A Cold Harvest in a Cold Land (IC, Open)

by **The Selkie** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 12:00 am

Sípéir Square of Launceston, Free Lands of the Selkie.
"Ready when you are.", Mayor Finnegan Halcathrach of the Tribe of Galway told Liliane Peacach of the Tribe of Wexford, the Arcane Priestess of Ladra in charge of the Grand Temple of Launceston.
It was cold. Six degrees on the Celsius-Scale, no rain was expected today, but it was sunny. That made thick clothes almost mandatory. She shivered, but it had little to do with the Geansai she wore.
Finnegan was an older, respectable man, who was Mayor of the City for quite a while now, in his sixth legislative period, and compared to that, Liliane was almost a fawn still - this was her first time opening the festivities.
People from all over the World had come to see it, to celebrate the Harvest with the people of Launceston! 'No big deal' wasn't exactly the phrase she would use...
Still, here she was.
"Steadying breath.", Finnegan commented with a smile, "And go. As if these were the beaches of Mount Vellenge!"
Liliane smiled. She knew, that the Mayor had fought there, in 1983, had lost a hand there. He was proud, but he was also stubborn and a bit fatherly... some might be even tempted to say, that he was grandfatherly due to his age.
Still.
"Hopefully with not as much opposition.", Liliane commented.
"Opposition? No.", Finnegan said, "But it's going to be loud. And I honestly prefer the sounds of cheers!"
Liliane nodded, took a breath. "Ready."
A moment later, the two stood on the stage erected on the Sípéir Square, in front of the Grand Temple of Ladra. A large brazier was prepared on the stage. The cheers were deafening!
Liliane smiled nervously as she raised her hand to call for silence. A hush quickly fell and she intoned in Selkie: "Taranis, Lord of the Time of Falling Leaves, Ladra, Lord of the Helmsmen and Boatsmen, Lodan Lir, Lord of the Seas and Rivers, Rhiannon, o Fertile Lady, hear our humble prayer of thanks and gratitude to you!"
A murmur went through the crowd, signalling their own ways of expressing their gratitude, which basically translated to "Thank you, chaps!"
"The Harvest of the Year was Bountiful, so please accept this offering of us, a part of our feast in Your Honour!", Liliane continued and three Priestesses stepped forward, three beautiful girls in the Colors of Ladra, of Lodan Lir and of Rhiannon. They, their heads lowered, carried huge trays, filled with the Last Fruits: Oat meal bread, beef steaks, mutton slices, a can of milk, a jug of milk spirit, fruits and vegetables.
As soon as they had stepped forward, Finnegan's part began as he lit the brazier on the stage and took the first tray.
"The People of Launceston offer these in their gratitude, Gods.", he spoke and put the first foodstuffs into the fire. "We wish good appetite!"
An intonation of the present Selkie repeated that. It took a few moments to sacrifice the three trays worth of food.
"With this, the Day of Taranis' Feast may begin!", Liliane finished - and the cheers, which replied to her, that people were ready to celebrate the Harvest Festival, made her smile. And what a Feast it would be!

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 12:21 am

Sípéir Square of Launceston, Free Lands of the Selkie.
For Captain Corey Herzog of the Blachkov DC Metropolitan Police Department and his wife Christina, the trip to Launceston had been pretty uneventful, in a cruise liner from which they had just disembarked at the local port an hour ago.
As this was their first time in the Free Lands, they had packed clothes adapted to the local climate, which is why Corey is currently wearing a pair of black jeans, a grey turtleneck sweater, with a beige trench coat on top of that. Strapped to his back, a sword (whose appearance is a bit particular, mainly due to the rubis on the hilt), and a pair of Rangers shoes.
Kristina, for her part, is wearing a pair of brown boots, a brown ankle-length skirt, a sleeveless black sweater over a white shirt, and a thick jacket on top of that. Her pink hair flows freely down her back and to her waist.

As the young couple observes, the Mayor and the Priestess offer the food to the local Gods, they can't help but feel a bit impressed.
"It's really good that we managed to have some free time to visit this place, no Honey? asks Corey to his wife.
-Sure thing, I find their culture fascinating, not to mention their traditional clothes design that they have kept for so long. I can't wait to see the Bicini Winter Collection later.
-Yeah, me too, replies her husband. Do you think Anax will ever visit this place?
-That's for the locals to decide, answers Christina. And let's not worry about that, you heard the Mayor, the Feast has begun! Let's get to the Inn to put down our luggage before we enjoy the day.
-Yeah, let's! finishes Corey, before the two of them each grab their large bag resting at their feet, and are on their way to the Muirmhíle Inn where they have rented a room.

by **Port Ember** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 3:55 am

Jolene Gudfrey
Sípéir Square of Launceston

Jolene was positioned mid crowd as the ceremony commenced, and witnessed the ritual offering take place. The crowds were cheering loudly, and the atmosphere was joyfull, passionate and electrifying. However Jolene resisted the urge of giving in to human nature and going wild alongside the masses. She was a multi billionaire with a reputation of 'lady like' to uphold afterall. Thus she maintained a soft smile and clapped hands politely as the ceremony concluded. This was quite ironic or even on the verge of hypocracy, as Jolene was quite infamous for her.. antics whilst clubbing back home.

Jolene travelled to Launceston on board of her private yacht, the Lady in Red, which now lay in anchor in the Launceston Port. Her journey here was uneventfull but pleasant, as she finally had time to kick back and relax after a very busy year, and stress was not good for her silky smooth skin! The reason for her visit was a simple one - she came to network. She was in the process of meeting and smoothing over figures of interest in the Free Lands, in her ongoing project of establishing a foothold in the markets of the nation for her international trading company. And secondly, she deserved a period of rest and pleasure.

Jolene was residing on her yacht, thus did not need to book into a nearby inn, so instead she walked around the square almost aimlessly, trying to see if she if she could recognise someone she have met before in one of her many world travels.

She wore a thick fur jacket, but still shivered into her bones. As a tropical islander, the snowy climate was not kind to her. She painted a pityfull picture, hands in her pockets, her entire body shivvering and her rosey cheeks held a faint blue shade.

Emily Hunter
Sípéir Square of Launceston

Emily was positioned mid crowd as the ceremony commenced, and witnessed the ritual offering take place. The crowds were cheering loudly, and the atmosphere was joyfull, passionate and electrifying. Emily gave in to her human nature urges and went wild alongside the masses, cheering loudly and applauding. Emily laughed at herself for behaving in this manner as she was not even a follower of the Selkie Paganism religion, for which the cheers was subject to. This mattered little to Emily though, as crowd psychology infected her mind and she gave in to her urges. She was a girl who easily gave in to her urges anyway - life was too short and precious not to!

Emily travelled to Launceston on board of a Rydell Class Cargo vessel, the Orphan, which now lay in anchor in the Launceston Port. She hitched a ride with the owner (or leaser - who knows), one Dagon Farlong. She knew him from her past as she employed him to smuggle some very 'hot' items out of the country. Their relationship was complex. She hated the man - he was a deeply arrogant narcisist. Yet he was the best at what he did, and was also a darn handsome strong hunk. Their voyage to the Free Lands reflected their status quo of their relationship - a combination of constant arguing and several times where they were found in the same cabin behind locked doors.

The reason for her visit was a simple one - she came to expand her Blackmarket Fencing Network. Years back she was an internationally renowned blackmarket fence and smuggler - and she was bloody good at it. When she was at the top of her game, she retired from the life, the old saying 'Quit whilst you are ahead' persuaded her. She then used her amassed fortune to set up a legitimate Gunstore Chain in Port Ember in the hopes of building a legitimate and thriving business empire. Unfortunately she had made quite a number of very wealthy and powerfull enemies, and they have effevtively bankrupted her, even before she could open her doors. So here she was, in an attempt to save her company - she reenetered her old life as fence and smuggler to reamass capital. Unfortunately most of her previous contacts wants nothing to do with her since she left the life behind before. So here she was, hoping to rebuild her dark empire.

Emily had booked a room in the Caora Inn, and started walking to it, knowing that it was not far. She had her backpack slinged over her right shoulder, shivering slightly as she walked through the crowds.

She wore a thick fur jacket, but still shivered into her bones. As a tropical islander, the snowy climate was not kind to her. She painted a pityfull picture, hands in her pockets, her entire body shivvering and her rosey cheeks held a faint blue shade.

Dagon Farlong
Sípéir Square of Launceston
Dagon was positioned on the edge of the crowd as the ceremony commenced, and witnessed the ritual offering take place. The crowds were cheering loudly, and the atmosphere was joyfull, passionate and electrifying. Dagon scoffed and spit in disgust in response to the activities around him. He hated religion, he hated crowds, and he hated people in general.

Dagon travelled to Launceston on board of a Rydell Class Cargo vessel, the Orphan, which now lay in anchor in the Launceston Port. He was the owner of the vessel even though he would not readilly admit it to anyone who asked - just to be difficult. It was fortunate to own such a vessel, especially simce he did not pay a cent for it, he had won it in a game of drunk poker against the previous owner. Although he was the owner, he was not her captain, instead hiring a captain to run her daily life. This was an excellent deal - he made money regularly with her shipments but were not held down by the responsibility of keeping her daily.

Dagon offered a ride to a previous acquintance and employer, a tasty little thing known as Emily Hunter. He did not neccesarily like her, but she did make him good money with smuggling jobs in the past, and she was easy on the eye. He irritated her endlessly offcourse, but still somehow she regularly ended up in his bed during the voyage. Dagon laughed at the irony and the perceived power he held over her.

The reason for his visit was a simple one - he came to buy a large quantity of Álainn ríon - a narcotic plant native to the Free Lands. It is a scarce plant and he had found a willing buyer desperate for its supply, so he is bound to make a fortune with this endevour.

Dagon had booked a room in the Mórrón Inn, and started walking to it, knowing that it was not far. Dagon was a free spirit and prefered to live in the wilds, yet the wilds could not offer him ale and the soft touch of a women. He had heard that his Inn had plenty of both. He had his backpack slinged over his right shoulder, smoking a cigarette as he walked through the crowds.

He wore a thick reddish leather jacket, and shivered slightly. Although he was a very resiliant and strong man, he was not used to the snow, as he was a tropical islander. He did refuse to allow his body to visibly show any signs of being cold as he walked through the crowds, bumping people out of the way every so often.

