Comin' together to Celebrate (IC)

by **Polish Prussian Commonwealth** » Tue Apr 23, 2019 5:17 pm

Marie stared into the dregs of her tea, studying them as if they were a diplomatic dispatch.
"Very well." she said finally. "I...I don't know if I still love him, and likely the lad doesn't know himself...but won't hurt to find out, I suppose..."

Anne took a gander at both. Scipeáil seemed a tad bit more...well, edible, while arálong was the classic 'break-yer-teeth-on-it' hardtack.
After some consideration, she shrugged. "How much if I took half a dozen of both?"

by **Mediama** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 2:56 am

“Aye, that’ll do. If the militia is like the coppers back in Medi, shouldn’t be too long.” Kathleen said, mainly to keep Fiona’s spirits up. She did notice Ciaran’s red expression though. Well well, looks like my Irish girl’s got competition... Miranda thought, before shaking her head, Too young. her own rational side said.

Kathleen looked back towards Ciaran, “Thanks a lot, it’s up to you if you want to join the hunt or not, I’m sure Fiona here knows the way to wherever you lot are regrouping at, and they’ll certainly need strong lads like you to widen the search radius or something.” She said. She would nod at whatever response she received, then looked back down at her phone, checking whether or not Miranda had sobered up emotionally and was texting back again.

She wasn’t.

And so, Miranda looked back up, and faced Fiona, trying to hide her own concern, “Where is this ‘Rallying Point Breadroll’ anyhow? It isn’t here, is it?”

Miranda, meanwhile, leaned into the comforting arms of the older woman. She didn’t feel like she would betray Fiona by doing this, this was different. This embrace felt like the embrace she had felt from her birth mother before her untimely demise. This embrace felt like home.

She looked back towards the older woman, “I-I suppose you’re right.” Miranda said reluctantly, wiping away at some of her own tears. “I have my friends with me... it just feels outnumbering sometimes...”

She looked back down at her journal, “Besides, how would I be able to talk to her now? I ran off, and I’m still scared, scared that I’ve lost my shot, that I’m not sure of myself when she’s on solid ground, even with all the arguments going on inside my head like a maelstrom of thought. Why would anyone want someone as frightened and confused as me?” She asked self-defeatedly.

In all of her emotions and expressions, she had not noticed the developments going on in the militias patrol near them.

“Really? Must’ve been an exciting find. What was in the chamber that needed that much obscurity?” Katherine asked. After she heard the answer, she took stood back, lifted her camera, and took a few pictures, loud clicking heard as the analogue shutter closed and imprinted its inversions onto the pricy film.

After taking a few pictures, some of them distractedly of Liv, she lowered the camera and walked up a little closer to the mural. She turned back to Liv. “Could I...?” She asked, gesturing over to the mural as if she were going to touch it.

“I know with art as old as this, a lot of museums would try to enforce some distancing, but I’m not sure if that’s any different here.”

by **Minroz** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:44 am

The Selkie wrote:"Being a young nation isn't the complicated part.", Conchobar said and fired another arrow, "The problem sometimes is being a small nation. Then again, the Selkie don't really have much ambitions to superpower status. We are a small nation, we can feed ourselves, we have our own lands and matters to worry about." He grinned at Tieguang. "That's what the Gods invented whiskey for. So that we never conquer the world!"
There was a round of laughter at that.
"If, however, the international community asks us for help, like back in the day with Kupandukira, we will not deny it. We have obligations and we want others to help us, when we are in need.", he added.

Listening with understanding, Tieguang just chuckled in response. He can understand the Selkie sentiment. Years of familiarity with diplomatic politics had made him understood. He grew to find the Selkies as a humble and modest people but lucky in a sense of not worrying too much about outside world.

Though the part of ‘conquer the world’ said by the old man, Tieguang bemused at the words. The Monggurian ancestors of the Qing Minrozian emperors are horse nomads like the Selkies yet they carved out the largest empire in the Old World continent in the world of Iclamia, legendary for being fierce warriors and ruthless conquerors. And this empire is called the Monggu Empire.

In all of his honesty, if the Free Lands are in Iclamia, their independence won’t be able to survive against the political machinations of the Great Powers who’re bigger, richer and more powerful than the Selkies. On the side note, Minroz is too pragmatic to considered annexing or interfering with other countries, left and right outright. Millennia of experiences and conflicts have shaped Minroz to be cautious-minded in their diplomacy with other nations, preferring to establish friendly relations than war. While the Minrozians are no warmongers but this doesn’t mean they’ll shy away from the fight or preparing for war.

“My country is huge enough to be self-sufficient. Enough to support the population of over two billion, believe it or not. And there’s plenty of land for everyone to go around.” Tieguang spoke, continuing the conversation. The way he said his words, he’s being truthful for what he said. “Minroz is diverse in its landscape as much as the cultural traditions of the people. We’re blessed with abundance in all of kinds of resources at our disposal. And we are generous. But we are never without obligations; we pride ourselves in being the most civilised people in the world or at least that what’s our old traditional world-view says. In the ancient days, we believed ourselves to be the centre of the universe so much we refer our country as the Middle Kingdom in our tongue.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Tieguang fired the arrow. He hit the target but only near the centre.

by **The Chuck** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 9:33 am

The Selkie wrote:
The Chuck wrote:"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."

"Oh? Sounds like an interesting story. If you have the time, would you mind sharing it?"

With a smile, Jeremiah sat back in his seat to listen to this piece of historical lore.

by **Kuronami** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 11:35 am

The Selkie wrote:Pina grinned at the sales-pitches she received, pretending to be thinking, even hummed.
Her boyfriend, meanwhile, wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Well, they got me convinced. What do you think, Pina?", he asked his girlfriend.
She hummed again. "It does sound quite appealing.", she said, "But...hm..."
"Oh, come on!", Donny went along, "It sounds fun!"
"Alright, you got me convinced.", she said and turned her head to kiss Donny on his cheek. "We will make a tour through Kuronami either in Spring or in Autumn, let's see, how the schedules line up."
Donny nodded with satisfaction. "Now that that's cleared, I'm afraid, that I need to leave you.", he said and kissed his girlfriend before he turned to the Kuronamis. "Sir, Ma'am, lassies... it was a pleasure to meet you all. Have fun!"

"yay!" Billie and Joey cheered together in perfect unison that they got her.

"Sounds like you'll be making the tour then, well our little farm is open to you as a place to stay, no charge." Jamie responded making the offer for them.

"it'd be our pleasure" Charlie agreed "Pleasure was ours, Donny, have a nice day and continue to enjoy the festival."

"Bye bye!" The two little girls waved him goodbye

The Selkie wrote:Both Mara and Mavie looked at each other with smiles as Mei declared, that Tsukasa could "step on [her] all you want" - it was juveline, out of context, but funny nonetheless.
Still, both nodded.
"Go for it, girls, we are right with you!", Mara encouraged them as Rona came staggering back to them, a dopey grin on her red face. Mavie smiled and gathered her daughter in her arms, smiling as she lifted her, Mara bowed her head to the two girls for a moment. "If you would please excuse us for a moment?"
And with that, she turned to her wife and her daughter and hugged them both.

