Comin' together to Celebrate (IC)

by **Folaisia** » Sun May 26, 2019 12:37 pm

"Awfa braw. Good luck on those," Gordon commented, "And who's Pfote? Your pet?"

"That's good," Fiona said, "And what do you usually bake?"

by **Mediama** » Mon May 27, 2019 12:29 am

Kathleen laughed and said, “Don’t worry about it, let your body grow in time and focus on other things, eventually you get the things ya want.”

Even though you can be an impatient git at times. her own conscience yelled back at her, causing her to blush, though to the onlooker, that could be misconstrued as something else.

“Sides, it’s not too bad, what if ya need ta get away from somethin’ and need ta disguise yerself quickly. Hide all of your hair under a cap, wear some boy’s clothes, and viola. Used ta do it all tha time to get away from lessons.”

She looked around and leaned in to whisper to Fiona, “Don’t tell anyone else about that, reputation an’ all of that shoite.” She took a particularly long swig of the tea before her.

Miranda gave a tiny grin back, “Thank you, but still, would I really know what to do? I’ve only had one relationship with another girl, and she was a loud, outspoken Scott. Things are certainly different between the Free Lands and Mediama.”

She looked toward’s the neck and the snout of the horse, down towards the saddlebags. “For all I know I might be only slightly experienced, or maybe it’s the other way around, and I might slow her down...”

She gripped the sergeant’s abdomen further, presumably to keep from falling off the horse, but perhaps maybe, there was something emotional behind her grip as well.

Katherine looked to the side and blushed heavily, she took a deep breath to keep herself from keeling over and faint from hyperventilation, softly giggling in the process. She turned back her beloved and leaned in for another kiss on the lips. She was aware of how touchy feely she was being, but being gone from her at such a long distance at such a long time had made her live in the moment that much more.

After a beat or two of lip lock, she pulled back for air, “I’m glad you see me as your home away from home.” She said. “I hope I get to see your home and meet your parents soon though, I’m pretty sure they have plenty of dirt on you about your misadventures in wonderland.”

She looked down and dug her toe into the stone for a little bit, “And maybe, I can take you to see New Leeds for some time, meet my family an’ everything I’m sure they’d have some embarrassing stories to tell about little old me, it’s not much compared to here, but it’s something.”

She looked up at Liv and smiled, “Hell, maybe we could see all of Mediama, but it’s a big country though, we’ve got oceans for our front and back yards, and a whole lot of land in between.”

Kat knew they might be running low on time, but at this moment, she felt closer with Liv than every before, even if they had went all they way before, she felt hopeful, and at the same time vulnerable, but content being with Liv. She raised her left hand, and then stroked a lock of Liv’s hair, “But even with such a massive country as Mediama, I’d love to spend time seeing it with you.” She moved her hand from her lock to stroke the bridge of Liv’s nose to make a point of who she was referring to.

by **Lillorainen** » Mon May 27, 2019 7:39 am

Inside the Shop.
Chris had to smile, too - indeed, when Finnegan joined Enya, who played with the fox in her arms, the overall image genuinely had something that reminded of a family - and this was what they wouldn't only look like soon.
And Gawain was right. Ever since Chris had been in a relationship with Cel, he had, slowly but surely, developed an intuition as to who perfectly fit to whom, and who did not. Examples for the former included Dragan and Amy, or Janina and Fenja. Or Erik and Kira, at least maybe ... but definitely Schlucke and Vodka Wick-Blau.
He nodded. "It's always fun to see, eh?" - he said.

Campsite.
Mia nodded, as Alaina reassured them, that the horse rejecting her was in good hands.
In this moment, Tyran called over, telling everyone to make ready, followed by the blast of a horn. It was time to hurry up, which the Lillos did at once, Sophus even saluting and grinning, followed by a "Yes, sir, Colonel, sir!" - Hilda and Mia mounted instantly, Sophus needed a few seconds more, but he was still fast enough.
While the controlled chaos broke out, with the fires put out with water, the horsemen prepared and mounted, a crowd of them already assembled before the gates, as if there had been anything for free there.
Hilda, Sophus, and Mia were ready.

by **The Selkie** » Tue May 28, 2019 12:10 pm

In the Free Lands, where things went more traditional, the parents still had to approve of a marriage - even if it was pro forma, mostly, nowadays, the Matriarch of a family still had the power to deny.
And then, nothing would happen.
Technically, the Older Gwen did not have that power, yet, mainly because the Matriarch of the Banphrionsa-Family was her Grand-Aunt, Lilianne Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Cavan.
As Jan flashed his large smile, she had to snort.
"In any case, good luck.", Patty said with a smile of her own.

Conchobar thought for a moment.
"Restaurant, no.", he said, "But there are a number of good stalls nearby. To be honest, I could use a bite as well..."
That was the moment, when General Niochan and his Grey Wolf appeared again.
"Did I hear someone being hungry?", he asked and, with two other employees of the stall, occupied the last archer position, all the way down the side of the gallery. He and the other two carried trays with food and drinks, glass bottles with differently lemonades and clayen mugs, set them up. "A little something from the house and me to celebrate. Those of you, who are hungry, feel free!"
There were murmurs, which were silenced by Conchobar, speaking in Selkie: "Is that from Mhairin?"
Niochan nodded - there were cheers.
Conchobar grinned at the Minrozians: "Or we get a snack here. Whichever works for you."

Inside of the shop.
"Indeed.", Gawain said and exhaled heavily. "It is always wonderful to see the love between beloved and family... and it tears out my heart when I see that love in jeopardy, in peril... and someone hurting because of that."
He was silent for a time.
"Which is why I did something, which might as well be very, very stupid...", he finished.

Marcach Camp.
The formation assembled, two columns behind the three bannermen of Tyran's escort, who rode along the line once more. Inspecting with a critical eye.
He gave the three Lillos appreciating looks, nodding to them.
They looked ready.
Leonard, next to them, had a blue band with silver thread wrapped around his upper arm, a similar band holding together Alaina's braid. He smiled at her, she smiled back.
Once that was done, Tyran took position at the front and nodded to one of his bannermen.
A horn was blown and the entire group, around a hundred horsemen, began to move.
Outside, Selkie and tourists alike snapped photographs, grinned with excitement, cheered for their favourite horsemen (Hilda getting a few cheers as well, which wasn't too surprising), and were generally merry.
"It's a beautiful day!", Leonard told the three Lillos over his shoulder with a grin.

Mervay wrote:Outside the Shop
Cel was... Crying?? Lise didn't expected her to cry considering her rough story with her family, but she might or surely still cared about them and that she has the support of her friends on her back and that they will help her.
As soon as she got back onto herself, Celina explained what Lise was thinking first. She didn't hated him, it still was her father in the end and even if she hated him or has an rough time with him, it was her father and she will always have an spot for him.

"I know, sometimes even if we hate our parents or have problems with them, we still have an soft spot for them on our hearts" Lise said with an smile. "We all have our differences, but what makes an family strong no matter if they don't have problems and they are that family which talks everything out or have problems such as yours. Is that they always care for each other and they will always protect each other" she then put an hand on her shoulder as she kept smiling at her friend.

"Trust me I'm sure that soon you and your family will sort things out and if not... Then I don't know but maybe they are too stubborn for see that they have to talk things out" she then hugged her for an minute before let her out.

"Sorry that I ask you this but, I believe Dilly needs to eat and drink something and I don't want him to be hungry as we walk to the Cluanaire Inn so, you don't mind if I take out some food from an small can of the kit for have him eat it before I leave with him to there??"

Stoc Inn
So she was an expert on many things as an merchant with even once being in the arms manufacturers business aswell. Wow that was an lot of things in which she could be focused on her business.

"I have to say that's an lot of talents if you tell me, is there any way that you could try to specialize in all of them or are you requested to be in one since you seem to be skilled in all of them if you tell me" Litton answered grinning at Aurora. "If not, then I believe you should stick with the luxory wares since you seem to be more focused on it" she explained.

On the way to the Left Bastion
The streets were completely full people on all sides and all places with almost no way to be able to see the directions in where one could be going. Thankfully through, the memory helped him to know where he was going from him leaving the area of the Laír Square into the old city limits where the walls were placed and were the limits between the inner city and the outer one.

I know this feels like an festival and that but it kinda reminds me of home with all the people on the streets might not be accurate, but those were Ethan's thoughts in the end.
As he kept walking to the gates he saw the Young Militia making guard in the gates, they were ceremonial so that explained their gear which was for the situation.

But still that didn't mattered now since later on he will comeback here for take an photo with them with his girlfriend after they ended their dinner in the Left Bastion, which thankfully was on the wiew of him, just some walk through the countryside and done.

Might as well surprise her once I'm on the restaurant so she knows where I'am, Ethan thought to himself with an laugh getting out of his mouth, Trinity will surely be excited and surprised to see him around here.

Laír Square
"Can't say I blame you, we always love our hometowns more than others" Lucas said smiling at her as he took out his phone. Then he went close to Mhairin and showed her the location of the Inn, not too far from here but still not an short walk, the map pinned the perfect route for them which surprisingly passed through Gawain's store.

"Here it says this is the shortest route to it, so we might as well take it" he said placing his phone back on his pocket. "So what are we waiting for?? We might as well get moving so we can be there soon"

Outside of the shop.
I smiled, glad about Lise's reassurances, wiped the tears away and wanted to reply in the affirmative, that Dilly should eat and drink plenty, when someone spoke.
"Please see to it, that the little dear does not go to bed hungry.", the female voice said, made me freeze. I turned around slowly...
...around five metres away stood a woman, who was almost a splitting image of myself, only a bit older, wearing Geansai like me, only in Louth's Colours. Her blue eyes, her posture, it all emitted a mature and motherly confidence and aura.
I gulped.
Her eyes fell on Lise. "You must be Miss Devienne.", she added, then bowed her head, "Thank you for being Cel's friend." She looked to me, a slightly quizzical look on her face.
"Right...", I said, "Sorry." I cleared my throat. "Lise, this is Finnya Treoraí of the Tribe of Louth. Me Mam."
"It's a pleasure, Miss Devienne.", she said.

Stoc Inn.
Aurora smiled, while her boss looked at her in a way, that suggested, that he often tried that argument.
"...maybe you are right.", Aurora finally said, "I'll just have to give it more time to think about it."
"Not too much, though.", Silvio said, "You'll need to choose soon. No pressure, though."
"Indeed...", Aurora said and sighed, before she grinned: "One thing, that I'll not sell any time soon is Selkie-Whiskey, though... taste testing always ends bad with me!"

