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

[The Selkie]

"Yes, I do," Golahman replied, shifting his weight. "And . . . I hope to see you soon."

"Golahman wouldn't necessarily be afraid of people seeing a physical mess," Evanu said. "He'd claim it's all part of honesty. I could be mistaken, though, he may only just slack off in cleaning if a close friend is visiting."

"Very soon.", Fiona promised, then made a small pause, then spoke up again, "I have to hang up now, Karak, Mom needs me for a moment, but I'll be there before you can eat a five-litre-tub of licorice ice cream!" There was a smile almost audible in her voice, before the sound of a kiss for Golahman floated through the aether. "Hang in there! And don't ask Ava to find you a five-litre-tub!"

"He does have a point.", Finny said with a smile, "A mess tells many things about the person making it. Still... it's not something one wants in a storage space. That should be efficient and clean, if you ask me."
She stopped at a certain point in the hallway and extended herself up, towards the ceiling, where she, with effort, got to grab a small lever, which she turned. A click later and a section of the ceiling a few metres in front of them unlocked and hung from a set of wires, only sticking out a few centimetres, but still visible... together with a small length of rope dangling down.
Finny stepped forwards, smiling at Evanu as she pulled, bringing out a ladder, sturdy of wood, motioning upwards.
"After you, Corporal.", she said.

"A particularity of Selkie-Law.", the City Guard remarked, his eyes not leaving the bluenette or the fox with fish in his mouth, "If there is a case of minimal damage to property, the damaged party has the right to demand reparations, namely either service or payment of the damage caused. Same goes for injuries, by the way." He looked to Gina for a moment. "Most of such disputes are settled without the Guard getting involved... as there's already a good piece of silver in your hand, I take, that everything is settled?"
There was something swinging with it, a slight bit of maliciousness in his smile - nothing much, but a very large dislike for the Black Fox, his owner and the fact, that there was apparently no way for him to bring the pest and its owner down a peg and onto the rails of justice, or what he perceived to be justice for them. He made no qualms about showing, that he did not like the bluenette or her fox.
She, meanwhile, looked to Gina, expecting her reply.

As far as Gina was concerned, the matter was pretty much over, the fish that had been "stolen" by the Fox had been paid for, Robbie was back on her feet again, so Gina just looked at the bluenette,
"A word of advice, if your pet has a wish to run off, as after all you said he had a troublesome streak, may i suggest you keep him on a leash in public, this time its just a portion of thawed fish, next time it may be someone's child, a toddler, dogs smaller than that lil fox of yours have killed babies, so please, keep your pet under control as next time things may not be quite so amicalble, okay?" she says, "now over there is the petting zoo, take this opportunity to get a leash and collar for the Fox" her eyebrows however were not quite so friendly when she told the bluenette off, furrowed in the middle with more than a hint of seriousity. She turns to the law enforcement officer, "I hate to think what would have happened if foxxy there had barreled a customer over or knocked Robbie onto the hot plate" she says, casually placing the next portion of fish onto the hotplate and giving it a squirt of cooking oil.

Robbie, still a little shaken by the bowling over is trying the best she can to shrug off what had just happened, calmly turning to a customer with a smile to take the order and begin to cook the meal before turning to the officer, "I used to be quite nimble on my feet, not any more, not sure how long that animal had been under the trailer for, but it din't half take me by surprise!"

The City Guard Officer raised an eyebrow, looking to the slightly smirking bluenette, as she replied: "I can guarantee you, that he will not grab a baby from its cradle or assault a child... unless you call nuzzling an assault."
At that, even the officer had to snort. Despite their tendency to get into mischief, the Black Foxes trained and raised by the bluenette's teacher and herself were up to property damage, not injury, even he had to admit that, begrudgedly, but fair was fair. And even if not, humans were not the usual menu of these critters, who usually preferred carrion. One had to be fair to the foreigners as well, they could not know that.
Besides that, leashes and collars were not the style of the Selkie, as the foreigner should have seen by now with how many animals without leashes had paraded past them, starting with the Star Lynx Ayden, who had visited them far earlier in the morning.
"I hate to think what would have happened if foxxy there had barreled a customer over or knocked Robbie onto the hot plate.", one of the foreigners said as the other was still serving customers, before commenting herself: "I used to be quite nimble on my feet, not any more, not sure how long that animal had been under the trailer for, but it din't half take me by surprise!"
The officer nodded at Gina. "Yes, that would have been unfortunate. For all parties involved.", he glared at the bluenette, who nodded - she would not leave it at a peace of silver in that case. The officer turned to Robbie. "If you still want someone to take a look at what you fell on, the petting zoo has a few medics there, they can have a look. I'd bring you there." He looked at all four. "Other then that, anything still in need to be cleared up?"

Samuel Cui
In front of the smoke shop

"Sure thing." At that, Samuel followed Kiah's lead to the Druid's shop.

They indeed happened to be in front of the shop Kiah had led them to by the time the last sounds had left Cui's lips. It was an unassuming shop, the windows showing a pleantora of books mostly in Selkie, a few pipes and a not much more, the swinging sign above their heads speaking of Old Liam's Herb-Shop.
The door was heavy, but Kiah wrestled it open... only to be blasted by a plentora of smells wafting towards her. Kiah smiled at the discreet and penetrating, strong and soft, sweet and hot, all smells united into one large symphony of smell coming towards the two. It was intoxicating. She entered the shop and motioned for Cui to follow her.
The shop itself was a counter at the opposite wall, large shelves to either side, along the walls, with a wide array of herbs and roots and other raw products on the left, many of which were not recognizeable for a layman, while on the right, there were the finished products: A few pre-prepared smoking mixtures, herbal skin lotions and shampoos, even parfume, but also medicine, for example tea mixtures.
The middle was taken up by two long tables, which displayed a lot of tools for the mixture and usage of the offered products, from pipes to mortar and pestle, as well as sickles and other harvesting tools. Behind the counter, a large shelf was filled with books, both for the shop's usage and for selling. A large door led into the back-rooms.
Kiah smiled, as she looked around in the half-light, searching for someone.

[Aurora Confederacy]

The City Guard Officer raised an eyebrow, looking to the slightly smirking bluenette, as she replied: "I can guarantee you, that he will not grab a baby from its cradle or assault a child... unless you call nuzzling an assault."
At that, even the officer had to snort. Despite their tendency to get into mischief, the Black Foxes trained and raised by the bluenette's teacher and herself were up to property damage, not injury, even he had to admit that, begrudgedly, but fair was fair. And even if not, humans were not the usual menu of these critters, who usually preferred carrion. One had to be fair to the foreigners as well, they could not know that.
Besides that, leashes and collars were not the style of the Selkie, as the foreigner should have seen by now with how many animals without leashes had paraded past them, starting with the Star Lynx Ayden, who had visited them far earlier in the morning.
"I hate to think what would have happened if foxxy there had barreled a customer over or knocked Robbie onto the hot plate.", one of the foreigners said as the other was still serving customers, before commenting herself: "I used to be quite nimble on my feet, not any more, not sure how long that animal had been under the trailer for, but it din't half take me by surprise!"
The officer nodded at Gina. "Yes, that would have been unfortunate. For all parties involved.", he glared at the bluenette, who nodded - she would not leave it at a peace of silver in that case. The officer turned to Robbie. "If you still want someone to take a look at what you fell on, the petting zoo has a few medics there, they can have a look. I'd bring you there." He looked at all four. "Other then that, anything still in need to be cleared up?"