Tsukasa and Mei walked a small space where they could dance. The piece seemed easy enough to keep up with the steps. Tsukasa was working hard to just not step on Mei's feet, even if she was in boots. Mei just glided with Tsukasa "How lucky are we, to find a nice couple just like us?" Mei asked

"Very lucky. Well a couple like us only with a child." Tsukasa responded

"Who knows could be us someday." Mei kissed Tsukasa gently.

by **The Selkie** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 3:10 am

Gwen smiled and wanted to reply, but her sort-of-aunt preempted her: "I do.", she whispered and smiled, putting a hand on Jan's shoulder. "Don't worry, though, you are safe here."
She smiled and nodded into the direction of the woman with the large feline.
"She's cool, too.", she said and leaned over slightly, "A... partner and friend of the families. And the closest thing the Free Lands have to a Minister of Foreign Affairs. Wouldn't bother her, though, she is here privately... the kitten makes sure of that."
"I don't think, that Cara likes being called a kitten.", the younger Gwen added with a grin.

At the Marcach Camp.
Leonard laughed and Alaina hid a snort.
"Well, that was a given!", Alaina said, "We could now argue with high pressure and low pressure and what the meteorologists say, but I would like to think, that Cailleach and Borvo both smile upon Cuan today, and were pressured by Lodan Lir to give good weather to the wedding of his envoy and future wife."
"Don't let Mara hear that, she will shove a lance up your rear!", Marla said and went to hug Alaina, the two of them being, surprisingly enough, friends. A few words in Selkie were exchanged, then Marla smiled at the other woman. "So..."
"Horses.", Alaina said and smiled at the Lillos. "I have a few for you, Uncle Tyran told me, you need some. Who of you has experience in riding? Except for you, Hilda, one could say, that you know your stuff!"
Marla and Leonard nodded.

Inside of the shop.
I smiled at Chris, kissed his lips for an extended peck.
"Then come.", I whispered to him, motioned him to follow me, going behind the counter. There, I pulled out a box, the Selkie-Runes for 'Starter Kit' written on it. It was not light, but also not heavy, at least to me. "The full starter kit, for someone, who begins the career as a Fox-Owner... or being owned by a fox."
I grinned at that.
"There's books inside, food, a few toys and a blanket... all things, which they need.", I added, still whispering.

As Haru was taken to the back room to have her measures taken, Lugh smiled at Leonard and Haru.
"I'll be in the back workshop, making the temporary repairs.", he said with a smile, "After that, the engraving, so think of something cute!"
He was gone a moment later, leaving Leonard and Haru.
The redhead looked at Haru, watched her a bit. "Hina's a wonderful girl.", he said, "She comes after her mother a lot. She also reminds me of Darufa."

Elin smiled and Branwen blushed lightly as she did, too.
"Oh, they are wonderful garnments.", the younger twin said, "With the proper skill in wearing them, you can turn heads of all people around you, men and woman alike. Add in, that Elin and I are Tralees, so we wear not the 'standard', that the Major Tribes wear. More leather, less fur."
"When we meet later, we will wear our Geansais.", Elin promised, "Dad wanted to meet us to midday in our hotel room and we wanted to change then." She leaned forward slightly. "I hope, that we meet after that again?"
Branwen nodded. "And I know, where.", she said with a smile of her own: "How about at the air show? You wanted to see it, right, Elin?"
The more mature sister nodded.

Kiah smiled.
"Depends on who you ask.", she admitted, "Those into University Aquatics in the Free Lands, Kyrenaia and in Teressien know me, but those, who aren't... well, my Uncle isn't that well known outside of specific circles either." She shrugged. "But it still is awesome, when someone recognizes me."
"She then almost bursts with pride.", Ida said with a small smile, "And usually, I do burst with pride. My little sis is famous!"
Said little sis blushed. "Ida..."
"No, fun aside, I am proud of her.", Ida said to the Folaisians, "And I think, that we have all reason to."

Enya grinned.
"It's awesome, right?", she asked rhetorically, taking a bite for herself, "The best provisions there are. If you have a few Umha to spare, it's the best! And since its so much, you can share it with friends and others and that's even better!"
She smiled.
"What sweets do you have, where you're from?", she asked.

Kiah smiled.
"Indeed. It will not hurt to know.", she said, "At least not for a long time. It will give closure to either of you to know... or start something new and amazing." She reached over to her hand, giving it a soft squeeze. "I'm cheering for you!"
A beat passed.
"Another cuppa?", she offered.

"Four Umha.", the lad behind the counter said with a smile, "Those are the copper coins."
He did not mean to offend, but he knew, that foreigners sometimes had their difficulties with Selkie-currency, which knew three values, Umha, Gil and Ór, made of copper, silver and gold.
"Bagged or to eat here?", he asked in addition to that, letting his tongs click.

Mediama wrote:“Aye, that’ll do. If the militia is like the coppers back in Medi, shouldn’t be too long.” Kathleen said, mainly to keep Fiona’s spirits up. She did notice Ciaran’s red expression though. Well well, looks like my Irish girl’s got competition... Miranda thought, before shaking her head, Too young. her own rational side said.

Kathleen looked back towards Ciaran, “Thanks a lot, it’s up to you if you want to join the hunt or not, I’m sure Fiona here knows the way to wherever you lot are regrouping at, and they’ll certainly need strong lads like you to widen the search radius or something.” She said. She would nod at whatever response she received, then looked back down at her phone, checking whether or not Miranda had sobered up emotionally and was texting back again.

She wasn’t.

And so, Miranda looked back up, and faced Fiona, trying to hide her own concern, “Where is this ‘Rallying Point Breadroll’ anyhow? It isn’t here, is it?”

Miranda, meanwhile, leaned into the comforting arms of the older woman. She didn’t feel like she would betray Fiona by doing this, this was different. This embrace felt like the embrace she had felt from her birth mother before her untimely demise. This embrace felt like home.

She looked back towards the older woman, “I-I suppose you’re right.” Miranda said reluctantly, wiping away at some of her own tears. “I have my friends with me... it just feels outnumbering sometimes...”

She looked back down at her journal, “Besides, how would I be able to talk to her now? I ran off, and I’m still scared, scared that I’ve lost my shot, that I’m not sure of myself when she’s on solid ground, even with all the arguments going on inside my head like a maelstrom of thought. Why would anyone want someone as frightened and confused as me?” She asked self-defeatedly.

In all of her emotions and expressions, she had not noticed the developments going on in the militias patrol near them.

“Really? Must’ve been an exciting find. What was in the chamber that needed that much obscurity?” Katherine asked. After she heard the answer, she took stood back, lifted her camera, and took a few pictures, loud clicking heard as the analogue shutter closed and imprinted its inversions onto the pricy film.

After taking a few pictures, some of them distractedly of Liv, she lowered the camera and walked up a little closer to the mural. She turned back to Liv. “Could I...?” She asked, gesturing over to the mural as if she were going to touch it.

“I know with art as old as this, a lot of museums would try to enforce some distancing, but I’m not sure if that’s any different here.”

Ciaran smiled a bit sheepish.
"Actually, it is here...", he said with a small, sheepish grin, "Or rather outside, in front of the shop."
Fiona smiled at that: "We have a number of Rallying Points all over the city, many of them having something to do with landmarks or shops known to everyone. This shop is known to everyone, for example, as it is a stone's throw away from two important schools."
Ciaran nodded. "I'll remain here, though.", he said and Fiona nodded.

