Iris Boarding School Sensha-Do Convention (IC)

[The Selkie]

Hello and welcome to the Iris Boarding School Sensha-Do Convention!
Please apply and be accepted on this OOC before posting here! Thank you!

Plaza, Iris Boarding School Complex.
Saturday, 1st of June, 2019.
The sun was shining brightly and it promised to be a beautiful day, ideal weather for what was going to happen: The Iris Boarding School Sensha-Do Convention, the first ever of hopefully many, to raise awareness for the sport of Sensha-Do or Tankery, to show off skills in competition with other teams and, most of all, to have fun.
But for some, the last few minutes before the opening were especially gruelling.
Dressed in a white shirt with a red bow, beige sweater bound around the hips, and grey skirt, she looked like any other student of the prestigious Boarding School Complex near Fortham, but for Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary, a bluenette with violet eyes, the Head Mechanic of the Complex's Sensha-Do Team of just seventeen years, the day was just getting started.
She was running around between the exhibition tanks, the highly polished vehicles of all the teams present, which were there for people to make selfies, to feel, what it was like to sit in the turret of driver's seat of several dozen tons of steel, and to ask questions to crew and mechanics, while the student body and the guests were already there, coming to the Plaza to see the opening.
That the two Toirneach Motor Gun Carriages with their gigantic 155mm howitzers were already set up behind the small stage, where the opening would be happening, drew all attention away from her franticness.
Hopefully.
She was glad, though, that she could work together with students from such prestigious schools and teams: The Naval School sent a Squadron, the Little Snails and Beastly Badgers were there, together with hundreds and thousands of guests, for what was intended to be a celebration of the Sport also, by sheer and utter coincidence of course, evolved into a school festival, which would be hopefully enjoyable for everyone.
And of course the student body was there as well, everyone, who had not been roped into any of the many stalls or activities, which were more then enough.
The clock in the tower of the Rectorate, at the Eastern End of the Plaza, at the foot of Mount Dosháraithe (39 metres) struck ten o'clock - and on that command, Aife Lárnach of the Tribe of Cork, the blue-eyes vehicle commander of Starrcailann-Dó, one of the Gun Carriages, reacted to the signal by yelling: "Lámhach!"
Literally translated Give me fire from the guns! - and that was, what the two vehicles did with a roar, which almost deafened, worthy of their callsign Starrcailann, the Scalefang, an animal known for its ferocity, at home in the Great Woods.
That surprised everyone, laughs and cheers soon coming.
Taking to the stage were the Headmaster of the Iris, Finnegan Príomhoide of the Tribe of Navan, an older gentleman with blue eyes, together with Finnya Cor of the Tribe of Cork, our Team Captain.
"Ladies and Gentlemen...", he began in Selkie, "...thank you all for coming on this wonderful day, I promise to make this short!" This caused a round of laughs amongst students, alumni and others alike. "This day is a celebration of sports and sportsmanship and I would like to welcome our foreign guests for this celebration as well." Cheers rose for the foreign guest teams. "This is also a day of joy and good weather in general, so don't let me keep you for too long! Have fun, everyone! And, in the contests later, may the best team win!"
Cheers rose from that, too, and the celebration officially began in earnest at that.
Booths with food, drink and souvenirs opened, as did the other attractions - and, Caja realized, it was now or never.
If her tanks were not presentable now, they would never be.

[Lillorainen]

Plaza, Iris Boarding School Complex, Fortham, Free Lands of the Selkie.
Saturday, 1st of June, 2019.
Everyone who had been able to see the off-duty Commander Arvid Damgaard, could easily have concluded, that he must have been the luckiest man under the sun - and everyone who knew him, also knew why.
Those who didn't would have assumed, that a man in his mid-sixties, who could have passed as someone around fifty as well, would primarily enjoy traveling with a bunch of beautiful young women - those who did know him, were aware, that he rather enjoyed traveling with a bunch of beautiful women and six turtles. Not the animal, but the APC type from olden days named Skildpadde, meaning 'turtle' in Danish.
These APCs Damgaard had spent almost two years in. Some scenic towns in what was the State of Rigesöer now, beautiful towns like Bordeslee, Kragstedt, Birnbek, Solreetz, Wylersund, Villstedt, Wanntrop, Bad Gymirslee - towns that were nowadays frequented by tourists seeking peace and silence in nature, Damgaard had seen from various spots within the Skildpadde-type vehicles during the Civil War. And while he had visited these places again every now and then, he hadn't seen these vehicles for more than forty years.
But having a seventeen-year-old Tank Sport and Sensha-Do fan in one's family could easily help to change that - for Jette Damgaard, his granddaughter, this was just as fascinating as for him. It did have a certain level of irony, that the two of them had always pitied, that Roisweiler was quite far away for a trip to see the RMA Sensha-Do Team, and now ending up seeing the ambitious young ladies several thousand kilometers away from home, here in Fortham. Arvid had expressed multiple times, that he looked forward to see his babies, and added with a stress, that with 'his babies', he explicitly meant the APCs. Nonetheless, this announcement had always caused a round of laughter amongst the entire Damgaard family. It was hardly to deny, that an elderly, yet still good-looking man, whose wife had, sadly, already spent a few decades in Helheim, would not have needed to justify an interest in having a chat and maybe, later in the night, a drink or two with some of the ladies around.
As little as the Damgaard family knew about boarding school life, as much Britta Morgenthau knew - from her own experience of six years in Vartrup and the past exchange to the Redford Academy in Kuronami. Especially the latter had changed much about her own attitude and kind - arriving in the Empire as a shy, reserved girl, she had become a self-confident young lady over the time. The friendship with Mona and her oversized Grey Wolf puppy named Bhuf had certainly played into that a lot. When she had arrived back in Vartrup, some folks were genuinely surprised to see how she, all of a sudden, didn't only show her thoughts and feelings more obviously again, but also was generally more open and engaged - especially when she decided to take a few other girls with her and to found a Tankery Team for the school, quickly gaining support by the commanders of the nearby Army Base, who agreed to provide some of their own old toys.
The official founding ceremony would come in three weeks, with the Team's exhibition during the Midsummer Festival in Preetz, an event she expected in excitement.
And then, there was that girl with the awfully long name, a result of her noble ancestry, which she, however, didn't bother bragging about - Sandra von Wettau-Fronweiler was pretty much your average school girl. Well, apart from the fact, that she had already been into Tankery before it had become widely popular throughout the Federation. She had been one of the first ones to see the RMA's Team in action, live and in full color, and ever since then, she had been considering dropping an application for the Academy once she would finish school, and to try joining the team then. Of course, it was one of the possible plans for the future, but surely not an unrealistic one - as the team leader Jana Hagedorn had confirmed after the third glass of full-grain soda at one of the aftershow parties at the Army Base in Selmstrop, a town near Laerdonk, Sandra's home city.
After Sandra's exhausting attempt on Piffle to deliver an explanation to a foreign girl as to why it was a bad plan to try to start another crusade, she had been happy when the topic had changed to Sensha-Do; Sandra and Jette hadn't only gotten to know each other, but also Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary, head mechanic of the Iris Boarding School Sensha-Do Team - and a Half-Lillo. When the preparations had been fully going on, Jette had maintained a PM exchange with Sandra, they had exchanged phone numbers, and in the end, Jette had decided to invite Sandra over to Bentesröd, so they could spend a few days there and travel to Fortham together afterwards. As the proposed founding of the Vartrup Boarding School's Team had been announced, they also had spontaneously invited Britta over. The past days in the small Sigurdslandic town with the long, scenic beach had been fun - especially for Sandra, who, unlike Britta, had never been to the East before.
As a result, Arvid Damgaard had the privilege not only to have his granddaughter, but also two of her new friends around when flying from Lysköping/Lillamala to the Free Lands.
While settling this had been easy for the four of them, getting the RMA's Team together had been a tiny bit more complicated - less so the transport of the six Skildpadder, but a number of 57 (in words, fifty-seven - in numbers, too, the War's over) passengers accompanying them. But it had worked, somehow. With Clarissa Burscheid as a head accountant, they even had someone onboard who could calculate. Caja's hundred-percent-Lillo counterpart was Alena Lindholm, who, contrary to even her own parents' prior assumption, wasn't only into horseriding - one of her best friends from olden days in Lysköping being nobody lesser than Hilda Margrethe Colonia Leverdal -, but also very firm with even most complex technical and mechanical thingies. Nowadays, it was a commonly known fact, that it wasn't blood that ran through her venes, but motor oil.
While, due to policies nobody could get the sense of, the RMA only accepted applicants with the Federation's citizenship, two young ladies amongst them were Half-Shamsiyyan. Other than that, the RMA was the most renowned military academy in Lillorainen by far, and if one got accepted, one could be sure to meet someone from one's own hometown there, no matter where in the Islands it might have been. Another advantage the Vartrup team would have - the school also accepted foreign students, and so would the Sensha-Do Team do, with Ichiko Tanaka, a student from Shikonjima, already having one amongst the Founding Mothers.
And who knew, maybe, there would soon be teams mushrooming all over the Federation?
As for now, there was one, and it was here, on the Iris Boarding School Complex in Fortham, the capital city (for a given definition of the term) of the Free Lands. The train had successfully brought people and tanks where they should be now. And they were - attending the Headmaster's speech, or giving their best at doing so, at least, with their rather limited knowledge of Selkie-language.
They entered the cheering nonetheless.
And there, the ceremony began.
"Okay, Ladies, this is the moment we've been waiting for an eternity!" - Jana Hagedorn told Alena and Clarissa in German, more precisely, in Rhenish dialect. "I presume, that you know what's phase now?"
"Roger. Position five-zero-two!" - replied Alena.
Jana frowned. "Care to tell more precisely what's situated on five-zero-two?"
"Food!"
Clarissa had to grin; Jana just shook her head. "Once with pros ..." - she murmured.
As the Roisweiler Team started to spread out in an orderly manner, Arvid Damgaard watched for a second, then looked at the APCs again, letting a sigh of nostalgia out. With his Eastern Accent, which reminded of a certain cartoon about a drunken biker who, well, 'worked' for a plumber and heating installer, he said, "Good old days ... well, not the days themselves, but the vehicles. The leading squad of the Federal Republic might not have had much of a clue, but they did know what quality is!"
Jette grinned at Sandra and Britta, and they had to grin back. This was surely a phrase Jette had totally never heard before.
While Oppa Arvid remained lost in memories for a moment, Sandra gave the vehicles from these parts a more detailed look. There was a similarly wide range of vehicle types back home, but digging these out again (not literally) to prepare them for whoever might be interested in using these for sports would yet take a bit of time.
Of course, she had also recognized Caja Storholm at once. As the group went on, the totally average school girl from Laerdonk grinned at her, well aware, that she was expected already.
"Saachens" - she said with a deep Rhenish accent, just to switch to a more internationally intelligible variant of German, "is it possible, by any chance, that I have already seen you?"
Jette grinned, too, as she would most likely seem somewhat familiar to Caja as well.

[Kuronami]

Even a Princess needs a day off! And a day off she was going to have, (more like a week or two) with her boyfriend, a young army Captain. Today, Himeko wasn't a Princess or the younger sister of her Ruler older sister, she was just an odrinary girl sharing in the hobby of her boy. Once in port, Hirohito Chitanda, her man in shining armor, or lack thereof, literally scooped her off her feet to carry her down the gangplank. With a loud giggle she replied "Hiro-kun, people are going to think we're married and you're carrying me over the threshold."

"I forget that's a western custom but I don't care!" He cheekily replied to her, only setting her down once on firm dry land. "You really are a funny boy but I think that's why I like you!" She gave him a kiss. The two had been dating for just over a few months now. Having met during any routine visit to the regional stations of Her Majesty's Army. But it was kept mostly a secret, only one person in Hime's life knew and that was her trusted handmaiden. Yuki wouldn't tell for sure, she kept her lady's confidence. Speaking of the cute little maiden, she too was getting a vacation, well not here, but at an onsen resort with her two friends.

"So...." Himeko looked around soaking it all in. "This is the Freelands. What a quaint place, so charming. Like Caloris almost." She smiled putting on a pair of rounded shades. Shades with a blue tinted lens so not quite the darkened sunglasses but stylish to show her pretty eyes.

"Guess the Selkie people are also an old-meets-new kind of bunch." Hiro nodded. Himeko grabbed her bags along with Hiro's. "Kind of heavy, do you have it?"

"Perfectly! Just because I'm me doesn't mean I'm helpless."

"Surprised you didn't bring Miss Yuna along. I know you want to keep a low profile here but still think you could pull off the aristocrat. Or simply pose as your twin."

She looked a bit annoyed that he proposed that she pose as Tomoyo. "Cute...." She flatly responded then moved along to the subject of her maiden. "No, I figured Yuki could do with some time off. This isn't usually the best time for her and something to keep her occupied besides work or school would do her good."

"Winter blues?"

"Something like that. Anyway, Hiro so, the tanks. I expect you'll be able to tell me all about them?"

"I'll do my best. I don't know what kinds they have here, but looking forward to seeing what they have for this convention. Should be a great time."

"It will. I'm eager to see them too, should be a lot of fun." hand in hand they walked from the docks to the city to their inn. They'd be here a few days anyway to also see the sights. Once things were settled in they were eager to head to the the Iris Boarding School complex to see some of the mechanical marvels engage in a little sport. A perfect day for a young couple like them.

[AHSCA]

Olaff

Looking from the deck on to the shore, there it was, the farthest this little boy had ever been. His large blue eyes, the same as his fathers, stared out on the city while his mother wrapped things up from their long voyage from the UIS to The Selkie. He was so excited to be here, he didn't know much about things other than he heard of some kind of tanking sport was going on. That sounded really cool and fun! Only one downside was his father couldn't come, a busy fisherman and sailor now supporting the family, with his mother retired from public life it meant a lot to do. Still at least he was able to see them off. "Hey son" his father affectionately messed up his hair "Bet you're already eying a bunch of the pretty girls walking around, huh?"

"Ahaha no, papa I was looking at the buildings and well all the people going around."

"Sure sure."

"Oh papa you should come with us, mama would want to."

"If I could, I would son, but I'm on the immediate turn around to AHSCA. You and your mom will have lots of fun here."

"Yeah, I bet, with tanks and lots of cool stuff to see."

"Yeah! That's the spirit huh"

"Räv" The gentle voice of his mom, Mikela came off as she came up ready to disembark. "Are you ready?"

"Yes!" He'd leap off the boat to the shore if he could, but alas his legs didn't work well. Despite the impairments he suffered from his sickness he still was spirited and cheerful as he ever was. "All right, you be good and listen to your mama!" His father reminded him while Räv gave a resounding "I will!"

"You be safe too" Mikela reminded her husband. "Love you and we'll see you again soon." She kissed him once again.

"I will. Love you both. Räv, bring me a big shell if you can!" He joked

"Ahah you bet I will papa! Don't care if it weighs a gagillion-million tonnes!"

"Attaboy!"

"Honestly." Mikela sighed at her husbands jovial response, maybe she was a bit too serious at times but it was hard to not be.

Once goodbyes were said the family waved each other off when the ship pulled away from harbor setting off back for the islands. Now it was just mother and son. Sure, it would be great if his father was there too but his mom was just as great and no one could tell him otherwise. Mikela looked the part of an islander, sporting a yellow floral print kimono. A gift from the Duchess to her for her years of service and honestly she looked so cute in it how could she not just want to wear it for special occasions? Räv a blue tunic white pants very simple for him to dress himself in. It was a gift from his father so of course it was his favorite. Hobbling along at his steady pace Räv took in everything he could see. As much as he came for the tanks his curiosity sure kept his head swiveling around. "This place is really cool!"

"I'm glad you're having fun" Mikela smiled and said while she looked over a map of the area. She also looked at a pocket watch. "Räv, it's also time for your medicine."

"Oh, already uuugh" he threw his head back in annoyanced

"Come on, don't complain now, you have to take it."

"It's so bitter. Why can't it be sweet?"

"I wish I knew why the Good Lady decided to make it a bitter powder but it's what it is."

