Comin' together to Celebrate (IC)

[Mervay]

Outside of the shop.
Chris' approval echoed mine and I smiled, a bit of teasing entering at the end.
"Sorry, Lise, but I have to correct you.", I said teasingly, "The sweetest person in the world is him." I pointed to Chris, giving him a wink so that he knew, that I was teasing Lise a bit. "But I must say, that I am biased..."
A beat passed, before my teasing vanished and steel entered my eyes and voice.
"But just so that we are both along the same lines, modheirfiúr...", I said, calling Lise my sis, and in a way, she was. I certainly loved her more then my own siblings. "...I want to meet the lad before you marry him. I am sure, his heart is of the purest silver and as innocent as the freshly-fallen snow, but..." I let a beat pass, shrugged. "Before I met Chris, I met quite a few lads, even more often, who... I thought to have hearts of the purest silver and to be as innocent as the freshly-fallen snow."
Chris knew of some of my exes and he knew, that some of them were not happy stories.

Stoc Inn.
Silvio smiled as the waitress confirmed the order and went off to get everything.
"I believe it is, if I remember my student days.", he said as soon as she was gone. "A... benefactor financed my schooling, but not much more. I was lucky, that I found a job as a... Qualcuno che posa i mattoni?" His question was directed at Aurora.
She supplied: "Mason or bricklayer."
"Indeed, that's the one!", Silvio said with a wide smile, then turned back to Trinity, "Indeed, I financed everything else by working as a bricklayer. Hard, but rewarding work."

Outside of the Shop.
Of course, Chris knew, that Cel was just teasing Lise a bit - he grinned and threw a small wave into the round, then kept serious again, as she ended the teasing part and went over to a more serious one.
And of course, she was a bit biased. Who, could hold it against her? Surely nobody who knew Cel's exes, or at least some of them, and the, indeed, rather less happy stories behind them.
Meeting someone who had a heart of the purest silver and was as innocent as the freshly-fallen snow - that was more of a rarity than even the most naïve persons Chris had ever met would think.
He nodded. "That's true - some of her exes are real jerks at their finest!" - he said. "Not that my ex-girlfriends had been any better ... but that's not the point now. Getting to know him surely couldn't harm, just to be safe."

Outside the Shop
As expected from Cel, she did an small teasing pointing at her boyfriend to be the sweetest person in the world and joking that she might be biased on it. Surprisingly that teasing and jokes as so her smile faded away as Celina became serious and cold with calling her as her sister and with their history together it is very accurate that they both care like if they are sisters from the same family.
As soon as she noticed where this was going to it was clear that she would want to talk of Lucas, and surprise, surprise. It was about it, she trusted that he would be of pure heart like she has heard but with what Cel told her... It was clear that she needed to be careful with him and even so Lise knew Lucas since her first year at high school but with what she believe and think of how Cel's story is going.

"I-I-I'm sure he will be pleased to meet you. Although you might need to come to Asteria and more exactly to my school to meet him since we both study at the same school which is Blackwell Academy" Lise told her with an nervious smile as she now begun to have doubts of Lucas and their future relationship.
She didn't wanted to suffer the same thing that Cel has suffered many times before Chris, part of her wished that it won't happen that with Lucas as the other half knew that Lucas wasn't like that and that she is just over-thinking.

And like if what she thought was true, Chris confirmed her about what she thought of Celina's exes and what he confirmed too was that Chris exes were too like that and it just made her worry more than what she was.

"So I was right then. Thanks for the info guys. I-I-I'm sure that he will love to meet you two when you guys come to Mervay" she said now clearly nervious, it was clear it was her first boyfriend so that would be the main reason behind her nerviousness. "C-could you guys help me with Dilly and everything for him since I plan to spend an lot now that I'm here on the store so I don't have any problems when I return home so I will need all to be shipped and the store's phone number if I want to buy from my home"

Stoc Inn
So he got lucky that an benefactor financed his schooling and he worked as an bricklayer for cover the rest of the finances he needed... It was interesting to be honest since compared to both Trinity and Ethan they both got thanks to an schoolarship which covered them their school finances until they end their studies, they got that thanks that they got an perfect score in the admission exams in where the students which scored the perfect scores got that schoolarship, out of 300 students, 50 got it with Litton and her boyfriend being two of the lucky ones and so her younger friend which entered last year and was daughter of certain family very powerful in Mervay.

"I have to say that was very good for you sir, I'm sure that hard work was worth for you when you look back" she told her grinning. "My boyfriend and I got an schoolarship which covers everything until we end our careers, even if we didn't scored the perfect grade we would have entered but we wouldn't have that schoolarship which gave us an relief in the finances, of course we worked too to sustain ourselves, I work at the General Hospital of the old part of city and sometimes at the Ministry of Justice during weekends, meanwhile my boyfriend works at the central offices of an important corporation at home"

Láir Square
Two Mervayans in two different places of the square but with the same destiny and reason, The Stoc Inn and their couples... Or kinda. Ethan Bennington and Lucas Walker, both they didn't knew and both wouldn't do considering that they never talked, they never met, etc, etc with them only have spoke in the flight to Cuán which was another one different from the one in which the girls came.
Both of them wanted to give an surprise to their ladies, and what an good surprise than be with them together here in The Free Lands.

That was the perfect chance for one pal to confess his feelings too. That was Lucas motivation to come here to the other side of the world and far away from home, confess his feelings to the woman he loved, Lisolette.
He knew that this would be difficult but thankfully and by luck since they both were great friends and Lise parents knew him, they wouldn't mind an relationship between their daughter and someone like Lucas.

Problem for him now was... He knew that Lise was supposed to be at the Stoc Inn from what she told him before leave to the airport and he didn't knew about what happened so... Yeah, he wasn't that lucky and neither he would be able to find an room there.
However he quite knew from Celina and Chris for how his beloved talked about those two, her best friends and the ones she could always trust, so he has an plan b in case the plan a failed.

Now he needed to: "How the hell I'm going to find the Stoc Inn???". Yup, how he would do it considering that he didn't knew the place and it would take an lot of time to see where this place is.
And so his last resort was to ask someone and that's what Lucas did.

"Ehh excuse me but could you tell me how do I get to the Stoc Inn??"

Meanwhile Ethan got it easy since he just followed the location through internet and the rewiews of it, so he did something more clever than his compatriot at the other side of the square. Surely Trinity would be surprised of see him around this place.

"Can't wait to see her expression, surely she won't be able to hold her tears back as soon as she see me" Ethan said laughing as he thought about it. It has been like what, five years as an couple?? Time really passed fast and he without doubt could say those were the best five years of his life.

He has agreed with Trinity to move to live together soon after they do the finals of this year, this was an big step for them and one which would strenght their relationship.

As soon as he was in the Stoc Inn, he entered inside and looked around to find his fiancee but nothing. He then approached the recepcionist and asked her about it.

"Excuse me but could you ask me where I can find an woman named Trinity Litton??"

[Wolfenium]

Alaina shrugged.
"Yes and no.", she said, "No, on the day of the Spring Festival, it is not unusual to invite complete strangers for a cuppa. The Winter's over and what better way to celebrate life and Spring then by meeting people?" She let a beat pass. "But yes, we know you. Layla here is ev-..."
"Oh what lovely weather we have!", Layla interrupted loudly, Alaina giggling. Layla, by now deep-red in her face. "Don't you think so, too?!"
"She's a fan.", Alaina said with a smile, Layla's head about to explode in emberessement "Though, that begs the question, Miss Odegaard, which concert do you mean? One of the many on the Main Music Stage?"

"Ah..." Hilda went, her eyes widening a bit with a tinge of rosy cheeks as she peered at Layla, "mh... Thanks, I guess."

In all honesty, she was a tad surprised that Layla was a fan. Franchouchou, as far as she knew, was a girl group known for lots of preppy songs, usually when she was not the center. She could only assume hiding her identity was futile at this point. But that, in itself, was quite a relief. She did not like to hide her status as a pop idol, not because she was eager to flaunt it, but she did not particularly like it when people mock her friends behind their backs.

"Most of them, really," Hilda said, "mostly the rock sections. I didn't want to go it alone, though. That's why I picked the festival. But everyone in my team all had other things or issues. I'm not a fiddler person, though. That's more of Fleur's thing."

Numbered from zero to six, the enigmatic idols from Friedigerbosch were not known by names, at least until the internet caught up to them. Of the seven, only three were from in the Kristallin coastal town, Hilda, Ida Wannsee, and Lilia Sternfluss. The others, Ingund Wartha, Fleur Meininger, and Utaura were all from other parts of the country. Although, even she had no idea where Ermhilde had come from, due to her complete inability to speak intelligibly. Twiddling her thumbs, 'Number Two' felt sorely tempted to ask.

"Just out of curiosity..." she muttered to Layla, her eyes turning shifty, "you said you're a fan. You wouldn't happen to have a favourite, would you?..."

Perhaps that was not the wisest question to ask...

OOC Notes:

• Franchouchou's Member List
  
  • Ermhilde Smitha - Number 0 (CV: Tae Yamada)
  • Ida Wannsee - Number 1 (CV: Sakura Minamoto)
  • HIlda Odegaard - Number 2 (CV: Saki Nikaido)
  • Ingund Wartha - Number 3 (CV: Ai Mizuno)
  • Fleur Meininger - Number 4 (CV: Junko Konno)
  • Utaura - Number 5 (CV: Yugiri)
  • Lilia Sternfluss (born Bruno Meißner) - Number 6 (CV: Lily Hoshikawa)

[AHSCA]

Leonard smiled.
"My home was small and large at the same time, though I would not call it 'humble'. Still, a beautiful place.", he said and let a beat pass, "Tell ya what, I'll be in the Archipelago during the winter, Bicini wants me for a shooting there again. If you want, you can visit us there... and bring Hina along."
He leaned over.
"Depending on how tonight goes, she might yearn for it!", he said with a grin, giving Haru a wink.

"ohho my..." She giggled at that a little blush on her cheeks "Well that aside, yes I'd think I'd like to. I don't know maybe when the festival is done. It might be a good stop over before our voyage home."

Elin smiled, bowing her head in thankfulness, at the news of Shizuka keeping the secret.
A reply about doubters, however, was never said as Branwen returned.
"Well, I spoke to the owner.", she said as she returned, sitting into her chair again, putting away her smartphone. "He has a few rooms free, in all price categories, and promised me to keep one free, under the condition, that I sign a copy of the novel for his grandson." Branwen shrugged. "I agreed and told him, that you might prefer one of the middle-price segment?"
The last thing was a hopeful question directed at Shizuka.

"Middle price segment sounds perfectly fine! Thank you so much, Branwen!" She clasped her own hands together in a thankful pose "I really really owe you, big time!"

[Mediama]

Fiona had no idea as to who Saint Patrick was, but she knew, which elephant Kathleen meant.
And the thought wiped the joy from her face, replacing it with thoughtfulness.
"The problem is... I still don't know, how I feel...", she said, "I don't know, if I love her... I know, that I like her, but love?" She was silent for a bit. "I would like to find out, though."
Another beat.
"Yes.", she said, "I want to find out."

Máthair.
The use of the word made Meave smile, blush and almost brought tears to her eyes. Máthair was an older way for Selkie to refer to their Mother, nowadays mostly seen in poetry.
She folded the paper and put it into her pocket. "I would love to, searrach.", she said, "And thank you for your well wishes." The Militia-Girls made themselves ready to bring Miranda to the assembly point. "You know, one of my girls is a writer. She would find a more poetic way to say this, but... I pray to Searc, that your beloved will love you back."
Hooves clopped on the pavement as the small group, sans one, who kept watch over the little campfire, trotted over. "We'd be ready. Miss, you'll ride with us, behind one of our backs.", the Sergeant said.
"Well...", Meave said and reached over to give Miranda a hug. "See you around, Miranda."

Kathleen frowned in sympathy, though she was a tad more confident in her convictions growing up, she also understood the challenges of finding yourself and of taking a course of action, secretive or no (she had to admit, being at boarding school let her get away with a little more than she could at home).

She laid her hand on Fiona’s shoulder, “Like I said, you still have time. If I know my Mira, she’s going to be second guessing her feelings, she’ll be trying to figure this out as much as you are. Might give you some time to test some things out and think things over, sound like a good plan?” She gave a toothy smile as a way to brighten things up.

