Comin' together to Celebrate (IC)

[Port Ember]

Both Gwens saw, how fascinated he was by Ayden the Star Lynx and maybe they would be able to arrange, that he could introduce himself later, but that was for later.
For now, there was a little 'cute fluffy punk badger' to take care off. Although they did not know of his thoughts, they would be amused by the phrasing.
The older Gwen laughed lightly, a sound like silver bells: "Oh, Fynn would love to hear that! They are his pride and joy... though I doubt, that he would voluntarily give some away, unless he knows, that they're well taken care of." She smiled. "Maybe you want to bring joy and heart attacks to your friend with an offer?"
Jan's Gwen nodded with a bit of enthusiasm - that, in fact, sounded like a wonderful idea!

Jan Breytenbach with Gwen

Jan was still petting the Thine when he replied to the older Gwen's question. "It seems both Gwen's understood the nature of the offer, unfortunately the Jan did not.." Jan smiled weakly "what offer did you have in mind Gwen?"

[Solisian Union]

The desperately, oh so in love, Solisian woman listened well to the song his grand-daughter sang so sweetly, and racked her entire brain, yes, her entire mind, all the stores within it, for her memories of that boy; of that young man that captivated her; that captured her; that totally took her interest; that never left her since. She bit her lip; she sweated over her head; she scratched at her hair, and then she remembered. The harvest festival!

Yes!

That must be!

She quickly slapped her hands together loudly, and she told the girl: "Shella! It was Shella! At the Harvest Festival! If only I could go there after this festival!"

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Kiah was... surprisingly unimpressed.
"A friend of mine from the Priest Courses learned how to write together with the future Ilkhana of Utica.", she said with a small shrug, "Of course, no one knew, that she was a Kyrenaian Princess because her father was a cowardly idiot, but that's another story."
She shrugged.
"So... you met Karl and Irene.", she gave Marie a prompt to return to the topic, "I take, that Karl is not the boy trouble we are talking about?"

The receptionist looked over to the restaurant area, which was still packed full.
"Indeed, we still do.", he said and handed over the keys, "One moment, though." He waved a waiter over, had a small conversation in Selkie and nodded in the end. The waiter departed again. "Well, I'm afraid, that we are completely full, as far as the restaurant is concerned. No spots free." He shrugged. "I would recommend the Rollchóstóir Bakery. Out of the door, to the right and then five buildings and you are there - especially their ham breadrolls!"

Marie laughed. "No, 'course not. He's courting a Taiwanese girl he met on furlough in Tsingtau anyway, last I heard of him. In any case...Karl...Karl was the more rational of the two. Always thought things out before doing them, but at the same time, always ready with a joke, and he laughed readily. Irene...choleric wouldn't even begin to describe her. Supposedly, she dueled half of the school at some point or another. Brutally honest, too-both bad qualities for a future Queen of Bavaria. But she was a good friend, and very caring, in her own brusque and to-the-point manner-if you could get past the (not entirely undeserved) nasty reputation.
After awhile, of course, I went back to Ochojno. I kept up a correspondence with Karl and Irene, and when summer arrived again, as it turned out, there was an exchange program to a state called "Purgatario", and as it turns out, we all decided to go and ran into each other on the plane in."
She paused for a bit, before continuing.
"It...didn't go well, to say the very least. On day one, Irene runs into a Hitler LARPer and headbutts him. Later on, said LARPer tried to engage me in conversation while we were having dinner with a group of local bigwigs and started ranting about his (ousted) dad, who was apparently a politician who committed genocide before getting coup'd..., oh, and a few less-than-courteous words about non-Caucasian folks. 'Course, I was still too sheltered to understand him, but what happened next...well..."
She began to giggle at the memory. "So after he's done ranting, I simply responded with 'What's a nigger, and what's a spic? I don't know what you're talking about'-and the guy's jaw hit the ground and he left! And God! His face when I said that!"
After laughing for a good bit, she shook her head and continued. "Regardless...Austrian Painter Admiration Society aside, made a few more acquaintances that night-girl named Ana, from Portugal(She defected when we left), and a Selkie-lass named Cel...Day after that, we visited some building they had where they had the genetic info of every citizen in their country. A few days later...Karl and Irene and, well, everyone else went off on a trip to somewhere, and left me alone at the campus. When they came back...I don't know how to explain it."
She shook her head. "Irene was angry and hostile to our guides. Not surprising. But Karl...Karl...I saw Irene actually holding him back from trying to strike down our guides with his cutlass-she locked him in his room, in fact, until he calmed down. If it was Irene trying to do it, it would only be moderately surprising, but Karl...If what they saw could move Karl to attempt murder, I didn't want to know what they saw.*"
Her eyes narrowed. "Irene finally explained it to me a few months back. Eugenics, they called it. Taking people who's only 'crime' was being born with physical or mental blights, and killing them in the womb or working them to death..."
She snarled. "Eugenics. Such a pretty name for murder."

*OOC: Yes, this was the (un-RPed) part of Purgy where they saw the death camps.

---

Klaus nodded. "Thank you-wait, where are our bags?"
Anne facepalmed and...well, half-groaned, half-sighed. "Klaus...the porter took them upstairs. Go follow him and sleep, you really do need it."
"Bu-"
He was silenced by Anne putting a finger on his lips.
"Shush. I'll go buy breakfast, you rest."
Klaus sighed, defeated. "Fine...I spent too much time before leaving on my tax returns, in any case."
He turned around and went upstairs. Anne chuckled to herself and shook her head, before heading out. Taking a right, she headed down for maybe half a minute, and entered the bakery.
As she did so, Klaus unlocked the door and took off his coat, shutting the door behind him.
He then immediately crashed into a bed.

OOC: This was actually my dad after doing his taxes.

[AHSCA]

Leonard grinned.
"That sounds a lot like the Archipelago, from the landscape, at least.", he said, "But other then that, it also sounds wonderful." He smiled. "If everyone there is as beautiful in mind and soul as you are, Haru, then I will surely visit!"
He stopped.
"Alas, however, first we have a pair of glasses to fix.", he said and motioned to the side, to a half-timbered house with a large shop window, which showed toys of the plenty. A sign hung above the entrance, saying, that this was the Íon Tinkerer Shop in Selkie. This deep in the town, English was usually not used on signs, mostly because tourists rarely came here without a guide or at least rudimentary knowledge of the tongue. "And this will be the place, where we will do that."
He grinned.
"Shall we?", he asked, offering Haru his arm to link.

"Oh my." She held back a giggle "You do know how to flatter a woman. I hope you will come visit and see just what a lovely place it is!" She smiled once they arrived she nodded "Well good then. let's get my dear's glasses fixed up good as new!" she linked up with his arm as they could enter the shop.

Alright, if you insist!", Elin said with a grin, then stopped in her tracks. Her expression changed, grew harder, her muscles tensed. Branwen followed her example. The dog ears on their heads twitched, swirled.
Tense seconds passed.
Then, Elin breathed a sigh of relief.
"Sorry about that.", she said to both her sister and Shizuka, "I thought, I... felt something."
Branwen put a hand on her sister's shoulder. "It's no biggie.", she said, and suddenly smiled, "I think, that I heard about a restaurant with a good reputation down this way! They are supposed to have a very good tea as well!"
Elin nodded, smiling at Shizuka. "Everything's alright.", she said and moved to her other side as Branwen took the lead. "Maybe we should hold each other's hands, so that we don't loose each other?"

Their walk came to a halt as Elin stopped showing a pretty rapid change in expression. Shizuka cocked her head curiously wondering if something was wrong but before she could inquire she spoke up assuring it was some kind of odd feeling she had. "Sounds like a good plan to me!" She took Branwen by the hand "I forgot a map so, I wouldn't want to get lost!"

[Mervay]

The little black fox yipped in approval of that plan, grinning as he walked by Lise's heels, staying by it and following her diligently as she followed the map.
He weaved through the crowds of the main streets behind her, trying to stay unnoticed.
He stayed by her heel, when the way led them off the main streets into Cuan's alleyways, along cobbled streets and past half-timbered buildings towards their destination. Smells and sights along the way were...
Suddenly, the hackles of the little vulpine rose, he almost panicked, stood stock still, his eyes wide.
Lise might not be able to smell it, but a natural enemy of the Blackies was closeby. A Grey Wolf.
Only one thing was there for it: He ran past Lise, turned on the spot a bit in front of her and ran at the young woman, jumping into her arms... at least he hoped to land there. If he would, she would be immediately be alerted to the fact, that he was shaking like a leaf.

At the Stoc, the waitress nodded.
"Go to the restaurant, pick a table, I'll be with you in a minute.", she said and smiled at Duncan, dangerously. "First I need to have a few words with my colleague here..."
Not many tables had free spots anymore, in fact, there were only a few empty chairs at already occupied tables. Some of them were with families, some of them with lovers, some of them with friends...
...and one was with an odd couple. He was a man in his mid-forties, very long black hair and violet eyes, a cigarette in his hand, well dressed in a black suit and tie, with a red scarf over his shoulders. Although he gave off an aura of a man tired by the world, he still had energy, life in his eyes and, most importantly, will.
She was not even twenty, blonde, long blonde hair (although only going down to her waist, not almost floor length like with the man) and green-blue eyes. Her smile was wide and lively, her eyes full of fire and energy.
The man listened to her telling him something in a language, that was definately not Selkie - and indeed, they were not Selkie. In fact, the Selkie gave them a bit of a berth...

This cutie followed Lise through the ride up to their destiny, always close to her heels but unnoticed too for the rest of the people through out most of the ride up until they entered to Cuan's alleways along cobbled streets and past half-timbered buildings along the way.
Devienne meanwhile put back in her pocket the map since now it was just an matter of time to find the store with their sights being present since that would easy and then she should be able to find the Inn too.

Of course she never expected to find that her new mascot would be scared of something she never saw coming or in this case smell, she wasn't an animal. As soon as she saw him jumping to her arms, Lise quickly grabbed him and noticed how he was shaking.

"Hey, what is happening with you, it's not like we haven't be attacked aren't we??" she said sighing completely about it. "Either way, we better move and find Gawain's shop" she continued moving with his pet now in her arms.

Soon they were in the shop. Bingo, get everything her pet needs and to the Clunaire we go. Lise knocked the door as best as she could and then waited for Folaíotcha to open it.

"Ehh hello?? Mr. Folaíotcha, are you there??"

Stoc Inn
Well now to find an chair available and so to eat breakfast since she really needed it after that moment. Options were many and to spare, however one got her eye.

Man on his mid-forties, long black hair, purple eyes, well dressed as an businessman and red scarf on his shoulders and that aura of being tired, tired of this world but with that air of life and will. The other one was maybe of her age or of Lise's one, blonde, long hair down to her waist, green-blue eyes, an wide smile and an sense of fire and energy on her.
They seemed of speak of something but Trinity of course couldn't know what and so she decided to approach them and ask kindly.

"Ehh excuse me... But could... I... Sit with you two??"

[Folaisia]

Kiah nodded, looking to her sisters to say, what they wanted as breadrolls.
She was not sure, if Marie had Gil, but when the Main-Cashier looked at them, the many bags filled with breadrolls and Scipeal and everything else, and said "That makes a total of a Gil!", Kiah smiled.
Five Umha for the Scipeal, ten for the breadrolls due to the Scipeal being made from leftovers and the breadrolls being breadrolls.
Kiah gave eight Umha, Marie would have to pay seven, the middle-sister shooting Marie a look, that booked no argument.
Meanwhile, her sisters distributed the load... mostly to the boys.
When all was said and done, though, the young man behind the register got nervous. "Miss, if I may ask..." Kiah raised an eyebrow. "...well, are you, by any chance, Kiah Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan? The swimmer of the UoF Swimmer Team?"
Kiah nodded. "Indeed I am."
As they left, Kiah knew, by the smile of the cashierer, that she just made his day.

After paying, the university students thanked the two girls that paid for all their treats.

The word of Kiah being a swimmer caught the attention of Gordon. With confidence, he went up to say a word.

"You're a swimmer," he asked before saying, "I used to be one when I was a wee kid, wishing I want to be like the famous Folaisian Olympic swimmer Euan Carroll. Though I couldn't win a single gold or even a silver medal in every competition that I participated in."

Meanwhile, at the back, Fiona, filled with curiosity spilling out like a stream from her heart, looked to Enya.

