A Harvest Festival in the City of Iron (IC, OPEN)

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Yven, or with full name Yven Barriall of the Tribe of Monaghan, was not in Ironcastle that day. He was in his home city of Launceston, celebrating another successful year with his family. And it had been a successful year, too.
What Marie might not want to know either was, that he now had a girlfriend. Both were unsure as to where it would end, but that was part of the fun of their relationship. Regardless, he was not in Ironcastle.
Who was in Ironcastle, though, was the SDF-Army's Mobile Forces Command, more specifically 18 Maor, the lighter of its two regiments. They were setting up their static display and presentation, soldiers busy at work running to and from and setting things up, which might remind the two visitors from the PPC of home.
Then again, they might find it funny or disgusting to see heavy military equipment in such an almost light-hearted and cheerful display, especially when considering, that no one here made any bones about being combat-experienced.
Almost sticking out like an anachronism were a couple of lads and lassies around their age, dressed in Geansai in red and white, some having added coats due to them being cold. Marie, as someone experienced in visiting the Free Lands, might recognize the colour scheme, red and white were the Colours of the Cult of Carman Fea, the Goddess of War and Science and a few other things in the Selkie-Pantheon.
They watched the proceedings, one of them spotting the two friends fooling around, smiled himself, then turned to watch the preparations.

Irene von Wittelsbach
I was a tanker, and to say that I wasn't somewhat impressed would be a lie. I had seen the Selkie as sort of an island Switzerland with an oddly Celtic-ish culture, but they were capable of not just maintaining but also developing and mass-producing armored vehicles. AFVs were an absolute bitch to maintain, but the fact that the Selkie had them...

I had clearly underestimated them.

"They have more." Marie spoke up, as she gazed at the AFV. "This is part of their MFC. It's like our combat groups, or an American Marine Expeditionary Unit. But bigger."
"So it's more like an American Brigade?" I asked.
"Sort of. Two regiments, one of mechanized infantry and the other also mechanized infantry, but with tanks. Sort of. Plus Air Defense, special operations troops, and logistical and aviation units. Think that's all."

"They any good, you think?" I asked. Allies or not, Prussia-Poland had a reputation to maintain.
"Good enough, if you ask me, for what they do. Peacekeeping and creaming technologically-inferior troops into mush."
"Bet the Cuirassiers could still cream 'em." I opined. Good as they were, we were better, right?
"Of course they would." Marie snorted. "You're part of an armored regiment. Turning conventional enemies into mush is their entire purpose. You're comparing apples to oranges. A better comparison would be the Carpathian Rifle Brigade, and I'm betting on the Selkie, all else equal."
"Alright, but which unit am I in?"
"And? You're like a horse bragging about having a bigger dick than a human."
My eyes widened slightly, but not out of offence.

Just two years earlier, Marie making that comparison, and so casually as well, would have been out of the question. I didn't even know she was even capable of cursing until one year and six months ago.
I shook my head. People change, Irene. I chided myself. ...Hopefully, it's for the better.

"Oi. Irene. You alright?"
I snapped out of my internal monologue to see Marie standing there, concerned.
"Yeah." I replied, unconvincingly.
She bit her lower lip. "You sure? Are you tired? Come, I'll buy you some coffee."
"No, no, it's fine." I insisted. "I was just...thinking of something."
Well, at least some things haven't changed. I thought, before I noticed Marie's mouth turn up into a roguish smirk.
"Oh? Something, or someone?"
...or maybe not.
I rolled my eyes. "If I had that someone in my life, they'd be here, not you."
Marie paused for a second. "...yeah." she said at last. "I guess."
I glanced at her. "Oi, you know me." I replied, before trying to lighten the mood with a joke. "I'd drive him or her insane before we'd go anywhere, no?"
Marie nodded, but the frown didn't leave her face.

I decided to leave her be for now, and continued watching the men and women of the 18th.

[Mervay]

Leonard Rualacha of the Tribe of Wicklow.
City Hall Square.
We had kept in touch via letters - wholly inadequate, considering Athena had left such a big impact on me. She was... awesome.
And I was but a student, a lonely swordsman and a halfway capable swimmer, little more. And an injured person as well.
My right arm was in a sling due to a training accident earlier this year, broken in swimming training as I slipped on the edge of the pool and... well, you can imagine the rest. Luckily, it would heal.
As such, I could also not participate in the tournament today - not that I was nearly good enough to be even on the betting lists for participation, let alone winning, but... I would spectate today. A few friends from BI saw to it, that some of the higher ups in the Guild heard of my injury and they invited me and a Plus One with VIP-Tickets.
Scrín was now far to the south.
Lugh was somewhere in the city, too, visiting relatives, but he was not on my mind. Athena was, mainly because she was not too far away from me in the crowd.
I approached her from behind (and tried not to be distracted by her behind) and, when I was close enough, whispered into her ear: "Guess who."

Athena Freezis, City Hall Square
When she heard that familiar voice, it certainly was music for her ears. Athena glared to see who it was (Even so she already knew it was that exception she had for social distancing) and was surprised to see; that tall, handsome, red eyed and haired student she fell in love with, if we had to be straightfoward as possible. The violet eyed woman looked at him and with a certain look on her eyes that spoke for her unnoticeable smile thanks to the face mask before answering his question.

"Let's see. Is it a red haired and eyed, young and handsome and muscled student that I knew almost a year ago and kept in touch??" She said while a finger was on her cheek in a thinking manner, but her eyes said that she was just teasing. "Because if so then I hit a bullseye." She said while taking down for a minute her head mask to smile warmly at Leo while leaning and greeting him with her exception of the day, a kiss on his cheek which; she hoped it could end up sooner or later on his lips.

As soon as she was done she put back the mask and glared at the sling on his arm.

"So, how is your arm? Getting better?"

[Astares Amauricanum]

Macha Céilt of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Daorasach Inn, City Hall Square.
Their waitress returned, took their orders and went off again, only to return a few minutes later with a tablet and the requested foodstuffs - the pudding was also quite expensive.
It was a Bómarseog, a Cow's Pudding, a sweet and creamy mass thickened with eggs served in small glass bowls, and, as this was a fancy place, decorated with sprinkled walnuts and two halves of a strawberry each. In total, it tasted a lot different from what their Head of State had aboard the Aurelia seven months prior (I had neither any idea about the menu at that dinner not about what happened there).
Though, I want to be honest with you all: I did not watch them. They were some random tourists in a restaurant, which may or may not be far out of their financial league, which was not my problem. I am just describing you this because the guy on the keyboard typing this down is a lazy sod and doesn't want to establish another waitress.
Ahem.
In any case, a minute after they had ordered, I spotted someone, who took up my full attention - and I was keenly aware, that she had spotted me, too, mainly because she was dragging her own daughter towards us.
"Hello, Corrin!", I greeted Major Corrin Paisúile of the Tribe of Monaghan, who would soon be Lieutenant Colonel and in charge of the 11th Dragan-Regiment, the silver-haired woman being in civilian clothes as she hugged me. She looked good in her dark coat, heavy leather boots complimenting her legs. As I did not see any pant legs, I was led to believe, that she was wearing a skirt underneath it, but no stockings. And she was not alone, a girl of thirteen Springs was with her, looking a lot like a younger version of her mother, but in brighter colours. "And hello to you, too, Nora!"
"Hello, Auntie Macha.", the girl greeted me back, a bit shyly. She knew, that I was the wife of someone far higher up in the food chain then her Mam and she was unsure as to how to treat me. I gave her a solid pointer by hugging her tightly. "Eeep!"
Imogen hugged Corrin as well, though not as tight - the two knew each other quite well. When Corrin had been a young Lieutenant and my husband a Lieutenant Colonel, Imogen had been a lass of nine Springs. After school had been out, Imogen had often accompanied me to give her father his packed lunch and Corrin had been the one to greet us by the gates more often then once, to the point, that I made one for her as well after a time. What I did not know, was, that Imogen had also approached the older woman for advice when she had her first crush... and rumours said, that Corrin had been Ayden's first crush, back in 2005 or 2006, but he never said anything.
Still, we hugged and were merry.
Of course, we spoke Selkie, as indicated by the italics.
AHEM.
"So, Nora, I see, that yer eye is better!", Imogen said as she greeted the girl, who nodded. "Awesome!"
A minute later, we sat all down again, two more teas on order.
"I heard from Raidri, that you'll fall up the ladder, Corrin.", I said with a wide smile, "Congratulations. You must be proud."
"I am. I have been quite a few places with the 11th and Sadera...", she began and swallowed. "It left an aftertaste." Silent for a moment, she grinned into the direction of her daughter. "I am also proud of someone else, though. Guess who not only was best of her year, but who will also command a tank come next season!"
Nora blushed as we congratulated her.
"Tank Driving's going good, eh?", Imogen asked her.
Nora nodded. "Yes, Sensha-Do is becoming more and more of a trend sport. That leads to some being quite confused as to what and why we are, but we manage to sift through quite quickly.", she said, "I'll be in charge of Sionnach-Ceathair. We are raising a III. Squadron again."
We nodded, quite impressed. "Which tank?"
"We'll be getting Mealltach Reconnaissance Tanks.", she explained, "Apparently, an alumni found some at a scrapyard somewhere, had them restored and gifted to us. I've already seen them, they look good."
"I've seen them, too... organized the transport's escort.", Corrin explained, "Seeing Cealgs and Mealltachs next to each other was a bit of a sight... like a mother and her daughter."
Nora frowned slightly in though. "Who in that metaphor is the mother and who the daughter?"
We laughed.

As the waitress comes back with their chocolates and puddings, Orem and Mareva thank the waitress and start to dig in.
"So, this is what made Adrean, Anna and the others freak back in February." says the male Colonel with a smile as he takes his first bite of pudding. "Nonetheless, it's really good."
"Yup." replies his wife as she takes a bite too, before her gaze lingers around the Square, observing the 18th Maor setting up its static demonstration. "I can't wait to see their vehicles and all." she says as she looks to the various displays.
"Me too." says Orem, before taking another bite of his pudding.
For the next few minutes, the couple eats and drinks, exchanging some words about everything and nothing. In case you hand't guess, I don't have much inspiration for this one
Once they are finished, they wait for the waitress to come back to gather their cups and bowls, before asking for the bill and where the toilets are inside. So, after having quicly brushed their teeth and paid the bill (and leaving a tip), they come out of the inn and to start to walk towards the demonstration zone.
"So, what do you want to start with?" asks Orem.
"Well, why not by the Press Office?" replies Mareva with a smile, thz scars on her cheeks moving up as she smiles to her husband. "They always have good pamphlets and information material."
-"Good idea, lead the way Hon." replies Orem, before the Astarian couple walks towards the SDF Press Office stand.

[AHSCA]

Imogen Teithiwr, of Cefnffordd Descent.
Well, apparently I had missed something or only imagined the slight berth people here gave Spiorad and anyone looking like them, for the crowd swept the two of them apart, one of the two crying out for her friend before she landed at my feet.
I knelt down next to her, still a visible enough obstacle for people to notice me as I spoke, in English: "Hey, there lass - ya alright?"
I took out a tissue and offered it to her, should there be a scrape or something, so that she could take care of that, my own, feline ears standing in alarm.
She looked like a kid, though.

Poor Ichigo was dizzy, disoriented but otherwise fine she still took the tissue as offered. "Oh, I'm fine, thanks for asking." She sighed a bit embarrassed to make such a spectacle of herself.

"Ichigo!" Hikage managed to push her way through the crowd and get to Ichigo "Hey here ye are. You okay?"

"I'm fine. Thanks again, Miss...." She paused to let Imogen introduce herself. "Oh howdy, I'd guess you were a fellow countryman but doesn't seem so!" Hikage chipperly added

"Uh what Hikage means is we're pleased to meet you, we're from AHSCA, Animalpolis to be exact. Then again you probably guessed that already."

[Greater Orcadia]

The employee behind the counter shook his head.
"Sorry, Ma'am, we don't have that.", he said politely, then indicated to the display case between the two them, where, in breadrolls, there were sausages of different descriptions, with cheese and onions or without depending on the taste. There were also slices of what the Selkie called Aecáis in other breadrolls, a type of sausage, where the meat inside was ground finely and then baked as a sort of loaf (comparisons to Leberkäse came especially from Teressien and the similarities were no coincidence). Bacon was in other breadrolls, while others were vegetarian. The shop also offered a lot of other baked goods, including pretzel sticks (including a variation baked over with cheese) and other such things.
"So...", the employee said and let his tongs click twice. "...what can I get you?"

Hannah points to one of the sausages with onions and cheese, "A pair of those please" she asks as Melanie pulled out some coins before turning to Mel,
"where shal we sit?" asks Hannah

"My guess is over there, now i think theres a seating area down there close to the arena on the map" comments Melanie, pointing to a spot on the map that looks like it will have a show starting soon "if we can get to there it will be good, did the program advert say there was going to be a display of mechanised armour?"

