Where Rivers meet, People meet (Spring Festival, IC)

[Ru-]

Gwen listened to the excursion into Ruvian Eating Manners and nodded along, trying to remember all of it.
It might come in handy.
At the last declaration, Gwen smiled. "I usually make it an important point to have guests at my table from distant shores able to speak their table prayers or things like that. Some are too nervous to do it or fear retribution - especially Christians, there had been a few... things in history - so sometimes a little nudge in the direction is all that is needed. That being said..." She smiled. "We are far laxer with such things. I'll explain after breakfast, okay?"
She looked at the Sergeant, who bowed her head in reverance.
"We thank the cooks for their gracious work and for having us, Gavida's blessing be upon them, we thank Ladra for bringing our pleasant company to our shores and we thank Rhiannon for this good meal.", Gwen said with a smile and grinned. "Let's dig in."
She looked at Yoshio, asking him by that, if they indeed did need to say their graces - if they didn't, they were free to indeed dig in.

Yoshio and the knight bowed their heads as well, out of respect. After that prayer was finished Yoshio nodded at Gwen's suggestion. "Yes, let's!" They had already missed their opportunity to say grace to Cael, as this was typically done before the food arrived. Imposing at this point and allowing their meal to sit any longer would be unseemly. There would be opportunity to give thanks after the meal was over, and he intended to.

The knight took the king's led in this and nodded as well. While Yoshio was not a religious authority under the faith, he did still enjoy important religious status as the rightful king under the faith's doctrines, so Larra would not question the boy's natural instincts on such matters. Yoshio looked over the spread before him again, noticing the potato chips. He had wondered when he saw them on the menu if this was a country where "chips" were these, or fries. It hardly mattered since he loved both! Yoshio started with his eggs, a very important and common stable of Ruvian breakfasts.

[The Selkie]

Gwen listened to the excursion into Ruvian Eating Manners and nodded along, trying to remember all of it.
It might come in handy.
At the last declaration, Gwen smiled. "I usually make it an important point to have guests at my table from distant shores able to speak their table prayers or things like that. Some are too nervous to do it or fear retribution - especially Christians, there had been a few... things in history - so sometimes a little nudge in the direction is all that is needed. That being said..." She smiled. "We are far laxer with such things. I'll explain after breakfast, okay?"
She looked at the Sergeant, who bowed her head in reverance.
"We thank the cooks for their gracious work and for having us, Gavida's blessing be upon them, we thank Ladra for bringing our pleasant company to our shores and we thank Rhiannon for this good meal.", Gwen said with a smile and grinned. "Let's dig in."
She looked at Yoshio, asking him by that, if they indeed did need to say their graces - if they didn't, they were free to indeed dig in.

Yoshio and the knight bowed their heads as well, out of respect. After that prayer was finished Yoshio nodded at Gwen's suggestion. "Yes, let's!" They had already missed their opportunity to say grace to Cael, as this was typically done before the food arrived. Imposing at this point and allowing their meal to sit any longer would be unseemly. There would be opportunity to give thanks after the meal was over, and he intended to.

The knight took the king's led in this and nodded as well. While Yoshio was not a religious authority under the faith, he did still enjoy important religious status as the rightful king under the faith's doctrines, so Larra would not question the boy's natural instincts on such matters. Yoshio looked over the spread before him again, noticing the potato chips. He had wondered when he saw them on the menu if this was a country where "chips" were these, or fries. It hardly mattered since he loved both! Yoshio started with his eggs, a very important and common stable of Ruvian breakfasts.

The Ceannaí Inn had an excellent reputation, and that was for a reason.
The quality of the food was one of them, being made from the best ingredients available, the eggs for example being fresh from the hen, prepared by the best chefs the Free Lands had to offer (even officially), served at ideal temperature for a long prayer.
As such, the food was very much to Gwen's liking, the fried batter crisp, the sausage inside tasty, as a sausage had to taste, caressing her taste buds, droplets of fat tickling certain aspect with impunity, the fat being melted butter from cow milk, white fresh bread (there was indeed a bit of warmth left in it, not much, but one could feel it) from the house's bakery to wipe it up, made the night before, the egg crisp with the yellow being another, pleasant flavour, the porridge made of oats, boiled in milk with a small bit of honey from real beas on the top, as well as a strawberry. It not only sounded and looked delicious, it was.
A breakfeast indeed.

[Ru-]

The Ceannaí Inn had an excellent reputation, and that was for a reason.
The quality of the food was one of them, being made from the best ingredients available, the eggs for example being fresh from the hen, prepared by the best chefs the Free Lands had to offer (even officially), served at ideal temperature for a long prayer.
As such, the food was very much to Gwen's liking, the fried batter crisp, the sausage inside tasty, as a sausage had to taste, caressing her taste buds, droplets of fat tickling certain aspect with impunity, the fat being melted butter from cow milk, white fresh bread (there was indeed a bit of warmth left in it, not much, but one could feel it) from the house's bakery to wipe it up, made the night before, the egg crisp with the yellow being another, pleasant flavour, the porridge made of oats, boiled in milk with a small bit of honey from real beas on the top, as well as a strawberry. It not only sounded and looked delicious, it was.
A breakfeast indeed.

Yoshio tasted the eggs and from the first bite was pretty impressed! Eggs were one of the most important staples of Ruvian breakfasts, and although the king strongly preferred them scrambled, these were too good for him to particularly care. They were surprisingly fresh and tasty, he was well used to it since farm to table and organic ingredients were currently all the rage in Ruvian gourmet cooking, apparently, these eggs did indeed rank among the best Yoshio had tasted, and from him that was quite a strong compliment. He dug into the rest of his food, eating with the typical ravenous quickness of the draylins. He particularly enjoyed the sausages, despite them being so different then what he was used to. He had a bit of a sweet tooth and the Selkie food seemed overall to focus more on sweetness then the general Ruvian fascination with salt, heavy sauces and strong spices. The Selkie had somehow found a way to make sausages an even richer and heavier dish then the Ruvians did, Yoshio definitely appreciated that as well!

The knight ate alot more slowly and deliberately. He preferred to eat lighter then a few others at court, so he appreciated that the ham was kept pure and simple. The cheeses were kept simple as well but the quality was outstanding. Mostly he appreciated the tea, which provided a boost of energy, but unlike his preferred favorite tea, it was also very calming and didn't seem like it would leave one jittery if they drank too much of it. He realized that he had been a little on edge since he had gotten here, which wasn't like him. He really ought to relax more.

Yoshio saw how little the Sergeant was eating, and though her berry cake looked especially delicious, it was still just one little thing. "Hey, would you like to try one of my sausages?" he offered, "The inn was very generous with the portions!"

[Krugeristan]

"I am a young man," Evanu said, not even making eye contact with Gwen. "My back will be alright if the length of the ride isn't too much of a problem."

Golahman nodded with a weak smile, turning to kiss Fiona. He enjoyed showing little displays of affection to her, but he didn't enjoy doing it in front of people he wasn't fully comfortable with. Gwen was Fiona's friend after all; surely everything would be alright with her around. He kissed Fiona either way, anxious that he would be in a small space for any amount of time.