New Visayan Islands wrote:

"nah, its okay" replied Robbie, "didn't land on anything other than grass, jacket's a little grass stained but thats fine, just since the loss of my lower legs, I am no longer as steady as I was, still no harm done", Robbie then turns to the bluenette, "just keep him under control, 'kay?"

meanwhile, down some path....

"ya know who Im surprised not to be here, Isis and her four legged companion, she did an article in a trucking magazine about going from being a truckie to an archer" comments Micky, who follows Isis Mc.Callum on her social media,

"I think she can't make it this festival, something to do with expansion of her business back home", replies Zoe, before pausing and taking a view of her surroundings, "Micky, can you smell that?"

"smoked fish?" replied Micky with a slight hint of curiosity in her voice

"yeah, and its making me hungry, think its coming from down there" replies Zoe, pointing down a path, "this way..."

and from there, Zoe and Micky deviate their course and head down another path that twists and winds its way and will hopefull lead them to the centre of Cuan

[AHSCA]

On the horse's back, Finn and Mamiko were trotting out of the pen, the boy nodding to the gatekeeper, who grinned back and tipped his hat, then into the hustle and bustle of the city, where they somehow found a way along.
They were riding towards one of the calmer parts of the city and from there, out.
Meanwhile, Finn replied with a smile: "It must have been scary." He was a boy, that was at home on a horse's back and not on the swinging planks of a ship, so it was only natural for him to be scared of the sea. His cousin, frequently going by ship, was the same. "But I would have held onto you, so that neither is afraid."

She nodded again to his reply. Mamkio could imagine it again in the same situation the ship being tossed on the angry rough seas but her firmly in his grip. it made her feel so at ease but so in love she started to blush again.

[The Papaya]

Joicelynne grabbed the lead to her dracow, it's spotted wings close to it's side. Her guitar was slung across her back, and she was ready to leave her hotel room fo r the day's events.

The hustling crowd that swelled around the. Joicelynne's deep brown eyes flickered through the masses, eyes resting on a booth. Chocolate bun bobbing as she walked, she moved twoard her target. "One ounce Haupai, and 3 pieces of Lau Lau, please. Oh, and some Lomi Salmon for my companion, here. That is, if it isn't too much for you."

The local lady, dressed in her tribes traditional attire answered with a nod, then swiftly brought her her foods. Joicelynne paid for her food, then gave the girl a hefty tip, leaving the reviever's eyes large in astonishment.

Continuing onward, she saw two people on a horses back. She smiled up at them, then swung her guitar across to her front. "I'm Joicelynne Stramburg of The Papaya. Is there a song you would like for me to play?" she grined big, white teeth flashing.

[The Selkie]

The City Guard Officer raised an eyebrow, looking to the slightly smirking bluenette, as she replied: "I can guarantee you, that he will not grab a baby from its cradle or assault a child... unless you call nuzzling an assault."
At that, even the officer had to snort. Despite their tendency to get into mischief, the Black Foxes trained and raised by the bluenette's teacher and herself were up to property damage, not injury, even he had to admit that, begrudgedly, but fair was fair. And even if not, humans were not the usual menu of these critters, who usually preferred carrion. One had to be fair to the foreigners as well, they could not know that.
Besides that, leashes and collars were not the style of the Selkie, as the foreigner should have seen by now with how many animals without leashes had paraded past them, starting with the Star Lynx Ayden, who had visited them far earlier in the morning.
"I hate to think what would have happened if foxxy there had barreled a customer over or knocked Robbie onto the hot plate.", one of the foreigners said as the other was still serving customers, before commenting herself: "I used to be quite nimble on my feet, not any more, not sure how long that animal had been under the trailer for, but it din't half take me by surprise!"
The officer nodded at Gina. "Yes, that would have been unfortunate. For all parties involved.", he glared at the bluenette, who nodded - she would not leave it at a peace of silver in that case. The officer turned to Robbie. "If you still want someone to take a look at what you fell on, the petting zoo has a few medics there, they can have a look. I'd bring you there." He looked at all four. "Other then that, anything still in need to be cleared up?"

New Visayan Islands wrote:

"nah, its okay" replied Robbie, "didn't land on anything other than grass, jacket's a little grass stained but thats fine, just since the loss of my lower legs, I am no longer as steady as I was, still no harm done", Robbie then turns to the bluenette, "just keep him under control, 'kay?"

meanwhile, down some path....

"ya know who Im surprised not to be here, Isis and her four legged companion, she did an article in a trucking magazine about going from being a truckie to an archer" comments Micky, who follows Isis Mc.Callum on her social media,

"I think she can't make it this festival, something to do with expansion of her business back home", replies Zoe, before pausing and taking a view of her surroundings, "Micky, can you smell that?"

"smoked fish?" replied Micky with a slight hint of curiosity in her voice

"yeah, and its making me hungry, think its coming from down there" replies Zoe, pointing down a path, "this way..."

and from there, Zoe and Micky deviate their course and head down another path that twists and winds its way and will hopefull lead them to the centre of Cuan

The bluenette nodded, accepting the words of advice and then bowing her head lightly, as did the fox, who was still snuggled into her arms, fish still in mouth.
"Well, that clears up that.", the City Guard said and frowned a bit with disappointment, "You're free to go, lassie." The bluenette politely bowed her head to him as well, then wished a good day to the two fish-stall operators, turned on her heels and went off, vanishing into the crowd a few moments later, not drawing any attention despite her companion. "Darn Foxgirls..." The officer turned to Gina and Robbie. "Have a good day and hopefully undisrupted business, Miss."
He remained for a moment, in case there were any questions to be answered about particularities of Selkie-Law.

The street both Zoe and Micky entered after a long and winding treck through the outskirts of Cuan was indeed part of the centre and relatively close to the fish-stall of Gina and Robbie, but on the wrong side. Instead of coming out at the centre of the Petting Zoo, they stumbled into the backstage area, right in time for a bluenette with a black fox in her arms, who held a fish in his mouth himself, to converse with a person in the area while not looking where she was going - right towards Zoe and Micky, headed straight for them like a guided missile.

On the horse's back, Finn and Mamiko were trotting out of the pen, the boy nodding to the gatekeeper, who grinned back and tipped his hat, then into the hustle and bustle of the city, where they somehow found a way along.
They were riding towards one of the calmer parts of the city and from there, out.
Meanwhile, Finn replied with a smile: "It must have been scary." He was a boy, that was at home on a horse's back and not on the swinging planks of a ship, so it was only natural for him to be scared of the sea. His cousin, frequently going by ship, was the same. "But I would have held onto you, so that neither is afraid."

She nodded again to his reply. Mamkio could imagine it again in the same situation the ship being tossed on the angry rough seas but her firmly in his grip. it made her feel so at ease but so in love she started to blush again.

