Sinope Harbour Festival (IC, MT)

[Folaisia]

"I don't know about building a skiff, but I know, where to buy and rent some.", Laila said with a smile, "We buy ours from a yard in Masnae, near Utica, we even get a discount by now. They also rent out. Here in Sinope, there are three or four places to rent skiffs, but I'd have to look up their addresses."
She thought for a moment.
"One-point-fifty NSD is around one Barqua, I think, but that leaves purchasing power parity out of the picture.", she added. "It's good for the exporting business."

Both nodded.

"So, based on what you've given us," Alexander then resumed, "what stores do you recommend we rent, if non buy, one at the lowest possible price?"

[AHSCA]

The harbour's waters were mostly clear of debris, the harbour authorities were very keen on that, even having a small flotilla of boats present and ready to collect everything. That did not mean, that the water was clean, quite on the contrary. Sinope was at the mouth of a major river and a major harbour, sadly, pollution came with that no matter how tight the regulations were.
Other vessels, however, was a different question, as the Labiwa, the Sail Training Vessel of the Sultan's Navy, was casting off the moorings to depart, towards the parade's starting spot.
Of course, such a large vessel had a hard time spotting such a small boat as the Harira, but the other way around...

Atif smiled, as if he could read her thought process.
"We should order.", he suggested, as if to change the topic, raising his hand to flag down a waiter.
A second later, a young and quite pretty woman stood at their table, delivering a glass of water for both of them for free and the menus.
"Our recommendation for the day...", she spoke in clear syllables, giving her an odd accent in her English, "...is Kubbeh, a dish of ground grain, we use Sorghum, onions and finely ground meat, which is spiced, and then either served in fried patties, ideal for a small, light lunch."
Spiced in this case meant, that people unused to it began to breathe fire.

Marcella keeping her sharp eyes peeled noticed the rather large vessel! If they didn't swing away they'd surely slam into it and it was a lot easier for their little ship to make a quick evasive maneuver. "Oh, Captain, Hard to port!"


"Ah yeha, good idea let's order some food." Asuna agreed. The waitress came over to them and named off the daily special "That sounds delightful!" Asuna replied to the waitress' special "I think I'll have the special."

[Aurora Confederacy]

The reporter nodded.
So... that cleared the crew and friends aboard, the cameraman motioning for him to wait for a minute with the next question, instead filming a minute of Jax playing with the reflexion. He nodded to Zoe, for a moment - it would look cute and cute things were always good, even if they landed on the cutting room floor.
That minute had passed, the reporter clearing his throat.
"We'll talk to the Milenka's crew later.", he resolved, and smiled slightly, "As it appears, you are holding your own little festival here. How did you find the larger festival around you, so far? I mean, a few of the main events are still out, but... your impression, really."

Zoe, still leaning on the mast, replied "There are some well kept vessels here, some with some real character about them, with crews mingling with eachother. Sinope is certainly on my to return list as its a gorgeous city and tonight we will be having a barby as the sun goes down, but we are looking forward to the parade later as well"

[The Chuck]

"My name is Alexander Lloyd Theodore and this is my ship, the Geezer's Rest. She's a tri mast clipper ship that was built in 1869 on the River Clyde in Scotland. She's had multiple owners before myself but I purchased her from another old timer some 20 years ago and I've sailed her ever since. The crew members are all solid fellows with a love of this ship as strong as my own. We've sailed through many a gale on her and she's yet to let us down."

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

After a long silence, Erika abruptly smirked.
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she elbowed Fadia, before speaking.
"Hey, Fadia, you think pap and your sister are making me a half-sibling at the moment?"

[Kuronami]

Marla grinned a bit sheepish.
"Nautical, not exactly.", she admitted, "I am more into swimming. Still has something to do with the seas." She leaned over with a small smile, a bit wistful at the edges. "My great role model is Princess Fara... she's so beautiful and strong and a wonderful swimmer!"
Going back, she grinned as they reached the portside of the Sun Deck, overlooking the Small Basin. Not too far away, the Godspeed sat at the wharf, a sister of the Aurelia, the SFSS Malika Aljazirat wasn't too far away as well. The HMSS Hoshi was on the other side.
Plus a few Kyrenaian vessels, the Nasim, Princess Fara's Yacht, and the Qarsan, Tariqa bint-Ilia's Yacht, most notably, but also a Hjemland-class Sailing Vessel by the name of Ajnabi, which meant foreigner.
The name was programme as she was most famously used in several movies to depict foreign vessels, most notably in Stranger's Tides.
"So... any boat catching your eye?", Marla asked.

"Hm...", the saleswoman made, "I am not sure, to be honest."
She looked to her customer.
"Maybe something cute to remember you?", she suggested as an easier option. She had said, that she was easier with cute stuff.

Shirin smiled, putting her hand softly on Yuki's head.
"And so will be you, no matter what you attempt, Yuki-chan.", she said, using honorifics herself, with a small smile. "Rock their world!"
Mahmut watched from the side with a small smile.

"Ah take to a fish like the water then? Well that's just as good! I'm something of a swimmer myself, but by the sound of it, you and Her Lady Princess Fara probably could swim circles around me!" Marla was quite a nice person and Yuzu found her easy to talk with, just as easy as talking to any of her two best friends. Heading on deck the other ships were visible, many designs to be admired but the one that really caught her attention was the Hoshi . "Wow look at that one, it's a junk-schooner! A true east-meets-west. Looks fairly small so I'd wager a personal vessel for just a few people. Easily managed by a small to nothing crew! You know, such a beauty when it comes time for me, that might just be the kind of ship I'd go for myself!"

"Mmm I see...Yes I'd think that'd be the best. In that case, well I think I have something in mind, already." her eyes fell onto her oriental parasol she had on her. It would really be the best way for him to remember her by, save for stripping down and leaving her whole kimono. Well that might come off to strong so best leave him her parasol but still she didn't want to waste the shopkeeper's time. "In that case, I'll have to pass on buying him something. Although....One should spoil oneself while on holiday, right? So for me, a cute plush toy would be perfect. Like seeing as I'm here for a boat festvial, maybe a plush sea critter, like an otter or something. Whatever you have, will be fine."

"W-wow you used -- well you know! It sounds so great....And well..." She calmed down and responded softly a little teary eyed at her lovely friend's compliment to her. Yuki could sometimes be a little emotional for her own good. "Thank you, Shirin."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"For us, it has long since ended.", Ilia explained, "We commissioned the last battleships in 1936 - the Yuqiza-class Battleships. Six units. And to my knowledge, they spent more time sitting in their harbours then actually out there. The Gods alone know why we built them in the first place..."
He shrugged.
"Still, we had, as you so nicely noted, the Decolonization Wars running, where we quickly saw the versatility and range of aircraft carriers and used it to our advantage.", he further explained, "For that is the great advantage: The range of the aircraft."

"Indeed, and combined of air refueling, replies Frank, you can operate from anywhere, and strike anywhere in the world."

[Kyrenaia]

Both nodded.

"So, based on what you've given us," Alexander then resumed, "what stores do you recommend we rent, if non buy, one at the lowest possible price?"

"Hm...", Laila made, then gave a small smile: "Tajir Alriyadia has a store here in Sinope. They are the best to rent or buy from, if you are a beginner. They can be found as 'Sports Rental' on the Tourist Maps and on the net."
One of the other sailors said something in Kyrenaian from the side, Laila shrugged with a grin, which caused the other girl to laugh.
"Sorry about that.", Laila said, turning back to Alex and Cormac, "My friend Shirin here..." The other young woman waved. "...has a different recommendation."
"Yep.", Shirin, with her dark brown hair short and her green eyes sparkling, agreed. "Radalriyah. They have a store here, too."

The harbour's waters were mostly clear of debris, the harbour authorities were very keen on that, even having a small flotilla of boats present and ready to collect everything. That did not mean, that the water was clean, quite on the contrary. Sinope was at the mouth of a major river and a major harbour, sadly, pollution came with that no matter how tight the regulations were.
Other vessels, however, was a different question, as the Labiwa, the Sail Training Vessel of the Sultan's Navy, was casting off the moorings to depart, towards the parade's starting spot.
Of course, such a large vessel had a hard time spotting such a small boat as the Harira, but the other way around...