"Maybe it wasn't her, maybe it was The Dark Lady who made it?"

"Maybe. Come let's find a spot we can sit for a moment."

"Yes, mama" No sense in complaining because one way or another his mom would find a way to make him take it. Usually he could have it dissolved in tea or water and that would suffice enough to mitigate the bitter taste.

---

Ain Indou

Not all ships that arrived from the UIS were immediately heading back, some were here for a few days to resupply and stock and of course give the crew sometime off. Smaller ships and vessels which didn't have the luxury of rotating crew members for time off or ships that had a more challenging journey and needed a longer anchor time. This time for Aina it was at least the first one, arriving on the SS Koe fresh from the UIS a relatively smaller ship compared to some others she'd handled. Small enough to have a small enough crew that operated on a full time basis from port to port. Given this was a straight shot from AHSCA to The Freelands that meant this was her time. Sometimes she ignored regulation and just turned about deadheading aboard another ship but given her last voyage she was going to play things safe for a while. It did leave her a bit rattled she had to admit. Her time sailing she never had such a cascade of bad things happen all at once and only by grace of the Goddess did she make it out with most of her passengers and all her crew.

She inhaled and exhaled a rather heavy puff of smoke from her pipe. Being in strange places tended to make her nervous most of the time but she'd make the most of it.

"Captain" Her first mate walked on by

"Ah Kiri, going ashore to see the Freelands?"

"Sure am! You too or you staying aboard?"

"Ah think I'll stave off cabin fever and go explore some. Heard some kind of event was going on. Just need to collect myself first."

"Well then, see you in a few days then, Captain. Have fun"

"You too."

A few other crew members who passed on by also wished her well. Finally enough of leaning against a wall in a harbor, Aina set off on foot down the city streets. Seemed many people were here touring already. She always heard good things about The Selkie people but didn't know much. This was her first time here.

[The Selkie]

Plaza, Iris Boarding School Complex, Fortham, Free Lands of the Selkie.
Saturday, 1st of June, 2019.
Everyone who had been able to see the off-duty Commander Arvid Damgaard, could easily have concluded, that he must have been the luckiest man under the sun - and everyone who knew him, also knew why.
Those who didn't would have assumed, that a man in his mid-sixties, who could have passed as someone around fifty as well, would primarily enjoy traveling with a bunch of beautiful young women - those who did know him, were aware, that he rather enjoyed traveling with a bunch of beautiful women and six turtles. Not the animal, but the APC type from olden days named Skildpadde, meaning 'turtle' in Danish.
These APCs Damgaard had spent almost two years in. Some scenic towns in what was the State of Rigesöer now, beautiful towns like Bordeslee, Kragstedt, Birnbek, Solreetz, Wylersund, Villstedt, Wanntrop, Bad Gymirslee - towns that were nowadays frequented by tourists seeking peace and silence in nature, Damgaard had seen from various spots within the Skildpadde-type vehicles during the Civil War. And while he had visited these places again every now and then, he hadn't seen these vehicles for more than forty years.
But having a seventeen-year-old Tank Sport and Sensha-Do fan in one's family could easily help to change that - for Jette Damgaard, his granddaughter, this was just as fascinating as for him. It did have a certain level of irony, that the two of them had always pitied, that Roisweiler was quite far away for a trip to see the RMA Sensha-Do Team, and now ending up seeing the ambitious young ladies several thousand kilometers away from home, here in Fortham. Arvid had expressed multiple times, that he looked forward to see his babies, and added with a stress, that with 'his babies', he explicitly meant the APCs. Nonetheless, this announcement had always caused a round of laughter amongst the entire Damgaard family. It was hardly to deny, that an elderly, yet still good-looking man, whose wife had, sadly, already spent a few decades in Helheim, would not have needed to justify an interest in having a chat and maybe, later in the night, a drink or two with some of the ladies around.
As little as the Damgaard family knew about boarding school life, as much Britta Morgenthau knew - from her own experience of six years in Vartrup and the past exchange to the Redford Academy in Kuronami. Especially the latter had changed much about her own attitude and kind - arriving in the Empire as a shy, reserved girl, she had become a self-confident young lady over the time. The friendship with Mona and her oversized Grey Wolf puppy named Bhuf had certainly played into that a lot. When she had arrived back in Vartrup, some folks were genuinely surprised to see how she, all of a sudden, didn't only show her thoughts and feelings more obviously again, but also was generally more open and engaged - especially when she decided to take a few other girls with her and to found a Tankery Team for the school, quickly gaining support by the commanders of the nearby Army Base, who agreed to provide some of their own old toys.
The official founding ceremony would come in three weeks, with the Team's exhibition during the Midsummer Festival in Preetz, an event she expected in excitement.
And then, there was that girl with the awfully long name, a result of her noble ancestry, which she, however, didn't bother bragging about - Sandra von Wettau-Fronweiler was pretty much your average school girl. Well, apart from the fact, that she had already been into Tankery before it had become widely popular throughout the Federation. She had been one of the first ones to see the RMA's Team in action, live and in full color, and ever since then, she had been considering dropping an application for the Academy once she would finish school, and to try joining the team then. Of course, it was one of the possible plans for the future, but surely not an unrealistic one - as the team leader Jana Hagedorn had confirmed after the third glass of full-grain soda at one of the aftershow parties at the Army Base in Selmstrop, a town near Laerdonk, Sandra's home city.
After Sandra's exhausting attempt on Piffle to deliver an explanation to a foreign girl as to why it was a bad plan to try to start another crusade, she had been happy when the topic had changed to Sensha-Do; Sandra and Jette hadn't only gotten to know each other, but also Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary, head mechanic of the Iris Boarding School Sensha-Do Team - and a Half-Lillo. When the preparations had been fully going on, Jette had maintained a PM exchange with Sandra, they had exchanged phone numbers, and in the end, Jette had decided to invite Sandra over to Bentesröd, so they could spend a few days there and travel to Fortham together afterwards. As the proposed founding of the Vartrup Boarding School's Team had been announced, they also had spontaneously invited Britta over. The past days in the small Sigurdslandic town with the long, scenic beach had been fun - especially for Sandra, who, unlike Britta, had never been to the East before.
As a result, Arvid Damgaard had the privilege not only to have his granddaughter, but also two of her new friends around when flying from Lysköping/Lillamala to the Free Lands.
While settling this had been easy for the four of them, getting the RMA's Team together had been a tiny bit more complicated - less so the transport of the six Skildpadder, but a number of 57 (in words, fifty-seven - in numbers, too, the War's over) passengers accompanying them. But it had worked, somehow. With Clarissa Burscheid as a head accountant, they even had someone onboard who could calculate. Caja's hundred-percent-Lillo counterpart was Alena Lindholm, who, contrary to even her own parents' prior assumption, wasn't only into horseriding - one of her best friends from olden days in Lysköping being nobody lesser than Hilda Margrethe Colonia Leverdal -, but also very firm with even most complex technical and mechanical thingies. Nowadays, it was a commonly known fact, that it wasn't blood that ran through her venes, but motor oil.
While, due to policies nobody could get the sense of, the RMA only accepted applicants with the Federation's citizenship, two young ladies amongst them were Half-Shamsiyyan. Other than that, the RMA was the most renowned military academy in Lillorainen by far, and if one got accepted, one could be sure to meet someone from one's own hometown there, no matter where in the Islands it might have been. Another advantage the Vartrup team would have - the school also accepted foreign students, and so would the Sensha-Do Team do, with Ichiko Tanaka, a student from Shikonjima, already having one amongst the Founding Mothers.
And who knew, maybe, there would soon be teams mushrooming all over the Federation?
As for now, there was one, and it was here, on the Iris Boarding School Complex in Fortham, the capital city (for a given definition of the term) of the Free Lands. The train had successfully brought people and tanks where they should be now. And they were - attending the Headmaster's speech, or giving their best at doing so, at least, with their rather limited knowledge of Selkie-language.
They entered the cheering nonetheless.
And there, the ceremony began.
"Okay, Ladies, this is the moment we've been waiting for an eternity!" - Jana Hagedorn told Alena and Clarissa in German, more precisely, in Rhenish dialect. "I presume, that you know what's phase now?"
"Roger. Position five-zero-two!" - replied Alena.
Jana frowned. "Care to tell more precisely what's situated on five-zero-two?"
"Food!"
Clarissa had to grin; Jana just shook her head. "Once with pros ..." - she murmured.
As the Roisweiler Team started to spread out in an orderly manner, Arvid Damgaard watched for a second, then looked at the APCs again, letting a sigh of nostalgia out. With his Eastern Accent, which reminded of a certain cartoon about a drunken biker who, well, 'worked' for a plumber and heating installer, he said, "Good old days ... well, not the days themselves, but the vehicles. The leading squad of the Federal Republic might not have had much of a clue, but they did know what quality is!"
Jette grinned at Sandra and Britta, and they had to grin back. This was surely a phrase Jette had totally never heard before.
While Oppa Arvid remained lost in memories for a moment, Sandra gave the vehicles from these parts a more detailed look. There was a similarly wide range of vehicle types back home, but digging these out again (not literally) to prepare them for whoever might be interested in using these for sports would yet take a bit of time.
Of course, she had also recognized Caja Storholm at once. As the group went on, the totally average school girl from Laerdonk grinned at her, well aware, that she was expected already.
"Saachens" - she said with a deep Rhenish accent, just to switch to a more internationally intelligible variant of German, "is it possible, by any chance, that I have already seen you?"
Jette grinned, too, as she would most likely seem somewhat familiar to Caja as well.

Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary.
We had everything here - well, almost.
Of vehicles produced in the Free Lands, we had Crogalls, the one in the exhibition actually not belonging to us, but to the Naval School Sensha-Do Team, not us, two [url=https://t-s.fandom.com/wiki/Faolchú_Armoured_Personnel_Carrier]Faolchú-APCs[/url], basically our equivalent to the Skildpadde, Dobhareachs... and, of course, the Toirneachs, which were moving back into their positions on the exhibition - their job, for today, was mostly done. Crews of the vehicles, from our own red-bowed girls to the black sailor-style uniforms of the Naval School to the uniforms of other schools and teams present. There were also a few historic vehicles present, but their job today was only being there.
And there were the foreign vehicles, which I could not identify on sight.
In any case, "Saachens...", someone told me in Rhenish, drawing my attention and continuing in High German, "...is it possible, by any chance, that I have already seen you?"
I grinned at the young woman, then threw my arms around her.
"Sandra!", I said with a cheer, before continuing in High German, with the notable Selkie-accent of dropped Rs and sing-song, which made it seem as if I was singing. "It's good to see you! Welcome to the Iris Boarding School!"
Then I hugged her.

Olaff

Looking from the deck on to the shore, there it was, the farthest this little boy had ever been. His large blue eyes, the same as his fathers, stared out on the city while his mother wrapped things up from their long voyage from the UIS to The Selkie. He was so excited to be here, he didn't know much about things other than he heard of some kind of tanking sport was going on. That sounded really cool and fun! Only one downside was his father couldn't come, a busy fisherman and sailor now supporting the family, with his mother retired from public life it meant a lot to do. Still at least he was able to see them off. "Hey son" his father affectionately messed up his hair "Bet you're already eying a bunch of the pretty girls walking around, huh?"

"Ahaha no, papa I was looking at the buildings and well all the people going around."

"Sure sure."

"Oh papa you should come with us, mama would want to."

"If I could, I would son, but I'm on the immediate turn around to AHSCA. You and your mom will have lots of fun here."

"Yeah, I bet, with tanks and lots of cool stuff to see."

"Yeah! That's the spirit huh"

"Räv" The gentle voice of his mom, Mikela came off as she came up ready to disembark. "Are you ready?"

"Yes!" He'd leap off the boat to the shore if he could, but alas his legs didn't work well. Despite the impairments he suffered from his sickness he still was spirited and cheerful as he ever was. "All right, you be good and listen to your mama!" His father reminded him while Räv gave a resounding "I will!"

"You be safe too" Mikela reminded her husband. "Love you and we'll see you again soon." She kissed him once again.

"I will. Love you both. Räv, bring me a big shell if you can!" He joked

"Ahah you bet I will papa! Don't care if it weighs a gagillion-million tonnes!"

"Attaboy!"

"Honestly." Mikela sighed at her husbands jovial response, maybe she was a bit too serious at times but it was hard to not be.

Once goodbyes were said the family waved each other off when the ship pulled away from harbor setting off back for the islands. Now it was just mother and son. Sure, it would be great if his father was there too but his mom was just as great and no one could tell him otherwise. Mikela looked the part of an islander, sporting a yellow floral print kimono. A gift from the Duchess to her for her years of service and honestly she looked so cute in it how could she not just want to wear it for special occasions? Räv a blue tunic white pants very simple for him to dress himself in. It was a gift from his father so of course it was his favorite. Hobbling along at his steady pace Räv took in everything he could see. As much as he came for the tanks his curiosity sure kept his head swiveling around. "This place is really cool!"

"I'm glad you're having fun" Mikela smiled and said while she looked over a map of the area. She also looked at a pocket watch. "Räv, it's also time for your medicine."

"Oh, already uuugh" he threw his head back in annoyanced

"Come on, don't complain now, you have to take it."

"It's so bitter. Why can't it be sweet?"

"I wish I knew why the Good Lady decided to make it a bitter powder but it's what it is."

"Maybe it wasn't her, maybe it was The Dark Lady who made it?"

"Maybe. Come let's find a spot we can sit for a moment."

"Yes, mama" No sense in complaining because one way or another his mom would find a way to make him take it. Usually he could have it dissolved in tea or water and that would suffice enough to mitigate the bitter taste.

---

Ain Indou

Not all ships that arrived from the UIS were immediately heading back, some were here for a few days to resupply and stock and of course give the crew sometime off. Smaller ships and vessels which didn't have the luxury of rotating crew members for time off or ships that had a more challenging journey and needed a longer anchor time. This time for Aina it was at least the first one, arriving on the SS Koe fresh from the UIS a relatively smaller ship compared to some others she'd handled. Small enough to have a small enough crew that operated on a full time basis from port to port. Given this was a straight shot from AHSCA to The Freelands that meant this was her time. Sometimes she ignored regulation and just turned about deadheading aboard another ship but given her last voyage she was going to play things safe for a while. It did leave her a bit rattled she had to admit. Her time sailing she never had such a cascade of bad things happen all at once and only by grace of the Goddess did she make it out with most of her passengers and all her crew.

She inhaled and exhaled a rather heavy puff of smoke from her pipe. Being in strange places tended to make her nervous most of the time but she'd make the most of it.

"Captain" Her first mate walked on by

"Ah Kiri, going ashore to see the Freelands?"

"Sure am! You too or you staying aboard?"

"Ah think I'll stave off cabin fever and go explore some. Heard some kind of event was going on. Just need to collect myself first."

"Well then, see you in a few days then, Captain. Have fun"

"You too."

A few other crew members who passed on by also wished her well. Finally enough of leaning against a wall in a harbor, Aina set off on foot down the city streets. Seemed many people were here touring already. She always heard good things about The Selkie people but didn't know much. This was her first time here.

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
All around the Plaza were benches, both permanent fixtures and more mobile ones, which were there for the festival. One of the former was the one I was sitting on, near where the blonde boy with the blue shirt and his mother were searching for a spot to sit.
I should introduce myself... I am Enya, Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. Or Enya Findehoof, if one went by the name on my birth certificate.
Anyway, I am a 19 Springs old Student of the Iris Boarding School Complex (I would graduate later this year), blonde, with shining blue eyes and with qualities, which made me suitable as a model for a clothes company by the name of Bicíní Industries. I was also an actress.
I had two older sisters, Kiah and Ida, who were not here today. Kiah was in Kyrenaia, thanks to her being with her UoF's Swimming Team and there being a competition, while Ida was in Leuda, doing things and stuff... well.
In any case, I sat here and watched the busy people. The tanks were of little interest to me - large machines and mechanics were not my greatest interest, to be honest. I wanted to study after school, Trade and Industry with a specialization on Brewing.
Anyway, the other half of my bench were free, more then enough for a woman and her son, who needed to take his medicine...

