Sinope Harbour Festival (IC, MT)

[Shwe Tu Colony]

"This way.", the redhead said - by now utterly convinced, that the two of them were homosexual and an item...

Being two thirty-firsts of a whole idiot, both of the boys failed to catch any homophobic sentiment.
Nonetheless, after a few more seconds of struggling, Spiciness eventually released his friend, who stumbled a few steps forward. "Hey, no need to hug me that much!" Seafood teased, looking back at the other, "Or keep me quiet, for that matter, it's not like you're peeling my shr—"
"Bzshszhhzhsh!" came his friend's odd reply, accompanied by him jumping & sort of flapping his arms to get him to stop, though somehow he did not disrupt the crowd too much, "Let's not talk about that here, okay?" There was a smug shrug in response as the two boys walked with the redhead, doing so with moderate competence & squeezing where they could. They were careful not to bump into anyone except for each other, of which they seemed rather inclined to simply because it was less awkward compared to bumping into a stranger.

"So about my home country, since you guys asked..." Spiciness began as they continued to the harbor, "Seafood was right, some of it can be kind of unbelievable. But anyway, it's called Psytronius, The Floating City. It's full of smart people, not really like me." He giggled a little before continuing. "It's mostly because of them that Sousundowa Carême exists. I, or maybe we, couldn't have done it without them, especially Elijah Phee Loew since he helped create the first of us." He didn't explain anything more about the apparent creation process & instead gestured to Seafood. "He & I both hold the Sousundowa Carême title. There's like twenty-nine others of us, though, but we consider there to be one ho— er, main Sousundowa."
"For that matter, we're only here because of something he did with another form," Seafood added, but his friend shout him a deadly glare in response, "Er... sorry. I shouldn't be talking about what happened before we got here, it was awful. But I did pull a pretty nice pra—"

"Okay, that's enough of that!" Spiciness lunged at his friend from behind, the two entering the same position as before with the same amount of struggling, "It wasn't a very funny prank, nothing to worry about. Ew, did you just lick my hand?" He pulled away from Seafood, shaking off his hand, being careful to do it away from anyone else to avoid spraying them in saliva. "Mmm, you taste good..." his friend said, looking back at him with a seductive gaze, "Like a hot chi—"
"For the record, we're not homosexuals, we're just idiots," Spiciness interrupted with a nervous smile, ignoring his friend's adorably pouty expression, "Plus, part of that prank he mentioned involved another female friend of ours whacking us really, really hard, so I think it might be us being a bit loopy still." Meanwhile, Seafood wandered a short distance ahead of the group, sniffing the air & evidently excited by the aroma of the sea. "Ah, salt water... I wonder," he walked back to the group, "Is there any edible seafood in Kyrenaia? I'm always looking for new, exotic foods to cook up." He winked with a sly smile. "Or, maybe I'll be the one eating something this time?"

"Dang, guess I don't qualify," teased Spiciness.
"Stop acting so gay, dude!" the other thrust his hands into the opening in his friend's shirt & proceed to gave him a playful shove, his own stupid smile growing, "You're giving everyone the wrong idea."
"No, it's been you, mostly! Your hands have been wandering over me in all the wrong places," he countered, filled with energy as he bounced on his feet as the group presumably neared the harbor, "Oh, & don't push me into the water." Undeterred by the demand, Seafood walked a bit forward & began to examine the shoreline, looking around to make sure there was somewhere that indicated that people did go down into this area. Seeing this, Spiciness sighed & shook his head with a slight smirk. "God, he's such an idiot. That's what I love about him... er, j-just as a friend," he said, blushing at his last line, "Y-you know, I never did ask..."

"Just what is the Kyrenaian stance on homosexuality, anyway? He & I aren't a couple or anything, but I'll admit we do play around a bit..."

[Kuronami]

"Feeling better now?", Ilia asked with a small smile as the Handmaiden moved forward to refill his own empty cup and Yuki's. "Don't worry, there's enough tea left."
Mahmut nodded, regaining his equilibrium.
"And I heard something about cookies as well?", the Crown Prince asked the Handmaiden hopefully, who smiled, as if to say Only for good little Princes!

"Oh much better now, thank you so much!" Yuki responded. "Cookies would be most delightful." Haru added. "After all, what good is tea without something sweet and tasty to go with it?"

[AHSCA]

Aurelia smiled, proud to be here with her girlfriend - sure, it sounded girlish and if she was honest... she introduce Marcella in exactly the same way.
Marcella sounded more official, though.
Aurelia could also rest easily: She had written Marcella about her meeting the former Emperor of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle and about meeting his Grandson and about her having tested new massage techniques at said Grandson's wife's bodyguard.
The hug was intended as a friendly one anyway, like one greeted an old friend.
After what had happened during the Hunt, he had certainly earned the right to be called that.
She watched, as Marcella got her gift, grinning as she recognized the people on the photograph - and remembering, that they literally had taken their guns into the bath, so it was no wonder, that they carried a small armoury with them on the image.
Most likely taken during said problems...
She did not read the messages, though, instead of that turning to the Imperials: "How are you four? Managing well while... well..."

Amir shook his head as he worked on the neck.
"Actually, no.", he said, "I am still a student, in my last year at the Durra'ah Boys' Academy in Megido." He felt, that she was not telling the entire truth, but if she wasn't willing to tell the entire truth, then he would not bother her. "My father, though, is a tellak. Those are the professionals, who usually massage people... and he taught me a few tricks."

"If I may say, replies the former Emperor with a playful grin to Aurelia, watch your reactions Princess. You don't want to give your girlfriend wrong thoughts about our relationship, do you? By the way, was any one of you aware before that she was her girlfriend before? he asks to his wingmates. Joe?
-Not at all, replies the former mechanic of the Blazing Angels. I was not even aware that the massage tricks Princess Aurelia is going to practice with her beloved have been proof tested on my grandaughter before, he adds with a wink to Aurelia.
-All right, enough joking, interrupts Peter. Your Highness, it is a great honor and pleasure to finally meet you in person, continues the former squadron leader as he puts his fist to his heart and bows his head lightly, along with his friends. In the name of the Scarlet Eagle Spirits, may they bring their calming breeze to the Islands.
-Now that the pesky formalities are out of the way, continues Frank, allow us to transmit to you our warmest salutations from our grandchildren, Emperor Anaximander Blachkov (Peter's grandson), Empress Anna Blachkov (my grandaughter), Colonel Pavel Morozov (Thomas's grandson), and Colonel Alicia Morozov (Joe's grandaughter). They were supposed to be here in our place to meet you, but tragic problems kept them at home. Anyway, they still asked us to give this to you."
With that said, the former General takes a photo from his vest's interior pocket, and hands it to Marcella. On it, a group of 4 person can be seen.


On the back of the photo, a few words are written:
Greetings Marcella, we would have loved to finally meet you, but unfortunately we're taken by a big problem back home. Our grandfathers can tell you more if you wish.
We wish you the best with Aurelia. You are very lucky, take good care of our friend, and we would welcome you with great pleasure if you ever wish to visit our humble nation.
Anaximander and Anna
Greetings Duchess, I'm sorry to have said some things about your body when we came to Kyrenaia. Take care of Aurelia, and may you too shine bright like the sun.
Pavel
Hello Duchess, I don't have luch to say that hasn't been said, but I too wish you the best with Aurelia. Just try to not be too loud for our grandfather's sake Otherwise, if you ever have the chance to spend some time under youre girlfriend magical hands, know that she tested her techniques with me, and I approve at 100%
With love, Alicia

"And it is my pleasure to meet you and I thank you for the fond wishes for my homeland. A shame business often keeps us from traveling and going abroad. Similarly I'd hope I'd see the Empress of Kuronami here in Sinope for the festival, being a nautical enthusiast herself, but alas no such luck." She took the photo when it was handed her, quickly reading over the little note scribbled on the back for her. Goodness Aurelia must have really talked her up to these folks given they were pleasured to meet her enough for folks still far away to write a note of apology for missing out. Well not that she was complaining, it was just surprising. But again the fine folks always told her not to keep undercutting the value of the islands.

