Sinope Harbour Festival (IC, MT)

[The Chuck]

Fredrick grinned. "Sure. Marie?"
Marie shrugged. "I guess I'll come along. What 'bout of the rest of the crew, though?"
"O'Keefe will keep them in shape."

Chuckling Alexander walked with Marie and Fredrick back to the Geezer's Rest. Once they arrived back he walked up the gangplank and brought down a sign that said,

Stories and Booze for all interested! Just hollar and come aboard!

With that he smiled and helped Marie up onto the deck of the ship.

"So Fredrick, can I get you a bottle of Scotch or something? And the same with you Marie? Would you like anything to drink? I have plenty of alcohol for this occasion."

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Fredrick grinned. "Sure. Marie?"
Marie shrugged. "I guess I'll come along. What 'bout of the rest of the crew, though?"
"O'Keefe will keep them in shape."

Chuckling Alexander walked with Marie and Fredrick back to the Geezer's Rest. Once they arrived back he walked up the gangplank and brought down a sign that said,

Stories and Booze for all interested! Just hollar and come aboard!

With that he smiled and helped Marie up onto the deck of the ship.

"So Fredrick, can I get you a bottle of Scotch or something? And the same with you Marie? Would you like anything to drink? I have plenty of alcohol for this occasion."

Marie shook her head. "I'll pass."
Fredrick produced a bottle of Spirytus. "Brought some of my own-mind swapping?"

[The Chuck]

Marie shook her head. "I'll pass."
Fredrick produced a bottle of Spirytus. "Brought some of my own-mind swapping?"

"Haha, oh you and your high proof grain alcohols. You can drink that if you want Fredrick, I'm sticking with my Scotch! I drink for the taste and not to get drunk haha!"

With that, Alexander walked around a corner to a small galley and brought out a couple cups including a cup of fresh water for Marie.

"I figure if you aren't going to drink that some water will still let you wet your whistle Marie."

With a smile he sat down and addressed Fredrick,

"So Fredrick, what have you been up to these past couple of years?"

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Fredrick shrugged. "Went from a fucking fishing boat with a .50 and a radar to a destroyer, then a battlecruiser, then to a torpedo boat and now to the Pommern. Torpedo boat and Pommern are both traveling museum ships. Battlecruiser was fun, but sat around in port alot. Destroyer was my fondest one. Don't get me started about the goddamn fishing boat."

[Kuronami]

Ilia nodded to the Handmaiden entering behind Mahmut, who gave a short bow in confirmation.
The tea would take a few minutes, but it would come.
Meanwhile, Ilia took his position at the head of the table, directing Yuzu to sit to his left, with Mahmut sitting to his right, but with enough space for one of the girls to sit between the two men, smiling, as he heard Ilia's reply.
"I know, what kind of books you mean, Yuzu.", he looked sheepish for a moment. "I may call you Yuzu, right? Not Miss Shijou?"
Mahmut sat down as well, smiling at Yuki, whispering to her: "Don't worry, it took me a while to get my sea legs, too. And it took a heavy storm!", he told her reassuringly.

"Yuzu will be just fine."

"Ah that does make me feel a little better." Yuki nodded "Knowing I'm not the only one who struggled. Guess Yuzu is right, it was fortunate we had generally fare seas. Well except one day where it grew particularly choppy."

"Oh yeah I do remember that." Yuzu shrugged "Honestly I'm surprised it wasn't as bad as I thought. Well I figured with the increasing choppiness we were due for a storm but alas it calmed after about a day. As my grandfather says a chop in the slop will make you slop. "

"I think you were a bit disappointing" Haru chuckled a bit

"Well a good storm makes a voyage a little exciting. Do you agree?" She asked both Iila and Mahmut. "If I may indluge in a story a bit, three years ago I was on a voyage from Mazomba to Amaterasu. Our ship encountered a tropical storm in the area and next thing you know everything was sliding around. Poor mother and I had to hold to our dishes for dear life so we could simply enjoy our dinner. Some would say foolish for leaving when weather is in the area but Mazomba is known for it and if every ship waited it out they'd never leave."

[Mervay]

The saleswoman bowed her head lightly.
"For you two, that should not be a problem.", she said and rose, "But your daughter and her girlfriend might be a bit more complicated. The dresses are made to measure, if you want really high quality. Of course, there are dresses off the rack on sale, but as mentioned... if you really want quality, to measure would be the way to go."
She looked to Edward. "If you would please give me a moment, I will get a colleague of mine to your help.", she said and waved to a man in the male version of the Fistan Alshams. He was as tall as Edward and build like a wardrobe, dressed in white harem pants, ankle length, held by a belt under a broad length of fabric around his hips. He wore a purple vest, which was not broad enough to cover his upper body, a shirt with short sleeves underneath it. "Mahmut, would you please help the gentleman finding a dress suitable for him?"
"Of course.", the salesman replied, bowing to Edward, then Jessica. "Have you decided on measure or rack?"

Just perfect... Let's see if I have an photo of them together for their gifts Jess thought to herself as she searched for her phone to see if she took an photo of the girls during the festival or something that could help her for this.
She knew the meassures of Tess since she was her daughter of course, but Satou??? If she wanted to ask her about it she would need to call her daughter which was surely sleeping considering it's still early on mainland Mervay, that if they still there and no in the island of Britain.

God help her to find an picture for tell her the basics of the girls.
Meanwhile she was busy with searching that picture, Edward was getting attended by an guy, tall as him and dressed in an male version of the clothes, which was something what Dileva wanted for be dressed here then the guy, which name was Mahmut; he bowed to the couple and then looked at Edward asking him about what meassure or rack he decided.

"Well only the meassure which is an 43, but the rack that sadly no" he said sighing. "What do you suggest if I may ask??"

Meanwhile Jessica searched for the photo that she needed which in an blessing or by luck, she found it. So she went to the businesswoman that was attending them at first and told her about Tess before show her the photo for have an idea of her and her girlfriend.

"Excuse me miss but about my daughter and her girlfriend, I have an photo that might serve for you to get an idea of how they look and what's their meassures in general" she said showing her the phone with the photo.

"I apologize for all the problems that I have caused you with this order and before hand we begin with mine, will you accept to make the offer of make the dresses for them??"

[Kyrenaia]

Damir chuckled. "Thank you, but I have to hand those laurels further up to my Mother, who taught us that. This is why I take as much time as I can to spent with Aurelia and even if it is only sitting in the same garden with different books.", he said fondly smiling, before he looked up, "Speaking of which... she plays an important role in these occasions as well."
Both Kyrenaians looked up to look at the ship before them, the Name-Ship of the Aurelia-class Sailing Yachts, the Aurelia herself.
At the foot of the Gangplank, several members of the Tabardariyya stood, guarding the way up onto the vessel. Aurelia and Damir took out their IDs and held them at the ready for inspection.

Jasmine blushed lightly and nodded as she led Asuna away.
"You may, Ma'am.", she said in a soft voice, "As for the Hammam, allow me to start from the top. A Hammam is a steam bath, the majority of the water you encounter is steam, but a bit is also flowing. The latter is used for washing. There are pools as well, which are usually entered without the towel... that reminds me, visitors usually get a blue towel during their experience." She let a beat pass. "Hammams are co-ed, but it is considered rude to stare. You may also call upon the services of a tellak to provide you with a massage."
They turned into a smaller hallway.
"Any questions so far?", Jasmine asked.

Marcella looked on with awe at the Aurelia-class sailing yacht. Just like the woman herself, a picture of beauty it was. "Wow that's so amazing! What a beauty of a ship that is! Just like the woman before me!" She gave a wink at Aurelia.

Asuna listened to Jasmine talk about the Hammam. A steam bath sounded unique and relaxing. Basic rules seemed logical, don't gawk and ask for help if needed. "I believe I understand it, thank you so much!"

Damir smiled, his hand pulling Aurelia a smidgen closer.
"There is a reason why I gave her that name.", he agreed, then showed his ID to the Sergeant at the guardpost. Aurelia did the same, showing two IDs, one of her, one of Marcella, giving her the latter. "That's a Kyrenaian Security ID. All frequent visitors to the dwellings and vessels of the Kyrenaian Royalty get one. We didn't want to send it via mail, so here you go!"
Aurelia smiled as she kissed Marcella onto her lips, this time without tongue, as she gave it to her.

Jasmine smiled slightly, then turned to a door.
"This is the woman's changing room. Put your clothes into an empty basket and take out the silk towel.", she explained, "Once you've done that, proceed into the actual bath. It's the door opposite to this one. I'll be waiting on you in the bath."
And with that, Jasmine bowed her head slightly and left Satou to her own devices inside the rather spartan changing room, a bench running along in the middle, with lockers to one side and a shelf with wicker baskets on the other. Some of them were already filled with clothes, while others only held a blue silken towel.
On the bench sat a young woman, dark skinned as typical for Kyrenaians, brown haired, with a round face and a bit too many curves in inconvenient locations. In other words, she was on the slightly pudgy side of things, but she still looked cute.
She smiled as Satou entered, taking off her bra.
"Hi, there!", she greeted.

