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

[The Selkie]

"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.

Finn let his shoulders sag. "Internal politics of the Selkie, their Clans and the connection between two of them. It'll all be clearer once you meet the two of them, believe me." He sighed. "That happens, when some people define your daughter as a 'Tribal Princess' on occassion... anyway, Fiona mentioned one of your friends wanted a Selkie Pet and he was interested, by her recommendation, in getting himself a Little Black Fox?"
He tried to smile, but failed miserably.
"It'll be a mess we'll soon enough find ourselves in...", he mumbled to himself.

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.

Kiah breathed in, inhaled, the air of Cuan as soon as they left the building and were on the square in front of the railway station, the sweet mixture of the rivers, the fields and the flowers in the air, mixing in with the scent of freshly baked goods in the two bakeries flanking the station - the buildings around them were nothing like the one they just left: Timber and stone dominated their surroundings, arranged into buildings, which to Cui most likely seemed as if they were right out of the Middle Ages.
Underneath the windows, there were flowerpots, filled with still green plants, which soon would bloom into the most magnificent displays and arrays of colour imagineable, from the windows themselves, should they be open, came all kinds of music, mostly by radio, as people were on the streets. While traditional clothing of the Selkie, be it Eadach Obaire or Geansai or the half-cuirasses preferred by their Marcach, clearly dominated, there were more enough people in 'Foreign Dress', ranging from school uniforms like Kiah's to jeans and t-shirts and jackets. Not all of them were tourists. Many animals, from horses both ridden and drawing carts to other pets, were present as well.
Cobbled streets and the square itself being cobbled only added to the rustic charmes.
Kiah saw, that Cui was more at ease here and smiled, offering her arm to either hook it into his or her hand to pull him along, depending on which speed he would prefer - granted, she was a bit of hungry, like a starving Grey Wolf, at the moment. She already knew her way, right hand side, down the street, fourth left and into the small alley, the Teach Ósta, a true pearl of Selkie-Tavernship.
Her fox was at her heels.

[Krugeristan]

"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.

Finn let his shoulders sag. "Internal politics of the Selkie, their Clans and the connection between two of them. It'll all be clearer once you meet the two of them, believe me." He sighed. "That happens, when some people define your daughter as a 'Tribal Princess' on occassion... anyway, Fiona mentioned one of your friends wanted a Selkie Pet and he was interested, by her recommendation, in getting himself a Little Black Fox?"
He tried to smile, but failed miserably.
"It'll be a mess we'll soon enough find ourselves in...", he mumbled to himself.

Golahman nodded, still mildly confused, but at least there wasn't a massive fog hanging over the subject. He calmed down a little, and let his shoulders drop. I can take her tribe name, as long as she takes my last name . . . does that even make sense here? He looked at Evanu, who was simply listening to the conversation with not much of an expression.

[AHSCA]

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

Mamiko's smile only seemed to widen showing the natural gaps in her teeth where some of her early primary teeth began to shed. "Oh please mama, please?"

"Well then I don't think that will be a problem. You just be careful and mind the nice lady here."

"Yes, mama"

[Sceidan]

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."

"Well thank you! I really appreciate your advice!" Akiko paused with a smile, checking the time on her cell phone. "I guess I should alert the band of our soundcheck now, huh?" She unlocked her phone and sent out a text to each member, telling them to ready the gear for a quick pre-show soundcheck. She also informed them to give a quick hello to Ayden and Aingeal, as they were fellow performers. "They should arrive in a moment, I'm excited for you to meet them all!"

[Aurora Confederacy]

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.

As the mayor spoke, Robbie zoomed in on the mayor, her hand on the camera as steady as a rock it would seem, partly due to the fact that the camera has inbuilt image stabilisation. She pans across to the high priestess then follows her back to the mayor before zooming out and scanning the crowd, taking in various people of which none of them are known to her. They could be high class royalty, presidents or quite simply members of the public and she would be none the wiser and chances are Robbie is not the only person there with a camera.

After the speech, Robbie stopped filming and climbed down from her vantage point, allowing the solar panels on the roof to regain some light again as Robbie had been sat on the roof for the filming. Once back on the floor, she opens the cab and goes inside to upload her video onto the internet, hastagging it as "Selkiespringfestival", As the video is uploading, Robbie removes her shoes, socks and lower legs to change the liners before putting the legs and everything else back on before rejoining Gina.

"You missed that" says Robbie

"yeah i was wandering where everyone else went, that the opening ceremony?"

"i think so Fitt, I think it was very much some kind of official opening, I'll man the stand for a bit if you want to go for a mosie around" says Robbie before turning to any new customers as she puts on a new pair of blue plastic catering gloves,

"Ya know what Robbie, I'll take you up on that, be back in around half an hour. If you want me I'll have the 2-way radio with me too"

"okay" says Robbie with a smile. "oh can you get some spring water for me whilst you're on your travels please?"

Gina smiled "sure, im sure theres a store for that here" At that point Gina left Robbie to run the store for a bit whilst she went on to have a look around.

[Military Democracy of Birtonia]

Mr Robert Dawnshir
Silverport Railway Station

---

Robert stood around in the center of the passenger terminal, simply taking in the view of it all around him. He did note that all around was a rather industrial complex, something that he indeed admire, making sure to create mental notes of the capabilities of The Selkie. His wife called to him, and with that erased his note taking in his mind, he really needed to try and remember that he was on vacation. Victor was chatting up the cute ticket agent, and a few other civilians milled about, his gorgeous wife beckoning to him and the eternal blue sky came in through the skylight, it was a good day. With a smile the man strode over to his wife.

"Yes dear?" he asked.

"Look at that beautiful dog! I've never seen that breed in the Imperium, we absolutely must have a picture!" she proclaimed, pointing towards the young girl waiting for her train, minding her own business.

The couple approached her, Robert a little more stoic compared to his wife, who was absolutely brimming with excitement, they stopped a short way in front of her, noticing the uniform before Veronica spoke, "My dear, we are Birtonians, what breed of canine is this? Never before have I seen such beauty!" she proclaimed, likely in a heavy accent to the girl.

Meanwhile Victor was continuing to chat up the ticket agent. "So girl, like I said this is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. The Imperium doesn't usually let us go where we please. Am I gonna see you out there later today?" he asked, always glancing over at his responsibilities every few seconds.

[The Selkie]

Golahman nodded, still mildly confused, but at least there wasn't a massive fog hanging over the subject. He calmed down a little, and let his shoulders drop. I can take her tribe name, as long as she takes my last name . . . does that even make sense here? He looked at Evanu, who was simply listening to the conversation with not much of an expression.

Finn put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it. "You'll do fine, laddie.", he said in a tone that booked no argument, "I've seen Fiona rarely this happy when it comes to her heart and... I have to thank you for that. You do her heart good."
There was an implicated phrase after that: 'I know, why my wife decided to introduce you two.'
He grinned towards his daughter, before he called: "Fiona, come over here for a sec before you run off!"
A moment later, she was there, Sio jumping from her arms to the ground and petted Golahman's leg. Fiona smiled and kissed the man on the cheek. "Mine.", she told the fox with a grin before she looked at her father. "Yep, Dad?"
"I need to talk with the two of you later, after the opening and..." There was the call of a horn echoing over the city. "Well, seems like that's your cue to get ready. The High Priestess arrived. Go and get changed, the horse is ready and your mother is at the meeting point."
Fiona nodded, kissed her father on the cheek, gave Golahman a peck on the lips and hurried off, leaving Sio in her boyfriend's care. She had to get changed, after all.

Mamiko's smile only seemed to widen showing the natural gaps in her teeth where some of her early primary teeth began to shed. "Oh please mama, please?"

"Well then I don't think that will be a problem. You just be careful and mind the nice lady here."