by **Lillorainen** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 8:10 am

Sípéir Square of Launceston, Free Lands of the Selkie.
When they had announced, that it would get cold in Launceston, they hadn't promised too much. It was cold. Sunny, for sure, yes, but the sun didn't really spend a lot of warmth this close to the Arctic Circle. And one could have felt it, the more north the ferry had gone, the temperature dropping a bit every single day.
This was already the forth City of the Free Lands Christopher Riescheid had seen in his life - and, naturally the coldest one. Dumhach was pretty warm all over the year due to its climate - around the same annual average temperature as the United Confederacy, but not exactly tropical -, Shella was a bit more up north, but all in all still quite warm in autumn, Cuan in Spring had been convenient as well. Launceston, however, was cold, and and by cold, it was meant cold. By the time of the ferry's arrival, six degrees Celsius had been measured.
But Chris had a damn good reason to show up here aside from the festivities - and that reason had long black hair and sparkling blue eyes. It had just been precisely three months and two days ago, that Chris and Cel had reunited at the Midsummer Festival in Preetz, but it already felt like one eternity and three days.
Having to maintain a relationship on distance was less of a problem for Janina Bonrath, whose significant other lived literally one door apart from her. Fate had it, that Janina - originally from Lechelen in Fyleria - and Fenja Tattrup - originally from Saskilde in Visholm -, had ended up in one flat-sharing community in Jillich-Flingerrath, a southern district of Rathenia's state capital, and frequented the same horse stable directly located at the northern branch of the point where the Ladau River mouthed into the Rathe River - thus, spending a lot of time together. Fate had it also, that they had ended up sharing a few drinks and drags from the hookah with the mysterious ingredients their flat-mate Kira Hamoudaoui had brought from Shamsiyya, her home country, and at the end of the day (or night) the same room, the result of that night being a stable relationship ever since then.
What fate also had (fate had really a lot, eh?), was that Amy Laoch of the Tribe of Dundalk and Macha Taise, of Cork Descent, had arrived for a visit to Lillorainen in January this year; Amy's reason would be her boyfriend (by that time) Dragan Bandera, Macha's one would be the mission to find traces of the Lillorainen she remembered from her first visit - from 1226 to 1230. As a result of totally accurate planning, they had arrived with two horses - in Nienhagen. But Jillich had been their destination. While waiting for Janina to come with her horse trailer, they had decided to already go some distance on horseback - which resulted in a road trip never being forgotten. When Janina had arrived in Weilerswerth, she had found four people having a nice rest at a creek; Dragan, Amy, Macha - and Gesine Ehrlicher, a waitress in a fish restaurant in Nienhagen they had had a good meal at before taking the State Road L201 eastwards, with a passion for horses.
Contrary to their assumption back then, the short trip from Weilerswerth to Butendonk, where Gesine's stable was, had not been the last time they had seen the 21-year-old, who, since then, had decided to sign up for community college in order to catch up with missed school years, a result of her naïve younger self's decision to drop out early. Months later, when Amy and Macha had already departed from Lillorainen again, Dragan, Janina, and Fenja had decided to include a meal break at said fish restaurant into a trip to Nienhagen, and, hardly surprising, met Gesine again. From that point on, Gesine owned an annual ticket specifically for the express line from Nienhagen Hbf to Jillich-Südbahnhof (as the only possibility for her to get there, since she didn't have a driver's license).
The Stable by the Northern Ladau - well-known not only to Janina and Fenja, but also to pretty much everyone who had to do with them; including Gesine, who had ended up spending more time there than in Butendonk. Amy's and Macha's horses had found a few friends there as well, human as well as equine. Once upon a given night, Janina and Fenja had, after their stablehand work done, decided upon a crate of beer, that they would travel to the Free Lands for the Harvest Festival, and to take Gesine with them. That Chris would join in as well, was pretty much out of question for obvious reasons. Their friends and colleagues at the Stable, Timo Lessenich and Hannah Thentrop, the former living in Sierscheid, the latter in Kessuln, so even closer to it than Janina and Fenja, would be in charge of taking care of Ferro and Sleipnir. Status reports now floated in on a regular basis - finally.
With this problem solved, they could now focus on celebrating a cold harvest.
One could guess from the Mayor of Launceston and his age, that he had probably been Mayor for longer than Silas Flemming had been President of the Federation. The Priestess in charge of performing the ceremony probably hadn't done her job for too long, but did perform excellently. These opening ceremonies, including sacrifices, always were an exciting moment, as Lillo-visitors often ended up feeling, and there was quite a bunch of Selkie around who could confirm, that these ceremonies in Lillorainen, even though kept simple, could quite give one a similar feeling.
With the foodstuffs burning, Aegir's, Fulla's, and Freyja's Selkie-counterparts received what They were expected to receive.
The four Lillos entered the general cheering.
The Feast could begin - and with the Feast beginning, reunions were hoped to begin as well; especially Chris kept looking for someone.

by **AHSCA** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 10:21 am

Sípéir Square of Launceston, Free Lands of the Selkie.

A few weeks before arriving here in The Freelands of the Selkie to be exact the Sípéir Square of Launceston, Doctor Toka Takanashi a MD from Aurora Island had been quickly working to see all her patients before her trip abroad. Many children, men, and women anxious to make sure they'd be taken care of before her. "Let's see, that's one bitter root herb for that, take it after you eat or if it hurts you again. All right little Mamiko, you're all set. Healthy as can be but do go easy on the mochi so you don't get another tummy ache."

"I will. I promise."

"Good girl. Go on out your mother is waiting."

That was her last patient today her nurse handed her anything else she needed to wrap up her day's rounds. "That's all, Doctor. Good work." She said

"Thank you, and you as well. Well minus the little spill you had."

"I'm really sorry about that." Her nurse was a bit clumsy but a good woman and good at her job. "It's all right."

"Excited about going abroad? I heard The Selkie lands are so beautiful."

"I am. I heard that too. I'm excited to go see it for myself for the first time, even though it's going to be cold. I'm plenty ready, spent enough time in the ice house to get set for that."

"I don't think I could bear the cold. Too much a tropical girl."

"Aww I still wish you could come with me. Travel is more fun with a companion."

"Well I know...I thought about it a lot but I don't think I'm quite good at sea...But I can manage things here."

"I know you will. And if you need there's always Doctor Mori and Doctor Oishi you can ask for help. They're fine ladies you know."

"Ah I think so. Though Doctor Mori did yell at me quite a bit when I made her spill her batch of Bright Powder."

"I know. But I'm sure she's gotten over that by now. You're fine I'll see you when I'm back."

And just as quickly as that she set sail on the S.S. Ayla a ship bound for The Freelands and only there. A large sailing ship that would take weeks to arrive, not that she minded it was a good time to catch up on reading and relaxing a bit. It was a journey with usual ups and downs, some days great others stormy. She wasn't prone to sea sickness and found herself helping passengers who were. Her duties never done it seemed but she didn't mind. A finally they had arrived safe and sound no worse for the wear the evening before. Allowing her to check into her inn, the Caora Inn It was cold, colder than she even probably anticipated but she was dressed for it, a more heavy winter kimono she had tailored and bought from one of her patients.

The air was crisp, cold and it was a lovely day, what wasn't there to be happy about. Quite amazing there were women adorning the native Gensai! In this cold weather! She liked the Gensai a lot, she really thought it gave the people here real character, rather like back home not afraid to expose a bit of flesh, but still in the cold. Well that was that she guessed, not her place to question it. A harvest festival, not long long ago AHSCA just had their Holy Light Festival, a similar celebration where farmers would cash in their crops and fisherman their hauls from the sea. It seemed these nations had quite a bit in common. After the arousing speech she couldn't help but feel get inspired, she put her hands together "May their Gods and our Goddesses bless this land and it's people inside it." She wished. What to really see first? She rather just crashed the night of her arrival given the last leg of her trip was a rough one with heavy seas, strong winds and many many sea sick passengers needing her help so now she had a good night's rest and was feeling ready to see the sights.

Well she did just give a quiet prayer of offering good fortune maybe see some of their religious sights. She was a deeply spiritual woman as much as a woman dedicated to medicine. A Madokamist back home but Madokamists respected the idea there are likely many Gods and Goddesses out there rather than profess absolute truth. Looking at a map she wasn't sure but she think she had it figured out but she see if she could flag someone down for directions. "Uuuh pardon me." She bowed in greeting "Pardon....Uuh looking for any religious sights you have? Temples or shrines?" She wasn't sure really what they had this was her first time traveling here. She was curious.

by **Kuronami** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 10:48 am

Sípéir Square of Launceston, Free Lands of the Selkie.

Charlotte, or rather "Lotte" As she went by, a young handmaiden from Kuronami. Well to be specific she was the personal hand maiden to The Empress but she didn't go around broadcasting that, to respect the Lady's privacy. So she just said she was a handmaiden which usually ended at that because she could be working for any number of prominent families or even businesses like hotels of the like. She liked her job, she took good care of Her Lady and she was well taken care of in exchange. It was just her, her older sister and her elderly grandfather now a days and she was still pretty young. Just turned 18 so just an adult but young in this day and age. And given her height and voice she was thought to be younger than she was. She was small standing 145 centimeters tall and a very child-like voice nobody would expect she was a young woman in adulthood but she could assure anyone she was. She stood in the square to listen to the opening events, a grand speech by the locals about the blessings of their good fortunes and harvest. Kuronami was large and diverse she was used to hearing the beliefs of many people across the country and she herself a girl who believed in God. She was a bit cold but not bad, she liked the winter time actually, more than summer. She snapped a few pictures with her phone to send back home. Her sister sent a message "Wish I could be there, love ya little sis~"

Lotte gave a simple reply with a heart in response and of course to give love to their grandfather. She was now on her own in a strange new country but always heard a good one and well they did build that luxury ship for Her Lady that she had the pleasure of serving on. Just a shame she couldn't take that same ship to here and had to settle for a basic Economy Cabin with a couple of other ladies but it wasn't such a bad trip all in all. More Kuronamians sailed than took flight travel, not sure why just how it was, with more put into seaports than airports in the nation. And it made sense it was highly suggested people arrive by sea and well plenty of ships went here so that was the easiest.

Well first thing was first she had to get a place to stay, she hadn't really booked in advance like she probably should have. She had a look at what was available many places were a bit pricey for her. She made an all right living as a maiden but not lap of luxury considering her room and board were comped for her work there and well who knows what the future might have for her? Would she remain Her Highness' maiden or find a man of her dreams and marry with a little house somewhere? She wasn't sure what Heaven and Earth had for her. That wasn't on her mind when she looked down the list honestly the best place seemed to be The Mórrón Inn. "All right then." She grabbed her small bag of a few belongings she had and made way there to grab a place to stay.

by **The Selkie** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 1:01 pm

The Muirmhíle Inn could easily be found, a popular inn among travelers.
It was not too far away from the Sípéir Square. It was a typical Selkie-Inn in a City, a building wrapped around an inner courtyard, the four sides enclosing the building on all sides. The entrance was a large gate, easily large enough for carriages, and the four sides of the building were easily distinguishable: Directly opposite to the gate was the Main Wing, where the Restaurant, the Reception and the premium rooms were located, the guest wings being the sides of the building, while the Service Tract was the side with the Gate.
The Muirmhíle Inn's Inner Courtyard was being prepared as the couple entered, the large tree (an apple tree) in the middle of the cobbles square already wearing his leaves gold and red. The preparations included a number of large tables being set up outside, as well as a large fireplace (and one could easily spot at least five fire extinguishers should anything go wrong). They were going to celebrate outside, despite the weather.
The lobby was much warmer, the guy behind the reception desk smiling.
"Welcome.", he greeted in English, "What can I help you with, Sir, Ma'am?"

Port Ember wrote:Jolene Gudfrey
Sípéir Square of Launceston

Jolene was positioned mid crowd as the ceremony commenced, and witnessed the ritual offering take place. The crowds were cheering loudly, and the atmosphere was joyfull, passionate and electrifying. However Jolene resisted the urge of giving in to human nature and going wild alongside the masses. She was a multi billionaire with a reputation of 'lady like' to uphold afterall. Thus she maintained a soft smile and clapped hands politely as the ceremony concluded. This was quite ironic or even on the verge of hypocracy, as Jolene was quite infamous for her.. antics whilst clubbing back home.

Jolene travelled to Launceston on board of her private yacht, the Lady in Red, which now lay in anchor in the Launceston Port. Her journey here was uneventfull but pleasant, as she finally had time to kick back and relax after a very busy year, and stress was not good for her silky smooth skin! The reason for her visit was a simple one - she came to network. She was in the process of meeting and smoothing over figures of interest in the Free Lands, in her ongoing project of establishing a foothold in the markets of the nation for her international trading company. And secondly, she deserved a period of rest and pleasure.

Jolene was residing on her yacht, thus did not need to book into a nearby inn, so instead she walked around the square almost aimlessly, trying to see if she if she could recognise someone she have met before in one of her many world travels.

She wore a thick fur jacket, but still shivered into her bones. As a tropical islander, the snowy climate was not kind to her. She painted a pityfull picture, hands in her pockets, her entire body shivvering and her rosey cheeks held a faint blue shade.

Emily Hunter
Sípéir Square of Launceston

Emily was positioned mid crowd as the ceremony commenced, and witnessed the ritual offering take place. The crowds were cheering loudly, and the atmosphere was joyfull, passionate and electrifying. Emily gave in to her human nature urges and went wild alongside the masses, cheering loudly and applauding. Emily laughed at herself for behaving in this manner as she was not even a follower of the Selkie Paganism religion, for which the cheers was subject to. This mattered little to Emily though, as crowd psychology infected her mind and she gave in to her urges. She was a girl who easily gave in to her urges anyway - life was too short and precious not to!

Emily travelled to Launceston on board of a Rydell Class Cargo vessel, the Orphan, which now lay in anchor in the Launceston Port. She hitched a ride with the owner (or leaser - who knows), one Dagon Farlong. She knew him from her past as she employed him to smuggle some very 'hot' items out of the country. Their relationship was complex. She hated the man - he was a deeply arrogant narcisist. Yet he was the best at what he did, and was also a darn handsome strong hunk. Their voyage to the Free Lands reflected their status quo of their relationship - a combination of constant arguing and several times where they were found in the same cabin behind locked doors.

The reason for her visit was a simple one - she came to expand her Blackmarket Fencing Network. Years back she was an internationally renowned blackmarket fence and smuggler - and she was bloody good at it. When she was at the top of her game, she retired from the life, the old saying 'Quit whilst you are ahead' persuaded her. She then used her amassed fortune to set up a legitimate Gunstore Chain in Port Ember in the hopes of building a legitimate and thriving business empire. Unfortunately she had made quite a number of very wealthy and powerfull enemies, and they have effevtively bankrupted her, even before she could open her doors. So here she was, in an attempt to save her company - she reenetered her old life as fence and smuggler to reamass capital. Unfortunately most of her previous contacts wants nothing to do with her since she left the life behind before. So here she was, hoping to rebuild her dark empire.

