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

[Sceidan]

Curiosity was in the eyes of the two Selkie as Akiko's bandmates arrived, some of which seemed like rather interesting personalities. Out of respect, the two of them made a step back, giving them a bit of privacy, just as Ard was allowed to play another song for soundcheck, the technician said something about making it really sure.
The two Selkie turned to the stage, as the group began with a happy, but energetic song in their tongue... about a Marcach riding to victory, being a Champion for a pretty maiden, the tone changing slightly to a more darker tone, as the Champion indeed won the tournament, only so that the listener found out, that the woman he was a Champion for had perished quite some time ago, he winning for her sake anyway.
It was one of the many tragic stories the Selkie knew.
Aingeal whispered to Ayden: "Sometimes I ask myself, if they sing these songs only to mess with international audiences..." The redhead snorted in amusement.

After some talking, the band turn back to the stage to watch Ard. Of course, the Sceidanese understand none of it. Most Sceidanese only understand English and Sceidanese as their languages, so they're at a loss to what the song is about, however, they enjoy the instrumentation nonetheless. Two of the guitarists of Necrosis talk between themselves about Ard's guitar work, praising it, while Akiko lightly bobs her head and dances to the music, a happy smile spread across her face.

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
Teach Ósta

Samuel chuckled at the suggestion that he was Kiah's boyfriend. "I'm old enough to be her father, if you ask me," he then added. "No offense.

"Kiah suggested this place because it has a good selection of breakfast choices; to be honest, I could use a good breakfast. Any recommendations?" He then pushed a protruding cigar down the pocket.

"Don't mind the cigar, I'm not in the mood for a smoke."

[Criska]

Mona turned back with a small smile on her lips. She was not directly uncomfortable, but she was afraid, that she might intrude into anything.
Nora smiled and sat down as well, carefully, Srol sitting down at her side, turned to the room in order to see - and counteract - any threat that might arise. She smiled at her protector, scratching him behind the ear.
She turned to say something to Lukas, who was indeed staring out of the window in thought... she watched him, a serene smile on her face and one hand on her growing stomach, having already ordered her breakfast.
As he turned back, she smiled. "A Gil for your thoughts...", she said.
Mona envied them a bit, too. She, too, wanted someone to love her as unconditionally as they did each other... but that was impossible.

"Terrified in a way." He replied as he began to cut another bite from his omelet. "Technically, I am a father, but I have never actually been one. I had no part in raising the daughter I have...Hell, I don't think she even knows I am." He muttered the last, more so to himself then anyone else. He took the cut piece of omelet and ate hit, chewing slowly, as he looked at Nora and did his best to smile. He loved her, but this was a sensitive subject for him, as Gwen had found out in Criska.

[The Selkie]

"Yes, that's still a go. I . . . I think that'll be more important than breakfast," Golahman said. "Plus, I'd like to have breakfast with Fiona."

Evanu was noting that the thumping of music had stopped, only to begin again a short while later by something more foreign and displeasing to Evanu's sensitive ears. He had been a game hunter since he was young, and utilized that to sniping upon joining the military. The discipline of hunting, plus the intense training in the army had allowed him to hear things louder. The language he was hearing didn't sound like Selkie, but it was too distant for him to judge it effectively. He whispered what he was hearing to Golahman.

"If it becomes a problem," Golahman whispered back, "I will say something, alright?" He turned back to Celina and Glynn. "First, we'll go to the breeder."

If it becomes a problem, you'll get earmuffs!, Glynn thought with a smile as he turned back to Celina with a nod, "Well, there you have it."
The girl nodded, her grin still in place. "And I know right the one - follow me!", she said with excitement in her voice and turned. Glynn followed her with a smile as they walked down the square in a leisure tempo so that no one lost the other, down one of the main roads, busy with a bit of a hustle and bustle.
The young man kept himself close to Golahman, not out of personal affection - while he did think, that he was nice, that was mostly Fiona's thing - but out of the simple fact, that they were in quite a bit of a crowd. He had talked to the girl beforehand, so she knew to prefer the more obscure routes to the main streets and just as he wanted to remind her in Selkie, she did herself.
A few seconds later, they were in a far quieter, emptier side-street. Celina let them close the gaps as they walked, a slightly happy skip in her step... and a certain swing to her step, graceful like a large feline. She smiled at the two Krugeristanis. "So... why the Black Fox especially?", she asked.

One of the customers remaining, hearing the conversation between the two, couldn't help but comment: "Lassie, that wasn't the Opening Ceremony. That was just welcoming the High Priestess here in lovely Cuan."
He grinned and handed his money for his purchase over. "Don't worry, happens to everybody."

Gina, meanwhile, found herself swept along with a crowd of people, clad in Geansai in all colours of the rainbow - thos knowledgeable in the matter could quickly identify the many different Tribes, sometimes even regional variations, and Cults worn by the people around them easily - and armour worn by both horsemen and dismounted people. Some, it should be noted, were contestants, others were militia or police, but a good chunk of them were also people, who had different things to do.
And there were the odd carts travelling to and from places, mostly with wares, but sometimes also with people on their back, mostly tourists, who snapped pictures and made videos like crazy.
More then one pet was on the street with their owner as well, sometimes something 'usual' by Selkie Standards, from Grey Wolves to Guarding Foxes, and sometimes something more exotic, even by Selkie Standards. One of them was a large, gecko-like creature, bipedal, mostly green with a red stomach. The hands were a pair of rather large claws, legs powerful and strong, together with its muscled body quite well suited to climb anything and everything, as well as to leap around. Three long, leafy blades were on its wrists each, while a large leaf-like appendage hung from its head.
The Dreapadóir stood guard by a young woman, tanned and a beauty of her people, long black hair in natural locks, a mane combed, but not styled, brown eyes and a sparkling behind them, who was talking with a young man she seemed to know as a friend, late twenties, black and white hair, a veritable mane on his head, red eyes sparkling with a certain warmth of familiarity as by his side, a Grey Wolf stood and had his tail swishing back and forth.
The two laughed about something or the other.

"oh, right" says Robbie, handing the customer his food and taking his payment, dropping the payment into the cash tray, which by now is getting quite heavy.

Gina on the other hand was enjoying her wander around the location, she is however due to the fact that she is using an artificial leg to get around, not walking that fast, she is also looking for a place to get a cane to make things a little easier on her, however the pets did remind her of home as her parents owned a cat many years ago but now, living practically in the cab of a truck as it will be a couple of months even before she and Robbie will be back home in Mi'Aza, would in Gina's mind not be fair on the cat, however she does have Robbie for companion.

Eventually, she came upon the gates to the festival ground itself, but as a marked trader for the festival, she simply waves her identity badge which has her photograph on and her trader number along with her name and the trading name that she is trading under, throws a couple of Gil into the donation pot and makes her way in, chances are however it may be that persons of "impared mobility", may be granted free access but its not something that Gina gives a second thought to, she has not got a blue badge and doesn't claim anything even though back home she could, instead she, like Robbie just get on with life and take what cards are handed to her in the proverbial poker game that is life.