Plaza.
Ain Indou would soon find herself at the Boarding School Complex and more importantly, at the Plaza and thus right in the middle of the convention.
And the busy festivities were not only focused on the armoured vehicles and the sports involving them. The students had invited families and parents, were hanging out with friends and had fun - and even those, who came as visitors, were quickly integrated by the community of students.
And the students of the Naval School were almost integrated as easily, as were their peers from other schools.
Booths sold food, young women offered guided tours through the vehicle collection assembled or through the school, the priests offered tours through the temples for foreigners interested in the Paganism of the Selkie. At the Dorm Complex, the inns and restaurants were open. The Green Tumb Club had opened its conservatories as well.
There were many things, one could do, aside from simply enjoying the day.
The question was, what Indou would do with her time...

Even a Princess needs a day off! And a day off she was going to have, (more like a week or two) with her boyfriend, a young army Captain. Today, Himeko wasn't a Princess or the younger sister of her Ruler older sister, she was just an odrinary girl sharing in the hobby of her boy. Once in port, Hirohito Chitanda, her man in shining armor, or lack thereof, literally scooped her off her feet to carry her down the gangplank. With a loud giggle she replied "Hiro-kun, people are going to think we're married and you're carrying me over the threshold."

"I forget that's a western custom but I don't care!" He cheekily replied to her, only setting her down once on firm dry land. "You really are a funny boy but I think that's why I like you!" She gave him a kiss. The two had been dating for just over a few months now. Having met during any routine visit to the regional stations of Her Majesty's Army. But it was kept mostly a secret, only one person in Hime's life knew and that was her trusted handmaiden. Yuki wouldn't tell for sure, she kept her lady's confidence. Speaking of the cute little maiden, she too was getting a vacation, well not here, but at an onsen resort with her two friends.

"So...." Himeko looked around soaking it all in. "This is the Freelands. What a quaint place, so charming. Like Caloris almost." She smiled putting on a pair of rounded shades. Shades with a blue tinted lens so not quite the darkened sunglasses but stylish to show her pretty eyes.

"Guess the Selkie people are also an old-meets-new kind of bunch." Hiro nodded. Himeko grabbed her bags along with Hiro's. "Kind of heavy, do you have it?"

"Perfectly! Just because I'm me doesn't mean I'm helpless."

"Surprised you didn't bring Miss Yuna along. I know you want to keep a low profile here but still think you could pull off the aristocrat. Or simply pose as your twin."

She looked a bit annoyed that he proposed that she pose as Tomoyo. "Cute...." She flatly responded then moved along to the subject of her maiden. "No, I figured Yuki could do with some time off. This isn't usually the best time for her and something to keep her occupied besides work or school would do her good."

"Winter blues?"

"Something like that. Anyway, Hiro so, the tanks. I expect you'll be able to tell me all about them?"

"I'll do my best. I don't know what kinds they have here, but looking forward to seeing what they have for this convention. Should be a great time."

"It will. I'm eager to see them too, should be a lot of fun." hand in hand they walked from the docks to the city to their inn. They'd be here a few days anyway to also see the sights. Once things were settled in they were eager to head to the the Iris Boarding School complex to see some of the mechanical marvels engage in a little sport. A perfect day for a young couple like them.

Lesley Barróg of the Tribe of Fermanagh. Dorm Complex, Railway Station.
I am the commander of Arracht-Trí, one of the five Dobhareachs on our active roster.
Amphibious Tracked Vehicles, twelve-and-a-half tons heavy, seven and a half metres long and armed with a 47mm gun. I was eighteen Springs old, long, blonde hair and blue eyes and we were missing the opening, but that with good reason: There was a train incoming. Our gunner, Nora Paisúile of the Tribe of Monaghan, was but a girl, in her second year as a Middle Schooler and still looking like an Elementary Girl.
She liked me, a sort-of older sister place was occupied by me in her heart and to be honest, she occupied a little sister spot in mine.
In any case, Nora expected her parents to come with this train, which, unbeknown to us, also carried Himeko Daidouji and Hirohito Chitanda. As the train stopped, we stood at the end of the platform, Nora's hand in mine, both of us dressed in a neat uniform, the other two girls of our crew, Morgane and Rona, outside with our vehicle, waiting.
Nora hadn't seen her parents in far over a year, so she was understandably excited.
I grinned, caught up in her excitement.
The breaks of the train screeched as it came to a stop and almost immediately, Nora shot off. I called after her to be careful as she dove into the crowd of many students, relatives and visitors coming with this train.
I walked after her at a more sedate pace.
That did not exactly help me at that time, as I was bumped into by someone and, in turn, bumped into someone else, a young man with black hair and red eyes and a nice face.
I yelped in surprise at the whole ordeal, hoping, that I didn't hurt that lad as I recovered myself from the ground, with an "...ow..."
Good start for the day!

[Mediama]

Melissa smiled as she witnessed the beginning of the festivities. Though she and her subordinate, Alyssa Flashman, did not fully grasp the Selkie language, they did get the general idea. She looked around as the plaza came to life, then turned to her loader.

“Never did sun more beautifully steep In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill; Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep! The river glideth at his own sweet will: Dear God! the very houses seem asleep; And all that mighty heart is lying still!”

“William Wordsworth, miss?” Alyssa replied back.

Melissa nodded and playfully rubbed the top of her beret earning her an ever expanding blush from the shy freshman. “Quite so my dear, and what a lively way to start the day no less.”

Alyssa nervously fixed the collar of her uniform, a modified red dressage coat, with a black collar, cuffs, and epaulettes, and yellow buttons, altered in that it was buttoned up to a neck collar, mimicking the uniforms of the British foot guards.

Alyssa was one of the newest in a relatively long line of tankers in Queen Victoria’s Academy for Young Ladies tankery team. The team was founded by a few members in both the polo and dressage teams in 1999, after the founder, Baroness Tritton-Wilson, introduced the ever expanding sport to her friends. Their founding was strengthened by a relaxation of the restrictions set upon to ‘unladylike sports.’ What had started with hand me downs from the nearby military school was steadily built up to their current fleet of tanks thanks to donations from alumni.

The team, affectionately nicknamed the Beastly Badgers, emphasized elegance with their tactics, and their demeanor. Thus, in keeping with this tradition in addition to synchronized volley fires and formation driving, their uniforms were inspired by their founder’s roots in dressage, polo, and European equestrian sport. While this gave them a professional vibe, some key elements of the uniform, mainly the knee length equestrian field boots, were painfully uncomfortable to those who weren’t entirely familiar with equestrian sports.

It was under this premise that Alyssa nervously fixed her boots. To which Melissa turned to look at confusingly, “I thought you had mentioned you rode a horse before.”

“Maybe once or twice. To be fair mam, it’s also mainly nerves.”

Melissa nodded in understanding. “As was once said during the war, keep calm, and carry on.” She turned and fixed her gloves, “Shall we return to our display, see whether or not Jane’s got everything set up?”

Alyssa nodded.

Melissa smiled and said, “Very well then, let us return to our post.”

---

QVAYL Tankery Team Display

“Come on! What’s the bloody hold up!? I want to go have a blood look around already!” Jane yelled at the Matilda tank sitting near a crusader.

A head of braided brown hair popped out from the commander’s hatch. “Just making sure everything’s set up for the display, and that everything off limits is locked. I don’t get the need to rush anywho, we still need to wait for Melissa to come back, and even then, aren’t we supposed to be guarding the display?”

“We are, but I’m supervising, you’ll be the one that will be watching over the tanks, you and your crew, as well as the crusader crew right next to you.”

Victoria pinched the bridge of her nose, “Remind me again why we’re the ones displaying our tanks?”

“Arya said that though your tanks were able to move under their own power over here, your tank is having some sort of problem with the steering, something even more apparent when we were trying to drive your Matilda over here, and the crusader is having some sort of engine trouble.”

Jane looked over to the groups of girls in coveralls inspecting areas in both the crusader and the Matilda on display. “They’re spread pretty thin right now, one half of the team is watching the competition tanks, and then another group would stay here to see what they could do to repair them.”

“And we couldn’t have just sent two more working tanks?”

Jane sighed, “We need them for the rest of the team to practice, some of the freshmen are going to switch from the training Mark VI’s to some actual tanks.”

Jane smiled, “Besides it’s a nice change in scenery.”

Victoria frowned, “For you maybe, I’m still going to have to be here to prevent any theft.”

Jane made to respond when another voice broke in, “At it again I see.” Jane shifted behind her to find that Melissa and Alyssa we’re walking back close to them.

“I-”

“No need to worry on that, it appears that you’ve just about settled it, have you not?”

Jane nodded, “Victoria’s just frustrated that she’ll be spending the whole day here, when I’ll be out and about and checking in once in a while.”

Melissa nodded, “I understand.” She looked toward both Victoria and Jane, “No need to worry, you could assign shifts for all the girls, so you won’t just be standing around or god forbid, talking to people.”

Jane chuckled at that comment.

“We have just enough people to do so, and Arya’s girls will still be here doing maintenance on the tanks.”

She motioned for all the girls to gather up, once they did, she continued. “Ladies, we are now officially representing Queen Victoria’s Academy for Young Ladies, we are cultured, civilized, and that means we are well mannered. I want everyone to be on their best behavior, should I hear that anyone of you misbehaved, I would have no choice but to report it to the dean, do I make myself clear?”

An assortment of nods and “Yes ma’am’s.” were her response. “Very good, you’ve been given your places, and you know what to do. I wish you all the best of festivities. Carry on.”

She turned to Jane and Victoria, the latter had already climbed out of her Matilda, “Everything’s ship shape?” Jane turned to Victoria, to which she nodded. “Good, Jane you’re good to go, just come back and check in with the display once and a while. Victoria, you know what to do, dismissed.”

Both girls nodded, and so Jane left on her own, and Victoria walked back to a table that was being manned by two of her fellow Matilda crewman. The table was covered in a table cloth that read out the team name, and which contained the school, and to the extent the team, emblem.

The other girls who weren’t crew members of the display tanks set off in groups to look around the convention. Melissa turned back toward Alyssa, “You are free to go if you want to.”

Alyssa looked down towards her boots to hide her blush, then looked back up, “Actually, would it be okay if I stood by your side for the time being, miss?”

Melissa smiled and said, “Of course, come along then.” And so, the new freshman and her equally new Senior and role model walked into the crowd.

[Lillorainen]

Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary.
We had everything here - well, almost.
Of vehicles produced in the Free Lands, we had Crogalls, the one in the exhibition actually not belonging to us, but to the Naval School Sensha-Do Team, not us, two [url=https://t-s.fandom.com/wiki/Faolchú_Armoured_Personnel_Carrier]Faolchú-APCs[/url], basically our equivalent to the Skildpadde, Dobhareachs... and, of course, the Toirneachs, which were moving back into their positions on the exhibition - their job, for today, was mostly done. Crews of the vehicles, from our own red-bowed girls to the black sailor-style uniforms of the Naval School to the uniforms of other schools and teams present. There were also a few historic vehicles present, but their job today was only being there.
And there were the foreign vehicles, which I could not identify on sight.
In any case, "Saachens...", someone told me in Rhenish, drawing my attention and continuing in High German, "...is it possible, by any chance, that I have already seen you?"
I grinned at the young woman, then threw my arms around her.
"Sandra!", I said with a cheer, before continuing in High German, with the notable Selkie-accent of dropped Rs and sing-song, which made it seem as if I was singing. "It's good to see you! Welcome to the Iris Boarding School!"
Then I hugged her.

As hardly to expect otherwise, Caja threw her arms around Sandra - since she was prepared, she hugged Caja back at once.
"It's good to see you, too!" - Sandra said, continuing in High German, but still with a slight accent, which was just as hard to get rid of as the sing-song was for the Selkie. They had already talked about this via Piffle; therefore, Sandra was aware, that Caja couldn't speak Platt, as there wasn't much use for it in Launceston - and even if so, there were way too many variants of it spoken in Lillorainen, ranging from Rhenish branches to Holsteinisch. "And I already feel welcome - this is where I belong, after all!" With her head, she motioned to the vehicles.
Arvid, who was back from his nostalgia trip (for now), Jette, and Britta nodded.
"It's also nice to see, how similar some of our babies are!" - Arvid said, motioning to the Faolchú-APCs.
Jette grinned. Straightforward as ever, her grandfather. "Our veteran - Commander Arvid Damgaard!" - she introduced him.
Arvid bowed his head lightly. "Off-duty, for quite some time" - he added. "But the years I've spent in the Skildpadde-APCs were surely everything else but boring, quite on the contrary."
"But also not as fun as mine are, I assume?" - a female voice out of nowhere asked. Turning around would, however, easily reveal the voice as the one belonging to the RMA's team leader, Jana Hagedorn, who joined their round, smiling. She also bowed her head lightly. "Jana Hagedorn, leader of the Roisweiler Military Academy Team - thus, responsible for any possible shenanigans linked to them."
Sandra grinned. "Like the shenanigans back then in Selmstrop?"
Jana had to laugh. "Not that sort of shenanigans! Nice to see you in here, too, Sanny."
Both Jana and Sandra didn't bother specifying what sort of shenanigans had occurred during said aftershow party. They knew, so did many others around here, but that was it.
"Well, I haven't seen the darkest shades of the war back then, but it surely wasn't an easy ride, either" - Arvid explained to Jana.
She nodded. "I can imagine."

[AHSCA]

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
All around the Plaza were benches, both permanent fixtures and more mobile ones, which were there for the festival. One of the former was the one I was sitting on, near where the blonde boy with the blue shirt and his mother were searching for a spot to sit.
I should introduce myself... I am Enya, Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. Or Enya Findehoof, if one went by the name on my birth certificate.
Anyway, I am a 19 Springs old Student of the Iris Boarding School Complex (I would graduate later this year), blonde, with shining blue eyes and with qualities, which made me suitable as a model for a clothes company by the name of Bicíní Industries. I was also an actress.
I had two older sisters, Kiah and Ida, who were not here today. Kiah was in Kyrenaia, thanks to her being with her UoF's Swimming Team and there being a competition, while Ida was in Leuda, doing things and stuff... well.
In any case, I sat here and watched the busy people. The tanks were of little interest to me - large machines and mechanics were not my greatest interest, to be honest. I wanted to study after school, Trade and Industry with a specialization on Brewing.
Anyway, the other half of my bench were free, more then enough for a woman and her son, who needed to take his medicine..

"Oh begging your pardon." Mikela acknowledge the woman sitting on the bench as she sat her son down on the bench while she rummaged . Some folks could be particular about personal space so best to be polite in any which way. Pulling out a roll of paper and a fine grounded powder of herbs. He didn't look thrilled, he hated it, even if it kept him from having coughing fits, kept his muscles from tensing up. "Come on, son, just one quick gulp and it'll be down."

He sighed a heavy sigh. Glancing over at the woman next to them who was getting a little show, Mikela giggled a little giving a kids-am-i-right? look with a smile. Frustrating as it was to battle her son over taking his medicine she certainly knew how bitter the stuff was, having to take it herself for the short period to mitigate her contraction risk when her son was so ill. He opened his mouth as complied taking a hard swallow with a few tears in his eyes. "There we go. Attaboy." She dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief. "Mmmm I wasn't crying or nothing it always makes my eyes water."

"I know, son, I know." Whether it was true or not, best to humor her little man. "Your papa wants you to be healthy too and I do so it makes us happy when you take your medicine." Räv looked over at the lady, minding his manners he gave a poliet "oh, hello."

"Sorry you had to watch our little show there." Mikela apologized.

---

Ain Indou would soon find herself at the Boarding School Complex and more importantly, at the Plaza and thus right in the middle of the convention.
And the busy festivities were not only focused on the armoured vehicles and the sports involving them. The students had invited families and parents, were hanging out with friends and had fun - and even those, who came as visitors, were quickly integrated by the community of students.
And the students of the Naval School were almost integrated as easily, as were their peers from other schools.
Booths sold food, young women offered guided tours through the vehicle collection assembled or through the school, the priests offered tours through the temples for foreigners interested in the Paganism of the Selkie. At the Dorm Complex, the inns and restaurants were open. The Green Tumb Club had opened its conservatories as well.
There were many things, one could do, aside from simply enjoying the day.
The question was, what Indou would do with her time...