On the Way to the Left Bastion.
The road stretched down through the countryside, where one could see, in the distance, the Three Bastions of Cuan, mighty fortifications against attacks from the north.
The road actually, in its main course, went through between them, but there were also roads leading up the hills of stone, the half-stars, which were supposed to protect Cuan. Those knowledgeable in City-History knew, that they had never been contested.
From the battlements, the canons of the Militia still glared down upon anyone approaching, nowadays only fired for ceremonial purposes. Banners above the fortifications told, that they were still in Cuan's Hand, which was reassuring.
The Left Bastion's Gate was a massive affair, a gatehouse for serious people, which had been repurposed as a restaurant. A sign to the side inside of the gate told, that the entrance was this staircase, one could easily miss it, as one ascended to the middle of the Half-Star, which was a sort-of hill.
For Ethan, it would not be hard to spot, as, just as he walked up, a young man was leaving, grinning and greeting Ethan in Selkie as he departed.

Laír Square.
Mhairin smiled as the young man went close to her, looking with him and Enya at the phone's screen. The little girl was fascinated by the smartphone, although she knew, what it was.
"Indeed.", the mother said, "Let's go."
And so they did, into a side-street.
"So...", Mhairin said as soon as they had the worst of the crowd behind them, setting her girl onto her feet, taking her hand. The girl walked besides them, a happy grin on her face.

After the numbers were exchanged and Z said her goodbye to Macha, who answered by giving Z a quick hug, grinning as she pressed a kiss between Z's upper ears, doing something similar to Ren and telling Kiri, that she would love to do the same with her, but that was, sadly, impossible, the small group departed.
Nia supplied Ren with a handkerchief and a small bottle of water, then took a moment to orient herself.
"This way!", she said, then took off deep into Cuan's streets on a shortcut.

Lugh smiled.
"Oh, the pleasure is mine, Milady.", the young man said with a smile, "Though I'm afraid, that I can not help you in regards to your other inquiry. I know many people, who can... and who you will meet tonight."
Leonard nodded. "Quite a few of the girls will be there tonight, amongst them Maihrin and Enya and a few of the Amys.", he said, "I'm sure, that they'll all be thrilled to talk with you about that."
Lugh nodded.

The tea came a minute later, a nice anise tea, which smelled heavenly.
Branwen took a small sip with a smile, which led to the conclusion, that it not only smelled good, but also was good.
"A friend of ours swears, that anise tea not only helps with digestion, but also helps against early aging and against coughing and fever.", Elin said, "And I made the experience, that Anise Tea at night helps as well..."
Branwen took another sip.

The little cubs were hesitant at first, Darufa having a hand on Billie's shoulder in reassurance.
Then the first one was brave, slowly reaching out with his snout, sniffing carefully, first a bit confused, then with a bit of assurance as he took a second sniff.
A beat passed.
Then he licked Billie's hand, approving of her.
That seemed to open the floodgates, as the second and the third puppy came towards the two girls.
Darufa smiled.

"It is, isn't it?", Mavie said before she opened the door into a small entrance room.
Rona took off her shoes, as did her mothers, and then offered slippers to the two guests, both pairs in a neutral dark blue. The three inhabitants took slippers themselves, Rona's being of a bright, happy yellow, while the older women had dark red ones.
Mara kissed Mavie on the lips.
With that done, the three led Mei and Tsukasa deeper, through a door into a large central living room with a table in the middle, kitchen to the left behind a door, a short hallway leading to the bedrooms. A large window front opposite to the door into the living room gave a wonderful view of the square beneath it, where the festival was going on merrily. The room was floored with dark wood, a light carpet on top of it.
"Please, have a seat!", Mavie said with a smile, offering a chair for the two visitors, "I'll put the kettle on!"

Alaina and Layla smiled - indeed, a good start for their day, especially Layla.
Her bandmate did not hold it against her, Hilda was a good and talented singer, and she deserved a whole lot of the admiration... but Alaina knew Layla for a long time now. Layla... was a person, who loved company, especially if it was a person, who she held in high regards.
Like Hilda.
Alaina almost envied her and so, she watched how Hilda wolfed her food down - her own plate was already empty.
Layla, Alaina knew, sometimes needed protection. Especially now, after she lost her father, she needed it.
After they had all finished, Alaina flagged down a waitress, paid for everyone and then turned to the other two women to ask: "Ready, everyone?"
Layla nodded, gulping down the last bite.
With that, the group rose. "So. Middle Bastion, to the exhibition of the Banna High School Pikemen.", Alaina recapped their next destination. "It's going to be fun!"

Folaisia wrote:"Awfa braw. Good luck on those," Gordon commented, "And who's Pfote? Your pet?"

"That's good," Fiona said, "And what do you usually bake?"

Kiah nodded.
"Pfote is my little cat.", she explained, "A little black cat with a grey stomach and... One moment."
She smiled and reached into her belt, taking out a smartphone. A few seconds of tapping later, she had an image, which she showed Gordon.
It was of herself, in a white bikini, standing with a grey peaked hat on her head and on that, a cat, which seemed to enjoy its spot, especially since Kiah was holding her there, scratching him in passing.
"That's him.", Kiah explained, "A cuddly lad!"

"Scipeáil.", Enya replied just as Ida was receiving a message on her own smartphone. "Sometimes I also do cakes, bread, muffins... a whole lot of things."
"Awfully sorry, people.", Ida suddenly said from the side. "I need Enya for a few minutes. Would you please excuse us?"
"Eh?", Enya made, before she was dragged off.
"Really, it's a matter of love, life and anything inbetween, if Asteria is right.", Ida told them.

Mediama wrote:Kathleen laughed and said, “Don’t worry about it, let your body grow in time and focus on other things, eventually you get the things ya want.”

Even though you can be an impatient git at times. her own conscience yelled back at her, causing her to blush, though to the onlooker, that could be misconstrued as something else.

“Sides, it’s not too bad, what if ya need ta get away from somethin’ and need ta disguise yerself quickly. Hide all of your hair under a cap, wear some boy’s clothes, and viola. Used ta do it all tha time to get away from lessons.”

She looked around and leaned in to whisper to Fiona, “Don’t tell anyone else about that, reputation an’ all of that shoite.” She took a particularly long swig of the tea before her.

Miranda gave a tiny grin back, “Thank you, but still, would I really know what to do? I’ve only had one relationship with another girl, and she was a loud, outspoken Scott. Things are certainly different between the Free Lands and Mediama.”

She looked toward’s the neck and the snout of the horse, down towards the saddlebags. “For all I know I might be only slightly experienced, or maybe it’s the other way around, and I might slow her down...”

She gripped the sergeant’s abdomen further, presumably to keep from falling off the horse, but perhaps maybe, there was something emotional behind her grip as well.

Katherine looked to the side and blushed heavily, she took a deep breath to keep herself from keeling over and faint from hyperventilation, softly giggling in the process. She turned back her beloved and leaned in for another kiss on the lips. She was aware of how touchy feely she was being, but being gone from her at such a long distance at such a long time had made her live in the moment that much more.

After a beat or two of lip lock, she pulled back for air, “I’m glad you see me as your home away from home.” She said. “I hope I get to see your home and meet your parents soon though, I’m pretty sure they have plenty of dirt on you about your misadventures in wonderland.”

She looked down and dug her toe into the stone for a little bit, “And maybe, I can take you to see New Leeds for some time, meet my family an’ everything I’m sure they’d have some embarrassing stories to tell about little old me, it’s not much compared to here, but it’s something.”

She looked up at Liv and smiled, “Hell, maybe we could see all of Mediama, but it’s a big country though, we’ve got oceans for our front and back yards, and a whole lot of land in between.”

Kat knew they might be running low on time, but at this moment, she felt closer with Liv than every before, even if they had went all they way before, she felt hopeful, and at the same time vulnerable, but content being with Liv. She raised her left hand, and then stroked a lock of Liv’s hair, “But even with such a massive country as Mediama, I’d love to spend time seeing it with you.” She moved her hand from her lock to stroke the bridge of Liv’s nose to make a point of who she was referring to.

Fiona giggled.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.", she told Kathleen, "But I'll most likely not use the trick myself. Everyone here knows me and my face, no matter what I wear..." She let a beat pass. "Though... when I am away, that might be useful... Hm..."
She thought for a moment.
"Still... I want a milk shop.", she said finally, "I mean... if you could see some of my classmates, you'd know, why I am so desperate about this!"

The Sergeant laughed.
"If you two love each other, the speed is unimportant, experience is unimportant - if your hearts connect, they connect.", the Sergeant said and smiled, letting her grip her as hard as Miranda wanted.
After all, she felt the emotionality behind the grip.
"Though... a bit of experience with kissing might not hurt...", she added with a smile.

Liv smiled - indeed, her parents had a lot of stories to tell about her as a kid.
The prospect of Kat meeting her parents and vice versa... it unnerved her quite a bit, but she knew, that her parents would love Kat. And her family.
If Kat's family would like her...? That was making her more nervous.
"And I would show you my land. Leuda, my city, especially.", Liv smiled, "I know my city." She let a beat pass. "Better then Cuan, in any case..."

by **Port Ember** » Tue May 28, 2019 12:41 pm

Jan Breytenbach

Jan pondered about the tons of unpleasant information he has recently received. Jan decided that he will not be bothered by it though, as he was a born warrior, both on the battlefield and with negotiations. He decided to bury his worries until he had to meet Norra.

Jan thanked Patty as he finished his delicious breadrolls. When he finished, he started wondering what his Gwenny would show him next from this strange land.

by **AHSCA** » Wed May 29, 2019 8:27 am

The Selkie wrote:Lugh smiled.
"Oh, the pleasure is mine, Milady.", the young man said with a smile, "Though I'm afraid, that I can not help you in regards to your other inquiry. I know many people, who can... and who you will meet tonight."
Leonard nodded. "Quite a few of the girls will be there tonight, amongst them Maihrin and Enya and a few of the Amys.", he said, "I'm sure, that they'll all be thrilled to talk with you about that."
Lugh nodded.

"Wow, then I really look forward to meeting a few and talking to them. And of course to sharing a dance with you!"

"Sounds like we'll have a great time tonight."

The Selkie wrote:The tea came a minute later, a nice anise tea, which smelled heavenly.
Branwen took a small sip with a smile, which led to the conclusion, that it not only smelled good, but also was good.
"A friend of ours swears, that anise tea not only helps with digestion, but also helps against early aging and against coughing and fever.", Elin said, "And I made the experience, that Anise Tea at night helps as well..."
Branwen took another sip.

"It has a lovely aroma." Shizuka inhaled and took her first sips "And tastes delicious too! The Selkies do know their tea, that much is for sure." She smiled and nodded sipping.

by **Mervay** » Wed May 29, 2019 5:18 pm

The Selkie wrote:Outside of the shop.
I smiled, glad about Lise's reassurances, wiped the tears away and wanted to reply in the affirmative, that Dilly should eat and drink plenty, when someone spoke.
"Please see to it, that the little dear does not go to bed hungry.", the female voice said, made me freeze. I turned around slowly...
...around five metres away stood a woman, who was almost a splitting image of myself, only a bit older, wearing Geansai like me, only in Louth's Colours. Her blue eyes, her posture, it all emitted a mature and motherly confidence and aura.
I gulped.
Her eyes fell on Lise. "You must be Miss Devienne.", she added, then bowed her head, "Thank you for being Cel's friend." She looked to me, a slightly quizzical look on her face.
"Right...", I said, "Sorry." I cleared my throat. "Lise, this is Finnya Treoraí of the Tribe of Louth. Me Mam."
"It's a pleasure, Miss Devienne.", she said.