The older woman softly stroked Miranda's back.
"Oh, the bridge is a slight bit burned, but it still stands.", she said as a metaphor, "You were scared and ran, I am sure, that she'll understand... she probably is as scared and confused as you are." She pulled Miranda closer. "We've all been there. When we looked for who we are and what we are and how we are..."
She smiled.
"Do you know, what helped?", she asked. "Talking. Talk to people, people you like and love and who you trust and then, they will help you finding all of that out." She smiled. "And most importantly, never forget to love."
The militiawomen were putting away their smartphones.

"It is freshly renovated, so go ahead.", a new voice said, a soft, female voice. Liv recognized it immediately, turned and bowed her head deeply. The woman was a bluenette, soft, blue eyes and a motherly face. She was dressed in a Geansai in light and deep blue tones, although the woman was definately older and wore a cloak over it, white and closed by a fibula on her right shoulder, a silver ring. "You must be Kat. Liv told me about you." She bowed her head lightly. "I'm Aife. Aife Cuisle of the Tribe of Wicklow."
Liv seemed a bit nervous.
"Please, rise, Young Priestess.", the woman added with a smile, "No need to be nervous."

MInroz wrote:
The Selkie wrote:"Being a young nation isn't the complicated part.", Conchobar said and fired another arrow, "The problem sometimes is being a small nation. Then again, the Selkie don't really have much ambitions to superpower status. We are a small nation, we can feed ourselves, we have our own lands and matters to worry about." He grinned at Tieguang. "That's what the Gods invented whiskey for. So that we never conquer the world!"
There was a round of laughter at that.
"If, however, the international community asks us for help, like back in the day with Kupandukira, we will not deny it. We have obligations and we want others to help us, when we are in need.", he added.

Listening with understanding, Tieguang just chuckled in response. He can understand the Selkie sentiment. Years of familiarity with diplomatic politics had made him understood. He grew to find the Selkies as a humble and modest people but lucky in a sense of not worrying too much about outside world.

Though the part of ‘conquer the world’ said by the old man, Tieguang bemused at the words. The Monggurian ancestors of the Qing Minrozian emperors are horse nomads like the Selkies yet they carved out the largest empire in the Old World continent in the world of Iclamia, legendary for being fierce warriors and ruthless conquerors. And this empire is called the Monggu Empire.

In all of his honesty, if the Free Lands are in Iclamia, their independence won’t be able to survive against the political machinations of the Great Powers who’re bigger, richer and more powerful than the Selkies. On the side note, Minroz is too pragmatic to considered annexing or interfering with other countries, left and right outright. Millennia of experiences and conflicts have shaped Minroz to be cautious-minded in their diplomacy with other nations, preferring to establish friendly relations than war. While the Minrozians are no warmongers but this doesn’t mean they’ll shy away from the fight or preparing for war.

“My country is huge enough to be self-sufficient. Enough to support the population of over two billion, believe it or not. And there’s plenty of land for everyone to go around.” Tieguang spoke, continuing the conversation. The way he said his words, he’s being truthful for what he said. “Minroz is diverse in its landscape as much as the cultural traditions of the people. We’re blessed with abundance in all of kinds of resources at our disposal. And we are generous. But we are never without obligations; we pride ourselves in being the most civilised people in the world or at least that what’s our old traditional world-view says. In the ancient days, we believed ourselves to be the centre of the universe so much we refer our country as the Middle Kingdom in our tongue.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Tieguang fired the arrow. He hit the target but only near the centre.

"Very interesting.", the old man said, "Although I could not imagine a country with two billion people... we are barely thirteen million all over the Free Lands. Cuan is actually one of the larger cities - must seem like a village at the end of the world to you!"
He grinned as his next arrow hit the target in the ring next to the centre.
"Where we live, though, be it at home or in the diaspora, we adapt. A Selkie from the Archipelago is another Selkie then from the Mainland then from the Northern Islands and it shows... especially in the Geansai.", he added, "You might see the differences over the course of the day. Though, for the record, in poetry, we call our lands Oilean na mBeo, the Land of the Living."

The Chuck wrote:"Oh? Sounds like an interesting story. If you have the time, would you mind sharing it?"

With a smile, Jeremiah sat back in his seat to listen to this piece of historical lore.

"Oh, of course I have the time!", Finnegan said with a grin, "Though, I must admit, that it's a rather short story. In any case, in 2009, a little girl was picked up in the Gainimh-Islands, the sole survivor of a family holiday having gone terribly, terribly wrong. The ones picking her up were a bunch of fishermen, who listened to her story and the girl was, after debating and testing, named to be the Envoy of Lodan Lir."
Mona smiled and blushed, but she was also thankful that he didn't go into detail of the last trip of her family... it was not a pleasant memory.
"She, of course, needed to be equipped properly and the best blacksmiths of the Free Lands were tasked with that. Her sword, a short sword, was made by me. A week, I hammered impurities out of the steel, folded the blade, sharpened it, decorated it... and in the end, she still carries it, although it is too short for her by now."
Mona nodded.
"And she became a whirlwind of bladed justice on the tournament field!", Finnegan also bragged a bit, which made Mona giggle.

Kuronami wrote:
The Selkie wrote:Pina grinned at the sales-pitches she received, pretending to be thinking, even hummed.
Her boyfriend, meanwhile, wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Well, they got me convinced. What do you think, Pina?", he asked his girlfriend.
She hummed again. "It does sound quite appealing.", she said, "But...hm..."
"Oh, come on!", Donny went along, "It sounds fun!"
"Alright, you got me convinced.", she said and turned her head to kiss Donny on his cheek. "We will make a tour through Kuronami either in Spring or in Autumn, let's see, how the schedules line up."
Donny nodded with satisfaction. "Now that that's cleared, I'm afraid, that I need to leave you.", he said and kissed his girlfriend before he turned to the Kuronamis. "Sir, Ma'am, lassies... it was a pleasure to meet you all. Have fun!"

"yay!" Billie and Joey cheered together in perfect unison that they got her.

"Sounds like you'll be making the tour then, well our little farm is open to you as a place to stay, no charge." Jamie responded making the offer for them.

"it'd be our pleasure" Charlie agreed "Pleasure was ours, Donny, have a nice day and continue to enjoy the festival."

"Bye bye!" The two little girls waved him goodbye

The Selkie wrote:Both Mara and Mavie looked at each other with smiles as Mei declared, that Tsukasa could "step on [her] all you want" - it was juveline, out of context, but funny nonetheless.
Still, both nodded.
"Go for it, girls, we are right with you!", Mara encouraged them as Rona came staggering back to them, a dopey grin on her red face. Mavie smiled and gathered her daughter in her arms, smiling as she lifted her, Mara bowed her head to the two girls for a moment. "If you would please excuse us for a moment?"
And with that, she turned to her wife and her daughter and hugged them both.

Tsukasa and Mei walked a small space where they could dance. The piece seemed easy enough to keep up with the steps. Tsukasa was working hard to just not step on Mei's feet, even if she was in boots. Mei just glided with Tsukasa "How lucky are we, to find a nice couple just like us?" Mei asked

"Very lucky. Well a couple like us only with a child." Tsukasa responded

"Who knows could be us someday." Mei kissed Tsukasa gently.

"You as well!", Donny said with a grin and then kissed Pina on the cheek, his pet getting a short scratch behind his ear. He whispered something to Pina, which made her grin. A moment later, he and his militia lads were marching off.
Pina watched them going for a moment, then smiled at Charlie and his family.
"So... still up for the petting zoo?", she asked.