"Not sure Mel, ask one of the guards once we have our hotdogs" replied Hannah

[Lillorainen]

Finnegan Urgharda of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Cernaga Nacathach - City Hall Square.
When Natsumi approached, I looked into her direction by coincidence. The guy following her was a bit too far behind to register as I beheld her... she looked a lot like on her profile picture. Of course, someone had worked a bit on that image, but in natura... she was just as beautiful.
I nodded to a Lieutenant in SDF-Army Blue, who returned the nod. He would take over for a moment.
I smiled and met her.
"Good morning. Wonderful to finally meet you in person.", I said, all I brought out - realizing that quickly, I extended my hand. Should she take it, she would receive a kiss on the back of her hand.
I was an officer, after all.

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
Cernaga Carreis - Carreis Square.
Ceili was stinking rich. Okay, her Mam was.
Still, her Mam had a few household employees at their house near Rua, my own Mam among them, who worked there as a maid. There were also two butlers, Finnegan and Ayden, who were, quite frankly, older then me and on the other side of puberty.
Finnegan was... shall we say, blessed with a salacious mind, as my Mam put it. She did not like it, when I hung out with him, but I did so anyway.
He would love it here.
I stood by where the showroom would open soon officially - of course, the cars, some of them so expensive, that even Ceili's bloody rich Mam would be unable to afford them, were already there and so were spectators, as well as promotional models.
I had offered my coat to one of the scantly clad women, because they had to be cold. She laughed, kissed me on the head and told me, that I was too precious. So now I stood here, dressed in Clonmel's Colours, the leathers and furs, leaning against the first car in the showroom, a massive Gabha Motorworks G 22 Sealsaill Mark IV 6x6 Utility Vehicle (that was, what the plaque read), 450,000 NSD (or 30,000 Gil, also the plaque) a piece, close by the front axle.
Sitting on the hood, the promotional model sat a bit like on a throne, glancing over to me every now and again. Her name was Alaina and she, too, found me unbelievably cute, while I found her nice.
I was sure, that Finnegan would find other terms for the well-endowed blonde.
I had a mission, though: Waiting for Lena Mesenich and Saran Kiyat and introduce me as their guide. I would, when the time came, lead them to Clais Castle and generally act as their translator, mainly because I wasn't an Ironcastle Native, so I couldn't offer guided tours.
And so, I waited, envied by some as Alaina ruffled my hair not too long ago, giving me more time of her day without request then any of them and their corny pickup-lines.
And the worst part was... I was not that much interested in cars...

Cernaga Nacathach - City Hall Square.
Natsumi certainly was not the type of women who took 50 photos of herself, deleted the first 49, spent hours editing each and every visible and supposedly problematic part out, posted the result writing, This is me. Under the impulse of the moment. Completely spontanous, really! underneath and called it a day, but truth be told, one or two minor handholds had been involved.
Likewise, the lad in the blue uniform didn't look bad, either ...
Natsumi smiled and took his hand. Hers was desinfected, and hopefully, so was his. "Ohayou gozaimasu!" - she said, Good morning in Shikonjimanese. "The pleasure is entirely mine!"
A beat passed.
"May I introduce" - she motioned to the lad in Kimono who had followed her, "Hideo Ikehara, my second-degree cousin."
Hideo bowed his head lightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Officer" - he said, smiling. He wasn't sure as to how much Finnegan was into car racing - if he were, he would likely recognize him from events like the Ulaanels Desert Race, famously running against Princess Shiruko of Akebono, or similar events in Shikonjima. If not, well ...
And even if so, it had been a couple of years ago - before his eyesight had significantly worsened (hence why he was now wearing glasses), so he had needed to give up professional racing, and nowadays, he was but a simple car engineer.

Cernaga Carreis - Carreis Square.
It hadn't taken Saran and Lena too long to get here. Carreis House was indeed easy to find, and hard too overlook - which didn't mean, that it was impossible to miss, as Lena could tell from years of experience of living less than a kilometer away from the Nienhagen Ferryport and yet getting approached by people stopping their cars next to her and asked where the Ferryport was - sometimes even literally in front of a roadsign displaying a ship and waves of water underneath, a universally intelligible symbol saying, If you wish to enter a ship, probably try it where the arrow below points to.
When arriving at Carreis Square, Lena stopped at a trashbin for a second, carefully stubbing the rests of her cig-to-go out and letting it vanish in the bin, then caught up to Saran again quickly.
Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel was the name of the lad who was supposed to escort them to Clais Castle later on - they didn't know if he had already been sent here right now, or would be sent when it was about time, but they would likely know soon. At the leatest, when someone would approach them introducing himself, when they arrived at the door of the showroom.

[Ezhara]

City Hall Square of Ironcastle
Gyeongju smiled as she watched the roaring flames, her other hand patting her son's head and running through his hair. It was colder than it was in the tropical land of Ezhara, not that she minded — it gave her the chance to wear her favored black-wool coat, often too heavy for most daytime forays outside. She had bought it years back for its advertisement as tropical wool, a claim that had turned out to be misleading, but she always thought that, if other women out there could endure high heels and Kanadorikan women their hilariously oversized body, she could endure a bit of heat. Not that she had either, especially since she preferred the getaway potential of normal sneakers, but still.
Aside from her fair face and pale ring, most of her appearance was black. Black romper and black sneakers; black hair, snaking down her face like a river; black eyebrows, sharp with makeup. No lipstick, though. She had planned to eat breakfast, and didn't feel like reapplying it. Had the two of them woken up earlier, though, perhaps she would've at least considered it. They were both night persons; Dolgae from an actual sleep disorder, and Gyeongju for her simple preference for working at night, among other things. It was a surprise either of them could manage life in society, but they figured it out with the power of naps.

At the sounds of the clocktower and the trumpet, Dolgae perked up. Compared to his mother, he wore mainly paler colors: a windbreaker divided into red, blue, and white over a white t-shirt that had a tiny dolphin embroidered on its chest. A pair of grey headphones, gleaming with currents of sky blue, was at his neck and connected to his phone in his jean pocket. "Did I miss something?" He yawned, stretching.
"Not yet," his mother said, playing with his hair. "It just started, sleepyhead."
"Mmm... says you."
Gyeongju smirked, though from Dolgae's angle, it was just the slightest curve of her lips. "What was that?"
"Eh, nothing, nothing, mom." Another yawn. "Man, I took my medicine this morning, but still...
"Well, 9 AM is pretty early for both of us, isn't it?"

"Mmm... wish school were noon to 6..." His mother chuckled, and her hand twirled on top of his head. Their attention drew back to the ceremony, and Dolgae watched as his mother's hands played with themselves behind her back; his mother's intensity, her rebellious schoolgirl youth, had returned to her as she watched the fire. He stepped forward, glancing at her expression, her smile one of distant infatuation, and he covered his mouth to hide his own smirk as he watched the flames raging in the morning lights. A poetic, beautiful sight, but he couldn't quite imagine it meshing with his style. Still, he shut his eyes feeling the rising flame, the rising voice, the rising instruments, fierce, clashing, vocals breaking upon a rough synth. Perhaps some other childhood adventure on the shores of Jae-Syu, catching fireflies? No... everyone did that at least once.
What if the fireflies were actually on fire? That'd be an interesting idea, if a bit morbid. Not that that was a problem.

He'd have to consult with Illapa — one of the Idols of Ezhara, specializing in EDM and hiphop, the sort of stuff that let him dance freely on the stage, near-forcing others to follow his energy. Or maybe it was the Jachali Tupan traditions, what with their bizarre plants. Whatever it was, Illapa had a certain aesthetic variously described as "kind of weird" to "did this 15-year-old just drug us?" It was never the latter, seeing as that was obviously illegal, but to outsiders, it was entirely probable: his music mixed the passionate frenzy of his genres, his boyish voice, and a surprisingly in-depth knowledge of various religions, traditions, and cultures. Considering the religious context of the festival, it wasn't out of the question that he'd be here. Maybe they'd meet, though, part of him was beginning to recall Kaz and Eiko coming back from their own Selkie excursion.
Different.

Dolgae was prodded out of his thoughts by his mother tapping his back. "Wake up, sleepyhead. Ceremony's over."
"Wha? I wasn't asleep, mom," he said. "I was just thinking about my music. I'm going to have to ask Illapa when we get back... I have an idea."
"Oh, come on. Take a break from that, we're on vacation. Let's go get breakfast." She grabbed his hand, while the other went to her phone to check for nearby restaurants. "I've never had Selkie food before."
"Hopefully it doesn't take too long. First concert's at 11."
"Nothing else catch your eye?" Dolgae shook his head no.

[Brettenwald]

For the Opening at 9:00 o'clock, all the trams had stopped for five minutes, as it had been scheduled, but now, the schedule was running again - and, what was more important, Ironcastle Ironworks had sponsored all transportation with the City's tram network for today so that all, who wished to take a tram, could do so for free.
There were tram stations in many places, though from the Old Town's center at the City Hall, one would have to walk a fair bit to the nearest, which was at the Main Railway Station outside of the City Walls. From there, trams drove the circuit lines every ten minutes, the Grand Circle being the one, which went into all the outlying communities, the North Circle, the West Circle and the South Circle being smaller then that, while the Socair Slow Express delivered people to the communities down the Socair River, down to even Theilgadún at the Mouth of the Socair River - five hours of tram-driving away.
Clais Castle, Carreis House, the Grand Temple of Carman Fea and the Ionadhála Convention Center could be reached by foot, however, depending on how much of a walk one wanted to take.
The cobble stone was very patient.

[...]

The Kaellenyas had a lot to make photographs of, even as the Static Display was being set up, with the soldiers either ignoring them, of grinning while working - this kind of being shot at was far nicer then the kind of being shot at with live ammunition.
It didn't take long for the most important displays to be prepared and for the first people crowding around the 8x8 armoured car and the APC, a rifleman section standing at the ready in the latter case to explain what they were doing and how they were doing it. The HARV, on the other hand, had its three woman crew around, one of them, a blonde with blue eyes and the rank insignia of a Lieutenant, posing for selfies with visitors (including lending her large, armoured helmet to a kid to try on).
In general, there was a calm and peaceful atmosphere, people chatting, people making photos, people laughing and asking questions and listening to answers.
Meanwhile, a couple of officers were running around putting the finishing touches on everything...

"So, what kind of performance do you get out of this? How much armor does it have on it?" Henrik asked the soldier by the APC. Despite going into computers for a career, he'd grown up around his father's auto repair shop and was reasonably mechanically inclined. Zena had waited her turn to try the helmet on, but it fell forward and knocked her glasses off. Mau dived to catch them. "I think you need to go a size or two down on that helmet, little sis."
"I'm going to hit you over the head with this helmet if you keep calling me little," she snapped, handing it back to the Lieutenant and crossing her arms in a huff. "Children . . ." Petra said in a warning tone of voice. If you asked her, she'd just sigh and tell you that Mauris certainly doesn't get it from her side of the family, you know . . .

[The Selkie]

"Thanks, we'll take a look!" Aoi agreed they began to fan out to explore the shop a bit when Yasuko nudged Bocchi to lean in "Hey maybe get a few good ideas for Aoi's present huh? I'll keep her busy."

"Good idea." Bocchi nodded and she went up to the counter while Yasuko kept Aoi occupied "Hey, Aoi, you're better with English than me, help me with some of the signs here."

"Uh pardon me sir?" Bocchi's English was actually pretty good for her age. "I'm looking for a good birthday present for my older sister there." She pointed at Aoi who had her back turned as she helped Yasuko. "Maybe you could suggest something nice for her? Maybe something that's really special from here. She did have the idea to come here after all so I think she'd like something cute."

Fionn Gurléit of the Tribe of Louth.
I nodded and tried to look busy at work, until one of the girls came up - the brunette, youngest... I would guess her to be around 12 Springs, maybe? Her English was pretty good, though.
And she searched for something.
The oldest apparently celebrated her birthday and the girl looked for something special... hm...
"Something cute, okay... anything in particular she likes? Like animals or games?", I asked.
If it was to be something fitting, then I needed more information.

Peter Turrija
City Hall Square, Ironcastle

"Ah, I see," Peter replied, bowing his head out of courtesy as he put the bottle of alcohol back in his pocket. "I'm curious as to how festivals are like here, to be quite honest. Even in the midst of this pandemic, the spirit still burns." As Nora explained to him that she was aspiring to be a machinist on top of being an officer in the SDF Navy, he couldn't help but be intrigued.
"I take it your interest is in naval engineering, then," Peter said. "I'll be honest, I'm more of an industrial engineer myself."

Nora Scriúire of the Tribe of Cavan.
I nodded.
"Not bad. Industrial engineering isn't really my thing... I need machines, which move. And move fast, if possible!", I said with a grin, "Which is also a reason why I am here at the static display. The Army has some nice, fast vehicles... and I'll go to the Gabha Showroom later as well."
I let a beat pass.
"What are you planning, if I might ask?", I... well, asked.

Graham just enjoyed the event, especially, the good looking swordmaidens parading. When it came to offering however, he tought, that it's just a waste of good ol' booze. After all, he'd rather offer it to his stomach. After this thought, he took another hearty gulp of his beer right from the bottle, when he noticed a rather old man with a beard, nodding and looking at his favorite axe.

Now this is a good reason to speak with someone! And judging from the look on old dude's face, he has lots of interesting things to say, maybe he's been in some interesting fights, just like Jacob.