Atif smiled, as if he could read her thought process.
"We should order.", he suggested, as if to change the topic, raising his hand to flag down a waiter.
A second later, a young and quite pretty woman stood at their table, delivering a glass of water for both of them for free and the menus.
"Our recommendation for the day...", she spoke in clear syllables, giving her an odd accent in her English, "...is Kubbeh, a dish of ground grain, we use Sorghum, onions and finely ground meat, which is spiced, and then either served in fried patties, ideal for a small, light lunch."
Spiced in this case meant, that people unused to it began to breathe fire.

Marcella keeping her sharp eyes peeled noticed the rather large vessel! If they didn't swing away they'd surely slam into it and it was a lot easier for their little ship to make a quick evasive maneuver. "Oh, Captain, Hard to port!"


"Ah yeha, good idea let's order some food." Asuna agreed. The waitress came over to them and named off the daily special "That sounds delightful!" Asuna replied to the waitress' special "I think I'll have the special."

"Aye, hard to port!", Aurelia confirmed and turned the wheel, hard to port.
She grinned slightly as she heard the slightly surprised yelp of her grandmother - less of surprised or angered surprise, but more of delighted surprise. She was having fun and so was Aurelia.
Finally, someone on the Labiwa noticed them and their flag, which caused them to... proceed as they did.
The Sultana waved and Aurelia grinned.
Marcella was her ideal first mate - Aldhiyb was still awesome, no question asked in her mind, but her big, fluffy canine would have to live with being second officer.

Atif nodded.
"I'll take the same.", he said.
The waitress confirmed with a smile: "Two times daily special, coming right up. And for drinks?"
"A...", Atif looked to Asuna, considering for a moment, "...a sage tea. A large can for both of us."
He hoped, that Asuna would go along with his order for tea...

Zoe, still leaning on the mast, replied "There are some well kept vessels here, some with some real character about them, with crews mingling with eachother. Sinope is certainly on my to return list as its a gorgeous city and tonight we will be having a barby as the sun goes down, but we are looking forward to the parade later as well"

"Indeed.", the reporter said and motioned to the Kyrenaian flag in the rigging, "I see, that the Luna is properly dressed up as well already. So... the parade. As a foreign vessel, you will be part of the second block, with all the other foreign vessels."
He was interrupted in his question by a man in the uniform of the Harbour Police: "Excuse me, please.", he called over, politely, "I was tasked by the Harbour Administration to make you aware, that the parade will begin soon! If your vessel participates, you might want to get her going now." He bowed his head. "Thank you for your attention!"
He turned and was off.
"Well, so much for the interview.", the reporter said and thought for a moment, "Say... I am sure, that you'll be making a lot of videos today, right? Would you mind sending me those, which you make of the parade? Of course, you'll be credited!"

"My name is Alexander Lloyd Theodore and this is my ship, the Geezer's Rest. She's a tri mast clipper ship that was built in 1869 on the River Clyde in Scotland. She's had multiple owners before myself but I purchased her from another old timer some 20 years ago and I've sailed her ever since. The crew members are all solid fellows with a love of this ship as strong as my own. We've sailed through many a gale on her and she's yet to let us down."

The reporter nodded.
So far, so good.
"How do you find Sinope and its harbour? And the festival, of course?", he added with a small smile. This was going well so far.

After a long silence, Erika abruptly smirked.
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she elbowed Fadia, before speaking.
"Hey, Fadia, you think pap and your sister are making me a half-sibling at the moment?"

Fadia grinned.
"Oh, they'll certainly be trying!", she said, "I do imagine, however, that they'll both prefer a place more comfortable then a Hammam's floor, though. And the fight for domination will be epic as well." She grinned at Erika, starting to like the girl. "Come, turn around and I'll scrub your back."

Marla grinned a bit sheepish.
"Nautical, not exactly.", she admitted, "I am more into swimming. Still has something to do with the seas." She leaned over with a small smile, a bit wistful at the edges. "My great role model is Princess Fara... she's so beautiful and strong and a wonderful swimmer!"
Going back, she grinned as they reached the portside of the Sun Deck, overlooking the Small Basin. Not too far away, the Godspeed sat at the wharf, a sister of the Aurelia, the SFSS Malika Aljazirat wasn't too far away as well. The HMSS Hoshi was on the other side.
Plus a few Kyrenaian vessels, the Nasim, Princess Fara's Yacht, and the Qarsan, Tariqa bint-Ilia's Yacht, most notably, but also a Hjemland-class Sailing Vessel by the name of Ajnabi, which meant foreigner.
The name was programme as she was most famously used in several movies to depict foreign vessels, most notably in Stranger's Tides.
"So... any boat catching your eye?", Marla asked.

"Hm...", the saleswoman made, "I am not sure, to be honest."
She looked to her customer.
"Maybe something cute to remember you?", she suggested as an easier option. She had said, that she was easier with cute stuff.

Shirin smiled, putting her hand softly on Yuki's head.
"And so will be you, no matter what you attempt, Yuki-chan.", she said, using honorifics herself, with a small smile. "Rock their world!"
Mahmut watched from the side with a small smile.

"Ah take to a fish like the water then? Well that's just as good! I'm something of a swimmer myself, but by the sound of it, you and Her Lady Princess Fara probably could swim circles around me!" Marla was quite a nice person and Yuzu found her easy to talk with, just as easy as talking to any of her two best friends. Heading on deck the other ships were visible, many designs to be admired but the one that really caught her attention was the Hoshi . "Wow look at that one, it's a junk-schooner! A true east-meets-west. Looks fairly small so I'd wager a personal vessel for just a few people. Easily managed by a small to nothing crew! You know, such a beauty when it comes time for me, that might just be the kind of ship I'd go for myself!"

"Mmm I see...Yes I'd think that'd be the best. In that case, well I think I have something in mind, already." her eyes fell onto her oriental parasol she had on her. It would really be the best way for him to remember her by, save for stripping down and leaving her whole kimono. Well that might come off to strong so best leave him her parasol but still she didn't want to waste the shopkeeper's time. "In that case, I'll have to pass on buying him something. Although....One should spoil oneself while on holiday, right? So for me, a cute plush toy would be perfect. Like seeing as I'm here for a boat festvial, maybe a plush sea critter, like an otter or something. Whatever you have, will be fine."

"W-wow you used -- well you know! It sounds so great....And well..." She calmed down and responded softly a little teary eyed at her lovely friend's compliment to her. Yuki could sometimes be a little emotional for her own good. "Thank you, Shirin."

Marla smiled.
"She does look cute.", she said and thought to herself: If this vessel was docked here, then it meant, that it belonged to someone important. She had a rough idea, looking at the mast, who it was... in any case, she indeed looked cute. "I must admit, though, that I don't think, that I could stay on her for longer trips. Too small for my taste, to be honest. Mam always says, that I need space to run!"

The saleswoman nodded.
"Well, we do have some Sea-Dwellers here.", she said and looked to the shelf with the stuffed toys, "Plus some, which are imagined." She led her over and showed her a seal-like animal, blue and with a face-mast in light blue, plus black-button eyes. "That's Nab, from a popular TV-show. Or..." She took a shark, which had three sets of eyes and a rather vicious looking mouth, plus a yellow star on its head. "...this is a Wahushi."
On top of that, she put a seagull.
"Or you take a seagull.", she suggested, "Not otters, sure, but Sea Dwellers."

"You're very welcome.", Shirin said with a smile. She had a small tear running down her cheek as well as she decided: She knelt down in front of Yuki. "When I joined the Tribute, the Head-Handmaiden of the Ilkhana trained us and she told us something: Whatever you do, try your best. But you are a Handmaiden, so that means, that you are part of a team. You are a family."

"Indeed, and combined of air refueling, replies Frank, you can operate from anywhere, and strike anywhere in the world."

Ilia nodded.
"Indeed.", he said and sighed, "One of the most dangerous things I ever did. Aerial refueling, that is... once even uncomfortably close to a storm."

Fara almost laughed at his staggering sentence, speaking of a confidence, which was... in question. For an outside observer, it would look like something they would need a condom for, after all.
However, then she noticed the first and second scar, then quite a few more.
Sure, he wasn't pin-up material, hasn't been, when they met, but... he got better. And the scars... she knew the story behind them, learned it from the boulevard, not from him.
She extended a hand, let one of her fingers softly trace one of the less noticeable ones.
"We both have a talent for finding friends with a temper, don't we?", she asked silently, then bowed down to him, softly bringing her lips to one of the scars on his chest, tracing its length with her lips.
As she was finished, she, still bowed down, embracing him almost, looked up to him, nestling her head on his chest.
"This in not a massage technique...", she admitted, "...but could you please embrace me for a moment?"