"Yes, mama"

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.

"Well thank you! I really appreciate your advice!" Akiko paused with a smile, checking the time on her cell phone. "I guess I should alert the band of our soundcheck now, huh?" She unlocked her phone and sent out a text to each member, telling them to ready the gear for a quick pre-show soundcheck. She also informed them to give a quick hello to Ayden and Aingeal, as they were fellow performers. "They should arrive in a moment, I'm excited for you to meet them all!"

The two Selkie nodded, Aingeal taking the word for them: "I look forward to it - they do sound like an awesome bunch!"
As they were talking, another band, this time the Selkie-Band Ard, took the stage. They were Rock, pure and simple, even if they were sometimes called a band playing a subgenre known as Selkie-Rock. They were five people, a vocalist with guitar, a bassist, who could double as a vocalist, drummer, bassist and a keyboardist, three men and two women.
The latter wore a particular variation of the Geansai, as it was worn by the members of the Lost Tribe of Conn: The holder, as the name implied holding the 'argumentation amplifiers', was very much akin to a bikini-top, two cups holding the subject matter, bound to the body by one strap around the neck and one strap around the back, but without the sleeves, as Mainland-Selkie wore them. The midriff was bare, the skirt was of the typical cut, knee length on the right side, up to the hips on the left. A vambrace on their lower right arms told everyone, that they were singles. What was remarkable as well was the material it was made of, namely fish leather, glittering in the morning sun with every move.
Posture of the two similar looking ladies said, that they were very much fine with their clothing and the light chill it gave them, as they were both grinning, one with a base, the other at the keyboard. Both were slightly tanned, too, as if they spent the winter on the Archipelago, which, indeed, was the case. Blue eyes sparkled as they exchanged a few words with the other members of their band, getting into position.
"Alright, ready for soundcheck!", the lead guitarist called to the technicians, who didn't even bat an eyebrow. And a moment later, they were underway, first testing if the system worked at all, playing simple melodies on their instruments and then playing one of the most well known songs of the Selkie in a rock-version: The Four Voices, this time sung by two.
Aingeal nodded in appreciation, whispering to Ayden: "I see, that Kiah got better." The young man grinned.

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.

As the mayor spoke, Robbie zoomed in on the mayor, her hand on the camera as steady as a rock it would seem, partly due to the fact that the camera has inbuilt image stabilisation. She pans across to the high priestess then follows her back to the mayor before zooming out and scanning the crowd, taking in various people of which none of them are known to her. They could be high class royalty, presidents or quite simply members of the public and she would be none the wiser and chances are Robbie is not the only person there with a camera.

After the speech, Robbie stopped filming and climbed down from her vantage point, allowing the solar panels on the roof to regain some light again as Robbie had been sat on the roof for the filming. Once back on the floor, she opens the cab and goes inside to upload her video onto the internet, hastagging it as "Selkiespringfestival", As the video is uploading, Robbie removes her shoes, socks and lower legs to change the liners before putting the legs and everything else back on before rejoining Gina.

"You missed that" says Robbie

"yeah i was wandering where everyone else went, that the opening ceremony?"

"i think so Fitt, I think it was very much some kind of official opening, I'll man the stand for a bit if you want to go for a mosie around" says Robbie before turning to any new customers as she puts on a new pair of blue plastic catering gloves,

"Ya know what Robbie, I'll take you up on that, be back in around half an hour. If you want me I'll have the 2-way radio with me too"

"okay" says Robbie with a smile. "oh can you get some spring water for me whilst you're on your travels please?"

Gina smiled "sure, im sure theres a store for that here" At that point Gina left Robbie to run the store for a bit whilst she went on to have a look around.

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.

Mr Robert Dawnshir
Silverport Railway Station

---

Robert stood around in the center of the passenger terminal, simply taking in the view of it all around him. He did note that all around was a rather industrial complex, something that he indeed admire, making sure to create mental notes of the capabilities of The Selkie. His wife called to him, and with that erased his note taking in his mind, he really needed to try and remember that he was on vacation. Victor was chatting up the cute ticket agent, and a few other civilians milled about, his gorgeous wife beckoning to him and the eternal blue sky came in through the skylight, it was a good day. With a smile the man strode over to his wife.

"Yes dear?" he asked.

"Look at that beautiful dog! I've never seen that breed in the Imperium, we absolutely must have a picture!" she proclaimed, pointing towards the young girl waiting for her train, minding her own business.

The couple approached her, Robert a little more stoic compared to his wife, who was absolutely brimming with excitement, they stopped a short way in front of her, noticing the uniform before Veronica spoke, "My dear, we are Birtonians, what breed of canine is this? Never before have I seen such beauty!" she proclaimed, likely in a heavy accent to the girl.

Meanwhile Victor was continuing to chat up the ticket agent. "So girl, like I said this is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. The Imperium doesn't usually let us go where we please. Am I gonna see you out there later today?" he asked, always glancing over at his responsibilities every few seconds.

The girl smiled, a flash behind her eyes telling of her unspoken thought at the introduction, namely And I'm a Selkie.
However, she smiled openly, welcoming the excitement of the lady, as usually some foreigners were rather opposed to such a large canine escorting such a 'little girl' as herself, as if he would maul her at the slightest thing. "Then welcome to the Free Lands, Ma'am, Sir.", she said politely, inclining her head in a gesture of respect as her steadfast companion cracked an eye open, watching the two Birtonians. "And thank you, Ma'am, Bhuf is actually groomed relatively regularly and he likes it. He's a Grey Wolf."
He indeed was, with everything going along with it, including the shaggy black fur on its powerful lower legs, the black tail and the two thick stripes running from the rear along the length of his grey-furred body up to the eyes, which were red with yellow sclerae, sparkling with intelligence of a free animal and not a caged poor creature. He grinned a wolfish grin, showing an impressive array of pointy teeth, for which he received a scratch behind his ears from the girl.

The woman in the ticket booth, figuring that the young man was some sort of attendant, if she would have to bet, she'd say bodyguard, for the two people he glanced to, smiled.
"No, sadly not, mainly due to someone having to hold down the fort and due to me going to Silverport's, if to any Spring Festival.", she told him with a smile, a slight bit miffed about being adressed as 'girl', "Sorry, laddie. Cuan, though, is famous for its archers and the Arrowmaidens practicing their craft there, though.", she addad a small hint.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman nodded, still mildly confused, but at least there wasn't a massive fog hanging over the subject. He calmed down a little, and let his shoulders drop. I can take her tribe name, as long as she takes my last name . . . does that even make sense here? He looked at Evanu, who was simply listening to the conversation with not much of an expression.

Finn put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it. "You'll do fine, laddie.", he said in a tone that booked no argument, "I've seen Fiona rarely this happy when it comes to her heart and... I have to thank you for that. You do her heart good."
There was an implicated phrase after that: 'I know, why my wife decided to introduce you two.'
He grinned towards his daughter, before he called: "Fiona, come over here for a sec before you run off!"
A moment later, she was there, Sio jumping from her arms to the ground and petted Golahman's leg. Fiona smiled and kissed the man on the cheek. "Mine.", she told the fox with a grin before she looked at her father. "Yep, Dad?"
"I need to talk with the two of you later, after the opening and..." There was the call of a horn echoing over the city. "Well, seems like that's your cue to get ready. The High Priestess arrived. Go and get changed, the horse is ready and your mother is at the meeting point."
Fiona nodded, kissed her father on the cheek, gave Golahman a peck on the lips and hurried off, leaving Sio in her boyfriend's care. She had to get changed, after all.

Golahman smiled. He figured there was some meaning behind this, and was glad he was right; this wasn't chance, or a mere suggestion. Gwen really thought he and Fiona would work well together, no doubt about that.