Emily had booked a room in the Caora Inn, and started walking to it, knowing that it was not far. She had her backpack slinged over her right shoulder, shivering slightly as she walked through the crowds.

She wore a thick fur jacket, but still shivered into her bones. As a tropical islander, the snowy climate was not kind to her. She painted a pityfull picture, hands in her pockets, her entire body shivvering and her rosey cheeks held a faint blue shade.

Dagon Farlong
Sípéir Square of Launceston
Dagon was positioned on the edge of the crowd as the ceremony commenced, and witnessed the ritual offering take place. The crowds were cheering loudly, and the atmosphere was joyfull, passionate and electrifying. Dagon scoffed and spit in disgust in response to the activities around him. He hated religion, he hated crowds, and he hated people in general.

Dagon travelled to Launceston on board of a Rydell Class Cargo vessel, the Orphan, which now lay in anchor in the Launceston Port. He was the owner of the vessel even though he would not readilly admit it to anyone who asked - just to be difficult. It was fortunate to own such a vessel, especially simce he did not pay a cent for it, he had won it in a game of drunk poker against the previous owner. Although he was the owner, he was not her captain, instead hiring a captain to run her daily life. This was an excellent deal - he made money regularly with her shipments but were not held down by the responsibility of keeping her daily.

Dagon offered a ride to a previous acquintance and employer, a tasty little thing known as Emily Hunter. He did not neccesarily like her, but she did make him good money with smuggling jobs in the past, and she was easy on the eye. He irritated her endlessly offcourse, but still somehow she regularly ended up in his bed during the voyage. Dagon laughed at the irony and the perceived power he held over her.

The reason for his visit was a simple one - he came to buy a large quantity of Álainn ríon - a narcotic plant native to the Free Lands. It is a scarce plant and he had found a willing buyer desperate for its supply, so he is bound to make a fortune with this endevour.

Dagon had booked a room in the Mórrón Inn, and started walking to it, knowing that it was not far. Dagon was a free spirit and prefered to live in the wilds, yet the wilds could not offer him ale and the soft touch of a women. He had heard that his Inn had plenty of both. He had his backpack slinged over his right shoulder, smoking a cigarette as he walked through the crowds.

He wore a thick reddish leather jacket, and shivered slightly. Although he was a very resiliant and strong man, he was not used to the snow, as he was a tropical islander. He did refuse to allow his body to visibly show any signs of being cold as he walked through the crowds, bumping people out of the way every so often.

Áed Gadhair of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
I had first met her at a Ball in Teressien, hosted by Fürst Alrich III., where she had made a very good figure on the dance floor - both with me and Marla. I had thought about her quite a few times since then... and I'll freely admit, that not all of these thoughts were suitable for children.
Still, she had left a mark on me. Marla and I had invited her to a Festival in our homeland, these lands - it was no mystery, that she would not only come for rest and relaxation. Unlike back in Teressien, I did not only wear Geansai, but also a cloak over it, a thick, woolen thing held up with a brooch of silver.
I had heard, that the Lady in Red made Launceston a Port of Call.
As she wondered aimlessly over the Sípéir Square in her thick fur, I still saw, that she was shivering to her bones and looking for someone. I closed the distance with ease, smiled as I suddenly stood right before her.
"Hi, Jolene.", I said and smiled a rougish smile, my red eyes sparkling like rubies. "Need a cuppa hot tea? I know a nice place at the Gíománra Square!"
Well, the day was starting good!

The Caora Inn was basically at the Sípéir Square, only a small bit down the Main Street and one would stand in front of it.
Unlike the Muirmhíle Inn, it was not a typical Selkie-Inn as far as architecture was concerned, but it was still a very good one. Four storeys high, including the roof floor, the building of timber and stone had a rustic feel to it, the forecourt being prepared for their own festivities with benches and a fireplace and fire extinguishers.
It was good place and its appearance certainly reflected its good reputation.
The lobby was a small hall on its own, the hallway to the left leading into the restaurant, while right at the other end, at the reception desk, three people stood and conversed with the receptionist.
Two were women, the third was a man, a tall man with short, white hair, a tower of a man, who spoke with a Lutetiian accent. He wore really expensive clothing, by the looks of it, an older gentleman. Emily might have caught him telling the receptionist to look under the name of Antonio Siggaro for a reservation.
Antonio Siggaro was... not a man one trifled with. Rumoured to be one of the leading members of the Lutetiian Mafia, if not the leader, he had made a fortune as a provider of railroad services in Lutetii after the Civil War, which had ravaged the country and had left much of it in ruins.
One of the women had noticed Emily. She was a very pale blonde with golden eyes, shining out of a hard face. She was rather flat, especially when looking at the other woman, but she had a certain beauty about her, a dangerous beauty. Her posture said, that she was armed and she didn't even try to hide it.
The other woman was a blonde, too, this one not as pale, with blue eyes and mammarial glands the size of watermelons on her chest. She seemed less serious, less dangerous and less armed, but her blue-green eyes shone in a way, that suggested that she was more then just Siggaro's bedmate, quite on the contrary.
Emily would have to wait in the line for a few moments, but what would happen during these moments might change her destiny in a considerable way...

The Mórrón Inn was a small Inn by the Harbour, a former warehouse of a merchant, who went broke. It had the original facade, but the interior had been entirely reshaped. It had good food, especially landfood, as it was frequented mostly by sailors.
The main part of its reputation stemmed from the... 'Additional Services' offered there. An inn offering these in the Free Lands turned from a place to meet, sleep and eat into a place, where one could buy love, both from men and women. In other words, it was an inn with the additional functions of a brothel.
No wonder it was frequented by sailors.
Whatever the guest's opinion of the local Paganism was, he would get, what he desired here, if he had the right amounts of silver in his pockets - the receptionist, a rather busty blonde with a sultry look in her eyes, would make sure of that, even if she had to do the work herself.
As Dagon entered, she was standing while leaned forward, her lower arms on the desk, which accentuated her own 'argumentation amplifiers'.
She smiled. "Good morning, honey... need a room or just a bit of warmth against the chill outside?", she asked him, her voice just as sultry as her eyes.

AHSCA wrote:Sípéir Square of Launceston, Free Lands of the Selkie.

A few weeks before arriving here in The Freelands of the Selkie to be exact the Sípéir Square of Launceston, Doctor Toka Takanashi a MD from Aurora Island had been quickly working to see all her patients before her trip abroad. Many children, men, and women anxious to make sure they'd be taken care of before her. "Let's see, that's one bitter root herb for that, take it after you eat or if it hurts you again. All right little Mamiko, you're all set. Healthy as can be but do go easy on the mochi so you don't get another tummy ache."

"I will. I promise."

"Good girl. Go on out your mother is waiting."

That was her last patient today her nurse handed her anything else she needed to wrap up her day's rounds. "That's all, Doctor. Good work." She said

"Thank you, and you as well. Well minus the little spill you had."

"I'm really sorry about that." Her nurse was a bit clumsy but a good woman and good at her job. "It's all right."

"Excited about going abroad? I heard The Selkie lands are so beautiful."

"I am. I heard that too. I'm excited to go see it for myself for the first time, even though it's going to be cold. I'm plenty ready, spent enough time in the ice house to get set for that."

"I don't think I could bear the cold. Too much a tropical girl."

"Aww I still wish you could come with me. Travel is more fun with a companion."

"Well I know...I thought about it a lot but I don't think I'm quite good at sea...But I can manage things here."

"I know you will. And if you need there's always Doctor Mori and Doctor Oishi you can ask for help. They're fine ladies you know."

"Ah I think so. Though Doctor Mori did yell at me quite a bit when I made her spill her batch of Bright Powder."

"I know. But I'm sure she's gotten over that by now. You're fine I'll see you when I'm back."

And just as quickly as that she set sail on the S.S. Ayla a ship bound for The Freelands and only there. A large sailing ship that would take weeks to arrive, not that she minded it was a good time to catch up on reading and relaxing a bit. It was a journey with usual ups and downs, some days great others stormy. She wasn't prone to sea sickness and found herself helping passengers who were. Her duties never done it seemed but she didn't mind. A finally they had arrived safe and sound no worse for the wear the evening before. Allowing her to check into her inn, the Caora Inn It was cold, colder than she even probably anticipated but she was dressed for it, a more heavy winter kimono she had tailored and bought from one of her patients.

The air was crisp, cold and it was a lovely day, what wasn't there to be happy about. Quite amazing there were women adorning the native Gensai! In this cold weather! She liked the Gensai a lot, she really thought it gave the people here real character, rather like back home not afraid to expose a bit of flesh, but still in the cold. Well that was that she guessed, not her place to question it. A harvest festival, not long long ago AHSCA just had their Holy Light Festival, a similar celebration where farmers would cash in their crops and fisherman their hauls from the sea. It seemed these nations had quite a bit in common. After the arousing speech she couldn't help but feel get inspired, she put her hands together "May their Gods and our Goddesses bless this land and it's people inside it." She wished. What to really see first? She rather just crashed the night of her arrival given the last leg of her trip was a rough one with heavy seas, strong winds and many many sea sick passengers needing her help so now she had a good night's rest and was feeling ready to see the sights.

Well she did just give a quiet prayer of offering good fortune maybe see some of their religious sights. She was a deeply spiritual woman as much as a woman dedicated to medicine. A Madokamist back home but Madokamists respected the idea there are likely many Gods and Goddesses out there rather than profess absolute truth. Looking at a map she wasn't sure but she think she had it figured out but she see if she could flag someone down for directions. "Uuuh pardon me." She bowed in greeting "Pardon....Uuh looking for any religious sights you have? Temples or shrines?" She wasn't sure really what they had this was her first time traveling here. She was curious.

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
I smiled at the woman, who had just flagged me down as she asked her question, a bit to alleviate her nervousness, that it was alright. I was not the strict tower my Captain was, although I was rather tall with my 1.82 metres.
I did wear the pure white Geansai of the Cult of Rhiannon, though.
"Well...", I replied, "I am not from here myself, but see the building behind the stage?" I motioned to the large stone structure behind the stage where the Mayor and the local Arcane Priestess had just finished the Harvest Sacrifice. "That's the Grand Temple of Ladra of Launceston." I shrugged. "Good place to start, I think!"
"Felicia!", a familiar voice called, Tea, our horse veterinarian, with two arms suddenly wrapping around me. "Caught you!"
"Hi, Tea.", I said in English, "Say, do you think Isla would mind, if we brought this young lady along? She is interested in religious architecture."
Tea, a blonde with blue eyes and blonde twin drills, looked at Toka (although I did not know her name yet). "Well, that depends on whether or not you're interested only in the building mass or also in the ceremonies held inside of it..."
I smiled and nodded at Toka.

Kuronami wrote:Sípéir Square of Launceston, Free Lands of the Selkie.

Charlotte, or rather "Lotte" As she went by, a young handmaiden from Kuronami. Well to be specific she was the personal hand maiden to The Empress but she didn't go around broadcasting that, to respect the Lady's privacy. So she just said she was a handmaiden which usually ended at that because she could be working for any number of prominent families or even businesses like hotels of the like. She liked her job, she took good care of Her Lady and she was well taken care of in exchange. It was just her, her older sister and her elderly grandfather now a days and she was still pretty young. Just turned 18 so just an adult but young in this day and age. And given her height and voice she was thought to be younger than she was. She was small standing 145 centimeters tall and a very child-like voice nobody would expect she was a young woman in adulthood but she could assure anyone she was. She stood in the square to listen to the opening events, a grand speech by the locals about the blessings of their good fortunes and harvest. Kuronami was large and diverse she was used to hearing the beliefs of many people across the country and she herself a girl who believed in God. She was a bit cold but not bad, she liked the winter time actually, more than summer. She snapped a few pictures with her phone to send back home. Her sister sent a message "Wish I could be there, love ya little sis~"

Lotte gave a simple reply with a heart in response and of course to give love to their grandfather. She was now on her own in a strange new country but always heard a good one and well they did build that luxury ship for Her Lady that she had the pleasure of serving on. Just a shame she couldn't take that same ship to here and had to settle for a basic Economy Cabin with a couple of other ladies but it wasn't such a bad trip all in all. More Kuronamians sailed than took flight travel, not sure why just how it was, with more put into seaports than airports in the nation. And it made sense it was highly suggested people arrive by sea and well plenty of ships went here so that was the easiest.