Fara's tracing Aceus's scars was received as well as one would expect it. The whole ordeal was rather unexpected, risque, and honestly a bit thrilling. In spite of the two not knowing each other much personally, Aceus trusted her greatly. It was just a shame that things were so...intimate that Aceus felt that he couldn't reciprocate in kind. At least until now.

Aceus would wrap one of his arms across Fara's shoulderblades, the other gently keeping her head near the beating heart. Being taller than her by only a few centimeters apparently made all the difference, as Fara would gradually relax in his embrace. "For future reference, you don't need to ask a Dancerian to be hugged, or permission to hug him. Especially between close acquaintances." he would whisper, coyly rubbing the top-back portion of her head, reminiscent of a noogie, but not nearly as hard. It was meant to be in good fun, as Dancerians often verbally fenced with their companions, and if the Dancerian King was correct in where Fara enjoyed being massaged, it would be very well received. However, Aceus's coy smile softened into a look of concern, as Fara looked...downcast. Did she feel selfish for worrying about her own scar, when Aceus endured several? He was bare-chested when first entering the Hammam, so it couldn't have been that...

In any case, Aceus was content to hold Fara close, for as long as she'd like. Before continuing. "This brings me to another question...public displays of affection. Yes? No? Too early considering Ilkhan Dardan hasn't quite warmed up to me yet...?"

The semi-noogie was very well received, bringing a small smile onto Fara's lips.
His comment and, in the end, question, made Fara think for a moment, then she replied: "Public displays of affection, like a hug, a kiss and so on are fine. We shouldn't snog, though."
She smiled, listening to his beating heart for a time, a few beats, enjoying the sound, relaxing, exhaling...
"This is the first time, I've realized they are they.", she commented, her finger tracing one of the scars, "Tell me, Aceus... how bad was it? How close were you to... well..."

[Danceria]

The semi-noogie was very well received, bringing a small smile onto Fara's lips.
His comment and, in the end, question, made Fara think for a moment, then she replied: "Public displays of affection, like a hug, a kiss and so on are fine. We shouldn't snog, though."
She smiled, listening to his beating heart for a time, a few beats, enjoying the sound, relaxing, exhaling...
"This is the first time, I've realized they are they.", she commented, her finger tracing one of the scars, "Tell me, Aceus... how bad was it? How close were you to... well..."

Now it was Aceus's turn to feel downcast "...It was actually during Snow's inauguration, a more intimate gathering at Castle Orthanc to congratulate him on being Chancellor." he began, the chuckled. "When I checked the champagne, I knew that it was going to be explosive just not..." he let out a loose laugh, but it was evident that something else harrowed him. Something more than nearly losing his life. "...But that didn't hurt. I was out like a light and in a coma for a couple of months. But...the perpetrators got who they were after. Mom an' pap...they...they were less than a stone's throw away." his voice weakened for a moment, as he tried to hold back the tears. "I...I thought that since they were...they weren't point blank they'd...they'd be up and about soon after I was...but they...they..." Aceus attempted to hide the sob under a hiccuping laugh, "It's stupid. How it didn't hurt when I was blown up, didn't hurt when I recovered, but the moment I was told that they were gone..." he then let his tears flow onto Fara's golden hair. "It should've been me...by all logic, by all reason, it...it should've been..."

[Shwe Tu Colony]

Ava smiled softly, going back to her bike...

"Yeah, of course it will," Spiciness said as he held on to her, "Not a day goes by where we aren't together & doing something stupid! I'd say we're two-thirty-firsts of a whole idiot, but I'm only joking. Mature Grains & Mature Dairy are a bit wiser... the two of us usually call them 'Grain Mom' & 'Dairy Nurse,' & I'd say they're probably why the kitchen's functioning most of the time." At that, his expression grew surprised. "Ah chilies! I just remembered what a mess the two of us made. She's so going to whip our [DATA DELETED] so hard when we come home, if Seafood doesn't first," he sighed, then chuckled with resignation, "Hah, I guess that's just what we deserve anyway."

[AHSCA]

"Aye, hard to port!", Aurelia confirmed and turned the wheel, hard to port.
She grinned slightly as she heard the slightly surprised yelp of her grandmother - less of surprised or angered surprise, but more of delighted surprise. She was having fun and so was Aurelia.
Finally, someone on the Labiwa noticed them and their flag, which caused them to... proceed as they did.
The Sultana waved and Aurelia grinned.
Marcella was her ideal first mate - Aldhiyb was still awesome, no question asked in her mind, but her big, fluffy canine would have to live with being second officer.

Atif nodded.
"I'll take the same.", he said.
The waitress confirmed with a smile: "Two times daily special, coming right up. And for drinks?"
"A...", Atif looked to Asuna, considering for a moment, "...a sage tea. A large can for both of us."
He hoped, that Asuna would go along with his order for tea...

Marcella sighed in relief how they missed the ship and didn't have an accident. Just a good reminder to always be vigilant this close to shore when more ships are around. "Clean miss, Captain!" Besides a little wake giving them a few bumps they were fine.

"Sage tea sounds lovely, thank you very much." Asuna nodded to their server once she took the menus.

[Kuronami]

Marla smiled.
"She does look cute.", she said and thought to herself: If this vessel was docked here, then it meant, that it belonged to someone important. She had a rough idea, looking at the mast, who it was... in any case, she indeed looked cute. "I must admit, though, that I don't think, that I could stay on her for longer trips. Too small for my taste, to be honest. Mam always says, that I need space to run!"

The saleswoman nodded.
"Well, we do have some Sea-Dwellers here.", she said and looked to the shelf with the stuffed toys, "Plus some, which are imagined." She led her over and showed her a seal-like animal, blue and with a face-mast in light blue, plus black-button eyes. "That's Nab, from a popular TV-show. Or..." She took a shark, which had three sets of eyes and a rather vicious looking mouth, plus a yellow star on its head. "...this is a Wahushi."
On top of that, she put a seagull.
"Or you take a seagull.", she suggested, "Not otters, sure, but Sea Dwellers."

"You're very welcome.", Shirin said with a smile. She had a small tear running down her cheek as well as she decided: She knelt down in front of Yuki. "When I joined the Tribute, the Head-Handmaiden of the Ilkhana trained us and she told us something: Whatever you do, try your best. But you are a Handmaiden, so that means, that you are part of a team. You are a family."

"Cute indeed. Though I must say..." She scrutinized it best she could from the distance she was. "She certianly looks well built and made but I imagine she'd probably a real handful in stormier seas. I imagine the captain of that vessel likes the added challenge and ideally is very experienced. Ah so a bit too confined for your liking huh? That's understandable, some folks like roomier conditions. I can go either, as father says that's the navy blood in me, tight bunks don't bother me at all."

She examined both the Wahushi and seagull both looked very cute in the end she made her choice "All right, I'll take the Wahushi. It's really cute!" she took it once it was bagged up for her. Tallying up her total, it wasn't too bad and she still had plenty left over. "Oh, tipping, I don't know if it is a custom here or not. But for your extra help..." She pulled out a few more of her converted money to offer it up to the clerk. "If you'd please accept it for your generosity to a foreign traveler like myself, I'd be grateful."

"Aw sounds like something my mother would say to me. I'll always remember that good advice." In many sense, Himiko wasn't her "master" or "employer" for the more friendly term, she was someone like Shirin, a caring and kind person who took this lowly girl under her wing. Yuki admired Shirin and Himiko for different reasons and to have two women she could look to made her feel a sense of warmth and comfort.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Ilia nodded.
"Indeed.", he said and sighed, "One of the most dangerous things I ever did. Aerial refueling, that is... once even uncomfortably close to a storm."

"I couldn't agree more with you, replies Peter. I heard a story during the Bosnian War, in 1995. A French Mirage 2000 was refueling over the Adriatic Sea before going back to base in Italy, and there was a lot of wind at the moment, which means a lot of turbulences. His supply boom broke during the refueling, before moving to the air inlet. I don't have to explain the rest: engine destroyed, plane going down, and the pilot managed to eject before crashing in the sea. This is why I prefer our American planes, who have a different intake for fuel, not as apparent as on French fighters."