Finding the Sultana, with the description of her being at the stern watching the ships in the harbour and the crowds, was not as hard as one could think, mainly because she was on the Sun Deck, the highest deck of the vessel, which was open-topped.
The stern of the Sun Deck was lightly elevated, actually to serve as a stage for performers performing for the people on the deck, but it also served well as a viewing and waving platform. The two flights of stairs leading up were secured by the Tabardariyya, the men in lamellar armour with the large axes guarding the stairways and the people up there.
The former Emperor and his friends had been asked, that their bodyguards would stay on the Bridge Deck, more precisely in the Small Dining Room, where two Handmaidens would cater to them, and that it would be appreciated, if the gentlemen would hide their weapons while in the Presence of the Sultana. Similarly, when they went to explore the festival, it would be appreciated, if they would leave the rifles in their quarters, keep the carrying licenses for their handguns at the ready and the guns themselves hidden.
If they followed those requests, posted by Damir, basically their host as the Aurelia was his vessel, was another question. Damir hoped, that they would do him that favour, not only for his sake, but also for theirs.
Not many people understood, why they were aboard the Aurelia to begin with, but the answer was simple: Damir and Ilia had invited them, Damir hosting them on his boat - originally, they had invited Anaximander and his wife, but circumstances forced them to cancel, their grandparents taking up the invitation.
For some reason, Damir and especially Aurelia had warmed up considerably to Anaximander, Anna and their closest friends Pavel and Alicia during their state visit earlier this year. The Sultana assumed she knew why: They were young, all of them, and they somehow could understand each other.
A Handmaiden informed her, that the four of them were on their way, which made the Sultana nod to the bar, where a Handmaiden began to prepare five tall glasses of clear water.
Meeting the former Emperor and his friends would be... interesting, she figured.

When the request about the weapons had been formulated to them, Peter and his crew had no problem complying to the first one, simply moving their guns and knives holsters to their backs, so that it may not be visible right away from the front.
The second one however, had been met with various reactions, all of them negative.
For the Elven Squad, the main thing to remember had been the words of Elven 1, who had simpky declared: "Seriously, we're Scarlet Rangers, not godamn Carebears! If they had not wanted us to bring rifles, they should have said it firsthand!
-What my dear bodyguard is trying to say, had tempered Peter, is that when you ask an orchestra to play a masterpiece, let's say Radestki March, you do not forget an entire section of musicians. It's the same here, you can not ask of him to do his job if you take away his main instrument. And don't worry, everyone here knows they will not spend our entire time here waving them around like idiots.
-Besides, had added Frank, with all the shit going back home, their gear is normal. But if you want to file a complaint, feel free to adress one to my son Konstantin, the actual General of the Guard."
So, with everything said and done, and half of the Kyrenaians requests met, the four grandfathers are now climbing the stairs to the Sun's Deck podium, where Razia's form soon comes into view.
"And here she comes in all her splendor! says Peter with a large smile. It's great to finally meet ypu at last, Sultana. May the Scarlet Eagle Spirits bring their calming breeze to the Sultanate. Please let me introduce to you Frank, Thomas, and Joe, continues the former Emperor as he points to his three wingmates.
-My respects,Your Highness, says Frank as he salutes militarily, it's a great honor to meet you.
- My respects, Your Majesty, continues Joe. My colleague here just got the wordd out of my mouth.
-It is a great honor to finally meet you, Sultana, finishes Thomas with a little bow and a smile. Then, as he rises back up, a small spark of mischeviousness appears in the former ambassador's eyes. We have to thank you, child, for the help you sent us in those times of need."
With Thomas using the word child, (which was technically true, since the Sultana was nearly 30 years younger than them), the other three can't help but snort a little, which they manage to hide under a small cough.

Damir had given them a slight smile at the replies, having expected a reply along those lines (especially about the rifles), and raised his hands. "Then, maestro, at least keep your license at the ready. None of us want any unfortunate incidents, least of all on such a nice occasion."
In the present, the Sultana was not holding back with her bemusement of being called a child, smiling quite openly.
"The pleasure is mine, shuyukh.", she said and bowed her head slightly, "May the Gods be merciful with the people of the Empire in their time of need. And may they help your children and grandchildren as well."
She paused for a moment.
"It has been a while since I met someone, who could rightfully claim calling me a child.", she said with clear bemusement in her eyes, "Usually, I am the older one, so this is a bit of an unusual situation for me by now..." A soft mewl tore her out of her thoughts. "Oh, my, I forgot to introduce my stalwart companion today!"
She bowed down to pick up a small creature, yellow with brown stripes, a white ruff of fur around his neck, a small feline, who snuggled into her chest, which made the Sultana smile as she stroked the head between the two very long ears, emerald green eyes shining with delight at the treatment.
"If I may introduce, Mushrif.", the Sultana introduced, then sat him onto the railing next to her, where he assumed a 'position of attention', so to speak. "A Smaller Kyrenain Caracal. I got him in August... he's currently rather suspicious of people not me, so I must sadly ask you to not try and pet him."

Ilia nodded to the Handmaiden entering behind Mahmut, who gave a short bow in confirmation.
The tea would take a few minutes, but it would come.
Meanwhile, Ilia took his position at the head of the table, directing Yuzu to sit to his left, with Mahmut sitting to his right, but with enough space for one of the girls to sit between the two men, smiling, as he heard Ilia's reply.
"I know, what kind of books you mean, Yuzu.", he looked sheepish for a moment. "I may call you Yuzu, right? Not Miss Shijou?"
Mahmut sat down as well, smiling at Yuki, whispering to her: "Don't worry, it took me a while to get my sea legs, too. And it took a heavy storm!", he told her reassuringly.

"Yuzu will be just fine."

"Ah that does make me feel a little better." Yuki nodded "Knowing I'm not the only one who struggled. Guess Yuzu is right, it was fortunate we had generally fare seas. Well except one day where it grew particularly choppy."

"Oh yeah I do remember that." Yuzu shrugged "Honestly I'm surprised it wasn't as bad as I thought. Well I figured with the increasing choppiness we were due for a storm but alas it calmed after about a day. As my grandfather says a chop in the slop will make you slop. "

"I think you were a bit disappointing" Haru chuckled a bit

"Well a good storm makes a voyage a little exciting. Do you agree?" She asked both Iila and Mahmut. "If I may indluge in a story a bit, three years ago I was on a voyage from Mazomba to Amaterasu. Our ship encountered a tropical storm in the area and next thing you know everything was sliding around. Poor mother and I had to hold to our dishes for dear life so we could simply enjoy our dinner. Some would say foolish for leaving when weather is in the area but Mazomba is known for it and if every ship waited it out they'd never leave."

Ilia smiled, bowing in approval of him being allowed to call her Yuzu.
For him, it went without saying, that she was thus allowed to call him Ilia.
Both him and Mahmut chuckled at the story, the younger Prince remarking: "A bit of choppy weather during a voyage makes it exciting, that is true, but too much chop and the railing becomes your best friend with how much you cuddle it!"
Ilia agreed with a nod. "But truth being told, calm and nice weather has something as well. You make good speed and you can enjoy maybe even a dip in the ocean that way."
"We have such places as Mozomba as well, though.", Mahmut added, "Cossyra, a few thousand kilometres in that direction."

The saleswoman bowed her head lightly.
"For you two, that should not be a problem.", she said and rose, "But your daughter and her girlfriend might be a bit more complicated. The dresses are made to measure, if you want really high quality. Of course, there are dresses off the rack on sale, but as mentioned... if you really want quality, to measure would be the way to go."
She looked to Edward. "If you would please give me a moment, I will get a colleague of mine to your help.", she said and waved to a man in the male version of the Fistan Alshams. He was as tall as Edward and build like a wardrobe, dressed in white harem pants, ankle length, held by a belt under a broad length of fabric around his hips. He wore a purple vest, which was not broad enough to cover his upper body, a shirt with short sleeves underneath it. "Mahmut, would you please help the gentleman finding a dress suitable for him?"
"Of course.", the salesman replied, bowing to Edward, then Jessica. "Have you decided on measure or rack?"

Just perfect... Let's see if I have an photo of them together for their gifts Jess thought to herself as she searched for her phone to see if she took an photo of the girls during the festival or something that could help her for this.
She knew the meassures of Tess since she was her daughter of course, but Satou??? If she wanted to ask her about it she would need to call her daughter which was surely sleeping considering it's still early on mainland Mervay, that if they still there and no in the island of Britain.

God help her to find an picture for tell her the basics of the girls.
Meanwhile she was busy with searching that picture, Edward was getting attended by an guy, tall as him and dressed in an male version of the clothes, which was something what Dileva wanted for be dressed here then the guy, which name was Mahmut; he bowed to the couple and then looked at Edward asking him about what meassure or rack he decided.

"Well only the meassure which is an 43, but the rack that sadly no" he said sighing. "What do you suggest if I may ask??"

Meanwhile Jessica searched for the photo that she needed which in an blessing or by luck, she found it. So she went to the businesswoman that was attending them at first and told her about Tess before show her the photo for have an idea of her and her girlfriend.

"Excuse me miss but about my daughter and her girlfriend, I have an photo that might serve for you to get an idea of how they look and what's their meassures in general" she said showing her the phone with the photo.





"I apologize for all the problems that I have caused you with this order and before hand we begin with mine, will you accept to make the offer of make the dresses for them??"

Note: Quote modified by removal of spoiler-tags.

Mahmut gave a small, apologetic smile.
"I'm afraid, that I caused a small misunderstanding.", he told Edward as he led him deeper into the shop, "What I meant is, do you want to buy a Fistan Alshams from the rack or do you want one made to your measures?" He let a beat pass, looking at the suit. "I can see, that you are a man of good taste, so I would recommend to buy to your measures... which we would have to take, for your usual tailor in all honours one can bestow upon him, we need a few more."

The saleswoman nodded, looking at the smartphone's screen with a small smile.
"They look cute together.", she complimented - it was no secret, that Kyrenaians were usually called conservative in their attitude towards homosexuals, but whatever misgivings the saleswoman had, her personal opinion had no place in the store. "I can already imagine some colours..." She pointed to Jessica's daughter. "...for her, sapphire blue, a veil in deep blue... hm... pants, curtain or skirt...?"
She shook her head and then looked to the other young woman.
"For her, indeed a light red, maybe even a deeper one. Also working with the contrast between the two.", she said and smiled slightly. "A veil with a golden thread running along the borders, most certainly."
She smiled, for a moment.
"What do you think?", she asked Jessica.