There were a lot of dance couples out that dance, a slow dance, an easy one, but one, which also left room for more daring figures.
They weren't the only female-only couple in that one, but no one minded one bit. It was a fact of life, that people sometimes fell in love with people of the same gender, at least for the Selkie.
What Mei and Tsukasa might miss was Mara slinging her arms around Mavie and Rona, the girl putting her arms around the necks of both of her mothers, who began to slowly dance along, softly, hardly dancing at all, but still doing it.
The musicians certainly smiled at the effect their song had.

by **New Visayan Islands** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 4:46 am

Domingo Hasegawa
The Stoc Inn

"Not just yet, child," Domingo replied in tone normally reserved for his nephew. Bonifacio was a precocious child not too different from the young girl who delivered his order, and he was starting to wonder if the son of his brother Diego would be smitten instantly.

Putting down his book, he said Grace before eating. The breakfast was pretty filling, and Domingo was savoring every morsel.

by **AHSCA** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 12:46 pm

The Selkie wrote:As Haru was taken to the back room to have her measures taken, Lugh smiled at Leonard and Haru.
"I'll be in the back workshop, making the temporary repairs.", he said with a smile, "After that, the engraving, so think of something cute!"
He was gone a moment later, leaving Leonard and Haru.
The redhead looked at Haru, watched her a bit. "Hina's a wonderful girl.", he said, "She comes after her mother a lot. She also reminds me of Darufa."

"My Hina is truly special!" Haru agreed with a hearty response. "I knew this trip with just the two of us would be a great idea! And the fact I get her a nice birthday gift on top of it, just makes it more special."

The Selkie wrote:Elin smiled and Branwen blushed lightly as she did, too.
"Oh, they are wonderful garnments.", the younger twin said, "With the proper skill in wearing them, you can turn heads of all people around you, men and woman alike. Add in, that Elin and I are Tralees, so we wear not the 'standard', that the Major Tribes wear. More leather, less fur."
"When we meet later, we will wear our Geansais.", Elin promised, "Dad wanted to meet us to midday in our hotel room and we wanted to change then." She leaned forward slightly. "I hope, that we meet after that again?"
Branwen nodded. "And I know, where.", she said with a smile of her own: "How about at the air show? You wanted to see it, right, Elin?"
The more mature sister nodded.

"Fur, now that sounds very appealing over the leather in my own opinion. Maybe it's that naturalist attitude many of us carry. Oooh I'm gonna get to see you in one!" She held her cheeks which were flaming red, just the thought of this cute girl, Branwen in one was making her ready to jump out of her seat in excitement. "Sounds like we'll be parting company soon? Actually that'd be a good time for me to probably find a place to stay." She giggled sheepishly "I'll admit I'm practically fresh off the boat still! I'm just not a very good planner I'm so spontaneous, something of a bad habit."

by **Port Ember** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 2:40 pm

Jan Breytenbach with Gwen

Jan visibly relaxed after hearing the older Gwen's explanation, clear that his true identity was not widely publicised. He was not completely at ease however - he never was. Being the mam he was, with his very... dark history, and current status which he held- he was never completely safe, no matter where he travelled.

With Jan's slightly more relaxed, his gentlemanly nature returned.

"Excuse my paranoia mi' ladies - safety is merely a state of mind in its simplest form." He looked over to the lass identified as the Free Landian Minister of Foreign Affairs and her so called 'kitten'. Jan also laughed softly at the humor.

"The Selkian tendency to companionate murdorous beasts is a very interesting cultural aspect. I am very dissapointed in my nation's school curriculum for excluding research on your nation.."

by **Danceria** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 4:30 pm

After providing a generous tip for the meal, the review would be just as good-but will occur once the young man leaves in earnest, he made his way out the door. Pausing a moment to inhale the morning air, he smiled. The hustle and bustle of a rustic city was familiar, and enticing. He came here to unwind, to forget all the responsibilities and mistakes he made.

Yet with the faint echoing of people living their own lives...he was reminded about his. He lived two lives: he was almost nineteen… yet already married, a Minister of Counterintelligence, and a lower rank terrorist. A few years ago, he would have credited this meteoric rise to power as nothing less than proof of al-Muʿizz’s blessings.

Now, he was certain that he was going to be an object lesson in pride and the dangers of it among the Believers. What he wrestled with, he compared himself to the martyr Zayd ibn Ali, who fought against the tyranny of Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, so too did he see his actions as beneficial to the Muslim community as a whole. He had only hoped that the “Sisterly Leader’s” incompetence was because out of her own foolishness, rather than the nagging hypotheses that plagued his mind. But he too knew that treason was a terrible crime, one that could easily turn him into the likeness of Macbeth.

With a shake of his head, he decided to take the waitress’s advice to heart, he decided to just enjoy the city. Who knows what he’ll bump into...?

by **Minroz** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 6:46 pm

The Selkie wrote:"Very interesting.", the old man said, "Although I could not imagine a country with two billion people... we are barely thirteen million all over the Free Lands. Cuan is actually one of the larger cities - must seem like a village at the end of the world to you!"
He grinned as his next arrow hit the target in the ring next to the centre.
"Where we live, though, be it at home or in the diaspora, we adapt. A Selkie from the Archipelago is another Selkie then from the Mainland then from the Northern Islands and it shows... especially in the Geansai.", he added, "You might see the differences over the course of the day. Though, for the record, in poetry, we call our lands Oilean na mBeo, the Land of the Living."

“Fascinating.” Tieguang remarked about the Free Lands regional differences. “Not so different from mine. Well, that’s what happens when your country is a huge empire in the past. You’re bound to meet people with different customs and traditions from all over the nation. I am fortunate to gotten to know people from all over Minroz in my time in the military.”

He raised his bow and fired the arrow. His arrow nearly hit the centre of the target, again.

“By the way elder Conchabar, does the Free Lands have snow? In my homeland, we have snow in the northern part of the country.”

by **Lillorainen** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 6:06 am

At the Marcach Camp.
Indeed, one could argue about everything along the lines of pressure and humidity and whatever else the weathermen usually said - but Alaina had less of a dry explanation for the good weather, which seemed reasonable, too.
Marla hugged Alaina - it was surprising, indeed, that they were friends, but the Lillos would not judge. Quite on the contrary - it now got more and more clear to them, that nobody would lose their head too easily.
The topic got quickly changed on the one that bound them all together.
Hilda had to grin, for her experience with equines was indeed entirely out of question.
Mia said, "I'm unlikely to ever be referred to as 'Blitz' - but I do have quite a couple of years on horsebacks on the clock, too!"
"So do I" - Sophus said. "I'm also far away from 'good', but I can keep myself sitting up there."

Inside of the Shop.
Chris' and Cel's lips met one more time.
He followed her motion to follow her (pun totally not intended), behind the counter, taking the box, which did not seem heavy to him, either - and while he was anything else but fluent at Selkie-Runes, he had a vague assumption what they might read. Cel explained what it was supposed to contain - indeed everything one needed at the beginning of the career.
Who the owner was, and who the owned one was - that, indeed, wasn't always entirely clear. He grinned for a moment, then nodded. "If that's it, we might already bring it outside, right?" - he whispered back.

by **The Selkie** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 11:51 am

The Mini-Maid nodded with a grin.
"Sure, Sir!", she said and turned to leave, "Good appetite!"
And apparently, Domingo did have a good appetite, by the looks of it. If he needed anything, he could flag down a waitress - if she would be mini or not remained to be seen.