Gwen smiled as the young man avoided eye contact with her, looked to Glynn. The young man shrugged.
"Alright then, climb aboard!", she said with a smile, motioning to the back of her cart. "Next stop, the petting zoo!"
In the back, Fiona replied to the kiss in kind, bringing her lips onto his, putting a hand on his upper leg with a smile, softly stroking it. Don't worry., she said with that, Everything'll be fine!
The only awake Tine in the back watched them and showed fangs.

Golahman glanced at Evanu for a moment, pleased with how his guard was conducting himself. He wasn't rude or threatening violence like Vershenov would. If he keeps up this behavior, I think I'll order a promotion. Golahman then looked at Fiona. "So," he whispered, "other than horseriding, what do you like to do outdoors?"

[The Selkie]

The Ceannaí Inn had an excellent reputation, and that was for a reason.
The quality of the food was one of them, being made from the best ingredients available, the eggs for example being fresh from the hen, prepared by the best chefs the Free Lands had to offer (even officially), served at ideal temperature for a long prayer.
As such, the food was very much to Gwen's liking, the fried batter crisp, the sausage inside tasty, as a sausage had to taste, caressing her taste buds, droplets of fat tickling certain aspect with impunity, the fat being melted butter from cow milk, white fresh bread (there was indeed a bit of warmth left in it, not much, but one could feel it) from the house's bakery to wipe it up, made the night before, the egg crisp with the yellow being another, pleasant flavour, the porridge made of oats, boiled in milk with a small bit of honey from real beas on the top, as well as a strawberry. It not only sounded and looked delicious, it was.
A breakfeast indeed.

Yoshio tasted the eggs and from the first bite was pretty impressed! Eggs were one of the most important staples of Ruvian breakfasts, and although the king strongly preferred them scrambled, these were too good for him to particularly care. They were surprisingly fresh and tasty, he was well used to it since farm to table and organic ingredients were currently all the rage in Ruvian gourmet cooking, apparently, these eggs did indeed rank among the best Yoshio had tasted, and from him that was quite a strong compliment. He dug into the rest of his food, eating with the typical ravenous quickness of the draylins. He particularly enjoyed the sausages, despite them being so different then what he was used to. He had a bit of a sweet tooth and the Selkie food seemed overall to focus more on sweetness then the general Ruvian fascination with salt, heavy sauces and strong spices. The Selkie had somehow found a way to make sausages an even richer and heavier dish then the Ruvians did, Yoshio definitely appreciated that as well!

The knight ate alot more slowly and deliberately. He preferred to eat lighter then a few others at court, so he appreciated that the ham was kept pure and simple. The cheeses were kept simple as well but the quality was outstanding. Mostly he appreciated the tea, which provided a boost of energy, but unlike his preferred favorite tea, it was also very calming and didn't seem like it would leave one jittery if they drank too much of it. He realized that he had been a little on edge since he had gotten here, which wasn't like him. He really ought to relax more.

Yoshio saw how little the Sergeant was eating, and though her berry cake looked especially delicious, it was still just one little thing. "Hey, would you like to try one of my sausages?" he offered, "The inn was very generous with the portions!"

The Sergeant swallowed, savouring the bite despite its quickness, motioned for a moment, and then smiled at the King. "No, thank you, Sir.", she said with a shake of her head, "But the offer is very much appreciated."
Gwen giggled at that. "Eat up, Yoshio, who knows, when you might be able to eat again today with all of the things going on around us... plus, you want to grow big and strong, right?"
He really reminded her of her own children, she thought as she raised her cup of tea and gave the knight a smile, which might as well could be interpreted as a toast.

Golahman glanced at Evanu for a moment, pleased with how his guard was conducting himself. He wasn't rude or threatening violence like Vershenov would. If he keeps up this behavior, I think I'll order a promotion. Golahman then looked at Fiona. "So," he whispered, "other than horseriding, what do you like to do outdoors?"

Fiona would have laughed, if she hadn't been too taken aback by the question. Have they really never talked about that to each other?, she wondered and came up blank.
"Playing with Sio.", she replied and shook off her daze, "Sitting or lying in the grass and watch the clouds pass by, napping there, too. There was a time, when I enjoyed gardening, but I don't know, if I would today. And helping Dad with his Tines, of course." She was silent after that. "...we never talked about that, did we? And I somehow can't help but blame myself for it."

[Krugeristan]

Golahman glanced at Evanu for a moment, pleased with how his guard was conducting himself. He wasn't rude or threatening violence like Vershenov would. If he keeps up this behavior, I think I'll order a promotion. Golahman then looked at Fiona. "So," he whispered, "other than horseriding, what do you like to do outdoors?"

Fiona would have laughed, if she hadn't been too taken aback by the question. Have they really never talked about that to each other?, she wondered and came up blank.
"Playing with Sio.", she replied and shook off her daze, "Sitting or lying in the grass and watch the clouds pass by, napping there, too. There was a time, when I enjoyed gardening, but I don't know, if I would today. And helping Dad with his Tines, of course." She was silent after that. "...we never talked about that, did we? And I somehow can't help but blame myself for it."

"Oh, don't blame yourself," Golahman said, "It's probably my fault. I should've asked earlier, but . . . we get caught up easily in conversations about ourselves and our experiences and . . . I talk a lot about my friendship . . . with you-know-who."

[Ru-]

The Sergeant swallowed, savouring the bite despite its quickness, motioned for a moment, and then smiled at the King. "No, thank you, Sir.", she said with a shake of her head, "But the offer is very much appreciated."
Gwen giggled at that. "Eat up, Yoshio, who knows, when you might be able to eat again today with all of the things going on around us... plus, you want to grow big and strong, right?"
He really reminded her of her own children, she thought as she raised her cup of tea and gave the knight a smile, which might as well could be interpreted as a toast.

Yoshio nodded to the Sergeant and to Gwen and quickly ate up the rest of his sausages before turning on the porridge and his chips. The knight smiled back at Gwen and gave her cup a little clink with his own. All the white cloaks were chosen for their knightly honor and trustworthiness as much as, or probably more then, their skill at arms, and Larra was known as the young gallant of the group, always seeming to be in a decent enough mood to play Mr. charming.

Yoshio didn't need much encouragement to try and clean his plate. Most Ruvians, even those brought up in households that still had the attitudes of the old nobility and the super rich, were taught not to let food go to waste. It often meant that they would end up eating alot more then they needed! Her nudging was exactly the sort of thing that would motivate him though, the boy had an ambitious personality that thrived on praise and a need to impress. Despite his large order, he polished it off with little difficulty. It certainly helped that the food was so delicious!

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
Approaching South Cuan

"It's alright," Samuel said. "You're talking to a man who spent the last five years living with the loss of his wife; you have every right to be sentimental. It's what ultimately makes us human." As he said this, the view of Cuan began to occupy the window. Knowing that they were close, he prepared his luggage.

[Aurora Confederacy]

The officer nodded. "The Puimcín, a very good house. Rarely any incidents and good ale, too. And good musicians."

The white haired woman watched her aides taking care of everything - she could not tell them, that those fish would be fed to the animals of the petting zoo, which ate fish, which were quite a lot. She just couldn't.
She also declined to comment on the matter of their currency - paper money was too flimsy and had no value, as it was a slip of paper something was printed on. However, Gil and the other coins had a real value to them in material as they were, indeed, of the material they were supposed to be of.
"Yes, Ayden has that effect on people.", she replied. "Though he wasn't sent by me but by his nose and his heart. He's a magnificent lad, let me tell you." She grinned. "If he'd be a man, there'd be lassies swooning over him like crazy!" She grinned and nodded. "Now, the best bar depends a bit: What do you need? Good drinks, good music, good rooms to sober up or good company?"

