25 June 2016

Kalahari Herald Chronicles 24 June 2016 2#99

                  DAILY NEWS FROM MAMLAKAT KALAHARI    24 June 2016
                     (http://mykalahariblogaddress.blogspot.com)
              ((and see dara's video!  https://youtu.be/EtOflO7KktA))

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INAUGURATION OF LADY LOUISE KINGBE: MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS!
KING AND LARGE CROWD ENTHUSIASTICALLY HONOR THE NEW MINISTER!
DANCING, STORYTELLING, FEASTING HIGHLIGHT THE INAUGURATION!


In the course of human events, it sometimes occurs that the perfect set of circumstances join together, when the talented person, the important position, the intelligent ruler, and the great need coincide. And so it was in Kalahari on Friday, when King Hassan ibn Trrrol inaugurated Minister Louise Kingbe to take charge of the important post of Internal Affairs.


Before a large crowd of invited dignitaries, admirers, and ordinary Kalaharians, Minister Afraa greeted all and introduced the Program of Events:

"Salaam to all His Highness King Hassan, Minister, Distinguished Visitors and Honored Guests , and Welcome to the Inauguration of Louise Kingbe as the Minister for Internal Affairs of Mamlakat Kalahari.

Kalahari Kingdom, under the leadership of King Hassan ibn Trrrol, stands as a beacon of hope and justice for all medieval lands. Our people are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may strain them, it never breaks our bonds of affection, for we do not plot against each other, or execute those with whom we disagree. The ancient national memory, stretching from every battlefield and warrior’s grave to every living heart and home stone all over our broad land, swells with pride the spirits of Kalaharians, when we consider the better angels of our nature, and the challenge we face to spread our message of peace and understanding to the whole world.

And so, it is my honor to introduce the King of Kalahari Kingdom, the Lion of the Desert, the Monarch of Merry Dancing, the Lord of Lovers, the handsome though slender Hassan ibn Trrrol!"

And King Hassan's easy eloquence showed through on this occasion, as he addressed the audience with dignity, and with a glowing pride.

"The House of Trrrol, of ancient memory, and the Kalahari Kingdom, have always held to the ideal that all of the people in its care---royalty, citizens, slaves--- deserve to be treated with their best interests in mind.

With that as background, I have determined to create the position of Minister of Internal Affairs in order to provide the best for all in Kalahari.

What does the Minister of Internal Affairs do? The Minister will oversee the social needs of the Kalahari people. She will encourage the social welfare of the people, including the environment, landscaping, public utilities, and all housing issues, including the assignment of housing. She also serves as the Kingdom Architect. In addition, if there are disagreements, she serves as a mediator between the parties in the dispute.

As I looked over the many qualified Kalaharians who could have filled this position, one person stood out in my estimation, and in the minds of all my councilors.

Since her arrival in Kalahari under tragic circumstances, Lady Louise Kingbe has impressed all with whom she has had relations. Her talent as an architect is evident in the many beautiful buildings she has erected in New Kalahari, and in the beautiful landscaping that surrounds them.
Her radiant personality glows in every corner of Kalahari, and her judgment is impeccable. Her goodness and prudence will aid us all, even in times of conflict.

So, for the greater glory of Kalahari and its people, it is my pleasure to appoint Lady Louise Kingbe as Minister of Internal Affairs for Mamlakat Kalahari!"

And with that, the King took out the Ancient Sword of the Trrrols, and, tapping Lady Louise on each shoulder, he welcomed her to her new position as Minister of Internal Affairs of Kalahari.


And at that stroke, great applause arose from the assembled multitude, and the Minister's face reflected the pride she felt, and also the dedication with which she takes on this new responsibility. The applause grew and grew, as one of the most beloved citizens of Kalahari stood before us.




Nobility and citizen, slaves male and female, all joined in a loud chorus of approval.

