The Sun, the Beach and the Water Guns (IC, OPEN)

[AHSCA]

Alaina Udh of the Tribe of Navan.
I'll be the first to admit, that us three sisters, including Asteria here, were not often of the same opinion.
“No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!”, Ava seemingly said, myself (mouth full) agreeing with deft nods, “That won't be necessary, I think... let them play... and look good while doing so...”
“Thank you.”, the tall black-haired guy rumoured to be Fintan suddenly said from the side, grinning at Alaina, then at Kara's parents, “Anyone of you wanna join? We need one more team for the next round.” He put a hand on my head. “Don't worry about the kiddos, we have someone to watch over them while they join the cheerleader squad.”
He threw me a wink.
Ava was jealous.
I did notice, that he was quite muscular.

"You're right." Shiho nodded with a smile, "They'll be just fine on their own." Good to give the kids some play time like they had, family time would certainly be on tap for the evening anyway. "A ltitle competition? Well bring it on!" Shiho untied her own sarong to her husband's surprise of how pumped up she was getting. "What? Think all us Priestesses are dainty little things who only read scripture all day?" She giggled tapping on his face with the palm of her hand "A little competition at the beach is just what this trip really needs to be more memorable." As if the harrowing trip here wasn't enough. he smiled and chuckled "Well all right, I think you got yourselves a couple new members for the team"

[European Federation Reunified]

Eileen Íseal of the Tribe of Conn.
The young man bowed his head lightly, our way of a handshake.
“Lugh Íon of the Tribe of Cork, tinkerer, student, dancer, lover and apprentice from Lodan Lir's Pearl, the City of Cuan.”, he introduced himself in turn, “It is a pleasure. And, Mister Maselli, don't worry about your girlfriend.” He smiled at Justine. “No offence to you, Miss Perrin, but you are not my type.”
His golden eyes sparkled with mirth.
“That raises the question, what sort of woman would be your kind, Lugh?”, I asked.
“A single, for one.”, he said with a grin, “Other then that, I am open for suggestions. A good dancer would be nice, though. Much like you, Milady Eileen.”
I blushed lightly. “Oh, I'm not that good...”
“You're better then Amy. Girl has two left feet...”, he said with a fond smile.
“And Leonard?”
It should be obvious, that the two of us knew each other, more then in passing.
Lugh smiled. “Dancing with a guy, no matter how good he is, is no substitute for dancing with a beautiful woman.”
The band began the next song.

Vincenzo was a little surprised by the unexpected presentation of the Selkie, but decided to move on. Rather, he could not take his eyes off the scars the boy had on his body and wanted to know the origin.
Of course, he had to interrupt the serenade he had before his eyes but, as they say in his part, they could look for a room afterwards.
"Wow, those are a lot of scars," Vincenzo said, pointing at Lugh's scarred body. "If I'm not indiscreet, may I ask what happened to you? I bet you make a lot of girls fall in love with those," he added, thinking of the usual Western stereotype of how scars are a sign of strength and mystery.

[New Visayan Islands]

Clement Saavedra
Donrua Beach Bar

"Suffice to say, we've known each other well enough that she does love keeping her hair in good condition," Clement said with a smile of his own. Which was true; if the times he and Kimberly spent time together were any indication--and since that time the two of them played DJs to some stiffs several months back, they did spend time together on occasion--he could tell that she paid good attention to her hair.
"Some options would be great as well." He did see her shampoo bottles, after all, and a souvenir that matched her taste was appealing...

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Yven Barriall of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I smiled as well.
"I am sure, that she meant well, but sometimes, one needs a professional.", I said with a smile. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, softly, carefully, so that she could get out easily, if she wanted to. "To be honest, I would not do school portraits, far too rigid for my tastes... but if your school ever does a class trip to the Free Lands and wants a different photographer for some reason...”
I shrugged.
“...until then, I'll stick with cow herds. Nicely chaotic and quite cute – especially the wooly breeds.”, I told her with a smile.

Lien Findehoof.
“Oh, I do not mean Rock and Roll.”, I said, “What I mean is that kind of music, which puts you into a sort-of trance, with this peculiar atmospheric sound. If there is singing, it's about love and beauty and sometimes really creepy...”
Aaltje nodded.
“The guys listening to it are creepy, too... and whatever they smoke, I only need to smell it and I get a headache...”
I nodded. “Yeah... stupid stuff.”

Lucina Findehoof.
“Hm...”, I made, looking to my daughter as she spoke up.
“You know, whenever I am in Teressien, I am the 'Selkie-Girl' for everyone, especially for that special breed of idiots, who... well.” She forced a smile. “In any case, when I went to Middle School, here, well, at the Iris, I was the 'Teressian Girl' for everyone.” She shrugged. “Point is, random people will see you and call you whatever they want. What matters is, how the people you love see you and how you see yourself.” She let a beat pass. “That's the experience I made. It worked so far.”

Tristina Bonilla
"I'm happy you're lucky enough to have that." Tristina replied, shaking her head and looking away. "A family you love, at least. And to know yourself like that. But..." She paused, and a very long silence later, shook her head. "Forget it." she said.

She closed her eyes, leaned back, and took a deep breath, before opening them again and forcing a smile. "Lemonade?" she asked, reaching for her bottle again.

---

Maria and Diana Bonilla
"Ahhh." Maria bobbed her head. "Well, that's fair enough. But what do you mean 'smoke'? Like, cigarettes?"

Diana huffed. "Illicit substances, most likely. Weed, DMT, who knows? It's all the Devil's lot to me...It's no wonder that people like that would have such a terrible taste in music. I for one listen primarily to proper music, like --"

Maria rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, we know. I'd swear you'd give yourself to Marcial Gurréa if you could."

Diana blinked in shock, spluttered, and finally gave a snort and a smile. "Well, you've got me there." she said at last.

---

Marie Ernst Gluck of the Tribe of Antrim
At first, Marie jolted slightly, any reply she would have made dying in her throat. But rather than slipping out, Marie snuggled closer to Yven, burying her head into the crook of his neck. "I've missed this..." she admitted, quietly.

Her eyes misted up ever-so-slightly as she recalled the times they had been like this before. A dozen times, a hundred times, a thousand times -- he had wrapped a single strong, comforting arm around her.

'I'm here --' he seemed to promise, every time he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. 'No matter what happens, no matter what changes -- I'm here, and I always will be here for you.'
'I'm here --' she would always respond, by her head resting against his shoulder, 'And I love you not for what you are, but for who you are, forever and ever.'

How many years had they lost? How many simple joys had they been robbed of by a simple accident of fate?

No matter. He was here now, and she was here now . Both sadder, perhaps, but older, wiser -- and prepared to re-start the clock again. The past two years would linger like a shadow or a nightmare, perhaps, but that was all they were now.

She allowed herself a small, bittersweet smile at that thought, before shifting her head slightly, so that she could whisper in his ear; "One day, if it's not a burden to you...I'd like to come along."

[Katase]

Mara Urgharda of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled, especially when Rona giggled.
“You will find out, that Selkie learn riding almost instinctually, but sometimes, foreigners have a harder time, especially when they push too far too quickly.”, Maivie cautioned, “So, the photographs will have to wait until you know, what you are doing.”
I nodded.
“Unless you want to find yourself in one of those People failing at horseriding compilations on WhoTube.”, I added, shrugged. “But that isn't the aim here.” I reached over into my bag and pulled out a thermos can with hot tea. “Tea anyone?”

Galen Ainimh of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Oh, Ciaran and I were both competitors and friends, having been on the field against each other more then once. He was a good lad, and a good horsearcher.
The green head bowed his head. “It is a pleasure, Miss Miyauchi.”, he said, then looked into her eyes with a lopsided smile, “Or would you prefer Yuri?”

"Ah fair point, we'll best leave the cameras behind and make sure we pay attention." Rena had to agree, imagine her on the web embarrassingly falling from a horse. Yikes, best play it safe.

"Yeah that's fine. We'll be careful and we'll make sure to mind the lessons and instruction" Needless to say the twins certainly didn't want to fall off their horses either but it was sure to be a fun day learning how to ride, yeah it was very exciting indeed.

---

"Ah Miss Miyauchi" She kind of muttered, blushing, well best she might try to keep things in check, a nice handsome boy still can always put her head over heels. "Ah that is -- Yuri is just fine. Not from Katase so I'd expect you to just call me by my given name. Then again, the whole family name first is starting to fade out of fashion in Katase anyway." Ah maybe he didn't need the cultural insight but whatever he was nice at least. "Ah yeah that is Yuri is fine." Just in case he lost the point in her little ramble she stressed calling her Yuri was a-okay! Gee are all Freelander men this charming?