Joicelynne grabbed the lead to her dracow, it's spotted wings close to it's side. Her guitar was slung across her back, and she was ready to leave her hotel room fo r the day's events.

The hustling crowd that swelled around the. Joicelynne's deep brown eyes flickered through the masses, eyes resting on a booth. Chocolate bun bobbing as she walked, she moved twoard her target. "One ounce Haupai, and 3 pieces of Lau Lau, please. Oh, and some Lomi Salmon for my companion, here. That is, if it isn't too much for you."

The local lady, dressed in her tribes traditional attire answered with a nod, then swiftly brought her her foods. Joicelynne paid for her food, then gave the girl a hefty tip, leaving the reviever's eyes large in astonishment.

Continuing onward, she saw two people on a horses back. She smiled up at them, then swung her guitar across to her front. "I'm Joicelynne Stramburg of The Papaya. Is there a song you would like for me to play?" she grined big, white teeth flashing.

a Dracow:
(Image)

Note: Quote modified by removal of spoiler-tags.

OOC: No problem at all.

As the two children on horseback, madly in love, or at least feeling like it, rode along on the coal-black filly, they were stopped by a woman with an interesting pet by her side, which was saying something by Selkie-Standards. She held a guitar and asked: "I'm Joicelynne Stramburg of The Papaya. Is there a song you would like for me to play?"
The boy, Finn, smiled, as he held Mamiko in his arm, urging Gual, the horse, to stop in order to talk to the woman with the guitar. "Thanks for the offer, Miss Stramburg.", he told her and bowed his head in respect for the woman, who was older then a child, a smile on his lips. He turned to Mamiko, who was blushing a whole lot now - Finn was getting worried, that she might caught a fever. "What do you think?"
Their initial goal to show her a bit of his favourite spots around Cuan was not forgotten, quite on the contrary, but music was always good.

[Krugeristan]

"Yes, I do," Golahman replied, shifting his weight. "And . . . I hope to see you soon."

"Golahman wouldn't necessarily be afraid of people seeing a physical mess," Evanu said. "He'd claim it's all part of honesty. I could be mistaken, though, he may only just slack off in cleaning if a close friend is visiting."

"Very soon.", Fiona promised, then made a small pause, then spoke up again, "I have to hang up now, Karak, Mom needs me for a moment, but I'll be there before you can eat a five-litre-tub of licorice ice cream!" There was a smile almost audible in her voice, before the sound of a kiss for Golahman floated through the aether. "Hang in there! And don't ask Ava to find you a five-litre-tub!"

"He does have a point.", Finny said with a smile, "A mess tells many things about the person making it. Still... it's not something one wants in a storage space. That should be efficient and clean, if you ask me."
She stopped at a certain point in the hallway and extended herself up, towards the ceiling, where she, with effort, got to grab a small lever, which she turned. A click later and a section of the ceiling a few metres in front of them unlocked and hung from a set of wires, only sticking out a few centimetres, but still visible... together with a small length of rope dangling down.
Finny stepped forwards, smiling at Evanu as she pulled, bringing out a ladder, sturdy of wood, motioning upwards.
"After you, Corporal.", she said.

Catching himself blushing a little, Golahman smiled before saying, "I won't ask, I promise." He waited for Fiona to hang up before looking at Ava. "Licorice ice cream . . . that exists?" he said, trying not to laugh.

To Evanu, going up ladders was a piece of cake. After all, most of his training involving climbing things most people would be nervous about climbing on or into. He positioned himself on the ladder before heading up, not saying a word.

[Aurora Confederacy]

The bluenette nodded, accepting the words of advice and then bowing her head lightly, as did the fox, who was still snuggled into her arms, fish still in mouth.
"Well, that clears up that.", the City Guard said and frowned a bit with disappointment, "You're free to go, lassie." The bluenette politely bowed her head to him as well, then wished a good day to the two fish-stall operators, turned on her heels and went off, vanishing into the crowd a few moments later, not drawing any attention despite her companion. "Darn Foxgirls..." The officer turned to Gina and Robbie. "Have a good day and hopefully undisrupted business, Miss."
He remained for a moment, in case there were any questions to be answered about particularities of Selkie-Law.

The street both Zoe and Micky entered after a long and winding treck through the outskirts of Cuan was indeed part of the centre and relatively close to the fish-stall of Gina and Robbie, but on the wrong side. Instead of coming out at the centre of the Petting Zoo, they stumbled into the backstage area, right in time for a bluenette with a black fox in her arms, who held a fish in his mouth himself, to converse with a person in the area while not looking where she was going - right towards Zoe and Micky, headed straight for them like a guided missile.

As both a ships captain and latterly a driver with her own company and business, Zoe Mariner is one to be looking quite far up the road or river for potential hazards and hapenings, and so without even so much as a second thought Zoe was looking up without even realising it, and so the bluenette was spotted at a far distance and as she was walking head down to them clutching a fox it was obvious to Zoe that the girl was indeed oblivous to the path, and here is where her training comes in, she was already planning her move to avoid a collision with the bluenette and so at the last moment Zoe and Micky parted like the red sea as Zoe spoke up,
"watch up kid!" as a warning that she would have indeed walked straight into them if Zoe and Micky had not moved sideways.

"Ye gods!" mumbled Micky, she wanted to say something richer but figured that it probably wouldnt go down to well, however Micky turned to face ther girl, though still a little bit annoyed at being bowled over, "Excuse me, any idea where there is a food store nea here?" she asks as Zoe consults her phone.
"g'ah No satellite signal, oh well" she says, putting her phone in her pocket again.

Both Micky and Zoe, as well as Gina and Robbie both hail from Mi'aza, (pronounced Misa, much like Pisa in italy), so have a similar accent although Micky also has a slight hint of Polish in her accent as her family hail from Nowy Katowice which is on the river that flows south out of Lake Hai'lu'kai, a city that has a large Polish speaking community, so much so that all the street signs are not in English, but in Polish!

[AHSCA]

As the two children on horseback, madly in love, or at least feeling like it, rode along on the coal-black filly, they were stopped by a woman with an interesting pet by her side, which was saying something by Selkie-Standards. She held a guitar and asked: "I'm Joicelynne Stramburg of The Papaya. Is there a song you would like for me to play?"
The boy, Finn, smiled, as he held Mamiko in his arm, urging Gual, the horse, to stop in order to talk to the woman with the guitar. "Thanks for the offer, Miss Stramburg.", he told her and bowed his head in respect for the woman, who was older then a child, a smile on his lips. He turned to Mamiko, who was blushing a whole lot now - Finn was getting worried, that she might caught a fever. "What do you think?"
Their initial goal to show her a bit of his favourite spots around Cuan was not forgotten, quite on the contrary, but music was always good.

"Oh yes please, play something!" She had no specific songs in mind she was glad to hear anything. "I love music and songs but we can't ever play them on the seas."

[The Selkie]

Catching himself blushing a little, Golahman smiled before saying, "I won't ask, I promise." He waited for Fiona to hang up before looking at Ava. "Licorice ice cream . . . that exists?" he said, trying not to laugh.

