Celebrating a good Harvest (IC, OPEN)

[Lillorainen]

"Don't worry it's always good to know new things everyday and more if it's an Selkie-Song" Lise says taking her lemonade. Well things should be interesting with the new couple and by later who knows what will happen.

"Well better with your crush and enjoy the day together,after all today is an day of party and fun. So go and get her" she then said grinning and pushing him to have an talk with Marie. "If you need me for help I will be in my seat taking an lemonade"

Yven grinned, nodding.
"Thank you, Lise.", he said and squeezed her shoulder assuringly. If he knew one thing, then, that a few friends would come around later, some of them very musical chaps - maybe Lise would find someone as well? With that, he moved back to Marie and company, smiling a bit sheepish. "My apologies, I had to organize a little something. What did I miss?"

I smiled at Chris.
"Maybe begin something new? Maybe calling it Fuchshausen?", I asked and leaned over slightly, putting my head onto his shoulder, "That'd be nice. Expensive, most likely, but nice... somewhere in the countryside, of course, with a little forest and a creek nearby and a small garden. And an orchard, which would make the Cider Belt ideal." I let a beat pass. "But those are dreams for a future."

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
"Well, they seem to like you... or at least not dislike you, which is a good start!", Leonard said with a grin, "Mungail here..." He petted the side of his horse, lovingly. "First hated my living guts, I thought, because he munched on my hair - hence his name. Mungail means to munch." He grinned and ran his hand along the gentle horse's head. "But we came to like each other through a series of events and I became a better horseman because of that."
Marla smiled, knowing the stories. "Fill him with enough whiskey and he'll tell you!", she said, causing Leonard to protest, which made Marla grin and laugh, "But take good stuff, otherwise he'll not drink!" The protests subsided a bit. "The father of the two of you is a traffic cop, right? I think, you mentioned something like that..."

Filleadh House.
While Yven and Lise continued talking about Yven's crush plans, Cel leaned against Chris' shoulder and forged another dream - a nice one. It brought Chris to another idea.
"Let's see - just for the fun of joy -, if there actually is a Fuchshausen on Elverholm Island."
He took his phone out, opened his standard search engine, typed 'index of places Lillorainen' in German and found a list of all cities, towns, and villages in the Federation.
"I know there's a place called 'Vossweiler', which translates as 'hamlet of foxes' in Low German, but Fuchshausen ..." He scrolled down to the places starting with F. Fo... Fu...
Then he had to laugh. "Funny you mention the Cider Belt" - he said. "Fuchshausen isn't there, but Fuchsheim - three times." He opened the search engine again, tapped again - and seconds later, a Wiki page would open.
"Fuchsheim, Fyleria - a village belonging to the city of Lechelen. 316 inhabitants, eleven kilometers to the city center, five kilometers to the Lake of Kolkrade, seven kilometers to the highway exit Lechelen-Fuchsheim at the A59, two kilometers from the next railway station, Lechelen-Sulztal. Postal code's 6400-31, license plate code is LH for Lechelen, that's logical, blah, blah ... let's see what it looks like."
He tapped again and showed her a picture of the village.
She would see a village of around 50, maybe 60 houses, all of them looking a bit differently, yet all somewhat older. One bigger one was in the center, most likely the village pub. Also, there seemed to be a small shop where food and other things for use in everyday life could be bought. Three main roads met at the center forming a T-crossing - plain country roads, rather narrow, even without lane markings. Rather in the background, some farmland was to see, with a farm house and stables, most likely for horses, were situated at the edge. A creek separated the farms from a large piece of forest, with a few houses and gardens with apple trees in it, all near the creek, a very narrow gravel road on the back side would connect them with the main roads. In the background, the forest went on until it met the mighty Elverholmer Great Mountains, soaring up from the flat forest land, almost into the clouds.
And Chris and Cel even knew someone who came from those parts.
Chris grinned. "Is that what you're looking for?"

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
Fred and Hilda grinned at the background of Mungail's name.
"Well, we're gonna know a few more details on that tonight, I suppose" - Hilda said.
Fred nodded. "Yes, our Dad is a highway cop" - he said, nodding to Marla's question. "Which may sound more spectacular than it actually is. His primary job is picking up confused people from the A10, the orbital surrounding our home city - well, except for the coastal part, of course. Tourists who try to ride horses or bikes on it, or also locals who are drunk or stoned. Or tourists who are drunk or stoned. The rest of the day consists of writing reports for the files ... our Mom works in a drugstore."
"Dad has a remarkably ambivalent attitude towards anything" - Hilda added. "On the one hand, he bought me an annual ticket for the Metro to avoid having to drive me to the stable - on the other hand, he is best friends with his colleagues from the Mounted Police. On the one hand, he has his prejudices against foreigners, mainly because of those he meets during his work - on the other hand, he supports us going abroad, learning something new and seeing the world. He isn't a bad man, yet there are a few things he has to learn ..."
"Like supervising anything around himself" - Fred said. "Probably a sort of occupational illness ... well, he's lenient with us, but Rik, our oldest brother, got accompanied by a police escort to his graduation ball! With sirens and blue lights on!" He had to laugh about that memory.
Hilda added, "When he came back, he was a tiny bit outraged ... but Dad became lenient after Rik told him, quote, 'not to turn whole Lysköping into a police state just for the damn three kilometers of way to the dining hall, for Odin's bloody sake' - quote end. But he got the message."
Both were still amused about that story.

[Camelone]

"Oh that is perfectly fine, it is about as much as I expected of a teasa. Rarely anyone knows of the minute details or some of the generalities unless they choose to study our country in more depth, and there is no logical reason for you to do so to my knowledge. I had to do my homework before coming here, mostly so I could justify the trip to my superiors because technically I'm not supposed to be off duty but... Never mind." Bedivere said realizing he was both rambling and dancing to closely to what is technically confidential material but really it just hasn't been released yet. "So what I am trying to say is think nothing of it as it is all good. Is there anything you wish to know about myself in particular as I think we have awhile to walk still and you still know little of myself so I will be more than happy to relieve you of any curiosity that inhabits your mind."

Cao gave a small smile.
"Oh, it won't be that far now.", she said as their ascend began to become less steep. "We used a few shortcuts, so we'll be fine... I've been to vacations in Shella since I was but a wee little girl! There's actually a picture of me riding one of Shella's famous goats... I couldn't anymore, mainly because I'm a bit too tall nowadays, but back in the day, it was great fun!"
She giggled at the memory, leading her colt and the young man with safe steps and secure hands.
After a few moments of silence, she asked, a small blush creeping onto her face: "Say, Bedivere... do you have a girlfriend?"

Bedivere glanced over at Cao and noticed the beginning of the blush though he did not quite put two and two together and began to think that she was getting tired or that she was just embarrassed to ask such a question. "I am not courting a woman at the moment. I have chosen to focus more on training and my education over the pursuit of a relationship, which is probably why I was one of the very few men who did not have a token when we went viking. Do you have a man who is courting you?" He thought it would be polite to return the question.

[Kuronami]

"One moment, Miss Billie.", the man said and lifted his son off of his shoulders.
Said boy was not that taller or shorter then Billie, a brown-haired boy with rather well-developed muscles for a seven-year old boy, speaking of a hard worker aside from school, who politely bowed his head. He was also bronze-skinned, as usual for inhabitants of the Archipelago.
"My apologies for starin', Miss Billie.", he said and rose again, smiling slightly, blushing a bit heavier, "I just have never seen such a pretty girl..."
His father grinned, nodding to Billie's parents politely. If they wanted, they could come over.

Billie blushed red herself being called pretty. Only one other person (well besides her parents anyway) ever had and that was her best friend. But she regained her usual chipper persona after stuttering out a "th-thank you. Ah and really don't worry 'bout it, I know you don't mean no harm by it. But I had to tell ya my name. If yer gonna be starin' gotta at least know my name." She looked him over seeing he was young, probably her age, well built already too. Could mean he was a farmer like her or something that'd give a boy that small impressive little muscles. He was actually pretty cute.

Her parents did catch up "Billie," Charlie said "silly girl, don't be runnin' off like that."

"Oh, sorry, mama, sorry papa."

"It's okay babe," Her father gently replied "We know yer excited but we don't want ya getting lost on us now."

"Well at least i'm a lot easier to round up compared to a sheep!"

"Oh you silly girl." Charlie responded with a little laugh "Howdy" she greeted the new people they just met "Looks like our little girl is takin' a liking to your little boy. I'm Charlie this is my husband Jamie and you've now met Billie."

"What's your name?" She asked the little boy "I told ya mine so ya gotta tell me yours!"

[The Selkie]

Marie smiled a little. "Not much. Have a seat."
Karl leaned back a little. "So, you two, when's the wedding?"
Irene leaned against the wall and watched silently, one hand resting on her artillery sword, the other in her pocket.

Yven shrugged.
"To be honest, I haven't thought about that yet.", he told Karl with a small grin, then turned to Marie, blushing lightly, "I would like to take it slow... truth being told, I'm new to this as well and... well, I don't want to rush things."
He was by now blushing heavily, missing Irene and her leaning against the wall far away from them completely.