---

Miranda briefly tightened her grip on the hug and sighed, “The same could be said from me to you.” She said, slightly tearing up at the thought that someone that helped her guide her along, even for a brief moment, was going to be gone physically, at least for the time being.

“I hope to see you again, but for now, this will have to be goodbye. I wish you well for the festival.” Bringing her own theatrical persona back, if not to entertain, to counter the pain of saying goodbye.

She turned toward the group of militiawomen and nodded. She then offered her had up to climb onto one of the horses, had she been pulled up, she would climb and then sit in a side-saddle, given her current need for modesty wearing a skirt, and for the preservation of ladylike reputation for St.Victoria. Miranda would look back and wave as they began to move back.

Back to her friends.

Back to face the music.

Back to face her.

---

Her gamble paid off as the second interpretation made Liv snort in amusement. The High Priestess his her own snort and smile behind her fist, coughing into it.
"Now, the second interpretation is an interesting one, but let's focus on the first one.", she said with a small smile still worming its way onto her face. "Who, do you think, would first undermine? And who would throw the first punch?" She let a beat pass. "Liv?"
She thought for a moment. "Both Ladra and Lodan Lir would start undermining their bet around the same time, for they can't see their companions suffer.", she replied, "As to who would throw the first blow... the Vixen, by bonking their heads together due to their stupidity."
Aife nodded. "Though, would the your version of the story still end in a feast, Kat?", she asked.

Kat smiled, seeing that her well planned yet ad-libbed explanation managed to make both her beloved, and a fricken’ Pope-like figure laugh, with little to no offense to them.

She shook her head to the High Priestess’ question. “If I had little context apart from basic knowledge of the local culture and religion, and had found the mural just as we had seen it, from back to front during an archeological dig, I might not have thought that there was a feast, given that it’s not shown in the beginning of the mural. It could be implied though if it’s common culture for them to feast constantly.”

She bit her lip, “Of course, if it was an archeological dig, I wouldn’t be alone, there would be other archeologists and historians out there with me to give second opinions, maybe point out that I might be interpreting the mural backwards.”

She then turned to Liv and smiled, saying in a sort of flirtatious tease “Of course, I might also have my girlfriend there to cheer me up for making such a screw up.”

[Kuronami]

The woman next to Ayden looked up as she heard the excitement and just as Pina wanted to reply, she spoke: "His name is Ayden.", she said with friendliness and calmness, putting a hand on the large feline's head, "And he is a Star Lynx. Realincse in Selkie."
A beat passed, the other parents and their kids watching with fascination as the woman looked to Pina.
"Indeed.", Pina said with a smile, "Hi, Darufa... how's Leonard?"
"With Alaina and Tréadaí, as usual.", she said and smiled, turning back to the girls, "That reminds me, I am Darufa. Just an ordinary human, I am afraid." She giggled at the last thing. "Who might you two be, searraigh?"

"Ayden" they repeated, learning the name. "I'm Joey." Joey introduced herself first "And I'm Billie. We're best friends. And they're my mama and papa! But hers are still back in Kuronami!"

"Hehe I'm traveling along with them!"

"Which is no problem for us" Charlie came up from behind planting her hands onto Billie's shoulders "Joey is practically a second daughter to us. Charlie, and my husband Jamie. We've become aquainted with Pina already and she's promised us some cute animals."

"Mhm mhm lots and lots a cute animals!"

Mara waggled her finger strictly.
"That's not good, Miss Tsukasa.", she said, in parent-mode, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, a good start into it is important, maybe more important then sleeping in!"
She wanted to continue, until Rona spoke: "But... doesn't Mam have to wake you up every morning with a pot and a wooden spoon?", she asked as innocently as only a young child could.
Meave giggled as Mara blushed. "Well, Rona, that's true.", Rona's Mam explained, "But she still has breakfast!"
Rona seemed confused, adorably so.

Mei also giggled at that "Aha well I'll admit there's been days I've had to give Tsu-chan a ring to get her to stumble awake!"

"Ashamed as I am to admit it, she's right, Mei-chan sometimes is my saving grace."

"But as it is, she's right, Tsu-chan, I want you to eat breakfast and not wait until lunch!" Mei firmly responded

"All right all right."

[Foxfound]

"Nice to meetcha! I'm Z, and this is Kiri and Ren, though I guess they might have told you our names already. Where are we going first? I know there's foxes and horses and probably a bunch of interesting places under all the stains on this map and - "
This went on rather longer than would be considered appropriate.

Kiri just grinned happily. It was always great to make new friends, especially ones that would probably be around as long as she would.

"Hello," said Ren, then more quietly adding "Sorry about Z. She's sort of... unpredictable, but she'll stay out of trouble as long as she has something to do or somewhere to explore."
She glanced at the now mostly-useless map.
"Really, she was supposed to be keeping track of us."

Nia, as soon as she realized, who was who, smiled softly.
"Yes, she seems quite... exciteable.", she told Ren and nodded, "Unpredictable? Maybe, but we'll see about that." She did not mind the whole waterfall of words, which came from Z's mouth, but after a while, it had gotten... a bit too much, especially considering, that there was a question to answer. As soon as Z had to take in fresh air, Nia interrupted her: "One thing after the other, please. I plan to first show you a little secret spot, the Sacred Grove of the Swan. I also organized a boat for us closeby, which we might take to the old Toll-Fortress a bit upstream of the Mór. A ruin, which, as far as I know, might excite you quite a bit, Z."

Z rubbed her hands together deviously. "That does sound exciting! So does the grove. It all does."

Kiri nodded. "She does like to explore things. I've never gotten to accompany her on an expedition, so I think I'll like this."

While Kiri spoke, Z's face had changed to a less oblivious expression. "Wait... should I pay for the boat? I'm not sure if I have enough money or not, but I didn't realize people were going to be doing this sort of thing for us..."

[The Selkie]

"I bet they are.", the old man said with a smile, not mocking, but honestly believing it, "And I bet, that you are. A father is always proud of his children. A blessing, they are... and a reminder of our responsibility."
He let a beat pass.
"The responsibility to not only care for them, but also for our world, so that we may leave them a world, in which they can live in.", he continued, "Maybe a better place, then the place we found, but hopefully not a worse place." He was silent for what seemed like an eternity, until he grinned at Tieguang. "Would you believe me, if I were to tell you, that during the winter my first two Great-Grandchildren were born?"

“Certainly so…” Tieguang went silent as if he’s paused in thought. The Minrozian is certainly a proud father of his kids at the same time worried about their welfare. He has no doubt that his children will grew up into responsible adults who’ll contribute to the Middle Kingdom and the world. However, the last part said by the Selkie elder has caught him off-guard.

“Oh, you have great-grandchildren?” The brunette remarked. “Well, I wouldn’t believe it at first if I knew some old folks who have their great-grandchildren. By the Gods, congratulations, elder Conchobar.” He gave out a smile.

"Twins, even!", the old man said with a wide grin, reaching to his belt and taking out his purse. On one of the sides, behind a small translucent panel, was the picture of a young woman, in her twenties, with two bundles in her arms, her smile brimming with happiness. She had the same eyes as Conchobar. "Their names are Finnegan and Raidri, after their grandfathers, one of them my son. And they're alive and well." He smiled proudly, showing it to Tieguang and his wife. "The woman's my granddaughter Ava."

Jan Breytenbach with Gwen

Jan eyed his surroundings closely, observing the people working. The backstage folk is who made the magic happen, no matter the occassion, in Jan's opinion.

He also noticed the delicious looking breadrolls, his stomach growling again in appreciation.

When Jan was introduced to the new gentleman, Jan laughed ever so softly - he has not been called a 'Lad' in many a year. Jan smiled broadly before replying "Just a friendly friend..lad".. and extended his hand for a greeting exchange.

Raidri was immediately suspicious, narrowing his eyes as he bowed his head lightly. Selkie were not people for handshakes.
The older Gwen suppressed a sigh and replied: "His name's Jan.", she said with a slightly tired smile, "He's the guy, who knocked Gwenny up."
Raidri was, for a moment, confused, looked to the younger Gwen and did a double take.
"Ah, searrach, tá tú ag creachadh!", he said with a huge laugh, getting up and opening his arms. A moment later, the younger Gwen was in his arms, receiving his congratulations and well-wishes, all of them in Selkie.
He even kissed Gwenny on the forehead, who let him do with a huge smile herself.

Outside of the Shop.
Of course, Chris knew, that Cel was just teasing Lise a bit - he grinned and threw a small wave into the round, then kept serious again, as she ended the teasing part and went over to a more serious one.
And of course, she was a bit biased. Who, could hold it against her? Surely nobody who knew Cel's exes, or at least some of them, and the, indeed, rather less happy stories behind them.
Meeting someone who had a heart of the purest silver and was as innocent as the freshly-fallen snow - that was more of a rarity than even the most naïve persons Chris had ever met would think.
He nodded. "That's true - some of her exes are real jerks at their finest!" - he said. "Not that my ex-girlfriends had been any better ... but that's not the point now. Getting to know him surely couldn't harm, just to be safe."

Outside the Shop
As expected from Cel, she did an small teasing pointing at her boyfriend to be the sweetest person in the world and joking that she might be biased on it. Surprisingly that teasing and jokes as so her smile faded away as Celina became serious and cold with calling her as her sister and with their history together it is very accurate that they both care like if they are sisters from the same family.
As soon as she noticed where this was going to it was clear that she would want to talk of Lucas, and surprise, surprise. It was about it, she trusted that he would be of pure heart like she has heard but with what Cel told her... It was clear that she needed to be careful with him and even so Lise knew Lucas since her first year at high school but with what she believe and think of how Cel's story is going.

"I-I-I'm sure he will be pleased to meet you. Although you might need to come to Asteria and more exactly to my school to meet him since we both study at the same school which is Blackwell Academy" Lise told her with an nervious smile as she now begun to have doubts of Lucas and their future relationship.
She didn't wanted to suffer the same thing that Cel has suffered many times before Chris, part of her wished that it won't happen that with Lucas as the other half knew that Lucas wasn't like that and that she is just over-thinking.

And like if what she thought was true, Chris confirmed her about what she thought of Celina's exes and what he confirmed too was that Chris exes were too like that and it just made her worry more than what she was.

"So I was right then. Thanks for the info guys. I-I-I'm sure that he will love to meet you two when you guys come to Mervay" she said now clearly nervious, it was clear it was her first boyfriend so that would be the main reason behind her nerviousness. "C-could you guys help me with Dilly and everything for him since I plan to spend an lot now that I'm here on the store so I don't have any problems when I return home so I will need all to be shipped and the store's phone number if I want to buy from my home"

Stoc Inn
So he got lucky that an benefactor financed his schooling and he worked as an bricklayer for cover the rest of the finances he needed... It was interesting to be honest since compared to both Trinity and Ethan they both got thanks to an schoolarship which covered them their school finances until they end their studies, they got that thanks that they got an perfect score in the admission exams in where the students which scored the perfect scores got that schoolarship, out of 300 students, 50 got it with Litton and her boyfriend being two of the lucky ones and so her younger friend which entered last year and was daughter of certain family very powerful in Mervay.

"I have to say that was very good for you sir, I'm sure that hard work was worth for you when you look back" she told her grinning. "My boyfriend and I got an schoolarship which covers everything until we end our careers, even if we didn't scored the perfect grade we would have entered but we wouldn't have that schoolarship which gave us an relief in the finances, of course we worked too to sustain ourselves, I work at the General Hospital of the old part of city and sometimes at the Ministry of Justice during weekends, meanwhile my boyfriend works at the central offices of an important corporation at home"

Láir Square
Two Mervayans in two different places of the square but with the same destiny and reason, The Stoc Inn and their couples... Or kinda. Ethan Bennington and Lucas Walker, both they didn't knew and both wouldn't do considering that they never talked, they never met, etc, etc with them only have spoke in the flight to Cuán which was another one different from the one in which the girls came.
Both of them wanted to give an surprise to their ladies, and what an good surprise than be with them together here in The Free Lands.