AHSCA wrote:
The Selkie wrote:As Haru was taken to the back room to have her measures taken, Lugh smiled at Leonard and Haru.
"I'll be in the back workshop, making the temporary repairs.", he said with a smile, "After that, the engraving, so think of something cute!"
He was gone a moment later, leaving Leonard and Haru.
The redhead looked at Haru, watched her a bit. "Hina's a wonderful girl.", he said, "She comes after her mother a lot. She also reminds me of Darufa."

"My Hina is truly special!" Haru agreed with a hearty response. "I knew this trip with just the two of us would be a great idea! And the fact I get her a nice birthday gift on top of it, just makes it more special."

The Selkie wrote:Elin smiled and Branwen blushed lightly as she did, too.
"Oh, they are wonderful garnments.", the younger twin said, "With the proper skill in wearing them, you can turn heads of all people around you, men and woman alike. Add in, that Elin and I are Tralees, so we wear not the 'standard', that the Major Tribes wear. More leather, less fur."
"When we meet later, we will wear our Geansais.", Elin promised, "Dad wanted to meet us to midday in our hotel room and we wanted to change then." She leaned forward slightly. "I hope, that we meet after that again?"
Branwen nodded. "And I know, where.", she said with a smile of her own: "How about at the air show? You wanted to see it, right, Elin?"
The more mature sister nodded.

"Fur, now that sounds very appealing over the leather in my own opinion. Maybe it's that naturalist attitude many of us carry. Oooh I'm gonna get to see you in one!" She held her cheeks which were flaming red, just the thought of this cute girl, Branwen in one was making her ready to jump out of her seat in excitement. "Sounds like we'll be parting company soon? Actually that'd be a good time for me to probably find a place to stay." She giggled sheepishly "I'll admit I'm practically fresh off the boat still! I'm just not a very good planner I'm so spontaneous, something of a bad habit."

Leonard smiled.
"Oh, her birthday's soon?", he asked, cocking his head, "If I may ask, when would that be?" He leaned over. "And where should I send my birthday gift for her?"
He threw her a wink, a slight tease. He liked both of her... but the more time he spent with Haru, the more he liked her, the more he... he almost did not dare to finish this thought.
And Hina was too cute anyway. No matter how this ended, he would send her a gift!

"Hm...", Branwen made, slightly surprised, "...well, we are staying at Tor Inn, that's a small inn in one of the outlying villages... maybe they still have a room free?"
"Don't get your hopes up, though.", Elin cautioned, "Most of the inns in the region are full."
"We'll ask for you, okay?", Branwen offered, taking out her smartphone. "What's your phone number?"
Elin nodded, smiling as well. That was a good idea.
Both were not in the slightest offended at Shizuka's words about fur being more interesting to her then leather, thus the normal Geansai preferable to the Gwisgwanaeth. She would see soon enough...

Both Gwens giggled at that.
"Cara and Ayden are, to my knowledge, some of the only examples of their kind in human domestication... although that term can only be loosely applied to either of them.", Jan's Gwen explained to him, "Ayden and Cara are too well fed to jump any children, though, in addition to them not being the usual prey. Besides, Cara only accepts food from Felicia."
She motioned for him to watch as the little girl tried to feed the feline, but the large feline turned his head away as Felicia explained something to the girl.

As Suleiman left the inn and went to enjoy the city, he did not go unnoticed by someone in a side-street's shadow.
As it was, however, there was much to see in the part of the city he was in: The broad Main Street was limited to either sides by stalls of craftsmen, traveling people and merchants, by the forward sellers of craftsman shops in front of the actual shops, selling almost everything and anything one could thing of... and there was a centre strip for horsemen.
In any case, what might be noticed by him very quickly was the many, many people around him, hundreds and thousands of people. Many were dressed in the many, colourful variations of the Geansai, but the half-cuirasses, which were typical for Selkie-Marcach were worn as well, plus more utilitarian clothing. But many, many colours were the most obvious thing aside from the fur.
From here, the way was clear whereever Suleiman wanted to go: To the left, towards the City Gates, or to the right, deeper into the city, or into one of the side-streets to see, where those would lead him?
His options were, almost, at least, limited!

The old man smiled, fired an arrow directly into the centre of his target. He turned to Tieguang.
"Of course we do, though mostly in the winter... and then, all the more!", he said and sighed slightly, "Last winter, it was especially rough... up to seven metres around Riverwood. In any case, yes, we have snow."
One of the other archers pointed in one direction, roundabout north.
"The Polar Circle is a... call it 1,500 kilometres, roundabout, in that direction.", he said, "And that doesn't touch on the Northern Islands, which are North of that!"
"And Conall Curach.", another archers noted.

At the Marcach Camp.
At all three replied, Alaina had to grin.
"Wonderful!", she said and nodded, "That's, indeed, wonderful. We'll still make a few test runs on the grass, just so that you three don't meet the ground in the city. The Selkie-Bridle does not differ too much from the English Bridle, unlike the Kyrenaian Bridle, but still... better spent a few minutes with training then looking closely at cobble stone."
She let a beat pass.
"Come, I'll introduce you!", she said and motioned for the three Lillos to follow her, "The three of them are old police officers, so respectful, people!"
Leonard grinned and walked along with them.

Inside of the shop.
I smiled at Chris with a bit of sadness.
"You go outside with that stuff. There are still a few things to...", I began, but then Enya tapped me on the shoulder.
I looked to the brunette, who told us: "You two go outside, I'll finish up here.", she said in a whisper and smiled, "Can you take something out to Finnegan, though?" I nodded and she gave me a soft kiss on the cheek, followed by a wink, which made me snort, hiding a laugh behind my hand. "See ya in a few minutes!"
I nodded and lifted the box, nodding to Chris.

by **Kuronami** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 12:11 pm

The Selkie wrote:"You as well!", Donny said with a grin and then kissed Pina on the cheek, his pet getting a short scratch behind his ear. He whispered something to Pina, which made her grin. A moment later, he and his militia lads were marching off.
Pina watched them going for a moment, then smiled at Charlie and his family.
"So... still up for the petting zoo?", she asked.

"Boy howdy are we ever!" Billie responded first

"Ready and waiting!" Joey added as Billie took her hand so they could walk along at the same stride and pace which no doubt was a little faster than their parents.

The Selkie wrote:There were a lot of dance couples out that dance, a slow dance, an easy one, but one, which also left room for more daring figures.
They weren't the only female-only couple in that one, but no one minded one bit. It was a fact of life, that people sometimes fell in love with people of the same gender, at least for the Selkie.
What Mei and Tsukasa might miss was Mara slinging her arms around Mavie and Rona, the girl putting her arms around the necks of both of her mothers, who began to slowly dance along, softly, hardly dancing at all, but still doing it.
The musicians certainly smiled at the effect their song had.

"See, Tsu-chan, you're perfect. Not a mistep to be felt." Mei was being a tad nice but Tsukasa's occasional stumbles didn't even phase her. Being able to be held close by the girl she loved made it all the worth it.

"uuuh not to interrupt the mood but I uh--" Before Tsukasa could finish her stomach did the talking.

"Ahahaha. Didn't I tell you not to skip breakfast this time, silly girl? How about some lunch then?"