[The Selkie]

"You're right." Shiho nodded with a smile, "They'll be just fine on their own." Good to give the kids some play time like they had, family time would certainly be on tap for the evening anyway. "A ltitle competition? Well bring it on!" Shiho untied her own sarong to her husband's surprise of how pumped up she was getting. "What? Think all us Priestesses are dainty little things who only read scripture all day?" She giggled tapping on his face with the palm of her hand "A little competition at the beach is just what this trip really needs to be more memorable." As if the harrowing trip here wasn't enough. he smiled and chuckled "Well all right, I think you got yourselves a couple new members for the team"

Alaina Udh of the Tribe of Navan.
Ava gave a shaky smile, while Fintan nodded.
“Alright!”, he said with a cheer, “Milady Priestess, Sir, Ava, please come with me.” He turned his head slightly. “Lyra!”
A young woman came over, a few years older then Ava, maybe fifteen, her silver hair short, her blue eyes of that light kind of blue, which shone light like the sky. She wore a white bikini with black straps, which did little to hide, that she was, shall we say, more developed then Ava.
That, of course, annoyed my sister.
“A few more kiddos for you to take care of.”, Fintan explained, then motioned to my sister and Kara's parents, “Have fun!”
Lyra nodded, then turned to Kara and me: “Hi, you two, as the dork mentioned, I'm Lyra. Who are you?”
“I'm Alaina, that's Kara!”, I told her, “Are you here with someone, Miss Lyra?”
Lyra offered her hands for us to take, and replied: “I am here with my little brother, Galen.” She considered us for a moment. “He should be a bit older then you two.”

Vincenzo was a little surprised by the unexpected presentation of the Selkie, but decided to move on. Rather, he could not take his eyes off the scars the boy had on his body and wanted to know the origin.
Of course, he had to interrupt the serenade he had before his eyes but, as they say in his part, they could look for a room afterwards.
"Wow, those are a lot of scars," Vincenzo said, pointing at Lugh's scarred body. "If I'm not indiscreet, may I ask what happened to you? I bet you make a lot of girls fall in love with those," he added, thinking of the usual Western stereotype of how scars are a sign of strength and mystery.

Eileen Íseal of the Tribe of Conn.
Lugh smiled slightly.
“You are a bit indiscreet, but I don't mind.”, he said. I thought, that it was no issue, for I knew the story. “I received these scars, when I was but in my two digits, defending a pretty girl from a rabid beast with naught but my hands. I came out on top, but for a price.”
That was not the story.
I still smiled.
“I have to say, though, they have less of an impact on the women as you might think.”, he added, “Women flock to me for my skills as a dancer, tinkerer and generally being a nice guy.”
There was a lot of self confidence in his voice.

Clement Saavedra
Donrua Beach Bar

"Suffice to say, we've known each other well enough that she does love keeping her hair in good condition," Clement said with a smile of his own. Which was true; if the times he and Kimberly spent time together were any indication--and since that time the two of them played DJs to some stiffs several months back, they did spend time together on occasion--he could tell that she paid good attention to her hair.
"Some options would be great as well." He did see her shampoo bottles, after all, and a souvenir that matched her taste was appealing...

Eileen Folaisagh of the Tribe of Dundalk.
I nodded. So they were serious, she took care of her hair.
“Don't worry, the herbalist has a number of scents and mixtures, depending on the hair type.”, I told him, “He knows, what he is doing with his products.”
Another patron flagged for me.
I smiled apologetically at Clement. “My apologies, Sir.”, I said and bowed my head lightly, “But I am afraid, that duty calls.”

Tristina Bonilla
"I'm happy you're lucky enough to have that." Tristina replied, shaking her head and looking away. "A family you love, at least. And to know yourself like that. But..." She paused, and a very long silence later, shook her head. "Forget it." she said.

She closed her eyes, leaned back, and took a deep breath, before opening them again and forcing a smile. "Lemonade?" she asked, reaching for her bottle again.

---

Maria and Diana Bonilla
"Ahhh." Maria bobbed her head. "Well, that's fair enough. But what do you mean 'smoke'? Like, cigarettes?"

Diana huffed. "Illicit substances, most likely. Weed, DMT, who knows? It's all the Devil's lot to me...It's no wonder that people like that would have such a terrible taste in music. I for one listen primarily to proper music, like --"

Maria rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, we know. I'd swear you'd give yourself to Marcial Gurréa if you could."

Diana blinked in shock, spluttered, and finally gave a snort and a smile. "Well, you've got me there." she said at last.

---

Marie Ernst Gluck of the Tribe of Antrim
At first, Marie jolted slightly, any reply she would have made dying in her throat. But rather than slipping out, Marie snuggled closer to Yven, burying her head into the crook of his neck. "I've missed this..." she admitted, quietly.

Her eyes misted up ever-so-slightly as she recalled the times they had been like this before. A dozen times, a hundred times, a thousand times -- he had wrapped a single strong, comforting arm around her.

'I'm here --' he seemed to promise, every time he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. 'No matter what happens, no matter what changes -- I'm here, and I always will be here for you.'
'I'm here --' she would always respond, by her head resting against his shoulder, 'And I love you not for what you are, but for who you are, forever and ever.'

How many years had they lost? How many simple joys had they been robbed of by a simple accident of fate?

No matter. He was here now, and she was here now . Both sadder, perhaps, but older, wiser -- and prepared to re-start the clock again. The past two years would linger like a shadow or a nightmare, perhaps, but that was all they were now.

She allowed herself a small, bittersweet smile at that thought, before shifting her head slightly, so that she could whisper in his ear; "One day, if it's not a burden to you...I'd like to come along."

Yven Barriall of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I had a good feeling of what Marie was thinking – however, while her thoughts were beautifully thought out, and correct, my thoughts were simpler, or rather more of a feeling: This felt right.
Snuggling with Marie, admittedly in different states of dress and for different activities, felt right, simple as that. Giving her security, sharing warmth, it felt right...
“Sure.”, I said and smiled at her, “I know, that you can ride and... it basically depends on when you have time, I have a request and the poster of that request has nothing against you coming along. And I don't see, why one should have something against that.”
I smiled at her.

Lien Findehoof.
“Yeah, I have no idea, who that is.”, I told her with a shrug, “I am more a fan of Küss die Hand, but sometime a violin concerto of Heda Streech isn't bad either, for example when you need to study.”
Aaltje nodded. “Calmer music for calm studies.”

Lucina Findehoof.
Kiah cocked her head slightly, then decided to act.
She did not respond to the offer of lemonade, instead rose, positioned herself behind Tristina and hugged her from behind.
“You're a teen.”, she told her, “You don't yet know yourself, which is fine. That is a wonderful part of growing up, finding out who and what you are – and finding people, who love you for who and what you are.”
With that, she let her go, leaving both hands on her shoulder.
“I am sorry, if I overstepped some bounds.”, she apologized, then added: “This is, what my older sister, Ida, once told me.”

"Ah fair point, we'll best leave the cameras behind and make sure we pay attention." Rena had to agree, imagine her on the web embarrassingly falling from a horse. Yikes, best play it safe.

"Yeah that's fine. We'll be careful and we'll make sure to mind the lessons and instruction" Needless to say the twins certainly didn't want to fall off their horses either but it was sure to be a fun day learning how to ride, yeah it was very exciting indeed.

---

"Ah Miss Miyauchi" She kind of muttered, blushing, well best she might try to keep things in check, a nice handsome boy still can always put her head over heels. "Ah that is -- Yuri is just fine. Not from Katase so I'd expect you to just call me by my given name. Then again, the whole family name first is starting to fade out of fashion in Katase anyway." Ah maybe he didn't need the cultural insight but whatever he was nice at least. "Ah yeah that is Yuri is fine." Just in case he lost the point in her little ramble she stressed calling her Yuri was a-okay! Gee are all Freelander men this charming?

Mara Urgharda of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled.
It was clear, that these people would be very eager students, at least until they learned, that riding not only was sitting on the back of an equine and moving from A to B, but also caring for the horse, brushies and treats and clearing out and many other things... riding in and of itself was the smallest part of it.
“Wonderful.”, I said, “I think, you'll be good students.”

Galen Ainimh of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Yes. Yes, we were.
Especially with pretty women, but that's another story.
Ciaran smiled. “Yuri it is, then.”, he said and offered his arm, “How about the two of us escort this old timer over there...”
“Hey!”, I protested with a smile.
“...to a spot where he can sit in the shade and then go off and do something fun.”, he straight up ignored me, his grin only growing, “You into sports?”

[New Visayan Islands]

Clement Saavedra
Donrua Beach Bar

"No problem, Eileen," Clement said. "I look forward to seeing the herbalist soon," he added as she left. Such was the engaging nature of the conversation that he didn't notice that he could use another drink until shortly after she left to attend to another patron. A mild embarrassment on his part, but better than gagging on his own foot. The other Visayan guy who he noticed managed to piss off one of the other ladies, if he was to judge, probably wasn't that lucky.

[Ezhara]

I went to one of our stalls, manned by one of our girls...