That was the perfect chance for one pal to confess his feelings too. That was Lucas motivation to come here to the other side of the world and far away from home, confess his feelings to the woman he loved, Lisolette.
He knew that this would be difficult but thankfully and by luck since they both were great friends and Lise parents knew him, they wouldn't mind an relationship between their daughter and someone like Lucas.

Problem for him now was... He knew that Lise was supposed to be at the Stoc Inn from what she told him before leave to the airport and he didn't knew about what happened so... Yeah, he wasn't that lucky and neither he would be able to find an room there.
However he quite knew from Celina and Chris for how his beloved talked about those two, her best friends and the ones she could always trust, so he has an plan b in case the plan a failed.

Now he needed to: "How the hell I'm going to find the Stoc Inn???". Yup, how he would do it considering that he didn't knew the place and it would take an lot of time to see where this place is.
And so his last resort was to ask someone and that's what Lucas did.

"Ehh excuse me but could you tell me how do I get to the Stoc Inn??"

Meanwhile Ethan got it easy since he just followed the location through internet and the rewiews of it, so he did something more clever than his compatriot at the other side of the square. Surely Trinity would be surprised of see him around this place.

"Can't wait to see her expression, surely she won't be able to hold her tears back as soon as she see me" Ethan said laughing as he thought about it. It has been like what, five years as an couple?? Time really passed fast and he without doubt could say those were the best five years of his life.

He has agreed with Trinity to move to live together soon after they do the finals of this year, this was an big step for them and one which would strenght their relationship.

As soon as he was in the Stoc Inn, he entered inside and looked around to find his fiancee but nothing. He then approached the recepcionist and asked her about it.

"Excuse me but could you ask me where I can find an woman named Trinity Litton??"

Outside of the shop.
I was sure, that we would enjoy meeting him, too, but... better safe then sorry.
At the request for help with Dilly, my boss cleared his throat and smiled. "That's what the starter kit is for, Young Lady.", he said and meant Young Lady as a sign of respect. He motioned for her to come closer and as soon as she was, he opened the box, explaining the things inside of it with a smile. There was a guidebook for the most common situations as well as dietary requirements, there were cans of food for two weeks, a collar, all sorts of things, which one might need. He explained everything to her. Lastly, he motioned to a sheet of paper at the bottom. "This is the address of this shop, including telephone, e-mail and the internet address. A certain someone..." He glanced to me. "...convinced me to try a web presence."
I smiled with a small shrug.
"The most important thing is...", Finnegan said from the side, "...to not be afraid. He's most likely just as curious as you are!"

Stoc Inn.
Silvio smiled and nodded slightly.
Depending on which this company is, I might have interest in meeting him, as did my boss. In any case, I grinned: "Oh, that's nice. I make an apprenticeship as a merchant." I motioned to my Master. "With him, that is. We get around quite a lot..."
Silvio nodded again.
"So... do you see each other often?", I asked Trinity.
Right then, the waitress came with the drinks and the food, a traditional breakfast for all three in all of its greasy glory, as well as tea for all of us.
"Please, if you want, speak your graces.", Silvio offered Trinity.

Meanwhile, in the foyer, the receptionist smiled politely at Ethan, a young man in Geansai.
"That depends on who asks.", he said and closed the book of bookings and rooms. "You look neither like City Guard or Ionchoisne to me, lad, and we value the privacy of our guests."
He let a beat pass.
"So?", he asked.

On the square, Lucas received his answer from a woman, with brown hair and brown eyes, who carried a little girl on her arm. Said girl shared many of her facial features, undoubtedly her daughter and cute as a button.
She smiled, almost motherly, despite being older then Lucas by very much.
"See that building?", she asked him, pointing at one of the houses lining the square, "That's the Stoc. I am afraid, however, that it will be full for the day..."

[...]

Marcach Camp.
Mia nodded, agreeing. Just trying another horse would possibly be fine. And since it was rather unlikely (yet not entirely excluded), that she herself was the problem, another shot was given to Tréadaí.
As turned out, he loved Alaina from the bottom of his heart - which was completely fine. But would he also get along with Mia?
If yes, all would be fine ... if not, there was an interesting fact to determine - horses in the Free Lands would, at least now, seem to be a tiny bit more selective than those in the Lillöer-Archipelago.
"Hello, Tréadaí!" - she said while extending her hand to him to let him smell. "Now, are you fine with me?"

Marcach Camp.
Tréadaí sniffed the offered hand and let a few beats pass.
Then sniffed it again.
Alaina and Leonard were tense, the young man's grip around the reins got harder and more secure.
Then the horse gave a soft neigh of acceptance, tension leaving Alaina with a blast of air. "So it is Bleán... hm...", she said, her joy turning into thinking as she turned to Mia, "I'll see if I can't get you another horse or do you want to ride with one of your friends?"
Leonard added: "I am sure, that some of the Marcach would love to have you ride with them, too!"

Alaina shrugged.
"Yes and no.", she said, "No, on the day of the Spring Festival, it is not unusual to invite complete strangers for a cuppa. The Winter's over and what better way to celebrate life and Spring then by meeting people?" She let a beat pass. "But yes, we know you. Layla here is ev-..."
"Oh what lovely weather we have!", Layla interrupted loudly, Alaina giggling. Layla, by now deep-red in her face. "Don't you think so, too?!"
"She's a fan.", Alaina said with a smile, Layla's head about to explode in emberessement "Though, that begs the question, Miss Odegaard, which concert do you mean? One of the many on the Main Music Stage?"

"Ah..." Hilda went, her eyes widening a bit with a tinge of rosy cheeks as she peered at Layla, "mh... Thanks, I guess."

In all honesty, she was a tad surprised that Layla was a fan. Franchouchou, as far as she knew, was a girl group known for lots of preppy songs, usually when she was not the center. She could only assume hiding her identity was futile at this point. But that, in itself, was quite a relief. She did not like to hide her status as a pop idol, not because she was eager to flaunt it, but she did not particularly like it when people mock her friends behind their backs.

"Most of them, really," Hilda said, "I mostly the rock sections. I didn't want to go it alone, though. That's why I picked the festival. But everyone in my team all had other things or issues. I'm not a fiddler person, though. That's more of Fleur's thing."

Numbered from zero to six, the enigmatic idols from Friedigerbosch were not known by names, at least until the internet caught up to them. Of the seven, only three were from in the Kristallin coastal town, Hilda, Ida Wannsee, and Lilia Sternfluss. The others, Ingund Wartha, Fleur Meininger, and Utaura were all from other parts of the country. Although, even she had no idea where Ermhilde had come from, due to her complete inability to speak intelligibly. Twiddling her thumbs, 'Number Two' felt sorely tempted to ask.

"Just out of curiosity..." she muttered to Layla, her eyes turning shifty, "you said you're a fan. You wouldn't happen to have a favourite, would you?..."

Perhaps that was not the wisest question to ask...

OOC Notes:

• Franchouchou's Member List
  
  • Ermhilde Smitha - Number 0 (CV: Tae Yamada)
  • Ida Wannsee - Number 1 (CV: Sakura Minamoto)
  • HIlda Odegaard - Number 2 (CV: Saki Nikaido)
  • Ingund Wartha - Number 3 (CV: Ai Mizuno)
  • Fleur Meininger - Number 4 (CV: Junko Konno)
  • Utaura - Number 5 (CV: Yugiri)
  • Lilia Sternfluss (born Bruno Meißner) - Number 6 (CV: Lily Hoshikawa)

"Then you right with us, when you want the rock-sections!", Alaina said with a small smile, her eyes twinkling, "We are Leannáin, a Selkie-Rock Duo. And we play the harder version. Disread is all snuggly and Mórbhileog is dancing with their... what was the term again?"
"Selkie-Jazz-Rock-Fusion.", Layla supplied with a smile, her cheeks still slightly aflame, only reddening more, "As for favourites, I find, that Number Two has the nicest voice."
She knew, that Hilda was Number Two, they both knew. Although they were 'fans', they were not obsessive fans, and while they knew the 'real' names of the members of the band, they knew, that some artists preferred going by their stage names.
"I personally would not mind spending an evening or a night with Number One.", Alaina supplied with a teasing smile.

Leonard smiled.
"My home was small and large at the same time, though I would not call it 'humble'. Still, a beautiful place.", he said and let a beat pass, "Tell ya what, I'll be in the Archipelago during the winter, Bicini wants me for a shooting there again. If you want, you can visit us there... and bring Hina along."
He leaned over.
"Depending on how tonight goes, she might yearn for it!", he said with a grin, giving Haru a wink.

"ohho my..." She giggled at that a little blush on her cheeks "Well that aside, yes I'd think I'd like to. I don't know maybe when the festival is done. It might be a good stop over before our voyage home."

Elin smiled, bowing her head in thankfulness, at the news of Shizuka keeping the secret.
A reply about doubters, however, was never said as Branwen returned.
"Well, I spoke to the owner.", she said as she returned, sitting into her chair again, putting away her smartphone. "He has a few rooms free, in all price categories, and promised me to keep one free, under the condition, that I sign a copy of the novel for his grandson." Branwen shrugged. "I agreed and told him, that you might prefer one of the middle-price segment?"
The last thing was a hopeful question directed at Shizuka.

"Middle price segment sounds perfectly fine! Thank you so much, Branwen!" She clasped her own hands together in a thankful pose "I really really owe you, big time!"

Leonard smiled and replied: "If you go there on your return trip, make a stopover in Scrín, at the Taiscéalaí Inn. It's a good house!", he recommended with a smile.
Just then, Lugh poked his head in.
"Alright.", he said with a grin, entering the shop again with Hina's glasses in hand, "Her glasses have their temporary fix!" His cheer made Leonard smile as well, but subsided by a slight bit. "But keep in mind, that the fix is temporary. She still needs new glasses and needs to be careful with these."
He handed them to Haru.

Branwen blushed. "Please, it's nothing...", she protested, smiling, "...it's a pleasure to help a friend out..."
Elin smiled at that in a small, mysterious way.

The woman next to Ayden looked up as she heard the excitement and just as Pina wanted to reply, she spoke: "His name is Ayden.", she said with friendliness and calmness, putting a hand on the large feline's head, "And he is a Star Lynx. Realincse in Selkie."
A beat passed, the other parents and their kids watching with fascination as the woman looked to Pina.
"Indeed.", Pina said with a smile, "Hi, Darufa... how's Leonard?"
"With Alaina and Tréadaí, as usual.", she said and smiled, turning back to the girls, "That reminds me, I am Darufa. Just an ordinary human, I am afraid." She giggled at the last thing. "Who might you two be, searraigh?"

"Ayden" they repeated, learning the name. "I'm Joey." Joey introduced herself first "And I'm Billie. We're best friends. And they're my mama and papa! But hers are still back in Kuronami!"

"Hehe I'm traveling along with them!"

"Which is no problem for us" Charlie came up from behind planting her hands onto Billie's shoulders "Joey is practically a second daughter to us. Charlie, and my husband Jamie. We've become aquainted with Pina already and she's promised us some cute animals."

"Mhm mhm lots and lots a cute animals!"

Mara waggled her finger strictly.
"That's not good, Miss Tsukasa.", she said, in parent-mode, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, a good start into it is important, maybe more important then sleeping in!"
She wanted to continue, until Rona spoke: "But... doesn't Mam have to wake you up every morning with a pot and a wooden spoon?", she asked as innocently as only a young child could.
Meave giggled as Mara blushed. "Well, Rona, that's true.", Rona's Mam explained, "But she still has breakfast!"
Rona seemed confused, adorably so.

Mei also giggled at that "Aha well I'll admit there's been days I've had to give Tsu-chan a ring to get her to stumble awake!"

"Ashamed as I am to admit it, she's right, Mei-chan sometimes is my saving grace."

"But as it is, she's right, Tsu-chan, I want you to eat breakfast and not wait until lunch!" Mei firmly responded

"All right all right."

Pina and Darufa smiled.
"Oh, I know, who you might want to know...", Darufa said with a smile, rose, nodded to the ladies with her in Selkie, very obviously apologizing for going off and snapped her fingers. Ayden was by her side immediately. "Come, I'll show you, where we have the Guarding Foxes!"
Meanwhile, one of the lads watched with great interest and especially Joey...