After finishing with beer, Graham said-" Howdy! Like mah' axe, huh? Many folks do, partner! I had lots of free time, and made those engravings myself. Wish, I could show ya' mah' 44. Magnum gun! This beauty is one of a kind! Too bad, this country wouldn't let me bring one.

Either way, I am Jacob. Jacob Graham. Ya' look like you've been to many places and had a share of fights. And like someone, who needs a good drink!"-Graham pulls another bottle of beer and offers it to Leonard.-"Want some? Brewed back in good ol' Skyhooked!"

Leonard Seanbhoc of the Tribe of Wicklow.
I raised my hand in refusal at the beer.
"Thank you for the offer, but I prefer whiskey.", I said and then added: "I am Leonard Seanbhoc of the Tribe of Wicklow. I did indeed have my good share of fights... though, luckily, unlike these foals, my fights were mostly limited to the tournament field. These foals saw war."
I let a beat pass, exhaled.
"If I may ask, who made these engravings?", I asked and motioned to the axe, "If you wish, I can show you my swords, their hilts are inlaid."

City Hall Square; Old Town; Iron Castle.
Jolene Gudfrey

Jolene did not spot Áed approaching her, despite his near gigantic size, as she was quite focused and in-thought with scanning her surroundings, until the moment a familiar voice rang out. Jolene snaped out of her mental zone and saw the man standing in front of hwr was none other than Áed Gadhair of the Tribe of Fermanagh, a man who she considered a good friend, and perhaps even held a small crush on. After all, what girl in the world could not help but like a handsome blue haired, red eyed, tall hunk? As the (ammended) saying goes: "Cant help but to like a Tall, Blue and handsome gent!".

Jolene's eyes lit up like a new years festival fireworks show when she looked at her friend, and a massive and warm smile formed on her softly pampered, bright red lips.

Without saying a word, Jolene closed the distance between them and grabbed Áed into a hug, forgoing the fact that Jolene knew the Selkie prefered to bow in greetings. She respected the local customs offcourse, yet her own people were a warm and openly affectionate people, and her primary nature always won the battle between what is right and what is now.As she held Áed in a tight hug, she could not help but wonder if he would be able to smell her perfume, a very expensive perfume which seeked to enhance onces femininity slightly with a touch of rose odor. Nothing too ocerwhelming, as subtelty is the key in femininity after all. Not only was this her favourite perfume, but also one which she had comissioned, and is sold at only the most exclusive outlets, normally to supermodels and the upper elite society. Its aptly named the Red Rose.

After letting go of the hug, Jolene finally spoke as she greeted the Selkie man,
"Áed! It is absolutely wonderful to see you again lad! It has been far too long, wouldn't you say?"
Jolene looked Áed up and down, nodding approvingly, before continuing,
"Darling might I add, that you look radiantly handsome! And warm.. You definitely look warm!"

Áed Gadhair of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Her smell was nice. As was the compliment.
That, and among friends, we did not bow, but hugged, cuddled and sometimes even kissed (although that was currently a bit awkward). but with Jolene, the tight hug was enough for me.
As we had ended, she said: "Áed! It is absolutely wonderful to see you again lad! It has been far too long, wouldn't you say?" A beat passed, which she used to examine me, which I let her do. "Darling might I add, that you look radiantly handsome! And warm.. You definitely look warm!"
"And you look cold.", I said and motioned to the coat over my arm. "If you want, I have a spare coat... not as fashionable as yours, I'm afraid, but very warm." I left the decision to her, but added: "And you look beautiful as ever. It was indeed far too long!"
I really needed to invite her to the Archipelago one of these years...

Irene von Wittelsbach
I was a tanker, and to say that I wasn't somewhat impressed would be a lie. I had seen the Selkie as sort of an island Switzerland with an oddly Celtic-ish culture, but they were capable of not just maintaining but also developing and mass-producing armored vehicles. AFVs were an absolute bitch to maintain, but the fact that the Selkie had them...

I had clearly underestimated them.

"They have more." Marie spoke up, as she gazed at the AFV. "This is part of their MFC. It's like our combat groups, or an American Marine Expeditionary Unit. But bigger."
"So it's more like an American Division?" I asked.
"Sort of. Two regiments, one of mechanized infantry and the other also mechanized infantry, but with tanks. Sort of. Plus Air Defense, special operations troops, and logistical and aviation units. Think that's all."

"They any good, you think?" I asked. Allies or not, Prussia-Poland had a reputation to maintain.
"Good enough, if you ask me, for what they do. Peacekeeping and creaming technologically-inferior troops into mush."
"Bet the Cuirassiers could still cream 'em." I opined. Good as they were, we were better, right?
"Of course they would." Marie snorted. "You're part of an armored regiment. Turning conventional enemies into mush is their entire purpose. You're comparing apples to oranges. A better comparison would be the Carpathian Rifle Brigade, and I'm betting on the Selkie, all else equal."
"Alright, but which unit am I in?"
"And? You're like a horse bragging about having a bigger dick than a human."
My eyes widened slightly, but not out of offence.

Just two years earlier, Marie making that comparison, and so casually as well, would have been out of the question. I didn't even know she was even capable of cursing until one year and six months ago.
I shook my head. People change, Irene. I chided myself. ...Hopefully, it's for the better.

"Oi. Irene. You alright?"
I snapped out of my internal monologue to see Marie standing there, concerned.
"Yeah." I replied, unconvincingly.
She bit her lower lip. "You sure? Are you tired? Come, I'll buy you some coffee."
"No, no, it's fine." I insisted. "I was just...thinking of something."
Well, at least some things haven't changed. I thought, before I noticed Marie's mouth turn up into a roguish smirk.
"Oh? Something, or someone?"
...or maybe not.
I rolled my eyes. "If I had that someone in my life, they'd be here, not you."
Marie paused for a second. "...yeah." she said at last. "I guess."
I glanced at her. "Oi, you know me." I replied, before trying to lighten the mood with a joke. "I'd drive him or her insane before we'd go anywhere, no?"
Marie nodded, but the frown didn't leave her face.

I decided to leave her be for now, and continued watching the men and women of the 18th.

Viola Arán of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I left my vantage point up on the stage, deciding to watch the last few things up close before we officially opened in around five minutes - not that anyone would care much, after all, people were already inspecting, fooling around, asking and talking. We would have to maybe cancel the opening ceremony?
Well, 'ceremony' might be a bit too much, it was basically me firing a flare gun into the air and calling it out.
Well, we'd see.
Thing was, people usually didn't believe, that I was of 41 Springs. And mother of a pair of twins, who were now of thirteen Springs themselves. Áed and Alaina were nice children, though they did inherit their father's talent for music and computers.
People usually assumed, that I was around thirty and maybe a Captain, but the soldiers of my Regiment were saluting me. Soon, there wouldn't be so many left. As part of the newest Army Reforms, the bloated regiments would be shrunken down to a more handy size, a reform I had masterminded along with a few other officers.
Maor-Regiments were cut down to a third or half of their size, something along those lines.
Still, I saluted them all. I also saluted Sergeant Sint and her small group, who were answering questions by the small group of armoured vehicles, including the Sio-II. A family was there, the helmet knocking off a girl's glasses, the Sergeant diving to retrieve them.
I smiled at the scene.
I also smiled at the two girls, who were conversing at some spot, nodded to them. They gave off an aura akin to soldiers, but they were not dressed like my troops, so they got a nod. Otherwise, they would get a salute and not only a dignified nod.
A dignified nodding, which soon was over: "Mammy!"
Two voices, a boy and a girl, cried out, their owners assaulting me in the midst of my men, ramming into my stomach head first - that is not an idiom, my two kids ran into me head first.
I laughed, only in slight pain. These were my children, forgoing any dignity of command, for they had finally spotted me. We hadn't seen each other in a long time...
I knelt down, hugged them close.
Their father should be around here somewhere, too...

Athena Freezis, City Hall Square
When she heard that familiar voice, it certainly was music for her ears. Athena glared to see who it was (Even so she already knew it was that exception she had for social distancing) and was surprised to see; that tall, handsome, red eyed and haired student she fell in love with, if we had to be straightfoward as possible. The violet eyed woman looked at him and with a certain look on her eyes that spoke for her unnoticeable smile thanks to the face mask before answering his question.

"Let's see. Is it a red haired and eyed, young and handsome and muscled student that I knew almost a year ago and kept in touch??" She said while a finger was on her cheek in a thinking manner, but her eyes said that she was just teasing. "Because if so then I hit a bullseye." She said while taking down for a minute her head mask to smile warmly at Leo while leaning and greeting him with her exception of the day, a kiss on his cheek which; she hoped it could end up sooner or later on his lips.

As soon as she was done she put back the mask and glared at the sling on his arm.

"So, how is your arm? Getting better?"

Leonard Rualacha of the Tribe of Wicklow.
I, too, hoped, that this kiss on my cheek would soon end on my lips... and that I would be able return it.
"My arm is getting better, slowly but surely.", I said and glanced down, where it was still in bracers. "I am still not allowed to swim or to train, which sucks, but if it helps to heal faster and better..." I shrugged. I turned slightly and offered her my other, healthy arm to link, so that we could get going. "And how are things with you? You said something in your last letter about soon going on a larger business trip?"
She had been surprisingly vague about that particular topic.

As the waitress comes back with their chocolates and puddings, Orem and Mareva thank the waitress and start to dig in.
"So, this is what made Adrean, Anna and the others freak back in February." says the male Colonel with a smile as he takes his first bite of pudding. "Nonetheless, it's really good."
"Yup." replies his wife as she takes a bite too, before her gaze lingers around the Square, observing the 18th Maor setting up its static demonstration. "I can't wait to see their vehicles and all." she says as she looks to the various displays.
"Me too." says Orem, before taking another bite of his pudding.
For the next few minutes, the couple eats and drinks, exchanging some words about everything and nothing. In case you hand't guess, I don't have much inspiration for this one
Once they are finished, they wait for the waitress to come back to gather their cups and bowls, before asking for the bill and where the toilets are inside. So, after having quicly brushed their teeth and paid the bill (and leaving a tip), they come out of the inn and to start to walk towards the demonstration zone.
"So, what do you want to start with?" asks Orem.
"Well, why not by the Press Office?" replies Mareva with a smile, thz scars on her cheeks moving up as she smiles to her husband. "They always have good pamphlets and information material."
-"Good idea, lead the way Hon." replies Orem, before the Astarian couple walks towards the SDF Press Office stand.

The waitress collected their money - on any normal day, whether or not tips would be appreciated was depending on the house, the nobler the house, the more frowned at it was. As the Daorasach Inn was a very good house, it would be very much frowned at to give tips.
Still, today was not any normal day. The Inn Owners of Ironcastle and their employees agreed to collect every tip collected over the day and donate it together to the renovation of a small temple in one of the outlying villages, a small Achall-Temple. No one said anything about it, though, but they were positive, that there would be enough donations.
So, today it was appreciated, kind-of.
The Press Tent was under the command of a Lieutenant Coner Clódirachta of the Tribe of Wicklow, who was a Lieutenant of the Army - as such, he of course wore the Blue Dress, including the golden cordon and the heavy overcoat with fur-lining.
He and five other soldiers, one being and NCO and the other four being from the ranks, had set up a small canopy of camo-netting, under which beer benches had been arranged.
One section was for a sort-of souvenir shop, where one could buy a number of books on the SDF and their operations and equipment (of course all limited to declassified material) and even some of its people (The Kids of Anfa with the New Army was one of the titles), as well as on Selkie Military History in general. The blonde woman standing with the Private responsible for that table was one of the authors, Professor Amy Socheo of the Tribe of Navan, from the University of Leuda. She and the soldier were wrapped up in a discussion about the Siege of Cuan in 1299 and 1300.
Other things, which one could buy there, included a number of calendars for 2021. Of course, there were the usual propaganda images of neatly arranged armoured spearheads and so on on some of the calendars, but some also featured less militaristic images, a few being titled Wildlife in Troop Training Grounds (editions 19 through 23) and featured images like a Star Lynx proudly standing on a wrecked tank used for target practice, in general showing how the wildlife in the Free Lands was still present and preserved on Troop Training Grounds. The other two were swimsuit calendars, in which officers and NCOs of the SDF, one calendar being predominantly male, the other female, had thrown themselves into swimsuits and trunks and posed, sometimes with equipment, sometimes without. All of these calendars were week-calendars, not month-calendars.
A sign by the Private said, that the revenues from the things sold would be donated to the Military Graves Registration Service.
The other four beer benches were filled to the brim with the usual pamphlets, including two on the City of Ironcastle and its connections to the SDF, as well as a plan for the festival, a city plan and the tournament plan for this afternoon. Two of the Privates manned them.
The majority of the written material was in Selkie, but there were some pamphlets and books in English available as well.

Imogen Teithiwr, of Cefnffordd Descent.
Well, apparently I had missed something or only imagined the slight berth people here gave Spiorad and anyone looking like them, for the crowd swept the two of them apart, one of the two crying out for her friend before she landed at my feet.
I knelt down next to her, still a visible enough obstacle for people to notice me as I spoke, in English: "Hey, there lass - ya alright?"
I took out a tissue and offered it to her, should there be a scrape or something, so that she could take care of that, my own, feline ears standing in alarm.
She looked like a kid, though.