Zoe and Michaela Mariner on the otherhand (yes selkie you got their names *slightly* wrong, "Quinn" is Zoe's Middle name, it is Zoe Quinn Mariner, whilst Michaela is Zoe's wife, hence Michaela Mariner ) are now making their way down to the waterfront looking to see if there are any events on, after all a festival in a river town in Zoe's mind has to have a water event, be it a kayak race, dragon boat race or even a barrel boat race.

Access to the Main Festival Grounds indeed was free, if one was impared or not, the small place with a donation box of the Cabhair Group only there to collect donations from passerbys. Ironically enough, several people, who usually spent her time selling warships and weapons and other military equipment were now collecting said donations with the same energy, if not more, then if they were selling their usual wares.
Her trader card being waved around was seen as more of a curiosity to them, as most kept their cards with their wares.
But that was another question... the main streets around the large, central Láir Square were the Main Festival Grounds, with the centre being the Láir Square itself. It was a large square, around four hectare, with a grassy centre, at which's edges the stands of the Tournament Field were erected, as well as one part behind it closed off for tourists as this was where the contestants of the Greyfox Cup rested and prepared.
The mood was good, there was a delicious smell of food in the air, coming from a few food vendors around them, but mainly from the Ropaire Inn, which just lit the grill in their garden and were sizzling the first pieces of meat. A lot of horses, many of them belonging to the High Priestess and her entourage, as well as a few others, were present, too.
There were also a lot of peddlers and stalls for other wares, amongst them two bowyers, who also operated a short testing range together, where archers tested their wares and tourists got a feeling for such a weapon, making more then the odd photo, three blacksmiths, who also offered armour, two poleturners, who were happy to supply the tournament with their lances, if need should arise, and a lot of other craftsmen. Quite a few also offered, besides toys and other wooden ware, canes, from simple ones with little decoration, over walking sticks to very intricate ones, all that the heart could desire.
Many people browsed them and more then the odd child, both young and old, spent their pocket money.

Where the Mór-River and the Cuas-River met to form the Imeall-River, though, there was no pause in rivermen traffic, not even for the Beginning of Spring. Riverships made their ways up and down the river, carrying wares and goods past the large city and its riverwalk, just like they did for centuries. While most of the barges had engines, most of them were of wood, too.
And then, there were the docks of Bád Industries, a company producing boats and similar small vessels, having opened their doors for the day to interested tourists. They were responsible for the Majestic-class Boats sold by SDY on their behalf, the Hjemland-class Sailing Vessels, actually build in Tipa and not in Cuan, as well as many other small boats and not-so-small boats produced both for the domestic and foreign markets.
At the riverwalk were far less people then at Bád, not expecting any larger event, which was a bit problematic anyway thanks to the seven bridges crossing the river in the general vincity, but that was no problem. It was calm and beautiful here as the few people here noted.
One was an odd pair, an old man on a cane with silver hair, a friendly, but stern looking gentleman, and a young woman with blue hair and steel-blue eyes in a dress, that belonged more to a dancer, a sword on her hip, a ribbon at its pommel and a similar one binding her hair into a ponytail. They walked slowly, arm in arm, but were silent, not uncomfortably so.
It was a familiar silence, making them look approachable.

After some talking, the band turn back to the stage to watch Ard. Of course, the Sceidanese understand none of it. Most Sceidanese only understand English and Sceidanese as their languages, so they're at a loss to what the song is about, however, they enjoy the instrumentation nonetheless. Two of the guitarists of Necrosis talk between themselves about Ard's guitar work, praising it, while Akiko lightly bobs her head and dances to the music, a happy smile spread across her face.

Ayden glanced over to Akiko and her group, smiling at their apparent approval, making his own known via clapping himself. Aingeal smiled and clapped, too.
The lead vocalist of Ard grinned and thanked the generous audience, looking towards the technician. He gave a nod. Everything was alright and the other group was ready, too.
They left the stage with their equipment as the system was configured for the next ones, a group of two drummers with Bodhráin, a kind of frame drums, a fiddler and a harpist, all clad in Geansais, wearing colours of different Tribes. The harpist was the only man of the group, carrying his large, triangular and wire-strung instrument with ease.
Damhsa has arrived.
"Right, people.", the fiddler spoke into the microphone, apparently not used to it, "We'll begin with something slow, so if anyone of the audience wants to dance with our tune, feel free to see it as a warm up. Pairs may form now."
He waited a bit, time, which Ayden used to nod to Aingeal and receive one in turn, before he took her hand and she his, walking a few steps forward to have room for the dance. They were not the only ones forming up, across the square, more then the odd couple formed, sometimes close, sometimes not so close, but Ayden and his partner were amongst the closest.
Warm-Up by Damhsa usually meant a Selkie-Waltz.

Samuel Cui
Teach Ósta

Samuel chuckled at the suggestion that he was Kiah's boyfriend. "I'm old enough to be her father, if you ask me," he then added. "No offense.

"Kiah suggested this place because it has a good selection of breakfast choices; to be honest, I could use a good breakfast. Any recommendations?" He then pushed a protruding cigar down the pocket.

"Don't mind the cigar, I'm not in the mood for a smoke."

The waitress grinned at Kiah, who still blushed. "You came to the right place, then, we ignore cigars and have a breakfast, which you will remember for a lot of time to come, Sir!", she boasted with a grin, letting go of her friend and stepping back a step, bowing her head formally with a smile. "Welcome to the Teach Ósta, Sir and Miss. Allow me to offer you a table or any other of our sevices."
She motioned for them to follow her, a swing to her hips, which was only emphasized by her Geansai's skirt, swinging back and forth.
One of the alcove tables was their's, a long, rounded couch winding around the table's half close to the wall. It looked comfortable and with a smile, Kiah sat down dignifiedly, Cosantóir taking a seat by her feet, looking up at the waitress.
"Well, then... the recommendation of the House.", the waitress said with a smile, handing them two menus, Kiah more pro forma and Cui because he most likely needed it: "The Full-Course Breakfast, with all belonging to it. Porridge, eggs roasted from both sides, battered sausages, or battered fish, if you are more so inclined, fat from frying and bread, as well as a tea or lemonade. For the more figure-aware people, we offer bread, butter and plates of cheese and ham, fresh from the producers. For vegetarians, salads and fruit bowls." She smiled, glancing over to Kiah. "For those with sweet teeth, we also have a fresh helping of Maith in the back."
She saw, to her utmost amusement, that Kaih perked up considerably.

Mona turned back with a small smile on her lips. She was not directly uncomfortable, but she was afraid, that she might intrude into anything.
Nora smiled and sat down as well, carefully, Srol sitting down at her side, turned to the room in order to see - and counteract - any threat that might arise. She smiled at her protector, scratching him behind the ear.
She turned to say something to Lukas, who was indeed staring out of the window in thought... she watched him, a serene smile on her face and one hand on her growing stomach, having already ordered her breakfast.
As he turned back, she smiled. "A Gil for your thoughts...", she said.
Mona envied them a bit, too. She, too, wanted someone to love her as unconditionally as they did each other... but that was impossible.