"Indeed.", Meave said with a small smile, "And speaking of breakfasts..."
She motioned to in front of them, where the bakery stood. And what a bakery it was! The windows were full of delicious breads and breadrolls and other things, which made the mouth water by merely looking at them, the smells from the shop only intensifying the watering.
Scipeal and Maith were inside of the shop, as well as many other things, which were even more delicious.
"Pick whatever you want.", Mara said, "It's on us. And don't forget something to drink!"

Z rubbed her hands together deviously. "That does sound exciting! So does the grove. It all does."

Kiri nodded. "She does like to explore things. I've never gotten to accompany her on an expedition, so I think I'll like this."

While Kiri spoke, Z's face had changed to a less oblivious expression. "Wait... should I pay for the boat? I'm not sure if I have enough money or not, but I didn't realize people were going to be doing this sort of thing for us..."

Nia smiled.
"Nah, you don't have ta pay, Z.", she said, "I already did and..." She leaned forward, blushed slightly. "...it's a friend of mine, who I showed a few tricks with kissing, for the next time she is with her girlfriend." She shrugged. "I did collect a bit of experience in that over the centuries... no need to hoard the experience!"
Macha giggled.
"In any case, I'm glad, that you like what I had planned so far!", Nia said with a small smile.

Kathleen frowned in sympathy, though she was a tad more confident in her convictions growing up, she also understood the challenges of finding yourself and of taking a course of action, secretive or no (she had to admit, being at boarding school let her get away with a little more than she could at home).

She laid her hand on Fiona’s shoulder, “Like I said, you still have time. If I know my Mira, she’s going to be second guessing her feelings, she’ll be trying to figure this out as much as you are. Might give you some time to test some things out and think things over, sound like a good plan?” She gave a toothy smile as a way to brighten things up.

---

Miranda briefly tightened her grip on the hug and sighed, “The same could be said from me to you.” She said, slightly tearing up at the thought that someone that helped her guide her along, even for a brief moment, was going to be gone physically, at least for the time being.

“I hope to see you again, but for now, this will have to be goodbye. I wish you well for the festival.” Bringing her own theatrical persona back, if not to entertain, to counter the pain of saying goodbye.

She turned toward the group of militiawomen and nodded. She then offered her had up to climb onto one of the horses, had she been pulled up, she would climb and then sit in a side-saddle, given her current need for modesty wearing a skirt, and for the preservation of ladylike reputation for St.Victoria. Miranda would look back and wave as they began to move back.

Back to her friends.

Back to face the music.

Back to face her.

---

Kat smiled, seeing that her well planned yet ad-libbed explanation managed to make both her beloved, and a fricken’ Pope-like figure laugh, with little to no offense to them.

She shook her head to the High Priestess’ question. “If I had little context apart from basic knowledge of the local culture and religion, and had found the mural just as we had seen it, from back to front during an archeological dig, I might not have thought that there was a feast, given that it’s not shown in the beginning of the mural. It could be implied though if it’s common culture for them to feast constantly.”

She bit her lip, “Of course, if it was an archeological dig, I wouldn’t be alone, there would be other archeologists and historians out there with me to give second opinions, maybe point out that I might be interpreting the mural backwards.”

She then turned to Liv and smiled, saying in a sort of flirtatious tease “Of course, I might also have my girlfriend there to cheer me up for making such a screw up.”

Fiona thought for a moment.
"Yes, it indeed sounds like a plan.", she said with a nod, she swallowed heavily. "Gods, this is... confusing..." She looked to Ciaran with a small smile, the Militia-Lad having listened, but didn't get everything. "Be happy, that you don't have to deal with such a chaos!"
"I am, Fi.", he replied, "But Nolly says, that it'll come..." He looked to Kathleen and explained: "Nolwenn is my older sister."

Having pulled the girl up, she waited until she Miranda comfortable in side-saddle, Meave standing back.
The Sergeant recognized the way of sitting, but her girls did not. Although they knew riding with skirts, they just rode like normal with one on, Selkie were remarkably unconcerned, when it came to that.
As soon as Miranda sat safely, Meave looked as if she wanted to add something, but in the end, she just waved as the little group of horsewomen departed, tears streaming down her face.
"So...", the Sergeant began after a minute or two, Meave and the bench long since vanished behind turns, "...want some free advice to go with the ride?"

Liv smiled and blushed, her hand searching for and finding Kat's hand easily.
The 'fricken’ Pope-like figure' (although she had no idea about this particular thought) smiled as well, tenderly. "A very good answer, Miss Kat.", she said with a small bow, "And a very honest one. Liv sure is a lucky girl to have you."
"I am, High Priestess.", the Selkie replied with a loving smile. "Uhm, Milady, would you mind..."
"Of course not.", the High Priestess said with a bit of sheepishness. "I am sorry for having kept you for so long!" She stepped aside. "Have a wonderful day, Miss Kat, and enjoy the festival. May the Seas and Rivers be calm in your passing."
The last was accompanied by a small bow of her head, which Liv returned and nodded to Kat to do the same.

[Solisian Union]

She nodded and told the girl, "Please do, it would help."

Now, she would have to wait...again. She sighed as she looked away, towards the festival as it happened, the Solisian journalist feeling a cold hand grip her heart, reminding her of the one she wanted to see...right now and without any more delay. She had a job to do, she knew, but she couldn't move. She wanted to see him, to hear him, to at least find a way to connect to him again.

And this girl would help her connect to him again.

She just hoped, really hoped the boy would still be free from the rest so that she could steal him away.

[AHSCA]

Leonard smiled and replied: "If you go there on your return trip, make a stopover in Scrín, at the Taiscéalaí Inn. It's a good house!", he recommended with a smile.
Just then, Lugh poked his head in.
"Alright.", he said with a grin, entering the shop again with Hina's glasses in hand, "Her glasses have their temporary fix!" His cheer made Leonard smile as well, but subsided by a slight bit. "But keep in mind, that the fix is temporary. She still needs new glasses and needs to be careful with these."
He handed them to Haru.

"Then it's a date!" She chimed out. "Oh..." Hina walked out sporting her freshly patched up glasses. "How are they, dear?"

"Good as new! At least I don't have a large crack in the lens!"

"Perfect. But still need new ones, we can worry about that before we leave for home." She patted her daughter's head "In the meantime the temporary patch will work out just fine. Thank you very much for helping us."

"Mhm thank you a lot!" Hina thanked along with her mother.

Branwen blushed. "Please, it's nothing...", she protested, smiling, "...it's a pleasure to help a friend out..."
Elin smiled at that in a small, mysterious way.

Shizuka felt like leaping out of her chair across the table to hug Branwen for bending over backwards for her, but best not to make a ruckes so she kept in contained. She'd find some way to thank her sometime in the meantime. "Aww friends! That makes me happy we're instant friends! You're just the best, Branwen!"

[Kuronami]

Pina and Darufa smiled.
"Oh, I know, who you might want to know...", Darufa said with a smile, rose, nodded to the ladies with her in Selkie, very obviously apologizing for going off and snapped her fingers. Ayden was by her side immediately. "Come, I'll show you, where we have the Guarding Foxes!"
Meanwhile, one of the lads watched with great interest and especially Joey...

Joey couldn't shake the feeling she was being watched but by whom she wasn't sure. Her eyes darted around.

"Mmm what's up, Joey?"

"mmm I get the feelin' like I'm being watched or somethin'"

"Heeeee" Billie smirked "You know that's how it started out with me! Bet'cha someone's keepin their eyes on ya!"

She took her friend by the hand again and together they scanned the crowd to see the most obvious suspect. They were being ushered to follow Darufa but Billie had to hold firm "Hold just a minute, ma'am! Seems Joey has got a secret admirer!" She pointed over to the boy.

"Indeed.", Meave said with a small smile, "And speaking of breakfasts..."
She motioned to in front of them, where the bakery stood. And what a bakery it was! The windows were full of delicious breads and breadrolls and other things, which made the mouth water by merely looking at them, the smells from the shop only intensifying the watering.
Scipeal and Maith were inside of the shop, as well as many other things, which were even more delicious.
"Pick whatever you want.", Mara said, "It's on us. And don't forget something to drink!"

The two girls could inhale the aroma of freshly baked goods to their delight. It was mouthwatering already they had to quickly go up to see what good were offered. "That one" Mei pointed to one, "That looks great."

Tsukasa wasn't quite as adventerous as Mei and quietly and politely asked the baker, "By chance, any pork buns?"

"Oh and tea, how about some tea?" Mei added on "Oh green or milk?"

"Whatever your having." Tsukasa added. She loved Green Tea but she also didn't mind just going with whatever Mei would have "In that case, two green teas!"

[Wolfenium]

"Then you right with us, when you want the rock-sections!", Alaina said with a small smile, her eyes twinkling, "We are Leannáin, a Selkie-Rock Duo. And we play the harder version. Disread is all snuggly and Mórbhileog is dancing with their... what was the term again?"
"Selkie-Jazz-Rock-Fusion.", Layla supplied with a smile, her cheeks still slightly aflame, only reddening more, "As for favourites, I find, that Number Two has the nicest voice."
She knew, that Hilda was Number Two, they both knew. Although they were 'fans', they were not obsessive fans, and while they knew the 'real' names of the members of the band, they knew, that some artists preferred going by their stage names.

"You're just saying that because I'm right here," chimed Hilda, grinning from end to end at the compliment, "you shouldn't have~... But yea, if I have to choose, I'll definitely be at your show. Not that I hate snuggly or fusion. I know my teammates might. But I'm not a sweet girl~."

"I personally would not mind spending an evening or a night with Number One.", Alaina supplied with a teasing smile.

"Egg Girl, I see," the wild girl remarked, "you have good taste~. Ida would love to hear this~."

Ida Wannsee, by far the most inexperienced of the group besides Hilda herself. Sure, she was not a drolling mess like Ermhilde, but there were a great many things she had to brush up on. Her enthusiasm for idol music far surpassed even the veteran Fleur and Ingund, though that in itself often caused her to push beyond exhaustion. Not to mention her penchant for inviting calamity, though that was not exactly uncommon among the entire group. She is attractive, however, and quite stacked too.

"Anyway, I have some time before and after the concert," she admitted, "anything about the festival you'd recommend checking out? I'm not exactly a medieval fair person, so this isn't something I'm familiar with. Number Three (Ingund) would know, though. She's one of those 'Sisters of Pluma' back in her high school. It's one of those first aids and home nursing organizations. Uhm, what's a good comparison?... St John's Ambulance? I think that one was Terran."

[Minroz]

"Twins, even!", the old man said with a wide grin, reaching to his belt and taking out his purse. On one of the sides, behind a small translucent panel, was the picture of a young woman, in her twenties, with two bundles in her arms, her smile brimming with happiness. She had the same eyes as Conchobar. "Their names are Finnegan and Raidri, after their grandfathers, one of them my son. And they're alive and well." He smiled proudly, showing it to Tieguang and his wife. "The woman's my granddaughter Ava."

“You have beautiful granddaughter.” Tieguang remarked. “I’ve never certainly guessed you to have great-grandchildren. How old are you really, elder Conchobar?”

“I’ve heard you gentlemen having a chat.” Lianhua spoke out, firing her arrow. It has hit in the centre of the target. “I do beg your pardon, elder. What were you talking about with my husband?” She asked with curiosity.

[Lillorainen]

Outside the Shop
As expected from Cel, she did an small teasing pointing at her boyfriend to be the sweetest person in the world and joking that she might be biased on it. Surprisingly that teasing and jokes as so her smile faded away as Celina became serious and cold with calling her as her sister and with their history together it is very accurate that they both care like if they are sisters from the same family.
As soon as she noticed where this was going to it was clear that she would want to talk of Lucas, and surprise, surprise. It was about it, she trusted that he would be of pure heart like she has heard but with what Cel told her... It was clear that she needed to be careful with him and even so Lise knew Lucas since her first year at high school but with what she believe and think of how Cel's story is going.

"I-I-I'm sure he will be pleased to meet you. Although you might need to come to Asteria and more exactly to my school to meet him since we both study at the same school which is Blackwell Academy" Lise told her with an nervious smile as she now begun to have doubts of Lucas and their future relationship.
She didn't wanted to suffer the same thing that Cel has suffered many times before Chris, part of her wished that it won't happen that with Lucas as the other half knew that Lucas wasn't like that and that she is just over-thinking.

