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

[The Selkie]

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."

Fiona nodded. "Yes, I still plan to. Provided he wants to, that is.", she replied, "But I'm afraid, that this is still a while out, he has very important work to do and I have important work to do. I'm sure, however, that I'll be able to go back to it shortly afterwards, but he might have the odd bruise... and a very bruised ego." She grinned. "Any other rumours pertaining to me?"

"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."

"I agree.", Aingeal said with a firm nod, "Letting our art stall and forgetting to reinvent ourselves are important things to do, simply to keep having fun - and if we don't have fun with our music, how can we expect others having fun while listening to it?"
She made a small rhetoric pause at her question and looked back to the stage.
"Granted, pop and electronic aren't my forte, but I did sing with a few of the bands appearing today in the past.", she told Akiko. "But the most memorable, I think, was with the Girl's Choir of the Marienkirche in Neu-Marienburg. A huge honour for a Selkie, and quite an experience. Those girls were just too cute!"

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.

Both Selkie at the table had remained silent and respectful during the prayer, watching the two carefully. As they finished it, the two of them bowed their heads, a gesture of respect towards the God honoured by the prayer, as it was custom with the Selkie.
With a smile at the boy's enthusiasm, Gwen nodded towards his knight. "Well, I'd say, that we get you two checked in and after that, I'll have to leave you, too - I have to open the festival, the petting zoo and the music stage in a bit, sorry." Her words were accompanied by an apologetic expression. "After that, though, we can meet up again, if you two want."

[Krugeristan]

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."

Fiona nodded. "Yes, I still plan to. Provided he wants to, that is.", she replied, "But I'm afraid, that this is still a while out, he has very important work to do and I have important work to do. I'm sure, however, that I'll be able to go back to it shortly afterwards, but he might have the odd bruise... and a very bruised ego." She grinned. "Any other rumours pertaining to me?"

"No, that's the only one, actually," Evanu said. "Aye, I wouldn't count on Assad coming free with only a bruise, though. Depends on where you hit him. Odd matchup, though, you and him. You're smaller than him, you have finer skills. He's taller, a mere bamboo rod, and only knows how to swing a punch or two."

[Sceidan]

"I agree.", Aingeal said with a firm nod, "Letting our art stall and forgetting to reinvent ourselves are important things to do, simply to keep having fun - and if we don't have fun with our music, how can we expect others having fun while listening to it?"
She made a small rhetoric pause at her question and looked back to the stage.
"Granted, pop and electronic aren't my forte, but I did sing with a few of the bands appearing today in the past.", she told Akiko. "But the most memorable, I think, was with the Girl's Choir of the Marienkirche in Neu-Marienburg. A huge honour for a Selkie, and quite an experience. Those girls were just too cute!"

"I had the pleasure of singing along with a few girl's choirs in Sceidan and teaching them about various vocal techniques. Helping children sing is something I love to do!" Akiko smiled and glanced at her feet, swaying back and fourth a tiny bit, then speaking again. "So, whenever the soundcheck for us is ready, I'll alert my band to get set up."

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
South Cuan Train Station

God Almighty, I'm feeling welcomed already, Samuel thought as he passed the gangway, suitcase in hand. Relying on Kiah to lead him to wherever they were going first, he took in the sights and sounds of the train station. It was then that the magnitude of the Spring Festival began to hit him; far more than a mere vacation, it was a grand festivity not unlike the annual Sinulog festival that made the District of Humabon the place to be on January. Topping that, he was in it as an observer--Victoria Associated Industries had been one of the sponsors for the Sinulog festivities for five years now, and sponsors rarely, if ever, get to be what Gabriel often called "on the ground."

[The Selkie]

"No, that's the only one, actually," Evanu said. "Aye, I wouldn't count on Assad coming free with only a bruise, though. Depends on where you hit him. Odd matchup, though, you and him. You're smaller than him, you have finer skills. He's taller, a mere bamboo rod, and only knows how to swing a punch or two."

Fiona shrugged. "He challenged me and now he's going to learn, that a Selkie does not back down from a challenge.", she explained, "Regardless of that..."
Whatever was regardless of what, it was left to an unknown future as the cart came to a stop, the Tines perking up at some smells. Gwen turned her head and looked at them: "Alright, people, we're there - the Petting Zoo!", she told them with a smile as Glynn got off and called something in Selkie.
Fiona smiled and looked at both her boyfriend and his bodyguard. "I'll tell you later.", she said and grinned as a face familiar to Golahman and a face very familiar to her appeared at the cart's rear. "Hi, Dad."
Finn, her father, grinned. "Hello, Fiona... and welcome back, Mister Golahman!"

"I had the pleasure of singing along with a few girl's choirs in Sceidan and teaching them about various vocal techniques. Helping children sing is something I love to do!" Akiko smiled and glanced at her feet, swaying back and fourth a tiny bit, then speaking again. "So, whenever the soundcheck for us is ready, I'll alert my band to get set up."

Aingeal smiled and nodded, her hair bouncing with it, having spotted something, or rather someone, from the corner of her eye.
"That does sound like a plan.", she said, "Though, you'll have to excuse me for a moment."
And with that, there was a tall, muscular redhead at her side, the fiddler from the stage, grinning and nodding towards Akiko. On his back was a case for a fiddle, which was bound to it by a thick leather strap. He hugged the Selkie with care and received a kiss on the cheek for his troubles, as well as something whispered in Selkie.
The young man grinned and nodded, as he released Aingeal from his arms, and extended a hand towards Akiko. "Good morning, lassie.", he greeted with jovial friendlyness.