Filleadh House.
While Yven and Lise continued talking about Yven's crush plans, Cel leaned against Chris' shoulder and forged another dream - a nice one. It brought Chris to another idea.
"Let's see - just for the fun of joy -, if there actually is a Fuchshausen on Elverholm Island."
He took his phone out, opened his standard search engine, typed 'index of places Lillorainen' in German and found a list of all cities, towns, and villages in the Federation.
"I know there's a place called 'Vossweiler', which translates as 'hamlet of foxes' in Low German, but Fuchshausen ..." He scrolled down to the places starting with F. Fo... Fu...
Then he had to laugh. "Funny you mention the Cider Belt" - he said. "Fuchshausen isn't there, but Fuchsheim - three times." He opened the search engine again, tapped again - and seconds later, a Wiki page would open.
"Fuchsheim, Fyleria - a village belonging to the city of Lechelen. 316 inhabitants, eleven kilometers to the city center, five kilometers to the Lake of Kolkrade, seven kilometers to the highway exit Lechelen-Fuchsheim at the A59, two kilometers from the next railway station, Lechelen-Sulztal. Postal code's 6400-31, license plate code is LH for Lechelen, that's logical, blah, blah ... let's see what it looks like."
He tapped again and showed her a picture of the village.
She would see a village of around 50, maybe 60 houses, all of them looking a bit differently, yet all somewhat older. One bigger one was in the center, most likely the village pub. Also, there seemed to be a small shop where food and other things for use in everyday life could be bought. Three main roads met at the center forming a T-crossing - plain country roads, rather narrow, even without lane markings. Rather in the background, some farmland was to see, with a farm house and stables, most likely for horses, were situated at the edge. A creek separated the farms from a large piece of forest, with a few houses and gardens with apple trees in it, all near the creek, a very narrow gravel road on the back side would connect them with the main roads. In the background, the forest went on until it met the mighty Elverholmer Great Mountains, soaring up from the flat forest land, almost into the clouds.
And Chris and Cel even knew someone who came from those parts.
Chris grinned. "Is that what you're looking for?"

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
Fred and Hilda grinned at the background of Mungail's name.
"Well, we're gonna know a few more details on that tonight, I suppose" - Hilda said.
Fred nodded. "Yes, our Dad is a highway cop" - he said, nodding to Marla's question. "Which may sound more spectacular than it actually is. His primary job is picking up confused people from the A10, the orbital surrounding our home city - well, except for the coastal part, of course. Tourists who try to ride horses or bikes on it, or also locals who are drunk or stoned. Or tourists who are drunk or stoned. The rest of the day consists of writing reports for the files ... our Mom works in a drugstore."
"Dad has a remarkably ambivalent attitude towards anything" - Hilda added. "On the one hand, he bought me an annual ticket for the Metro to avoid having to drive me to the stable - on the other hand, he is best friends with his colleagues from the Mounted Police. On the one hand, he has his prejudices against foreigners, mainly because of those he meets during his work - on the other hand, he supports us going abroad, learning something new and seeing the world. He isn't a bad man, yet there are a few things he has to learn ..."
"Like supervising anything around himself" - Fred said. "Probably a sort of occupational illness ... well, he's lenient with us, but Rik, our oldest brother, got accompanied by a police escort to his graduation ball! With sirens and blue lights on!" He had to laugh about that memory.
Hilda added, "When he came back, he was a tiny bit outraged ... but Dad became lenient after Rik told him, quote, 'not to turn whole Lysköping into a police state just for the damn three kilometers of way to the dining hall, for Odin's bloody sake' - quote end. But he got the message."
Both were still amused about that story.

I looked at the screen together with Chris, following his words and button taps closely.
He would be able to smell me, my body lotion... and my foxes, a note of them, as well. I did spent the night snuggled up to the lot of them again, so that was no wonder. Still, I was far more interested in what he was showing me instead of what I smelled like.
"Is that what you're looking for?", he asked with a grin.
I was stunned...
"...yes.", I whispered to him, turning my head to kiss him onto the lips, "Yes, that looks wonderful. I'd of course have to look at it more closely, but so far... beautiful!"

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
"He sounds like a good man.", Leonard said with a nod, smiling at the story. "But we should get going, before the crowds get too thick."
"Yep.", Marla agreed, turning her horse around with a soft tug and leaning to the side slightly, making her colt turn gently, almost as if this was dressage. She grinned at Hilda in a way, that said Just because we always loose at dressage does not mean, that we don't try to take the odd trick with us! "Leonard will be the rear, I'll be in the middle, Eoin..." She motioned to the third horseman, who gave a shy wave. "...will lead. You two, please stay in the middle. Eoin is local, so he should be able to get us around."
"Should and will, Ma'am!", the young horseman said with a salute, "Everyone ready?"

Cao gave a small smile.
"Oh, it won't be that far now.", she said as their ascend began to become less steep. "We used a few shortcuts, so we'll be fine... I've been to vacations in Shella since I was but a wee little girl! There's actually a picture of me riding one of Shella's famous goats... I couldn't anymore, mainly because I'm a bit too tall nowadays, but back in the day, it was great fun!"
She giggled at the memory, leading her colt and the young man with safe steps and secure hands.
After a few moments of silence, she asked, a small blush creeping onto her face: "Say, Bedivere... do you have a girlfriend?"

Bedivere glanced over at Cao and noticed the beginning of the blush though he did not quite put two and two together and began to think that she was getting tired or that she was just embarrassed to ask such a question. "I am not courting a woman at the moment. I have chosen to focus more on training and my education over the pursuit of a relationship, which is probably why I was one of the very few men who did not have a token when we went viking. Do you have a man who is courting you?" He thought it would be polite to return the question.

"I wouldn't call it courting and him not a man, not yet, at least, but yes, there is a guy, who is very much interested in me.", she said and smiled slightly, "Granted, said guy is currently getting the hang of this whole puberty-thing, that is apparently all the rage these days, but he does have guts."
She let a beat pass.
"You see, there is this old tradition.", she said, "During Spring and summer and a good chunk of autumn, the windowsills are full of pots and flowers, especially in higher buildings, like five of six storeys. Their planters however know, that further down their flowers, the more likely it is for them to end in the hair of a fair maiden. So, the more valuable and prettier flowers go up, tended to carefully... this old tradition now entails, that a boy or a girl interested in a boy or a girl climbs up the building to fetch one of those flowers, overcoming the fear of the hight and the cobblestone ten metres below." She smiled, blushing at the memory. "He got for me the most beautiful flower from the highest flowerpot in all of Launceston, despite him being afraid of heights, and put it into my hair."

"One moment, Miss Billie.", the man said and lifted his son off of his shoulders.
Said boy was not that taller or shorter then Billie, a brown-haired boy with rather well-developed muscles for a seven-year old boy, speaking of a hard worker aside from school, who politely bowed his head. He was also bronze-skinned, as usual for inhabitants of the Archipelago.
"My apologies for starin', Miss Billie.", he said and rose again, smiling slightly, blushing a bit heavier, "I just have never seen such a pretty girl..."
His father grinned, nodding to Billie's parents politely. If they wanted, they could come over.

Billie blushed red herself being called pretty. Only one other person (well besides her parents anyway) ever had and that was her best friend. But she regained her usual chipper persona after stuttering out a "th-thank you. Ah and really don't worry 'bout it, I know you don't mean no harm by it. But I had to tell ya my name. If yer gonna be starin' gotta at least know my name." She looked him over seeing he was young, probably her age, well built already too. Could mean he was a farmer like her or something that'd give a boy that small impressive little muscles. He was actually pretty cute.

Her parents did catch up "Billie," Charlie said "silly girl, don't be runnin' off like that."

"Oh, sorry, mama, sorry papa."

"It's okay babe," Her father gently replied "We know yer excited but we don't want ya getting lost on us now."

"Well at least i'm a lot easier to round up compared to a sheep!"

"Oh you silly girl." Charlie responded with a little laugh "Howdy" she greeted the new people they just met "Looks like our little girl is takin' a liking to your little boy. I'm Charlie this is my husband Jamie and you've now met Billie."

"What's your name?" She asked the little boy "I told ya mine so ya gotta tell me yours!"

The man spoke, pointing to his wife: "This is Asteria..."
She was a bronze-skinned woman with an almost statuesque built, but not overly well-endowed. In fact, she was almost flat, but that didn't stop her from giving a small bow. "Charmed!"
"...and I'm Áed.", the man introduced himself, making it quite clear, where his son got his looks from. "It's a pleasure."
"Yep.", the boy said with a small smile worming its way onto his lips, "And I'm Kenneth - you can call me Kenny, though, Billie!"

[Kuronami]

The man spoke, pointing to his wife: "This is Asteria..."
She was a bronze-skinned woman with an almost statuesque built, but not overly well-endowed. In fact, she was almost flat, but that didn't stop her from giving a small bow. "Charmed!"
"...and I'm Áed.", the man introduced himself, making it quite clear, where his son got his looks from. "It's a pleasure."
"Yep.", the boy said with a small smile worming its way onto his lips, "And I'm Kenneth - you can call me Kenny, though, Billie!"

"Likewise!" Charlie replied and Jamie nodded with a smile on his face.

"Kenny" Billie repeated a bit flat mostly because his parents had rather unique names she expected it too but hey it was easier, plus some found her name odd too because it was more often a boy's name. "Glad to meet ya!" Remembering her manners she added, And glad to meet you too, sir and ma'am" She nodded up at his parents. "Y'all are also here for the festival like us? Well guessing y'alls locals but I could always be wrong."