And like if what she thought was true, Chris confirmed her about what she thought of Celina's exes and what he confirmed too was that Chris exes were too like that and it just made her worry more than what she was.

"So I was right then. Thanks for the info guys. I-I-I'm sure that he will love to meet you two when you guys come to Mervay" she said now clearly nervious, it was clear it was her first boyfriend so that would be the main reason behind her nerviousness. "C-could you guys help me with Dilly and everything for him since I plan to spend an lot now that I'm here on the store so I don't have any problems when I return home so I will need all to be shipped and the store's phone number if I want to buy from my home"

Outside of the shop.
I was sure, that we would enjoy meeting him, too, but... better safe then sorry.
At the request for help with Dilly, my boss cleared his throat and smiled. "That's what the starter kit is for, Young Lady.", he said and meant Young Lady as a sign of respect. He motioned for her to come closer and as soon as she was, he opened the box, explaining the things inside of it with a smile. There was a guidebook for the most common situations as well as dietary requirements, there were cans of food for two weeks, a collar, all sorts of things, which one might need. He explained everything to her. Lastly, he motioned to a sheet of paper at the bottom. "This is the address of this shop, including telephone, e-mail and the internet address. A certain someone..." He glanced to me. "...convinced me to try a web presence."
I smiled with a small shrug.
"The most important thing is...", Finnegan said from the side, "...to not be afraid. He's most likely just as curious as you are!"

Marcach Camp.
Tréadaí sniffed the offered hand and let a few beats pass.
Then sniffed it again.
Alaina and Leonard were tense, the young man's grip around the reins got harder and more secure.
Then the horse gave a soft neigh of acceptance, tension leaving Alaina with a blast of air. "So it is Bleán... hm...", she said, her joy turning into thinking as she turned to Mia, "I'll see if I can't get you another horse or do you want to ride with one of your friends?"
Leonard added: "I am sure, that some of the Marcach would love to have you ride with them, too!"

Outside of the Shop.
Better safe than sorry indeed. Chris thought about Lise's mention of a possible meeting Lucas in Mervay, or more precisely, in Asteria, should Chris and Cel manage to get there once upon a day.
Chris only knew about the Kingdom of Mervay from what Lise had told so far, but what he knew, that was that Mervay had a few very nice cities and beautiful landscapes. Especially the coast, as well as the hilly lands and numerous vineyards of the Provence were legendary and, at least in Lillorainen, often said to be a place where lovers ended up losing themselves quite often.
Surely worth a trip - granted the budget allows it, that is.
Mr. Folaíochta explained to Lise, what the starter kit was for, and how to contact the shop. Chris had to grin at the reference of the 'certain someone' who had convinced him to try a web presence.
In the end, Lillorainen's greatest expert on Little Black Foxes (at least possibly) nodded at Finnegan's statement. "When I got in touch with them the first time, I was confronted with an entire clan of them!" - he said. "There's nothing to be afraid of, really."

Marcach Camp.
Not only Alaina and Leonard were tense - although Hilda and Sophus did not really expect Mia's attempt to fail yet another time, they didn't entirely exclude the possibility, that something might be wrong with Mia.
But it wasn't. It took Tréadaí a bit, but it turned out, that he had no issues with her. A sigh of relief left Mia.
The tension left everyone, replaced by the question as to how to go on further.
Mia said, "If we can find a second one approving of me, it would be fine, of course - but I also don't mind sharing a horseback!"

[Mervay]

Outside of the shop.
I was sure, that we would enjoy meeting him, too, but... better safe then sorry.
At the request for help with Dilly, my boss cleared his throat and smiled. "That's what the starter kit is for, Young Lady.", he said and meant Young Lady as a sign of respect. He motioned for her to come closer and as soon as she was, he opened the box, explaining the things inside of it with a smile. There was a guidebook for the most common situations as well as dietary requirements, there were cans of food for two weeks, a collar, all sorts of things, which one might need. He explained everything to her. Lastly, he motioned to a sheet of paper at the bottom. "This is the address of this shop, including telephone, e-mail and the internet address. A certain someone..." He glanced to me. "...convinced me to try a web presence."
I smiled with a small shrug.
"The most important thing is...", Finnegan said from the side, "...to not be afraid. He's most likely just as curious as you are!"

Stoc Inn.
Silvio smiled and nodded slightly.
Depending on which this company is, I might have interest in meeting him, as did my boss. In any case, I grinned: "Oh, that's nice. I make an apprenticeship as a merchant." I motioned to my Master. "With him, that is. We get around quite a lot..."
Silvio nodded again.
"So... do you see each other often?", I asked Trinity.
Right then, the waitress came with the drinks and the food, a traditional breakfast for all three in all of its greasy glory, as well as tea for all of us.
"Please, if you want, speak your graces.", Silvio offered Trinity.

Meanwhile, in the foyer, the receptionist smiled politely at Ethan, a young man in Geansai.
"That depends on who asks.", he said and closed the book of bookings and rooms. "You look neither like City Guard or Ionchoisne to me, lad, and we value the privacy of our guests."
He let a beat pass.
"So?", he asked.

On the square, Lucas received his answer from a woman, with brown hair and brown eyes, who carried a little girl on her arm. Said girl shared many of her facial features, undoubtedly her daughter and cute as a button.
She smiled, almost motherly, despite being older then Lucas by very much.
"See that building?", she asked him, pointing at one of the houses lining the square, "That's the Stoc. I am afraid, however, that it will be full for the day..."

Outside of the Shop.
Better safe than sorry indeed. Chris thought about Lise's mention of a possible meeting Lucas in Mervay, or more precisely, in Asteria, should Chris and Cel manage to get there once upon a day.
Chris only knew about the Kingdom of Mervay from what Lise had told so far, but what he knew, that was that Mervay had a few very nice cities and beautiful landscapes. Especially the coast, as well as the hilly lands and numerous vineyards of the Provence were legendary and, at least in Lillorainen, often said to be a place where lovers ended up losing themselves quite often.
Surely worth a trip - granted the budget allows it, that is.
Mr. Folaíochta explained to Lise, what the starter kit was for, and how to contact the shop. Chris had to grin at the reference of the 'certain someone' who had convinced him to try a web presence.
In the end, Lillorainen's greatest expert on Little Black Foxes (at least possibly) nodded at Finnegan's statement. "When I got in touch with them the first time, I was confronted with an entire clan of them!" - he said. "There's nothing to be afraid of, really."

Outside the Shop
Lise looked at Gawain when he told her young lady, she followed his motion and leaned close to him to see what was what inside it. Soon he opened it and Devienne found what it was inside, an guidebook for the most common situation with an pet like Dilly, dietary requirements, cans of food for two weeks, a collar and many other stuff which would be needed.
Meanwhile she heard completely all what Gawain told her about it, she made sure to record it on her phone too as much as she could, then she watched him motion her to an sheet of paper with all info: Adress of the shop, telephone number, e-mail and internet adress (courtesy of Cel for convince Gawain)

"Understood" Lise nodded taking the sheet and placing it on her case where she stored her violin. Finnegan then spoke saying that there is no fear and need to be afraid, he is same as curious as Lise would be. Something confirmed by Chris too with his experience with them in where he was surrunded by an clan of them same as curious as everyone. "I see. So they will be mainly curious huh?? Interesting, I will keep that in mind" she told them grinning as she took the collar out.

"First is first, Dilly I will put you the collar so I know that if you get lost I will easily find you from it" she said smiling as she motioned him to come close to Lise for it. "As soon as done, I will give you something to eat" then she looked at Cel.

"Could you bring me an small can of food and water for him to eat?? I pay up all once is done"

Stoc Inn
So Aurora makes her apprenticeship with Silvio huh?? Well she should have saw it coming, they seem to be like father and daughter, where he teach her everything she needs to know of her profession.

"Guess I should have saw it coming, you two are quite close, like father and daughter" Trinity told them grinning as Silvio asked her about if she and Ethan saw each other often. However the waitress came with the food, dear god it looked good, perfect for eat after an long time and so the tea, completely perfect. "Merci" she said to the waitress before looking back at Silvio.

"Now to answer your question. Yes we see quite often, we study in the same university, we date each other as much as we can and sometimes we sleep together in either of our home's" she told him as she begun to eat an little of her breakfast. "Dear god. This is delicious, you guys have to taste it, it is very good"

Stoc Inn: Lobby
"Well I understand your concerns sir so" Ethan said nodding at the guy as he took his phone, then he showed him an picture of Ethan with Trinity, it was an picture of them in middle of the Asteria Old City Central Park where they were together and cuddled with each other with Trinity kissing Ethan on the cheeks.

"Allow me to present myself. Ethan Bennington, I'am the boyfriend of the lady, we have been dating each other like five years as of now" he said placing back his phone on his pocket. "Now mind if I ask in which room she stays??"

Laír Square
He got answered by an women which was twice as old as him and which carried an little girl with her, surely her daughter.
He looked at where the lady pointed and nodded as she told him that it would be full by now.

"That is not important" he said at her smiling. "I'm searching for someone inside the building, my girlfriend to be exactly" then he begun to walk away to the inn before stop and look at her back.

"Thank you miss..."

[The Selkie]

She nodded and told the girl, "Please do, it would help."

Now, she would have to wait...again. She sighed as she looked away, towards the festival as it happened, the Solisian journalist feeling a cold hand grip her heart, reminding her of the one she wanted to see...right now and without any more delay. She had a job to do, she knew, but she couldn't move. She wanted to see him, to hear him, to at least find a way to connect to him again.

And this girl would help her connect to him again.

She just hoped, really hoped the boy would still be free from the rest so that she could steal him away.

Asteria smiled and went to typing.
Meanwhile, her grandfather smiled softly. "Modern technology...", he said, shook his head, "What we would do without would we do without it?" He chuckled. "Imagine this, when I was half of your age, I was glued to the radio at every Friday at seven o'clock, for then, the most amazing radio programme of them all ran: Gníomhaire Inneall."
He chuckled as Asteria sent the message.
"Are you telling her about the radio back in the day?", she asked, looking up from the screen.
"Indeed.", the old man replied.
Asteria smiled. "They're making a remake, you know?", she said, which intrigued the old man, "Sicín Studios is responsible for that."
"Aren't those the guys, who made the Marla-Remake?", he asked, she nodded, "Oh, that's going to be a fun ride... or rather: Beidh sé sin spraoi!"
He then proceeded to laugh at an old joke, which made Asteria smile and whisper to the Solisian: "The catchphrase of Gníomhaire Inneall - 'It's surely going to be fun!'" Then, her phone vibrated. "Oh, Ida replied... let's see..." She took a moment to translate, then said: "Enya says, that he's in a co-dependent relationship with his camera."

Leonard smiled and replied: "If you go there on your return trip, make a stopover in Scrín, at the Taiscéalaí Inn. It's a good house!", he recommended with a smile.
Just then, Lugh poked his head in.
"Alright.", he said with a grin, entering the shop again with Hina's glasses in hand, "Her glasses have their temporary fix!" His cheer made Leonard smile as well, but subsided by a slight bit. "But keep in mind, that the fix is temporary. She still needs new glasses and needs to be careful with these."
He handed them to Haru.

"Then it's a date!" She chimed out. "Oh..." Hina walked out sporting her freshly patched up glasses. "How are they, dear?"

"Good as new! At least I don't have a large crack in the lens!"

"Perfect. But still need new ones, we can worry about that before we leave for home." She patted her daughter's head "In the meantime the temporary patch will work out just fine. Thank you very much for helping us."

"Mhm thank you a lot!" Hina thanked along with her mother.

Branwen blushed. "Please, it's nothing...", she protested, smiling, "...it's a pleasure to help a friend out..."
Elin smiled at that in a small, mysterious way.

Shizuka felt like leaping out of her chair across the table to hug Branwen for bending over backwards for her, but best not to make a ruckes so she kept in contained. She'd find some way to thank her sometime in the meantime. "Aww friends! That makes me happy we're instant friends! You're just the best, Branwen!"