Poor Ichigo was dizzy, disoriented but otherwise fine she still took the tissue as offered. "Oh, I'm fine, thanks for asking." She sighed a bit embarrassed to make such a spectacle of herself.

"Ichigo!" Hikage managed to push her way through the crowd and get to Ichigo "Hey here ye are. You okay?"

"I'm fine. Thanks again, Miss...." She paused to let Imogen introduce herself. "Oh howdy, I'd guess you were a fellow countryman but doesn't seem so!" Hikage chipperly added

"Uh what Hikage means is we're pleased to meet you, we're from AHSCA, Animalpolis to be exact. Then again you probably guessed that already."

Imogen Teithiwr, of Cefnffordd Descent.
Actually, I didn't, but I smiled anyway.
"Just call me Immy, everyone does.", I asked of them, then nodded, "AHSCA, huh? Nice place, but I'm afraid, that I'm not from there... I was born a few hundred kilometers in that direction!"
I smiled and pointed towards the north.
"I think.", I said and shrugged, "It was quite some time ago. I am surprised, though, to meet kinsfolk from the UIS. I did not know, that Spiorad lived in your country."
My feline ears stood with excitement.

Hannah points to one of the sausages with onions and cheese, "A pair of those please" she asks as Melanie pulled out some coins before turning to Mel,
"where shal we sit?" asks Hannah

"My guess is over there, now i think theres a seating area down there close to the arena on the map" comments Melanie, pointing to a spot on the map that looks like it will have a show starting soon "if we can get to there it will be good, did the program advert say there was going to be a display of mechanised armour?"

"Not sure Mel, ask one of the guards once we have our hotdogs" replied Hannah

They got their stuff pretty quickly and one quickly grew to realize, that craftsmen went at it with skill and love for the craft, not some machine in a food factory, making the hot dogs well worth the price.
The two of them could find an opportunity to sit at many places, some of them around the City Hall Square, where soon the MFC would officially open the Stationary Presentation (it would still be a while until someone demonstrated any skills there, roundabout 45 minutes, and even then it would be I. Airmobile Squadron), while at the nearby Temple Square, the Horsewomen of the Grand Spardrí-Banner of the Swordmaidens would start their demonstration at the same time.
The closest thing, that could fit the term arena was by Clais Castle, a bit outside of the city, so a bit of a hike and a tram ride away.
Whatever they decided, they should eat quickly.

Cernaga Nacathach - City Hall Square.
Natsumi certainly was not the type of women who took 50 photos of herself, deleted the first 49, spent hours editing each and every visible and supposedly problematic part out, posted the result writing, This is me. Under the impulse of the moment. Completely spontanous, really! underneath and called it a day, but truth be told, one or two minor handholds had been involved.
Likewise, the lad in the blue uniform didn't look bad, either ...
Natsumi smiled and took his hand. Hers was desinfected, and hopefully, so was his. "Ohayou gozaimasu!" - she said, Good morning in Shikonjimanese. "The pleasure is entirely mine!"
A beat passed.
"May I introduce" - she motioned to the lad in Kimono who had followed her, "Hideo Ikehara, my second-degree cousin."
Hideo bowed his head lightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Officer" - he said, smiling. He wasn't sure as to how much Finnegan was into car racing - if he were, he would likely recognize him from events like the Ulaanels Desert Race, famously running against Princess Shiruko of Akebono, or similar events in Shikonjima. If not, well ...
And even if so, it had been a couple of years ago - before his eyesight had significantly worsened (hence why he was now wearing glasses), so he had needed to give up professional racing, and nowadays, he was but a simple car engineer.

Cernaga Carreis - Carreis Square.
It hadn't taken Saran and Lena too long to get here. Carreis House was indeed easy to find, and hard too overlook - which didn't mean, that it was impossible to miss, as Lena could tell from years of experience of living less than a kilometer away from the Nienhagen Ferryport and yet getting approached by people stopping their cars next to her and asked where the Ferryport was - sometimes even literally in front of a roadsign displaying a ship and waves of water underneath, a universally intelligible symbol saying, If you wish to enter a ship, probably try it where the arrow below points to.
When arriving at Carreis Square, Lena stopped at a trashbin for a second, carefully stubbing the rests of her cig-to-go out and letting it vanish in the bin, then caught up to Saran again quickly.
Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel was the name of the lad who was supposed to escort them to Clais Castle later on - they didn't know if he had already been sent here right now, or would be sent when it was about time, but they would likely know soon. At the leatest, when someone would approach them introducing himself, when they arrived at the door of the showroom.

Finnegan Urgharda of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"The pleasure is mine.", I told Natsumi's cousin with a small smile and a small bow. I had no idea about car racing, so I did not recognize him from anywhere. Turning back to the young woman standing before me, I told her: "Well, Natsumi... I'm afraid, that I'll have to remain on station until around 11 o'clock, I am the Airspace Controller for this square during the Demonstration and from 11-15 onwards, I'll be at Clais Castle until 11-45 - my sister is showing the Grand Captain of the Swordmaidens out of the ring, so I have to cheer for Mara." I threw her a wink. "Shall we meet for lunch?"
I knew a lovely little restaurant in town and by sheer coincidence, there was already a table reserved on my name...

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
"Hey, Donny...", Alaina began from her perch, leaning down with feline grace, which made some people look at her (and the car) twice. I looked at her over my shoulder, uncaring about what Finnegan would call a nice view as she looked at me. I looked into her eyes. "...I think I spotted who you are looking for."
I had shown her an image each of the two I was tasked with escorting and guiding, upon her request, which had made her my lookout.
I grinned. "Thank you, Alaina!", I said and was about to rush off. "See ya!"
She stopped me with a hand around my arm, pulling me back. I looked at her puzzled, then blushed as she kissed my forehead (some people might have a heart attack out of jealousy). She smiled at me: "Stay such a cute lad, okay?" I was puzzled, but nodded. "Off with you!"
And now I was off, puzzled, confused, the object of quite a bit of envy and blushing like a madman. I had it more or less under control, when I approached the two. By the door, I spotted both, too, reached into my pocket for both my ID-card and for Milady Nia's orders in the form of a letter written in slightly ancient German, more modern English and both Selkie and Tafod.
"Miss Mesenich? Miss Kiyat?", I asked once I was close and held out both items to the one closest. My blush had not vanished, but it was less strong then before. "Milady Nia asked me to act as your escort and guide throughout the day. I am Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel, but please, call me Donny."

City Hall Square of Ironcastle
Gyeongju smiled as she watched the roaring flames, her other hand patting her son's head and running through his hair. It was colder than it was in the tropical land of Ezhara, not that she minded — it gave her the chance to wear her favored black-wool coat, often too heavy for most daytime forays outside. She had bought it years back for its advertisement as tropical wool, a claim that had turned out to be misleading, but she always thought that, if other women out there could endure high heels and Kanadorikan women their hilariously oversized body, she could endure a bit of heat. Not that she had either, especially since she preferred the getaway potential of normal sneakers, but still.
Aside from her fair face and pale ring, most of her appearance was black. Black romper and black sneakers; black hair, snaking down her face like a river; black eyebrows, sharp with makeup. No lipstick, though. She had planned to eat breakfast, and didn't feel like reapplying it. Had the two of them woken up earlier, though, perhaps she would've at least considered it. They were both night persons; Dolgae from an actual sleep disorder, and Gyeongju for her simple preference for working at night, among other things. It was a surprise either of them could manage life in society, but they figured it out with the power of naps.

At the sounds of the clocktower and the trumpet, Dolgae perked up. Compared to his mother, he wore mainly paler colors: a windbreaker divided into red, blue, and white over a white t-shirt that had a tiny dolphin embroidered on its chest. A pair of grey headphones, gleaming with currents of sky blue, was at his neck and connected to his phone in his jean pocket. "Did I miss something?" He yawned, stretching.
"Not yet," his mother said, playing with his hair. "It just started, sleepyhead."
"Mmm... says you."
Gyeongju smirked, though from Dolgae's angle, it was just the slightest curve of her lips. "What was that?"
"Eh, nothing, nothing, mom." Another yawn. "Man, I took my medicine this morning, but still...
"Well, 9 AM is pretty early for both of us, isn't it?"

"Mmm... wish school were noon to 6..." His mother chuckled, and her hand twirled on top of his head. Their attention drew back to the ceremony, and Dolgae watched as his mother's hands played with themselves behind her back; his mother's intensity, her rebellious schoolgirl youth, had returned to her as she watched the fire. He stepped forward, glancing at her expression, her smile one of distant infatuation, and he covered his mouth to hide his own smirk as he watched the flames raging in the morning lights. A poetic, beautiful sight, but he couldn't quite imagine it meshing with his style. Still, he shut his eyes feeling the rising flame, the rising voice, the rising instruments, fierce, clashing, vocals breaking upon a rough synth. Perhaps some other childhood adventure on the shores of Jae-Syu, catching fireflies? No... everyone did that at least once.
What if the fireflies were actually on fire? That'd be an interesting idea, if a bit morbid. Not that that was a problem.

He'd have to consult with Illapa — one of the Idols of Ezhara, specializing in EDM and hiphop, the sort of stuff that let him dance freely on the stage, near-forcing others to follow his energy. Or maybe it was the Jachali Tupan traditions, what with their bizarre plants. Whatever it was, Illapa had a certain aesthetic variously described as "kind of weird" to "did this 15-year-old just drug us?" It was never the latter, seeing as that was obviously illegal, but to outsiders, it was entirely probable: his music mixed the passionate frenzy of his genres, his boyish voice, and a surprisingly in-depth knowledge of various religions, traditions, and cultures. Considering the religious context of the festival, it wasn't out of the question that he'd be here. Maybe they'd meet, though, part of him was beginning to recall Kaz and Eiko coming back from their own Selkie excursion. Different.

Dolgae was prodded out of his thoughts by his mother tapping his back. "Wake up, sleepyhead. Ceremony's over."
"Wha? I wasn't asleep, mom," he said. "I was just thinking about my music. I'm going to have to ask Illapa when we get back... I have an idea."
"Oh, come on. Take a break from that, we're on vacation. Let's go get breakfast." She grabbed his hand, while the other went to her phone to check for nearby restaurants. "I've never had Selkie food before."
"Hopefully it doesn't take too long. First concert's at 11."
"Nothing else catch your eye?" Dolgae shook his head no.

The closest restaurant, well, Inn to the City Hall Square was the Daorasach Inn, which had positive reviews - though it was also noted as quite expensive. However, at least two tables were still free, one of them made free by the Astarian couple, with Mother and Daughter Céilt and the Paisúiles still sitting outside.
There were also a few spots free on the inside.
Other then that, a few bakeries sold their wares, a rooftop terrace restaurant was shown nearby (though as just about as expansive as the Daorasach Inn) and a few other restaurants belonging to inns were nearby. And there were a few smaller restaurants in the Docklands by the Socair River.
There was a choice, which they had.

"So, what kind of performance do you get out of this? How much armor does it have on it?" Henrik asked the soldier by the APC. Despite going into computers for a career, he'd grown up around his father's auto repair shop and was reasonably mechanically inclined. Zena had waited her turn to try the helmet on, but it fell forward and knocked her glasses off. Mau dived to catch them. "I think you need to go a size or two down on that helmet, little sis."
"I'm going to hit you over the head with this helmet if you keep calling me little," she snapped, handing it back to the Lieutenant and crossing her arms in a huff. "Children . . ." Petra said in a warning tone of voice. If you asked her, she'd just sigh and tell you that Mauris certainly doesn't get it from her side of the family, you know . . .

Sergeant/Lieutenant Juna Sint of the Tribe of Fingal.
By the armoured vehicles, the brother of the girl who had her glasses knocked off by the rim of the helmet was quicker then I was, fetching the item before I had a chance. I did smile, as I saw the siblings squabbling. It certainly reminded me of myself and my own brother.
I am Juna Sint of the Tribe of Fingal, usually a Sergeant, but today a Brevet-Lieutenant, just so that there was 'an officer' here in charge at the display of the armoured vehicle. As the commander of a HARV, I usually had enough to do already, but this was not much of an issue. My Sergeants were good people, they knew, what they were doing.
"Don't worry.", I told Zena with a smile, "We have them in different sized - and, among the two of us, there are better things to bash unruly brothers over the head with!"
From the edge of my hearing, I heard the Chosen Man, who usually drove the APC, reply to a man: "This is a Sionnach-II, so... 95 k-m-h on roads, 10 k-m-h in water, fully amphibious, 600 kilometers range on roads, ABS... air conditioning, cup holders, water boiler, independent suspension on all wheels, run-flat inserts in the wheels, V-shaped double bottom and the Sio-II can climb gradients of more then 60 percent." He grinned. "I sound like I am selling used cars, but yeah... can't tell you about the armour, though, that is classified. We are capable of surviving a lot, though, I can tell you that much."

[Port Ember]

City Hall Square; Old Town; Iron Castle.
Jolene Gudfrey

Áed returned Jolene's greeting in a warm, friendly and charming manner, despite the fact that Jolene nearly attacked him in her hug-greet (not that anything a small timid lass like Jolene could possibly do against a powerfull lad as Áed which could be considered as an attack). This must have been one of the characteristics of Áed which Jolene found so appealing - the fact that he always treated her normally as he would any other, and not fawn over her due to her beauty, fame and unmeasrable wealth, like the majority of the world. This automatically tagged him as a challenge, unique and special, in her subconscious.