But the dazzling inauguration program still had one more event of artistic quality. The renowned Kingdom Storyteller, the talented and yet shy Eluned ap Meurig, had chosen the perfect tale to highlight Minister Louise's promotion. She courageously delivered her story before a hushed audience:



THE GOODWIFE OUIDA AND THE WYVERN by Eluned ap Meurig




Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a wyvern wreaked havoc. A wyvern is a monstrous serpent, like unto a dragon yet with only one set of legs. The size of a warship, it slithered around, toppling walls and fortifications. Sometimes it flew with its bat-like wings, if only to hop over lakes and forests.

The King had sent his great knights to slay the beast, but none could withstand its sharp fangs, its crushing weight, or worst of all its poisonous breath. All hope was lost when he had exhausted his supply of heroes. Word was sent throughout the land to flee, to take all that could be carried and evacuate.


When the call reached the small village where Goodwife Ouida lived, she was baffled by the haste with which her fellow women were packing. "Weak, fearful simpering fools!" She dusted the flour from her apron, rolled up her sleeves and took with her a stout wooden spoon from her kitchen. She marched right up to the cave of the wyvern, not too far from her village.

Goody Ouida yelled out, "Oi! Get out here you wretched worm!" The wyvern obliged and began to laugh. It had expected another knight in shining armor. This little woman was surely just a joke!

"You ought to be ashamed of yourself! The trouble you've caused. All these years you've kept to the wilds, not bothering your neighbors and now? Breaking down houses? " She kicked a discarded helmet, all that was left of one of the knights. "Slaughtering knights! Your mother would be ashamed!" She stomped right up to him, pointing an accusatory finger mere inches from his snout.
"Here is what I have to say about that!" She smacked him hard three times with her spoon, right on his sensitive nose. "Now you go right back into your cave and think about what you've done, young man."

The wyvern was stunned. Did this woman have no fear? Or worse.... why did she not fear him? It should take so little to kill her. He sulked back into his cave, sure he had just narrowly avoided someone blessed by Heaven itself with holy power.

The next day, Goody Ouida returned. "Now what do you have to say for yourself?" The wyvern couldn't speak, so it just slumped down on the rocks. She had upgraded her weapon to a frying pan. "Are you going to behave yourself from now, or do I have to smack you with this?" The wyvern nodded, still certain her bravery had to be backed up by something. "You keep to the wilds like wyvernkind has always done before, and we shouldn't have to meet again." She scratched her chin, thinking. "To repay for all the trouble, you are bound to obey the King when he calls you in his hour of need. Agreed? You won't get a better deal, I can promise you that, sonny boy!" He nodded vigorously. She took one of his discarded scales as a trophy.

Goodwife Ouida made her way to the capital city, wearing her best bonnet and carrying the scale. Even that single scale was the size of a shield. She was admitted to the presence of the King and curtsied. "He's ashamed of what he's done, and I made him promise to come to your aid when you call him. Take this scale as proof. Beat it like a drum to summon the beast if you like," said Ouida, very matter of fact.

The King sprang to his feet, shocked and amazed. "But how, how did you do all this?"

"Oh, I just scolded him like the naughty boy he is! That's all it took."

"Surely you must be the jewel of all the women of my kingdom! Join my court as my advisor. It seems sometimes it takes a woman to think of things a man wouldn't," said the King.

Goody Ouida, now Lady Ouida, accepted his appointment and split her time between the King's Court and her own household. The kingdom benefited from her good common sense advice for many years to come.

The End.

The audience sat for a second in stunned awe, and then a rich and appreciative applause grew, as all realized how appropriate and clever Eluned's tale was.

And then it was time for what Kalahari is well known: feasting and dancing, and this moment was highlighted by the Kalahari Dancers, guided by Palace Slave dara, and including Palace Slave Nada, and a somewhat underdressed Minister Afraa ahaha.



The feasting then commenced, with all the vitality that accompanies a Kalahari party. Distinguished guests like Goddess Lexi Moonstone, and Lady Rosecendre, feasted with the King, and Ministers Louise and Afraa. And they were joined by the cream of Kalahari society: Minister Afraa al Abid, Tavern Manager Cindy and her beautiful son Hassam, Sir Bill le Brave and his slave Bee, Elyssa Kalaratri, and Laila, as well as slaves dara, Nada, Eluned, and little worm.