"Terrified in a way." He replied as he began to cut another bite from his omelet. "Technically, I am a father, but I have never actually been one. I had no part in raising the daughter I have...Hell, I don't think she even knows I am." He muttered the last, more so to himself then anyone else. He took the cut piece of omelet and ate hit, chewing slowly, as he looked at Nora and did his best to smile. He loved her, but this was a sensitive subject for him, as Gwen had found out in Criska.

Mona, seeing that the conversation turned very serious, kept her mouth shut, but she saw, that the subject was sensitive to Major Praeton.
Nora, on the other hand, looked at Lukas with a calm smile. "You will be an excellent father, I'm sure of it. Don't worry... you are as nervous as Finn was, when he saw me with my tummy getting bigger and bigger." She gave a sad smile, before she giggled, a slight bit forlorn. "Look at us two, Lukas... all doom, gloom and worry on a day of celebration, when we should be celbrating the Rebirth of Life and the Equinox! Let us celebrate it together, us two and the little one and Gwenny." She leaned over and kissed him onto the lips. "Let's worry about the future when it's here!"

[Krugeristan]

"Yes, that's still a go. I . . . I think that'll be more important than breakfast," Golahman said. "Plus, I'd like to have breakfast with Fiona."

Evanu was noting that the thumping of music had stopped, only to begin again a short while later by something more foreign and displeasing to Evanu's sensitive ears. He had been a game hunter since he was young, and utilized that to sniping upon joining the military. The discipline of hunting, plus the intense training in the army had allowed him to hear things louder. The language he was hearing didn't sound like Selkie, but it was too distant for him to judge it effectively. He whispered what he was hearing to Golahman.

"If it becomes a problem," Golahman whispered back, "I will say something, alright?" He turned back to Celina and Glynn. "First, we'll go to the breeder."

If it becomes a problem, you'll get earmuffs!, Glynn thought with a smile as he turned back to Celina with a nod, "Well, there you have it."
The girl nodded, her grin still in place. "And I know right the one - follow me!", she said with excitement in her voice and turned. Glynn followed her with a smile as they walked down the square in a leisure tempo so that no one lost the other, down one of the main roads, busy with a bit of a hustle and bustle.
The young man kept himself close to Golahman, not out of personal affection - while he did think, that he was nice, that was mostly Fiona's thing - but out of the simple fact, that they were in quite a bit of a crowd. He had talked to the girl beforehand, so she knew to prefer the more obscure routes to the main streets and just as he wanted to remind her in Selkie, she did herself.
A few seconds later, they were in a far quieter, emptier side-street. Celina let them close the gaps as they walked, a slightly happy skip in her step... and a certain swing to her step, graceful like a large feline. She smiled at the two Krugeristanis. "So... why the Black Fox especially?", she asked.

"Fiona suggested it," Golahman said. "I don't know why she suggested it, but it was primarily because she said Tines aren't suitable for dry climates, and that's where . . . you-know--"

Evanu gave Golahman an elbow to the ribs.

"Ow! Where Assad lives."

[Ru-]

The Sergeant opened her heavy uniform jacket a bit, reveiling a red, form fitting shirt underneath it, just before Yoshio entered again. She smiled at the child, giving him a toast.
If one asked her, he looked too cute, packed up like that.
"Looking good, searrach!", she said, before she bit her tongue, "I'm sorry, Sir, that slipped out on accident and..." She rubbed the back of her head. "It's customary amongst the Selkie to call a child searrach, it means foal, and, well... I'm sorry."
She was, by now, very flustered, looking at the young King as she was raised.

King Yoshio giggled at the remark. The knight looked over at her in response to her apology, and seeing how flustered she was over it, he was about to try and say something reassuring when the little king interupted him, blurting out "Nah, hee hee! It's ok! I actually really like it!"

Larra smiled a bit and shrugged "Well, there you have it. He is the boss when it comes to such things." Ruvian formality and rules of ettiqute were for when the king was in public or had an audience, the knight thought to himself, the Ruvians were privately a very informal people. It was just the three of them in this room at the moment so the situation called for less formality and more warmth.

He was also pleased that she gave what seemed to be a very affectionate title so freely. White knights did not need to like thier king to perform thier duties, they were honor bound by thier sacred vows. However she merely had her name pulled from a lottery. It put his mind at ease that she was personally fond of Yoshio, it would keep her as dedicated as he was.

Yoshio asked if they would be heading out soon but Larra, seeing that his partner had just finished getting comfortable distracted Yoshio by offering him a drink. "Here, majesty, you like apple juice right? Well then you simply must give this a try." The lad was indeed intrigued and accepted the offer happily. Larra smiled and poured.

[AHSCA]

The blonde reached down, her hands leaving the reins - she was good enough to control her steed with her legs and keeping him calm and steady - and grabbed the girl by her shoulders before lifting her up, carefully as if she was handling an antique vase.
The people around them smiled, giggled and more then the odd photo was taken of the scene, especially as the girl was seated in front of the young horsewoman, slinging one arm around her waist to steady her, the other with the reins.
The blonde grinned. "Like the view?", she asked the girl as she commanded her steed to begin a slow trot.

"Oooooh" she was amazed and marveled "It's amazing! Look how much you can see just around. This horsey is even bigger than my mama"

[Military Democracy of Birtonia]

Mr. & Mrs. Dawnshir
Rail Station

---

The Imperial woman produced a rectangular smart phone from her purse, a shining gray square with a large camera on its rear, in the center of the back was a jet black Imperial Eagle, signifying its ownership being the Imperium. Veronica took a couple of pictures with the girl and her beautiful animal, before checking them and making sure they were all satisfactory. Quickly, she put it away and diverted her attention back to the young girl in front of her, eagerly listening to her answers of her own questions from earlier.

"Pleasure to meet you Mona, I'm Veronica" she said sincerely, offering her hand to shake, "Darling, did you hear, they have tribes here!"

It was at this time that Victor stood abruptly, buttoning the middle button on his coat, tipping his glasses down and winking at the ticket agent before moving to the Dawnshirs, he touched Robert on the shoulder and spoke in a neutral tone, "My lord, the train is arriving" he said as he motioned towards the platform, a long train with many passenger cars braking quickly.

"Mona, will you be going to the Festival in Cuan?" inquired Veronica as they gathered their bags.

[The Selkie]

"Fiona suggested it," Golahman said. "I don't know why she suggested it, but it was primarily because she said Tines aren't suitable for dry climates, and that's where . . . you-know--"

Evanu gave Golahman an elbow to the ribs.

"Ow! Where Assad lives."

Celina giggled at the exchange, but smiled. "It's nice, that you are considering to get a pet for your friend.", she said with a smile, "But let me tell you, Black Foxes are mischievous little buggers..."
Glynn nodded in confirmation, Black Foxes indeed could be mischievous and quite a handful, if no strong hand was provided, but they were also cuddly to those they liked, or at least to those, who fed them.
"By their full name, though, they are called the Little Black Fox, though.", Celina told the guests, "Anyway, I heard, that you had a lot of cats and a young Tine, Mister Golahman, but what about you, Sir?" She glanced at Evanu, before she smiled a bit sheepishly. "I am allowed to talk to you, right?"