"So, what's a Scip...eal," she butchered, "if I've said correctly, taste like? What can I expect from it?"

[Mediama]

Fiona had to agree: Miranda, if shit hit the fan, had them and she had one powerful argument as well. They came here to experience the Free Lands, so where was the issue, if she experienced something, that was only natural around these parts?
Nowhere.
And if that argument failed, too, there were other options.
As Kathleen came to the point of finding Miranda though, Fiona drew blank.
"I... don't have any clue.", she said, "She ran off, I quickly lost sight of her. She could be anywhere within Cuan..."

As Miranda sat there and watched the horsewomen, someone joined her.
She was a woman, black hair, dark eyes - her hair was a black cascade over her back, her eyes shone with motherly concern as she sat down next to Miranda, though that concern was not directed at the lost Mediaman. Much rather, she was concerned about people not in the picture.
She was silent, as if she was waiting on or for something, watching the Militia Girls as well... but she did not see them.
The girl next to her - she did see her, but she was not watching her.

Chills ran up Kathleen’s spine. Sure she knew Miranda can handle herself, but she was just as much in an emotional mess as Fiona was. That would have some sort of effect on how she would find her way home, she might not haven even known the way back.

“Well shite.” Kathleen said. “That’s a big area to cover.” Kathleen paced back and forth, “C’mon, think, where canae lass with a penchant for writing who’s confused and alone would go?”

Suddenly, she stopped and turn around, “First thing we could do is head off in the same direction as she did, see where it leads...”

She then widened her eyes and shook her head, “No, we don’t know where she went fully...”

She paced again, “We could try to call her... but then we’d have to figure out somethin’ she doesn’t event know, who’s to say she wants to hear from us?”

Kathleen turned back to Fiona, “There’s got to be a place a writing nerd like her could go off to that’s not far from here, a-a park or a horse common area thing or somethin’. Any ideas?” To which Kathleen barely noticed the desperate keen in her voice.

---

Miranda instinctually turned towards the new woman sitting next to her. She didn’t seem to mind that she was staring at her. Miranda looked up and down her figure to take in what she looked like.

Afterwards, she turned toward where the woman was watching, to the group of militiawomen. She looked back towards the stranger, noticing a rather faraway look in her stare.

If she didn’t know any better, she would’ve been some sort of nymph like the ones she’s read from Greek poetry.

She certainly felt the part, Miranda couldn’t help but feel a want to lay on her lap and listen to her lullabies like her mother used to do.

Instead, she intrepidly reached a hand out towards the woman, gingerly tapping on her shoulder. “U-Umm, excuse me miss, are you alright?”

---

Liv smiled, liking it as Kat adjusted the straps, which she had 'missed' and then kissed her.
It felt wonderful, made her heart beat faster, butterflies dancing in her stomach.
It felt wonderful.
Then they had to face the gardener, who, as they exited, grinned and tipped his hat. Liv almost wanted to hit him, if she was honest, but she grinned back.
As soon as we were out of his earshot, mainly because he went into the shed, she smiled at Kat. "So... where were we with the tour again?", she asked a bit sheepish.

Kat gave the gardener a wide eyed stare, before she was able to really look into what he thought they did. She blushed, but then she cracked out laughing as she saw the look on her lovers face as she was pulled away from the dirty minded groundskeeper.

Eventually, she calmed down as they were outside of the gardener’s earshot, and Liv asked her question. She simple smiled and stroked the bridge of her nose, giving an innocent boop at the end.

“We just had a look at the gardens... and we were going to take a... large tour? Before we took a ‘detour’ and a ‘rest stop’ at the garden shed.” Near the end of her recollection, she looked suggestively at Liv, grinning as she waggled her eyebrows.

[The Selkie]

The waitress had gathered already, that he wasn't a Selkie - and, by his both humorous and respectful tone (at least it seemed to her), that he respected their faith. For her, that was a good start.
She was sure, that he wanted his faith to be respected, so it was good, that he respected hers.
"Don't worry.", she said with a grin, "There'll be TV cameras and enough private people making photographs, at least of the official part. That official part lasts from 13:00 to 13:20. After that, they'll retreat into the temple for the arcane part."

Typically, the man thought, that a "once in a lifetime event" would be the same as something completely rare. But then again, it was a public affair from the waitress's description. "Sounds like I need to make myself a reservation." the man concluded. "Any other sights worth seeing?"

The waitress smiled.
"The entirety of Cuan, the Temples and shrines and sacred groves, for one. The museums and galleries. The old and new shipyards for river vessels.", she listed with a bit of passion, as only someone from the City of Cuan could. "As for the happenings today... well, they're going to have an air show over the Imeall, the Younger Militia demonstrates its skills... concerts and dances."
She let a beat pass.
"But if you ask me, the best way to see Cuan is by going out there, down from the main streets and into the side streets, where the real life and living of the City happens.", she recommended. "It's something tourists rarely do."

For the Selkie, the shows of affection were not a problem, especially not so small ones. Lovers were lovers and if they wanted to show that, who were they to judge?
In any case, Conchobar grinned.
"For my family, it's not a tradition, but... considering how young, the SDF actually is, it can not exactly be.", Conchobar said, then admitted: "I joined after High School as well, though, NCO training program and from there, to my Regiment. Went along for quite a while..."
"You were in Kupandukira, right?", one of the other Marcach, a young man, asked, Conchobar nodded, "My Uncle was there, too. His legs are still there."
"Peace Missions, eh?", Conchobar said with a good portion of bitterness, which caused grim chuckles and nod.

The Minrozian couple paused with silence upon hearing ‘Kupandukira’ and ‘Peace Missions’. While the two had admittedly no knowledge of what’s going on but they have a good idea of what they’re talking about.

Not wanting to be rude and make the atmosphere depressing, they’ll not try to prying, knowing what’s like to have the feeling of bitterness. Tieguang and Lianhua were veterans of many battles meaning they’ve seen a lot in their time in the military, whether glorious or tragic. They may not say it out loud; they immediately understood what’s like to lost people and loved ones they know into afterlife.

“Say elder Conchobar, I would like to ask?” Lianhua asked a random but pleasant question as a way to change subject, steering away from more depressing talks. “Since my husband and I were foreigners in your land, would you happen to know any good restaurants or cafes around here? We would like to try traditional Selkie food for adventurous experiences.” She smiled. “For a lunch or dinner today.”

Tieguang meanwhile, he decided to go for another shot at archery. He wants to do archery again in order to make up for his earlier embarrassment. Bit unsure, the brunette asks the same Selkie maiden. “Pardon me, ma’am. Can I have another go with the bow and arrow? I still have some arrows in my quiver to go.”

The maiden stepped aside a bit sheepishly.
"Of course, my apologies.", she said, "It's custom, however, to pause after ten or so minutes so that the arrows can be collected by our boys. I'll announce it, when the ceasefire happens."
Meanwhile, the old man nodded. "Indeed, there would be a good one. The Raithneach Village Inn, that's fourteen kilometres in that direction." He pointed ahead. "You can forget most of the inns and restaurants along the Main Streets, they watered down what the essence of Selkie-Cuisine is so that tourists can enjoy it - but if you really want to experience Selkie-Cuisine, take either the small villages, like Raithneach, or the Side Streets."
"The Cluanaire Inn would be one of those in the side-streets.", one of the other archers said, "A good house... although it usually tends to a rather closed community, I am sure, that you'll find entrance, especially today."
"It would anger the Vixen to refuse guests with honest and good hearts entrance.", the old man added with a smile.

At the Marcach-Camp.
Hilda nodded, as they all were motioned to follow Tyran. Leonard and Marla explained to the three of them, that Tyran was the Camp Commander in here - and not exactly a particularly bad one.
"I can well imagine" - Hilda replied. "Though ... even if he wasn't, there's no way he could be worse than the self-nominated commander back then in our summer camp ..."
"Oh, don't remind me ..." - Mia said, sighing. "Björn Rosborg - the guy whose sense of humor seemed to scream, 'Everyone look, I still know all jokes your grandparents told each other in their bowling clubs!' - but struggled over his own feet."
"Didn't he downright love telling his old jokes to you, Mia?" - Sophus wondered.
"Which part of 'don't remind me' is beyond your understanding?" Mia tried to pretend seriousness, but had to grin.
"Well, I'm amused."

At the shop.
Chris had to snort, too, for there was only one possible cause for the excited squeal - Enya must have asked Cel.
Finnegan asked for a possible communication line to Chris' friends from home; Chris was sure to know, that they still had the same numbers, for they had texted just recently. He had to grin about the imagination of Amy suddenly meeting Dragan again - similar to the way Chris had surprised Cel by showing up here.
He took his phone, a pen, and a little scratchpad out and said, "This shouldn't be the problem - Dragan and Janina still have theirs."
He quickly found the correct numbers in the contact list - awfully long numbers, of course, especially when calling from abroad -, wrote them onto the pad with the respective names next to them, tore the paper off and handed it to Finnegan.

The little black fox yipped in approval of that plan, grinning as he walked by Lise's heels, staying by it and following her diligently as she followed the map.
He weaved through the crowds of the main streets behind her, trying to stay unnoticed.
He stayed by her heel, when the way led them off the main streets into Cuan's alleyways, along cobbled streets and past half-timbered buildings towards their destination. Smells and sights along the way were...
Suddenly, the hackles of the little vulpine rose, he almost panicked, stood stock still, his eyes wide.
Lise might not be able to smell it, but a natural enemy of the Blackies was closeby. A Grey Wolf.
Only one thing was there for it: He ran past Lise, turned on the spot a bit in front of her and ran at the young woman, jumping into her arms... at least he hoped to land there. If he would, she would be immediately be alerted to the fact, that he was shaking like a leaf.

At the Stoc, the waitress nodded.
"Go to the restaurant, pick a table, I'll be with you in a minute.", she said and smiled at Duncan, dangerously. "First I need to have a few words with my colleague here..."
Not many tables had free spots anymore, in fact, there were only a few empty chairs at already occupied tables. Some of them were with families, some of them with lovers, some of them with friends...
...and one was with an odd couple. He was a man in his mid-forties, very long black hair and violet eyes, a cigarette in his hand, well dressed in a black suit and tie, with a red scarf over his shoulders. Although he gave off an aura of a man tired by the world, he still had energy, life in his eyes and, most importantly, will.
She was not even twenty, blonde, long blonde hair (although only going down to her waist, not almost floor length like with the man) and green-blue eyes. Her smile was wide and lively, her eyes full of fire and energy.
The man listened to her telling him something in a language, that was definately not Selkie - and indeed, they were not Selkie. In fact, the Selkie gave them a bit of a berth...

This cutie followed Lise through the ride up to their destiny, always close to her heels but unnoticed too for the rest of the people through out most of the ride up until they entered to Cuan's alleways along cobbled streets and past half-timbered buildings along the way.
Devienne meanwhile put back in her pocket the map since now it was just an matter of time to find the store with their sights being present since that would easy and then she should be able to find the Inn too.

Of course she never expected to find that her new mascot would be scared of something she never saw coming or in this case smell, she wasn't an animal. As soon as she saw him jumping to her arms, Lise quickly grabbed him and noticed how he was shaking.

"Hey, what is happening with you, it's not like we haven't be attacked aren't we??" she said sighing completely about it. "Either way, we better move and find Gawain's shop" she continued moving with his pet now in her arms.

Soon they were in the shop. Bingo, get everything her pet needs and to the Clunaire we go. Lise knocked the door as best as she could and then waited for Folaíotcha to open it.

"Ehh hello?? Mr. Folaíotcha, are you there??"

Stoc Inn
Well now to find an chair available and so to eat breakfast since she really needed it after that moment. Options were many and to spare, however one got her eye.

Man on his mid-forties, long black hair, purple eyes, well dressed as an businessman and red scarf on his shoulders and that aura of being tired, tired of this world but with that air of life and will. The other one was maybe of her age or of Lise's one, blonde, long hair down to her waist, green-blue eyes, an wide smile and an sense of fire and energy on her.
They seemed of speak of something but Trinity of course couldn't know what and so she decided to approach them and ask kindly.

"Ehh excuse me... But could... I... Sit with you two??"

