The Festival of the Holy Light (IC)

[Solisian Union]

"Ah nothing of it, I'm happy to help a traveler who comes to our island. Wish more folks could just be friendly wouldn't have the troubles in this world. Anyway yeah, you're right this started out as a sanctuary for folks like me. Well not ME I was born here on this island but folks like me. Kitsune, neko, canine, tiger well the list goes on. Now we're not just a bunch of refugees but our own people! Well apart of the United Island States but our own people. Things are really great ya know. We got folks that represent our state and the Duchess pays us a visit when she can." They walked further along into town arriving at a little two-story shophouse. "Here we are! Welcome to our little joint." She opened the door showing a little tavern. "Heeey everyone! Please welcome our new guest!"

A few looked but continued with their conversations. "Ah anyway our actual residence is actually through the back and up the stairs it's a joint unit and that. So would you like something to drink? We can get you something non alcohol if you don't touch the stuff."

"Ah!" She said as she entered and found herself with her host. She smiled and said "Well, I'd like it very much if we could have something light to drink. Perhaps some beer with ice and a glass of ice water. Maybe even some snacks? I am quite hungry and I am willing to pay! No worries about it!"

Before that, she listened to what her host had to say. She even took notes on her small book with her blue pen so that she would remember her hosts words about this island. And in her heart, she was already beginning to hope that she would enjoy her time here and that yes, she would be happy to mingle with the people and to also be kind to them.

[AHSCA]

"And for me too,I love to be there everytime together as we can. You know because that's where we gave our first kiss too" says Tess blushing with an lovely face of that moment,that memory was the most important one for her of the time in Aurora,including today,the beach and when she knew Satou.

"T-thanks,I guess. I just hope that it stops enough for go there,but if it's not possible,I guess that we can go to the baths of the Kitan,but it wouldn't be the same" she says.

"Well we're gonna be socked in for a few days but it will pass and we'll get to again see and feel the sun on our skin and enjoy the great natural beauty of the island. If it means gotta put up with a hurricane every so often then so be it! My granny always says you get good and you get bad with everywhere you are. So a little bad right now but a lot good because it's with you!" she resume eating her dish.

"Waitress," he called her over "as always, the bill is on the tab. I've probably racked up a decent amount of debt on that thing anyways. Come on." taking her arm they walked to the Kitan's inn. Jose greeted reception and went to his room, opening the door he let her in first, closing the door. "Well, here you are. Pretty basic but I've come to expect that here. And there is the view, if it weren't cats and dogs outside, I'd be getting what I pay for. As they say mi casa es su casa, my house is your house, for tonight."

"Thank you. You're pretty kind aren't ya? I've seen my fair share of guys over the years but most are just in and out. There's a few that are terrible people but you're something really special."

“Ok, thank you” Rose says as they continue looking out the deck. They have no idea of what is in store for them, but they were up for an adventure. They would make a stop at Hoshino, so they might get a chance to talk to some more people before arriving at Corona.

A few hours later they made their stop in Hoshino picking up some new passengers. Two bound for Corona, a native of the islands, mother and her teenage daughter. The daughter, blind and being lead by her mother onto the deck paused in her tracks at the bench. "Mama, I wanna sit out for a while." She asked

"Oh sure. I'll just be below unless you want me to stay up with you?"

"It's okay. If I need to I can find my way down."

"All right have fun. But If i need to get you down quick, I'll come get you down myself."

"Sure, ma, see ya in a bit."

Sitting on the bench across from the Cartoonia guests. She might not see them but she could tell they were there. "Afternoon." She wished them. "How's the water?"

Aurelia smiled at Marcella's reaction of seeing herself and the necklace in the mirrow.
"My Mam gave it to me.", she explained, "It's for a girl with eyes as blue as the Deep Blue Sea, she had said." She smiled at Marcella's reflection, before she turned at the girl. "Seems like I found her... Mam always knew, that I was born for both Shipdecks and Horsebacks and always hoped for someone, who was born for either as well for me."
Aurelia kissed Marcella, softly, lovingly.

"I can tell your mother was a good woman. Or is? I'm sorry maybe you told me about your mother and I just don't recall." She was a bit embarrassed "Well you did find me. And I found you. I do love you lots, Aurelia." She took the kiss. The woman of her draems standing before her giving her a courting gift? Life was really good right now.

"Ah!" She said as she entered and found herself with her host. She smiled and said "Well, I'd like it very much if we could have something light to drink. Perhaps some beer with ice and a glass of ice water. Maybe even some snacks? I am quite hungry and I am willing to pay! No worries about it!"

Before that, she listened to what her host had to say. She even took notes on her small book with her blue pen so that she would remember her hosts words about this island. And in her heart, she was already beginning to hope that she would enjoy her time here and that yes, she would be happy to mingle with the people and to also be kind to them.

"Sure! Hey, two beers and soft baked pretzels. Oh actually make it three." She changed as her mate arrived. A cute pink haired kitsune. "Aah heya Ichigo!"

"Hikage, you've been at the beach all day, I thought we were gonna clean today!" She sat down next to her. "I know but I had a feeling I should head to the beach. Like the Goddesses themselves were leading me saying 'Hikage-chan you need to go, someone is waiting'"

"You just wanted to laze on the beach." She scolded

"Well say hello to our new guest. Nula!"