"She's very enthuastic about being here." Jamie setting his firm hands on his daughter's shoulders added. "Really excited to meet people. Especially fellow farmers like ourselves."

"Yeah we're all pretty excited about being here, not often we get to travel anywhere." Charlie added. "Probably have told a few people already but we're here because we're farmers and we want to celebrate with others in their good harvests."

"Uhuh cause ya see..." Billie nearly got into the story again but her father cut her off at the pass this time, "Billie girl, why not hold off on that for a bit, ya can tell Kenny in your own time."

"Oh, sure papa" She liked telling the story given it was recent and kind of exciting even though it as such a scary experience. So much she's told a few dozen people or so. "Hee" She gleefully smiled back to her father. "Sooo are y'all farmers too?" She asked her eyes wide in hope super eager to finally meet someone.

[Lillorainen]

Yven shrugged.
"To be honest, I haven't thought about that yet.", he told Karl with a small grin, then turned to Marie, blushing lightly, "I would like to take it slow... truth being told, I'm new to this as well and... well, I don't want to rush things."
He was by now blushing heavily, missing Irene and her leaning against the wall far away from them completely.

I looked at the screen together with Chris, following his words and button taps closely.
He would be able to smell me, my body lotion... and my foxes, a note of them, as well. I did spent the night snuggled up to the lot of them again, so that was no wonder. Still, I was far more interested in what he was showing me instead of what I smelled like.
"Is that what you're looking for?", he asked with a grin.
I was stunned...
"...yes.", I whispered to him, turning my head to kiss him onto the lips, "Yes, that looks wonderful. I'd of course have to look at it more closely, but so far... beautiful!"

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
"He sounds like a good man.", Leonard said with a nod, smiling at the story. "But we should get going, before the crowds get too thick."
"Yep.", Marla agreed, turning her horse around with a soft tug and leaning to the side slightly, making her colt turn gently, almost as if this was dressage. She grinned at Hilda in a way, that said Just because we always loose at dressage does not mean, that we don't try to take the odd trick with us! "Leonard will be the rear, I'll be in the middle, Eoin..." She motioned to the third horseman, who gave a shy wave. "...will lead. You two, please stay in the middle. Eoin is local, so he should be able to get us around."
"Should and will, Ma'am!", the young horseman said with a salute, "Everyone ready?"

Filleadh House.
Indeed, Chris smelled Cel's body lotion, but he also, just like herself, he was more interested in what he had to show.
And the kiss onto his lips already showed him what he'd have expected.
Just for the records, he looked the other two places named Fuchsheim up - with less enchanting results. Fuchsheim at the Lower Rathe was a town near Isenwerth - and, apparently, had a reputation of being a coastal village with the biggest salvage yards in the state ... no thanks. Same went for Fuchsheim in Rigesöer, a district of Preetz, with all their industrial parts ... no thanks, either. Although he had relatives in that city, he wasn't really fond of such a place.
No, Fuchsheim in Fyleria was the best Fuchsheim.
"I could look up what the current price is" - he said, "but I think that Janina would know more. No matter, though - dreams like these are far off. It may take a lot of time."

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
Hilda got Marla's little joke, and grinned - she had started her career with dressage riding, but then, three years ago, she had won that youth tournament in Lechelen - speed racing, to be exact, and after that, she had sought the challenge, recognizing that life's too short for dressage riding. Despite being active in dressage every now and then, she had taken the hard way ... then, that actually purely Lillo-tournament, a national tournament in Nienhagen-Düvenich, had come in August of this year. Hilda had been really challenged, running against experienced riders, who had all been a few years older and already internationally known, like Carolin van Cleef, Shams Abdaliha, and Ragnhild Svanstrup. Hilda Leverdal, the one and only, had won, which had been a surprise to everyone, including herself. She hadn't known, though, that the Marcach obviously had become aware of her back then - possibly with international media helping ...
Fred finally managed mounting. "We can go on!" - he said.

[Camelone]

Bedivere glanced over at Cao and noticed the beginning of the blush though he did not quite put two and two together and began to think that she was getting tired or that she was just embarrassed to ask such a question. "I am not courting a woman at the moment. I have chosen to focus more on training and my education over the pursuit of a relationship, which is probably why I was one of the very few men who did not have a token when we went viking. Do you have a man who is courting you?" He thought it would be polite to return the question.

"I wouldn't call it courting and him not a man, not yet, at least, but yes, there is a guy, who is very much interested in me.", she said and smiled slightly, "Granted, said guy is currently getting the hang of this whole puberty-thing, that is apparently all the rage these days, but he does have guts."
She let a beat pass.
"You see, there is this old tradition.", she said, "During Spring and summer and a good chunk of autumn, the windowsills are full of pots and flowers, especially in higher buildings, like five of six storeys. Their planters however know, that further down their flowers, the more likely it is for them to end in the hair of a fair maiden. So, the more valuable and prettier flowers go up, tended to carefully... this old tradition now entails, that a boy or a girl interested in a boy or a girl climbs up the building to fetch one of those flowers, overcoming the fear of the hight and the cobblestone ten metres below." She smiled, blushing at the memory. "He got for me the most beautiful flower from the highest flowerpot in all of Launceston, despite him being afraid of heights, and put it into my hair."

"That there is the ennobling virtue of love, it brings those who are effected by it to do acts that they otherwise would not have the courage to do so. The great legends of old speak of it and you had the great fortune to be on the receiving end of such an act, I would suggest keeping it as close as you can to your heart." Bedivere said as he absorbed the story and couldn't help but smile at the innocent romanticism that he pictured in his mind. Now that he did think about he actually was beginning to believe that perhaps he should begin to consider finding a woman to settle down with as he was a soldier and not getting any younger. The only thing was that he had no idea how to start, sure he can talk to people perfectly fine but the pursuit of romance and courtship never computed in his mind he was always a by the book investigator and officer.

[The Selkie]

The man spoke, pointing to his wife: "This is Asteria..."
She was a bronze-skinned woman with an almost statuesque built, but not overly well-endowed. In fact, she was almost flat, but that didn't stop her from giving a small bow. "Charmed!"
"...and I'm Áed.", the man introduced himself, making it quite clear, where his son got his looks from. "It's a pleasure."
"Yep.", the boy said with a small smile worming its way onto his lips, "And I'm Kenneth - you can call me Kenny, though, Billie!"

"Likewise!" Charlie replied and Jamie nodded with a smile on his face.

"Kenny" Billie repeated a bit flat mostly because his parents had rather unique names she expected it too but hey it was easier, plus some found her name odd too because it was more often a boy's name. "Glad to meet ya!" Remembering her manners she added, And glad to meet you too, sir and ma'am" She nodded up at his parents. "Y'all are also here for the festival like us? Well guessing y'alls locals but I could always be wrong."

"She's very enthuastic about being here." Jamie setting his firm hands on his daughter's shoulders added. "Really excited to meet people. Especially fellow farmers like ourselves."

"Yeah we're all pretty excited about being here, not often we get to travel anywhere." Charlie added. "Probably have told a few people already but we're here because we're farmers and we want to celebrate with others in their good harvests."

"Uhuh cause ya see..." Billie nearly got into the story again but her father cut her off at the pass this time, "Billie girl, why not hold off on that for a bit, ya can tell Kenny in your own time."

"Oh, sure papa" She liked telling the story given it was recent and kind of exciting even though it as such a scary experience. So much she's told a few dozen people or so. "Hee" She gleefully smiled back to her father. "Sooo are y'all farmers too?" She asked her eyes wide in hope super eager to finally meet someone.

"Close.", Áed said with a smile, "We're fishermen, my son and I, even have our own little boat. Asteria here, on the other hand, loves her little garden and the few sheep we have... sometimes I wonder, if you love them more then us!"
"Hey!", Asteria protested with a smile, playfully smacking her husband on the upper arm.
Áed grinned. "But yes, we're here for the festival.", he added, "Lodan Lir was good to us this year and we would like to thank His Envoy for that personally. Mona is said to be here today and... well..." He reached down to ruffle his son's hair. "...I'm sure, that she will appreciate our gift."
His son looked up and grinned.

"I wouldn't call it courting and him not a man, not yet, at least, but yes, there is a guy, who is very much interested in me.", she said and smiled slightly, "Granted, said guy is currently getting the hang of this whole puberty-thing, that is apparently all the rage these days, but he does have guts."
She let a beat pass.
"You see, there is this old tradition.", she said, "During Spring and summer and a good chunk of autumn, the windowsills are full of pots and flowers, especially in higher buildings, like five of six storeys. Their planters however know, that further down their flowers, the more likely it is for them to end in the hair of a fair maiden. So, the more valuable and prettier flowers go up, tended to carefully... this old tradition now entails, that a boy or a girl interested in a boy or a girl climbs up the building to fetch one of those flowers, overcoming the fear of the hight and the cobblestone ten metres below." She smiled, blushing at the memory. "He got for me the most beautiful flower from the highest flowerpot in all of Launceston, despite him being afraid of heights, and put it into my hair."