After breaking the hug, Áed replied tha he had a spare coat on offer, which he displayed hanging over one of his large and strong arms. The coat most definitely looked warm and inviting to say the least, especially since she was positively shivering from the cold weather, her body aching for the warm tropical climate of her native land.

Áed continued speaking before she could muster a reply: "And you look beautiful as ever. It was indeed far too long!" Jolene's silky cheeks immediately radiated within a softish red color as she blushed from the compliment, to which she replied by means of spinning around slowly, offering her friend a full view of her, ending with a small curtsey when she faced him again, in an attempt to add her own flair of fun and unspoken humor.

After the spin she replied,
"You are an absolute darling for offering me your spare coat, unfortunately, looking gorgeous comes at a price... And today that price is paid in shivers!" She giggled softly at her own expense. Whilst she did play her response off as a joke, the matter held its own form of seriousness. A public figure like herself could not afford to be photographed in any outfit which was not particularly breathtaking - such were the unspoken rules of the admittedly shallow Port Emberian elite. Although the odds of any photograph taken here and landing up printed in the tabloids back home were miniscule, chance could not be taken in any case.

She closed the distance between them yet again, and hooked her arm within his, forcing their bodies against each other, side to side, allowing a small portion of his natural body heat to radiate against her. She looked up into his eyes as she spoke, not losing her red lipsticked smile for an instant,
"If you do not have any pressing business to attend to, with which my presence would be an hinderance, - my time belongs to you! Besides without you I would probally end up lost and frozen to death on some sidewalk.. Well even so, I would die in these gorgeous heels, so all is well!" She giggled again softly.

[Skyhooked]

Leonard Seanbhoc of the Tribe of Wicklow.
I raised my hand in refusal at the beer.
"Thank you for the offer, but I prefer whiskey.", I said and then added: "I am Leonard Seanbhoc of the Tribe of Wicklow. I did indeed have my good share of fights... though, luckily, unlike these foals, my fights were mostly limited to the tournament field. These foals saw war."
I let a beat pass, exhaled.
"If I may ask, who made these engravings?", I asked and motioned to the axe, "If you wish, I can show you my swords, their hilts are inlaid."

Graham put his booze back into his backpack, sighed, heared Leonard out and then, when he asked about the axe, answered: "Like I said, those are by my hands. I had lots of free time between battles, and decided to add some decoration for my axe. Those engravings may be crude and simple, but each has it's significance: Those three interlocked runes represent the battle for Pyongyang in North Korea. One represents the joy of victory, second is represents bravery, grit and resolve with which we fought, and the third one... *Almost sheds a manly tear* For my comrads, who fell in this battle. And on the other side, there is an insignia of our warband. And this line represents the only foe, I slew with this axe, when I was empty and he just tried to employ taekwondo. Did hit me in the eye... goddammit. But mostly, this axe was used as a utility tool. In combat, I sticked to my assault rifle. Wish I could show ya', but... your country doesn't like the idea of toursits brandishing guns."-Jacob tells, takes another hearty gulp of beer, strokes his beard and moves on to the next question.

-"Yes, I'd appreciate, if you would tell a story behind those awesome swords. I am sure, they are as beautiful as balanced and deadly. And helped alot during the tournaments. If you want, I can share some whiskey with you, listen about your weapons, and tell about my days of glory, before I left the warband to seek for a more peaceful life."

[New Visayan Islands]

Peter Turrija
City Hall Square, Ironcastle

"Admittedly, not much. Now that you mentioned it, however..." Nora planning to visit the Gabha Showroom intrigued Peter. "I've heard things about Gabha, mostly praises. Makes me wonder...
"If this pandemic keeps up I might seriously consider acquiring a G 22 either as a shuttle for VSSB personnel who need to commute from home to branch, or as a supply vehicle bringing in, for example, groceries." Peter idly wondered what measures he would have to factor in if it came to that.

[Mervay]

Leonard Rualacha of the Tribe of Wicklow.
I, too, hoped, that this kiss on my cheek would soon end on my lips... and that I would be able return it.
"My arm is getting better, slowly but surely.", I said and glanced down, where it was still in bracers. "I am still not allowed to swim or to train, which sucks, but if it helps to heal faster and better..." I shrugged. I turned slightly and offered her my other, healthy arm to link, so that we could get going. "And how are things with you? You said something in your last letter about soon going on a larger business trip?"
She had been surprisingly vague about that particular topic.

Athena Freezis
Certainly it wasn't nice to hear that you couldn't swim or train for a while until your arm completely heals, but then again that was way better than having your arm even worse. Hopefully it heals soon.

"Indeed; hopefully it heals well and is even stronger than before." Athena smiled thinking about it, hopefully if it healed before the next party at the archipelago party; she is looking foward to swim with him in those beautiful waters. After being a bit on those thoughts, the businesswoman gladly linked her arms with Leo's healthy arm with a warm look on her face while thinking about his question. It was indeed true that she told him about the travel to Kyrenaia; albeit a bit vague since it was a big travel with no other than Her Majesty herself; Chancellor Dileva and Treasurer Vanderbilt too, alongside the CEO of her competition and her sister if all went well.

"Ohh Kyrenaia..." She begun, considering that she deeply trusted Leo and that this will go public soon, there was no point in hiding the secret now that she was face to face with him. "It is indeed an even ambituous trip which if all goes like silk, well, we may see the benefits come by the next trimester around next year." She explained before telling the reason why it was so vaguely explained.

"I couldn't tell you about it, that openly; since it's because I'm also part of no other than, Her Majesty's delegation to her visit to the Sultanate!" It an honour for her to be selected for such thing that would be only equalized to the SEA Accords where she acted as a witness for The Kingdom. Athena looked at Leo with a spark in her eyes as she told him that before continue with a nice surprise that she didn't mentioned...

"As such and as a way to rest before that travel; I decided that I will be staying in the Free Lands for the next two weeks! Isn't that great??"

[Astares Amauricanum]

The waitress collected their money - on any normal day, whether or not tips would be appreciated was depending on the house, the nobler the house, the more frowned at it was. As the Daorasach Inn was a very good house, it would be very much frowned at to give tips.
Still, today was not any normal day. The Inn Owners of Ironcastle and their employees agreed to collect every tip collected over the day and donate it together to the renovation of a small temple in one of the outlying villages, a small Achall-Temple. No one said anything about it, though, but they were positive, that there would be enough donations.
So, today it was appreciated, kind-of.
The Press Tent was under the command of a Lieutenant Coner Clódirachta of the Tribe of Wicklow, who was a Lieutenant of the Army - as such, he of course wore the Blue Dress, including the golden cordon and the heavy overcoat with fur-lining.
He and five other soldiers, one being and NCO and the other four being from the ranks, had set up a small canopy of camo-netting, under which beer benches had been arranged.
One section was for a sort-of souvenir shop, where one could buy a number of books on the SDF and their operations and equipment (of course all limited to declassified material) and even some of its people (The Kids of Anfa with the New Army was one of the titles), as well as on Selkie Military History in general. The blonde woman standing with the Private responsible for that table was one of the authors, Professor Amy Socheo of the Tribe of Navan, from the University of Leuda. She and the soldier were wrapped up in a discussion about the Siege of Cuan in 1299 and 1300.
Other things, which one could buy there, included a number of calendars for 2021. Of course, there were the usual propaganda images of neatly arranged armoured spearheads and so on on some of the calendars, but some also featured less militaristic images, a few being titled Wildlife in Troop Training Grounds (editions 19 through 23) and featured images like a Star Lynx proudly standing on a wrecked tank used for target practice, in general showing how the wildlife in the Free Lands was still present and preserved on Troop Training Grounds. The other two were swimsuit calendars, in which officers and NCOs of the SDF, one calendar being predominantly male, the other female, had thrown themselves into swimsuits and trunks and posed, sometimes with equipment, sometimes without. All of these calendars were week-calendars, not month-calendars.
A sign by the Private said, that the revenues from the things sold would be donated to the Military Graves Registration Service.
The other four beer benches were filled to the brim with the usual pamphlets, including two on the City of Ironcastle and its connections to the SDF, as well as a plan for the festival, a city plan and the tournament plan for this afternoon. Two of the Privates manned them.
The majority of the written material was in Selkie, but there were some pamphlets and books in English available as well.

For about a minute, Orem and Mareva are uncertain aboit where to start at the Press Tent. Ironic, considering that their training made them capable of assess and take a decision as fast as an eye's blink.
After a few seconds, Orem can't help but find that the blonde woman seems familiar to him, and 1fter checking his phone, recognizes her as Professor Amy Socheo of the Tribe of Navan, from the University of Leuda, which he saw appear once or twice during his internet researches before their trip for the Festival.
So, with a particular idea in mind, Orem, followed by Marrva, approaches the table where the profesor and the Private are chatting.
"Good morning Ma'am, Sir." says the couple with a smile before Orem continues. "Apologies for the interruption, but we would like to know if among those books you are selling, there are any stories about warriors fighting like guerillas in the Free Lands forests, if those kinds of warriors ever existed at all." asks the male Bodark with genuine curiosity, not mentioning that his unit dates back to a long ime ago, where his predecessors fought like that. (or even identifying himself as a military man at all. He was not here to brag after all.)

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Irene von Wittelsbach
I was a tanker, and to say that I wasn't somewhat impressed would be a lie. I had seen the Selkie as sort of an island Switzerland with an oddly Celtic-ish culture, but they were capable of not just maintaining but also developing and mass-producing armored vehicles. AFVs were an absolute bitch to maintain, but the fact that the Selkie had them...

I had clearly underestimated them.

"They have more." Marie spoke up, as she gazed at the AFV. "This is part of their MFC. It's like our combat groups, or an American Marine Expeditionary Unit. But bigger."
"So it's more like an American Division?" I asked.
"Sort of. Two regiments, one of mechanized infantry and the other also mechanized infantry, but with tanks. Sort of. Plus Air Defense, special operations troops, and logistical and aviation units. Think that's all."

"They any good, you think?" I asked. Allies or not, Prussia-Poland had a reputation to maintain.
"Good enough, if you ask me, for what they do. Peacekeeping and creaming technologically-inferior troops into mush."
"Bet the Cuirassiers could still cream 'em." I opined. Good as they were, we were better, right?
"Of course they would." Marie snorted. "You're part of an armored regiment. Turning conventional enemies into mush is their entire purpose. You're comparing apples to oranges. A better comparison would be the Carpathian Rifle Brigade, and I'm betting on the Selkie, all else equal."
"Alright, but which unit am I in?"
"And? You're like a horse bragging about having a bigger dick than a human."
My eyes widened slightly, but not out of offence.

Just two years earlier, Marie making that comparison, and so casually as well, would have been out of the question. I didn't even know she was even capable of cursing until one year and six months ago.
I shook my head. People change, Irene. I chided myself. ...Hopefully, it's for the better.

"Oi. Irene. You alright?"
I snapped out of my internal monologue to see Marie standing there, concerned.
"Yeah." I replied, unconvincingly.
She bit her lower lip. "You sure? Are you tired? Come, I'll buy you some coffee."
"No, no, it's fine." I insisted. "I was just...thinking of something."
Well, at least some things haven't changed. I thought, before I noticed Marie's mouth turn up into a roguish smirk.
"Oh? Something, or someone?"
...or maybe not.
I rolled my eyes. "If I had that someone in my life, they'd be here, not you."
Marie paused for a second. "...yeah." she said at last. "I guess."
I glanced at her. "Oi, you know me." I replied, before trying to lighten the mood with a joke. "I'd drive him or her insane before we'd go anywhere, no?"
Marie nodded, but the frown didn't leave her face.

I decided to leave her be for now, and continued watching the men and women of the 18th.

Viola Arán of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I left my vantage point up on the stage, deciding to watch the last few things up close before we officially opened in around five minutes - not that anyone would care much, after all, people were already inspecting, fooling around, asking and talking. We would have to maybe cancel the opening ceremony?
Well, 'ceremony' might be a bit too much, it was basically me firing a flare gun into the air and calling it out.
Well, we'd see.
Thing was, people usually didn't believe, that I was of 41 Springs. And mother of a pair of twins, who were now of thirteen Springs themselves. Áed and Alaina were nice children, though they did inherit their father's talent for music and computers.
People usually assumed, that I was around thirty and maybe a Captain, but the soldiers of my Regiment were saluting me. Soon, there wouldn't be so many left. As part of the newest Army Reforms, the bloated regiments would be shrunken down to a more handy size, a reform I had masterminded along with a few other officers.
Maor-Regiments were cut down to a third or half of their size, something along those lines.
Still, I saluted them all. I also saluted Sergeant Sint and her small group, who were answering questions by the small group of armoured vehicles, including the Sio-II. A family was there, the helmet knocking off a girl's glasses, the Sergeant diving to retrieve them.
I smiled at the scene.
I also smiled at the two girls, who were conversing at some spot, nodded to them. They gave off an aura akin to soldiers, but they were not dressed like my troops, so they got a nod. Otherwise, they would get a salute and not only a dignified nod.
A dignified nodding, which soon was over: "Mammy!"
Two voices, a boy and a girl, cried out, their owners assaulting me in the midst of my men, ramming into my stomach head first - that is not an idiom, my two kids ran into me head first.
I laughed, only in slight pain. These were my children, forgoing any dignity of command, for they had finally spotted me. We hadn't seen each other in a long time...
I knelt down, hugged them close.
Their father should be around here somewhere, too...

