#wildwithadventure

NATO Chiefs of Defense meetings could bore even the most self-involved soldiers. For the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, it was just one more thing he had to attend. Sure, it was boring and tedious to sit through, but it was in the job description and after a lifetime of weaving in and out of wars, he was more than happy to sit in a boardroom with colleagues and friends from the world over.  They called for a recess for lunch, and the German was more than happy for the break. Stepping out of the room, Ludwig  bumps right into the red-headed American representative. “Oh--I’m so sorry,” he quickly apologised, catching the young lady by her shoulders so she didn’t topple over. “I, ah, wasn’t watching where I was going.” He recognized her faintly, tilting his head to the side before clearing his throat and holding out a hand. “Ludwig. I feel like we’ve met before, but I can’t place your name.”

As Lily glanced at her food, she suddenly seemed to make up her mind about something. “Emily? This will sound forward, I realize, but it’s something I have wondered about you. It is my understanding that you joined the other American reps much later than usual, although American history is not a subject I have ever studied. I just wanted to know, how did you get started? What were you, when you were, ah, born, so to speak. How did you change as time went on? And when you did join the United States, how did you hold on? Did you ever fear that would be the end? That you might die then?” She offered a sheepish smile. “That’s a lot for lunch, I know. But that’s what happens when you’re with a German sometimes. We like deep talks.”

IT IS THE MUSIC OF A PEOPLE WHO WILL NOT BE SLAVES AGAIN

Yes. The last cookie was a war worth fighting for.

"Right, so... I want to talk to you about a, uh..." He straightens his back a little more and strengthens his voice. He wants this. "A possible research partnership between Sweden's Marine Biology Institute and underprivileged schools of your country."

  “No I totally get it. Wanting to show people places that speak closer to who you are and what you stand for.. makes perfect sense. And makes for a better trip honestly.“ And while S had managed to explore some of those larger cities, it was views like this that really inspired a lot of sheer awe at the space available out here.  Staying with Emily during this time had been pretty amazing to get a chance to view places that often went greatly unappreciated and had a natural glory that they were drawn towards. “To really put yourself into the hospitality and share what really resonates for you.. it just makes for a different experience. And I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality. Visiting out here has been absolutely amazing.“

And I don't know where I'd be                                                                                           Without you here with me.