Ichigo calmed down to greet the new arrival "Oh, uh hello." She replied.

"She's a visiting traveler so I thought we could offer her a place to stay. You know the Inns are packed filled with tourists and guests."

"I guess so. It's nice to m-meet you." She replied still rather timid.

"Sit down, I ordered you a beer and pretzel. If we're lucky, Aina will breeze in and join us. Oh anyway Nula, this is my gal, my one and only my better half, Ichigo. Sweet as her name sake that's for sure."

"Aaah well, I...."

"But shy as a wallflower around strangers especially humans."

"Aaah, Hikage, don't make her feel more awkard. I promise, Miss, I don't mean harm or anything. I try not to be thinking all folks are a like I know...Just lots of bad experiences...O-o-Of course you're welcome to our home."

"There there, it'll be okay, Ichigo. Don't mind her at all Nula, like I said she's sweet as sweet. It's why I love her to pieces!"

[Kyrenaia]

"I can tell your mother was a good woman. Or is? I'm sorry maybe you told me about your mother and I just don't recall." She was a bit embarrassed "Well you did find me. And I found you. I do love you lots, Aurelia." She took the kiss. The woman of her draems standing before her giving her a courting gift? Life was really good right now.

Aurelia could honestly not remember, whether or not she had told Marcella about her mother, but...
"Mam is already in the Mag Mell, having moved on to there after falling from her horse and breaking her neck.", she said, looking at the stone with a tender smile, "I was thirteen at the time. And in school. They pulled me out of class and told me... Dad came soon after and I went with him."

[AHSCA]

Aurelia could honestly not remember, whether or not she had told Marcella about her mother, but...
"Mam is already in the Mag Mell, having moved on to there after falling from her horse and breaking her neck.", she said, looking at the stone with a tender smile, "I was thirteen at the time. And in school. They pulled me out of class and told me... Dad came soon after and I went with him."

"My my I'm so sorry." She gave her a hug and another kiss for comfort. "To loose your dear mama so soon in your life how hard it was." Marcella couldn't even imagine a life without her own she was grateful for her mother's guidance. "She's looking down at you now and I'm sure she's proud."

[Kyrenaia]

"My my I'm so sorry." She gave her a hug and another kiss for comfort. "To loose your dear mama so soon in your life how hard it was." Marcella couldn't even imagine a life without her own she was grateful for her mother's guidance. "She's looking down at you now and I'm sure she's proud."

"Yeah...", Aurelia said, leaning into the embrace, "...I hope she is."
All tears she could shed had been already shed when she had lit her funeral pyre, as Selkie-Customs demanded it. No earth burials for a Selkie, a pyre for them to turn into ashes so that their ashes may nurture new life, new birth.
Try as she might, she did not want to cry for her.
"She would like you, you know?", Aurelia whispered, "Your kindness, your gentleness... she would like you."

[Kuronami]

Aceus would smile "I'll be happy to stay the night. But first, I've gotta work for it!"

What followed was Aceus being a bipedal pack mule, for lack of a better term. Gathering baskets of rice and helping make sure the irrigated ditches were properly filled and emptied, Aceus largely relied upon the two girls for the finer points in farming, before being introduced to Anna's foster parents. Aceus maintained a polite and quiet demeanor, quickly finding himself adept in fixing any broken tools or pieces of farm equipment, as well as taking care of the oxen (it was rather humorous for an ox to act like a dog around Aceus, every so often licking his cheek and nuzzling him. He may be no expert on zoology, but Aceus was pretty sure that was abnormal behaviour).

Once the day began to come to a close, Aceus seemed to take on a more worried demeanor. His concern naturally was for the storm, but it was clear to Anna that he wanted to talk to her about something. Alone.

A real hard day's work Annabell and Hina both showed Aceus the ways of farming and working a rice farm. It wasn't easy a lot of hard work but now the sun was setting. The girls were sighing in relief. "Ah what day huh? Thanks for all your help!" Hina thanked Aceus.

"Yeah you were great!" Annabell praised him.

"Hey, Anna, I gotta head a little ways down to the neighbors, I remembered i'd pick up something for mama once she'd be back in port soon. There's fresh rice and pork cubes so help your self"

"Sure no problem. uuh I'd very much like to take a bath though before I eat."

"Oh no trouble, it won't be fancy but just the end of the hut there there's soap and a wash bucket. Sorry that's actually the package I'm grabbing is a big wash tub."

"Don't worry if I have to rough it a little, it's okay just glad I get to clean up. Better get moving, I think a storm's comin in"

"Ah sounds like it. Don't worry I won't be long." She grabbed a lantern hitched her oxen up to a small hand cart and set off down the road. Annabell went to start washing up, retreating to a small little room in the hut. Was as small as it looked, only partitioned off with a small curtain lined with straw. Like a barn back home. She was able to fill up the bucket with actual hot water and undress and let down her black hair. Lightning was really booming and flashing now but no rain as of yet. Sensing she was being admired or watched or maybe he just wanted to talk and he was pacing awaiting her to finish she urged him to come on in "Might as well come in!"