Irene von Wittelsbach
An awkward silence fell between us, interrupted briefly only by one of the officers nodding at us, before she turned to greet her(?) children.

Marie started off without a word for her. I wanted to go after her, but part of me told me to hang back. Best to wait a bit; apologizing too soon and too profusely would seem artificial and dishonest, and I loathed dishonesty almost as much as I loathed my Aunt.

Ah, my Aunt. That old hag and whore...I could go on and on, but that's a story for another time.

---

Marie Ernst Glück
If I had someone, they would be here, not you.


The words rang again and again in my head. Irene didn't mean anything by them. Or, at least, I hoped. But the thought nagged at me, more than I wanted. Irene was a good friend, for a long time my only friend, and those words...they cut deeper than she probably intended.

It sounds cliche, I know. But still...Eck. I wished I had Karl with me. Or Yven. Both were decent lads with a better grasp of handling drama than I did.

Some days, I just wanted to go back to Ochjno and take up my noviate again. But Yven and the Reichswehr put an end to that, for better or worse, for the foreseeable future.

I stopped in front of the Selkie-Officer with her children, and paused for a second to watch. It was a heartwarming scene, seeing her embrace her children, and I decided to wait for now before I pressed her for news.

[Kuronami]

Fionn Gurléit of the Tribe of Louth.
I nodded and tried to look busy at work, until one of the girls came up - the brunette, youngest... I would guess her to be around 12 Springs, maybe? Her English was pretty good, though.
And she searched for something.
The oldest apparently celebrated her birthday and the girl looked for something special... hm...
"Something cute, okay... anything in particular she likes? Like animals or games?", I asked.
If it was to be something fitting, then I needed more information.

She thought a moment, Aoi liked both those things "She really likes plush toys. Half her bedroom is filled with them." she giggled "Maybe if you have a big cute stuffed toy. Well big enough to fit in our luggage I suppose."

[Greater Orcadia]

They got their stuff pretty quickly and one quickly grew to realize, that craftsmen went at it with skill and love for the craft, not some machine in a food factory, making the hot dogs well worth the price.
The two of them could find an opportunity to sit at many places, some of them around the City Hall Square, where soon the MFC would officially open the Stationary Presentation (it would still be a while until someone demonstrated any skills there, roundabout 45 minutes, and even then it would be I. Airmobile Squadron), while at the nearby Temple Square, the Horsewomen of the Grand Spardrí-Banner of the Swordmaidens would start their demonstration at the same time.
The closest thing, that could fit the term arena was by Clais Castle, a bit outside of the city, so a bit of a hike and a tram ride away.

Hannah thanks the caterer before looking at Melanie,
"I spy some seating over there", she says, glancing across to the left "and there's a crowd gathering, so I think something is about to give" she says, and so with that Melanie and Hannah make their way over to the seating area not too far away from where the MFC will be giving their opening speeches.

Once at the location, Hannah removes her face mask, and begins to eat the hotdog whilst handing the other to Melanie who is currently setting up her camera ready to take some photos of the presentation.

[Brettenwald]

"So, what kind of performance do you get out of this? How much armor does it have on it?" Henrik asked the soldier by the APC. Despite going into computers for a career, he'd grown up around his father's auto repair shop and was reasonably mechanically inclined. Zena had waited her turn to try the helmet on, but it fell forward and knocked her glasses off. Mau dived to catch them. "I think you need to go a size or two down on that helmet, little sis."
"I'm going to hit you over the head with this helmet if you keep calling me little," she snapped, handing it back to the Lieutenant and crossing her arms in a huff. "Children . . ." Petra said in a warning tone of voice. If you asked her, she'd just sigh and tell you that Mauris certainly doesn't get it from her side of the family, you know . . .

Sergeant/Lieutenant Juna Sint of the Tribe of Fingal.
By the armoured vehicles, the brother of the girl who had her glasses knocked off by the rim of the helmet was quicker then I was, fetching the item before I had a chance. I did smile, as I saw the siblings squabbling. It certainly reminded me of myself and my own brother.
I am Juna Sint of the Tribe of Fingal, usually a Sergeant, but today a Brevet-Lieutenant, just so that there was 'an officer' here in charge at the display of the armoured vehicle. As the commander of a HARV, I usually had enough to do already, but this was not much of an issue. My Sergeants were good people, they knew, what they were doing.
"Don't worry.", I told Zena with a smile, "We have them in different sized - and, among the two of us, there are better things to bash unruly brothers over the head with!"
From the edge of my hearing, I heard the Chosen Man, who usually drove the APC, reply to a man: "This is a Sionnach-II, so... 95 k-m-h on roads, 10 k-m-h in water, fully amphibious, 600 kilometers range on roads, ABS... air conditioning, cup holders, water boiler, independent suspension on all wheels, run-flat inserts in the wheels, V-shaped double bottom and the Sio-II can climb gradients of more then 60 percent." He grinned. "I sound like I am selling used cars, but yeah... can't tell you about the armour, though, that is classified. We are capable of surviving a lot, though, I can tell you that much."

"Very impressive. Not surprised you can't talk about the armor since you're actively using them, I don't even know why I asked." Henrik chuckled. "Don't worry about sounding like you're a car salesman. I grew up around my father's repair shop and secondhand dealership, it's the soundtrack of my childhood. I see my children are on their usual best behavior." He glanced in Mau and Zena's direction. "I apologize for any disruption. What's the water boiler used for?" Petra gave the Lieutenant a wry smile. "Don't go giving her any ideas." Zena was suddenly the picture of innocence. "Mom, I would never-"
"I know, dear. You'd only do it when I wasn't looking." She checked the time on her phone. "How long does it take to get to Clais Castle from here?"

[Ezhara]

The closest restaurant, well, Inn to the City Hall Square was the Daorasach Inn...

As Gyeongju searched for a restaurant on her phone, Dolgae walked off, his eccentric windbreaker serving as a guide for his mother as the two of them slipped away to a shaded wall. Once there, he put his headphones onto his left ear, holding it there with his hand, whereas the other half was pulled below his chin. A blitz of brilliant blue flew across the currents of his headphones as one of Illapa's songs played, and though he had never learned to dance, he still tapped his feet and bobbed his head to the rhythmic pulses of the instruments and the Idol's voice — it was no easy task to resist the mesmerizing tunes, the energized riffs, the synthesizers coursing through like waves pulsing upon the shore, the bass strumming and grooving in the back. Next to him, his mother, shaded by the dark, looked like a pale moon reflected in the windows of a humble hostel, following and judging a city's nightlife. Together, the two of them looked more like a bad influence of a sister and her younger brother than a mother-son pair.

A few minutes passed. "Find anything yet, mom?"
She smiled. "Well, we got a few inns," she said, "a few bakeries, some dockside restaurants, another..." A glance upward towards where it was said to be. "Up there, around. Looks nice. Kinda expensive." She tilted her head, parting her hair away from her face as she looked at Dolgae. "But hey, we're on vacation. Won't be a problem, so what are you feeling?" Her son slipped off his headphones and closed his eyes, thinking. He had a craving for bread, and he figured his mom did too. Did she have some sort of dream of becoming a baker? Sometimes, he woke up to her baking things at 3 AM. Or he was awake by then, and they would eat a bit of sourdough at 4 AM. A normal Wednesday... morning? Night? They couldn't quite adhere to any concept of time. Day and night wasn't for them.
"You're thinking of a bakery, aren't you?" A slow nod, and Gyeongju strode forward, patting her son on the head. "And something more, aren't you? Well... I'm sure occupation bakers will make something that I'll have to learn."

[AHSCA]

Imogen Teithiwr, of Cefnffordd Descent.
Actually, I didn't, but I smiled anyway.
"Just call me Immy, everyone does.", I asked of them, then nodded, "AHSCA, huh? Nice place, but I'm afraid, that I'm not from there... I was born a few hundred kilometers in that direction!"
I smiled and pointed towards the north.
"I think.", I said and shrugged, "It was quite some time ago. I am surprised, though, to meet kinsfolk from the UIS. I did not know, that Spiorad lived in your country."
My feline ears stood with excitement.

"Immy huh? How cute!" Hikage cheered. Ichigo gave a wry glance up at Hikage "Then call me Hikage and she is Ichigo. Glad to meet ya!"

"Oh funny you mention that, Hikage and I were just talking about that. Spiorad I mean." Ichigo noted "We're not ones ourselves, we're uh ordinary I guess but we're pretty sure our boss is one. And we know a famous one who runs a very nice resort inn on Aurora. So I guess you are a Spiorad yourself?"

[Lillorainen]

Finnegan Urgharda of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"The pleasure is mine.", I told Natsumi's cousin with a small smile and a small bow. I had no idea about car racing, so I did not recognize him from anywhere. Turning back to the young woman standing before me, I told her: "Well, Natsumi... I'm afraid, that I'll have to remain on station until around 11 o'clock, I am the Airspace Controller for this square during the Demonstration and from 11-15 onwards, I'll be at Clais Castle until 11-45 - my sister is showing the Grand Captain of the Swordmaidens out of the ring, so I have to cheer for Mara." I threw her a wink. "Shall we meet for lunch?"
I knew a lovely little restaurant in town and by sheer coincidence, there was already a table reserved on my name...

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
"Hey, Donny...", Alaina began from her perch, leaning down with feline grace, which made some people look at her (and the car) twice. I looked at her over my shoulder, uncaring about what Finnegan would call a nice view as she looked at me. I looked into her eyes. "...I think I spotted who you are looking for."
I had shown her an image each of the two I was tasked with escorting and guiding, upon her request, which had made her my lookout.
I grinned. "Thank you, Alaina!", I said and was about to rush off. "See ya!"
She stopped me with a hand around my arm, pulling me back. I looked at her puzzled, then blushed as she kissed my forehead (some people might have a heart attack out of jealousy). She smiled at me: "Stay such a cute lad, okay?" I was puzzled, but nodded. "Off with you!"
And now I was off, puzzled, confused, the object of quite a bit of envy and blushing like a madman. I had it more or less under control, when I approached the two. By the door, I spotted both, too, reached into my pocket for both my ID-card and for Milady Nia's orders in the form of a letter written in slightly ancient German, more modern English and both Selkie and Tafod.
"Miss Mesenich? Miss Kiyat?", I asked once I was close and held out both items to the one closest. My blush had not vanished, but it was less strong then before. "Milady Nia asked me to act as your escort and guide throughout the day. I am Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel, but please, call me Donny."

Cernaga Nacathach - City Hall Square.
Natsumi had no idea, that Finnegan had already reserved a table for himself in a lovely little restaurant somewhere in town, for the case, that either Natsumi genuinely made it here, or something else happened, which would warrant an invitation for lunch.
Of course, he had to remain on station, for he wasn't standing here for the fun, and Natsumi was aware of the family obligation he would be required to follow. She nodded.
"Sounds good!" - she said, then took a pen and a peace of paper out and wrote a long number starting with +89, the international calling code for Shikonjima, on it and gave it to him. "When you're ready, just call or text me!" - she said. "We'll get ourselves something to do in the meantime." Hideo nodded to that. "Here's hoping, that we're not gonna get lost somewhere!" She grinned.

Cernaga Carreis - Carreis Square.
It took Lena and Saran but another short moment to receive the answer to their question, for the young lad who had just been talked to by a lassie kissing his forehead, which left him visibly puzzled.
He welcomed them politely introducing himself and asking them to call him Donny, an offer, which, given the difficulty foreigners would have pronouncing his full name correctly, was more than welcome to both Lena and Saran. He showed them his ID card and a formal letter in four languages, among them German, or rather a form of German spoken either by Lena's great-grandparents, or maybe Teressian Royalty.
"Pleasure to meet ya', Donny!" - Lena said, smiling. "I'm Lena, that's Saran." Saran nodded to that, smiling, too. "Good to hear, that Milady Nia thought of sending you here, so you may alert us when it's about time to get going."
"Lest we miss the whole fun!" - Saran added, grinning.

[The Selkie]

City Hall Square; Old Town; Iron Castle.
Jolene Gudfrey

Áed returned Jolene's greeting in a warm, friendly and charming manner, despite the fact that Jolene nearly attacked him in her hug-greet (not that anything a small timid lass like Jolene could possibly do against a powerfull lad as Áed which could be considered as an attack). This must have been one of the characteristics of Áed which Jolene found so appealing - the fact that he always treated her normally as he would any other, and not fawn over her due to her beauty, fame and unmeasrable wealth, like the majority of the world. This automatically tagged him as a challenge, unique and special, in her subconscious.

After breaking the hug, Áed replied tha he had a spare coat on offer, which he displayed hanging over one of his large and strong arms. The coat most definitely looked warm and inviting to say the least, especially since she was positively shivering from the cold weather, her body aching for the warm tropical climate of her native land.