Water guns
Lorenzo eyed the new guns that were placed. "Second thought, if either of us have a hankering for something new..." He gestured. "I'll take second."
Nobody stepped forward.
"Come on." He grabbed one, feeling its weight and maneuverability in his hand. "None of you?"
"Well," Kasem said, "it's Eiko's first time..." There were unsaid words that only existed in a teenage boy's brain, and that were better left unsaid.
"And truth be told, Lorenzo, I'm not sure I feel safe against these two."
The paintballer rolled his eyes. "Look, if I gotta be the judge of that, I can. Haven't been accused of cheating half of my life just to not know what it really looks like — not that either of you look like you could even cheat well. Two of you can go after or later or something if you really gotta duke out your feud. Without fists this time, and me monitoring because I got no time to fill out paperwork."


On this field, he wasn't really in the mood to mince words, and with how attentive and leaned-forward Kasem was, it was clear that the scout admired him.
Eiko turned to him, and his younger stepped back. "Sorry," he said. "It's just... um..."
The actor roughly patted his head. "I know, you don't hide it."
"Hey, hey." He grabbed one of the TW-12 water guns, felt its weight in his hand, and then handed the other to Eiko; Lorenzo mirrored with Kaz. "No need to call me out."
The paintballer smiled and stretched. "Right, now that we're all aimed, we better practice a smidge, because I got no clue if the Idol or the actor know their way around a gun."

Kaz was silent. Eiko shrugged. "I've been taught a little from Kasem's idea of a... together. Hangout. That's the word." He also wasn't good at hiding things, it seemed.
"Kaz?" The Idol was silent, then mumbled something, lithe legs awkwardly dancing in a circle. "Kaz?"
"I'm afraid I've never felt a—"
"Okay, so you point—" In a moment, Lorenzo deposited his own water gun on the table and was behind Kaz, manipulating his arms. "You point the trigger at the enemy, not too hard. Now you remember what she said about the range? I'll be keeping back—"
"So I'm the sacrificial lamb?"

"Well, I could charge ahead with you, but that's not at all where my skills lie. Not as much, I mean." He paused, then leaned in, whispering. "You do intend to win, don't you?" Lorenzo wasn't sure what his companion was swayed more by: was it by the potential to beat Eiko, or by his pride? It wasn't that he wanted control over him, of course, but there was something fun about their little game, about seeing a vain Idol like him at least cooperate. After all, this was a harmless little game where Lorenzo couldn't help but wonder where it could end up, with the caveat that he hoped against murder.
"Fine, then," Kaz said.
"And another thing." Lorenzo smiled. "Folks can't stop listening to you sing once you start, correct? How good are you at keeping it up in a run?"
Kaz chuckled. "Oh, that's where we're going, then? You want a theme song?"
"No, no," Lorenzo said. "Have no pattern, but don't be too loud — just enough to excite. Keep your steps the same way, all lithe and dance-like. We'll win that way."

On the other side, Eiko and Kasem were holding their own discussion.
"So, um..." Eiko began. "Something tells me they're strategizing. Do you have any ideas?"
"Problem is that you've only been on a range." Kasem considered his options. He was no long-ranged combatant: that role was always one of his friend's, and he fit better using his agility and intuition to try to sneak around, but how good would that be against a renowned paintballer?
Only one way to find out.

"Eiko," Kasem said. "There's more recordings of Lorenzo online playing than of me playing. I mean... I've only seen a few, but I've seen enough to know that he hunts like a jaguar, all sudden and stuff. Least, that's what commentators say. " He looked aside, knowing that he and Eiko had a refined and unhappy intuition against danger, the sort that caused them to hold their breath, step lighter, observe. Pray. Rehearse hurried excuses—
Step, step, step. A brief eternity. Step, step, step.
And in those rare moments where they were together, trying to hide themselves from their corrupted guardians, carving with bedsheets and chairs a pillow-fort home in a broken one...
But their enemy today did not draw the breath of life simultaneously with the blood of death. Today, it was just another kid like them, and still, that life-fear permeated both, floating as a forsaken mist around them.

Today was just a water gun game, but pride had already ordained otherwise for the four boys, especially considering how dubious it would be to figure out what "damage" was with just water.
Kasem looked at Eiko's yukata. "Oh, and maybe you should take that off. Looks like it might get in the way with how loo—"
Eiko grabbed his face. "You're very bad at being subtle."
On the other side, Lorenzo cleared his throat. "Now then, think we can take off? Kaz and I got our plans in order, but we can wait for—"
"We're ready," Eiko said.
"Wonderful." Lorenzo smirked. "And of course, remember to take a looksee at the map."

[Horasia]

Donrua Beach Bar - Sanna und Katrín
The warm rays of the sun on her skin and the sound of the sea in her ear gave Katrín goosebumps. When they entered the beach, which was an easy walk from their hotel, a few people were already there. Katrín held Sanna's hand. She walked beside her. Sanna had made this holiday possible for Katrín with a visit to the beach, a chic hotel and good food, and she loved her especially for that.

A holiday like this was sorely needed. Both had just finished their bachelor's thesis, the results of which were soon to be published, which allowed them to study for a master's degree in medicine. And with a master's degree, not only did one have good career prospects, but one was now also a member of the Horasian epistocracy; the high society or the "nobility", if you want to call it that, even if it doesn't quite apply to the actually democratic empire. But you still get some sweet perks with academic degrees.

But here should not be thought of society or the future. Now the two women are in the here and now, enjoying the beach and the sun. Especially Katrín loves warm sunny days on the beach. Horasia is more northern in its region, and she, from the High North Kingdom, is used to sub-polar climates and grey, rainy beaches. Now she was in the fresh air in her bathing suit and it was warm. This country here was beautiful, even if it was different. The language, the food, the tribal structure. She wanted to find out all that.
Her suit consisted of a yellow Hawaiian pattern bikini top, with her bottom of the same color covered by a beach skirt of the same color but with a simple polka dot pattern. Sanna looks a little different. Her bikini was a deep rosy red that somehow went with her tanned skin. She wore nothing over it. This bikini arguably showed more than it hid what was typical of her. The bikini revealed a crystal navel piercing.

"So what do we do first?" Sanna asked her girlfriend.

"First something to eat and something to drink", Katrín answered. "It wasn't far from the hotel, but I could use a refreshment."

"We can see what they offer at that bar," she pointed to the Donrua Beach Bar.
Katrín agreed and they set off.

[Greater Bruges]

Donrua Beach Bar - The Lads

The three of them, James, Albert and Alex, were muddled into a taxi, with the 3 bags stacked against each other in the boot of the car. As it grinned to a halt by the gates of the Hotel, James, to the right side of the taxi and nearest to where the gates were, exited the car, as followed by the other two. As Albert handed the taxi driver the necessary cash needed, it sped off almost instantly after they had gathered their medium-sized bags, looking out to the entrance.

"This is the place?" Questioned James. As-well as being the most successful out of the 3, he had the most privileged upbringing, with the rich and wealthy side of the City of Bruges.

"You don't like it. No surprise there..". He'd chuckle with Alex, as James patted Albert on the left shoulder. "Should be fun, and get-away from Bruges". He'd finish off, as all three entered through. James quickly noticed the pool, as the sun beamed down upon them.

"Pool! That'll be where I'll be going". He'd take a few steps towards it, before being towed back by James.

"We'll head to the bar, get a few drinks down us. Maybe some women?" James chuckled with the 3 of them, with Albert and Alex both scoffing over James' play-boy antics, as he was a "Player" as a college and university student.

"You've got a girlfriend, who compared to these lot.." Albert laughed with the 3 of them, walking over to the hostess.

"This one?" He'd ask Albert, considered the more awkward of the 3, ushering towards the hostess.

"No-". He'd be shoved to the front of the group, opposite the beautiful hostess.

[North Macaronesa]

Andrea Garcia-Vidal

After a long and grueling plane ride, she finally collapsed in the backseat of a cab. College was starting back soon, so she wanted summer to go out with a blast. She had been through everything, from delays and horrible airplane meals, and she was ready to snooze. She shoved her bags over the backseat into the trunk, and stayed quiet through the ride.

Andrea missed her friends, and her phone was dead, since all the charger ports were taken at the airport. She was soooo ready to fall asleep. The taxi finally came to a stop in front of her hotel. Wasn't fancy, but she had a budget. She let out a long exhale. "Time to go Gabbi," she said to her bag, which she had affectionately named Gabbi. Gabbi was her middle-school friend, before she moved cities. They tried keeping in touch through text, but eventually Gabbi 'got a new phone' and 'forgot to add her'. Andrea gave up after that. She limped inside, weighed down by her bags.

[The Selkie]

Clement Saavedra
Donrua Beach Bar

"No problem, Eileen," Clement said. "I look forward to seeing the herbalist soon," he added as she left. Such was the engaging nature of the conversation that he didn't notice that he could use another drink until shortly after she left to attend to another patron. A mild embarrassment on his part, but better than gagging on his own foot. The other Visayan guy who he noticed managed to piss off one of the other ladies, if he was to judge, probably wasn't that lucky.

