Sinope Harbour Festival (IC, MT)

[Mervay]

Mahmut nodded.
"From the time we have taken your measurements, which will take twenty to thirty minutes, it will take around two hours until the raw one is finished.", he explained, "From there, you'd have to test-wear it, after which it'll take another two hours until all is finished. So... call it around five hours." He assumed, that the man was mostly concerned about the schedule. "If you want, we can organize it in a way, that you can test-wear it tomorrow morning and take it by midday."

The saleswoman smiled, nodding.
"Three fistans for women and one for your husband?", she confirmed, "At least seven-hundred Barqas, which is around 650 NSD, I think."
She let a beat pass.
"Come, Ma'am, I'll show you the materials I would suggest!", she added.

Five hours... Dang that ruined their schedule in an great way no one would expect; they wanted the dresses done for today in an way but in the other they wanted it to be of best quality.
Which led to him to take out his pocket notebook and an pen, cut an sheet and noted his number so Mahmut could contact him when it was ready for tomorrow.

"I believe that it's the best idea, here is my number" he said giving him the cutted sheet. "Call me when everything is ready by tomorrow please"

"I see... Oh yeah please it would be of help that" Jessica said nodding.

Everything was set for them then, 650 NSD, that is not an cheap price and neither an so expensive one for them in an side, it was... Fair.
So meanwhile she walked following the sales woman, she asked if they could pay for advanced.

"It wouldn't be an problem if we paid you by advanced right??"

[Kuronami]

The Handmaiden bowed her head in polite gratitude, especially when both Ilia and Mahmut agreed, then retreated to the wall behind them, kneeling on the ground, hands by her sides, both eyes closed as if she was meditating.
In truth, she was ready to provide refills as soon as they were needed.
"Now, what sort of spots would you recommend for sailing in Kuronami?", Ilia asked Yuzu with interest, "Might want to take my next crew on a longer spin in summer!"

Yuzu lit up gently setting the cup onto her saucer and delicately holding it. "Ah want to expedition around the coasts of our fair Empire huh? Well in that case, honestly Mazomba is not as scary as I make it sound. Just the weather can change suddenly but any good sailor knows to mind the skies. Others like to hopscotch the South Coast, usually in a East-West, direction. Going from Joo-Nam to Sonomi, to Port Serenity ending in Caloris. That's just the typical commercial cruiser there are other little ports dotted around the coastline. Now if you want the challenge sail around the Mazomba islands, then move up to the mainland."

[AHSCA]

On the Bridge Deck were the Owner's Suites 1 and 2, her father having instructed SDY to include two, so that both he and his daughter would have private spaces for themselves.
Aurelia appreciated it and, as a peace offering, had offered her own suite to her Grandmother to conduct business in today, for Marcella wasn't the only person of high renown, that would visit the Aurelia today.
That she was already present was perfectly shown by the Tabardariyya next to the door.
Aurelia turned to Marcella and wordlessly gave her another kiss, hugged her as if they were departing forever and knocked. After waiting a moment, they entered...
...and there she sat, rising from the cushion as they came in, smiling at them all and coming forward. "Aurelia, Marcella! How wonderful it is to see you two!", she said and first gave her granddaughter a hug, then Marcella. She hugged Marcella as if she was hugging another Granddaughter of hers, which confused Aurelia a bit. "Please, sit... Aurelia was so kind and allowed me to use her room."
That made Aurelia smile. It was actually her room, so the Sultana offering seats in her living room was... funny. Opposite to the door was a large window front, which gave a view of the Small Basin and the Merchant Navy Academy, in front of it the shin-high table with cushions around it for seating.
Aurelia smiled at Marcella and took her hand, running her thumb along her hand.
So far, so good.
"So, how are you?", the Sultana said and allowed them to sit down next to each other.

"And many Kyrenaians would love to happen something like that to them as well!", Rasha confirmed with a smile. "It is so... sweet... especially with how much of a troubled soul Princess Aurelia is... her finding her own luck is so sweet."
Rising from the bench, she motioned for Asuna to follow her into the actual Hammam.
The Warm Room was the first, full of hot and dry air, this one small and for around half a dozen people. Three men and a woman were already present, sitting on the six benches arranged in a hexagon in the middle. The room itself was a bit sparse, but the ceiling's mosaic, depicting a panorama of fishes, made up for it.
Of the three men, one was a squat man of middle age, who was carrying a bit of a stomach around. The next was a young man, around Aurelia's age, who was tall, lean and muscular and not afraid of showing that off a little bit as he used his towel as a cushion. The third was a man, who's figure one could describe as non-descriptive, but with a nice smile and a nicer laugh, which one could hear.
The young woman looked a whole lot like Rasha, only a few years younger and giggled, apparently both charmed by the young lad and by a story he had told.
"Hey, Sis, look who I found!", Rasha said in English.
"Oh!", the young man said, "You must be Rasha... a pleasure to meet you. Fadia has told a lot about you." The girl in question blushed. "I'm Amir, those are Mister Mudaris..." The man with the laugh nodded. "...and Maktab."
The pudgy man rose and bowed. "Delighted, Miss, simply delighted.", he said and sounded a bit sleasy before he turned to Asuna. "And, if I may ask, who are you?"

Marcella took the embracing hug from the Sultana. Strange woman indeed considering how much she was standing against the relationship between Aurelia and Marcella but she kept it to herself for now and put on her airs of a proper noble lady. Clearing her throat, "Your Grace, how lovely it is to be here again. It's been a long journey but I managed well. And Aurelia was great to come great me as soon as I arrived. Having a friendly face to land in port with, always a welcome for a weary sailor. Might I say you look quite well which is always good to see." She took her seat beside Aurelia.

---

Asuna put on a sad smile. Feeling the sympathy of the forlorn Princess and her Duchess. "Indeed. Well join me won't you?" She gestured for Rasha to lead her inside. And entered they did and indeed there were a few people here, not that surprising. Asuna was at ease she was used to communal bathing anyway. A man asked who Asuna was and she introduced herself as such. "Asuna Motoki from AHSCA. Pleasure."

[Bruke]

From there, the customs went quickly and efficiently. The declared items were not restricted and the Debarwa was not to be searched.
In any case, the customs boat directed the Debarwa to her docking place, the 23 metres long vessel being placed on the same wharf as the Ríméad for the time being - said time being being the time until the Race of the Harbour Runners.
The Ríméad was a Capall na dTonn, a Wavehorse from the Free Lands, was one of the main attractions and a replica of an older vessel of the same name from the 18th century. She was two-masted, her hull and form speaking of speed and grace on both shallow water and the ocean.
The flag on the main mast's top was dipped as the Debarwa docked, a show of respect on command of the Captain, who doubled as a professor of the University of Silverport, his crew being students of history and shipbuilding.
The first tour groups were already aboard.

The flags on the main mast of the Debarwa were also dipped as a sign of respect. One was the Brukean flag, and the other was the flag of the Royal Explorers Society: a light blue banner emblazoned with the Society’s seal- featuring the Saints Caleb and Joshua of Biblical times.

As the yacht finished docking, Joaquin stepped ashore while Awate and Brandon continued to prepare for the race.

He took in the view of the charming city and its harbor, looking at the other vessels on the water.

Llastres has a modest shipbuilding sector, with only two prominent companies: Amaia specializes in building oil tankers and other vessels for local energy companies, and the Sociedad Industrial de la Bahía de Cantabria, which owns the city’s sole shipyard and builds everything from sailing yachts to catamaran ferries.

As a Llastreseño, he could appreciate the fine craftsmanship on display here. He decided to start his tour with the Ríméad, the nearest vessel.

As Joaquin climbed aboard, he was quick to greet the Captain.

[Kyrenaia]

"Whoah, a avery interesting story indeed, replies Joe, with Thomas nodding in agreement. I think that once all of this mess is settled back home, we'll arrange for a release in the Empire.
-In the meantime, do you think we might be able to find other works related to that legend here, Prince?" asks Pavel's grandfather to Karim.

"Uh, I can't say I've heard much about this place before, answers Peter. And judging by your blush, Princess, adds the former Emperor with a smirk, it seems you may have found your first crush!
-Those are always the most fond to remember, adds Frank with a smile. Anna was a bit like you when she finally admitted her feelings to Anaximander.
-And now look at them, replies Peter, ready to kick ass in New York. Huh, sighs the old man. How did we come to this?
-We'll discover it sooner or later, says the former General with a reassuring tone as he puts a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. Worrying now will not bring those five million of people back. We're safe here, so let's try at least to enjoy ourselves.
-Yeah, you're right. Sorry about that, he adds to the Khana and her ward.

"The library onboard should have an edition of that legend, yes.", the Prince said with a small smile and nod, "At least, if I know Prince Damir even half as well as I believe I do... and who knows him that well these days?"
"You mean because of Princess Aurelia?", Nora asked, Karim nodded. The actress smiled at Joe. "My apologies, you might not be familiar with that... in short, Princess Aurelia bint-Damir, the daughter of our gracious host, has found her love... with another woman. Which is frowned upon here in Kyrenaia, to say the least. Now, Damir has always stood behind his daughter in this without any question, but the Sultana, the Gods may bless Her, et cetera, is not of that opinion. She is, after some time, strictly opposed and no one knows why after she showed approval at first." Nora let a beat pass. "To be honest, I find it admirable. He wants his daughter to be happy... might be the Selkie in me speaking, but if she is happy with a woman by her side, then who are we to judge?"
"No one. By law, at least.", Karim admitted, before he added, "To be honest, I am conflicted myself. On one side, the poet, on the next, the Prince, on the third, the human."

The Khana knew, what happened next was pure impulse, pure empathy from a little girl, which might not have been too princessy, but who had her heart in the right place.
She nearly didn't get there, but she hugged Peter. Sure, she barely managed wrapping her arms around his waist, but she saw a man in pain and she wanted to do something against that.
Amina let her do - it was that empathy, which would be a great bonus for her.
"No need to be sorry.", she told both, "We know, in media outlines, what is going on in New York." And that was her opinion on that as Khana. "In any case - if you want to enjoy yourselves, allow me to tell you a bit about Marla's crush..."
The former Emperor would feel her face's heat due to the blush through his clothing.

The possibilities were indeed endless, and quite a couple of them had been heavily debated on before. From charging fees and selling beverages over charging higher fees but giving out drinks for free to making entrance for free and taking money for drinks to ... all of the aforementioned. In the end, they had agreed on the latter - namely, not charging entrance fees and only selling drinks. This decision had resulted in Iska's calculator almost vaporizing, converting the entire, long price list, with all beverages sold in the bar, from Guineas into NSD and into Barqas. Drinks, and everything that had to do with them, were her job, after all.
Süleyman shook his head. "No fees for entrance - only drinks cost money" - he told Zayir.
And they were not even overly expensive (for Shamsiyyan standards). How this was supposed to pay off in the future for Yenikonya Dockyards was the consortium's problem, not Süleyman's. But he bet that there were some investors in the background. For now, Yenikonya Dockyards was apparently quite serious with their 'it's just our flagship for prestige' thing.
Remember: reputation is a currency, too.
Layla noticed the mother with her child on her arm. "I think, mothers with little children may count as one person" - she said, looking at the Captain to see whether he agreed.
Süleyman nodded. "Yes, that shouldn't be a problem."

The police officer nodded and hurried back, his people beginning with their work, sending the first tour group forwards.
There were nine, the Mother with Child, the Father, three lads in High School Age, who whispered to themselves as they quite blatantly (they believed, that they were hiding it well) checked out the ladies, a young man in his twenties with his girlfriend (the latter being the excited one), and an older, distinguished gentleman.
It was that last one, who bowed his head to the Captain.
"Captain Arslan...", he spoke with gravitas, the group having chosen him as a speaker for this, "...thank you for allowing us land-lubbers onto your vessel. Please, lead the way... or one of the charming ladies, maybe?"

