Ceasefire on a Melting Map

In an ornate diplomatic chamber, rival ministers in decorated military and ceremonial uniforms sit around a grand peace table, solemnly negotiating over what appears to be a giant Arctic map. On closer look, the 'map' is a thick slab of ice carved into continents and sea routes, rapidly melting under the hot chandelier lights. The ministers use rulers, fountain pens, and compasses to draw precise new borders across the slick surface even as coastlines blur and entire sections drip into puddles. Their polished shoes are being soaked, aides frantically lift documents away from the runoff, and small labeled markers for 'shipping lanes,' 'oil,' and 'territory' tilt and slide toward the edge. Despite the obvious collapse beneath them, everyone maintains grave diplomatic composure.