The King made sure to sit near the women who made the event so wonderful: Lady Louise, and Palace Slaves dara and Nada.


Some diplomatic business was attended to by the King and Minister Afraa, with Goddess Lexi and Lady Rose, the results of which may soon make history! ahahaha



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Afraa al Abid
Kalahari Herald

22 June 2016

Kalahari Herald Chronicles 22 June 2016 2#98

                  DAILY NEWS FROM MAMLAKAT KALAHARI    22 June 2016
                     (http://mykalahariblogaddress.blogspot.com)
              ((and see dara's video!  https://youtu.be/EtOflO7KktA))

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                    MAI TRADITIONAL DANCING TAVERN NIGHT

Mai is traditionally performed in Japanese rooms instead of on the stage. It was highly influenced by the Noh Drama. A variation of the Mai style of Japanese dance is the Kyomai or Kyoto Style Dance. Kyomai developed in the 17th century Tokugawa cultural period. It is heavily influenced by the elegance and sophistication of the manners often associated with the Imperial Court in Kyoto.

The movements are often subtle, layered with meaning. The use of a fan might be a used as a metaphorical representation in the story told by the dance. Emotion is implied, not directly shown by the dancer. A glance to one direction, or lifting the sleeve a certain way, may speak of the deepest feelings.
                      

In learned and focused words, Empress Hatsuka of the Wakiyo Empire, wearing a colorful junihitoe, prepared the Kalahari audience of eager patrons of the dance for the intellectual depth of traditional Wakiyo dance.

But nothing could prepare the assembled spectators for the understated power, and measured elegance displayed by Empress Hatsuka, and her Lady-in-Waiting Chikusayo. The Kalahari audience, used to the faster pace, and broad strokes of its cherished belly dance, viewed the quiet, almost sacred movement of the Kyoto Style, at first, with respectful silence.

But as they watched with interest the first dance, called the Fuji Musume side dance, and listened to the learned commentary of the Empress---"Fuji Musume itself is a dance created in such a way that one performer can change into different outfits rather quickly. This happens on stage. What you will see now, isn't that dance, but a dance that once was added as a side-dance to make it look more pretty. This dance is slowly making its way to become a stand-alone dance, like many have done before."---the quiet power of this art form became more and more evident to Kalaharians.

Respectful silence gave way to anticipation, then understanding, and finally a deep seated appreciation at the economy of movement which could produce such powerful emotions.


As the recital continued, the Empress Hatsuka explained the two remaining parts of the performance. Hatsuka explained that the first is called Kimi no Ougi which translates to Two Fans. The two fans in this dance represent two lovers as life pulls them together and apart.The second, Gion Kouta, has lyrics that will explain itself, but it is all about Gion, an entertainment district in the old capital of Kyoto.

By this point, the audience at least began to understand the many layers of the subtle performances, and deeply appreciated the wonderful accompaniment by Lady Chikusayo on her stringed instrument.


At the end of the brilliant performance, there was a moment of stunned silence, and then applause that grew slowly to a crescendo, in that way imitating the growth of the audience's perception, and the complex and beautiful artistic lesson that we were taught. King Hassan, Princess Nathalie, Minister Afraa, Lady Louise, the visitor breta, and slaves Nada and Eluned all joined in an enthusiastic burst of affirmation.


The King was clearly moved by this stunning event, and he offered a toast of friendship to the Empress, offering her an Embassy in Kalahari for her nation-in-exile, and also laid the groundwork for a treaty of peaceful relations between the Wakiyo Empire and Kalahari Kingdom.
sake


In addition, the King presented a Vase of Friendship to the Empress, representing, if not the delicacy of her performance, then at least the size of his gratitude for her generous sharing of her artistic tradition with Kalahari.

As the finale, (and it was final!!! ahahaha,) the Empress made the near tragic mistake of offering a cup of sake to King Hassan, in order to seal the good relations between the two great nations. Of course the King sampled the sake with gusto, but the potent effects took their toll, and as the King staggered to the stage, veteran monarch-watchers shuddered with fear that the aging monarch might do serious damage to himself.