Retracting her pipe, Aina set in the breast pocket of her kimono. There were tours about the vehicles but the tanking wasn't much of her style, she was more into boats and ships. Perhaps a good time to get something to eat, she hadn't eaten since last meal and was feeling rather famished now. Finding her way to a good restaurant she entered taking a seat if she could. More than happy to share a table with someone if needed.

[Kuronami]

Lesley Barróg of the Tribe of Fermanagh. Dorm Complex, Railway Station.
I am the commander of Arracht-Trí, one of the five Dobhareachs on our active roster.
Amphibious Tracked Vehicles, twelve-and-a-half tons heavy, seven and a half metres long and armed with a 47mm gun. I was eighteen Springs old, long, blonde hair and blue eyes and we were missing the opening, but that with good reason: There was a train incoming. Our gunner, Nora Paisúile of the Tribe of Monaghan, was but a girl, in her second year as a Middle Schooler and still looking like an Elementary Girl.
She liked me, a sort-of older sister place was occupied by me in her heart and to be honest, she occupied a little sister spot in mine.
In any case, Nora expected her parents to come with this train, which, unbeknown to us, also carried Himeko Daidouji and Hirohito Chitanda. As the train stopped, we stood at the end of the platform, Nora's hand in mine, both of us dressed in a neat uniform, the other two girls of our crew, Morgane and Rona, outside with our vehicle, waiting.
Nora hadn't seen her parents in far over a year, so she was understandably excited.
I grinned, caught up in her excitement.
The breaks of the train screeched as it came to a stop and almost immediately, Nora shot off. I called after her to be careful as she dove into the crowd of many students, relatives and visitors coming with this train.
I walked after her at a more sedate pace.
That did not exactly help me at that time, as I was bumped into by someone and, in turn, bumped into someone else, a young man with black hair and red eyes and a nice face.
I yelped in surprise at the whole ordeal, hoping, that I didn't hurt that lad as I recovered myself from the ground, with an "...ow..."
Good start for the day!

Himeko and Hiro stepped off the train ride now ready to plot their next course and destination. "Well looks like we're not much further from it. All right shall we get going?" Hiro said, folding up the map.

"Sounds like a plan." She linked her arm around him so they could walk when suddenly BAM! Hiro was taken down to the ground. "Hiro, Hiro are you okay?" Himeko asked.

Hiro shook off the moment of pain he received, nothing he couldn't handle. "I'm just fine. What --" Seeing another person who probably bumped into him "Oh, I'm sorry, are you okay?" He asked hoping he hadn't hurt the person. Who was really sure who bumped into whom with this crowded platform and considering he was just looking at a map like a foolish tourist in the middle of a street he could be at fault.

"We're terribly sorry if we bumped you." Himeko gave a bow of apology.

[The Selkie]

Melissa smiled as she witnessed the beginning of the festivities. Though she and her subordinate, Alyssa Flashman, did not fully grasp the Selkie language, they did get the general idea. She looked around as the plaza came to life, then turned to her loader.

“Never did sun more beautifully steep In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill; Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep! The river glideth at his own sweet will: Dear God! the very houses seem asleep; And all that mighty heart is lying still!”

“William Wordsworth, miss?” Alyssa replied back.

Melissa nodded and playfully rubbed the top of her beret earning her an ever expanding blush from the shy freshman. “Quite so my dear, and what a lively way to start the day no less.”

Alyssa nervously fixed the collar of her uniform, a modified red dressage coat, with a black collar, cuffs, and epaulettes, and yellow buttons, altered in that it was buttoned up to a neck collar, mimicking the uniforms of the British foot guards.

Alyssa was one of the newest in a relatively long line of tankers in Queen Victoria’s Academy for Young Ladies tankery team. The team was founded by a few members in both the polo and dressage teams in 1999, after the founder, Baroness Tritton-Wilson, introduced the ever expanding sport to her friends. Their founding was strengthened by a relaxation of the restrictions set upon to ‘unladylike sports.’ What had started with hand me downs from the nearby military school was steadily built up to their current fleet of tanks thanks to donations from alumni.

The team, affectionately nicknamed the Beastly Badgers, emphasized elegance with their tactics, and their demeanor. Thus, in keeping with this tradition in addition to synchronized volley fires and formation driving, their uniforms were inspired by their founder’s roots in dressage, polo, and European equestrian sport. While this gave them a professional vibe, some key elements of the uniform, mainly the knee length equestrian field boots, were painfully uncomfortable to those who weren’t entirely familiar with equestrian sports.

It was under this premise that Alyssa nervously fixed her boots. To which Melissa turned to look at confusingly, “I thought you had mentioned you rode a horse before.”

“Maybe once or twice. To be fair mam, it’s also mainly nerves.”

Melissa nodded in understanding. “As was once said during the war, keep calm, and carry on.” She turned and fixed her gloves, “Shall we return to our display, see whether or not Jane’s got everything set up?”

Alyssa nodded.

Melissa smiled and said, “Very well then, let us return to our post.”

---

QVAYL Tankery Team Display

“Come on! What’s the bloody hold up!? I want to go have a blood look around already!” Jane yelled at the Matilda tank sitting near a crusader.

A head of braided brown hair popped out from the commander’s hatch. “Just making sure everything’s set up for the display, and that everything off limits is locked. I don’t get the need to rush anywho, we still need to wait for Melissa to come back, and even then, aren’t we supposed to be guarding the display?”

“We are, but I’m supervising, you’ll be the one that will be watching over the tanks, you and your crew, as well as the crusader crew right next to you.”

Victoria pinched the bridge of her nose, “Remind me again why we’re the ones displaying our tanks?”

“Arya said that though your tanks were able to move under their own power over here, your tank is having some sort of problem with the steering, something even more apparent when we were trying to drive your Matilda over here, and the crusader is having some sort of engine trouble.”

Jane looked over to the groups of girls in coveralls inspecting areas in both the crusader and the Matilda on display. “They’re spread pretty thin right now, one half of the team is watching the competition tanks, and then another group would stay here to see what they could do to repair them.”

“And we couldn’t have just sent two more working tanks?”

Jane sighed, “We need them for the rest of the team to practice, some of the freshmen are going to switch from the training Mark VI’s to some actual tanks.”

Jane smiled, “Besides it’s a nice change in scenery.”

Victoria frowned, “For you maybe, I’m still going to have to be here to prevent any theft.”

Jane made to respond when another voice broke in, “At it again I see.” Jane shifted behind her to find that Melissa and Alyssa we’re walking back close to them.

“I-”

“No need to worry on that, it appears that you’ve just about settled it, have you not?”

Jane nodded, “Victoria’s just frustrated that she’ll be spending the whole day here, when I’ll be out and about and checking in once in a while.”

Melissa nodded, “I understand.” She looked toward both Victoria and Jane, “No need to worry, you could assign shifts for all the girls, so you won’t just be standing around or god forbid, talking to people.”

Jane chuckled at that comment.

“We have just enough people to do so, and Arya’s girls will still be here doing maintenance on the tanks.”

She motioned for all the girls to gather up, once they did, she continued. “Ladies, we are now officially representing Queen Victoria’s Academy for Young Ladies, we are cultured, civilized, and that means we are well mannered. I want everyone to be on their best behavior, should I hear that anyone of you misbehaved, I would have no choice but to report it to the dean, do I make myself clear?”

An assortment of nods and “Yes ma’am’s.” were her response. “Very good, you’ve been given your places, and you know what to do. I wish you all the best of festivities. Carry on.”

She turned to Jane and Victoria, the latter had already climbed out of her Matilda, “Everything’s ship shape?” Jane turned to Victoria, to which she nodded. “Good, Jane you’re good to go, just come back and check in with the display once and a while. Victoria, you know what to do, dismissed.”

Both girls nodded, and so Jane left on her own, and Victoria walked back to a table that was being manned by two of her fellow Matilda crewman. The table was covered in a table cloth that read out the team name, and which contained the school, and to the extent the team, emblem.

The other girls who weren’t crew members of the display tanks set off in groups to look around the convention. Melissa turned back toward Alyssa, “You are free to go if you want to.”

Alyssa looked down towards her boots to hide her blush, then looked back up, “Actually, would it be okay if I stood by your side for the time being, miss?”

Melissa smiled and said, “Of course, come along then.” And so, the new freshman and her equally new Senior and role model walked into the crowd.

Near the display of the Beastly Badgers.
Nolwenn Lagrogha of the Tribe of Dundalk.
The foreign tanks garnered a lot of attention, both from their fellow sportswomen and from the crowd in and of itself, one part of which was, indeed, me: Nolwenn Lagrogha of the Tribe of Dundalk.
Friends call me Nolly.
Friends like the other two crewmembers of my APC, Juna and Aife Dáimh of the Tribe of Galway, sisters and not even twins, but wholly occupied with seeing their parents again. So, I was exploring the displays, walking right past our and towards the one of the Beastly Badgers. Optically, their Crusader Tanks reminded me of Lutetiian Fulmine Cavalry Tanks, but I knew, that they would not be the same on closer inspection - and although my main occupation within the team was that of the Commander of the Puisíni's Raicleabán-Ceathair Vehicle Commander, I did have a certain historical interest in these vehicles, too.
I was blonde, blue eyed and did cut a good figure, both in swimsuit and in the uniform of the Naval School, to which I belonged, though not as a Cadet. I would not join the SDF after my time there.
I smiled, as I saw the different team members of the Badgers leave the display to make room for interested visitors wanting to see their gigantic and heavy Matilda (something, which did cause a bit of problems when it came to rail transport, but nothing, which could not be solved) and their Crusader, which was my first interest for today.
As I came closer, I smiled at the small table set up with tea, tablecloth and proudly displaying the team (and school) emblem.
Queen Victoria Academy for Young Ladies.
Definately not a school I would join. The military discipline of the Naval School was enough for me...
Anyway, I stepped up to the table, smiled. "Hi, good morning. I'm interested in your tanks, as a fellow sportswoman. I'm from the Naval School Sensha-Do Team myself and..."
I was not good with such things and it showed by the redness my cheeks were developing.

As hardly to expect otherwise, Caja threw her arms around Sandra - since she was prepared, she hugged Caja back at once.
"It's good to see you, too!" - Sandra said, continuing in High German, but still with a slight accent, which was just as hard to get rid of as the sing-song was for the Selkie. They had already talked about this via Piffle; therefore, Sandra was aware, that Caja couldn't speak Platt, as there wasn't much use for it in Launceston - and even if so, there were way too many variants of it spoken in Lillorainen, ranging from Rhenish branches to Holsteinisch. "And I already feel welcome - this is where I belong, after all!" With her head, she motioned to the vehicles.
Arvid, who was back from his nostalgia trip (for now), Jette, and Britta nodded.
"It's also nice to see, how similar some of our babies are!" - Arvid said, motioning to the Faolchú-APCs.
Jette grinned. Straightforward as ever, her grandfather. "Our veteran - Commander Arvid Damgaard!" - she introduced him.
Arvid bowed his head lightly. "Off-duty, for quite some time" - he added. "But the years I've spent in the Skildpadde-APCs were surely everything else but boring, quite on the contrary."
"But also not as fun as mine are, I assume?" - a female voice out of nowhere asked. Turning around would, however, easily reveal the voice as the one belonging to the RMA's team leader, Jana Hagedorn, who joined their round, smiling. She also bowed her head lightly. "Jana Hagedorn, leader of the Roisweiler Military Academy Team - thus, responsible for any possible shenanigans linked to them."
Sandra grinned. "Like the shenanigans back then in Selmstrop?"
Jana had to laugh. "Not that sort of shenanigans! Nice to see you in here, too, Sanny."
Both Jana and Sandra didn't bother specifying what sort of shenanigans had occurred during said aftershow party. They knew, so did many others around here, but that was it.
"Well, I haven't seen the darkest shades of the war back then, but it surely wasn't an easy ride, either" - Arvid explained to Jana.
She nodded. "I can imagine."

Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary.
I smiled at the comment of the old gentleman, who was introduced to me as Commander Arvid Damgaard, although he insisted on being off-duty, exchanging bows, before someone joined us, who made my eyes go wide: Jana Hagedorn, Captain of the Roisweiler Military Academy Team.
Of the snails.
Gods... she and Finnya were worlds apart!
Apparently she and Sandra were involved in a classic case of 'What happens in Alto Mare...', so I would not pry - for, in fact, I had no idea. When the conversation turned to the original purpose of our vehicles, the purpose of war, I had a sad smile.
"We have an entire section dedicated to historic vehicles and the History Club has made its own exhibit out of them... The Cosaints and Ruathars and the Trattino all have their own histories and they are still being written.", I explained with a nod, "For example, the two Cosaints we have are of Kyrenaian Stock, as the Muharib Infantry Tank, and our two were in the Territory of Salalkubz during the Allaazwrd-Uprising, with the 72nd Armoured Brigade. History in steel... and a grim reminder, that our sports equipment was once for a different purpose."
I let a beat pass.
"Speaking of which, though, I remembered something happier.", I said and grinned at both Arvid and Jana. "Finnya and Fiona, that is Miss Cor and Cadet Bláth wanted to both meet you. Prepare to get saluted by the Puisíni."

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
All around the Plaza were benches, both permanent fixtures and more mobile ones, which were there for the festival. One of the former was the one I was sitting on, near where the blonde boy with the blue shirt and his mother were searching for a spot to sit.
I should introduce myself... I am Enya, Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. Or Enya Findehoof, if one went by the name on my birth certificate.
Anyway, I am a 19 Springs old Student of the Iris Boarding School Complex (I would graduate later this year), blonde, with shining blue eyes and with qualities, which made me suitable as a model for a clothes company by the name of Bicíní Industries. I was also an actress.
I had two older sisters, Kiah and Ida, who were not here today. Kiah was in Kyrenaia, thanks to her being with her UoF's Swimming Team and there being a competition, while Ida was in Leuda, doing things and stuff... well.
In any case, I sat here and watched the busy people. The tanks were of little interest to me - large machines and mechanics were not my greatest interest, to be honest. I wanted to study after school, Trade and Industry with a specialization on Brewing.
Anyway, the other half of my bench were free, more then enough for a woman and her son, who needed to take his medicine..

"Oh begging your pardon." Mikela acknowledge the woman sitting on the bench as she sat her son down on the bench while she rummaged . Some folks could be particular about personal space so best to be polite in any which way. Pulling out a roll of paper and a fine grounded powder of herbs. He didn't look thrilled, he hated it, even if it kept him from having coughing fits, kept his muscles from tensing up. "Come on, son, just one quick gulp and it'll be down."

He sighed a heavy sigh. Glancing over at the woman next to them who was getting a little show, Mikela giggled a little giving a kids-am-i-right? look with a smile. Frustrating as it was to battle her son over taking his medicine she certainly knew how bitter the stuff was, having to take it herself for the short period to mitigate her contraction risk when her son was so ill. He opened his mouth as complied taking a hard swallow with a few tears in his eyes. "There we go. Attaboy." She dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief. "Mmmm I wasn't crying or nothing it always makes my eyes water."

"I know, son, I know." Whether it was true or not, best to humor her little man. "Your papa wants you to be healthy too and I do so it makes us happy when you take your medicine." Räv looked over at the lady, minding his manners he gave a poliet "oh, hello."

"Sorry you had to watch our little show there." Mikela apologized.

---

Ain Indou would soon find herself at the Boarding School Complex and more importantly, at the Plaza and thus right in the middle of the convention.
And the busy festivities were not only focused on the armoured vehicles and the sports involving them. The students had invited families and parents, were hanging out with friends and had fun - and even those, who came as visitors, were quickly integrated by the community of students.
And the students of the Naval School were almost integrated as easily, as were their peers from other schools.
Booths sold food, young women offered guided tours through the vehicle collection assembled or through the school, the priests offered tours through the temples for foreigners interested in the Paganism of the Selkie. At the Dorm Complex, the inns and restaurants were open. The Green Tumb Club had opened its conservatories as well.
There were many things, one could do, aside from simply enjoying the day.
The question was, what Indou would do with her time...