What made him happier was being trusted with Sio. He looked down at the Curly Mountain Fox with a weak smile. "I'm just going to thank you beforehand," he whispered.

Evanu walked up to Golahman. "You know, sir, we could've smuggled Assad in here if you wanted."

Golahman, leaning over to pick up Sio, gave Evanu a look. "As much as I'd love to hear your idea, it's not possible. Besides, Fiona wouldn't like it. I just . . . get the feeling it'll take a while for them to get along."

Evanu nodded. "That's what I meant. There's got to be something we can do to help them get along."

"While you think about that, let's get ready to go to the parade, and, while we're at it, let's spoil Sio."

[Ru-]

"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 knight nodded at her request "Ah, I see." he said and went to get her one of the apple drinks. Not wanting to appear less dutiful then the Sergeant, he passed over the wines and got one for himself instead. He poured some glasses for the two of them but looked over as she asked him a question.

"His whole life. I have had the honor of wearing the white cloak for 12 years now, so that means I served his majesty's father as well, the late King Thomas III, may he rest in peace."

Larra sat down next to her and handed her a glass before taking a drink himself. "Hey! Not bad!" he declared. "It reminds me a little of a few really top shelf Ruvian ciders." He took another sip, enjoying the chance to get to know his partner a bit better.

[The Selkie]

Finn put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it. "You'll do fine, laddie.", he said in a tone that booked no argument, "I've seen Fiona rarely this happy when it comes to her heart and... I have to thank you for that. You do her heart good."
There was an implicated phrase after that: 'I know, why my wife decided to introduce you two.'
He grinned towards his daughter, before he called: "Fiona, come over here for a sec before you run off!"
A moment later, she was there, Sio jumping from her arms to the ground and petted Golahman's leg. Fiona smiled and kissed the man on the cheek. "Mine.", she told the fox with a grin before she looked at her father. "Yep, Dad?"
"I need to talk with the two of you later, after the opening and..." There was the call of a horn echoing over the city. "Well, seems like that's your cue to get ready. The High Priestess arrived. Go and get changed, the horse is ready and your mother is at the meeting point."
Fiona nodded, kissed her father on the cheek, gave Golahman a peck on the lips and hurried off, leaving Sio in her boyfriend's care. She had to get changed, after all.

Golahman smiled. He figured there was some meaning behind this, and was glad he was right; this wasn't chance, or a mere suggestion. Gwen really thought he and Fiona would work well together, no doubt about that.

What made him happier was being trusted with Sio. He looked down at the Curly Mountain Fox with a weak smile. "I'm just going to thank you beforehand," he whispered.

Evanu walked up to Golahman. "You know, sir, we could've smuggled Assad in here if you wanted."

Golahman, leaning over to pick up Sio, gave Evanu a look. "As much as I'd love to hear your idea, it's not possible. Besides, Fiona wouldn't like it. I just . . . get the feeling it'll take a while for them to get along."

Evanu nodded. "That's what I meant. There's got to be something we can do to help them get along."

"While you think about that, let's get ready to go to the parade, and, while we're at it, let's spoil Sio."

The Curly Mountain Fox gave a happy chirp, a smile on his vulpine muzzle - when somebody wanted to spoil him, he would happily be spoiled.
Finn knew that and grinned. "Well, I'll have to go, laddies. Last touches to be placed on this here." He looked at Evanu. "Was a pleasure, Saighdiúir, have an eye on those two, please." He looked back to Golahman and extended his hand for a shake. "See you later, then, laddie."
Gwen, Fiona's best friend, had disappeared, too, leaving the men alone behind the cart. Sio looked up to his mistress' boyfriend and gave a quizzical expression, as if to say Where to first, pal?

"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 knight nodded at her request "Ah, I see." he said and went to get her one of the apple drinks. Not wanting to appear less dutiful then the Sergeant, he passed over the wines and got one for himself instead. He poured some glasses for the two of them but looked over as she asked him a question.

"His whole life. I have had the honor of wearing the white cloak for 12 years now, so that means I served his majesty's father as well, the late King Thomas III, may he rest in peace."

Larra sat down next to her and handed her a glass before taking a drink himself. "Hey! Not bad!" he declared. "It reminds me a little of a few really top shelf Ruvian ciders." He took another sip, enjoying the chance to get to know his partner a bit better.

The Sergeant smiled and took a sip for herself. "Wait until you taste freshly pressed apple juice. That'll blow you away!", she told him with a smile, "My father actually has a few apple trees... the big and round fruit of his trees in summer, big enough for a little girl to barely fit into both hands - but one not being able to sate her hunger for the sweet and crunchy fruit!"
She giggled at a memory of a time long past.
"Sorry, Sir.", she said and rightened herself a moment later, her expression steeled, the uniform a bit uncomfortable. "Would you mind, if I were to get a bit more comfortable?"

[Sceidan]

The two Selkie nodded, Aingeal taking the word for them: "I look forward to it - they do sound like an awesome bunch!"
As they were talking, another band, this time the Selkie-Band Ard, took the stage. They were Rock, pure and simple, even if they were sometimes called a band playing a subgenre known as Selkie-Rock. They were five people, a vocalist with guitar, a bassist, who could double as a vocalist, drummer, bassist and a keyboardist, three men and two women.
The latter wore a particular variation of the Geansai, as it was worn by the members of the Lost Tribe of Conn: The holder, as the name implied holding the 'argumentation amplifiers', was very much akin to a bikini-top, two cups holding the subject matter, bound to the body by one strap around the neck and one strap around the back, but without the sleeves, as Mainland-Selkie wore them. The midriff was bare, the skirt was of the typical cut, knee length on the right side, up to the hips on the left. A vambrace on their lower right arms told everyone, that they were singles. What was remarkable as well was the material it was made of, namely fish leather, glittering in the morning sun with every move.
Posture of the two similar looking ladies said, that they were very much fine with their clothing and the light chill it gave them, as they were both grinning, one with a base, the other at the keyboard. Both were slightly tanned, too, as if they spent the winter on the Archipelago, which, indeed, was the case. Blue eyes sparkled as they exchanged a few words with the other members of their band, getting into position.
"Alright, ready for soundcheck!", the lead guitarist called to the technicians, who didn't even bat an eyebrow. And a moment later, they were underway, first testing if the system worked at all, playing simple melodies on their instruments and then playing one of the most well known songs of the Selkie in a rock-version: The Four Voices, this time sung by two.
Aingeal nodded in appreciation, whispering to Ayden: "I see, that Kiah got better." The young man grinned.

Akiko wasn't surprised at the choice of outfits of the two performers. It was common in Sceidan for some performers to dress on the more 'scantily clad' side, and Akiko had even done it herself at times, although this was usually because it was hot weather during the performance, and Akiko has had a history of fainting due to extreme heat. While Akiko would usually perform in a swimsuit top or bra and jeans or shorts during a show if weather called for it, she would go no further than that. Most concerts she performed in a t-shirt and black skirt, or in a hoodie and pants. Akiko wasn't known for any outlandish outfits, save for the ocassioanl weird face paint or contact lenses, but her odd attitude and expressions on stage were noteworthy. After all, looking at Necrosis' album art, song lyrics, and instrumental styles, it was clear that Akiko was a bit odd in some sense, but her heart was in the right place. She looked to the stage, interested in hearing Ard and this style of Selkie-Rock that was new to her.