Fortunately, wiser heads, and the Call of Cupid won out, as the lovely Palace Slave Nada, and the beautiful visitor breta half-carried the stumbling monarch to his bed, where he completed the artistic day with a fine performance himself. ahahaha!

Meanwhile, Minister Afraa shared mugicha (roasted barley tea with ice) with the ever generous Empress as they laid the groundwork for future relations between Wakiyo and Kalahari. And so a lovely day ended with important negotiations in the Dance Temple, and relations of a different kind in the Royal Palace. ahahaha.

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INAUGURATION OF LADY LOUISE KINGBE: MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
                          FRIDAY, 24 JUNE 2016, 12:30 PM SLT

    DANCING, STORYTELLING, FEASTING HIGHLIGHT THE INAUGURATION!


All are invited to share Louise's joy and Kalahari's good fortune! All this and baby Jason as well!

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Afraa al Abid

Kalahari Herald

21 June 2016

Kalahari Herald Chronicles 21 June 2016 2#97

                  DAILY NEWS FROM MAMLAKAT KALAHARI    21 June 2016
                     (http://mykalahariblogaddress.blogspot.com)
              ((and see dara's video!  https://youtu.be/EtOflO7KktA))

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    TOMORROW!!!   TOMORROW!!!   TOMORROW!!!   TOMORROW!!!

                    MAI TRADITIONAL DANCING TAVERN NIGHT
                       Wednesday, 22 June 2016, 12:30 PM SLT


Empress Hatsuka herself, along with one of her subjects, will perform the traditional dance of her Wakiyo Empire. The Empress, along with her sister dancer Chikusayo, discuss the program with Minister Afraa.


Mai is traditionally performed in Japanese rooms instead of on the stage. It was highly influenced by the Noh Drama. A variation of the Mai style of Japanese dance is the Kyomai or Kyoto Style Dance. Kyomai developed in the 17th century Tokugawa cultural period. It is heavily influenced by the elegance and sophistication of the manners often associated with the Imperial Court in Kyoto.

We look forward to the rich culture that the Empress brings us, especially since it is in the art of the dance, for which Kalahari is renowned.

All are invited!

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INAUGURATION OF LADY LOUISE KINGBE: MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
                          FRIDAY, 24 JUNE 2016, 12:30 PM SLT

    DANCING, STORYTELLING, FEASTING HIGHLIGHT THE INAUGURATION!


All are invited to share Louise's joy and Kalahari's good fortune! All this and baby Jason as well!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Afraa al Abid
Kalahari Herald

15 June 2016

Kalahari Herald Chronicles 15 June 2016 2#96

       DAILY NEWS FROM MAMLAKAT KALAHARI    15 June 2016
                     (http://mykalahariblogaddress.blogspot.com)
              ((and see dara's video!  https://youtu.be/EtOflO7KktA))

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ELUNED AP MEURIG DELIGHTS KALAHARI WITH HER STORYTELLING!
WONDROUS TALE OF THE MERMAID AND THE FISHERMAN!
ALL KALAHARI IS CAPTIVATED BY THE SLAVE'S LOVELY AND ELEGANT WORDS!

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The beautiful Eluned ap Meurig of Cymru, slave of Lady Louise Kingbe, held the Kalahari audience spellbound with her wondrous words and delightfully simple style.


The presentation was so moving, that I have printed it below in its full glory.

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                                   THE FISHERMAN AND THE MERMAID

Pergrin was a fisherman who lived in the village of Pembrokshire by the sea. Every day, rain or shine, he went out in his boat for the catch of the day.

Pergrin loved the sea when it was still, quiet, and blue for then it was his good friend, gentle and generous. It would let his small boat slip over the mirrored surface and fill his nets with oceanic bounty.

Pergrin loved the sea when it was churned into froth by storms, dark and wild. Though it was his enemy trying to drag him under it was an exciting enemy to fight. Naturally there were days when he was not sure his boat would sail back into the harbor, and he would have been far from the first fisherman of his village to find his final rest at on the bottom of the sea. A fisherman's calling is often a dangerous one, working with and battling against Old Man Sea.