Robbie turned to the woman, "Gina's a cat lover but Ayden made her a little nervous initially, biggest cat we have is a widlcat back home, as for the bar, somewhere to freshen up would be nice, have a quiet drink and spend some of our hard earned Gils, these weigh a ton!" she said with a smile, "bars back home can be a bit wild at times, particularly in Lake Hai'lu'kai where over a million people live and work, Mi'aza where we come from is quiet town with around eight thousand residents in the town, its an old port complex still sees the odd boat come and go but the Ilana river port has taken much of the traffic now and when the docks closed many left to find work elsewhere, doesn't look much as you drive in with buildings overgrown and abandonned but its not that bad once you get inside the town"
As the woman left to take the fish back to the Petting zoo, Robbie smiled and started to make her way back to the gazebo where Gina is busy.

"Sounds good, what kind of music? Jazz, regge, classical?" enquired Gina as Robbie came up behind to Gina who handed her the ignition keys so she could gain access to the cab. As the door opened to the cab, a feint smell of air freshener oused out but was quickly overpowered by the smell of the fish on the grates but it revealed a truck that was clean inside. Robbie wasn't in there long, placing the Gils into the truck's strong box under the bunk then returning to Gina after locking the door behind her and turning to the next customer in line, taking her order and putting on some really fashionable (not) regulation plastic catering gloves.

Gina turned to Robbie "how your legs holding up?, you've been on your feet for a few hours now" showing concern for her partner who was severly assaulted a few years ago

"they're good, getting a little warm under the liner but they're good" she replied, "did you get an entertainments permit?"

"No, sadly" said Gina, "But I think that only applies to general use, at a festival i think we'd be covered anyway, i will ask about that for the next time we come here" It was at that point that a low rumbling noise shattered the quiet village, Robbie looked up,
"Gina, we have a bush lake hopper coming in", she says pointing at the float plane that was cruising overhead.

On the plane, the old woman giggled at the image of the bear's passport - she knew, that most of the customs officials would pretend to treat it as a real passport and stamp it, too.
"That's very cute.", the old woman said and smiled, thinking of the stuffed companions of those around her - no one ever went to these lengths for letting him accompany them on a foreign trip and that said something in most of the case studies.
What Zoe was snapping pictures of was the Trossach, the Home of the Selkie, as it was known, one of the large regions, that made up the Free Lands, and its corn chamber - rolling fields and streets winding through them, small towns and villages, the occassional farmstead and rivers glittering in the rising sun, small forests on the ground as well...

As the plane decended over Cuan and the pilot brought the throttles back to idle, Micky found Zoe shaking her gently by the shoulder,
"wake up Micky" she said, prompting a groan off Micky who then rubbed her eyes
"where are we?" she asked
"Cuan, look down there, the festival seems to be getting under way"

Micky looked out of the window, "jousting?, seriously" she said with a little bit of mild surprise.

As the plane flew in, the sun glinted off the solar panels of the large semi truck in the square, and then the engines went quiet as they were throttled all the way back for the plane to gently kiss the river,
"well its been a pleasure talking to you" said Zoe to the passenger she had been nattering to, "From here we are at the festival, and might take a railway back to the town where we berthed this morning"

Micky and Zoe let the woman and the family get off the plane first before getting off themselves, climbing onto the float then stepping onto the wooden jetty,
"Which way Zo?" enquired Micky
"that way I think, there's a food stall in the square and I am hungry, gotta get a bite to eat, this way!" she said, taking a lead as she climbed up from the jetty onto the main hard standing above the river.

[The Selkie]

"Oh, don't blame yourself," Golahman said, "It's probably my fault. I should've asked earlier, but . . . we get caught up easily in conversations about ourselves and our experiences and . . . I talk a lot about my friendship . . . with you-know-who."

"You can call him by his name.", Fiona giggled, "He isn't Lord Voldemort - at least he wasn't last I checked."
With a jolt, the cart began to move, accompanied by the steady clopping of hooves on the pavement as the large wheels turned. Fiona smiled.
"Let's just say, that it never came up and neither of us are at fault.", she suggested.

The Sergeant swallowed, savouring the bite despite its quickness, motioned for a moment, and then smiled at the King. "No, thank you, Sir.", she said with a shake of her head, "But the offer is very much appreciated."
Gwen giggled at that. "Eat up, Yoshio, who knows, when you might be able to eat again today with all of the things going on around us... plus, you want to grow big and strong, right?"
He really reminded her of her own children, she thought as she raised her cup of tea and gave the knight a smile, which might as well could be interpreted as a toast.

Yoshio nodded to the Sergeant and to Gwen and quickly ate up the rest of his sausages before turning on the porridge and his chips. The knight smiled back at Gwen and gave her cup a little clink with his own. All the white cloaks were chosen for their knightly honor and trustworthiness as much as, or probably more then, their skill at arms, and Larra was known as the young gallant of the group, always seeming to be in a decent enough mood to play Mr. charming.

Yoshio didn't need much encouragement to try and clean his plate. Most Ruvians, even those brought up in households that still had the attitudes of the old nobility and the super rich, were taught not to let food go to waste. It often meant that they would end up eating alot more then they needed! Her nudging was exactly the sort of thing that would motivate him though, the boy had an ambitious personality that thrived on praise and a need to impress. Despite his large order, he polished it off with little difficulty. It certainly helped that the food was so delicious!

Although Gwen received the glass-klinking with a smile, the charme of the knight was quite lost on her, she was happily married to the most wonderful man in her life.
While eating herself, she watched in awe, as her younger guest practically inhaled the food, finishing off his plate with a speed, that even her own children could not match on their best days. She, however, noted, that he seemed to enjoy his food immensely.
She also noted his reaction to her encouragement, his ambitiousness and his need to impress.
The Sergeant, too, enjoyed her breakfast, savouring every bite of her berry cake.
They finished around the same time. "Goodness.", Gwen said with a smile, "That hit the right spot... how did you two like it?"

Samuel Cui
Approaching South Cuan

"It's alright," Samuel said. "You're talking to a man who spent the last five years living with the loss of his wife; you have every right to be sentimental. It's what ultimately makes us human." As he said this, the view of Cuan began to occupy the window. Knowing that they were close, he prepared his luggage.

Kiah looked at him with an unreadable expression, before she reached out and squeezed his shoulder. "My condolences... and apologies.", she said and gave a small smile, before her hand retreated back to her book, putting it into the bag.
There was little more she could say, especially with so little time before they indeed arrived. There was a lull in their conversation, which the train used to get them closer to their destination - and Kiah debated with herself, if she should indeed offer something: "You know, my family works together with the organizers of the Petting Zoo, so if you are interested... I can take you there."

The officer nodded. "The Puimcín, a very good house. Rarely any incidents and good ale, too. And good musicians."

The white haired woman watched her aides taking care of everything - she could not tell them, that those fish would be fed to the animals of the petting zoo, which ate fish, which were quite a lot. She just couldn't.
She also declined to comment on the matter of their currency - paper money was too flimsy and had no value, as it was a slip of paper something was printed on. However, Gil and the other coins had a real value to them in material as they were, indeed, of the material they were supposed to be of.
"Yes, Ayden has that effect on people.", she replied. "Though he wasn't sent by me but by his nose and his heart. He's a magnificent lad, let me tell you." She grinned. "If he'd be a man, there'd be lassies swooning over him like crazy!" She grinned and nodded. "Now, the best bar depends a bit: What do you need? Good drinks, good music, good rooms to sober up or good company?"