Well first thing was first she had to get a place to stay, she hadn't really booked in advance like she probably should have. She had a look at what was available many places were a bit pricey for her. She made an all right living as a maiden but not lap of luxury considering her room and board were comped for her work there and well who knows what the future might have for her? Would she remain Her Highness' maiden or find a man of her dreams and marry with a little house somewhere? She wasn't sure what Heaven and Earth had for her. That wasn't on her mind when she looked down the list honestly the best place seemed to be The Mórrón Inn. "All right then." She grabbed her small bag of a few belongings she had and made way there to grab a place to stay.

If Lotte entered the Mórrón Inn shortly after Dagon, she might be lucky as on the other half of the reception desk, a young man opened his workstation for customers to come to him.
He was tall, freckled and had the red-orange crown of flaming hair, which made him look not only handsome, but also youthful. That he was visible muscled, yet not overly, might be a plus point, too.
He smiled at Lotte.
"Good morning. What can we do for you, Miss?", he asked and figured, that she was not a sailor - he could not quite place it, but he would also place her into the Service Industry, although not in such a house as his.
She looked... classier. Like the Handmaidens from Kyrenaia he sometimes saw in the background on TV. His smile did not dim.

Lillorainen wrote:Sípéir Square of Launceston, Free Lands of the Selkie.
When they had announced, that it would get cold in Launceston, they hadn't promised too much. It was cold. Sunny, for sure, yes, but the sun didn't really spend a lot of warmth this close to the Arctic Circle. And one could have felt it, the more north the ferry had gone, the temperature dropping a bit every single day.
This was already the forth City of the Free Lands Christopher Riescheid had seen in his life - and, naturally the coldest one. Dumhach was pretty warm all over the year due to its climate - around the same annual average temperature as the United Confederacy, but not exactly tropical -, Shella was a bit more up north, but all in all still quite warm in autumn, Cuan in Spring had been convenient as well. Launceston, however, was cold, and and by cold, it was meant cold. By the time of the ferry's arrival, six degrees Celsius had been measured.
But Chris had a damn good reason to show up here aside from the festivities - and that reason had long black hair and sparkling blue eyes. It had just been precisely three months and two days ago, that Chris and Cel had reunited at the Midsummer Festival in Preetz, but it already felt like one eternity and three days.
Having to maintain a relationship on distance was less of a problem for Janina Bonrath, whose significant other lived literally one door apart from her. Fate had it, that Janina - originally from Lechelen in Fyleria - and Fenja Tattrup - originally from Saskilde in Visholm -, had ended up in one flat-sharing community in Jillich-Flingerrath, a southern district of Rathenia's state capital, and frequented the same horse stable directly located at the northern branch of the point where the Ladau River mouthed into the Rathe River - thus, spending a lot of time together. Fate had it also, that they had ended up sharing a few drinks and drags from the hookah with the mysterious ingredients their flat-mate Kira Hamoudaoui had brought from Shamsiyya, her home country, and at the end of the day (or night) the same room, the result of that night being a stable relationship ever since then.
What fate also had (fate had really a lot, eh?), was that Amy Laoch of the Tribe of Dundalk and Macha Taise, of Cork Descent, had arrived for a visit to Lillorainen in January this year; Amy's reason would be her boyfriend (by that time) Dragan Bandera, Macha's one would be the mission to find traces of the Lillorainen she remembered from her first visit - from 1226 to 1230. As a result of totally accurate planning, they had arrived with two horses - in Nienhagen. But Jillich had been their destination. While waiting for Janina to come with her horse trailer, they had decided to already go some distance on horseback - which resulted in a road trip never being forgotten. When Janina had arrived in Weilerswerth, she had found four people having a nice rest at a creek; Dragan, Amy, Macha - and Gesine Ehrlicher, a waitress in a fish restaurant in Nienhagen they had had a good meal at before taking the State Road L201 eastwards, with a passion for horses.
Contrary to their assumption back then, the short trip from Weilerswerth to Butendonk, where Gesine's stable was, had not been the last time they had seen the 21-year-old, who, since then, had decided to sign up for community college in order to catch up with missed school years, a result of her naïve younger self's decision to drop out early. Months later, when Amy and Macha had already departed from Lillorainen again, Dragan, Janina, and Fenja had decided to include a meal break at said fish restaurant into a trip to Nienhagen, and, hardly surprising, met Gesine again. From that point on, Gesine owned an annual ticket specifically for the express line from Nienhagen Hbf to Jillich-Südbahnhof (as the only possibility for her to get there, since she didn't have a driver's license).
The Stable by the Northern Ladau - well-known not only to Janina and Fenja, but also to pretty much everyone who had to do with them; including Gesine, who had ended up spending more time there than in Butendonk. Amy's and Macha's horses had found a few friends there as well, human as well as equine. Once upon a given night, Janina and Fenja had, after their stablehand work done, decided upon a crate of beer, that they would travel to the Free Lands for the Harvest Festival, and to take Gesine with them. That Chris would join in as well, was pretty much out of question for obvious reasons. Their friends and colleagues at the Stable, Timo Lessenich and Hannah Thentrop, the former living in Sierscheid, the latter in Kessuln, so even closer to it than Janina and Fenja, would be in charge of taking care of Ferro and Sleipnir. Status reports now floated in on a regular basis - finally.
With this problem solved, they could now focus on celebrating a cold harvest.
One could guess from the Mayor of Launceston and his age, that he had probably been Mayor for longer than Silas Flemming had been President of the Federation. The Priestess in charge of performing the ceremony probably hadn't done her job for too long, but did perform excellently. These opening ceremonies, including sacrifices, always were an exciting moment, as Lillo-visitors often ended up feeling, and there was quite a bunch of Selkie around who could confirm, that these ceremonies in Lillorainen, even though kept simple, could quite give one a similar feeling.
With the foodstuffs burning, Aegir's, Fulla's, and Freyja's Selkie-counterparts received what They were expected to receive.
The four Lillos entered the general cheering.
The Feast could begin - and with the Feast beginning, reunions were hoped to begin as well; especially Chris kept looking for someone.

Sípéir Square, Launceston.
If Chris looked for his distance girlfriend Cel on the Sípéir Square, he would be sorely disappointed - she was not here, she was at Cosán House, the Headquarters of Bicíní Industries, getting ready for the presentation of the Winter Collection.
Who he might spy was another familiar face, or rather two: One was a woman, pale, icy blue eyes and long, white hair. She did not have the generous curves of many of her employees, but she was still a beautiful woman - a woman, where Cel was a girl. She was not alone, however, a dark-skinned boy, almost a young man, stood next to her, his red eyes shining as he listened to something the woman told him.
Indeed, Chris might spot two someones from that one Beach Party near Dumhach, Eithne Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Monaghan and her adoptive son Ilia - the latter of which looked entirely out of place, the former of which looked as if she was a bit too far south. At the end of the day, though, they were nearby.

At another spot in the crowd, someone was riding to have a better view: She was a blonde little girl, seven Springs of age, sitting on her Mom's strong shoulders, her blond hair neatly bound back into a braid and then wrapped around the back of her head and held there with a scrunchie. It looked a bit messy, but it worked. She wore a thick, red fur coat against the cold and dark boots.
She rode on the strong shoulders of one of her two mothers, a tall woman with strong muscles and curves, which were hidden under a set of armour, the characteristic Half-Cuirass of the Selkie, and a fur-lined cloak, completing the outfit. The two, the Mother and her Rider, shared many facial features and especially the eyes, although the Mother's eyes were less playful and a lot stricter.
With them was a woman in all-black, a veil covering the lower half of her face, who shared many facial features with the girl and who was given a bit of a berth by the thick crowd around them despite the density. She held the other woman's hand and smiled at the girl as she told her something.
Indeed, Janina and Fennja might recognize the three from Social Media as the family of Mom, Mam and Rona, a.k.a. the Urghardas, Mara, Mavie and their daughter Rona. And judging from the bright lights in their eyes, which all three had, they were having a blast!

by **Kuronami** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 1:06 pm

The Selkie wrote:If Lotte entered the Mórrón Inn shortly after Dagon, she might be lucky as on the other half of the reception desk, a young man opened his workstation for customers to come to him.
He was tall, freckled and had the red-orange crown of flaming hair, which made him look not only handsome, but also youthful. That he was visible muscled, yet not overly, might be a plus point, too.
He smiled at Lotte.
"Good morning. What can we do for you, Miss?", he asked and figured, that she was not a sailor - he could not quite place it, but he would also place her into the Service Industry, although not in such a house as his.
She looked... classier. Like the Handmaidens from Kyrenaia he sometimes saw in the background on TV. His smile did not dim.

She smiled as she rummaged her bag a little so she could get anything she needed ready if asked. "Good morning to you as well. By chance do you have any rooms free? I probably should have called in advance I guess I just didn't think to do so but I'm hoping you got some space."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 1:23 pm

When they enter the Inn's courtyard, the young couple can't help but smile and take in the beauty of the place.
"That would have been another good place to spend our honeymoon, says Corey as he wraps an arm around his wife's shoulder.
-Yeah, it would have, replies Christina with a dreamy smile as she looks at the apple tree.
After a few moments, the two come back to their senses and enter the lobby.
"Good morning Sir, says the young police captain with a smile, we have booked a room for Mr and Mrs Herzog, Corey and Christina."
As he says that, he takes out from his pant back pocket a slip of paper, which is his booking receipt he printed, and hands it to the desk attendant with his and his wife's passports.

by **AHSCA** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 1:29 pm

The Selkie wrote:Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
I smiled at the woman, who had just flagged me down as she asked her question, a bit to alleviate her nervousness, that it was alright. I was not the strict tower my Captain was, although I was rather tall with my 1.82 metres.
I did wear the pure white Geansai of the Cult of Rhiannon, though.
"Well...", I replied, "I am not from here myself, but see the building behind the stage?" I motioned to the large stone structure behind the stage where the Mayor and the local Arcane Priestess had just finished the Harvest Sacrifice. "That's the Grand Temple of Ladra of Launceston." I shrugged. "Good place to start, I think!"
"Felicia!", a familiar voice called, Tea, our horse veterinarian, with two arms suddenly wrapping around me. "Caught you!"
"Hi, Tea.", I said in English, "Say, do you think Isla would mind, if we brought this young lady along? She is interested in religious architecture."
Tea, a blonde with blue eyes and blonde twin drills, looked at Toka (although I did not know her name yet). "Well, that depends on whether or not you're interested only in the building mass or also in the ceremonies held inside of it..."
I smiled and nodded at Toka.

She took a look to where the woman who was helping her gestured a large building behind the stage "Ah Grand Temple huh? Yes that does sound like a good place to start..." Before she could finish another woman joined them "Good morning to you." She greeted them "Oh for sure I'm very interested in what goes on. The beliefs, ceremonies and practices. I've come all the way from AHSCA to really see this great place I've heard about so much so if you'd please I'd really would be much obliged if you helped show me. Well I don't even mind accompanying you if you're already heading that way." She smiled her warm gentle smile "Toka. That's my name. Again all the way from AHSCA just arrived last night and got to see the ceremony this morning."

by **Mervay** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 7:03 pm

Lisolette Devienne and Lucas Walker
Sípéir Square, Launceston

At the front of the crowd of people as celebrations begun, there were two persons alongside an good friend of the house, well mascot on this case, but that didn't mattered. Well the beautiful couple and their good friend and mascot, Dilly was with them, back on The Free Lands and even in autumn, in this case on Launceston. Gladly they all took note of the weather of this place before leave home after like an entire travel at an Royal Yacht all east of here. At least a week of travel the way here. But still it was well worth it, even with the weather which it felt like this was plain winter, gladly they all were dressed for this with all and each of them perfectly dressed and without problem, including the little friend of the couple.
They watched how the ritual went underway, interested on it. It was never bad to see new cultures, even so this was quite known, still it was always good to see those said cultures and in this case the culture of The Free Lands was one of them with The Selkie Paganism.
They cheered as soon as the ritual ended along the rest, not hiding themselves and acting like nobles when even so they were, or well, just Lise, they still were normal people which wanted to enjoy the festivities and happiness of the event, which it seemed they were being already good with all the feelings around in the surrundings. Of course they weren't here to enjoy the festival only, they were here to enjoy their relationship and to see some old fellas, hopefully they should be here, well one of them was certain to with Bicíní Industries having their GHQ here, as for the other, well that wasn't hard to guess since if his girlfriend was here so will he.