There was a day when the seas were friendly and he rowed far out to sea, hardly able to spot land on the horizon any longer. He cast his nets and waited to see what would be ensnared as he bit into a good Welsh pasty. His luck as of late had been poor. Few fish had been caught in his nets and his pockets were emptying of coin quickly.

But aha! A heavy weight in his nets! Fortune favors the bold! "Oh me, oh my! What a fine catch have I!" he sang out to himself as he hauled them in. Heaving and struggling, he finally looked upon his catch and what did meet him there in the tangle of nets but a fair woman's face? Our lad Pergrin was a lonely man without a wife, so he rarely got to see such loveliness. She had a full lips and a cute little chin, with pale blonde hair draping down to her feet. Thick ropes of pearls hung from her slender neck.

She was wrapped from the waist down in thick sheets of seaweed, and his fingers reached out to touch her when her eyes suddenly opened and she took one sharp gasp of air. Her eyes were bright green, the same color as the kelp. He helped her out of the nets, and as he did so the kelp slid off her, revealing scales and a fishtail where you would expect to see two shapely legs.

"Well well..." said he, over and over again. Surely he could sell a mermaid for quite a grand sum, for he had never heard of any fisherman finding one in his nets. On the other hand, she was bigger and heavier than anything he'd caught before. He wondered also if he should treat her like he would any other rare catch. After all, she was only half a fish, and what to do about the half of her that was a woman?

As he pondered this problem, the mermaid spoke. Her voice was like the sounds you hear when you put a shell to your ear, like the waves and calls of sea-birds on the wind. Her voice was of the sea, but her words were those of the land, the same language he spoke. She spoke slowly and softly these words her mouth rarely if ever shaped. "Please kind sir!" Her green eyes filled with tears as salty as the waters she called home. "Please good kind sir, let me return to the waters. Let me go home. I would die on dry land just the same as anything else you catch in your net." She reached out to him with her delicate white hands, each finger tipped with nails the pink of seashells.

Pergrin had a kind heart and was distressed to see her pleading with him. He had only been thinking of the acclaim of his fellow villagers when he brought in such a rare catch, and the money he would surely get for selling her. He stopped now to weigh the options.

"Kind sir, you need not row back to land with nothing. Take with you one of my strings of pearls. You can sell it instead of my body." She forced a charming smile through her tears as she bargained. "And as a sign of my deep gratitude I will grant you a favor. Should you ever be in danger at sea, I will cry out to you three times to warn you to return to your harbor. Please, kind sir?"

She needn't have added the favor, for our lad was a sucker for a pretty face. A string of pearls would be much easier to sell than a mermaid, and he wouldn't have her death to weigh on him. He had already made up his mind. He patted her gently on the head with his rough hands. "Of course I'll let you go home. I'm just sorry to have caused tears to fall from those eyes of yours." He lifted her in his arms, a task not easily accomplished given how slick and damp she was still. Then off she went, swimming as quickly as her fins would take her. Too late he remembered the promised pearls, and cursed his own forgetfulness.

That night as he pulled into harbor and sorted through his meager catch of fish he found the promised rope of pearls, twisted around a cod. Perhaps he hadn't been as much of a fool as he thought? He sold it for a prince's ransom, those pearls the size of ripe cherries.

Many months later, he rowed out into a calm sea. The sun was bright and only a light breeze blew. As he sat and daydreamed, he thought he heard a whisper.  "Pergrin... Pergrin...." He looked around, but there were no other vessels to be seen around. Oh, but surely it was just a figment of his imagination!

Louder still the second time he heard, "Pergrin, Pergrin!" A woman's voice, sweet and musical, but where had he heard it before? Then he remembered the mermaid and the favor she had thrown in to sweeten the deal. His eyes scanned the horizon, but there was nary a dark cloud in the sky. Perhaps she was just mistaken?

"Pergrin! Pergrin!" she called out, loudest yet this third time. He looked down into the waters, but he could not see her anywhere. Was he going mad from the heat of summer? What a fool he would look to come back early with empty nets, claiming the warning of a mermaid as his only reason. Surely everyone would just laugh at him. "Forget your nets, there is little time. This storm will sweep in before you know it. Hurry Pergrin! There will not be a fourth warning."