"Perhaps I may have the honour meeting the Ilkhan of Megido later." Aceus answered neutrally, his mirth seemingly curtailed when he realized that he was dealing with Fara's mother, but she seemed not to mind the mixup or the rather laid back and sanguine means of small talk. Indeed, she didn't want to immediately kill Aceus, which was a significant improvement to Aceus's worst-case scenario. " "Though indeed, a man be made mostly of flesh, his organs and muscles complete the body"-to quote Hespiros the Gymnast-Specifically the heart and the mind house the greatest of his concerns." Aceus nodded genuinely at the elder Ilkhana "I must say, that Kyrenaia and Her peoples hold a place there. A good place."

"Ah, you're one of that sort...", Dilara said with a small smile, noting how the Ilkhana stifled a laugh.
"This Gymnast should have better not strayed from his sports equipment.", she said, "Men might be made of flesh, but I have yet to see a man, who is commanded by his heart and his brain and not his little piece of manhood." She let a beat pass. "Again, with one exception, but they, as they say, reinforce the rules."
Her mirth vanished as suddenly as a stone thrown into the water.
"Come.", she commanded - not asked, but commanded and her tone, as she turned onto the deck and towards the deckhouse, booked no argument.

As Cormag and Alexander were about to make their acknowledgments, they turned to glance at the incident unfolding. They turn to each other, astounded, and they glance at the table given they observed the violated waitress jab her dagger onto that other table. Cormag whispers a profanity in surprise, and Alexander nods, humming.

"Don't worry, Miss. We'll get along fine," Cormag grinned, nodding.

"And I'm Yvette Li."
She turned to the waitress. "Hm...Coffee. Blackest you can find. No creamer or sugar. Crack a caffeine pill or two in it too. As for food...I'll take the Falafel."
She turned back to Alex and Cor. "What about you two?'


After it was all done, the waitress explained the rules of the establishment with regards to the waitresses, and gave a little demonstration.
Yvette cringed upon seeing a man pinned by his sleeve to the table, thinking for a moment that he had actually been stabbed.
She turned her head back to the waitress. "Crystal clear."

"Wonderful!", the waitress said with a bit of a cheer, which made her note the order from the girl. It was always good to know, that people understood the rules, especially as the demonstration ended with the man, who had groped her colleague, paying and then being thrown out, quite literally. "And what do the gentlemen want for eating?"

Mahmut nodded.
"From the time we have taken your measurements, which will take twenty to thirty minutes, it will take around two hours until the raw one is finished.", he explained, "From there, you'd have to test-wear it, after which it'll take another two hours until all is finished. So... call it around five hours." He assumed, that the man was mostly concerned about the schedule. "If you want, we can organize it in a way, that you can test-wear it tomorrow morning and take it by midday."

The saleswoman smiled, nodding.
"Three fistans for women and one for your husband?", she confirmed, "At least seven-hundred Barqas, which is around 650 NSD, I think."
She let a beat pass.
"Come, Ma'am, I'll show you the materials I would suggest!", she added.

Five hours... Dang that ruined their schedule in an great way no one would expect; they wanted the dresses done for today in an way but in the other they wanted it to be of best quality.
Which led to him to take out his pocket notebook and an pen, cut an sheet and noted his number so Mahmut could contact him when it was ready for tomorrow.

"I believe that it's the best idea, here is my number" he said giving him the cutted sheet. "Call me when everything is ready by tomorrow please"

"I see... Oh yeah please it would be of help that" Jessica said nodding.

Everything was set for them then, 650 NSD, that is not an cheap price and neither an so expensive one for them in an side, it was... Fair.
So meanwhile she walked following the sales woman, she asked if they could pay for advanced.

"It wouldn't be an problem if we paid you by advanced right??"

Mahmut nodded, took out his own ballpen and added a few words, mainly Edward's name and a few small details.
"Thank you, Sir, we will do it like that.", he said and handed it to a passing assistant, ordering him in a few Kyrenaian words. Turning back to Edward, he smiled slightly, spotting his colleague and Edward's wife walking towards the materials. "Allow me to assure you, that the dresses will be of the best materials and from the best seamstresses and seamsters we have. In the meantime, how about we join the ladies in picking the materials?"

The saleswoman nodded.
"That would, of course be possible.", she said and led her deeper into the shop, to the stations with fabrics, where one could pick which one would be preferred. Taking out a small notebook herself, she looked at her customer. "Now, how we begin with picking the materials for you, Ma'am? Anything in particular, which you want or want to avoid? Allergies or a certain degree of transparence, which you would like to have... or rather not have?"

The Handmaiden bowed her head in polite gratitude, especially when both Ilia and Mahmut agreed, then retreated to the wall behind them, kneeling on the ground, hands by her sides, both eyes closed as if she was meditating.
In truth, she was ready to provide refills as soon as they were needed.
"Now, what sort of spots would you recommend for sailing in Kuronami?", Ilia asked Yuzu with interest, "Might want to take my next crew on a longer spin in summer!"

Yuzu lit up gently setting the cup onto her saucer and delicately holding it. "Ah want to expedition around the coasts of our fair Empire huh? Well in that case, honestly Mazomba is not as scary as I make it sound. Just the weather can change suddenly but any good sailor knows to mind the skies. Others like to hopscotch the South Coast, usually in a East-West, direction. Going from Joo-Nam to Sonomi, to Port Serenity ending in Caloris. That's just the typical commercial cruiser there are other little ports dotted around the coastline. Now if you want the challenge sail around the Mazomba islands, then move up to the mainland."

Ilia grinned and noted what had been said.
"That all sounds equally much fun, but I am going to have novices in sailing aboard. Maybe Mazomba might not be the best of ideas... the Southern Coast sounds fun, especially the part about the smaller ports. I'll get to teach the girls bakery navigation!"
Mahmut nodded at that. "A useful skill to have, I am sure."
"Indeed, almost as useful as navigating by the stars!", the Crown-Prince agreed.

From there, the customs went quickly and efficiently. The declared items were not restricted and the Debarwa was not to be searched.
In any case, the customs boat directed the Debarwa to her docking place, the 23 metres long vessel being placed on the same wharf as the Ríméad for the time being - said time being being the time until the Race of the Harbour Runners.
The Ríméad was a Capall na dTonn, a Wavehorse from the Free Lands, was one of the main attractions and a replica of an older vessel of the same name from the 18th century. She was two-masted, her hull and form speaking of speed and grace on both shallow water and the ocean.
The flag on the main mast's top was dipped as the Debarwa docked, a show of respect on command of the Captain, who doubled as a professor of the University of Silverport, his crew being students of history and shipbuilding.
The first tour groups were already aboard.

The flags on the main mast of the Debarwa were also dipped as a sign of respect. One was the Brukean flag, and the other was the flag of the Royal Explorers Society: a light blue banner emblazoned with the Society’s seal- featuring the Saints Caleb and Joshua of Biblical times.

As the yacht finished docking, Joaquin stepped ashore while Awate and Brandon continued to prepare for the race.

He took in the view of the charming city and its harbor, looking at the other vessels on the water.

Llastres has a modest shipbuilding sector, with only two prominent companies: Amaia specializes in building oil tankers and other vessels for local energy companies, and the Sociedad Industrial de la Bahía de Cantabria, which owns the city’s sole shipyard and builds everything from sailing yachts to catamaran ferries.

As a Llastreseño, he could appreciate the fine craftsmanship on display here. He decided to start his tour with the Ríméad, the nearest vessel.

As Joaquin climbed aboard, he was quick to greet the Captain.

Captain Ayden Sliospholl of the Tribe of Wicklow had the sailor guarding the gangplank allow entrance to Joaquin with all honours and haste, past the row of visitors standing in line. Sliospholl was a tall man, a sea-bear only missing the beard, brown-haired and he seemed like a jolly fellow.
He greeted Joaquin with a hearty handshake, a grin and had to restrain himself from hugging the man as if he was a long-lost brother.
His first words after that were, indeed: "So... that beauty over there..." He pointed to the Debarwa, grinning, "...she's your bonny lass, aint she? This here is mine. Ríméad." He grinned. "A good girl... she mounts many a wave, carries us safely where we need to go. Bet you can say the same about yours, eh?"

Marcella took the embracing hug from the Sultana. Strange woman indeed considering how much she was standing against the relationship between Aurelia and Marcella but she kept it to herself for now and put on her airs of a proper noble lady. Clearing her throat, "Your Grace, how lovely it is to be here again. It's been a long journey but I managed well. And Aurelia was great to come great me as soon as I arrived. Having a friendly face to land in port with, always a welcome for a weary sailor. Might I say you look quite well which is always good to see." She took her seat beside Aurelia.

---

Asuna put on a sad smile. Feeling the sympathy of the forlorn Princess and her Duchess. "Indeed. Well join me won't you?" She gestured for Rasha to lead her inside. And entered they did and indeed there were a few people here, not that surprising. Asuna was at ease she was used to communal bathing anyway. A man asked who Asuna was and she introduced herself as such. "Asuna Motoki from AHSCA. Pleasure."

The Sultana nodded, blushing lightly at the compliments.
"It is Our pleasure to know Your company again, Marcella-Khana.", the Sultana said, bowing her head lightly. She understood, why Marcella wanted to play this in the safe, less familial, but more firmly known way of protocol. She had been in her shoes once, a long time ago, sitting in the living room of her later husband's parents. "And indeed, Our Granddaughter has done Us proud."
Aurelia bowed her head. "It has been my pleasure, Sultana."
"Indeed, We can imagine.", the older lady replied and then exhaled, "So, Marcella-Khana... allow Us to cut the chase. We want You to break up with Our Granddaughter, or the other way around, if that is more pleasing to You. She disobeyed... and We want to know why."
Aurelia gave Marcella's hand a firm squeeze. This were the Old Dreadnought's Guns aimed at them, the time it decided about good or bad fortune for their relationship.
Now was the time.

"The pleasure is ours, Miss Motoki.", the young man, Amir, said with a smile and a bow, the other two men following suit. He then motioned to the free seat by his side. "Please, have a seat. We were just discussing the bathing culture in different parts of Kyrenaia - there are minute details, which differ from one place to the next, but I heard from a friend with the TBA, that the bathing culture in the UIS differs quite heavily from ours."
Sitting next to Amir would place Asuna between her and the squat businessman, who took time as he watched Asuna join them, while following her friend from the changing room would place her next to her and her sister on one side and the man with the nice laugh on the other side.

[Kuronami]

Ilia grinned and noted what had been said.
"That all sounds equally much fun, but I am going to have novices in sailing aboard. Maybe Mazomba might not be the best of ideas... the Southern Coast sounds fun, especially the part about the smaller ports. I'll get to teach the girls bakery navigation!"
Mahmut nodded at that. "A useful skill to have, I am sure."
"Indeed, almost as useful as navigating by the stars!", the Crown-Prince agreed.

"In that case for a soft easing into the art that is sailing yes, the south coast is your best bet. It's pretty easy to stay within close enough range of the coast and it's well traversed so plenty around should things get dicey."

"Look at that," Yuki complimented "Yuzu-chan future captain on the high seas!"

"aha well I sure hope so one day!" Yuzu responded "Long before flight all we had was the oceans to crisscross. Only question is what kind of vessel, commercial, travel vessel, naval? Well plenty of time to think about that, I'm still in Middle School so that won't be for some time."

[AHSCA]

The Sultana nodded, blushing lightly at the compliments.
"It is Our pleasure to know Your company again, Marcella-Khana.", the Sultana said, bowing her head lightly. She understood, why Marcella wanted to play this in the safe, less familial, but more firmly known way of protocol. She had been in her shoes once, a long time ago, sitting in the living room of her later husband's parents. "And indeed, Our Granddaughter has done Us proud."
Aurelia bowed her head. "It has been my pleasure, Sultana."
"Indeed, We can imagine.", the older lady replied and then exhaled, "So, Marcella-Khana... allow Us to cut the chase. We want You to break up with Our Granddaughter, or the other way around, if that is more pleasing to You. She disobeyed... and We want to know why."
Aurelia gave Marcella's hand a firm squeeze. This were the Old Dreadnought's Guns aimed at them, the time it decided about good or bad fortune for their relationship.
Now was the time.

