areas we will encounter. After a drive across the desert, our next city will be the mountainous city of Alba, under the jurisdiction of the Zarou. Past that, we will find the river cities of Vari and Saiban under the split jurisdiction of the Ohm'yidi and Mednusi." Atalay took a shorter breather as he caught himself trailing off into a detailed layout of their quest.

"Further past that, we will find one of the most exotic stops, a settlement inhabited by the Darasae, a fierce nomad people who agreed to host us. Finally, we will travel along the great lakes of Eastern Nari'dras and to the megalopolis of Shrand, where you will find the capital awaiting you in Solis." The entire time Atalay smiled, dimples once again visible when he was first shaking hands. He then tapped his watch, keeping the time and doing math in his head. "Combined the journey depending on weather, the speed, and coordination may last up to two and a half weeks or a month." He then handed the map to Ambassador Murphy, letting the information sink in.

[Greywall]

Murphy was a bit overwhelmed, far more accustomed to Reserian relations where they cut to business but was doing her best to follow through what Atalay wanted. "We'll follow you." She took the fan sat next to her and began fanning as the heat wasn't something she was used to. She was slightly embarrassed she let herself get overwhelmed and retreated to the coach, she didn't expect such a large welcome.

[KyferLegs (Diria)]

Atalay nodded as he gestured for her to look further at the map while he pulled a notepad and began to write a series of Ohmyid words. After a few minutes, a loud trumpet played throughout the port, coming from the top of the wall. The trumpet quickly faded a soft drum roll was beginning to crest over the horizon. He quickly closed the notebook, opened the car door to his left, and put on foot out of the car. He then confirmed his thought as the drum roll got louder and turned his head to Ambassador Murphy. "It appears the anthems are going to play any moment. You can view the anthem from the car if you wish." Atalay promptly exited the car, stood up his back against the couch, and put his right palm on his chest and his thumb pushed against the button of his shirt. The drum roll got louder and louder, and movements in the entire port began to get calmer and slower as the honor guard in sync appeared to stare up above the wall, and their rifles suddenly shifted to their left shoulder, and right hand pushed against their chest. Eventually, the build-up climaxed as Harabelerden Yükselen, the Anthem of Diria, began to strum to life as other instruments shortly joined in after the drums. However, the overall quality was excellent, albeit slightly loud and bombastic, as the Dirian flag fluttered in its elegant blue and orange designs. As the anthem went on, the flag fully hoisted onto the top of the flag pole, marking the UKUG anthem turn to get played.

[Greywall]

Murphy would listen to the anthem from the car, she appreciated the notion and would wait for the presentation to finish.

[KyferLegs (Diria)]

The port remained quiet as Atalay seemed slightly nervous as he watched up the wall, trying not to look at his watch. Suddenly, gaelia an cróga began to play loudly throughout the port with an opening note. While the anthem played, the UKUG flag slowly was hoisted up to the same level as the Dirian Flag. As the anthem approached ended, ambassador Murphy thought the performance was average but still spectacular considering they were in Diria.

As soon as the anthems and the opening ceremony ended, respective members of both nations entered the luxurious coaches. While troops either saluted or paraded themselves across the port. As the vehicles drove out the port into Historic Koshn, two paddy wagons waited on the convoy for its turn to follow. After a few delays in vehicles finding their orders and officials running around, the coaches left the port and navigated through a market area shut down for the day. At first, the convoy drove slow, entering through a checkpoint as the coaches navigated up winding coastal roads overlooking jagged coastal faces and buildings made of stone and marble. Atalay occasionally talked about the region's history and how this area was now a protected site, including the certain buildings, their designers, and their purpose.

After the ride finished its rolling exhibit, the convoy pulled into a small rest stop near a gated portion. Another paddy wagon rushed in front of the convoy forming a whole escort. After a few moments and acting as a herder, the paddy wagon exited from the now open gate, which stopped other vehicles, carriages, and transports from moving into the convoy's path beside a lone cable car that kept going along its rails. After another minute, a sole officer exited the car and waved the convoy forward as it once more resumed. The environment of the journey had immediately changed as the streets turned from serene and isolated to busy and modern city life. Locals and unbothered workers navigated to their destinations. Street vendors encourage sales and much more, which the average Dirian citizen could encounter here. The changing environment was near overwhelming as Atalay reassured Murphy this was a commercial sector they had entered in a rush-hour jam. However, something Atalay failed to realize made the experience genuinely authentic, which destroyed some representatives' doubt this was all planned.

Finally, the current ride seemed to reach its close. Disappointing to some and for more impatient members, it couldn't have come sooner. Otherwise, the coaches had begun to pull into a large gated yard, and in the middle, a large marble building stood out from the average apartment and businesses surrounding it. Designed pillars rose into the sky from the four corners of the buildings, and the coaches drove under large arches. The coaches then stopped angling to the left as guards watched the entrances of the building and stood at attention near the building entrance. The guards also appeared different as they wore helmets with weather and ribbons decorated across their entire uniforms. Atalay also commented on the history of the building and its significance as the capital building of Shawistan. Atalay then opened his door as he stepped out, adjusting his shirt as the drivers of the coaches helped the UKUG representatives and members out of their vehicles and asked if they needed anything. Atalay then made sure he was next to Ambassador Murphy.

Murphy immediately realized that Atalay was correct about what they were doing as men and women of status and opposite spectrums greeted the congregating crowd of nationalities. All greetings seemed unique. Two of the most notable as a darker man of color dressed head to toe in a luxurious white Thawb and a Keffiyeh. The second was a lighter man dressed in a colorful red and orange outfit with white designs and its entire robe threaded with ties and his sleeved arms. Eventually, the parties entered the building where the ceiling seemed miles up as gold, and bright blue gemstones decorated the roof. At the same time, the walls were the same marble from the outside, carved and meticulously designed, jointed with a fancy dark wooden floor.

After a few more flashes of cameras, handshakes, and greetings, ambassador Murphy and her fellow representatives finally had seats at a large conference table. On the opposite side of the table sat men and women of different roles like the Shawistan government, capitol representatives, other neighboring states' nomadic representatives, and finally, Atalay, who had begun to speak after a momentary silence. "As you know from opening greetings," Atalay gestured to the Governor of Shawistan, also known as Taslim Nasr, "Governor Nasr wants to welcome you and the UKUG representatives to Shawistan." Governor Nasr looked to Atalay and began to speak. Atalay turned to Murphy again, saying, "Governor Nasr also apologizes he cannot communicate in either of the languages you speak. Respectfully, his current tongue is religiously important to himself and requests if I will act as his translator." Atalay put a few papers on the table and other items as both parties did similar things.

Atalay gave a respectful nod to Mayor Nasr and began to speak to Ambassador Murphy. "Otherwise than that, Ambassador Murphy, as you know, some of the first rounds of negotiations will be opened here, and the final verdict held at the Dirian Capitol of Solis. Of course, there will be other rounds throughout the stops of our journey, so do not fret over complications and quickness. However, before we discuss The United Kingdom of Ulster-Gaelia opening requests and deals, Me and Mayor Nasr would like to ask you how was the opening ride from the port?"

[Greywall]

Murphy was rather overwhelmed by the reception, "It was a rather interesting ride i'll give you that." She was pretty much out of her league at this point.