Samuel Cui
South Cuan Train Station

God Almighty, I'm feeling welcomed already, Samuel thought as he passed the gangway, suitcase in hand. Relying on Kiah to lead him to wherever they were going first, he took in the sights and sounds of the train station. It was then that the magnitude of the Spring Festival began to hit him; far more than a mere vacation, it was a grand festivity not unlike the annual Sinulog festival that made the District of Humabon the place to be on January. Topping that, he was in it as an observer--Victoria Associated Industries had been one of the sponsors for the Sinulog festivities for five years now, and sponsors rarely, if ever, get to be what Gabriel often called "on the ground."

Leading the two, it was Kiah, who stepped of the train first, but not before bringing three fingers to her mouth, kissing them and then putting the hand onto the side of the cart with a smile.
A gesture of thanks to their vehicle.
Her shoes hit the platform and she made a happy spin, facing Cui as he followed her, one leg in the air. She was not the only student in school uniform on the platform, quite a few were there, getting off the train and greeting relatives, while others were there to welcome their relatives, a true rainbow of colours on display, not only on the girls' uniforms.
That however, did not stop an orange, black and beige canine blur to dash towards a more or less unsuspecting Kiah and tackle her to the ground with a yelp, before proceeding to celebrate her arrival by licking her face, while she laughed - as he had slowed down, one could make out more details about the canine, a bit talled then 0.7 metres, orange main fur with black marks on both legs and the back, beige belly and tail, a bushy thing swishing back and forth. Beige as well were the snout, topped by a black button nose, and a ruff on the chest, as well as a well-trimmed sort-of mohawk or comb on the head. Two large, orange ears stood at the side of the head, while two blue intelligent eyes, sparkling like sapphires, looked at Kiah happily.
A Guarding Fox, although they were more dogs then foxes.
The young woman proceeded to give the animal a kiss on his cheek as she had the chance, knowing, that quite a few onlookers wished, that they could be a Guarding Fox in their next life, and lifted the over-enthusiastic over-sized puppy off of her, to her side, grinning at Cui as she sat up.
"Well - that was a merry welcome!", she said with a grin.

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
South Cuan Train Station

"When there's a pet--yours, I figure--there's a family," Samuel said. "That means yours is just nearby. Makes me wish I brought my son with me," he added, with a smile beginning to form. He then contemplated reaching out for a second pack of crackers--it was what he did when his cigars weren't an option--but decided against it.

[The Selkie]

Samuel Cui
South Cuan Train Station

"When there's a pet--yours, I figure--there's a family," Samuel said. "That means yours is just nearby. Makes me wish I brought my son with me," he added, with a smile beginning to form. He then contemplated reaching out for a second pack of crackers--it was what he did when his cigars weren't an option--but decided against it.

"Yep, Cosantóir is mine and he's most likely here alone. He's an intelligent lad.", Kiah replied and smiled at Cui and petted her Guarding Fox, before she rose up. "Mom and Dad are always busy this time of the year and... well..."
There was a sudden note of sadness in her eyes.
"You have a son, Mister Cui?", she asked, beginning to move again, towards the exit, motioning for him to follow her and the canine, who was called a vulpine, but wasn't one. He trotted at her side in a happy gait. She, too, walked differently, with a certain swing to her hips and an expression, as she was home and that gave her self-confidence in spades. "And where to first? Something to eat or something else?"

[Krugeristan]

"No, that's the only one, actually," Evanu said. "Aye, I wouldn't count on Assad coming free with only a bruise, though. Depends on where you hit him. Odd matchup, though, you and him. You're smaller than him, you have finer skills. He's taller, a mere bamboo rod, and only knows how to swing a punch or two."

Fiona shrugged. "He challenged me and now he's going to learn, that a Selkie does not back down from a challenge.", she explained, "Regardless of that..."
Whatever was regardless of what, it was left to an unknown future as the cart came to a stop, the Tines perking up at some smells. Gwen turned her head and looked at them: "Alright, people, we're there - the Petting Zoo!", she told them with a smile as Glynn got off and called something in Selkie.
Fiona smiled and looked at both her boyfriend and his bodyguard. "I'll tell you later.", she said and grinned as a face familiar to Golahman and a face very familiar to her appeared at the cart's rear. "Hi, Dad."
Finn, her father, grinned. "Hello, Fiona... and welcome back, Mister Golahman!"

Golahman looked over at Finn, giving a weak smile. "Hello, Mr. Banisphora," he said, nervously standing up, offering his hands to both Fiona and Evanu, who strapped his submachine gun over his shoulder, confident he wouldn't need to use it.

[Aurora Confederacy]

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."

"Thanks" says Zoe, before turning to Micky, "well you heard the guy, we have enough time to get a meal before the show opens. The sound of the horn being sounded alerted Micky to some rather important person making their way.
"err Zoe, look like the head of ceremonies is coming"

Zoe turned to face the oncoming crowd and brought her camera up to bare and took several photographs, after all this is quite a festival and when things happen, they have to be photographed. The same horn was also heard over by where Gina and Robbie are and Robbie had a similar idea so made her way to the cab of the truck and opened it up to get her camera out of it before climbing up onto the catwalk behind the cabin and climbed the ladder that gave access to the top of the refrigeration pod, it also put Robbie up on an elevated position.

Drawing the camera to bare, Robbie flicked it onto [VIDEO] mode and pressed record and so began to film the goings on.