[Lillorainen]

"aye, and Luna Mysteria has been a dependable boat. when she was raised from her bed by the crane we were expecting to see the water level in her go down and it didn't, we had to pump it out whilst she was on the crane which gave me confidence that she was going to be a relatively easy restore, once back in the water i took her around to Mi'aza point and back on a calm sunday evening and she handled well, although winching sails was for Micky hard work. Gina Fittipaldi who launched the boat works as a contractor for me, her father worked on a ship as a captain and in 1999 she became the only survivor when a cargo ship was attacked off Terra Azure for sailing through waters several hundred miles off Terra Azure that had been claimed illegally by Terra Azure, she lost her right leg because of it and was picked up 2 days after the sinking, she was honoured when i asked her to launch the yacht for me. As for my sister in law she now the captain of the Ocean Dynasty, a ferry that sails on a service from new Heysham to Nikolia. Micky here is a land lubber and didn't take to well to her first night at sea but soon got used to it, but when we get back I have to be back in my office keeping tabs on things."

Micky looked across at Zoe,
"ya know when you were baptised, was the priest using the sea to dunk you, Eh Zoe?"

Especially Ingmar could well imagine what it must have been like back then in 1999 - the Aurora Confederacy seemed to have (had, or still was having) some serious issues with some annoying neighbor, just like Lillorainen did, and since Ingmar himself was born in that place that disturbed the peace in Lillorainen's western waters, he knew these situations quite well. A similar incident, luckily without major losses, had happened during the second year of his service near a beach between Leewerder and Drongelen. Thinking of this, he wondered why so many of these annoying neighbors had Italian names ... Stella Dorata, Terra Azure, Città-stati Confederati di Lutetii ...
Micky's joke, referring to the practice of baptism in Christianity and the unusual way of it presumed by her with Zoe's, caused a round of laughter.
Merle said, "Now I know what my brother must have felt like when I took him on a sail on a catamaran when we were like eleven or twelve. And he did not get used to it!"
"He fed the fish a few times, eh?" - Ratko assumed.
"Only once. But he could have gone to a horror-themed costume party without using make-up."

[Shamsiyya]

The introductions caused a few more giggles in the crowd and even Faris couldn't help but smile.
"I am deeply pleased and honoured to welcome you to Sinope and Kyrenaia, Ladies, Captain.", Faris said with a small bow of her head, "I do hope, however, that your responsibility will be testing during this trip, not serving, Miss Minyaoui."
With that done, she stepped aside to allow them to come to dry shore.
"While we are at it, I would love to welcome you four aboard my own vessel for tea later. Sadly, she will not participate in the parade, as she is not a sailing yacht, but that should not stop us.", she said and smiled slightly.

Iska had to giggle a bit. Indeed, while serving drinks was quite fun to her, she surely would not mind testing them, either, and having nice people around would definitely add some more fun to this - and she had no doubt that this would be the case, considering the warm welcome in here. She had not even made a single step on Kyrenaian territory and already started to like this place.
The former would change now, as Faris stepped aside. Süleyman nodded in approval, then the Shamsiyyan crew left their ship, coming ashore.
To Faris' invitation, Layla bowed her head again. "Shukran jazilan!" - she thanked her. "And indeed, we shall not take this too exactly, for that case. Tea doesn't make a difference in what sort of ship it is served on. It, most certainly, doesn't even know."
Maryam laughed. "As long as you do, it's fine! Otherwise, I may need to talk to your former Qaranisa-Commander."
Layla shrugged. "Feel free to. I'm sure that he'll remember me well."
"Mah, I wouldn't bet I'd wish to hear all the stories about you."
Layla grinned. "Innocent!"

[Danceria]

"Caution is good. But caution does not mean looking like one is about to be beheaded.", Okan replied, knowing, that the Tabardariyya would listen very well and keep an eye open for any wrong twitch with these words their guest was speaking. And that they would be reporting to his Father. They were checking the license and the ID, locking the revolver away in a small safe. As the guard, who did that, turned away from them, one could see a rather large revolver hidden behind his back as well, a good indicator, that the Tabardariyya was not just ceremonial. "Nervousness is good, though."
He let a beat pass.
"In any case, if it comes to a fight, and I know, that Father won't start one because that would be just rude, it will not be you, who ends it. And neither will it be Father.", Okan added, nodding to the Tabardariyya, "But these gentlemen."
And with that, he led Aceus up the gangplank, onto the deck of the Takhatiy, where a familiar sound made him smile: The swishing of steel through the air, the grunts of exertion, the steps of practiced ease of two practiced swordswomen.
And indeed, there they were.
The older was a woman, who someone of rude disposition would describe as a bombshell, her long, flaming red hair held back by a hair circlet, a few locks framing her sharp face as she rose from a crouch after a roll, shooting forward with her sabre gleaming in the sun, much like her golden eyes. She did not wear much makeup, only a bright turquoise lipstick, and in jewelry only a pair of earrings, which emphasized her enlongated, pointy ears. Looking at her muscular and strong form, which did not lack some feminine curves, one would not believe, that she would end her forties in two years and had given birth to three children.
The younger was not even half as old, her emerald green eyes and entire, younger form speaking of the youth as she ducked and weaved under the assault of the older one, rarely raising her own sword. Her hair was of a darker red, more rust-red, while she, too, safe for a few hair rings and a hairband, wore no jewelry. Her eyebrows were thick, but that did not distract from her beautiful face, even when covered in sweat.
Okan would stop at the edge of the training field, leaning onto his cane with a fond smile, watching the two women going at it.

Aceus smiled, always a man who admired martial prowess, and who indulged in dueling during his university days. "I thought that Kyrenaians preferred axes." he would quip, letting the two women duel in piece, and mirroring Okan's smile with his own. "I hope we aren't interrupting anything."

---

Meanwhile in the Bazaar itself, Edgar managed to fully regain his land-lubbing legs and dragged his two compatriots into the heart of Sinope. "Ah...a bathhouse!" Edgar would exclaim "I've hear that they're rather famous, and something to recover from the chill of the sea." "You sure...?" Sabin would ask nervously, glancing at Erika and the rest of the crowds, feeling slightly claustrophobic "We don't want to be too far away from Aceus in case he needs us." "We have cellphones for a reason." the Dancerina prince would shrug, "Besides, the festival is for enjoyment, you hardly go out these days Sabin..." he turns to Erika, "What would you suggest, young lady? No doubt you had done some preliminary recon..."

[AHSCA]

Damir smiled, his hand pulling Aurelia a smidgen closer.
"There is a reason why I gave her that name.", he agreed, then showed his ID to the Sergeant at the guardpost. Aurelia did the same, showing two IDs, one of her, one of Marcella, giving her the latter. "That's a Kyrenaian Security ID. All frequent visitors to the dwellings and vessels of the Kyrenaian Royalty get one. We didn't want to send it via mail, so here you go!"
Aurelia smiled as she kissed Marcella onto her lips, this time without tongue, as she gave it to her.

Jasmine smiled slightly, then turned to a door.
"This is the woman's changing room. Put your clothes into an empty basket and take out the silk towel.", she explained, "Once you've done that, proceed into the actual bath. It's the door opposite to this one. I'll be waiting on you in the bath."
And with that, Jasmine bowed her head slightly and left Satou to her own devices inside the rather spartan changing room, a bench running along in the middle, with lockers to one side and a shelf with wicker baskets on the other. Some of them were already filled with clothes, while others only held a blue silken towel.
On the bench sat a young woman, dark skinned as typical for Kyrenaians, brown haired, with a round face and a bit too many curves in inconvenient locations. In other words, she was on the slightly pudgy side of things, but she still looked cute.
She smiled as Satou entered, taking off her bra.
"Hi, there!", she greeted.

"ah I get my own! Now I truly feel special here!" Marcella clutched it to her chest when Aurelia handed her the ID and took the kiss with joy, A simple kiss between them that'd get a little more much later.

Asuna bowed again for Jasmine "Thank you very much, Jasmine." as Jasmine left her, Asuna began to undress setting her things nicely into a basket. Glad for once she didn't have her uniform. "Oh hello." Asuna greeted the young woman. "Guess I have some company right about now that's great. I'm Asuna, all the way from AHSCA." Asuna introduced herself like an ordinary woman. Being too quite often meant one had something to hide and less questions asked the better. Grabbing a towel as instructed she wrapped it around her body tying a nice not to secure it to her figure.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Damir had given them a slight smile at the replies, having expected a reply along those lines (especially about the rifles), and raised his hands. "Then, maestro, at least keep your license at the ready. None of us want any unfortunate incidents, least of all on such a nice occasion."
In the present, the Sultana was not holding back with her bemusement of being called a child, smiling quite openly.
"The pleasure is mine, shuyukh.", she said and bowed her head slightly, "May the Gods be merciful with the people of the Empire in their time of need. And may they help your children and grandchildren as well."
She paused for a moment.
"It has been a while since I met someone, who could rightfully claim calling me a child.", she said with clear bemusement in her eyes, "Usually, I am the older one, so this is a bit of an unusual situation for me by now..." A soft mewl tore her out of her thoughts. "Oh, my, I forgot to introduce my stalwart companion today!"
She bowed down to pick up a small creature, yellow with brown stripes, a white ruff of fur around his neck, a small feline, who snuggled into her chest, which made the Sultana smile as she stroked the head between the two very long ears, emerald green eyes shining with delight at the treatment.
"If I may introduce, Mushrif.", the Sultana introduced, then sat him onto the railing next to her, where he assumed a 'position of attention', so to speak. "A Smaller Kyrenain Caracal. I got him in August... he's currently rather suspicious of people not me, so I must sadly ask you to not try and pet him."