"The pleasure is ours, Miss Motoki.", the young man, Amir, said with a smile and a bow, the other two men following suit. He then motioned to the free seat by his side. "Please, have a seat. We were just discussing the bathing culture in different parts of Kyrenaia - there are minute details, which differ from one place to the next, but I heard from a friend with the TBA, that the bathing culture in the UIS differs quite heavily from ours."
Sitting next to Amir would place Asuna between her and the squat businessman, who took time as he watched Asuna join them, while following her friend from the changing room would place her next to her and her sister on one side and the man with the nice laugh on the other side.

Marcella choked just a bit as the Sultana wasted little time to get right to the point. Yikes! But again Aurelia's reassuring squeeze and her mothers echoing wisdom calmed her. [i]The right words would come.

"Milady, Your Grace...She did disobey. At my insistence. So if there's someone to be punished or made an example of, then it shall be me. But the truth of the matter is, Aurelia and I, love each other greatly. I know your traditions and ours differ but we came together on matters right? We're both fine reasonable women, surely we can learn to accept each other's desires. Aurelia is a special woman to me. She came to AHSCA to dissolve our relationship but she couldn't find it in her heart to do so. She risked life and limb to arrive to my home, she rode out a major storm with me. If she truly was ready to simply give up this relationship we have then she would have written me a letter but she didn't. If that isn't a sign our Heavens have come together to bring us together than Milady, I really do not know what."

The words had come indeed. Marcella found a way to ideally appeal to her senses as a woman who no doubt loved someone important once upon a time, her spirituality, both were women of strong conviction and faith, Marcella believed truly her Goddess and the Gods of the Kyrenian people were watching over them, and hopefully reason and logic considering everything Aurelia did was true.

---

taking a seat where it was free Asuna was asked about the bathing customs from where she was from. "Well I'm not as acquainted here just what I've heard from other travelers so I'm not so sure about how different we are. Well aside I can say we're more about full submersion in water but this is a desert so I get why it may be limited to just steam. We do have co-ed and single sex bathing depending on how people feel. Are all baths here completely integrated?"

[Aurora Confederacy]

Ingmar would hardly have expected to hear anything else from Zoe and Micky, given that this had exactly been his own impression when he had taken a look inside the cabin the first time.
Although Ingmar himself as well as the previous owners had modernized parts of the Milenka's interior, for example the galley, the radio, and the bunks, the past century was still visible with the chart table and the old wooden planks the floor and the walls consisted of. The bulks were in a separate room, which the crew had individualized a bit, the walls decorated with posters showing them with their old Navy unit, some other pictures, some collected license plates, and so on.
The small corner with an old wooden bench and a wooden table, which was supposed to eat in, definitely came from the ship's early days, which, however, still made them comfortable.
To Zoe's question, Ingmar replied, "Well, everything, that isn't obviously new, is original. And navigating by stars and the sun is an essential lesson to be taught to everyone who wants to go by sea - yes, we do have GPS and the like nowadays - but these can break down, and one should know how to get to places. Just like car drivers should be able to read maps, to follow signs, to know where the most important cities and road intersections are. It is the same with going by ship. Our ancestors have found our places without all these thingies, too, after all."
"Anyone want a coffee or tea?" - Ratko asked.

"back in the day im guessing you'd probably hot rack, you hop out and the next guy hops into a warm bed, and when you go bed it still hot from the guy before it" mentioned Zoe as she gave the cabins an admiring eye. "yes, finding your way somewhere is one thing, anyone can do that, what counts is finding your way back"

Micky listenned to the captain intently before hearing Ratko mention drinks,
"Coffee for Zoe, white two sugars please, Tea for me, white one sugar please"

It was at that moment that Jax had come in to seek the shade, announcing his presence with a small meow before making his way over to Zoe, circling her legs and looking up at her with bright, wide eyes, Zoe reached down and scooped the small feline up "no Jax, not yet, no no no!" she says, getting a meow as a reply. "have you got any water?" she asks, before turning to Micky "can you nip over to Luna and get some kittybits please", Zoe turned back to the captain, "sorry about that"

"sure" she replied before heading off, making her way over to her own boat to get a bag of cat snack. Whilst Micky was over on the Luna Mysteria, Zoe took a seat at the ships dining table, Zoe ran her hands over it as she felt the varnish with a smile and her face says it all, she is impressed by the quality, however to Zoe, its not so much the craftsmanship but the love that has been put into keeping a boat that is over a century old afloat and in good working order, in many ways like how the Luna has been returned to the water.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"The library onboard should have an edition of that legend, yes.", the Prince said with a small smile and nod, "At least, if I know Prince Damir even half as well as I believe I do... and who knows him that well these days?"
"You mean because of Princess Aurelia?", Nora asked, Karim nodded. The actress smiled at Joe. "My apologies, you might not be familiar with that... in short, Princess Aurelia bint-Damir, the daughter of our gracious host, has found her love... with another woman. Which is frowned upon here in Kyrenaia, to say the least. Now, Damir has always stood behind his daughter in this without any question, but the Sultana, the Gods may bless Her, et cetera, is not of that opinion. She is, after some time, strictly opposed and no one knows why after she showed approval at first." Nora let a beat pass. "To be honest, I find it admirable. He wants his daughter to be happy... might be the Selkie in me speaking, but if she is happy with a woman by her side, then who are we to judge?"
"No one. By law, at least.", Karim admitted, before he added, "To be honest, I am conflicted myself. On one side, the poet, on the next, the Prince, on the third, the human."

The Khana knew, what happened next was pure impulse, pure empathy from a little girl, which might not have been too princessy, but who had her heart in the right place.
She nearly didn't get there, but she hugged Peter. Sure, she barely managed wrapping her arms around his waist, but she saw a man in pain and she wanted to do something against that.
Amina let her do - it was that empathy, which would be a great bonus for her.
"No need to be sorry.", she told both, "We know, in media outlines, what is going on in New York." And that was her opinion on that as Khana. "In any case - if you want to enjoy yourselves, allow me to tell you a bit about Marla's crush..."
The former Emperor would feel her face's heat due to the blush through his clothing.

"Don't worry, we're perfectly aware of this story, replies Thomas with a smile. If I may entitle you two with a secret, Mr Vincao, our ambassador to AHSCA, is in fact a CIA Agent, and a dormer member of its Special Activities Division, or SAD. And you know that Aurelia has become a good friend of our grandchildren, although she didn't told them much avour this subject.
-It's normal, continues Joe, relationship troubles are always best dealt with only with your loved one. And about our right to judge them, we're firm believers that as long as it works, we keep our mouths shut. Besides, mentalities evolve with time.
-By the way, I hope that the Sultana doesn'r rough her up too much downstairs, says Thomas with a small chuckle. She's supposed to introduce us to each other after that.

As Marla hugs him, Peter pats her head lightly, a small tear of emotion falling from his eye.
-Thank you Marla, says the former Emperor with a big smile as he wipes his eye. Anyway, to finish with this, he continues as he turns to Amina, it's not just New York. Blachkov D C, our capital, is suffering from a great lot of civil unrest, although way less severe than in Manhattan. Since the Imperial Guard is on the ground there, it helps. So, why don't you tell us more about the boy who got this young Princess's heart? he finishes with a wink to Marla.

[Shwe Tu Colony]

All four girls smiled, although the redhead was still not liking the smell...

"Don't know what a Hammam is, but if you're offering, I'm sure it'll be wonderful," Spiciness said, shrugging his shoulders to expose a little bit more of his somewhat muscular chest.
"Eh, yeah, we're on Pifflenet," Seafood told Nesrin with a shrug, "All of the other for— er, all of the people with the Sousundowa Carême title share the account, so that's him & me. & like thirty other people or so, but they aren't nearly as attractive as us, I'll assure you. But still, nice to meet you, Nesrin. Most people call me, eh, Seafood. My brother isn't here so I won't need the first part of my name, which is a bit embarrassing, huhu." He smirked.

He gave a glance at her briefly exposed chest just to acknowledge her flirtations, only to suddenly stand up straight, his eyes widening in surprise as he dropped Spiciness's boxing gloves, grabbed his arm, & whirled him around. "Wh-what the heck is it!" Spiciness hissed out, noticing the uncharacteristic panic in his friend's eyes, "Dude, we're really close to something! This better be important... ah, who am I kidding, you're always my first priority."
"D-dude, I f-feel something... strange," Seafood whispered, glancing downward & visibly trembling, "Like... like some s-sort of fish in my pants." After he said this, a small mackerel suddenly slipped out of his pants, landing on the floor. "Look, I-I gotta go clean myself, I still feel fish, & it's [DATA DELETED] disgusting! I'll be right back!" he said, trying to speed off into the distance, only to be held back by his friend's hand.
"Ah, hold on, lemme come with you," his friend said, "You know, in case you need any help with your fish."
"What? No! I'll be fine by myself," the other shook off his hand & rushed away to a restroom, & since there was quite literally fish that had evidently gotten displaced inside of him, there were quiet squishing sounds as he ran, "Oh cod, oh cod, this is [DATA DELETED] nasty..."

"Well, um..." Spiciness began, turning around to face the girls & ignoring the mackerel left on the floor, which would probably get stepped on later, "He'll-he'll be back. He said there was some fish in his pants that he needed to handle, but it looks like he won't need me to help him with it. He should come back soon if his fish aren't, like, stuck or something. Maybe the two of us can cook it together or something later." He shrugged nonchalantly.

[Danceria]

"Ah, you're one of that sort...", Dilara said with a small smile, noting how the Ilkhana stifled a laugh.
"This Gymnast should have better not strayed from his sports equipment.", she said, "Men might be made of flesh, but I have yet to see a man, who is commanded by his heart and his brain and not his little piece of manhood." She let a beat pass. "Again, with one exception, but they, as they say, reinforce the rules."
Her mirth vanished as suddenly as a stone thrown into the water.
"Come.", she commanded - not asked, but commanded and her tone, as she turned onto the deck and towards the deckhouse, booked no argument..

Aceus was about to counter that in fact that she, rather than he, as was the pen-name of one of Danceria's Middle Philosophers until the command was issued. The Dancerian King would nod, his face stoic, his eyes alert, and following the Ilkhana into the Deckhouse and the lion's den. A prayer to the Valar was silently uttered, to grant him wisdom and a place in the afterlife, should he fail to demonstrate wisdom. She would not appreciate verbal fencing and judging by the tone, the Ilkhana was in no mood for further verbal fencing.

[Shamsiyya]

The police officer nodded and hurried back, his people beginning with their work, sending the first tour group forwards.
There were nine, the Mother with Child, the Father, three lads in High School Age, who whispered to themselves as they quite blatantly (they believed, that they were hiding it well) checked out the ladies, a young man in his twenties with his girlfriend (the latter being the excited one), and an older, distinguished gentleman.
It was that last one, who bowed his head to the Captain.
"Captain Arslan...", he spoke with gravitas, the group having chosen him as a speaker for this, "...thank you for allowing us land-lubbers onto your vessel. Please, lead the way... or one of the charming ladies, maybe?"