Robbie turned to the woman, "Gina's a cat lover but Ayden made her a little nervous initially, biggest cat we have is a widlcat back home, as for the bar, somewhere to freshen up would be nice, have a quiet drink and spend some of our hard earned Gils, these weigh a ton!" she said with a smile, "bars back home can be a bit wild at times, particularly in Lake Hai'lu'kai where over a million people live and work, Mi'aza where we come from is quiet town with around eight thousand residents in the town, its an old port complex still sees the odd boat come and go but the Ilana river port has taken much of the traffic now and when the docks closed many left to find work elsewhere, doesn't look much as you drive in with buildings overgrown and abandonned but its not that bad once you get inside the town"
As the woman left to take the fish back to the Petting zoo, Robbie smiled and started to make her way back to the gazebo where Gina is busy.

"Sounds good, what kind of music? Jazz, regge, classical?" enquired Gina as Robbie came up behind to Gina who handed her the ignition keys so she could gain access to the cab. As the door opened to the cab, a feint smell of air freshener oused out but was quickly overpowered by the smell of the fish on the grates but it revealed a truck that was clean inside. Robbie wasn't in there long, placing the Gils into the truck's strong box under the bunk then returning to Gina after locking the door behind her and turning to the next customer in line, taking her order and putting on some really fashionable (not) regulation plastic catering gloves.

Gina turned to Robbie "how your legs holding up?, you've been on your feet for a few hours now" showing concern for her partner who was severly assaulted a few years ago

"they're good, getting a little warm under the liner but they're good" she replied, "did you get an entertainments permit?"

"No, sadly" said Gina, "But I think that only applies to general use, at a festival i think we'd be covered anyway, i will ask about that for the next time we come here" It was at that point that a low rumbling noise shattered the quiet village, Robbie looked up,
"Gina, we have a bush lake hopper coming in", she says pointing at the float plane that was cruising overhead.

On the plane, the old woman giggled at the image of the bear's passport - she knew, that most of the customs officials would pretend to treat it as a real passport and stamp it, too.
"That's very cute.", the old woman said and smiled, thinking of the stuffed companions of those around her - no one ever went to these lengths for letting him accompany them on a foreign trip and that said something in most of the case studies.
What Zoe was snapping pictures of was the Trossach, the Home of the Selkie, as it was known, one of the large regions, that made up the Free Lands, and its corn chamber - rolling fields and streets winding through them, small towns and villages, the occassional farmstead and rivers glittering in the rising sun, small forests on the ground as well...

As the plane decended over Cuan and the pilot brought the throttles back to idle, Micky found Zoe shaking her gently by the shoulder,
"wake up Micky" she said, prompting a groan off Micky who then rubbed her eyes
"where are we?" she asked
"Cuan, look down there, the festival seems to be getting under way"

Micky looked out of the window, "jousting?, seriously" she said with a little bit of mild surprise.

As the plane flew in, the sun glinted off the solar panels of the large semi truck in the square, and then the engines went quiet as they were throttled all the way back for the plane to gently kiss the river,
"well its been a pleasure talking to you" said Zoe to the passenger she had been nattering to, "From here we are at the festival, and might take a railway back to the town where we berthed this morning"

Micky and Zoe let the woman and the family get off the plane first before getting off themselves, climbing onto the float then stepping onto the wooden jetty,
"Which way Zo?" enquired Micky
"that way I think, there's a food stall in the square and I am hungry, gotta get a bite to eat, this way!" she said, taking a lead as she climbed up from the jetty onto the main hard standing above the river.

"Depends on the band playing.", the man replied with a smile, seeing his fish getting ready, "Granted, they usually do Selkie Dance or Jazz, but a few night ago, they also had Selkie-Rock there. And if there's no band, there's usually someone jamming."
No one mentioned to them, that while Star Lynxes indeed were felines, they were not house cats.
As the plane passed overhead, quite a few heads turned. "Someone note that registry down.", the police officer called and fumbled for his radio, "That guy's way off the usual approach paths."

Cuan, it should be noted, not only had food offered near the Petting Zoo and in the inns. Basically every backery, confectionary shop and food shop had the doors open or even a small stall outside of the shop, delicious smells wafting through the morning air as the first people began to fill the streets.
However, as someone left the seaplane port, one came out by the Eastern City Gate, the towers and the wall still standing and reminding people of a far more complicated time, where the Free Lands hadn't been as safe as they were now. Colourful banners proclaimed proudly, that the visitor was indeed in Cuan. Outside the walls, the buildings were less urban then inside, but that was the only major difference.
But there was a large crowd in front of the gate, the street kept free by sentries of the City Militia in armour, half-cuirasses and pauldrons and greaves reacing from the knees to the heavy boots, large tassets attached to the sides of the hips. They, carrying heavy swords at their sides and lances in their hands, waited for someone, as did an older gentleman standing in front of the gate on horseback, two similarly armed horsemen, although upon closer inspection, one of the horsemen, carrying a pennon in red and white on the lance, was a horsewoman, at his sides.
The crowd seemed to expect someone - and it was neither Micky nor Zoe.

[Krugeristan]

"Oh, don't blame yourself," Golahman said, "It's probably my fault. I should've asked earlier, but . . . we get caught up easily in conversations about ourselves and our experiences and . . . I talk a lot about my friendship . . . with you-know-who."

"You can call him by his name.", Fiona giggled, "He isn't Lord Voldemort - at least he wasn't last I checked."
With a jolt, the cart began to move, accompanied by the steady clopping of hooves on the pavement as the large wheels turned. Fiona smiled.
"Let's just say, that it never came up and neither of us are at fault.", she suggested.

Golahman tilted his head. "Who?"

Evanu looked up at his president. "The villain from Harry Potter, sir."

"Still don't know what you're talking about."

"Never mind." Evanu shrugged, drawing his legs up so he could rest his head on his knees.

Golahman looked at Fiona. "So, I was wondering . . . when you return from the parade . . . what you had in store for us?"

[Ru-]

Although Gwen received the glass-klinking with a smile, the charme of the knight was quite lost on her, she was happily married to the most wonderful man in her life.
While eating herself, she watched in awe, as her younger guest practically inhaled the food, finishing off his plate with a speed, that even her own children could not match on their best days. She, however, noted, that he seemed to enjoy his food immensely.
She also noted his reaction to her encouragement, his ambitiousness and his need to impress.
The Sergeant, too, enjoyed her breakfast, savouring every bite of her berry cake.
They finished around the same time. "Goodness.", Gwen said with a smile, "That hit the right spot... how did you two like it?"

Yoshio grinned! "Oh it was great! One of the better breakfasts I've had I'd say! Heh heh!" The white knight smiled as well. "I must say that I am impressed as well, who knew a simple meat and cheese dish could be so tasty?" Yoshio was about to go into greater detail about his favorite parts of the meal (the sausages were a likely choice) when he suddenly remembered something and began to wave his hands rapidly in a halting motion

"Oh! Oh! Wait, I almost forgot!" he smiled more calmly, "since we missed our chance to do it before the meal, would y'all mind if I led us in a small prayer to Cael to give thanks for breakfast?"