"That there is the ennobling virtue of love, it brings those who are effected by it to do acts that they otherwise would not have the courage to do so. The great legends of old speak of it and you had the great fortune to be on the receiving end of such an act, I would suggest keeping it as close as you can to your heart." Bedivere said as he absorbed the story and couldn't help but smile at the innocent romanticism that he pictured in his mind. Now that he did think about he actually was beginning to believe that perhaps he should begin to consider finding a woman to settle down with as he was a soldier and not getting any younger. The only thing was that he had no idea how to start, sure he can talk to people perfectly fine but the pursuit of romance and courtship never computed in his mind he was always a by the book investigator and officer.

Cao nodded.
She indeed kept it close to her heart, as did the boy, who had gifted her with such a precious gift. She even dried the flower and framed it, putting it over her desk. And she still had to smile as she had thanked the boy properly, an almost chaste and tender kiss onto his lips, which had caused him to rival a fire hydrant in his redness.
"He's a sweet boy.", Cao said, smiling, "One day, he'll make a girl very, very happy." She let a beat pass. "If it'll be me or not... who knows? I'll keep him close to my heart in any case."

[spoiler=Lillorainen-Quote]

Filleadh House.
Indeed, Chris smelled Cel's body lotion, but he also, just like herself, he was more interested in what he had to show.
And the kiss onto his lips already showed him what he'd have expected.
Just for the records, he looked the other two places named Fuchsheim up - with less enchanting results. Fuchsheim at the Lower Rathe was a town near Isenwerth - and, apparently, had a reputation of being a coastal village with the biggest salvage yards in the state ... no thanks. Same went for Fuchsheim in Rigesöer, a district of Preetz, with all their industrial parts ... no thanks, either. Although he had relatives in that city, he wasn't really fond of such a place.
No, Fuchsheim in Fyleria was the best Fuchsheim.
"I could look up what the current price is" - he said, "but I think that Janina would know more. No matter, though - dreams like these are far off. It may take a lot of time."

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
Hilda got Marla's little joke, and grinned - she had started her career with dressage riding, but then, three years ago, she had won that youth tournament in Lechelen - speed racing, to be exact, and after that, she had sought the challenge, recognizing that life's too short for dressage riding. Despite being active in dressage every now and then, she had taken the hard way ... then, that actually purely Lillo-tournament, a national tournament in Nienhagen-Düvenich, had come in August of this year. Hilda had been really challenged, running against experienced riders, who had all been a few years older and already internationally known, like Carolin van Cleef, Shams Abdaliha, and Ragnhild Svanstrup. Hilda Leverdal, the one and only, had won, which had been a surprise to everyone, including herself. She hadn't known, though, that the Marcach obviously had become aware of her back then - possibly with international media helping ...
Fred finally managed mounting. "We can go on!" - he said.

Filleadh House.
"No, don't look up the prices.", I asked of Chris, as he showed me the other two towns with our chosen name. Both were not exactly what we were looking for, to say the least. "It'll take a lot of time, but that's what dreams are for. Taking time, effort and will... far off as they may seem, they will be within reach sooner then you think."
She let a beat pass.
"Not only through winning in the lottery.", I added with mischief in my eyes.

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
"Then let's go.", the horseman said from his own steed. "Eoin, lead the way!"
"On it!", the young and nervous horseman called and began to lead them through the Main Street, where they attracted a bit of attention - not only the two famous Marcach and the local hero Eoin, but also Hilda, people greeting her.
It was a peaceful, if busy, atmosphere and thanks to being mounted, they made good progress.
And suddenly, they had an escort.
The boy was maybe twelve, short, brown hair and a grin nearly splitting his face in two, dressed in a padded shirt and with a bow at his side. He rode as well, but his mount placed him a lot deeper then the horsemen, for he sat astride on a Goat.
A mighty steed indeed, but a goat nonetheless.
Leonard grinned at him.

[Mediama]

"Well, my class and I are wandering around a bit, too, going to see two of my mates compete at the Guard Cup, both of them being Shieldmaidens, most likely see them loose in the first rounds..."
Liv was interrupted by one of her classmates calling over: "Hey, Livvie, don't be too optimistic!"
Liv stuck her tongue out at that, mirth dancing in her eyes, then turned back to Katherine, continuing: "...anyway, we're having lunch as a group, then, after that we are free to explore." She grinned. "We're staying at the Temple Inn, too, and my double room has a bed free, so if you want to join me, I'd be happy to have you bunk with me?"
There was a bit of hope in her expression.

Katherine softly giggled at Liv’s teasing and her retaliation, But was just as shocked to hear that she was staying in the same in she was, and on top of that offering to sleep with her. Katherine’s face heated up, and she couldn’t help but close up her legs a bit at some pretty naughty thoughts that she wouldn’t dare speak out loud. “I-I’ll think about it and see if I could change my arrangements...” Katherine rubbed her hands, “Are you guys having lunch right away? Maybe we could hang out a little more before you leave to watch your game...” All the while, Katherine tried to hide her apparent state of disarray.

[Prussian Polish Commonwealth]

Yven shrugged.
"To be honest, I haven't thought about that yet.", he told Karl with a small grin, then turned to Marie, blushing lightly, "I would like to take it slow... truth being told, I'm new to this as well and... well, I don't want to rush things."
He was by now blushing heavily, missing Irene and her leaning against the wall far away from them completely.

Marie's cheeks were blushing just as hard at the moment. She nodded in agreement. "Aye, best not to rush."
Karl pretended not to notice either's blushing. "Sounds about right. By the way, Yven, where are you from, and what was that about cow shit earlier?"

[Lillorainen]

Filleadh House.
"No, don't look up the prices.", I asked of Chris, as he showed me the other two towns with our chosen name. Both were not exactly what we were looking for, to say the least. "It'll take a lot of time, but that's what dreams are for. Taking time, effort and will... far off as they may seem, they will be within reach sooner then you think."
She let a beat pass.
"Not only through winning in the lottery.", I added with mischief in my eyes.

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
"Then let's go.", the horseman said from his own steed. "Eoin, lead the way!"
"On it!", the young and nervous horseman called and began to lead them through the Main Street, where they attracted a bit of attention - not only the two famous Marcach and the local hero Eoin, but also Hilda, people greeting her.
It was a peaceful, if busy, atmosphere and thanks to being mounted, they made good progress.
And suddenly, they had an escort.
The boy was maybe twelve, short, brown hair and a grin nearly splitting his face in two, dressed in a padded shirt and with a bow at his side. He rode as well, but his mount placed him a lot deeper then the horsemen, for he sat astride on a Goat.
A mighty steed indeed, but a goat nonetheless.
Leonard grinned at him.

Filleadh House.
Chris turned his phone off and put it back into his pocket.
"For winning in the lottery, it's recommended to play in it in the first place" - he said and shrugged. "In any case, time, effort and will - all that will pay off someday. You just never should cease to dream, and to put that dream into reality."
He let a beat pass.
"But if winning in the lottery helps, I don't mind, either."

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
Eoin led the way, through the Main Street.
Fred managed to sit safely - one more time, their words on the quality standards of both mounted police forces of the Shella Police Department and the Lillöer-State police got confirmed. No risk to end up on the road with the nose first.
Hilda, professional as she was, had no issues, either. She was quite amused about the one half of people on the street staring like broken cars, and the other half greeting her. She smiled and waved every time.
A boy, twelve-or-something years of age, accompanied them, grinning. Fred needed a second to realize that he was seeing a boy riding a ... goat.
He grinned back. "Riding an animal that also gives milk is quite practical, eh?"
Hilda laughed. "And cows are too mainstream!"

[The Selkie]

Katherine softly giggled at Liv’s teasing and her retaliation, But was just as shocked to hear that she was staying in the same in she was, and on top of that offering to sleep with her. Katherine’s face heated up, and she couldn’t help but close up her legs a bit at some pretty naughty thoughts that she wouldn’t dare speak out loud. “I-I’ll think about it and see if I could change my arrangements...” Katherine rubbed her hands, “Are you guys having lunch right away? Maybe we could hang out a little more before you leave to watch your game...” All the while, Katherine tried to hide her apparent state of disarray.

"It's not a game.", Liv corrected, gently, "It's a tournament of swordsmen, of skill and strength and, quite honestly, luck. Of course, they fight with blunted swords, but it's still interesting to watch."
She let a small beat pass, noting how tired Katherine looked... and how embarrassed as well. She also noted, how she closed her legs... but didn't think about it further.
"In any case, I'm free to hang out a bit, though the other girls might join as well.", Liv said with a small smile.

Marie's cheeks were blushing just as hard at the moment. She nodded in agreement. "Aye, best not to rush."
Karl pretended not to notice either's blushing. "Sounds about right. By the way, Yven, where are you from, and what was that about cow shit earlier?"

Yven smiled.
"I'm from Launceston, up at the Icy Shore, where the only major businesses herding of livestock, especially sheep and cows, and the growing of oats, alongside a bit of fishing. That made it an ideal centre for wool manufacturing during the industrialization, and that was, how it came.", he said and smiled, "Bicíní Industries has their main facilities up there and so does Barrial Cobblers."
He let a beat pass.
"And that includes the tanneries.", he said and smiled, "During holidays, Cao and I often spent time in Súdaire, the Town of Tanners, where they work their craft traditionally. No chemistry, but the traditional ingredients. And, since Cao and I sometimes want to better up our pocket money, we we work with them." He let a beat pass. "Which leads to me stomping cow shit into the skins of formerly living animals. For hours."
He grinned at Marie.
"I know how to give a good massage with my feet!", he added with mischief in his eyes.