"Give my fondest thank you to His and Her Majesties for the kind note for me and that I hope they might find themselves in the islands sometime. Thank you."

---

"Ah much like me then. My mother your father both the artists of curing the muscles that ache and throb. Cut from similar cloths we are. Well you're still in school then, so you are studying?" He didn't look much younger than her so likely advanced secondary education. "Or...Well forgive me...I'm afraid I really don't know much...Our education is pretty basic and to the point, compared to most nations which I know have many high levels of schooling. So I assume you are in some kind of secondary school? Maybe even more than that. You don't seem younger than I so I can't imagine you're still a primary student. In fact if I'm bothering you at all you can tell me, I'm sure you did come into relax after all rather than entertain a silly tourist like myself."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Aurelia smiled, proud to be here with her girlfriend - sure, it sounded girlish and if she was honest... she introduce Marcella in exactly the same way.
Marcella sounded more official, though.
Aurelia could also rest easily: She had written Marcella about her meeting the former Emperor of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle and about meeting his Grandson and about her having tested new massage techniques at said Grandson's wife's bodyguard.
The hug was intended as a friendly one anyway, like one greeted an old friend.
After what had happened during the Hunt, he had certainly earned the right to be called that.
She watched, as Marcella got her gift, grinning as she recognized the people on the photograph - and remembering, that they literally had taken their guns into the bath, so it was no wonder, that they carried a small armoury with them on the image.
Most likely taken during said problems...
She did not read the messages, though, instead of that turning to the Imperials: "How are you four? Managing well while... well..."


"And it is my pleasure to meet you and I thank you for the fond wishes for my homeland. A shame business often keeps us from traveling and going abroad. Similarly I'd hope I'd see the Empress of Kuronami here in Sinope for the festival, being a nautical enthusiast herself, but alas no such luck." She took the photo when it was handed her, quickly reading over the little note scribbled on the back for her. Goodness Aurelia must have really talked her up to these folks given they were pleasured to meet her enough for folks still far away to write a note of apology for missing out. Well not that she was complaining, it was just surprising. But again the fine folks always told her not to keep undercutting the value of the islands.
"Give my fondest thank you to His and Her Majesties for the kind note for me and that I hope they might find themselves in the islands sometime. Thank you."

Although Aurelia was wrong in assuming the photo was taken during said problems (it was in fact taken last August, since then the SCAR-Hs had been replaced in the Alphas by the newest SCAR A1, with the same bidy but with a new, different cartridge caliber, 6.5*43mm).

"Thank you Duchess, replies Peter with a smile. I'm sure that once we've all settled everything back home, we'll be sure to tell them to pay you a visit.
-Well, answers Frank to Aurelia, what can we say? We try to see the bright side in all this gloom. Our wives are secured in Pertingen Castle, which is the hunting domain of the Imperial Family, and our grandchildren have yet to deploy. But otherwise, as I was saying to Peter a few moments ago, there is nothing much we can do to bring those five million of dead back, adds the former General with a somber tone.

[Kyrenaia]

Nodding in understanding Alexander spoke about his crew and the rations instead of the ammunition,

"I don't mind what type of rations we get so long as they are edible haha. The only health issue we have is that one of the fellows on my crew is mildly allergic to nuts. He is able to eat them but will get skin irritation from them. Other than that, I believe that will be good. If possible could I send some of my crew members to pick up the rations when the harbour festival is over? I'll pay a little extra too as a payment to lock my purchase. As for the tobacco, I was wondering if you happened to have any Virginia Gold tobacco in stock?

"We will store it for free, so no need to pay extra - but your men coming to collect the rations would indeed be appreciated.", the owner said with a nod, "So, I'll note down the standard rations?" While he was getting out a small notebook, he added: "As for the tobacco, I'm afraid, that we don't have Virginia Gold. We do have a variety of smoking herbs, which you might want to look into? Your pipe looks a bit like a Midwakh, so they might be worth the try!"

Layla nodded, snorting. She said, "Still better than going out for a drink and waking up next morning in a bar that's entirely different from the bar one has gone to the night before. I definitely prefer the Hiking Party version. That's why ships like this one are rented for such occasions quite often - you still might end up in a different bar, but there's usually a more logical explanation for it."
She let a beat pass.
"And yes, the floor can be used as a dancefloor" - she continued. "It has been a long time ago since I used it as such, though ..."

Maryam had to laugh, too, when the boy didn't manage to repeat his lucky shot from the first time. She said to him, grinning, "At least you've hit the board, not the wall. There is a reason why it's the one that needs to be painted more frequently than the others."
She took the next dart and aimed.
"Remember, it's not only about precise aiming. It's also about the technique. The technique, Squidward!"
Wiith that said, she smashed it right into the central point of the board.

Atif didn't think for long.
He grinned.
"Tell you what, Layla...", he said, "If they play Swing or Blues tonight, I'm going to bring you to the dance floor and we'll show the kids, who's boss!" He was very confident in his abilities as a dancer, one could see that in his eyes from miles away. "Deal?"
The thought, that this might be interpreted as him inviting her for a date did not occur to him.

The other teens laughed along.
Spongebob was not a huge thing in Kyrenaia, but thanks to the Internet, they knew, who Squidward was - the poorest sod in the entire show.
"Kyrenaian darts are actually a bit shorter and slimmer.", the thrower from before explained with a small smile. He took another one and aimed. "Any tips, Wise Teacher?"

The new waitress, bound by Kyrenaian Customs as she wore the veil, took the menu and opened the last double page, showing it to the two young men.
There was a long list of drinks. Water was for free, herbal teas were on offer, there were a variety of freshly made lemonades available, too, plus a number of fruit juices and milk from goats and sheep.
Leaving the two young men to their selection, she got out a small notepad and a ballpen, smiling.

Turning to themselves, they both discussed on what drinks they should have. Cormag desired for water, while Alexander wished for the goat milk. Nodding, Cormag turned to the new waitress.

"I'll have water, while he'll have the goat milk," he finally said.

Yvette laughed. "I was just pulling your leg. In truth, I just guard a consultate. Only excitement is when a drunk tourist tries to climb the fence or when we ship out for exercises; rest of the time I stand around looking pretty."
When her food arrived, she thanked the waitress and immediately attacking her food with a speed that would make a BT-7 blush.

After the waitress left for their drinks, Cormag recorded and commented on the food, while Alexander took his phone out and sent the photograph to his friends and family. As they ate, Cormag turned to Yvette, who was eating her food as if she were a piranha.

"Mate, check her out. She's eatin' like a fuckin' piranha," he exclaimed.

"Holy shit," Alexander said, astonished, "The lassie eats faster than I do."

"I swear, I'd wretch like fuck if I were tae try an' beat her."

"Would sprayin' coke on your food help you out?"

"And be like Agnes MacLachlan? That could work out."

"IF we can find a dealer."

Cormag and Alexander chuckle at each other before they ate again.

The waitress returned shortly after with the drinks ordered, water for Cormag and goat milk for Alexander. Again, she was absolutely silent, moved with grace and did not touch anyone.
She placed the drinks, made a step back, bowed, and was off again.
The other patrons, mostly Kyrenaians, were not bothered by Yvette's speed of eating, nor were they bothered by the camera.