At the Marcach-Camp.
"Our usual Camp Commander when I was with Woodtown's Younger Militia, a long time ago, was one of the lads, who had the bad luck of descending from Anfa-Heroes.", Tyran told from the front, "Specifically, one of the Captains of that day. And as such, he believed, that he had to live up to their names, at least when building camp. They looked like from the manuals... with ditches, palisades, tents in neat rows and so on. No a blade of grass could be out of place when he commanded us Spearkids."
He shook his head.
"That's long in the past, though and I am happy, that I was more relaxed back when I was the Camp Commander. Didn't look like from the manual, but it was good.", he finished as they arrived at a free spot. "Here ya go. Raise your tents around here, if you don't want to join another fireplace, make a pit in the ground and be careful." He grinned. "Say, do you want to ride into the City with us?"

Stoc Inn.
The man nodded.
"Si, have a seat, Signorina.", the man said, his accent a melody unlike the one of the Selkie-Accent, the vowels sounding differently, slightly elongated, with an inviting hand gesture, while the young woman grinned and nodded. "I am Silvio Esecutore, a businessman from a country known as Lutetii, not too far away from here. This is my apprentice, Aurora Alce."
"Hi!", the young woman said with a smile and a wave. "Who are you?"

At Mister Folaíotcha's Shop.
The young woman coming with a Little Black Fox in her arms, very obviously a foreigner, went for the door with the precision of guided ammunition - otherwise, she might have seen the three men, one an old man with white hair and red eyes, the other a young man with a mane of green hair bound back and the third one she might recognize as Chris Riescheid, who sat under one of the shop windows.
Otherwise, she and the others might have been spared the terrible pun: "Not there, but here, Young Lady.", he said with a smile, "What can I do for you?"
Finnegan looked to Chris with a slightly sheepish smile, business was still open.

Jan Breytenbach with Gwen

Jan was still petting the Thine when he replied to the older Gwen's question. "It seems both Gwen's understood the nature of the offer, unfortunately the Jan did not.." Jan smiled weakly "what offer did you have in mind Gwen?"

"The offer to visit, of course!", the older Gwen said with a smile, "Grab your future wife, that zoo-director friend of yours and come visit Leas House near Traverse! Gwenny, Fynn would love to see you again and so would Tyran and his wife and, of course, Mona."
The younger Gwen nodded. "I can imagine. Especially Mona. But she has to grow into her new role, first.", she said with a smile, "How are Amy and Tyran anyway?"
"Still trying.", the older woman said with a bit of sadness, "But where you needed only one shot, they are... trying. Oh, my apologies!" She smiled a bit sheepish at Jan. "Tyran is my second child and oldest son, Amy his wife."

The desperately, oh so in love, Solisian woman listened well to the song his grand-daughter sang so sweetly, and racked her entire brain, yes, her entire mind, all the stores within it, for her memories of that boy; of that young man that captivated her; that captured her; that totally took her interest; that never left her since. She bit her lip; she sweated over her head; she scratched at her hair, and then she remembered. The harvest festival!

Yes!

That must be!

She quickly slapped her hands together loudly, and she told the girl: "Shella! It was Shella! At the Harvest Festival! If only I could go there after this festival!"

"You can, actually.", the old man said, "Well, not go there in the sense of walk there, there's a fair bit of open ocean between us, but you can. There's even a ferry connection between Cuan and Tipa and from there to Wembury and from there to Traverse and then Shella... and Dumhach after that, for a bit of time with the lad in question."
"He must have been quite the looker.", Asteria said a bit teasingly.

Leonard grinned.
"That sounds a lot like the Archipelago, from the landscape, at least.", he said, "But other then that, it also sounds wonderful." He smiled. "If everyone there is as beautiful in mind and soul as you are, Haru, then I will surely visit!"
He stopped.
"Alas, however, first we have a pair of glasses to fix.", he said and motioned to the side, to a half-timbered house with a large shop window, which showed toys of the plenty. A sign hung above the entrance, saying, that this was the Íon Tinkerer Shop in Selkie. This deep in the town, English was usually not used on signs, mostly because tourists rarely came here without a guide or at least rudimentary knowledge of the tongue. "And this will be the place, where we will do that."
He grinned.
"Shall we?", he asked, offering Haru his arm to link.

"Oh my." She held back a giggle "You do know how to flatter a woman. I hope you will come visit and see just what a lovely place it is!" She smiled once they arrived she nodded "Well good then. let's get my dear's glasses fixed up good as new!" she linked up with his arm as they could enter the shop.

Alright, if you insist!", Elin said with a grin, then stopped in her tracks. Her expression changed, grew harder, her muscles tensed. Branwen followed her example. The dog ears on their heads twitched, swirled.
Tense seconds passed.
Then, Elin breathed a sigh of relief.
"Sorry about that.", she said to both her sister and Shizuka, "I thought, I... felt something."
Branwen put a hand on her sister's shoulder. "It's no biggie.", she said, and suddenly smiled, "I think, that I heard about a restaurant with a good reputation down this way! They are supposed to have a very good tea as well!"
Elin nodded, smiling at Shizuka. "Everything's alright.", she said and moved to her other side as Branwen took the lead. "Maybe we should hold each other's hands, so that we don't loose each other?"

Their walk came to a halt as Elin stopped showing a pretty rapid change in expression. Shizuka cocked her head curiously wondering if something was wrong but before she could inquire she spoke up assuring it was some kind of odd feeling she had. "Sounds like a good plan to me!" She took Branwen by the hand "I forgot a map so, I wouldn't want to get lost!"

Leonard grinned as they approached the door, arm in arm with a beautiful woman - a woman, not a girl, he added in thoughts.
He held the door open for her.
And the first, what the two of them would see, was, that this was a Tinkerer's Shop. And an active one, too, with parts and cogs and lenses and tools all over the place, behind the counter, while finished small machines were in front of the counter, from caleidoscopes to telescopes, music boxes and others.
There was a young man behind the counter, who began a greeting in Selkie, before he grinned. He was a young man around Leonard's age, light purple hair in a messy hairdo, golden eyes and, as his missing shirt showed, quite well trained.
"Leonard!", he said with a cheer, before he let it follow by a string of words in Selkie.
Leonard smiled. "Morning, Lugh.", he continued in English, "Sadly, I'm not only here to catch up, but I actually need something from yer Dad." Lugh nodded. "You see, this young foal here..." He motioned to Hina. "...broke her glasses during the trip here. Can yer Dad take a look and see, if he can't fix it?"
Lugh nodded. "Aye, of course he can!", he said and with one jump, he vaulted over the counter, kneeling in front of Hina with a charming smile, extending his hands, "If I may, Young Lady?"
Leonard smiled and threw Haru a wink.

Branwen took Shizuka's hand with great care, gave it a soft squeeze, her other connected to Elin. The older sister smiled: "Don't worry, we won't let you get lost!", she assured Shizuka and led the group.
The way wasn't far, to a riverfront restaurant offering fresh fish and what they referred to as Riverfood, even had a large balcony over the river - and the best part of it was, that there was even a table free up there, with a wonderful view of the rivers converging, the City's parts on all three sides (more recent additions) and the Mór-Land around them, to the north, with the soft and rolling hills.
One could see the river-ships on the rivers, lighters and other such vessels, but also ferries, which were busy even despite the day, as well as the accomodations vessel of the SDF-Navy, which had been parked due to the many visitors.
It was a sight to behold.
"I could sit here all day and watch the river.", Elin admitted, "A cuppa tea, maybe someone to watch it with, but all day."

After paying, the university students thanked the two girls that paid for all their treats.

The word of Kiah being a swimmer caught the attention of Gordon. With confidence, he went up to say a word.

"You're a swimmer," he asked before saying, "I used to be one when I was a wee kid, wishing I want to be like the famous Folaisian Olympic swimmer Euan Carroll. Though I couldn't win a single gold or even a silver medal in every competition that I participated in."

Meanwhile, at the back, Fiona, filled with curiosity spilling out like a stream from her heart, looked to Enya.

"So, what's a Scip...eal," she butchered, "if I've said correctly, taste like? What can I expect from it?"

Kiah smiled as she was thanked, not only by the Folaisians, but also by her sisters (who did not neglect to thank the other Folaisian benefactor either). Enya did so in her typical enthusiastic way, kissing both of them on the cheek, while Ida gave a bow, not any less thankful, but calmer.
When Gordon talked to her, she smiled and nodded. "I started pretty early as well, but my big idol was actually our Uncle Vin. He was a member of the National Team and quite well known. And I always loved water and swimming, too, so it was only natural, that I started swimming competitively." She shrugged. "I... well, I don't know how to put this in English, but I did win a few trophies. Mostly regional or national, though. Hence why the lad knew me."

Enya smiled.
"Well, Scipeáil is...", she began to explain in her enthusiastic way, then paused for a moment, thinking about how to best explain: "Two small layers of pastries, between them a thick filling of breadcrumbs or old bread and dried fruit and sweetener. Easy to make, but hard to make right!"
She grinned and took a bit out of one of the bags.
"As for what it tastes like...", she said, "...I'd say not bad, but the best way to see that is to taste it, isn't it?"

Chills ran up Kathleen’s spine. Sure she knew Miranda can handle herself, but she was just as much in an emotional mess as Fiona was. That would have some sort of effect on how she would find her way home, she might not haven even known the way back.

“Well shite.” Kathleen said. “That’s a big area to cover.” Kathleen paced back and forth, “C’mon, think, where canae lass with a penchant for writing who’s confused and alone would go?”

Suddenly, she stopped and turn around, “First thing we could do is head off in the same direction as she did, see where it leads...”

She then widened her eyes and shook her head, “No, we don’t know where she went fully...”

She paced again, “We could try to call her... but then we’d have to figure out somethin’ she doesn’t event know, who’s to say she wants to hear from us?”

Kathleen turned back to Fiona, “There’s got to be a place a writing nerd like her could go off to that’s not far from here, a-a park or a horse common area thing or somethin’. Any ideas?” To which Kathleen barely noticed the desperate keen in her voice.

---

Miranda instinctually turned towards the new woman sitting next to her. She didn’t seem to mind that she was staring at her. Miranda looked up and down her figure to take in what she looked like.

Afterwards, she turned toward where the woman was watching, to the group of militiawomen. She looked back towards the stranger, noticing a rather faraway look in her stare.

If she didn’t know any better, she would’ve been some sort of nymph like the ones she’s read from Greek poetry.

She certainly felt the part, Miranda couldn’t help but feel a want to lay on her lap and listen to her lullabies like her mother used to do.

Instead, she intrepidly reached a hand out towards the woman, gingerly tapping on her shoulder. “U-Umm, excuse me miss, are you alright?”

---

Kat gave the gardener a wide eyed stare, before she was able to really look into what he thought they did. She blushed, but then she cracked out laughing as she saw the look on her lovers face as she was pulled away from the dirty minded groundskeeper.

Eventually, she calmed down as they were outside of the gardener’s earshot, and Liv asked her question. She simple smiled and stroked the bridge of her nose, giving an innocent boop at the end.

“We just had a look at the gardens... and we were going to take a... large tour? Before we took a ‘detour’ and a ‘rest stop’ at the garden shed.” Near the end of her recollection, she looked suggestively at Liv, grinning as she waggled her eyebrows.

Fiona panicked for a moment as well, before she heard a familiar voice: The shopkeeper's son, Ciaran, was in the front, talking to his father in Selkie about what sounded like Militia-Business.
Fiona had an idea.
"I think, that I can do one better.", she said and smiled, hope filling her eyes as she went outside, much to the joy of the lad and the confusion of his father. "Ciaran.", Fiona began in English, "Hi, there!"
"Hey, Fiona! How's it going?", he asked, then looked around, speaking the same language as saw this mostly as an exercise. There was a notable accent. "Where did your friend go?"
"That's the problem, we lost her.", Fiona admitted, "And we don't know, where she is. Can you...?"
"Say no more!", Ciaran replied, raising a hand, "Do you have an image?"

The woman startled for a moment, as Miranda spoke to her.
As she calmed her heart, she looked to her an smiled in a motherly way: "My apologies, I didn't see you there... I was just worrying about my husband and my daughters. Thank you for your concern, though." She let a beat pass, looking to the Militiagirls. "They are quite splendid, aren't they?"
She felt, that there was something on Miranda's mind, but what...?
Her motherly instincts kicked in.