[The Selkie]

Akiko wasn't surprised at the choice of outfits of the two performers. It was common in Sceidan for some performers to dress on the more 'scantily clad' side, and Akiko had even done it herself at times, although this was usually because it was hot weather during the performance, and Akiko has had a history of fainting due to extreme heat. While Akiko would usually perform in a swimsuit top or bra and jeans or shorts during a show if weather called for it, she would go no further than that. Most concerts she performed in a t-shirt and black skirt, or in a hoodie and pants. Akiko wasn't known for any outlandish outfits, save for the ocassioanl weird face paint or contact lenses, but her odd attitude and expressions on stage were noteworthy. After all, looking at Necrosis' album art, song lyrics, and instrumental styles, it was clear that Akiko was a bit odd in some sense, but her heart was in the right place. She looked to the stage, interested in hearing Ard and this style of Selkie-Rock that was new to her.

With their rendition of the Four Voices, a song actually belonging more into the realm of folk-songs, the soundcheck began: The song began slow, with the bassist singing, using her voice, crystal clear as the creeks of the Silver Mountains, underlined by the keyboard, before she picked up, towards the end of the first stanza:

"I hear your voice on the wind
And I hear you call out my name...

"Listen, my child," I say to you,
"I am the voice of your history.
Be not afraid, come here to me,
Answer my cry and I'll let you free!"

With that, the other instruments followed a rhythm set forth by the drummer, strong and gentle, like a rainstorm, underlining the refrain with ideal backing, emitting the awesome power of an autumn storm, but also the gentleness of the falling rain.

"I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain,
I am the voice in the storm and the thunder high,
I am the voice that will always call for you,
I am the voice, I will remain."

That done, the lead vocalist took over, strong and fierceness in his voice, changing the tone with the changing seasons, from autumn and its storms to winter and the howling wolves to spring and its blloming flowers to summer with the glaring sun, matching each perfectly with his guitar, backed by the rest of the band in a similar manner, changing moods and through the year without any hitch, a natural progression:

"I am the voice in the fields when the summer's gone,
Dancing with the leaves, when the sea's winds blow,
I am the voice in the forests when covered in white,
Howling with the wolves in clearest night,
I am the voice in the gentle flowing riverbed,
Gurgling with the water and the skippers in there,
I am the voice in the golden fields in sunshine,
Swaying with the corn to my guardian's melody."

With that done, the bassist took over again, her voice, this time more in a mourning then in a happy mood, mourning the passing as if a goddess from on high watched over the land ravaged by the storms, the Voice Remaining as others grew silent.

"I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain,
I am the voice in the storm and the thunder high,
I am the voice that will always call for you,
I am the voice, I will remain."

The lead vocalist took over again, he, too, mourning, but also fierce and strong, as if he was a warrior seeing what he protected from his vantage of a past battle, watching song and dance and peace in the future for he fought. The other instruments having long since changed mood gradually went back to strength and positiveness.

"I am the voice of the past that will always be,
Filled with sorrow and blood in the fields,
I am the voice of the present that is right now,
Song and dance in the lantern's shine,
I am the voice of the future, bring me your peace,
Bring me your peace, and my wounds, they will heal!"

Both singer and bassist shared the last stanza and the refrain, two voices calling out together, to each other and finding each other, for no matter what happened, the four voices would remain, always and steadfast, no matter what happened and the strength in those two voices, projecting it towards the technical audience and over it.
Unlike what their name suggested, they were not overly loud, but energetic in their playstyle, strong in their singing and voice, steadfast in their instruments, rocking the square - and more then one person found the foot tapping in the clear rhythm of the folk song, which was present during the entire check.

"I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain,
I am the voice in the storm and the thunder high,
I am the voice that will always call for you,
I am the voice, I will remain.

I am the voice of the past that will always be,
I am the voice of present that is right now,
I am the voice of the future that might be,
I am the voice, I will remain."

There was applause at the end of it, including more then the odd call of gratulations. The lead vocalist grinned as he spoke into the mic: "Well, people, that'd conclude the sound check. How does it look?" The technician grinned and raised a hand with a raised thumb. "Good so far, that's wonderful. Are the next ones ready or can we give another one?"
All attention was drawn to another group, who called something about them not hogging all the folk songs for soundchecks, which caused laughter.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman smiled. He figured there was some meaning behind this, and was glad he was right; this wasn't chance, or a mere suggestion. Gwen really thought he and Fiona would work well together, no doubt about that.

What made him happier was being trusted with Sio. He looked down at the Curly Mountain Fox with a weak smile. "I'm just going to thank you beforehand," he whispered.

Evanu walked up to Golahman. "You know, sir, we could've smuggled Assad in here if you wanted."

Golahman, leaning over to pick up Sio, gave Evanu a look. "As much as I'd love to hear your idea, it's not possible. Besides, Fiona wouldn't like it. I just . . . get the feeling it'll take a while for them to get along."

Evanu nodded. "That's what I meant. There's got to be something we can do to help them get along."

"While you think about that, let's get ready to go to the parade, and, while we're at it, let's spoil Sio."

The Curly Mountain Fox gave a happy chirp, a smile on his vulpine muzzle - when somebody wanted to spoil him, he would happily be spoiled.
Finn knew that and grinned. "Well, I'll have to go, laddies. Last touches to be placed on this here." He looked at Evanu. "Was a pleasure, Saighdiúir, have an eye on those two, please." He looked back to Golahman and extended his hand for a shake. "See you later, then, laddie."
Gwen, Fiona's best friend, had disappeared, too, leaving the men alone behind the cart. Sio looked up to his mistress' boyfriend and gave a quizzical expression, as if to say Where to first, pal?

Golahman shook Finn's hand, while Evanu gave a simple dip of his head. With that, they took notice of how they had been left alone, and that they weren't sure where to go.

Evanu took a look around, glancing back at Golahman. "Looks like we should probably be heading to wherever the parade's taking place." He paused for a moment, stiffening up and looking ahead of Golahman. "You feel that?"

Golahman felt it too--the thumping of music from a distance. "Yes. What's on your mind?"

Evanu leaned in to whisper. "Should we take into consideration the fact that their music isn't as regulated as ours?"

The president gave a nod while stroking Sio. "We will, and you will do nothing unless I give you a specific order."

"Understood, sir."

They walked around to the front of the cart, under the impression that Gwen would be a chauffeur, or something along those lines, but they didn't see her.

"Hopefully, this won't be like the time Assad got lost at the Summer Fair last year," Evanu said.

"He wasn't lost. Those damned deep-fried Twinkies didn't sit well with him and he needed the nearest restroom before he threw up all over the Mrs. Vershenov's new cloak."

"Took him two hours to find us."

"Still not convinced he was lost. We were constantly moving."

[The Selkie]

The Curly Mountain Fox gave a happy chirp, a smile on his vulpine muzzle - when somebody wanted to spoil him, he would happily be spoiled.
Finn knew that and grinned. "Well, I'll have to go, laddies. Last touches to be placed on this here." He looked at Evanu. "Was a pleasure, Saighdiúir, have an eye on those two, please." He looked back to Golahman and extended his hand for a shake. "See you later, then, laddie."
Gwen, Fiona's best friend, had disappeared, too, leaving the men alone behind the cart. Sio looked up to his mistress' boyfriend and gave a quizzical expression, as if to say Where to first, pal?

Golahman shook Finn's hand, while Evanu gave a simple dip of his head. With that, they took notice of how they had been left alone, and that they weren't sure where to go.

Evanu took a look around, glancing back at Golahman. "Looks like we should probably be heading to wherever the parade's taking place." He paused for a moment, stiffening up and looking ahead of Golahman. "You feel that?"

Golahman felt it too--the thumping of music from a distance. "Yes. What's on your mind?"

Evanu leaned in to whisper. "Should we take into consideration the fact that their music isn't as regulated as ours?"

The president gave a nod while stroking Sio. "We will, and you will do nothing unless I give you a specific order."

"Understood, sir."

They walked around to the front of the cart, under the impression that Gwen would be a chauffeur, or something along those lines, but they didn't see her.