[The Selkie]

"You can call him by his name.", Fiona giggled, "He isn't Lord Voldemort - at least he wasn't last I checked."
With a jolt, the cart began to move, accompanied by the steady clopping of hooves on the pavement as the large wheels turned. Fiona smiled.
"Let's just say, that it never came up and neither of us are at fault.", she suggested.

Golahman tilted his head. "Who?"

Evanu looked up at his president. "The villain from Harry Potter, sir."

"Still don't know what you're talking about."

"Never mind." Evanu shrugged, drawing his legs up so he could rest his head on his knees.

Golahman looked at Fiona. "So, I was wondering . . . when you return from the parade . . . what you had in store for us?"

Fiona smiled at the exchange - granted, she only knew the Harry Potter Novels due to learning English and she didn't think them to be the best of literature, especially the latter installments. Still, she smiled.
"Well, after the Opening, I wanted to introduce you to a breeder of Black Foxes, so that you can get an idea of the kind of animal I think, that would suit Mister Assad best.", she said with a smile, "Or we get breakfast first, if your stomachs want."

Although Gwen received the glass-klinking with a smile, the charme of the knight was quite lost on her, she was happily married to the most wonderful man in her life.
While eating herself, she watched in awe, as her younger guest practically inhaled the food, finishing off his plate with a speed, that even her own children could not match on their best days. She, however, noted, that he seemed to enjoy his food immensely.
She also noted his reaction to her encouragement, his ambitiousness and his need to impress.
The Sergeant, too, enjoyed her breakfast, savouring every bite of her berry cake.
They finished around the same time. "Goodness.", Gwen said with a smile, "That hit the right spot... how did you two like it?"

Yoshio grinned! "Oh it was great! One of the better breakfasts I've had I'd say! Heh heh!" The white knight smiled as well. "I must say that I am impressed as well, who knew a simple meat and cheese dish could be so tasty?" Yoshio was about to go into greater detail about his favorite parts of the meal (the sausages were a likely choice) when he suddenly remembered something and began to wave his hands rapidly in a halting motion

"Oh! Oh! Wait, I almost forgot!" he smiled more calmly, "since we missed our chance to do it before the meal, would y'all mind if I led us in a small prayer to Cael to give thanks for breakfast?"

Gwen smiled at the boy's enthusiasm about the meal, noting to herself, that the inn's cooking crew did an awesome job as usual. It had been delicious, simple, yes, but that was the best kind of delicious, if one asked her.
She nodded at the request for a prayer. "Go ahead, Yoshio.", she said and looked to the Sergeant, who rightened up as well. Cael might not have been one of their Gods, but he was a God to someone else, so showing respect was only decent, after all, the Selkie asked others to respect their Gods, too.
Gwen nodded her head and left the word to the young Ruvian King.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman tilted his head. "Who?"

Evanu looked up at his president. "The villain from Harry Potter, sir."

"Still don't know what you're talking about."

"Never mind." Evanu shrugged, drawing his legs up so he could rest his head on his knees.

Golahman looked at Fiona. "So, I was wondering . . . when you return from the parade . . . what you had in store for us?"

Fiona smiled at the exchange - granted, she only knew the Harry Potter Novels due to learning English and she didn't think them to be the best of literature, especially the latter installments. Still, she smiled.
"Well, after the Opening, I wanted to introduce you to a breeder of Black Foxes, so that you can get an idea of the kind of animal I think, that would suit Mister Assad best.", she said with a smile, "Or we get breakfast first, if your stomachs want."

Golahman looked at Evanu. "What do you think? Breakfast or breeder first?"

Evanu shrugged. "It'd be a good idea for you to have something before you pass out, sir."

"Right." Golahman glanced at Fiona. "We'll go to a breeder first."

[AHSCA]

The three women smiled. "Your best friend, eh?", Viola said with a nod, "But you are quite correct for your age: Boys are silly. We know many examples of them and all of them are that... but then, there'll be a time, when they aren't. The one, who's the silliest, though, has the most cooties!"
There were smiles all around as the three looked at each. "Now then...", Ava said and bowed her head in gratitude. "It was a fun to talk to you two, but I'm afraid, that we need to get going. Dress sharply, lassies, we're going out today!"
"Yes, Ava!", the two replied with smiles and stood up, the Fire Fennek jumping down from the lap with practiced ease. He went to Mamiko's side and looked up to her.
"He wants to say goodbye.", Viola instructed, "Hold out your hand to him."

"Oh yes we shouldn't keep you any longer."

"Okay" Mamiko extended her hand "Such a good little Fe-nn-eeek" she remembered to the extent. "Bye bye you cute thing! Have fun outside today! I will too."

Once the ladies had left company Kumiko and her daughter began to finish up their dining and were ready to head out on the town themselves. "Mama, what are cooties?"

"Hehe it's silly little game children like you play in some places usually boys and girls. Nothing to worry about it. Well you and I need to maybe start exploring a little more. After all can't come all this way without some adventure!"

"Mhm. But I think you're right I should put on my zori."

"That's a good idea, as much as I love you dear, you are getting a bit too big for me to carry around anymore. Why since we left I think you shot up another couple centimeters"

"Wow think I'm gonna be super big!?"

"Just maybe we'll see." a small stop at their room Mamiko traded her geta for her zori and mother and daughter headed from the inn to see a little more of the town.

"Wonder if we'll see those nice ladies again?"

"Mm I do hope so, it's nice to have some friendly folks to talk with."

"Oooh this place is so pretty!"

"I like it plenty too."

"Oh look mama" Mamiko practically dragged her mother along to see another sight "Easy, sweetheart easy now."

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
Approaching South Cuan

"I don't see why not," Samuel replied. "There is so much of your country I have yet to experience. Besides, I suppose I have plenty of time anyway to enjoy your culture." I just hope the guys in the Spirit can handle themselves, he thought to himself. For one thing, they were well-supplied; they stocked up on provisions a whole week before going underway. Even if that wasn't the case, Samuel had a shopping list saved in his phone, and a wry thought began to develop. At that moment, he began wondering how the crew would like some goods from Selkie.

Michael Ybañez
Indomitable Spirit

"How are we on supplies?" Michael asked.

"We should be well-stocked for the stopover up until we go underway; knowing the Boss, I suspect he's probably thinking of what supplies we'll need for the return trip," his first officer replied, fishing out his own cigarette as he spoke.

"You heard what I told the Boss, if you're gonna light up, do it outside. Can't have Harbor Control go apeshit again, can we?"

"Fine, Mike; you got me." The first officer then turned around and made a beeline for the door. Once he was in an open air part of the yacht, he lit up his cigarette and took a long drag, admiring the other yachts docked around the harbor.

[The Selkie]

Golahman looked at Evanu. "What do you think? Breakfast or breeder first?"

Evanu shrugged. "It'd be a good idea for you to have something before you pass out, sir."

"Right." Golahman glanced at Fiona. "We'll go to a breeder first."