Brenda Anuchtar of the Tribe of Navan.
As a good hostess on such a prestigious day, I made my rounds talking with customers, joking, taking orders (sometimes), clearing up cultural matters like with the cat-eared woman and her companion not too long ago... it was fun interacting with customers.
And by the looks of it, Eileen got the hang of it was well.
She had been called away, though, and the guy looked as if he needed a refill.
“Good day, Sir.”, I greeted politely as I approached him with a small bow, “I hope, that everything is to your liking my house?”

I went to one of our stalls, manned by one of our girls...

Water guns
Lorenzo eyed the new guns that were placed. "Second thought, if either of us have a hankering for something new..." He gestured. "I'll take second."
Nobody stepped forward.
"Come on." He grabbed one, feeling its weight and maneuverability in his hand. "None of you?"
"Well," Kasem said, "it's Eiko's first time..." There were unsaid words that only existed in a teenage boy's brain, and that were better left unsaid.
"And truth be told, Lorenzo, I'm not sure I feel safe against these two."
The paintballer rolled his eyes. "Look, if I gotta be the judge of that, I can. Haven't been accused of cheating half of my life just to not know what it really looks like — not that either of you look like you could even cheat well. Two of you can go after or later or something if you really gotta duke out your feud. Without fists this time, and me monitoring because I got no time to fill out paperwork."


On this field, he wasn't really in the mood to mince words, and with how attentive and leaned-forward Kasem was, it was clear that the scout admired him.
Eiko turned to him, and his younger stepped back. "Sorry," he said. "It's just... um..."
The actor roughly patted his head. "I know, you don't hide it."
"Hey, hey." He grabbed one of the TW-12 water guns, felt its weight in his hand, and then handed the other to Eiko; Lorenzo mirrored with Kaz. "No need to call me out."
The paintballer smiled and stretched. "Right, now that we're all aimed, we better practice a smidge, because I got no clue if the Idol or the actor know their way around a gun."

Kaz was silent. Eiko shrugged. "I've been taught a little from Kasem's idea of a... together. Hangout. That's the word." He also wasn't good at hiding things, it seemed.
"Kaz?" The Idol was silent, then mumbled something, lithe legs awkwardly dancing in a circle. "Kaz?"
"I'm afraid I've never felt a—"
"Okay, so you point—" In a moment, Lorenzo deposited his own water gun on the table and was behind Kaz, manipulating his arms. "You point the trigger at the enemy, not too hard. Now you remember what she said about the range? I'll be keeping back—"
"So I'm the sacrificial lamb?"

"Well, I could charge ahead with you, but that's not at all where my skills lie. Not as much, I mean." He paused, then leaned in, whispering. "You do intend to win, don't you?" Lorenzo wasn't sure what his companion was swayed more by: was it by the potential to beat Eiko, or by his pride? It wasn't that he wanted control over him, of course, but there was something fun about their little game, about seeing a vain Idol like him at least cooperate. After all, this was a harmless little game where Lorenzo couldn't help but wonder where it could end up, with the caveat that he hoped against murder.
"Fine, then," Kaz said.
"And another thing." Lorenzo smiled. "Folks can't stop listening to you sing once you start, correct? How good are you at keeping it up in a run?"
Kaz chuckled. "Oh, that's where we're going, then? You want a theme song?"
"No, no," Lorenzo said. "Have no pattern, but don't be too loud — just enough to excite. Keep your steps the same way, all lithe and dance-like. We'll win that way."

On the other side, Eiko and Kasem were holding their own discussion.
"So, um..." Eiko began. "Something tells me they're strategizing. Do you have any ideas?"
"Problem is that you've only been on a range." Kasem considered his options. He was no long-ranged combatant: that role was always one of his friend's, and he fit better using his agility and intuition to try to sneak around, but how good would that be against a renowned paintballer?
Only one way to find out.

"Eiko," Kasem said. "There's more recordings of Lorenzo online playing than of me playing. I mean... I've only seen a few, but I've seen enough to know that he hunts like a jaguar, all sudden and stuff. Least, that's what commentators say. " He looked aside, knowing that he and Eiko had a refined and unhappy intuition against danger, the sort that caused them to hold their breath, step lighter, observe. Pray. Rehearse hurried excuses—
Step, step, step. A brief eternity. Step, step, step.
And in those rare moments where they were together, trying to hide themselves from their corrupted guardians, carving with bedsheets and chairs a pillow-fort home in a broken one...
But their enemy today did not draw the breath of life simultaneously with the blood of death. Today, it was just another kid like them, and still, that life-fear permeated both, floating as a forsaken mist around them.

Today was just a water gun game, but pride had already ordained otherwise for the four boys, especially considering how dubious it would be to figure out what "damage" was with just water.
Kasem looked at Eiko's yukata. "Oh, and maybe you should take that off. Looks like it might get in the way with how loo—"
Eiko grabbed his face. "You're very bad at being subtle."
On the other side, Lorenzo cleared his throat. "Now then, think we can take off? Kaz and I got our plans in order, but we can wait for—"
"We're ready," Eiko said.
"Wonderful." Lorenzo smirked. "And of course, remember to take a looksee at the map."

Lien Kardeel.
Oh, that looked like a drama in the making... but like with a mass car crash, as horrible as it was, one could not look away. And so I found myself following the four to the Map, where the layout of their battlefield was displayed for all to see.
I had no idea, who they all were, only that one was quite into paintball, the next gave me the vibes of a rapist, and the other two seemed to be an item – yet, it seemed as if I had to watch that titanic clash of these four, no matter the result.
Plus, it was valuable data for observation and thus for development.
I smiled at the referee, who seemed to have picked up on the hostility between the two teams, and nodded – 2v2 was okay, just this once.

Donrua Beach Bar - Sanna und Katrín
The warm rays of the sun on her skin and the sound of the sea in her ear gave Katrín goosebumps. When they entered the beach, which was an easy walk from their hotel, a few people were already there. Katrín held Sanna's hand. She walked beside her. Sanna had made this holiday possible for Katrín with a visit to the beach, a chic hotel and good food, and she loved her especially for that.

A holiday like this was sorely needed. Both had just finished their bachelor's thesis, the results of which were soon to be published, which allowed them to study for a master's degree in medicine. And with a master's degree, not only did one have good career prospects, but one was now also a member of the Horasian epistocracy; the high society or the "nobility", if you want to call it that, even if it doesn't quite apply to the actually democratic empire. But you still get some sweet perks with academic degrees.

But here should not be thought of society or the future. Now the two women are in the here and now, enjoying the beach and the sun. Especially Katrín loves warm sunny days on the beach. Horasia is more northern in its region, and she, from the High North Kingdom, is used to sub-polar climates and grey, rainy beaches. Now she was in the fresh air in her bathing suit and it was warm. This country here was beautiful, even if it was different. The language, the food, the tribal structure. She wanted to find out all that.
Her suit consisted of a yellow Hawaiian pattern bikini top, with her bottom of the same color covered by a beach skirt of the same color but with a simple polka dot pattern. Sanna looks a little different. Her bikini was a deep rosy red that somehow went with her tanned skin. She wore nothing over it. This bikini arguably showed more than it hid what was typical of her. The bikini revealed a crystal navel piercing.

"So what do we do first?" Sanna asked her girlfriend.

"First something to eat and something to drink", Katrín answered. "It wasn't far from the hotel, but I could use a refreshment."

"We can see what they offer at that bar," she pointed to the Donrua Beach Bar.
Katrín agreed and they set off.

Caja Prioca of the Tribe of Conn.
Waitresses, who were free, had to come to the entrance, where the Hostess, Miss Aífe, welcomed new guests and gave them recommendations, directions and guidance, whatever was needed (including a first selfie with one of our Bikini Maids – in some circles, we were quite famous).
As Sanna and Katrin, who's names I did not know, came up, I was at the head of the short line of maids, bowing my head lightly as Miss Aífe did the same.
“Welcome to the Donrua Beach Bar, Ma'ams.”, she greeted the two.
The taller one was in a more modest bikini. Her friend was fine, though I could imagine, that in some places, her getup might be seen as provocative or something. Who was I to talk, I wore a frilly love child of a maid uniform and a bikini, including the headdress...
Still, the two were dressed for the occasion.
“Do you wish for a table or a drink?”, she asked, “If the former, this young lady...” I stepped forward and bowed my head. “...will be of service to you.”

Donrua Beach Bar - The Lads

The three of them, James, Albert and Alex, were muddled into a taxi, with the 3 bags stacked against each other in the boot of the car. As it grinned to a halt by the gates of the Hotel, James, to the right side of the taxi and nearest to where the gates were, exited the car, as followed by the other two. As Albert handed the taxi driver the necessary cash needed, it sped off almost instantly after they had gathered their medium-sized bags, looking out to the entrance.

"This is the place?" Questioned James. As-well as being the most successful out of the 3, he had the most privileged upbringing, with the rich and wealthy side of the City of Bruges.

"You don't like it. No surprise there..". He'd chuckle with Alex, as James patted Albert on the left shoulder. "Should be fun, and get-away from Bruges". He'd finish off, as all three entered through. James quickly noticed the pool, as the sun beamed down upon them.