Lugh's father came in a moment later, asked his son something in Selkie, to which he nodded.
A moment later, he turned to Haru and Hina and spoke in the melodious, song-like language of the Selkie, after which Lugh said: "Dad's happy, that you like it, searrach, but he stresses, that this is but a temporary fix. He also took the measurements of your eyes and is ready to either hand them to you or to Treoraí Optics, who would then make a new pair of glasses." He listened to his father for a moment. "Don't worry, the expensive part aren't the lenses, but the frame. If we reuse that one..." He indicated to the frame the girl was already wearing. "...we would charge a Gil, all on all."
Leonard looked to Haru, smiling slightly.

Branwen smiled and blushed even deeper.
She would not mind a hug from Shizuka, but she would also not mind sinking into the ground right then and there... Gods, this was... complicated.
"I... am happy as well.", she said with a blush, "And it's not a problem."
"That reminds me, we'll have to get you there as well.", Elin said, taking a sip from her cup of tea, "Would you mind riding with one of us until we get you a horse?"

Pina and Darufa smiled.
"Oh, I know, who you might want to know...", Darufa said with a smile, rose, nodded to the ladies with her in Selkie, very obviously apologizing for going off and snapped her fingers. Ayden was by her side immediately. "Come, I'll show you, where we have the Guarding Foxes!"
Meanwhile, one of the lads watched with great interest and especially Joey...

Joey couldn't shake the feeling she was being watched but by whom she wasn't sure. Her eyes darted around.

"Mmm what's up, Joey?"

"mmm I get the feelin' like I'm being watched or somethin'"

"Heeeee" Billie smirked "You know that's how it started out with me! Bet'cha someone's keepin their eyes on ya!"

She took her friend by the hand again and together they scanned the crowd to see the most obvious suspect. They were being ushered to follow Darufa but Billie had to hold firm "Hold just a minute, ma'am! Seems Joey has got a secret admirer!" She pointed over to the boy.

"Indeed.", Meave said with a small smile, "And speaking of breakfasts..."
She motioned to in front of them, where the bakery stood. And what a bakery it was! The windows were full of delicious breads and breadrolls and other things, which made the mouth water by merely looking at them, the smells from the shop only intensifying the watering.
Scipeal and Maith were inside of the shop, as well as many other things, which were even more delicious.
"Pick whatever you want.", Mara said, "It's on us. And don't forget something to drink!"

The two girls could inhale the aroma of freshly baked goods to their delight. It was mouthwatering already they had to quickly go up to see what good were offered. "That one" Mei pointed to one, "That looks great."

Tsukasa wasn't quite as adventerous as Mei and quietly and politely asked the baker, "By chance, any pork buns?"

"Oh and tea, how about some tea?" Mei added on "Oh green or milk?"

"Whatever your having." Tsukasa added. She loved Green Tea but she also didn't mind just going with whatever Mei would have "In that case, two green teas!"

Darufa followed Joey's finger to a boy, maybe seven or eight, who had a mop of black hair on his head and who seemed to be shaken out of his stupor by Billie's excitement and pointing.
Darufa put her hands into her sides and looked at him with a smile. "Finnegan?"
The lad entered fight or flight mode and chose the latter, sprinting off a moment later, vaulting over a fence a moment later.
Darufa smiled.
"Oh, young, starstruck admiring...", she said and smiled at Joey, "His name's Finnegan. A good lad, but... he can't talk to girls to save his life." Ayden seemed to have suppressed the urge to run after the boy, but his muscles were still tense. Darufa put a hand between his ears, which made him relax. "So... Guarding Foxes?"

The baker nodded and began to work the order, nodding to an apprentice to make the tea.
"Alright, ladies...", he said in a deep, heavy accent, "...a potato bread for the adventurous lady and a pork bun for her companion and two teas for both of you."
He looked up to Mavie, Mara and Rona, taking in air and suddenly stopping. He looked at all three Selkie and swallowed heavily.
His apprentice bowed his head in deep respect, his master following suit a moment later.
Mavie spoke something in Selkie, that sounded a lot like an apology, indicating to the handle of Mara's sword (who looked quite sheepish as well), then seemed to order. The baker nodded and went to work.
Mavie smiled at Mei and Tsukasa. "Sorry about this.", she said.

"Then you right with us, when you want the rock-sections!", Alaina said with a small smile, her eyes twinkling, "We are Leannáin, a Selkie-Rock Duo. And we play the harder version. Disread is all snuggly and Mórbhileog is dancing with their... what was the term again?"
"Selkie-Jazz-Rock-Fusion.", Layla supplied with a smile, her cheeks still slightly aflame, only reddening more, "As for favourites, I find, that Number Two has the nicest voice."
She knew, that Hilda was Number Two, they both knew. Although they were 'fans', they were not obsessive fans, and while they knew the 'real' names of the members of the band, they knew, that some artists preferred going by their stage names.

"You're just saying that because I'm right here," chimed Hilda, grinning from end to end at the compliment, "you shouldn't have~... But yea, if I have to choose, I'll definitely be at your show. Not that I hate snuggly or fusion. I know my teammates might. But I'm not a sweet girl~."

"I personally would not mind spending an evening or a night with Number One.", Alaina supplied with a teasing smile.

"Egg Girl, I see," the wild girl remarked, "you have good taste~. Ida would love to hear this~."

Ida Wannsee, by far the most inexperienced of the group besides Hilda herself. Sure, she was not a drolling mess like Ermhilde, but there were a great many things she had to brush up on. Her enthusiasm for idol music far surpassed even the veteran Fleur and Ingund, though that in itself often caused her to push beyond exhaustion. Not to mention her penchant for inviting calamity, though that was not exactly uncommon among the entire group. She is attractive, however, and quite stacked too.

"Anyway, I have some time before and after the concert," she admitted, "anything about the festival you'd recommend checking out? I'm not exactly a medieval fair person, so this isn't something I'm familiar with. Number Three (Ingund) would know, though. She's one of those 'Sisters of Pluma' back in her high school. It's one of those first aids and home nursing organizations. Uhm, what's a good comparison?... St John's Ambulance? I think that one was Terran."

Layla blushed and smiled.
"Then you're going to love us!", she announced with a grin forming, knowing the girls, who were not sweet - she was one herself.
At the mentioning of a 'St John's Ambulance', both Selkie drew blank. They had never heard of such an organization, or, as they had to admit to their shame, of the Sisters of Pluma.
Better focus on the other thing: Recommendations.
"Well, aside from our concert, there's the Bainnis, the ritualized marriage of the Envoy of Lodan Lir to the Lord of Seas and Rivers.", Alaina recommended, "A religious ceremony. If that isn't your cuppa, then the Póraitheoir High School's Younger Militia Regiment is going to give a demonstration of their skills at the Middle Bastion. There's the petting zoo. Sadly, our concert is at the same time as the air show."
"You could always just walk amongst the stands and shops, which have open and see, what you find... or what finds you.", Layla recommended.

"Twins, even!", the old man said with a wide grin, reaching to his belt and taking out his purse. On one of the sides, behind a small translucent panel, was the picture of a young woman, in her twenties, with two bundles in her arms, her smile brimming with happiness. She had the same eyes as Conchobar. "Their names are Finnegan and Raidri, after their grandfathers, one of them my son. And they're alive and well." He smiled proudly, showing it to Tieguang and his wife. "The woman's my granddaughter Ava."

“You have beautiful granddaughter.” Tieguang remarked. “I’ve never certainly guessed you to have great-grandchildren. How old are you really, elder Conchobar?”

“I’ve heard you gentlemen having a chat.” Lianhua spoke out, firing her arrow. It has hit in the centre of the target. “I do beg your pardon, elder. What were you talking about with my husband?” She asked with curiosity.

"Only about the most important thing of them all, Ma'am.", the old man said with a smile, "Family. Your husband was quite surprised to learn, that I am a great-grandfather of two wonderful twins."
He showed her the image as well.
"Those are the two lads and their Mam, my granddaughter Ava.", he explained with pride so obvious in his voice, that it took a deaf man to not hear it. "I have four children, eleven grand-children and by now two great-grandchildren... Rhiannon truly blessed me." He lowered his head for a moment, the other archers following suit a moment later, listening to a short prayer of gratitude, which basically amounted to 'Thank ya, lassie!' He raised his head a moment later with a smile. "Alright, Ma'am, Sir... how about a bit of competition?"

Outside of the Shop.
Better safe than sorry indeed. Chris thought about Lise's mention of a possible meeting Lucas in Mervay, or more precisely, in Asteria, should Chris and Cel manage to get there once upon a day.
Chris only knew about the Kingdom of Mervay from what Lise had told so far, but what he knew, that was that Mervay had a few very nice cities and beautiful landscapes. Especially the coast, as well as the hilly lands and numerous vineyards of the Provence were legendary and, at least in Lillorainen, often said to be a place where lovers ended up losing themselves quite often.
Surely worth a trip - granted the budget allows it, that is.
Mr. Folaíochta explained to Lise, what the starter kit was for, and how to contact the shop. Chris had to grin at the reference of the 'certain someone' who had convinced him to try a web presence.
In the end, Lillorainen's greatest expert on Little Black Foxes (at least possibly) nodded at Finnegan's statement. "When I got in touch with them the first time, I was confronted with an entire clan of them!" - he said. "There's nothing to be afraid of, really."

Outside the Shop
Lise looked at Gawain when he told her young lady, she followed his motion and leaned close to him to see what was what inside it. Soon he opened it and Devienne found what it was inside, an guidebook for the most common situation with an pet like Dilly, dietary requirements, cans of food for two weeks, a collar and many other stuff which would be needed.
Meanwhile she heard completely all what Gawain told her about it, she made sure to record it on her phone too as much as she could, then she watched him motion her to an sheet of paper with all info: Adress of the shop, telephone number, e-mail and internet adress (courtesy of Cel for convince Gawain)

"Understood" Lise nodded taking the sheet and placing it on her case where she stored her violin. Finnegan then spoke saying that there is no fear and need to be afraid, he is same as curious as Lise would be. Something confirmed by Chris too with his experience with them in where he was surrunded by an clan of them same as curious as everyone. "I see. So they will be mainly curious huh?? Interesting, I will keep that in mind" she told them grinning as she took the collar out.

"First is first, Dilly I will put you the collar so I know that if you get lost I will easily find you from it" she said smiling as she motioned him to come close to Lise for it. "As soon as done, I will give you something to eat" then she looked at Cel.

"Could you bring me an small can of food and water for him to eat?? I pay up all once is done"

Stoc Inn
So Aurora makes her apprenticeship with Silvio huh?? Well she should have saw it coming, they seem to be like father and daughter, where he teach her everything she needs to know of her profession.

"Guess I should have saw it coming, you two are quite close, like father and daughter" Trinity told them grinning as Silvio asked her about if she and Ethan saw each other often. However the waitress came with the food, dear god it looked good, perfect for eat after an long time and so the tea, completely perfect. "Merci" she said to the waitress before looking back at Silvio.

"Now to answer your question. Yes we see quite often, we study in the same university, we date each other as much as we can and sometimes we sleep together in either of our home's" she told him as she begun to eat an little of her breakfast. "Dear god. This is delicious, you guys have to taste it, it is very good"

Stoc Inn: Lobby
"Well I understand your concerns sir so" Ethan said nodding at the guy as he took his phone, then he showed him an picture of Ethan with Trinity, it was an picture of them in middle of the Asteria Old City Central Park where they were together and cuddled with each other with Trinity kissing Ethan on the cheeks.

"Allow me to present myself. Ethan Bennington, I'am the boyfriend of the lady, we have been dating each other like five years as of now" he said placing back his phone on his pocket. "Now mind if I ask in which room she stays??"

Laír Square
He got answered by an women which was twice as old as him and which carried an little girl with her, surely her daughter.
He looked at where the lady pointed and nodded as she told him that it would be full by now.

"That is not important" he said at her smiling. "I'm searching for someone inside the building, my girlfriend to be exactly" then he begun to walk away to the inn before stop and look at her back.

"Thank you miss..."

Outside of the Shop.
I smiled at the memory of Chris meeting my lads and lassies, back in the day in Dumhach, for the first time, when I bathed them and introduced him to the fact, that I was breastfeeding them.
It was... a beautiful day, which we ended in each others arms after an awesome beach party with a lot of friends new and old...
Back in the present, Lise listened carefully and asked for a can of food, as a reward for Dilly after he took the collar, promising to pay up once everything was said and done.
I preempted my boss by saying: "Oh, don't worry, Lise, I'll pay for everything. It's a little present for you... and a little birthday present for the young lad." I smiled at Dilly, who offered his neck for the collar. "He deserves it, I'd say!"