Stoc Inn.
Aurora smiled, while her boss looked at her in a way, that suggested, that he often tried that argument.
"...maybe you are right.", Aurora finally said, "I'll just have to give it more time to think about it."
"Not too much, though.", Silvio said, "You'll need to choose soon. No pressure, though."
"Indeed...", Aurora said and sighed, before she grinned: "One thing, that I'll not sell any time soon is Selkie-Whiskey, though... taste testing always ends bad with me!"

On the Way to the Left Bastion.
The road stretched down through the countryside, where one could see, in the distance, the Three Bastions of Cuan, mighty fortifications against attacks from the north.
The road actually, in its main course, went through between them, but there were also roads leading up the hills of stone, the half-stars, which were supposed to protect Cuan. Those knowledgeable in City-History knew, that they had never been contested.
From the battlements, the canons of the Militia still glared down upon anyone approaching, nowadays only fired for ceremonial purposes. Banners above the fortifications told, that they were still in Cuan's Hand, which was reassuring.
The Left Bastion's Gate was a massive affair, a gatehouse for serious people, which had been repurposed as a restaurant. A sign to the side inside of the gate told, that the entrance was this staircase, one could easily miss it, as one ascended to the middle of the Half-Star, which was a sort-of hill.
For Ethan, it would not be hard to spot, as, just as he walked up, a young man was leaving, grinning and greeting Ethan in Selkie as he departed.

Laír Square.
Mhairin smiled as the young man went close to her, looking with him and Enya at the phone's screen. The little girl was fascinated by the smartphone, although she knew, what it was.
"Indeed.", the mother said, "Let's go."
And so they did, into a side-street.
"So...", Mhairin said as soon as they had the worst of the crowd behind them, setting her girl onto her feet, taking her hand. The girl walked besides them, a happy grin on her face.

Outside of the Shop
Before Cel could answer after she smiled and wiped her tears. Someone spoke for her saying one worth of advice, not take him to bed hungry.
Lise was to talk but the expression of Cel made her think twice since she didn't knew who it was... Well kinda since she looked like her friend but older and was dressed in an Geansai with Louth's colors and that aura, eyes and posture.

Dilly could feel the tension too and looked at her owner, which was frozen and with an expression of tension.

"Ohh dear" she said worried about this, she didn't trusted how this would end even so she was in front of Cel's mother and not her father or the brothers.

As soon as the presentations ended, Lise bowed at Finnya like it would be expected.

"Pleausre is mine Madame Finnya" she said smiling and then looking at her daughter. "I have to say you have an beautiful daugther, she is the best person I knew in an while and believe me, she is one of the few I can trust completely and my best friend" she said smiling as Dilly caressed her dress with an face of hunger.

"You thought I forgot about your food?? That would be stupid of me my dear friend" she answered smiling at him as she went to the kit and took an small can and an bucket for both water and his food, then she poured the food onto the bucket and so some water from an bottle she has with her which she bought on the airport. "Be sure to eat it all" she said smiling at her mascot as he begun to eat.

Meanwhile Lise leaved the can in an trash can and then looked at the girls.

"Sorry busy with my little friend. Either way what does it bring you here madame??"

Stoc Inn
"Hope you don't taste the cogñac then, ended bad with me" she said laughing about it as she then smiled to both Aurora and Silvio. "But either way, like your boss said you better choose soon I mean you are in your 19's and better choose now than late sometimes" she said smiling and then streched herself.

That food was more than great and very tasty, surely that chef passed his expectations completely.

"Man the food was great, compliments to the chef" Trinity said smiling. "Either way, do you two plan to go somewhere on town??"

On the Way to the Left Bastion
Ethan walked through the countryside finally clearly seeing his destiny, the Three Bastions of Cuan, but the road divided to another ones leading to other areas of the city defenses. Meanwhile canons from the Militia glared down upon everyone but with the difference that now they were mainly for ceremonial purposes, meanwhile the banners on there showed that the place was like expected, on Cuan control.

Meanwhile Ethan kept walking looking all the fortifications as he didn't tried to miss his route, which thankfully didn't happened since he was now in front of it... Ethan got that this was an part of an massive system of fortifications but dear god this place was massive... Although he needed to find how to ent-

"Oh good afternoon" he said bowing and then looking at his luck. Now he knew how to enter, Bennington followed from where the man leaved and in no time he will be there soon...

Laír Square
Now they were walking through an side-street leaving the worse part of the crowd and tourists behind on the square. Mhairin walked in one side meanwhile her daughter was besides her and Lucas.

"So... If I may ask, where is your husband??"

by **Kuronami** » Thu May 30, 2019 12:04 pm

The Selkie wrote:The little cubs were hesitant at first, Darufa having a hand on Billie's shoulder in reassurance.
Then the first one was brave, slowly reaching out with his snout, sniffing carefully, first a bit confused, then with a bit of assurance as he took a second sniff.
A beat passed.
Then he licked Billie's hand, approving of her.
That seemed to open the floodgates, as the second and the third puppy came towards the two girls.
Darufa smiled.

"Aw hehehe aint that cute, he's taken a shine to me and Joey"

"Really cute, and it tickles to. Glad they like us and aren't put off by the other animal scents we have on us probably."

"We do like our animals, and we really like the cute ones!"

The Selkie wrote:"It is, isn't it?", Mavie said before she opened the door into a small entrance room.
Rona took off her shoes, as did her mothers, and then offered slippers to the two guests, both pairs in a neutral dark blue. The three inhabitants took slippers themselves, Rona's being of a bright, happy yellow, while the older women had dark red ones.
Mara kissed Mavie on the lips.
With that done, the three led Mei and Tsukasa deeper, through a door into a large central living room with a table in the middle, kitchen to the left behind a door, a short hallway leading to the bedrooms. A large window front opposite to the door into the living room gave a wonderful view of the square beneath it, where the festival was going on merrily. The room was floored with dark wood, a light carpet on top of it.
"Please, have a seat!", Mavie said with a smile, offering a chair for the two visitors, "I'll put the kettle on!"

Tsukasa and Mei complied in removing their shoes as well and taking the slippers offered by their hosts. "Ah similar to back home, at least in the Eastern half where we live, customary to remove your shoes."

"Yeah, rather funny how similar we are even if we're different." Tsukasa nodded setting hers and Mei's footwear aside once slipped into their cozy slippers. "Rona, a lover of yellow, it would seem?" Mei inquired with a smile "Very fitting for your bright personality!"

"Mei-chan, look you can see down onto the square from here."

"Ah quite a view!"

the two girls took their time to admire the home a little and took their seats, setting the bags containing their fresh buns neatly into their lap. Out of respect for their hosts, they wouldn't begin until everyone was seated together and ready.

by **Foxfound** » Fri May 31, 2019 4:02 pm

The Selkie wrote:
Foxfound wrote:Ren bowed her head along with her, though she wasn't familiar with all of these rituals. Kiri noticed this and mimicked her. Z didn't notice the two.

She frowned. "I don't recall... no, I don't think I got your number..."

She got out her cell phone, and after the number was given to her and added to it - as that probably isn't worth another whole post - she moved to follow Nia outside.

"Thanks for everything!" she said to Macha with a toothy, innocent grin. The other two girls said similar goodbyes. As they were about to leave Ren deftly dabbed most of the ink off of Z's face with a napkin.

After the numbers were exchanged and Z said her goodbye to Macha, who answered by giving Z a quick hug, grinning as she pressed a kiss between Z's upper ears, doing something similar to Ren and telling Kiri, that she would love to do the same with her, but that was, sadly, impossible, the small group departed.
Nia supplied Ren with a handkerchief and a small bottle of water, then took a moment to orient herself.
"This way!", she said, then took off deep into Cuan's streets on a shortcut.

Ren nodded in thanks, only to look up and find Nia had already taken off, with Z close behind. Her and Kiri quickly followed through the crowd of people out for the festival. They caught up very quickly, possibly because the unexpected ghost startled some of the people in the way.

"I hope it isn't too far," Z said half to herself. "I'm not much of a long-distance runner."

by **Minroz** » Sat Jun 01, 2019 4:17 am

The Selkie wrote:Conchobar thought for a moment.
"Restaurant, no.", he said, "But there are a number of good stalls nearby. To be honest, I could use a bite as well..."
That was the moment, when General Niochan and his Grey Wolf appeared again.
"Did I hear someone being hungry?", he asked and, with two other employees of the stall, occupied the last archer position, all the way down the side of the gallery. He and the other two carried trays with food and drinks, glass bottles with differently lemonades and clayen mugs, set them up. "A little something from the house and me to celebrate. Those of you, who are hungry, feel free!"
There were murmurs, which were silenced by Conchobar, speaking in Selkie: "Is that from Mhairin?"
Niochan nodded - there were cheers.
Conchobar grinned at the Minrozians: "Or we get a snack here. Whichever works for you."

“Oh, I’m more than happy with snacks too~.” Tieguang quickly replied. “Aiya, I’m starving.”

He makes his way towards the food tray and took one from it. The brunette than took a big bite and munched it down. [“Mhh~. Delicious~.”] he spoke out in Mandarin, happy to satisfy his hunger a little. “Thank you very much, sir!” Tieguang thanked the ones responsible for the trays of food and drinks.

Lianhua chuckles at her husband’s enthusiasm for food. “My husband of mine, he’s one of the men who loves to eat food a lot. Sometimes, I had no idea when he’ll stop. But I’ve known people who can eat amount of food, a whole table of them.” She remarked to Conchobar. “I digress, what are you going to do after the archery contest we’ve had earlier?”

by **Mediama** » Tue Jun 04, 2019 12:11 am

Kathleen internally sighed in relief, then internally chuckled at Fiona’s phrasing of expressing her want for a larger chest. Nevertheless, externally she nodded, “I’m sure we’ll see them around, right? You could show me then.” She paused briefly before she caught onto something they talked about earlier, “Though you may want ta heed your own advice, don’t sell yourself short in your self image.”

She scanned the streets to see whether or not the militiawomen had arrived yet. Though she had a relatively calm expression about her, she was still worried about Miranda, even if they said they found her and were taking her home, something still could happen, right?

To keep her mind busy, and to prevent any more awkwardness, Kathleen decided to Chang the subject after she heard Fiona reply back. “So Fiona, we’ve only briefly seen each other so far, especially when I faffed off to a different direction ta god knows where, do ya mind talking about yourself? I mean, you’ve already heard me talk about Mira’s hobbies, now’s your turn.”

“I-I think I can do that... I’ve kissed a few times before.” Her thoughts returned to some of her more romantic moments with Kathleen, causing her to blush slightly. She laid her head on the militiawoman’s back. “I suppose I’ll take your word for it and make do with what I have. It doesn’t make it any easier listening to my feelings though, part of me’s still afraid something will go awry.”