"Pool! That'll be where I'll be going". He'd take a few steps towards it, before being towed back by James.

"We'll head to the bar, get a few drinks down us. Maybe some women?" James chuckled with the 3 of them, with Albert and Alex both scoffing over James' play-boy antics, as he was a "Player" as a college and university student.

"You've got a girlfriend, who compared to these lot.." Albert laughed with the 3 of them, walking over to the hostess.

"This one?" He'd ask Albert, considered the more awkward of the 3, ushering towards the hostess.

"No-". He'd be shoved to the front of the group, opposite the beautiful hostess.

Isla Nathaira of the Tribe of Cork.
Once the two women were taken care of, three young men came up, who talked to each other, wisecracking and joking with each other... I had heard one of them commenting about a pool – that was one way to look at a bay leading out to the ocean.
And this was, what we were, a beach bar, not a hotel. The three had bags with them, so they might some sort of water sports people or something? Hopefully not a bunch of perverts.
If they were, though, they were at just at the right place here, with us in our maid bikinis – including the male staff, they did loose a bet (which was most likely unknown to them, but still). After Caja had departed, I was the next at the head of the line.
Miss Aífe smiled and greeted the three: “Welcome to the Donrua Beach Bar, Sirs.”, she told them with a small bow, which did interesting movements a bit further down, especially when one considered her size. “Do you wish a drink or a table? If the latter, this young lady...” I stepped forward and bowed my head. “...will be of service to you.”

Andrea Garcia-Vidal

After a long and grueling plane ride, she finally collapsed in the backseat of a cab. College was starting back soon, so she wanted summer to go out with a blast. She had been through everything, from delays and horrible airplane meals, and she was ready to snooze. She shoved her bags over the backseat into the trunk, and stayed quiet through the ride.

Andrea missed her friends, and her phone was dead, since all the charger ports were taken at the airport. She was soooo ready to fall asleep. The taxi finally came to a stop in front of her hotel. Wasn't fancy, but she had a budget. She let out a long exhale. "Time to go Gabbi," she said to her bag, which she had affectionately named Gabbi. Gabbi was her middle-school friend, before she moved cities. They tried keeping in touch through text, but eventually Gabbi 'got a new phone' and 'forgot to add her'. Andrea gave up after that. She limped inside, weighed down by her bags.

Aífe Banastagh of the Tribe of Conn.
After the three young men were dealt with, another woman came up – she looked like a walking dead person, almost ready to fall asleep at a moment's notice, several bags with her... what was with people and bags today?
Did someone on the internet say, that we were a hotel or something?
Again?
Anyway, I smiled, bowed my head: “Welcome to the Donrua Beach Bar.”, I greeted her, “Do you wish for a drink or a table? If the latter, this young lady...” I motioned to my side, towards where a maid in a maid-bikini should stand and bow her head lightly, but, as I didn't hear anything, I glanced to the side. Emptiness. “...well, seems like the young lady in question will be me.” I continued to smile, bowed my head again. “My apologies, Ma'am. In any case, if you need a table, I will get you one.”
I rose again – no sheepish note in my smile.
“And somebody to help you with the bags in either case.”, I added and flagged one of our boys over.

[North Macaronesa]

Andrea Garcia-Vidal

Andrea stopped. This wasn't the hotel she booked, this was a bar! She turned bright red, and snapped out of her dazed expression. She let out a small, embarassed chuckle. "Do you have any coffee? I really need a caffeinne kick, haha..." Her sleepy eyes took in her new surroundings. The beach wasn't far, but she needed to doze first. Andrea felt like she could sleep for a week. She swept her hair out of her eyes. "Oh my bags? No thanks, they can stay with me, it's fine." She searched around her bag for her wallet, and sat down at a table.

Well this vacation wasn't off to a good start, at least not for Andrea.

[Imperija Bosna]

A middle-class family of roughly average height but above average education and liberalism, as well as a below average number of members, headed to Donrua Beach for their holiday.
They are looking forward to their holiday in the sunshine and amongst another culture. The daughter, aged 15.5, is also looking forward to decent vegetarian food.

[New Visayan Islands]

Clement Saavedra
Donrua Beach Bar

"...actually, I would say 'yes,' if only because forgetting to ask for a fresh drink led to making your acquaintance." Taken aback as someone who was definitely not Eileen greeted him, Clement said what he could, even admitting to his own oversight.
His face showed surprise, but it didn't take long for him to compose himself. "Speaking of which, I'm Clement Saavedra, and you are...?"

[The Selkie]

Clement Saavedra
Donrua Beach Bar

"...actually, I would say 'yes,' if only because forgetting to ask for a fresh drink led to making your acquaintance." Taken aback as someone who was definitely not Eileen greeted him, Clement said what he could, even admitting to his own oversight.
His face showed surprise, but it didn't take long for him to compose himself. "Speaking of which, I'm Clement Saavedra, and you are...?"

Brenda Anuchtar of the Tribe of Navan.
So, a cuppa - mainly because he forgot and that led to us becoming acquainted.
Well... one way to read it.
"I am Brenda Anuchtar of the Tribe of Navan, Owner and Manager of this Restaurant.", I said with a small bow, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mister Saavedra." I flagged down one of my girls, Amy, and relayed the order, then turned back to the young man. "I saw, that you and one of my girls were conversing - I hope, she did not bother you?"

Andrea Garcia-Vidal

Andrea stopped. This wasn't the hotel she booked, this was a bar! She turned bright red, and snapped out of her dazed expression. She let out a small, embarassed chuckle. "Do you have any coffee? I really need a caffeinne kick, haha..." Her sleepy eyes took in her new surroundings. The beach wasn't far, but she needed to doze first. Andrea felt like she could sleep for a week. She swept her hair out of her eyes. "Oh my bags? No thanks, they can stay with me, it's fine." She searched around her bag for her wallet, and sat down at a table.

Well this vacation wasn't off to a good start, at least not for Andrea.

Aífe Banastagh of the Tribe of Conn.
I led the sleepy woman to her table, watched as she fiddled out her wallet and smiled.
"A coffee, then.", I said and bowed lightly. "It will arrive in but a moment, Ma'am."
I was not kidding. Much like the trias of standard teas, a pot of coffee was always on the stove and so I had a large cuppa, plus a small can with fresh milk and a small glass with water, plus a small pack of sugar and a biscuit, quickly on a tablet and said tablet on my hand as I floated back to the woman.
"Here we go, Ma'am.", I said and placed it out and put a menu on the table as well for good measure. Rising, I placed the table in front of my stomach and bowed my head. "I hope, that you enjoy your beverage - and if you need anything more, please do not hesitate to flag down me or one of my colleagues."
I rose, gave her a brilliant smile and went back to the entrance.

A middle-class family of roughly average height but above average education and liberalism, as well as a below average number of members, headed to Donrua Beach for their holiday.
They are looking forward to their holiday in the sunshine and amongst another culture. The daughter, aged 15.5, is also looking forward to decent vegetarian food.

What greeted the Bosnians at Donrua Beach?
Party. Pure and simple.
There was, of course, the Bar and the associated food stalls, but there was also a lot of people on the beach itself, lying in the sun for tanning, reading, chatting, relaxing, taking a breath after a nice swim or another activity, all sorts of things. There was also an improvised field of players playing Kyrenaian Footvolley, several teams competing for general amusement and fun. And there were, of course, the swimmer and paddlers and divers, who swam and had fun in the water.
Building sites of sand castles, some active, some inactive, told of the presence of children both big and small, in some cases even working together.
And there were three horses on the beach as well, who's saddle bags burst with water bottles, which their caretakers, marked as Voluntary Life Guards, handed out for free (an offer, which was used extensively).
Of course, the prevalent attire was beach attire in all shapes, colours and with some, who might have chosen a different set of clothing today. And, sometimes, especially at their outdoor ice cream stall, one could spot a young woman (or even a young man) in a maid bikini, serving customers the delicious cold treat or bringing an ice-cold water to the lone Guardsman near the small post, which overlooked the beach.
But regardless of that, the sun shone, the water was blue, the sand white and enough fun was had by everyone all over the beach.

[Imperija Bosna]

Clement Saavedra
Donrua Beach Bar

"...actually, I would say 'yes,' if only because forgetting to ask for a fresh drink led to making your acquaintance." Taken aback as someone who was definitely not Eileen greeted him, Clement said what he could, even admitting to his own oversight.
His face showed surprise, but it didn't take long for him to compose himself. "Speaking of which, I'm Clement Saavedra, and you are...?"

Brenda Anuchtar of the Tribe of Navan.
So, a cuppa - mainly because he forgot and that led to us becoming acquainted.
Well... one way to read it.
"I am Brenda Anuchtar of the Tribe of Navan, Owner and Manager of this Restaurant.", I said with a small bow, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mister Saavedra." I flagged down one of my girls, Amy, and relayed the order, then turned back to the young man. "I saw, that you and one of my girls were conversing - I hope, she did not bother you?"