No doubt about it now. He tried to pull in his nets, but found them to be caught on something, perhaps a coral reef. He tossed the loose end into the water and rowed back to his safe harbor as quickly as his strong arms would row. When he looked over his shoulder he saw the angry clouds of a summer squall, lightning flashing down where he had been when he heard the mermaid's call.

The waters began to twist and turn beneath him. He struggled on, desperate to not let Old Man Sea win this time. This was the worst he had ever seen in a storm, and it took all his might to row away from it. As he pulled into his dock, he dropped down exhausted as soon as he feet were on dry land. Pergrin whispered out, "Thank you, little one. Thank you for keeping your promise."

On the wind, he thought he heard, "Goodbye, Pergrin. Goodbye, goodbye!" He was never quite sure if he heard her voice that last time, or if it were in his dreams.

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The various members of the Kingdom and guests: King Hassan Ibn Trrrol, Empress Hatsuka, Princess Nathalie, Lady Louise Kingbe, Minister Afraa al Abid, and various slaves reacted in a variety of ways, but all were deeply moved by this powerful presentation, and by acclamation, declared that Eluned must return again and again to tell her tales.


The King, enjoying the feast prepared by slave Nada, and numerous bottles of Ka-la-na, and being a gracious host, summoned Palace Slaves dara and Nada to dance for the assembled guests, in particular, for the radiant Empress Hatsuka. dara and Nada displayed their usual graceful and sensual moves, which caused the King to ask the Empress of the dance tradition in the Wakiyo Empire. Soon, it was agreed, the Empress and one of her subjects would bring the magic of the Mai to Kalahari next Wednesday!

And so, the feast ended on a note of delighted satisfaction and eager anticipation.



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              AND A COMING EVENT---STORYTELLING TAVERN NIGHT
                                Wednesday, 22 June 2016, 12:30 PM SLT


Empress Hatsuka herself, along with one of her subjects, will perform the traditional dance of her Empire.

Mai is traditionally performed in Japanese rooms instead of on the stage. It was highly influenced by the Noh Drama. A variation of the Mai style of Japanese dance is the Kyomai or Kyoto Style Dance. Kyomai developed in the 17th century Tokugawa cultural period. It is heavily influenced by the elegance and sophistication of the manners often associated with the Imperial Court in Kyoto.

We look forward to the rich culture that the Empress brings us, especially since it is in the art of the dance, for which Kalahari is renowned.

All are invited!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Afraa al Abid
Kalahari Herald

12 June 2016

Kalahari Herald Chronicles 12 June 2016 2#95

       DAILY NEWS FROM MAMLAKAT KALAHARI    12 June 2016
                     (http://mykalahariblogaddress.blogspot.com)
              ((and see dara's video!  https://youtu.be/EtOflO7KktA))

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EMPRESS HATSUKA OF THE EMPIRE OF WAKIYO MEETS KING HASSAN!
INFORMAL DINNER HIGHLIGHTED BY SUBSTANTIVE TALKS
PALACE SLAVE SANI ENTERTAINS THE CREAM OF KALAHARI SOCIETY!

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Perceptive international observers have noticed the diplomatic moves that are being made by the beautiful and intelligent Empress Hatsuka of Wakiyo. Ruthlessly overthrown and driven from her homeland by despicable communist rebels, the Empress, by the force of her will and the loyalty of her subjects, has been able to maintain her government in exile, while also controlling some of the overseas minerals that enriched her Empire.

It was only a matter of time then, before the Empress found her way to the peaceful Kingdom of Kalahari, and King Hassan Ibn Trrrol, known throughout the world as one who welcomes those who have been mistreated and abused. The added factor that Kalahari is rich in Farm produce and Mining riches, both desperately needed by Wakiyo, is also not lost on the shrewd Empress.

So their historic first meeting was not just a social occasion, though of course the King was the gracious host as always, but also a significant diplomatic opening that will be pursued in the coming weeks.