When Razia tells her wishes about the gods helping their children, a small pang of sadness passes in Peter's eyes, seeing as of his four friends, he's the only one who has lost his children, his elder, Christian, having been assasinated, and his youngest Regis having died in a car accident when he moved to Japan after having cut all ties with his family.
Fortunately, the sadness quickly vanishes, as the former Emperor replies to the Sultana with a playful smile and gaze:
"And it's a situation we would love to exploit further. But anyway, we're glad to be here. I hope your mother is well, I would have loved to meet her, if the occasion had arisen.
-Indeed, your Majesty, continues Joe, we'll follow your advice and stay away from your Caracal. But I'm sure we'll get along later.
-Last I remember, you weren't having a lot of success befriending cats, remarks Thomas with a small smirk. This scar on your left hand is proof of that.
-Oh come on! replies the former mechanic. It's not my fault if I have some bad luck with that. And besides, I got along with the one my son had, so it's good in my book.
-Don't worry Joe, says Peter as he puts his hand on his friend's shoulder, you'll manage it one day.
Well,I don't know abouy you guys, but I think the setting is propitious for a toast."
With that said, the old man grabs two glasses of water from the bar, with a nod and a smile to the Handmaiden who prepared them, and hands one to the Sultana, while Joe and Thomas grab one too.
" I raise my glass to this country, to its monarch, and to the fruitful relations between our two countries!"
Just as the others are about to raise their glasses, Thomas sees Frank, who had not grabbed his glass yet, instead having been observing something on the shore from the railing.
"Oi, Frank! calls the former Ambassador. You sleeping or what?
-No, Guys, replies the former General, I'm just observing Princess Aurelia and Duchess Marcella kissing as they're about to climb onboard, says Anna's grandfather with a smirk.
-Well look at that! exclaims Peter. Seems like the two fragile catyawls are about to finally meet the Old Dreadnought. Well, if they need some air support, at least we're here, adds the former Emperor with a joking tone, causing his three friends to chuckle a bit as Frank finally grabs his glass and joins the group.
-Joke aside, Sultana, says Frank, I hope that before we'll retreat to leave you, your granddaughter and her girlfriend to your business, you'll do us the honor to introduce us to each other? asks the former Angel 2 with a smile.

[Kyrenaia]

Iska had to giggle a bit. Indeed, while serving drinks was quite fun to her, she surely would not mind testing them, either, and having nice people around would definitely add some more fun to this - and she had no doubt that this would be the case, considering the warm welcome in here. She had not even made a single step on Kyrenaian territory and already started to like this place.
The former would change now, as Faris stepped aside. Süleyman nodded in approval, then the Shamsiyyan crew left their ship, coming ashore.
To Faris' invitation, Layla bowed her head again. "Shukran jazilan!" - she thanked her. "And indeed, we shall not take this too exactly, for that case. Tea doesn't make a difference in what sort of ship it is served on. It, most certainly, doesn't even know."
Maryam laughed. "As long as you do, it's fine! Otherwise, I may need to talk to your former Qaranisa-Commander."
Layla shrugged. "Feel free to. I'm sure that he'll remember me well."
"Mah, I wouldn't bet I'd wish to hear all the stories about you."
Layla grinned. "Innocent!"

Faris, and all people listening, laughed and giggled at the exchange.
"I look forward to hearing some of these stories, then, whether or not you are innocent.", Faris said with a smile, "My vessel is the Rahala, the Globetrotter. I will be hosting the kids of the Tawadae Orphanage later, we'll be watching the parade later and then have tea. I can only imagine, how much the kids would love to meet you all and to hear your stories."
She let a beat pass.
"Of course, the tea comes a while after the parade.", she said.

Aceus smiled, always a man who admired martial prowess, and who indulged in dueling during his university days. "I thought that Kyrenaians preferred axes." he would quip, letting the two women duel in piece, and mirroring Okan's smile with his own. "I hope we aren't interrupting anything."
[...]

"Yes and no.", Okan said, watching the two women perform feats of acrobatics and swordfighting, positively dancing around each other, their weapons almost like natural extensions of their bodies. It was clear, that the two of them were watching two masters with their sabres. "Kyrenaia, the Sultanate and some of its organs, prefer the axe, a classical symbol of manhood and power, but in some Khanates, other weapons are preferred. The people of the Khanate of Las, for example, prefer the sabre, usually either of Types 4 or 2." He let a beat pass. "I would like to think, that the quick sabre fits these women quite well, their spirit and strength and fire. And especially their Khana should be proficient with their weapon of choice, don't you think?"

Damir smiled, his hand pulling Aurelia a smidgen closer.
"There is a reason why I gave her that name.", he agreed, then showed his ID to the Sergeant at the guardpost. Aurelia did the same, showing two IDs, one of her, one of Marcella, giving her the latter. "That's a Kyrenaian Security ID. All frequent visitors to the dwellings and vessels of the Kyrenaian Royalty get one. We didn't want to send it via mail, so here you go!"
Aurelia smiled as she kissed Marcella onto her lips, this time without tongue, as she gave it to her.

Jasmine smiled slightly, then turned to a door.
"This is the woman's changing room. Put your clothes into an empty basket and take out the silk towel.", she explained, "Once you've done that, proceed into the actual bath. It's the door opposite to this one. I'll be waiting on you in the bath."
And with that, Jasmine bowed her head slightly and left Satou to her own devices inside the rather spartan changing room, a bench running along in the middle, with lockers to one side and a shelf with wicker baskets on the other. Some of them were already filled with clothes, while others only held a blue silken towel.
On the bench sat a young woman, dark skinned as typical for Kyrenaians, brown haired, with a round face and a bit too many curves in inconvenient locations. In other words, she was on the slightly pudgy side of things, but she still looked cute.
She smiled as Satou entered, taking off her bra.
"Hi, there!", she greeted.

"ah I get my own! Now I truly feel special here!" Marcella clutched it to her chest when Aurelia handed her the ID and took the kiss with joy, A simple kiss between them that'd get a little more much later.

Asuna bowed again for Jasmine "Thank you very much, Jasmine." as Jasmine left her, Asuna began to undress setting her things nicely into a basket. Glad for once she didn't have her uniform. "Oh hello." Asuna greeted the young woman. "Guess I have some company right about now that's great. I'm Asuna, all the way from AHSCA." Asuna introduced herself like an ordinary woman. Being too quite often meant one had something to hide and less questions asked the better. Grabbing a towel as instructed she wrapped it around her body tying a nice not to secure it to her figure.

Aurelia smiled.
"You are special to me, this is just the first physical symbol of it.", she whispered to her, knowing, that she had planned to add one very important one in the future, the Old Dreadnought willing. She could not wait to show Marcella her quarters aboard the Aurelia, as well as to show her the bed...
And with that, they were admitted aboard, entering the Promenade Deck.
Damir saw one of the Tabardariyya-men speaking into a radio button, reporting their arrival. He nodded, making up the rear as the two young women went up to face an Old Dreadnought.

"I'm Rasha.", the other woman introduced herself as she let the last scraps of clothing leave her body, folding them neatly into the basket. "From Maleth, that's a few hundred kilometres in... that direction, I think."
The words were accompanied by her taking out her towel and unfolding it, wrapping it around her body.
"AHSCA... isn't that where Princess Aurelia sailed to a few months ago to meet her lover?", she added, "Such a romantic story between the two, as if straight out of the movies!"

When Razia tells her wishes about the gods helping their children, a small pang of sadness passes in Peter's eyes, seeing as of his four friends, he's the only one who has lost his children, his elder, Christian, having been assasinated, and his youngest Regis having died in a car accident when he moved to Japan after having cut all ties with his family.
Fortunately, the sadness quickly vanishes, as the former Emperor replies to the Sultana with a playful smile and gaze:
"And it's a situation we would love to exploit further. But anyway, we're glad to be here. I hope your mother is well, I would have loved to meet her, if the occasion had arisen.
-Indeed, your Majesty, continues Joe, we'll follow your advice and stay away from your Caracal. But I'm sure we'll get along later.
-Last I remember, you weren't having a lot of success befriending cats, remarks Thomas with a small smirk. This scar on your left hand is proof of that.
-Oh come on! replies the former mechanic. It's not my fault if I have some bad luck with that. And besides, I got along with the one my son had, so it's good in my book.
-Don't worry Joe, says Peter as he puts his hand on his friend's shoulder, you'll manage it one day.
Well,I don't know abouy you guys, but I think the setting is propitious for a toast."
With that said, the old man grabs two glasses of water from the bar, with a nod and a smile to the Handmaiden who prepared them, and hands one to the Sultana, while Joe and Thomas grab one too.
" I raise my glass to this country, to its monarch, and to the fruitful relations between our two countries!"
Just as the others are about to raise their glasses, Thomas sees Frank, who had not grabbed his glass yet, instead having been observing something on the shore from the railing.
"Oi, Frank! calls the former Ambassador. You sleeping or what?
-No, Guys, replies the former General, I'm just observing Princess Aurelia and Duchess Marcella kissing as they're about to climb onboard, says Anna's grandfather with a smirk.
-Well look at that! exclaims Peter. Seems like the two fragile catyawls are about to finally meet the Old Dreadnought. Well, if they need some air support, at least we're here, adds the former Emperor with a joking tone, causing his three friends to chuckle a bit as Frank finally grabs his glass and joins the group.
-Joke aside, Sultana, says Frank, I hope that before we'll retreat to leave you, your granddaughter and her girlfriend to your business, you'll do us the honor to introduce us to each other? asks the former Angel 2 with a smile.