Áed continued speaking before she could muster a reply: "And you look beautiful as ever. It was indeed far too long!" Jolene's silky cheeks immediately radiated within a softish red color as she blushed from the compliment, to which she replied by means of spinning around slowly, offering her friend a full view of her, ending with a small curtsey when she faced him again, in an attempt to add her own flair of fun and unspoken humor.

After the spin she replied,
"You are an absolute darling for offering me your spare coat, unfortunately, looking gorgeous comes at a price... And today that price is paid in shivers!" She giggled softly at her own expense. Whilst she did play her response off as a joke, the matter held its own form of seriousness. A public figure like herself could not afford to be photographed in any outfit which was not particularly breathtaking - such were the unspoken rules of the admittedly shallow Port Emberian elite. Although the odds of any photograph taken here and landing up printed in the tabloids back home were miniscule, chance could not be taken in any case.

She closed the distance between them yet again, and hooked her arm within his, forcing their bodies against each other, side to side, allowing a small portion of his natural body heat to radiate against her. She looked up into his eyes as she spoke, not losing her red lipsticked smile for an instant,
"If you do not have any pressing business to attend to, with which my presence would be an hinderance, - my time belongs to you! Besides without you I would probally end up lost and frozen to death on some sidewalk.. Well even so, I would die in these gorgeous heels, so all is well!" She giggled again softly.

Áed Gadhair of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled as Jolene did her first twirl - one had to give her one thing, namely that she was convinced of her bid and that came across every moment one was with her. To be honest, I knew, how shallow elites could be (our own was not much better and don't get me started on some of the monarchies we were in regular contact with, the Kyrenaian Yellow Press was especially viscious), so Jolene's reply came not as a surprise.
Still, I welcomed her linking her arm to me and pulled her a smidgen closer, so that she could have a bit more of my body heat.
She was a bit vain sometimes, though.
Anyway, I smiled and shook my head.
"You are no hindrance - how could you be?", I said, then pulled out my smartphone, "Besides, I have also an important message to give you."
On the screen, proudly in some messenger app, was a screenshot of Jolene's message to Marla, under which she had sent me: Áed, tell Jolene I said hi and tell her, that I am waiting for her with hot tea, cookies and her favourite sport. And for the love of the Gods, don't let her freeze!
"So, Hi from Marla, she waits on you with hot tea, cookies and your favourite sport.", I said with a grin, "Wanna go?"
I was quite certain, that I already knew the answer.

Leonard Seanbhoc of the Tribe of Wicklow.
I raised my hand in refusal at the beer.
"Thank you for the offer, but I prefer whiskey.", I said and then added: "I am Leonard Seanbhoc of the Tribe of Wicklow. I did indeed have my good share of fights... though, luckily, unlike these foals, my fights were mostly limited to the tournament field. These foals saw war."
I let a beat pass, exhaled.
"If I may ask, who made these engravings?", I asked and motioned to the axe, "If you wish, I can show you my swords, their hilts are inlaid."

Graham put his booze back into his backpack, sighed, heared Leonard out and then, when he asked about the axe, answered: "Like I said, those are by my hands. I had lots of free time between battles, and decided to add some decoration for my axe. Those engravings may be crude and simple, but each has it's significance: Those three interlocked runes represent the battle for Pyongyang in North Korea. One represents the joy of victory, second is represents bravery, grit and resolve with which we fought, and the third one... *Almost sheds a manly tear* For my comrads, who fell in this battle. And on the other side, there is an insignia of our warband. And this line represents the only foe, I slew with this axe, when I was empty and he just tried to employ taekwondo. Did hit me in the eye... goddammit. But mostly, this axe was used as a utility tool. In combat, I sticked to my assault rifle. Wish I could show ya', but... your country doesn't like the idea of toursits brandishing guns."-Jacob tells, takes another hearty gulp of beer, strokes his beard and moves on to the next question.

-"Yes, I'd appreciate, if you would tell a story behind those awesome swords. I am sure, they are as beautiful as balanced and deadly. And helped alot during the tournaments. If you want, I can share some whiskey with you, listen about your weapons, and tell about my days of glory, before I left the warband to seek for a more peaceful life."

Leonard Seanbhoc of the Tribe of Wicklow.
I nodded.
"Then come. I know a nice place, where two old men can sit, enjoy whiskey, and swap stories.", I said and began to move. "And they have... charming waitresses as well."
I smiled under my beard, which moved up slightly at the edges.
Who said, that an old man couldn't appreciate the female form?
It wasn't far anway, maybe three minutes by foot. I'd lead the other man through the crowd onto the main street, then down one side street, then down another.
While I did that, I asked him: "Any preferences when it comes to whiskey? Smooth or fiery?"

Peter Turrija
City Hall Square, Ironcastle

"Admittedly, not much. Now that you mentioned it, however..." Nora planning to visit the Gabha Showroom intrigued Peter. "I've heard things about Gabha, mostly praises. Makes me wonder...
"If this pandemic keeps up I might seriously consider acquiring a G 22 either as a shuttle for VSSB personnel who need to commute from home to branch, or as a supply vehicle bringing in, for example, groceries." Peter idly wondered what measures he would have to factor in if it came to that.

Nora Scriúire of the Tribe of Cavan.
I nodded appreciatingly.
"Not a bad choice, if you ask me.", I said, "The G 22 is one heck of a vehicle. Four tons empty - you almost feel like driving a tank!" I gave another, more sober and somber nod. "But yeah, might be a good idea. We came well through the first wave - which enabled us to host this festival - but the Gods alone know, when the second wave will hit us... and how hard."
I shook my head.
"That being said, I would be surprised if they didn't have one at the showroom, plus a few promotional models and people, who know their vehicles - overlap might be possible.", I added with a wink.

Athena Freezis
Certainly it wasn't nice to hear that you couldn't swim or train for a while until your arm completely heals, but then again that was way better than having your arm even worse. Hopefully it heals soon.

"Indeed; hopefully it heals well and is even stronger than before." Athena smiled thinking about it, hopefully if it healed before the next party at the archipelago party; she is looking foward to swim with him in those beautiful waters. After being a bit on those thoughts, the businesswoman gladly linked her arms with Leo's healthy arm with a warm look on her face while thinking about his question. It was indeed true that she told him about the travel to Kyrenaia; albeit a bit vague since it was a big travel with no other than Her Majesty herself; Chancellor Dileva and Treasurer Vanderbilt too, alongside the CEO of her competition and her sister if all went well.

"Ohh Kyrenaia..." She begun, considering that she deeply trusted Leo and that this will go public soon, there was no point in hiding the secret now that she was face to face with him. "It is indeed an even ambituous trip which if all goes like silk, well, we may see the benefits come by the next trimester around next year." She explained before telling the reason why it was so vaguely explained.

"I couldn't tell you about it, that openly; since it's because I'm also part of no other than, Her Majesty's delegation to her visit to the Sultanate!" It an honour for her to be selected for such thing that would be only equalized to the SEA Accords where she acted as a witness for The Kingdom. Athena looked at Leo with a spark in her eyes as she told him that before continue with a nice surprise that she didn't mentioned...

"As such and as a way to rest before that travel; I decided that I will be staying in the Free Lands for the next two weeks! Isn't that great??"

Leonard Rualacha of the Tribe of Wicklow.
I nodded.
"Blimey, that sounds like some pretty huge thing!", I said with a grin, "Congratulations!" I glanced forward as we moved through the crowd, lest we bumped into someone, then back at Athena. "But that's fully understandable. I mean, big trips of the Elders are quite hush-hush, too, so..."
I shrugged.
"I've been to Kyrenaia once, a few years ago - my school's swimmer team was invited to compete against the teams of a few other schools.", I told her, smiled slightly, "I got second place in the individual competition. Very hot country... and, my recommendation, Aragh and Hammams do not mix well!"
I grinned at that.

For about a minute, Orem and Mareva are uncertain aboit where to start at the Press Tent. Ironic, considering that their training made them capable of assess and take a decision as fast as an eye's blink.
After a few seconds, Orem can't help but find that the blonde woman seems familiar to him, and 1fter checking his phone, recognizes her as Professor Amy Socheo of the Tribe of Navan, from the University of Leuda, which he saw appear once or twice during his internet researches before their trip for the Festival.
So, with a particular idea in mind, Orem, followed by Marrva, approaches the table where the profesor and the Private are chatting.
"Good morning Ma'am, Sir." says the couple with a smile before Orem continues. "Apologies for the interruption, but we would like to know if among those books you are selling, there are any stories about warriors fighting like guerillas in the Free Lands forests, if those kinds of warriors ever existed at all." asks the male Bodark with genuine curiosity, not mentioning that his unit dates back to a long ime ago, where his predecessors fought like that. (or even identifying himself as a military man at all. He was not here to brag after all.)

Amy Socheo of the Tribe of Navan.
The lad was good at his job, very well-read. He enjoyed our discussion, that much was clear, and he had the knowledge to back it up.
Truth being told, though, I was spending time here before I could join my son at the Gealanacoinlín Cup's field at Clais Castle's Inner Courtyard. He would compete and while he was way out of his league, I knew, that he would give it his all. What more could a sponsor expect from her Champion?
Leonard and Cel would fetch me in a bit, they had something to organize, they had said.
The Private knew that. He had said, that he was honoured to talk with me regardless of how long it would be.
Our discussion was interrupted, though, by two people, who I would, occupation-wise, put into the direction of either military or police. As a Military Historian, I knew, how they looked and behaved...
Anyway, they were polite, asked for some books, and I looked to the Private, motioning to him - this was his stall, not mine.
He thought for a moment, then reached out: "Not much in English, I'm afraid. There would be Small War Crusade, which details the guerilla-like campaigns of Selkie-Raiders during the Crusade." He pointed at one book on his display, then at another. "Prince Nuada's Small War is an account of such a guerilla war during the Age of High Kings by Sírlám the Scribe." He then pointed at another one. "And, by Professor Socheo..." He nodded to me, I smiled slightly. "...Selkie-Mercenaries. Light Cavalry Raids, Skirmishes and Battles during the Uprising of the Teressian Barons and the Foundation of a Reputation."
"Do you have Arrow-Riders by Glynn Dúcha of the Tribe of Westmeath?", I asked.
The young soldier nodded and pointed to one book. "Indeed I do, though that's a novel."

Irene von Wittelsbach
An awkward silence fell between us, interrupted briefly only by one of the officers nodding at us, before she turned to greet her(?) children.

Marie started off without a word for her. I wanted to go after her, but part of me told me to hang back. Best to wait a bit; apologizing too soon and too profusely would seem artificial and dishonest, and I loathed dishonesty almost as much as I loathed my Aunt.

Ah, my Aunt. That old hag and whore...I could go on and on, but that's a story for another time.

---

Marie Ernst Glück
If I had someone, they would be here, not you.


The words rang again and again in my head. Irene didn't mean anything by them. Or, at least, I hoped. But the thought nagged at me, more than I wanted. Irene was a good friend, for a long time my only friend, and those words...they cut deeper than she probably intended.

It sounds cliche, I know. But still...Eck. I wished I had Karl with me. Or Yven. Both were decent lads with a better grasp of handling drama than I did.

Some days, I just wanted to go back to Ochjno and take up my noviate again. But Yven and the Reichswehr put an end to that, for better or worse, for the foreseeable future.

I stopped in front of the Selkie-Officer with her children, and paused for a second to watch. It was a heartwarming scene, seeing her embrace her children, and I decided to wait for now before I pressed her for news.

Viola Arán of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled at my kids, my daughter excitedly telling me about something or the other, well aware of the young woman closeby.
My son, Áed, was well aware of her as well and he was a well-raised young man (of thirteen Springs, but same difference). He was blonde as I was, blue eyes and a friendly, cute face - in a few years, girls would line up for a chance for a cuppa with him, I was sure of it!
Still, he was polite and well-raised, turning to the young woman.
"Excuse me, Miss, but can we help you with something?", he asked in English - far from pitch-perfect, with quite a bit of an accent, but very understandable.
Alaina, meanwhile, spoke like a waterfall.

She thought a moment, Aoi liked both those things "She really likes plush toys. Half her bedroom is filled with them." she giggled "Maybe if you have a big cute stuffed toy. Well big enough to fit in our luggage I suppose."

Fionn Gurléit of the Tribe of Louth.
I nodded, then came out behind my counter.
"I think, that I might know something.", I said with a wink. We were specialized in wooden toys, that was true, but my sister was better with the sewing needle then with the whittle. And so, when she made something, she made stuffed toys.
She was very good at it, too, her stuffed animals all having personality.
We had them in one shelf a bit to the side, she had picked that spot herself, and in many different sizes. Some were small enough to fit into a small backpack, some were even larger then the customer I was advising!
Many different species were represented here, some cuddly ones like Ice Fox, Fire Fennek or a Kyrenaian Desert Mouse, some less cuddly one, but still awesome, like a Sandpanther, a Sickle Cat or a Star Lynx... and some were things, where I honestly had to ask myself what drove my sister to make a plush out of that, like the Cavephantom, complete with suckers to attack it to flat surfaces.
For boys, she had also made a Woodstalker and a Sand Wyvern, especially the latter looked like he could kick rear ends - and he was larger then the girl.
"Here we go.", I said with a smile, then winked: "Test cuddling is allowed."