Liv giggled, especially at the waggling eyebrows.
"One could put it that way, yes!", she admitted, trying and failing to get her giggling under control. It was a comical sight, waggling eyebrows on her girlfriend and a gardener, who had an active (although correct, in this case) imagination. He looked in the best age as well, so he most likely had used the shed's secludedness himself more then once already.
Her giggling subsided as she softly placed a hand on Kat's cheek. "What would I do without such a wonderful woman in my heart...?", she wondered.

[Port Ember]

"The offer to visit, of course!", the older Gwen said with a smile, "Grab your future wife, that zoo-director friend of yours and come visit Leas House near Traverse! Gwenny, Fynn would love to see you again and so would Tyran and his wife and, of course, Mona."
The younger Gwen nodded. "I can imagine. Especially Mona. But she has to grow into her new role, first.", she said with a smile, "How are Amy and Tyran anyway?"
"Still trying.", the older woman said with a bit of sadness, "But where you needed only one shot, they are... trying. Oh, my apologies!" She smiled a bit sheepish at Jan. "Tyran is my second child and oldest son, Amy his wife."

Jan smiled softly as it was clear that the two Gwen's needed some catching up to do, yet the conversation brought the older Gwen a hint of sadness. Jan decided to do what he did best, to ensure the festive mood did no lt decipate so soon..

"Ah offcourse! I humbly thank you for the offer Gwen, you are too kind. My friend, besides being the head zookeeper, is also a zoologist of some renown, and have authored a number of educational and scientific books and journals in the past. I bet that a visit to your House will inspire her scientific mind once more, and who knows, perhaps even inspire some new research or literature. She will be very excited to hear about my meeting with the cute fluffy punk badgers."

Quickly changing the topic, to not be rude and ignore information, Jan added "I would be honoured to one day meet Tyran and Amy. They are sure to be pleasant and interesting people with such an pleasant and interesting mother"..

[Lillorainen]

This cutie followed Lise through the ride up to their destiny, always close to her heels but unnoticed too for the rest of the people through out most of the ride up until they entered to Cuan's alleways along cobbled streets and past half-timbered buildings along the way.
Devienne meanwhile put back in her pocket the map since now it was just an matter of time to find the store with their sights being present since that would easy and then she should be able to find the Inn too.

Of course she never expected to find that her new mascot would be scared of something she never saw coming or in this case smell, she wasn't an animal. As soon as she saw him jumping to her arms, Lise quickly grabbed him and noticed how he was shaking.

"Hey, what is happening with you, it's not like we haven't be attacked aren't we??" she said sighing completely about it. "Either way, we better move and find Gawain's shop" she continued moving with his pet now in her arms.

Soon they were in the shop. Bingo, get everything her pet needs and to the Clunaire we go. Lise knocked the door as best as she could and then waited for Folaíotcha to open it.

"Ehh hello?? Mr. Folaíotcha, are you there??"

At the Marcach-Camp.
"Our usual Camp Commander when I was with Woodtown's Younger Militia, a long time ago, was one of the lads, who had the bad luck of descending from Anfa-Heroes.", Tyran told from the front, "Specifically, one of the Captains of that day. And as such, he believed, that he had to live up to their names, at least when building camp. They looked like from the manuals... with ditches, palisades, tents in neat rows and so on. No a blade of grass could be out of place when he commanded us Spearkids."
He shook his head.
"That's long in the past, though and I am happy, that I was more relaxed back when I was the Camp Commander. Didn't look like from the manual, but it was good.", he finished as they arrived at a free spot. "Here ya go. Raise your tents around here, if you don't want to join another fireplace, make a pit in the ground and be careful." He grinned. "Say, do you want to ride into the City with us?"

At Mister Folaíotcha's Shop.
The young woman coming with a Little Black Fox in her arms, very obviously a foreigner, went for the door with the precision of guided ammunition - otherwise, she might have seen the three men, one an old man with white hair and red eyes, the other a young man with a mane of green hair bound back and the third one she might recognize as Chris Riescheid, who sat under one of the shop windows.
Otherwise, she and the others might have been spared the terrible pun: "Not there, but here, Young Lady.", he said with a smile, "What can I do for you?"
Finnegan looked to Chris with a slightly sheepish smile, business was still open.

At the Marcach-Camp.
When they arrived at the free spot, the three Lillo-guests started to get their luggage off Leonard's horse, in order to raise their tents here.
"Oh, Björn had the bad luck, too" - Hilda said, "Just like mine, his Granddad has fought in the mountain villages around Freudenberg during the Civil War - however, he did precisely the opposite of living by his name. Not that we did, either, but I do think, a Camp Commander should have a couple of basic abilities - it doesn't even need to be something like making up a few new jokes, but putting up a tent can be quite useful. And if it's not from the manual - but it should stand."
She shrugged, grinning.
"As for a ride into the City - it would be a pleasure for us!"
Mia and Sophus nodded.
"And surely fun!" - Sophus added.

At the shop.
With a good load of amusement, Chris spectated, just like Finnegan and Mr. Folaíochta, how a young lady well-known to him from two different occasions (namely, Purgatio and Shella), Lisolette Devienne, marched to the door with the Little Black Fox in her arm and knocked - whilst entirely missing, that the three men, one of them being the shop owner himself, were sitting right in front of it.
He grinned, at both this and the pun, despite not even being that good, and waved.
"Lise!" - he called. "Good morning!" He had to laugh for a moment, then got serious again, but kept smiling. "Long time no see!"

[Kuronami]

Donny nodded in approval.
"Kyrenaia is a good place for horses.", he said with a smile, "And for those, who know how to treat horses. But when it comes to motorcycles..." He grinned. "I might be able to show her a trick or two!"
Pina rolled her eyes, looking at Billy's Mom. "Men...", she said with exasperation, which caused a few laughs around her - mostly from young women around her age.
"Hey!", Donny protested with a smile.

Charlie laughed at Pina's little remark. "indeed, the men we love have their quirks to them."

"And just what kind of quirks are you referring to, Charlotte!?" Jamie chuckled giving his wife's head an affectionate firm rub with the palm of his hand. Given he stood a good height over her, it was easy to tease her like that.

"Ooh nothing, James!" She playfully replied giving him a gentle kiss to his cheek .

Mara and Mavie laughed with them.
"We met in a stormy night as well.", Mavie recounted for Mei and Tsukasa, Mara letting her. "You see, there's this network of long-distance traveling roads, the aptly named Old Travelling Roads, which snake through all of the Free Lands. I rode one of them down one day..."

I remember that day well.
It was the most important day of my life, after all.
The sun had shone in the morning, when I departed from the village I spent the night in, it had shone at midday, when I made a break for me and my horse by a small creek, it had shone an hour ago.
Now it poured down so hard, that my oilskin was useless.
A heavy rainstorm, pelting me like there was no tomorrow.
I was freezing and the day came to an end as well. It was not summer, so it would be cold during the night.
And the next village was still a few riding hours away. Wonderful...
The road led through the Silver Mountains as well, so the road was a little river by now, and an overflowing one at that, which was not conductive to traveling speed.
Great. Just great.
And I saw a light from the corner of my eye. Well, can't get any worse.
I decided to turn towards the ledge, which hung above a small campfire, where a horse rested, no rider in sight. Hm...
I swung myself off of my horse, raised my hands to calm the other horse, then took the reins of my own and led it under the ledge. "Relax... we're just searching for a place to wait until the rain passes.", I told the equine, which seemed to relax.
"Maybe you also want to warm yourself at my fire?", a voice asked, the sweetest voice I ever heard.
I was... confused, looking at the horse. "Nah..."
"It's okay, there's plenty of warmth for everyone.", the voice said invitingly.
"I'm...", I looked to my horse. "I'm hallucinating, right? The other horse did not just speak, right?"
My horse looked at me a bit deadpan as the voice from before broke out in loud, sounding laughter, soon revealing itself to be a young woman, around my age, golden hair and emerald eyes. She was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen, even with tears of laughter about me running down her cheeks in addition to the rain.
"I assure you, that I am human and that my horse can not speak, lassie!", she said and motioned to me to come closer, "And that the fire is warm."
Well, suffice to say, that we spent the night snuggled up to each other... 'to share warmth'.

Mavie looked at Mara with a mischievous grin. "And we shared a lot of warmth, didn't we?", she asked and pecked her wife on the lips.

Mei held her glowing cheeks "What a wonderful story! So beautiful and lovely! Something out of a novel almost!"

"Hehe yeah it's a very sweet and cute story." Tsukasa nodded grinning and held onto Mei's hand again. "And next thing you know, you two were married with a cute little girl of your own! You two are very blessed and fortunate."

[AHSCA]

Leonard grinned as they approached the door, arm in arm with a beautiful woman - a woman, not a girl, he added in thoughts.
He held the door open for her.
And the first, what the two of them would see, was, that this was a Tinkerer's Shop. And an active one, too, with parts and cogs and lenses and tools all over the place, behind the counter, while finished small machines were in front of the counter, from caleidoscopes to telescopes, music boxes and others.
There was a young man behind the counter, who began a greeting in Selkie, before he grinned. He was a young man around Leonard's age, light purple hair in a messy hairdo, golden eyes and, as his missing shirt showed, quite well trained.
"Leonard!", he said with a cheer, before he let it follow by a string of words in Selkie.
Leonard smiled. "Morning, Lugh.", he continued in English, "Sadly, I'm not only here to catch up, but I actually need something from yer Dad." Lugh nodded. "You see, this young foal here..." He motioned to Hina. "...broke her glasses during the trip here. Can yer Dad take a look and see, if he can't fix it?"
Lugh nodded. "Aye, of course he can!", he said and with one jump, he vaulted over the counter, kneeling in front of Hina with a charming smile, extending his hands, "If I may, Young Lady?"
Leonard smiled and threw Haru a wink.

The shop was a tad cluttered with various goods all very impressive to look at. Hina was rather surprised when the young man jumped right over the counter to in front of her asking kindly to take her glasses for repair. "Oh..." She was still a bit stunned before she realized to speak "Oh yes, of course, thank you very much." She took off her specs handing them over, grabbing to her mom's arm in the meantime. She smiled a bit a slight glow in her cheeks at the athletic boy who jumped to eagerly help her with simply running her glasses back for repair.

Haru took a look around at the merchandise that lined the shop, falling on the music box "This music box. How much?"

Branwen took Shizuka's hand with great care, gave it a soft squeeze, her other connected to Elin. The older sister smiled: "Don't worry, we won't let you get lost!", she assured Shizuka and led the group.
The way wasn't far, to a riverfront restaurant offering fresh fish and what they referred to as Riverfood, even had a large balcony over the river - and the best part of it was, that there was even a table free up there, with a wonderful view of the rivers converging, the City's parts on all three sides (more recent additions) and the Mór-Land around them, to the north, with the soft and rolling hills.
One could see the river-ships on the rivers, lighters and other such vessels, but also ferries, which were busy even despite the day, as well as the accomodations vessel of the SDF-Navy, which had been parked due to the many visitors.
It was a sight to behold.
"I could sit here all day and watch the river.", Elin admitted, "A cuppa tea, maybe someone to watch it with, but all day."

"It is pretty. I feel the same way about when I watch the oceans. Rough surf, calm glass, sparkling, murky with algae. Water is amazing isn't it? And watching the ships sail on by is also a sight to see."

[Danceria]

The waitress smiled.
"The entirety of Cuan, the Temples and shrines and sacred groves, for one. The museums and galleries. The old and new shipyards for river vessels.", she listed with a bit of passion, as only someone from the City of Cuan could. "As for the happenings today... well, they're going to have an air show over the Imeall, the Younger Militia demonstrates its skills... concerts and dances."
She let a beat pass.
"But if you ask me, the best way to see Cuan is by going out there, down from the main streets and into the side streets, where the real life and living of the City happens.", she recommended. "It's something tourists rarely do."

"Then I'll get right to it!" the young man beamed. He turned to the influx of customers, each more colorful in appearance and character than the previous one. "...Especially now that things seem to be getting crowded in here." the young man quickly fumbled for his wallet, and paid a generous tip for the waitress. "Thanks for the advice, see you 'round?"

[Foxfound]

Z grinned when Macha gave her a wink, though given how oblivious she was about certain things one could only guess if she really understood what she meant. Kiri eventually seemed to put two and two together, and briefly gave that disgusted face children seem obliged to give when such things are mentioned.