Fiona smiled. "The Breeder.", she corrected, "Quite literally as he is one of the most renown breeders in the Free Lands and one of the best, if not the best. He wrote some of the most current standard works on the subject. While he usually breeds horses, the sacrafice for today is one of his, he took up breeding foxes as well. His name is Liam Tógálaí of the Tribe of Wicklow."
Her smile got a bit melancholic.
"He and I go way back... his family and mine are connected by relationship over a cousin of mine and to some extend work by Gabha Sports Equipment, you see, so it might appear as if he was hitting on me.", Fiona said and glanced back and forth between the two men, "I'll give a signal if it gets awkward."

The three women smiled. "Your best friend, eh?", Viola said with a nod, "But you are quite correct for your age: Boys are silly. We know many examples of them and all of them are that... but then, there'll be a time, when they aren't. The one, who's the silliest, though, has the most cooties!"
There were smiles all around as the three looked at each. "Now then...", Ava said and bowed her head in gratitude. "It was a fun to talk to you two, but I'm afraid, that we need to get going. Dress sharply, lassies, we're going out today!"
"Yes, Ava!", the two replied with smiles and stood up, the Fire Fennek jumping down from the lap with practiced ease. He went to Mamiko's side and looked up to her.
"He wants to say goodbye.", Viola instructed, "Hold out your hand to him."

"Oh yes we shouldn't keep you any longer."

"Okay" Mamiko extended her hand "Such a good little Fe-nn-eeek" she remembered to the extent. "Bye bye you cute thing! Have fun outside today! I will too."

Once the ladies had left company Kumiko and her daughter began to finish up their dining and were ready to head out on the town themselves. "Mama, what are cooties?"

"Hehe it's silly little game children like you play in some places usually boys and girls. Nothing to worry about it. Well you and I need to maybe start exploring a little more. After all can't come all this way without some adventure!"

"Mhm. But I think you're right I should put on my zori."

"That's a good idea, as much as I love you dear, you are getting a bit too big for me to carry around anymore. Why since we left I think you shot up another couple centimeters"

"Wow think I'm gonna be super big!?"

"Just maybe we'll see." a small stop at their room Mamiko traded her geta for her zori and mother and daughter headed from the inn to see a little more of the town.

"Wonder if we'll see those nice ladies again?"

"Mm I do hope so, it's nice to have some friendly folks to talk with."

"Oooh this place is so pretty!"

"I like it plenty too."

"Oh look mama" Mamiko practically dragged her mother along to see another sight "Easy, sweetheart easy now."

The Fennek had licked Mamiko's hand as a goodbye, he had been really fond of her and hoped, that they could see each other again, soon. The other women bade their goodbyes and wishes for a fun day as well.
Cuan was not without reason called Pearl of Lodan Lir and as it was decent for the Pearl of a God, it was a beautiful city. Houses of timber and stone, solid and good, were in the clear majority, if not the only houses built in the city.
The people, too, were friendly, as the streets slowly filled up with people, smiling at the excited little girl - and then there were other children, too, who watched the two in their foreign, yet very unknown dresses as well.
One of the people watching them with amused smiles, a bit reminded of themselves, was a blonde young woman, golden eyes shimmering with amusement as the little daughter dragged her mother along. Her blonde hair was in two braids, a few loose strands framing her face, yet all eyes being caught by the bow in her hair, which stood up like a red pair of bunny ears. She herself was clad in armour, a sturdy long doublet, which reached down to the middle of her upper legs, the rest being covered by long stockings and heavy boots, while her arms were protected by vambraces of bronze. There was a belt around her hips, which carried a big pouch. On her shoulders was a kind of pauldrons usually used in shows, net-pauldrons with a, as the name suggested, net of metal straps instead of a plate of armour.
Red reins of a large, brown horse were in her hands, a stallion, who looked at the world with intelligent brown eyes, armoured himself, although less then his mistress on his back, the most outstanding piece being his chamfron and the wings at the end, protecting the ears.
The blonde grinned, as she passed them in a slow trot as to not startle anyone.

Samuel Cui
Approaching South Cuan

"I don't see why not," Samuel replied. "There is so much of your country I have yet to experience. Besides, I suppose I have plenty of time anyway to enjoy your culture." I just hope the guys in the Spirit can handle themselves, he thought to himself. For one thing, they were well-supplied; they stocked up on provisions a whole week before going underway. Even if that wasn't the case, Samuel had a shopping list saved in his phone, and a wry thought began to develop. At that moment, he began wondering how the crew would like some goods from Selkie.

Michael Ybañez
Indomitable Spirit

"How are we on supplies?" Michael asked.

"We should be well-stocked for the stopover up until we go underway; knowing the Boss, I suspect he's probably thinking of what supplies we'll need for the return trip," his first officer replied, fishing out his own cigarette as he spoke.

"You heard what I told the Boss, if you're gonna light up, do it outside. Can't have Harbor Control go apeshit again, can we?"

"Fine, Mike; you got me." The first officer then turned around and made a beeline for the door. Once he was in an open air part of the yacht, he lit up his cigarette and took a long drag, admiring the other yachts docked around the harbor.

In Beal, things were calm again - having a radio operator of an incoming boat cough over radio was a bit of a startling moment, but it was better to be safe then sorry.
The marina was calm, a few fishing boats, mostly small Seol-Type boats, but also one Majestic-class Boat, being bound to the quays, as well as a few yachts along the way... that was, until one spotted a caravel, the Gaoth, a sailing vessel in the services of the University of Wembury, her small crew preparing her to bring her home to the other city. She was a two-masted vessel, lanteen sails in white, her hull of good and solid wood, the flag proudly telling everyone, that she indeed belonged to the City of Wembury.
Yet, while the Gaoth was a vessel build like on older times, that was far from her only use. There was a small weather radar on one of her masts, as well as a dipping sonar at her stern, plus a weather station, which collected data whereever the vessel went.
All in all, she was a bit of a sight to see.

On the train to Cuan, Kiah smiled. "That's awesome!", she cheered and was joyous, that Cui would like to enjoy Selkie-hospitality. "We'll be there in a jiffy!"
And that they indeed were a few minutes later - South Cuan was their destination, the train stopping at the terminus-part of the large station. It was not an impressive station, a building build of red bricks and arching up to a glass ceiling above their heads, while the platform was of simple stone. Benches were on the platform itself, with people waiting and many already standing up to receive friends, family, colleagues and others.
With a smile, Kiah stood up as soon as the train came to a stop, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Alright, Mister Cui, welcome to Cuan!", she said with a grin, straightening her school uniform with a smile, and motioned for him to follow her.
There was a certain, happy swing to her hips as she stepped out to the gangway.

[AHSCA]

The Fennek had licked Mamiko's hand as a goodbye, he had been really fond of her and hoped, that they could see each other again, soon. The other women bade their goodbyes and wishes for a fun day as well.
Cuan was not without reason called Pearl of Lodan Lir and as it was decent for the Pearl of a God, it was a beautiful city. Houses of timber and stone, solid and good, were in the clear majority, if not the only houses built in the city.
The people, too, were friendly, as the streets slowly filled up with people, smiling at the excited little girl - and then there were other children, too, who watched the two in their foreign, yet very unknown dresses as well.
One of the people watching them with amused smiles, a bit reminded of themselves, was a blonde young woman, golden eyes shimmering with amusement as the little daughter dragged her mother along. Her blonde hair was in two braids, a few loose strands framing her face, yet all eyes being caught by the bow in her hair, which stood up like a red pair of bunny ears. She herself was clad in armour, a sturdy long doublet, which reached down to the middle of her upper legs, the rest being covered by long stockings and heavy boots, while her arms were protected by vambraces of bronze. There was a belt around her hips, which carried a big pouch. On her shoulders was a kind of pauldrons usually used in shows, net-pauldrons with a, as the name suggested, net of metal straps instead of a plate of armour.
Red reins of a large, brown horse were in her hands, a stallion, who looked at the world with intelligent brown eyes, armoured himself, although less then his mistress on his back, the most outstanding piece being his chamfron and the wings at the end, protecting the ears.
The blonde grinned, as she passed them in a slow trot as to not startle anyone.