[Sceidan]

Aingeal smiled and nodded, her hair bouncing with it, having spotted something, or rather someone, from the corner of her eye.
"That does sound like a plan.", she said, "Though, you'll have to excuse me for a moment."
And with that, there was a tall, muscular redhead at her side, the fiddler from the stage, grinning and nodding towards Akiko. On his back was a case for a fiddle, which was bound to it by a thick leather strap. He hugged the Selkie with care and received a kiss on the cheek for his troubles, as well as something whispered in Selkie.
The young man grinned and nodded, as he released Aingeal from his arms, and extended a hand towards Akiko. "Good morning, lassie.", he greeted with jovial friendlyness.

Akiko started off with a bow, then shook the man's hand softly. Her hands were considerably smaller than his, and much softer as well. She returned her arm to her side and smiled, delighted to meet the master fiddler. "Greetings to you as well! Your playing is marvelous, I loved every minute of it! How your instrument went through soothing melodies and energizing harmonies was excellent. I couldn't do that myself, let alone play a fiddle as well."

[Ru-]

Both Selkie at the table had remained silent and respectful during the prayer, watching the two carefully. As they finished it, the two of them bowed their heads, a gesture of respect towards the God honoured by the prayer, as it was custom with the Selkie.
With a smile at the boy's enthusiasm, Gwen nodded towards his knight. "Well, I'd say, that we get you two checked in and after that, I'll have to leave you, too - I have to open the festival, the petting zoo and the music stage in a bit, sorry." Her words were accompanied by an apologetic expression. "After that, though, we can meet up again, if you two want."

"Sure, I'd love that!" Yoshio said. The knight spoke up. "We shall get checked in then, and then drop off our stuff in the room and settle in a bit. I think we'll head to the festival site in case the celebrations have stared by then, and if not, I am sure there will be plenty nearby to occupy his majesty's time while we wait."

Yoshio smiled and nodded his agreement with his guard's plan. "Well,I guess this is goodbye for now, we'll be certain to meet you again at the games at least, Lady Gwen. 'Till then!"

[The Selkie]

Golahman looked over at Finn, giving a weak smile. "Hello, Mr. Banisphora," he said, nervously standing up, offering his hands to both Fiona and Evanu, who strapped his submachine gun over his shoulder, confident he wouldn't need to use it.

Fiona took his hand and let herself be pulled up, using the chance to give him a kiss on the cheek - no matter what would happen, she or someone he knew would be right by his side, either herself, her father, her mother, one of her brothers or maybe even Gwen. There was no need to be afraid.
"There we are again, right, laddie?", Fiona's father asked.
With a smile, she went to the end of the cart and lifted up the first box with a Tine in it, handing it to her father and he, in turn, to one of his men, who proceeded to bring it to the designated area. The boxes, having fully grown Tines in it, were quite heavy, but that did not stop Fiona, nor her father, while the box was vacated, too.
Gwen and Glynn came rushing to their help, too.
Around ten minutes later, she herself climbed down and hugged her father, kissing him on the cheek, hoping, that Karak would not find it offensive. With a grin, Gwen made the other people depart their area of arrival, giving them a bit of a berth, before she, too, grinned at Evanu.

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."

"Thanks" says Zoe, before turning to Micky, "well you heard the guy, we have enough time to get a meal before the show opens. The sound of the horn being sounded alerted Micky to some rather important person making their way.
"err Zoe, look like the head of ceremonies is coming"

Zoe turned to face the oncoming crowd and brought her camera up to bare and took several photographs, after all this is quite a festival and when things happen, they have to be photographed. The same horn was also heard over by where Gina and Robbie are and Robbie had a similar idea so made her way to the cab of the truck and opened it up to get her camera out of it before climbing up onto the catwalk behind the cabin and climbed the ladder that gave access to the top of the refrigeration pod, it also put Robbie up on an elevated position.

Drawing the camera to bare, Robbie flicked it onto [VIDEO] mode and pressed record and so began to film the goings on.

Indeed, at the Eastern Gate of the City of Cuan, a short, but very honourable took place, as the High Priestess of Lodan Lir, Lilianne Preab of the Tribe of Antrim, an lady with a sharply cut and rigid face, her brown hair bound back into a pony tail, her brown eyes betraying both mirth and humour, clad in Geansai of her Cult, approached the gate.
The mayor, dismounted and standing by the side of his steed, lowered his head, hands at his side, palms open and facing the approaching woman, who came to a trotting stop around half a dozen metres from him. She looked the old man up and down, before she, herself, dismounted and approached the Mayor of Cuan... then proceeded to lift his chin with a soft hand.
The Mayor spoke a greeting, one of the only times one saw a Selkie humbling oneself so much, in their tongue, the crowd being silent enough to hear a pin drop, as he spoke.
The High Priestess nodded very dignified in reply, before she moved forward and kissed the man on the cheek, receiving the greeting and the honour coming with it. There was cheering, as the mayor's escort made way for the High Priestess and her entourage, amongst them a unbridled horse, a beauty of a stallion, led by a rope.
High Priestess Preab had entered the Pearl of Lodan Lir.

Akiko started off with a bow, then shook the man's hand softly. Her hands were considerably smaller than his, and much softer as well. She returned her arm to her side and smiled, delighted to meet the master fiddler. "Greetings to you as well! Your playing is marvelous, I loved every minute of it! How your instrument went through soothing melodies and energizing harmonies was excellent. I couldn't do that myself, let alone play a fiddle as well."