Now their destiny was The Caora Inn, simple was all, leave their clothes and package on their room and walk the three of them around the city and enjoy, of course and sadly, Dilly was to be forced to use a collar and leash, but he didn't have to worry, that as soon as they leaved Launceston, he will be free to roam without it, that surely lifted his spirits.
Meanwhile Lise and Lucas, they were both well prepared and with their package at hand, one bag for exclusive use for all what Dilly needed, clothes for winter, food, water, hygene, etc. Luckily they just needed to make a bit of an walk since they were literally at the front of their Inn.

by **The Chuck** » Mon Sep 23, 2019 9:53 pm

Captain Alexander Theodore
Sípéir Square of Launceston

"Taranis, Lord of the Time of Falling Leaves, Ladra, Lord of the Helmsmen and Boatsmen, Lodan Lir, Lord of the Seas and Rivers, Rhiannon, o Fertile Lady, hear our humble prayer of thanks and gratitude to you!"

Captain Theodore looked around as the priestess started the rituals. He stood now in the town of Launceston in the nation of The Selkie as they prepared for the harvest festival. He could barely make out a couple of his crew moving through the crowds as they enjoyed their shore leave. After a couple months at sea they were in for a well deserved shore leave in the Free Lands. As he stood along the edges of the crowd while watching the high priestess start the ceremonies, it reminded him of some of the other places around the globe that he had been throughout his life. As he reminisced, a stiff wind blew across the crowd of people and he shivered as it hit his exposed face. With a grunt, Captain Theodore reached into his pocket and pulled out his pipe. Hunting around a little bit he found a tin of tobacco that he had bought many months ago in the nation of Kyrenaia. Pulling out a lighter, he lit his pipe and took a puff. As the small flame illuminated his face that was buried under his captain's hat, he smiled as he continued to watch the priestess perform the opening ceremonies of the Harvest Festival.

"With this, the Day of Taranis' Feast may begin!"

As the crowd started to dissipate, Captain Theodore managed to spot whom he suspected was Jolene Gudfrey of Port Ember among the people in the crowds. He was semi-surprised that a woman of her status was here though it didn't surprise him. The Port Emberians loved a good celebration as much as the next people. Since he was here with his ship, he didn't need to rent a room to sleep in but it would be nice to see what the town had to offer. Moseying his way through the crowds, he could see his ship, the Geezer's Rest, down the streets and towards the docks towering above many of the other vessels. Walking down the streets, he started to sing a befitting sailor's song to himself but loud enough for others to hear. To be on the Icy Shore meant that Northwest Passage was a fitting song for the occasion.

"Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea;
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea..."

Geezer's Rest

by **Lillorainen** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 6:09 am

The Selkie wrote:Sípéir Square, Launceston.
If Chris looked for his distance girlfriend Cel on the Sípéir Square, he would be sorely disappointed - she was not here, she was at Cosán House, the Headquarters of Bicíní Industries, getting ready for the presentation of the Winter Collection.
Who he might spy was another familiar face, or rather two: One was a woman, pale, icy blue eyes and long, white hair. She did not have the generous curves of many of her employees, but she was still a beautiful woman - a woman, where Cel was a girl. She was not alone, however, a dark-skinned boy, almost a young man, stood next to her, his red eyes shining as he listened to something the woman told him.
Indeed, Chris might spot two someones from that one Beach Party near Dumhach, Eithne Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Monaghan and her adoptive son Ilia - the latter of which looked entirely out of place, the former of which looked as if she was a bit too far south. At the end of the day, though, they were nearby.

At another spot in the crowd, someone was riding to have a better view: She was a blonde little girl, seven Springs of age, sitting on her Mom's strong shoulders, her blond hair neatly bound back into a braid and then wrapped around the back of her head and held there with a scrunchie. It looked a bit messy, but it worked. She wore a thick, red fur coat against the cold and dark boots.
She rode on the strong shoulders of one of her two mothers, a tall woman with strong muscles and curves, which were hidden under a set of armour, the characteristic Half-Cuirass of the Selkie, and a fur-lined cloak, completing the outfit. The two, the Mother and her Rider, shared many facial features and especially the eyes, although the Mother's eyes were less playful and a lot stricter.
With them was a woman in all-black, a veil covering the lower half of her face, who shared many facial features with the girl and who was given a bit of a berth by the thick crowd around them despite the density. She held the other woman's hand and smiled at the girl as she told her something.
Indeed, Janina and Fennja might recognize the three from Social Media as the family of Mom, Mam and Rona, a.k.a. the Urghardas, Mara, Mavie and their daughter Rona. And judging from the bright lights in their eyes, which all three had, they were having a blast!

Sípéir Square, Launceston.
Indeed, a search for Chris' girlfriend would be in vain, but what would life be like without challenges, eh?
Chris did spot two people he knew from the beach party back then, however, and recognized them instantly - not only the beautiful woman in her late forties with white long hair, icy-blue eyes and a pale skin tone that would the 'Nordic' type jealous (not that this was a field Lillos would have wanted to compete in, though), but also the darker-skinned lad standing next to her. Eithne Banphriosa of the Tribe of Monaghan, owner of Áilleagán Limited and co-boss of Bicíní Industries - the latter thanks to her husband, Finnegan Drisiúr of the Tribe of Cork, whom they had met in the Archipelago as well; accompanied by her (adoptive) son Ilia. While Chris recognized them at once, and so would Dragan (and not only because of their engagement in distributing potato salad, although one could still guess, that food was one of his major priorities), Janina had rather been busy elsewhere back then - which she had regretted only a day later, but the point stood.
"I think, I've spotted someone I know" - Chris told the young ladies accompanying him - and they could quickly guess, that it wasn't Cel. "Might go over and say hello. What about y'all?"
Janina just wanted to reply, as they suddenly spotted a blonde little girl, around seven, sitting on a the shoulders of a person who could only be her mother, in full armor, riding a horse - and holding hands with another woman in full black. Janina and Fenja recognized them at once.
"As did we ..." - Janina said, slowly, admiring the view of the Urghardas having arrived in this manner.
Chris' last notable social media interaction dated back a bit, so it didn't get immediately clear to him, who was meant, until he looked into the same direction Janina did.
"Not bad!" - he said. "I think I'll go over, then - see ya' in a few?"
Janina nodded. "See ya' in a few."
Chris only needed a moment to get to Eithne (never call her Auntie Eithne!) and Ilia; the young lad was almost a young man, and this reminded Chris of how long the beach party had actually dated back already.
"Good morning!" - he greeted them, bowing his head lightly. "Long time no see!"
Meanwhile, it took Janina, Fenja, and Gesine a few moments more, but since the Urghardas were fairly easy to spot in here, it wasn't much of a problem, despite the square being rather crowded.
They grinned at them, especially at Rona.
"Hi!" - Fenja said. "Looks like Grandma's food wasn't even that poisonous, eh?"
Janina nodded. "And the rest of the travel was fine, too, I assume? Good to see you in here!"

by **The Selkie** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 8:07 am

The man smiled.
"Indeed, we have some free, so you're lucky.", he said and opened his Big Book of Reservations, "For how long do you need the room?"
A sign behind him explained, that they were charging by the hour and, after 24 hours, by the day, so one could rent a room for four hours and one could rent a room for a day or four. It was all up to the customer.
"I would also need your ID card or passport, please.", he added.

The receptionist nodded, looked at the receipt, then at the passports and then at his Big Book of Reservations, searching for a few moments. Then he nodded.
"Here you are! Corey and Christina Herzog, from the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle.", he said and nodded, turned around and back a few seconds later, giving each a key. "Your room is Room 105. Up the stairs, to the right, end of the hallway. If you wish, I can get you a porter for your lugguage?"
Indeed, Room 105 was where it had been described.
It was a medium-sized Inn-Room, a large double-bed dominating the room, nightstands to either sides. Opposite to it was a TV on a cupboard, which included a little minibar, which mostly held carbonated water and fresh water. A larger cupboard was for clothes.
To the left of the entrance, a door led into a small bathroom with a combined shower and bathtub, a basin and a mirror. A window opposite to the entrance door allowed a nice view of Launceston's Main Street.
It was, generally speaking, cozy.

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
"Ah, a young lady of the UIS!", Tea said with good cheer and I smiled, "Pleasure, Toka! I am Tea, that's Felicia!"
I nodded. "Charmed, I'm sure!", I said with a smile.
"And if you have questions about our beliefs and ceremonies and everything, you are certainly with the right people with her and with our group in general!", Tea added, "You see..."
"...I'm a Priestess of Rhiannon.", I said with a smile and offered Toka my hand, "Come, let's join the others and we'll get you acquainted with all you need to know about Selkie-Paganism!"

Mervay wrote:Lisolette Devienne and Lucas Walker
Sípéir Square, Launceston

At the front of the crowd of people as celebrations begun, there were two persons alongside an good friend of the house, well mascot on this case, but that didn't mattered. Well the beautiful couple and their good friend and mascot, Dilly was with them, back on The Free Lands and even in autumn, in this case on Launceston. Gladly they all took note of the weather of this place before leave home after like an entire travel at an Royal Yacht all east of here. At least a week of travel the way here. But still it was well worth it, even with the weather which it felt like this was plain winter, gladly they all were dressed for this with all and each of them perfectly dressed and without problem, including the little friend of the couple.
They watched how the ritual went underway, interested on it. It was never bad to see new cultures, even so this was quite known, still it was always good to see those said cultures and in this case the culture of The Free Lands was one of them with The Selkie Paganism.
They cheered as soon as the ritual ended along the rest, not hiding themselves and acting like nobles when even so they were, or well, just Lise, they still were normal people which wanted to enjoy the festivities and happiness of the event, which it seemed they were being already good with all the feelings around in the surrundings. Of course they weren't here to enjoy the festival only, they were here to enjoy their relationship and to see some old fellas, hopefully they should be here, well one of them was certain to with Bicíní Industries having their GHQ here, as for the other, well that wasn't hard to guess since if his girlfriend was here so will he.

Now their destiny was The Caora Inn, simple was all, leave their clothes and package on their room and walk the three of them around the city and enjoy, of course and sadly, Dilly was to be forced to use a collar and leash, but he didn't have to worry, that as soon as they leaved Launceston, he will be free to roam without it, that surely lifted his spirits.
Meanwhile Lise and Lucas, they were both well prepared and with their package at hand, one bag for exclusive use for all what Dilly needed, clothes for winter, food, water, hygene, etc. Luckily they just needed to make a bit of an walk since they were literally at the front of their Inn.

The Caora Inn was a four storey building, a bit down from the Sípéir Square along the Main Street. One of the sides bordered the square. Timber and stone were the materials of its construction. A small forecourt was prepared for the Feast of Taranis, benches being set up by older staff, while the famous Mini-Maids and Mini-Butlers arranged flower-decorations and brought silverware.
One of them, an especially cute girl with blonde hair, maybe twelve, spotted Dilly and watched him, then grinned at Lise with a wide, toothy smile before turning to an older waitress and asking her something. The older waitress nodded, much to the relief of the Mini-Maid.
She grinned as she approached the couple and their vulpine companion.
"Good morning, Sir, Miss!", she said with a strong accent, and bowed her head politely, "May I ask what the name of your fox is?"

The Chuck wrote:Captain Alexander Theodore
Sípéir Square of Launceston

"Taranis, Lord of the Time of Falling Leaves, Ladra, Lord of the Helmsmen and Boatsmen, Lodan Lir, Lord of the Seas and Rivers, Rhiannon, o Fertile Lady, hear our humble prayer of thanks and gratitude to you!"

Captain Theodore looked around as the priestess started the rituals. He stood now in the town of Launceston in the nation of The Selkie as they prepared for the harvest festival. He could barely make out a couple of his crew moving through the crowds as they enjoyed their shore leave. After a couple months at sea they were in for a well deserved shore leave in the Free Lands. As he stood along the edges of the crowd while watching the high priestess start the ceremonies, it reminded him of some of the other places around the globe that he had been throughout his life. As he reminisced, a stiff wind blew across the crowd of people and he shivered as it hit his exposed face. With a grunt, Captain Theodore reached into his pocket and pulled out his pipe. Hunting around a little bit he found a tin of tobacco that he had bought many months ago in the nation of Kyrenaia. Pulling out a lighter, he lit his pipe and took a puff. As the small flame illuminated his face that was buried under his captain's hat, he smiled as he continued to watch the priestess perform the opening ceremonies of the Harvest Festival.

"With this, the Day of Taranis' Feast may begin!"

As the crowd started to dissipate, Captain Theodore managed to spot whom he suspected was Jolene Gudfrey of Port Ember among the people in the crowds. He was semi-surprised that a woman of her status was here though it didn't surprise him. The Port Emberians loved a good celebration as much as the next people. Since he was here with his ship, he didn't need to rent a room to sleep in but it would be nice to see what the town had to offer. Moseying his way through the crowds, he could see his ship, the Geezer's Rest, down the streets and towards the docks towering above many of the other vessels. Walking down the streets, he started to sing a befitting sailor's song to himself but loud enough for others to hear. To be on the Icy Shore meant that Northwest Passage was a fitting song for the occasion.

"Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea;
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea..."

Geezer's Rest
(Image)

The Harbour was just as busy as every other day. Large ships were docking, waiting for new wares or under maintenance, their cargo transferred to railway carts.
Yachts were concentrated at the Marina Piers, a series of four piers reserved for private luxury vessels, and all berths were occupied, a number of foreign flags fluttering in the cold breeze as well: There was for example Teressien's Yellow-Red Banner, or the Black Flag of Kyrenaia and the White Diamond of the Territory of Jalid at the mast of another ship. The Lady in Red, Jolene Gudfrey's Yacht, was here, too.
The harbour of Naval Station Launceston was a bit away, down the shore.
The most interesting vessel in the harbour might have been the Caorthann, a nuclear-powered Polar Research Vessel, who's crew was preparing their own Feast on the Helicopter Deck. Shared by three universities, the Caorthann was at the forefront of the exploration of the Free Lands' Polar Waters.
The Geezer's Rest, as a sailing ship, was closeby the Caorthann, the Research Vessel's Captain having already extended an invitation for Feasting to the other ship's crew.
The Mórrón Inn in the distance promised many things to weary sailors, too...
All in all, it was a beautiful and promising day.

Lillorainen wrote:Sípéir Square, Launceston.
Indeed, a search for Chris' girlfriend would be in vain, but what would life be like without challenges, eh?
Chris did spot two people he knew from the beach party back then, however, and recognized them instantly - not only the beautiful woman in her late forties with white long hair, icy-blue eyes and a pale skin tone that would the 'Nordic' type jealous (not that this was a field Lillos would have wanted to compete in, though), but also the darker-skinned lad standing next to her. Eithne Banphriosa of the Tribe of Monaghan, owner of Áilleagán Limited and co-boss of Bicíní Industries - the latter thanks to her husband, Finnegan Drisiúr of the Tribe of Cork, whom they had met in the Archipelago as well; accompanied by her (adoptive) son Ilia. While Chris recognized them at once, and so would Dragan (and not only because of their engagement in distributing potato salad, although one could still guess, that food was one of his major priorities), Janina had rather been busy elsewhere back then - which she had regretted only a day later, but the point stood.
"I think, I've spotted someone I know" - Chris told the young ladies accompanying him - and they could quickly guess, that it wasn't Cel. "Might go over and say hello. What about y'all?"
Janina just wanted to reply, as they suddenly spotted a blonde little girl, around seven, sitting on a the shoulders of a person who could only be her mother, in full armor, riding a horse - and holding hands with another woman in full black. Janina and Fenja recognized them at once.
"As did we ..." - Janina said, slowly, admiring the view of the Urghardas having arrived in this manner.
Chris' last notable social media interaction dated back a bit, so it didn't get immediately clear to him, who was meant, until he looked into the same direction Janina did.
"Not bad!" - he said. "I think I'll go over, then - see ya' in a few?"
Janina nodded. "See ya' in a few."
Chris only needed a moment to get to Eithne (never call her Auntie Eithne!) and Ilia; the young lad was almost a young man, and this reminded Chris of how long the beach party had actually dated back already.
"Good morning!" - he greeted them, bowing his head lightly. "Long time no see!"
Meanwhile, it took Janina, Fenja, and Gesine a few moments more, but since the Urghardas were fairly easy to spot in here, it wasn't much of a problem, despite the square being rather crowded.
They grinned at them, especially at Rona.
"Hi!" - Fenja said. "Looks like Grandma's food wasn't even that poisonous, eh?"
Janina nodded. "And the rest of the travel was fine, too, I assume? Good to see you in here!"

Eithne Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Monaghan.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
"Good morning!", a young man's voice suddenly greeted my son and me. "Long time no see!"
Both of us turned, Ilia almost by reflex tensing his muscles. My hand on his shoulders kept his reaction at bay and it almost vanished completely as he recognized the young man, who had approached us from behind - I recognized him as well, mostly because he almost belonged to the big, fun family, that was Bicíní Industries.
I smiled slightly.
"Hello, Christopher.", I said and returned the bow, Ilia following suit, "Indeed, it has been a long time... although I thought, that you would have long-since reunited with Celina."
Ilia, by now, was wearing a small smile, too, although it was a bit uneasy.

Rona Urgharda of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
"Hi!", a young woman's voice said from the side and we turned, "Looks like Grandma's food wasn't even that poisonous, eh?"
Mom raised an eyebrow.
"My apologies, young lady...", she said to Fenja, "...but I am afraid, that you are mistaking us for someone."
I took a moment to look at the speaker's face again, then it dawned upon me: I had seen her on Piffle before!
"Hi, Fenja!", I greeted with a huge, face-splitting grin. My written English was pretty good, but my spoken English was marred by a heavy accent, heavier then usual for Selkie, the vowels falling down a bottomless pit and into the abyss of a melodious song. "Mom, Mam, that's Fenja, the nice Miss from PiffleNet! I think..."
The other woman looked at Fenja, then at her daughter: "You think?"
I blushed.

by **Lillorainen** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 8:48 am

By intuition, Chris retreated half a meter - he hadn't intended to startle Eithne and Ilia; the latter, luckily, quickly controlled his reflex. Eithne recognized Chris at once, and also was well aware where he belonged to. After all, he wasn't exactly entirely unknown in the Big Family, which he was almost a member of himself.
Being asked for a reunion with Cel, which she would have expected to long-since have happened, Chris smiled slightly himself.
"I have, several times since then" - he said, "we practically made it a regular event. We've met at last year's Harvest Festival in Shella, this year's Spring Festival in Cuan, and this year's Midsummer Festival in Preetz, Rigesöer. And since she has informed me, that she will be around here this time as well, I have decided to come again." He grinned. "This is already my forth Bratach stamp in my passport."
He let a beat pass.
"Now, how have you been doing since the last time?"

Fenja had to grin - Rona had been absolutely sure, that she was recognizing her, but suddenly was less sure again.
And it was too cute how she blushed!
Janina and Gesine had to grin, too, even if a bit sheepishly.
Fenja nodded. "You think totally correctly, Rona!" - she said, also turning to Rona's Mom and Mam and bowing her head lightly. "I'm Fenja Tattrup, from Jillich, in Lillorainen. We've had some conversation on PiffleNet, that's where we know each other from."
Janina made a step forward - since she had also been included in the conversation and still had maintained the communication with both Mavie and Mara Urgharda until, quite literally, yesterday, they would probably recognize her easier - even though Janina hadn't really picked the best, or newest, photo as a profile pic. (She would probably change it sometime soon ...)
"I'm Janina Bonrath" - she introduced herself, bowing her head lightly. "Nice to meet you!" She motioned to the dark-haired lassie who could almost have passed as her sister. "And that's Gesine Ehrlicher, a friend of ours!"
Gesine nodded, smiling the typical smile one was used to as a waitress. "Pleasure to meet you!" - she said.

by **AHSCA** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 10:07 am

The Selkie wrote:Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
"Ah, a young lady of the UIS!", Tea said with good cheer and I smiled, "Pleasure, Toka! I am Tea, that's Felicia!"
I nodded. "Charmed, I'm sure!", I said with a smile.
"And if you have questions about our beliefs and ceremonies and everything, you are certainly with the right people with her and with our group in general!", Tea added, "You see..."
"...I'm a Priestess of Rhiannon.", I said with a smile and offered Toka my hand, "Come, let's join the others and we'll get you acquainted with all you need to know about Selkie-Paganism!"

Toka smiled brightly at their enthusiasm, it was true that people here were friendly especially to islanders. Toka nodded and accepted the hand of the Priestess "Thank you, how lucky I am to meet a Priestess here on my first day. I just saw your ceremony and thought it was very wonderful. Not too different than what goes on where I'm from so I'm eager to see more of what Selkie-Paganisim is about." She smiled again.

by **Kuronami** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 2:05 pm

The Selkie wrote:The man smiled.
"Indeed, we have some free, so you're lucky.", he said and opened his Big Book of Reservations, "For how long do you need the room?"
A sign behind him explained, that they were charging by the hour and, after 24 hours, by the day, so one could rent a room for four hours and one could rent a room for a day or four. It was all up to the customer.
"I would also need your ID card or passport, please.", he added.

she sighed relief that her carelessness wouldn't spell out trouble. "I'll need the room for one week. 7 days and 6 nights. And yes of course let me grab my documents." She rummaged her bag a bit finally finding her documents she rather hastily stuffed after her run through port of entry and customs. "Yup, here we go." She presented her Passport that gave her details.

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 2:32 pm

"No thank you, replies Christina with a smile to the receptionist, we packed lightly for this trip, so we'll manage by our own, says the pink-haired woman as she takes her bag. Thank you Sir."
With that said, the young couple goes to their room, and proceeds to unpack their belongings, put their clothes in the cupboard and take some time to discover and enjoy what their room has to offer.
"Phew, I'm glad to have finally arrived! says Corey as his wife and him fall on the bed on their backs. This is going to be a good trip, I feel it, he adds with a small smile as he looks to his wife laying beside him.
-Yeah, I know that, answers Christina as he snuggles with her hisband, her head resting in the crook of his arm. So, what do you want to do now? she asks as they exchange on small kiss on the lips.
-Well, wby not snuggle a bit more, then go to the Réimse an Chonartha for 10 o'clock? Then we'll go to the Cosan house for 11 for the Bicini presentation, and then we'll see where our feet take us. Wwhat do you think Honey?
-That's a perfect and wonderful plan, simply replies the young woman before exchangind another kiss and resting her head back on her husband's chest.

After a few more minutes, the two Scarlet Americans get up from the bed, put their shoes and winter clothes back on (and Corey strapping his sword to his back again.), and go to the Inn's hall.
"Excuse me, he asks the receptionist, what is the shortest way to the Réimse an Chonartha from here?"

by **Mervay** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 5:16 pm

Their destiny was a four storey building, made with timber and stone, close but a bit down Sípéir Square, along the main street and with one of the sides bordering the square. In other words, just at a turn and maybe walking half the street; gladly they were on the square and they wouldn't have needed to walk many streets, gladly they were now at the entrance.
It seemed that a small forecourt was prepared for the feast in the Inn as benches were set up by the older staff while the Mini-Maids and Mini-Butlers arranged flower-decorations and brought the silverware. One of the girls, a blonde one to be exact looked at them and Dilly, that kind of glare told to both that he wasn't going to be very welcome here, he looked at her before looking back at where they were going. Lise grinned with that same toothy and warm smile too, but she knew well they would have to be careful since their mascot was of a kind of vulpine not so loved in this nation.
Then they noticed an older waitress approaching, much to the relief of her younger partner it seemed. Lucas and Lise looked at the other and so Dilly looked at her friends too and they all knew this wasn't going to be good, hopefully it was good and nothing happened.

When she grinned, they grinned too as she then spoke in a strong accent, then they looked once again and nodded with Lise speaking.

"Dilly. His name is Dilly, I found him at my stay at Cuán when he was to be killed because he wanted something to eat, he was just an street vulpine and I took him under my care." she said grabbing him gently and caressing his friend which smiled with his big eyes at Lise and then the waitress.

Both of them looked at Lucas which would then speak since someone has to ask her about their reservation.

"We would like to ask about our reservation too, the best room and at name of Lisolette Camine Alizee Devienne, Crown Princess of Ardens and Lucas Walker." Lucas asked smiling too as he looked at the preparations for the feast. Hopefully they could be for them too before see Lise's friends and enjoy of Launceston.

by **The Chuck** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 10:18 pm

Captain Alexander Theodore
Sípéir Square of Launceston

Marching along the wharf, Captain Theodore's eyes were caught by a brightly lit and cheerful looking inn some distance away. Squinting hard, he was able to make out the name of the inn, The Mórrón Inn. With a weary face he humphed in a weary but happy tone before making his way towards the Mórrón Inn. As he drew near, he could see that there were many others already inside. Taking a moment, he drew his exposed hands from his pockets and checked his old worn leather wallet before continuing towards the inn. It wouldn't be any good to be all out of cash now would it? Grabbing the door handle, Captain Theodore opened it and stepped into the Mórrón Inn.

by **Port Ember** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 11:41 pm

Áed Gadhair of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
I had first met her at a Ball in Teressien, hosted by Fürst Alrich III., where she had made a very good figure on the dance floor - both with me and Marla. I had thought about her quite a few times since then... and I'll freely admit, that not all of these thoughts were suitable for children.
Still, she had left a mark on me. Marla and I had invited her to a Festival in our homeland, these lands - it was no mystery, that she would not only come for rest and relaxation. Unlike back in Teressien, I did not only wear Geansai, but also a cloak over it, a thick, woolen thing held up with a brooch of silver.
I had heard, that the Lady in Red made Launceston a Port of Call.
As she wondered aimlessly over the Sípéir Square in her thick fur, I still saw, that she was shivering to her bones and looking for someone. I closed the distance with ease, smiled as I suddenly stood right before her.
"Hi, Jolene.", I said and smiled a rougish smile, my red eyes sparkling like rubies. "Need a cuppa hot tea? I know a nice place at the Gíománra Square!"
Well, the day was starting good!