She then looked at the buildings, stands, and blurs of people rushing by, “It’s not even a matter of if... somethin’s bound ta happen.”

“What can go wrong will.” Miranda said in Gaelic.

Kat giggled, leaned in and pecked Liv in the nose. “I can’t wait.” She looped her arm around Liv’s, then held her hand with Liv’s, intertwining their fingers.

“Speaking of, where should we go next? There’s so much to do, so much to see.” She looked around for a clock, had she found one, she would look worriedly at it, if she hadn’t, she’d look down at her watch. “And so little time...”

Kat nevertheless leaned in against Liv to take in warmth and comfort, although worried, she sighed contently.

by **The Selkie** » Tue Jun 04, 2019 2:59 am

The breakfast continued for a while, happy chatting and good food, but the younger Gwen saw, that her boyfriend was troubled by the culture shock.
And no matter what he would claim, from what she knew of Port Ember, it was a culture shock. Things went differently in the Free Lands and if the Selkie were one thing, it was traditional.
Regardless, when the breakfast ended, they all thanked the older Gwen, who had been by more then a mere technicality their host and a very gracious one at that. She nodded in gratitude, said, that it was her pleasure, and the backstage area went back to work.
"So...", the younger Gwen said, "...want to continue exploring the backstage area a bit, Jan? Or do you want to see the opening of the Music Stage? Mórbhileog is playing first!"

Lugh and Leonard both smiled.
"Oh, that's for certain!", the redhead next to Haru said with a firm nod, "Our boss invited a lot of our friends and they bring friends of theirs along so we have a full house! The Cluanaire Inn will not know, what hit it!"
Lugh nodded and rose. "That's true. Cel said, they would have enough space, so let's put that to the test!", he said, then his smile turned slightly said, "I am afraid, however, that I must return to work now. Dad's most likely getting impatient already. Leonard, show them a lot of fun things, if they let you!"
The redhead grinned, hugged his friend. "Will do!"
"Miss Haru...", Lugh spoke to the older of the two women, bowed his head to her, "...keep an eye on Leonard, please. He has a tendency to get into scrapes."
And with that, he turned to Miki, while Leonard protested with a grin.
"Young Lady...", he began, softly took her hand and kissed the back of it with the softness as if she was out of the most fragile porcelain, "...we will see each other later."

Branwen and Elin nodded.
"Indeed.", Branwen said, "Both for relaxation and as herbal remedies. Where many foreigners reach for medication and pills, we reach for the Headache Tea and similar teas. Of course, only for smaller ailments." She smiled. "You will rarely find someone, who tries to cure broken bones with a herbal poultice, although they do exist."
A beat passed.
"From your appreciation of a good cuppa, I take, that you grew up with drinking tea, too?", Branwen asked with interest.

Mervay wrote:Outside of the Shop
Before Cel could answer after she smiled and wiped her tears. Someone spoke for her saying one worth of advice, not take him to bed hungry.
Lise was to talk but the expression of Cel made her think twice since she didn't knew who it was... Well kinda since she looked like her friend but older and was dressed in an Geansai with Louth's colors and that aura, eyes and posture.

Dilly could feel the tension too and looked at her owner, which was frozen and with an expression of tension.

"Ohh dear" she said worried about this, she didn't trusted how this would end even so she was in front of Cel's mother and not her father or the brothers.

As soon as the presentations ended, Lise bowed at Finnya like it would be expected.

"Pleausre is mine Madame Finnya" she said smiling and then looking at her daughter. "I have to say you have an beautiful daugther, she is the best person I knew in an while and believe me, she is one of the few I can trust completely and my best friend" she said smiling as Dilly caressed her dress with an face of hunger.

"You thought I forgot about your food?? That would be stupid of me my dear friend" she answered smiling at him as she went to the kit and took an small can and an bucket for both water and his food, then she poured the food onto the bucket and so some water from an bottle she has with her which she bought on the airport. "Be sure to eat it all" she said smiling at her mascot as he begun to eat.

Meanwhile Lise leaved the can in an trash can and then looked at the girls.

"Sorry busy with my little friend. Either way what does it bring you here madame??"

Stoc Inn
"Hope you don't taste the cogñac then, ended bad with me" she said laughing about it as she then smiled to both Aurora and Silvio. "But either way, like your boss said you better choose soon I mean you are in your 19's and better choose now than late sometimes" she said smiling and then streched herself.

That food was more than great and very tasty, surely that chef passed his expectations completely.

"Man the food was great, compliments to the chef" Trinity said smiling. "Either way, do you two plan to go somewhere on town??"

On the Way to the Left Bastion
Ethan walked through the countryside finally clearly seeing his destiny, the Three Bastions of Cuan, but the road divided to another ones leading to other areas of the city defenses. Meanwhile canons from the Militia glared down upon everyone but with the difference that now they were mainly for ceremonial purposes, meanwhile the banners on there showed that the place was like expected, on Cuan control.

Meanwhile Ethan kept walking looking all the fortifications as he didn't tried to miss his route, which thankfully didn't happened since he was now in front of it... Ethan got that this was an part of an massive system of fortifications but dear god this place was massive... Although he needed to find how to ent-

"Oh good afternoon" he said bowing and then looking at his luck. Now he knew how to enter, Bennington followed from where the man leaved and in no time he will be there soon...

Laír Square
Now they were walking through an side-street leaving the worse part of the crowd and tourists behind on the square. Mhairin walked in one side meanwhile her daughter was besides her and Lucas.

"So... If I may ask, where is your husband??"

Outside of the Shop.
Mam smiled at the compliments Lise had for me, which made me blush.
To have so much trust thrusted onto me, so many nice words...
As Lise quickly prepared something for Dilly, Mam surprising me with her words of a 'little dear', I did not speak with me Mam, but I looked at her from time to time. I looked for signs, that something would go downhill very quickly.
I... saw none.
She stood there with honesty in her heart and soul and eyes.
"Either way what does it bring you here madame?", Lise finally asked as she was finished, Dilly happily munching away.
Mam smiled.
"Many things, Miss Devienne.", she said and her smile got a sad note. "All of which relate to my beautiful daughter, who not looks like me, when I was her age, but also acts that way." I frowned, she had the gall to giggle. "I was a bit of a spitfire back in my day!"
"Mam..."
"Don't worry. Your Father neither knows of me being here nor will he, unless I like, what I see.", she said, "And one of the things I wanted to see were your friends, both the vulpine ones... and the young man, who you want to marry. He is here, isn't he?"
I nodded.

Stoc Inn.
Aurora smiled widely.
"Oh, I wanted to go to the Petting Zoo and then see, if I can't catch the Exhibition of the Banna High School Pikemen at the Middle Bastion. After that, maybe the Air Show?", she asked her boss, who shrugged.
"I'll be dragged along for the ride. And if I meet a colleague, I will talk shop with him or her.", he said and smiled, "That's the disadvantage of being dragged along by the apprentice." Aurora giggled as her boss continued: "But indeed, compliments to the chef!"

Gatehouse of the Left Bastion.
The door led to a staircase, which led upwards in a small spiral, then ended six metres higher in a platform, which was an antechamber. A small bar was to the left side, a Selkie in Geansai and with an apron manned it, a towel thrown over his shoulder as he used another one to clean a glass. A cupboard behind him showed a wide assortment of drinks, most of them not yet for sale, but as it was closed off, one did not need to worry about it.
Stools stood in front of the bar, one occupied by a young lady with an apron herself, who was enjoying her break, but who jumped up as Ethan entered, bowing her head.
At the other end of the small bar was a large double door, which was closed, although a small sign revealed, that the room behind that was open - the Gatehouse Restaurant, as the sign revealed in Selkie and English.
The room was lit by natural light, coming from the embrasures to either side.
As the waitress jumped up, the barkeeper looked up as well, bowing his head with a small smile.

Laír Square.
Mhairin was caught absolutely off-guard by the question, almost stopped. Her daughter felt, that something was wrong and she squeezed her mother's hand tighter as she kept the pace.
Mhairin took a moment to formulate a reply: "Please, do not ask for a reply to that question. It's... not a topic suited for this day.", she asked of the young man, pain very evident in her eyes. "Instead, why don't you tell us about your beloved, for whom you traveled all this way?"

Kuronami wrote:
The Selkie wrote:The little cubs were hesitant at first, Darufa having a hand on Billie's shoulder in reassurance.
Then the first one was brave, slowly reaching out with his snout, sniffing carefully, first a bit confused, then with a bit of assurance as he took a second sniff.
A beat passed.
Then he licked Billie's hand, approving of her.
That seemed to open the floodgates, as the second and the third puppy came towards the two girls.
Darufa smiled.

"Aw hehehe aint that cute, he's taken a shine to me and Joey"

"Really cute, and it tickles to. Glad they like us and aren't put off by the other animal scents we have on us probably."

"We do like our animals, and we really like the cute ones!"

The Selkie wrote:"It is, isn't it?", Mavie said before she opened the door into a small entrance room.
Rona took off her shoes, as did her mothers, and then offered slippers to the two guests, both pairs in a neutral dark blue. The three inhabitants took slippers themselves, Rona's being of a bright, happy yellow, while the older women had dark red ones.
Mara kissed Mavie on the lips.
With that done, the three led Mei and Tsukasa deeper, through a door into a large central living room with a table in the middle, kitchen to the left behind a door, a short hallway leading to the bedrooms. A large window front opposite to the door into the living room gave a wonderful view of the square beneath it, where the festival was going on merrily. The room was floored with dark wood, a light carpet on top of it.
"Please, have a seat!", Mavie said with a smile, offering a chair for the two visitors, "I'll put the kettle on!"

Tsukasa and Mei complied in removing their shoes as well and taking the slippers offered by their hosts. "Ah similar to back home, at least in the Eastern half where we live, customary to remove your shoes."

"Yeah, rather funny how similar we are even if we're different." Tsukasa nodded setting hers and Mei's footwear aside once slipped into their cozy slippers. "Rona, a lover of yellow, it would seem?" Mei inquired with a smile "Very fitting for your bright personality!"

"Mei-chan, look you can see down onto the square from here."

"Ah quite a view!"

the two girls took their time to admire the home a little and took their seats, setting the bags containing their fresh buns neatly into their lap. Out of respect for their hosts, they wouldn't begin until everyone was seated together and ready.

"A Guarding Fox, who does not like young, is not a Guarding Fox.", Darufa said with a smile, "That's where their name comes from. They have the tendency to 'adopt' lost and orphaned young of other species, accepting them as if they were their own." She rose and let the two girls the space to pet the growing crowd of cubs, who wanted to get to know them. "And as such, they like the young of almost any species... there's even a legend of a Guarding Fox adopting two human children and raising them as her own, up in the Silver Mountains. The Fox-Children of Mount Aill is its name."