Andrea Garcia-Vidal

Andrea stopped. This wasn't the hotel she booked, this was a bar! She turned bright red, and snapped out of her dazed expression. She let out a small, embarassed chuckle. "Do you have any coffee? I really need a caffeinne kick, haha..." Her sleepy eyes took in her new surroundings. The beach wasn't far, but she needed to doze first. Andrea felt like she could sleep for a week. She swept her hair out of her eyes. "Oh my bags? No thanks, they can stay with me, it's fine." She searched around her bag for her wallet, and sat down at a table.

Well this vacation wasn't off to a good start, at least not for Andrea.

Aífe Banastagh of the Tribe of Conn.
I led the sleepy woman to her table, watched as she fiddled out her wallet and smiled.
"A coffee, then.", I said and bowed lightly. "It will arrive in but a moment, Ma'am."
I was not kidding. Much like the trias of standard teas, a pot of coffee was always on the stove and so I had a large cuppa, plus a small can with fresh milk and a small glass with water, plus a small pack of sugar and a biscuit, quickly on a tablet and said tablet on my hand as I floated back to the woman.
"Here we go, Ma'am.", I said and placed it out and put a menu on the table as well for good measure. Rising, I placed the table in front of my stomach and bowed my head. "I hope, that you enjoy your beverage - and if you need anything more, please do not hesitate to flag down me or one of my colleagues."
I rose, gave her a brilliant smile and went back to the entrance.

A middle-class family of roughly average height but above average education and liberalism, as well as a below average number of members, headed to Donrua Beach for their holiday.
They are looking forward to their holiday in the sunshine and amongst another culture. The daughter, aged 15.5, is also looking forward to decent vegetarian food.

What greeted the Bosnians at Donrua Beach?
Party. Pure and simple.
There was, of course, the Bar and the associated food stalls, but there was also a lot of people on the beach itself, lying in the sun for tanning, reading, chatting, relaxing, taking a breath after a nice swim or another activity, all sorts of things. There was also an improvised field of players playing Kyrenaian Footvolley, several teams competing for general amusement and fun. And there were, of course, the swimmer and paddlers and divers, who swam and had fun in the water.
Building sites of sand castles, some active, some inactive, told of the presence of children both big and small, in some cases even working together.
And there were three horses on the beach as well, who's saddle bags burst with water bottles, which their caretakers, marked as Voluntary Life Guards, handed out for free (an offer, which was used extensively).
Of course, the prevalent attire was beach attire in all shapes, colours and with some, who might have chosen a different set of clothing today. And, sometimes, especially at their outdoor ice cream stall, one could spot a young woman (or even a young man) in a maid bikini, serving customers the delicious cold treat or bringing an ice-cold water to the lone Guardsman near the small post, which overlooked the beach.
But regardless of that, the sun shone, the water was blue, the sand white and enough fun was had by everyone all over the beach.

The Bosnians are very friendly and polite, however, Miss Fazlic whispers it’s ’unfair and possibly objectification’ that they seemingly have to wear bikinis.
Her parents agree with her.
‘Maybe they have a choice between two sets of uniforms, though?’ Ventures the female Dr. Fazlic loudly after a moments thought.

[Greater Bruges]

The Selkie

Isla Nathaira of the Tribe of Cork.
Once the two women were taken care of, three young men came up, who talked to each other, wisecracking and joking with each other... I had heard one of them commenting about a pool – that was one way to look at a bay leading out to the ocean.
And this was, what we were, a beach bar, not a hotel. The three had bags with them, so they might some sort of water sports people or something? Hopefully not a bunch of perverts.
If they were, though, they were at just at the right place here, with us in our maid bikinis – including the male staff, they did loose a bet (which was most likely unknown to them, but still). After Caja had departed, I was the next at the head of the line.
Miss Aífe smiled and greeted the three: “Welcome to the Donrua Beach Bar, Sirs.”, she told them with a small bow, which did interesting movements a bit further down, especially when one considered her size. “Do you wish a drink or a table? If the latter, this young lady...” I stepped forward and bowed my head. “...will be of service to you.”

"Uhm.. We'll take a table". He'd turn behind him, with two of them quickly nodding.

The three of them would be taken towards a lone table, as they all sat down. Alex whispered to James - "That's the one-". He'd be kicked by Albert, in a jokingly way.

"The hell did you kick me?!". Alex exclaimed.

"Discuss it later. Who's the one who paid?". James and Alex both chuckled.

All three of them quickly scanned the menu, a few drinks and a few ordinary meals coming to mind.

Alex started off. "We'll take 3 beers and we'll take 3 tacos?". He'd ask the waitress.

[Sky Reavers]

"Alright, dudes! Here they come!"-Sato prepares his comrades for meeting the graceous Selkian guests and decides to check his fire for a bit, just to ensure, that whoever advances gets a little bit closer and easier to hit. Then, he fires several times and decides to change his position. By jumping out of the window, crouching and advancing. Moving while crouching was something, Sato was used to on his job, while seeking for vermin nests. His plan was to get closer and fire when anyone of Selkie trio is exposed, while it's Seth's turn to make a new scene.

Seth makes a scene. He yells "We are here to drink your beer! And take your rum at a point of a gun! Elise! Nice work climbin' and sneakin' to their left flank! You are almost behind them! Time to strike! Like a little sneaky panther you are!" as he goes on a short spree, spraying wildly from his "assault rifle" and moving in a drunken and slightly unpredictible zig-zagged pattern. Alcohol in Seth's system spoke about tactics and proposed this motion. In the meantime, Elise decides to go dark and starts humming 007 theme song, while quickly advancing on the right, thinking, that she does so while Seth managed to distract Selkians and make them look behind them for a while and thus disperse their attention. Elise wasn't hit by some luck, so she started to belive, that this streak shall continue.

That's some classic Sky Reaver thing. To create some rhytm of battle and then try and break it suddenly, to throw foes off guard. A chaotic tactic with high risk and high reward.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Tristina Bonilla
"I'm happy you're lucky enough to have that." Tristina replied, shaking her head and looking away. "A family you love, at least. And to know yourself like that. But..." She paused, and a very long silence later, shook her head. "Forget it." she said.

She closed her eyes, leaned back, and took a deep breath, before opening them again and forcing a smile. "Lemonade?" she asked, reaching for her bottle again.

---

Maria and Diana Bonilla
"Ahhh." Maria bobbed her head. "Well, that's fair enough. But what do you mean 'smoke'? Like, cigarettes?"

Diana huffed. "Illicit substances, most likely. Weed, DMT, who knows? It's all the Devil's lot to me...It's no wonder that people like that would have such a terrible taste in music. I for one listen primarily to proper music, like --"

Maria rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, we know. I'd swear you'd give yourself to Marcial Gurréa if you could."

Diana blinked in shock, spluttered, and finally gave a snort and a smile. "Well, you've got me there." she said at last.

---

Marie Ernst Gluck of the Tribe of Antrim
At first, Marie jolted slightly, any reply she would have made dying in her throat. But rather than slipping out, Marie snuggled closer to Yven, burying her head into the crook of his neck. "I've missed this..." she admitted, quietly.

Her eyes misted up ever-so-slightly as she recalled the times they had been like this before. A dozen times, a hundred times, a thousand times -- he had wrapped a single strong, comforting arm around her.

'I'm here --' he seemed to promise, every time he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. 'No matter what happens, no matter what changes -- I'm here, and I always will be here for you.'
'I'm here --' she would always respond, by her head resting against his shoulder, 'And I love you not for what you are, but for who you are, forever and ever.'

How many years had they lost? How many simple joys had they been robbed of by a simple accident of fate?

No matter. He was here now, and she was here now . Both sadder, perhaps, but older, wiser -- and prepared to re-start the clock again. The past two years would linger like a shadow or a nightmare, perhaps, but that was all they were now.

She allowed herself a small, bittersweet smile at that thought, before shifting her head slightly, so that she could whisper in his ear; "One day, if it's not a burden to you...I'd like to come along."

Yven Barriall of the Tribe of Monaghan.
I had a good feeling of what Marie was thinking – however, while her thoughts were beautifully thought out, and correct, my thoughts were simpler, or rather more of a feeling: This felt right.
Snuggling with Marie, admittedly in different states of dress and for different activities, felt right, simple as that. Giving her security, sharing warmth, it felt right...
“Sure.”, I said and smiled at her, “I know, that you can ride and... it basically depends on when you have time, I have a request and the poster of that request has nothing against you coming along. And I don't see, why one should have something against that.”
I smiled at her.

Lien Findehoof.
“Yeah, I have no idea, who that is.”, I told her with a shrug, “I am more a fan of Küss die Hand, but sometime a violin concerto of Heda Streech isn't bad either, for example when you need to study.”
Aaltje nodded. “Calmer music for calm studies.”