"Hopefully, this won't be like the time Assad got lost at the Summer Fair last year," Evanu said.

"He wasn't lost. Those damned deep-fried Twinkies didn't sit well with him and he needed the nearest restroom before he threw up all over the Mrs. Vershenov's new cloak."

"Took him two hours to find us."

"Still not convinced he was lost. We were constantly moving."

"And you are not.", a familiar voice said, a young man jogging towards them with a smile - Glynn had come back, "Sorry for ditching you for a moment. I was dragged away by someone I know and... well, here I am again."
He smiled, which widened as he saw Sio.
"I see, that you have quite a good spot, too.", he told the fox, who snuggled his head back into Golahman, making Glynn look up. "Well, carts without special license are forbidden near the tournament field, so... we can't take that one. Luckily, I have a guide for us, she should be here any minute. Local and knowledgeable in all the little sideways, which will get us faster to where we need to go, past all the tourists." He grinned. "You'll like her! Well, not in the way you like my big sis, but you'll do, I bet."
He did not mention, that he indeed did bet on them liking the guide he organized, but that was another question, one which he would not disclose.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman shook Finn's hand, while Evanu gave a simple dip of his head. With that, they took notice of how they had been left alone, and that they weren't sure where to go.

Evanu took a look around, glancing back at Golahman. "Looks like we should probably be heading to wherever the parade's taking place." He paused for a moment, stiffening up and looking ahead of Golahman. "You feel that?"

Golahman felt it too--the thumping of music from a distance. "Yes. What's on your mind?"

Evanu leaned in to whisper. "Should we take into consideration the fact that their music isn't as regulated as ours?"

The president gave a nod while stroking Sio. "We will, and you will do nothing unless I give you a specific order."

"Understood, sir."

They walked around to the front of the cart, under the impression that Gwen would be a chauffeur, or something along those lines, but they didn't see her.

"Hopefully, this won't be like the time Assad got lost at the Summer Fair last year," Evanu said.

"He wasn't lost. Those damned deep-fried Twinkies didn't sit well with him and he needed the nearest restroom before he threw up all over the Mrs. Vershenov's new cloak."

"Took him two hours to find us."

"Still not convinced he was lost. We were constantly moving."

"And you are not.", a familiar voice said, a young man jogging towards them with a smile - Glynn had come back, "Sorry for ditching you for a moment. I was dragged away by someone I know and... well, here I am again."
He smiled, which widened as he saw Sio.
"I see, that you have quite a good spot, too.", he told the fox, who snuggled his head back into Golahman, making Glynn look up. "Well, carts without special license are forbidden near the tournament field, so... we can't take that one. Luckily, I have a guide for us, she should be here any minute. Local and knowledgeable in all the little sideways, which will get us faster to where we need to go, past all the tourists." He grinned. "You'll like her! Well, not in the way you like my big sis, but you'll do, I bet."
He did not mention, that he indeed did bet on them liking the guide he organized, but that was another question, one which he would not disclose.

"If you're serious about any minute, than we'll wait," Golahman said, weakly smiling. "And, yes, I hope she can give us a pleasant time here, while we wait for Fiona." He would add that he was hoping to see the older Gwen as well, to tell her how he was doing and thank her for all she had given him, but he chose not to, feeling like adding more to his statement would make him seem selfish and impatient.

Evanu's smile was more genuine. "In the meantime, I would hope the food here is less of a menace on--" he coughed, "--you-know-who's stomach than it is in our country."

[The Selkie]

"If you're serious about any minute, than we'll wait," Golahman said, weakly smiling. "And, yes, I hope she can give us a pleasant time here, while we wait for Fiona." He would add that he was hoping to see the older Gwen as well, to tell her how he was doing and thank her for all she had given him, but he chose not to, feeling like adding more to his statement would make him seem selfish and impatient.

Evanu's smile was more genuine. "In the meantime, I would hope the food here is less of a menace on--" he coughed, "--you-know-who's stomach than it is in our country."

Glynn smiled. "You can call him by his name, you know? Voldemort is not going to jump out of the next closet.", he said, "That being said, as long as you are okay with fat, thick sauces and herbs, as well as not having one of those food intolerances like for lactose, you should be fine. You can circumvent the pigs easily as well, so for a muslim, there isn't any problem, as long as you speak up. Other then that... you tasted some of our important dishes, or so I've heard, Mister Golahman - what would you say?"
Before he could, though, there was somebody approaching the small group, a girl, call her fourteen and one wasn't too far off. She had long blue hair, bound into a ponytail with a yellow ribbon, her thus tamed mane falling over her back in a silken waterfall, and blue eyes sparkling as she approached, grinning. She would be a pretty young woman in time, one could see that, but was now developing, as it was alluded to by her outfit. She did not wear Geansai, as she would still have to wear the child's version of it, but her school uniform, a white, short-sleeved shirt with a black border near the edge of the sleeves, a blue tie with an intricate pattern of different blues and a plain light blue skirt. Stockings emphasized her legs and simple brown shoes completed the ensemble.
"Hey, there, Glynn!", she called with a grin, waving enthusiastically, which was returned by the young man, but she had to stop her approach as a cart passed.
Glynn grinned at the two Krugeristanis. "That pretty gal is our guide - the daughter of a friend of my family. A curious gal, so be prepared for lots and lots of questions.", he told them with a smile.

[Krugeristan]

"If you're serious about any minute, than we'll wait," Golahman said, weakly smiling. "And, yes, I hope she can give us a pleasant time here, while we wait for Fiona." He would add that he was hoping to see the older Gwen as well, to tell her how he was doing and thank her for all she had given him, but he chose not to, feeling like adding more to his statement would make him seem selfish and impatient.

Evanu's smile was more genuine. "In the meantime, I would hope the food here is less of a menace on--" he coughed, "--you-know-who's stomach than it is in our country."

Glynn smiled. "You can call him by his name, you know? Voldemort is not going to jump out of the next closet.", he said, "That being said, as long as you are okay with fat, thick sauces and herbs, as well as not having one of those food intolerances like for lactose, you should be fine. You can circumvent the pigs easily as well, so for a muslim, there isn't any problem, as long as you speak up. Other then that... you tasted some of our important dishes, or so I've heard, Mister Golahman - what would you say?"
Before he could, though, there was somebody approaching the small group, a girl, call her fourteen and one wasn't too far off. She had long blue hair, bound into a ponytail with a yellow ribbon, her thus tamed mane falling over her back in a silken waterfall, and blue eyes sparkling as she approached, grinning. She would be a pretty young woman in time, one could see that, but was now developing, as it was alluded to by her outfit. She did not wear Geansai, as she would still have to wear the child's version of it, but her school uniform, a white, short-sleeved shirt with a black border near the edge of the sleeves, a blue tie with an intricate pattern of different blues and a plain light blue skirt. Stockings emphasized her legs and simple brown shoes completed the ensemble.
"Hey, there, Glynn!", she called with a grin, waving enthusiastically, which was returned by the young man, but she had to stop her approach as a cart passed.
Glynn grinned at the two Krugeristanis. "That pretty gal is our guide - the daughter of a friend of my family. A curious gal, so be prepared for lots and lots of questions.", he told them with a smile.

Golahman whispered to Evanu, "I'm still not understanding this whole Voldemort thing."

Evanu sighed. "Voldemort was referred to as 'you-know-who' in the Harry Potter books. I'll show you when we get home."

"Alright, alright. What should we call him when we don't want to say his name?"

"Why are you uncomfortable saying his name?"

"Because I feel like I talk too much . . . about him."

"Oh, just say his name. We already use his innards as curse words, so, just say his name."