Filleadh House.
Chris turned his phone off and put it back into his pocket.
"For winning in the lottery, it's recommended to play in it in the first place" - he said and shrugged. "In any case, time, effort and will - all that will pay off someday. You just never should cease to dream, and to put that dream into reality."
He let a beat pass.
"But if winning in the lottery helps, I don't mind, either."

In front of the Uachtair Inn.
Eoin led the way, through the Main Street.
Fred managed to sit safely - one more time, their words on the quality standards of both mounted police forces of the Shella Police Department and the Lillöer-State police got confirmed. No risk to end up on the road with the nose first.
Hilda, professional as she was, had no issues, either. She was quite amused about the one half of people on the street staring like broken cars, and the other half greeting her. She smiled and waved every time.
A boy, twelve-or-something years of age, accompanied them, grinning. Fred needed a second to realize that he was seeing a boy riding a ... goat.
He grinned back. "Riding an animal that also gives milk is quite practical, eh?"
Hilda laughed. "And cows are too mainstream!"

I giggled.
Chris sometimes was profound - only to be a bit of a dork a moment later. He was a good man...
"I'm not counting on it, but it would be nice.", I told him, smiling. "It would solve quite a few problems, too... but that's another story. Much rather, I continue dreaming of the house by the orchards." I grinned. "Once I moved to Dronuillin, you'll come visit me, right? The lads would love to see you again as well."
He knew, that I meant my foxes with the lads.

Main Street.
The Goat-Rider grinned.
"Indeed it is, Miss Leverdahl!", he replied to her in a heavily accented English, "That way, you neither run out of healthy drink and you have a good chap with you!"
"Well, I'd say, that I have a good chap with me as well!", Marla protested, petting Cleite's side as they rode, "Isn't that right?"
The horse gave a small neigh.
"So, me lad...", the boy asked the horse, "Kin ya give milk?"
The horse gave another small neigh, as if to say 'Sort of'. Marla looked at the boy with a triumphant smile.

[Prussian Polish Commonwealth]

Yven smiled.
"I'm from Launceston, up at the Icy Shore, where the only major businesses herding of livestock, especially sheep and cows, and the growing of oats, alongside a bit of fishing. That made it an ideal centre for wool manufacturing during the industrialization, and that was, how it came.", he said and smiled, "Bicíní Industries has their main facilities up there and so does Barrial Cobblers."
He let a beat pass.
"And that includes the tanneries.", he said and smiled, "During holidays, Cao and I often spent time in Súdaire, the Town of Tanners, where they work their craft traditionally. No chemistry, but the traditional ingredients. And, since Cao and I sometimes want to better up our pocket money, we we work with them." He let a beat pass. "Which leads to me stomping cow shit into the skins of formerly living animals. For hours."
He grinned at Marie.
"I know how to give a good massage with my feet!", he added with mischief in his eyes.

Marie smiled awkwardly. "I...see. So I take it that you make leather goods?"
Karl took off his hat. "Intresting. I kind of did something similar when I was 14; essentially I would scrape scales off of caught fish after school for a few Reichsmarks...on another note..." He sighed and pursed his lips. "That was the year I got into...radical politics."

[San Prospero]

*RETCONNED*

[Lillorainen]

Marie smiled awkwardly. "I...see. So I take it that you make leather goods?"
Karl took off his hat. "Intresting. I kind of did something similar when I was 14; essentially I would scrape scales off of caught fish after school for a few Reichsmarks...on another note..." He sighed and pursed his lips. "That was the year I got into...radical politics."

I giggled.
Chris sometimes was profound - only to be a bit of a dork a moment later. He was a good man...
"I'm not counting on it, but it would be nice.", I told him, smiling. "It would solve quite a few problems, too... but that's another story. Much rather, I continue dreaming of the house by the orchards." I grinned. "Once I moved to Dronuillin, you'll come visit me, right? The lads would love to see you again as well."
He knew, that I meant my foxes with the lads.

Main Street.
The Goat-Rider grinned.
"Indeed it is, Miss Leverdahl!", he replied to her in a heavily accented English, "That way, you neither run out of healthy drink and you have a good chap with you!"
"Well, I'd say, that I have a good chap with me as well!", Marla protested, petting Cleite's side as they rode, "Isn't that right?"
The horse gave a small neigh.
"So, me lad...", the boy asked the horse, "Kin ya give milk?"
The horse gave another small neigh, as if to say 'Sort of'. Marla looked at the boy with a triumphant smile.

"When I was 14, I earned a bit of cash by fixing bicycles," said Ana. "Everyone in town had a bike. You had to be super rich or powerful to own a car, and the public transportation was a joke – the buses and trams had no air conditioning, so they were ovens in the hot summer. And many times they broke down in the middle of the road, and everyone had to get out and push. Even when everything works fine, it's a miracle if you get to your destination 30 minutes late, because the drivers often stop to have conversations and sleep on the job. So it's easy to see why bikes are king, haha!"

"One person I knew had a job that paid much better than fixing bikes. Remember my friend I told you about, who smuggled foreign books and CDs? He also ran an 'electronics repair' business and became quite rich from it. But he wasn't repairing TVs and radios – he was hacking them to receive foreign channels not approved by Salazar. My family used his service, and I think it was the best decision we ever made. When I first turned on the BBC and Radio Free Europe, it was quite a shock for me to learn that a whole new world existed outside Portugal, and that people in other countries could choose their leaders and religions. I'm glad that I found out the truth and got away from that place."

"Of course, there was the risk of prison if you were caught watching the foreign TV. By measuring the weak radio waves coming from your TV or radio, the police could know exactly what channel you were on. And the modern TV detectors are as small as briefcases, so you never know if there's one in the car outside your house. To avoid being detected, we only watched TV late at night, and quickly turned it off whenever we saw the headlights of a passing car. Some others weren't so lucky, and they got busted. I really hope Salazar has some mercy for them."

Filleadh House.
Cel giggled at Chris' comment, given in his quite typical and well-known style - saying something totally smart and legit first, just to add a totally dumb punchline at the end of it.
He replied, "Of course I will! I'd love to see the lads again, too. And if I ever get that house in Fuchsheim, should see it, too!"
Karl replied to Yven's answer on the cow shit issue - a thing Chris already knew the details about. Karl mentioned his little side job, scraping scales off fish at the age of 14 ... the year he had gotten into radical politics - whatever that was supposed to mean. Chris had just wanted to ask about that, the Ana told about hers; she had fixed bicycles. She transitioned to the next topic - illegal consumption of foreign media in the Ecclesiastical State.
Chris somewhat felt reminded of the Republic of Stella Dorata, Lillorainen's annoying neighbor, and how Radio Eleven-Eleven changed its frequency, so people in Stella Dorata could listen to Lillo-radio - which, of course, was just as illegal for them as it would be for 'Salazar's little playthings', which Ana, gladly, was not a part of anymore.
He just shook his head, as he already had done so often about places like those. Unbelievable how many designated sh... hellholes still existed in the world.

Main Street.
Both Fred and Hilda snorted.
Hilda said, grinning, "Well, if you want to drink that sort of milk, have fun!"
"Other than that, you don't have that nice view onto your surroundings that we have" - Fred said.
"Especially you, with your size" - Hilda said to her brother, who indeed was about eight centimeters higher than her. "Look at the ocean! Can't you already see Wembury from up there?" She giggled.
"Oh sure!" - Fred replied. He had a good sense of self-irony. "The SDF-Navy will be a bit late, but if they have someone taller than me, they at least have someone who can take photos from there!"

[Kuronami]

"Close.", Áed said with a smile, "We're fishermen, my son and I, even have our own little boat. Asteria here, on the other hand, loves her little garden and the few sheep we have... sometimes I wonder, if you love them more then us!"
"Hey!", Asteria protested with a smile, playfully smacking her husband on the upper arm.
Áed grinned. "But yes, we're here for the festival.", he added, "Lodan Lir was good to us this year and we would like to thank His Envoy for that personally. Mona is said to be here today and... well..." He reached down to ruffle his son's hair. "...I'm sure, that she will appreciate our gift."
His son looked up and grinned.

"Ah!" Billie let out an excited sound "Fisherman, the farmers of the seas!" She proclaimed, not exactly land based like her family but still kindred in her eyes. "That's good, we food grower and gettin' folks gotta stick together!"

"Oh Billie." Her mother chuckled how passionate her little girl was about everything "Your son looks to be about our daughter's age?"

"Oh are you seven too?" Billie asked

[The Selkie]

"Close.", Áed said with a smile, "We're fishermen, my son and I, even have our own little boat. Asteria here, on the other hand, loves her little garden and the few sheep we have... sometimes I wonder, if you love them more then us!"
"Hey!", Asteria protested with a smile, playfully smacking her husband on the upper arm.
Áed grinned. "But yes, we're here for the festival.", he added, "Lodan Lir was good to us this year and we would like to thank His Envoy for that personally. Mona is said to be here today and... well..." He reached down to ruffle his son's hair. "...I'm sure, that she will appreciate our gift."
His son looked up and grinned.