"This way.", the redhead said - by now utterly convinced, that the two of them were homosexual and an item...

Being two thirty-firsts of a whole idiot, both of the boys failed to catch any homophobic sentiment.
Nonetheless, after a few more seconds of struggling, Spiciness eventually released his friend, who stumbled a few steps forward. "Hey, no need to hug me that much!" Seafood teased, looking back at the other, "Or keep me quiet, for that matter, it's not like you're peeling my shr—"
"Bzshszhhzhsh!" came his friend's odd reply, accompanied by him jumping & sort of flapping his arms to get him to stop, though somehow he did not disrupt the crowd too much, "Let's not talk about that here, okay?" There was a smug shrug in response as the two boys walked with the redhead, doing so with moderate competence & squeezing where they could. They were careful not to bump into anyone except for each other, of which they seemed rather inclined to simply because it was less awkward compared to bumping into a stranger.

"So about my home country, since you guys asked..." Spiciness began as they continued to the harbor, "Seafood was right, some of it can be kind of unbelievable. But anyway, it's called Psytronius, The Floating City. It's full of smart people, not really like me." He giggled a little before continuing. "It's mostly because of them that Sousundowa Carême exists. I, or maybe we, couldn't have done it without them, especially Elijah Phee Loew since he helped create the first of us." He didn't explain anything more about the apparent creation process & instead gestured to Seafood. "He & I both hold the Sousundowa Carême title. There's like twenty-nine others of us, though, but we consider there to be one ho— er, main Sousundowa."
"For that matter, we're only here because of something he did with another form," Seafood added, but his friend shout him a deadly glare in response, "Er... sorry. I shouldn't be talking about what happened before we got here, it was awful. But I did pull a pretty nice pra—"

"Okay, that's enough of that!" Spiciness lunged at his friend from behind, the two entering the same position as before with the same amount of struggling, "It wasn't a very funny prank, nothing to worry about. Ew, did you just lick my hand?" He pulled away from Seafood, shaking off his hand, being careful to do it away from anyone else to avoid spraying them in saliva. "Mmm, you taste good..." his friend said, looking back at him with a seductive gaze, "Like a hot chi—"
"For the record, we're not homosexuals, we're just idiots," Spiciness interrupted with a nervous smile, ignoring his friend's adorably pouty expression, "Plus, part of that prank he mentioned involved another female friend of ours whacking us really, really hard, so I think it might be us being a bit loopy still." Meanwhile, Seafood wandered a short distance ahead of the group, sniffing the air & evidently excited by the aroma of the sea. "Ah, salt water... I wonder," he walked back to the group, "Is there any edible seafood in Kyrenaia? I'm always looking for new, exotic foods to cook up." He winked with a sly smile. "Or, maybe I'll be the one eating something this time?"

"Dang, guess I don't qualify," teased Spiciness.
"Stop acting so gay, dude!" the other thrust his hands into the opening in his friend's shirt & proceed to gave him a playful shove, his own stupid smile growing, "You're giving everyone the wrong idea."
"No, it's been you, mostly! Your hands have been wandering over me in all the wrong places," he countered, filled with energy as he bounced on his feet as the group presumably neared the harbor, "Oh, & don't push me into the water." Undeterred by the demand, Seafood walked a bit forward & began to examine the shoreline, looking around to make sure there was somewhere that indicated that people did go down into this area. Seeing this, Spiciness sighed & shook his head with a slight smirk. "God, he's such an idiot. That's what I love about him... er, j-just as a friend," he said, blushing at his last line, "Y-you know, I never did ask..."

"Just what is the Kyrenaian stance on homosexuality, anyway? He & I aren't a couple or anything, but I'll admit we do play around a bit..."

"Kyrenaia's? Or the Kyrenaians'?", the Redhead asked, absolutely not convinced, that these two men were at least not bi. Some of the bystanders shook their heads and turned back to the spectacle about to unfold on the water. "Kyrenaia's Law allows for homosexual acts and relationships, but explicitly forbids marriage. This is changed from a previous law, which criminalized any act of homosexuality until 1999."
"There have been discussions about changing the law to allow homosexual marriages as well, but so far, the Sultana has blocked every such proposal.", one of the twins added, "That is, for foreigners, especially weird as the Sultana's Granddaughter, Princess Aurelia, has apparently found her love in a woman, Duchess Marcella Villa of the UIS."

"Oh much better now, thank you so much!" Yuki responded. "Cookies would be most delightful." Haru added. "After all, what good is tea without something sweet and tasty to go with it?"

The Handmaiden breathed out, almost in lieu of a chuckle and went to one of the cupboard, producing a plate of cookies and sweets, including the famous alfakihat, a marzipan confectionary looking like fruit, painted in syrup to taste like them as well.
Mahmut and Ilia let the ladies take their first pick, before Mahmut looked to Ilia.
He turned to the Handmaiden.
"Shirin, if you wish, you can join us.", he spoke.
The Handmaiden reached up, removed her veil, folding it neatly, and then settled down next to the Kuronami-Girls. "I hope, that you don't mind, girls.", she said.
"Ladies, if I may introduce?", Mahmut said with a smile, "Miss Shirin Bayd."

Although Aurelia was wrong in assuming the photo was taken during said problems (it was in fact taken last August, since then the SCAR-Hs had been replaced in the Alphas by the newest SCAR A1, with the same bidy but with a new, different cartridge caliber, 6.5*43mm).

"Thank you Duchess, replies Peter with a smile. I'm sure that once we've all settled everything back home, we'll be sure to tell them to pay you a visit.
-Well, answers Frank to Aurelia, what can we say? We try to see the bright side in all this gloom. Our wives are secured in Pertingen Castle, which is the hunting domain of the Imperial Family, and our grandchildren have yet to deploy. But otherwise, as I was saying to Peter a few moments ago, there is nothing much we can do to bring those five million of dead back, adds the former General with a somber tone.

Aurelia completely missed the differences between one rifle and the other - she couldn't name either, if she was honest.
"Five...?", she said and swallowed. That the death toll was this high... she wouldn't have guessed. Biting back something, she shook her head. She was almost used to hearing such death tolls, but indeed: Almost. That did not make her unfeeling. "I will not pretend, that such a number isn't shocking, because it is. May they come to a peaceful rest, be it at the Lioness' side or the Mag Mell."
She shook her head, then exhaled, her smile returning as she watched the joy on Marcella's face.
"Their Grandkids are really nice - I wrote about their visit and I am looking forward to Dad and me making the return trip.", she said to the group, hoping to change away from the somber topic with a happier one.

[...]
"Ah much like me then. My mother your father both the artists of curing the muscles that ache and throb. Cut from similar cloths we are. Well you're still in school then, so you are studying?" He didn't look much younger than her so likely advanced secondary education. "Or...Well forgive me...I'm afraid I really don't know much...Our education is pretty basic and to the point, compared to most nations which I know have many high levels of schooling. So I assume you are in some kind of secondary school? Maybe even more than that. You don't seem younger than I so I can't imagine you're still a primary student. In fact if I'm bothering you at all you can tell me, I'm sure you did come into relax after all rather than entertain a silly tourist like myself."

Amir smiled.
"Indeed, Secondary Education.", he said as he let his hands rise up her neck to combat tense muscles, "The Durra'ah Boys' Academy is a boarding school, basically, which incorporates Middle and High School. After I graduate next year, I'll go to University... I want to become a Doctor, you see?"
He smiled.
"And to be honest, Miss Asuna...", he leaned down to whisper into her ear, "...if the tourist is such a beautiful woman as you, I will not be bothered. So, ask whatever you wish to know - if it is within my powers, I will answer."