Suddenly Mamiko's eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful stallion "Wow! Look mama a horsey a horsey!"

'Aah easy sweet" she still was getting pulled along by her little one who was bustling with energy "yes it is be careful now. I only hope you don't want one as well"

"Silly mama I know we couldn't have a horsey!" Mamiko giggled when she stopped to take a good look at the trotting animal "Wow this place has all kinds of animals doesn't it!?"

"It sure does."

[Aurora Confederacy]

"Depends on the band playing.", the man replied with a smile, seeing his fish getting ready, "Granted, they usually do Selkie Dance or Jazz, but a few night ago, they also had Selkie-Rock there. And if there's no band, there's usually someone jamming."
No one mentioned to them, that while Star Lynxes indeed were felines, they were not house cats.
As the plane passed overhead, quite a few heads turned. "Someone note that registry down.", the police officer called and fumbled for his radio, "That guy's way off the usual approach paths."

Cuan, it should be noted, not only had food offered near the Petting Zoo and in the inns. Basically every backery, confectionary shop and food shop had the doors open or even a small stall outside of the shop, delicious smells wafting through the morning air as the first people began to fill the streets.
However, as someone left the seaplane port, one came out by the Eastern City Gate, the towers and the wall still standing and reminding people of a far more complicated time, where the Free Lands hadn't been as safe as they were now. Colourful banners proclaimed proudly, that the visitor was indeed in Cuan. Outside the walls, the buildings were less urban then inside, but that was the only major difference.
But there was a large crowd in front of the gate, the street kept free by sentries of the City Militia in armour, half-cuirasses and pauldrons and greaves reacing from the knees to the heavy boots, large tassets attached to the sides of the hips. They, carrying heavy swords at their sides and lances in their hands, waited for someone, as did an older gentleman standing in front of the gate on horseback, two similarly armed horsemen, although upon closer inspection, one of the horsemen, carrying a pennon in red and white on the lance, was a horsewoman, at his sides.
The crowd seemed to expect someone - and it was neither Micky nor Zoe.

Micky stopped in front of the mounted officers and turned to face Zoe, "hey wifey..." she shouts, adopting a pose that when the pic is taken will look like she's trying to push the horse over and whilst doing this a rather fake grimace comes across her face as Zoe takes a picture and giggles. she is in fact about 3 feet in front of the horse and to the side but a clever but of photo editing later will bring out the photo. Afterwards Micky comes up to Zoe and puts her arm across her shoulder as Zoe shows Micky the photo.

"right Micky, coffee for you and food" and so it was that the two of them made their way to a stall,
"hey Micky, spot the plate on that semi over there", says Micky, pointing out the truck.
"yeah but the queue, and besides Ive had enough fish to last me a while, bugger that, some local meat i think"

As one of the officers leaves Gina and Robbie's stall, Zoe stops him, "Sir, what time is the opening ceremony, or have we missed it?" she asks

[The Selkie]

The Fennek had licked Mamiko's hand as a goodbye, he had been really fond of her and hoped, that they could see each other again, soon. The other women bade their goodbyes and wishes for a fun day as well.
Cuan was not without reason called Pearl of Lodan Lir and as it was decent for the Pearl of a God, it was a beautiful city. Houses of timber and stone, solid and good, were in the clear majority, if not the only houses built in the city.
The people, too, were friendly, as the streets slowly filled up with people, smiling at the excited little girl - and then there were other children, too, who watched the two in their foreign, yet very unknown dresses as well.
One of the people watching them with amused smiles, a bit reminded of themselves, was a blonde young woman, golden eyes shimmering with amusement as the little daughter dragged her mother along. Her blonde hair was in two braids, a few loose strands framing her face, yet all eyes being caught by the bow in her hair, which stood up like a red pair of bunny ears. She herself was clad in armour, a sturdy long doublet, which reached down to the middle of her upper legs, the rest being covered by long stockings and heavy boots, while her arms were protected by vambraces of bronze. There was a belt around her hips, which carried a big pouch. On her shoulders was a kind of pauldrons usually used in shows, net-pauldrons with a, as the name suggested, net of metal straps instead of a plate of armour.
Red reins of a large, brown horse were in her hands, a stallion, who looked at the world with intelligent brown eyes, armoured himself, although less then his mistress on his back, the most outstanding piece being his chamfron and the wings at the end, protecting the ears.
The blonde grinned, as she passed them in a slow trot as to not startle anyone.

Suddenly Mamiko's eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful stallion "Wow! Look mama a horsey a horsey!"

'Aah easy sweet" she still was getting pulled along by her little one who was bustling with energy "yes it is be careful now. I only hope you don't want one as well"

"Silly mama I know we couldn't have a horsey!" Mamiko giggled when she stopped to take a good look at the trotting animal "Wow this place has all kinds of animals doesn't it!?"

"It sure does."

The blonde on horseback turned her head and watched the girl, before she turned her mount and focussed onto the little girl with a smile. "His name is Eite.", she supplied and petted the back of the head of the large stallion, who gave a small neigh. "It means 'wing'."
She was careful to keep her horse under control, but as a calm and sturdy Selkie-Horse, he was not that much bothered by the excited girl. No one wanted an unfortunate accident.
"There's a petting zoo opening later, after the Spring Sacrafice.", she added with a smile at the excitement about all the animals living in the Free Lands. She extended her arm to the girl, winking at the woman. She would, provided with a good hold of the girl, pull her up into her saddle, something, which she did countless times before and hoped she could so countless times after that. "If you want, I can take you there!"

"Depends on the band playing.", the man replied with a smile, seeing his fish getting ready, "Granted, they usually do Selkie Dance or Jazz, but a few night ago, they also had Selkie-Rock there. And if there's no band, there's usually someone jamming."
No one mentioned to them, that while Star Lynxes indeed were felines, they were not house cats.
As the plane passed overhead, quite a few heads turned. "Someone note that registry down.", the police officer called and fumbled for his radio, "That guy's way off the usual approach paths."

Cuan, it should be noted, not only had food offered near the Petting Zoo and in the inns. Basically every backery, confectionary shop and food shop had the doors open or even a small stall outside of the shop, delicious smells wafting through the morning air as the first people began to fill the streets.
However, as someone left the seaplane port, one came out by the Eastern City Gate, the towers and the wall still standing and reminding people of a far more complicated time, where the Free Lands hadn't been as safe as they were now. Colourful banners proclaimed proudly, that the visitor was indeed in Cuan. Outside the walls, the buildings were less urban then inside, but that was the only major difference.
But there was a large crowd in front of the gate, the street kept free by sentries of the City Militia in armour, half-cuirasses and pauldrons and greaves reacing from the knees to the heavy boots, large tassets attached to the sides of the hips. They, carrying heavy swords at their sides and lances in their hands, waited for someone, as did an older gentleman standing in front of the gate on horseback, two similarly armed horsemen, although upon closer inspection, one of the horsemen, carrying a pennon in red and white on the lance, was a horsewoman, at his sides.
The crowd seemed to expect someone - and it was neither Micky nor Zoe.