[Aurora Confederacy]

Aboard the Luna Mysteria, Zoe Mariner nodded,
"We'll send you some of our footage as we will have a camera running as we take part in the parade" she says as the film crew disembarked

"You guys going back aboard Mielenka?", asks Zoe as Micky starts up the auxiliary engine and feeling the vibration trough the hull, Jax relocates himself to the cabin where he can get some sleep, Robbie climbs ashore to loosen the mooring lines as Gina pulls them aboard and coit's them up, during this time, Micky keeps the Luna up against the pontoon by using a touch of reverse thrust.

[Folaisia]

"Hm...", Laila made, then gave a small smile: "Tajir Alriyadia has a store here in Sinope. They are the best to rent or buy from, if you are a beginner. They can be found as 'Sports Rental' on the Tourist Maps and on the net."
One of the other sailors said something in Kyrenaian from the side, Laila shrugged with a grin, which caused the other girl to laugh.
"Sorry about that.", Laila said, turning back to Alex and Cormac, "My friend Shirin here..." The other young woman waved. "...has a different recommendation."
"Yep.", Shirin, with her dark brown hair short and her green eyes sparkling, agreed. "Radalriyah. They have a store here, too."

"Alright, we'll check it out," Cormag replied after they both waved to Laila's friend.

They conversed with each other about the cases on what to do when checking out every store. Then, with a consensus reached, they both turned to Laila.

"So, now with all that out of the way, can you show us the rest of the boat," asked Cormag, preparing to record again, "I'm wantin to get some more footage of our tour here."

[The Chuck]

Alexander puffed on his pipe a moment before responding to the journalist.

"Sinope is a beautiful harbour city and although I didn't personally see to much of the festivities, I can tell by how quick my crew is working that they all enjoyed it! I was a bit preoccupied with business on hand while here in port but I did have a run in earlier with an old dear friend of mine that was also here for the festivities! You can bet money that I will be spreading the word of this festival within my circles of fellow ship captains indeed, maybe next year I'll be able to convince some of them to also attend."

[Mervay]

The intricate dance of the blades, heavy sabres swishing past heads and limbs by the breadth of a hair, never clashing as the quick, almost dance-like moves of all four fighters brought them close, but never together.
Both redheads held themselves less like the formal, soldierly way the two men did, but a bit more like bandits, which was reflected by their weapons of choice: While the men fought with Type 1 Sabres, the women fought with Type 4 Sabres, easily distinguished by the heavy spine and the long handle with the wide, rounded guard.
And then - the younger of the two women miscalculated, tripped, fell to the ground.
Immediately, the older was there, going on the offensive to protect her partner. And what an offensive it was! Like a tornado of steel, the older of the two descended upon the men, keeping them both busy...
...and driving one back, letting the other slip away to the side, where he had a good shot at the younger, who was still getting up.
A mighty heave later, the girl was on her back again, her own weapon two metres away and the tip of the man's at her throat.
A whistle sounded and a voice declared the two men victors.
Applause as the contestants sheathed their swords, got up and assembled opposite to each other, bowing their heads to one another. The men bowed noticeably deeper.
The women expressed their gratitude for a good fight in Kyrenaian, the men replied in kind and then, the demonstration was over. The men tried to go, but they were soon almost besieged by adoring fans, the two women watched the spectacle as a Handmaiden brought water bottles.
The two of them looked closely related as they sat there on a bollard... and smiled as a few girls approached them.
Edward might have noticed him sooner, but the young man next to him, dark-skinned and still blonde, with red eyes, dressed in a good stroller and walking on a cane of dark wood, spoke up: "Ah, Las' tradition in fencing came to bear again... refreshing to watch, don't you think, Sir?"

The young men turned and looked at the woman, Jessica as they (maybe) would find out soon.
The grey-haired man spoke up: "We don't know Sinope either.", he said with a small, reserved grin, "But we would be glad, if you'd come along, Ma'am."
The two black haired young men nodded, the younger of them offering his arm for Jessica to link. "I'm Fintan.", he introduced himself, motioning the older black haired young man, "That's Eoin and that..." He motioned to the grey haired one, who gave a small wave. "...is Conner."
"May we ask for your name, Ma'am?", Eoin asked

An fight which promised, both of them experts on it with said fight being an tie for both sides, the womens held themselves more like bandits, opposed to the more formal and soldierly way the two men did.
And then, one of women, the most young one miscalculated and tripped and fell on the ground. As soon it happened, her partner went to the offensive to win time for her partner to be back on the fight. It was amazing how she kept them both busy at her own.

But as one was drived back the other slipped away to the side in where he took an golden shot which would end the fight. The girl was back on the fight although her sword was two metres away and in the blink of an eye, the tip of a sword at her throat.
The whistle appeared and it was then that the fight ended with a victory to the two men's, the applause made it's presence as they sheated their swords and now in opposite to each other bowed their heads. The ladies spoke to then in their language which the guys replied kindly, he couldn't understand their language but with the manners they used after the fight and the kindess in both of them it was clear that it was an fun and great fight for all of them.

With the fight over the two guys tried to leave, although that would be kinda complicated isn't it?? As soon they tried they were besiged by fans meanwhile the two women watched the show from the sidelines as a handmaiden brought water bottles.
Meanwhile those two were sitting in a bollard and smiling to the girls approaching them, Edward was caught off guard by someone speaking to him.

A young man, blonde, dark-skinned, red-eyered, dressed in a good stroller and surprisingly walking with a cane of dark wood. That was the person which spoke to him.
"Indeed it has been very interesting for a foreigner such as myself" he said smiling, then Dileva looked at him and leaned his hand to shake his. "Edward Dileva, it is an pleasure to meet you sir"

It seemed they were in the same boat, neither of them knew Sinope either, but still it would be interesting to know each other as they walked to their destiny and then continued.
The guys presented themselves with the young black-haired guy which offered his arm for link with hers being called Fintan, Eoin being the older and the grey-haired which spoke first to Jess being Conner.

Jessica then linked her arm with Fintan and presented herself with an smile at the three guys.
"Jessica, Jessica Dileva. Pleasure to meet you guys" she said smiling at them. "So from where you guys come from if I may ask"

[Kyrenaia]

The semi-noogie was very well received, bringing a small smile onto Fara's lips.
His comment and, in the end, question, made Fara think for a moment, then she replied: "Public displays of affection, like a hug, a kiss and so on are fine. We shouldn't snog, though."
She smiled, listening to his beating heart for a time, a few beats, enjoying the sound, relaxing, exhaling...
"This is the first time, I've realized they are they.", she commented, her finger tracing one of the scars, "Tell me, Aceus... how bad was it? How close were you to... well..."

Now it was Aceus's turn to feel downcast "...It was actually during Snow's inauguration, a more intimate gathering at Castle Orthanc to congratulate him on being Chancellor." he began, the chuckled. "When I checked the champagne, I knew that it was going to be explosive just not..." he let out a loose laugh, but it was evident that something else harrowed him. Something more than nearly losing his life. "...But that didn't hurt. I was out like a light and in a coma for a couple of months. But...the perpetrators got who they were after. Mom an' pap...they...they were less than a stone's throw away." his voice weakened for a moment, as he tried to hold back the tears. "I...I thought that since they were...they weren't point blank they'd...they'd be up and about soon after I was...but they...they..." Aceus attempted to hide the sob under a hiccuping laugh, "It's stupid. How it didn't hurt when I was blown up, didn't hurt when I recovered, but the moment I was told that they were gone..." he then let his tears flow onto Fara's golden hair. "It should've been me...by all logic, by all reason, it...it should've been..."

Fara was, for a moment, shocked.
He lost his parents to that incident... she... she could not imagine the pain.
But by instinct, she wrapped her arms around him, moved closer into his embrace, let him feel, that she was there, listening to all of his pain, that she there to dry his tears, no matter her own pain. She was there.
Stark naked, while he, too, was stark naked, but that did not matter.
She was there.
Wordlessly, she reached up and cupped his cheek, moved up to offer her shoulder to him, her thumb running across his cheek. He was not alone. She was there.
And she was there to stay.

Ava smiled softly, going back to her bike...