Golahman shrugged. They both turned to see their guide, who seemed really young to be doing this. They both knew Vershenov would probably say something rude at this point, but they decided not to think about the old man now, especially since they had to be prepared for "lots and lots of questions." Evanu gave her a nod, while Golahman said, "Hello," in a somewhat shy manner.

[Ru-]

The Sergeant smiled and took a sip for herself. "Wait until you taste freshly pressed apple juice. That'll blow you away!", she told him with a smile, "My father actually has a few apple trees... the big and round fruit of his trees in summer, big enough for a little girl to barely fit into both hands - but one not being able to sate her hunger for the sweet and crunchy fruit!"
She giggled at a memory of a time long past.
"Sorry, Sir.", she said and rightened herself a moment later, her expression steeled, the uniform a bit uncomfortable. "Would you mind, if I were to get a bit more comfortable?"

Larra chuckled some at her excitement. "Well, I would certainly have to try some one of these days then, I'd think!" He took another sip and smiled as she asked her question and shook his head casually. "Nah, go ahead. It wouldn't be a problem with me, my lady. You are far more aware of proper procedure among your rangers then I am, but as far as His Majesty and myself are concerned, it doesn't matter to us, so it's your decision."

At this point the king came out of the bedrooms in his new outfit: an off-white cashmere turtleneck sweater and a black jacket from some Ruvian designer, along with designer jeans and sneakers. He also still wore his crown on his head, since he was always expected to wear it when out and public and he may have thought that they were gonna head back out soon. Crown aside, it was definitely a far more casual and modern look then what he had worn to breakfast. More importantly, it was also very warm, which should help if the weather at the festival grew colder then they had anticipated.

Yoshio walked into the room confidently with a twirl in a showy, dramatic manner. "Hi guys! How do I look?"

[Sceidan]

With their rendition of the Four Voices, a song actually belonging more into the realm of folk-songs, the soundcheck began: The song began slow, with the bassist singing, using her voice, crystal clear as the creeks of the Silver Mountains, underlined by the keyboard, before she picked up, towards the end of the first stanza:

"I hear your voice on the wind
And I hear you call out my name...

"Listen, my child," I say to you,
"I am the voice of your history.
Be not afraid, come here to me,
Answer my cry and I'll let you free!"

With that, the other instruments followed a rhythm set forth by the drummer, strong and gentle, like a rainstorm, underlining the refrain with ideal backing, emitting the awesome power of an autumn storm, but also the gentleness of the falling rain.

"I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain,
I am the voice in the storm and the thunder high,
I am the voice that will always call for you,
I am the voice, I will remain."

That done, the lead vocalist took over, strong and fierceness in his voice, changing the tone with the changing seasons, from autumn and its storms to winter and the howling wolves to spring and its blloming flowers to summer with the glaring sun, matching each perfectly with his guitar, backed by the rest of the band in a similar manner, changing moods and through the year without any hitch, a natural progression:

"I am the voice in the fields when the summer's gone,
Dancing with the leaves, when the sea's winds blow,
I am the voice in the forests when covered in white,
Howling with the wolves in clearest night,
I am the voice in the gentle flowing riverbed,
Gurgling with the water and the skippers in there,
I am the voice in the golden fields in sunshine,
Swaying with the corn to my guardian's melody."

With that done, the bassist took over again, her voice, this time more in a mourning then in a happy mood, mourning the passing as if a goddess from on high watched over the land ravaged by the storms, the Voice Remaining as others grew silent.

"I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain,
I am the voice in the storm and the thunder high,
I am the voice that will always call for you,
I am the voice, I will remain."

The lead vocalist took over again, he, too, mourning, but also fierce and strong, as if he was a warrior seeing what he protected from his vantage of a past battle, watching song and dance and peace in the future for he fought. The other instruments having long since changed mood gradually went back to strength and positiveness.

"I am the voice of the past that will always be,
Filled with sorrow and blood in the fields,
I am the voice of the present that is right now,
Song and dance in the lantern's shine,
I am the voice of the future, bring me your peace,
Bring me your peace, and my wounds, they will heal!"

Both singer and bassist shared the last stanza and the refrain, two voices calling out together, to each other and finding each other, for no matter what happened, the four voices would remain, always and steadfast, no matter what happened and the strength in those two voices, projecting it towards the technical audience and over it.
Unlike what their name suggested, they were not overly loud, but energetic in their playstyle, strong in their singing and voice, steadfast in their instruments, rocking the square - and more then one person found the foot tapping in the clear rhythm of the folk song, which was present during the entire check.

"I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain,
I am the voice in the storm and the thunder high,
I am the voice that will always call for you,
I am the voice, I will remain.

I am the voice of the past that will always be,
I am the voice of present that is right now,
I am the voice of the future that might be,
I am the voice, I will remain."

There was applause at the end of it, including more then the odd call of gratulations. The lead vocalist grinned as he spoke into the mic: "Well, people, that'd conclude the sound check. How does it look?" The technician grinned and raised a hand with a raised thumb. "Good so far, that's wonderful. Are the next ones ready or can we give another one?"
All attention was drawn to another group, who called something about them not hogging all the folk songs for soundchecks, which caused laughter.

Akiko applauded along with the others, and the rest of her group arrived just in the time to catch the end of the song, who gave an applause as well. The rest of Necrosis was about what you'd expect from a typical metal outfit of their genre. The Lead Guitarist, Takeshi Yonamo, had long black hair down to his upper back, which was slightly wet and completely straight. His skin was pale, the typical complexion of Sceidanese people, and his arms were engulfed in sleeves of tattoos. Akame Yushiro, the band's Rhythm Guitarist, shared the same long and straight black hair as Takeshi, yet his was tied in a ponytail, and his skin was void of tattoos. Tabata Udo, the Bassist, stood out due to his larger frame and bushy beard, as well as his glasses. His hair was the shortest of the group, styled in an undercut, and was of a dark brown color. Tabata also sported a silver septum ring piercing in his nose. Finally, Seki Mitsuo, the group's drummer, had medium length black hair that reached near his eyebrows in a lazy bowl cut style. He had light stubble and was the most built of the group, especially in the arms for obvious reasons. The group all carried with them their respective instruments in cases, excluding Mitsuo, who's drum kit was situated backstage for convenience purposes. He did however carry a pair of drumsticks along with him. Each band member was dressed in average casual clothes, jeans and a t-shirt.

The band greeted Akiko after applauding Ard's performance, speaking to her in fast Sceidanese.

"Akiko, nani ga okotteru, watashitachiha kakunin suru junbi ga dekite imasu ka?" Takeshi said, smiling a bit.

"Nē! Kono bando no ato, watashitachi wa hotondo junbi ga dekite imasu." Akiko replied, her face gleeming with excitement.

[Criska]

"Breakfast.", Nora replied with a small smile, watching Sról, her daughter's steadfast protector turning to putty in Mona's hands, who he knew well and never tired of. He had taken it upon herself to protect her and Gwen let him go to her side, which made her immensely thankful to her daughter. "We can have a look at the festival later."
"I can leave you two alone, if you want?", Mona offered, looking up with the expression of a concerned child, which did not want to intrude into anything.
Nora smiled, gave Lukas a peck on the cheek and then moved to Mona's side, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I'd love to have you have breakfast with us.", she said and looked to Lukas, seeing, if he wanted to have her stay too or not.

Lukas smiled. "No argument from my end," he said as he gave a long look towards Nora, and sat back down in his chair, taking a long sip of his coffee again before taking a bite of his omelet. He took a deep breathe as slowly ate, staring out of the window and into the area beyond. He eventually swallowed, refocusing on what was in front of him. Technically, Lukas was already a father, but this was the first child he had the possibility of being involved with.