Stoc Inn.
Aurora smiled at Trinity, blushing when she said, that they looked a bit like father and daughter with how close they were. Then they were preempted by the wiatress and their arriving food.
Indeed, it smelled delicious and a bite confirmed, that it indeed was.
Aurora nodded at Trinity's words with a huge grin.
After she had swallowed, she spoke: "It indeed is very delicious!", she said, "We'll have to compliments the chefs!"

At the reception desk, the man looked at the screen with next to no bit of being impressed.
A heavy hand landed on Ethan's shoulder, from behind, of a man, who's appearance basically screamed security, as was the same with the man a bit to the side. The image did not rule out, that he had malicious intent with the young lady in question - what told him, that he wasn't a crazed ex of hers, the image being of a previous relationship, and that he was now stalking her?
Indeed, nothing. The reputation of his House was on the line. And not only that, there was a law...
"Yes, I do mind.", the receptionist said in no uncertain terms. That the lad was rubbing him in a bit of the wrong way was only the icing on the cake. "Now, Mister Bennington, I must ask you to leave. You know, where the door is... or shall Finnegan here..." He indicated to the large security man behind Ethan. "...show you the back exit?"

Lair Square.
The woman smiled.
"Mamaí.", she supplied, her daughter looking to the young man with a happy smile. "But please, Mhairin is completely alright... though, I must warn you, inns are obliged by law to not give out the booking information of guests to anyone without the order from a judge." She looked him up and down. "No offense to you, lad, but I doubt, that you got one." She let a beat pass. "Who are you looking for, if I may ask?"

At the Marcach Camp.
As soon as Mia announced, that she wouldn't mind sharing a horseback, a dozen Marcach stepped forward, offering her a spot on their horseback. Of the twelve, none were Leonard, who grinned, two were female, the remaining ten a good selection of the finest Marcach. One of them was Tyran, who offered the lift with honesty and friendliness.
Alaina looked to Mia. "I think, we'll try another horse first.", she said in an absolute deadpan.

[Minroz]

"Only about the most important thing of them all, Ma'am.", the old man said with a smile, "Family. Your husband was quite surprised to learn, that I am a great-grandfather of two wonderful twins."
He showed her the image as well.
"Those are the two lads and their Mam, my granddaughter Ava.", he explained with pride so obvious in his voice, that it took a deaf man to not hear it. "I have four children, eleven grand-children and by now two great-grandchildren... Rhiannon truly blessed me." He lowered his head for a moment, the other archers following suit a moment later, listening to a short prayer of gratitude, which basically amounted to 'Thank ya, lassie!' He raised his head a moment later with a smile. "Alright, Ma'am, Sir... how about a bit of competition?"

In response, the Minrozian couple looked interested and then stared into each other’s eyes as if they’re communicating between themselves. Looking back at the Selkie elder, they’ve made their answer.

“I do not see why not, elder.” Lianhua gave out her friendly smile. “Let’s see who is the best archer today?” She teased at the last part in spirit of having fun than competition.

“Gods, I don’t think I can keep up with everyone here. I’m not archer. I am a rifleman after all, haha~.” Tieguang chuckled. He and his wife began preparing their bows. The brunette decided to ask one question, “So, anyone here going to act as a referee?”

[Port Ember]

Raidri was immediately suspicious, narrowing his eyes as he bowed his head lightly. Selkie were not people for handshakes.
The older Gwen suppressed a sigh and replied: "His name's Jan.", she said with a slightly tired smile, "He's the guy, who knocked Gwenny up."
Raidri was, for a moment, confused, looked to the younger Gwen and did a double take.
"Ah, searrach, tá tú ag creachadh!", he said with a huge laugh, getting up and opening his arms. A moment later, the younger Gwen was in his arms, receiving his congratulations and well-wishes, all of them in Selkie.
He even kissed Gwenny on the forehead, who let him do with a huge smile herself.

Jan Breytenbach with Gwen

Jan laughed softly at the congratulations gesture his Gwen was receiving from Raidri. Jan wondered for a fleeting second who exactly this man was, yet it did not matter too much, as judging from Gwen's comfort - they were close. Jan decided yet again that he will learn the Selkian tounge, and do so very soon.

[AHSCA]

Lugh's father came in a moment later, asked his son something in Selkie, to which he nodded.
A moment later, he turned to Haru and Hina and spoke in the melodious, song-like language of the Selkie, after which Lugh said: "Dad's happy, that you like it, searrach, but he stresses, that this is but a temporary fix. He also took the measurements of your eyes and is ready to either hand them to you or to Treoraí Optics, who would then make a new pair of glasses." He listened to his father for a moment. "Don't worry, the expensive part aren't the lenses, but the frame. If we reuse that one..." He indicated to the frame the girl was already wearing. "...we would charge a Gil, all on all."

"Getting them ready for when we head for home would be the best idea. Last thing I need is for her glasses to fall apart on the open sea and for her to walk right off the deck."

"Ahah" Hina managed a rather embarrassed chuckle but her mom's joke was something based in truth, granted not out on the open sea, safe in the port at home but a case of misjudging the blurry space between the deck and the edge and taking a little swim in the process. "Well perhaps the same frames but with an extra pair for a backup. If your father can do what he needs to do we'll be sure to pay and pick them up whenever he needs."

"Mhm thank you very much." Hina agreed. No sense protesting for the cost of a new pair, her mother would overrule anything she said. Well maybe best stop worrying and just relax and go with the flow. She did admire her mother's rather carefree attitude in everything.

Branwen smiled and blushed even deeper.
She would not mind a hug from Shizuka, but she would also not mind sinking into the ground right then and there... Gods, this was... complicated.
"I... am happy as well.", she said with a blush, "And it's not a problem."
"That reminds me, we'll have to get you there as well.", Elin said, taking a sip from her cup of tea, "Would you mind riding with one of us until we get you a horse?"

Once again resisting the urge to leap over the table Shizuka urgently agreed with a rather loud "YES!" She calmed herself cleared her throat and gave a calmer response. "Aha yes, I'd love to!" Her eyes were rather starry and dreamy. "I've never rode a horse so, Branwen, maybe you'd be kind as to let me ride with you and get a feel for it?" She smiled

[Kuronami]

Darufa followed Joey's finger to a boy, maybe seven or eight, who had a mop of black hair on his head and who seemed to be shaken out of his stupor by Billie's excitement and pointing.
Darufa put her hands into her sides and looked at him with a smile. "Finnegan?"
The lad entered fight or flight mode and chose the latter, sprinting off a moment later, vaulting over a fence a moment later.
Darufa smiled.
"Oh, young, starstruck admiring...", she said and smiled at Joey, "His name's Finnegan. A good lad, but... he can't talk to girls to save his life." Ayden seemed to have suppressed the urge to run after the boy, but his muscles were still tense. Darufa put a hand between his ears, which made him relax. "So... Guarding Foxes?"

Billie was ready to push her friend in that general direction to go speak to the boy who'd been eyeing her but it was too late, the young boy split, perhaps too shy to really speak to the cute little girl.

"Oh he ran away...." Joey sullenly replied.

"Mmmm well shoot..." Billie was confused "Really though he'd wanna talk seeing as he was watchin' ya."

"Mmhmhm" Charlie giggled "How adorable! Don't worry girls, likely you'll get a chance to speak to him. Oh foxes huh?"

The baker nodded and began to work the order, nodding to an apprentice to make the tea.
"Alright, ladies...", he said in a deep, heavy accent, "...a potato bread for the adventurous lady and a pork bun for her companion and two teas for both of you."
He looked up to Mavie, Mara and Rona, taking in air and suddenly stopping. He looked at all three Selkie and swallowed heavily.
His apprentice bowed his head in deep respect, his master following suit a moment later.
Mavie spoke something in Selkie, that sounded a lot like an apology, indicating to the handle of Mara's sword (who looked quite sheepish as well), then seemed to order. The baker nodded and went to work.
Mavie smiled at Mei and Tsukasa. "Sorry about this.", she said.

Potato bun sounded quite delectable as did the pork bun.

"Oh, everything okay?" Mei asked concerned

"Hope we aren't causing trouble." Tsukasa responded.

[Foxfound]

Z rubbed her hands together deviously. "That does sound exciting! So does the grove. It all does."

Kiri nodded. "She does like to explore things. I've never gotten to accompany her on an expedition, so I think I'll like this."

While Kiri spoke, Z's face had changed to a less oblivious expression. "Wait... should I pay for the boat? I'm not sure if I have enough money or not, but I didn't realize people were going to be doing this sort of thing for us..."

Nia smiled.
"Nah, you don't have ta pay, Z.", she said, "I already did and..." She leaned forward, blushed slightly. "...it's a friend of mine, who I showed a few tricks with kissing, for the next time she is with her girlfriend." She shrugged. "I did collect a bit of experience in that over the centuries... no need to hoard the experience!"
Macha giggled.
"In any case, I'm glad, that you like what I had planned so far!", Nia said with a small smile.

Z giggled along with Macha.

"Thanks... I'm not sure if I have enough with me anyway. So! When should we head out?"

She glanced around to see if everyone was done eating.

[Solisian Union]

She nodded and told the girl, "Please do, it would help."

Now, she would have to wait...again. She sighed as she looked away, towards the festival as it happened, the Solisian journalist feeling a cold hand grip her heart, reminding her of the one she wanted to see...right now and without any more delay. She had a job to do, she knew, but she couldn't move. She wanted to see him, to hear him, to at least find a way to connect to him again.

And this girl would help her connect to him again.

She just hoped, really hoped the boy would still be free from the rest so that she could steal him away.

Asteria smiled and went to typing.
Meanwhile, her grandfather smiled softly. "Modern technology...", he said, shook his head, "What we would do without would we do without it?" He chuckled. "Imagine this, when I was half of your age, I was glued to the radio at every Friday at seven o'clock, for then, the most amazing radio programme of them all ran: Gníomhaire Inneall."
He chuckled as Asteria sent the message.
"Are you telling her about the radio back in the day?", she asked, looking up from the screen.
"Indeed.", the old man replied.
Asteria smiled. "They're making a remake, you know?", she said, which intrigued the old man, "Sicín Studios is responsible for that."
"Aren't those the guys, who made the Marla-Remake?", he asked, she nodded, "Oh, that's going to be a fun ride... or rather: Beidh sé sin spraoi!"
He then proceeded to laugh at an old joke, which made Asteria smile and whisper to the Solisian: "The catchphrase of Gníomhaire Inneall - 'It's surely going to be fun!'" Then, her phone vibrated. "Oh, Ida replied... let's see..." She took a moment to translate, then said: "Enya says, that he's in a co-dependent relationship with his camera."

While she still could not understand the language of the people here, she appreciated that it was a joke and laughed along. She then said to the girl who translated it for her: "Thanks! That helps me understand the language bit by bit. I hope to learn it quickly though."

And then she raised an eyebrow at what the girl told her from the message she just received. Was he doing something for school? She then nodded and asked, "Is it okay if you'll ask him what pictures he's taking?"

Then she paused and added, "Also, would you please ask your friend for his phone number? I want to call him when he's free."

[Mediama]

Fiona thought for a moment.
"Yes, it indeed sounds like a plan.", she said with a nod, she swallowed heavily. "Gods, this is... confusing..." She looked to Ciaran with a small smile, the Militia-Lad having listened, but didn't get everything. "Be happy, that you don't have to deal with such a chaos!"
"I am, Fi.", he replied, "But Nolly says, that it'll come..." He looked to Kathleen and explained: "Nolwenn is my older sister."

Having pulled the girl up, she waited until she Miranda comfortable in side-saddle, Meave standing back.
The Sergeant recognized the way of sitting, but her girls did not. Although they knew riding with skirts, they just rode like normal with one on, Selkie were remarkably unconcerned, when it came to that.
As soon as Miranda sat safely, Meave looked as if she wanted to add something, but in the end, she just waved as the little group of horsewomen departed, tears streaming down her face.
"So...", the Sergeant began after a minute or two, Meave and the bench long since vanished behind turns, "...want some free advice to go with the ride?"