To Evanu, going up ladders was a piece of cake. After all, most of his training involving climbing things most people would be nervous about climbing on or into. He positioned himself on the ladder before heading up, not saying a word.

Ava nodded, her expression grim.
"It does.", she said simply, shuddering, suddenly, "I tasted it, a long time ago, in a place far away from here, where barbarians live... it was horrible. It took litres of tea to wash away the smell... Celina was not better off as well, which was little consolidation, mostly because it was in a game of Daring Deeds, where we had to eat the whole jumbo-ball of licorice ice cream, or we had to kiss Mion on the lips." She made a pause. "Not that that old lug of a Guarding Fox didn't deserve it, but it would still mean, that we lost."

As Evanu ascended the ladder, he would enter the truss: The whole area was only dimly lit, by a few small windows, and even that was barricaded in a lot of places by the reason for them being here. There were crates and boxes everywhere, without order or cohesion, the only regard being, that it held the sometimes weird constructs. Some of the boxes and crates looked like they would be falling apart if one only looked at them oddly, not to mention, that a small layer of dust covered every surface.
The air was stuffy and something was definately smelling in there, but nothing dangerous at all... at least not apparently.
Finny came up after him and grinned as she stopped by his side. "Now that's a mess, right?", she said and rolled up her metaphorical sleeves. "You open the windows on the street side, I do the same on the courtyard side... be careful, they might be stuck a bit!"

The bluenette nodded, accepting the words of advice and then bowing her head lightly, as did the fox, who was still snuggled into her arms, fish still in mouth.
"Well, that clears up that.", the City Guard said and frowned a bit with disappointment, "You're free to go, lassie." The bluenette politely bowed her head to him as well, then wished a good day to the two fish-stall operators, turned on her heels and went off, vanishing into the crowd a few moments later, not drawing any attention despite her companion. "Darn Foxgirls..." The officer turned to Gina and Robbie. "Have a good day and hopefully undisrupted business, Miss."
He remained for a moment, in case there were any questions to be answered about particularities of Selkie-Law.

The street both Zoe and Micky entered after a long and winding treck through the outskirts of Cuan was indeed part of the centre and relatively close to the fish-stall of Gina and Robbie, but on the wrong side. Instead of coming out at the centre of the Petting Zoo, they stumbled into the backstage area, right in time for a bluenette with a black fox in her arms, who held a fish in his mouth himself, to converse with a person in the area while not looking where she was going - right towards Zoe and Micky, headed straight for them like a guided missile.

As both a ships captain and latterly a driver with her own company and business, Zoe Mariner is one to be looking quite far up the road or river for potential hazards and hapenings, and so without even so much as a second thought Zoe was looking up without even realising it, and so the bluenette was spotted at a far distance and as she was walking head down to them clutching a fox it was obvious to Zoe that the girl was indeed oblivous to the path, and here is where her training comes in, she was already planning her move to avoid a collision with the bluenette and so at the last moment Zoe and Micky parted like the red sea as Zoe spoke up,
"watch up kid!" as a warning that she would have indeed walked straight into them if Zoe and Micky had not moved sideways.

"Ye gods!" mumbled Micky, she wanted to say something richer but figured that it probably wouldnt go down to well, however Micky turned to face ther girl, though still a little bit annoyed at being bowled over, "Excuse me, any idea where there is a food store nea here?" she asks as Zoe consults her phone.
"g'ah No satellite signal, oh well" she says, putting her phone in her pocket again.

Both Micky and Zoe, as well as Gina and Robbie both hail from Mi'aza, (pronounced Misa, much like Pisa in italy), so have a similar accent although Micky also has a slight hint of Polish in her accent as her family hail from Nowy Katowice which is on the river that flows south out of Lake Hai'lu'kai, a city that has a large Polish speaking community, so much so that all the street signs are not in English, but in Polish!

The bluenette, definately recognizing the accent, whipped her head around at the shout, then looked at Zoe sheepishly, recognizing the accent as she asked for directions to the next food vendor.
"My apologies for nearly bumping into you two.", she then said, bowing her head politely, thinking to herself that whoever these people were and where they hailed from, they were bunch of people very different between each individual... then again, so were the Selkie, but that was another story. "The next food stall would either be that fish stall which he raided..." She motioned to the fox in her arms, still held between her two 'argumentation amplifiers', who's eyes sparkled with mischief although his mouth was full of fish. "...don't worry, they got reparations, and the Tacaí Backery's stall. Both along that street, at the Petting Zoo. You're at its backstage area."
And indeed, that they were, where a dozen people were running around and doing things, while a pen with a dozen horses was tended to by three women in white Geansais. There was a Grey Wolf napping in the sun, an old beast not even cracking an eye open at the commotion, but definately alert to his surroundings, having found a spot central to everything, but not in the way of anything.
There was also a small Tine, who didn't even have his eyes open, as he was lying in the lap of one of the persons in the back, an old man, stroking the little animal's back peacefully, minding not to nudge the bandage around his little leg. This Tine, although of a similar colour, only more vibrant, had a far longer snout then the adult the Aurorans had met before, and he lacked the mohawk.
It would come in time, that was for sure.

[The Papaya]

As the two children on horseback, madly in love, or at least feeling like it, rode along on the coal-black filly, they were stopped by a woman with an interesting pet by her side, which was saying something by Selkie-Standards. She held a guitar and asked: "I'm Joicelynne Stramburg of The Papaya. Is there a song you would like for me to play?"
The boy, Finn, smiled, as he held Mamiko in his arm, urging Gual, the horse, to stop in order to talk to the woman with the guitar. "Thanks for the offer, Miss Stramburg.", he told her and bowed his head in respect for the woman, who was older then a child, a smile on his lips. He turned to Mamiko, who was blushing a whole lot now - Finn was getting worried, that she might caught a fever. "What do you think?"
Their initial goal to show her a bit of his favourite spots around Cuan was not forgotten, quite on the contrary, but music was always good.

"Oh yes please, play something!" She had no specific songs in mind she was glad to hear anything. "I love music and songs but we can't ever play them on the seas."

Joicelynne nodded to the aparent couple "So you're a traveling soul. I think I have just the song for you, then." she said, then looked down at her guitar before perfecting the tune. Then she cleared her throat and a true Sopprano voice rang out from her mouth.

"There's The Way -- Joicelynne Stramburg

We are voyagers
summoned by the mighty gods
of this mighty ocean to come
we take up the good challenge
get ready

We know the ways of the sea
we look to the stars and other signs
to find our way
to discover new lands
to make our home
oh! oh!
there is land up ahead
a bird in flight to take us there
oh! oh!
this beautiful land
the place i was looking for
we will make our home

We are voyagers called to the sea
Called by the great god of the sea
Who gives us a challenge, puts up a challenge
We take on that good challenge
So, prepare
We know the ways of the sea
Via the skies and the currents

She strummed the last few chords, and smiled brightly. "I hope you enjoyed it." she said, replacing her guitar.

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
Old Liam's Herb-Shop

Samuel whistled as he saw the shop. Entering, he felt surprised at all the various smells that impregnated the atmosphere; it wasn't tobacco, but then again, all those smells combined proved to be particularly pleasant.