[Danceria]

The Ilkhan and his wife exchanged glances.
"Go ahead, Young King.", the Ilkhan said and leaned back, "But be aware, that it will not change my resolution on that matter. So get off your chest, what you need to get off your chest."
Aynur nodded as she moved to sit herself.
She agreed with her husband on that, although their reasons differed.
They still had not allowed their guest to sit.

The woman raised an eyebrow, sunglasses disguising her eye colour, her short, blonde hair not very styled, but still well-cared for. She was quite well-curved as well, although her clothes, a shirt and a pair of jeans, plus a summer jacket over it, did not emphasize that. She spoke in Kyrenaian, slowly and clearly for the foreigner to understand her.
"There are no public audiences planned today.", she said simply, "If you want to speak with any one of the Nobility, you should have made arrangements for that, for example by getting an appointment."
Edgar might recognize her voice from somewhere...

"Then with due respect to you as a father..." Aceus began. "You must realize that my feelings for her won't abate because you asked nicely. I will however risk presumption on a few manners." Aceus sighed and began. "Due to your gracious hospitality-and the fact that I haven't been gelded by your wife-I risk presumption that when you meant you forbade my courting of her, it is a for now, rather than a forever. Even if for whatever reason, you have not, I will remain her friend." Aceus looked firmly, having not moved from his spot from when he entered. "I will remain her friend, so long as she keeps me as one. I will remain her friend, if love is rekindled between us, and even all the way to the altar and beyond, I shall remain her friend. For I presume that you and your wife are friends, or have common interests, as well as having had your disagreements and misfortune plague you. Hopefully nothing as dramatic or traumatic as what your daughter had to endure, but still..." Aceus sighed. "I do not ask for your consent, or even your respect, for I intend to earn both Fara's and your respect in time. You may think of me as a coward, a cur, a dog, but perhaps this young dog may learn a few tricks, if an aged hunting-hound such as yourself is willing to tolerate myself. Perhaps one day I may become worthy of that friendship and respect. But in conclusion..." Aceus readied himself. "I cannot fall out of love as quickly as you have requested, nor do I intend to remain a fool and let a wondrous woman walk out of my life because of a grievous error. Perhaps it is Dancerian stubbornness, but if Fara wishes to be by my side, I shall be beside hers. My mind is made up on that regard. I wish to grow in friendship, whatever it means to a Kyrenaian, under your guidance."

---

"Princess Fara!" Edgar would beam, "Do forgive Sabin, he's just wondering if we can do a little sight-seeing before the actual race and festival." he would smile. "Allow me to introduce my brother, Sabin, and of course, Aceus's youthful ward; Erika von Scharnhost." Fara knew about Erika, and about how Aceus found her as a child soldier, and fought tooth and nail to keep her on the straight and narrow, to attempt to give her a normal life. She might even know how Aceus recognized the young woman, as the daughter of a woman that Aceus was rather close with in his youth. Perhaps she had even guessed at Erika's true parentage, and had her own opinions on the manner, respecting Aceus for trying not only to make up to his long lost daughter or even trying to redeem a child soldier, perhaps she reviled the man for having affairs before she met him, or that his child grew up to become a killing machine...perhaps the fact that Aceus was able to have children, rather than her, due to her injury.

Regardless, the subject was changed swiftly. "We of course have the invite from Her Grace to partake in the festivities. Hopefully you'll be there!"

[Aurora Confederacy]

The three Lillos nodded. They had not been entirely sure which side of the road the Aurora Confederacy drove on - and leaving that little note whenever talking to foreigners would never kill anyone, considering how many countries drove on the left.
They watched the video on Micky's phone; Ingmar whistled through his teeth. "Not bad!" - he said, truly impressed. "Surely something you're unlikely to see where we're from. Small, light waggons, yes, quite often ... but this one ... Gods, I couldn't imagine this going well in our cities."
"Probably something one may just need to adopt to" - said Ratko. "In any case, it isn't exactly the trend public transport in Lillorainen goes to. The goal all traffic planners nowadays have is keeping road and rail as separate as possible - same-level crossings are often replaced by bridges and subways, and new railways are mostly built without any crossings to start with. Tram lines are also replaced by underground sections as much as possible, since they appear to be safer."
"Some cities have free transport, too" - Merle added, "but they mostly aren't that costly anyways." She was not sure how much a Dinar was in Marks, but going this distance for a hundred of these sounded fair. "More and more cities are trying that, though, so it may be universal someday."

"for the most, the railways are separated from the roads however in some older cities like South Sands and Barentsburg there is a lot of integration and it gets wierd when you look in your rear view mirror and see a train behind you sat at the traffic lights" mentioned Micky.

It didn't take long for Zoe to get Jax's cat leash and with a spring in her stride she jogs up the gangway onto the Milenka and pokes her head through the hatch, Jax at her side walking somewhat obediently which is unusual for most cats, and what is more unusual is the way he has been trained, at the hatch he sits down quite obediently as Zoe calls out "sit".

"hi guys, its only me" she calls as she steps inside before giving a gentle tug on the leash. With this Jax responds buy getting back on his paws and walking obediently down the stairs into the main cabin of the Milenka. Zoe has also taken the opportunity to get changed and is now wearing a pair of steel toe capped work boots, a pair of grey combat style pants with orange belt hoops and a tan belt around her waist. Covering her upper body is a blue T-shirt. Through the belt loops on the front of her combat pants are a pair of D-rings, through one hoop hangs a pair of sunglasses. The short sleeved T-shirt also reveals gentle tanning of her arms and a celtic style band tattoo around her right arm just below the sleeve of her T-shirt, she also has a toned muscle mass, a result of working the manual winches of the Luna Mysteria.

Micky looks at Imgmar, Ratko and Merle, "well?" she asks "I think we're going into town. Do we have to register for the parade of yacht's and are you going to parade Milenka?"

[Kuronami]

The Handmaiden breathed out, almost in lieu of a chuckle and went to one of the cupboard, producing a plate of cookies and sweets, including the famous alfakihat, a marzipan confectionary looking like fruit, painted in syrup to taste like them as well.
Mahmut and Ilia let the ladies take their first pick, before Mahmut looked to Ilia.
He turned to the Handmaiden.
"Shirin, if you wish, you can join us.", he spoke.
The Handmaiden reached up, removed her veil, folding it neatly, and then settled down next to the Kuronami-Girls. "I hope, that you don't mind, girls.", she said.
"Ladies, if I may introduce?", Mahmut said with a smile, "Miss Shirin Bayd."

The girls all smiled, and Yuki in particular got excited. She had talked with the maids and servants of various courts within her nation but not many from abroad and Shirin seemed so interesting to her.

Yuzu smiled and stated, "Of course we don't mind, thank you for joining us, Shirin."

"Y-Yes, Shin-san! I'm glad I finally get to meet you!" Yuki responded with a bow. "Please join us!"

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Upon realizing that the person they were speaking to was technically her stepmother-and therefore, even more technically, her superior officer-Erika snapped to attention, slammed the heels of her boots together(producing a loud 'clack' sound), and saluted.
"Erika von Scharnhorst, at your service, Ma'am. Before you ask, no, I'm not connected to the historical von Scharnhorst-it's simply a coincidence."