Micky stopped in front of the mounted officers and turned to face Zoe, "hey wifey..." she shouts, adopting a pose that when the pic is taken will look like she's trying to push the horse over and whilst doing this a rather fake grimace comes across her face as Zoe takes a picture and giggles. she is in fact about 3 feet in front of the horse and to the side but a clever but of photo editing later will bring out the photo. Afterwards Micky comes up to Zoe and puts her arm across her shoulder as Zoe shows Micky the photo.

"right Micky, coffee for you and food" and so it was that the two of them made their way to a stall,
"hey Micky, spot the plate on that semi over there", says Micky, pointing out the truck.
"yeah but the queue, and besides Ive had enough fish to last me a while, bugger that, some local meat i think"

As one of the officers leaves Gina and Robbie's stall, Zoe stops him, "Sir, what time is the opening ceremony, or have we missed it?" she asks

None of the horsemen were that overjoyed about the shenanigans of the two, but that had to pass - they both needed to keep their mouths shut and concentrated. With the sound of a silver horn, they had to focus on other matters.
Down the road, a caravan of people came towards the gate, a procession of mounted and dismounted men and women, led by a dignified older woman of high authority, her pennon identifying her as the High Priestess of Lodan Lir. The Mayor and his escort greeted her personally.
Meanwhile, the officer looked back at the two. "Nine o'clock, so you still have a bit. Roundabout an hour."

[Krugeristan]

Golahman looked at Evanu. "What do you think? Breakfast or breeder first?"

Evanu shrugged. "It'd be a good idea for you to have something before you pass out, sir."

"Right." Golahman glanced at Fiona. "We'll go to a breeder first."

Fiona smiled. "The Breeder.", she corrected, "Quite literally as he is one of the most renown breeders in the Free Lands and one of the best, if not the best. He wrote some of the most current standard works on the subject. While he usually breeds horses, the sacrafice for today is one of his, he took up breeding foxes as well. His name is Liam Tógálaí of the Tribe of Wicklow."
Her smile got a bit melancholic.
"He and I go way back... his family and mine are connected by relationship over a cousin of mine and to some extend work by Gabha Sports Equipment, you see, so it might appear as if he was hitting on me.", Fiona said and glanced back and forth between the two men, "I'll give a signal if it gets awkward."

"Don't worry," Evanu replied. "I'll be sure to shoot his leg rather than his chest." He smiled, saying he was joking about the topic--much more different than Vershenov, who probably would not have been joking at all.

Golahman, for one, turned a sickly pale color, struggling to keep tears from rolling down his face.

[The Selkie]

"Don't worry," Evanu replied. "I'll be sure to shoot his leg rather than his chest." He smiled, saying he was joking about the topic--much more different than Vershenov, who probably would not have been joking at all.

Golahman, for one, turned a sickly pale color, struggling to keep tears from rolling down his face.

Fiona rubbed the leg of her boyfriend with a reassuring smile, kissing him on the cheek. Don't worry., it said, He can hit on me all he likes and I won't stray.
She made a note to warn the breeder rather early about his behaviour - or go down to business first thing, which was the thing, which banished such thoughts out of his brain.
Usually.
Most of the time.
She then turned to the Corporal, her hand still on Golahman's leg: "Sounds like a deal.", she said in a joking manner, well aware, that Vershenov would act differently.

[Krugeristan]

"Don't worry," Evanu replied. "I'll be sure to shoot his leg rather than his chest." He smiled, saying he was joking about the topic--much more different than Vershenov, who probably would not have been joking at all.

Golahman, for one, turned a sickly pale color, struggling to keep tears from rolling down his face.

Fiona rubbed the leg of her boyfriend with a reassuring smile, kissing him on the cheek. Don't worry., it said, He can hit on me all he likes and I won't stray.
She made a note to warn the breeder rather early about his behaviour - or go down to business first thing, which was the thing, which banished such thoughts out of his brain.
Usually.
Most of the time.
She then turned to the Corporal, her hand still on Golahman's leg: "Sounds like a deal.", she said in a joking manner, well aware, that Vershenov would act differently.

Evanu drew up his legs to rest his head on his knees, still smiling. "Speaking of fighting, ma'am . . . were you still planning on having a friendly match with President Assad? I've heard a few rumors about that, especially after you slapped the sack of bones at the Christmas party."

[Sceidan]

"Alrighty, understood! Since this is my first Free Lands Festival, I'm very excited. I have our whole set list lined up with some of my favorite songs from our recent album and some older ones. We're doing a few cover songs as well, so I hope the audience enjoys us! I try to project my energy onto the crowd and get them hyped up throughout the performance. It's proven to be very effective, but it's a bit easy since Metal is high-energy music." Akiko raised her head and popped her knuckles, looking up at Aingeal, since she was a bit shorter, and smiling.

Aingeal nodded.
"I certainly look forward to it!", she said, as the fiddlers on the stage finished with their pieces - like everyone else, she gave her approval by clapping and a big smile for the redhead. "I usually like to only play songs, which my fiddler and I like, so we always have fun with our music and the audience usually loves it. Granted, sometimes, I have to stray into foreign territory as part of my other job, but the experience is nice, too." She grinned. "Though if you think, that Metal is high-energy music, you never heard some of our wilder dances!"

"Maybe I'll hear some of them at this festival!" Akiko smiled and chuckled lightheartedly, continuing "As a musician, straying into foreign territory is one of the best things to do. That's what I love about the job, being able to verge so far off of your regular path yet still have people loving what you do. Sure, some people will dislike the change, but I love experimenting with new sounds, instruments, and styles. I've even collaborated with a few pop and electronic artists."

[Ru-]

Gwen smiled at the boy's enthusiasm about the meal, noting to herself, that the inn's cooking crew did an awesome job as usual. It had been delicious, simple, yes, but that was the best kind of delicious, if one asked her.
She nodded at the request for a prayer. "Go ahead, Yoshio.", she said and looked to the Sergeant, who rightened up as well. Cael might not have been one of their Gods, but he was a God to someone else, so showing respect was only decent, after all, the Selkie asked others to respect their Gods, too.
Gwen nodded her head and left the word to the young Ruvian King.

King Yoshio nodded back and closed his eyes, craning his head upwards with his arms outstretched, palms up. He looked peaceful. His knight joined him, mimicking the king's posture. And with a smile, King Yoshio began his prayer.

"He-who-dwells-above, almighty Cael, we thank you for the many joys and blessings you have given us, we thank you for the delicious meal we have enjoyed, the food that you provided us, and for the company of new friends. We pray for a successful spring festival and that it will please you, so your light will shine down upon it. We pray for health and happiness for everyone who will be joining us in celebration,"

he smirked wider "that we all may have a great time, laugh and be happy. With love we pray in your name. May your light shine on us all." he lowered his head back down and opened his eyes, moving his hand in a complicated motion in front of him before waving both hands to the side in a final, dismissive motion. The knight repeated the gesture, and just like that their prayer was over.

Yoshio clapped his hands together once. "Well! Now that that's outta the way, what should we do now, guys?" he smiled from one side of the group to the other.