The redhead took the hand in a gentle shake, carefully, as if he was touching something highly breaking, but firm nonetheless, grinning at the enthusiasm.
"Thank you very much, Miss, it's always a pleasure to play for a beautiful woman like you are... and if she enjoys it, all the better.", he said and smiled charmingly, bowing his head slightly, his arm still around his friend.
Aingeal spoke with a grin: "If I may introduce, Ayden, that's Akiko, Akiko, my partner, friend and brother in anything but name, Ayden."
Ayden bowed his head with a charming smile.

"Sure, I'd love that!" Yoshio said. The knight spoke up. "We shall get checked in then, and then drop off our stuff in the room and settle in a bit. I think we'll head to the festival site in case the celebrations have stared by then, and if not, I am sure there will be plenty nearby to occupy his majesty's time while we wait."

Yoshio smiled and nodded his agreement with his guard's plan. "Well,I guess this is goodbye for now, we'll be certain to meet you again at the games at least, Lady Gwen. 'Till then!"

Gwen nodded and stood up.
"It was a pleasure to have breakfast with the three of you.", she said in a bit of a hurry, "If you need anything to occupy yourself with, the good Sergeant is from here. If you'd excuse me, please..."
And with that, she was gone, exchanging a few words with the waitress from before, and then she disappeared outside of the inn, making her way to somewhere else.
The Sergeant smiled. "Well, I'm actually from Leathdhuine... that's a village three kilometres in that..." She pointed towards the kitchen. "...direction. Roundabout." She grinned. "Let's get going, shall we?"
And with that, they made short work of checking in, which was done without problems, the inn having staff to carry the bags up to the High Suite, the best suite of the house, and there they were - in the best room of the Ceannaí Inn, with a beautiful view of the city, lavishly decorated, but also a bit subdued in fashion, no gold or silver in sight, but the finest fabrics and silks used with every conceivable surface, carpets with intricate patterns and beds soft enough to feel like on a cloud.
Immediately upon entering the room, the Sergeant felt as if her mere presence was dirtying this room, but she hoped, that it was nothing and not visible on her face - then again, she was terrible at card games.
Centre was a large common room, from which three doors went off, one to a large bedroom, one to a smaller one, and one to a bathroom with tiles cut from Lapis Lazuli, giving the impression of being underwater. The bedrooms had fine silken covers and small balconies as well, but also large wardrobes and, in case of the smaller one, a small safe.
In the common room, there was a large assembly of couches, large enough, as the Sergeant noted, to house her entire Rifle Section, with room to spare, and a glass table between them - there was a fruit bowl in the centre of the table and a minibar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the corner, a bit hidden because of the former. There were also a few paintings on the walls, one showing a horse-drawn caravan, notably without escort, approaching a city, which was startingly similar to Cuan, the other a river ship passing under one of the Seven Bridges Cuan was famous for, at its bow a girl with flaxen hair.
The Sergeant, entering behind everyone else, nodded. "Well... now I know, where the reputation comes from.", she said dryly, causing the inn-people to grin with pride.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman looked over at Finn, giving a weak smile. "Hello, Mr. Banisphora," he said, nervously standing up, offering his hands to both Fiona and Evanu, who strapped his submachine gun over his shoulder, confident he wouldn't need to use it.

Fiona took his hand and let herself be pulled up, using the chance to give him a kiss on the cheek - no matter what would happen, she or someone he knew would be right by his side, either herself, her father, her mother, one of her brothers or maybe even Gwen. There was no need to be afraid.
"There we are again, right, laddie?", Fiona's father asked.
With a smile, she went to the end of the cart and lifted up the first box with a Tine in it, handing it to her father and he, in turn, to one of his men, who proceeded to bring it to the designated area. The boxes, having fully grown Tines in it, were quite heavy, but that did not stop Fiona, nor her father, while the box was vacated, too.
Gwen and Glynn came rushing to their help, too.
Around ten minutes later, she herself climbed down and hugged her father, kissing him on the cheek, hoping, that Karak would not find it offensive. With a grin, Gwen made the other people depart their area of arrival, giving them a bit of a berth, before she, too, grinned at Evanu.

With family being the only exception in regards to affection, Golahman wasn't at all offended, in fact, it never crossed his mind. He was slightly more focused on watching the Tines, while Evanu gave Gwen a slight nod.

In an effort to feel more comfortable, Golahman glanced at Finn, asking, "Has Fiona told you about the Tine you gifted me with a few months ago?"

[The Selkie]

With family being the only exception in regards to affection, Golahman wasn't at all offended, in fact, it never crossed his mind. He was slightly more focused on watching the Tines, while Evanu gave Gwen a slight nod.

In an effort to feel more comfortable, Golahman glanced at Finn, asking, "Has Fiona told you about the Tine you gifted me with a few months ago?"

The father of his beloved grinned with a nod. "The odd bits and pieces, here and there. She also showed me the pictures from the Christmas Party.", he told him and put an arm around the smaller man, "He's coming along greatly, as far as I can see... and from what she told me, he's on a good track!"
He grinned.
"You're doing well so far!", he complimented, "Must be the cats."
Around them, a bit of a hustle and bustle went on, last preparations for the opening of the Petting Zoo were underway and although that was still a bit out, they wanted to get it done before and have time to spare, maybe for breakfast.
And weaving through all of that was a familiar ball of red fur, who was looked for by his mistress with searching eyes... and found to great relief, as he came charging with a chirp - indeed, Sio tackled Fiona with a mighty jump, landing in her waiting arms, snuggling into her chest and letting her kiss him on the snout.
Fiona laughed as the tails swishing back and forth tickled her stomach. Her world just got a bit righter.

[Krugeristan]

With family being the only exception in regards to affection, Golahman wasn't at all offended, in fact, it never crossed his mind. He was slightly more focused on watching the Tines, while Evanu gave Gwen a slight nod.