[AHSCA]

"Yeah...", Aurelia said, leaning into the embrace, "...I hope she is."
All tears she could shed had been already shed when she had lit her funeral pyre, as Selkie-Customs demanded it. No earth burials for a Selkie, a pyre for them to turn into ashes so that their ashes may nurture new life, new birth.
Try as she might, she did not want to cry for her.
"She would like you, you know?", Aurelia whispered, "Your kindness, your gentleness... she would like you."

She stroked Aurelia's beautiful golden hair and did her best to comfort her girl. "there there. I know..Well okay I don't... but I at least I can try to empathize with you my love. I would have loved to have met the beautiful kind woman who gave the world you. I was lucky she was alive for that at least." Hopefully she was making Aurelia feel better, she usually knew the right things to say but she just had Aurelia meet her own mother and Aurelia wouldn't get the same honor and pleasure to introduce Marcella to her own. Dear Goddesses, hear my prayers this night, Aurelia needs some comfort send her sweet dreams for me?

[Danceria]

Aceus would smile "I'll be happy to stay the night. But first, I've gotta work for it!"

What followed was Aceus being a bipedal pack mule, for lack of a better term. Gathering baskets of rice and helping make sure the irrigated ditches were properly filled and emptied, Aceus largely relied upon the two girls for the finer points in farming, before being introduced to Anna's foster parents. Aceus maintained a polite and quiet demeanor, quickly finding himself adept in fixing any broken tools or pieces of farm equipment, as well as taking care of the oxen (it was rather humorous for an ox to act like a dog around Aceus, every so often licking his cheek and nuzzling him. He may be no expert on zoology, but Aceus was pretty sure that was abnormal behaviour).

Once the day began to come to a close, Aceus seemed to take on a more worried demeanor. His concern naturally was for the storm, but it was clear to Anna that he wanted to talk to her about something. Alone.

A real hard day's work Annabell and Hina both showed Aceus the ways of farming and working a rice farm. It wasn't easy a lot of hard work but now the sun was setting. The girls were sighing in relief. "Ah what day huh? Thanks for all your help!" Hina thanked Aceus.

"Yeah you were great!" Annabell praised him.

"Hey, Anna, I gotta head a little ways down to the neighbors, I remembered i'd pick up something for mama once she'd be back in port soon. There's fresh rice and pork cubes so help your self"

"Sure no problem. uuh I'd very much like to take a bath though before I eat."

"Oh no trouble, it won't be fancy but just the end of the hut there there's soap and a wash bucket. Sorry that's actually the package I'm grabbing is a big wash tub."

"Don't worry if I have to rough it a little, it's okay just glad I get to clean up. Better get moving, I think a storm's comin in"

"Ah sounds like it. Don't worry I won't be long." She grabbed a lantern hitched her oxen up to a small hand cart and set off down the road. Annabell went to start washing up, retreating to a small little room in the hut. Was as small as it looked, only partitioned off with a small curtain lined with straw. Like a barn back home. She was able to fill up the bucket with actual hot water and undress and let down her black hair. Lightning was really booming and flashing now but no rain as of yet. Sensing she was being admired or watched or maybe he just wanted to talk and he was pacing awaiting her to finish she urged him to come on in "Might as well come in!"

"...I would if I knew whether or not you're decent!" Aceus would holler over the storm, before gradually entering, being certain to give her as much privacy as allowed in the rustic hut. "We may have weathered a storm together, but I'm still a gentleman. Or I try to be, anyway." he placed himself out of view of Annabell, before sighing. "We...we need to talk. I may...not have been wholly honest with you." he admitted. "My name...Is Aceus Elurion. I'm...on vacation from my job as a king, essentially." Not quite the most riveting synopsis of his being here, but he didn't want to bore Anna to death with all of his illustrious titles. "And...I think I may have screwed up entering this relationship."

[Kuronami]

"...I would if I knew whether or not you're decent!" Aceus would holler over the storm, before gradually entering, being certain to give her as much privacy as allowed in the rustic hut. "We may have weathered a storm together, but I'm still a gentleman. Or I try to be, anyway." he placed himself out of view of Annabell, before sighing. "We...we need to talk. I may...not have been wholly honest with you." he admitted. "My name...Is Aceus Elurion. I'm...on vacation from my job as a king, essentially." Not quite the most riveting synopsis of his being here, but he didn't want to bore Anna to death with all of his illustrious titles. "And...I think I may have screwed up entering this relationship."

"I don't mind really! I'm just another female is all." She allowed him to enter as she continued to soap and rinse herself off she listened closely and she honestly couldn't believe it. It seemed so implausible "I....I....You're a king!?" She couldn't believe it she still wasn't sure if it was true. "No-no way. Why would a king charter his own boat, take the pleasantries of a simple peasant farmer like me, work a small little farm in the middle of nowhere? I...." she nearly swooned but she kept her sense here leaning back but spilling the bucket of water. A pause of silence with only the thunder.

"I'm sorry....I didn't know....That's why I heard you called Aceus. I didn't think much of it before maybe I misheard but...I..." she was heartbroken now, no way a king would want he. She was not nobility she really didn't have any desires to be nobility. She didn't know what she wanted really other than hoping the romanticism of the stories she read about the islands were true but she didn't expect it like this.