The Sergeant opened her heavy uniform jacket a bit, reveiling a red, form fitting shirt underneath it, just before Yoshio entered again. She smiled at the child, giving him a toast.
If one asked her, he looked too cute, packed up like that.
"Looking good, searrach!", she said, before she bit her tongue, "I'm sorry, Sir, that slipped out on accident and..." She rubbed the back of her head. "It's customary amongst the Selkie to call a child searrach, it means foal, and, well... I'm sorry."
She was, by now, very flustered, looking at the young King as she was raised.

King Yoshio giggled at the remark. The knight looked over at her in response to her apology, and seeing how flustered she was over it, he was about to try and say something reassuring when the little king interupted him, blurting out "Nah, hee hee! It's ok! I actually really like it!"

Larra smiled a bit and shrugged "Well, there you have it. He is the boss when it comes to such things." Ruvian formality and rules of ettiqute were for when the king was in public or had an audience, the knight thought to himself, the Ruvians were privately a very informal people. It was just the three of them in this room at the moment so the situation called for less formality and more warmth.

He was also pleased that she gave what seemed to be a very affectionate title so freely. White knights did not need to like thier king to perform thier duties, they were honor bound by thier sacred vows. However she merely had her name pulled from a lottery. It put his mind at ease that she was personally fond of Yoshio, it would keep her as dedicated as he was.

Yoshio asked if they would be heading out soon but Larra, seeing that his partner had just finished getting comfortable distracted Yoshio by offering him a drink. "Here, majesty, you like apple juice right? Well then you simply must give this a try." The lad was indeed intrigued and accepted the offer happily. Larra smiled and poured.

The Sergeant gave a relieved smile, petting the couch next to her - indicating to Yoshio, that if he wanted to sit next to her, he would be welcome to. Truth was, the Blue Dress always made her uncomfortable.
She was a Ranger for a reason and that was not because she looked cute in the uniform or something. There were others, who took better care of that, General Niochan's Aide-de-Camp for example, the well-known Finny.
One day, she thought as she watched both Larra and Yoshio, the young King would be a breaker of many girl's hearts. For now, though, he was a little boy.

"Oooooh" she was amazed and marveled "It's amazing! Look how much you can see just around. This horsey is even bigger than my mama"

The blonde smiled and giggled, especially as another horseman pulled up besides them, a brown-haired man in full armour, a tree of a man on the back of an equally large horse, both of which easily dwarfed the blonde and her steed, a lance in one hand, pointed into the sky with a small pennon on it.
He grinned. "Oh, there are bigger horses around, searrach!", he told her and the blonde nodded in agreement, before he addressed Mamiko's mother, extending his other arm, "If you want, Ma'am, I can take you along to the Petting Zoo. You don't have to walk all the way, after all!"

Mr. & Mrs. Dawnshir
Rail Station

---

The Imperial woman produced a rectangular smart phone from her purse, a shining gray square with a large camera on its rear, in the center of the back was a jet black Imperial Eagle, signifying its ownership being the Imperium. Veronica took a couple of pictures with the girl and her beautiful animal, before checking them and making sure they were all satisfactory. Quickly, she put it away and diverted her attention back to the young girl in front of her, eagerly listening to her answers of her own questions from earlier.

"Pleasure to meet you Mona, I'm Veronica" she said sincerely, offering her hand to shake, "Darling, did you hear, they have tribes here!"

It was at this time that Victor stood abruptly, buttoning the middle button on his coat, tipping his glasses down and winking at the ticket agent before moving to the Dawnshirs, he touched Robert on the shoulder and spoke in a neutral tone, "My lord, the train is arriving" he said as he motioned towards the platform, a long train with many passenger cars braking quickly.

"Mona, will you be going to the Festival in Cuan?" inquired Veronica as they gathered their bags.

For the photoes, Mona petted her companion on the shoulder once after the first had been taken, with him in her lap, he understanding the signal, getting up and looking like a dignified predator, stout protector and a few other things, before, for the end, Mona treated her newfound friends to a special photo opportunity: She softly took her companion's chin and turned his head, before she, with utmost care, planted her lips on the Grey Wolf's, closing her eyes for it, a small smile on her lips.
The fur tickled and his snout was funny, too.
As the last photo was taken, she shook Veronica's hand. "Thank you, Ma'am, the pleasure is all mine.", she said, smiling at the excitement about the Tribes - a very important thing in their culture. "Yes, I'm on my way to meet my Father in Cuan. It's sort of in the middle from where he works at and home." There was a small hitch in her voice. "That one, though..." She pointed at the train. "...goes to Launceston. Wrong direction and far colder. We still have a few minutes until ours is due!"

[Aurora Confederacy]

Access to the Main Festival Grounds indeed was free, if one was impared or not, the small place with a donation box of the Cabhair Group only there to collect donations from passerbys. Ironically enough, several people, who usually spent her time selling warships and weapons and other military equipment were now collecting said donations with the same energy, if not more, then if they were selling their usual wares.
Her trader card being waved around was seen as more of a curiosity to them, as most kept their cards with their wares.
But that was another question... the main streets around the large, central Láir Square were the Main Festival Grounds, with the centre being the Láir Square itself. It was a large square, around four hectare, with a grassy centre, at which's edges the stands of the Tournament Field were erected, as well as one part behind it closed off for tourists as this was where the contestants of the Greyfox Cup rested and prepared.
The mood was good, there was a delicious smell of food in the air, coming from a few food vendors around them, but mainly from the Ropaire Inn, which just lit the grill in their garden and were sizzling the first pieces of meat. A lot of horses, many of them belonging to the High Priestess and her entourage, as well as a few others, were present, too.
There were also a lot of peddlers and stalls for other wares, amongst them two bowyers, who also operated a short testing range together, where archers tested their wares and tourists got a feeling for such a weapon, making more then the odd photo, three blacksmiths, who also offered armour, two poleturners, who were happy to supply the tournament with their lances, if need should arise, and a lot of other craftsmen. Quite a few also offered, besides toys and other wooden ware, canes, from simple ones with little decoration, over walking sticks to very intricate ones, all that the heart could desire.
Many people browsed them and more then the odd child, both young and old, spent their pocket money.

Where the Mór-River and the Cuas-River met to form the Imeall-River, though, there was no pause in rivermen traffic, not even for the Beginning of Spring. Riverships made their ways up and down the river, carrying wares and goods past the large city and its riverwalk, just like they did for centuries. While most of the barges had engines, most of them were of wood, too.
And then, there were the docks of Bád Industries, a company producing boats and similar small vessels, having opened their doors for the day to interested tourists. They were responsible for the Majestic-class Boats sold by SDY on their behalf, the Hjemland-class Sailing Vessels, actually build in Tipa and not in Cuan, as well as many other small boats and not-so-small boats produced both for the domestic and foreign markets.
At the riverwalk were far less people then at Bád, not expecting any larger event, which was a bit problematic anyway thanks to the seven bridges crossing the river in the general vincity, but that was no problem. It was calm and beautiful here as the few people here noted.
One was an odd pair, an old man on a cane with silver hair, a friendly, but stern looking gentleman, and a young woman with blue hair and steel-blue eyes in a dress, that belonged more to a dancer, a sword on her hip, a ribbon at its pommel and a similar one binding her hair into a ponytail. They walked slowly, arm in arm, but were silent, not uncomfortably so.
It was a familiar silence, making them look approachable.