"Yeah, of course it will," Spiciness said as he held on to her, "Not a day goes by where we aren't together & doing something stupid! I'd say we're two-thirty-firsts of a whole idiot, but I'm only joking. Mature Grains & Mature Dairy are a bit wiser... the two of us usually call them 'Grain Mom' & 'Dairy Nurse,' & I'd say they're probably why the kitchen's functioning most of the time." At that, his expression grew surprised. "Ah chilies! I just remembered what a mess the two of us made. She's so going to whip our [DATA DELETED] so hard when we come home, if Seafood doesn't first," he sighed, then chuckled with resignation, "Hah, I guess that's just what we deserve anyway."

Ava smiled.
"If you left the kitchen a mess, then you certainly deserve to get a good talking to.", she said, clearly amused, "I remember several occasions, when I got talked to because I left messes." She let a beat pass, putting the helmet back on. "Now, hang on, lad, we'll be there in three minutes!"
As soon as he clung to her, she began the last, small leg of their trip.

"Aye, hard to port!", Aurelia confirmed and turned the wheel, hard to port.
She grinned slightly as she heard the slightly surprised yelp of her grandmother - less of surprised or angered surprise, but more of delighted surprise. She was having fun and so was Aurelia.
Finally, someone on the Labiwa noticed them and their flag, which caused them to... proceed as they did.
The Sultana waved and Aurelia grinned.
Marcella was her ideal first mate - Aldhiyb was still awesome, no question asked in her mind, but her big, fluffy canine would have to live with being second officer.

Atif nodded.
"I'll take the same.", he said.
The waitress confirmed with a smile: "Two times daily special, coming right up. And for drinks?"
"A...", Atif looked to Asuna, considering for a moment, "...a sage tea. A large can for both of us."
He hoped, that Asuna would go along with his order for tea...

Marcella sighed in relief how they missed the ship and didn't have an accident. Just a good reminder to always be vigilant this close to shore when more ships are around. "Clean miss, Captain!" Besides a little wake giving them a few bumps they were fine.

"Sage tea sounds lovely, thank you very much." Asuna nodded to their server once she took the menus.

"Wonderful!", Aurelia called back, grinning as they proceeded.
The Sultana noted, how well both of them fit together... and how much fun they had together. The more she watched them as they were leaving the Small Basin, the more she came to the conclusion, that she had made the right call.
Aurelia and Marcella would be an awesome couple.
Though Razia also knew, that she would have to talk with Marcella's mother...

Atif smiled at Asuna as the waitress confirmed the order and was off, promising them food in a few minutes.
The young man let a few beats pass, looking at Asuna, most specifically in her eyes.
"Your eyes are beautiful...", he whispered, his heart beating like a mad drummer.

Marla smiled.
"She does look cute.", she said and thought to herself: If this vessel was docked here, then it meant, that it belonged to someone important. She had a rough idea, looking at the mast, who it was... in any case, she indeed looked cute. "I must admit, though, that I don't think, that I could stay on her for longer trips. Too small for my taste, to be honest. Mam always says, that I need space to run!"

The saleswoman nodded.
"Well, we do have some Sea-Dwellers here.", she said and looked to the shelf with the stuffed toys, "Plus some, which are imagined." She led her over and showed her a seal-like animal, blue and with a face-mast in light blue, plus black-button eyes. "That's Nab, from a popular TV-show. Or..." She took a shark, which had three sets of eyes and a rather vicious looking mouth, plus a yellow star on its head. "...this is a Wahushi."
On top of that, she put a seagull.
"Or you take a seagull.", she suggested, "Not otters, sure, but Sea Dwellers."

"You're very welcome.", Shirin said with a smile. She had a small tear running down her cheek as well as she decided: She knelt down in front of Yuki. "When I joined the Tribute, the Head-Handmaiden of the Ilkhana trained us and she told us something: Whatever you do, try your best. But you are a Handmaiden, so that means, that you are part of a team. You are a family."

"Cute indeed. Though I must say..." She scrutinized it best she could from the distance she was. "She certianly looks well built and made but I imagine she'd probably a real handful in stormier seas. I imagine the captain of that vessel likes the added challenge and ideally is very experienced. Ah so a bit too confined for your liking huh? That's understandable, some folks like roomier conditions. I can go either, as father says that's the navy blood in me, tight bunks don't bother me at all."

She examined both the Wahushi and seagull both looked very cute in the end she made her choice "All right, I'll take the Wahushi. It's really cute!" she took it once it was bagged up for her. Tallying up her total, it wasn't too bad and she still had plenty left over. "Oh, tipping, I don't know if it is a custom here or not. But for your extra help..." She pulled out a few more of her converted money to offer it up to the clerk. "If you'd please accept it for your generosity to a foreign traveler like myself, I'd be grateful."

"Aw sounds like something my mother would say to me. I'll always remember that good advice." In many sense, Himiko wasn't her "master" or "employer" for the more friendly term, she was someone like Shirin, a caring and kind person who took this lowly girl under her wing. Yuki admired Shirin and Himiko for different reasons and to have two women she could look to made her feel a sense of warmth and comfort.

Marla shook her head.
"No... I'm not one for tight spaces. Except for Mam's embrace, that is.", she replied with a shudder. Then, her expression considerably brightened: "But there are also big ships with big spaces. Mam and I were aboard a destroyer, once, when she was commissioned, and they are quite roomy. At least it seemed to me..."
She trailed off.

Shirin nodded at Yuki's admiring comment and smiled. She put a hand onto the girl's head as she spotted, what Mahmut had spotted a moment before: His date was paying, the clerk smiling at her.
"Well, Miss...", he said and handed her the money back while he motioned to Mahmut. "That young gentleman has already covered your bill. He was quite insistent." The man behind the counter smiled as Mahmut bowed his head slightly. "As for a tip, it is uncommon. If you want, though, many charities use festivals like this to collect money for their causes. I know of a group of dancers, who are a few streets down, they collect for butterfly children."
Mahmut smiled and offered to take one of the bags.

"I couldn't agree more with you, replies Peter. I heard a story during the Bosnian War, in 1995. A French Mirage 2000 was refueling over the Adriatic Sea before going back to base in Italy, and there was a lot of wind at the moment, which means a lot of turbulences. His supply boom broke during the refueling, before moving to the air inlet. I don't have to explain the rest: engine destroyed, plane going down, and the pilot managed to eject before crashing in the sea. This is why I prefer our American planes, who have a different intake for fuel, not as apparent as on French fighters."

Ilia nodded.
"That is of advantage, yes.", he said, leaning forward slightly, "You know, one of my flight school teachers told a story to us, from the early days of aerial refuelling. He flew a repurposed bomber, had tons of fuel aboard and fighters to refill. So, he extended his boom, the two fighters approach. They dock, fuel flows, all goes well.
Until a gust of wind hits the whole arrangement, lots of wind, letting one of the fighters touch the fuel line with his propeller blade. And the line went up in tatters, as did the blade. Fuel spilled everywhere, emptying one of the tanks, flowing in gushes over the now propeller-less plane, the pilot panics and fires his rockets.
The rockets miss the repurposed bomber, but the fuel ignites. A flame cocoon engulfes the fighter for a few seconds, then he falls out of the sky smoking, but in one piece and with the pilot alive. He bails and survives... only to land in a tower.", he finished the story. "The nightmare of my class ever since."

Aboard the Luna Mysteria, Zoe Mariner nodded,
"We'll send you some of our footage as we will have a camera running as we take part in the parade" she says as the film crew disembarked

"You guys going back aboard Mielenka?", asks Zoe as Micky starts up the auxiliary engine and feeling the vibration trough the hull, Jax relocates himself to the cabin where he can get some sleep, Robbie climbs ashore to loosen the mooring lines as Gina pulls them aboard and coit's them up, during this time, Micky keeps the Luna up against the pontoon by using a touch of reverse thrust.

The head of the film crew nodded. "Thanks. We will repay you generously! Have fun!"
And with that, the crew departed towards their next objective and adventure.

"Alright, we'll check it out," Cormag replied after they both waved to Laila's friend.

They conversed with each other about the cases on what to do when checking out every store. Then, with a consensus reached, they both turned to Laila.

"So, now with all that out of the way, can you show us the rest of the boat," asked Cormag, preparing to record again, "I'm wantin to get some more footage of our tour here."