Lucina Findehoof.
Kiah cocked her head slightly, then decided to act.
She did not respond to the offer of lemonade, instead rose, positioned herself behind Tristina and hugged her from behind.
“You're a teen.”, she told her, “You don't yet know yourself, which is fine. That is a wonderful part of growing up, finding out who and what you are – and finding people, who love you for who and what you are.”
With that, she let her go, leaving both hands on her shoulder.
“I am sorry, if I overstepped some bounds.”, she apologized, then added: “This is, what my older sister, Ida, once told me.”

Marie Ernst Gluck
"I've got all the time in the world..." Marie sighed happily as she snuggled a little deeper into Yven. "Moving over will take the folks back in Warsaw a great deal of time, and until then...?" She glanced up, and smiled. "...Free as a bird~."

---

Diana & Maria Bonilla
"Some Spanish composer." Maria shrugged. "The fact that you haven't heard of him speaks volum-hey! Don't throw that at me, you know I'm right!" She recoiled and moved to block her eyes with her hands as Diana, with murder in her eyes, readied a handful of sand to fling at Maria.

---

Tristina Bonilla
Tristina froze, her false-smile fading as Kiah hugged her, and remained that way for a long while.

"...I suppose." She said at last, as Kiah backed off. "It's fine, either way." She leaned back, and sighed. "I'm nineteen now. Two more years and I'll be commissioned as an officer."

She gave a wry smile. "That's the point that father dearest will cut me off, I think. Can't have a damned republican or constitutionalist in the family, now, can we?"

The smile faded. She glanced down. "So...yeah. Spending as much time with my sisters as I can before then."

[New Visayan Islands]

Clement Saavedra
Donrua Beach Bar

"The pleasure was all mine, and please: call me Clement. Mister Saavedra is my father." Ernest Saavedra was with a property management firm; he was currently the property manager for an apartment building close to the Tagbilaran City Port.
"To answer your question, Eileen has not been a bother. As a matter of fact, she’s been quite helpful; even made a recommendation for gifts for someone close." And that "someone close" did love keeping her hair great.

[Horasia]

Caja Prioca of the Tribe of Conn.
Waitresses, who were free, had to come to the entrance, where the Hostess, Miss Aífe, welcomed new guests and gave them recommendations, directions and guidance, whatever was needed (including a first selfie with one of our Bikini Maids – in some circles, we were quite famous).
As Sanna and Katrin, who's names I did not know, came up, I was at the head of the short line of maids, bowing my head lightly as Miss Aífe did the same.
“Welcome to the Donrua Beach Bar, Ma'ams.”, she greeted the two.
The taller one was in a more modest bikini. Her friend was fine, though I could imagine, that in some places, her getup might be seen as provocative or something. Who was I to talk, I wore a frilly love child of a maid uniform and a bikini, including the headdress...
Still, the two were dressed for the occasion.
“Do you wish for a table or a drink?”, she asked, “If the former, this young lady...” I stepped forward and bowed my head. “...will be of service to you.”

Donrua Beach Bar - Sanna und Katrín
The couple entered the beach bar. At the entrance there was a row of young ladies, some of whom interacted with other guests and went with them. In front of this row stood a woman with black hair and blue eyes, which resembles Katrín's. In front of this row stood a woman with black hair and blue eyes, which resembles Katrín's. She stepped forward and welcomed the two Horas into the bar. Katrín noticed that she and Sanna in particular were being looked at briefly, although the latter didn't seem to be interested.

"Thank you very much", they both said one after the other in English with a definite accent. It could be noticed that both have different accents. Katrín's accent was very typically Nordic, while Sanna's might be a little harder to interpret. It sounded like a mix of what we would call Eastern European and Nordic.

They were then asked if they would like a "table or a drink". If they took the former, one of the young ladies would take care of it.
Katrín thought she was pretty, but she thought about what they would take, maybe they should just have a drink first...
"We'll take the table," Sanna suddenly interrupted Katrín's considerations. "We'd love to go with her."
Just like that, thought Katrín.


OOC
Selkie, for a better understanding, you could somehow mention what time it is IC, you're welcome to include that in the next post.

[The Selkie]

The Bosnians are very friendly and polite, however, Miss Fazlic whispers it’s ’unfair and possibly objectification’ that they seemingly have to wear bikinis.
Her parents agree with her.
‘Maybe they have a choice between two sets of uniforms, though?’ Ventures the female Dr. Fazlic loudly after a moments thought.

It might come to their attention, that they were the odd ones – and considering the wide variety of cuts, colours and patterns in swimwear, they'd be hard pressed to call any of them a uniform, mainly because they weren't, well, uniform.
And those, which were uniforms, like school swimsuits, were very few and far inbetween.
In the meantime, more people arrived, small families, bands of friends, people on their lonesome, none of them really taking to much notice of the small family of Bosnians – not even their choice of attire made anyone take more notice, mainly because for the majority of people who noticed them, they were Kyrenaians with an odd clothes sense.
That was, until a ball kicked by some kid went a bit too haywire, landing in front of the girl.
“Hey!”, a blonde boy around eight Springs of age called over from the surf, waving, his call with a thick accent identifying him as a Selkie, “Mind kicking that one back?”
A number of other kids around the same age, under the careful watch of three young women around the age of the Fazlic-girl and a woman, who was decidedly the mother of one of them, sat nearby, one of them ready to rise, should the Bosnian be unwilling or unable to kick the ball back.

"Uhm.. We'll take a table". He'd turn behind him, with two of them quickly nodding.

The three of them would be taken towards a lone table, as they all sat down. Alex whispered to James - "That's the one-". He'd be kicked by Albert, in a jokingly way.

"The hell did you kick me?!". Alex exclaimed.

"Discuss it later. Who's the one who paid?". James and Alex both chuckled.

All three of them quickly scanned the menu, a few drinks and a few ordinary meals coming to mind.

Alex started off. "We'll take 3 beers and we'll take 3 tacos?". He'd ask the waitress.

Isla Nathaira of the Tribe of Cork.
I showed them to their table, a bit of a lone one, but a nice one, the three guys joking with each other, one even playfully kicking the other. I smiled my polite waitress smile and took their order, three beers and tacos.
Three beers of an unspecified brand – the tacos, or what they called tacos, were a Brucallan dish, tlaxcalli, a maize flatbread with a variety of fillings to be either placed on top, like we did, or inside. It differed quite a bit from the tacos some other cultures knew, or so I heard.
Of course, we offered our tlaxcallis with different fillings, as listed on the menu.
I noted down the orders, as they came, then asked: “Which fillings would you like?”
Of course, we could do random, but with how much of pranksters our kitchen team was, they'd take the hottest of the hot sauces...

"Alright, dudes! Here they come!"-Sato prepares his comrades for meeting the graceous Selkian guests and decides to check his fire for a bit, just to ensure, that whoever advances gets a little bit closer and easier to hit. Then, he fires several times and decides to change his position. By jumping out of the window, crouching and advancing. Moving while crouching was something, Sato was used to on his job, while seeking for vermin nests. His plan was to get closer and fire when anyone of Selkie trio is exposed, while it's Seth's turn to make a new scene.

Seth makes a scene. He yells "We are here to drink your beer! And take your rum at a point of a gun! Elise! Nice work climbin' and sneakin' to their left flank! You are almost behind them! Time to strike! Like a little sneaky panther you are!" as he goes on a short spree, spraying wildly from his "assault rifle" and moving in a drunken and slightly unpredictible zig-zagged pattern. Alcohol in Seth's system spoke about tactics and proposed this motion. In the meantime, Elise decides to go dark and starts humming 007 theme song, while quickly advancing on the right, thinking, that she does so while Seth managed to distract Selkians and make them look behind them for a while and thus disperse their attention. Elise wasn't hit by some luck, so she started to belive, that this streak shall continue.

That's some classic Sky Reaver thing. To create some rhytm of battle and then try and break it suddenly, to throw foes off guard. A chaotic tactic with high risk and high reward.

Siana Gualla of the Tribe of Cork.
Ah, so we were at that stage... at the stage of wrestling for initiative, of wrestling for control of the field. That was another lesson of the Lieutenant Commander: Battle had no rhythm, it was a chaotic symphony of light and sound and screams and fire and death.
Or water, as the case may be.
So, trying to wrestle for initiative by giving an ebb and flow of the battle was futile, as the enemy could easily disturb the battle rhythm – an artillery strike there, air support here, an ambush somewhere else.
But... we weren't exactly in a position to call in the artillery, now were we?
Still, do not let the other side attain the initiative!
That was, what I thought, when I dashed to the larger of the two hedges, being covered, but still under fire from the window. He was not bad, but then suddenly stopped – most likely trying to get me closer, to hit me better.
Not that his last shot didn't do the trick.
My calf was wet, hit by a blast. Would that be a real bullet, I'd be on the ground writing in pain, but with water... well, we had never talked about rules when and if someone was ever out, now did we?
We traded further water blasts, especially with the guy yelling about drinking our beer and stealing our rum before yelling, that their gal did a good job advancing on our left flank.
Nora and her water scattergun countered his drunken zig-zagging, but if she was successful in doing so, while Alaina reloaded – an unfortunate limitation of our weaponry, which the movies usually didn't account for (exceptions reinforced the rule).
But the girl on the left flank, approaching my hedge...
...I leaned out of my cover and fired wildly down the range, towards the left flank and hoping to hit her.