[Kyrenaia]

"Yeah...", Aurelia said, leaning into the embrace, "...I hope she is."
All tears she could shed had been already shed when she had lit her funeral pyre, as Selkie-Customs demanded it. No earth burials for a Selkie, a pyre for them to turn into ashes so that their ashes may nurture new life, new birth.
Try as she might, she did not want to cry for her.
"She would like you, you know?", Aurelia whispered, "Your kindness, your gentleness... she would like you."

She stroked Aurelia's beautiful golden hair and did her best to comfort her girl. "there there. I know..Well okay I don't... but I at least I can try to empathize with you my love. I would have loved to have met the beautiful kind woman who gave the world you. I was lucky she was alive for that at least." Hopefully she was making Aurelia feel better, she usually knew the right things to say but she just had Aurelia meet her own mother and Aurelia wouldn't get the same honor and pleasure to introduce Marcella to her own. Dear Goddesses, hear my prayers this night, Aurelia needs some comfort send her sweet dreams for me?

For a moment, Aurelia twitched, then giggled.
"She did so much more then give birth to me... she was an admirable woman. A Marcach, an artist, a dreamer and a storyteller... tender and loving.", she said, and then, the damned dam finally broke. Tears flowed into Marcella's shoulder. "Meeting your Mother, it reminded me of her, and of how you would never eat her Stobhach, listen to her wisdom or admire her art, see her astride..."
She choked.
"Sorry, Marcella..."

[AHSCA]

For a moment, Aurelia twitched, then giggled.
"She did so much more then give birth to me... she was an admirable woman. A Marcach, an artist, a dreamer and a storyteller... tender and loving.", she said, and then, the damned dam finally broke. Tears flowed into Marcella's shoulder. "Meeting your Mother, it reminded me of her, and of how you would never eat her Stobhach, listen to her wisdom or admire her art, see her astride..."
She choked.
"Sorry, Marcella..."

"No, I'm sorry. I really am. I wish I could do more for you but at least I can comfort you."

[Danceria]

"...I would if I knew whether or not you're decent!" Aceus would holler over the storm, before gradually entering, being certain to give her as much privacy as allowed in the rustic hut. "We may have weathered a storm together, but I'm still a gentleman. Or I try to be, anyway." he placed himself out of view of Annabell, before sighing. "We...we need to talk. I may...not have been wholly honest with you." he admitted. "My name...Is Aceus Elurion. I'm...on vacation from my job as a king, essentially." Not quite the most riveting synopsis of his being here, but he didn't want to bore Anna to death with all of his illustrious titles. "And...I think I may have screwed up entering this relationship."

"I don't mind really! I'm just another female is all." She allowed him to enter as she continued to soap and rinse herself off she listened closely and she honestly couldn't believe it. It seemed so implausible "I....I....You're a king!?" She couldn't believe it she still wasn't sure if it was true. "No-no way. Why would a king charter his own boat, take the pleasantries of a simple peasant farmer like me, work a small little farm in the middle of nowhere? I...." she nearly swooned but she kept her sense here leaning back but spilling the bucket of water. A pause of silence with only the thunder.

"I'm sorry....I didn't know....That's why I heard you called Aceus. I didn't think much of it before maybe I misheard but...I..." she was heartbroken now, no way a king would want he. She was not nobility she really didn't have any desires to be nobility. She didn't know what she wanted really other than hoping the romanticism of the stories she read about the islands were true but she didn't expect it like this.

Aceus chuckled at the "just another female" comment, before letting her process the bombshell he allowed. "Us Dancerians make rustic Kings." Aceus would note. "My grandad was raised as a farmer. I did it because I wanted to get away..." he looked downcast "Away from people who judged you in comparison to other great kings. People who only saw you as some crowned kid...not as a person." he paused, letting the thunder roll over the beat. "That's why...I got close to you. You treated me like someone...normal. Something I dearly needed." he looked downcast "I...also need to apologize. It was selfish of me not to tell you. I was...I was hoping to be treated like just another person without bowing or scraping."

[Kuronami]

Aceus chuckled at the "just another female" comment, before letting her process the bombshell he allowed. "Us Dancerians make rustic Kings." Aceus would note. "My grandad was raised as a farmer. I did it because I wanted to get away..." he looked downcast "Away from people who judged you in comparison to other great kings. People who only saw you as some crowned kid...not as a person." he paused, letting the thunder roll over the beat. "That's why...I got close to you. You treated me like someone...normal. Something I dearly needed." he looked downcast "I...also need to apologize. It was selfish of me not to tell you. I was...I was hoping to be treated like just another person without bowing or scraping."

"Oh..." She never realized a king could be so humble but then again she never really met any before. "I see...Well then I'm glad you and I could get to know each other. I suppose I should also be greatful for treating me so well. Taking me in giving me a free ride bracing the rough weather together. I guess you aren't bad at all." She began to ease up feeling like he was just the same guy she met and had fallen for but now things were more complicated. But still a good head on his shoulders something Annabell couldn't deny was an appealing trait. A humble farmer herself that was an important trait. "I understand why you wouldn't want to tell. I think if you had told me off the cusp, I would have treated you different before really getting to know you."