In an effort to feel more comfortable, Golahman glanced at Finn, asking, "Has Fiona told you about the Tine you gifted me with a few months ago?"

The father of his beloved grinned with a nod. "The odd bits and pieces, here and there. She also showed me the pictures from the Christmas Party.", he told him and put an arm around the smaller man, "He's coming along greatly, as far as I can see... and from what she told me, he's on a good track!"
He grinned.
"You're doing well so far!", he complimented, "Must be the cats."
Around them, a bit of a hustle and bustle went on, last preparations for the opening of the Petting Zoo were underway and although that was still a bit out, they wanted to get it done before and have time to spare, maybe for breakfast.
And weaving through all of that was a familiar ball of red fur, who was looked for by his mistress with searching eyes... and found to great relief, as he came charging with a chirp - indeed, Sio tackled Fiona with a mighty jump, landing in her waiting arms, snuggling into her chest and letting her kiss him on the snout.
Fiona laughed as the tails swishing back and forth tickled her stomach. Her world just got a bit righter.

Part of Golahman wondered if Fiona told Finn about how Assad was acting with the Tine at the Christmas party. He looked around with some confusion as events went on around him. Upon seeing Sio race up to Fiona, he smiled a little, glad to see her happy.

[Military Democracy of Birtonia]

Mr. Robert Dawnshir
Silverport International Airport

The Birtonian aircraft rolled towards its destination gate and slowly engaged brakes and released throttle, letting the engines die down safely. It lurched slightly as the final stop happened, interior lights came on, shining brightly on the Imperial ambassador granted rare vacation leave to The Free Lands of Selkie. His wife, Veronica and his assigned Cura Condendi bodyguard, Sergeant-at-arms Victor Franlin departed the aircraft, the cool spring breeze bringing smells of local flora to the small group as they looked upon a foreign land for the first time. This was an unprecedented event in the history of The Imperium, as citizens rarely leave sovereign ground unless specifically sanctioned by the government or to wage war, this however was the first case of free leave, with a CC officer to both protect but monitor the Birtonian and keep him free of outside corruption.

Each of them strode with great confidence towards the terminal, observing the ground crew of the airport going to and fro, completing their assigned tasks of refueling, unloading what have you. Veronica, wide eyed and eager to meet foreigners brazenly strode into the terminal wondering how they would get to the Spring Festival, naturally being the woman she would "suggest" something to her husband and he'd have no choice other than to accept. So with that in mind it was decided that the scenic route via train from Silverport Main to Cuan Main would be best for them, following that a ferry would take them the rest of the way.

Quite an exciting time for Imperial citizenry, and absolutely a story that will be reported on by the Birtonian Reporting Agency, showing citizens back home the wonders of international travel. SAA Victor went ahead and procured the tickets for his charges, flirting with the ticket agent as he did. Robert, the Ambassador knew that a local bodyguard would be provided as requested by the Ministorum Externii, he did wonder if said person would meet them here or at the festival grounds, they had some time to kill before the train left anyway so he would find out sooner or later.

[Ru-]

Gwen nodded and stood up.
"It was a pleasure to have breakfast with the three of you.", she said in a bit of a hurry, "If you need anything to occupy yourself with, the good Sergeant is from here. If you'd excuse me, please..."
And with that, she was gone, exchanging a few words with the waitress from before, and then she disappeared outside of the inn, making her way to somewhere else.
The Sergeant smiled. "Well, I'm actually from Leathdhuine... that's a village three kilometres in that..." She pointed towards the kitchen. "...direction. Roundabout." She grinned. "Let's get going, shall we?"
And with that, they made short work of checking in, which was done without problems, the inn having staff to carry the bags up to the High Suite, the best suite of the house, and there they were - in the best room of the Ceannaí Inn, with a beautiful view of the city, lavishly decorated, but also a bit subdued in fashion, no gold or silver in sight, but the finest fabrics and silks used with every conceivable surface, carpets with intricate patterns and beds soft enough to feel like on a cloud.
Immediately upon entering the room, the Sergeant felt as if her mere presence was dirtying this room, but she hoped, that it was nothing and not visible on her face - then again, she was terrible at card games.
Centre was a large common room, from which three doors went off, one to a large bedroom, one to a smaller one, and one to a bathroom with tiles cut from Lapis Lazuli, giving the impression of being underwater. The bedrooms had fine silken covers and small balconies as well, but also large wardrobes and, in case of the smaller one, a small safe.
In the common room, there was a large assembly of couches, large enough, as the Sergeant noted, to house her entire Rifle Section, with room to spare, and a glass table between them - there was a fruit bowl in the centre of the table and a minibar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the corner, a bit hidden because of the former. There were also a few paintings on the walls, one showing a horse-drawn caravan, notably without escort, approaching a city, which was startingly similar to Cuan, the other a river ship passing under one of the Seven Bridges Cuan was famous for, at its bow a girl with flaxen hair.
The Sergeant, entering behind everyone else, nodded. "Well... now I know, where the reputation comes from.", she said dryly, causing the inn-people to grin with pride.

Yoshio glanced around the room happily, seemingly impressed as well. "Indeed! It's quite nice, reminds me of home." He walked into the room to investigate the paintings and the view.

Larra turned to the Sergeant, the knights were specially trained to read expression so he could tell instantly that something about the room was bothering her, and based on her comments about the food at the inn's restaurant he could guess what. "A bit too rich eh? I don't blame you." he said with a smirk and put a hand on her shoulder playfully. "Comes with the territory of looking after this one I'm afraid, but if you're feeling guilty about enjoying it then maybe you can make up for it by taking first watch tonight, heh heh."