Rona had giggled at the quip about her colour of choice for her slippers, but was a bit confused by the comment about how similar things apparently were to their homelands. Her Mam had caught it as well, would no doubt ask.
The tea didn't take long and a minute or two later, the entire assembly was seated at the table, with plates before them, a steaming hot can of tea being distributed, utensils laid out by Rona.
Mara looked to Mavie, who nodded.
The Lady of the House then looked to Mei and Tsukasa: "If you want to speak your graces before we eat, please do so.", she offered.

It didn't take too long and Nia escaped on the other side of the crowd, in a small side street, and waited for her new friends.
Indeed, some people were surprised by Kiri, which helped them to get through faster.
The Spiorad smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about that... I usually don't like moving through crowds, so I usually tend to get it over with quickly. I should have warned you...", she explained, "It's smoother sailing from here on out for a while, though, so you can take in a bit of the tremendous sights..."
She turned around.
"Granted, it's a side-street, but they do have pretty flowers. And the best shops are usually on such side streets, not the Main Streets.", she explained.
And indeed, in this side-street, along the flanks of residential buildings, were a number of interesting shops, from two tinkerers and a watchmaker to a bookstore and a toymaker, as well as a flower shop, who's merchandise emitted a wonderful smell.
Nia led them further in.

Conchobar smiled at Lianhua.
"A healthy man is a man, who eats good, as me Mam always said.", he told her with a nod, "Believe me, eating a lot is a good sign for health! And who knows, maybe he'll grow big and strong!"
There was a round of laughs at the joke, especially from the older men present.
"In any case, I wanted to meet a few people after I finished up here. You see, one of my granddaughters is in town with a few friends of hers. They're all part of the Coileáin, that's the Iris Boarding School Complex Shenscha-Dhow Team." He shrugged. "I have no idea, what a Shenscha-Dhow Team is and what it does the whole long day, but as long as I can meet my granddaughter and her friends, I don't really give a damn what it is."
He smiled.
"Wanna tag along?", he offered to any takers, not only the Minrozians.

Mediama wrote:Kathleen internally sighed in relief, then internally chuckled at Fiona’s phrasing of expressing her want for a larger chest. Nevertheless, externally she nodded, “I’m sure we’ll see them around, right? You could show me then.” She paused briefly before she caught onto something they talked about earlier, “Though you may want ta heed your own advice, don’t sell yourself short in your self image.”

She scanned the streets to see whether or not the militiawomen had arrived yet. Though she had a relatively calm expression about her, she was still worried about Miranda, even if they said they found her and were taking her home, something still could happen, right?

To keep her mind busy, and to prevent any more awkwardness, Kathleen decided to Chang the subject after she heard Fiona reply back. “So Fiona, we’ve only briefly seen each other so far, especially when I faffed off to a different direction ta god knows where, do ya mind talking about yourself? I mean, you’ve already heard me talk about Mira’s hobbies, now’s your turn.”

“I-I think I can do that... I’ve kissed a few times before.” Her thoughts returned to some of her more romantic moments with Kathleen, causing her to blush slightly. She laid her head on the militiawoman’s back. “I suppose I’ll take your word for it and make do with what I have. It doesn’t make it any easier listening to my feelings though, part of me’s still afraid something will go awry.”

She then looked at the buildings, stands, and blurs of people rushing by, “It’s not even a matter of if... somethin’s bound ta happen.”

“What can go wrong will.” Miranda said in Gaelic.

Kat giggled, leaned in and pecked Liv in the nose. “I can’t wait.” She looped her arm around Liv’s, then held her hand with Liv’s, intertwining their fingers.

“Speaking of, where should we go next? There’s so much to do, so much to see.” She looked around for a clock, had she found one, she would look worriedly at it, if she hadn’t, she’d look down at her watch. “And so little time...”

Kat nevertheless leaned in against Liv to take in warmth and comfort, although worried, she sighed contently.

"Well, I am...", Fiona began, stopped for a moment, "...nothing special. I like reading, working with the cubs like Ciaran, am good in school... but that's about it. I like curling up by a fireplace with a good cuppa and a good book, maybe with Slíbhín snuggled close to me..."
She let a beat pass.
"Oh, Slíbhín is my Dad's Guarding Fox. A canine, despite the name.", she explained, "He always says, that I have my love for the cubs from him."

"Something will happen.", the Sergeant said with a nod, not understanding the last sentence, although it sounded awfully familiar. She had a rather solid idea as to what it was, though. "And it will be positive. Think positive, my dear."
She let a beat pass.
"We'll be there in a minute, though.", she added, then smiled at Miranda. "If you want, you and your girl can visit us at our barracks later. Then we show you, how a Selkie-Girl rides, even in skirt!"

Liv enjoyed the closeness to Kathleen for a moment, then hummed, glancing at the clock herself.
"We still have a lot of time before the Bainis begins, and a bit less until I am needed.", she said and smiled at Kat. "So, shall I show you a bit more of the Temple? Or should we see, if we can't find a good cuppa anywhere? I mean, we did just survive meeting a High Priestess..."
Granted, it wasn't the most gruelling encounter of her career as a Priestess (that award went to a teacher of hers), but still... it had been an ordeal, even for Liv, who was used to being around a High Priestess, and if Kat wanted to relax with a cuppa, Liv punch the Gods themselves to get one, if needed!

by **Port Ember** » Tue Jun 04, 2019 6:20 am

Jan Breytenbach with Gwen

Jan's stomach was completely satisfied and his mood shifted upwards, slowly recovering from the constant culture shock he has endured in his short time here. He had to keep it together, as to not show his concerns to his lover.

Jan thanked the older Gwen for the meal as well, and listened attentively when his Gwen spoke to him. He replied without hesitation "Aye, I would love to attend the show! I have no idea what or who that band is - but that is what Im 'ere for!"

by **Kuronami** » Wed Jun 05, 2019 2:28 pm

The Selkie wrote:"A Guarding Fox, who does not like young, is not a Guarding Fox.", Darufa said with a smile, "That's where their name comes from. They have the tendency to 'adopt' lost and orphaned young of other species, accepting them as if they were their own." She rose and let the two girls the space to pet the growing crowd of cubs, who wanted to get to know them. "And as such, they like the young of almost any species... there's even a legend of a Guarding Fox adopting two human children and raising them as her own, up in the Silver Mountains. The Fox-Children of Mount Aill is its name."

"Wow a guarding fox that even adopted to children." Billie went wide eyed in amazement.

"She said it's a legend dear." Her mother reminded her

"So they say, mama but as we learned in class, all legends have some basis in truth."

"Yeah we did." Joey affirmed.

"I suppose you got me there." Charlie responded, amused. reaching her own hand gingerly to allow the foxes to pick up on her scent and get used to her.

The Selkie wrote:Rona had giggled at the quip about her colour of choice for her slippers, but was a bit confused by the comment about how similar things apparently were to their homelands. Her Mam had caught it as well, would no doubt ask.
The tea didn't take long and a minute or two later, the entire assembly was seated at the table, with plates before them, a steaming hot can of tea being distributed, utensils laid out by Rona.
Mara looked to Mavie, who nodded.
The Lady of the House then looked to Mei and Tsukasa: "If you want to speak your graces before we eat, please do so.", she offered.

"It looks marvelous" Mei remarked to the tea set and hot pot of tea put on just for them.

"Tea is always better when you have someone to share it with." Tsukasa said while giving a smiling glance over at Mei.

"itadakimasu" Both girls gave their grace and thanks then began to sip their tea. "oh it's so perfect!"

by **AHSCA** » Wed Jun 05, 2019 4:32 pm

The Selkie wrote:Lugh and Leonard both smiled.
"Oh, that's for certain!", the redhead next to Haru said with a firm nod, "Our boss invited a lot of our friends and they bring friends of theirs along so we have a full house! The Cluanaire Inn will not know, what hit it!"
Lugh nodded and rose. "That's true. Cel said, they would have enough space, so let's put that to the test!", he said, then his smile turned slightly said, "I am afraid, however, that I must return to work now. Dad's most likely getting impatient already. Leonard, show them a lot of fun things, if they let you!"
The redhead grinned, hugged his friend. "Will do!"
"Miss Haru...", Lugh spoke to the older of the two women, bowed his head to her, "...keep an eye on Leonard, please. He has a tendency to get into scrapes."
And with that, he turned to Miki, while Leonard protested with a grin.
"Young Lady...", he began, softly took her hand and kissed the back of it with the softness as if she was out of the most fragile porcelain, "...we will see each other later."

"Ahah sounds like it will be quite a party" Haru added with more enthusasim. "Oh don't worry, I think I can keep my eyes peeled. He'll be in good hands with the two of us."

Hina blushed wildly being treated with such elegance and cordiality, not something she experienced often but it was very romantic and classy. "I-I sure do expect it good sir." She responded after getting her words together. "Thank you very much."

Branwen and Elin nodded.
"Indeed.", Branwen said, "Both for relaxation and as herbal remedies. Where many foreigners reach for medication and pills, we reach for the Headache Tea and similar teas. Of course, only for smaller ailments." She smiled. "You will rarely find someone, who tries to cure broken bones with a herbal poultice, although they do exist."
A beat passed.
"From your appreciation of a good cuppa, I take, that you grew up with drinking tea, too?", Branwen asked with interest.

"Of course, just about everyone does. Probably many of the same reasons you just listed off. Also natively grown so it's been apart of island life for as long as islanders have existed. Well many centuries ago I'm sure they just chewed the leaves until someone realized they're much better brewed with hot water."

by **Mediama** » Thu Jun 06, 2019 10:59 am

Kathleen smirked in smugness, a typical egghead, just like Miranda to fall for someone like Fiona. She was relatively surprised by her involvement with children though, sure they had scouts and girl guides, but for the most part, each group kept to their own, the only time there would be an adult of the opposite gender in a troop being if they were relatives of or were the scout master. She remained silent though, still confused about the new name added into the mix another lover in the midst perhaps? Kathleen thought to herself, before Fiona answered her question for her.

"What a way to name a dog then." she said as she leaned against a wall, "I get what ya mean though, I have a similar bond with Angus, my horse back at home." Kathleen perked up as she heard the distinct sound of hooves on a gallop towards them, something she was able to discern after years of riding horses. "Speaking of, I hear something, I think Miranda's coming back finally."

She looked over back to Fiona and smiled, "You'll be fine, just be calm, remember, she'll be just as scared as you are probably."

Miranda blushed, both for the impropriety of learning to ride in such a fashion with a skirt, and the potential but taboo double entendre. Nevertheless, she needed to give back a response, "Thank you, I-I consider i-" Miranda paused as she saw two familiar people in the distance, quickly closing in with the clip clop of the horses. She tensed up as she saw them and as they neared, a million thoughts running through her mind. Miranda's breath had quickened, and she had a faint blush forming about her cheeks, and she was feeling quite light-headed.

"U-Um... we're here... aren't we?" Miranda asked, her grip around the woman tightened around her abdomen, although it was unlikely that she was suffocating her like a python, it felt just the same from Miranda's perspective.