[Mervay]

The saleswoman nodded to Mahmut, exchanging a few whispered words with him in Kyrenaian, but when the two customers got out their wallets, she made a declining hand gesture.
"We do final tallying at the checkout.", she told them, which was true, "Now, Madame, you wanted something with a silk-polyester mixture, not too translucent, but not too revealing, and with a golden thread..." She smiled. "I think, that I have something in mind for you. One moment, please."
Mahmut stayed with them. "The 'conservative' option, by the way...", he explained, "...actually is completely opaque, less out of choice and more out of limitation in production. Developments in Silk Manufacturing in the recent two centuries actually enabled us to mass-produce silks, which are translucent to varying degrees and not to rely on very special materials like Selkie-Silk." He let a small beat pass. "When the new technology emerged, the immediate trend went to more and more translucent, to the point of basically not being able to differ between dress and nakedness, that was in the 50s. By now, the pendulum has swung quite a bit, mostly to what you wish for."
"Here we go.", the saleswoman said as she reappeared with a width of silk. It was dark, a bit opaque, but one could see the saleswoman's hand through it as she demonstrated the fabric. And there was a golden thread, a singular strand, running along the sides. "That would make a very good veil."

"Alright then, I was kinda expecting that reaction from both of you" Jessica said as she saw the saleswoman leave to search for something that should be what Dileva is wanting.

Meanwhile Mahmut stayed with the couple and explained to them what they searched wasn't something so difficult and part of an trend which begun on the 50's, which before them the dresses were mostly completely translucent without the diference of an dress or nakedness. It seemed that the trends here with the dresses changed to something on the middle; to say at least that it was, interesting the trends with the Fistan Alshams and how their production was and changed at the course of the years.

Then, the woman returned with an width which was of the characteristics she said for the dress... It was perfect, balanced and up to what she thought when she heard what Mahmut told her about it.

Jess eyes went wide as an smile was created on her face.
"It's. Perfect, there is no other way I can describe it, I love it!!"

[Folaisia]

The interior ambience of the restaurant was mere music to their ears as they both ate with satisfaction. Cormag was like a little child hidden inside an adult's body, while Alexander relished in the flavors of his meal like that of a sophisticated gentleman. Keeping a steady pace, they both savor every bite as best they could.

"Mate, this is awfy good," Cormag exclaimed, "I could eat five more plates of this."

"I know, right? But the last time you ate food this good, you tried tae finish three servin's and you couldnon move one inch forward fae the couch," Alexander replied.

"That's because your ma's cookin' was fuckin' good. I couldnon keep myself calmy doony, you-no."

"I told you tae be calmy doony, and my brother did so, too."

"I had the drive."

"And you ended up with an awfy full stomach."

"Well, you've got that right...but I ate a fuckin' lot, mate. You gotta at least give me that."

"Of course. But I'd say you've groaned much more than a kid does when he's finished all his candy from his bucket on a Halloween night."

"I was trying to get more flesh, mate. And at times, you leave your plate unfinished as if some ned is at your front door, waiting for you to let him in and screw you and your house altogether."

"Only when I consider mysel' done. And I leave the leftovers to whoever wants it."

"And spread your germs as if you're patient zero? No wonder your wee brother's acting like a rocket."

Alexander laughs.

"You seem to grab it whenever I offer it," he then said.

"Well...that's whenever I felt like it."

Silence, then both chuckle.

"Best continue eating then," Cormag assured, "We still got a well lot to see."

"I'll finish it in no time. You can count on me."

The two fell silent to their meals as they let the ambience fill in their ears again. In this point in time, Cormag was almost fully done, while Alexander was relaxing himself with every bite. Then, the thought of Yvette seems to have crossed their minds. After much deliberation, Cormag turns to her.

"Say, lassie, where'd you get the audacity to eat like a tiger, or better yet, a piranha," he asked.

[Kyrenaia]

The Ilkhan and his wife exchanged glances.
"Go ahead, Young King.", the Ilkhan said and leaned back, "But be aware, that it will not change my resolution on that matter. So get off your chest, what you need to get off your chest."
Aynur nodded as she moved to sit herself.
She agreed with her husband on that, although their reasons differed.
They still had not allowed their guest to sit.

The woman raised an eyebrow, sunglasses disguising her eye colour, her short, blonde hair not very styled, but still well-cared for. She was quite well-curved as well, although her clothes, a shirt and a pair of jeans, plus a summer jacket over it, did not emphasize that. She spoke in Kyrenaian, slowly and clearly for the foreigner to understand her.
"There are no public audiences planned today.", she said simply, "If you want to speak with any one of the Nobility, you should have made arrangements for that, for example by getting an appointment."
Edgar might recognize her voice from somewhere...

"Then with due respect to you as a father..." Aceus began. "You must realize that my feelings for her won't abate because you asked nicely. I will however risk presumption on a few manners." Aceus sighed and began. "Due to your gracious hospitality-and the fact that I haven't been gelded by your wife-I risk presumption that when you meant you forbade my courting of her, it is a for now, rather than a forever. Even if for whatever reason, you have not, I will remain her friend." Aceus looked firmly, having not moved from his spot from when he entered. "I will remain her friend, so long as she keeps me as one. I will remain her friend, if love is rekindled between us, and even all the way to the altar and beyond, I shall remain her friend. For I presume that you and your wife are friends, or have common interests, as well as having had your disagreements and misfortune plague you. Hopefully nothing as dramatic or traumatic as what your daughter had to endure, but still..." Aceus sighed. "I do not ask for your consent, or even your respect, for I intend to earn both Fara's and your respect in time. You may think of me as a coward, a cur, a dog, but perhaps this young dog may learn a few tricks, if an aged hunting-hound such as yourself is willing to tolerate myself. Perhaps one day I may become worthy of that friendship and respect. But in conclusion..." Aceus readied himself. "I cannot fall out of love as quickly as you have requested, nor do I intend to remain a fool and let a wondrous woman walk out of my life because of a grievous error. Perhaps it is Dancerian stubbornness, but if Fara wishes to be by my side, I shall be beside hers. My mind is made up on that regard. I wish to grow in friendship, whatever it means to a Kyrenaian, under your guidance."

---

[...]

The parents of the young woman in question almost laughed, when he was finished.
"My apologies.", Aynur said with a grin, "But I believe, that you misunderstand something. If you and Fara decide to stay friends, then we will not stop you. That decision is yours to make and yours alone. And if she decides, that she never wants to see you again, then we expect you to honour her decision, as the Gentleman you fancy yourself. However..." She let a beat pass. "...we will not allow you to court her. Your feelings are yours and yours alone to sort out... or whoever's council you seek."
Damir nodded.
"I sympathise with you, Young King, for the one I loved was... hesitant to accept that at first.", he said and glanced to his wife, grinning with fondness, "And that is putting it mildly." Turning back to Aceus, hearing his wife's giggle, he added: "But allow me to be frank with you... don't get your hopes up. Fara feels betrayed in many senses, some of which can be boiled down to one name: Erika von Scharnhorst."

"Princess Fara!" Edgar would beam, "Do forgive Sabin, he's just wondering if we can do a little sight-seeing before the actual race and festival." he would smile. "Allow me to introduce my brother, Sabin, and of course, Aceus's youthful ward; Erika von Scharnhost." Fara knew about Erika, and about how Aceus found her as a child soldier, and fought tooth and nail to keep her on the straight and narrow, to attempt to give her a normal life. She might even know how Aceus recognized the young woman, as the daughter of a woman that Aceus was rather close with in his youth. Perhaps she had even guessed at Erika's true parentage, and had her own opinions on the manner, respecting Aceus for trying not only to make up to his long lost daughter or even trying to redeem a child soldier, perhaps she reviled the man for having affairs before she met him, or that his child grew up to become a killing machine...perhaps the fact that Aceus was able to have children, rather than her, due to her injury.

Regardless, the subject was changed swiftly. "We of course have the invite from Her Grace to partake in the festivities. Hopefully you'll be there!"