Süleyman bowed his head back. "Absolutely no problem, sir, this is why we're here" - he said to the older gentleman the group had appointed as their speaker. "Now, the way onto the ship is easy to find. Please, go ahead!" With a vague hand gesture, he pointed along the gangplank, where Maryam, Iska, and Layla already waited for them in a welcoming manner.
Especially Iska, but also Layla grinned at the three boys who had whispered to themselves checking them out. Their grin would clearly tell something along the lines of, You guys don't seriously believe we don't notice that, eh?
Maryam had noticed it, too, but hid it, playing it in a professional way. And did way better than the boys.
When the group would enter, Süleyman would follow, taking one last look back to see whether Officer Zayir and his men had everything under control, which they indeed seemed to have, then turned to the group. "Welcome aboard the SFSS Malika Aljazirat - or 'Queen of the Islands' in English. It is a pleasure for us to be able to show you this vessel to you, and we hope that it will be as much of a pleasure for you as it is for us!"
The visitors would notice that, indeed, there was not much of things left which would suggest the original purpose of the ship - a cargo transport vessel primarily used by the Shamsiyyan People's Navy. Only two iron bases at each side of the deck would indicate that once, the ship had been armed by two small artillery pieces - sufficient for a cargo ship that had rarely sailed out without convois anyways. Other than that, the Malika was a rather typical schooner, Bermuda-rigged with two masts. Nonetheless, someone, who was familiar with materials and the prices of these, would surely see, that those used were everything else than cheap, but of high quality. The railing was decorated with the Coat of Arms of Shamsiyya; at the prow, one of the coats used a hammer and sickle instead of the Knot (not a mistake, rather an 'Easter Egg' reminding of the Malika's construction and use during the era of the Shamsiyyan FSPR). There were quite traces of the ship's history left, but some would require a second glance.
"What you may need to keep in mind" - Maryam now spoke up, "is that the Malika Aljazirat is actually a smaller replica of another vessel of the same name. The original Malika was built in 1923 and looked exactly like this one, but was way bigger and three-masted - and it was the first Bermuda-rigged vessel ever built in Shamsiyya, replacing the gaff-rigging, which used to be standard by then. So, the model for this one was still ordered by the Royal Shamsiyyan Navy, in service of the Shamsiyyan Sultanate, and a regular military vessel. The Malika Aljazirat II - the ship we're standing on - was built in 1951, by Yenikonya Dockyards, back then a state-owned company, like the first one. As I mentioned, it was mostly used for cargo shipping within the Shamsiyyan Lands, so while the original vessel got used in 1964 during the battle near Rosfahan in Ahjada, and survived, this one stayed home for the usual inter-island transport."
She let a beat pass.
"In 1972, the original one got discarded and now serves as a museum ship in Aryana Harbor, and in 1986, the SPN gave this ship back to Yenikonya Dockyards, and has been rented for leisure and as a party location ever since then. Thus, she was not in a military use anymore, but despite this, the prefix got changed into SFSS in 1991, when the Federal Republic of Shamsiyya got founded. It is still officially a part of the ship's name, whereas the 'Two' got omitted when the 'One' was taken out of service. The cannons were, of course, removed, but the bases are still there. And the interior has been changed, too. You will see that soon enough."
"It's basically my territory" - Iska interjected. "Namely, the bar."
Maryam had to grin. Then, she continued, "Now, please take your time and have a look at everything, and if you all think, you're ready for some tea, coffee, water, lemonade, whatever you're into, we may go on, inside."
Süleyman nodded, confirmingly and in approval.
Layla added, "And in case you have any questions until then - we're here, and we don't bite. Usually." She grinned.

[Lillorainen]

"back in the day im guessing you'd probably hot rack, you hop out and the next guy hops into a warm bed, and when you go bed it still hot from the guy before it" mentioned Zoe as she gave the cabins an admiring eye. "yes, finding your way somewhere is one thing, anyone can do that, what counts is finding your way back"

Micky listenned to the captain intently before hearing Ratko mention drinks,
"Coffee for Zoe, white two sugars please, Tea for me, white one sugar please"

It was at that moment that Jax had come in to seek the shade, announcing his presence with a small meow before making his way over to Zoe, circling her legs and looking up at her with bright, wide eyes, Zoe reached down and scooped the small feline up "no Jax, not yet, no no no!" she says, getting a meow as a reply. "have you got any water?" she asks, before turning to Micky "can you nip over to Luna and get some kittybits please", Zoe turned back to the captain, "sorry about that"

"sure" she replied before heading off, making her way over to her own boat to get a bag of cat snack. Whilst Micky was over on the Luna Mysteria, Zoe took a seat at the ships dining table, Zoe ran her hands over it as she felt the varnish with a smile and her face says it all, she is impressed by the quality, however to Zoe, its not so much the craftsmanship but the love that has been put into keeping a boat that is over a century old afloat and in good working order, in many ways like how the Luna has been returned to the water.

Ingmar agreed. "Some people claim that they always find their way back once they've found somewhere ... might make sense for car drivers, but for sailors, it can be different - considering how many explorers in history have found what they wanted to find, yet did not return home again, the reasons varying."
Ratko turned the water boiler on in order to make tea and coffee, then opened one of the cupboards, which were fixed with chains to prevent the dishes from falling out during one of Aegir's frequent phases of 'wave mood', took a sugar bowl, two spoons and two cups out, closed the cupboard again and placed the dishes next to the boiler.
Right in this moment, they heard a small meow.
Obviously, Jax had not wanted to stay on the Luna on his own. Zoe sent Micky to the Luna, to get some kittybits, then apologized for this incident - but Ingmar said, "Mah, it's no problem. As long as he won't get lost, it's all fine."
Ratko filled another bowl with water and passed it on to Merle, who placed it next to Zoe's seat.

[Kyrenaia]

Ilia grinned and noted what had been said.
"That all sounds equally much fun, but I am going to have novices in sailing aboard. Maybe Mazomba might not be the best of ideas... the Southern Coast sounds fun, especially the part about the smaller ports. I'll get to teach the girls bakery navigation!"
Mahmut nodded at that. "A useful skill to have, I am sure."
"Indeed, almost as useful as navigating by the stars!", the Crown-Prince agreed.

"In that case for a soft easing into the art that is sailing yes, the south coast is your best bet. It's pretty easy to stay within close enough range of the coast and it's well traversed so plenty around should things get dicey."

"Look at that," Yuki complimented "Yuzu-chan future captain on the high seas!"

"aha well I sure hope so one day!" Yuzu responded "Long before flight all we had was the oceans to crisscross. Only question is what kind of vessel, commercial, travel vessel, naval? Well plenty of time to think about that, I'm still in Middle School so that won't be for some time."

"Indeed, you have some time.", Ilia said, smiling warmly and, in part, speaking to all four children at his table, "Take it and use it well, to travel, to see the world, to learn and maybe even to teach. And of course to find your personal dream job. The future is yours to take, we are just stewarding it."
Mahmut gave a small, sad smile. That would never be a choice he would have - he was a Prince so he would become a Prince, maybe Ilkhan one sad day, so that was the end of that.
"To that, a toast!", he said and raised his cuppa, "To the future, wherever the winds carry us, and to its stewards!"

"Don't worry, we're perfectly aware of this story, replies Thomas with a smile. If I may entitle you two with a secret, Mr Vincao, our ambassador to AHSCA, is in fact a CIA Agent, and a dormer member of its Special Activities Division, or SAD. And you know that Aurelia has become a good friend of our grandchildren, although she didn't told them much avour this subject.
-It's normal, continues Joe, relationship troubles are always best dealt with only with your loved one. And about our right to judge them, we're firm believers that as long as it works, we keep our mouths shut. Besides, mentalities evolve with time.
-By the way, I hope that the Sultana doesn'r rough her up too much downstairs, says Thomas with a small chuckle. She's supposed to introduce us to each other after that.

As Marla hugs him, Peter pats her head lightly, a small tear of emotion falling from his eye.
-Thank you Marla, says the former Emperor with a big smile as he wipes his eye. Anyway, to finish with this, he continues as he turns to Amina, it's not just New York. Blachkov D C, our capital, is suffering from a great lot of civil unrest, although way less severe than in Manhattan. Since the Imperial Guard is on the ground there, it helps. So, why don't you tell us more about the boy who got this young Princess's heart? he finishes with a wink to Marla.

Maybe mentioning onto a Prince of an allied nation, that one - and by extension, it was possible, that there were more - of their ambassadors was a secret agent was not a good idea. It was usual for embassies to include some sort of secret service presence, even in Kyrenaia, but usually not that high, after all, that was just uncouth.
"Oh, Marcella-Khana will be fine.", Karim said, smiling, "I am more worried about myself. After all, I am not judging them, only conflicted."
"Which is the mark of a wise man.", Nora replied, making Karim blush lightly, "Knowing, when his view of a matter is challenged and voicing that, considering every way he looks at a matter."
"Dschamilla certainly has it easier.", Karim countered, "She's... well..."
"A Homophobe.", Nora supplied the word quite clearly, "Which is why I believe her to come out of the closet soon."
Karim laughed.

Amina and Marla, by now having stepped back, nodded.
They had heard about the unrest, too.
Motioning for the two men to sit in the deck chairs as well, the Khana sat down and pulled Marla onto her lap, who made herself comfortable, her face still deep red.
"The man in question...", the adopted Princess, who was very aware of the fact, spoke, "...is actually only a nice lad I know." A bit of her natural accent, the rolling Rs and dropped vowels, showed as she spoke, but she calmed as Amina softly began to stroke her back. "He was already taken, so he is not for me to crush on. Finnegan on the other hand..."
Marla giggled.
"He's a nice lad. And good-looking, too.", she said and smiled in a way only little girls finding out what this strange thing called 'love' was could.

All four girls smiled, although the redhead was still not liking the smell...

"Don't know what a Hammam is, but if you're offering, I'm sure it'll be wonderful," Spiciness said, shrugging his shoulders to expose a little bit more of his somewhat muscular chest.
"Eh, yeah, we're on Pifflenet," Seafood told Nesrin with a shrug, "All of the other for— er, all of the people with the Sousundowa Carême title share the account, so that's him & me. & like thirty other people or so, but they aren't nearly as attractive as us, I'll assure you. But still, nice to meet you, Nesrin. Most people call me, eh, Seafood. My brother isn't here so I won't need the first part of my name, which is a bit embarrassing, huhu." He smirked.

He gave a glance at her briefly exposed chest just to acknowledge her flirtations, only to suddenly stand up straight, his eyes widening in surprise as he dropped Spiciness's boxing gloves, grabbed his arm, & whirled him around. "Wh-what the heck is it!" Spiciness hissed out, noticing the uncharacteristic panic in his friend's eyes, "Dude, we're really close to something! This better be important... ah, who am I kidding, you're always my first priority."
"D-dude, I f-feel something... strange," Seafood whispered, glancing downward & visibly trembling, "Like... like some s-sort of fish in my pants." After he said this, a small mackerel suddenly slipped out of his pants, landing on the floor. "Look, I-I gotta go clean myself, I still feel fish, & it's [DATA DELETED] disgusting! I'll be right back!" he said, trying to speed off into the distance, only to be held back by his friend's hand.
"Ah, hold on, lemme come with you," his friend said, "You know, in case you need any help with your fish."
"What? No! I'll be fine by myself," the other shook off his hand & rushed away to a restroom, & since there was quite literally fish that had evidently gotten displaced inside of him, there were quiet squishing sounds as he ran, "Oh cod, oh cod, this is [DATA DELETED] nasty..."

"Well, um..." Spiciness began, turning around to face the girls & ignoring the mackerel left on the floor, which would probably get stepped on later, "He'll-he'll be back. He said there was some fish in his pants that he needed to handle, but it looks like he won't need me to help him with it. He should come back soon if his fish aren't, like, stuck or something. Maybe the two of us can cook it together or something later." He shrugged nonchalantly.

The girls watched the, one could not phrase it differently, spectacle with a mixture of disgust, then surprise as indeed a fish landed on the floor, then watched one of the twins move forward to pick the fish up and carry it to a trash can.
One should not litter.
After Spiciness' words, there was silence.
The other twin took over speaking for her friends as she asked: "Your pal is a tad weird, isn't he?"