Her and Ren both interrupted their conversation to begin eating. Steamer fare had not been kind to their stomachs. Z seemed to particularly enjoy the tea; funny that someone with such an unpredictable reputation would enjoy a drink considered so sophisticated. Ren ate quietly and methodically, though perhaps a bit faster than would be considered polite.

Kiri glanced around the table embarrassedly, perhaps wondering if the others wanted to share what was supposed to be her food.

"Er... does anyone want..."

[Mervay]

Stoc Inn.
The man nodded.
"Si, have a seat, Signorina.", the man said, his accent a melody unlike the one of the Selkie-Accent, the vowels sounding differently, slightly elongated, with an inviting hand gesture, while the young woman grinned and nodded. "I am Silvio Esecutore, a businessman from a country known as Lutetii, not too far away from here. This is my apprentice, Aurora Alce."
"Hi!", the young woman said with a smile and a wave. "Who are you?"

At Mister Folaíotcha's Shop.
The young woman coming with a Little Black Fox in her arms, very obviously a foreigner, went for the door with the precision of guided ammunition - otherwise, she might have seen the three men, one an old man with white hair and red eyes, the other a young man with a mane of green hair bound back and the third one she might recognize as Chris Riescheid, who sat under one of the shop windows.
Otherwise, she and the others might have been spared the terrible pun: "Not there, but here, Young Lady.", he said with a smile, "What can I do for you?"
Finnegan looked to Chris with a slightly sheepish smile, business was still open.

At the shop.
With a good load of amusement, Chris spectated, just like Finnegan and Mr. Folaíochta, how a young lady well-known to him from two different occasions (namely, Purgatio and Shella), Lisolette Devienne, marched to the door with the Little Black Fox in her arm and knocked - whilst entirely missing, that the three men, one of them being the shop owner himself, were sitting right in front of it.
He grinned, at both this and the pun, despite not even being that good, and waved.
"Lise!" - he called. "Good morning!" He had to laugh for a moment, then got serious again, but kept smiling. "Long time no see!"

As soon as she heard the voice from Gawain, Lise gave an look to the sides and found him... In the outside of the store and in one of the windows of it. At first she would have said that she needed to expand her vision field and all since this was an very embarassing moment but as soon as she noticed there were two more guys with Folaíotcha which she assumed was the red-eyered and white-haired, one was an green-haired or looked like it and... Chris.

"Chris??? I-I can't believe that I have found you just right here and so early!!" Lisolette said with shock but with an smile on her face of have found an old pal like Chris so soon in Cuan. Although there were two questions. "First is first" she continued looking now to Gawain.

"I would like some help with this little black fox in all what you can, what do they need and want, how should I care of them and protect them, what do they eat and drink, etc, etc" she told at him with an smile before looking back at Riescheid. "By the way Chris this reminds of ask... Where is Cel?? It is very strange to see you two separated if you ask me"

Stoc Inn

The guy invited her with an hand gesture as he told her to sit, it was clear they weren't from here and their accent clearly reminded her of the Italian Accent and soon that was confirmed when the men told his name, Silvio Esecutore and the girl's one, Aurora Alce, both of them from Lutetii, an italian populated nation.

"Ahh Lutetii, interessante. Sul mio nome mi chiamo Trinity Litton, di Mervay" she told them in Italian with an smile before sit with them. "It is an honor to meet you two Silvio and Aurora, so what does bring you two to Cuan??"

[The Chuck]

"I'd have to say it's a combination of both the quality of our ore and the skill of our craftsmen. The majority of the metal that is dug out of the earth in our nation is high quality magnetite ore with a low impurity percentage. Another reason for the quality of our metalworking is the fact that we use Bituminous Coal sourced from the mountains that has an incredibly low sulfur content. Combine this with the skills of craftsmen and it makes for fine works of art. I personally trained under one of the forge masters of the Southern Mountains. He was a brute of a man who could yield his hammer to make nigh anything, from horseshoes to sabers. As such, I learned well and have kept his teachings alive in my work since I started my apprenticeship back when I was 13. If you don't mind me asking, how long have you operated this particular shop?"

[Minroz]

The maiden stepped aside a bit sheepishly.
"Of course, my apologies.", she said, "It's custom, however, to pause after ten or so minutes so that the arrows can be collected by our boys. I'll announce it, when the ceasefire happens."
Meanwhile, the old man nodded. "Indeed, there would be a good one. The Raithneach Village Inn, that's fourteen kilometres in that direction." He pointed ahead. "You can forget most of the inns and restaurants along the Main Streets, they watered down what the essence of Selkie-Cuisine is so that tourists can enjoy it - but if you really want to experience Selkie-Cuisine, take either the small villages, like Raithneach, or the Side Streets."
"The Cluanaire Inn would be one of those in the side-streets.", one of the other archers said, "A good house... although it usually tends to a rather closed community, I am sure, that you'll find entrance, especially today."
"It would anger the Vixen to refuse guests with honest and good hearts entrance.", the old man added with a smile.

“Why thank you, ma’am.” Tieguang smiled as he prepared himself to fire his bow. He waited patiently until it’s time to shoot at the gallery.

“I do happen to know some people at home who can hit the target five times in the row. All hit on the centres.” The brunette remarked. “They practised archery more than me. Most of them hailed from steppe nomadic tribes or whose ancestors are great archers in ancient times. Proud warriors. Others, it’s just an hobby for them, hehe~.”

Meanwhile, back with Sun Lianhua…

“Ah, thank you elder.” She thanked Conchobar with a smile. “We may be tourists, this doesn’t mean we want to go to tourist traps. Haha~. We want something more authentic. Anyway, thank you. We’ll keep them in mind.”

[Greater Orcadia]

Bobby's nose, as a canine nose, would be able to catch the many different scents of a Selkie-City.
Flowers and food, especially breadrolls at a morning like this (and meats of a lot of kinds kinds), people by the dozen and hundreds and thousands, from little males to big females, from those, who wore additional odour to mask their own a bit, from people, who had to do with animals to those, who didn't and those, who had to do with machines... but also a lot of other animals.
From horses to pigs to cows to the odd sheep, the most normal scents were there, but also new scents: Of animal species, which were endemic to the Free Lands. Grey Wolves, who left their scent marks at every corner. Grey Cats, who roamed and roved all over the city. Guarding Foxes, in their own territories. A Scaled Bear, which belonged to the Petting Zoo. Red-White Eagles and other avians, which flew their circles in the sky.
And, most likely most intimidating for the little terrier were a smell, which he knew from the Inn already, of the Alpha Wolf amongst the Alpha Wolves: Bricliath, the Grey Wolf of General Finn Niochan of the Tribe of Cork, a beast of a wolf, scraggy, scary and with a scent to match. Even other Grey Wolves were respectful as soon as he was around.
The closer to the Petting Zoo the two holders of the terrier came, though, if they strayed in that direction, the more prevalent the smell of another animal. The Star Lynx Ayden was in town again, the large feline predator having a strong scent as well, but that one might be unknown to Bobby as he had only came into the city early in the morning.
All in all, Bobby had quite a few natural enemies.

As Bobby paused to sniff, Holly had to stop, but a quick gentle tug on his leash had the little dog running back to Holly where she along with Isis then walked to the Arena making their way through the crowd towards the front and hopefully the seating for those people of lesser mobility, Bobby leading the way and if anyone happens to drop a burger, hot dog or some other food it stands a good chance of being Bobby'd (hence why he is a little tubby).

Isis looks at her watch, then takes out the copy of the program before taking a seat as Holly picks up Bobby and takes her seat.

"At least i got you here this time Izzy" jokes Holly, taking a small pair of racing spectator binoculars from a pocket and putting the strap around her neck. "Isis, what time is the sword dueling display?" she asks.

"We got time for it yet" replies Isis, "...but i think there might be something happening in the next half hour or so, they're setting something up"

[The Selkie]

Jan smiled softly as it was clear that the two Gwen's needed some catching up to do, yet the conversation brought the older Gwen a hint of sadness. Jan decided to do what he did best, to ensure the festive mood did no lt decipate so soon..

"Ah offcourse! I humbly thank you for the offer Gwen, you are too kind. My friend, besides being the head zookeeper, is also a zoologist of some renown, and have authored a number of educational and scientific books and journals in the past. I bet that a visit to your House will inspire her scientific mind once more, and who knows, perhaps even inspire some new research or literature. She will be very excited to hear about my meeting with the cute fluffy punk badgers."

Quickly changing the topic, to not be rude and ignore information, Jan added "I would be honoured to one day meet Tyran and Amy. They are sure to be pleasant and interesting people with such an pleasant and interesting mother"..

The older Gwen giggled.
"Now you are only charming me for the sake of charming me!", she protested with a wide grin, not offended at all. "And that while your beautiful girlfriend is closeby!"
"The question now is...", said girlfriend asked from the side, giving Jan's hand a reassuring squeeze, "...does it work?"
"Hm...", the older one made, "...thirty years ago, you would have left with a peck for the effort, but I'm an old hag these days, so..." She shrugged, until one of the Tines nudged her breast. "Well, is someone hungry there?" The Tine cooed, which made the older woman grin. "You see, despite everything they can eat, they prefer nuts and berries."
She reached into her pocket, getting out a peanut and cracking it open in one hand, peeling it free and offering the little nut to the Tine.
"Up until a certain age, the mother cracks the nuts.", she added.

Stoc Inn.
The man nodded.
"Si, have a seat, Signorina.", the man said, his accent a melody unlike the one of the Selkie-Accent, the vowels sounding differently, slightly elongated, with an inviting hand gesture, while the young woman grinned and nodded. "I am Silvio Esecutore, a businessman from a country known as Lutetii, not too far away from here. This is my apprentice, Aurora Alce."
"Hi!", the young woman said with a smile and a wave. "Who are you?"

At Mister Folaíotcha's Shop.
The young woman coming with a Little Black Fox in her arms, very obviously a foreigner, went for the door with the precision of guided ammunition - otherwise, she might have seen the three men, one an old man with white hair and red eyes, the other a young man with a mane of green hair bound back and the third one she might recognize as Chris Riescheid, who sat under one of the shop windows.
Otherwise, she and the others might have been spared the terrible pun: "Not there, but here, Young Lady.", he said with a smile, "What can I do for you?"
Finnegan looked to Chris with a slightly sheepish smile, business was still open.

At the shop.
With a good load of amusement, Chris spectated, just like Finnegan and Mr. Folaíochta, how a young lady well-known to him from two different occasions (namely, Purgatio and Shella), Lisolette Devienne, marched to the door with the Little Black Fox in her arm and knocked - whilst entirely missing, that the three men, one of them being the shop owner himself, were sitting right in front of it.
He grinned, at both this and the pun, despite not even being that good, and waved.
"Lise!" - he called. "Good morning!" He had to laugh for a moment, then got serious again, but kept smiling. "Long time no see!"

As soon as she heard the voice from Gawain, Lise gave an look to the sides and found him... In the outside of the store and in one of the windows of it. At first she would have said that she needed to expand her vision field and all since this was an very embarassing moment but as soon as she noticed there were two more guys with Folaíotcha which she assumed was the red-eyered and white-haired, one was an green-haired or looked like it and... Chris.

"Chris??? I-I can't believe that I have found you just right here and so early!!" Lisolette said with shock but with an smile on her face of have found an old pal like Chris so soon in Cuan. Although there were two questions. "First is first" she continued looking now to Gawain.

"I would like some help with this little black fox in all what you can, what do they need and want, how should I care of them and protect them, what do they eat and drink, etc, etc" she told at him with an smile before looking back at Riescheid. "By the way Chris this reminds of ask... Where is Cel?? It is very strange to see you two separated if you ask me"

Stoc Inn

The guy invited her with an hand gesture as he told her to sit, it was clear they weren't from here and their accent clearly reminded her of the Italian Accent and soon that was confirmed when the men told his name, Silvio Esecutore and the girl's one, Aurora Alce, both of them from Lutetii, an italian populated nation.

"Ahh Lutetii, interessante. Sul mio nome mi chiamo Trinity Litton, di Mervay" she told them in Italian with an smile before sit with them. "It is an honor to meet you two Silvio and Aurora, so what does bring you two to Cuan??"