Retracting her pipe, Aina set in the breast pocket of her kimono. There were tours about the vehicles but the tanking wasn't much of her style, she was more into boats and ships. Perhaps a good time to get something to eat, she hadn't eaten since last meal and was feeling rather famished now. Finding her way to a good restaurant she entered taking a seat if she could. More than happy to share a table with someone if needed.

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
When the two of them arrived, I smiled and even slid a bit over to give the two of them a bit more space. I did not mind them being here, but my attention was drawn to watching the two of them.
Kids, am I right? - Indeed, although to my sisters, I was the kit.
He was a brave lad, though, despite the tears - my apologies, the medicine made his eyes water. He was cute!
"Hi.", I greeted the brave little man back with a smile and nodded to the mother - it was no problem. "I'm Enya. And who are you, brave lad?"

Dorm Complex.
The Dorm Complex was a little village in and of itself, with the station, the houses for the students and, of course the many different shops, amongst them the four restaurants, one of which was even run by students.
The Printíseach, was its name.
And it was one of the best, depending if one asked the right people.
The house was yet not too full, but there were quite a few tables already occupied, but one was free, outside, with an umbrella above it open. It did not take too long until a young man, maybe sixteen, came to Aina's table and handed her a menu with the request to flag him or a colleague down, when she was ready to order.
The menu was the breakfast menu: Either the traditional Selkie-Breakfast, the greasy affair of porridge, eggs roasted from both sides, battered sausages, fat from the frying all around, bread to wipe it all up, tea or lemonade was of course the highlight at the top, but there were also cheese and ham plates on offer, teas for breakfast, porridge alone, butter breads for the taking, Maith, Scipeáil and, of course, Arálong, the heavy crackers, which were usually eaten with Buan or marmalade and which were, according to rumours, sometimes used by the SDF-Army as additional armour of their tanks in combat zones, with how hard they were.
Of course, that was nonsense, but these crackers were hard.
It did not even take a minute as someone cleared her throat, a woman, too old to be a student, maybe in her mid-thirties, blonde hair done up and brown eyes sharp.
"Good morning.", she said a bit sheepish, "I'm very sorry, but would you mind me sitting down with you? I'll invite you for a tea, too!"

Lesley Barróg of the Tribe of Fermanagh. Dorm Complex, Railway Station.
I am the commander of Arracht-Trí, one of the five Dobhareachs on our active roster.
Amphibious Tracked Vehicles, twelve-and-a-half tons heavy, seven and a half metres long and armed with a 47mm gun. I was eighteen Springs old, long, blonde hair and blue eyes and we were missing the opening, but that with good reason: There was a train incoming. Our gunner, Nora Paisúile of the Tribe of Monaghan, was but a girl, in her second year as a Middle Schooler and still looking like an Elementary Girl.
She liked me, a sort-of older sister place was occupied by me in her heart and to be honest, she occupied a little sister spot in mine.
In any case, Nora expected her parents to come with this train, which, unbeknown to us, also carried Himeko Daidouji and Hirohito Chitanda. As the train stopped, we stood at the end of the platform, Nora's hand in mine, both of us dressed in a neat uniform, the other two girls of our crew, Morgane and Rona, outside with our vehicle, waiting.
Nora hadn't seen her parents in far over a year, so she was understandably excited.
I grinned, caught up in her excitement.
The breaks of the train screeched as it came to a stop and almost immediately, Nora shot off. I called after her to be careful as she dove into the crowd of many students, relatives and visitors coming with this train.
I walked after her at a more sedate pace.
That did not exactly help me at that time, as I was bumped into by someone and, in turn, bumped into someone else, a young man with black hair and red eyes and a nice face.
I yelped in surprise at the whole ordeal, hoping, that I didn't hurt that lad as I recovered myself from the ground, with an "...ow..."
Good start for the day!

Himeko and Hiro stepped off the train ride now ready to plot their next course and destination. "Well looks like we're not much further from it. All right shall we get going?" Hiro said, folding up the map.

"Sounds like a plan." She linked her arm around him so they could walk when suddenly BAM! Hiro was taken down to the ground. "Hiro, Hiro are you okay?" Himeko asked.

Hiro shook off the moment of pain he received, nothing he couldn't handle. "I'm just fine. What --" Seeing another person who probably bumped into him "Oh, I'm sorry, are you okay?" He asked hoping he hadn't hurt the person. Who was really sure who bumped into whom with this crowded platform and considering he was just looking at a map like a foolish tourist in the middle of a street he could be at fault.

"We're terribly sorry if we bumped you." Himeko gave a bow of apology.

Lesley Barróg of the Tribe of Fermanagh. Dorm Complex, Railway Station.
When I collected my bearings, I looked at Hiro, who was, what he told the girl by his side, that he was fine... and he was cute, as he asked me, if I was okay. The concern was really nice... I felt myself blush.
"We're terribly sorry if we bumped you.", the girl said.
I gave a weak smile, blushing still.
"No, I'm sorry, I was bumped into you.", I said and made to rise. Everything seemed alright, I smiled at the lad, still blushing. "You are alright, Mister...?"
Oh, Searc and Cion, please let that girl be his sister or a friend, not his girlfriend...

[Lillorainen]

Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary.
I smiled at the comment of the old gentleman, who was introduced to me as Commander Arvid Damgaard, although he insisted on being off-duty, exchanging bows, before someone joined us, who made my eyes go wide: Jana Hagedorn, Captain of the Roisweiler Military Academy Team.
Of the snails.
Gods... she and Finnya were worlds apart!
Apparently she and Sandra were involved in a classic case of 'What happens in Alto Mare...', so I would not pry - for, in fact, I had no idea. When the conversation turned to the original purpose of our vehicles, the purpose of war, I had a sad smile.
"We have an entire section dedicated to historic vehicles and the History Club has made its own exhibit out of them... The Cosaints and Ruathars and the Trattino all have their own histories and they are still being written.", I explained with a nod, "For example, the two Cosaints we have are of Kyrenaian Stock, as the Muharib Infantry Tank, and our two were in the Territory of Salalkubz during the Allaazwrd-Uprising, with the 72nd Armoured Brigade. History in steel... and a grim reminder, that our sports equipment was once for a different purpose."
I let a beat pass.
"Speaking of which, though, I remembered something happier.", I said and grinned at both Arvid and Jana. "Finnya and Fiona, that is Miss Cor and Cadet Bláth wanted to both meet you. Prepare to get saluted by the Puisíni."

Jana quite did not miss Caja's widened eyes - she was well aware, that there were probably quite a few worlds between herself and Finnya, which was hardly a surprise, considering their age difference. Jana was 24, and although she was, therefore, slightly above the Snails' average age, the team wasn't exactly the youngest one around. Pretty much the opposite was the case.
Britta had looked just the same way - whether or not there was also a bit of hope to get to the same physical dimensions once she would reach Jana's age, that would remain a mystery forever.
Just like the classic case Jana and Sandra had been involved in.
In any case ...
With a sad smile, Caja explained what sorts of vehicles they had on stock, and where in the rather infamous recent history of the Sultanate the Kyrenaian ones had been in use. This, and the fact, that for all major classes from all places, the histories were still being written, strongly reminded of the original purpose of what now served as sports equipment.
It reminded Arvid of the Lillorainian tanks' own histories, indeed still having been written decades after the end of the War. He had nodded.
Out of the people present here, hardly anyone knew better than him how not only the Skildpadder, but also the Seckom-Battletanks and the Varulven-APCs had been used for something entirely different back then - by three different war parties, fully ready to shoot the living shit out of each other. No one (at least, no one with a sane mind) was proud of what had happened, but it was an essential part of an entire nation's history as well as of the personal biographies of many people such as Arvid - and trying to tear that out of the history books was pretty pointless.
And today, these three models all ran for the same team, fighting on the same side. One could point the certain sense of irony out - or understand it as a funny symbol of Lillorainen's true unification. Whatever came into mind first.
The topic got changed to something happier - namely, Finnya and Fiona wishing to meet them.
Sandra nodded, smiling. "Prepared. I hope, they are prepared, too!"

[Kuronami]

Lesley Barróg of the Tribe of Fermanagh. Dorm Complex, Railway Station.
When I collected my bearings, I looked at Hiro, who was, what he told the girl by his side, that he was fine... and he was cute, as he asked me, if I was okay. The concern was really nice... I felt myself blush.
"We're terribly sorry if we bumped you.", the girl said.
I gave a weak smile, blushing still.
"No, I'm sorry, I was bumped into you.", I said and made to rise. Everything seemed alright, I smiled at the lad, still blushing. "You are alright, Mister...?"
Oh, Searc and Cion, please let that girl be his sister or a friend, not his girlfriend...

This young lady was quite cute indeed. Hiro offered out his hand to help the lady to her feet in a gentlemanly way. "Yes, I'm just fine. Takes a lot more to knock a solider like me off my feet. Best be careful, right, busy crowded platform like this, many people. Hiro." He introduced himself "And this is Tomo-Himeko...." For whatever reason he almost decided to name Himeko her sister as if she was going along with the idea of posing as her twin sister. "Silly, Hiro-kun." Himeko linked up her arm with his again. "Almost called me by my sister's name. He's very absent minded like that."

"Ah yes, that's true sometimes I mix up names like that."

[AHSCA]

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
When the two of them arrived, I smiled and even slid a bit over to give the two of them a bit more space. I did not mind them being here, but my attention was drawn to watching the two of them.
Kids, am I right? - Indeed, although to my sisters, I was the kit.
He was a brave lad, though, despite the tears - my apologies, the medicine made his eyes water. He was cute!
"Hi.", I greeted the brave little man back with a smile and nodded to the mother - it was no problem. "I'm Enya. And who are you, brave lad?"

He slid off the bench standing on his wobbly legs but no worse for the wear and forgetting about the traumatic swallowing of the ill-tasting medicine. With a bright smile he gave his name "My names' Räv! It means Fox where I'm from. Cause I'm just like a fox!" He pointed at his mom "She's my mama! She always makes sure I'm taking my medicine on time even when it's super bitter!" Mikela gave a quiet smiling nod as her greeting then spoke "We're from AHSCA. Just arrived early this morning."

"Yup, sailed all the way from the islands to here! How about you, are you from here?"

The Dorm Complex was a little village in and of itself, with the station, the houses for the students and, of course the many different shops, amongst them the four restaurants, one of which was even run by students.
The Printíseach, was its name.
And it was one of the best, depending if one asked the right people.
The house was yet not too full, but there were quite a few tables already occupied, but one was free, outside, with an umbrella above it open. It did not take too long until a young man, maybe sixteen, came to Aina's table and handed her a menu with the request to flag him or a colleague down, when she was ready to order.
The menu was the breakfast menu: Either the traditional Selkie-Breakfast, the greasy affair of porridge, eggs roasted from both sides, battered sausages, fat from the frying all around, bread to wipe it all up, tea or lemonade was of course the highlight at the top, but there were also cheese and ham plates on offer, teas for breakfast, porridge alone, butter breads for the taking, Maith, Scipeáil and, of course, Arálong, the heavy crackers, which were usually eaten with Buan or marmalade and which were, according to rumours, sometimes used by the SDF-Army as additional armour of their tanks in combat zones, with how hard they were.
Of course, that was nonsense, but these crackers were hard.
It did not even take a minute as someone cleared her throat, a woman, too old to be a student, maybe in her mid-thirties, blonde hair done up and brown eyes sharp.
"Good morning.", she said a bit sheepish, "I'm very sorry, but would you mind me sitting down with you? I'll invite you for a tea, too!"

"Oh, not at all." Aina stood out of politeness to let the lady sit down. "I'd actually enjoy some company for a change, especially with some tea." Once the woman took a seat Aina sat back down too. "I'm Aina, from AHSCA. Just visiting while my ship is on layover for a while. How about yourself, native or visiting?"

[The Selkie]

Jana quite did not miss Caja's widened eyes - she was well aware, that there were probably quite a few worlds between herself and Finnya, which was hardly a surprise, considering their age difference. Jana was 24, and although she was, therefore, slightly above the Snails' average age, the team wasn't exactly the youngest one around. Pretty much the opposite was the case.
Britta had looked just the same way - whether or not there was also a bit of hope to get to the same physical dimensions once she would reach Jana's age, that would remain a mystery forever.
Just like the classic case Jana and Sandra had been involved in.
In any case ...
With a sad smile, Caja explained what sorts of vehicles they had on stock, and where in the rather infamous recent history of the Sultanate the Kyrenaian ones had been in use. This, and the fact, that for all major classes from all places, the histories were still being written, strongly reminded of the original purpose of what now served as sports equipment.
It reminded Arvid of the Lillorainian tanks' own histories, indeed still having been written decades after the end of the War. He had nodded.
Out of the people present here, hardly anyone knew better than him how not only the Skildpadder, but also the Seckom-Battletanks and the Varulven-APCs had been used for something entirely different back then - by three different war parties, fully ready to shoot the living shit out of each other. No one (at least, no one with a sane mind) was proud of what had happened, but it was an essential part of an entire nation's history as well as of the personal biographies of many people such as Arvid - and trying to tear that out of the history books was pretty pointless.
And today, these three models all ran for the same team, fighting on the same side. One could point the certain sense of irony out - or understand it as a funny symbol of Lillorainen's true unification. Whatever came into mind first.
The topic got changed to something happier - namely, Finnya and Fiona wishing to meet them.
Sandra nodded, smiling. "Prepared. I hope, they are prepared, too!"

Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary.
I smiled.
"I am quite sure they are... isn't that right, Nora?", I asked someone standing behind the Lillos. They weren't the only ones, who could sneak up on people, although in this case, it was forgivable. After all, there was quite a crowd.
Still, the woman I talked to was 1.89 metres tall, without her shoes, short silver hair and light blue eyes, a true beauty, and dressed in the uniform of a student of the Naval School, the small boarding axe on her hip signifying, that she was a Cadet. And indeed, Nora Scriúire of the Tribe of Cavan was a Cadet, Head Mechanic of the Puisíni and wanted to join the SDF-Navy after graduation, hoped for a spot as a Machinist Officer.
She grinned at me for a moment, then snapped to attention, her expression a schooled blankness, while her eyes betrayed her excitement.
"Commander Arvid Damgaard, Cadet Jana Hagedorn?", she asked, dropped the salute, feet shoulder-wide, hands behind her back, "Cadet Nora Scriúire of the Tribe of Cavan, Naval School Sensha-Do Team, Head Mechanic. I was tasked by my Captain to ask you to visit our display, to, I quote, 'get the formalities over with quickly, so that we all can focus on the important part', unquote."
I smiled at Jette and Sandra, rolled my eyes. This whole military-saluting-I'm-this-rank-so-you-salute-no-you-no-you-no-you-no-you-nonsense was nothing for me.

Lesley Barróg of the Tribe of Fermanagh. Dorm Complex, Railway Station.
When I collected my bearings, I looked at Hiro, who was, what he told the girl by his side, that he was fine... and he was cute, as he asked me, if I was okay. The concern was really nice... I felt myself blush.
"We're terribly sorry if we bumped you.", the girl said.
I gave a weak smile, blushing still.
"No, I'm sorry, I was bumped into you.", I said and made to rise. Everything seemed alright, I smiled at the lad, still blushing. "You are alright, Mister...?"
Oh, Searc and Cion, please let that girl be his sister or a friend, not his girlfriend...

This young lady was quite cute indeed. Hiro offered out his hand to help the lady to her feet in a gentlemanly way. "Yes, I'm just fine. Takes a lot more to knock a solider like me off my feet. Best be careful, right, busy crowded platform like this, many people. Hiro." He introduced himself "And this is Tomo-Himeko...." For whatever reason he almost decided to name Himeko her sister as if she was going along with the idea of posing as her twin sister. "Silly, Hiro-kun." Himeko linked up her arm with his again. "Almost called me by my sister's name. He's very absent minded like that."

"Ah yes, that's true sometimes I mix up names like that."