Süleyman bowed his head back. "Absolutely no problem, sir, this is why we're here" - he said to the older gentleman the group had appointed as their speaker. "Now, the way onto the ship is easy to find. Please, go ahead!" With a vague hand gesture, he pointed along the gangplank, where Maryam, Iska, and Layla already waited for them in a welcoming manner.
Especially Iska, but also Layla grinned at the three boys who had whispered to themselves checking them out. Their grin would clearly tell something in the line of, You guys don't seriously believe we don't notice that, eh?
Maryam had noticed it, too, but hid it, playing it in a professional way. And did way better than the boys.
When the group would enter, Süleyman would follow, taking one last look back to see whether Officer Zayir and his men had everything under control, which they indeed seemed to have, then turned to the group. "Welcome aboard the SFSS Malika Aljazirat - or 'Queen of the Islands' in English. It is a pleasure for us to be able to show you this vessel to you, and we hope that it will be as much of a pleasure for you as it is for us!"
The visitors would notice that, indeed, there was not much of things left which would suggest the original purpose of the ship - a cargo transport vessel primarily used by the Shamsiyyan People's Navy. Only two iron bases at each side of the deck would indicate that once, the ship had been armed by two small artillery pieces - sufficient for a cargo ship that had rarely sailed out without convois anyways. Other than that, the Malika was a rather typical schooner, Bermuda-rigged with two masts. Nonetheless, someone, who was familiar with materials and the prices of these, would surely see, that those used were everything else than cheap, but of high quality. The railing was decorated with the Coat of Arms of Shamsiyya; at the prow, one of the coats used a hammer and sickle instead of the Knot (not a mistake, rather an 'Easter Egg' reminding of the Malika's construction and use during the era of the Shamsiyyan FSPR). There were quite traces of the ship's history left, but some would require a second glance.
"What you may need to keep in mind" - Maryam now spoke up, "is that the Malika Aljazirat is actually a smaller replica of another vessel of the same name. The original Malika was built in 1923 and looked exactly like this one, but was way bigger and three-masted - and it was the first Bermuda-rigged vessel ever built in Shamsiyya, replacing the gaff-rigging, which used to be standard by then. So, the model for this one was still ordered by the Royal Shamsiyyan Navy, in service of the Shamsiyyan Sultanate, and a regular military vessel. The Malika Aljazirat II - the ship we're standing on - was built in 1951, by Yenikonya Dockyards, back then a state-owned company, like the first one. As I mentioned, it was mostly used for cargo shipping within the Shamsiyyan Lands, so while the original vessel got used in 1964 during the battle near Rosfahan in Ahjada, and survived, this one stayed home for the usual inter-island transport."
She let a beat pass.
"In 1972, the original one got discarded and now serves as a museum ship in Aryana Harbor, and in 1986, the SPN gave this ship back to Yenikonya Dockyards, and has been rented for leisure and as a party location ever since then. Thus, she was not in a military use anymore, but despite this, the prefix got changed into SFSS in 1991, when the Federal Republic of Shamsiyya got founded. It is still officially a part of the ship's name, whereas the 'Two' got omitted when the 'One' was taken out of service. The cannons were, of course, removed, but the bases are still there. And the interior has been changed, too. You will see that soon enough."
"It's basically my territory" - Iska interjected. "Namely, the bar."
Maryam had to grin. Then, she continued, "Now, please take your time and have a look at everything, and if you all think, you're ready for some tea, coffee, water, lemonade, whatever you're into, we may go on, inside."
Süleyman nodded, confirmingly and in approval.
Layla added, "And in case you have any questions until then - we're here, and we don't bite. Usually." She grinned.

The tourists listened with great interests, looking around to the different point and imagining the original vessel as the Captain spoke.
Most managed to spot the decorations on the railing and the positions of the light artillery, the guns being removed, as well as a few other traces of the long history the vessel had. The old man, who had been the speaker for the Kyrenaians, noted of how much of a good quality the wood was.
The teens still stole glances at the girls, one of them replying to Iska's grin with one of his own, as if to say: You still look good, though.
The young man and his girlfriend, mostly his girlfriend, checked every nook and cranny while the parents explained to the child, what the Nice Uncle Captain (their appellation, if one understood Kyrenaian) had told them, translating his words. They stopped, though, when the child asked a question, then the mother smiled.
Approaching the Captain, she asked him: "Excuse me, Sir, but this might come off as a weird question, but my son asked, how you manage... well, waste disposal.", she asked.

Aceus was about to counter that in fact that she, rather than he, as was the pen-name of one of Danceria's Middle Philosophers until the command was issued. The Dancerian King would nod, his face stoic, his eyes alert, and following the Ilkhana into the Deckhouse and the lion's den. A prayer to the Valar was silently uttered, to grant him wisdom and a place in the afterlife, should he fail to demonstrate wisdom. She would not appreciate verbal fencing and judging by the tone, the Ilkhana was in no mood for further verbal fencing.

The inside of the deck house was very much like aboard the Sayarfur, a Captain's Cabin, meeting room and office in one and of appropriate size. Opposite to the door, on the far end, stood a desk, literally bolted to the floor, laden with papers of different uses, while between the door and said desk was a small seating group.
Of the half a dozen sitting cushions around the shin-high table, only one was occupied by a man around Aynur's age, his own hair of a reddish-blonde, closer to red. He was quite muscular, certainly a good competition for his wife in that regard, his red eyes sparkling with joy as he saw her, but turning to a cold rage, when he saw Aceus. That was, for a short time, forgotten as he kissed his wife with the same love and the same devotion as on day one.
On the far wall, a Handmaiden squatted, a little bit older then both the Ilkhan and the Ilkhana, her eyes open as she watched Aceus very openly with suspicion and distrust. It was actually against protocol, but both her employers would forgive her, she was Fara's personal handmaiden, after all - Aceus might have seen her during Fara's stay in the hospital.
Aynur sat down next to her husband, who looked Aceus up and down, not giving any indication, that the young man could sit or not.
"So, you are the spineless, cowardly cur, who almost got my daughter killed and might caused her to never bear children.", he said - he did not ask that, for he knew the answer. "I must say, with every boyfriend she brings home, Fara's taste gets worse and worse."
"Oh, I don't think, that you can compare any boy to Karim.", Aynur countered her husband, "He was a sweet young man, heads over heels for Fara and, if the rumour mill is to believed, now Fadia - and there was a spine of steel in his poetry and verses."

The Sultana nodded, blushing lightly at the compliments.
"It is Our pleasure to know Your company again, Marcella-Khana.", the Sultana said, bowing her head lightly. She understood, why Marcella wanted to play this in the safe, less familial, but more firmly known way of protocol. She had been in her shoes once, a long time ago, sitting in the living room of her later husband's parents. "And indeed, Our Granddaughter has done Us proud."
Aurelia bowed her head. "It has been my pleasure, Sultana."
"Indeed, We can imagine.", the older lady replied and then exhaled, "So, Marcella-Khana... allow Us to cut the chase. We want You to break up with Our Granddaughter, or the other way around, if that is more pleasing to You. She disobeyed... and We want to know why."
Aurelia gave Marcella's hand a firm squeeze. This were the Old Dreadnought's Guns aimed at them, the time it decided about good or bad fortune for their relationship.
Now was the time.

"The pleasure is ours, Miss Motoki.", the young man, Amir, said with a smile and a bow, the other two men following suit. He then motioned to the free seat by his side. "Please, have a seat. We were just discussing the bathing culture in different parts of Kyrenaia - there are minute details, which differ from one place to the next, but I heard from a friend with the TBA, that the bathing culture in the UIS differs quite heavily from ours."
Sitting next to Amir would place Asuna between her and the squat businessman, who took time as he watched Asuna join them, while following her friend from the changing room would place her next to her and her sister on one side and the man with the nice laugh on the other side.

Marcella choked just a bit as the Sultana wasted little time to get right to the point. Yikes! But again Aurelia's reassuring squeeze and her mothers echoing wisdom calmed her. The right words would come.

"Milady, Your Grace...She did disobey. At my insistence. So if there's someone to be punished or made an example of, then it shall be me. But the truth of the matter is, Aurelia and I, love each other greatly. I know your traditions and ours differ but we came together on matters right? We're both fine reasonable women, surely we can learn to accept each other's desires. Aurelia is a special woman to me. She came to AHSCA to dissolve our relationship but she couldn't find it in her heart to do so. She risked life and limb to arrive to my home, she rode out a major storm with me. If she truly was ready to simply give up this relationship we have then she would have written me a letter but she didn't. If that isn't a sign our Heavens have come together to bring us together than Milady, I really do not know what."

The words had come indeed. Marcella found a way to ideally appeal to her senses as a woman who no doubt loved someone important once upon a time, her spirituality, both were women of strong conviction and faith, Marcella believed truly her Goddess and the Gods of the Kyrenian people were watching over them, and hopefully reason and logic considering everything Aurelia did was true.

---

taking a seat where it was free Asuna was asked about the bathing customs from where she was from. "Well I'm not as acquainted here just what I've heard from other travelers so I'm not so sure about how different we are. Well aside I can say we're more about full submersion in water but this is a desert so I get why it may be limited to just steam. We do have co-ed and single sex bathing depending on how people feel. Are all baths here completely integrated?"

The other patrons of the bath listened with great interest, nodding along.
"So...", Amir said, "...you guys basically take a dip? That's quite awesome, that you have enough water for that." He motioned to the towel-turned-cushion. "But what do you do with the towels? Do you keep wearing them?"
"Amir...", the man with the booming laugh cautioned.
"Oh, right, sorry.", the young man added with a sheepish smile, "Technically, yes, all baths are fully for both genders, but practically, most owners put up special hours for those, who prefer only their gender in a bath or the people who rent the Bath put up restrictions. You were asked, if you wanted to be in a co-ed or in a single gender bath at the entrance, right? That's the principle in simple application."

Razia was silent, for a long time.
She saw Aurelia's hand grasping Marcella's, squeezing it reassuringly, saw the fire in the eyes of both young women, saw their conviction to their love... remembered her own love for a man, who was long since gone.
Marcella's words, they had struck more then one chord with Razia and, inside of her, it created a wonderful melody, reminding her...
...and like her own mother, she asked one question, to Aurelia: "Do you love her?"
"More then anything in the world.", the girl answered with strength. Not one more word needed to be said, so she did not say one more.
Razia nodded, leaning back into her chair and was silent, for a long, long time - then she reached to the table, under the vase being a small envelope, which Aurelia only now noticed.
"When I, all those months ago, gave you permission to be with Aurelia, Marcella, I had thought, that it would be a short fling. A flight of fancy.", she explained, raising her hand to halt any outburst of Aurelia, for which she already had taken in air, "I gave my preliminary permission in the hopes, that you would heal her... and look at her now." There was pride in her eyes as she regarded Aurelia. "Look at her now."
She turned the envelope in her hand.
"I would like to think, that I at least helped a bit, but I know, that this would be tooting my own horn, where I don't have a horn to toot.", she added and then reached over the table, holding the envelope out to Marcella. "This is a letter for the Matriarch of your house, Marcella. Speaking from one woman to another, from one [i]mother to another..." She smiled slightly, openly, the happiest and gladdest smile Aurelia had ever seen her smile. "...it is a formal request of mine. In it, I am asking her..."
She glanced over to Aurelia.
"...to allow Aurelia to court you.", Razia finished and Aurelia was suitably speechless.

[Shamsiyya]

The tourists listened with great interests, looking around to the different point and imagining the original vessel as the Captain spoke.
Most managed to spot the decorations on the railing and the positions of the light artillery, the guns being removed, as well as a few other traces of the long history the vessel had. The old man, who had been the speaker for the Kyrenaians, noted of how much of a good quality the wood was.
The teens still stole glances at the girls, one of them replying to Iska's grin with one of his own, as if to say: You still look good, though.
The young man and his girlfriend, mostly his girlfriend, checked every nook and cranny while the parents explained to the child, what the Nice Uncle Captain (their appellation, if one understood Kyrenaian) had told them, translating his words. They stopped, though, when the child asked a question, then the mother smiled.
Approaching the Captain, she asked him: "Excuse me, Sir, but this might come off as a weird question, but my son asked, how you manage... well, waste disposal.", she asked.