Razia toasted with the four men, replying with: "May the relations, and the country we have them with, be blessed."
Smiling, she drank her glass of water, listening to the men spotting Aurelia and Marcella. She smiled through being called an Old Dreadnought, mainly because she knew, that she was a bit outdated in some regards, but she did giggle at Aurelia and Marcella being called 'fragile cat-yawls'.
"I would prefer to introduce you all after the conversation.", she said, "Not only can I imagine, that she is a tad bit nervous, but I would believe, that she will be in a far better mood after the meeting. It would be my honour, though." She let a beat pass, leaning forward a bit. "After all the stories your grandson told, Aurelia looks positively forward to meeting you ever since hearing you would come!"
She went back.
"As does Mother, by the way.", she added, before a Handmaiden came up and whispered something into her ear. She nodded. "My apologies, gentlemen, but I am afraid, that I am needed elsewhere. I would love to continue this conversation later. Until then!"
And with that, she departed, leaving the four to their own devices on the Sun Deck, where they weren't the only ones. Aside from half a dozen Handmaidens, Khana Amina bint-Karim was present, sitting in a corner with her adopted daughter, Princess Marla.
Amina was a tall woman, far over two metres, dark-skinned and with short, blonde-white hair, red eyes shining with bemusement as she listened to Marla explaining something to her. Sitting on her lap, motioning excitedly and trying not to be squashed by the massive bust of her adoptive mother, Marla was a short, little girl, not even in her two digits, her very long blue-black hair tied into a long braid, her blue eyes shining with excitement, her skin too light for a Kyrenaian.
Both wore dresses, the Princess a white sun dress, which looked really cute, and the Khana a knee-length sun dress in white, which emphasized her curves.
Also on the Sun Deck was Prince Karim ibn-Fadi, also known as Karim Risha, a poetic prince and Prince of the Ilkhanate of Fenchu, the white-haired young man with the golden eyes talking to a bluenette young woman, an actress and swordfighter, Nora Shifra of the Tribe of Monaghan. The two of them were quite visibly enjoying the quick back and forth they were having.
Sitting a bit alone was a Princess Dschamilla bint-Fadi, Karim's older sister and, one might note, a bombshell. Her long, silver-blonde hair was held back by a ribbon, her silver eyes glancing over to her younger brother every now and then. She wore a sun dress as well, but she looked more at home in it like Amina or Marla.
All in all, there were quite a lot of people present, with more to arrive sooner rather then later.

[Shamsiyya]

Faris, and all people listening, laughed and giggled at the exchange.
"I look forward to hearing some of these stories, then, whether or not you are innocent.", Faris said with a smile, "My vessel is the Rahala, the Globetrotter. I will be hosting the kids of the Tawadae Orphanage later, we'll be watching the parade later and then have tea. I can only imagine, how much the kids would love to meet you all and to hear your stories."
She let a beat pass.
"Of course, the tea comes a while after the parade.", she said.

The Captain nodded. "I am very sure that I am speaking in the name of us all, if I say, that it will be a pleasure and an honor for us to have a tea with you, as well as to meet the kids from the orphanage and to tell them a few of our stories." He let a beat pass. "Limited to those that are appropriate for kids, that is."
The young women nodded, confirmingly.
"Especially those that prove me innocent" - Layla added.
Iska said, "If they genuinely do, then I most certainly haven't heard them yet."
"... says Iska. The one who totally got no skeletons in her closet."
Süleyman cleared his throat. "I would like to hear the story about my crew getting back to seriousness again." He generally quite enjoyed the few humorous exchanges, and he did notice, that their Kyrenaian audience did so, too, but come on, ladies, only for a second ...
He continued, "What I was going to add, actually, that is, that ... damn, now I forgot it."
Maryam grinned. "... that we are sure that there is a lot for us to enjoy until then, and we are looking forward to it." She turned to Süleyman. "Something around that, it was, I suppose, right?"
"Right."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Razia toasted with the four men, replying with: "May the relations, and the country we have them with, be blessed."
Smiling, she drank her glass of water, listening to the men spotting Aurelia and Marcella. She smiled through being called an Old Dreadnought, mainly because she knew, that she was a bit outdated in some regards, but she did giggle at Aurelia and Marcella being called 'fragile cat-yawls'.
"I would prefer to introduce you all after the conversation.", she said, "Not only can I imagine, that she is a tad bit nervous, but I would believe, that she will be in a far better mood after the meeting. It would be my honour, though." She let a beat pass, leaning forward a bit. "After all the stories your grandson told, Aurelia looks positively forward to meeting you ever since hearing you would come!"
She went back.
"As does Mother, by the way.", she added, before a Handmaiden came up and whispered something into her ear. She nodded. "My apologies, gentlemen, but I am afraid, that I am needed elsewhere. I would love to continue this conversation later. Until then!"
And with that, she departed, leaving the four to their own devices on the Sun Deck, where they weren't the only ones. Aside from half a dozen Handmaidens, Khana Amina bint-Karim was present, sitting in a corner with her adopted daughter, Princess Marla.
Amina was a tall woman, far over two metres, dark-skinned and with short, blonde-white hair, red eyes shining with bemusement as she listened to Marla explaining something to her. Sitting on her lap, motioning excitedly and trying not to be squashed by the massive bust of her adoptive mother, Marla was a short, little girl, not even in her two digits, her very long blue-black hair tied into a long braid, her blue eyes shining with excitement, her skin too light for a Kyrenaian.
Both wore dresses, the Princess a white sun dress, which looked really cute, and the Khana a knee-length sun dress in white, which emphasized her curves.
Also on the Sun Deck was Prince Karim ibn-Fadi, also known as Karim Risha, a poetic prince and Prince of the Ilkhanate of Fenchu, the white-haired young man with the golden eyes talking to a bluenette young woman, an actress and swordfighter, Nora Shifra of the Tribe of Monaghan. The two of them were quite visibly enjoying the quick back and forth they were having.
Sitting a bit alone was a Princess Dschamilla bint-Fadi, Karim's older sister and, one might note, a bombshell. Her long, silver-blonde hair was held back by a ribbon, her silver eyes glancing over to her younger brother every now and then. She wore a sun dress as well, but she looked more at home in it like Amina or Marla.
All in all, there were quite a lot of people present, with more to arrive sooner rather then later.

"Then we'll leave you to it, replies Thomas as the Sultana departs to meet with her granddaughter and her lover. If you need us, we'll still be here."
And with that, the four old pilots drink their glass together, before putting them back down on the counter.
"So, guys, what now? asks Joe to his wingmates.
-Well, replies Frank, since they may use this yacht for the return state visit in a few months, and since Anna, Anaximander and the Alphas plan to do a Fast Rope Insertion on the ship, I suggest we try and collect some intelligence about the ship's layout, that sort of thing.
-Smart move, comments Peter with a smile. But in the meantime, let's try and socialize with the people here. Since Pavel and Alicia interacted with Prince Karim, I suggest you two go to him, he says to Thomas and Joe, who agree with a small nod. Me and Frank will go to Khana Amina. Got that?
-Aye Aye, simply reply the other three, before each binomial moves to its target.
"Hello Prince, says Thomas with a warm smile as the reach the younger white-haired man. I'm Thomas Morozov and this is my friend Joe Dipaloski. We heard good things from our grandchildren about you when you met in Utica in July. How have you been ever since?
-Greetings, Khana Amina bint-Karim, says Peter to the noblewoman on a more formal tone than his friend. I believe we did not have the pleasure to be introduced to each other I'm Peter Blachkov, and this is my friend Frank Melnik. We're Aanximander's and Anna's paternal grandfathers. We heard many good things about you, and the city of Oea, when they stay there during the state visit in July.
-Hey there kiddo, how are you? says Frank with a smile as he squats down to Princess Marla's height.

[Kuronami]

Ilia smiled, bowing in approval of him being allowed to call her Yuzu.
For him, it went without saying, that she was thus allowed to call him Ilia.
Both him and Mahmut chuckled at the story, the younger Prince remarking: "A bit of choppy weather during a voyage makes it exciting, that is true, but too much chop and the railing becomes your best friend with how much you cuddle it!"
Ilia agreed with a nod. "But truth being told, calm and nice weather has something as well. You make good speed and you can enjoy maybe even a dip in the ocean that way."
"We have such places as Mozomba as well, though.", Mahmut added, "Cossyra, a few thousand kilometres in that direction."

Yuzu chuckled again in response "Yes, hugging the railing is just what you'll do in such conditions. And of course you make perfect points, clam seas do mean a more speedy trip and efficient. I suppose we Kuronamians are just a take-it-easy kind of folk."

"That much is true" Yuki agreed and then continued, "Cossyra, sounds like a pretty name. The name must live up to the reputation I'm sure."

"Don't imagine it's friendly for tourists?" Haru inquired "We might find time to visit if it is."

[Danceria]

"Yes and no.", Okan said, watching the two women perform feats of acrobatics and swordfighting, positively dancing around each other, their weapons almost like natural extensions of their bodies. It was clear, that the two of them were watching two masters with their sabres. "Kyrenaia, the Sultanate and some of its organs, prefer the axe, a classical symbol of manhood and power, but in some Khanates, other weapons are preferred. The people of the Khanate of Las, for example, prefer the sabre, usually either of Types 4 or 2." He let a beat pass. "I would like to think, that the quick sabre fits these women quite well, their spirit and strength and fire. And especially their Khana should be proficient with their weapon of choice, don't you think?"