"Sure.", Laila said with a grin, "Come!"
They had already seen the main deck, so now it was time to go under deck. The spare under the main deck was separated into four sections, one being the main cargo hold, the other being the secondary cargo hold, the third being the storage room for crew provisions and the fourth being the crews' sleeping room.
"Washing...", she explained, "...is done on the main deck, but I don't think, that you'd want footage of that!"
The main cargo hold, however, carried something, which one might not expect: Canons. Six in total, muzzle loaders with rich engravings and positioned behind hatches. Three per broadside. "They are for the reenactment show later. We'll be leading the surprise attack on Sinope. Don't worry, though, we not only have experienced gun crews aboard, but also... these guns only fire blanks these days. Modern blackpowder is too strong."
Beneath that deck was not much space left, so all three of them had to pull their heads in. "Bagalas like the Sayarfur aren't known for being very deep in the water. The only thing currently keeping the ocean out are the wooden planks. And yes, it's wood.", she explained, "That... and the bilge pump." She pointed to the back, where the electrically powered machine stood and worked silently. "Runs on a battery. We should go back up before someone bumps the head."
She led them up to the cargo hold.
"So... now we only need the forecastle and the deckhouse, but Crown Prince Ilia has not opened that to visitors.", she said with a smile.

Alexander puffed on his pipe a moment before responding to the journalist.

"Sinope is a beautiful harbour city and although I didn't personally see to much of the festivities, I can tell by how quick my crew is working that they all enjoyed it! I was a bit preoccupied with business on hand while here in port but I did have a run in earlier with an old dear friend of mine that was also here for the festivities! You can bet money that I will be spreading the word of this festival within my circles of fellow ship captains indeed, maybe next year I'll be able to convince some of them to also attend."

The camera crew smiled.
"That would be nice.", the interviewer said with a proud smile - being from Sinope had its effects, when the home city was praised. "Speaking of which... your crew. It is not that often, that a sailing vessel still is in active commercial service except for as a tourist boat at this day and age. Can you tell us a bit about them?"

An fight which promised, both of them experts on it with said fight being an tie for both sides, the womens held themselves more like bandits, opposed to the more formal and soldierly way the two men did.
And then, one of women, the most young one miscalculated and tripped and fell on the ground. As soon it happened, her partner went to the offensive to win time for her partner to be back on the fight. It was amazing how she kept them both busy at her own.

But as one was drived back the other slipped away to the side in where he took an golden shot which would end the fight. The girl was back on the fight although her sword was two metres away and in the blink of an eye, the tip of a sword at her throat.
The whistle appeared and it was then that the fight ended with a victory to the two men's, the applause made it's presence as they sheated their swords and now in opposite to each other bowed their heads. The ladies spoke to then in their language which the guys replied kindly, he couldn't understand their language but with the manners they used after the fight and the kindess in both of them it was clear that it was an fun and great fight for all of them.

With the fight over the two guys tried to leave, although that would be kinda complicated isn't it?? As soon they tried they were besiged by fans meanwhile the two women watched the show from the sidelines as a handmaiden brought water bottles.
Meanwhile those two were sitting in a bollard and smiling to the girls approaching them, Edward was caught off guard by someone speaking to him.

A young man, blonde, dark-skinned, red-eyered, dressed in a good stroller and surprisingly walking with a cane of dark wood. That was the person which spoke to him.
"Indeed it has been very interesting for a foreigner such as myself" he said smiling, then Dileva looked at him and leaned his hand to shake his. "Edward Dileva, it is an pleasure to meet you sir"

It seemed they were in the same boat, neither of them knew Sinope either, but still it would be interesting to know each other as they walked to their destiny and then continued.
The guys presented themselves with the young black-haired guy which offered his arm for link with hers being called Fintan, Eoin being the older and the grey-haired which spoke first to Jess being Conner.

Jessica then linked her arm with Fintan and presented herself with an smile at the three guys.
"Jessica, Jessica Dileva. Pleasure to meet you guys" she said smiling at them. "So from where you guys come from if I may ask"

"The pleasure is mine.", the young man said with a smile and shook Edward's hand. His grip was strong, belying the cane a bit. "I'm Okan. Okan ibn-Dardan." He motioned to the two women, who were having their own fans turn up, children, funnily enough the older of the two of them towering above them with a tender smile, while the younger one almost vanished amongst the kids. "The taller of the two, that's my Mother. Aynur bint-Tiana... the other is my cousin, Dilara bint-Samira."
He smiled.
"They're awesome with the sword. I could write songs about them... if I could write music!", he admitted with a grin, "What about you, Mister Dileva? What's your sport of choice?"

"The pleasure is ours, Miss Dileva.", Fintan said and wore a small blush as the woman had her arm linked with him. He succeeded in playing it cool, though. "We're actually from the Free Lands of the Selkie. Back home, there's Winter Break and we wanted to see Kyrenaia at least once... so why not a festival?"
Conner nodded. "It's how people usually come to our homeland. To visit a festival... and to be honest, what's wrong with it?", he said and grinned, "Exactly: Nothing."

[Danceria]

Fara was, for a moment, shocked.
He lost his parents to that incident... she... she could not imagine the pain.
But by instinct, she wrapped her arms around him, moved closer into his embrace, let him feel, that she was there, listening to all of his pain, that she there to dry his tears, no matter her own pain. She was there.
Stark naked, while he, too, was stark naked, but that did not matter.
She was there.
Wordlessly, she reached up and cupped his cheek, moved up to offer her shoulder to him, her thumb running across his cheek. He was not alone. She was there.
And she was there to stay.

Aceus was far too proud to use Fara's shoulder to cry on. But he smiled, his tears flowing slightly freer than he'd care to admit, leaning his forehead onto hers for a moment. It would appear that it was a Dancerian custom for those close with one another to do so. "Thanks..." he responded hoarsely. "I'm...thank you..." he fumbled with his words and wrapped his own arms around Fara's body. There was silence in the air, as the Dancerian King felt Fara, felt her heartbeat against his. It was everything Aceus needed that he would never willingly admit.

"...It's been at least...a year almost?" Aceus recalled. "I mean, I don't...I don't try to grieve over the fact that they're gone. They were getting up in years and...well, I always thought that cancer, or just old age would get them. It's not the fact that they're gone that bothered me." he would cede. "They drilled into my head ever since I was a lil'un, "Ace; you can't stop people from coming or going...but you can choose how you're going." ...The Sindarin might not translate well into English. I..." he chuckled. "I always feel guilty about things I should've prevented. Should've been more careful about it. But..." he paused, collecting his thoughts. "I keep going. It's not the fact that they're gone that...I grieve because I couldn't have saved them."

[AHSCA]

"Wonderful!", Aurelia called back, grinning as they proceeded.
The Sultana noted, how well both of them fit together... and how much fun they had together. The more she watched them as they were leaving the Small Basin, the more she came to the conclusion, that she had made the right call.
Aurelia and Marcella would be an awesome couple.
Though Razia also knew, that she would have to talk with Marcella's mother...

Marcella smiled as things got a little easier from here "All right, Captain, we're good, steady ahead easy!" This really would be a fun exciting challenge with just the two of them out on the open sea but for now this would do. A dream come true.

Atif smiled at Asuna as the waitress confirmed the order and was off, promising them food in a few minutes.
The young man let a few beats pass, looking at Asuna, most specifically in her eyes.
"Your eyes are beautiful...", he whispered, his heart beating like a mad drummer.

She giggled a little tensing up with just a bit of flattery and embarrassment, her face was red. "Th-thanks. You have nice eyes too." More than that, he had nice features. Probably the dream man she could always hope for or imagine.

[The Chuck]

With a smile, Alexander took another moment to take a puff on his pipe.

"Ah yes, the crew of the Geezer's Rest are all fine lads and lassies. Many of them are actually fulfilling their conscription time aboard my vessel. We are a member ship of the The Chuck Merchant Marines. As such, in times of war my vessel can be commandeered and pressed into service with the navy. All of the sailors aboard this vessel are trained in both military affairs and in sailing affairs and I pay them a standard sailor's wage too. Although they are all sailors who are technically part of the military, in times of peace they serve with me and help me run my small shipping company. This shipping company I built from the waves up and as such, their assistance is much needed and appreciated."

[Aurora Confederacy]

The head of the film crew nodded. "Thanks. We will repay you generously! Have fun!"
And with that, the crew departed towards their next objective and adventure.

Once the film crew had left and the crew of the Mielenka had boarded their boat ready for the parade, Micky fed in aster power as Gina climbed ashore to untie the boat then once back aboard Micky fed power into the ahead setting and slowly the Luna Mysteria began to move gently from the quay, Zoe however was up at the bow of the little yacht holding onto the stay brace keeping an eye out for other traffic.