[Cartoonia]

“Ok, thank you” Rose says as they continue looking out the deck. They have no idea of what is in store for them, but they were up for an adventure. They would make a stop at Hoshino, so they might get a chance to talk to some more people before arriving at Corona.

A few hours later they made their stop in Hoshino picking up some new passengers. Two bound for Corona, a native of the islands, mother and her teenage daughter. The daughter, blind and being lead by her mother onto the deck paused in her tracks at the bench. "Mama, I wanna sit out for a while." She asked

"Oh sure. I'll just be below unless you want me to stay up with you?"

"It's okay. If I need to I can find my way down."

"All right have fun. But If i need to get you down quick, I'll come get you down myself."

"Sure, ma, see ya in a bit."

Sitting on the bench across from the Cartoonia guests. She might not see them but she could tell they were there. "Afternoon." She wished them. "How's the water?"

“Hello” Tamaki says “Why, the water seems alot clearer than home. Could be either that there is probably almost no industries polluting it, or that we are not in the Pacific”.

[AHSCA]

“Hello” Tamaki says “Why, the water seems alot clearer than home. Could be either that there is probably almost no industries polluting it, or that we are not in the Pacific”.

She cocked her head a little in surprise given she was making small talk but the honest answer was an honest answer. She smiled "Yes, we don't have much heavy industry here so I guess that keeps things clean. So that must mean you are travelers not from here at all. So welcome. Heading to Corona I guess or you would have already disembarked." A slight bump in things as the boat went over a wave but the boat sailed on as normal. "Heading home myself. We went to Hoshino for a few books for me."

[Danceria]

Aceus chuckled at the "just another female" comment, before letting her process the bombshell he allowed. "Us Dancerians make rustic Kings." Aceus would note. "My grandad was raised as a farmer. I did it because I wanted to get away..." he looked downcast "Away from people who judged you in comparison to other great kings. People who only saw you as some crowned kid...not as a person." he paused, letting the thunder roll over the beat. "That's why...I got close to you. You treated me like someone...normal. Something I dearly needed." he looked downcast "I...also need to apologize. It was selfish of me not to tell you. I was...I was hoping to be treated like just another person without bowing or scraping."

"Oh..." She never realized a king could be so humble but then again she never really met any before. "I see...Well then I'm glad you and I could get to know each other. I suppose I should also be greatful for treating me so well. Taking me in giving me a free ride bracing the rough weather together. I guess you aren't bad at all." She began to ease up feeling like he was just the same guy she met and had fallen for but now things were more complicated. But still a good head on his shoulders something Annabell couldn't deny was an appealing trait. A humble farmer herself that was an important trait. "I understand why you wouldn't want to tell. I think if you had told me off the cusp, I would have treated you different before really getting to know you."

"It's no trouble at all." Aceus would smile. "There was no way I could've navigated that storm by myself...and you shaped up to be a pretty good sailor. Although..." he added with a hint of mischievousness, "I should've probably told you up front. Then I would've gone from "not bad" to "pretty good"." It was teasing of course, as the woman had been very trusting and accommodating to him, far more than any woman back home. Except...
Except for the woman he also loved, and danced with, and...the reason he needed to figure things out with Anna immediately. His smile fell along with the rain outside.

[Kuronami]

"It's no trouble at all." Aceus would smile. "There was no way I could've navigated that storm by myself...and you shaped up to be a pretty good sailor. Although..." he added with a hint of mischievousness, "I should've probably told you up front. Then I would've gone from "not bad" to "pretty good"." It was teasing of course, as the woman had been very trusting and accommodating to him, far more than any woman back home. Except...
Except for the woman he also loved, and danced with, and...the reason he needed to figure things out with Anna immediately. His smile fell along with the rain outside.

"Th-thanks. I really appreciate it. It's okay really. You had reasons and I understand. I guess now I'm glad you did tell me. I would have hate to have a broken heart wondering what happened." she sighed a little listening to the rain starting up finally. There was just long awkward silence between them. What should she do? kiss him, slap him? Go about silently she wasn't sure. She wished she had her older sister's wisdom right about now. The soap suds slowly erasing away she pulled her simple cloth together she'd wear for modesty sake as modest as it could be given it still left much of her exposed but she was told not wise to overdress when sleeping. Well she got up and she did kiss him wanting to see how he'd react. "We can keep talking about this later. I think our hostess is home." She could hear the sounds of the cart rolling up and voices outside of a man a woman and of course Hina. No doubt back with her parents again. Anna went out to greet them "Hello"

"Oooh you must be Annabell!" Harukana hugged the cute little girl. Given Haru's rather generous bust it did make for a slightly comical scene "I'm so happy you decided to stay with us! You're very cute I must say, as cute as my Hina here"

"Easy mama, careful we've been working all day."

"I just got washed up so I'd hope you folks will join me for something to eat." Annabell cheerfully responded.

"Sounds great!" Hina replied

"We'll be glad. I've been sailing all day I'm starved!" Haru replied. Just after walked in Vulpo, Hina's father and Haru's husband

"Got the ox penned up, papa?" Hina asked

"He's all set, babe. Oh looks like our new arrival is finally here. Welcome little lady I'm Vulpo"

"Oh uuuh Fox right?"