"sounds good. Maybe we can ask where a good place for eating is?"

"Sure sure." Breaking off their dance as the song ended the two girls approached the two women and their child again. "Hey, the two of us would like to get something to eat, would you have a good place to suggest?"

by **Foxfound** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 2:17 pm

The Selkie wrote:
Foxfound wrote:This definitely pleased Z, who rubbed her hands together mischievously for what was at least the second time that day. "Obscure places and fun scrapes. Sounds good to me!" she said between bites of her food. Looking at her and Ren, it was clear that the latter had far better table manners.

Kiri looked excited as well. "You really didn't have to do that for us..."
She glanced at Z, who was almost done with her food and would probably soon move on to Kiri's. She was using their map as a napkin.
"...but it's probably a good idea."

Macha smiled, turned to Kiri.
"You are right, I didn't have to.", she said and the ears on her head relaxed, "But I wanted to. Though, I must admit, that there is a different motive to it as well." She shrugged a bit sheepish, better being honest then fooling them. "Nia, the girl I asked to be your guide... well, she needs friends. She might pass as a High Schooler, but she is ancient. Not as old as I am, at least I don't think so, but still ancient. And... the last friends she had, they... well..."
She glanced to Kiri.
"She didn't take it well.", Branwen finished with a sad expression, the ears on her head dropping.

The three nodded solemnly.

"I see what you mean..." said Kiri, before smiling a bit. "But with any luck, she'll have some new friends in the three of us."

Z grinned in agreement. Her map was partially covered in sauce from being used as a napkin, and likewise Z's face had ink here and there. "I think that'll work out great! With Ren and Kiri she won't have to worry about... well, that. Hopefully not with me either. I dunno. I wonder where she'll take us first."

Z definitely wasn't as composured as before the meal, but even if she was somewhat bipolar she always seemed to stay positive.

by **AHSCA** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 2:55 pm

The Selkie wrote:Leonard smiled.
"Oh, her birthday's soon?", he asked, cocking his head, "If I may ask, when would that be?" He leaned over. "And where should I send my birthday gift for her?"
He threw her a wink, a slight tease. He liked both of her... but the more time he spent with Haru, the more he liked her, the more he... he almost did not dare to finish this thought.
And Hina was too cute anyway. No matter how this ended, he would send her a gift!

"Oh my..." She giggled at that "Please, you've done a lot already for just a couple of tourists you only just met. I'm flattered beyond words but I also feel a tad like I'm taking advantage of your kindness. Her birthday is the end of March. The 31st. Her 14th as I mentioned which if we decide to, we could officially declare her a woman by islander standards and thus an adult. Well it's complicated because it starts at 14 but can only be done on two-year-cycles...I was set at 14 myself but Hina is a special one she might not be ready until she's 16 or 18 even. Mmm though if you really want to send her a gift, she'd appreciate it I'm certain."

The Selkie wrote:"Hm...", Branwen made, slightly surprised, "...well, we are staying at Tor Inn, that's a small inn in one of the outlying villages... maybe they still have a room free?"
"Don't get your hopes up, though.", Elin cautioned, "Most of the inns in the region are full."
"We'll ask for you, okay?", Branwen offered, taking out her smartphone. "What's your phone number?"
Elin nodded, smiling as well. That was a good idea.
Both were not in the slightest offended at Shizuka's words about fur being more interesting to her then leather, thus the normal Geansai preferable to the Gwisgwanaeth. She would see soon enough...

"Wow you'd do that for me? Wow thank you so much! And even if there's nothing free, it's understandable! I can imagine such a festive event many rooms are booked up! Serves me right for not planning ahead, but when I heard of a festival I pretty much dropped everything I was doing and jumped aboard the next ship here!" She sipped her tea then went a bid wide eyed when asked for a phone "Oh, I-I actually don't have a phone...." Few in the islands did even though some overseas companies had been offering cheap and affordable ones.

by **Danceria** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 5:33 pm

Rightwards should be where the actual “Wedding” would be taking place Sulieman reasoned. Or at the very least, where the petting zoo might be.

With this destination in mind, he meandered his way through the crowds. They were, at least, much nicer in disposition and appearance than the herds of cattle he had to wade through back home. This caused a slightly wistful smile to crawl across the young man’s face, giving the appropriate “excuse me”s and “pardon me”s to people he may have accidentally nudged a bit too hard. He checked his watch, and wagered he still had enough time to see the petting zoo today, or tomorrow if he lingered too far in the market before finding the wedding. The way the waitress phrased it, the wedding seemed open to the public, but Suleiman would ask regardless.

by **Mediama** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 11:17 pm

"Figured as much based on the name." Kathleen said. "I guess all we have to do is wait."

Kathleen looked back down toward her phone at an angle that Fiona could possibly peek to if she dared to be nosy. Still no response. Kathleen sighed and put the phone back into her skirt pocket and turned to look toward the group. "Looks like Miranda's not picking up, I hope this works, because otherwise, we'd have to do this the old fashioned way. Maybe get some animal to track her or something."

Kathleen gauged their reactions as she finished her sentence.

Miranda nodded into the woman's shoulder. "It's been a lonely life since I pushed everyone away..."

She sat there in the woman’s arms quietly as she thought out what the woman said, basking in the warmth and comfort of the embrace. She looked up to the woman, “I-I think I will give it a try... maybe...” the quiver in her voice denoting some remaining apprehension.

She still did not notice what the group of militiawomen were doing.

Kat nodded, and gave a slight curtsy out of courtesy, “Pleased to meet you Miss Cuisle.” She looked over to Liv, partly to hide her own blush, but also to see Liv’s own reactions regarding her discussions about her, before she looked back at the older woman.

“Forgive me, but judging by Liv’s reaction, you must be someone high up within the social ladder.” Kat noted the older woman’s form of dress, as well as any sort of decorations denoting her social rank, as well as the aura she had carried about her.

For the most part, further exploration of the mural before them had been halted for the time being,

Pixiv · by **Wolfenium** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 12:10 am

The Selkie wrote:-snip-

'Oh shit.'

Hilda should have known something was off. For one thing, when items start appearing on the table, it usually meant admirers. For another, the two women she was trying to avoid had their attention on her instead. And her embarrassment was steadily growing the rosy fuzz on her cheeks. But Hilda was, if anything, prideful, and she felt she could not be seen gushing like a wimp.

Shutting her menu with a clap, she ordered, "get me the full breakfast, extra meat." Getting off her seat with her tea, she asked of the duo with an infectious smirk, "mind if I join in, since you're so kind with this?"

Hilda was not a shy girl. That job goes to her white-haired violet colleague, Fleur. The sassy mouth, wild leader of the group, the tall, rough blonde was going for the kill.

by **Lillorainen** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 4:59 am

At the Marcach Camp.
The three Lillos nodded. They were aware, how much the particular national bridle types could vary; in Lillorainen, several different types were in use for different occasions, the tournament bridle using a variant of a Hanover Holster - which could appear confusing for foreigners, especially for Selkie, who would probably prefer the Shamsiyyan variant, which was way closer, apart from a few details even almost identical, to what they were used to.
Thus, a few test runs couldn't harm, especially considering the unusual terrain. Cobblestone roads were not as common in Lillorainen as they were in the Free Lands, and Alaina would most certainly be aware of that.
They followed the Marcach. On the side note on the police officers, Hilda grinned and said, "No worries - my Dad is a police officer, too, so be sure I know how to deal with them!"
Sophus and Mia had to grin at that, too, for they had already met Officer Leverdal and his colleagues, of course - luckily not on the highway.