He called to the king to go change into something warmer like they talked about earlier and grabbed one of the fruits from the table and turned to the minibar, smiling back at the Sergeant "Hey, do you drink, perhaps?"

[Sceidan]

The redhead took the hand in a gentle shake, carefully, as if he was touching something highly breaking, but firm nonetheless, grinning at the enthusiasm.
"Thank you very much, Miss, it's always a pleasure to play for a beautiful woman like you are... and if she enjoys it, all the better.", he said and smiled charmingly, bowing his head slightly, his arm still around his friend.
Aingeal spoke with a grin: "If I may introduce, Ayden, that's Akiko, Akiko, my partner, friend and brother in anything but name, Ayden."
Ayden bowed his head with a charming smile.

Akiko decided to reply with a traditional Sceidanese greeting "Yorokobashī kotoda. It is a pleasure." she said, smiling with a bow. "Aingeal suggested our two groups have a jam session later, and I'd be honored to play a few songs with you, Ayden." She smiled, enjoying his compliments and excellent manners. "I'm excited to see your full performance as well. I can whole=heartedly say that Selkie folk and dance music has definitely caught my attention, and I can't wait to hear more."

[The Selkie]

Part of Golahman wondered if Fiona told Finn about how Assad was acting with the Tine at the Christmas party. He looked around with some confusion as events went on around him. Upon seeing Sio race up to Fiona, he smiled a little, glad to see her happy.

For a moment, Finn watched his daughter, too, reminded of the little girl she once was and seeing the beautiful woman she was now... he knew about Assad and his actions during the party, but he did not want to discuss that, now was not the time.
He grinned... before he remembered, that there was a challenge coming towards them. "I'll have to talk with you and Fiona about something urgent later, laddie.", he told the man in a low, serious voice, "Don't worry, you did nothing wrong, but it's still urgent."
His voice booked no argument.

Mr. Robert Dawnshir
Silverport International Airport

The Birtonian aircraft rolled towards its destination gate and slowly engaged brakes and released throttle, letting the engines die down safely. It lurched slightly as the final stop happened, interior lights came on, shining brightly on the Imperial ambassador granted rare vacation leave to The Free Lands of Selkie. His wife, Veronica and his assigned Cura Condendi bodyguard, Sergeant-at-arms Victor Franlin departed the aircraft, the cool spring breeze bringing smells of local flora to the small group as they looked upon a foreign land for the first time. This was an unprecedented event in the history of The Imperium, as citizens rarely leave sovereign ground unless specifically sanctioned by the government or to wage war, this however was the first case of free leave, with a CC officer to both protect but monitor the Birtonian and keep him free of outside corruption.

Each of them strode with great confidence towards the terminal, observing the ground crew of the airport going to and fro, completing their assigned tasks of refueling, unloading what have you. Veronica, wide eyed and eager to meet foreigners brazenly strode into the terminal wondering how they would get to the Spring Festival, naturally being the woman she would "suggest" something to her husband and he'd have no choice other than to accept. So with that in mind it was decided that the scenic route via train from Silverport Main to Cuan Main would be best for them, following that a ferry would take them the rest of the way.

Quite an exciting time for Imperial citizenry, and absolutely a story that will be reported on by the Birtonian Reporting Agency, showing citizens back home the wonders of international travel. SAA Victor went ahead and procured the tickets for his charges, flirting with the ticket agent as he did. Robert, the Ambassador knew that a local bodyguard would be provided as requested by the Ministorum Externii, he did wonder if said person would meet them here or at the festival grounds, they had some time to kill before the train left anyway so he would find out sooner or later.

Silverport Main Railway Station was, at his heart, a freight terminal, supplying the shipyards the town was so famous for with all the wares it needed. There was, however, a more representative building for passengers, platforms of stones, a building of bricks, steels, mortar and glass, with the main hall, where the trains arrived and departed, having a glass ceiling showing the bright blue skies. Panels of wood covered the walls with intricated carvings, following a pattern was next to impossible as the eye always saw something new to focus on.
It was a magnificent building, build decades ago and maintained with love.
There were benches everywhere and most were free.
The ticket agent, a quite attractive young woman, entertained the Sergeant with a smile, long used to be used as a flirting-object and being experienced in flirting back as long as there was no one else she had to work with, but never admitting to anything - military types, she decided, were the same no matter they were from.
The chaperone's charges, however, were to wait for their bodyguard, he would meet them in Cuan itself.
The Ambassador and his wife, however, would see not many people. The main rush for the trains was over and with it most of the activity. However, amongst the figures still there, one stood out: A female, somewhere between the border of a girl and a woman, short black hair, a few strands framing her cute face, which had green-blue eyes looking at the world, a small nose. She was clad in a uniform, of a school, white shirt with a blue ribbon tied around her neck, grey vest, which emphasized her developing body, and grey skirt, which had two white lines running along close to the hem. A pair of stockings completed her ensemble.
Her attention was less on any other traveller, but on something in her lap, the head of a Grey Wolf, body attached, who enjoyed his place as he napped, she stroking him softly. She smiled a small, serene smile.