While Süleyman did not understand the 'Nice Uncle Captain' appellation, Layla, who had studied Linguistics and therefore knew most of the differences between Shamsiyyan and other languages more or less related to it, had less trouble understanding Kyrenaian (but trying to speak it would reveal her as a Shamsiyyan quite quickly) and therefore had to smile at the reference.
Iska would almost have expected one the teens to ask her, Layla or Maryam something around I've lost my phone number, can I have yours?, or another one of these bad pick-up lines she would have wished to receive one Guinea each time she heard them, but the boys seemed to be capable of controlling themselves - whether or not Layla's note, that they usually didn't bite, was helping it a bit would remain a mystery forever.
The mother of the child translated her son's question for Süleyman. The way she asked quite suggested that her son was interested in the management of a particular sort of waste. He replied, "Oh, don't worry, it isn't a weird question - you would be surprised how many times we're asked this! Now, it's easy: right under the deck, there are two large containers, one for freshwater, one for wastewater. The latter indeed stores everything that leaves the passengers' bodies, and when the ship arrives in a harbor, the waste is pumped out and led to the next clarification plant - the same place the wastewater from the land goes, too. At the same time, freshwater is pumped into the other container. While it does take its time with giant cruisers, it is done within a few minutes with ships of this size."
He let a beat pass.
"While I still can remember the times when most ships just dropped their waste in the sea, the container solution is common standard in Shamsiyya nowadays, for the cause of environmental protection."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Maybe mentioning onto a Prince of an allied nation, that one - and by extension, it was possible, that there were more - of their ambassadors was a secret agent was not a good idea. It was usual for embassies to include some sort of secret service presence, even in Kyrenaia, but usually not that high, after all, that was just uncouth.
"Oh, Marcella-Khana will be fine.", Karim said, smiling, "I am more worried about myself. After all, I am not judging them, only conflicted."
"Which is the mark of a wise man.", Nora replied, making Karim blush lightly, "Knowing, when his view of a matter is challenged and voicing that, considering every way he looks at a matter."
"Dschamilla certainly has it easier.", Karim countered, "She's... well..."
"A Homophobe.", Nora supplied the word quite clearly, "Which is why I believe her to come out of the closet soon."
Karim laughed.

Amina and Marla, by now having stepped back, nodded.
They had heard about the unrest, too.
Motioning for the two men to sit in the deck chairs as well, the Khana sat down and pulled Marla onto her lap, who made herself comfortable, her face still deep red.
"The man in question...", the adopted Princess, who was very aware of the fact, spoke, "...is actually only a nice lad I know." A bit of her natural accent, the rolling Rs and dropped vowels, showed as she spoke, but she calmed as Amina softly began to stroke her back. "He was already taken, so he is not for me to crush on. Finnegan on the other hand..."
Marla giggled.
"He's a nice lad. And good-looking, too.", she said and smiled in a way only little girls finding out what this strange thing called 'love' was could.

Although Karim was right in his doubts, it would not change much in the end whether Thomas would have revealed this information or not. Because of AHSCA's remote location, and the fact that the diplomatic personnel there had to be reduced to a strict minimum because of a lack of space, it meant that there wasn't much important to report on it, and that having a spy as an ambassador was a trivial matter, at least in the former's Ambassador's eyes.
"The mark of a wise man indeed, replies Pavel's grandfather, but not something I'm fond of. Anyway, since our grandchildren didn't have the chance to meet your sister during their state visit, I'll hope you'll help us fix that by introducing us to her?
-Seeing as our grandchildren already know Aurelia, continues Joe, by meeting her we may have our answer about why they're constantly at odds."

Sitting on the two decks chair as well, Pter and Frank listen to Marla's speech with large smiles.
"Well, replies the former Emperor once she's finished, at least you still have someone to set your eyes on. A word of advice from an old man: if you're sure of your feelings about him, don't take too much time in making your declaration."
Meanwhile, Frank makes a small sign to a passing handmaiden, to request two glasses of water, before winking to Amina as if to say: She's so cute like that. And congratulations, we see you trained her to be a proper lady.

[Aurora Confederacy]

Ingmar agreed. "Some people claim that they always find their way back once they've found somewhere ... might make sense for car drivers, but for sailors, it can be different - considering how many explorers in history have found what they wanted to find, yet did not return home again, the reasons varying."
Ratko turned the water boiler on in order to make tea and coffee, then opened one of the cupboards, which were fixed with chains to prevent the dishes from falling out during one of Aegir's frequent phases of 'wave mood', took a sugar bowl, two spoons and two cups out, closed the cupboard again and placed the dishes next to the boiler.
Right in this moment, they heard a small meow.
Obviously, Jax had not wanted to stay on the Luna on his own. Zoe sent Micky to the Luna, to get some kittybits, then apologized for this incident - but Ingmar said, "Mah, it's no problem. As long as he won't get lost, it's all fine."
Ratko filled another bowl with water and passed it on to Merle, who placed it next to Zoe's seat.

"Aye. There are a number of wrecked boats around our northern shore to tell a tale of many - o - mariner who went out never to get home again, yet those who found our islands back in the norse viking days did return many times, hence why the northern part of the country has nordic names such as Barentsburg, Longyearbyen, Jan Mayen. You should sail to Barentsburg at least once, its a small but beautiful city but in winter it gets blocked in as the harbour can sometimes freeze solid, although this year it hasn't quite frozen over yet" mentioned Zoe as Micky returned with a small box of Kitty bits. Kitty bits are small cube shaped cat biscuits if various flavours that are fortified to give a cat a balanced diet, sold in this case under the brand "Kittybits"

As the drinks were brought to the table along with the bowl of water, Zoe and Micky gave a polite thanks, Jax was soon placed on the floor by the bowl where he also began to drink. "So where have you been in Milenka then?" asked Micky as she took her seat and began to give Jax a few Kittybits, the cat quite litterally taking them out of Micky's hand.

[Lillorainen]

Aye. There are a number of wrecked boats around our northern shore to tell a tale of many - o - mariner who went out never to get home again, yet those who found our islands back in the norse viking days did return many times, hence why the northern part of the country has nordic names such as Barentsburg, Longyearbyen, Jan Mayen. You should sail to Barentsburg at least once, its a small but beautiful city but in winter it gets blocked in as the harbour can sometimes freeze solid, although this year it hasn't quite frozen over yet" mentioned Zoe as Micky returned with a small box of Kitty bits. Kitty bits are small cube shaped cat biscuits if various flavours that are fortified to give a cat a balanced diet, sold in this case under the brand "Kittybits"

As the drinks were brought to the table along with the bowl of water, Zoe and Micky gave a polite thanks, Jax was soon placed on the floor by the bowl where he also began to drink. "So where have you been in Milenka then?" asked Micky as she took her seat and began to give Jax a few Kittybits, the cat quite litterally taking them out of Micky's hand.

When Zoe and Micky had received their drinks, the three Lillo-sailors prepared their own drinks - Ingmar drank tee with two sugars; Merle and Ratko preferred coffee, black, without sugar - and sat down. They had quite attentively listened to Zoe, and that had a particular reason.
Merle had to grin. "Then, I think that our countries have more in common than we assumed" - she said. "You probably won't wonder too much about city names like Lysköping, Steenstrup, Lollerup, Longenager, Saskilde, Stralköping, or Dankersund."
"Not to mention Merle's unpronounceable last name" - Ratko added.
"In fact, we - especially our Eastern Islands - are Nordic, too" - Merle continued, ignoring Ratko's interjection. "With the difference that our ancestors preferred to stay there, along with the other settlers from far lands. The archipelago is called Lillöer, from lille øer, 'small islands', which also 'Lillorainen' derives from."
"While I myself belong to the Cult of Boginja, Ingmar and Merle follow Norse paganism" - Ratko said; Merle and Ingmar nodded. "Which is also the most prevalent faith in the Federation."
"And while our official language is German, preferrably dialects of Low German, there are also Scandinavian variants spoken in some parts." Merle had a sip of coffee. "So, I take, that, unlike with us, the place names are basically the only Nordic thing left in the Aurora Confederacy? Since you mention that they went off again, returned at some point, or stayed on the sea. Be it as it may - it really sounds interesting. We might go on some trip there someday in the future - obviously during a warmer season. Milenka isn't an ice-breaker, after all."
Ingmar turned to Micky. "I hope you like the tea? It's from the Free Lands of the Selkie - a friend of us has a cousin who brought it from a longer stay there. He didn't mention the price, but given the quality, I'd say, we should have given Robert more than just ten Marks for it."

[Aurora Confederacy]

When Zoe and Micky had received their drinks, the three Lillo-sailors prepared their own drinks - Ingmar drank tee with two sugars; Merle and Ratko preferred coffee, black, without sugar - and sat down. They had quite attentively listened to Zoe, and that had a particular reason.
Merle had to grin. "Then, I think that our countries have more in common than we assumed" - she said. "You probably won't wonder too much about city names like Lysköping, Steenstrup, Lollerup, Longenager, Saskilde, Stralköping, or Dankersund."
"Not to mention Merle's unpronounceable last name" - Ratko added.
"In fact, we - especially our Eastern Islands - are Nordic, too" - Merle continued, ignoring Ratko's interjection. "With the difference that our ancestors preferred to stay there, along with the other settlers from far lands. The archipelago is called Lillöer, from lille øer, 'small islands', which also 'Lillorainen' derives from."
"While I myself belong to the Cult of Boginja, Ingmar and Merle follow Norse paganism" - Ratko said; Merle and Ingmar nodded. "Which is also the most prevalent faith in the Federation."
"And while our official language is German, preferrably dialects of Low German, there are also Scandinavian variants spoken in some parts." Merle had a sip of coffee. "So, I take, that, unlike with us, the place names are basically the only Nordic thing left in the Aurora Confederacy? Since you mention that they went off again, returned at some point, or stayed on the sea. Be it as it may - it really sounds interesting. We might go on some trip there someday in the future - obviously during a warmer season. Milenka isn't an ice-breaker, after all."
Ingmar turned to Micky. "I hope you like the tea? It's from the Free Lands of the Selkie - a friend of us has a cousin who brought it from a longer stay there. He didn't mention the price, but given the quality, I'd say, we should have given Robert more than just ten Marks for it."

"pretty much it, that and the food on the northern parts of the country, we also have mount Halvaar and Mount Sula'm'buru, both named after the people to climb them, although at the moment both mountains are miss behaving, As we left Auroran waters we sailed around the north of the island and could see the ash cloud from Sula and when she gets angry normally Halvaar joins the party but if you sail the Milenka to Rai'Lal its pleasant year round being several thousand kilometers away. From there you can explore the southern uplands as well as the continental part of the country and if you go up the Kai'Ilana river to the locks at kai'ilana itself you can sail into Lake Hai'lu'kai, a clear fresh water lake that is one of the largest lakes in Astyria its also crystal clear and very clean water"

Micky turned to the captain and took a sip "yeah, it's quite pleasant" she answers with a smile.

"The next time Fitt goes there I will ask her to get some, she was there in twenty seventeen for their spring festival selling fish and their harbour was also home to the Luna. The free lands are a pleasant getaway from the rat race too" comments Zoe, "and if you want a tropical getaway, there's Khayr Var. That is to us what Hawaii is to America, two islands of paradise, oh and a volcano too, though thankfully that one is dormant and off shore so doesn't pose an direct risk to the islands"

[Lillorainen]

"pretty much it, that and the food on the northern parts of the country, we also have mount Halvaar and Mount Sula'm'buru, both named after the people to climb them, although at the moment both mountains are miss behaving, As we left Auroran waters we sailed around the north of the island and could see the ash cloud from Sula and when she gets angry normally Halvaar joins the party but if you sail the Milenka to Rai'Lal its pleasant year round being several thousand kilometers away. From there you can explore the southern uplands as well as the continental part of the country and if you go up the Kai'Ilana river to the locks at kai'ilana itself you can sail into Lake Hai'lu'kai, a clear fresh water lake that is one of the largest lakes in Astyria its also crystal clear and very clean water"

Micky turned to the captain and took a sip "yeah, it's pleasant" she answers with a smile.