En route from Inside to Outside of the Shop.
Enya interrupted Cel, to announce, that she would handle the stuff to do for now on her own, so the two of them could go out - and passed a 'message', for a given definition of the term, for Finnegan on to Cel, in form of a kiss. Not only Cel had to hide a laugh.
Instead of Chris, Cel now took the box.
"See ya in a few!" - Chris replied to Enya, then went to the shop's door to open it, so Lise, who, unbeknownst to him, had just been talking to Mr. Folaíochta about a possible name for her new pet, could receive her starter kit.

by **The Selkie** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 5:38 am

Pina smiled and motioned for them to follow her.
"Then come, it's not far any more!", she said and led them further down the street - it indeed wasn't far anymore, maybe a minute or two, and the Militia-Lads, their pikes shouldered, marching in the opposite direction, looked dashing.
Lorgaire stayed with the girls, Pina with their parents.
She smiled. "I look forward to the tour of Kuronami already. It sounds lively and lovely!", she said.

Having enjoyed the dance of three, the small family smiled as Tsu and Mei as they returned.
Mei seemed to have handled everything very well!
Rona smiled at both of them, as did her parents, but it was the girl, who spoke: "Sure we do!", she said happily, "Mister Leathán's Bakery is awesome and makes good stuff! It's..."
Her stomach growled.
"Well, when the mere thought of it can lead to that, it is a good endorsement.", Mara said and kissed her daughter onto the cheek. "I would be onboard for a breadroll or two as well... what do you think, Mavie?" The other woman nodded. "So... would you mind us tagging along?"
The last was directed at Tsu and Mei.

Macha smiled, her tail wagging back and forth with excitement, while Branwen smiled.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!", Macha said with excitement, throwing her arms first around Ren and kissing her onto the cheek in celebratory thankfulness. She was really happy about them agreeing to do this, for Nia...
...stood in the entranceway of the restaurant.
She looked like a young woman, 1.72 metres tall, white-silver hair and yellow eyes, the ears of a wolf on her head. She wore a sailor-style school uniform, black with white trimmings, as well as a red tie. Those, who knew their school uniforms of the Free Lands recognized it as the school uniform of the prestigious Doire Girls' High School of Riverwood. On a sword belt, she carried a Kyrenaian Type 3B Sabre, strapped so that it was behind her back, but still in a good position to be drawn quickly.
She smiled slightly.
"Good morning.", she said and bowed her head to Branwen, then looked at Kiri, Ren and Z, "You are the three? I am Nia. Nia Sneachtúil, of Cefnffordd Descent. Pleasure to meet you!"

AHSCA wrote:
The Selkie wrote:Leonard smiled.
"Oh, her birthday's soon?", he asked, cocking his head, "If I may ask, when would that be?" He leaned over. "And where should I send my birthday gift for her?"
He threw her a wink, a slight tease. He liked both of her... but the more time he spent with Haru, the more he liked her, the more he... he almost did not dare to finish this thought.
And Hina was too cute anyway. No matter how this ended, he would send her a gift!

"Oh my..." She giggled at that "Please, you've done a lot already for just a couple of tourists you only just met. I'm flattered beyond words but I also feel a tad like I'm taking advantage of your kindness. Her birthday is the end of March. The 31st. Her 14th as I mentioned which if we decide to, we could officially declare her a woman by islander standards and thus an adult. Well it's complicated because it starts at 14 but can only be done on two-year-cycles...I was set at 14 myself but Hina is a special one she might not be ready until she's 16 or 18 even. Mmm though if you really want to send her a gift, she'd appreciate it I'm certain."

The Selkie wrote:"Hm...", Branwen made, slightly surprised, "...well, we are staying at Tor Inn, that's a small inn in one of the outlying villages... maybe they still have a room free?"
"Don't get your hopes up, though.", Elin cautioned, "Most of the inns in the region are full."
"We'll ask for you, okay?", Branwen offered, taking out her smartphone. "What's your phone number?"
Elin nodded, smiling as well. That was a good idea.
Both were not in the slightest offended at Shizuka's words about fur being more interesting to her then leather, thus the normal Geansai preferable to the Gwisgwanaeth. She would see soon enough...

"Wow you'd do that for me? Wow thank you so much! And even if there's nothing free, it's understandable! I can imagine such a festive event many rooms are booked up! Serves me right for not planning ahead, but when I heard of a festival I pretty much dropped everything I was doing and jumped aboard the next ship here!" She sipped her tea then went a bid wide eyed when asked for a phone "Oh, I-I actually don't have a phone...." Few in the islands did even though some overseas companies had been offering cheap and affordable ones.

Leonard smiled.
"Oh, I will.", he said and made the mental note, "Though... you see, in the region I come from, Scrín in the Oileánra-Archipelago, it is customary to give boys and girls, who become adults, a dagger made from the Quartzite." For emphasis, he drew the small blade, which looked primitive, basically being a stone shard, which's handle was wrapped in fibres from a tree, held together by what basically was tree sap. All in all, it was not even fifteen centimetres long. "Be careful, it's very sharp. In any case, would that be an appropriate gift?"

Elin and Branwen looked at each other in a bit of a surprise, then back at Shizuka.
They figured that she, as a government official, would have a mobile phone, but...
"Oh, well, that can't be helped!", Elin said and thought for a moment.
Branwen preempted her. "Well, then, how about this? We call the inn, ask them, and then tell you. If they have a room free, we'll go there together. If not... well.", she suggested.
Elin nodded. That sounded sensible enough.

The Petting Zoo was easily found, an area fenced off and well-visited.
Tents for staff were erected, fenced off areas on grass allowed kids and adults alike the pleasure of getting close to animals and sometimes even very close. There were kids playing catch with a Star Lynx, who let them escape time and time again, much to their delight, under the watchful eyes of their parents and owners, a blonde woman with sharp blue eyes instructing a number of girls in how to best brush a Curly Mountain Fox, quite a few boys were enjoying playtime with a number of Grey Wolves (under the watchful eyes of either parents) and many more animals were visible.
And there was a huge area with Tines, the Punk Badgers, which were a smash hit with the kids.
There was a brown haired young man, brown eyes and well-cut face, quite good looking. He was around seventeen, leaning against the fence not that far away from where the two Gwens and Jan were sitting and petting Tines. He did not pet a Tine, but Yven Barriall of the Tribe of Monaghan watched them with a smile.

"That's the spirit, searrach!", the mother said with a smile, grinning, squeezing Miranda's shoulder slightly, "It never hurts to try and to do, because when you do, you will not regret not doing it."
Meanwhile, one of the militiawomen looked over to where the mother and Miranda were sitting, showed a friend of hers the image and motioned to the two of them. Their group turned, compared to the image they had... and came to the conclusion, that their Sergeant should take care of that.
The most mature looking of the bunch rose, handed her crossbow to one of her girls and moved to the small pair, while another one was writing a message: Possible match. Stand By. Enya.
The young woman in the half-cuirass had her own smart phone out and stopped at an appropriate distance. "Excuse me, Ma'am, Miss, but short question, lassie.", she began and focused on Miranda, showing her the image, which Kathleen had sent. "But by any chance, is that you? We got an alert, that you are missing and... well, people are worried about you."