Zoe spends some time with a camera taking a few photographs, however given the constant stream of riverboats, tug boats, barges and the odd salty that can get under the bridges it soon became apparent that no sailing was there, and so Zoe, giving a wave followed by a polite "hello" to those who she passes makes her way to the main grounds with Micky leaning close against Zoe, her arm around Zoe's waist.

"so, thats a no go, would have been nice to compete in a sailing or rowing competition, still lets see what the main show has to offer Eh Micky?" comments Zoe, casually tossing a few Gils into the donation bucket, in total $20 worth of Gils went into the bucket, landing with a destinctive metallic ring, checking the program, "well we have got some sword fighting to watch", it was at that point that Micky caught the sound of the music, "Hey Zo, this way babe", she says, pointing to the direction of the music,

[Krugeristan]

"Fiona suggested it," Golahman said. "I don't know why she suggested it, but it was primarily because she said Tines aren't suitable for dry climates, and that's where . . . you-know--"

Evanu gave Golahman an elbow to the ribs.

"Ow! Where Assad lives."

Celina giggled at the exchange, but smiled. "It's nice, that you are considering to get a pet for your friend.", she said with a smile, "But let me tell you, Black Foxes are mischievous little buggers..."
Glynn nodded in confirmation, Black Foxes indeed could be mischievous and quite a handful, if no strong hand was provided, but they were also cuddly to those they liked, or at least to those, who fed them.
"By their full name, though, they are called the Little Black Fox, though.", Celina told the guests, "Anyway, I heard, that you had a lot of cats and a young Tine, Mister Golahman, but what about you, Sir?" She glanced at Evanu, before she smiled a bit sheepishly. "I am allowed to talk to you, right?"

"As of now, yes, you can," Evanu said.

"Mischief, aye?" Golahman grinned. "They'll fit Assad perfectly."

[Military Democracy of Birtonia]

Mr & Mrs. Dawnshir, SAA Victor
Silverport Rail Station

---

Victor looked at the girl, their tickets, and the train that was arriving, pausing for a moment before talking.

"Ok yeah... she's right" he shrugged, "they have different dialects!" he protested in defense, and promptly returned to his bench, pulling the glasses down and winking at the ticket agent when they locked eyes again.

"So dear, would you mind telling us about how your tribal systems work here in this country?" asked Veronica, as she sat down next to the girl, smiling all the way bringing her purse onto her lap. It was rather ornate, fitting royalty of most nations, with illustrious patterns hand sewn into the leather and pure gold ornamentation as all over. Her dress was a deep purple hue with flashy wedges on her feet, a large black sash was draped loosely around her shoulders accenting a massive jewel hung around her neck. She also wore sunglasses reminiscent of the 1950's American Ray-Ban style and a large sunhat tipped off to one side.

[Ru-]

The Sergeant gave a relieved smile, petting the couch next to her - indicating to Yoshio, that if he wanted to sit next to her, he would be welcome to. Truth was, the Blue Dress always made her uncomfortable.
She was a Ranger for a reason and that was not because she looked cute in the uniform or something. There were others, who took better care of that, General Niochan's Aide-de-Camp for example, the well-known Finny.
One day, she thought as she watched both Larra and Yoshio, the young King would be a breaker of many girl's hearts. For now, though, he was a little boy.

Yoshio saw the invitation for him to sit and took it eagerly, throwing himself backward against the couch so he'd come in for a crash landing sitting next to her, the sudden motion causing him to bounce a bit as he sat down.

By the time he was seated Larra had finished pouring his drink and the knight passed his glass over to him so he could taste it, the boy's big smile after the first sip a clear sign that he found it very tasty. "We'll probably head back out and go down to the festival grounds soon, just to make sure we aren't late." Yoshio said, "If we're early, there's probably a ton of stuff set up nearby we can check out."

He took another sip and added, "But for now let's just enjoy our drinks, and chat a bit." He turned up to the lady sitting next to him and tried to start up a bit of conversation. "Hey, got any questions you'd wanna ask me?"

[The Selkie]

Access to the Main Festival Grounds indeed was free, if one was impared or not, the small place with a donation box of the Cabhair Group only there to collect donations from passerbys. Ironically enough, several people, who usually spent her time selling warships and weapons and other military equipment were now collecting said donations with the same energy, if not more, then if they were selling their usual wares.
Her trader card being waved around was seen as more of a curiosity to them, as most kept their cards with their wares.
But that was another question... the main streets around the large, central Láir Square were the Main Festival Grounds, with the centre being the Láir Square itself. It was a large square, around four hectare, with a grassy centre, at which's edges the stands of the Tournament Field were erected, as well as one part behind it closed off for tourists as this was where the contestants of the Greyfox Cup rested and prepared.
The mood was good, there was a delicious smell of food in the air, coming from a few food vendors around them, but mainly from the Ropaire Inn, which just lit the grill in their garden and were sizzling the first pieces of meat. A lot of horses, many of them belonging to the High Priestess and her entourage, as well as a few others, were present, too.
There were also a lot of peddlers and stalls for other wares, amongst them two bowyers, who also operated a short testing range together, where archers tested their wares and tourists got a feeling for such a weapon, making more then the odd photo, three blacksmiths, who also offered armour, two poleturners, who were happy to supply the tournament with their lances, if need should arise, and a lot of other craftsmen. Quite a few also offered, besides toys and other wooden ware, canes, from simple ones with little decoration, over walking sticks to very intricate ones, all that the heart could desire.
Many people browsed them and more then the odd child, both young and old, spent their pocket money.

Where the Mór-River and the Cuas-River met to form the Imeall-River, though, there was no pause in rivermen traffic, not even for the Beginning of Spring. Riverships made their ways up and down the river, carrying wares and goods past the large city and its riverwalk, just like they did for centuries. While most of the barges had engines, most of them were of wood, too.
And then, there were the docks of Bád Industries, a company producing boats and similar small vessels, having opened their doors for the day to interested tourists. They were responsible for the Majestic-class Boats sold by SDY on their behalf, the Hjemland-class Sailing Vessels, actually build in Tipa and not in Cuan, as well as many other small boats and not-so-small boats produced both for the domestic and foreign markets.
At the riverwalk were far less people then at Bád, not expecting any larger event, which was a bit problematic anyway thanks to the seven bridges crossing the river in the general vincity, but that was no problem. It was calm and beautiful here as the few people here noted.
One was an odd pair, an old man on a cane with silver hair, a friendly, but stern looking gentleman, and a young woman with blue hair and steel-blue eyes in a dress, that belonged more to a dancer, a sword on her hip, a ribbon at its pommel and a similar one binding her hair into a ponytail. They walked slowly, arm in arm, but were silent, not uncomfortably so.
It was a familiar silence, making them look approachable.