"The next time Fitt goes there I will ask her to get some, she was there in twenty seventeen for their spring festival selling fish and their harbour was also home to the Luna. The free lands are a pleasant getaway from the rat race too" comments Zoe, "and if you want a tropical getaway, there's Khayr Var. That is to us what Hawaii is to America, two islands of paradise, oh and a volcano too, though thankfully that one is dormant and off shore so doesn't pose an direct risk to the islands"

Ingmar nodded. "Trying to keep that in mind" - he said. "It also cannot harm to know about the most dangerous places - to prevent ourselves from ending up like some of our ... well, relatives, in a wider sense."
Merle was thinking about her home, and that Lillorainen was rather missing its own version of Hawaiʻi ... contrary to the Free Lands, with their Oileánra-Archipelago, which wasn't tropical in a closer sense, but had a similar climate. Lillorainen could have had theirs, but the Ainalaui thing had turned out so badly for the Storöer-League, that it wasn't really talked about up to these days. Not to mention the incident with Jazirat Alshahwa, an issue Kyrenaia had struggled with some time ago, even multiple times. Or the Prussian-Polish Commonwealth with their colonial wars ... getting one's own Place at the Sun, and keeping it, was harder than many people thought.
"You might also wish to see some places in the Lillöer-Archipelago" - Ratko said. "Contrary to popular belief, we don't only have big cities, but also a number of nice landscapes. The West Coast of Elverholm pretty much looks like California."
"... and feels like Baghdad" - Ingmar added, referring to the issues the Federation had with its annoying neighbor there.
"Visholm is nice in spring and summer, too" - Merle said. "Well, I might be biased, since it's my home state, but still ... other than that, Sigurdsholm - the main island of Lillöer-State - isn't really mountainous, but has a lot of nice beaches."
"There are indeed many places to visit in the world" - said Ingmar again, "certainly way more than a single human can go to in his or her life. Depending how much time we've got in twenty-nineteen, we might just sail off and see where Aegir's waves carry us - or whomever the waves may belong to. And maybe we even meet somewhere else again."
Ratko nodded, swallowing a Hopefully! down. And said, "And until then, we just enjoy the nicely hot climate in here."

[Bruke]

Captain Ayden Sliospholl of the Tribe of Wicklow had the sailor guarding the gangplank allow entrance to Joaquin with all honours and haste, past the row of visitors standing in line. Sliospholl was a tall man, a sea-bear only missing the beard, brown-haired and he seemed like a jolly fellow.
He greeted Joaquin with a hearty handshake, a grin and had to restrain himself from hugging the man as if he was a long-lost brother.
His first words after that were, indeed: "So... that beauty over there..." He pointed to the Debarwa, grinning, "...she's your bonny lass, aint she? This here is mine. Ríméad." He grinned. "A good girl... she mounts many a wave, carries us safely where we need to go. Bet you can say the same about yours, eh?"

Joaquin, being a man of genteel exterior but gruff interior, was expecting the Captain to give a formal greeting and then politely tell him to piss off.

It took him a few moments to process and then react to the welcome he received. Here he was, dressed in his best -a three-piece suit, Italian loafers, and large aviator sunglasses, with a Panama hat to cover what little hair he had left- and it was all being ruffled.

Eh, it’s just clothes, and clothes don’t make the man.

He looked to the Debarwa. “I’m just the manager, the Debarwa belongs to the Royal Explorers Society. I’m supposed to look after her when on a goodwill tour, but when she’s back in Llastres another fellow takes care of the maintenance and what not. I can’t tell you much about the history, but in broad strokes, she’s been a hideaway for mobsters, a target for communist revolutionaries, a rich tycoon’s plaything, and now a living history museum used for goodwill tours. You’d have to ask Awate or Brandon about the particulars, like I said I’m just the manager.” Joaquin was still uneasy with his new role as manager, particularly with how he was chosen for the position, and it showed on his face.

“She was handed over to me only as few weeks ago, after my... let’s call an early retirement. I was mayor of Llastres for almost 30 years. Would have stayed on longer but then there was the handover... It’s always out with the old, and in with the new with these kind of things. Now I’m here.”

Joaquin took out a carton of cigars from the Royal Cigar Company -which had expanded operations to Llastres in anticipation of being granted monopoly status by Parliament. Leaves a terrible taste in the mouth, but they were damn cheap. “I would offer you one of these, but... eh... they’re not the best.” He put the carton back in his breast pocket, got out a cigar cutter and his lighter, and soon was puffing away. With each puff, he felt his stress melting away. Or perhaps that was his lungs being filled with particles. It was easy to confuse the two sensations.

“The Ríméad seems to be quite the vessel. The design is very distinctive, very elegant. Nothing like I’ve seen before.”

[AHSCA]

The other patrons of the bath listened with great interest, nodding along.
"So...", Amir said, "...you guys basically take a dip? That's quite awesome, that you have enough water for that." He motioned to the towel-turned-cushion. "But what do you do with the towels? Do you keep wearing them?"
"Amir...", the man with the booming laugh cautioned.
"Oh, right, sorry.", the young man added with a sheepish smile, "Technically, yes, all baths are fully for both genders, but practically, most owners put up special hours for those, who prefer only their gender in a bath or the people who rent the Bath put up restrictions. You were asked, if you wanted to be in a co-ed or in a single gender bath at the entrance, right? That's the principle in simple application."

Razia was silent, for a long time.
She saw Aurelia's hand grasping Marcella's, squeezing it reassuringly, saw the fire in the eyes of both young women, saw their conviction to their love... remembered her own love for a man, who was long since gone.
Marcella's words, they had struck more then one chord with Razia and, inside of her, it created a wonderful melody, reminding her...
...and like her own mother, she asked one question, to Aurelia: "Do you love her?"
"More then anything in the world.", the girl answered with strength. Not one more word needed to be said, so she did not say one more.
Razia nodded, leaning back into her chair and was silent, for a long, long time - then she reached to the table, under the vase being a small envelope, which Aurelia only now noticed.
"When I, all those months ago, gave you permission to be with Aurelia, Marcella, I had thought, that it would be a short fling. A flight of fancy.", she explained, raising her hand to halt any outburst of Aurelia, for which she already had taken in air, "I gave my preliminary permission in the hopes, that you would heal her... and look at her now." There was pride in her eyes as she regarded Aurelia. "Look at her now."
She turned the envelope in her hand.
"I would like to think, that I at least helped a bit, but I know, that this would be tooting my own horn, where I don't have a horn to toot.", she added and then reached over the table, holding the envelope out to Marcella. "This is a letter for the Matriarch of your house, Marcella. Speaking from one woman to another, from one mother to another..." She smiled slightly, openly, the happiest and gladdest smile Aurelia had ever seen her smile. "...it is a formal request of mine. In it, I am asking her..."
She glanced over to Aurelia.
"...to allow Aurelia to court you.", Razia finished and Aurelia was suitably speechless.

"Oh the towels," Asuna responded to the question. "we put them aside most of the time. Well you might find a person who will keep it secure if all they want to do is sit by the pool but even then it's pretty rare." She shrugged a little leaning back "Well I actually did the asking. Kind of not sure why I did ask, now that I think about it, I would have been fine with either."

---

The long pause of silence by Lady Razia was agonizing. Marcella could almost hear in her mind a loud tick toking of a clock, probably because she associated long pauses with a ticking clock, slowly ticking away each second feeling like minutes, hours feeling like days. She then spoke handing a letter to Marcella, for her mother. Now her mind was racing with the thought of what words for her mother were scribed on that paper. Of course she assumed fine words but she wouldn't read it. "I will deliver it to her, personally as soon as I'm home...." Then she did know just what the words were as soon as the Sultana continued, the words she almost couldn't believe came out from her: ...it is a formal request of mine. In it, I am asking her....to allow Aurelia to court you." "Oh Milady, thank you!" She nearly leapt from her spot to hug the dear woman tightly.

Though now she had another job to do once home, deliver the letter to her mother whom would certainly read it and write something just as flattering back, and have Noir destroy the papers for the nuclear option, not a real option of use of nuclear weapons, mind you, just the termination of relations between AHSCA and Kyrenaia if it had come to that. Granted it'd probably be more of a loss for AHSCA than Kyrenaia....But thank the Goddesses and Gods of the peoples everywhere, it wasn't coming to that.

[Kyrenaia]

While Süleyman did not understand the 'Nice Uncle Captain' appellation, Layla, who had studied Linguistics and therefore knew most of the differences between Shamsiyyan and other languages more or less related to it, had less trouble understanding Kyrenaian (but trying to speak it would reveal her as a Shamsiyyan quite quickly) and therefore had to smile at the reference.
Iska would almost have expected one the teens to ask her, Layla or Maryam something in the line of I've lost my phone number, can I have yours?, or another one of these bad pick-up lines she would have wished to receive one Guinea each time she heard them, but the boys seemed to be capable of controlling themselves - whether or not Layla's note, that they usually didn't bite, was helping it a bit would remain a mystery forever.
The mother of the child translated her son's question for Süleyman. The way she asked quite suggested that her son was interested in the management of a particular sort of waste. He replied, "Oh, don't worry, it isn't a weird question - you would be surprised how many times we're asked this! Now, it's easy: right under the deck, there are two large containers, one for freshwater, one for wastewater. The latter indeed stores everything that leaves the passengers' bodies, and when the ship arrives in a harbor, the waste is pumped out and led to the next clarification plant - the same place the wastewater from the land goes, too. At the same time, freshwater is pumped into the other container. While it does take its time with giant cruisers, it is done within a few minutes with ships of this size."
He let a beat pass.
"While I still can remember the times when most ships just dropped their waste in the sea, the container solution is common standard in Shamsiyya nowadays, for the cause of environmental protection."

The mother listened to the explanation, nodded and then went to translating it.
Layla would note, that it was not a literal translation but more of a quick summary, but lovingly told. The grinning teen had an eye on her, though, as she would undoubtedly notice as he wasn't very subtle.
In any case, as the mother had finished, her son beamed with a smile stretching from one ear to the other, and spoke, in a very broken English while bowing his head: "Tzank Yuu, Kaptein."
He was still a kid, so it was the thought that mattered, as the mother thought as she added her own bow. "Indeed, thank you for the reply, Captain. I'll leave you to your business, then.", she spoke to him and indeed left him.
Süleyman wasn't alone for long, though, as the old man came. "A wonderful vessel... I am an old sailor myself, you see, and back when I of the age your charming ladies have, such vessels were far more common. I believe, I even got to Shamsiyya a few times." He smiled, then pointed upwards. "Would you mind, if I were to try and reach your crow's nest? Showing these whippersnappers, what aged wisdom can give you in the ways of skill?"

Although Karim was right in his doubts, it would not change much in the end whether Thomas would have revealed this information or not. Because of AHSCA's remote location, and the fact that the diplomatic personnel there had to be reduced to a strict minimum because of a lack of space, it meant that there wasn't much important to report on it, and that having a spy as an ambassador was a trivial matter, at least in the former's Ambassador's eyes.
"The mark of a wise man indeed, replies Pavel's grandfather, but not something I'm fond of. Anyway, since our grandchildren didn't have the chance to meet your sister during their state visit, I'll hope you'll help us fix that by introducing us to her?
-Seeing as our grandchildren already know Aurelia, continues Joe, by meeting her we may have our answer about why they're constantly at odds."

Sitting on the two decks chair as well, Pter and Frank listen to Marla's speech with large smiles.
"Well, replies the former Emperor once she's finished, at least you still have someone to set your eyes on. A word of advice from an old man: if you're sure of your feelings about him, don't take too much time in making your declaration."
Meanwhile, Frank makes a small sign to a passing handmaiden, to request two glasses of water, before winking to Amina as if to say: She's so cute like that. And congratulations, we see you trained her to be a proper lady.

"Powerful women with hard heads and without the will to back down.", Karim explained with a slightly forlorn smile, "One enarmoured with the protocol to the point of being shortly before asking The Question, the other reluctantly observing it. One an Axerider, the other a horsearcher, one serious to the point of defining it, the other..."
He shrugged.
"Well, you get the picture.", he finished, "One would think, that opposites attract each other, but not with them."

Marla nodded at Peter's words.
"I actually did, already.", she said and blushed even deeper, "We even kissed." Her small, giddy smile shone brighter then the sun. "He told me, though, that he wanted to take it slowly, not rashly. He's... wonderful!"
The dreamy sigh of the Princess was accompanied by Amina bowing her head in gratitude to Frank, thanking him for the compliment.
It was clear, that her ward was heavily smitten with that boy and the Khana could not hold it against her, he was a nice lad and she was around that particular age. He also had a promising future ahead of him and, if Amina was honest, he would be very good looking, when he grew up.
A Handmaiden came and passed not only two glasses, but four, the Khana and her ward taking theirs with gratitude.
"May... may I give a toast?", Marla asked, the Khana nodded. "To love - may it bloom."
"Hear, hear."