"I see you know just a little Esperanto. Well Coronan man I am who found his Hoshine beauty."

"If you're looking for love little lady, Coronan men are really the best."

"Well actually..."

"Oh..." Hina noticed Aceus joined them shortly "Mama, papa, this is Annabell's friend who helped her get here."

"That's right, we sailed together from Aurora here. I hope you don't mind if he stays with us the night, I hate to make him walk out in the storm here."

"sounds okay," Vulpo agree "If you don't mind sir. Isn't much here but you are welcome to what we have."

"He did pitch in so least we can do is give him a meal." Hina added

"Well any man who does a little laboring is fine by me. Welcome to our humble little farm."

"Come, come let's sit already!" Haru plead almost whining as she scooped up rice and pork for them to eat.

[Mervay]

"Well we're gonna be socked in for a few days but it will pass and we'll get to again see and feel the sun on our skin and enjoy the great natural beauty of the island. If it means gotta put up with a hurricane every so often then so be it! My granny always says you get good and you get bad with everywhere you are. So a little bad right now but a lot good because it's with you!" she resume eating her dish.

"And she is right about that,you can be good in somethings and bad in others. And your granny say is perfect for this since after bad times,good times will appear. And we are battling this because we are together" Tess says in agree to what Satou said,right now an storm was happening,but she didn't cared as long she is with her girlfriend.

"I think that this date is romantic you know. You and me,eating something together here,in the place in where we first meeted. I know that we eated together before here,but my parents were with me in that moment,so we can consider our first date in the Kitan as an couple"

[Danceria]

"It's no trouble at all." Aceus would smile. "There was no way I could've navigated that storm by myself...and you shaped up to be a pretty good sailor. Although..." he added with a hint of mischievousness, "I should've probably told you up front. Then I would've gone from "not bad" to "pretty good"." It was teasing of course, as the woman had been very trusting and accommodating to him, far more than any woman back home. Except...
Except for the woman he also loved, and danced with, and...the reason he needed to figure things out with Anna immediately. His smile fell along with the rain outside.

"Th-thanks. I really appreciate it. It's okay really. You had reasons and I understand. I guess now I'm glad you did tell me. I would have hate to have a broken heart wondering what happened." she sighed a little listening to the rain starting up finally. There was just long awkward silence between them. What should she do? kiss him, slap him? Go about silently she wasn't sure. She wished she had her older sister's wisdom right about now. The soap suds slowly erasing away she pulled her simple cloth together she'd wear for modesty sake as modest as it could be given it still left much of her exposed but she was told not wise to overdress when sleeping. Well she got up and she did kiss him wanting to see how he'd react. "We can keep talking about this later. I think our hostess is home." She could hear the sounds of the cart rolling up and voices outside of a man a woman and of course Hina. No doubt back with her parents again. Anna went out to greet them "Hello"

"Oooh you must be Annabell!" Harukana hugged the cute little girl. Given Haru's rather generous bust it did make for a slightly comical scene "I'm so happy you decided to stay with us! You're very cute I must say, as cute as my Hina here"

"Easy mama, careful we've been working all day."

"I just got washed up so I'd hope you folks will join me for something to eat." Annabell cheerfully responded.

"Sounds great!" Hina replied

"We'll be glad. I've been sailing all day I'm starved!" Haru replied. Just after walked in Vulpo, Hina's father and Haru's husband

"Got the ox penned up, papa?" Hina asked

"He's all set, babe. Oh looks like our new arrival is finally here. Welcome little lady I'm Vulpo"

"Oh uuuh Fox right?"

"I see you know just a little Esperanto. Well Coronan man I am who found his Hoshine beauty."

"If you're looking for love little lady, Coronan men are really the best."

"Well actually..."

"Oh..." Hina noticed Aceus joined them shortly "Mama, papa, this is Annabell's friend who helped her get here."

"That's right, we sailed together from Aurora here. I hope you don't mind if he stays with us the night, I hate to make him walk out in the storm here."

"sounds okay," Vulpo agree "If you don't mind sir. Isn't much here but you are welcome to what we have."

"He did pitch in so least we can do is give him a meal." Hina added

"Well any man who does a little laboring is fine by me. Welcome to our humble little farm."

"Come, come let's sit already!" Haru plead almost whining as she scooped up rice and pork for them to eat.

Aceus would bow, his Esperanto sadly lacking, but allowing for her foster family, though the comment about "Coronan lovers" left a mix of emotions in Aceus, not all of them pleasant. "It's quite all right." he would smile. "I've slept aboard a ship, and done my share of farming. Granted, rice farming is a lot different than shucking corn. Though the oxen seem to take a bit too much of a liking to me..." the Dancerian would chuckle, recalling helping out with the few oxen on the field. He put on a polite enough smile for the company, but Annabell would note that Aceus still felt conflicted. Still, he beamed as he smelled the rice and pork. "Mmm...I'm starving!" he would smile, though note the gloomy atmosphere. "...If you don't mind my asking, how long will it be until the storm hits? I want to be able to help as many people out before we're stuck in the shelter for a good while..."