Zoe spends some time with a camera taking a few photographs, however given the constant stream of riverboats, tug boats, barges and the odd salty that can get under the bridges it soon became apparent that no sailing was there, and so Zoe, giving a wave followed by a polite "hello" to those who she passes makes her way to the main grounds with Micky leaning close against Zoe, her arm around Zoe's waist.

"so, thats a no go, would have been nice to compete in a sailing or rowing competition, still lets see what the main show has to offer Eh Micky?" comments Zoe, casually tossing a few Gils into the donation bucket, in total $20 worth of Gils went into the bucket, landing with a destinctive metallic ring, checking the program, "well we have got some sword fighting to watch", it was at that point that Micky caught the sound of the music, "Hey Zo, this way babe", she says, pointing to the direction of the music,

One of the women by the donation boxes grinned as the coin sailed by and bowed her head in gratitude, before she turned to the next person to talk to - her nametag identified her as belonging to SDY's Registered Office, so she was quite good at her job.
The two women were able to make their way to the Ceol Square, where there was music - and currently preparations for the soundcheck of Damhsa, people forming pairs of dancers, by their request, not only men and women, but also pairs of the same gender and the odd pet with owner, including the gecko-like things from before and the tanned beauty, having relocated themselves. Just as the two Aurorans put their feet onto the square, the band started.
A Selkie-Waltz was an isometric affair, 16 measures a step, 8 for the left foot, 8 for the right. Easily, one could dance to the call of the instruments, to the call of the fiddle, the highest there was for a real Selkie. Waltzes usually had no lyrics and this one was no exception, so as the instruments slowly came into the audience and the music slowly urged into dancing, the tempo became apparent, which international musical scientists would describe as Allegretto con spirito, relatively fast and with spirit.
Ideal for warming up.

"As of now, yes, you can," Evanu said.

"Mischief, aye?" Golahman grinned. "They'll fit Assad perfectly."

Celina grinned. "Wonderful!", she said and turned back to Evanu, "So... do you have any pets?"
Glynn petted his sister's boyfriend on the shoulder. "Don't hold it against her. She always seeks the answers she had the questions for. Makes her teachers go crazy." He made a small pause. "Anyway, it's good to hear, that Mister Assad might find his match with one of them. Mom told quite the stories about him."

Mr & Mrs. Dawnshir, SAA Victor
Silverport Rail Station

---

Victor looked at the girl, their tickets, and the train that was arriving, pausing for a moment before talking.

"Ok yeah... she's right" he shrugged, "they have different dialects!" he protested in defense, and promptly returned to his bench, pulling the glasses down and winking at the ticket agent when they locked eyes again.

"So dear, would you mind telling us about how your tribal systems work here in this country?" asked Veronica, as she sat down next to the girl, smiling all the way bringing her purse onto her lap. It was rather ornate, fitting royalty of most nations, with illustrious patterns hand sewn into the leather and pure gold ornamentation as all over. Her dress was a deep purple hue with flashy wedges on her feet, a large black sash was draped loosely around her shoulders accenting a massive jewel hung around her neck. She also wore sunglasses reminiscent of the 1950's American Ray-Ban style and a large sunhat tipped off to one side.

The ticket booth gal gave him a smile, which said 'Don't worry, happens to everyone!'
Meanwhile, Mona took in the sight of her newfound friend sitting at her side, admiring the dress a bit... deep purple had something dignified, but if one asked her, if clashed terribly with Mona's own eyes. Bhuf settled back into her lap to continue to nap, her petting him some more.
"It's... complicated.", Mona replied to the question, "It's not like one can point at a region here in the Free Lands and say 'That's where the Tribe of Cork lives!', but more like we are all mixed between each other. In times long past, there were actually more then twenty Tribes and not fifteen, but some were swallowed by larger Tribes... and they were also important, as, instead of an Elder, a King reigned each Tribe, only for them to choose a High King from their midst as the leader of them all." She made a small pause. "Today, the Elders hold Council as our 'Head of State', one could call it, each chosen, read elected, by their respective Tribe. The Tribe as part of the name is more of an identification for cultural drawers. For example, Wexfords, like I am one, usually live on the Oileánra-Archipelago down south, as fishermen and boatpeople, preferring food of the sea." She leaned over, dry humour in her eyes. "I can't stand seafood."

The Sergeant gave a relieved smile, petting the couch next to her - indicating to Yoshio, that if he wanted to sit next to her, he would be welcome to. Truth was, the Blue Dress always made her uncomfortable.
She was a Ranger for a reason and that was not because she looked cute in the uniform or something. There were others, who took better care of that, General Niochan's Aide-de-Camp for example, the well-known Finny.
One day, she thought as she watched both Larra and Yoshio, the young King would be a breaker of many girl's hearts. For now, though, he was a little boy.

Yoshio saw the invitation for him to sit and took it eagerly, throwing himself backward against the couch so he'd come in for a crash landing sitting next to her, the sudden motion causing him to bounce a bit as he sat down.

By the time he was seated Larra had finished pouring his drink and the knight passed his glass over to him so he could taste it, the boy's big smile after the first sip a clear sign that he found it very tasty. "We'll probably head back out and go down to the festival grounds soon, just to make sure we aren't late." Yoshio said, "If we're early, there's probably a ton of stuff set up nearby we can check out."

He took another sip and added, "But for now let's just enjoy our drinks, and chat a bit." He turned up to the lady sitting next to him and tried to start up a bit of conversation. "Hey, got any questions you'd wanna ask me?"

The Sergeant smiled, happy that the young King apparently liked the apple juice. It was a staple of Selkie Cuisine, juices of all kinds, preferably freshly pressed, belonged onto every dinner table. She took note to make them aware of the best time to go out onto the Festival Grounds, to be in time for the opening ceremony and, if they were interested, the Spring Sacrafice.
She leaned back a bit in relaxation.
"Actually, that would be my text, searrach.", the Sergeant giggled, glancing to Larra, including him into the offer, "I'll answer you to the best of my ability!"
It wasn't as if she didn't have questions about Ru or its King, but those could wait.

[Krugeristan]

"As of now, yes, you can," Evanu said.

"Mischief, aye?" Golahman grinned. "They'll fit Assad perfectly."

Celina grinned. "Wonderful!", she said and turned back to Evanu, "So... do you have any pets?"
Glynn petted his sister's boyfriend on the shoulder. "Don't hold it against her. She always seeks the answers she had the questions for. Makes her teachers go crazy." He made a small pause. "Anyway, it's good to hear, that Mister Assad might find his match with one of them. Mom told quite the stories about him."

Evanu shook his head. "I don't even own my own house yet. I live in the barracks about a block from the presidential estate." He glanced at Celina when she mentioned the stories about Assad. "Ah, have you heard the famous tale of how Assad was listening to a conversation between Gwen Banisphora and Queen Oleander of Anowa because he was concerned they were breaking Golahman's trust?"