Captain Ayden Sliospholl of the Tribe of Wicklow had the sailor guarding the gangplank allow entrance to Joaquin with all honours and haste, past the row of visitors standing in line. Sliospholl was a tall man, a sea-bear only missing the beard, brown-haired and he seemed like a jolly fellow.
He greeted Joaquin with a hearty handshake, a grin and had to restrain himself from hugging the man as if he was a long-lost brother.
His first words after that were, indeed: "So... that beauty over there..." He pointed to the Debarwa, grinning, "...she's your bonny lass, aint she? This here is mine. Ríméad." He grinned. "A good girl... she mounts many a wave, carries us safely where we need to go. Bet you can say the same about yours, eh?"

Joaquin, being a man of genteel exterior but gruff interior, was expecting the Captain to give a formal greeting and then politely tell him to piss off.

It took him a few moments to process and then react to the welcome he received. Here he was, dressed in his best -a three-piece suit, Italian loafers, and large aviator sunglasses, with a Panama hat to cover what little hair he had left- and it was all being ruffled.

Eh, it’s just clothes, and clothes don’t make the man.

He looked to the Debarwa. “I’m just the manager, the Debarwa belongs to the Royal Explorers Society. I’m supposed to look after her when on a goodwill tour, but when she’s back in Llastres another fellow takes care of the maintenance and what not. I can’t tell you much about the history, but in broad strokes, she’s been a hideaway for mobsters, a target for communist revolutionaries, a rich tycoon’s plaything, and now a living history museum used for goodwill tours. You’d have to ask Awate or Brandon about the particulars, like I said I’m just the manager.” Joaquin was still uneasy with his new role as manager, particularly with how he was chosen for the position, and it showed on his face.

“She was handed over to me only as few weeks ago, after my... let’s call an early retirement. I was mayor of Llastres for almost 30 years. Would have stayed on longer but then there was the handover... It’s always out with the old, and in with the new with these kind of things. Now I’m here.”

Joaquin took out a carton of cigars from the Royal Cigar Company -which had expanded operations to Llastres in anticipation of being granted monopoly status by Parliament. Leaves a terrible taste in the mouth, but they were damn cheap. “I would offer you one of these, but... eh... they’re not the best.” He put the carton back in his breast pocket, got out a cigar cutter and his lighter, and soon was puffing away. With each puff, he felt his stress melting away. Or perhaps that was his lungs being filled with particles. It was easy to confuse the two sensations.

“The Ríméad seems to be quite the vessel. The design is very distinctive, very elegant. Nothing like I’ve seen before.”

The Selkie-Captain laughed.
He did not hold it against his guest, that he didn't get a cigar, he was a pipe-smoker anyway, but if the quality was really that bad... better not try them.
"Don't worry, lad!", he told Joaquin, "We will make a sailor out of you!" He then exhaled deeply, looking at his boat. "Indeed she is... elegant and bonnie, my merry lass." He spoke with such a fondness as if he was talking about the most beautiful woman in the world. "We call ships like her Capall na dTonn, which means Horse of the Waves. These vessels were so magnificent in their performance and use, that we call ships 'Wavehorse' to this day, when we are poets."
He let a beat pass.
"Ships like her originate in the 16th century, but were developed further since then.", he added, "She, of course, is eighteen Springs old, my Ríméad. Built in Silverport, by students of the university there for a project... her sailors are mostly students from there, many good lads and lassies... soon, there will be crew younger then her!"
The Captain gave another laugh.

"Oh the towels," Asuna responded to the question. "we put them aside most of the time. Well you might find a person who will keep it secure if all they want to do is sit by the pool but even then it's pretty rare." She shrugged a little leaning back "Well I actually did the asking. Kind of not sure why I did ask, now that I think about it, I would have been fine with either."

---

The long pause of silence by Lady Razia was agonizing. Marcella could almost hear in her mind a loud tick toking of a clock, probably because she associated long pauses with a ticking clock, slowly ticking away each second feeling like minutes, hours feeling like days. She then spoke handing a letter to Marcella, for her mother. Now her mind was racing with the thought of what words for her mother were scribed on that paper. Of course she assumed fine words but she wouldn't read it. "I will deliver it to her, personally as soon as I'm home...." Then she did know just what the words were as soon as the Sultana continued, the words she almost couldn't believe came out from her: ...it is a formal request of mine. In it, I am asking her....to allow Aurelia to court you." "Oh Milady, thank you!" She nearly leapt from her spot to hug the dear woman tightly.

Though now she had another job to do once home, deliver the letter to her mother whom would certainly read it and write something just as flattering back, and have Noir destroy the papers for the nuclear option, not a real option of use of nuclear weapons, mind you, just the termination of relations between AHSCA and Kyrenaia if it had come to that. Granted it'd probably be more of a loss for AHSCA than Kyrenaia....But thank the Goddesses and Gods of the peoples everywhere, it wasn't coming to that.

"You almost sound like a Selkie.", Amir said with a smile, "They are usually similarly non-chalant as we are when it comes to being in a bath. Of course, this being a bath, we have a number of services along with it. A Barber, for example, or massages." He let a beat pass. "In the UIS, do you have massages with the bath? Or at all?"
He looked to the side, a bit sheepish.
"Sorry, that sounded a bit rude..."

There had been many options considered in case of a there being diplomatic fallout, but the consensus had been, that Kyrenaia would continue as if nothing happened.
Politics were not decided in the bedroom.
Of course, the Sultana was unaware of the 'nuclear option'.
In any case, she smiled softly.
"Do not thank me alone.", she said and nodded to Aurelia, "It is mostly her doing." She exhaled. "I am aware of my nickname, of being the Old Dreadnought - in that metaphor, I had been under carrier air attack for the last four months... and Aurelia, she hit the powder magazine quite well..."
And so, she began to recount one particular instance:

"Grandmother, forgive me for asking, but what is your problem with homosexual marriages anyway?", Aurelia asked at dinner, a month or so ago. Dinner was... awkward, as of late, with Aurelia and my problems, with Ilia and his, with Damir running around like a headless chicken and with Rasha the Gods knew where (actually, not only them, but you get the picture). "I mean, most of the common counter-arguments can be easily defeated with..."
"No love.", I told her. "I do not think, that homosexual relationships of any form hold any sort of love. You, my dear Granddaughter, should be most aware of that... indeed, believe it or not, but this is the first time... what's that?"
Aurelia, by now, had taken a letter out of her pouch and handed it to me.
"A letter from Marcella.", she said and smiled lovingly, "It arrived a few days ago, over paths I do not want to get into." We all knew, what these paths were. "Please, read it and repeat the argument."
This was a dare, a direct challenge.
I could not left that unanswered and, carefully, took the letter. No matter what I thought about it, I did not want to damage a letter from Aurelia's beloved.
And so, I began to read.
It took a while to get used to the handwriting, but when I was... after I was done, I knew, where I had such letters myself, from Dschafar, in a shoe box under my bed... classical, I know, but even a Sultana is only a woman. I handed the letter back wordlessly.
And the old Dreadnought had been exploded.

"The next day, I began to reconsider and to wait for this meeting before deciding anything.", she said and nodded to Marcella's envelope, "Though I prepared for many eventualities."
By now, Aurelia had shaken off her own surprise and smiled the giddiest, happiest, most radiant smile one could have ever seen, even if it was marred by a few tears softly rolling down her cheeks.
Concerns about the law were burned away as she repeated one thought in her head: I am going to marry Marcella!
That anyone would refuse now never crossed her mind.
"Be aware, though, that there are still a few things to iron out between us matriarchs and you two sprouts, which will take a bit of time.", the old lady cautioned with a grin, "So no running off to the next priest right now!"

[Danceria]

The inside of the deck house was very much like aboard the Sayarfur, a Captain's Cabin, meeting room and office in one and of appropriate size. Opposite to the door, on the far end, stood a desk, literally bolted to the floor, laden with papers of different uses, while between the door and said desk was a small seating group.
Of the half a dozen sitting cushions around the shin-high table, only one was occupied by a man around Aynur's age, his own hair of a reddish-blonde, closer to red. He was quite muscular, certainly a good competition for his wife in that regard, his red eyes sparkling with joy as he saw her, but turning to a cold rage, when he saw Aceus. That was, for a short time, forgotten as he kissed his wife with the same love and the same devotion as on day one.
On the far wall, a Handmaiden squatted, a little bit older then both the Ilkhan and the Ilkhana, her eyes open as she watched Aceus very openly with suspicion and distrust. It was actually against protocol, but both her employers would forgive her, she was Fara's personal handmaiden, after all - Aceus might have seen her during Fara's stay in the hospital.
Aynur sat down next to her husband, who looked Aceus up and down, not giving any indication, that the young man could sit or not.
"So, you are the spineless, cowardly cur, who almost got my daughter killed and might caused her to never bear children.", he said - he did not ask that, for he knew the answer. "I must say, with every boyfriend she brings home, Fara's taste gets worse and worse."
"Oh, I don't think, that you can compare any boy to Karim.", Aynur countered her husband, "He was a sweet young man, heads over heels for Fara and, if the rumour mill is to believed, now Fadia - and there was a spine of steel in his poetry and verses."

Aceus stood firm, his eyes answering rage with cool determination. He had come too far to back down now. Where was his courage? a voice at the back of his head darkly wondered. You withstood an explosion at point blank range, you brought vengeance upon those who dared to cross you. You withstood storm, assassin's blade, and now you're becoming cynical? Where is the dragon of Danceria?
"I am here, but I am afraid you have me misplaced." Aceus began. "Why would a coward dare to be any where near the father of Fara? Let alone in his own house?" he turned to the Ilkhana "Why would a coward ask to spar with the mother or aunt of Fara, after seeing their skill at blades? Let alone, still hold that request? Why would a coward even dare court Fara? To see her laugh, to see her smile..." Aceus's gaze hardened, his face grim with angry recollection. "Would a coward see her wounded body carried to the hospital, before pursuing the perpetrators in vengeance without second thought? To come to blows with the Poet-Prince Karim over the fact that said conspirators did not deserve the swift death of the axe?" Aceus would turn to the handmaiden. She had seen Aceus when he was angry, and how he had devoted himself to finding and punishing the would-be assassins, and eventually speaking to Fara in private his regrets and emotions. She would know that what Aceus said was true, if his tone didn't already convey it. "Call me a lackawit, fool, dunderhead, overly impulsive, prideful, even echo your wife's sentiments of a man thinking only with his flesh or concern for his own manhood rather than the safety of the woman he pledged love to and who was in his care. I accept and confess to that, for it true." He returned his gaze to the Ilkhan, refusing to back down, but still humble, "But I refuse to be a coward. Especially in Your presence. Perhaps the definition of cowardice is different between our countries, but in Danceria, there is no greater coward than him who doesn't honor his word, or face his mistakes." he would lower his head in humility, remembering that he was in the presence of his host, not an equal. "And so, I resign myself to whatever judgement you believe is fitting. You are the host, Milord Ilkhan, and the fact you allow me within Your presence is a testament to your grace and mercy. Whatever is proper and just in Your House and Country, I will submit myself to that, and nothing less."

[Kuronami]

"Indeed, you have some time.", Ilia said, smiling warmly and, in part, speaking to all four children at his table, "Take it and use it well, to travel, to see the world, to learn and maybe even to teach. And of course to find your personal dream job. The future is yours to take, we are just stewarding it."
Mahmut gave a small, sad smile. That would never be a choice he would have - he was a Prince so he would become a Prince, maybe Ilkhan one sad day, so that was the end of that.
"To that, a toast!", he said and raised his cuppa, "To the future, wherever the winds carry us, and to its stewards!"

"Here here" Yuzu raised her cup.

"Cheers!" Yuki enthuastically added.

"To our bright futures indeed" Haru finished off.

And they took their sips of tea after giving the toast. "Yes!" Yuzu continued "Hot tea, good friends and good company. This is a trip memories are made of."