The Caora Inn was basically at the Sípéir Square, only a small bit down the Main Street and one would stand in front of it.
Unlike the Muirmhíle Inn, it was not a typical Selkie-Inn as far as architecture was concerned, but it was still a very good one. Four storeys high, including the roof floor, the building of timber and stone had a rustic feel to it, the forecourt being prepared for their own festivities with benches and a fireplace and fire extinguishers.
It was good place and its appearance certainly reflected its good reputation.
The lobby was a small hall on its own, the hallway to the left leading into the restaurant, while right at the other end, at the reception desk, three people stood and conversed with the receptionist.
Two were women, the third was a man, a tall man with short, white hair, a tower of a man, who spoke with a Lutetiian accent. He wore really expensive clothing, by the looks of it, an older gentleman. Emily might have caught him telling the receptionist to look under the name of Antonio Siggaro for a reservation.
Antonio Siggaro was... not a man one trifled with. Rumoured to be one of the leading members of the Lutetiian Mafia, if not the leader, he had made a fortune as a provider of railroad services in Lutetii after the Civil War, which had ravaged the country and had left much of it in ruins.
One of the women had noticed Emily. She was a very pale blonde with golden eyes, shining out of a hard face. She was rather flat, especially when looking at the other woman, but she had a certain beauty about her, a dangerous beauty. Her posture said, that she was armed and she didn't even try to hide it.
The other woman was a blonde, too, this one not as pale, with blue eyes and mammarial glands the size of watermelons on her chest. She seemed less serious, less dangerous and less armed, but her blue-green eyes shone in a way, that suggested that she was more then just Siggaro's bedmate, quite on the contrary.
Emily would have to wait in the line for a few moments, but what would happen during these moments might change her destiny in a considerable way...

The Mórrón Inn was a small Inn by the Harbour, a former warehouse of a merchant, who went broke. It had the original facade, but the interior had been entirely reshaped. It had good food, especially landfood, as it was frequented mostly by sailors.
The main part of its reputation stemmed from the... 'Additional Services' offered there. An inn offering these in the Free Lands turned from a place to meet, sleep and eat into a place, where one could buy love, both from men and women. In other words, it was an inn with the additional functions of a brothel.
No wonder it was frequented by sailors.
Whatever the guest's opinion of the local Paganism was, he would get, what he desired here, if he had the right amounts of silver in his pockets - the receptionist, a rather busty blonde with a sultry look in her eyes, would make sure of that, even if she had to do the work herself.
As Dagon entered, she was standing while leaned forward, her lower arms on the desk, which accentuated her own 'argumentation amplifiers'.
She smiled. "Good morning, honey... need a room or just a bit of warmth against the chill outside?", she asked him, her voice just as sultry as her eyes.

Jolene Gudfrey
Sípéir Square, Launceston

Jolene's face and bright blue eyes lit up and sparkled in joy and relief as Áed walked up to Jolene. A familiour and friendly face at last! She had met Áed at the Royal Ball in Teressien, where they clicked - both in conversation and on the dance floor. Although it was never spoken or acted upon, there was definitely some chemistry forming between them.

"Áed, you godsend! she closed the distance and embraced the handsome ambassador in a hug, followed with a soft kiss on his cheeks. He wasted no time in his greetinf conversation - probally realising her agonising cold state she was in, and offered to take her to the Gíománra Square for a cup of tea. She hookes her arm into his and replied, "Please good friend, it feels as a polar bear is assualting me! But I have suffered enough for today dear, I'd rather have coffee! she flashed a wink. The cold had not taken her humor yet.

Emily Hunter
Caora Inn

As Emily entered the Caora Inn she noticed a group of three booking in at the reception desk - a large man and two beautifull women - both blondes. She came to a halt directly behind them as she waited for them to finish in order for her to sign in as well. Whilst waiting she overheard the large man give his name to the receptionist as 'Antonio Siggaro'. She instantly recognised that name - he was a, or the, top dog in the Lutetiian mafia. When you run around in the underworld, dangerous names like these reaches ones ears.. Emily was overcome with a mixture of emotions - both fear and excitement. Indeed this was an dangerous man - but if she played her cards right, her smuggling/fencing network could reach the next levelif she partnered with such a large organisation. She made an instant decision to try her luck, but knew she had to be carefull - one cannot just walk up to a man like Antonio and say 'Hey I know your a mafiaso - lets do business..' no, she had to play a long game. She saw her 'in' as one of the female companions looked straight at Emily.

The girl in question was of a pale complextion, amplified by her blonde hair, with beautifull golden eyes. She looked dangerous and was definitely armed, Emily decided. She looked at her in return and observed her fellow female companion - another beauty. Emily turned back to the first girl and flashed a wide smile, "Heya! This weather is blasted aint it?! I hope you do not find this weird - but I am an art admirer, and I hope you dont mind me saying.. but if you and your friend here posed for a portrait - it could very well turn out to be a masterpiece!"

Dagon Farlong
Mórrón Inn

Dagon entered the Mórrón Inn, situated by the harbour. Although his vessel, the Orphan was literally in view from here, he decided not to reside on her whilst in town, but rather this inn. The reason was a simple one - this Inn held more women and ale compared to his ship.

Dagon instantly liked the Inn, the exterior was that of a typical harbour Inn, but the interior was modern and screamed 'comfort'. Dagon always prefered to reside in harbour inns - the atmosphere was honest. Men came here to indulge in their desire for ale and women, and they persued this desire without fear or shame. Unlike the more upper class inns, where people denied their natural desires and pretended they were better than other people because of it. Dagon hated those people - rich or poor, upper or lower class, in the wild they are all equal prey.

As Dagon approached the reception desk, attended by a busty and sultry blonde. A tasty little thing. Her voice and words were just as tasty, forcing a smile on Dagon's face - an extremely rare event. He let out a short burst of laughter before replying, "Dagon Farlong lassie. I have a room reserved here. I am in a hurry.. but if you can provide me with ample ale and... warmth, I could get the day started on all the right notes.."

by **The Selkie** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 12:30 pm

Lillorainen wrote:By intuition, Chris retreated half a meter - he hadn't intended to startle Eithne and Ilia; the latter, luckily, quickly controlled his reflex. Eithne recognized Chris at once, and also was well aware where he belonged to. After all, he wasn't exactly entirely unknown in the Big Family, which he was almost a member of himself.
Being asked for a reunion with Cel, which she would have expected to long-since have happened, Chris smiled slightly himself.
"I have, several times since then" - he said, "we practically made it a regular event. We've met at last year's Harvest Festival in Shella, this year's Spring Festival in Cuan, and this year's Midsummer Festival in Preetz, Rigesöer. And since she has informed me, that she will be around here this time as well, I have decided to come again." He grinned. "This is already my forth Bratach stamp in my passport."
He let a beat pass.
"Now, how have you been doing since the last time?"

Fenja had to grin - Rona had been absolutely sure, that she was recognizing her, but suddenly was less sure again.
And it was too cute how she blushed!
Janina and Gesine had to grin, too, even if a bit sheepishly.
Fenja nodded. "You think totally correctly, Rona!" - she said, also turning to Rona's Mom and Mam and bowing her head lightly. "I'm Fenja Tattrup, from Jillich, in Lillorainen. We've had some conversation on PiffleNet, that's where we know each other from."
Janina made a step forward - since she had also been included in the conversation and still had maintained the communication with both Mavie and Mara Urgharda until, quite literally, yesterday, they would probably recognize her easier - even though Janina hadn't really picked the best, or newest, photo as a profile pic. (She would probably change it sometime soon ...)
"I'm Janina Bonrath" - she introduced herself, bowing her head lightly. "Nice to meet you!" She motioned to the dark-haired lassie who could almost have passed as her sister. "And that's Gesine Ehrlicher, a friend of ours!"
Gesine nodded, smiling the typical smile one was used to as a waitress. "Pleasure to meet you!" - she said.

Eithne Banphrionsa of the Tribe of Monaghan.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
I laughed.
"Collect ten and you get a free citizenship!", I said with a smile, joking clearly. Becoming a Born Selkie was easier said then done - and easiest done by being born as one. As that train had clearly already departed for Chris, he had other options left. "We've been fine. Ilia performed well so far in school this year and we are positive, that he'll continue to do so."
"Mam, lemme do my own braggin'!", the young man asked with a bit of irritation. He sounded like a Selkie already.
"Yes, but can't a proud Mam brag a bit, too?", I said and kissed the crown of his head. He was growing up so fast... I turned back to Chris. "How about you? I guess, you missed Cel a whole lot?"

Rona Urgharda of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
Janina was here, too, as was their friend Gesine. This was awesome!
Mom relaxed visibly, as she apparently recognized Janina. "Ah, yes, now I remember. The image is a bit older, I would guess, just like with someone else..."
She petted my knee, as I still sat on her shoulders.
"It's wonderful to meet you three finally in person.", Mam added, "As you may have presumed, that's my wife Mara, my daughter Rona...!"
I waved.
"...and I am Mavie.", Mam finished with a small bow. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
With our hands linked together, we set ourselves into motion - or rather, Tea did.
She was our natural source and replenishable resource of good cheer.
"Off we go, then!", Tea said and dragged us off.
"You didn't just meet any old Priestesses, Toka.", I told our new acquaintance, smiling, "We are part of the Defenders of the Temple of Chorn, a sacred place of the Cult of Rhiannon." I smiled. "Or rather, we are part of the Demonstration Lance of the Defenders, here to support our commanding officer and friend Isla while she fights for the Ardharc Cup today!"
"And we need to observe some traditions while doing so!", Tea added.

The man nodded, looked into his book.
"Yes, we have a room free for 7 days.", he confirmed and then smiled at her. "I'll take this for a moment. It'll be right back!" He went to work in writing the relevant data down, then gave it one more check and then handed the passport back. "There you go. That would make a total of 20 Gil for the entire duration." He gave a small smile. "Additional Services cost extra."

Port Ember wrote:Jolene Gudfrey
Sípéir Square, Launceston

Jolene's face and bright blue eyes lit up and sparkled in joy and relief as Áed walked up to Jolene. A familiour and friendly face at last! She had met Áed at the Royal Ball in Teressien, where they clicked - both in conversation and on the dance floor. Although it was never spoken or acted upon, there was definitely some chemistry forming between them.

"Áed, you godsend! she closed the distance and embraced the handsome ambassador in a hug, followed with a soft kiss on his cheeks. He wasted no time in his greetinf conversation - probally realising her agonising cold state she was in, and offered to take her to the Gíománra Square for a cup of tea. She hookes her arm into his and replied, "Please good friend, it feels as a polar bear is assualting me! But I have suffered enough for today dear, I'd rather have coffee! she flashed a wink. The cold had not taken her humor yet.

Emily Hunter
Caora Inn

As Emily entered the Caora Inn she noticed a group of three booking in at the reception desk - a large man and two beautifull women - both blondes. She came to a halt directly behind them as she waited for them to finish in order for her to sign in as well. Whilst waiting she overheard the large man give his name to the receptionist as 'Antonio Siggaro'. She instantly recognised that name - he was a, or the, top dog in the Lutetiian mafia. When you run around in the underworld, dangerous names like these reaches ones ears.. Emily was overcome with a mixture of emotions - both fear and excitement. Indeed this was an dangerous man - but if she played her cards right, her smuggling/fencing network could reach the next levelif she partnered with such a large organisation. She made an instant decision to try her luck, but knew she had to be carefull - one cannot just walk up to a man like Antonio and say 'Hey I know your a mafiaso - lets do business..' no, she had to play a long game. She saw her 'in' as one of the female companions looked straight at Emily.

The girl in question was of a pale complextion, amplified by her blonde hair, with beautifull golden eyes. She looked dangerous and was definitely armed, Emily decided. She looked at her in return and observed her fellow female companion - another beauty. Emily turned back to the first girl and flashed a wide smile, "Heya! This weather is blasted aint it?! I hope you do not find this weird - but I am an art admirer, and I hope you dont mind me saying.. but if you and your friend here posed for a portrait - it could very well turn out to be a masterpiece!"