"hey Robbie, wanna take the helm?" asks Micky, standing aside to allow Robbie to take the helm of the Luna as Gina moved forwards to help Zoe with the sails as the boat neared the start point, "Micky start on the fores'l, Robbie bring her back to idle please babe" calls out Zoe.

Robbie reaches over and takes hold of the throttle and slowly brings it back to the required position, the throttle clicking into neutral with a gentle click as the spring loaded ball bearing engages with a small cut out in the mechanism, as it does the engine falls back from a purr to a steady chug, the boat gently riding the swell as Zoe and Gina work the sails and Micky works the winches and before long the boat is moving under the power of the wind.

"engine off?" asks Robbie

"yep, shut her down" replies Zoe.

Robbie turns the key and moments later the only sound is the water lapping gently against the hull as Luna Mysteria, gently leaning to one side cruises along, sails filled with the wind, a sight that puts a smile on Zoe Mariner's face. "Fitt, she rides well eh?"

"not half, and she just wants to run as well" replies Gina, holding onto the railings, watching Robbie gently steer Zoe's beloved Luna Mysteria

[Kuronami]

Marla shook her head.
"No... I'm not one for tight spaces. Except for Mam's embrace, that is.", she replied with a shudder. Then, her expression considerably brightened: "But there are also big ships with big spaces. Mam and I were aboard a destroyer, once, when she was commissioned, and they are quite roomy. At least it seemed to me..."
She trailed off.

"Aha very nice! I'm not sure how ships change between countries so I can't say I know everything." She shrugged with a smile.

Shirin nodded at Yuki's admiring comment and smiled. She put a hand onto the girl's head as she spotted, what Mahmut had spotted a moment before: His date was paying, the clerk smiling at her.
"Well, Miss...", he said and handed her the money back while he motioned to Mahmut. "That young gentleman has already covered your bill. He was quite insistent." The man behind the counter smiled as Mahmut bowed his head slightly. "As for a tip, it is uncommon. If you want, though, many charities use festivals like this to collect money for their causes. I know of a group of dancers, who are a few streets down, they collect for butterfly children."
Mahmut smiled and offered to take one of the bags.

"Oh my....Thank you..." She said to Mahmut while blushing wildly. "Well in that case, I think I will make a donation. Thank you ma'am for your suggestion there." she bowed again gathering her new merchandise and making way to exit the shop. Mahmut was such a gentleman being willing to pay. Truly the handsome Prince Charming!

[Mervay]

"The pleasure is mine.", the young man said with a smile and shook Edward's hand. His grip was strong, belying the cane a bit. "I'm Okan. Okan ibn-Dardan." He motioned to the two women, who were having their own fans turn up, children, funnily enough the older of the two of them towering above them with a tender smile, while the younger one almost vanished amongst the kids. "The taller of the two, that's my Mother. Aynur bint-Tiana... the other is my cousin, Dilara bint-Samira."
He smiled.
"They're awesome with the sword. I could write songs about them... if I could write music!", he admitted with a grin, "What about you, Mister Dileva? What's your sport of choice?"

"The pleasure is ours, Miss Dileva.", Fintan said and wore a small blush as the woman had her arm linked with him. He succeeded in playing it cool, though. "We're actually from the Free Lands of the Selkie. Back home, there's Winter Break and we wanted to see Kyrenaia at least once... so why not a festival?"
Conner nodded. "It's how people usually come to our homeland. To visit a festival... and to be honest, what's wrong with it?", he said and grinned, "Exactly: Nothing."

The man smiled at Edward as he shook hands with him, after they ended the shake he presented himself and it was an surprise for him to find out with who he was talking to... Okan ibn-Dardan.

"Prince Dardan. It is an honor to meet you sir" Dileva said grinning at him, of all people he could met around Sinope the one he found besides him is the son of the actual Ilkhana of Megido, surely an big surprise for him.
He then motioned to the two ladies now surrendered by their own fans which he could only see the old one and the one which he was sure was the Ilkhana and another that took an big task of search to find who it was considering the amount of people there.

"So coming to watch your mother and cousin huh?? Good to see the family giving moral support" he said grinning as he watched the crowd around them as Okan told that those two were awesome with the sword and that if he could write songs they would about them. "You can always try you know?? It takes time and effort but if you have the will and skills then it would be piece of cake" Dileva said to him.

Then he asked about what would be his favorite sport or his choice, he was always an fan of swimming although it would be because he was part of the swimming team back in high school.

"I would say swimming, it brings me good memories and the fact that I always loved it and was part of the swimming team back in high school" Edward said grinning as he remembered those times. "Would you and your family like to join me in an lunch around one of the restaurants of the promenade?? I mean is lunch time and I'm sure all of us are hungry"

The Free Lands huh??? Winter break did really made many people to come around here in festival time and as Conner said many people goes during festival time to there and many other places with her most recent memory the festival in AHSCA.

"Indeed, nothing wrong with visit somewhere when is during festival time and I can confirm it" she said at the guys grinning. "So from where you guys are from in the Free Lands?? Cuán, Silverport, Shella??"

[Kyrenaia]

Fara was, for a moment, shocked.
He lost his parents to that incident... she... she could not imagine the pain.
But by instinct, she wrapped her arms around him, moved closer into his embrace, let him feel, that she was there, listening to all of his pain, that she there to dry his tears, no matter her own pain. She was there.
Stark naked, while he, too, was stark naked, but that did not matter.
She was there.
Wordlessly, she reached up and cupped his cheek, moved up to offer her shoulder to him, her thumb running across his cheek. He was not alone. She was there.
And she was there to stay.

Aceus was far too proud to use Fara's shoulder to cry on. But he smiled, his tears flowing slightly freer than he'd care to admit, leaning his forehead onto hers for a moment. It would appear that it was a Dancerian custom for those close with one another to do so. "Thanks..." he responded hoarsely. "I'm...thank you..." he fumbled with his words and wrapped his own arms around Fara's body. There was silence in the air, as the Dancerian King felt Fara, felt her heartbeat against his. It was everything Aceus needed that he would never willingly admit.

"...It's been at least...a year almost?" Aceus recalled. "I mean, I don't...I don't try to grieve over the fact that they're gone. They were getting up in years and...well, I always thought that cancer, or just old age would get them. It's not the fact that they're gone that bothered me." he would cede. "They drilled into my head ever since I was a lil'un, "Ace; you can't stop people from coming or going...but you can choose how you're going." ...The Sindarin might not translate well into English. I..." he chuckled. "I always feel guilty about things I should've prevented. Should've been more careful about it. But..." he paused, collecting his thoughts. "I keep going. It's not the fact that they're gone that...I grieve because I couldn't have saved them."

Fara was silent, stayed there, her thumb wiping his tears, her mind preventing any tears of her own from flowing.
After a while, she whispered: "I know, what you mean.", she said, "In a way, at least... Okan will most likely not live to see his fiftieth birthday dawn. Nothing can change that." She moved closer to Aceus, deeper into his embrace, hearing his heart as well. "He will go, one day, and I dread that day. I... I can not save him. I'm his sister, his little sister, yes, but his sister, and I am supposed to help him, save him, do something to help him... yet I can't."
She looked at Aceus, in his eyes.
"Your parents must have been wonderful people to have raised such a wonderful man...", she whispered.

"Wonderful!", Aurelia called back, grinning as they proceeded.
The Sultana noted, how well both of them fit together... and how much fun they had together. The more she watched them as they were leaving the Small Basin, the more she came to the conclusion, that she had made the right call.
Aurelia and Marcella would be an awesome couple.
Though Razia also knew, that she would have to talk with Marcella's mother...

Marcella smiled as things got a little easier from here "All right, Captain, we're good, steady ahead easy!" This really would be a fun exciting challenge with just the two of them out on the open sea but for now this would do. A dream come true.

Atif smiled at Asuna as the waitress confirmed the order and was off, promising them food in a few minutes.
The young man let a few beats pass, looking at Asuna, most specifically in her eyes.
"Your eyes are beautiful...", he whispered, his heart beating like a mad drummer.

She giggled a little tensing up with just a bit of flattery and embarrassment, her face was red. "Th-thanks. You have nice eyes too." More than that, he had nice features. Probably the dream man she could always hope for or imagine.