[AHSCA]

The blonde smiled and giggled, especially as another horseman pulled up besides them, a brown-haired man in full armour, a tree of a man on the back of an equally large horse, both of which easily dwarfed the blonde and her steed, a lance in one hand, pointed into the sky with a small pennon on it.
He grinned. "Oh, there are bigger horses around, searrach!", he told her and the blonde nodded in agreement, before he addressed Mamiko's mother, extending his other arm, "If you want, Ma'am, I can take you along to the Petting Zoo. You don't have to walk all the way, after all!"

"Oh" Kumiko was a bit star struck of the man who rode up aside her on horseback, it was like something out of Mamiko's storybooks, a fairy tale. "Well yes, I'd love a ride. Thank you."

[Ru-]

The Sergeant smiled, happy that the young King apparently liked the apple juice. It was a staple of Selkie Cuisine, juices of all kinds, preferably freshly pressed, belonged onto every dinner table. She took note to make them aware of the best time to go out onto the Festival Grounds, to be in time for the opening ceremony and, if they were interested, the Spring Sacrafice.
She leaned back a bit in relaxation.
"Actually, that would be my text, searrach.", the Sergeant giggled, glancing to Larra, including him into the offer, "I'll answer you to the best of my ability!"
It wasn't as if she didn't have questions about Ru or its King, but those could wait.

The two were indeed interested in catching the opening ceremonies and the spring sacrafice as well. They trusted her to inform them of when they ought to leave thier room to avoid being late.

Yoshio tilted his head a bit, puzzled a little by the expression but took from context that it probably meant that he should pose questions to her instead. He giggled a tiny bit as one came to mind and asked her. "Heh, ok then! Just what exactly were the two of you talking about when i was getting changed?" His eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief and he smirked at the knight and sergeant.

[The Selkie]

Evanu shook his head. "I don't even own my own house yet. I live in the barracks about a block from the presidential estate." He glanced at Celina when she mentioned the stories about Assad. "Ah, have you heard the famous tale of how Assad was listening to a conversation between Gwen Banisphora and Queen Oleander of Anowa because he was concerned they were breaking Golahman's trust?"

Celina gave him a sad smile. "You should get a furry companion once you have your own house, Sir.", she suggested, "I must admit, that you strike me as a person, who would like Grey Wolves and other canines as pets... am I correct?"
"We know that one already.", Glynn said in reply to the offer of a story, "Mom told it already... it's indeed famous. However... what did my Big Sis do during the Christmas Party, Mister Golahman?"

"Oh" Kumiko was a bit star struck of the man who rode up aside her on horseback, it was like something out of Mamiko's storybooks, a fairy tale. "Well yes, I'd love a ride. Thank you."

The blonde smiled at the sight of the two, the tall man in full armour on horseback first putting the lance into a holder at the side of his saddle, then taking the woman by her hands and picking her up to sit behind him, slinging one of her arms around his waist, keeping it there softly - she could disengage the hold any time she wanted to.
"Hold on, ainnir.", he asked of her over his shoulder as he commanded his steed to ride, a slow trot of similar speed as the blonde. For someone unused to riding, it were weird first steps with the swaying of the horse, back and forth, but one got used to it quickly.
The horseman in front of her had broad, massive shoulders underneath the armour, which could be felt, strong hands, yet with a gentle touch, firm in his control over the horse.
"We call that the Princess' Ride.", the blonde told Mamiko with a smile in a whisper, but loud enough for both the lopsided-smiling horseman and Kumiko to hear.

The Sergeant smiled, happy that the young King apparently liked the apple juice. It was a staple of Selkie Cuisine, juices of all kinds, preferably freshly pressed, belonged onto every dinner table. She took note to make them aware of the best time to go out onto the Festival Grounds, to be in time for the opening ceremony and, if they were interested, the Spring Sacrafice.
She leaned back a bit in relaxation.
"Actually, that would be my text, searrach.", the Sergeant giggled, glancing to Larra, including him into the offer, "I'll answer you to the best of my ability!"
It wasn't as if she didn't have questions about Ru or its King, but those could wait.

The two were indeed interested in catching the opening ceremonies and the spring sacrafice as well. They trusted her to inform them of when they ought to leave thier room to avoid being late.

Yoshio tilted his head a bit, puzzled a little by the expression but took from context that it probably meant that he should pose questions to her instead. He giggled a tiny bit as one came to mind and asked her. "Heh, ok then! Just what exactly were the two of you talking about when i was getting changed?" His eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief and he smirked at the knight and sergeant.

The Sergeant smiled, being truthful. "Nothing interesting, only individual life stories and a bit about apple juice.", she said with a look towards Larra, hoping, that he shared her assessment, before mirth entered her eyes, giving the man a short wink so that he knew to play along, "Then we began to gossip about you and Mistress Banphrionsa and her matchmaking like there was no tomorrow..."

[AHSCA]

The blonde smiled at the sight of the two, the tall man in full armour on horseback first putting the lance into a holder at the side of his saddle, then taking the woman by her hands and picking her up to sit behind him, slinging one of her arms around his waist, keeping it there softly - she could disengage the hold any time she wanted to.
"Hold on, ainnir.", he asked of her over his shoulder as he commanded his steed to ride, a slow trot of similar speed as the blonde. For someone unused to riding, it were weird first steps with the swaying of the horse, back and forth, but one got used to it quickly.
The horseman in front of her had broad, massive shoulders underneath the armour, which could be felt, strong hands, yet with a gentle touch, firm in his control over the horse.
"We call that the Princess' Ride.", the blonde told Mamiko with a smile in a whisper, but loud enough for both the lopsided-smiling horseman and Kumiko to hear.

Kumiko was adjusting to the motion of the horse but it didn't feel that different from being on a ship, even the one that carried her and Mamiko to Selkie in the first place. "oh I see. You know it feels a little like being on the water."

[Krugeristan]

Evanu shook his head. "I don't even own my own house yet. I live in the barracks about a block from the presidential estate." He glanced at Celina when she mentioned the stories about Assad. "Ah, have you heard the famous tale of how Assad was listening to a conversation between Gwen Banisphora and Queen Oleander of Anowa because he was concerned they were breaking Golahman's trust?"

Celina gave him a sad smile. "You should get a furry companion once you have your own house, Sir.", she suggested, "I must admit, that you strike me as a person, who would like Grey Wolves and other canines as pets... am I correct?"
"We know that one already.", Glynn said in reply to the offer of a story, "Mom told it already... it's indeed famous. However... what did my Big Sis do during the Christmas Party, Mister Golahman?"

Evanu shrugged. "I'm comfortable with the majority of pets, but, yes, I might take in a retired German shepherd when I decide to leave the military and take on a civilian job."

Golahman froze a little. "Ah . . . well . . . Fiona and Assad . . . Fiona formed a bit of a mild grudge when it came to Assad, and, yes, I will admit, Assad can a bit overbearing and butts himself into situations where he doesn't need to be in, but, I don't want them fighting. It was over the Tine that Finn gave me. I let Assad hold Luminous and Luminous opened his eyes in Assad's arms, and that set Fiona off, plus he was holding that toy over the little guy's head when I got a chance to hold him. So . . . yeah, I'm hoping they can improve their relationship, because I refuse to have them hate each other when I love them both and feel they're the most important people in my life."