He followed Kiah as she seemingly looked for someone--the owner, perhaps?

[AHSCA]

Joicelynne nodded to the aparent couple "So you're a traveling soul. I think I have just the song for you, then." she said, then looked down at her guitar before perfecting the tune. Then she cleared her throat and a true Sopprano voice rang out from her mouth.

"There's The Way -- Joicelynne Stramburg


We are voyagers
summoned by the mighty gods
of this mighty ocean to come
we take up the good challenge
get ready

We know the ways of the sea
we look to the stars and other signs
to find our way
to discover new lands
to make our home
oh! oh!
there is land up ahead
a bird in flight to take us there
oh! oh!
this beautiful land
the place i was looking for
we will make our home

We are voyagers called to the sea
Called by the great god of the sea
Who gives us a challenge, puts up a challenge
We take on that good challenge
So, prepare
We know the ways of the sea
Via the skies and the currents

"Oh that was so great!" Mamiko replied after hearing the song "You have a really pretty voice!"

[The Selkie]

Samuel Cui
Old Liam's Herb-Shop

Samuel whistled as he saw the shop. Entering, he felt surprised at all the various smells that impregnated the atmosphere; it wasn't tobacco, but then again, all those smells combined proved to be particularly pleasant.

He followed Kiah as she seemingly looked for someone--the owner, perhaps?

Kiah indeed looked for the owner, so far unsuccessful, until behind them, an old voice spoke up: "Well, well, who do we have here, in my son's shop...? Customers, I believe, one smelling of distant shores and one..."
Apparently hugging the living daylights out of the old man standing in the doorway behind them, grinning widely as the old man overcame his surprise and began to laugh, petting Kiah's back. He indeed was old, even when compared to Cui, his hair relatively short, but of a silvery colour, his blue eyes sparkling, faults having overtaken his face full of wisdom, but not having been able to quench the fire of spirit in him. He held himself on an old walking stick of white wood, gnarled and definately a product of nature, clad in simple woolen robes with a utility belt filled with pouches and a few tools on his belt.
"Uncle Liam!", Kiah cheered as she held the old man close, happy to see him.
"My, my, young Kiah... how you have grown!", the old man remarked as soon as he left the embrace. That he barely reached to her shoulder only added to that impression, that his words were quite true. "Or would Miss Tincéir be more appropriate nowadays?"
"Kiah for you, Uncle Liam, always.", the young redhead said, as she glanced over to Cui, then back to the old man.
"Now the question is...", Liam said with a smile, before he focussed on Cui, "Who are you, son of distant shores?"

Joicelynne nodded to the aparent couple "So you're a traveling soul. I think I have just the song for you, then." she said, then looked down at her guitar before perfecting the tune. Then she cleared her throat and a true Sopprano voice rang out from her mouth.

"There's The Way -- Joicelynne Stramburg


We are voyagers
summoned by the mighty gods
of this mighty ocean to come
we take up the good challenge
get ready

We know the ways of the sea
we look to the stars and other signs
to find our way
to discover new lands
to make our home
oh! oh!
there is land up ahead
a bird in flight to take us there
oh! oh!
this beautiful land
the place i was looking for
we will make our home

We are voyagers called to the sea
Called by the great god of the sea
Who gives us a challenge, puts up a challenge
We take on that good challenge
So, prepare
We know the ways of the sea
Via the skies and the currents

"Oh that was so great!" Mamiko replied after hearing the song "You have a really pretty voice!"

Finn, and a few of the people around them, applauded as well, smiling and grinning after having enjoyed the song. "I can only agree.", Finn said with a smile as the applause ended, "A very good voice, Miss Stramburg... thank you very much."
He lowered his head in gratitude.

[AHSCA]

Mamiko did the same with her head to show her own gratitude to the singer. "Yes, thank you so much!"

[Aurora Confederacy]

The bluenette, definately recognizing the accent, whipped her head around at the shout, then looked at Zoe sheepishly, recognizing the accent as she asked for directions to the next food vendor.
"My apologies for nearly bumping into you two.", she then said, bowing her head politely, thinking to herself that whoever these people were and where they hailed from, they were bunch of people very different between each individual... then again, so were the Selkie, but that was another story. "The next food stall would either be that fish stall which he raided..." She motioned to the fox in her arms, still held between her two 'argumentation amplifiers', who's eyes sparkled with mischief although his mouth was full of fish. "...don't worry, they got reparations, and the Tacaí Backery's stall. Both along that street, at the Petting Zoo. You're at its backstage area."
And indeed, that they were, where a dozen people were running around and doing things, while a pen with a dozen horses was tended to by three women in white Geansais. There was a Grey Wolf napping in the sun, an old beast not even cracking an eye open at the commotion, but definately alert to his surroundings, having found a spot central to everything, but not in the way of anything.
There was also a small Tine, who didn't even have his eyes open, as he was lying in the lap of one of the persons in the back, an old man, stroking the little animal's back peacefully, minding not to nudge the bandage around his little leg. This Tine, although of a similar colour, only more vibrant, had a far longer snout then the adult the Aurorans had met before, and he lacked the mohawk.
It would come in time, that was for sure.

Listening to the instructions, Zoe nodded, "so that way, right gotcha. Tacai's store, that i take it bred and cakes, so thats definately a visit, but yes fish, gotta go there, thanks kid" she replied before pulling a pen out of a pocket and jotting down the basic location on the back of her hand before turning to Micky, "fish of a bakery?" she asks.

"fish i think, then a bun or something from the bakery" she replies before taking her camera out and photographing the horses, As Zoe waited for Micky to finish photographing the horses, the Tine lying on his back with his leg bandaged up caught her attention so she makes her way over to the old man and squats down on her knees, "what happened to him?" she asks

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
Old Liam's Herb-Shop

It seemed finding the owner was not necessary--he had surprised them both. After seeing Kiah and Liam exchange pleasantries, Samuel responded to Liam's question.

"I am Samuel Cui, from the Confederation of the New Visayan Islands. And you are...?"

[The Selkie]

The bluenette, definately recognizing the accent, whipped her head around at the shout, then looked at Zoe sheepishly, recognizing the accent as she asked for directions to the next food vendor.
"My apologies for nearly bumping into you two.", she then said, bowing her head politely, thinking to herself that whoever these people were and where they hailed from, they were bunch of people very different between each individual... then again, so were the Selkie, but that was another story. "The next food stall would either be that fish stall which he raided..." She motioned to the fox in her arms, still held between her two 'argumentation amplifiers', who's eyes sparkled with mischief although his mouth was full of fish. "...don't worry, they got reparations, and the Tacaí Backery's stall. Both along that street, at the Petting Zoo. You're at its backstage area."
And indeed, that they were, where a dozen people were running around and doing things, while a pen with a dozen horses was tended to by three women in white Geansais. There was a Grey Wolf napping in the sun, an old beast not even cracking an eye open at the commotion, but definately alert to his surroundings, having found a spot central to everything, but not in the way of anything.
There was also a small Tine, who didn't even have his eyes open, as he was lying in the lap of one of the persons in the back, an old man, stroking the little animal's back peacefully, minding not to nudge the bandage around his little leg. This Tine, although of a similar colour, only more vibrant, had a far longer snout then the adult the Aurorans had met before, and he lacked the mohawk.
It would come in time, that was for sure.