Before Ciaran could reply in the affirmative, his smart phone gave a ding-sound.
He smiled sheepishly. "One moment, please.", he said and pulled his smart phone out, looking at the screen. He suddenly grinned. "They got a possible match. A patrol of the Crossbow Gals spotted her and their Sergeant is currently approaches her."
Fiona breathed a sigh of relief, letting out "Thank the Gods..." in Selkie.
Ciaran raised a hand. "Possible match.", he reemphasized. Still, Fiona put her arms around him and hugged him, which made him blush.

The woman giggled.
"One could put it that way, yes.", she said and bowed her head lightly, "I am the High Priestess of Lodan Lir." Liv rose and smiled a bit nervously, but seemed a slight bot more at ease. "I heard your girlfriend recounting an old legend and couldn't help but listen in... please forgive me that, Miss Kat."
She motioned to the mural.
"And indeed, it was this one. One of my favourites, I must admit.", she said and smiled, "Please pretend for a moment, that you would look at this mural without any prior knowledge. What would be your interpretation, Miss Kat?"

Alaina smiled, the silver-haired woman motioned to the third chair.
"It would be our pleasure.", she said with a bit of a Selkie-accent, soft vowels and rolling Rs. "I'm Alaina, this is Layla."
Layla was a young woman with orange-blonde hair, green eyes looking at the world with an emerald hue. Her long hair was open over the back, while Alaina had her silver hair bound back in a braid.
"Hope you like Mint Tea.", Layla said with a small, nervous smile - one could interpret that as maybe Layla being behind the cuppa. "I personally like it, because it is enlivening. Better then any cuppa coffee!"
Alaina smiled slightly, swiped a loose strand of hair behind her ear. They, too, were waiting for their food, cuppas in front of them.

Marcach Camp.
Alaina smiled.
"That's very good.", she said and stopped at the outer edges of the horse-area, where dozens of horses had space to graze and to rest, but currently, there were only roundabout a dozen horses present. One of the mares, white one with a blue mane (which was coloured, as blue-maned horses were rare even amongst the Selkie-Horsebreeders and all their skills), got up and approached Leonard with a small whinny.
He received her with a smile, petting her muzzle, which made Alaina smile.
She turned back to three brown horses, which sat there peacefully and led the Lillos to them. "These are Officers Cufa, Íonaíochas and Bleán of the Scilly Town Guard. They were provided to us to draw our carts... Daidí was so wonderful to do that for me."

Shop, inside or outside or somewhere inbetween.
Chris opened the door for me with a grin at the message I was to take to Finnegan, which I would do dutifully. Chris seemed to be okay with it. In any case, the conversation outside had progressed and I smiled as I spotted my boss and Lise in conversation.
Finnegan was closeby.
In any case, I put the box down next to my boss, then rose and spread my arms. "Lise!", I greeted the girl with a wide grin, "Come here and lemme hug you! It's so good to see you again!"

by **Solisian Union** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 7:21 am

[spoiler=Selk!]The old man smiled and his granddaughter grinned.
"Oh, someone's in love!", she chirped, her blue eyes sparkling with delight, "Does you Finnegan also have a last name? And a Tribe?" She put a hand on her new friend's shoulder, softly squeezing it - Finnegan might be a pretty common name, but it was not impossible to find him, if one had the right connections. "He seems like a good lad, too..."
The old man smiled as he watched it.[/spoiler]

She remembered it quickly, and with the usual Solisian spirit for crushes, she told them, "I remember that he's a Finnegan from a good high school in Fortham. I am not sure about his tribe. I probably didn't ask him for it, or I forgot about it. But I do know his school....." She then snapped her fingers, looked at them with bright eyes, and told them, "I know! I must go there very soon, today!"

by **AHSCA** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 8:46 am

The Selkie wrote:Leonard smiled.
"Oh, I will.", he said and made the mental note, "Though... you see, in the region I come from, Scrín in the Oileánra-Archipelago, it is customary to give boys and girls, who become adults, a dagger made from the Quartzite." For emphasis, he drew the small blade, which looked primitive, basically being a stone shard, which's handle was wrapped in fibres from a tree, held together by what basically was tree sap. All in all, it was not even fifteen centimetres long. "Be careful, it's very sharp. In any case, would that be an appropriate gift?"

She took a bit of time to admire the blade he drew "That is a very lovely looking knife. I'd say it'd be a wonderful gift for her and very useful for her as well. Thank you again."

The Selkie wrote:Elin and Branwen looked at each other in a bit of a surprise, then back at Shizuka.
They figured that she, as a government official, would have a mobile phone, but...
"Oh, well, that can't be helped!", Elin said and thought for a moment.
Branwen preempted her. "Well, then, how about this? We call the inn, ask them, and then tell you. If they have a room free, we'll go there together. If not... well.", she suggested.
Elin nodded. That sounded sensible enough.

"Hehe don't worry much if nothing is free, I'll figure out what to do! I'm grateful for all the help you can offer me, Branwen!" she smiled at her.

by **Lillorainen** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 3:00 pm

Marcach Camp.
As they stopped at the horse-area, which, in this moment, had way more space than needed (which, of course, didn't mean it was always as empty as it was now), all three Lillos immediately had to grin - Leonard's girlfriend was a bluenette, and the mare approaching him had a mane colored in blue. They did recognize certain patterns.
They were led to the three Officers, equine ones, of course, who got introduced to them.
Hilda said to the three brown horses, grinning, in her father's tone, "Good morning, Officers! I hope everyone slept well? Wonderful! Now, by eleven o'clock, I expect the accident report of yesterday night! And a full protocol of the traffic control at Kilometer Seven! Everybody knows what to do? Terrific! Now go on, the day's yet young!"
Sophus and Mia laughed. "They really talk like that!" - Sophus explained to Alaina. "At least at the highway patrol."

Now definitely more Outside of the Shop.
Of course, Chris was entirely fine with the message supposed to be passed on to Enya's boyfriend - duty was duty, after all, hence why he was completely free from any remote trace of jealousy.
As he had already said hello to their friend from the infamous Purgatio-Trip, whom they had met again around six thousand kilometers south of here, he left catching up with this to his girlfriend.
Instead, he nodded to Finnegan and Mr. Folaíochta, motioning to the box and saying in a low tone, "We got the starter kit here already!"

by **Folaisia** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 3:22 pm

"As with all those with achievements," replied Marie, "I remember my parents squealin' with an awfy lot of joy when I got accepted at DIPS."

"Same here," nodded Gordon, "My parents were well filled with happiness when they heard I got in. Compensates for the times I tried out in swimmin' competitions," he then chuckled, "So, have you entered or will enter into other competitions in the future?"

Meanwhile, after clearing her mouth, Fiona let herself be surprised at Enya's question, as if to break the addiction from the pastry.

"Oh," she then said with her mouth clear, "the sweets back home are soor plooms, shortbread, black buns, Dundee cakes, and the bonnie sweetest of them all, tablets. Tablets are fudge baked with a lot of sugar, along with milk and butter. Makes you feel like you can run up and down the house without ever havin' to feel concerned of fallin' down without ever havin' to run at all."

Fiona then shrugs.

"I could imagine the times of being wee child when my parents kept the plate full of them. And I would scream for it, before they would threaten to spank my ass on the spot repeatedly if I didn't stop," she then chuckled.

Comin' together to Celebrate (IC)

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