"Ah!" Billie let out an excited sound "Fisherman, the farmers of the seas!" She proclaimed, not exactly land based like her family but still kindred in her eyes. "That's good, we food grower and gettin' folks gotta stick together!"

"Oh Billie." Her mother chuckled how passionate her little girl was about everything "Your son looks to be about our daughter's age?"

"Oh are you seven too?" Billie asked

"Seven Springs, actually.", Kenny replied a bit shyly. "But yes, we need to stick together!"
He got a bit of confidence at that.
His mother smiled. "Farmers of the Seas... I never looked at it that way. So, the Ceinteár is your tractor, then?"
Áed nodded. "Seems like it. Of course, the three of you are invited to come with us, later, have a peek at her and the harbour and the many vessels down there."
Kenny nodded. "The Aurelia's there!", he said with a cheer, "And the Trosc!"

Marie smiled awkwardly. "I...see. So I take it that you make leather goods?"
Karl took off his hat. "Intresting. I kind of did something similar when I was 14; essentially I would scrape scales off of caught fish after school for a few Reichsmarks...on another note..." He sighed and pursed his lips. "That was the year I got into...radical politics."

"When I was 14, I earned a bit of cash by fixing bicycles," said Ana. "Everyone in town had a bike. You had to be super rich or powerful to own a car, and the public transportation was a joke – the buses and trams had no air conditioning, so they were ovens in the hot summer. And many times they broke down in the middle of the road, and everyone had to get out and push. Even when everything works fine, it's a miracle if you get to your destination 30 minutes late, because the drivers often stop to have conversations and sleep on the job. So it's easy to see why bikes are king, haha!"

"One person I knew had a job that paid much better than fixing bikes. Remember my friend I told you about, who smuggled foreign books and CDs? He also ran an 'electronics repair' business and became quite rich from it. But he wasn't repairing TVs and radios – he was hacking them to receive foreign channels not approved by Salazar. My family used his service, and I think it was the best decision we ever made. When I first turned on the BBC and Radio Free Europe, it was quite a shock for me to learn that a whole new world existed outside Portugal, and that people in other countries could choose their leaders and religions. I'm glad that I found out the truth and got away from that place."

"Of course, there was the risk of prison if you were caught watching the foreign TV. By measuring the weak radio waves coming from your TV or radio, the police could know exactly what channel you were on. And the modern TV detectors are as small as briefcases, so you never know if there's one in the car outside your house. To avoid being detected, we only watched TV late at night, and quickly turned it off whenever we saw the headlights of a passing car. Some others weren't so lucky, and they got busted. I really hope Salazar has some mercy for them."

Filleadh House.
Cel giggled at Chris' comment, given in his quite typical and well-known style - saying something totally smart and legit first, just to add a totally dumb punchline at the end of it.
He replied, "Of course I will! I'd love to see the lads again, too. And if I ever get that house in Fuchsheim, should see it, too!"
Karl replied to Yven's answer on the cow shit issue - a thing Chris already knew the details about. Karl mentioned his little side job, scraping scales off fish at the age of 14 ... the year he had gotten into radical politics - whatever that was supposed to mean. Chris had just wanted to ask about that, the Ana told about hers; she had fixed bicycles. She transitioned to the next topic - illegal consumption of foreign media in the Ecclesiastical State.
Chris somewhat felt reminded of the Republic of Stella Dorata, Lillorainen's annoying neighbor, and how Radio Eleven-Eleven changed its frequency, so people in Stella Dorata could listen to Lillo-radio - which, of course, was just as illegal for them as it would be for 'Salazar's little playthings', which Ana, gladly, was not a part of anymore.
He just shook his head, as he already had done so often about places like those. Unbelievable how many designated sh... hellholes still existed in the world.

Main Street.
Both Fred and Hilda snorted.
Hilda said, grinning, "Well, if you want to drink that sort of milk, have fun!"
"Other than that, you don't have that nice view onto your surroundings that we have" - Fred said.
"Especially you, with your size" - Hilda said to her brother, who indeed was about eight centimeters higher than her. "Look at the ocean! Can't you already see Wembury from up there?" She giggled.
"Oh sure!" - Fred replied. He had a good sense of self-irony. "The SDF-Navy will be a bit late, but if they have someone taller than me, they at least have someone who can take photos from there!"

Filleadh House.
Yven nodded at the question from Marie.
"Indeed we do!", he said with a smile, "Mostly leather shoes and boots, but also other stuff. Leather is a very versatile thing! You can be sure, when you buy a factory made shoe or boot around these parts, it's from us." He let a beat pass, looking to Karl. "So, you helped in making fishleather? And met the wrong people along with it?"
He nodded, a bit of wisdom and a lot of experience in his eyes.
"Didn't we all as Temps? So, what was it for you?"

I grinned to Chris, my eyes telling him, that not only my lads would love to see him again there, then turned to Ana to listen to her story.
It was... not pretty.
"I'm sure, that they found peace, whatever happened to them.", I told her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. I was sure, that Chris would agree... and forgive me for breaking up our conversation at the sight of our sad friend. "So, now that you can listen freely to whatever you want, what is the thing you listen to the most?"
To be honest, the thought of her watching TV was not actually one I entertained, mainly because it is kind of uncommon around these parts to be watching TV for anything else then one of three channels... mainly because we didn't receive anything else without dishes and those were even more uncommon.
We aren't exactly a dream-land for TV...

Main Street.
Marla grinned as well - it was a rite of passage amongst Selkie Horse Doctors to drink a good cuppa, but the two of them didn't need to know that.
Instead, she laughed at Hilda's and Fred's antics, together with the boy and Leonard.
The redhead commented with a smile: "Oh, they already have enough images of yer mug!", he said to Frederik, "And enough people taller then you as well... I believe, Mona's escort is comprised of them?"
"No.", Marla corrected, "Lodan Lir brought her and that's about it for appearances of the SDF here. At least official ones... the Arrowmaidens have brought an escort for her, as usual. Of the Cuan-Chapter, if I am not completely mistaken. The girls will compete later, too!"
"Oh, that's going tae be fun!", Leonard said, metaphorical devils dancing in his eyes.

[Kuronami]

"Seven Springs, actually.", Kenny replied a bit shyly. "But yes, we need to stick together!"
He got a bit of confidence at that.
His mother smiled. "Farmers of the Seas... I never looked at it that way. So, the Ceinteár is your tractor, then?"
Áed nodded. "Seems like it. Of course, the three of you are invited to come with us, later, have a peek at her and the harbour and the many vessels down there."
Kenny nodded. "The Aurelia's there!", he said with a cheer, "And the Trosc!"

At the invitation to come to the harbor Charlie replied with a hearty "Sure! None of us have much experience with boats but we'd love to see yours."

"Mhm" Billie agreed "I'd like to see her too."

"Well until then," Jamie continued "Y'all gonna be 'round here a while? Our Billie has been just on edge to meet someone 'round her age to talk too. Given she's so far from home can't say I blame her. Seems she and Kenny already getting off great."

[Prussian Polish Commonwealth]

Filleadh House.
Yven nodded at the question from Marie.
"Indeed we do!", he said with a smile, "Mostly leather shoes and boots, but also other stuff. Leather is a very versatile thing! You can be sure, when you buy a factory made shoe or boot around these parts, it's from us." He let a beat pass, looking to Karl. "So, you helped in making fishleather? And met the wrong people along with it?"
He nodded, a bit of wisdom and a lot of experience in his eyes.
"Didn't we all as Temps? So, what was it for you?"

Karl sighed. "The Social Democratic Party-the Eiserne Front to be exact."
He shook his head. "I was a young little fool back then; thought I could change the whole fucking world, like every other young fool. Thought we could solve every problem in the world by essentially throwing money at it."
He shifted a little. "I...well...I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to join that mob all those years back. In any case...a few months in and I was part of a demonstration that turned into a riot. Went blind for a bit when a militaman from the Garde-Kavallerie-Schützen-Division pepper-sprayed me, but I ran around shouting for a bit until some guy, probably another Freikorps soldier rifle-stocked me in the head. Woke up in a jail cell and thought clearly for the first time in months, chose conscription over jail term. Did unusually well, so they wiped my criminal record and offered me a place in any branch I wanted. I chose the Seebattailons, thought dad would be pleased. Threw a boot at me instead, we both said things we shouldn't have said, and shit went from there."
Marie was silent for a second when Karl finished. "You...you never told me this."

[Lillorainen]

Filleadh House.
Yven nodded at the question from Marie.
"Indeed we do!", he said with a smile, "Mostly leather shoes and boots, but also other stuff. Leather is a very versatile thing! You can be sure, when you buy a factory made shoe or boot around these parts, it's from us." He let a beat pass, looking to Karl. "So, you helped in making fishleather? And met the wrong people along with it?"
He nodded, a bit of wisdom and a lot of experience in his eyes.
"Didn't we all as Temps? So, what was it for you?"

I grinned to Chris, my eyes telling him, that not only my lads would love to see him again there, then turned to Ana to listen to her story.
It was... not pretty.
"I'm sure, that they found peace, whatever happened to them.", I told her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. I was sure, that Chris would agree... and forgive me for breaking up our conversation at the sight of our sad friend. "So, now that you can listen freely to whatever you want, what is the thing you listen to the most?"
To be honest, the thought of her watching TV was not actually one I entertained, mainly because it is kind of uncommon around these parts to be watching TV for anything else then one of three channels... mainly because we didn't receive anything else without dishes and those were even more uncommon.
We aren't exactly a dream-land for TV...