Listening to the instructions, Zoe nodded, "so that way, right gotcha. Tacai's store, that i take it bred and cakes, so thats definately a visit, but yes fish, gotta go there, thanks kid" she replied before pulling a pen out of a pocket and jotting down the basic location on the back of her hand before turning to Micky, "fish of a bakery?" she asks.

"fish i think, then a bun or something from the bakery" she replies before taking her camera out and photographing the horses, As Zoe waited for Micky to finish photographing the horses, the Tine lying on his back with his leg bandaged up caught her attention so she makes her way over to the old man and squats down on her knees, "what happened to him?" she asks

One of the women in white saw, that Micky was snapping a few pictures, she smiled invitingly and motioned for her to come closer.
She was currently tending to a little, brown foal with a slightly darker mane, who was barely tall enough to nudge her cheek - a cute foal, with lively eyes and strong legs. The woman in white tending to him was quite cute as well, her blue eyes lively and sparkling, her red-blonde hair long and open, as well as very good looking. Her smile shone like the sun.
She held the little foal by the reins, which were a bit unusual for him, but he would get used to it.

The old man looked up, taking a moment to look at Zoe and then smiled.
"Nothing too bad, at least physically.", he said with a nod, "He met a tourist-child, a boy of maybe thirteen Springs, who saw it fit to throw pebbles at him and other Tines. Let's just say, that he is very lucky to have been scared off. One of these pebbles hurt him at the leg, so instead of leaving the little lad outside for petting, Mister Banphrionsa sat me out here to tend to the little one, just to be safe." The little one opened his mouth and yawned in deepest comfort. "My hands might not be as soft as a woman's hands, but I know how to pet an animal!"
There was a grin with it.

Samuel Cui
Old Liam's Herb-Shop

It seemed finding the owner was not necessary--he had surprised them both. After seeing Kiah and Liam exchange pleasantries, Samuel responded to Liam's question.

"I am Samuel Cui, from the Confederation of the New Visayan Islands. And you are...?"

"I'm called Liam... Liam Draoi of the Tribe of Navan.", the old man replied while looking Cui up and down, "Close friends..." He motioned to Kiah. "...call me Uncle Liam, though." He smiled as he let a beat pass, before he remembered: "Oh, right, nearly forgot: Welcome to my son's shop. I'm tending to it for the day, so that my son can go and enjoy the festival!"
"That's nice. He has a few kids, right?", Kiah asked.
Liam smiled, pride in his eyes. "More then that, Finny is getting shorter today!", he said with a smile, "She wants to become an Arrowmaiden, too, so I am happy - but I'm quite sure, that this is not what leads you and your friend here..."
"Nope.", Kiah confirmed with a small smile, leaving the explanation to Cui.

[Aurora Confederacy]

One of the women in white saw, that Micky was snapping a few pictures, she smiled invitingly and motioned for her to come closer.
She was currently tending to a little, brown foal with a slightly darker mane, who was barely tall enough to nudge her cheek - a cute foal, with lively eyes and strong legs. The woman in white tending to him was quite cute as well, her blue eyes lively and sparkling, her red-blonde hair long and open, as well as very good looking. Her smile shone like the sun.
She held the little foal by the reins, which were a bit unusual for him, but he would get used to it.

The old man looked up, taking a moment to look at Zoe and then smiled.
"Nothing too bad, at least physically.", he said with a nod, "He met a tourist-child, a boy of maybe thirteen Springs, who saw it fit to throw pebbles at him and other Tines. Let's just say, that he is very lucky to have been scared off. One of these pebbles hurt him at the leg, so instead of leaving the little lad outside for petting, Mister Banphrionsa sat me out here to tend to the little one, just to be safe." The little one opened his mouth and yawned in deepest comfort. "My hands might not be as soft as a woman's hands, but I know how to pet an animal!"
There was a grin with it.

Over by the tine, Zoe, moves from a squatting position to a semi kneeling stance, her right leg on the ground from her knee onwards whilst her left leg still has its foot firmly planted on the floor, she takes a look at the old man "I dunno about that, My hands may be female, but they're not that soft and sadly there are some people who have no respect, and if the elders dont teach respect to the younger folk, where is this going to end and where are we going to end up, Tiny here seems to be comfortable though.." she then looks down at the young Tine "...aint ya?" before turning her attention back to the old man, "with luck he should be back on his feet soon" Zoe's hands were however soft, but due to Zoe's line of work and recent activity, they have indeed got a slightly harder feel to them than someone who does not do such manual work, and being somewhat "tomboyish", Zoe tends not to use moisturising products except in extreme cold weather, that said, her hands were still softer than most mens hands!

Micky, once the woman had caught her attention as initially she figured that the gestures were not meant for her walks over, placing her camera into her pocket, "aye, what can I do for ya?" she asks in a polite, bubbly tone. As she walks over to the girl by the foal, she is careful not to make any sudden moves as the animal is unfamiliar to her and she doesn't want to spook the said animal.

[Jathana]

The old man, before his daughter could answer more diplomatically, laughed out loud, but in a humoured, amused way and not in the sense of someone, who was offended.
"Don't think of me of some old codger, who can even stand, Miss Vongvilay.", he said, still smiling, "When I was your age, I hammered glowing-hot steel into shape and form and I could so still... if there wouldn't be my current occupation." Lilly raised an eyebrow. "Well, I could still hammer something quite well, but it wouldn't become the form I want it to... I'm terribly out of shape. Anyway, a bit of rowdydom will not be an issue for this old Grey Wolf!"
Lilly smiled and nodded to Akela, confirming, that the two of them would be fine - even if they were to enter the pit.

"A black smith I see!" Akela was intrigued. "Interesting. Not many blacksmiths in Jathana. Any sharp knives or swords are made by machine. Go to a more rural village and you may get an artisan who forges swords of rock, wood, and metal, but they are rare. However, just because a company produces our swords, doesn't mean they're awful. Most swords used in Kalaripayattu, a martial art which incorporates dancing and sword fighting, are the most professional grade swords you can get!"

[The Selkie]

One of the women in white saw, that Micky was snapping a few pictures, she smiled invitingly and motioned for her to come closer.
She was currently tending to a little, brown foal with a slightly darker mane, who was barely tall enough to nudge her cheek - a cute foal, with lively eyes and strong legs. The woman in white tending to him was quite cute as well, her blue eyes lively and sparkling, her red-blonde hair long and open, as well as very good looking. Her smile shone like the sun.
She held the little foal by the reins, which were a bit unusual for him, but he would get used to it.

