The Ireem Chronicles

The Ireem Chronicles met with the beautiful Miss Velvet Hamelin, a candidate running for Bedouin Leader to learn more about the only candidate running against the current Leader.  The lanky beauty of well-toned physique made herself comfortable on the lush carpet in our office and this eager newbie reporter sat down with her and plunged into the interview with the first question soon as we exchanged pleasantries.

Salaam Miss Velvet, it is good to see a woman use her innate strength to make a stand for her people, hot off the press your election statement expressed your dream of unity AGAIN, perhaps for the benefit of the voters, share a little about yourself and the life of a Bedouin that you have experienced, and would like to lead your people who have strayed, back to it.

Smiling with her mesmerising green eyes set upon me like she could see through my human form, but unlikely of course, she replies  "Salaam moon, thank you for allowing me this interview and for the compliment", she ponders a moment before answering the question, "well moon as you and most are aware, the Bedouin are a bit scattered at the moment, the strong unity we used to share hanging on a very thin thread at the moment and as mentioned in my statement, it is a desire of mine to get all Bedouin back as we used to be, strong, united and a force to be reckoned with, but about me, most who know me would tell you that i always strive to make strangers who arrive in our city feel welcome, maybe a little tease in me, but always a devote Bedouin, who will always watch out for her own kin, but also try and maintain an open communication to all the other races"

That is excellent!  Miss Velvet, if you become the Bedouin Leader, how do you intend to convince your people they will be safe from the seemingly frequent threats of other beings lurking about your tents, and it has been reported that some of your people were mixing with them!  Do you see these activities as suspicious influences that may cause harm to your people if not give a wrong impression and hence invite more uninvited guests to your tents? How will you deal with this as a leader?

Velvet smiled as she leaned back, looking a little more comfortable, "well moon, if I do get elected as Bedouin Leader, I will definitely not tackle this position alone, there are many very competent Clan Leaders and kin who will be reeled in to help, I do not believe that ruling with an iron fist is the way to lead, especially not free spirited strong Bedouin, and as for the safety of all Bedouin, it will take time to build up a strong army again, but i have faith."
At this point she lets out a little sigh, "as for the the beings you refer to lurking about our tents, we as a race have always shown hospitality and if they are no threat, they are welcome to a bite to eat or drink, if they are a threat, they will be asked most sternly to leave."
Her eyes widened and she continued with a serious tone, "one should always remember that you cannot control people, only guide them, if they mix with "them" as you stated, in war there is no friends, only kin, but outside war, being civil to others or even joining them for a drink can do no harm, Bedouin are proud but fair people"

This reporter relaxed a little seeing her interviewee more at ease as the conversation continued, so glad that Miss Velvet took the initiative to choose to sit on the carpet instead, for it is where I find comfort to nap when in cat-form.

"Yes indeed, it is one thing being friendly and welcoming, and yet all is fair in war.
Miss Velvet smiles and nods, "exactly" and then reaches out to touch my arm, "relax please Moon, i am already a little tense, we cannot both be tense we might faint on each other"  Taken aback by her gesture yet delighted by her humour, it is only befitting to reply jokingly yet quite honestly "Oh! hahaha..our Editor may be delighted to find a beautiful lady such as yourself unconscious in his office! *cough cough*

Stifling giggles, the interview continues, "Speaking of wars, Miss Velvet, Food has become scarce with the many battles that ensued in recent days, do you have a plan to ensure your people will not go hungry, or perhaps encourage them to take advantage of this situation to make some dinars by trade of..deliscious Kofta and Mshabbak? I've seen how Bedus can create a most generous portion of bread with the most simple ingredients and mmMmmm...the enticingly brightly tinged crispy sweets...

Velvet answers with a hearty laugh, "yes i am sure he would be ecstactic to find two women on his carpet", her voice then gets more serious, "yes the endless wars do tend to deplete the food chain, but we have many homely folks in our family who are more than willing to keep the home pots brewing and i will ensure that they are well rewarded for their efforts to keep all the Bedouin warriors well fed, I will also get our kin to start trading again, with the right teachings of the elders, as mentioned, we will soon be strong, not just in war" smiling she teased with a wink, "yes most of us do have a flair for baking and cooking and i will make an effort to invite you and your Editor for some good food and dance soon"

Food never fails to bring a smile to my face, especially exotic delicacies, and it was a box of candies that brought about my comical ties to my dear Editor and yet loyal to this day, Office Cat gets a bit too excited and blurt out with a big grin "Oh my, that would be delightful, thank you Miss Velvet!" blinks..not wanting to seem like a greedy glut, and tried to recompose myself sitting up straight to look more professional, "Miss Velvet it seems you are very ready to put into action a very well thought out plan in leading your people. You are a formidable candidate to beat for the Bedouin leadership. What do you feel are the three most important qualities of a leader?

Velvet tilts her head a little and grows a little more serious as she gave some thought to the question, "I really feel ready Moon and i am very positive yes, well three qualities that spring to my mind are firstly, communication, decisiveness and approachability"

"Very Good. Now that we have some idea of how you will lead your people, how about to the outsiders? Will there be diplomacy with the groups that have become unfriendly to Bedus over the years? Or perhaps some feuds brought about by past Bedouin Leaders?

"There will most definitely be diplomacy with all groups, i do not foresee all group sitting around a fire together laughing and sharing a joke, but i also not foresee continuous wars, well that is what i hope for and will strive to for that, even try and approach some who have been our enemy since i can recall"

I couldn't help but giggle at the campfire notion, "You will be a good leader indeed, and with a sense of humour too! I appreciate you taking this time to give us insights to your leadership style and would like to conclude our meeting with what you may wish to impress upon your voters, would you like to sum up your campaign herewith?

"Thank you moon, i believe one cannot always be too serious, imagine the wrinkles, but no on a serious note, i would ask my fellow Bedouin to vote for me, i am dedicated, very approachable and always open to new ideas and critism, to take and give, with the help of all we will soon be able to walk the sands with our heads help up high and with pride"  Velvet grins as she leans forward, "vote for me and you will be ensured of a smile from me that will touch the furthest stars"