“Ah, got it.” Kathleen said as she nodded. She turned back to Fiona, and looked back at her in a near motherly aura, as if she was a mentor. Truth be told she was starting to feel like Fiona was the younger sister she never had, having grown up with only three brothers, an equally wild father, and an obtuse mother.

“It is confusin’ when ya start out tryin’ ta figure yourself. You slowly figure it out as time goes on. Other times, it’s just clear to ya. Sure, you might get bruised and burned along the way, but it just builds up who you are, helps develop your own convictions.”

Kathleen fiddled scuffled her shoes, “Of course, I’m not good at this sappy feely word shite, Miranda’s the wordy one, but I hope you get the drift.”

---

Miranda had only a moment to notice the odd looks she was getting from her style of horseback riding, she herself didn’t realize that there would be such a difference in culture modest between the two countries.

She turned to wave back at Meave biting on the inside of her cheek to keep the sadness of leaving from overwhelming her, she knew she’ll hear from her again, she gave her her own phone number, but the pain is never abridged even with that fact. And thus, she looked forlornly at the lone figure as she grew smaller and smaller in the distance.

Miranda sat there in a daze until the Sergeant offered her advice, she turned back to face the woman and nodded. “W-Whether it be regarding how not to get lost, or in life, I’d love to hear it.”

---

Liv smiled and blushed, her hand searching for and finding Kat's hand easily.
The 'fricken’ Pope-like figure' (although she had no idea about this particular thought) smiled as well, tenderly. "A very good answer, Miss Kat.", she said with a small bow, "And a very honest one. Liv sure is a lucky girl to have you."
"I am, High Priestess.", the Selkie replied with a loving smile. "Uhm, Milady, would you mind..."
"Of course not.", the High Priestess said with a bit of sheepishness. "I am sorry for having kept you for so long!" She stepped aside. "Have a wonderful day, Miss Kat, and enjoy the festival. May the Seas and Rivers be calm in your passing."
The last was accompanied by a small bow of her head, which Liv returned and nodded to Kat to do the same.

Kat returned the bow with a small bow of her own head as she regretfully let go of Liv’s hand and curtsied as well. “As you do, yourself ma’am. Don’t feel like you’re causing any trouble, it’s nice talking to other people, even if they are in rather high places.” Kat smirked.

As she and her girlfriend wrapped up on farewells, she reached out for Liv’s hand once more, if she was able to hold on, she would entwine her own fingers with Liv’s, and accompany it with a slight lean into her frame.

[Lillorainen]

Outside the Shop
Lise looked at Gawain when he told her young lady, she followed his motion and leaned close to him to see what was what inside it. Soon he opened it and Devienne found what it was inside, an guidebook for the most common situation with an pet like Dilly, dietary requirements, cans of food for two weeks, a collar and many other stuff which would be needed.
Meanwhile she heard completely all what Gawain told her about it, she made sure to record it on her phone too as much as she could, then she watched him motion her to an sheet of paper with all info: Adress of the shop, telephone number, e-mail and internet adress (courtesy of Cel for convince Gawain)

"Understood" Lise nodded taking the sheet and placing it on her case where she stored her violin. Finnegan then spoke saying that there is no fear and need to be afraid, he is same as curious as Lise would be. Something confirmed by Chris too with his experience with them in where he was surrunded by an clan of them same as curious as everyone. "I see. So they will be mainly curious huh?? Interesting, I will keep that in mind" she told them grinning as she took the collar out.

"First is first, Dilly I will put you the collar so I know that if you get lost I will easily find you from it" she said smiling as she motioned him to come close to Lise for it. "As soon as done, I will give you something to eat" then she looked at Cel.

"Could you bring me an small can of food and water for him to eat?? I pay up all once is done"

Outside of the Shop.
I smiled at the memory of Chris meeting my lads and lassies, back in the day in Dumhach, for the first time, when I bathed them and introduced him to the fact, that I was breastfeeding them.
It was... a beautiful day, which we ended in each others arms after an awesome beach party with a lot of friends new and old...
Back in the present, Lise listened carefully and asked for a can of food, as a reward for Dilly after he took the collar, promising to pay up once everything was said and done.
I preempted my boss by saying: "Oh, don't worry, Lise, I'll pay for everything. It's a little present for you... and a little birthday present for the young lad." I smiled at Dilly, who offered his neck for the collar. "He deserves it, I'd say!"

At the Marcach Camp.
As soon as Mia announced, that she wouldn't mind sharing a horseback, a dozen Marcach stepped forward, offering her a spot on their horseback. Of the twelve, none were Leonard, who grinned, two were female, the remaining ten a good selection of the finest Marcach. One of them was Tyran, who offered the lift with honesty and friendliness.
Alaina looked to Mia. "I think, we'll try another horse first.", she said in an absolute deadpan.[/quote]

Outside of the Shop.
As Lise asked for food and drink for Dilly, Chris was just going to rise, but Cel was faster. Hardly a surprise, but still a nice gesture was that she was going to pay it herself, for his birthday.
Indeed, the little Foundling deserved it!
Chris said, "From my own experience, they aren't only very curious, but also love having a nap every now and then - and they will likely find any place to do so, as soon as the surface is big enough."
He remembered Cladhaire sleeping in the hotel room in Dumhach on the first day back then, when he and Cel had gone fishing.
"For example, guarding your luggage in hotel rooms when you're away for an hour" - he added.

At the Marcach Camp.
Not only Mia, but also Hilda and Sophus had to grin, when a dozen Marcach started offering her a spot on their horseback, right in the moment she stated not to mind sharing one in case.
Alaina's deadpan tone to suggest to try to find another horse first caused a round of grins amongst the Lillos.
"Well, then let's try!" - said Mia.

[Mervay]

Outside of the Shop.
I smiled at the memory of Chris meeting my lads and lassies, back in the day in Dumhach, for the first time, when I bathed them and introduced him to the fact, that I was breastfeeding them.
It was... a beautiful day, which we ended in each others arms after an awesome beach party with a lot of friends new and old...
Back in the present, Lise listened carefully and asked for a can of food, as a reward for Dilly after he took the collar, promising to pay up once everything was said and done.
I preempted my boss by saying: "Oh, don't worry, Lise, I'll pay for everything. It's a little present for you... and a little birthday present for the young lad." I smiled at Dilly, who offered his neck for the collar. "He deserves it, I'd say!"

Stoc Inn.
Aurora smiled at Trinity, blushing when she said, that they looked a bit like father and daughter with how close they were. Then they were preempted by the wiatress and their arriving food.
Indeed, it smelled delicious and a bite confirmed, that it indeed was.
Aurora nodded at Trinity's words with a huge grin.
After she had swallowed, she spoke: "It indeed is very delicious!", she said, "We'll have to compliments the chefs!"

At the reception desk, the man looked at the screen with next to no bit of being impressed.
A heavy hand landed on Ethan's shoulder, from behind, of a man, who's appearance basically screamed security, as was the same with the man a bit to the side. The image did not rule out, that he had malicious intent with the young lady in question - what told him, that he wasn't a crazed ex of hers, the image being of a previous relationship, and that he was now stalking her?
Indeed, nothing. The reputation of his House was on the line. And not only that, there was a law...
"Yes, I do mind.", the receptionist said in no uncertain terms. That the lad was rubbing him in a bit of the wrong way was only the icing on the cake. "Now, Mister Bennington, I must ask you to leave. You know, where the door is... or shall Finnegan here..." He indicated to the large security man behind Ethan. "...show you the back exit?"

Lair Square.
The woman smiled.
"Mamaí.", she supplied, her daughter looking to the young man with a happy smile. "But please, Mhairin is completely alright... though, I must warn you, inns are obliged by law to not give out the booking information of guests to anyone without the order from a judge." She looked him up and down. "No offense to you, lad, but I doubt, that you got one." She let a beat pass. "Who are you looking for, if I may ask?"

Outside of the Shop.
As Lise asked for food and drink for Dilly, Chris was just going to rise, but Cel was faster. Hardly a surprise, but still a nice gesture was that she was going to pay it herself, for his birthday.
Indeed, the little Foundling deserved it!
Chris said, "From my own experience, they aren't only very curious, but also love having a nap every now and then - and they will likely find any place to do so, as soon as the surface is big enough."
He remembered Cladhaire sleeping in the hotel room in Dumhach on the first day back then, when he and Cel had gone fishing.
"For example, guarding your luggage in hotel rooms when you're away for an hour" - he added.

Outside of the Shop
Wait what???? Lise thought shocked of it, heck no she wouldn't let Cel pay up all what she bought here considering that she even if she bought only the basic food and the starter kit, who knows if it is expensive or not.
Meanwhile Dilly offered his neck for let Lise to put him the collar, which she did without problem and then caressed him on the head.

"Good boy" she said grinning at him as she carassed his head. Then she grabbed the kit and sealed it for later on. Then she heard what Chris told her about them, so they love to have an nap an lot of time and so they will search for an place to do so if the place is big enough and one example is that when they sleep, they can guard your package in hotel rooms when you are away for an hour. "The definition of an guardian, even sleeping, always protecting their terrain and what it is of their partner" she told him smiling and then looked at Dilly again with the same caring smile. But then looked at Cel.

"But now changing of topics. Are you sure that you want to pay it Cel?? I mean I know that it won't be an problem for you but it's just that I don't want you paying something that I bought" she told to Cel looking at her embarassed that Cel wants to pay for something she bought.

Stoc Inn
Trinity giggled at Aurora reaction with what she said of her and Silvio being Father and Daughter but in truth is that their relationship was like it, and that was for someone which knows them from this for now and if she looked deeper she could confirm it more truthfully.
And as with the food, like Alce said, compliments to the chef.

"Indeed we have to. As soon as the waitress returns we tell her to tell our compliments to him or her" she said grinning and then eating an little more. "Sorry that I ask this Aurora... But how did you and Silvio knew each other?? Does he is someone close to your family??"

Meanwhile Ethan could clearly see that the man didn't even moved any muscle of his face as he showed him the picture and he could bet that he didn't believed what he said and that even that what he told him was the truth, he might take Bennington as an Stalker or something.
Which was confirmed by the hand on his shoulder of an man which clearly was from security and with the tone the receptionist spoke to him. In his terms were simple and clear, he leaved peacefully and this would be forgotten or Finnegan took him through the back exit and with an broken bone most surely.

Now to be honest, Ethan what he would do now was... Very risky since this was an big gamble, but one worth if it played off well.

"I have an objection sir" he told him respectfully and polite as he grabbed Finnegan's hand and took him out of his shoulder. "I will leave on my own but first I want to make an bet. Simple. How about I call her and if she comes and explains that what are you thinking is an misunderstanding and then you let me in and if she doesn't answer me or answer me very rude with something like I don't want to hear you again or something like that. Then I leave, it is up to you to accept it or not, if you accept it I would be glad and if not I won't mind and I will leave on my own, sounds fair??"

Laír Square
"Mamaí, thank you for the directions" Ethan told him smiling at her and her daughter. Although what she told him was very bad and kinda screwed his plans to met Lise.
When she asked him who he was and who was searching, Ethan bowed himself at them and presented himself.

"Ethan. Ethan Walker, pleasure to meet you Mamaí and so is an pleasure to meet your daughter" he said at them getting up and grinning at them. "I planned to meet my girlfriend inside the Inn as an surprise to her since she has been telling me about this travel for quite an time" he told them blushing at that thought since ever since the wedding-run all the times they wanted to confess their feelings or have an date has been met with problems because of school or other compromises they have for the finals time.

"Although that idea has gone out of the window hasn't it??" he said sighing. "Guess I have to search how can I find her. I just hope that I can find her soon"

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

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?"

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.

Marie shook her head. "Not even gunning for turning back the clock...just want us to end this without any real antipathy between us. But thanks...I appreciate it. And who knows?" She grinned. "Might just hit the jackpot, me and him..."

---

Anne wondered briefly why paper money wasn't a thing in the Free Lands-carrying around coins was an absolute pain in the ass, both figuratively, and, if one used their back pocket for their wallet or purse, literally.
"Bagged, and here you go."
The 4 copper coins plinked against the counter, and she waited for him to keep up his part of the deal.