[AHSCA]

"And she is right about that,you can be good in somethings and bad in others. And your granny say is perfect for this since after bad times,good times will appear. And we are battling this because we are together" Tess says in agree to what Satou said,right now an storm was happening,but she didn't cared as long she is with her girlfriend.

"I think that this date is romantic you know. You and me,eating something together here,in the place in where we first meeted. I know that we eated together before here,but my parents were with me in that moment,so we can consider our first date in the Kitan as an couple"

"That's right! It's our special place for us. I can't wait for you to find a special place for us in Mervay. Where we'll have our first date there! I just can't wait to see your beautiful Mervay and hear how much you love it! Just as I've been able to tell you all I love about my home here in the islands, you'll get that chance too!"

Aceus would bow, his Esperanto sadly lacking, but allowing for her foster family, though the comment about "Coronan lovers" left a mix of emotions in Aceus, not all of them pleasant. "It's quite all right." he would smile. "I've slept aboard a ship, and done my share of farming. Granted, rice farming is a lot different than shucking corn. Though the oxen seem to take a bit too much of a liking to me..." the Dancerian would chuckle, recalling helping out with the few oxen on the field. He put on a polite enough smile for the company, but Annabell would note that Aceus still felt conflicted. Still, he beamed as he smelled the rice and pork. "Mmm...I'm starving!" he would smile, though note the gloomy atmosphere. "...If you don't mind my asking, how long will it be until the storm hits? I want to be able to help as many people out before we're stuck in the shelter for a good while..."

Sitting around a small knee high table they could begin to eat. the women of the family seemed to used chopsticks while Vulpo used his hands which he mad sure to clean. Given Annabell just opted to use her hands as well for now she'd have to learn to really get the hang of them. "If you don't you don't." Hina encouraged her, "Papa never did he turned out fine."

"Nothing can be done, but if you want cutlery we'll get it for you"

"Please you've already done a lot for me." Annabell waved off the idea "I don't mind whatever you folks do."

When Aceus inquired about the storm the girls were a bit confused given it was already storming now but Haru and Vulpo fell a bit silent "Mama something going on?"

"Sorry love, we were going to tell you but sounds like a hurricane is blowing in soon. We're not even sure it will hit us here in Hoshino but it could. For now we just gotta keep our spirits up and hope for the best."

"Oh my, my first hurricane" Annabell said a bit stunned and a little worried

"Don't ya worry dear, we've weathered many of them we'll weather this one." Haru encouraged her then turned to Aceus to answer his questions. "We'll need to prep ourselves in case it does hit us if you want to help lots of folks here can always use help. We may not even have to go for shelter if we can just ride it out. But we'll see."

"Storms' a few days away" Vulpo said "We'll have some time to get ourselves set for it. Just follow our lead Annabell and Mr. Aceus we'll get through it."

[Danceria]

"And she is right about that,you can be good in somethings and bad in others. And your granny say is perfect for this since after bad times,good times will appear. And we are battling this because we are together" Tess says in agree to what Satou said,right now an storm was happening,but she didn't cared as long she is with her girlfriend.

"I think that this date is romantic you know. You and me,eating something together here,in the place in where we first meeted. I know that we eated together before here,but my parents were with me in that moment,so we can consider our first date in the Kitan as an couple"

"That's right! It's our special place for us. I can't wait for you to find a special place for us in Mervay. Where we'll have our first date there! I just can't wait to see your beautiful Mervay and hear how much you love it! Just as I've been able to tell you all I love about my home here in the islands, you'll get that chance too!"

Aceus would bow, his Esperanto sadly lacking, but allowing for her foster family, though the comment about "Coronan lovers" left a mix of emotions in Aceus, not all of them pleasant. "It's quite all right." he would smile. "I've slept aboard a ship, and done my share of farming. Granted, rice farming is a lot different than shucking corn. Though the oxen seem to take a bit too much of a liking to me..." the Dancerian would chuckle, recalling helping out with the few oxen on the field. He put on a polite enough smile for the company, but Annabell would note that Aceus still felt conflicted. Still, he beamed as he smelled the rice and pork. "Mmm...I'm starving!" he would smile, though note the gloomy atmosphere. "...If you don't mind my asking, how long will it be until the storm hits? I want to be able to help as many people out before we're stuck in the shelter for a good while..."

Sitting around a small knee high table they could begin to eat. the women of the family seemed to used chopsticks while Vulpo used his hands which he mad sure to clean. Given Annabell just opted to use her hands as well for now she'd have to learn to really get the hang of them. "If you don't you don't." Hina encouraged her, "Papa never did he turned out fine."

"Nothing can be done, but if you want cutlery we'll get it for you"

"Please you've already done a lot for me." Annabell waved off the idea "I don't mind whatever you folks do."

When Aceus inquired about the storm the girls were a bit confused given it was already storming now but Haru and Vulpo fell a bit silent "Mama something going on?"

"Sorry love, we were going to tell you but sounds like a hurricane is blowing in soon. We're not even sure it will hit us here in Hoshino but it could. For now we just gotta keep our spirits up and hope for the best."