[The Selkie]

Kumiko was adjusting to the motion of the horse but it didn't feel that different from being on a ship, even the one that carried her and Mamiko to Selkie in the first place. "oh I see. You know it feels a little like being on the water."

The horseman nodded. "I know, what you mean... at least at a trot.", he said over his shoulder, grinning his lopsided grin at the woman in his back, "With faster speeds, though... I'd love to show you, but such speeds would be dangerous for pedestrians right now."
The blonde nodded in confirmation.
"By the way, I'm Liam.", he introduced himself with a bow of his head, "Liam Smuilcín of the Tribe of Antrim." He smiled. "If I may ask, who is the Beautiful Star of Distant Shores riding behind me?"

Evanu shrugged. "I'm comfortable with the majority of pets, but, yes, I might take in a retired German shepherd when I decide to leave the military and take on a civilian job."

Golahman froze a little. "Ah . . . well . . . Fiona and Assad . . . Fiona formed a bit of a mild grudge when it came to Assad, and, yes, I will admit, Assad can a bit overbearing and butts himself into situations where he doesn't need to be in, but, I don't want them fighting. It was over the Tine that Finn gave me. I let Assad hold Luminous and Luminous opened his eyes in Assad's arms, and that set Fiona off, plus he was holding that toy over the little guy's head when I got a chance to hold him. So . . . yeah, I'm hoping they can improve their relationship, because I refuse to have them hate each other when I love them both and feel they're the most important people in my life."

Celina nodded with a grin. "German shepherds... wonderful dogs, if you ask me, and well trained a joy to see - I still would prefer a Grey Wolf, they are far more to snuggle and have that wild note inside of them, which many trained dogs lack." She smiled at Evanu. "At least of those that I've seen."

Glynn nodded.
"I can see, why she wasn't too thrilled with that.", he said and was silent for a moment. "I take, that she explained the difference between ainmnithe and... sorry, named animals and unnamed animals, right? And how much his mother means to Dad?" He smiled at Golahman, putting a friendly hand on his shoulder. "But don't worry. Word is, that the little laddie is quite comfortable where he is, so no problems there. I'd actually like to thank you."

[AHSCA]

The horseman nodded. "I know, what you mean... at least at a trot.", he said over his shoulder, grinning his lopsided grin at the woman in his back, "With faster speeds, though... I'd love to show you, but such speeds would be dangerous for pedestrians right now."
The blonde nodded in confirmation.
"By the way, I'm Liam.", he introduced himself with a bow of his head, "Liam Smuilcín of the Tribe of Antrim." He smiled. "If I may ask, who is the Beautiful Star of Distant Shores riding behind me?"

she nodded "Oh oh running yes I bet that must be quite different." The idea did scare her a little but at the same time she figured it might be a thrill "Oh, Liam Smuilcin." She nodded again taking in his name "Kumiko Oumae."

[The Selkie]

she nodded "Oh oh running yes I bet that must be quite different." The idea did scare her a little but at the same time she figured it might be a thrill "Oh, Liam Smuilcin." She nodded again taking in his name "Kumiko Oumae."

"Hm...", Liam made with a smile, "Kumiko... a beautiful name. What leads you from distant shores to the Pearl of Lodan Lir, especially with your daughter, Miss Oumae?"
It was not hard to see how much the two of them were related - especially since the girl had called the older woman her mother repeatedly. In Liam's mind, that did not make the woman behind him any less beautiful, but quite on the contrary. It also showed the strength the woman behind him had.

[Sceidan]

Ayden glanced over to Akiko and her group, smiling at their apparent approval, making his own known via clapping himself. Aingeal smiled and clapped, too.
The lead vocalist of Ard grinned and thanked the generous audience, looking towards the technician. He gave a nod. Everything was alright and the other group was ready, too.
They left the stage with their equipment as the system was configured for the next ones, a group of two drummers with Bodhráin, a kind of frame drums, a fiddler and a harpist, all clad in Geansais, wearing colours of different Tribes. The harpist was the only man of the group, carrying his large, triangular and wire-strung instrument with ease.
Damhsa has arrived.
"Right, people.", the fiddler spoke into the microphone, apparently not used to it, "We'll begin with something slow, so if anyone of the audience wants to dance with our tune, feel free to see it as a warm up. Pairs may form now."
He waited a bit, time, which Ayden used to nod to Aingeal and receive one in turn, before he took her hand and she his, walking a few steps forward to have room for the dance. They were not the only ones forming up, across the square, more then the odd couple formed, sometimes close, sometimes not so close, but Ayden and his partner were amongst the closest.
Warm-Up by Damhsa usually meant a Selkie-Waltz.

Akiko and the others were naturally a bit confused, they had no idea how to dance at all, save for the goofy hip movements Akiko usually did. The only real traditional dancing in Sceidan was that of the Geisha, and that dance form was slow, deliberate, and gentle. The group stood there, sort of awkwardly, not knowing what to do. They would dance, but would look like a gang of fools, but were also afraid that not dancing was some sort of disrespect. At a loss, the group just smiled and slightly bobbed their heads to the music, hoping that they would show no sign of disrespect.

[The Selkie]

Akiko and the others were naturally a bit confused, they had no idea how to dance at all, save for the goofy hip movements Akiko usually did. The only real traditional dancing in Sceidan was that of the Geisha, and that dance form was slow, deliberate, and gentle. The group stood there, sort of awkwardly, not knowing what to do. They would dance, but would look like a gang of fools, but were also afraid that not dancing was some sort of disrespect. At a loss, the group just smiled and slightly bobbed their heads to the music, hoping that they would show no sign of disrespect.

The two Selkie close to Akiko and her group danced well - not the best on the square, but that was not the point. In general, a Selkie-Waltz was not a contest, more of a wild affair then the name would suggest. From the appearance, it had more of the appearance of a step dance, pairs dancing on their toes (though not like in ballet), emphasizing height, extension and flexibility, which was why wearing Geansai was particular useful. Side-steps were common, as were steps, which found distant cousins in the moves of a dance called the jig.
Some people danced in figures as well, but they were more showing off then anything. It was a fast dance.
Besides Akiko and the rest of Necrosis, quite a few people were not dancing, smiling at the dancers and watching them with smiles, claps and much approval.
As it came to an end, Aingeal reached up and gave Ayden a kiss on the cheek, a thanks for the good dance, before they returned to Akiko, the technicians calling some and a few other things, asking for a another song (much to the joy of the audience). They were both panting, but grinning.
"Well...", Ayden commented, his smile still in place, "Warming up."
Aingeal gave him another peck on the cheek and approached the rather well built and formed drummer of Necrosis, the only one only carrying drumsticks, with a smile and a sway of her hips, which was only emphasized by the skirt. She extended her hand. "If I may ask for the next one, good Sir?"