Main Street.
Marla grinned as well - it was a rite of passage amongst Selkie Horse Doctors to drink a good cuppa, but the two of them didn't need to know that.
Instead, she laughed at Hilda's and Fred's antics, together with the boy and Leonard.
The redhead commented with a smile: "Oh, they already have enough images of yer mug!", he said to Frederik, "And enough people taller then you as well... I believe, Mona's escort is comprised of them?"
"No.", Marla corrected, "Lodan Lir brought her and that's about it for appearances of the SDF here. At least official ones... the Arrowmaidens have brought an escort for her, as usual. Of the Cuan-Chapter, if I am not completely mistaken. The girls will compete later, too!"
"Oh, that's going tae be fun!", Leonard said, metaphorical devils dancing in his eyes.

Karl sighed. "The Social Democratic Party-the Eiserne Front to be exact."
He shook his head. "I was a young little fool back then; thought I could change the whole fucking world, like every other young fool. Thought we could solve every problem in the world by essentially throwing money at it."
He shifted a little. "I...well...I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to join that mob all those years back. Went blind for a bit when a militaman from the Garde-Kavallerie-Schützen-Division pepper-sprayed me, but I ran around shouting for a bit until some guy, probably another Freikorps soldier rifle-stocked me in the head. Woke up in a jail cell and thought clearly for the first time in months, chose conscription over jail term. Did unusually well, so they wiped my criminal record and offered me a place in any branch I wanted. I chose the Seebattailons, thought dad would be pleased. Threw a boot at me instead, we both said things we shouldn't have said, and shit went from there."
Marie was silent for a second when Karl finished. "You...you never told me this."

Filleadh House.
Indeed, Chris did agree, and he nodded when Cel tried to comfort Ana. This story was plain horrible, and, in addition to his compassion, he noticed this very slight grudge in him, this imaginary progress bar loading the little resistance fighter that every Lillo carried in his or her heart. He thought back to the first evening in Dumhach, to an ultimate master plan forged by him, Cel, Janina Bonrath, and Amina-Khana, with cookies involved - and wondered if it could work in Lisbon, too.
He knew that the Free Lands were not exactly a dreamland for TV - but three Selkie-channels were still better than a hundred channels all filled with Salazar's propaganda.
Karl came up with his past, his activies in the Eiserne Front - his own resistance fight. And how he got into a serious conflict with his father, who did not share his opinion that he had tried to do anything right after his short escapade (how come everyone had such issues with their fathers? First Cel, then Karl ...).
Chris nodded.
"Shit, that's uncool" - he said. "On the other hand, it's something you could just consider some 'youth sin' or something - it's off your police record, after all, and you could do your military service instead of going into jail. Your Dad should actually deal with that, too, but gladly, you're not the only one who has a stubborn father."
He let a beat pass. Cel would get the hint.
"And I'm sure everyone has had some dumb thoughts at that age" - he continued. "I mean, come on, you all know that I still had dumb thoughts until a few months ago, finding Purgatio interesting as shit - mainly because I only knew what they let the world outside know. Their genetic research, and their model of efficiency, and all that stuff, I've imagined it rather like the proposed state model of 1980s Lillorainen. After having seen what it's really like, a fascist hellhole not giving a shit about even most basic human rights, I know I was wrong. And I dropped my original plans to study Genetic Engineering in Preetz, which I was collecting waiting semesters for by studying International Relations in Kerkenich - but you all know that. Since Purgatio, I'm tired of anything related to that, so my plans will change. Whatever - as I said, we've all had some dumb thoughts and ideas in the past. Most adolescents have their own ideas how to improve the world - it was socialism for you, it was some sort of National Meritocracy with some help of genetic modification for me. The most important thing is to grow out of this, to learn what life works like, and to look into the future."
He had another sip of lemonade after that long speech.

Main Street.
Of course, Fred and Hilda knew who had brought whom to this place - for the Selkie, it was Lodan Lir, for the Norsemen, it was Aegir - since the latter was said to regularly throw parties for the aesir, the Gods in Asgard, they imagined Them all, regardless of their provenience, getting along with each other quite well - with some beer and mead, and maybe some Selkie-deities also brought whiskey.
Fred noticed Leonard's dancing devils in his eyes. He laughed. "You know how the saying goes, eh? Only look, don't touch!"
Hilda laughed, too. "Do I have to follow that, too?"
"Especially you, søster! Or do I need to remind you of the rule Dad's always preaching?"
Hilda tried to look innocent. "The Never-overtake-from-the-right rule?"
"The other rule."
"The Never-go-faster-than-your-guardian-angel-can-fly rule?"
Fred sighed. "It's hopeless with you."
Both laughed again.

[Camelone]

"That there is the ennobling virtue of love, it brings those who are effected by it to do acts that they otherwise would not have the courage to do so. The great legends of old speak of it and you had the great fortune to be on the receiving end of such an act, I would suggest keeping it as close as you can to your heart." Bedivere said as he absorbed the story and couldn't help but smile at the innocent romanticism that he pictured in his mind. Now that he did think about he actually was beginning to believe that perhaps he should begin to consider finding a woman to settle down with as he was a soldier and not getting any younger. The only thing was that he had no idea how to start, sure he can talk to people perfectly fine but the pursuit of romance and courtship never computed in his mind he was always a by the book investigator and officer.

Cao nodded.
She indeed kept it close to her heart, as did the boy, who had gifted her with such a precious gift. She even dried the flower and framed it, putting it over her desk. And she still had to smile as she had thanked the boy properly, an almost chaste and tender kiss onto his lips, which had caused him to rival a fire hydrant in his redness.
"He's a sweet boy.", Cao said, smiling, "One day, he'll make a girl very, very happy." She let a beat pass. "If it'll be me or not... who knows? I'll keep him close to my heart in any case."

Bedivere did not exactly know what to say after that, he was not the wisest of men but he is smart enough "I think that is wise and I wish you the most luck in the world." That was all he could think to say in this regard as he himself did not have much, if any, experience with romantic relationships.

[The Selkie]

"Seven Springs, actually.", Kenny replied a bit shyly. "But yes, we need to stick together!"
He got a bit of confidence at that.
His mother smiled. "Farmers of the Seas... I never looked at it that way. So, the Ceinteár is your tractor, then?"
Áed nodded. "Seems like it. Of course, the three of you are invited to come with us, later, have a peek at her and the harbour and the many vessels down there."
Kenny nodded. "The Aurelia's there!", he said with a cheer, "And the Trosc!"

At the invitation to come to the harbor Charlie replied with a hearty "Sure! None of us have much experience with boats but we'd love to see yours."

"Mhm" Billie agreed "I'd like to see her too."

"Well until then," Jamie continued "Y'all gonna be 'round here a while? Our Billie has been just on edge to meet someone 'round her age to talk too. Given she's so far from home can't say I blame her. Seems she and Kenny already getting off great."

Asteria gave Jamie a smile, that basically asked her, if they would try to ship them - but her husband nodded. "I'd love to show her to you! Sure, the Ceinteár isn't exactly a luxury yacht like the Aurelia, but she is a fine little boat.", he said with a grin, ruffling his son's hair, "We had quite a few adventures with her!"
"Yep!", Kenny agreed, nodding heartily, "From storms to ships a few thousand tons larger then our boat, we experienced quite a few things. I could tell you stories!"

Filleadh House.
Indeed, Chris did agree, and he nodded when Cel tried to comfort Ana. This story was plain horrible, and, in addition to his compassion, he noticed this very slight grudge in him, this imaginary progress bar loading the little resistance fighter that every Lillo carried in his or her heart. He thought back to the first evening in Dumhach, to an ultimate master plan forged by him, Cel, Janina Bonrath, and Amina-Khana, with cookies involved - and wondered if it could work in Lisbon, too.
He knew that the Free Lands were not exactly a dreamland for TV - but three Selkie-channels were still better than a hundred channels all filled with Salazar's propaganda.
Karl came up with his past, his activies in the Eiserne Front - his own resistance fight. And how he got into a serious conflict with his father, who did not share his opinion that he had tried to do anything right after his short escapade (how come everyone had such issues with their fathers? First Cel, then Karl ...).
Chris nodded.
"Shit, that's uncool" - he said. "On the other hand, it's something you could just consider some 'youth sin' or something - it's off your police record, after all, and you could do your military service instead of going into jail. Your Dad should actually deal with that, too, but gladly, you're not the only one who has a stubborn father."
He let a beat pass. Cel would get the hint.
"And I'm sure everyone has had some dumb thoughts at that age" - he continued. "I mean, come on, you all know that I still had dumb thoughts until a few months ago, finding Purgatio interesting as shit - mainly because I only knew what they let the world outside know. Their genetic research, and their model of efficiency, and all that stuff, I've imagined it rather like the proposed state model of 1980s Lillorainen. After having seen what it's really like, a fascist hellhole not giving a shit about even most basic human rights, I know I was wrong. And I dropped my original plans to study Genetic Engineering in Preetz, which I was collecting waiting semesters for by studying International Relations in Kerkenich - but you all know that. Since Purgatio, I'm tired of anything related to that, so my plans will change. Whatever - as I said, we've all had some dumb thoughts and ideas in the past. Most adolescents have their own ideas how to improve the world - it was socialism for you, it was some sort of National Meritocracy with some help of genetic modification for me. The most important thing is to grow out of this, to learn what life works like, and to look into the future."
He had another sip of lemonade after that long speech.