At Mister Folaíotcha's Shop.
Gawain nodded.
"Indeed, business first.", he said, looking to Chris, "Chris, would you do me the favour and go inside and see, how the girls are doing? And please ask Cel, if she has the Basic Kit ready."
He smiled slightly as he turned back to Lise, Finnegan rising as well.
"Now, Miss, if I may ask, how did you stumble across this lad?", he asked, concern entering his voice, "Is he okay?" The little fox had stopped to shake, meanwhile. Gawain looked at Lise. "Is he a he anyway?"
The green haired man, Finnegan, adjusted the chairs slightly, motioning for Lise to sit.

Stoc Inn.
Both Silvio and Aurora looked confused for a moment.
The accent with which Trinity spoke was, to them, a bit weird.
Still, they smiled - or rather, Aurora smiled. "Oh, we're doing a bit of business. We are in the Import-Export-Business and with the relations between Lutetii and the Free Lands becoming easier, we hope to sell and buy stuff.", she explained, "We then saw, that there was a festival and decided to go."
Silvio nodded.

At the Marcach Camp.
Tyran nodded with a grin.
"Then let's see, if we can't organize a few police mares for you... or riders, where you can be socius!", he said and turned, "See ya!"
Marla waved after her father, then turned to Hilda and her friends. "Don't hold it against him, that he departed so quickly. He is quite busy as Camp Commander... although it could be worse." She shook her head. "Please don't ask how... in any case, need help with that?"
She indicated to the tents to be set up.

Kiah was... surprisingly unimpressed.
"A friend of mine from the Priest Courses learned how to write together with the future Ilkhana of Utica.", she said with a small shrug, "Of course, no one knew, that she was a Kyrenaian Princess because her father was a cowardly idiot, but that's another story."
She shrugged.
"So... you met Karl and Irene.", she gave Marie a prompt to return to the topic, "I take, that Karl is not the boy trouble we are talking about?"

The receptionist looked over to the restaurant area, which was still packed full.
"Indeed, we still do.", he said and handed over the keys, "One moment, though." He waved a waiter over, had a small conversation in Selkie and nodded in the end. The waiter departed again. "Well, I'm afraid, that we are completely full, as far as the restaurant is concerned. No spots free." He shrugged. "I would recommend the Rollchóstóir Bakery. Out of the door, to the right and then five buildings and you are there - especially their ham breadrolls!"

Marie laughed. "No, 'course not. He's courting a Taiwanese girl he met on furlough in Tsingtau anyway, last I heard of him. In any case...Karl...Karl was the more rational of the two. Always thought things out before doing them, but at the same time, always ready with a joke, and he laughed readily. Irene...choleric wouldn't even begin to describe her. Supposedly, she dueled half of the school at some point or another. Brutally honest, too-both bad qualities for a future Queen of Bavaria. But she was a good friend, and very caring, in her own brusque and to-the-point manner-if you could get past the (not entirely undeserved) nasty reputation.
After awhile, of course, I went back to Ochojno. I kept up a correspondence with Karl and Irene, and when summer arrived again, as it turned out, there was an exchange program to a state called "Purgatario", and as it turns out, we all decided to go and ran into each other on the plane in."
She paused for a bit, before continuing.
"It...didn't go well, to say the very least. On day one, Irene runs into a Hitler LARPer and headbutts him. Later on, said LARPer tried to engage me in conversation while we were having dinner with a group of local bigwigs and started ranting about his (ousted) dad, who was apparently a politician who committed genocide before getting coup'd..., oh, and a few less-than-courteous words about non-Caucasian folks. 'Course, I was still too sheltered to understand him, but what happened next...well..."
She began to giggle at the memory. "So after he's done ranting, I simply responded with 'What's a nigger, and what's a spic? I don't know what you're talking about'-and the guy's jaw hit the ground and he left! And God! His face when I said that!"
After laughing for a good bit, she shook her head and continued. "Regardless...Austrian Painter Admiration Society aside, made a few more acquaintances that night-girl named Ana, from Portugal(She defected when we left), and a Selkie-lass named Cel...Day after that, we visited some building they had where they had the genetic info of every citizen in their country. A few days later...Karl and Irene and, well, everyone else went off on a trip to somewhere, and left me alone at the campus. When they came back...I don't know how to explain it."
She shook her head. "Irene was angry and hostile to our guides. Not surprising. But Karl...Karl...I saw Irene actually holding him back from trying to strike down our guides with his cutlass-she locked him in his room, in fact, until he calmed down. If it was Irene trying to do it, it would only be moderately surprising, but Karl...If what they saw could move Karl to attempt murder, I didn't want to know what they saw.*"
Her eyes narrowed. "Irene finally explained it to me a few months back. Eugenics, they called it. Taking people who's only 'crime' was being born with physical or mental blights, and killing them in the womb or working them to death..."
She snarled. "Eugenics. Such a pretty name for murder."

*OOC: Yes, this was the (un-RPed) part of Purgy where they saw the death camps.

---

Klaus nodded. "Thank you-wait, where are our bags?"
Anne facepalmed and...well, half-groaned, half-sighed. "Klaus...the porter took them upstairs. Go follow him and sleep, you really do need it."
"Bu-"
He was silenced by Anne putting a finger on his lips.
"Shush. I'll go buy breakfast, you rest."
Klaus sighed, defeated. "Fine...I spent too much time before leaving on my tax returns, in any case."
He turned around and went upstairs. Anne chuckled to herself and shook her head, before heading out. Taking a right, she headed down for maybe half a minute, and entered the bakery.
As she did so, Klaus unlocked the door and took off his coat, shutting the door behind him.
He then immediately crashed into a bed.

OOC: This was actually my dad after doing his taxes.

Kiah nodded.
"I think I read about this place... even here.", she said and motioned for Marie to wait a moment, rising to look through the bookshelf in the back, quickly pulling out a volume. "A Vixen in Faraway Lands. A Travelogue of Purgatio of someone, who learned there., by a certain Celina Treoraí of the Tribe of Louth. She's even a daughter of this City."
She passed the book to Marie, a white envelope with a large traveling bag under the title, written in Selkie-Runes.
"It sounds like a horrid place.", Kiah said as she sat down, "Makes one rue, that we gave up our nuclear weapons in the 80s, but that was the Price for the Utica Peace Accords." A shake of her head later, she looked back at Marie. "In any case... the lad in question, did you meet him there? A fellow student?"

At the bakery, there was quite a bit of business, people standing in rows up to the door to get something of the breadrolls and baked goods and confectionaries, apprentices and workers bringing fresh delicacies out of the bakery by the minute and by the sheets.
It all smelled delicious, very well worth the coins of copper and silver, which changed hands - the prices were reasonable, too, and the cashiers quick... some customers, not so much, but in some cases, like the older Lady to the far right, that could be forgiven.
The selection was wide, breadrolls for the own breakfast or already prepared with cheeses, hams, sausages and other delicious things, loafs of bread, pastries like the ever-present Scipeáil or sticky buns, cookies, Maith boiling in the corner...
The cashier, which received Anne, smiled, recognizing the foreigner immediately as a foreigner.
"Good morning, Ma'am.", he said, "What strikes your fancy?"
For emphasis, he let his tongs click, grinning.

Donny nodded in approval.
"Kyrenaia is a good place for horses.", he said with a smile, "And for those, who know how to treat horses. But when it comes to motorcycles..." He grinned. "I might be able to show her a trick or two!"
Pina rolled her eyes, looking at Billy's Mom. "Men...", she said with exasperation, which caused a few laughs around her - mostly from young women around her age.
"Hey!", Donny protested with a smile.

Charlie laughed at Pina's little remark. "indeed, the men we love have their quirks to them."

"And just what kind of quirks are you referring to, Charlotte!?" Jamie chuckled giving his wife's head an affectionate firm rub with the palm of his hand. Given he stood a good height over her, it was easy to tease her like that.

"Ooh nothing, James!" She playfully replied giving him a gentle kiss to his cheek .

Mara and Mavie laughed with them.
"We met in a stormy night as well.", Mavie recounted for Mei and Tsukasa, Mara letting her. "You see, there's this network of long-distance traveling roads, the aptly named Old Travelling Roads, which snake through all of the Free Lands. I rode one of them down one day..."

I remember that day well.
It was the most important day of my life, after all.
The sun had shone in the morning, when I departed from the village I spent the night in, it had shone at midday, when I made a break for me and my horse by a small creek, it had shone an hour ago.
Now it poured down so hard, that my oilskin was useless.
A heavy rainstorm, pelting me like there was no tomorrow.
I was freezing and the day came to an end as well. It was not summer, so it would be cold during the night.
And the next village was still a few riding hours away. Wonderful...
The road led through the Silver Mountains as well, so the road was a little river by now, and an overflowing one at that, which was not conductive to traveling speed.
Great. Just great.
And I saw a light from the corner of my eye. Well, can't get any worse.
I decided to turn towards the ledge, which hung above a small campfire, where a horse rested, no rider in sight. Hm...
I swung myself off of my horse, raised my hands to calm the other horse, then took the reins of my own and led it under the ledge. "Relax... we're just searching for a place to wait until the rain passes.", I told the equine, which seemed to relax.
"Maybe you also want to warm yourself at my fire?", a voice asked, the sweetest voice I ever heard.
I was... confused, looking at the horse. "Nah..."
"It's okay, there's plenty of warmth for everyone.", the voice said invitingly.
"I'm...", I looked to my horse. "I'm hallucinating, right? The other horse did not just speak, right?"
My horse looked at me a bit deadpan as the voice from before broke out in loud, sounding laughter, soon revealing itself to be a young woman, around my age, golden hair and emerald eyes. She was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen, even with tears of laughter about me running down her cheeks in addition to the rain.
"I assure you, that I am human and that my horse can not speak, lassie!", she said and motioned to me to come closer, "And that the fire is warm."
Well, suffice to say, that we spent the night snuggled up to each other... 'to share warmth'.

Mavie looked at Mara with a mischievous grin. "And we shared a lot of warmth, didn't we?", she asked and pecked her wife on the lips.

Mei held her glowing cheeks "What a wonderful story! So beautiful and lovely! Something out of a novel almost!"

"Hehe yeah it's a very sweet and cute story." Tsukasa nodded grinning and held onto Mei's hand again. "And next thing you know, you two were married with a cute little girl of your own! You two are very blessed and fortunate."

Pina smiled and did like Charlotte did with James, only that her target was Donny, who smiled wide, wrapping an arm around her.
"Fun aside, though, I would to add your little town to a possible itinerary for a tour.", Pina then said, "It sounds like a lovely place. And one, where our tourer can show, what they are made off! What do you think, when would be a good time to visit?"

Mavie and Mara looked at each other, then out to where Rona was still dancing with the lad.
"Indeed we are.", Mara confirmed with a nod, "When we married, we said, that we wanted children and we looked into the options. And luckily, my brother was willing to give... the other half of the genetic material needed. She was made in a vat, but she was also made in our hearts."
Mavie nodded. "And there will she always be.", she added.

Leonard grinned as they approached the door, arm in arm with a beautiful woman - a woman, not a girl, he added in thoughts.
He held the door open for her.
And the first, what the two of them would see, was, that this was a Tinkerer's Shop. And an active one, too, with parts and cogs and lenses and tools all over the place, behind the counter, while finished small machines were in front of the counter, from caleidoscopes to telescopes, music boxes and others.
There was a young man behind the counter, who began a greeting in Selkie, before he grinned. He was a young man around Leonard's age, light purple hair in a messy hairdo, golden eyes and, as his missing shirt showed, quite well trained.
"Leonard!", he said with a cheer, before he let it follow by a string of words in Selkie.
Leonard smiled. "Morning, Lugh.", he continued in English, "Sadly, I'm not only here to catch up, but I actually need something from yer Dad." Lugh nodded. "You see, this young foal here..." He motioned to Hina. "...broke her glasses during the trip here. Can yer Dad take a look and see, if he can't fix it?"
Lugh nodded. "Aye, of course he can!", he said and with one jump, he vaulted over the counter, kneeling in front of Hina with a charming smile, extending his hands, "If I may, Young Lady?"
Leonard smiled and threw Haru a wink.

The shop was a tad cluttered with various goods all very impressive to look at. Hina was rather surprised when the young man jumped right over the counter to in front of her asking kindly to take her glasses for repair. "Oh..." She was still a bit stunned before she realized to speak "Oh yes, of course, thank you very much." She took off her specs handing them over, grabbing to her mom's arm in the meantime. She smiled a bit a slight glow in her cheeks at the athletic boy who jumped to eagerly help her with simply running her glasses back for repair.