"Indeed, the Type Four is similar to Danceria's own fencing-tradition." Aceus beamed, his mood being improved by the primal desire to prove one's mettle in combat. The Dancerians were a physical, and some may say belligerent, people who's tradition with blades grew alongside the good old fashioned slogging with fists. Many honour duels occurred with dagger and fist, and Aceus himself had to be proficient in swordsmanship to utilize any object in the room as a weapon in case there was an assailant. "And a personal favorite of mine, while many traditionalist fencers may frown on the prospect of using two hands for a sword, it's still a nice technique to use. Other than bapping them with your free hand." Aceus nodded at the display, "Gah, must be the cabin fever, but I would like to throw my hat into the ring for the next round. That is, if the participants are willing." Aceus shrugged. "As barbaric as it may sound, a little bit of physical exertion does wonders for clearing the mind of stress. But I'm certain if you perused some of the classics, and some of the more modern works of Danceria, you'd know that "a friendship without a fight is a politician's sleight"."

[Mervay]

Mahmut gave a small, apologetic smile.
"I'm afraid, that I caused a small misunderstanding.", he told Edward as he led him deeper into the shop, "What I meant is, do you want to buy a Fistan Alshams from the rack or do you want one made to your measures?" He let a beat pass, looking at the suit. "I can see, that you are a man of good taste, so I would recommend to buy to your measures... which we would have to take, for your usual tailor in all honours one can bestow upon him, we need a few more."

The saleswoman nodded, looking at the smartphone's screen with a small smile.
"They look cute together.", she complimented - it was no secret, that Kyrenaians were usually called conservative in their attitude towards homosexuals, but whatever misgivings the saleswoman had, her personal opinion had no place in the store. "I can already imagine some colours..." She pointed to Jessica's daughter. "...for her, sapphire blue, a veil in deep blue... hm... pants, curtain or skirt...?"
She shook her head and then looked to the other young woman.
"For her, indeed a light red, maybe even a deeper one. Also working with the contrast between the two.", she said and smiled slightly. "A veil with a golden thread running along the borders, most certainly."
She smiled, for a moment.
"What do you think?", she asked Jessica.

As he followed Mahmut deeper into the shop, he gave him an apologetic smile saying that he meant if he wanted his Fistan Alshams by rack or by his meassures.
Then he explained that if he wanted it by meassure or by rack, and suggesting going for the meassure one.
To which he grinned for the idea.

"Sounds good, I will accept your recommendation about my dress being made by meassure" he said as he thought how long it would take an tailored Fistan Alshams to make; which could be an problem for his and his wife schedule. "Mind if I ask how long it would take everything??"

Meanwhile Jessica heard at the proposals of the woman for Tess and her girlfriend; they were more than good for them. They were perfect.

"Perfect, I'm sure they will love it when they see it" she grinned at the woman. "So what would everything cost if I may ask??"

[Aurora Confederacy]

Especially Ingmar could well imagine what it must have been like back then in 1999 - the Aurora Confederacy seemed to have (had, or still was having) some serious issues with some annoying neighbor, just like Lillorainen did, and since Ingmar himself was born in that place that disturbed the peace in Lillorainen's western waters, he knew these situations quite well. A similar incident, luckily without major losses, had happened during the second year of his service near a beach between Leewerder and Drongelen. Thinking of this, he wondered why so many of these annoying neighbors had Italian names ... Stella Dorata, Terra Azure, Città-stati Confederati di Lutetii ...
Micky's joke, referring to the practice of baptism in Christianity and the unusual way of it presumed by her with Zoe's, caused a round of laughter.
Merle said, "Now I know what my brother must have felt like when I took him on a sail on a catamaran when we were like eleven or twelve. And he did not get used to it!"
"He fed the fish a few times, eh?" - Ratko assumed.
"Only once. But he could have gone to a horror-themed costume party without using make-up."

Zoe gave Micky a playful death-glare at the joke about the baptism, "Micky was never that bad although sleeping at a twenty degree angle took some getting used to when she slept aboard th Luna for the first time, now she's okay with it" she gave Micky a gentle hug, more sisterly than anything else.

Micky turned to the party "Zoe, is Fitt coming to the festival?"

"nah, she's working, Ive lent her my Scania for the duration of her trip although i checked her social media whilst you were at the helm, she's somewhere in Nikolia heading to the ferry back to new Longyearbyen"

"and Robbie?" Micky added

"Nope, its just us two, Robbie is running Fitt's Dream-Cab on domestic work in the far north"

Zoe then turned back to Ratko and the group "later on, do you guys fancy a barby over on the Luna?" she asks, "we plan on going to get some local food this afternoon then having a barby as the sun goes down"

[AHSCA]

Aurelia smiled.
"You are special to me, this is just the first physical symbol of it.", she whispered to her, knowing, that she had planned to add one very important one in the future, the Old Dreadnought willing. She could not wait to show Marcella her quarters aboard the Aurelia, as well as to show her the bed...
And with that, they were admitted aboard, entering the Promenade Deck.
Damir saw one of the Tabardariyya-men speaking into a radio button, reporting their arrival. He nodded, making up the rear as the two young women went up to face an Old Dreadnought.

"I'm Rasha.", the other woman introduced herself as she let the last scraps of clothing leave her body, folding them neatly into the basket. "From Maleth, that's a few hundred kilometres in... that direction, I think."
The words were accompanied by her taking out her towel and unfolding it, wrapping it around her body.
"AHSCA... isn't that where Princess Aurelia sailed to a few months ago to meet her lover?", she added, "Such a romantic story between the two, as if straight out of the movies!"

Taking Aurelia's hand in her own, Marcella held her head up now ready to face what was needed. She was going to hold Aurelia tight and she wasn't going to let go. As her mother said, relax, the words will come. She always trusted her mother's wisdom and now seemed like that would be more important than ever.

==
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rasha." Asuna responded, hanging back to continue speaking with the young woman. Seemed the tale of Aurelia had truly spread like wildfire, no surprise. "Indeed it's the very one. A most romantic tale it is for sure. To brave the vast oceans for someone you love is every islander's fairy tale come true!"

[Folaisia]

There were quite a few options for restaurants nearby.
Closest, of course, was the hotel's restaurant, reviews on the net would say, that it was a good place, but that it was a bit expensive. If it was worth, as it was also the closest place to serve international fare, was for them to decide.
Then, there were a few small eateries around, where one could get food to go and indeed go. Not everyone's favourite choice, but a solid choice in many cases.
A few restaurants were around as well, one of them marked as a four star restaurant, with the corresponding reviews and prices, but there were also two without any stars around. One, on the net, was marked as with cute waitresses, the other was marked as with a good look, both with good food - Kyrenaian Cuisine only, though.
Another restaurant closeby served Selkie Cuisine, had good reviews, remarks about the cute waitresses and the prices, which were seen as decent, and was recommended, especially its sea food.
In general, there were almost no restaurants in the city marked as not serving sea food in one way of the other, which was not much of a surprise for a harbour town.
Last, but not least, there was a number of unmarked street food stalls around, which one would not be able to find on the map.
There was quite a selection and quite a lot on the net, in Kyrenaian, Selkie and English, covering it. Fast Food, however, in the sense of a shop selling pommes and hamburgers, was strangely absent, though.

Cormag and Alexander scan through their map of the city, laid out on top of the bed as if it were a blanket. It was a few minutes of deliberation and contemplation on settling on a place to eat, the two Kyrenaian restaurants, and the Selkie restaurant were all great considerations, given the good service, gratifying food, and for some, pretty waitresses, until both, along with a few chuckles, laughs, and jokes, finally came to a consensus to check out a Kyrenaian restaurant with the waitresses. After closing the door to their room, they both strolled to their intended destination, with Cormag recording the whole trek on his camera, and Alexander on his phone.

Reaching the doors of the restaurant, they both put away their devices, leading Cormag to open one door for Alexander to enter. Just as he was about to enter, Alexander exclaims in a deep drone, seasoned with chuckles and his eyes enlarged from this dumbfounding view in front of him. Hearing this, Cormag meanders inside with curiosity riddled on his face, and stalling behind Alexander, he exclaimed with pure astonishment, with both hands covering his mouth and his self crouching at a little distance as if he were a little girl himself.

"Holy shit, dude," Cormag giggled.

"Mate," Alexander responded, grinning and staring as he shakes his head steadily, "this is like a fuckin' harem. I'm not even kiddin'."

"Alright, come on. We gotta calm down and secure a table real quick. That one," Cormag pointed with haste.

The pair walks to their table and settle themselves down, smiles, chortles and rubbing hands painting their faces and permeating their voices. The aura of the interior was so much to bear that they never bothered to pick up their devices to record even a panorama of the waitresses walking around tables, despite restraining themselves from the irrational decisions made by a testosterone-induced impulse.

[The Chuck]

Fredrick shrugged. "Went from a fucking fishing boat with a .50 and a radar to a destroyer, then a battlecruiser, then to a torpedo boat and now to the Pommern. Torpedo boat and Pommern are both traveling museum ships. Battlecruiser was fun, but sat around in port alot. Destroyer was my fondest one. Don't get me started about the goddamn fishing boat."

Laughing Alexander sipped away on his bottle while he listened. When Fredrick mentioned the fishing boat he coyly spoke up,

"Ah a fishing boat! Bigger than your old hunk of junk you captained! Nice to see you were stationed on a Battlecruiser for a while. I assume that was the largest you were on? For me I've been hauling cargo and other stuff with the Geezer's Rest for the better part of my life. Custom officials don't really bat an eye when an old trimast clipper ships like her pull into harbour most of the time. For a while I have a lucrative contract with a weapons company running guns to the far ends of the world. After that conflict ended I picked up a decent contract running old scrapped motors down to the Berbers. After that I decided to start shipping ore but on a little ship like the Geezer's Rest you tend to get out competed by bigger Panamax haulers. Once I was done with that I ran mail for some island nations that didn't have airports. All in all it's been a fun one. Though I will ask, how the hell did you get on a fishing boat? I thought you hated fish haha!"

[Shwe Tu Colony]

All three groups of girls did not notice the two observers...