The King brought out the special vintage of Ka-La-Na known as "The Imperial"


and the recently returned Palace Slave Sani performed a sensuous dance as part of the evening's entertainment


Later in the discussion, Prince Soga Yorinao, half brother of the Empress, joined the party, and added several interesting points to the negotiation.


The evening ended with happy congratulations, and promises of future meetings.

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MEDIEVAL MURMURS

After the feast was over, and most of the guests had departed, the Kingdom received an informal visit from the well known Medieval entertainer, Mostofa of Egypt. Mostofa has constructed a lovely entertainment hall which he offered gratis to the King, as a gift from one strong Islamic male to another.

Here is an illustration as Mostofa describes some of the hall's attractions to the King, as Minister of Entertainment Afraa al Abid, Kingdom Architect Louise Kingbe, her mother Darilust, and Palace Slaves Nada and dara observe.



AND IN NEWS FROM THE PALACE AND THE ROYAL FAMILY:

Minister Afraa looks on, as Palace Slave Nada plays with the most handsome male in the House of Ibn Trrrol, her son, Prince Abu Bakr as-Hassiq. ahahaha! The Minister of Entertainment strikes again!



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AND A COMING EVENT---STORYTELLING TAVERN NIGHT

Wednesday, 15 June 2016, 12:30 PM SLT

Eleuned ap Meurig will thrill us with her storytelling ability!

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Afraa al Abid
Kalahari Herald

08 June 2016

Kalahari Herald Chronicles 8 June 2016 2#94

       DAILY NEWS FROM MAMLAKAT KALAHARI    8 June 2016
                     (http://mykalahariblogaddress.blogspot.com)
              ((and see dara's video!  https://youtu.be/EtOflO7KktA))

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ROYAL CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTHS THAT BRING LIFE TO THE KINGDOM!
                              THE PRIDE OF KALAHARI ON DISPLAY!!
      ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD HONORS THE MOTHERS AND THEIR BABIES!!!
                 KING HASSAN CELEBRATES WITH A FERTILITY DANCE!!!
    AGING MONARCH NOW RECUPERATING IN A SECRET LOCATION ahahaha

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                             THE HONOREES PUT FORWARD WITH PRIDE

Tavern Manager Cindy and her handsome son Hassam along with


Palace Slave dara and her lovely daughter Petra

Palace Slave Nada and her clever son Abu Bakr as-Hassiq



and Lady Louise Kingibe and her strong son Jason



                              THE PRIDE OF KALAHARI KINGDOM

Pride is not only a virtue. When pride is present without a foundation of legitimate achievement, a concern for others, and a sense of community, then it is useless, and even dangerous. (cf. a military dictatorship we will not mention ahahaha)

True pride, however resides wherever a brave people nurture the virtues of togetherness, personal care, and concern for others.

It was therefore the Pride of Kalahari to honor the above mothers, and their charming babies, the future of Kalahari, and through their education and proper upbringing, of all with whom they have relationships.

Unfortunately, Delicious Syrup Manager Cindy (and the radiant Hassam) were unable to attend the celebration. Cindy, on a commercial visit to the distant Land of Albion, was met with raging storms, and her ship was forced to find safe harbor in the area of the Bight of Tottenham.

Fortunately, Lady Louise, and Palace Slaves Nada and dara were able to make the event held at the Tavern. Again, proud Kalaharians pitched in to make the celebration special. Slave Eluned al Meurig tirelessly worked to prepare delicious entrees and sweets, as well as preparing her dance routines as part of the Royal Troupe of Dancers; Minister Magdy carefully examined the goats and bosk to be sacrificed, and herded them to the Pen near the Tavern; slave worm assisted the King in the animal sacrifice, and carved up the meat for the benefit not just of the guests, but of the poor of the Kingdom; Lady Louise offered her support in every way to insure the ceremony's success; and musician slave Jo and dancing prodigy slave Sasa prepared excellent entertainment

A "Pride" of slaves kneel ready to serve: Sasa, worm, Eluned, and Jo.