Upon realizing that the person they were speaking to was technically her stepmother-and therefore, even more technically, her superior officer-Erika snapped to attention, slammed the heels of her boots together(producing a loud 'clack' sound), and saluted.
"Erika von Scharnhorst, at your service, Ma'am. Before you ask, no, I'm not connected to the historical von Scharnhorst-it's simply a coincidence."

Fara was, for a moment, panicked - she was here to have a nice, relaxing look around the festival with her little sister, not to be called out by that bloke!
Luckily, no one seemed to take notice, not even as she threw a look at Erika - for a moment, there was pure, undiluted hate in her eyes, for the girl and all she stood for. And for all, that Aceus didn't tell her.
Looking at her, it was obvious, that she was his daughter...
Aceus knocked up her mother and then let her standing, he had allowed his child to become a child soldier, he had a child...
He tried to right his wrong, sure, but Fara saw that as too little too late.
Turning back to Edgar, she nodded to him, then to Sabin. "It is a pleasure to see you, Edgar, and a pleasure to make your acquaintance.", she said and bowed her head lightly, not mentioning, or rather ignoring Erika on purpose. "I am afraid, that I will be spending the day with my family. Speaking of which..."
She smiled at the young woman, who appeared by her side, looking a whole lot like her, but younger.
Edgar, who understood Kyrenaian, would be able to catch shreds of their conversation in Kyrenaia's Street Language, not the High Kyrenaian, that was taught in school.
"Hey, Sis, what's up?", the younger asked.
"Oh, the usual... some people, who mistook me for Princess Fara.", she joked, "Bet they're going to think, that you are Princess Fadia!"
The younger laughed.
Fara turned back to Edgar and Company. "If I may introduce, my little sister Princess Fadia bint-Damir. Fadia, Edgar Castamir and his brother Sabin.", she said, ignoring Erika again - if she was well-trained, she would not drop the salute, until it was returned and Fara would do many things before she did that.
"It is a great pleasure, gentlemen.", Fadia said and bowed her head lightly - she, too, ignored Erika.

The Handmaiden breathed out, almost in lieu of a chuckle and went to one of the cupboard, producing a plate of cookies and sweets, including the famous alfakihat, a marzipan confectionary looking like fruit, painted in syrup to taste like them as well.
Mahmut and Ilia let the ladies take their first pick, before Mahmut looked to Ilia.
He turned to the Handmaiden.
"Shirin, if you wish, you can join us.", he spoke.
The Handmaiden reached up, removed her veil, folding it neatly, and then settled down next to the Kuronami-Girls. "I hope, that you don't mind, girls.", she said.
"Ladies, if I may introduce?", Mahmut said with a smile, "Miss Shirin Bayd."

The girls all smiled, and Yuki in particular got excited. She had talked with the maids and servants of various courts within her nation but not many from abroad and Shirin seemed so interesting to her.

Yuzu smiled and stated, "Of course we don't mind, thank you for joining us, Shirin."

"Y-Yes, Shin-san! I'm glad I finally get to meet you!" Yuki responded with a bow. "Please join us!"

"It would be my pleasure.", Shirin said with a smile, settling down, sitting properly. "Especially you, Yuki." She smiled, then let a beat pass. "Amongst us, you are even cuter in real life then in your profile pic on Piffle!"
Mahmut turned back, leaving his Handmaiden and the other Handmaiden to their conversation speaking to Yuzu: "Shirin has been my Handmaiden for as long as I can remember. Mother picked her to accompany while I live with my Uncle in Utica, at the Court of the Azure Hall."
"She's like a big sister to you.", Ilia said with a fond smile.
If anyone expected Mahmut to blush and stutter or something like that, they were sorely disappointed. He nodded with a smile.

The saleswoman nodded to Mahmut, exchanging a few whispered words with him in Kyrenaian, but when the two customers got out their wallets, she made a declining hand gesture.
"We do final tallying at the checkout.", she told them, which was true, "Now, Madame, you wanted something with a silk-polyester mixture, not too translucent, but not too revealing, and with a golden thread..." She smiled. "I think, that I have something in mind for you. One moment, please."
Mahmut stayed with them. "The 'conservative' option, by the way...", he explained, "...actually is completely opaque, less out of choice and more out of limitation in production. Developments in Silk Manufacturing in the recent two centuries actually enabled us to mass-produce silks, which are translucent to varying degrees and not to rely on very special materials like Selkie-Silk." He let a small beat pass. "When the new technology emerged, the immediate trend went to more and more translucent, to the point of basically not being able to differ between dress and nakedness, that was in the 50s. By now, the pendulum has swung quite a bit, mostly to what you wish for."
"Here we go.", the saleswoman said as she reappeared with a width of silk. It was dark, a bit opaque, but one could see the saleswoman's hand through it as she demonstrated the fabric. And there was a golden thread, a singular strand, running along the sides. "That would make a very good veil."

"Alright then, I was kinda expecting that reaction from both of you" Jessica said as she saw the saleswoman leave to search for something that should be what Dileva is wanting.

Meanwhile Mahmut stayed with the couple and explained to them what they searched wasn't something so difficult and part of an trend which begun on the 50's, which before them the dresses were mostly completely translucent without the diference of an dress or nakedness. It seemed that the trends here with the dresses changed to something on the middle; to say at least that it was, interesting the trends with the Fistan Alshams and how their production was and changed at the course of the years.

Then, the woman returned with an width which was of the characteristics she said for the dress... It was perfect, balanced and up to what she thought when she heard what Mahmut told her about it.

Jess eyes went wide as an smile was created on her face.
"It's. Perfect, there is no other way I can describe it, I love it!!"

The saleswoman smiled.
"Indeed, it is a very good material.", she said and offered it for the touch for both of them. "And very good quality. The veil will be very beautiful." She let a beat pass. "For you, I also have another material, which we will use for the bustier."
She took out a silk, opaque, in a beige-white colour, which was close to the tone of her skin. It was also a high quality material, as of now without any decorations.
"But we can decorate it. Currently in fashion are floral patterns.", the saleswoman explained.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Aurelia completely missed the differences between one rifle and the other - she couldn't name either, if she was honest.
"Five...?", she said and swallowed. That the death toll was this high... she wouldn't have guessed. Biting back something, she shook her head. She was almost used to hearing such death tolls, but indeed: Almost. That did not make her unfeeling. "I will not pretend, that such a number isn't shocking, because it is. May they come to a peaceful rest, be it at the Lioness' side or the Mag Mell."
She shook her head, then exhaled, her smile returning as she watched the joy on Marcella's face.
"Their Grandkids are really nice - I wrote about their visit and I am looking forward to Dad and me making the return trip.", she said to the group, hoping to change away from the somber topic with a happier one.

"Indeed. In only a few weeks, simply replies Peter. Central Park is a mass grave. And thanks for your prayers.
-Of course they're nice, answers Peter. Although when they're drunk, that's another story, adds the old man with a small smirk.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Erika's eye twitched twice, and she immediately dropped the salute.
"If you're done ignoring me, your Highness" she snarled. "I'd suggest going to my father and getting it over with. It's obvious that you and, presumably, most of your family detest him."
She turned to Fadia.
"As for you Princess Fadia... One would think, that you would have better manners, being royalty, than some low-born girl like me."


OOC Disclaimer:
I do not support the usage of child soldiers. Erika is the result of a F7/OOC joke brought to life.

[Shamsiyya]

Atif didn't think for long.
He grinned.
"Tell you what, Layla...", he said, "If they play Swing or Blues tonight, I'm going to bring you to the dance floor and we'll show the kids, who's boss!" He was very confident in his abilities as a dancer, one could see that in his eyes from miles away. "Deal?"
The thought, that this might be interpreted as him inviting her for a date did not occur to him.