Gwen nodded and stood up.
"It was a pleasure to have breakfast with the three of you.", she said in a bit of a hurry, "If you need anything to occupy yourself with, the good Sergeant is from here. If you'd excuse me, please..."
And with that, she was gone, exchanging a few words with the waitress from before, and then she disappeared outside of the inn, making her way to somewhere else.
The Sergeant smiled. "Well, I'm actually from Leathdhuine... that's a village three kilometres in that..." She pointed towards the kitchen. "...direction. Roundabout." She grinned. "Let's get going, shall we?"
And with that, they made short work of checking in, which was done without problems, the inn having staff to carry the bags up to the High Suite, the best suite of the house, and there they were - in the best room of the Ceannaí Inn, with a beautiful view of the city, lavishly decorated, but also a bit subdued in fashion, no gold or silver in sight, but the finest fabrics and silks used with every conceivable surface, carpets with intricate patterns and beds soft enough to feel like on a cloud.
Immediately upon entering the room, the Sergeant felt as if her mere presence was dirtying this room, but she hoped, that it was nothing and not visible on her face - then again, she was terrible at card games.
Centre was a large common room, from which three doors went off, one to a large bedroom, one to a smaller one, and one to a bathroom with tiles cut from Lapis Lazuli, giving the impression of being underwater. The bedrooms had fine silken covers and small balconies as well, but also large wardrobes and, in case of the smaller one, a small safe.
In the common room, there was a large assembly of couches, large enough, as the Sergeant noted, to house her entire Rifle Section, with room to spare, and a glass table between them - there was a fruit bowl in the centre of the table and a minibar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the corner, a bit hidden because of the former. There were also a few paintings on the walls, one showing a horse-drawn caravan, notably without escort, approaching a city, which was startingly similar to Cuan, the other a river ship passing under one of the Seven Bridges Cuan was famous for, at its bow a girl with flaxen hair.
The Sergeant, entering behind everyone else, nodded. "Well... now I know, where the reputation comes from.", she said dryly, causing the inn-people to grin with pride.

Yoshio glanced around the room happily, seemingly impressed as well. "Indeed! It's quite nice, reminds me of home." He walked into the room to investigate the paintings and the view.

Larra turned to the Sergeant, the knights were specially trained to read expression so he could tell instantly that something about the room was bothering her, and based on her comments about the food at the inn's restaurant he could guess what. "A bit too rich eh? I don't blame you." he said with a smirk and put a hand on her shoulder playfully. "Comes with the territory of looking after this one I'm afraid, but if you're feeling guilty about enjoying it then maybe you can make up for it by taking first watch tonight, heh heh."

He called to the king to go change into something warmer like they talked about earlier and grabbed one of the fruits from the table and turned to the minibar, smiling back at the Sergeant "Hey, do you drink, perhaps?"

"Not when on duty.", the Sergeant replied, before she added, "But if they have an apple juice, I'll take you up on the offer."
Of course they had, four different varieties (fermented, carbonated and from two different kinds of apples), but that was not as important to the Sergeant. She carefully sat down on one of the couches as the young King was changing.
She would take first and second watch, she had decided, but was still uncomfortable with all this splendor around. She was paid well, but she was both a farmer's girl and a soldier, she was used to a lot less. A blanket by a tree would be heaven for her on a mission, but she was special forces for a reason.
"Say, Sir Larra...", she began, turning her head to the man, "Since how long did you protect the laddie?"

The redhead took the hand in a gentle shake, carefully, as if he was touching something highly breaking, but firm nonetheless, grinning at the enthusiasm.
"Thank you very much, Miss, it's always a pleasure to play for a beautiful woman like you are... and if she enjoys it, all the better.", he said and smiled charmingly, bowing his head slightly, his arm still around his friend.
Aingeal spoke with a grin: "If I may introduce, Ayden, that's Akiko, Akiko, my partner, friend and brother in anything but name, Ayden."
Ayden bowed his head with a charming smile.

Akiko decided to reply with a traditional Sceidanese greeting "Yorokobashī kotoda. It is a pleasure." she said, smiling with a bow. "Aingeal suggested our two groups have a jam session later, and I'd be honored to play a few songs with you, Ayden." She smiled, enjoying his compliments and excellent manners. "I'm excited to see your full performance as well. I can whole=heartedly say that Selkie folk and dance music has definitely caught my attention, and I can't wait to hear more."

Ayden smiled.
"I hope you won't be disappointed then, Akiko.", he replied, his smile developing into a grin, happy, that his conversation partner was nice - in his day job, that was not always the case. "And I'd be honoured to jam with you and yours later. If they are even half as good as the reputation suggests, we are in for quite a treat, if you ask me!"
Aingeal giggled. "I heard, that Cornwall-3 plans to send all concerts and jam sessions catching their interest onto the waves - let's see, if we manage to catch that!", she said with a grin.

[Krugeristan]

Part of Golahman wondered if Fiona told Finn about how Assad was acting with the Tine at the Christmas party. He looked around with some confusion as events went on around him. Upon seeing Sio race up to Fiona, he smiled a little, glad to see her happy.

For a moment, Finn watched his daughter, too, reminded of the little girl she once was and seeing the beautiful woman she was now... he knew about Assad and his actions during the party, but he did not want to discuss that, now was not the time.
He grinned... before he remembered, that there was a challenge coming towards them. "I'll have to talk with you and Fiona about something urgent later, laddie.", he told the man in a low, serious voice, "Don't worry, you did nothing wrong, but it's still urgent."
His voice booked no argument.

Golahman turned pale again. "If-If it's urgent, why wait till later?" He hated being told about something urgent that had to wait later; it made no sense with the term "urgent", and all it did was make him nauseous and anxious while he waited. He bit his glove, trying to take deep breaths.

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
South Cuan Train Station

"Yes, I do," Samuel replied. "He would have loved to be here, but unfortunately, Gabriel still has class." All the while, he was cursing himself internally for assuming that Kiah's parents were waiting for her.