She took a large gulp to get rid of the tightening sensation forming about her throat, and said, "I-I'm not sure if I can do this... so much can go wrong..."

"It's up to you, really, I'm surprisingly fine." Kat said as she equally took in the closeness. "Strangely, it felt more surreal than stressful, to be in the presence of someone so important and so high up." There was a slight pause, "I also got to brush up on historical interpretation, it's good to keep up on my studies." She laid her head onto Liv's shoulder, and looked up towards her face, "If you feel like you need to relax though, talking at a cafe's fine for us to get our bearings or pull ourselves together.

She looked around the temple corridors, the looked back to Liv to get a bit of a bearing on Liv's feelings, to which she could note that Liv was quite possibly tense, "On second thought, maybe we should get that cup... you look like you're about to give a presentation in nothing but your underwear. Don't get me wrong it sounds hot but... yeah... I'd understand trying to keep a good impression with someone important, it's stressful." Kat blushed at the end as she trailed off. "W-We could take a little break if you want."

She wrapped an arm around her lover and gently stroked her arm up and down.

by **Foxfound** » Fri Jun 07, 2019 5:58 pm

The Selkie wrote:
Foxfound wrote:Ren nodded in thanks, only to look up and find Nia had already taken off, with Z close behind. Her and Kiri quickly followed through the crowd of people out for the festival. They caught up very quickly, possibly because the unexpected ghost startled some of the people in the way.

"I hope it isn't too far," Z said half to herself. "I'm not much of a long-distance runner."

It didn't take too long and Nia escaped on the other side of the crowd, in a small side street, and waited for her new friends.
Indeed, some people were surprised by Kiri, which helped them to get through faster.
The Spiorad smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about that... I usually don't like moving through crowds, so I usually tend to get it over with quickly. I should have warned you...", she explained, "It's smoother sailing from here on out for a while, though, so you can take in a bit of the tremendous sights..."
She turned around.
"Granted, it's a side-street, but they do have pretty flowers. And the best shops are usually on such side streets, not the Main Streets.", she explained.
And indeed, in this side-street, along the flanks of residential buildings, were a number of interesting shops, from two tinkerers and a watchmaker to a bookstore and a toymaker, as well as a flower shop, who's merchandise emitted a wonderful smell.
Nia led them further in.

"It's no problem," Z said. "I like moving fast too."

The three girls looked with great interest at the surrounding shops. To Nia it may have been a simple side street, but to the three islanders it must have been like Times Square. For whatever reason Ren seemed almost mesmerized by the combined scent of so many different flowers; even Kiri seemed to be able to feel a little of it, and she smiled. It was just as well that Z didn't have a lot of money with her, as with her lack of foresight she'd probably waste it all buying her two charges gifts.

"Come on, you two! We'll have time for flowers later. Adventure awaits." Her optimism seemed relentless.

Pixiv · by **Wolfenium** » Sat Jun 08, 2019 12:02 am

The Selkie wrote:Alaina and Layla smiled - indeed, a good start for their day, especially Layla.
Her bandmate did not hold it against her, Hilda was a good and talented singer, and she deserved a whole lot of the admiration... but Alaina knew Layla for a long time now. Layla... was a person, who loved company, especially if it was a person, who she held in high regards.
Like Hilda.
Alaina almost envied her and so, she watched how Hilda wolfed her food down - her own plate was already empty.
Layla, Alaina knew, sometimes needed protection. Especially now, after she lost her father, she needed it.
After they had all finished, Alaina flagged down a waitress, paid for everyone and then turned to the other two women to ask: "Ready, everyone?"
Layla nodded, gulping down the last bite.
With that, the group rose. "So. Middle Bastion, to the exhibition of the Banna High School Pikemen.", Alaina recapped their next destination. "It's going to be fun!"

Draining her cup as she stacked her now empty plates, Hilda chimed, "ready when you are."

With that, she waited on the two to lead her out, into the blinding morning sunshine and into a day of, if not wonder, fair amusement. She would know she would need it to fight off her boredom, but Hilda had yet to realize someone needed her company more.

by **Minroz** » Sun Jun 09, 2019 6:56 am

The Selkie wrote:Conchobar smiled at Lianhua.
"A healthy man is a man, who eats good, as me Mam always said.", he told her with a nod, "Believe me, eating a lot is a good sign for health! And who knows, maybe he'll grow big and strong!"
There was a round of laughs at the joke, especially from the older men present.
"In any case, I wanted to meet a few people after I finished up here. You see, one of my granddaughters is in town with a few friends of hers. They're all part of the Coileáin, that's the Iris Boarding School Complex Shenscha-Dhow Team." He shrugged. "I have no idea, what a Shenscha-Dhow Team is and what it does the whole long day, but as long as I can meet my granddaughter and her friends, I don't really give a damn what it is."
He smiled.
"Wanna tag along?", he offered to any takers, not only the Minrozians.

Minrozians

Yi Tieguang, husband of Sun Lianhua, is busy gobbling down the food on the tray. He didn’t seem to pay attention to his surroundings for a moment. His own wife even joined the round of laughs at Conchobar’s joke. She stopped laughing upon listening to the elder’s mention of the visit of his granddaughter and her friends. Although, her ears have caught the word ‘Shenscha-Dhow’, she cannot helped herself but find the word very familiar.

“I see, well, we’ll join along, Elder Conchobar.” Lianhua replied. “Besides which, we want to look around the city for our holiday anyway.”

[“Hm? Honey, what has happened?”] Tieguang asked in Mandarin, gulping down his drink.

[“Elder Conchobar is inviting us to come along to see his family in town.”] The pinkette replied back in Mandarin.

[“Oh, I see.”] The brunette smiled.

Aryanians, streets of Cuan

The visitors to the Free Lands are from the other world, the same world where the Minrozian couple hailed from. These said people were Middle-Eastern by appearance but they’re from the nation of Aryan – a country which is culturally resembled Iran. The Aryanians in question happened to be tourists on vacation, one of them happened to be a member of the royal family. And she’s going under her disguises. Even though, there’re probably no one in the Free Lands will recognise her as a royal.

Regardless, the three wanted to have a private vacation for themselves. Right now, they’re conversing in their native tongue.

[“Dear. Isn’t the place beautiful? Everywhere here is lively.”] Yasmine Safavi quipped to her escorts, speaking in Farsi. She is walking together with her husband and co-wife.

[“I have to admit it is, your highness. It is a local celebration, after all. I’ve heard they’re celebrating for bountiful harvests if I recalled correctly.”] Hassan Khatami replied, speaking back in Farsi with a smile.

[“Everyone here is so happy. It feels like the Nowruz back home.”]
Nessa commented with her smile.

[“Yes, it is.”] Hassan agreed with a sad smile. Noticing it, Yasmine and Nessa gave him a mock pout and put their arms around his own as if they’re being clingy to him. Apparently, it’s not the first time it happens. And there’s a much deeper reason for it. Hassan was just conscious of his status in comparison to the women he married. One is a princess and cousin of the shah, the other girl is technically a war hero. While their marriage is happy overall but this doesn’t mean the man has no doubts or too considerate.

[“Oh my God, are you still being formal with us?”] Yasmine spoke with disapproval. [“How many times we’ve talked about this? You are our husband and we’ve chosen to be with you.”]

[“But-”] Hassan tries to be defensive until the Aryanian princess cut him off.

[“I am princess, yes. But when we’re in private, we’re free to be ourselves. No formalities and royal protocols, just the three of us.”] She scolded him. [“If you do that, we might going to smack you to get a point. God willing.”]

[“Yasmine is right. It’s not nice.”] Nessa adds, trying to sound serious. Only to make a cute pouty expression, [“We’ve sworn our vows to God at the very day in Qom. You are considerate man but your over-consideration still hurt us.”]

[“Do not worry; we still love you all the same. No matter what happens, you are a good man.”] The blonde princess spoke with warmth to comfort him.

[“If there’s anything we can do. It’ll be this.”] Nessa smiled. [“Please treasure this.”]

With perfect coordination, the two Aryanian ladies gave him a warm smile and give Hassan a quick kiss on his cheeks, causing the said man to fluster. Despite their decade long marriage, Hassan is still little embarrassed by the affections of his two wives. At the same time, he’s very happy to be with them together.

by **The Selkie** » Sun Jun 09, 2019 10:16 am

Gwen grinned, happy.
"Mórbhileog is Selkie-Rock from Launceston - three lads, Conner, Eoin and Fintan.", she explained, "They play something known as Selkie-Jazz-Rock-Fusion. It's wonderful to dance to!"
As the table was cleared and things put away, one could see in Gwenny's eyes, that she wanted to go dancing with Jan.

Darufa nodded.
"Indeed, there are always a grain of truth in any story.", she said with a small smile, as one of the cubs sniffed Charlie's hand, finding the smell to the liking. She was allowed to pet him. "It even got made into a movie." She let a beat pass. "Anthropologists usually say, that this myth relates to actual stories of feral children and found documents, that this happened in history in the Free Lands for a variety of reasons."

"Indeed it is.", Mara said with a smile, taking a sip of her own. She glanced to Rona, who was eating with vigor and a huge grin. "Tea is the most wonderful thing in the world. I cannot understand those, who deny themselves this wonderful thing."
"It calms one down when one has to do those really, really complicated Math-Homeworks Miss Casta gives!", Rona chimed in from the side between bites.
"Don't gobble, Rona, it's bad for your stomach!", Mavie cautioned her daughter, who agreed with a nod. "You're right, though... and Miss Casta makes them really complicated!"

AHSCA wrote:
The Selkie wrote:Lugh and Leonard both smiled.
"Oh, that's for certain!", the redhead next to Haru said with a firm nod, "Our boss invited a lot of our friends and they bring friends of theirs along so we have a full house! The Cluanaire Inn will not know, what hit it!"
Lugh nodded and rose. "That's true. Cel said, they would have enough space, so let's put that to the test!", he said, then his smile turned slightly said, "I am afraid, however, that I must return to work now. Dad's most likely getting impatient already. Leonard, show them a lot of fun things, if they let you!"
The redhead grinned, hugged his friend. "Will do!"
"Miss Haru...", Lugh spoke to the older of the two women, bowed his head to her, "...keep an eye on Leonard, please. He has a tendency to get into scrapes."
And with that, he turned to Miki, while Leonard protested with a grin.
"Young Lady...", he began, softly took her hand and kissed the back of it with the softness as if she was out of the most fragile porcelain, "...we will see each other later."

"Ahah sounds like it will be quite a party" Haru added with more enthusasim. "Oh don't worry, I think I can keep my eyes peeled. He'll be in good hands with the two of us."

Hina blushed wildly being treated with such elegance and cordiality, not something she experienced often but it was very romantic and classy. "I-I sure do expect it good sir." She responded after getting her words together. "Thank you very much."