The old man looked up, taking a moment to look at Zoe and then smiled.
"Nothing too bad, at least physically.", he said with a nod, "He met a tourist-child, a boy of maybe thirteen Springs, who saw it fit to throw pebbles at him and other Tines. Let's just say, that he is very lucky to have been scared off. One of these pebbles hurt him at the leg, so instead of leaving the little lad outside for petting, Mister Banphrionsa sat me out here to tend to the little one, just to be safe." The little one opened his mouth and yawned in deepest comfort. "My hands might not be as soft as a woman's hands, but I know how to pet an animal!"
There was a grin with it.

Over by the tine, Zoe, moves from a squatting position to a semi kneeling stance, her right leg on the ground from her knee onwards whilst her left leg still has its foot firmly planted on the floor, she takes a look at the old man "I dunno about that, My hands may be female, but they're not that soft and sadly there are some people who have no respect, and if the elders dont teach respect to the younger folk, where is this going to end and where are we going to end up, Tiny here seems to be comfortable though.." she then looks down at the young Tine "...aint ya?" before turning her attention back to the old man, "with luck he should be back on his feet soon" Zoe's hands were however soft, but due to Zoe's line of work and recent activity, they have indeed got a slightly harder feel to them than someone who does not do such manual work, and being somewhat "tomboyish", Zoe tends not to use moisturising products except in extreme cold weather, that said, her hands were still softer than most mens hands!

Micky, once the woman had caught her attention as initially she figured that the gestures were not meant for her walks over, placing her camera into her pocket, "aye, what can I do for ya?" she asks in a polite, bubbly tone. As she walks over to the girl by the foal, she is careful not to make any sudden moves as the animal is unfamiliar to her and she doesn't want to spook the said animal.

The man smiled.
"Oh, that he will.", he said and nodded. "He would be up and about playing if he wasn't sitting here with us, you know?"
He saw, that her hands were, albeit soft, not as soft as many women he knew - that was not a bad thing for either of them, but it showed a different approach: Selkie took great care of their bodies and skin, which included the regular use of methods to keep it healthy, like skin lotions made of herbs, which didn't hinder women to work just as hard as men did. Neither plow nor sword care, if the hand touching them is strong or soft., as a very old proverb said. Still...
"If you want, you can pet him.", he said and motioned to the back of the little Tine, "His fur is soft and light as a feather... not as robust as the fur they use for Geansais."

The blonde noted the behaviour of the foreigner around the horse, appreciating it... if the foreigner would appreciate the horse leaning forward to sniff her was another question. At the first sign of discomfort, she would pull him back.
"Actually, it's the other way around.", she told Micky with a smile, "I wanted to offer you, that you can come up close for your photoes, if you want. Maybe even get to know some of these lads and lassies closer." The last was accompanied by a grin as the foal who's reins she held nudged Micky softly. "Let him smell you."

"A black smith I see!" Akela was intrigued. "Interesting. Not many blacksmiths in Jathana. Any sharp knives or swords are made by machine. Go to a more rural village and you may get an artisan who forges swords of rock, wood, and metal, but they are rare. However, just because a company produces our swords, doesn't mean they're awful. Most swords used in Kalaripayattu, a martial art which incorporates dancing and sword fighting, are the most professional grade swords you can get!"

"You have never seen a blacksmith's sword, or at least not from a Selkie-blacksmith." There was a certain bit of pride in the old man's voice, but also humour. He was having fun with this conversation, as apparent by the sparkling in his eyes. "Of course, factory produced swords have the advantage of being cheaper and of, admittedly, consistent quality, but if you ask me, nothing beats handmade. The sword can be adapted for the individual, for his, or her, for that matter, fighting style and body, can be artistically made and, of course, the blacksmith can experiment a bit."
He smiled.
"Contrary to what people often believe, it doesn't have to be an either-or decision, it just depends on what you prefer. I won't think less of Jathani Swordsmen just because they prefer factory produced - it's their preferance, after all. That being said..." He leaned forward a bit, his smile widening into a grin. "I would love to one day see a Jathani Swordsman going up against a Selkie Swordsman. It should be interesting to watch."

[Krugeristan]

Catching himself blushing a little, Golahman smiled before saying, "I won't ask, I promise." He waited for Fiona to hang up before looking at Ava. "Licorice ice cream . . . that exists?" he said, trying not to laugh.

To Evanu, going up ladders was a piece of cake. After all, most of his training involving climbing things most people would be nervous about climbing on or into. He positioned himself on the ladder before heading up, not saying a word.

Ava nodded, her expression grim.
"It does.", she said simply, shuddering, suddenly, "I tasted it, a long time ago, in a place far away from here, where barbarians live... it was horrible. It took litres of tea to wash away the smell... Celina was not better off as well, which was little consolidation, mostly because it was in a game of Daring Deeds, where we had to eat the whole jumbo-ball of licorice ice cream, or we had to kiss Mion on the lips." She made a pause. "Not that that old lug of a Guarding Fox didn't deserve it, but it would still mean, that we lost."

As Evanu ascended the ladder, he would enter the truss: The whole area was only dimly lit, by a few small windows, and even that was barricaded in a lot of places by the reason for them being here. There were crates and boxes everywhere, without order or cohesion, the only regard being, that it held the sometimes weird constructs. Some of the boxes and crates looked like they would be falling apart if one only looked at them oddly, not to mention, that a small layer of dust covered every surface.
The air was stuffy and something was definately smelling in there, but nothing dangerous at all... at least not apparently.
Finny came up after him and grinned as she stopped by his side. "Now that's a mess, right?", she said and rolled up her metaphorical sleeves. "You open the windows on the street side, I do the same on the courtyard side... be careful, they might be stuck a bit!"

"I can only say that licorice is not illegal . . . it's just that no one has the courage to sell it," Golahman said. "I think I'd kiss the fox first, and Assad might be the one nutty enough to eat the ice cream, poor man."

"The only thing I can say is that the Mrs. Vershenov would have a field day," Evanu replied while approaching the windows. "You have to appreciate the fact that the two share a meticulous nature."

[Aurora Confederacy]

The man smiled.
"Oh, that he will.", he said and nodded. "He would be up and about playing if he wasn't sitting here with us, you know?"
He saw, that her hands were, albeit soft, not as soft as many women he knew - that was not a bad thing for either of them, but it showed a different approach: Selkie took great care of their bodies and skin, which included the regular use of methods to keep it healthy, like skin lotions made of herbs, which didn't hinder women to work just as hard as men did. Neither plow nor sword care, if the hand touching them is strong or soft., as a very old proverb said. Still...
"If you want, you can pet him.", he said and motioned to the back of the little Tine, "His fur is soft and light as a feather... not as robust as the fur they use for Geansais."

The blonde noted the behaviour of the foreigner around the horse, appreciating it... if the foreigner would appreciate the horse leaning forward to sniff her was another question. At the first sign of discomfort, she would pull him back.
"Actually, it's the other way around.", she told Micky with a smile, "I wanted to offer you, that you can come up close for your photoes, if you want. Maybe even get to know some of these lads and lassies closer." The last was accompanied by a grin as the foal who's reins she held nudged Micky softly. "Let him smell you."