The aromas seemed to be nearly natural parts of the two boys, who proceeded with minimal concern about it despite how the sheer strength of their seafood hotpot indicated that they had to have just come out of the kitchen. While not entirely false — they were a part of Sousundowa Carême's legendary troupe of chefs & thus part of the kitchen — there were thousands of other scents that they should've been exposed to, yet their individual fragrances still held strong, even though Immature Seafood was still a short distance away.
Oh, whoops, look like they saw me. Guess I may as well join him, the boy thought as he strode into the conversation, continuing to hold the boxing gloves for his friend.

"Kyrenaia, huh? I feel like I've heard of it from somewhere that wasn't PiffleNet," Spiciness said, rubbing his chin as he thought. "B-but whatever! I would love to look around here, seeing as I am a bit lost... but I don't know, I think there's something else I'd rather be shown," he unintentionally added, his confident smile becoming a smirk, Ah! No, you idiot it's too early to start this. Whatever, let's see how this plays out & hopefully I won't get rejected too quickly.
Should I screw him up now? Seafood thought as his own smirk grew, watching his friend try to flirt, Mmm, nah... I think I'll wait just a bit.

[Lillorainen]

Zoe gave Micky a playful death-glare at the joke about the baptism, "Micky was never that bad although sleeping at a twenty degree angle took some getting used to when she slept aboard th Luna for the first time, now she's okay with it" she gave Micky a gentle hug, more sisterly than anything else.

Micky turned to the party "Zoe, is Fitt coming to the festival?"

"nah, she's working, Ive lent her my Scania for the duration of her trip although i checked her social media whilst you were at the helm, she's somewhere in Nikolia heading to the ferry back to new Longyearbyen"

"and Robbie?" Micky added

"Nope, its just us two, Robbie is running Fitt's Dream-Cab on domestic work in the far north"

Zoe then turned back to Ratko and the group "later on, do you guys fancy a barby over on the Luna?" she asks, "we plan on going to get some local food this afternoon then having a barby as the sun goes down"

Zoe's and Micky's conversation brought Ingmar to the idea of wondering himself, whether or not there was any chance to coincidentally meet anyone they knew in here. But the short list of designated globetrotters within their circle of friends and acquaintances did not really deliver any results - most certainly, the Milenka was the only ship under Lillo-flag in Sinope.
When they invited them over to the Luna for a barbecue later on, Ratko nodded first - then turned to Ingmar and Merle. "Sounds good! Or what do you guys say?"
Merle nodded. "I think so, too" - she said. "We'd get ourselves some local food later, too - we will need some supplies, anyways, for the travel back. And check whether Kyrenaian meat is as heavily spicy as they say in our parts. We'd come over tonight then."
"Indeed, that sounds like a plan" - Ingmar said. "Should we bring anything for it?"

[Kyrenaia]

The Captain nodded. "I am very sure that I am speaking in the name of us all, if I say, that it will be a pleasure and an honor for us to have a tea with you, as well as to meet the kids from the orphanage and to tell them a few of our stories." He let a beat pass. "Limited to those that are appropriate for kids, that is."
The young women nodded, confirmingly.
"Especially those that prove me innocent" - Layla added.
Iska said, "If they genuinely do, then I most certainly haven't heard them yet."
"... says Iska. The one who totally got no skeletons in her closet."
Süleyman cleared his throat. "I would like to hear the story about my crew getting back to seriousness again." He generally quite enjoyed the few humorous exchanges, and he did notice, that their Kyrenaian audience did so, too, but come on, ladies, only for a second ...
He continued, "What I was going to add, actually, that is, that ... damn, now I forgot it."
Maryam grinned. "... that we are sure that there is a lot for us to enjoy until then, and we are looking forward to it." She turned to Süleyman. "Something in that line, it was, I suppose, right?"
"Right."

Faris smiled and nodded.
"I'll leave you to the festivities, then.", she said and bowed her head lightly, "And to your visitors, if I am not mistaken?" She looked to the crowd, where a line was quickly forming up. Back to the crew, she extended her hand. "We will meet each other later. And you'll meet the kiddos!"
As soon as she was finished with the handshake, a Handmaiden, the dress revealing, that she was of a private, in particular Faris' own, household, approached, whispering something into her ear.
For a moment, there was a brief flash of darkness on her features as she heard the message, but that vanished quickly.
"I'm afraid, that business calls and hollers for me.", she said and nodded, "And I must answer. Captain, Ladies, until later."
And with that, she was gone.
An officer of the police, part of the three-man team present, walked to the Captain, extending his hand. "Morning. Zayir is my name. How large shall the visitor groups be?", he asked while his colleagues helped to set up a line.

"Then we'll leave you to it, replies Thomas as the Sultana departs to meet with her granddaughter and her lover. If you need us, we'll still be here."
And with that, the four old pilots drink their glass together, before putting them back down on the counter.
"So, guys, what now? asks Joe to his wingmates.
-Well, replies Frank, since they may use this yacht for the return state visit in a few months, and since Anna, Anaximander and the Alphas plan to do a Fast Rope Insertion on the ship, I suggest we try and collect some intelligence about the ship's layout, that sort of thing.
-Smart move, comments Peter with a smile. But in the meantime, let's try and socialize with the people here. Since Pavel and Alicia interacted with Prince Karim, I suggest you two go to him, he says to Thomas and Joe, who agree with a small nod. Me and Frank will go to Khana Amina. Got that?
-Aye Aye, simply reply the other three, before each binomial moves to its target.
"Hello Prince, says Thomas with a warm smile as the reach the younger white-haired man. I'm Thomas Morozov and this is my friend Joe Dipaloski. We heard good things from our grandchildren about you when you met in Utica in July. How have you been ever since?
-Greetings, Khana Amina bint-Karim, says Peter to the noblewoman on a more formal tone than his friend. I believe we did not have the pleasure to be introduced to each other I'm Peter Blachkov, and this is my friend Frank Melnik. We're Aanximander's and Anna's paternal grandfathers. We heard many good things about you, and the city of Oea, when they stay there during the state visit in July.
-Hey there kiddo, how are you? says Frank with a smile as he squats down to Princess Marla's height.

Karim smiled and bowed his head before he offered his hand for shaking.
"Quite well, thanks, Your Excellency, Mister Dipaloski.", he said and smiled, before motioning to the Bluenette at his side, "If I may introduce, Miss Nora Shifra of the Tribe of Monaghan."
The Bluenette bowed her head in Selkie-Fashion.
"It is my pleasure, Sirs.", she said and rose, smiling, "Nora is completely fine, though, I'm but a simple actress."
"One of the best, I might dare to say.", Karim said with a charming smile.
"You are making me blush!", the young woman said, indeed blushing cutely, "That's the problem with young Princes... they see a nice face and she is the best at what she does!"
Karim shrugged lightly, smiling.

Meanwhile, both the Khana and Marla rose.
Khana Amina towered over both men, bowing her head deeply, while Marla did the same. Both showed a grace and poise one would expect from the Sultana - considering, that Razia's mother was the sister of Amina's Grandmother, one could expect that from her. In Marla's case, it spoke of good training and manners, as she was still rather new to the whole business of being a Princess.
"The pleasure is ours, Peter-Schah-en-Schah, General.", Amina spoke before rising out of her bow... as she looked down on the two men due to her sheer size, one could barely make a difference. "You honour me with your kind words about my city and, by extension, about the lands I rule... they are my second-proudest achievement."
She gave a meaningful glance to Marla, who gave Frank a small curtsy.
"I am very well, General, thank you for asking.", she said in a polite tone completely unbefitting her age, one of formality and protocol. "Especially after we had spent some time on the Archipelago in summer... I even had my debut there, thanks to a nice gentleman from Lillorainen."

Ilia smiled, bowing in approval of him being allowed to call her Yuzu.
For him, it went without saying, that she was thus allowed to call him Ilia.
Both him and Mahmut chuckled at the story, the younger Prince remarking: "A bit of choppy weather during a voyage makes it exciting, that is true, but too much chop and the railing becomes your best friend with how much you cuddle it!"
Ilia agreed with a nod. "But truth being told, calm and nice weather has something as well. You make good speed and you can enjoy maybe even a dip in the ocean that way."
"We have such places as Mozomba as well, though.", Mahmut added, "Cossyra, a few thousand kilometres in that direction."

Yuzu chuckled again in response "Yes, hugging the railing is just what you'll do in such conditions. And of course you make perfect points, clam seas do mean a more speedy trip and efficient. I suppose we Kuronamians are just a take-it-easy kind of folk."

"That much is true" Yuki agreed and then continued, "Cossyra, sounds like a pretty name. The name must live up to the reputation I'm sure."

"Don't imagine it's friendly for tourists?" Haru inquired "We might find time to visit if it is."

"Cossyra is very friendly to tourists. The city is beautiful and the coastal vista to die for!", Ilia said, "I'm there often enough due to the Naval Base to know that... but let me stress, that the coasts there are nothing for inexperienced sailors. Even my Sayarfur and her current crew didn't dare to get too close and they are a good crew."
Mahmut smiled. "A take-it-easy attitude is nice and wonderful for days in a lonely cove at the end of nowhere, but sometimes, efficiency is a major concern... sadly.", he said and smiled sadly, "I would love to spent more time lounging around and reading or simply enjoying the time I can spent that way with Okan or Awwa or Shirin or Soraya or all four that way, but... alas."
"For now, let's enjoy tea.", Ilia said as the Handmaiden came with the cups of tea on a tray together with sugar and milk for those, who wanted it, setting it all down and distributing all of it with silent and graceful movements.