Haru took a look around at the merchandise that lined the shop, falling on the music box "This music box. How much?"

Branwen took Shizuka's hand with great care, gave it a soft squeeze, her other connected to Elin. The older sister smiled: "Don't worry, we won't let you get lost!", she assured Shizuka and led the group.
The way wasn't far, to a riverfront restaurant offering fresh fish and what they referred to as Riverfood, even had a large balcony over the river - and the best part of it was, that there was even a table free up there, with a wonderful view of the rivers converging, the City's parts on all three sides (more recent additions) and the Mór-Land around them, to the north, with the soft and rolling hills.
One could see the river-ships on the rivers, lighters and other such vessels, but also ferries, which were busy even despite the day, as well as the accomodations vessel of the SDF-Navy, which had been parked due to the many visitors.
It was a sight to behold.
"I could sit here all day and watch the river.", Elin admitted, "A cuppa tea, maybe someone to watch it with, but all day."

"It is pretty. I feel the same way about when I watch the oceans. Rough surf, calm glass, sparkling, murky with algae. Water is amazing isn't it? And watching the ships sail on by is also a sight to see."

Lugh smiled at the blush and the stutter, rising to his full height of 1.89 metres when he had the glasses.
"You're very welcome.", he said and turned back towards the counter, his eyes on the glasses, examining the damage. What they might now see was, that his back was quite scarred, but he was unashamed of them. He looked over when Hina asked for the price of the music box. "A Gil, usually, but since you are with Leonard, it's two!"
"Hey!", Leonard protested.
"It's a joke!", Lugh said, grinning, "No, fun aside, ten Umha."
Leonard placed two of the large copper coins on the counter, smiled at Haru, which made Lugh smile as well as he turned back to the glasses, mumbling something to himself, before he looked into one of the back rooms and yelled: "Pa! Tá obair ann!"

"Water sure is.", Branwen said, "It allows us writers to express all sorts of feelings. Calmness, a pond with a mirror-like surface, inner turmoil, heavy seas, bubbly excitement, the roiling of the sea..." She smiled. "...and on all of it, the ships of our characters, seeking shores of distant lands."

The waitress smiled.
"The entirety of Cuan, the Temples and shrines and sacred groves, for one. The museums and galleries. The old and new shipyards for river vessels.", she listed with a bit of passion, as only someone from the City of Cuan could. "As for the happenings today... well, they're going to have an air show over the Imeall, the Younger Militia demonstrates its skills... concerts and dances."
She let a beat pass.
"But if you ask me, the best way to see Cuan is by going out there, down from the main streets and into the side streets, where the real life and living of the City happens.", she recommended. "It's something tourists rarely do."

"Then I'll get right to it!" the young man beamed. He turned to the influx of customers, each more colorful in appearance and character than the previous one. "...Especially now that things seem to be getting crowded in here." the young man quickly fumbled for his wallet, and paid a generous tip for the waitress. "Thanks for the advice, see you 'round?"

The waitress smiled at the enthusiasm.
"Maybe. I'll have my shift end at midday and will go to the Festival with a few friends myself.", she said and she couldn't say why, as she put the money away. "Thank you, though... and have a nice day, Sir."
She made a small curtsy and was off, tending to the next customer.

Z grinned when Macha gave her a wink, though given how oblivious she was about certain things one could only guess if she really understood what she meant. Kiri eventually seemed to put two and two together, and briefly gave that disgusted face children seem obliged to give when such things are mentioned.

Her and Ren both interrupted their conversation to begin eating. Steamer fare had not been kind to their stomachs. Z seemed to particularly enjoy the tea; funny that someone with such an unpredictable reputation would enjoy a drink considered so sophisticated. Ren ate quietly and methodically, though perhaps a bit faster than would be considered polite.

Kiri glanced around the table embarrassedly, perhaps wondering if the others wanted to share what was supposed to be her food.

"Er... does anyone want..."

The Breakfast was good and the cubs, if one asked Macha and Branwen, were eating like they were starving - understandable, since the food on passenger ships was not known to be the best in the world.
Quite on the contrary.
The eating speed was of little concern, important was, that it was tasting well to the girls.
"Er... does anyone want...", Kiri suddenly began.
Branwen was confused for a moment, then could have slapped herself. She shook her head - the plate she had might already be enough...
Macha nodded. "If you have from the bread, I might be persuaded to take that off from you...", she said with a slight tease in her smile.
"Admit it, you only want it because it helps you wiping up the fat.", Branwen teased, "You lucky girl... with you, it goes, where it needs to go..."
Macha shrugged with a grin.

"I'd have to say it's a combination of both the quality of our ore and the skill of our craftsmen. The majority of the metal that is dug out of the earth in our nation is high quality magnetite ore with a low impurity percentage. Another reason for the quality of our metalworking is the fact that we use Bituminous Coal sourced from the mountains that has an incredibly low sulfur content. Combine this with the skills of craftsmen and it makes for fine works of art. I personally trained under one of the forge masters of the Southern Mountains. He was a brute of a man who could yield his hammer to make nigh anything, from horseshoes to sabers. As such, I learned well and have kept his teachings alive in my work since I started my apprenticeship back when I was 13. If you don't mind me asking, how long have you operated this particular shop?"

Finnegan smiled.
"Oh, I have been the Master of this shop for fifteen years now. Before that, I was the helper of my Master at this shop and before that his apprentice.", he said, "And that, I was since I was of nineteen Springs, so a bit older then our cute Envoy over there."
Mona smiled and blushed lightly, looking down.
"I have forged a lot of things in my day. Armours dressing famous people and famous people playing other famous people, tools and toys, jewelry sometimes, gifts of high renown... one of the pieces I made even dresses a Kyrenaian Princess!", Finnegan said with a smile, "But the piece I am most proud of, that is actually a sword, a short one, beaten out of steel and fire for the hands of a child, who was back in the day already stronger then many grown men."

The maiden stepped aside a bit sheepishly.
"Of course, my apologies.", she said, "It's custom, however, to pause after ten or so minutes so that the arrows can be collected by our boys. I'll announce it, when the ceasefire happens."
Meanwhile, the old man nodded. "Indeed, there would be a good one. The Raithneach Village Inn, that's fourteen kilometres in that direction." He pointed ahead. "You can forget most of the inns and restaurants along the Main Streets, they watered down what the essence of Selkie-Cuisine is so that tourists can enjoy it - but if you really want to experience Selkie-Cuisine, take either the small villages, like Raithneach, or the Side Streets."
"The Cluanaire Inn would be one of those in the side-streets.", one of the other archers said, "A good house... although it usually tends to a rather closed community, I am sure, that you'll find entrance, especially today."
"It would anger the Vixen to refuse guests with honest and good hearts entrance.", the old man added with a smile.

“Why thank you, ma’am.” Tieguang smiled as he prepared himself to fire his bow. He waited patiently until it’s time to shoot at the gallery.

“I do happen to know some people at home who can hit the target five times in the row. All hit on the centres.” The brunette remarked. “They practised archery more than me. Most of them hailed from steppe nomadic tribes or whose ancestors are great archers in ancient times. Proud warriors. Others, it’s just an hobby for them, hehe~.”

Meanwhile, back with Sun Lianhua…

“Ah, thank you elder.” She thanked Conchobar with a smile. “We may be tourists, this doesn’t mean we want to go to tourist traps. Haha~. We want something more authentic. Anyway, thank you. We’ll keep them in mind.”

The maiden nodded.
"For us, archery and especially horsearchery are part of being Selkie.", she said, "We also have men, who can hit a target half a kilometre downrange with a bow from the back of a galloping horse - and hit the centre with some consistency." She nodded, he could fire. "Our ancestors were the dream of any General needing a light or medium cavalry, properly led and experienced. That led to an interesting proverb: Before you go to war, know, what you are fighting for - and know, what you are paying us for."
She grinned.
"A part of our history.", she said.

The old man nodded.
"Aw, don't mention it.", he said and smiled, "It's a pleasure."
He then raised his bow and fired an arrow in the hundred metre target.
"It truly is.", he said.

Bobby's nose, as a canine nose, would be able to catch the many different scents of a Selkie-City.
Flowers and food, especially breadrolls at a morning like this (and meats of a lot of kinds kinds), people by the dozen and hundreds and thousands, from little males to big females, from those, who wore additional odour to mask their own a bit, from people, who had to do with animals to those, who didn't and those, who had to do with machines... but also a lot of other animals.
From horses to pigs to cows to the odd sheep, the most normal scents were there, but also new scents: Of animal species, which were endemic to the Free Lands. Grey Wolves, who left their scent marks at every corner. Grey Cats, who roamed and roved all over the city. Guarding Foxes, in their own territories. A Scaled Bear, which belonged to the Petting Zoo. Red-White Eagles and other avians, which flew their circles in the sky.
And, most likely most intimidating for the little terrier were a smell, which he knew from the Inn already, of the Alpha Wolf amongst the Alpha Wolves: Bricliath, the Grey Wolf of General Finn Niochan of the Tribe of Cork, a beast of a wolf, scraggy, scary and with a scent to match. Even other Grey Wolves were respectful as soon as he was around.
The closer to the Petting Zoo the two holders of the terrier came, though, if they strayed in that direction, the more prevalent the smell of another animal. The Star Lynx Ayden was in town again, the large feline predator having a strong scent as well, but that one might be unknown to Bobby as he had only came into the city early in the morning.
All in all, Bobby had quite a few natural enemies.

As Bobby paused to sniff, Holly had to stop, but a quick gentle tug on his leash had the little dog running back to Holly where she along with Isis then walked to the Arena making their way through the crowd towards the front and hopefully the seating for those people of lesser mobility, Bobby leading the way and if anyone happens to drop a burger, hot dog or some other food it stands a good chance of being Bobby'd (hence why he is a little tubby).

Isis looks at her watch, then takes out the copy of the program before taking a seat as Holly picks up Bobby and takes her seat.

"At least i got you here this time Izzy" jokes Holly, taking a small pair of racing spectator binoculars from a pocket and putting the strap around her neck. "Isis, what time is the sword dueling display?" she asks.

"We got time for it yet" replies Isis, "...but i think there might be something happening in the next half hour or so, they're setting something up"

What might be called an Arena by the guests was the Tournament Field to the Selkie.
It was a field of grass the size and rough measures of a football field, in that ballpark anyways, surrounded on three sides by the stands, which, in turn, were surrounded by booths of vendors with food and drink, while the fourth side was the area for staff and tournament participants and their staff.
The stands, however, were surprisingly empty as those, who were entering the field, were not spectators, not yet. They were people working at the stands or staff.
The program said, that the Tournament for the Rivers' Crossing Trophy would start at 15:30 and that there was no opening acts. Whereever Isis got the program for, it was not for Cuan's Tournament Field.
Additionaly, there were no areas specified for people with decreased mobility.
As such, however, it should not surprise, when two men in full half-cuirass of the Selkie, half-capes over their shoulders showing the Coat of Arms of the Cuan City Guard, police.
"Ladies, good morning.", the first one said, "The Tournament Field is not yet open for visitors. We sadly must ask you to leave for now... and sadly, dogs are not permitted on the premises either." His colleague stepped aside to let Isis and Holly through. "After you."

[Port Ember]

The older Gwen giggled.
"Now you are only charming me for the sake of charming me!", she protested with a wide grin, not offended at all. "And that while your beautiful girlfriend is closeby!"
"The question now is...", said girlfriend asked from the side, giving Jan's hand a reassuring squeeze, "...does it work?"
"Hm...", the older one made, "...thirty years ago, you would have left with a peck for the effort, but I'm an old hag these days, so..." She shrugged, until one of the Tines nudged her breast. "Well, is someone hungry there?" The Tine cooed, which made the older woman grin. "You see, despite everything they can eat, they prefer nuts and berries."
She reached into her pocket, getting out a peanut and cracking it open in one hand, peeling it free and offering the little nut to the Tine.
"Up until a certain age, the mother cracks the nuts.", she added.

Jan laughed softly. "Not charming per sé, Gwen, just being the honest gentleman my mum raised me to be." Jan returned the hand squeeze from his Gwen, followed with a quick kiss on the cheek. "Very cute indeed. And I bet cracking his nuts for him, creates a strong bond between you two."