As the tine lay on his back, Zoe looked at the man, "may I?, whats his temperament like?" she asks, before eyeing up the Tine.
Micky on the other hand, once at the foal "let him smell me, is he suicidal, we've been walking all morning and its getting quite warm, can't wait for a nice cold shower, but yes", she says with a slight chuckle, leaning forwards to let the foal have a sniff. As the horse sniffs her, Micky asks its handler, "so he going to be trained for trail riding, racing or as a working horse?"

[New Visayan Islands]

Samuel Cui
Old Liam's Herb-Shop

"Kiah is correct, Uncle," Samuel replied. "I fear I may have corrupted her somewhat as she saw me smoke a cigar," he added sheepishly. "She told me of a place that offered smokes other than tobacco; hence my presence here.

"To be fair to Kiah, though...I am genuinely curious as to what herbs you have available for smoking."

[The Selkie]

"I can only say that licorice is not illegal . . . it's just that no one has the courage to sell it," Golahman said. "I think I'd kiss the fox first, and Assad might be the one nutty enough to eat the ice cream, poor man."

"The only thing I can say is that the Mrs. Vershenov would have a field day," Evanu replied while approaching the windows. "You have to appreciate the fact that the two share a meticulous nature."

Ava smiled, even giggled at that.
"I can imagine.", she said and then looked up to the sky, remembering, "In the end, Mion got more snogged then anything else, due to other dares as well - and he spent the night in Celina's and my bed, much to his joy. It was warm and cuddly for all three of us. One moment."
She held up a finger to indeed ask for it before her hand went into one of her belt's pockets and pulled out a small album with photoes, which Ava opened and went through, before she found a certain page, handing the book to Golahman.
"On the right side.", she indicated.
The image showed two young women, Ava and another one, together with a Guarding Fox. The other woman was maybe a bit older then twenty, black long hair and grey blue eyes and a build, that other women would kill for, especially for her 'argumentation amplifiers'. While Fiona was, by Selkie standards, not bad in that regard, this young woman most certainly beat her. She, and Ava, for that matter, made no indications to hide it, simply by wearing swimsuits, bikinis, to be specific - not naughty ones, but decent ones, covering more then enough, leaving more then enough to the imagination, but still showing a bit.
The two of them sat together on a beach, a bit away from the photographer, but close to each other, laughing, as a red, beige and black furred canine decided to lick Ava, who held him in her arms, close to her chest.
"Those are Mion, Celina and me.", Ava explained, "Last year, on the Archipelago. Dad shot that pick and gave both of us a copy... Celina has hers framed."

Nodding, Finny opened her window, letting in fresh air, with a heave.
"I can imagine.", she said with a smile, "From what I heard, she takes her duties very seriously... unlike the keepers of this storage, of which there hasn't been one for the last two centuries." She sighed. "Let's get to work."
In a few quick words, she explained to him, what he should do: Basically follow her as she opened the boxes, saw what was inside and then decided to keep or to throw away - hence why the garbage cans were now under the opened window to the courtyard. Documents, she said, would be to be stored in a separate corner.
"Questions?", she finished with a smile.

The man smiled.
"Oh, that he will.", he said and nodded. "He would be up and about playing if he wasn't sitting here with us, you know?"
He saw, that her hands were, albeit soft, not as soft as many women he knew - that was not a bad thing for either of them, but it showed a different approach: Selkie took great care of their bodies and skin, which included the regular use of methods to keep it healthy, like skin lotions made of herbs, which didn't hinder women to work just as hard as men did. Neither plow nor sword care, if the hand touching them is strong or soft., as a very old proverb said. Still...
"If you want, you can pet him.", he said and motioned to the back of the little Tine, "His fur is soft and light as a feather... not as robust as the fur they use for Geansais."

The blonde noted the behaviour of the foreigner around the horse, appreciating it... if the foreigner would appreciate the horse leaning forward to sniff her was another question. At the first sign of discomfort, she would pull him back.
"Actually, it's the other way around.", she told Micky with a smile, "I wanted to offer you, that you can come up close for your photoes, if you want. Maybe even get to know some of these lads and lassies closer." The last was accompanied by a grin as the foal who's reins she held nudged Micky softly. "Let him smell you."

As the tine lay on his back, Zoe looked at the man, "may I?, whats his temperament like?" she asks, before eyeing up the Tine.
Micky on the other hand, once at the foal "let him smell me, is he suicidal, we've been walking all morning and its getting quite warm, can't wait for a nice cold shower, but yes", she says with a slight chuckle, leaning forwards to let the foal have a sniff. As the horse sniffs her, Micky asks its handler, "so he going to be trained for trail riding, racing or as a working horse?"

The old man nodded. "He's a very calm and nice little fellow, but also curious about new things.", he told Zoe. "He'll let anyone pet him and play with everyone - unlike those bred for Geansais."
He smiled as he stopped and the Tine looked to him with a confused coo.

By the horse, the young fellow took a good sniff, then contemplated, while the young woman explained: "That depends entirely on his rider... he's the companion of a youngster helping out with the Petting Zoo and she can decide freely, what she will do with him, as can he." She leaned forward and whispered. "Amongst us, I believe, he will become an allrounder - both a Marcach-Horse, a travelling horse and a work horse all in one."
She petted his cheek.
"But he'll be a good one, if he is properly taken care of." She smiled. "And that he is."

Samuel Cui
Old Liam's Herb-Shop

"Kiah is correct, Uncle," Samuel replied. "I fear I may have corrupted her somewhat as she saw me smoke a cigar," he added sheepishly. "She told me of a place that offered smokes other than tobacco; hence my presence here.

"To be fair to Kiah, though...I am genuinely curious as to what herbs you have available for smoking."

"Don't let that innocent smile deceive you, young man.", the old druid said with a smile as Kiah indeed put on her most innocent smile, indeed looking like innocence personified and dressed in a school uniform. "She's quite a gourmet for good herbal blends and knowledgeable in the matters of growing herbs. How's your little garden coming along?"
The redhead smiled still as innocent as freshly fallen snow. "Splendidly. The teachers agreed to make it an after-school activity this year, if I can find enough people and I already have a few people in mind. They also agreed to giving me a patch of land for such usage." She looked to Cui. "I grow herbs in a small garden at my school - herbs both for seasoning and other uses. Last year, I made a bit of silver with the products and I would like to continue that."
"Always a good idea.", Liam said as he walked down to the counter, "So, smoking herbs. Anything in particular you'd like? Maybe something relaxing?"
"If we could lend two pipes and one of the smoke rooms, that'd be a nice start.", Kiah said with a smile and then looked to Cui, a small glint in her eyes. "I think we should start easy - something to relax."

[Aurora Confederacy]

Zoe knelt down and taking her fingers of her left hand began to gently stroke the pads of his good front paw with her fingertips then with her right hand began to gently stroke his stomach with a somewhat gentle touch, "A friends cat loves to have his paws tickled, when you stop he'll roll back over, come and paw you until you submit and start again!", Zoe says, glancing at the old man with a smile. the tine however is having Zoe's middle finger gently rubbing his pads of his paw as Zoe asks the old man, "have you got any berries?"

Micky however is over by the foal, gently stroking the foal's cheek, "I can't say I have ever ridden a horse, although at seventy five kilograms, I am probably light enough to ride a horse without harming it."