Marie Ernst Gluck
"I've got all the time in the world..." Marie sighed happily as she snuggled a little deeper into Yven. "Moving over will take the folks back in Warsaw a great deal of time, and until then...?" She glanced up, and smiled. "...Free as a bird~."

---

Diana & Maria Bonilla
"Some Spanish composer." Maria shrugged. "The fact that you haven't heard of him speaks volum-hey! Don't throw that at me, you know I'm right!" She recoiled and moved to block her eyes with her hands as Diana, with murder in her eyes, readied a handful of sand to fling at Maria.

---

Tristina Bonilla
Tristina froze, her false-smile fading as Kiah hugged her, and remained that way for a long while.

"...I suppose." She said at last, as Kiah backed off. "It's fine, either way." She leaned back, and sighed. "I'm nineteen now. Two more years and I'll be commissioned as an officer."

She gave a wry smile. "That's the point that father dearest will cut me off, I think. Can't have a damned republican or constitutionalist in the family, now, can we?"

The smile faded. She glanced down. "So...yeah. Spending as much time with my sisters as I can before then."

Yven Barriall of the Tribe of Monaghan.
“Free as a bird sounds fun.”, I told her with a smile, “But as long as my Songbird knows, that there is always a spot for her in my nest...”
I accepted her snuggling into me with gusto, joy – it felt so right and so wonderful the familiar feeling of her form, her warmth, her smell... if the heaven the Christians believed in existed, I did not care for it.
A minute of being like this with Marie was worth an eternity in that heaven of theirs.

Lien Findehoof.
We laughed with them as the two sisters joked around with each other, but once that was over, I said: “Well, to be fair, if I asked you, who Alrich von Holzklopper was, then I am reasonably certain, that you'd draw blank as well.”
“Composer, 18th century.”, Aaltje stage-whispered to them, earning herself a death-glare, to which she replied with a wide grin, “Something the matter?”
“Sisters, amirite?”, I asked the other two.

Lucina Findehoof.
Tristina was silent for a while, freezing for a bit.
I saw in Kiah's eyes, that, as time went on, she came closer and closer to profusely apologizing and recommending her to a bar she liked around here, with the request to have everything put onto her tap, but then, Tristina spoke.
I couldn't help but pity her.
“Before my brother-in-law married his wife...”, I began, “...you know, the woman he's now divorcing, he and my husband had a big, big fight and at some point, his wife told him, that he should never contact us again.” Kiah looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “You three were too young to realize that... well, let's just say, that we weren't invited to the wedding because of 'scheduling issues'.”
“He didn't invite us, did he?”
“She didn't.”, I clarified, “But I guess, he agreed.” I shrugged. “In any case, he kept in touch, writing a card every year for the Spring Festival, such things, and we returned the favour. The point is, if you are really close, not even a figure of some authority will be able to keep you apart.”
Mind you, I thought, that her father was a normal man, maybe a bit choleric and with rather strong opinions, but a normal man.

Clement Saavedra
Donrua Beach Bar

"The pleasure was all mine, and please: call me Clement. Mister Saavedra is my father." Ernest Saavedra was with a property management firm; he was currently the property manager for an apartment building close to the Tagbilaran City Port.
"To answer your question, Eileen has not been a bother. As a matter of fact, she’s been quite helpful; even made a recommendation for gifts for someone close." And that "someone close" did love keeping her hair great.

Brenda Anuchtar of the Tribe of Navan.
“I am delighted to hear that.”, I told Mister... Clement. “Eileen is one of my best, it'll hurt to loose her once she graduates next year, but my boys and girls have to go their own ways into the future and if that way leads away from us...” I sighed. “I always feel a bit like an aunt in such moments.”
I smiled.
“Please don't mind my rambling.”, I asked.

Donrua Beach Bar - Sanna und Katrín
The couple entered the beach bar. At the entrance there was a row of young ladies, some of whom interacted with other guests and went with them. In front of this row stood a woman with black hair and blue eyes, which resembles Katrín's. In front of this row stood a woman with black hair and blue eyes, which resembles Katrín's. She stepped forward and welcomed the two Horas into the bar. Katrín noticed that she and Sanna in particular were being looked at briefly, although the latter didn't seem to be interested.

"Thank you very much", they both said one after the other in English with a definite accent. It could be noticed that both have different accents. Katrín's accent was very typically Nordic, while Sanna's might be a little harder to interpret. It sounded like a mix of what we would call Eastern European and Nordic.

They were then asked if they would like a "table or a drink". If they took the former, one of the young ladies would take care of it.
Katrín thought she was pretty, but she thought about what they would take, maybe they should just have a drink first...
"We'll take the table," Sanna suddenly interrupted Katrín's considerations. "We'd love to go with her."
Just like that, thought Katrín.


OOC
Selkie, for a better understanding, you could somehow mention what time it is IC, you're welcome to include that in the next post.

OOC: Your wish is my command. ; )

Caja Prioca of the Tribe of Conn.
I bowed my head – they'd most likely be among the last costumers I would take care of, it was late morning, after all, there'd be a change in shift, soon.
I still smiled and motioned forward.
“Please follow me, then, Ma'ams.”, I said and began to move towards one of the free tables – free, unreserved and with two chairs, ideal for our purposes. I had grabbed two menus as well. As soon as the two were comfortably sitting, I handed them the menus and told them: “Once you are ready to order, please do not hesitate to flag down either myself or one of my colleagues.” I bowed. “I will see you in a few minutes.”

[Imperija Bosna]

It might come to their attention, that they were the odd ones – and considering the wide variety of cuts, colours and patterns in swimwear, they'd be hard pressed to call any of them a uniform, mainly because they weren't, well, uniform.
And those, which were uniforms, like school swimsuits, were very few and far inbetween.
In the meantime, more people arrived, small families, bands of friends, people on their lonesome, none of them really taking to much notice of the small family of Bosnians – not even their choice of attire made anyone take more notice, mainly because for the majority of people who noticed them, they were Kyrenaians with an odd clothes sense.
That was, until a ball kicked by some kid went a bit too haywire, landing in front of the girl.
“Hey!”, a blonde boy around eight Springs of age called over from the surf, waving, his call with a thick accent identifying him as a Selkie, “Mind kicking that one back?”
A number of other kids around the same age, under the careful watch of three young women around the age of the Fazlic-girl and a woman, who was decidedly the mother of one of them, sat nearby, one of them ready to rise, should the Bosnian be unwilling or unable to kick the ball back.

IC: Miss Fazlic kicked the ball back. “Kids are soo cute, I’d love to have someone one day.” She said, “Great sweetie, so long as you’ve finished university, worked full time for three years and gotten married?” Said the father, Dr. Fazlic. Meanwhile, the father asked, “I’m going to grab a cola, do you ladies want one?” to his wife and his daughter.

[Greater Bruges]

The Selkie

Isla Nathaira of the Tribe of Cork.
I showed them to their table, a bit of a lone one, but a nice one, the three guys joking with each other, one even playfully kicking the other. I smiled my polite waitress smile and took their order, three beers and tacos.
Three beers of an unspecified brand – the tacos, or what they called tacos, were a Brucallan dish, tlaxcalli, a maize flatbread with a variety of fillings to be either placed on top, like we did, or inside. It differed quite a bit from the tacos some other cultures knew, or so I heard.
Of course, we offered our tlaxcallis with different fillings, as listed on the menu.
I noted down the orders, as they came, then asked: “Which fillings would you like?”
Of course, we could do random, but with how much of pranksters our kitchen team was, they'd take the hottest of the hot sauces...

"Spices?" Albert thought, looking to James and Alex.

"I'll take whatever the mildest" Says Alex, trying to avoid anything spicy. Albert and James chuckled a bit, making fun of his dislike to spices.

"Unlike my friend, I'll take the medium spice or whatever it's called, and I'm assuming you, Albert, are going with nothing". Says James, trying to impress the waitress a little bit.

"No, I'll take a mild spice, thanks". He'd respond to the waitress, as the three continued to joke around. As the waitress walked away, James took an eye for the pool nearby, looking down to James holding a football (soccer ball) to his feet.

"You brought the football? Thought that was banned on flights?" Asked Albert, trying to loosely map out where the three could play their favourite sport.

"No, it is. Some flights changed it I think. Not sure why you'd be the one to recognise a footballs, you couldn't kick a frozen can!". He'd chuckle, shifting the ball a few inches left and right.

"At least he can kick without getting injured. Unlike either of you, I don't get injured every few minutes nor can I actually kick a football properly". Alex responded, shifting the ball from James's feet and repeating what James' was doing.

"Whatever. Footy after the drinks?". James said to the two of them.

"Alright" Said Alex and Albert to similar times.