[Military Democracy of Birtonia]

Sergeant-at-arms Victor Franlin
Ticketbooth, Silverport Rail Station

---

Victor continued to smile warmly as him and the ticketing agent conversed back and forth, it became clear she wasn't entirely interested in him, but there wasn't much else for him to do currently as there was another maybe twenty minutes before their train arrived. She dropped another hint, and he looked down and laughed to himself before rapping the tickets on the counter.

"Well then that's a darn shame, was looking forward to seeing you off duty, see around Miss" he said, tipping his hat before walking away and towards a bench on the far side of the lobby. His three piece suit, all dark in color with subtle blue accents fit nicely on him, accenting his military figure but also concealing his service weapon and spare magazines he carried on his waist. As he sat down, he seemed rather relaxed, and pulled out a pair of dark sunglasses from his coat pocket, finally ensuring that everybody in the room couldn't see where he was looking, always scanning for new threats.

---

Mr. & Mrs. Dawnshir

The pair of Birtonians listened intently to the girls answer, Veronica positively beaming with excitement, all sorts of questions exploding in her mind. Her eyes flicked back and forth from the Selkie girl and her "Grey Wolf", and of course her husband, who was presenting himself as polite, wasn't nearly as interested as his partner.

"Quite stunning my dear," stated Veronica, "May we have a picture? And what's your name? Is that uniform anything like children wear in our country? For a cadet corps maybe?" she rambled on with questions. Robert simply put his hand on her shoulder, to remind her that was in fact both rude and overwhelming for most people. A soft chuckle could be heard from Victor on the other side of the room.

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
Just outside of Teach Ósta

It didn't take long for the three of them to make it in front of the Teach Ósta, neither did Samuel have to catch his breath for the trek. The latter amused the cigar chomper even more, as he didn't expect to make it that far without stopping for breathers. Looking at the tavern door, he decided to open it for Kiah and her pet.

"After you, hija," he offered, slipping into some Spanish in the process. To be fair, she was in her late teens--she might as well be a friend of his son's if they ever met.

[The Selkie]

Glynn smiled. "You can call him by his name, you know? Voldemort is not going to jump out of the next closet.", he said, "That being said, as long as you are okay with fat, thick sauces and herbs, as well as not having one of those food intolerances like for lactose, you should be fine. You can circumvent the pigs easily as well, so for a muslim, there isn't any problem, as long as you speak up. Other then that... you tasted some of our important dishes, or so I've heard, Mister Golahman - what would you say?"
Before he could, though, there was somebody approaching the small group, a girl, call her fourteen and one wasn't too far off. She had long blue hair, bound into a ponytail with a yellow ribbon, her thus tamed mane falling over her back in a silken waterfall, and blue eyes sparkling as she approached, grinning. She would be a pretty young woman in time, one could see that, but was now developing, as it was alluded to by her outfit. She did not wear Geansai, as she would still have to wear the child's version of it, but her school uniform, a white, short-sleeved shirt with a black border near the edge of the sleeves, a blue tie with an intricate pattern of different blues and a plain light blue skirt. Stockings emphasized her legs and simple brown shoes completed the ensemble.
"Hey, there, Glynn!", she called with a grin, waving enthusiastically, which was returned by the young man, but she had to stop her approach as a cart passed.
Glynn grinned at the two Krugeristanis. "That pretty gal is our guide - the daughter of a friend of my family. A curious gal, so be prepared for lots and lots of questions.", he told them with a smile.

Golahman whispered to Evanu, "I'm still not understanding this whole Voldemort thing."

Evanu sighed. "Voldemort was referred to as 'you-know-who' in the Harry Potter books. I'll show you when we get home."

"Alright, alright. What should we call him when we don't want to say his name?"

"Why are you uncomfortable saying his name?"

"Because I feel like I talk too much . . . about him."

"Oh, just say his name. We already use his innards as curse words, so, just say his name."

Golahman shrugged. They both turned to see their guide, who seemed really young to be doing this. They both knew Vershenov would probably say something rude at this point, but they decided not to think about the old man now, especially since they had to be prepared for "lots and lots of questions." Evanu gave her a nod, while Golahman said, "Hello," in a somewhat shy manner.

The girl smiled a wide smile as she approached.
Glynn was somehow very happy, that the fabled Commander Vershenov was not with them, he would most likely rub her in the wrong way, and him in the process.
"Hi, Sirs!", she greeted with a small bow of her head in respect - Glynn meanwhile, was greeted with a kiss on the cheek, more like a shy and tame peck like a close friend would give to another one, before she grinned at the two Krugeristanis. "I heard about you a lot, Mister Golahman... I'm Celina Treoraí of the Tribe of Louth. It's a great pleasure to meet you in person, finally. I must say, Fi has taste!"
Glynn's bemused, but stern sounding "Cel..." was downed by Sio giving a small chirp, jumping out of the man's arms towards the girl, who scratched him under the chin in greeting. The girl smiled, Sio let her do for a moment, before he, greeted in a manner suiting him well, went back to Golahman, looking up to the man with his tails swishing back and forth.
Celina grinned at her companions for the day and smiled. "So, first things first: Where to?", she asked.
"I remember there being talk about meeting a breeder for Black Foxes - is that still a go?", Glynn asked, Celina smiling.

The Sergeant smiled and took a sip for herself. "Wait until you taste freshly pressed apple juice. That'll blow you away!", she told him with a smile, "My father actually has a few apple trees... the big and round fruit of his trees in summer, big enough for a little girl to barely fit into both hands - but one not being able to sate her hunger for the sweet and crunchy fruit!"
She giggled at a memory of a time long past.
"Sorry, Sir.", she said and rightened herself a moment later, her expression steeled, the uniform a bit uncomfortable. "Would you mind, if I were to get a bit more comfortable?"

Larra chuckled some at her excitement. "Well, I would certainly have to try some one of these days then, I'd think!" He took another sip and smiled as she asked her question and shook his head casually. "Nah, go ahead. It wouldn't be a problem with me, my lady. You are far more aware of proper procedure among your rangers then I am, but as far as His Majesty and myself are concerned, it doesn't matter to us, so it's your decision."

At this point the king came out of the bedrooms in his new outfit: an off-white cashmere turtleneck sweater and a black jacket from some Ruvian designer, along with designer jeans and sneakers. He also still wore his crown on his head, since he was always expected to wear it when out and public and he may have thought that they were gonna head back out soon. Crown aside, it was definitely a far more casual and modern look then what he had worn to breakfast. More importantly, it was also very warm, which should help if the weather at the festival grew colder then they had anticipated.

Yoshio walked into the room confidently with a twirl in a showy, dramatic manner. "Hi guys! How do I look?"

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.

Akiko applauded along with the others, and the rest of her group arrived just in the time to catch the end of the song, who gave an applause as well. The rest of Necrosis was about what you'd expect from a typical metal outfit of their genre. The Lead Guitarist, Takeshi Yonamo, had long black hair down to his upper back, which was slightly wet and completely straight. His skin was pale, the typical complexion of Sceidanese people, and his arms were engulfed in sleeves of tattoos. Akame Yushiro, the band's Rhythm Guitarist, shared the same long and straight black hair as Takeshi, yet his was tied in a ponytail, and his skin was void of tattoos. Tabata Udo, the Bassist, stood out due to his larger frame and bushy beard, as well as his glasses. His hair was the shortest of the group, styled in an undercut, and was of a dark brown color. Tabata also sported a silver septum ring piercing in his nose. Finally, Seki Mitsuo, the group's drummer, had medium length black hair that reached near his eyebrows in a lazy bowl cut style. He had light stubble and was the most built of the group, especially in the arms for obvious reasons. The group all carried with them their respective instruments in cases, excluding Mitsuo, who's drum kit was situated backstage for convenience purposes. He did however carry a pair of drumsticks along with him. Each band member was dressed in average casual clothes, jeans and a t-shirt.