MINISTER AFRAA GREETS THE GUESTS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF AQIQAH

Here are the words by which Minister Afraa al Abid presdied at the Aqiqah ceremony:

Dear Members of the Kingdom, and Honored Guests. We are here to celebrate the miracles of birth that have been brought to us by three lovely and courageous mothers: Palace Slave dara and her daughter Petra; Palace Slave Nada and her son Abu Bakr as-Hassiq; and Distinguished Citizen Lady Louise Kingbe, and her son Jason in the traditional Islamic ceremony AQIQAH.

Aqīq consists of giving a name to the baby, shaving its hair, and offering a sacrifice.

Aqiqah, in Islamic terminology, is defined as the animal that is slaughtered on the occasion of child birth. For the child there should be aqiqah, on behalf of the child, whose parents then make a sacrifice and remove the child’s hair.

All of the children have had their hair ritually removed earlier. Saffron is applied, the hair was weighed, and that amount of gold or silver was donated to the poor of the Kingdom.

We therefore summon forward King Hassan, with the goats to be sacrificed, to complete the ritual, and to insure the welfare of these children forever, and assure the parents that their child will intercede for them on the day of the Resurrection. These goats have been inspected by Minister Magdy, are perfect in form, free of all defects, and meet all the ceremonial requirements.

After we slaughter these animals, we will make a Walimah, a banquet, with the goat meat, and many other treats besides. And since it is after sunset in the sunny Kalahari Kingdom, we may enjoy the feast even during the holy month of Ramadan.

And during the feast, the Pride of Kalahari will provide dancing entertainment!

The King then managed the difficult job of sacrificing the ritual animals, though the "Ghost of the Bosk" added a certain amount of entertainment to the proceedings. King Hassan directed slave worm in the preparation of the meat for the feast, as well as a large distribution to the poor in Kalahari, and even beyond its borders, wherever the Pride of Kalahari reaches.

After the ceremony, the real feasting began for the citizens of Kalahari and their honored guests. Chief among them was Goddess and High Priestess Lexia Moonstone of the Lost Jungle of the Maya, who brought an impressive contingent of warriors to Kalahari.




The King, who fathered both the son of slave Nada (Abu Bakr), and the daughter of slave dara (Petra), looks on with his proud consorts, and the lovely Lady Louise (Jason),


as the talented dancers of the Royal Troupe: Minister Afraa, and slaves Eluned and Sasa performed the traditional Fire Dance (under the watchful stare of Redy the tiger).


As always, the Flame Dance was so well received, that the fire of its inspiration spread to the guests, who danced it with gusto, under the enthusiastic leadership of Princess Nathalie:




The party would have ended on such a happy note of feasting and celebrating, but the enthusiastic dancing unfortunately stirred up some forgotten memories in King Hassan Ibn Trrrol. The aging monarch decided to perform a dance that highlighted his numerous achievements in the Royal Bedrooms, but as he lurched forward, and under the horrified stares of the mothers, some muscles were strained, and the elderly King was assisted to the Palace, where he was cared for by his faithful Palace Slaves. ahahaha


The rest of the guests enjoyed the delicious treats prepared by Eluned, and offered to all, and especially the poor, by the gracious benevolence of the compassionate monarch, who is outstanding in every way (well, not his dancing!)

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                                               MEDIEVAL MURMURS

After the feast was over, and most of the guests had departed, the Kingdom received an informal visit from an Imperial Visitor. The Empress Hatsuka, of the renowned Empire of Wakiyo, whose country was taken by communist rebels, and whose heroic flight and valiant efforts to continue the happy rule of her ancestors is the stuff of legend, appeared unexpectedly at the Tavern, and was greeted by a half-naked Minister Afraa, and slaves Malaak, Eluned, and dara, as well as the well known traveler and warrior Sir Wolf.





The Empress held brief but significant talks with Minister Afraa, one of her Court members displayed a traditional costume of the Empire to Afraa, and the Empress expressed a desire to meet the King. The Minister extended an invitation for a formal state visit, which was accepted by the Empress. Further discussions will take place as the King ordains them.


And so the day ended, with prideful memories, in Mamlakat Kalahari!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Afraa al Abid
Kalahari Herald