The other teens laughed along.
Spongebob was not a huge thing in Kyrenaia, but thanks to the Internet, they knew, who Squidward was - the poorest sod in the entire show.
"Kyrenaian darts are actually a bit shorter and slimmer.", the thrower from before explained with a small smile. He took another one and aimed. "Any tips, Wise Teacher?"

His abilities as a dancer was not the only thing Atif seemed to be confident in. Layla was surprised for a moment - his invitation could indeed be interpreted as an invitation for a date, too, but maybe, he did not even think of it. On the other hand, his way of announcing to 'show the kids who's boss' also reminded of the old man in the crow's nest a bit.
Iska wrote a few numbers on a beer mat, pretending to be awfully busy calculating something, while she tried to avoid grinning.
Layla said, "Sounds like a plan! All you need to do is to show up here again tonight."

Maryam did not notice anything of what was going on at the bar, as she was busy with something else - indeed the technique, Squidward. When they were finished laughing about that reference, one of the boys took another dart.
"Now let's see ... my own Wise Teacher was my Granny, who used to be ... quite good at our version of Darts." This was a bit of an understatement, but since she did not expect them to know that Dunya Abdaliha Shahin had won the Darts Championship of the Canton of Mintaqa Aljibal in 1959, at the age of 13, and had closely missed winning the national one, they wouldn't notice. Maryam carefully placed the young guy's fingers into a different position and pushed the dart a few centimeters up. "Now just concentrate on the board - but keep calm, not uptight. Then smash it with power." She grinned. "It should work, then, unless demonstration effect becomes a thing."

[AHSCA]

Indeed. In only a few weeks, simply replies Peter. Central Park is a mass grave. And thanks for your prayers.
-Of course they're nice, answers Peter. Although when they're drunk, that's another story, adds the old man with a small smirk.

Aurelia completely missed the differences between one rifle and the other - she couldn't name either, if she was honest.
"Five...?", she said and swallowed. That the death toll was this high... she wouldn't have guessed. Biting back something, she shook her head. She was almost used to hearing such death tolls, but indeed: Almost. That did not make her unfeeling. "I will not pretend, that such a number isn't shocking, because it is. May they come to a peaceful rest, be it at the Lioness' side or the Mag Mell."
She shook her head, then exhaled, her smile returning as she watched the joy on Marcella's face.
"Their Grandkids are really nice - I wrote about their visit and I am looking forward to Dad and me making the return trip.", she said to the group, hoping to change away from the somber topic with a happier one.

"Five..." Marcella echoed mostly quietly following the conversation. Holding her head a little somber out of respect for those loss. "I must agree with Aurelia, my thoughts and prayers to you as well.... I mean I know it probably doesn't mean much..." But it sounded like it was just enough for them which made her feel better. "Aah grandchildren huh? The hope of parents everywhere it seems."

Amir smiled.
"Indeed, Secondary Education.", he said as he let his hands rise up her neck to combat tense muscles, "The Durra'ah Boys' Academy is a boarding school, basically, which incorporates Middle and High School. After I graduate next year, I'll go to University... I want to become a Doctor, you see?"
He smiled.
"And to be honest, Miss Asuna...", he leaned down to whisper into her ear, "...if the tourist is such a beautiful woman as you, I will not be bothered. So, ask whatever you wish to know - if it is within my powers, I will answer."

"A doctor, very noble profession. I'm sure you'll do well..." She was cut off as he leaned in closer to whisper into her ear and his words made her body temperature rise exponentially and her face flush red. It felt like a puff of steam might have come out of her head but that was probably just the steam in the room. "T-t-t-thaaank youuuu." she responded. Well she couldn't deny, he was super handsome.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Indeed. In only a few weeks, simply replies Peter. Central Park is a mass grave. And thanks for your prayers.
-Of course they're nice, answers Peter. Although when they're drunk, that's another story, adds the old man with a small smirk.

Aurelia completely missed the differences between one rifle and the other - she couldn't name either, if she was honest.
"Five...?", she said and swallowed. That the death toll was this high... she wouldn't have guessed. Biting back something, she shook her head. She was almost used to hearing such death tolls, but indeed: Almost. That did not make her unfeeling. "I will not pretend, that such a number isn't shocking, because it is. May they come to a peaceful rest, be it at the Lioness' side or the Mag Mell."
She shook her head, then exhaled, her smile returning as she watched the joy on Marcella's face.
"Their Grandkids are really nice - I wrote about their visit and I am looking forward to Dad and me making the return trip.", she said to the group, hoping to change away from the somber topic with a happier one.

"Five..." Marcella echoed mostly quietly following the conversation. Holding her head a little somber out of respect for those loss. "I must agree with Aurelia, my thoughts and prayers to you as well.... I mean I know it probably doesn't mean much..." But it sounded like it was just enough for them which made her feel better. "Aah grandchildren huh? The hope of parents everywhere it seems."

"Indeed, and our pride as well, replies Peter. Although the four of us gave us some grey hairs when they were little, when we see them today, we truly are glad to have them.
-Say Duchess, continues Joe, a question just crossed my mind: How many inhabitants do you have in the Islands? I can't remember the exact number."

[Kyrenaia]

"Indeed. In only a few weeks, simply replies Peter. Central Park is a mass grave. And thanks for your prayers.
-Of course they're nice, answers Peter. Although when they're drunk, that's another story, adds the old man with a small smirk.

"Five..." Marcella echoed mostly quietly following the conversation. Holding her head a little somber out of respect for those loss. "I must agree with Aurelia, my thoughts and prayers to you as well.... I mean I know it probably doesn't mean much..." But it sounded like it was just enough for them which made her feel better. "Aah grandchildren huh? The hope of parents everywhere it seems."

"A doctor, very noble profession. I'm sure you'll do well..." She was cut off as he leaned in closer to whisper into her ear and his words made her body temperature rise exponentially and her face flush red. It felt like a puff of steam might have come out of her head but that was probably just the steam in the room. "T-t-t-thaaank youuuu." she responded. Well she couldn't deny, he was super handsome.

Aurelia nodded.
She knew the feeling too well - being a grandchild and thus her Grandmother's hope for the future. The only grandchild.
Taking Marcella's hand, though, squeezing it to tell her, that her thoughts and her prayers meant much to the Grandparents and to their Grandchildren and to their country, that didn't come by knowledge, but by reflex. She squeezed her hand softly.

In the Hammam, Amir nodded.
"You are welcome.", he said and began to work on a knot in her shoulder with long, firm strokes. "Especially when I get to tell the truth." He found her reaction cute and her as well, and unbelievably pretty, too. "And thank you, too."

Erika's eye twitched twice, and she immediately dropped the salute.
"If you're done ignoring me, your Highness" she snarled. "I'd suggest going to my father and getting it over with. It's obvious that you and, presumably, most of your family detest him."
She turned to Fadia.
"As for you Princess Fadia... One would think, that you would have better manners, being royalty, than some low-born girl like me."


OOC Disclaimer:
I do not support the usage of child soldiers. Erika is the result of a F7/OOC joke brought to life.

Fara didn't listen much to the girl, but she nodded to Fadia.
The younger Princess smiled sweetly: "One would think, that the ward of a King would know some manners, too... children only speak when spoken to.", she explained, then extended her hand, "Come, let's leave them to their boring conversation. If you're good, then Uncle Edgar might even get you a souvenir later!"
Fara almost snorted in amusement at that, but she did throw the man a wink, so that he knew, that he should please play along. She knew, that her younger sister also knew of her suspicions about Erika's parentage, but one would be unable to see anything in her eyes.