The band greeted Akiko after applauding Ard's performance, speaking to her in fast Sceidanese.

"Akiko, nani ga okotteru, watashitachiha kakunin suru junbi ga dekite imasu ka?" Takeshi said, smiling a bit.

"Nē! Kono bando no ato, watashitachi wa hotondo junbi ga dekite imasu." Akiko replied, her face gleeming with excitement.

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.

"Breakfast.", Nora replied with a small smile, watching Sról, her daughter's steadfast protector turning to putty in Mona's hands, who he knew well and never tired of. He had taken it upon herself to protect her and Gwen let him go to her side, which made her immensely thankful to her daughter. "We can have a look at the festival later."
"I can leave you two alone, if you want?", Mona offered, looking up with the expression of a concerned child, which did not want to intrude into anything.
Nora smiled, gave Lukas a peck on the cheek and then moved to Mona's side, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I'd love to have you have breakfast with us.", she said and looked to Lukas, seeing, if he wanted to have her stay too or not.

Lukas smiled. "No argument from my end," he said as he gave a long look towards Nora, and sat back down in his chair, taking a long sip of his coffee again before taking a bite of his omelet. He took a deep breathe as slowly ate, staring out of the window and into the area beyond. He eventually swallowed, refocusing on what was in front of him. Technically, Lukas was already a father, but this was the first child he had the possibility of being involved with.

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.

Sergeant-at-arms Victor Franlin
Ticketbooth, Silverport Rail Station

---

Victor continued to smile warmly as him and the ticketing agent conversed back and forth, it became clear she wasn't entirely interested in him, but there wasn't much else for him to do currently as there was another maybe twenty minutes before their train arrived. She dropped another hint, and he looked down and laughed to himself before rapping the tickets on the counter.

"Well then that's a darn shame, was looking forward to seeing you off duty, see around Miss" he said, tipping his hat before walking away and towards a bench on the far side of the lobby. His three piece suit, all dark in color with subtle blue accents fit nicely on him, accenting his military figure but also concealing his service weapon and spare magazines he carried on his waist. As he sat down, he seemed rather relaxed, and pulled out a pair of dark sunglasses from his coat pocket, finally ensuring that everybody in the room couldn't see where he was looking, always scanning for new threats.

---

Mr. & Mrs. Dawnshir

The pair of Birtonians listened intently to the girls answer, Veronica positively beaming with excitement, all sorts of questions exploding in her mind. Her eyes flicked back and forth from the Selkie girl and her "Grey Wolf", and of course her husband, who was presenting himself as polite, wasn't nearly as interested as his partner.

"Quite stunning my dear," stated Veronica, "May we have a picture? And what's your name? Is that uniform anything like children wear in our country? For a cadet corps maybe?" she rambled on with questions. Robert simply put his hand on her shoulder, to remind her that was in fact both rude and overwhelming for most people. A soft chuckle could be heard from Victor on the other side of the room.

The young woman in the ticket booth waved as the soldier left her, smiling to herself. Indeed, military types were the same everywhere in the world... then again, there was little going on at the moment, so it had been nice talking to him.
As the man sat down on his bench, he was eyed curiously by a few passers, mainly children, but left alone. The woman smiled and watched him as a past-time, such little was there to do.

The girl with the Grey Wolf smiled at the excitement of the woman - it was nice being asked if one was allowed to take a photo, usually tourists didn't give a damn. She was not bothered at all.
One hand on her Grey Wolf's shoulder, the hand sinking a bit into the fur, she nodded. "You can take a few pics, if you want to. I'm sorry for not introducing myself..." She smiled a bit sheepishly at that. "I'm Mona Tairseach of the Tribe of Wexford - it's a great pleasure to meet you, Ma'am.", she introduced herself politely, looking down at herself, at her uniform. "It's actually a school uniform, though. Ais High School, here in Silverport, Freshmen Year, Class C."

Samuel Cui
Just outside of Teach Ósta

It didn't take long for the three of them to make it in front of the Teach Ósta, neither did Samuel have to catch his breath for the trek. The latter amused the cigar chomper even more, as he didn't expect to make it that far without stopping for breathers. Looking at the tavern door, he decided to open it for Kiah and her pet.

"After you, hija," he offered, slipping into some Spanish in the process. To be fair, she was in her late teens--she might as well be a friend of his son's if they ever met.

Kiah smiled, gave a polite nod and replied: "Gracias, Mister Cui."
And with that, she entered the Teach Ósta, followed by her protector and the guy she was leading. It was a wonderful house, if one asked her, a beauty of her kind although unassuming from the outside. A large taproom was the centre, opposite to the door a large counter with the taps behind the barman, build of rustic wood with dedication and skill, having weathered many things, while there was a large staircase leading up into the upper floor to the side of the bar. Spread out in the room were five tables, two larger ones for up to eight people, and three smaller ones for up to four, as well as a few booths to the side for more private conversation.
The ceiling was high, a large chandelier of brass hanging down, the light bulbs in it unlit as it was still bright outside, warm light streaming in through the windows.
There were quite a few people there, too, from the waitresses flittering about in Geansai, very much knowing how to move in it, to customers eating, drinking non-alcoholic beverages and chatting amongst each other. One of the waitresses, near the door, suddenly perked up as she saw Kiah, delivering her food on the tray, bowing to the customers, who nodded at her with an understanding smile.
With that, the young woman, brunette in her mid-twenties, well equipped with curves, only emphasized by her dress, approached Kiah with a grin. "Hey, there, searrach!", she greeted and hugged the girl close, kissing her on both cheeks, before she held her at arm's length and looked at the student in uniform, arms still around her neck. Kiah's arms were around the other woman, too, but lower, loosely around the bare midriff. "Would you look at you..." That was the moment her eyes fell on Cui. "Your boyfriend?"
Kiah blushed and was at a loss for words, stuttering something or the other.

[Krugeristan]

Golahman whispered to Evanu, "I'm still not understanding this whole Voldemort thing."

Evanu sighed. "Voldemort was referred to as 'you-know-who' in the Harry Potter books. I'll show you when we get home."

"Alright, alright. What should we call him when we don't want to say his name?"

"Why are you uncomfortable saying his name?"

"Because I feel like I talk too much . . . about him."

"Oh, just say his name. We already use his innards as curse words, so, just say his name."

Golahman shrugged. They both turned to see their guide, who seemed really young to be doing this. They both knew Vershenov would probably say something rude at this point, but they decided not to think about the old man now, especially since they had to be prepared for "lots and lots of questions." Evanu gave her a nod, while Golahman said, "Hello," in a somewhat shy manner.

The girl smiled a wide smile as she approached.
Glynn was somehow very happy, that the fabled Commander Vershenov was not with them, he would most likely rub her in the wrong way, and him in the process.
"Hi, Sirs!", she greeted with a small bow of her head in respect - Glynn meanwhile, was greeted with a kiss on the cheek, more like a shy and tame peck like a close friend would give to another one, before she grinned at the two Krugeristanis. "I heard about you a lot, Mister Golahman... I'm Celina Treoraí of the Tribe of Louth. It's a great pleasure to meet you in person, finally. I must say, Fi has taste!"
Glynn's bemused, but stern sounding "Cel..." was downed by Sio giving a small chirp, jumping out of the man's arms towards the girl, who scratched him under the chin in greeting. The girl smiled, Sio let her do for a moment, before he, greeted in a manner suiting him well, went back to Golahman, looking up to the man with his tails swishing back and forth.
Celina grinned at her companions for the day and smiled. "So, first things first: Where to?", she asked.
"I remember there being talk about meeting a breeder for Black Foxes - is that still a go?", Glynn asked, Celina smiling.

"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."

[Aurora Confederacy]

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.