Lesley Barróg of the Tribe of Fermanagh. Dorm Complex, Railway Station.
Ah, so he was a soldier... never had one, but he looked cute.
Still, he did not seem absent-minded to me. A bit of a dreamer, sure, but not absent-minded. You little minx of a girl...
"It's a pleasure, Hiro.", I said, taking his hand to help me up. "I'm Lesley. Friends call me Lessy." I spared the girl not a glance as I offered him my arm to link, smiling at him in an open-hearted way. "I'm looking for a friend, who shot off into the crowd and..."
Whatever should follow after the 'and' was left to anyone's guess as the friend came shooting out of the crowd and tackle-hugged me with a huge grin, me struggling for a moment to keep my balance.
I won the fight, no thanks to the weight of Nora shifting in my arms as she turned, her arms wrapped around my neck, raising her arm to signal someone, shouting in Selkie: "I got her!"
I supported Nora's weight with ease, but I still settled her down as a woman, nearing the end of her thirties appeared, sharing Nora's silver hair and blue eyes. I had seen images of her, but the woman looked completely different in nature... and civilian clothing for that matter.
Nora grinned a huge grin.
"Mam, this is Lesley!", she introduced, "Lesley, this is me Mam!"
I smiled. "Pleasure, Ma'am.", I said and meant it as I made a small bow.
I wanted to add something about how much of a cute fluffball Nora was, that I liked her, but apparently, the woman had decided, that I didn't need to continue, as she simply hugged me.
"Thank you for looking after my daughter.", she whispered to me, then kissed me on the cheek and stepped away. That was the time, when she noticed Hiro and Himeko. "And who might you two be?"
"Those are Hiro and Himeko.", I supplied, "I was bumped into them a moment ago."
Nora's Mam nodded. "It's a pleasure.", she said and her eyes stayed a moment longer on Himeko then maybe necessary. "Major Corrin Paisúile of the Tribe of Monaghan, Commanding Officer, I./11th, and, more importantly..." Her strict introduction was broken by a grin, looking to Nora. "...mother to this little whirlwind." She let a beat pass. "I was thinking about inviting your friends for a tea, Nora." Our gunner nodded with a huge grin. "Would you mind them tagging along?"
"Absolutely not! They got knocked down when we were looking for you, this is the least we could do!", Nora agreed with a huge grin.
Major Paisúile nodded, then looked to Hiro and Himeko. "What say you?", she asked the two visitors, then winked at Hiro. "Might be your only chance to sit for a cuppa with five cute girls and a woman, lad! Your friends at home would die of die of jealousy!"
I smiled and Nora giggled.

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
When the two of them arrived, I smiled and even slid a bit over to give the two of them a bit more space. I did not mind them being here, but my attention was drawn to watching the two of them.
Kids, am I right? - Indeed, although to my sisters, I was the kit.
He was a brave lad, though, despite the tears - my apologies, the medicine made his eyes water. He was cute!
"Hi.", I greeted the brave little man back with a smile and nodded to the mother - it was no problem. "I'm Enya. And who are you, brave lad?"

He slid off the bench standing on his wobbly legs but no worse for the wear and forgetting about the traumatic swallowing of the ill-tasting medicine. With a bright smile he gave his name "My names' Räv! It means Fox where I'm from. Cause I'm just like a fox!" He pointed at his mom "She's my mama! She always makes sure I'm taking my medicine on time even when it's super bitter!" Mikela gave a quiet smiling nod as her greeting then spoke "We're from AHSCA. Just arrived early this morning."

"Yup, sailed all the way from the islands to here! How about you, are you from here?"

The Dorm Complex was a little village in and of itself, with the station, the houses for the students and, of course the many different shops, amongst them the four restaurants, one of which was even run by students.
The Printíseach, was its name.
And it was one of the best, depending if one asked the right people.
The house was yet not too full, but there were quite a few tables already occupied, but one was free, outside, with an umbrella above it open. It did not take too long until a young man, maybe sixteen, came to Aina's table and handed her a menu with the request to flag him or a colleague down, when she was ready to order.
The menu was the breakfast menu: Either the traditional Selkie-Breakfast, the greasy affair of porridge, eggs roasted from both sides, battered sausages, fat from the frying all around, bread to wipe it all up, tea or lemonade was of course the highlight at the top, but there were also cheese and ham plates on offer, teas for breakfast, porridge alone, butter breads for the taking, Maith, Scipeáil and, of course, Arálong, the heavy crackers, which were usually eaten with Buan or marmalade and which were, according to rumours, sometimes used by the SDF-Army as additional armour of their tanks in combat zones, with how hard they were.
Of course, that was nonsense, but these crackers were hard.
It did not even take a minute as someone cleared her throat, a woman, too old to be a student, maybe in her mid-thirties, blonde hair done up and brown eyes sharp.
"Good morning.", she said a bit sheepish, "I'm very sorry, but would you mind me sitting down with you? I'll invite you for a tea, too!"

"Oh, not at all." Aina stood out of politeness to let the lady sit down. "I'd actually enjoy some company for a change, especially with some tea." Once the woman took a seat Aina sat back down too. "I'm Aina, from AHSCA. Just visiting while my ship is on layover for a while. How about yourself, native or visiting?"

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
I smiled at the fox-boy as he introduced himself, then at his Mam, bowing my head politely.
A trip all the way from there to here, with a sick lad - I knew, that a year ago, Princess Aurelia sailed from the Sultanate to AHSCA in her little boat and in an interview, she said, that it was quite difficult, so I assumed, that they took a larger passenger ship.
Still... a daring undertaking.
"Indeed, I am.", I replied to the question. "I am a student here, a Senior, as we call it. I'll graduate later this year." I extended my hand, so that Räv was invited back to the bench, if he wanted even on my lap. "I see, that you were aptly named, Räv. You have the energy and drive of a fox... we call them sionnach, or sio for short." I smiled at him. "So, sioín, what brought here all the way?"

The Printíseach.
After the woman sat down, she smiled.
"I'm from the Free Lands as well, if that's the question.", she said, "Not from the Iris, though. I went to school in a little town named Olann, a few hundred kilometers in that direction..." She pointed over Aina's shoulder. "...so I'm not even an alumni. I'm Marla, by the way."
The last came with a bit of sheepishness.
"So, a sailor.", she added, "What's the sea like? And shall I flag down a waiter?"

[AHSCA]

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
I smiled at the fox-boy as he introduced himself, then at his Mam, bowing my head politely.
A trip all the way from there to here, with a sick lad - I knew, that a year ago, Princess Aurelia sailed from the Sultanate to AHSCA in her little boat and in an interview, she said, that it was quite difficult, so I assumed, that they took a larger passenger ship.
Still... a daring undertaking.
"Indeed, I am.", I replied to the question. "I am a student here, a Senior, as we call it. I'll graduate later this year." I extended my hand, so that Räv was invited back to the bench, if he wanted even on my lap. "I see, that you were aptly named, Räv. You have the energy and drive of a fox... we call them sionnach, or sio for short." I smiled at him. "So, sioín, what brought here all the way?"

Räv never the shy one retook a position even happy to sit with the lady while Mikela sat down just as close. "Aaah sio" he repeated nodding "That sounds really cool! Hey mama here, I'd probably be called Sio instead of Räv!"

"Hehehe very likely so, my son. It'd be just as nice of a name. Anyway to answer your question, kind of in the area more or less. We sailed in on the S.S. Soletta an older sailing rig circa Second Era of Shino. My husband is crew aboard her, we thought this would be a good chance to sail along together for a change. As fortune would have it, it's brought us to the Freelands."

"Yessy indeed. My papa knows his way around any boat, as long as he's aboard aint nothing to be scared of in the least. And no matter how much we rolled and pitched along the way here, I wasn't scared in the bit!"

"Indeed, probably brave than me." Mikela hid a giggled behind her sleeve.

"Plus I heard along the way some kind of contests involving big tanks! Tanks and machines are really cool! So I'm hoping to see some! And I can maybe take home a shell for my papa!" He grinned a big grin at the idea he'd be able to take home a massive shell. Mikela laughed "Well...okay maybe I can't really take him a big shell but it's fun to pretend I could be so strong as I could carry one! At least I can tell my papa and my friends in school and in group all about what kind of tanks I saw!"

The Printíseach.
After the woman sat down, she smiled.
"I'm from the Free Lands as well, if that's the question.", she said, "Not from the Iris, though. I went to school in a little town named Olann, a few hundred kilometers in that direction..." She pointed over Aina's shoulder. "...so I'm not even an alumni. I'm Marla, by the way."
The last came with a bit of sheepishness.
"So, a sailor.", she added, "What's the sea like? And shall I flag down a waiter?"

"Marla, nice to meet ya. Once again, Aina." She repeated her own name to help Marla remember. "Let's get some tea here." She nodded with a smile as her response to yes grabbing a waiter. "Local then, so a Selkie person then, am I right? Forgive me if I'm a bit off or something I'm saying is a miss, even though I'm well traveled I don't often get time in port. Sailor yeah, well to be specific, Captain. The sea, well it's a fickle beast I'll tell you. I've had trips that really put my skills to test, especially my last one..." She sighed a heavy sigh but continued "This particular one was all right, not too bad. Ups and downs like always."

[Lillorainen]

Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary.
I smiled.
"I am quite sure they are... isn't that right, Nora?", I asked someone standing behind the Lillos. They weren't the only ones, who could sneak up on people, although in this case, it was forgivable. After all, there was quite a crowd.
Still, the woman I talked to was 1.89 metres tall, without her shoes, short silver hair and light blue eyes, a true beauty, and dressed in the uniform of a student of the Naval School, the small boarding axe on her hip signifying, that she was a Cadet. And indeed, Nora Scriúire of the Tribe of Cavan was a Cadet, Head Mechanic of the Puisíni and wanted to join the SDF-Navy after graduation, hoped for a spot as a Machinist Officer.
She grinned at me for a moment, then snapped to attention, her expression a schooled blankness, while her eyes betrayed her excitement.
"Commander Arvid Damgaard, Cadet Jana Hagedorn?", she asked, dropped the salute, feet shoulder-wide, hands behind her back, "Cadet Nora Scriúire of the Tribe of Cavan, Naval School Sensha-Do Team, Head Mechanic. I was tasked by my Captain to ask you to visit our display, to, I quote, 'get the formalities over with quickly, so that we all can focus on the important part', unquote."
I smiled at Jette and Sandra, rolled my eyes. This whole military-saluting-I'm-this-rank-so-you-salute-no-you-no-you-no-you-no-you-nonsense was nothing for me.

All of a sudden, Caja talked to someone the Lillos indeed hadn't noticed sneaking up on them - that there was also an entire crowd running around in here might or might not have made it easier. Who knew.
Nora Scriúire of the Tribe of Cavan, Head Mechanic of the Puisíni, had approached them - and saluting, of course, a procedure of ceremony making Caja roll her eyes. Jette, Sandra, and Britta grinned and shrugged, without Arvid and Jana noticing.
They were busy saluting back. "Commander Damgaard!" - "Cadet Hagedorn!"
And that was the end of story. A beat passed, then Jana continued, in a quite straightforward manner, but keeping her military tone, "Roger! What are we waiting for, then?"
That was the point where it was revealed, that, despite being a Cadet, Jana wasn't necessarily in a mood for the entire I-salute-Ma'am-then-you-salute-yes-sir-Colonel-sir monkey-dance for now, either. It would have been different during a maneuver, and it would change later on, when it came to the part where everything had to be perfectly timed and clear amongst the Snails - but for now, it was indeed more important to get to the point as quickly as possible. Maximum efficiency.
Arvid nodded. "Ready when you are, Cadet Scriúire!" - he said. It somehow shone through, that thirty years in a security company had left a few more traces than the couple of years in the Armed Forces of the LFR. There, they hadn't had a lot of time for shenanigans like these, either.
Jette had to grin again.

[Mediama]

Near the display of the Beastly Badgers.
Nolwenn Lagrogha of the Tribe of Dundalk.
The foreign tanks garnered a lot of attention, both from their fellow sportswomen and from the crowd in and of itself, one part of which was, indeed, me: Nolwenn Lagrogha of the Tribe of Dundalk.
Friends call me Nolly.
Friends like the other two crewmembers of my APC, Juna and Aife Dáimh of the Tribe of Galway, sisters and not even twins, but wholly occupied with seeing their parents again. So, I was exploring the displays, walking right past our and towards the one of the Beastly Badgers. Optically, their Crusader Tanks reminded me of Lutetiian Fulmine Cavalry Tanks, but I knew, that they would not be the same on closer inspection - and although my main occupation within the team was that of the Commander of the Puisíni's Raicleabán-Ceathair Vehicle Commander, I did have a certain historical interest in these vehicles, too.
I was blonde, blue eyed and did cut a good figure, both in swimsuit and in the uniform of the Naval School, to which I belonged, though not as a Cadet. I would not join the SDF after my time there.
I smiled, as I saw the different team members of the Badgers leave the display to make room for interested visitors wanting to see their gigantic and heavy Matilda (something, which did cause a bit of problems when it came to rail transport, but nothing, which could not be solved) and their Crusader, which was my first interest for today.
As I came closer, I smiled at the small table set up with tea, tablecloth and proudly displaying the team (and school) emblem.
Queen Victoria Academy for Young Ladies.
Definately not a school I would join. The military discipline of the Naval School was enough for me...
Anyway, I stepped up to the table, smiled. "Hi, good morning. I'm interested in your tanks, as a fellow sportswoman. I'm from the Naval School Sensha-Do Team myself and..."
I was not good with such things and it showed by the redness my cheeks were developing.

Victoria had sat down and sighed, slightly absorbed into her complaining thoughts at how she was destined to sit here and do relatively nothing.

Quite suddenly though, a voice broke through her train of thought, and as she looked up, she faced a blonde haired girl wearing some sort of naval uniform over her swimsuit, red spreading all over her cheeks. Though her upbringing both at home and at the academy forbade doing such things, she couldn’t help but stare at the young woman’s style of uniform before she recovered quite quickly, a faint blush forming on her cheeks, though not as prominent as the subject of her looks.

For some reason though, Victoria couldn’t help but find the girl’s demeanor cute. She quickly for the time being tossed away her aggressive demeanor and put on a small smile. “You couldn’t help but find some sort of beauty with them?” She said in the queen’s accent, and not the less refined cockney accent.

She looked back fondly at her Matilda, “Can’t say I’d blame you, my girl over there may be 27 tonnes, but her 2 Leyland engines can carry her at 25 miles on road, 15 off.”

She looked back towards the girl, “Not much of a schooner, but she can defend herself in a fix, besides, our crusaders are the ones that do most of the speeding around.” She nods over to the aforementioned light tank.

She fixed her beret before she looked back primly at the young girl, “Pardon me, but you don’t happen to have a name do you? I might not be in any of the competitions, but it’s only polite to know the identity of the person you are talking to.”

---

Melissa and Alyssa walked side by side through the exhibition area, with Alyssa staying slightly back, almost like an aide de camp would with their superior. Alyssa looked around as they took in the sights, the sounds, and the smells of food being cooked in the air. “It seems pretty busy, even if it’s a little sparse at the moment.”

Melissa nodded, “It’s only the beginning of the convention, more will come as the day goes on.”

Alyssa couldn’t help but notice the many tankery teams here in their respective uniforms, some of them mingling with their own red and black-clad teammates. She felt a twinge of jealously. She had just switched from middle school to high school, and had applied for tankery as one of the sports she wanted to take. She must’ve had something special, for Melissa, the future team captain for next year, had taken her under her wing as her loader and her protege.

Because of this, she had made a fair amount of friends, but also alienated a few of the other team mates. This combined with her shy and at worst cowardly demeanor made her shut herself up to nearly everyone but Melissa.

Though she was thankful for the opportunities she was receiving, she couldn’t help but feel a few twinges of bitterness and loneliness, and thus, was at least somewhat content with staying by Melissa’s side as they looked around the tank exhibits.

---

Jane, on the other hand, made a beeline towards the food stands. Though she had done nothing but pace around near the display tanks before she left, she had forgone breakfast that morning, and thus, made it a priority to get something to eat before she fainted unseemly from lack of vittles.