The Harira moved forward without further incidents, and moved into position.
Anchor dropped and sails brought up, she laid more or less still and the Sultana smiled at both Marcella and Aurelia. "My dears, it has long been since I felt this safe on any vessel.", she complimented, kissing first her granddaughter, then her girlfriend onto the forehead. "Thank you. You two are a wonderful team."
Aurelia blushed at the compliments.

Atif, unaware of Asuna's thoughts, smiled. "Thanks.", he said, "They say, that the eyes are the windows into the soul. When I see into your eyes... I see a vast ocean, not calm, but always in motion, beautiful and ever-changing... I would love to see the bottom of that ocean."
His smile turned a bit sheepish as he became aware of the involuntary innuendo, which he had produced.

With a smile, Alexander took another moment to take a puff on his pipe.

"Ah yes, the crew of the Geezer's Rest are all fine lads and lassies. Many of them are actually fulfilling their conscription time aboard my vessel. We are a member ship of the The Chuck Merchant Marines. As such, in times of war my vessel can be commandeered and pressed into service with the navy. All of the sailors aboard this vessel are trained in both military affairs and in sailing affairs and I pay them a standard sailor's wage too. Although they are all sailors who are technically part of the military, in times of peace they serve with me and help me run my small shipping company. This shipping company I built from the waves up and as such, their assistance is much needed and appreciated."

The journalist nodded.
"One can imagine.", she said and let a beat pass. "From what we saw, she is in wonderful and fine condition, so they know their stuff. If I may be so bold and ask, what does she usually transport in the sense of wares?" She raised a hand. "If you don't want to answer, we will change the subject to something more comfortable to you."

Once the film crew had left and the crew of the Mielenka had boarded their boat ready for the parade, Micky fed in aster power as Gina climbed ashore to untie the boat then once back aboard Micky fed power into the ahead setting and slowly the Luna Mysteria began to move gently from the quay, Zoe however was up at the bow of the little yacht holding onto the stay brace keeping an eye out for other traffic.

"hey Robbie, wanna take the helm?" asks Micky, standing aside to allow Robbie to take the helm of the Luna as Gina moved forwards to help Zoe with the sails as the boat neared the start point, "Micky start on the fores'l, Robbie bring her back to idle please babe" calls out Zoe.

Robbie reaches over and takes hold of the throttle and slowly brings it back to the required position, the throttle clicking into neutral with a gentle click as the spring loaded ball bearing engages with a small cut out in the mechanism, as it does the engine falls back from a purr to a steady chug, the boat gently riding the swell as Zoe and Gina work the sails and Micky works the winches and before long the boat is moving under the power of the wind.

"engine off?" asks Robbie

"yep, shut her down" replies Zoe.

Robbie turns the key and moments later the only sound is the water lapping gently against the hull as Luna Mysteria, gently leaning to one side cruises along, sails filled with the wind, a sight that puts a smile on Zoe Mariner's face. "Fitt, she rides well eh?"

"not half, and she just wants to run as well" replies Gina, holding onto the railings, watching Robbie gently steer Zoe's beloved Luna Mysteria

As the Luna Mysteria came to a stop, she came to a stop amongst the first sailing vessels arriving for the parade, amongst them the Qarad, a forty metre long wooden ship, which was of the Bagala-Type... if it weren't for the large platform, which was erected at the aft and ruined the profile a bit. What might worry the observer were the fire-pots below the platform.
And there was the Labiwa, arriving after nearly running over the vessel carrying the Sultana.
Also present was the Ríméad, a Capall na dTonn from the Free Lands, which performed well in the race, as well as another vessel from the Free Lands, the Siúl, which was a Caogaidí - which was not a sailing vessel, but a 35 metre long vessel with a very sharp bow and fifty oarsmen as the primary movers. She could attain up to ten knots, roundabout, and was flying the flag of the City of Wembury, to which's university she belonged, a rebuild example of these vessels, which had their golden age in the 1st to 5th centuries.
The Gods alone knew, how they managed to sail her to Kyrenaia.

Marla shook her head.
"No... I'm not one for tight spaces. Except for Mam's embrace, that is.", she replied with a shudder. Then, her expression considerably brightened: "But there are also big ships with big spaces. Mam and I were aboard a destroyer, once, when she was commissioned, and they are quite roomy. At least it seemed to me..."
She trailed off.

"Aha very nice! I'm not sure how ships change between countries so I can't say I know everything." She shrugged with a smile.

Shirin nodded at Yuki's admiring comment and smiled. She put a hand onto the girl's head as she spotted, what Mahmut had spotted a moment before: His date was paying, the clerk smiling at her.
"Well, Miss...", he said and handed her the money back while he motioned to Mahmut. "That young gentleman has already covered your bill. He was quite insistent." The man behind the counter smiled as Mahmut bowed his head slightly. "As for a tip, it is uncommon. If you want, though, many charities use festivals like this to collect money for their causes. I know of a group of dancers, who are a few streets down, they collect for butterfly children."
Mahmut smiled and offered to take one of the bags.

"Oh my....Thank you..." She said to Mahmut while blushing wildly. "Well in that case, I think I will make a donation. Thank you ma'am for your suggestion there." she bowed again gathering her new merchandise and making way to exit the shop. Mahmut was such a gentleman being willing to pay. Truly the handsome Prince Charming!

Marla nodded.
"A wise man knows, that he still has much to learn.", she quoted, "Prince Okan always says that. He's nice and really, really wise!" She smiled. "He reads a lot, so that's to be expected. I still have much to learn, he always says, but he does, too."

Mahmut smiled, bowing his head lightly to the shop's employees and caught up to the girl.
He smiled.
"So... caught something nice for everyone?", he asked.

The man smiled at Edward as he shook hands with him, after they ended the shake he presented himself and it was an surprise for him to find out with who he was talking to... Okan ibn-Dardan.

"Prince Dardan. It is an honor to meet you sir" Dileva said grinning at him, of all people he could met around Sinope the one he found besides him is the son of the actual Ilkhana of Megido, surely an big surprise for him.
He then motioned to the two ladies now surrendered by their own fans which he could only see the old one and the one which he was sure was the Ilkhana and another that took an big task of search to find who it was considering the amount of people there.

"So coming to watch your mother and cousin huh?? Good to see the family giving moral support" he said grinning as he watched the crowd around them as Okan told that those two were awesome with the sword and that if he could write songs they would about them. "You can always try you know?? It takes time and effort but if you have the will and skills then it would be piece of cake" Dileva said to him.

Then he asked about what would be his favorite sport or his choice, he was always an fan of swimming although it would be because he was part of the swimming team back in high school.

"I would say swimming, it brings me good memories and the fact that I always loved it and was part of the swimming team back in high school" Edward said grinning as he remembered those times. "Would you and your family like to join me in an lunch around one of the restaurants of the promenade?? I mean is lunch time and I'm sure all of us are hungry"

The Free Lands huh??? Winter break did really made many people to come around here in festival time and as Conner said many people goes during festival time to there and many other places with her most recent memory the festival in AHSCA.

"Indeed, nothing wrong with visit somewhere when is during festival time and I can confirm it" she said at the guys grinning. "So from where you guys are from in the Free Lands?? Cuán, Silverport, Shella??"

Okan smiled at the offer to join Edward for lunch and if he was honest, it was tempting...
He wanted to reply, as he heard a man speak "Okan!", followed by an onslaught of words in Kyrenaian from the mouth of a man, who had flaming red hair and red eyes, who grinned as he hugged the Prince. He replied, a short conversation later, the new arrival turned to Edward.
"Is that so, Mister Dileva?", he asked with a smile and offered his hand for a shake, "That you invited us for lunch in the promenade?" He shook his head. "I'm afraid, that I will not be able to attend with my whole family. My daughters are in town, somewhere, doing as young women at a festival do. And, amongst us three, the prices are a bit hefty... no, how about you join us for lunch aboard the Takhatiy ?"
Okan nodded with an inviting smile.

The three lads smiled.
"Oh, you know the most important cities already!", Conner said with a smile, "Though, neither of those three. We met at the Clár Boarding School in Launceston. All three of us are actually from different places. I, for example, am from Conall Curach."
Eoin nodded. "I'm from Bodmin."
Fintan added: "Adhmaraice, or Riverwood, at the shores of Lake Mór, is the city I call my place-of-origin." He smiled at his friends. "Though my home is with those two lads!"
The others smiled.