"Indeed, the Type Four is similar to Danceria's own fencing-tradition." Aceus beamed, his mood being improved by the primal desire to prove one's mettle in combat. The Dancerians were a physical, and some may say belligerent, people who's tradition with blades grew alongside the good old fashioned slogging with fists. Many honour duels occurred with dagger and fist, and Aceus himself had to be proficient in swordsmanship to utilize any object in the room as a weapon in case there was an assailant. "And a personal favorite of mine, while many traditionalist fencers may frown on the prospect of using two hands for a sword, it's still a nice technique to use. Other than bapping them with your free hand." Aceus nodded at the display, "Gah, must be the cabin fever, but I would like to throw my hat into the ring for the next round. That is, if the participants are willing." Aceus shrugged. "As barbaric as it may sound, a little bit of physical exertion does wonders for clearing the mind of stress. But I'm certain if you perused some of the classics, and some of the more modern works of Danceria, you'd know that "a friendship without a fight is a politician's sleight"."

Okan nodded.
"Indeed, it is not only Dancerian Literature, that serves this trope.", he said and smiled slightly at the display, thinking about how it usually surprised people how much he could defend himself. The swords swished past each other and their objectives, rolls and other moves flowing like rivers...
...until the swords met in a cling, the younger being locked, forced back, back suddenly against the mast.
She grinned and kicked the older into the stomach, making the older hold and smirk, releasing the hold for but a moment, enough for the younger to break out, twirling to the side like a derwisch, getting ready for the next round...
...only for the sabre being hit by one slash, flying into the air.
Right into Okan's waiting hand.
The older placed her blade on the younger's throat. "'Ana 'astaslim.", the younger spoke.
Nodding, the older sheathed her sword, motioned for the other one to retrieve her sword. As she turned, she stopped and suddenly grinned wide as she saw the Prince... and some other person, who she didn't know, but first and foremost...
"Okan!", she called and rushed over with a huge grin, throwing her arms around the man, who grinned, returning the hug with one arm and kissing her onto the cheek. A veritable fountain, followed by a short remark of the older man, was spoken in Kyrenaian, too quick to understand. "Right, sorry.", the young woman spoke with a noticeable accent as she released her cousin's son. Stepping back, she took her sword and sheathed it herself before bowing to the guest. "My apologies for the intrusion, Mister...?"
"Aceus.", Okan answered, smiling, "If I may introduce? King Aceus Elurín of Danceria - Dilara bint-Samira, the Khana of Las."
The redhead bowed her head deeply. "A pleasure, Sir... so, you're Fara's boytoy. She has taste, I must say!"
Okan almost burst out laughing.

As he followed Mahmut deeper into the shop, he gave him an apologetic smile saying that he meant if he wanted his Fistan Alshams by rack or by his meassures.
Then he explained that if he wanted it by meassure or by rack, and suggesting going for the meassure one.
To which he grinned for the idea.

"Sounds good, I will accept your recommendation about my dress being made by meassure" he said as he thought how long it would take an tailored Fistan Alshams to make; which could be an problem for his and his wife schedule. "Mind if I ask how long it would take everything??"

Meanwhile Jessica heard at the proposals of the woman for Tess and her girlfriend; they were more than good for them. They were perfect.

"Perfect, I'm sure they will love it when they see it" she grinned at the woman. "So what would everything cost if I may ask??"

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.

Aurelia smiled.
"You are special to me, this is just the first physical symbol of it.", she whispered to her, knowing, that she had planned to add one very important one in the future, the Old Dreadnought willing. She could not wait to show Marcella her quarters aboard the Aurelia, as well as to show her the bed...
And with that, they were admitted aboard, entering the Promenade Deck.
Damir saw one of the Tabardariyya-men speaking into a radio button, reporting their arrival. He nodded, making up the rear as the two young women went up to face an Old Dreadnought.

"I'm Rasha.", the other woman introduced herself as she let the last scraps of clothing leave her body, folding them neatly into the basket. "From Maleth, that's a few hundred kilometres in... that direction, I think."
The words were accompanied by her taking out her towel and unfolding it, wrapping it around her body.
"AHSCA... isn't that where Princess Aurelia sailed to a few months ago to meet her lover?", she added, "Such a romantic story between the two, as if straight out of the movies!"

Taking Aurelia's hand in her own, Marcella held her head up now ready to face what was needed. She was going to hold Aurelia tight and she wasn't going to let go. As her mother said, relax, the words will come. She always trusted her mother's wisdom and now seemed like that would be more important than ever.

==
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rasha." Asuna responded, hanging back to continue speaking with the young woman. Seemed the tale of Aurelia had truly spread like wildfire, no surprise. "Indeed it's the very one. A most romantic tale it is for sure. To brave the vast oceans for someone you love is every islander's fairy tale come true!"

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?"

Cormag and Alexander scan through their map of the city, laid out on top of the bed as if it were a blanket. It was a few minutes of deliberation and contemplation on settling on a place to eat, the two Kyrenaian restaurants, and the Selkie restaurant were all great considerations, given the good service, gratifying food, and for some, pretty waitresses, until both, along with a few chuckles, laughs, and jokes, finally came to a consensus to check out a Kyrenaian restaurant with the waitresses. After closing the door to their room, they both strolled to their intended destination, with Cormag recording the whole trek on his camera, and Alexander on his phone.

Reaching the doors of the restaurant, they both put away their devices, leading Cormag to open one door for Alexander to enter. Just as he was about to enter, Alexander exclaims in a deep drone, seasoned with chuckles and his eyes enlarged from this dumbfounding view in front of him. Hearing this, Cormag meanders inside with curiosity riddled on his face, and stalling behind Alexander, he exclaimed with pure astonishment, with both hands covering his mouth and his self crouching at a little distance as if he were a little girl himself.

"Holy shit, dude," Cormag giggled.

"Mate," Alexander responded, grinning and staring as he shakes his head steadily, "this is like a fuckin' harem. I'm not even kiddin'."

"Alright, come on. We gotta calm down and secure a table real quick. That one," Cormag pointed with haste.

The pair walks to their table and settle themselves down, smiles, chortles and rubbing hands painting their faces and permeating their voices. The aura of the interior was so much to bear that they never bothered to pick up their devices to record even a panorama of the waitresses walking around tables, despite restraining themselves from the irrational decisions made by a testosterone-induced impulse.

The Thaqab Altawabul, Spice Hole in English, was a classical Kyrenaian Restaurant.
As it was in the Old Town, the building itself was a classical sand stone structure, three storeys high, with two of them for guests of the restaurant and the uppermost being reserved for employees, some indeed living where they worked. The interior was composed of alcoves along the side walls, each with it own window above it shining light into the restaurant and alcove, while there were tables in the room itself and along the wall opposite to it. Tapestries and carpets were distributed evenly.
There was also a huge double-door leading into the kitchen, from where a nice, spicy smell came, as well as waitresses carrying food to and from.
Of course, in lieu with the interior, the waitresses were dressed in the Altanafus min la Shay, the Breath of Nothing or Handmaiden's Dress. As they were both selected for their skills and their looks by the owner, it did not surprise, that quite a few tourists spent considerable time watching them. It was a simple dress of white silk, consisting of a veil, over the hair and almost translucent, a short skirt, which didn't even reach the middle of the upper legs, and a band of silk running from the right sight of the neck to the left breast, around the back and to the right breast and up to the left side of the neck, meeting the other end in a knot behind the neck.
It served well as a sort-of bra and showing very much cleavage - that one would be hard-pressed to find a waitress on the staff, which could not be described as busty or beautiful, on most cases both or on the way there, was just the icing on the cake.
Two men flanking the entrance door, though, both dressed in ancient-looking lamellar armour and carrying tabars, the poleaxes the Kyrenaians had developed, made it rather clear, that one should keep the hands to oneself, though.
One of said waitresses placed a menu in front of either new visitors, moving with a grace usually attributed to large, feline predators, this one not wearing a veil. She was slim of built, with a relatively average-sized chest, her long, black hair open and with silver thread running around in it, while her blue eyes sparkled.
"Good morning, gentlemen.", she greeted, "Any drink I can get you?"

All three groups of girls did not notice the two observers...

The aromas seemed to be nearly natural parts of the two boys, who proceeded with minimal concern about it despite how the sheer strength of their seafood hotpot indicated that they had to have just come out of the kitchen. While not entirely false — they were a part of Sousundowa Carême's legendary troupe of chefs & thus part of the kitchen — there were thousands of other scents that they should've been exposed to, yet their individual fragrances still held strong, even though Immature Seafood was still a short distance away.
Oh, whoops, look like they saw me. Guess I may as well join him, the boy thought as he strode into the conversation, continuing to hold the boxing gloves for his friend.

"Kyrenaia, huh? I feel like I've heard of it from somewhere that wasn't PiffleNet," Spiciness said, rubbing his chin as he thought. "B-but whatever! I would love to look around here, seeing as I am a bit lost... but I don't know, I think there's something else I'd rather be shown," he unintentionally added, his confident smile becoming a smirk, Ah! No, you idiot it's too early to start this. Whatever, let's see how this plays out & hopefully I won't get rejected too quickly.
Should I screw him up now? Seafood thought as his own smirk grew, watching his friend try to flirt, Mmm, nah... I think I'll wait just a bit.

All four girls smiled, although the redhead was still not liking the smell.
"Oh, what would you like to be shown?", the brunette asked innocently - she assumed, that he tried to flirt with her and she allowed him to do so, "Maybe a Hammam? Sinope has a few famous ones..."
Her smile was almost coy.
The redhead, meanwhile, looked to the other one, to Seafood, noting his smirk. "You're on Piffle, too?", she asked him with a small smile of her own. She didn't like seafood, that was true, but... he did look delicious, if she was honest. "I'm Nesrin."
She bowed her head lightly, which showed a bit of cleavage.
The twins looked on.