Main Street.
Of course, Fred and Hilda knew who had brought whom to this place - for the Selkie, it was Lodan Lir, for the Norsemen, it was Aegir - since the latter was said to regularly throw parties for the aesir, the Gods in Asgard, they imagined Them all, regardless of their provenience, getting along with each other quite well - with some beer and mead, and maybe some Selkie-deities also brought whiskey.
Fred noticed Leonard's dancing devils in his eyes. He laughed. "You know how the saying goes, eh? Only look, don't touch!"
Hilda laughed, too. "Do I have to follow that, too?"
"Especially you, søster! Or do I need to remind you of the rule Dad's always preaching?"
Hilda tried to look innocent. "The Never-overtake-from-the-right rule?"
"The other rule."
"The Never-go-faster-than-your-guardian-angel-can-fly rule?"
Fred sighed. "It's hopeless with you."
Both laughed again.

Filleadh House.
I supposed, that I agreed with Chris - I did catch his hint, agreeing with it. Though, maybe the Cookie Coup (Name to be Changed) would work in Portugal... but that was just dreaming.
No, I myself...
"If one asks my parents, I am currently living these 'dumb things'.", I told the assembly with a small smile, "I have a boyfriend, who is not the chap they had in mind for me, and fuck that guy, to be honest, I work as a part-timer either at a shop raising and selling Little Black Foxes like Soiprigh here..." The fox in my lap gave a hearty yipp. "...or as a singer in an inn, joined Abhcan as one of Her Servants, and, worst of all, am still quite good in school."
"Well, embarrasin' secrets revealed...", Yven said with a grin, "...and we haven't even open'd the whiskey yet!"
I had to snort in amusement.

Main Street.
Unaware of their thoughts, Marla would have had to correct them: While the God Lodan Lir certainly had a good hand in the safe arrival of everyone, including his Envoy, the frigate bearing His name certainly transported her.
Back in the present, Leonard grinned: "Oh, I have a girlfriend, I just want to beat 'em! You have free choice... unless one of those has a boyfriend or girlfriend, but you know, what I mean!"
"Men...", Marla sighed and looked to Hilda, "They're hopeless, right?" Looking over to the goat-rider, she added: "You take care, that you don't turn out like that, aight?"

Bedivere did not exactly know what to say after that, he was not the wisest of men but he is smart enough "I think that is wise and I wish you the most luck in the world." That was all he could think to say in this regard as he himself did not have much, if any, experience with romantic relationships.

Cao smiled slightly, the ears on her head twitching.
"Thank you, Bedivere.", she said and looked over her shoulder to her colt, who was still trotting with them and bearing all of the bags, "He was actually not the first boy to gift me a flower, but he looked so cute. As said..." The ears on her head folded. "...he'll make a girl very happy one day."
She let a beat pass.
"We're nearly there.", she added.

[Kuronami]

Asteria gave Jamie a smile, that basically asked her, if they would try to ship them - but her husband nodded. "I'd love to show her to you! Sure, the Ceinteár isn't exactly a luxury yacht like the Aurelia, but she is a fine little boat.", he said with a grin, ruffling his son's hair, "We had quite a few adventures with her!"
"Yep!", Kenny agreed, nodding heartily, "From storms to ships a few thousand tons larger then our boat, we experienced quite a few things. I could tell you stories!"

"No need for luxury as long as it's yours" Jamie agreed nodding, the same could be said about their own little farm house they called home, not a luxury mansion but their home.

Billie took Kenny by the hand "I wanna hear all your stories! I got a few too but you're on the high seas so I reckon they're gonna be lots more neater than mine but I'll tell some if you wanna hear. Ya know I sailed here on a big big ship all the way from Kuronami. It's my first time ever on a big ship at all. 'Sides little old fishin' boats on lakes or streams and that. Bet you got lots of things you can tell me bout being on the seas! 'Specially about storms or pirates even!"

[Mervay]

Filleadh House
So all of the presents have some problem with their parents. Most importantly Cel that it looked like her father was against her relation with Chris. He telling us that we all were with the dumb thoughts,which I agree with him. I guess Purgatio changed my mind an lot Lise thought to herself as she grabbed her case and stroked it an little. Still what made me go to MNT,the adreladin,the idea of places worst than PIA. Seriously I can make an book of those two places and my expiriences there"
She then joined the group to tell her expirience and of course that she was kinda in that dumb thought too.

"We are four or five that we were with those dumb thoughts,I'll include myself too. I have those thoughts too with Purgatio in where I thought that it would be very interesting to know and so their model and if it was an good example that facism might work... Like most of us I was wrong with that" She said letting an sigh out of her mouth.
"I mean yeah I learned my lesson there that I wouldn't trust what an facist dictatorship tell us. But now this made me think why I accepted to go to Main Nation Ministry later. Guess that last one placed me out of that dumb time in the bubble and showed me somethings more about the world" Lise ended her opinion with that,she was now more catious with what she signed or where she went. If she could say what was her lesson,it could be that it made her more catious.

"Anyways does someone could tell me what hour it is??"

[Lillorainen]

Filleadh House.
I supposed, that I agreed with Chris - I did catch his hint, agreeing with it. Though, maybe the Cookie Coup (Name to be Changed) would work in Portugal... but that was just dreaming.
No, I myself...
"If one asks my parents, I am currently living these 'dumb things'.", I told the assembly with a small smile, "I have a boyfriend, who is not the chap they had in mind for me, and fuck that guy, to be honest, I work as a part-timer either at a shop raising and selling Little Black Foxes like Soiprigh here..." The fox in my lap gave a hearty yipp. "...or as a singer in an inn, joined Abhcan as one of Her Servants, and, worst of all, am still quite good in school."
"Well, embarrasin' secrets revealed...", Yven said with a grin, "...and we haven't even open'd the whiskey yet!"
I had to snort in amusement.

Main Street.
Unaware of their thoughts, Marla would have had to correct them: While the God Lodan Lir certainly had a good hand in the safe arrival of everyone, including his Envoy, the frigate bearing His name certainly transported her.
Back in the present, Leonard grinned: "Oh, I have a girlfriend, I just want to beat 'em! You have free choice... unless one of those has a boyfriend or girlfriend, but you know, what I mean!"
"Men...", Marla sighed and looked to Hilda, "They're hopeless, right?" Looking over to the goat-rider, she added: "You take care, that you don't turn out like that, aight?"

Filleadh House
So all of the presents have some problem with their parents. Most importantly Cel that it looked like her father was against her relation with Chris. He telling us that we all were with the dumb thoughts,which I agree with him. I guess Purgatio changed my mind an lot Lise thought to herself as she grabbed her case and stroked it an little. Still what made me go to MNT,the adreladin,the idea of places worst than PIA. Seriously I can make an book of those two places and my expiriences there"
She then joined the group to tell her expirience and of course that she was kinda in that dumb thought too.

"We are four or five that we were with those dumb thoughts,I'll include myself too. I have those thoughts too with Purgatio in where I thought that it would be very interesting to know and so their model and if it was an good example that facism might work... Like most of us I was wrong with that" She said letting an sigh out of her mouth.
"I mean yeah I learned my lesson there that I wouldn't trust what an facist dictatorship tell us. But now this made me think why I accepted to go to Main Nation Ministry later. Guess that last one placed me out of that dumb time in the bubble and showed me somethings more about the world" Lise ended her opinion with that,she was now more catious with what she signed or where she went. If she could say what was her lesson,it could be that it made her more catious.

"Anyways does someone could tell me what hour it is??"

Filleadh House.
Chris had shrugged when Cel had mentioned her parents' opinion on their relationship. Of course, her father cared a lot for his daughter's well-being - less about the daughter sitting here with a fox in her lap than rather about that daughter called Treoraí Optics.
They would see what would come up to the surface as soon as streams of whiskey would be flowing ...
He took his phone out to check what time it was, to answer Lise's question - but the battery was empty. He would have to recharge it inside ... or just use his portable recharger. Which was inside, too. Damn.
He said, "Well, my family doesn't have any issues with what I'm doing. My parents have actually never given a lot about what I'm doing, as long as I'm getting along somehow." He shrugged again. "Not the best role model, either, but still better than trying to mess stuff up."

Main Street.
Of course, the Leverdals were missing the information that, in this case, Lodan Lir was a ship - but still, both had brought Mona here. Their thoughts were not entirely wrong, just missing the context.
Hilda now smiled and said to the goat-rider, "Listen carefully, that's important for the future! Girls aren't like items in a shop you just pick, and they - mostly - don't love being viewed upon as such."
"That's true" - Fred said. "For most shop items, there's a guarantee period." He grinned.
Hilda turned to her brother. "Yes, spoil him even more! Good job!" - she said, laughing. Then, she turned back to the goat-rider. "Don't listen to them. They are the sort of boys who don't grow up, but just get bigger. You can do better."