Hannah thanks the caterer before looking at Melanie,
"I spy some seating over there", she says, glancing across to the left "and there's a crowd gathering, so I think something is about to give" she says, and so with that Melanie and Hannah make their way over to the seating area not too far away from where the MFC will be giving their opening speeches.

Once at the location, Hannah removes her face mask, and begins to eat the hotdog whilst handing the other to Melanie who is currently setting up her camera ready to take some photos of the presentation.

It was still a bit of time until everything would officially start, but the first tendencies were already quite obvious for those with eyes: For one thing, armoured vehicles were quite interesting. Then, a howitzer wasn't something one saw every day either. Third, the SDF was setting up a field kitchen, too, if only for the fun of it.
Lastly, the majority of the people were not wearing face masks - they were at the open air, after all, so why should they?
Other people were waiting for things to happen, too, among them, not too far away, Major Paisúile and her daughter, together with Madame Céilt, her daughter currently not present with her.
The mood, in general, was well.

"Very impressive. Not surprised you can't talk about the armor since you're actively using them, I don't even know why I asked." Henrik chuckled. "Don't worry about sounding like you're a car salesman. I grew up around my father's repair shop and secondhand dealership, it's the soundtrack of my childhood. I see my children are on their usual best behavior." He glanced in Mau and Zena's direction. "I apologize for any disruption. What's the water boiler used for?" Petra gave the Lieutenant a wry smile. "Don't go giving her any ideas." Zena was suddenly the picture of innocence. "Mom, I would never-"
"I know, dear. You'd only do it when I wasn't looking." She checked the time on her phone. "How long does it take to get to Clais Castle from here?"

Sergeant/Lieutenant Juna Sint of the Tribe of Fingal.
The Chosen Man, smiled and nodded, glad, that he hadn't offended the actually quite nice man, while the mother of the lass cautioned her girl before she did anything stupid.
The driver grinned slightly at the question: "Boiling water.", he said, then elaborated: "SDF-Vehicles usually have an internal water boiler so that the crew doesn't have to leave their vehicles to cook water for instant meals or a cuppa tea, which is quite important in a warzone. Less chance for the enemy to shoot at squishy humans."
I, meanwhile, smiled at the scene with the mother and daughter. It sounded so familiar, though I was more used to the girl's perspective.
"If you take one of the trams...", I told the mother, "...you can be there in ten minutes. Add to that, that you need to walk to the station, call it a quarter of an hour." I smiled slightly. "I'm from here, actually."

The closest restaurant, well, Inn to the City Hall Square was the Daorasach Inn...

As Gyeongju searched for a restaurant on her phone, Dolgae walked off, his eccentric windbreaker serving as a guide for his mother as the two of them slipped away to a shaded wall. Once there, he put his headphones onto his left ear, holding it there with his hand, whereas the other half was pulled below his chin. A blitz of brilliant blue flew across the currents of his headphones as one of Illapa's songs played, and though he had never learned to dance, he still tapped his feet and bobbed his head to the rhythmic pulses of the instruments and the Idol's voice — it was no easy task to resist the mesmerizing tunes, the energized riffs, the synthesizers coursing through like waves pulsing upon the shore, the bass strumming and grooving in the back. Next to him, his mother, shaded by the dark, looked like a pale moon reflected in the windows of a humble hostel, following and judging a city's nightlife. Together, the two of them looked more like a bad influence of a sister and her younger brother than a mother-son pair.

A few minutes passed. "Find anything yet, mom?"
She smiled. "Well, we got a few inns," she said, "a few bakeries, some dockside restaurants, another..." A glance upward towards where it was said to be. "Up there, around. Looks nice. Kinda expensive." She tilted her head, parting her hair away from her face as she looked at Dolgae. "But hey, we're on vacation. Won't be a problem, so what are you feeling?" Her son slipped off his headphones and closed his eyes, thinking. He had a craving for bread, and he figured his mom did too. Did she have some sort of dream of becoming a baker? Sometimes, he woke up to her baking things at 3 AM. Or he was awake by then, and they would eat a bit of sourdough at 4 AM. A normal Wednesday... morning? Night? They couldn't quite adhere to any concept of time. Day and night wasn't for them.
"You're thinking of a bakery, aren't you?" A slow nod, and Gyeongju strode forward, patting her son on the head. "And something more, aren't you? Well... I'm sure occupation bakers will make something that I'll have to learn."

Imogen Céilt of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
If the two really went for the nearest bakery, then they might meet me - of course, I had no idea they even existed, though I did hear of Ezhara and its talents before, and of Illapa. A very good musician, a fact I had yet to convince my brother about...
Anyway, I was at the nearest bakery as well, getting a cuppa tea to go for me and Mam and Major Paisúile and Nora. Though, admittedly, I was standing in the line, which stretched out a bit, only a few minutes.
I was pretty much at the end of it.
The leather jacket did a wonderful job at protecting me from the cold, but I could have chosen better then the shorts-and-stockings-combo I went for. I rocked the boots, though.
Shifting my weight slightly, I suppressed a sigh. I needed hot tea.

Imogen Teithiwr, of Cefnffordd Descent.
Actually, I didn't, but I smiled anyway.
"Just call me Immy, everyone does.", I asked of them, then nodded, "AHSCA, huh? Nice place, but I'm afraid, that I'm not from there... I was born a few hundred kilometers in that direction!"
I smiled and pointed towards the north.
"I think.", I said and shrugged, "It was quite some time ago. I am surprised, though, to meet kinsfolk from the UIS. I did not know, that Spiorad lived in your country."
My feline ears stood with excitement.

"Immy huh? How cute!" Hikage cheered. Ichigo gave a wry glance up at Hikage "Then call me Hikage and she is Ichigo. Glad to meet ya!"

"Oh funny you mention that, Hikage and I were just talking about that. Spiorad I mean." Ichigo noted "We're not ones ourselves, we're uh ordinary I guess but we're pretty sure our boss is one. And we know a famous one who runs a very nice resort inn on Aurora. So I guess you are a Spiorad yourself?"

Imogen Teithiwr, of Cefnffordd Descent.
I smiled a bit sheepish when the two corrected me - of course, there were animal-eared folk (as we are called in some places) in many places. The chance for two foreigners to be Spiorad...
I bowed my head lightly at the introductions, but when they mentioned, that they knew someone, who might be kinsfolk, I was surprised. A resort on Aurora, huh? I have never been to the UIS, so...
"Indeed I am.", I replied to Ichigo, "I also travel a lot, we call people like me yisbryd teithio in Tafod, that is our language." I let a beat pass. "May I invite you to a cuppa tea? I am very curious about your kinsfolk, if you don't mind telling me a bit."

Cernaga Nacathach - City Hall Square.
Natsumi had no idea, that Finnegan had already reserved a table for himself in a lovely little restaurant somewhere in town, for the case, that either Natsumi genuinely made it here, or something else happened, which would warrant an invitation for lunch.
Of course, he had to remain on station, for he wasn't standing here for the fun, and Natsumi was aware of the family obligation he would be required to follow. She nodded.
"Sounds good!" - she said, then took a pen and a peace of paper out and wrote a long number starting with +89, the international calling code for Shikonjima, on it and gave it to him. "When you're ready, just call or text me!" - she said. "We'll get ourselves something to do in the meantime." Hideo nodded to that. "Here's hoping, that we're not gonna get lost somewhere!" She grinned.

Cernaga Carreis - Carreis Square.
It took Lena and Saran but another short moment to receive the answer to their question, for the young lad who had just been talked to by a lassie kissing his forehead, which left him visibly puzzled.
He welcomed them politely introducing himself and asking them to call him Donny, an offer, which, given the difficulty foreigners would have pronouncing his full name correctly, was more than welcome to both Lena and Saran. He showed them his ID card and a formal letter in four languages, among them German, or rather a form of German spoken either by Lena's great-grandparents, or maybe Teressian Royalty.
"Pleasure to meet ya', Donny!" - Lena said, smiling. "I'm Lena, that's Saran." Saran nodded to that, smiling, too. "Good to hear, that Milady Nia thought of sending you here, so you may alert us when it's about time to get going."
"Lest we miss the whole fun!" - Saran added, grinning.

Finnegan Urgharda of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled and took out my own notepad, writing my own number onto, as well as my name.
"If you do get lost...", I said, "Call me. I can't promise you a helicopter rescue, but I can promise you, that I'll find you." I let a beat pass. "As for something to do..." I wondered for a moment. "Are you interested in street art?"
I actually wanted to have a look at the Abandoned Ironcastle Airworks Testing Field and the Street Art exhibit there later, after lunch and after Mara had beaten Viola, maybe take her, Rona and Mavie along, so maybe it was a good recommendation...

Donnchadh Saineolaí of the Tribe of Clonmel.
I smiled and put ID and letter away.
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Lena, Miss Saran.", I replied and bowed my head lightly as it was custom. "Though, it's not only about when it's time to get going.", I said, "But also about guiding... think of me as your personal tour guide!"
And I did have the knowledge for that - well, maybe not with the cars, but I knew Ironcastle. Ceili's Mam made a point out of taking me and her along whenever a business trip took her here and we were free. Ironcastle, she once said, was what the future looked like, not Fortham or Cuan or Rua.
She certainly had a point there, if I remembered the plans for the New City District of Rua.
Either way, I added: "I don't think, that you came here just for me, though.", I said and turned towards the showroom of Carreis House and thus Gabha Motorworks. "It's a bit until the official opening, but one can look around already."

[New Visayan Islands]

Peter Turrija
City Hall Square, Ironcastle

"Not sure about driving a tank, seeing as I never served in an armored division," Peter replied. There was truth in his statement: he served in a reserve unit, the First Leyte Mountain Division, not too long ago. "I was more of a mountain man back in the day, actually. Perhaps you could guide me to their showroom?" There was a gleam in Peter's eyes as the thought of having someone who knew her way guiding him crossed his mind; he was smiling behind the mask.
"Hopefully the second wave doesn't hit that hard," he said. "Had something similar happen in the District of Humabon a few months back, and it was good they got things done quickly."

[Kuronami]

Fionn Gurléit of the Tribe of Louth.
I nodded, then came out behind my counter.
"I think, that I might know something.", I said with a wink. We were specialized in wooden toys, that was true, but my sister was better with the sewing needle then with the whittle. And so, when she made something, she made stuffed toys.
She was very good at it, too, her stuffed animals all having personality.
We had them in one shelf a bit to the side, she had picked that spot herself, and in many different sizes. Some were small enough to fit into a small backpack, some were even larger then the customer I was advising!
Many different species were represented here, some cuddly ones like Ice Fox, Fire Fennek or a Kyrenaian Desert Mouse, some less cuddly one, but still awesome, like a Sandpanther, a Sickle Cat or a Star Lynx... and some were things, where I honestly had to ask myself what drove my sister to make a plush out of that, like the Cavephantom, complete with suckers to attack it to flat surfaces.
For boys, she had also made a Woodstalker and a Sand Wyvern, especially the latter looked like he could kick rear ends - and he was larger then the girl.
"Here we go.", I said with a smile, then winked: "Test cuddling is allowed."

Her eyes were wide at the vast selection, wow they were all very cute and they all seemed pretty cuddly. She reached out for the Ice Fox first, feeling it, pretty nice material whatever it was made of. Honestly she kind of wanted one herself but her money was limited so best keep focus on the mission, her sister's present! "Mmmm you know, I really think she'd like the Ice Fox, although the Fire Fennek is pretty nice too." She felt up the Fire Fennek. "I think I'll take the Fire Fennek for her. Yes, that's the one, she'll love it!" She reached into the breast pocket of her kimono pulling out her cute little wallet.

[Skyhooked]

Leonard Seanbhoc of the Tribe of Wicklow.
I nodded.
"Then come. I know a nice place, where two old men can sit, enjoy whiskey, and swap stories.", I said and began to move. "And they have... charming waitresses as well."
I smiled under my beard, which moved up slightly at the edges.
Who said, that an old man couldn't appreciate the female form?
It wasn't far anway, maybe three minutes by foot. I'd lead the other man through the crowd onto the main street, then down one side street, then down another.
While I did that, I asked him: "Any preferences when it comes to whiskey? Smooth or fiery?"

"Huh... Looks like beard and battle scars have added some age to mah' looks. Alright... guess that's gonna be a nice saloon for us, veterans to share a story or two. And watch some local eye candy. Just like on the last Veteran meeting, I had back home. Such a crowd ain't gonna let ya' hear a thing, if it cheers."-Said Graham, as he followed Leonard through the crowd right to the main street. When he heared the question about booze, his eyes sparked. -"Speakin' of whiskey, I'd like something unique, specific for your country. Maybe there is some ol' recipe. Ain't gonna turn away something new, ya' know. I'll buy some for ya'."-Jacob casually looks around and just admires local architecture. It's far older and more authenic, than back at homeland, where countless old buildings were damaged during a civil war for freedom. As he walked the street, his hip felt unusual without weight of his gun, he used to carry in Skyhooked.