Branwen and Elin nodded.
"Indeed.", Branwen said, "Both for relaxation and as herbal remedies. Where many foreigners reach for medication and pills, we reach for the Headache Tea and similar teas. Of course, only for smaller ailments." She smiled. "You will rarely find someone, who tries to cure broken bones with a herbal poultice, although they do exist."
A beat passed.
"From your appreciation of a good cuppa, I take, that you grew up with drinking tea, too?", Branwen asked with interest.

"Of course, just about everyone does. Probably many of the same reasons you just listed off. Also natively grown so it's been apart of island life for as long as islanders have existed. Well many centuries ago I'm sure they just chewed the leaves until someone realized they're much better brewed with hot water."

Lugh nodded, then rose to his full height.
"Then I won't keep you.", he said and nodded to Leonard, said something to him in Selkie, which made him nod. "We'll see each other."
And with these goodbyes said, Leonard led them back out to the street, which was mostly empty still. It was a side-street and even on busy days, it was calm around here.
"So...", Leonard asked, guesstimating the time to be shortly before eleven. "...what do you want to do next?"

"We usually use herbs growing around the Free Lands, either in the wild or in herb gardens - just about every household has one!", Branwen explained, "Camellia sinensis, the tea plant, never really had much of a foothold here..."
"There's a lot of songs and rhymes, which tell about the properties of certain herbs, too.", Elin added, "And enough herbalists to be considered an own branch of industry by the Merchant Guild of Leuda." She let a beat pass. "There's also an old legend, the Legend of Lugh the Herbalist and the Fastest Horse."

Mediama wrote:Kathleen smirked in smugness, a typical egghead, just like Miranda to fall for someone like Fiona. She was relatively surprised by her involvement with children though, sure they had scouts and girl guides, but for the most part, each group kept to their own, the only time there would be an adult of the opposite gender in a troop being if they were relatives of or were the scout master. She remained silent though, still confused about the new name added into the mix another lover in the midst perhaps? Kathleen thought to herself, before Fiona answered her question for her.

"What a way to name a dog then." she said as she leaned against a wall, "I get what ya mean though, I have a similar bond with Angus, my horse back at home." Kathleen perked up as she heard the distinct sound of hooves on a gallop towards them, something she was able to discern after years of riding horses. "Speaking of, I hear something, I think Miranda's coming back finally."

She looked over back to Fiona and smiled, "You'll be fine, just be calm, remember, she'll be just as scared as you are probably."

Miranda blushed, both for the impropriety of learning to ride in such a fashion with a skirt, and the potential but taboo double entendre. Nevertheless, she needed to give back a response, "Thank you, I-I consider i-" Miranda paused as she saw two familiar people in the distance, quickly closing in with the clip clop of the horses. She tensed up as she saw them and as they neared, a million thoughts running through her mind. Miranda's breath had quickened, and she had a faint blush forming about her cheeks, and she was feeling quite light-headed.

"U-Um... we're here... aren't we?" Miranda asked, her grip around the woman tightened around her abdomen, although it was unlikely that she was suffocating her like a python, it felt just the same from Miranda's perspective.

She took a large gulp to get rid of the tightening sensation forming about her throat, and said, "I-I'm not sure if I can do this... so much can go wrong..."

"It's up to you, really, I'm surprisingly fine." Kat said as she equally took in the closeness. "Strangely, it felt more surreal than stressful, to be in the presence of someone so important and so high up." There was a slight pause, "I also got to brush up on historical interpretation, it's good to keep up on my studies." She laid her head onto Liv's shoulder, and looked up towards her face, "If you feel like you need to relax though, talking at a cafe's fine for us to get our bearings or pull ourselves together.

She looked around the temple corridors, the looked back to Liv to get a bit of a bearing on Liv's feelings, to which she could note that Liv was quite possibly tense, "On second thought, maybe we should get that cup... you look like you're about to give a presentation in nothing but your underwear. Don't get me wrong it sounds hot but... yeah... I'd understand trying to keep a good impression with someone important, it's stressful." Kat blushed at the end as she trailed off. "W-We could take a little break if you want."

She wrapped an arm around her lover and gently stroked her arm up and down.

"And so much, which can go right.", the Sergeant said and dismounted, then helped Miranda down. "Think positive... and if you can't think positive, don't think and act with your heart. That's going to be the language, which will push through to Fiona."
She smiled.
"I'll be coming along. I'll have to tell Ciaran, that everything's alright.", she said and offered Miranda a hand for her to take as a support. "Come."
The door was opened by the baker, who smiled at them, talked with one of her girls, about whether or not they wanted something to eat - it would be on the house.
Fiona stood in the window, watching everything with nervousness in her eyes and body language.

Liv nodded, thankfully, smiling at the image of her giving a presentation in underwear.
At least the male half of the audience would, for some reason, listen...
"Alright then, let's get a cuppa. And I know, where...", she said and took Kat's hand. This, she thought, was a great feeling: With her girlfriend, going to have a cuppa at a good place, which wasn't too far away either.
She led Kat out of a side-exit of the Temple Complex, into a small street - at the end, a few hundred metres away, she would be able to see the glistering Imeall River.
Liv took in a deep breath of fresh air.

Nia smiled at the enthusiasm, feeling similarly.
As Z called her friends to hurry up, she smiled at them. She would, in the evening, return here with them, and who knew, maybe their rooms would get a new decoration?
That was all in the future, though, as Nia led them down the road. Occasionally, the small group was waved at by a few people old and young, Nia returning the favour.
It was lively here.
A keen nose would be able to pick up the scent of a river, keener ears would be able to hear it coming closer.

"Oh, we are ready!", Alaina said with a smile, took Hilda's one arm, while Layla took the other, "Then let's go!"
The small group of musicians made good way through the inner city, towards the Middle Bastion - they followed the signs, mainly because the two Selkie were not from Cuan, but from another part of the country.
Still, following the signs would assure, that they would arrive at their destination, even if they had to walk through a rather large crowd, which made it necessary to hold hands like that lest they got lost. This also ensured two things: That no one was recognizing them (Leannáin was a two-girl-band, after all, not three) and that those, who saw them and recognized them, quickly lost sight within the crowds.
Their fist destination on the trip to the Middle Bastion was, as Alaina explained, the Middle Gate, which would lead them outside of the city.

MInroz wrote:
The Selkie wrote:Conchobar smiled at Lianhua.
"A healthy man is a man, who eats good, as me Mam always said.", he told her with a nod, "Believe me, eating a lot is a good sign for health! And who knows, maybe he'll grow big and strong!"
There was a round of laughs at the joke, especially from the older men present.
"In any case, I wanted to meet a few people after I finished up here. You see, one of my granddaughters is in town with a few friends of hers. They're all part of the Coileáin, that's the Iris Boarding School Complex Shenscha-Dhow Team." He shrugged. "I have no idea, what a Shenscha-Dhow Team is and what it does the whole long day, but as long as I can meet my granddaughter and her friends, I don't really give a damn what it is."
He smiled.
"Wanna tag along?", he offered to any takers, not only the Minrozians.

Minrozians

Yi Tieguang, husband of Sun Lianhua, is busy gobbling down the food on the tray. He didn’t seem to pay attention to his surroundings for a moment. His own wife even joined the round of laughs at Conchobar’s joke. She stopped laughing upon listening to the elder’s mention of the visit of his granddaughter and her friends. Although, her ears have caught the word ‘Shenscha-Dhow’, she cannot helped herself but find the word very familiar.

“I see, well, we’ll join along, Elder Conchobar.” Lianhua replied. “Besides which, we want to look around the city for our holiday anyway.”

[“Hm? Honey, what has happened?”] Tieguang asked in Mandarin, gulping down his drink.

[“Elder Conchobar is inviting us to come along to see his family in town.”] The pinkette replied back in Mandarin.

[“Oh, I see.”] The brunette smiled.

Aryanians, streets of Cuan

The visitors to the Free Lands are from the other world, the same world where the Minrozian couple hailed from. These said people were Middle-Eastern by appearance but they’re from the nation of Aryan – a country which is culturally resembled Iran. The Aryanians in question happened to be tourists on vacation, one of them happened to be a member of the royal family. And she’s going under her disguises. Even though, there’re probably no one in the Free Lands will recognise her as a royal.

Regardless, the three wanted to have a private vacation for themselves. Right now, they’re conversing in their native tongue.

[“Dear. Isn’t the place beautiful? Everywhere here is lively.”] Yasmine Safavi quipped to her escorts, speaking in Farsi. She is walking together with her husband and co-wife.

[“I have to admit it is, your highness. It is a local celebration, after all. I’ve heard they’re celebrating for bountiful harvests if I recalled correctly.”] Hassan Khatami replied, speaking back in Farsi with a smile.

[“Everyone here is so happy. It feels like the Nowruz back home.”]
Nessa commented with her smile.

[“Yes, it is.”] Hassan agreed with a sad smile. Noticing it, Yasmine and Nessa gave him a mock pout and put their arms around his own as if they’re being clingy to him. Apparently, it’s not the first time it happens. And there’s a much deeper reason for it. Hassan was just conscious of his status in comparison to the women he married. One is a princess and cousin of the shah, the other girl is technically a war hero. While their marriage is happy overall but this doesn’t mean the man has no doubts or too considerate.

[“Oh my God, are you still being formal with us?”] Yasmine spoke with disapproval. [“How many times we’ve talked about this? You are our husband and we’ve chosen to be with you.”]

[“But-”] Hassan tries to be defensive until the Aryanian princess cut him off.

[“I am princess, yes. But when we’re in private, we’re free to be ourselves. No formalities and royal protocols, just the three of us.”] She scolded him. [“If you do that, we might going to smack you to get a point. God willing.”]

[“Yasmine is right. It’s not nice.”] Nessa adds, trying to sound serious. Only to make a cute pouty expression, [“We’ve sworn our vows to God at the very day in Qom. You are considerate man but your over-consideration still hurt us.”]

[“Do not worry; we still love you all the same. No matter what happens, you are a good man.”] The blonde princess spoke with warmth to comfort him.

[“If there’s anything we can do. It’ll be this.”] Nessa smiled. [“Please treasure this.”]

With perfect coordination, the two Aryanian ladies gave him a warm smile and give Hassan a quick kiss on his cheeks, causing the said man to fluster. Despite their decade long marriage, Hassan is still little embarrassed by the affections of his two wives. At the same time, he’s very happy to be with them together.

Conchobar. With Yi Tieguang and Sun Lianhua.
The old man nodded.
"That's wonderful!", he said with visible cheer, "Asteria would surely love to meet you all! She's at the Iris Boarding School near Fortham and... well, that's quite a bit from where I usually am, so I don't often have the chance to meet her. That I get to meet her four friends as well is...!"
He grinned like only a proud grandfather could.
"Wait, Asteria...", one of Conchobar's friends asked, "...isn't that the daughter of your daughter, who married that Lutetiian? Enya, I think she was?"
"Indeed.", Conchobar said, which caused quite a few nods. "Fun story from their marriage, back in 2000. Anyone willing to hear?"