Jane looked around as she assessed her options. Bollocks, What should I choose, there’s so much to try here? Jane pondered, as she stood there trying to make a good call.

[The Selkie]

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
I smiled at the fox-boy as he introduced himself, then at his Mam, bowing my head politely.
A trip all the way from there to here, with a sick lad - I knew, that a year ago, Princess Aurelia sailed from the Sultanate to AHSCA in her little boat and in an interview, she said, that it was quite difficult, so I assumed, that they took a larger passenger ship.
Still... a daring undertaking.
"Indeed, I am.", I replied to the question. "I am a student here, a Senior, as we call it. I'll graduate later this year." I extended my hand, so that Räv was invited back to the bench, if he wanted even on my lap. "I see, that you were aptly named, Räv. You have the energy and drive of a fox... we call them sionnach, or sio for short." I smiled at him. "So, sioín, what brought here all the way?"

Räv never the shy one retook a position even happy to sit with the lady while Mikela sat down just as close. "Aaah sio" he repeated nodding "That sounds really cool! Hey mama here, I'd probably be called Sio instead of Räv!"

"Hehehe very likely so, my son. It'd be just as nice of a name. Anyway to answer your question, kind of in the area more or less. We sailed in on the S.S. Soletta an older sailing rig circa Second Era of Shino. My husband is crew aboard her, we thought this would be a good chance to sail along together for a change. As fortune would have it, it's brought us to the Freelands."

"Yessy indeed. My papa knows his way around any boat, as long as he's aboard aint nothing to be scared of in the least. And no matter how much we rolled and pitched along the way here, I wasn't scared in the bit!"

"Indeed, probably brave than me." Mikela hid a giggled behind her sleeve.

"Plus I heard along the way some kind of contests involving big tanks! Tanks and machines are really cool! So I'm hoping to see some! And I can maybe take home a shell for my papa!" He grinned a big grin at the idea he'd be able to take home a massive shell. Mikela laughed "Well...okay maybe I can't really take him a big shell but it's fun to pretend I could be so strong as I could carry one! At least I can tell my papa and my friends in school and in group all about what kind of tanks I saw!"

The Printíseach.
After the woman sat down, she smiled.
"I'm from the Free Lands as well, if that's the question.", she said, "Not from the Iris, though. I went to school in a little town named Olann, a few hundred kilometers in that direction..." She pointed over Aina's shoulder. "...so I'm not even an alumni. I'm Marla, by the way."
The last came with a bit of sheepishness.
"So, a sailor.", she added, "What's the sea like? And shall I flag down a waiter?"

"Marla, nice to meet ya. Once again, Aina." She repeated her own name to help Marla remember. "Let's get some tea here." She nodded with a smile as her response to yes grabbing a waiter. "Local then, so a Selkie person then, am I right? Forgive me if I'm a bit off or something I'm saying is a miss, even though I'm well traveled I don't often get time in port. Sailor yeah, well to be specific, Captain. The sea, well it's a fickle beast I'll tell you. I've had trips that really put my skills to test, especially my last one..." She sighed a heavy sigh but continued "This particular one was all right, not too bad. Ups and downs like always."

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
I had to grin at Räv's enthusiasm about... basically everything, it seemed!
So, they were here for the tanks and big machines - something, which I did not have the slightest clue about. Luckily, I knew someone, who had, though.
"Oh, there are a lot of contests of the big tanks today and they even built up a display here on the plaza, where we have every one of the tanks here!", I said with excitement - upon thinking about it, it was a tad strange, that they didn't see them yet. Anyway... "How about we take a look around? I'll call a friend, who can help us with any question we have, too!"
I grinned and leaned over to Räv.
"And while it may not be a large shell, maybe you can sponge a small shell for yer Paps?", I told him with a wink.
Doireann would love him to bits!

The Printíseach.
Marla grinned and threw a playful salute at the Captain opposite to her.
Sure, that was a naval captain opposite to her, but her culture still held Captains, be they of ground forces, sports teams or vessels, in high regard.
"I see.", she replied, "I went to sea, too, but that's not the main part of my occupation. You see..." She let a few beats pass. "...I'm an Army Officer, with the Mobile Forces Command. Part of my job is to travel by sea to whereever we are needed, if we are needed." She sighed. "I actually have a bit of a Blighty right now, due to being wounded... I have quite a bit of a guilty conscience right now, me drinking tea in pleasant company while my Squadron is still there... which is also why I am here. Quite a few of my men and women have kids here at the Iris."
Marla looked a lot like a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

Victoria had sat down and sighed, slightly absorbed into her complaining thoughts at how she was destined to sit here and do relatively nothing.

Quite suddenly though, a voice broke through her train of thought, and as she looked up, she faced a blonde haired girl wearing some sort of naval uniform over her swimsuit, red spreading all over her cheeks. Though her upbringing both at home and at the academy forbade doing such things, she couldn’t help but stare at the young woman’s style of uniform before she recovered quite quickly, a faint blush forming on her cheeks, though not as prominent as the subject of her looks.

For some reason though, Victoria couldn’t help but find the girl’s demeanor cute. She quickly for the time being tossed away her aggressive demeanor and put on a small smile. “You couldn’t help but find some sort of beauty with them?” She said in the queen’s accent, and not the less refined cockney accent.

She looked back fondly at her Matilda, “Can’t say I’d blame you, my girl over there may be 27 tonnes, but her 2 Leyland engines can carry her at 25 miles on road, 15 off.”

She looked back towards the girl, “Not much of a schooner, but she can defend herself in a fix, besides, our crusaders are the ones that do most of the speeding around.” She nods over to the aforementioned light tank.

She fixed her beret before she looked back primly at the young girl, “Pardon me, but you don’t happen to have a name do you? I might not be in any of the competitions, but it’s only polite to know the identity of the person you are talking to.”

---

Melissa and Alyssa walked side by side through the exhibition area, with Alyssa staying slightly back, almost like an aide de camp would with their superior. Alyssa looked around as they took in the sights, the sounds, and the smells of food being cooked in the air. “It seems pretty busy, even if it’s a little sparse at the moment.”

Melissa nodded, “It’s only the beginning of the convention, more will come as the day goes on.”

Alyssa couldn’t help but notice the many tankery teams here in their respective uniforms, some of them mingling with their own red and black-clad teammates. She felt a twinge of jealously. She had just switched from middle school to high school, and had applied for tankery as one of the sports she wanted to take. She must’ve had something special, for Melissa, the future team captain for next year, had taken her under her wing as her loader and her protege.

Because of this, she had made a fair amount of friends, but also alienated a few of the other team mates. This combined with her shy and at worst cowardly demeanor made her shut herself up to nearly everyone but Melissa.

Though she was thankful for the opportunities she was receiving, she couldn’t help but feel a few twinges of bitterness and loneliness, and thus, was at least somewhat content with staying by Melissa’s side as they looked around the tank exhibits.

---

Jane, on the other hand, made a beeline towards the food stands. Though she had done nothing but pace around near the display tanks before she left, she had forgone breakfast that morning, and thus, made it a priority to get something to eat before she fainted unseemly from lack of vittles.

Jane looked around as she assessed her options. Bollocks, What should I choose, there’s so much to try here? Jane pondered, as she stood there trying to make a good call.

Display of the Beastly Badgers.
Nolwenn Lagrogha of the Tribe of Dundalk.
I listened with great interest - 27 tons!
My own Faolchú clocked in at 13! It was an APC, sure, but still, twice as heavy. And heavier then the Crogalls! Not bad... not bad at all.
I nodded.
When Victoria, who's name I did not know at the time, asked for a name, I snapped to attention: "Nolwenn Lagrogha of the Tribe of Dundalk, Naval School Sensha-Do Team. We are also known as the Puisíni.", I introduced myself, bowed my head in respect. My accent shone through, the soft sing-song and the rolled Rs, the dropped vowels as well. "Everyone calls me Nolly, though, Miss...?"
Speaking of, Miss Tarkin.

Asteria Vena. With Melissa and Alyssa.
I watched the two girls from the Beastly Badgers as they examined our own tanks on display - the gun carriage, which gave the opening salute, the ammunition vehicle, Faolchús, Crogalls, Dobhareachs... once you became aware, that the names were animals (Wolf, Crocodile and Hippo, respectively), it sounded a bit as if you were in a zoo!
Next to them were the Armoured Engineer Vehicles of Eagreiné Squadron and the Historic Fleet with one of the massive Cosaints leading.
I rounded our gun carriage... technically not a tank, but close enough for most. I swallowed, took in air to speak to them... and became aware, that I was in front of Melissa Montgomery III... the Commander of the Beastly Badgers.
Gods, I'm not as extroverted as Livvy!
I fumbled for a moment, then had a shaky smile.
"Hello, Ma'am.", I finally brought out, nodding to the girl with her, shaky smile on my lips, "Interested in our Toirneach?"

Food.
The food stalls by the Plaza had a wide variety of Selkie-Cuisine on offer, from breadrolls (both already prepared and like they came out of the oven) to Maith, chips, battered sausages, Scipeáil, caramelized fruits, Arálong... on more of a display in and of itself then a food stall, a group of students was already preparing for lunch, a gigantic pot of Stobhach, cooked over an open fire in a large, cast-iron pot, which could be used to boil a small tank!
The fruits, staff of the stalls (all of them students) would be proud to tell, came from the fields of the Conservatory Club, while the Culinary Club and a few of the Dorm Moms supervised the cooking itself.
It was a gigantic, logistical undertaking and it was only thematic, that one of the Dobhareach Amphibious Tracked Vehicles was used to cart materials to and from.
Jane would not be the first or only hungry person, short lines having already formed.

All of a sudden, Caja talked to someone the Lillos indeed hadn't noticed sneaking up on them - that there was also an entire crowd running around in here might or might not have made it easier. Who knew.
Nora Scriúire of the Tribe of Cavan, Head Mechanic of the Puisíni, had approached them - and saluting, of course, a procedure of ceremony making Caja roll her eyes. Jette, Sandra, and Britta grinned and shrugged, without Arvid and Jana noticing.
They were busy saluting back. "Commander Damgaard!" - "Cadet Hagedorn!"
And that was the end of story. A beat passed, then Jana continued, in a quite straightforward manner, but keeping her military tone, "Roger! What are we waiting for, then?"
That was the point where it was revealed, that, despite being a Cadet, Jana wasn't necessarily in a mood for the entire I-salute-Ma'am-then-you-salute-yes-sir-Colonel-sir monkey-dance for now, either. It would have been different during a maneuver, and it would change later on, when it came to the part where everything had to be perfectly timed and clear amongst the Snails - but for now, it was indeed more important to get to the point as quickly as possible. Maximum efficiency.
Arvid nodded. "Ready when you are, Cadet Scriúire!" - he said. It somehow shone through, that thirty years in a security company had left a few more traces than the couple of years in the Armed Forces of the LFR. There, they hadn't had a lot of time for shenanigans like these, either.
Jette had to grin again.

Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary.
I had to supress a giggle at Jette's, Sandra's and Britta's reactions, which were just too wonderful.
Nora, and the two she was here to fetch, did not seem to notice, though. And that was good... The Naval School was strict enough to its own students, being a cadet school (and, in fact, the only one of its kind in the Free Lands).
Nora nodded. "If you would please follow me, Cadet, Commander.", she said and nodded to me, "If your companions wish, we would be honoured to have them tag along. Miss Stornholm, you were...?"
"Cleared to represent the Coileáin at such occasions, yes.", I finished for her, fixed my red bow - the good one, of fine, red silk. I would not crawl under any tanks with that thing on! "Lead the way, Cadet!"
And that she did, the little boarding axe swinging out a small bit with every step.
Involuntarily, I asked myself if it would lead to bruises...

[Kuronami]

Ah, so he was a soldier... never had one, but he looked cute.
Still, he did not seem absent-minded to me. A bit of a dreamer, sure, but not absent-minded. You little minx of a girl...
"It's a pleasure, Hiro.", I said, taking his hand to help me up. "I'm Lesley. Friends call me Lessy." I spared the girl not a glance as I offered him my arm to link, smiling at him in an open-hearted way. "I'm looking for a friend, who shot off into the crowd and..."
Whatever should follow after the 'and' was left to anyone's guess as the friend came shooting out of the crowd and tackle-hugged me with a huge grin, me struggling for a moment to keep my balance.
I won the fight, no thanks to the weight of Nora shifting in my arms as she turned, her arms wrapped around my neck, raising her arm to signal someone, shouting in Selkie: "I got her!"
I supported Nora's weight with ease, but I still settled her down as a woman, nearing the end of her thirties appeared, sharing Nora's silver hair and blue eyes. I had seen images of her, but the woman looked completely different in nature... and civilian clothing for that matter.
Nora grinned a huge grin.
"Mam, this is Lesley!", she introduced, "Lesley, this is me Mam!"
I smiled. "Pleasure, Ma'am.", I said and meant it as I made a small bow.
I wanted to add something about how much of a cute fluffball Nora was, that I liked her, but apparently, the woman had decided, that I didn't need to continue, as she simply hugged me.
"Thank you for looking after my daughter.", she whispered to me, then kissed me on the cheek and stepped away. That was the time, when she noticed Hiro and Himeko. "And who might you two be?"
"Those are Hiro and Himeko.", I supplied, "I was bumped into them a moment ago."
Nora's Mam nodded. "It's a pleasure.", she said and her eyes stayed a moment longer on Himeko then maybe necessary. "Major Corrin Paisúile of the Tribe of Monaghan, Commanding Officer, I./11th, and, more importantly..." Her strict introduction was broken by a grin, looking to Nora. "...mother to this little whirlwind." She let a beat pass. "I was thinking about inviting your friends for a tea, Nora." Our gunner nodded with a huge grin. "Would you mind them tagging along?"
"Absolutely not! They got knocked down when we were looking for you, this is the least we could do!", Nora agreed with a huge grin.
Major Paisúile nodded, then looked to Hiro and Himeko. "What say you?", she asked the two visitors, then winked at Hiro. "Might be your only chance to sit for a cuppa with five cute girls and a woman, lad! Your friends at home would die of die of jealousy!"
I smiled and Nora giggled.

"Lessy huh, nice name."

Himeko nodded "It's a very cute name."

"Ah looking for someone huh? perhaps..." Hiro was ready to offer assistance to the young lady help but it would seem someone else found them first

"Sounds very cute" Himeko agreed. Some more introductions were made including a mother of one of the ladies. They were asked who they were but were introduced by their friend. Himeko felt the really deep scrutinizing stare of the lady. Himeko blushed a little averting her own gaze not sure what was going on really. Was she admiring her or maybe she was just suspicious of her? Himeko didn't think many would recognize her, well maybe they might mistake her for her twin sister due to how popular her company's social media platform had become but nothing further came of it besides a nice invite to tea.

"I for one could really go for a nice cup of tea." Himeko agreed

"That sounds like a nice break from things, sure we'd like to join you." Hiro agreed.

[AHSCA]

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
I had to grin at Räv's enthusiasm about... basically everything, it seemed!
So, they were here for the tanks and big machines - something, which I did not have the slightest clue about. Luckily, I knew someone, who had, though.
"Oh, there are a lot of contests of the big tanks today and they even built up a display here on the plaza, where we have every one of the tanks here!", I said with excitement - upon thinking about it, it was a tad strange, that they didn't see them yet. Anyway... "How about we take a look around? I'll call a friend, who can help us with any question we have, too!"
I grinned and leaned over to Räv.
"And while it may not be a large shell, maybe you can sponge a small shell for yer Paps?", I told him with a wink.
Doireann would love him to bits!

"Hey! Yeaaaah!" He brightend up more at the sound of that idea "How 'bout it mama, can we, huh?"

"Sounds like a nice idea. All right."

"And I'll still get something for papa after all"

"Well, Enya, if I may be so open, we'd enjoy your company and anyone else you bring along." Mikela agreed.