Dagon Farlong
Mórrón Inn

Dagon entered the Mórrón Inn, situated by the harbour. Although his vessel, the Orphan was literally in view from here, he decided not to reside on her whilst in town, but rather this inn. The reason was a simple one - this Inn held more women and ale compared to his ship.

Dagon instantly liked the Inn, the exterior was that of a typical harbour Inn, but the interior was modern and screamed 'comfort'. Dagon always prefered to reside in harbour inns - the atmosphere was honest. Men came here to indulge in their desire for ale and women, and they persued this desire without fear or shame. Unlike the more upper class inns, where people denied their natural desires and pretended they were better than other people because of it. Dagon hated those people - rich or poor, upper or lower class, in the wild they are all equal prey.

As Dagon approached the reception desk, attended by a busty and sultry blonde. A tasty little thing. Her voice and words were just as tasty, forcing a smile on Dagon's face - an extremely rare event. He let out a short burst of laughter before replying, "Dagon Farlong lassie. I have a room reserved here. I am in a hurry.. but if you can provide me with ample ale and... warmth, I could get the day started on all the right notes.."

Just one slot at the reception desk to the left, the busty blonde returned the smile in the same, sultry fashion, then looked into the Reservations book. There was the room noted down, even with the note, that it had been upgraded by someone, who was not Dagon Farlong.
"Indeed, we have a room on your name, ample ale and ample warmth, depending on what you wish...", she said and let the sentence trail off, "I just need your ID-card or passport and we are good to go."
She also slid him a pamphlet of sorts with a smile and a wink, where the people available for Additional Services were listed, a total of ten people, six women and four men in the Oldest Occupation, including photographs, short profiles and, of course, rates. The Receptionist was not among them.
Four more pages of the pamphlet were dedicated to the brands of ale and whiskey available in the house.

Áed Gadhair of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
I smiled, offered my hand.
"Then let's go!", I said, then glanced down at my hand, "Grab my hand so that we don't get lost!"
The kiss had felt nice, as has the hug, but I could very well imagine, that she was mostly looking to get some warmth into her body - tropical islanders in such a cold environment was never good. The Gods alone knew, what drove the Kyrenaians to colonize Jalid...
Anyway, once she was secured, I began to move towards the Gíománra Square, grinning as we moved through the thick crowd.
"How have you been, Jolene?", I asked her.

In the Caora Inn, the pale blonde raised an eyebrow while the other one giggled.
"Been there already.", the less-pale blonde said and smiled, especially as Siggaro turned around and watched the scene.
"The painter was... not as good as we would have liked, but maybe you know a good one, young lady?", the older man said, smiling as he slid his passport back into his pocket, "As luck would have it, I am not only an admirer but also a... benefattore, ah, patron of the Cose Artistiche." He let a beat pass. "Maybe, once you have checked in, we can meet for a, how do they say around these parts... cuppa tea?"
His accent was heavy, but he was understandable and the glint in his eyes said, that it would not result in immediate and gruesome death, if one declined his invitation, but he would definately take it personal.

Captain Theodore would enter right about the time Dagon and Charlotte were at the reception desk, but that was little of a problem, if he didn't want a room.
There was a large portal left of the receptionist desk, which led into the Restaurant, which was currently dealing with the aftermath of the storm known as Breakfast Time. The last plates were being collected and the first table wiped off, two people were cleaning, it was warm, cozy even, in the restaurant, thanks to a fireplace with a few chairs around it. Around a dozen tables with varying numbers of chairs around them were also set up, with a bar opposite to the portal. The barwoman was preparing and rearranging what looked like a box of glasses.
It was worth noting, that the majority of the staff were young and quite good-looking, the youngest would be between fifteen and sixteen Springs, and all with the notable exception of the barwoman, were dressed in a variation of the Geansai, that was skimpy even by Selkie-Standards.
Of course, the good Captain could also stand in line and wait, but that would keep him from following the smell of freshly baked small cakes coming from the Restaurant...

Mervay wrote:Their destiny was a four storey building, made with timber and stone, close but a bit down Sípéir Square, along the main street and with one of the sides bordering the square. In other words, just at a turn and maybe walking half the street; gladly they were on the square and they wouldn't have needed to walk many streets, gladly they were now at the entrance.
It seemed that a small forecourt was prepared for the feast in the Inn as benches were set up by the older staff while the Mini-Maids and Mini-Butlers arranged flower-decorations and brought the silverware. One of the girls, a blonde one to be exact looked at them and Dilly, that kind of glare told to both that he wasn't going to be very welcome here, he looked at her before looking back at where they were going. Lise grinned with that same toothy and warm smile too, but she knew well they would have to be careful since their mascot was of a kind of vulpine not so loved in this nation.
Then they noticed an older waitress approaching, much to the relief of her younger partner it seemed. Lucas and Lise looked at the other and so Dilly looked at her friends too and they all knew this wasn't going to be good, hopefully it was good and nothing happened.

When she grinned, they grinned too as she then spoke in a strong accent, then they looked once again and nodded with Lise speaking.

"Dilly. His name is Dilly, I found him at my stay at Cuán when he was to be killed because he wanted something to eat, he was just an street vulpine and I took him under my care." she said grabbing him gently and caressing his friend which smiled with his big eyes at Lise and then the waitress.

Both of them looked at Lucas which would then speak since someone has to ask her about their reservation.

"We would like to ask about our reservation too, the best room and at name of Lisolette Camine Alizee Devienne, Crown Princess of Ardens and Lucas Walker." Lucas asked smiling too as he looked at the preparations for the feast. Hopefully they could be for them too before see Lise's friends and enjoy of Launceston.

The Mini-Maid giggled.
"Dilly is a cute name!", she said, but her smile took a sad note, "Shame that they wanted to do that to him in Cuan... these Mór-Landers...!"
"Rona...", the older waitress cautioned before Rona, the Mini-Maid, could say something, which was less then flattering about the Mór-Landers. Once the girl pulled her head in and mumbled an apology, the older waitress looked at Lucas. "As for your reservation, you'll have to ask at the reception desk. Rona, would you mind showing them the way?"
Apparently, the girl had taken a real shine to the vulpine male of the group as she nodded with more enthusiasm then good work morale could explain.
"Come with me!", she said and got up, "I'll show you!"

The receptionist smiled as the couple descended back to earth a bit later and nodded at the question.
"I can do you one better.", he said and reached under his desk.
When he came back up again, he had two things in his hands. One was a tourist map of Launceston and the general area (with the Naval Station marked as OFF LIMITS to mere mortals), with the inn marked and with the greatest tourist attractions marked. One of them was of course the Field of Mustering.
The other was a pamphlet to the small museum at the Field, but he doubted, that they would want to go in today.
He handed both objects to Corey, then smiled.
"Easiest way there is out, onto the Main Street and then always to the East, through the Main City Gate and there you are.", he explained, showed it to them on the map. "Though be careful, if you have an appointment, the Main Street will be lined with stalls, peddlers and hawkers. Might find some nice souvenirs there, though. Have fun!"

by **Port Ember** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 2:30 pm

Just one slot at the reception desk to the left, the busty blonde returned the smile in the same, sultry fashion, then looked into the Reservations book. There was the room noted down, even with the note, that it had been upgraded by someone, who was not Dagon Farlong.
"Indeed, we have a room on your name, ample ale and ample warmth, depending on what you wish...", she said and let the sentence trail off, "I just need your ID-card or passport and we are good to go."
She also slid him a pamphlet of sorts with a smile and a wink, where the people available for Additional Services were listed, a total of ten people, six women and four men in the Oldest Occupation, including photographs, short profiles and, of course, rates. The Receptionist was not among them.
Four more pages of the pamphlet were dedicated to the brands of ale and whiskey available in the house.

Áed Gadhair of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
I smiled, offered my hand.
"Then let's go!", I said, then glanced down at my hand, "Grab my hand so that we don't get lost!"
The kiss had felt nice, as has the hug, but I could very well imagine, that she was mostly looking to get some warmth into her body - tropical islanders in such a cold environment was never good. The Gods alone knew, what drove the Kyrenaians to colonize Jalid...
Anyway, once she was secured, I began to move towards the Gíománra Square, grinning as we moved through the thick crowd.
"How have you been, Jolene?", I asked her.

In the Caora Inn, the pale blonde raised an eyebrow while the other one giggled.
"Been there already.", the less-pale blonde said and smiled, especially as Siggaro turned around and watched the scene.
"The painter was... not as good as we would have liked, but maybe you know a good one, young lady?", the older man said, smiling as he slid his passport back into his pocket, "As luck would have it, I am not only an admirer but also a... benefattore, ah, patron of the Cose Artistiche." He let a beat pass. "Maybe, once you have checked in, we can meet for a, how do they say around these parts... cuppa tea?"
His accent was heavy, but he was understandable and the glint in his eyes said, that it would not result in immediate and gruesome death, if one declined his invitation, but he would definately take it personal.

Jolene Gudfrey
Sípéir Square

Jolene enjoyed the cheek kiss and hug she gave Áed. She was not sure whether it was their chemistry or just the simple heat transfer from another human being, but it mattered not at the moment - just that it was nice. She grabbed on to her hand, it felt warm and strong. His heat and friendliness forced a smile on her now blue face. As they walked through the crowds she held on tight to his hand and attempted to snuggle her tiny body almost into his side in an effort to chase heat.

She replied with a slight cold induced stutter, "I have been well, thank you for asking Áed. Overall this has been a very profitable and satisfying year, for both my company - and myself. How about yourself? And Marla?"

Emily Hunter
Caora Inn

Emily smiled and hid her nervousness well. Her first few seconds encounter with this infamous and dangerous trio did not go too badly. The heat of the building's interior slowly heated her body, bringing life back to her cute rosey cheeks, and her normal perky personality with it. She replied,

Aye indeed I know quite a number of brilliantly talented and renowned artists, unfortunately they are back home in Port Ember. I sketch.. but its not good enough to do ye lassies any justice. I am honored to meet fellow art lovers, and even more honored to join you for a hot beverage. Thank you for your kind offer! I'm Emily Hunter - bloody nice to meet ya!"

Dagon Farlong
Mórrón Inn

Dagon slipped his passport over the counter to the seductive receptionist once he retreived it from his inner pocket of his leather jacket. He was very pleased to learn that his room was upgraded, no doubt by his future 'business parter' Dagon believed.

The seductive blonde handed him a pamphlet of the available 'heat providers' and an beverage list. Dagon leaned in over the counter, close to the blonde's face, looking deep into her eyes before replying, "Tell ya what dollface. Ye pick me two of yer best girls and a barrel of yer best ale. Price is no concern.. I trust yer judgement.." He shot a wink as he rose once more

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 2:34 pm

"Thank you very much Sir, replies Christina with a smile, before taking the map and the pamphlet.
As the young couple exits the Inn and are on their way to the Field of Mustering, they indeed take the Main Street, where as said, they encounter lots of people trying to sell their wares to the tourists who have come.
"Well, I guess a little shopping before the event wouldn't hurt, what do you think? asks Corey with a smile to his wife.
-Yes, that would be a good idea, replies the pink-haired woman before walking towards a small stall selling various pieces of jewellery.
-Good morning! she says happily to the woman manning the stall.

by **AHSCA** » Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:53 pm

The Selkie wrote:Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Sípéir Square, Launceston.
With our hands linked together, we set ourselves into motion - or rather, Tea did.
She was our natural source and replenishable resource of good cheer.
"Off we go, then!", Tea said and dragged us off.
"You didn't just meet any old Priestesses, Toka.", I told our new acquaintance, smiling, "We are part of the Defenders of the Temple of Chorn, a sacred place of the Cult of Rhiannon." I smiled. "Or rather, we are part of the Demonstration Lance of the Defenders, here to support our commanding officer and friend Isla while she fights for the Ardharc Cup today!"
"And we need to observe some traditions while doing so!", Tea added.

"Wow, defenders. So like a squad that protects your sacred sites like your temples, am I understanding? Demonstrators you say, so reenactors? It's very impressive I think! I got a good feeling I'm going to learn a lot!" She smiled with a rosy glow on her cheeks. "How fortunate I am to have met you then on the streets then! I'm very excited. I did some Priestess work myself for my own religion, back when I was a young 16-year old girl. It was volunteer work but I did enjoy it but I had other passions I wanted to pursue. My mother who is still a working Priestess thankfully gave her blessing to me."

A Cold Harvest in a Cold Land (IC, Open)

A Cold Harvest in a Cold Land (IC, Open)

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