His abilities as a dancer was not the only thing Atif seemed to be confident in. Layla was surprised for a moment - his invitation could indeed be interpreted as an invitation for a date, too, but maybe, he did not even think of it. On the other hand, his way of announcing to 'show the kids who's boss' also reminded of the old man in the crow's nest a bit.
Iska wrote a few numbers on a beer mat, pretending to be awfully busy calculating something, while she tried to avoid grinning.
Layla said, "Sounds like a plan! All you need to do is to show up here again tonight."

Maryam did not notice anything of what was going on at the bar, as she was busy with something else - indeed the technique, Squidward. When they were finished laughing about that reference, one of the boys took another dart.
"Now let's see ... my own Wise Teacher was my Granny, who used to be ... quite good at our version of Darts." This was a bit of an understatement, but since she did not expect them to know that Dunya Abdaliha Shahin had won the Darts Championship of the Canton of Mintaqa Aljabal in 1959, at the age of 13, and had closely missed winning the national one, they wouldn't notice. Maryam carefully placed the young guy's fingers into a different position and pushed the dart a few centimeters up. "Now just concentrate on the board - but keep calm, not uptight. Then smash it with power." She grinned. "It should work, then, unless demonstration effect becomes a thing."

Atif grinned.
"That I will.", he said and grinned - until it dawned upon him, that he just got himself a date for tonight! For a moment, his head needed to compute that new information, took a moment, rebooted, then directed all blood flow into his cheeks. In short, he blushed. "It should be easy... unless you plan to sail off today?"

The teens looked with interest, the one, where Maryam demonstrated the correct way, even had a small dusting of redness on his cheeks as she handled him.
Then, as she was gone, he threw - and hit the board, close to the centre, but not quite.
"Booyah!", he cheered, as his friends agreed. He turned to Maryam. "Thank you - new darts are always a bit of a challenge!"

[AHSCA]

"Indeed, and our pride as well, replies Peter. Although the four of us gave us some grey hairs when they were little, when we see them today, we truly are glad to have them.
-Say Duchess, continues Joe, a question just crossed my mind: How many inhabitants do you have in the Islands? I can't remember the exact number."[/quote

Aurelia nodded.
She knew the feeling too well - being a grandchild and thus her Grandmother's hope for the future. The only grandchild.
Taking Marcella's hand, though, squeezing it to tell her, that her thoughts and her prayers meant much to the Grandparents and to their Grandchildren and to their country, that didn't come by knowledge, but by reflex. She squeezed her hand softly.

In the Hammam, Amir nodded.
"You are welcome.", he said and began to work on a knot in her shoulder with long, firm strokes. "Especially when I get to tell the truth." He found her reaction cute and her as well, and unbelievably pretty, too. "And thank you, too."

The gentle warm squeeze of Aurelia's hand was simple but effective pick-me-up for Marcella. Then a pop quiz of her nation's population.

"Oh population, well let me think a moment..." Going through her mind of the last dump of statistics given to her "Ah right, last surveyed and estimated by my officers, we're sitting about domestically 7.1 million. That's just domestic, we obviously aren't accounting for those abroad be it in education or those given birthright by their parents. "

---

What an oddly specific thing to say? Ah gee he probably sees right through me. Asuna thought to herself. Well maybe it was good to just come clean and be honest. Who knows if she ends up liking this guy how bad would it be to start something on a lie. "Am I really that obvious?" She probed. "Well I suppose you'll find out sooner or later. Truth of the fact is, I'm not just an ordinary tourist. I am from AHSCA, yes but I am here for something more specific. Don't worry, I'm not a spy or anything. You're so nice, I hate to lie to someone as nice and kind as you are. And with a great pair of hands I might add."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

The gentle warm squeeze of Aurelia's hand was simple but effective pick-me-up for Marcella. Then a pop quiz of her nation's population.

"Oh population, well let me think a moment..." Going through her mind of the last dump of statistics given to her "Ah right, last surveyed and estimated by my officers, we're sitting about domestically 7.1 million. That's just domestic, we obviously aren't accounting for those abroad be it in education or those given birthright by their parents. "

"7.1 million uh? repeats Frank. That's awfully close to what we lost. But enough of that! While we're at it though, when our grandchildren will come to the Islands, what would you like that they bring with them as gifts Duchess?" asks the old General.

[Shamsiyya]

Atif grinned.
"That I will.", he said and grinned - until it dawned upon him, that he just got himself a date for tonight! For a moment, his head needed to compute that new information, took a moment, rebooted, then directed all blood flow into his cheeks. In short, he blushed. "It should be easy... unless you plan to sail off today?"

The teens looked with interest, the one, where Maryam demonstrated the correct way, even had a small dusting of redness on his cheeks as she handled him.
Then, as she was gone, he threw - and hit the board, close to the centre, but not quite.
"Booyah!", he cheered, as his friends agreed. He turned to Maryam. "Thank you - new darts are always a bit of a challenge!"

Layla blushed a bit herself - although she wasn't absolutely sure, whether or not this meant she had a date tonight ...
"No, no" - she replied then, "we're going to stay the entire night. I still owe you a drink, after all." A beat passed. She noticed, suddenly, that she wasn't that familiar with the local customs ... taking turns, when it came to paying for drinks, was absolutely usual in Shamsiyya. "At least I guess so ...?"
Iska noticed, that there would possibly be some embarrassing silence right now. She said, "Sorry, I don't want to interrupt your talk - Layla, does this make sense?" She handed the beer mat over to her friend.
Layla had a look at it. There were a few prices added up to each other, the sum divided and multiplied by two other numbers. What Atif would either not be able to read, or not even see in the first place was a small note at the end of it, reading, in Shamsiyyan, Congratulations, you're dating a guy! Now keep it up, don't ruin it.
Layla nodded and gave it back to Iska. "It does - if ten dollars are still five-six-twenty."
"The exchange rate is up-to-date, I've checked." Iska hoped, that she hadn't stressed a certain word within this sentence too much. "Good, that was it again." Iska got back to her work again.

Maryam clapped, not too loudly, and grinned again. The teen had almost hit the center. If Granny Dunya could just see this! (She only couldn't because she wasn't present - other than that, she was perfectly alive).
"Indeed, they are. If I have the chance at some occasion, I should try Kyrenaian darts once. Might be some nice new challenge for me!"

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Null

[AHSCA]

"7.1 million uh? repeats Frank. That's awfully close to what we lost. But enough of that! While we're at it though, when our grandchildren will come to the Islands, what would you like that they bring with them as gifts Duchess?" asks the old General.

Wow, pretty much the entire of the population of the islands lost just like that, was scary sounding. ""Oh no gifts are needed, just coming would be very nice."

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

A few brief seconds of Fara, Fadia, Sabin, and Edgar talking amongst themselves not paying attention to Erika was all she needed.
In the blink of an eye, she had wriggled into the crowd and disappeared.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"7.1 million uh? repeats Frank. That's awfully close to what we lost. But enough of that! While we're at it though, when our grandchildren will come to the Islands, what would you like that they bring with them as gifts Duchess?" asks the old General.

Wow, pretty much the entire of the population of the islands lost just like that, was scary sounding. ""Oh no gifts are needed, just coming would be very nice."

"Okay then, answers Thomas. Doesn't mean they won't bring some.
Anyway, as you may have heard from Aurelia, my grandson and his wife are in command of the Alpha Squadrons, which are the rest of the closest friends of Anax and Anna. They usually follow them anywhere they go, so I would like to know if it would bother you if they came along. Don't worry, they will act less like guards and more like a group of friends. A big group, I admit."