"Since you asked, I could use a quick bite."

[Sceidan]

Ayden smiled.
"I hope you won't be disappointed then, Akiko.", he replied, his smile developing into a grin, happy, that his conversation partner was nice - in his day job, that was not always the case. "And I'd be honoured to jam with you and yours later. If they are even half as good as the reputation suggests, we are in for quite a treat, if you ask me!"
Aingeal giggled. "I heard, that Cornwall-3 plans to send all concerts and jam sessions catching their interest onto the waves - let's see, if we manage to catch that!", she said with a grin.

"A chance to be on Selkie radio? That's amazing! My band could get some major exposure here. I've been trying to get Necrosis out into multiple international festivals, so we could become more recognized, and so far that's worked. Since our most recent release, 'Fear of the Empty' a few weeks ago, our international album sales have increase by so much, which makes me so happy! When I joined Necrosis a few years ago, they were just starting out as a small underground Death Metal band with little to work with. I came in from the beginning and tried to help shape our sound, and the guys liked how I went with it! So now here we are!" She smiled, blushing a bit as she swept hair out of her face with her hand. "I apologize, I tend to ramble sometimes when talking about my music, haha!"

[The Selkie]

Golahman turned pale again. "If-If it's urgent, why wait till later?" He hated being told about something urgent that had to wait later; it made no sense with the term "urgent", and all it did was make him nauseous and anxious while he waited. He bit his glove, trying to take deep breaths.

Finn nodded. "That's actually a good idea, but I need you two to meet someone for that and they arrive only later.", he replied, "I know it beats the purpose of urgently, but that's how it is... For now, try to stay calm and steady." He looked at the younger man with a small smile. "Need something to drink?"

Samuel Cui
South Cuan Train Station

"Yes, I do," Samuel replied. "He would have loved to be here, but unfortunately, Gabriel still has class." All the while, he was cursing himself internally for assuming that Kiah's parents were waiting for her.

"Since you asked, I could use a quick bite."

Kiah smiled, not upset at Cui's assumption about her parents - it was logical, but apparently not for her.
She petted her fox's side with a smile, before she lifted herself up and stood besides Cui, the fox putting his head to the side. She said something in Selkie, a melodious language, which sounded more like the song and dance they were so famous. Her fox gave a chirp and bounded to her side.
"Well, then, Mister Cui.", Kiah said, switching back to English and grinning, "Let's go - I know a lovely little tavern close to here, they serve a very good breakfast as well!"

Ayden smiled.
"I hope you won't be disappointed then, Akiko.", he replied, his smile developing into a grin, happy, that his conversation partner was nice - in his day job, that was not always the case. "And I'd be honoured to jam with you and yours later. If they are even half as good as the reputation suggests, we are in for quite a treat, if you ask me!"
Aingeal giggled. "I heard, that Cornwall-3 plans to send all concerts and jam sessions catching their interest onto the waves - let's see, if we manage to catch that!", she said with a grin.

"A chance to be on Selkie radio? That's amazing! My band could get some major exposure here. I've been trying to get Necrosis out into multiple international festivals, so we could become more recognized, and so far that's worked. Since our most recent release, 'Fear of the Empty' a few weeks ago, our international album sales have increase by so much, which makes me so happy! When I joined Necrosis a few years ago, they were just starting out as a small underground Death Metal band with little to work with. I came in from the beginning and tried to help shape our sound, and the guys liked how I went with it! So now here we are!" She smiled, blushing a bit as she swept hair out of her face with her hand. "I apologize, I tend to ramble sometimes when talking about my music, haha!"

Aingeal waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.
"No problem at all, Akiko, we all get like that when we talk about something where our passion lies!", she told the other woman with a grin, poking her partner into the side. He nodded ruefully, but grinned as well. "And seeing something one worked long and hard for succeed is the most amazing feeling in the world, if you ask me." She smiled, putting a hand on the other one's shoulder. "Be proud of it. Ramble. Show the world, and your band members, that you are proud of the achievements you all made."
"That being said...", Ayden said with a grin, "I know, that Cornwall 3 streams into the 'net, too, so there might be more then the odd listener from around the globe. Selkie Festivals always attract a bit of a crowd for their music."

[Krugeristan]

Golahman turned pale again. "If-If it's urgent, why wait till later?" He hated being told about something urgent that had to wait later; it made no sense with the term "urgent", and all it did was make him nauseous and anxious while he waited. He bit his glove, trying to take deep breaths.

Finn nodded. "That's actually a good idea, but I need you two to meet someone for that and they arrive only later.", he replied, "I know it beats the purpose of urgently, but that's how it is... For now, try to stay calm and steady." He looked at the younger man with a small smile. "Need something to drink?"

"Uh-huh," Golahman said, slowly nodding. "What is it all about, though?" He hoped this was about meeting the Black Fox breeder for Assad, or Assad's proposed summer home here, or anything else . . . he just hoped it wasn't about marriage, especially if Fiona had went and told people about how it probably wouldn't work out for years. Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind taking her tribe name, if she took my last name in the process . . . I don't know. It's still early. That's why I don't want to discuss it yet.

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
Leaving the South Cuan Train Station

"Lead the way, Kiah."

As the trio left the train station, Samuel took the time to see the sights of Cuan. With his new friend and her pet leading the way, he felt comfortable in the new environment. The offer of a good breakfast also helped; no way in hell would he have passed that opportunity up, even if he had to maintain his figure so that he could still fit in the bespoke Ruedas suits he often wore.