SDFS Maighdean, University Docks.
Ensign Kayla Urchair of the Tribe of Sligo.
He was, quite unsurprisingly, all things considered, familiar with our preference to bows and added the gentlemanly kiss on the hand - he had manners, that was certain! I giggled at his joke about the olden days.
When he mentioned, that it was awesome, that our two navies met, I saw Captain Trodai nod. His eyes said, that he was happy, that we didn't meet in battle, but under far better circumstances. It was a sentiment, that all of us shared.
The crowds gathered.
"Thank you, Mister Breytenbach.", he said and nodded. "It is our pleasure to be here, especially with our Ensigns." He let a beat pass. "If you would excuse me for a moment, I believe, that the people of Port Ember have a certain bit of curiosity. Ensign Urchair, please keep Mister Breytenbach company."
"Yes, Captain!", I said and saluted before posting myself at Breytenbach's side.
The Captain stepped in front of the crowds. "Lovely morning, innit?", he called out, "I am Captain Galen Trodaí of the Tribe of Westmeath, commanding officer and Captain of this beautiful vessel here, SDFS Maighdean. We are offering tours to groups of eight to twelve people per group." Behind us, a few more sailors came ashore, putting up a folding table behind which an officer placed himself, as well as a few guards, who would regulate the crowd. And then, there were the tour group leaders, an experienced sailor and an Ensign, the latter doing most of the talking, the former actually heading the group. "The tours are free, will lead you along the helicopter hangar, the gun, the VLS-shafts, the ASW-mortars, the sickbay, the drone workshop, the cafeteria, where tea and pastries will be served, the Day Bridge, and some of the living quarters... not in that sequence." I smiled at the joke. "While the tours are free, donations are welcome. We are collecting for the research into child-leukemia and eventual treatment. All donations will be matched one-to-one by the crew donating the same amount, so if you want to make us poor, now's the chance!"
He let a beat pass.
"Now, then, I open the gates. Have fun!", he said and stepped back to us, looking at Breytenbach, "Now, how was that?"
In front of the University Central Manor.
Alaina Trasnaigh of the Tribe of Clonmel.
Ah, a fellow musician, who understood, that while we were rivals, we were not rivals to the bitter end. That it was more of a friendly rivalry. Rare, among foreigners.
We linked arms with him, Layla a bit insecure at first, but at my smile, she felt safer.
"Where am I escorting the lassies to first?", he asked.
Layla and I looked at each other, then at Jason. "Food.", we said in unison, then laughed.
"Sorry, Jason.", I said as I calmed myself down, "Indeed, food is the first order of business. We didn't have breakfast, so... we are a tad bit hungry."
Though Port Embrian Cuisine enjoyed a reputation at home mostly for the rum, I was sure, that there were other delicious things cooked around these parts, too.