Streets of Cuan.
Indeed, no one recognized the Princess, the war hero or the husband both shared, but that was not a surprise, considering, that they not only were from another world (not the Otherworld, the Selkie were a tad picky about that difference, mainly because the Otherworld, Arallfyd, was the world of myths and generally, usually, seen as the Selkie-Version of the Afterlife), but also that the yellow press in the Free Lands, if they ever wrote about Royalty, had other Royalty in their sights.
Still, a few people gave them a bit of a berth, mainly because they recognized, that one of the women was not just any tourist - they did not investigate any further, though.
And then, there were those, who were distracted as they walked along. One of them was a young man, in his early thirties, short, grey hair and brown eyes, which spoke of a very healthy self-confidence, almost bordering arrogance.
He had his hands in his pockets as he walked along, watched the people, and was watched, for the Selkie very well knew him: He was Raidri Leathchúpla of the Tribe of Navan, one of the four racers of the Free Lands in NASJAR.
He was just waving back at a young fan, who had spotted him, as he suddenly bumped into the back of Hassan (who's name he did not know, at the time) and stumbled back a step.
"Sorry, mate.", he said as he had recovered himself, "You alright?"

by **AHSCA** » Sun Jun 09, 2019 11:03 am

The Selkie wrote:Lugh nodded, then rose to his full height.
"Then I won't keep you.", he said and nodded to Leonard, said something to him in Selkie, which made him nod. "We'll see each other."
And with these goodbyes said, Leonard led them back out to the street, which was mostly empty still. It was a side-street and even on busy days, it was calm around here.
"So...", Leonard asked, guesstimating the time to be shortly before eleven. "...what do you want to do next?"

"Mmmm" Haru thought a moment "Well, Leonard, we're still pilgrims in this land of yours, maybe take us to a sight you would find interesting for us to see. If that sounds good with you, Hina?"

"Y-yeah that sounds like a lot of fun, to be surprised by something interesting that the Selkie people have to show."

The Selkie wrote:"We usually use herbs growing around the Free Lands, either in the wild or in herb gardens - just about every household has one!", Branwen explained, "Camellia sinensis, the tea plant, never really had much of a foothold here..."
"There's a lot of songs and rhymes, which tell about the properties of certain herbs, too.", Elin added, "And enough herbalists to be considered an own branch of industry by the Merchant Guild of Leuda." She let a beat pass. "There's also an old legend, the Legend of Lugh the Herbalist and the Fastest Horse."

"Ah that explains the rather unique taste to your tea that I have noticed. Rather than traditional tea leaves you use different herbs. Well you for sure figured how it works because it does taste wonderful and warms me right up! I'd love to hear more legends of tales of the land some time. I'm sure we could even spend a night just swapping old stories passed down from our elders with one another!"

by **Port Ember** » Sun Jun 09, 2019 12:13 pm

Jan smiled broadly after listening to Gwen speak and saw the excitement in her eyes. His smile was not his normal etiquette smile either, it was a smile of true joy. Jan was truly blissfull due to his lover's excitement and joy.

"Well goodness!" Jan burst out. "What an interisting fusion! I myself can't even begin to comprehend what a jazz rock fusion could sound like. I am excited to say the least. Well then dear - lead the way to the excitement!"

As he finished speaking, he took Gwen's hand lovingly, ready to go where led.

by **Kuronami** » Mon Jun 10, 2019 10:45 am

The Selkie wrote:Darufa nodded.
"Indeed, there are always a grain of truth in any story.", she said with a small smile, as one of the cubs sniffed Charlie's hand, finding the smell to the liking. She was allowed to pet him. "It even got made into a movie." She let a beat pass. "Anthropologists usually say, that this myth relates to actual stories of feral children and found documents, that this happened in history in the Free Lands for a variety of reasons."

"Ah I see. That does make a lot of sense." Charlie acknowledged.

"Sounds really neat! Like old fairy tales about being raised by wolves!" Billie said

"Or being shipwrecked on an island of dinosaurs!" Joey added.

"Yeaaah!" they both said together

Jamie, ever the quite type also got in on the fun gently offering his own hand to foxes to grab his scent.

"As the girls said" He stated "Legends and stories like that are abound in Kuronami, 'specially up in the mountains. Reckon' lots of lands that have a strong kin with animal raisin' all have stories like that. When I was a boy myself, our little hamlet was a lot more woodsy. My sister and me always went to the forest every day to see the mystical Thunder Fairies. My grand, she told me them little pixies is what gave the Thunder in Thunder Creek."

"Oh yah, papa you've told me this too!" Billie went over to his side as he took her under his free arm. "I love the story." She nodded and continued to explain from where her father left off. "Fairies once gathered but they moved so fast they caused lightnin'"

"Yeah that's right baby girl just as I told ya." He let Billie return to Joey's side.

"I've seen pictures of my husband as a little boy" Charlie mused, "Let me tell you he was just the cutie then as he is now!"

"Oh uh 'scuse me if I might ask" Jamie continued, standing up to address their guides. "I tend to run pretty warm and feelin' it now. Reckon' it'd be fine if I removed my shirt a while?" He pulled on the straps of his blue denim dungarees "I've seen men 'round here bare chested before, figure y'all wouldn't mind a man as myself in nothin' more than a pair of dungarees but figure I be polite and ask y'all first. And frankly good sun and good heat like this here, wanna be able to enjoy it to the fullest."

Charlie went a bit red in the face, not from embarrassment but hoping to see her man the love of her life like she saw him every day in the summer time on their little farm. His big muscles and the denim against his chest. It was always a real turn on for her and she could admire him all day in that.

"If papa does so, I wanna do so too!" Billie insisted.

"Indeed it is.", Mara said with a smile, taking a sip of her own. She glanced to Rona, who was eating with vigor and a huge grin. "Tea is the most wonderful thing in the world. I cannot understand those, who deny themselves this wonderful thing."
"It calms one down when one has to do those really, really complicated Math-Homeworks Miss Casta gives!", Rona chimed in from the side between bites.
"Don't gobble, Rona, it's bad for your stomach!", Mavie cautioned her daughter, who agreed with a nod. "You're right, though... and Miss Casta makes them really complicated!"

"Truly I cannot either." Mei agreed her cheeks flushed with the delight of the warm tea in her.

Tsukasa nodded with a smile "I'm not very good at math either! I usually have to get Mei-chan to save me before an exam."

"Hehe Tsu-chan, I'm always happy to do so!"

by **Foxfound** » Thu Jun 13, 2019 8:22 am

The Selkie wrote:
Foxfound wrote:"It's no problem," Z said. "I like moving fast too."

The three girls looked with great interest at the surrounding shops. To Nia it may have been a simple side street, but to the three islanders it must have been like Times Square. For whatever reason Ren seemed almost mesmerized by the combined scent of so many different flowers; even Kiri seemed to be able to feel a little of it, and she smiled. It was just as well that Z didn't have a lot of money with her, as with her lack of foresight she'd probably waste it all buying her two charges gifts.

"Come on, you two! We'll have time for flowers later. Adventure awaits." Her optimism seemed relentless.

Nia smiled at the enthusiasm, feeling similarly.
As Z called her friends to hurry up, she smiled at them. She would, in the evening, return here with them, and who knew, maybe their rooms would get a new decoration?
That was all in the future, though, as Nia led them down the road. Occasionally, the small group was waved at by a few people old and young, Nia returning the favour.
It was lively here.
A keen nose would be able to pick up the scent of a river, keener ears would be able to hear it coming closer.

Ren's ears twitched and pivoted very slightly as she heard the running water, and she picked up the scent as well. "Which river is it we're approaching, again?"

Z didn't seem to have heard it, but she must have picked up the scent, as instead of asking questions she had dashed ahead to see it for herself. Kiri remained with the group, though part of her worried about her friend getting herself into trouble.

by **Minroz** » Fri Jun 14, 2019 8:50 pm

The Selkie wrote:Conchobar. With Yi Tieguang and Sun Lianhua.
The old man nodded.
"That's wonderful!", he said with visible cheer, "Asteria would surely love to meet you all! She's at the Iris Boarding School near Fortham and... well, that's quite a bit from where I usually am, so I don't often have the chance to meet her. That I get to meet her four friends as well is...!"
He grinned like only a proud grandfather could.
"Wait, Asteria...", one of Conchobar's friends asked, "...isn't that the daughter of your daughter, who married that Lutetiian? Enya, I think she was?"
"Indeed.", Conchobar said, which caused quite a few nods. "Fun story from their marriage, back in 2000. Anyone willing to hear?"

Minrozians

“Ah, I’m listening.” Lianhua replied with a smile. “It could be interesting. Wouldn’t be any different from other marriages?”

“Aiya, my woman can be gossiper if she wants to be. For an army officer of good reputation, she can be lively in many ways.” Tieguang jested. He got a soft nudge in the ribs from his wife. “Oof!” He cries out in shock.

“A husband shouldn’t speak ill of his wife. Let alone being rude.” The pinkette scold him in the humorous manner. All she got is moans from her husband. The two have started their marriage from awkward start at first before blossoming into full-blown love between each other.

The Selkie wrote: Streets of Cuan.
Indeed, no one recognized the Princess, the war hero or the husband both shared, but that was not a surprise, considering, that they not only were from another world (not the Otherworld, the Selkie were a tad picky about that difference, mainly because the Otherworld, Arallfyd, was the world of myths and generally, usually, seen as the Selkie-Version of the Afterlife), but also that the yellow press in the Free Lands, if they ever wrote about Royalty, had other Royalty in their sights.
Still, a few people gave them a bit of a berth, mainly because they recognized, that one of the women was not just any tourist - they did not investigate any further, though.
And then, there were those, who were distracted as they walked along. One of them was a young man, in his early thirties, short, grey hair and brown eyes, which spoke of a very healthy self-confidence, almost bordering arrogance.
He had his hands in his pockets as he walked along, watched the people, and was watched, for the Selkie very well knew him: He was Raidri Leathchúpla of the Tribe of Navan, one of the four racers of the Free Lands in NASJAR.
He was just waving back at a young fan, who had spotted him, as he suddenly bumped into the back of Hassan (who's name he did not know, at the time) and stumbled back a step.
"Sorry, mate.", he said as he had recovered himself, "You alright?"

Aryanians

The act of bumping did certainly startle the Aryanians. As their expressions have indicated, the three were surprised.

“Ah! Sorry!” Hassan muttered an apology. Even he’s not in the wrong, Hassan was being a gentleman. Upon hearing the local’s (Raidri) making his apology, the Aryanian responded, “Erm, it’s alright. We didn’t know you’re behind us. We’re alright.” He gives his friendly smile.

His wives are different story, Nessa was till surprised before giving off her smile. “We’re okay…” She said shyly. The redhead girl wasn’t used to males whom she didn’t know.

Yasmine however…

“Ya Allah! (Oh God!), you scared us.” The princess-undercover stuttered out her shriek. While unintentional, Yasmine is a tomboy when she’s not in her princess persona. In other words, she’s fiery than her spouses altogether.

Comin' together to Celebrate (IC)

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