"Daniel I have come to you in our time of greatest need", King Dominus said.

"What need is that?" Daniel asked.

"As you might know, the Winter is coming soon".

"Ah yes, yes indeed".

"The winter has come early to Mountania this year. It is fierce and strong. We have had much heavy rain and wind. The temperature is dropping fast. We are worried about flooding and blizzards. We're busy rebuilding floodwalls and levees and repairing all the old dams".

"Very admirable".

"Yes but that's not the problem. Winter's come so early that half our crops are ruined. We don't have enough apples to make cider. Not enough wheat to grind for flour and bread. The cattle are freezing to death in the fields before we can get them into the barns and storage-caverns. It's causing a severe shortage of food. I fear mass starvation of my people".

"So you NATURALLY..."

Daniel rubbed his belly for emphasis.

"...Came to the kingdom with the most readily-available supplies of food".

"Yes. I ask you as your oldest friend and as your staunch ally, to send us what food your household and your worthy subjects can spare".

"It will be at a price, Dominus".

"Daniel! We have known each other for years! You know I can hold my word".

"Yes. Just as good as you can hold your liquor, but I require payment, and so will any contributing subjects".

"You will not donate your foodstuffs willingly to my kingdom?"

"There's labour-costs...shipping...cartage...horses...boatmen...carters...waggoners...pac king costs..."

Daniel ticked each point off on a chubby finger.

"...and with as strong a winter coming as you say, my people will not part with their winter stores without a high rate of recompense".

Dominus sighed. He should've known that the land of fatties wouldn't give up their beloved commestables.

"Daniel, please. This is extremely important. Do not turn this all down on COST, I beg you".

Daniel sighed. "How bad is this winter?"

"Very. The current bunch of clouds will be at full strength by the time they reach the northern parts of your kingdom. We're already getting snowdrifts twelve inches deep".

"I will set up a relief charity for your kingdom. They can donate whatever food and supplies they can and I'll pay for everything else out of the Royal Treasury", King Daniel said.

Dominus nodded. "Thank you, Daniel".

The two aging monarchs shook hands and left the room.