"Oh my, my first hurricane" Annabell said a bit stunned and a little worried

"Don't ya worry dear, we've weathered many of them we'll weather this one." Haru encouraged her then turned to Aceus to answer his questions. "We'll need to prep ourselves in case it does hit us if you want to help lots of folks here can always use help. We may not even have to go for shelter if we can just ride it out. But we'll see."

"Storms' a few days away" Vulpo said "We'll have some time to get ourselves set for it. Just follow our lead Annabell and Mr. Aceus we'll get through it."

"Can't be much worse than the storm we went through on our way here..." Aceus would note, but looked at Vulpo. "I've been staying at the temple, and I want to help as many people as possible. I've never been in a hurricane before, so I'd rather err on the side of caution." he would use his chopsticks, with a mild amount of success. After seeing Vulpo using his hands, he cautiously opted to do so as well. "But I'd like to hear from a few local experts. How bad is it looking? I've served well in drought, famine, and plague." Aceus would sternly admit, recalling his experience in the Dancerian Pathfinders "I'm no stranger to disaster relief or being in the thick of it. Just tell me how to help, and I'll get it done."

[Mervay]

"That's right! It's our special place for us. I can't wait for you to find a special place for us in Mervay. Where we'll have our first date there! I just can't wait to see your beautiful Mervay and hear how much you love it! Just as I've been able to tell you all I love about my home here in the islands, you'll get that chance too!"

"It will take time to find an special place for us,considering that there an lot of them for us in home that,I want to be that place and our first date... Mmm it would be difficult too" Tess said eating another piece of her dish. An special place and an first date in home,many ideas came to her mind for an special place or where have their first date. But only two were perfect for her.

"Aha,I got an perfect special place for us that,I want to show you once you go to Mervay and our first date. I hope that you love it once you see them" she continued with an grin in her face.

"Hey Sweetie,I was thinking in the weddings of here and an question came to my mind. You see it's about the tests that the bride does. Since when she practices them???"

[AHSCA]

"Can't be much worse than the storm we went through on our way here..." Aceus would note, but looked at Vulpo. "I've been staying at the temple, and I want to help as many people as possible. I've never been in a hurricane before, so I'd rather err on the side of caution." he would use his chopsticks, with a mild amount of success. After seeing Vulpo using his hands, he cautiously opted to do so as well. "But I'd like to hear from a few local experts. How bad is it looking? I've served well in drought, famine, and plague." Aceus would sternly admit, recalling his experience in the Dancerian Pathfinders "I'm no stranger to disaster relief or being in the thick of it. Just tell me how to help, and I'll get it done."

"You made it through a sea storm you're very well prepared for island life!" Haru praised

"Mama would know she's a ship captain" Hina praised

"Anyway as for how bad the storm is, supposed to be intense but we've gone through all sorts of storms from mild to horrifying. Some just pass us by all together. Let's hope this one is the mild end. We really won't know until it comes ashore if it does."

"It will take time to find an special place for us,considering that there an lot of them for us in home that,I want to be that place and our first date... Mmm it would be difficult too" Tess said eating another piece of her dish. An special place and an first date in home,many ideas came to her mind for an special place or where have their first date. But only two were perfect for her.

"Aha,I got an perfect special place for us that,I want to show you once you go to Mervay and our first date. I hope that you love it once you see them" she continued with an grin in her face.

"Hey Sweetie,I was thinking in the weddings of here and an question came to my mind. You see it's about the tests that the bride does. Since when she practices them???"

"I can't wait. Oh the weddings here huh? What do you mean when she practices them? Are you asking when we do the ceremony or when we prep our selves for it? I'm happy to ask any questions you have so ask away"

[Mervay]

"I can't wait. Oh the weddings here huh? What do you mean when she practices them? Are you asking when we do the ceremony or when we prep our selves for it? I'm happy to ask any questions you have so ask away"

"The preparations for it and how the brides prepares themselves for the ceremony,sorry for not making myself clear" she apologies for the problem.

[Danceria]

"Can't be much worse than the storm we went through on our way here..." Aceus would note, but looked at Vulpo. "I've been staying at the temple, and I want to help as many people as possible. I've never been in a hurricane before, so I'd rather err on the side of caution." he would use his chopsticks, with a mild amount of success. After seeing Vulpo using his hands, he cautiously opted to do so as well. "But I'd like to hear from a few local experts. How bad is it looking? I've served well in drought, famine, and plague." Aceus would sternly admit, recalling his experience in the Dancerian Pathfinders "I'm no stranger to disaster relief or being in the thick of it. Just tell me how to help, and I'll get it done."

"You made it through a sea storm you're very well prepared for island life!" Haru praised

"Mama would know she's a ship captain" Hina praised

"Anyway as for how bad the storm is, supposed to be intense but we've gone through all sorts of storms from mild to horrifying. Some just pass us by all together. Let's hope this one is the mild end. We really won't know until it comes ashore if it does."

Aceus would then pick at his food nervously. He wasn't exactly one for sitting around and waiting for something dangerous to come to him, but...since he couldn't exactly claim expertise on hurricanes, he had little choice other than to nod. "Sorry, I'm an optimistic pessimist. Believing that the worst possible situation will occur, and either being pleasantly surprised that it didn't happen, or prepare so much that it passes over you..." Aceus would explain. "I'm probably fretting over nothing."