[Mediama]

Fiona panicked for a moment as well, before she heard a familiar voice: The shopkeeper's son, Ciaran, was in the front, talking to his father in Selkie about what sounded like Militia-Business.
Fiona had an idea.
"I think, that I can do one better.", she said and smiled, hope filling her eyes as she went outside, much to the joy of the lad and the confusion of his father. "Ciaran.", Fiona began in English, "Hi, there!"
"Hey, Fiona! How's it going?", he asked, then looked around, speaking the same language as saw this mostly as an exercise. There was a notable accent. "Where did your friend go?"
"That's the problem, we lost her.", Fiona admitted, "And we don't know, where she is. Can you...?"
"Say no more!", Ciaran replied, raising a hand, "Do you have an image?"

The woman startled for a moment, as Miranda spoke to her.
As she calmed her heart, she looked to her an smiled in a motherly way: "My apologies, I didn't see you there... I was just worrying about my husband and my daughters. Thank you for your concern, though." She let a beat pass, looking to the Militiagirls. "They are quite splendid, aren't they?"
She felt, that there was something on Miranda's mind, but what...?
Her motherly instincts kicked in.

Kathleen had to admit, the lad was cute, reminded her of one of her brothers back at home, but now wasn’t the time for staring. She was simply too busy trying to find her friend to even notice the changes Ciaran’s expression.

“I canae do ya better.” Miranda took out her smartphone, tapped out several seemingly meaningless patterns, and then handed it to the messenger pigeon.

On the phone was a picture of Miranda and herself wearing polo gear, Miranda had her helmet off and under her arm, and was smiling, while Kathleen grinned like mad had her arm wrapped around Miranda’s shoulders, her own helmet dangling from the straps on her fingers.

“Last polo tournament from last spring.” Kathleen explained.

She looked over to both Ciaran and Fiona.to Ciaran to make sure he understood who he was looking for. And Fiona to gauge her reaction to the picture.

“Think you can find her? Because I swear, if you don’t, I’m goin’ ta kick yar arse ta New London.” Given the typical abrasive nature in the Scottish accent Kathleen might’ve sounded darkly playful at best, threatening at worst.

---

Miranda looked out longingly to the group of militiawomen. “They are... graceful and strong, almost like amazons in a way...”

She looked up at the woman abruptly after realizing what the woman said, “A-Are these your daughters? All of them?”

Miranda found it pretty far fetched, but she couldn’t help but think up of a story of an entire family whose daughters instead of sons joined in the defense of their nation in the stead of their sons and brothers in arms, again like the amazons.

Lodged in the back of her mind though, she was still figuring out how she would go back to Kathleen and Fiona, and how to face Kathleen when she got back, better yet she still had to make up her mind and make peace with the conflict that was going on in her head.

For now though, her immediate focus was on the mysterious woman.

---

Liv giggled, especially at the waggling eyebrows.
"One could put it that way, yes!", she admitted, trying and failing to get her giggling under control. It was a comical sight, waggling eyebrows on her girlfriend and a gardener, who had an active (although correct, in this case) imagination. He looked in the best age as well, so he most likely had used the shed's secludedness himself more then once already.
Her giggling subsided as she softly placed a hand on Kat's cheek. "What would I do without such a wonderful woman in my heart...?", she wondered.

Kat smiled, “I don’t know, maybe kept to yourself in your studies, the work and live alone until you’re the crazy tine lady down the street? I’d totally be that.” She jokingly said.

She nuzzled into Liv’s hand, and gave it a soft kiss, starting from her palm to her wrist.

“I should say the same to you. But I guess we should start walking before we miss everything for the marriage.” Though she said that, she still cuddled up to Liv and hummed . “Last thing we should do is crash a wedding, that’s for Vegas.” She smiled at her ‘jokes.’

[New Visayan Islands]

Domingo Hasegawa
The Stoc Inn

As Gwenny left to take Domingo's order to the kitchen, he looked around while seated.

The activity in the Stoc Inn was something for him to marvel at; he was taking in every sight, and it seems he wasn't the only foreigner here for the festival.

Domingo took out his copy of Samuel's account for a quick read while waiting for his order soon after.

[Minroz]

The maiden nodded.
"For us, archery and especially horsearchery are part of being Selkie.", she said, "We also have men, who can hit a target half a kilometre downrange with a bow from the back of a galloping horse - and hit the centre with some consistency." She nodded, he could fire. "Our ancestors were the dream of any General needing a light or medium cavalry, properly led and experienced. That led to an interesting proverb: Before you go to war, know, what you are fighting for - and know, what you are paying us for."
She grinned.
"A part of our history." she said.

The old man nodded.
"Aw, don't mention it.", he said and smiled, "It's a pleasure."
He then raised his bow and fired an arrow in the hundred metre target.
"It truly is.", he said.

“Ah, sounds like some people I know. They even have festivals which included horsearchery.” Tieguang commented as he raised his bow. “There was a famous tactician back in my country named Sun Tzu, he says ‘To fight and conquer in all battles is not supreme excellence, supreme excellence lies in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting’.”

The brunette actually quoted from the book called Art of War from his days in officer training. With that said, he fired the arrow at the target and for once he hits on the target. But near the centre, at very least it’s better than missing the target unlike last time.

[“Hurray! I didn’t missed”] Tieguang cheered in Mandarin as he punched his fist in the air, no longer feeling embarrassed earlier.

“Haha, oh my foolish husband~. But I’m happy for him.” Lianhua chuckled. “I’ve known he’s not a great archer but he’s much better with the sword than bow and arrow. He’s swordsman aside from his duties as a bannerman with firearm.”

[Lillorainen]

[spoiler=Mervay- and Lillo-Quote]

As soon as she heard the voice from Gawain, Lise gave an look to the sides and found him... In the outside of the store and in one of the windows of it. At first she would have said that she needed to expand her vision field and all since this was an very embarassing moment but as soon as she noticed there were two more guys with Folaíotcha which she assumed was the red-eyered and white-haired, one was an green-haired or looked like it and... Chris.

"Chris??? I-I can't believe that I have found you just right here and so early!!" Lisolette said with shock but with an smile on her face of have found an old pal like Chris so soon in Cuan. Although there were two questions. "First is first" she continued looking now to Gawain.

"I would like some help with this little black fox in all what you can, what do they need and want, how should I care of them and protect them, what do they eat and drink, etc, etc" she told at him with an smile before looking back at Riescheid. "By the way Chris this reminds of ask... Where is Cel?? It is very strange to see you two separated if you ask me"

At Mister Folaíotcha's Shop.
Gawain nodded.
"Indeed, business first.", he said, looking to Chris, "Chris, would you do me the favour and go inside and see, how the girls are doing? And please ask Cel, if she has the Basic Kit ready."
He smiled slightly as he turned back to Lise, Finnegan rising as well.
"Now, Miss, if I may ask, how did you stumble across this lad?", he asked, concern entering his voice, "Is he okay?" The little fox had stopped to shake, meanwhile. Gawain looked at Lise. "Is he a he anyway?"
The green haired man, Finnegan, adjusted the chairs slightly, motioning for Lise to sit.

At the Marcach Camp.
Tyran nodded with a grin.
"Then let's see, if we can't organize a few police mares for you... or riders, where you can be socius!", he said and turned, "See ya!"
Marla waved after her father, then turned to Hilda and her friends. "Don't hold it against him, that he departed so quickly. He is quite busy as Camp Commander... although it could be worse." She shook her head. "Please don't ask how... in any case, need help with that?"
She indicated to the tents to be set up.

At Mr. Folaíochta's shop.
The message got clear to Chris - business was business, after all. He nodded and got up.
"Basic Kit, roger" - he said and held his flat hand against his temple, as if to salute. As he passed by Lise, he stopped and said, smiling, "You got it - Cel's inside, so no need to worry about us being separated! And indeed, I wouldn't have expected to see you right here and this soon, either. Though, business is calling, for both of us ... À tout à l'heure !" - he dug his very basic, to say the least, knowledge of the French language out, See you in a moment! His pronunciation was far worse than his one of Selkie-language, but Lise would understand. "Be right back."
He went on, to the door, opened it and went inside.

At the Marcach Camp.
Tyran went off quite quickly; Hilda, Mia, and Sophus waved behind him in the same manner as his daughter. They understood well, that he must have been pretty busy doing his Camp Commander job - Marla confirmed this right away.
"Seems logical to me" - said Mia, "Running a camp can be a busy job, if one's good at it." She stressed the magical word, insinuating that she knew examples who could have needed some lessons by Tyran, one of which they had told about a minute ago.
"Now, putting these tents up is actually quite easy" - Hilda said and opened her bag with the packed tent. She aimed it at the ground, opened the knot it was fixed by, threw it - et voilà! - it automatically erected itself. "Pop-up tents - a wonderful invention!"
Sophus grinned. "Just like tent pegs - and the German word for it, which also means 'herring' ... don't ask me why, though." He and Mia threw their own tents next to Hilda's - as expected, they instantly popped up. "If you could help us fixing them, that would be nice." He opened another small bag, which contained the tent pegs.
"And more importantly - getting them together as soon as we depart" - Hilda added, "for it takes two seconds to erect these and two hours to pack them again. The bars have to be put into a very certain position - without breaking them. It's some sort of mystery ..."

[Mervay]

At Mister Folaíotcha's Shop.
Gawain nodded.
"Indeed, business first.", he said, looking to Chris, "Chris, would you do me the favour and go inside and see, how the girls are doing? And please ask Cel, if she has the Basic Kit ready."
He smiled slightly as he turned back to Lise, Finnegan rising as well.
"Now, Miss, if I may ask, how did you stumble across this lad?", he asked, concern entering his voice, "Is he okay?" The little fox had stopped to shake, meanwhile. Gawain looked at Lise. "Is he a he anyway?"
The green haired man, Finnegan, adjusted the chairs slightly, motioning for Lise to sit.

Stoc Inn.
Both Silvio and Aurora looked confused for a moment.
The accent with which Trinity spoke was, to them, a bit weird.
Still, they smiled - or rather, Aurora smiled. "Oh, we're doing a bit of business. We are in the Import-Export-Business and with the relations between Lutetii and the Free Lands becoming easier, we hope to sell and buy stuff.", she explained, "We then saw, that there was a festival and decided to go."
Silvio nodded.

At Mr. Folaíochta's shop.
The message got clear to Chris - business was business, after all. He nodded and got up.
"Basic Kit, roger" - he said and held his flat hand against his temple, as if to salute. As he passed by Lise, he stopped and said, smiling, "You got it - Cel's inside, so no need to worry about us being separated! And indeed, I wouldn't have expected to see you right here and this soon, either. Though, business is calling, for both of us ... À tout à l'heure !" - he dug his very basic, to say the least, knowledge of the French language out, See you in a moment! His pronunciation was far worse than his one of Selkie-language, but Lise would understand. "Be right back."
He went on, to the door, opened it and went inside.

First business then all the talk about the rest, Gawain requested Chris to bring the basic kit which with what he said too, he has to ask if Cel has it ready.
Well that and what Chris would tell her answered her question of where Cel was and that he was surprised to see her this soon in Cuan either, then with an very but still understandable french the Lillo told her see you in an moment and so it was since as soon as he finds the kit he will bring it here.

"I'll be here waiting so take your time" she said smiling at him as he entered inside. Then Lise looked at Gawain to answer his question but first took seat in the chair the green-haired guy told her to sit.

"Merci" she said with an smile as she looked at his pet and smiled that he stopped of shake and meanwhile she begun to carass him she answered the question. "I found him at the Stoc Inn when there was an problem because he entered to the place, tried to grab some food and attacked an worker there which in turn wanted to kill him now for what he did and so I protected him and to evade problems I leaved the Inn and now I'm planning to see if I can have an room in the Cluanaire Inn" she answered sighing.

"And about if he is a he or an she?? That's something I don't know since you don't find this kind of animals at Mervay so can you help me to see if he is a he or she??"

Stoc Inn
Oh oh, that confused look didn't looked good for Trinity did she screwed things??? Hope not since that would be very uncomfortable for everyone.

"I see so it is mostly business then?? Interesting I'm sure things have been going good for you two then" she told them with an smile. "My apologies for what I said early since I believe that you guys looked me rare for my accent" she said bowing at them.

"Either way, may I ask how is Lutetii??"