The Printíseach.
Marla grinned and threw a playful salute at the Captain opposite to her.
Sure, that was a naval captain opposite to her, but her culture still held Captains, be they of ground forces, sports teams or vessels, in high regard.
"I see.", she replied, "I went to sea, too, but that's not the main part of my occupation. You see..." She let a few beats pass. "...I'm an Army Officer, with the Mobile Forces Command. Part of my job is to travel by sea to whereever we are needed, if we are needed." She sighed. "I actually have a bit of a Blighty right now, due to being wounded... I have quite a bit of a guilty conscience right now, me drinking tea in pleasant company while my Squadron is still there... which is also why I am here. Quite a few of my men and women have kids here at the Iris."
Marla looked a lot like a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Oh military huh? But taken a wound that's not good but seems you're no worse for wear and on the mend if you're having tea time with me. That's good, I want anyone I have company with to be in good health. I get the feeling though knowing your squad still out there. Mmm maybe this isn't a good one-to-one story here but my first time out to sea when I first became a mariner, long before my captain days. Talking rookie at 13-years when I was barely a swabber at that. I took a little ill, not sea sick just a bit of a cold unfortunate. So I was left in the next port of call while the remainder of my crew went out. My father, also a sailor himself, taught me every crew member is invaluable. So I felt what I think you're feeling now. Even though you can't control the circumstances something still keeps nagging at you that you feel like you do a disservice."

[Mediama]

Display of the Beastly Badgers.
Nolwenn Lagrogha of the Tribe of Dundalk.
I listened with great interest - 27 tons!
My own Faolchú clocked in at 13! It was an APC, sure, but still, twice as heavy. And heavier then the Crogalls! Not bad... not bad at all.
I nodded.
When Victoria, who's name I did not know at the time, asked for a name, I snapped to attention: "Nolwenn Lagrogha of the Tribe of Dundalk, Naval School Sensha-Do Team. We are also known as the Puisíni.", I introduced myself, bowed my head in respect. My accent shone through, the soft sing-song and the rolled Rs, the dropped vowels as well. "Everyone calls me Nolly, though, Miss...?"
Speaking of, Miss Tarkin.

“Chelmsford, Victoria Chelmsford. A pleasure to meet you, my dear, and might I say you have the most adorable accent.” She gave a small curtsy. “Usually I would be out in the field with the rest of the group.”

She turned towards her Matilda and sighed, “Sadly, she’s in the shop for repairs at the moment.” She faced back towards Nolly, “ You’d think with the luck I have, it’s engine trouble from all the unfortunate times I get ambushed from the rear. But it’s just a little steering problem, like what most Matilda’s have.”

She moved some of the flyers and the tea service around, “Anyways, is there anything you’d want to know about Queen Victoria’s?”

---

Asteria Vena. With Melissa and Alyssa.
I watched the two girls from the Beastly Badgers as they examined our own tanks on display - the gun carriage, which gave the opening salute, the ammunition vehicle, Faolchús, Crogalls, Dobhareachs... once you became aware, that the names were animals (Wolf, Crocodile and Hippo, respectively), it sounded a bit as if you were in a zoo!
Next to them were the Armoured Engineer Vehicles of Eagreiné Squadron and the Historic Fleet with one of the massive Cosaints leading.
I rounded our gun carriage... technically not a tank, but close enough for most. I swallowed, took in air to speak to them... and became aware, that I was in front of Melissa Montgomery III... the Commander of the Beastly Badgers.
Gods, I'm not as extroverted as Livvy!
I fumbled for a moment, then had a shaky smile.
"Hello, Ma'am.", I finally brought out, nodding to the girl with her, shaky smile on my lips, "Interested in our Toirneach?"

Melissa turned towards the new voice, Alyssa turning with her. She replied with a small, polite smile, “Quite, it’s not often that you see another team employ a mobile gun during matches, I knew Kuromorimine had employed a sturmtiger once, but other examples are so far in between.”

Alyssa all the while, kept to herself behind her superior, at least until she began to curtesy and do introductions, “I am Melissa Montgomery the Third, commander of the Queen Victoria Academy for Young Ladies tankery team, or Sensha-do as some may call it.” She nodded to the younger, more shy girl, “This fine young lady here is lieutenant, loader, and aide de camp, Alyssa Flashman the fourth.”

Melissa stepped aside, and caught in the open, the young girl shakily did a curtesy “A-A pleasure to be of your acquaintance.”

After the Selkie girl introduced herself, Melissa faced towards the gun carriage and said “As I was saying, it’s interesting to see a mobile gun employed for tankery, it looks impressive. The gun I estimate is about 155 millimeters, quite the gun considering it may outgun all of our armaments, and it looks just a short heavier than our Matilda’s.”

As Melissa continued to talk about tanks, Alyssa took the time of being briefly unnoticed to take a good look at the Selkie in front of her. She was shaky, and visibly just as nervous as she was. Behind her own mask of nervousness and submissiveness, she had to wonder how the poor girl was going to survive standing in front of her commander.

---

Food.
The food stalls by the Plaza had a wide variety of Selkie-Cuisine on offer, from breadrolls (both already prepared and like they came out of the oven) to Maith, chips, battered sausages, Scipeáil, caramelized fruits, Arálong... on more of a display in and of itself then a food stall, a group of students was already preparing for lunch, a gigantic pot of Stobhach, cooked over an open fire in a large, cast-iron pot, which could be used to boil a small tank!
The fruits, staff of the stalls (all of them students) would be proud to tell, came from the fields of the Conservatory Club, while the Culinary Club and a few of the Dorm Moms supervised the cooking itself.
It was a gigantic, logistical undertaking and it was only thematic, that one of the Dobhareach Amphibious Tracked Vehicles was used to cart materials to and from.
Jane would not be the first or only hungry person, short lines having already formed.

Jane looked at all of the stalls, all of them seemed appealing, aside from the Arálong of course, making her remember too much of the horrific scones Melissa had made at one time which practically poisoned the entire team.

In the end though, she decided to get a bowl of stobhach, a bread roll, and a battered sausage or two with chips (crisps or just what yanks would call French fries, she wasn’t sure until she got them) to sate her hunger. Though the building traffic may have caused her further frustration as she tried to remain dignified and ladylike while fuming on impatience.

After all, she was a light cavalryman, it wouldn’t do for her to move slowly or in the worst case just go at a crawl or stop.

[Lillorainen]

Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary.
I had to supress a giggle at Jette's, Sandra's and Britta's reactions, which were just too wonderful.
Nora, and the two she was here to fetch, did not seem to notice, though. And that was good... The Naval School was strict enough to its own students, being a cadet school (and, in fact, the only one of its kind in the Free Lands).
Nora nodded. "If you would please follow me, Cadet, Commander.", she said and nodded to me, "If your companions wish, we would be honoured to have them tag along. Miss Stornholm, you were...?"
"Cleared to represent the Coileáin at such occasions, yes.", I finished for her, fixed my red bow - the good one, of fine, red silk. I would not crawl under any tanks with that thing on! "Lead the way, Cadet!"
And that she did, the little boarding axe swinging out a small bit with every step.
Involuntarily, I asked myself if it would lead to bruises...

Indeed, it was good, that Nora didn't notice the reaction of the (yet) civillian part of the Lillo-round, for the strictness of the Naval School was not exactly unheard of. Granted, the RMA, just like its counterparts in other regions of Lillorainen, did have a sense of discipline and protocol, too, even though some decided to it to a minimum.
They nodded. If they were welcome to tag along, who should hinder them?
At least, they were all disciplined enough not to sing along - although, admittedly, a certain reflex being there amongst all three of them could hardly be denied.
They followed Nora, whose boarding axe swung out a bit with every step. Caja was not the only one around who was wondering, if there already had been people who had taken a few bruises by getting too close to the pointy thing.

[The Selkie]

Ah, so he was a soldier... never had one, but he looked cute.
Still, he did not seem absent-minded to me. A bit of a dreamer, sure, but not absent-minded. You little minx of a girl...
"It's a pleasure, Hiro.", I said, taking his hand to help me up. "I'm Lesley. Friends call me Lessy." I spared the girl not a glance as I offered him my arm to link, smiling at him in an open-hearted way. "I'm looking for a friend, who shot off into the crowd and..."
Whatever should follow after the 'and' was left to anyone's guess as the friend came shooting out of the crowd and tackle-hugged me with a huge grin, me struggling for a moment to keep my balance.
I won the fight, no thanks to the weight of Nora shifting in my arms as she turned, her arms wrapped around my neck, raising her arm to signal someone, shouting in Selkie: "I got her!"
I supported Nora's weight with ease, but I still settled her down as a woman, nearing the end of her thirties appeared, sharing Nora's silver hair and blue eyes. I had seen images of her, but the woman looked completely different in nature... and civilian clothing for that matter.
Nora grinned a huge grin.
"Mam, this is Lesley!", she introduced, "Lesley, this is me Mam!"
I smiled. "Pleasure, Ma'am.", I said and meant it as I made a small bow.
I wanted to add something about how much of a cute fluffball Nora was, that I liked her, but apparently, the woman had decided, that I didn't need to continue, as she simply hugged me.
"Thank you for looking after my daughter.", she whispered to me, then kissed me on the cheek and stepped away. That was the time, when she noticed Hiro and Himeko. "And who might you two be?"
"Those are Hiro and Himeko.", I supplied, "I was bumped into them a moment ago."
Nora's Mam nodded. "It's a pleasure.", she said and her eyes stayed a moment longer on Himeko then maybe necessary. "Major Corrin Paisúile of the Tribe of Monaghan, Commanding Officer, I./11th, and, more importantly..." Her strict introduction was broken by a grin, looking to Nora. "...mother to this little whirlwind." She let a beat pass. "I was thinking about inviting your friends for a tea, Nora." Our gunner nodded with a huge grin. "Would you mind them tagging along?"
"Absolutely not! They got knocked down when we were looking for you, this is the least we could do!", Nora agreed with a huge grin.
Major Paisúile nodded, then looked to Hiro and Himeko. "What say you?", she asked the two visitors, then winked at Hiro. "Might be your only chance to sit for a cuppa with five cute girls and a woman, lad! Your friends at home would die of die of jealousy!"
I smiled and Nora giggled.

"Lessy huh, nice name."

Himeko nodded "It's a very cute name."

"Ah looking for someone huh? perhaps..." Hiro was ready to offer assistance to the young lady help but it would seem someone else found them first

"Sounds very cute" Himeko agreed. Some more introductions were made including a mother of one of the ladies. They were asked who they were but were introduced by their friend. Himeko felt the really deep scrutinizing stare of the lady. Himeko blushed a little averting her own gaze not sure what was going on really. Was she admiring her or maybe she was just suspicious of her? Himeko didn't think many would recognize her, well maybe they might mistake her for her twin sister due to how popular her company's social media platform had become but nothing further came of it besides a nice invite to tea.

"I for one could really go for a nice cup of tea." Himeko agreed

"That sounds like a nice break from things, sure we'd like to join you." Hiro agreed.

Lesley Barróg of the Tribe of Fermanagh. Dorm Complex, Railway Station.
I grinned, happy that they were coming along.
Oh, who am I kidding? I was glad, that Hiro came along. The girl, especially after the scrutiny given to her by the Major, was completely irrelevant to me. Others would take care of that problem.
Still, both Nora and her Mam were happy, the girl taking her Mam's hand and running ahead, dragging her along.
"Wait for us!", I called after them, knowing, that Nora could not wait to introduce her Mother to the others of our crew. We all knew, where we would go for our tea: The Cistanraith, one of the restaurants here in the Dorm Complex, with the best tea.
Still, I smiled, looked to Hiro. "Indeed, tea is wonderful.", I said and offered my arm for him to link, "Always good to have a cuppa while you learn for a test. It puts things into perspective."

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
I had to grin at Räv's enthusiasm about... basically everything, it seemed!
So, they were here for the tanks and big machines - something, which I did not have the slightest clue about. Luckily, I knew someone, who had, though.
"Oh, there are a lot of contests of the big tanks today and they even built up a display here on the plaza, where we have every one of the tanks here!", I said with excitement - upon thinking about it, it was a tad strange, that they didn't see them yet. Anyway... "How about we take a look around? I'll call a friend, who can help us with any question we have, too!"
I grinned and leaned over to Räv.
"And while it may not be a large shell, maybe you can sponge a small shell for yer Paps?", I told him with a wink.
Doireann would love him to bits!

"Hey! Yeaaaah!" He brightend up more at the sound of that idea "How 'bout it mama, can we, huh?"

"Sounds like a nice idea. All right."

"And I'll still get something for papa after all"

"Well, Enya, if I may be so open, we'd enjoy your company and anyone else you bring along." Mikela agreed.

The Printíseach.
Marla grinned and threw a playful salute at the Captain opposite to her.
Sure, that was a naval captain opposite to her, but her culture still held Captains, be they of ground forces, sports teams or vessels, in high regard.
"I see.", she replied, "I went to sea, too, but that's not the main part of my occupation. You see..." She let a few beats pass. "...I'm an Army Officer, with the Mobile Forces Command. Part of my job is to travel by sea to whereever we are needed, if we are needed." She sighed. "I actually have a bit of a Blighty right now, due to being wounded... I have quite a bit of a guilty conscience right now, me drinking tea in pleasant company while my Squadron is still there... which is also why I am here. Quite a few of my men and women have kids here at the Iris."
Marla looked a lot like a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Oh military huh? But taken a wound that's not good but seems you're no worse for wear and on the mend if you're having tea time with me. That's good, I want anyone I have company with to be in good health. I get the feeling though knowing your squad still out there. Mmm maybe this isn't a good one-to-one story here but my first time out to sea when I first became a mariner, long before my captain days. Talking rookie at 13-years when I was barely a swabber at that. I took a little ill, not sea sick just a bit of a cold unfortunate. So I was left in the next port of call while the remainder of my crew went out. My father, also a sailor himself, taught me every crew member is invaluable. So I felt what I think you're feeling now. Even though you can't control the circumstances something still keeps nagging at you that you feel like you do a disservice."

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
I grinned at Mikela and took my smartphone out.
"Gimme a moment!", I requested and sent a quick message to Doireann. That done, I put my phone back into my pocket. "She should be here in a minute."
I let a beat pass.
"So, Räv... do you know much about tanks already? Or are you a newbie like me?", I asked with a smile, leaning back a bit, smiling at the excited boy.

The Printíseach.
"Thanks.", Marla said, exhaled, "Though, one correction: It's Squadron, not squad. As in the sub-unit of a regiment." She shrugged. "Others might call it a battalion."
At that moment, the tea came, herbal tea made from a blend of hibiscus, citrus peel, dandelion and lemongrass - rich in a lot of useful things to wake up and to help with beauty. Marla, at the end of the day, was just a woman, too.
"Hundreds of souls, who I led into battle and who depend on me as their commanding officer.", she added, then sighed, lifting her cup as if for a toast. "On our men. May the Gods protect them even without us being there!"

“Chelmsford, Victoria Chelmsford. A pleasure to meet you, my dear, and might I say you have the most adorable accent.” She gave a small curtsy. “Usually I would be out in the field with the rest of the group.”

She turned towards her Matilda and sighed, “Sadly, she’s in the shop for repairs at the moment.” She faced back towards Nolly, “ You’d think with the luck I have, it’s engine trouble from all the unfortunate times I get ambushed from the rear. But it’s just a little steering problem, like what most Matilda’s have.”

She moved some of the flyers and the tea service around, “Anyways, is there anything you’d want to know about Queen Victoria’s?”

---

Melissa turned towards the new voice, Alyssa turning with her. She replied with a small, polite smile, “Quite, it’s not often that you see another team employ a mobile gun during matches, I knew Kuromorimine had employed a sturmtiger once, but other examples are so far in between.”

Alyssa all the while, kept to herself behind her superior, at least until she began to curtesy and do introductions, “I am Melissa Montgomery the Third, commander of the Queen Victoria Academy for Young Ladies tankery team, or Sensha-do as some may call it.” She nodded to the younger, more shy girl, “This fine young lady here is lieutenant, loader, and aide de camp, Alyssa Flashman the fourth.”

Melissa stepped aside, and caught in the open, the young girl shakily did a curtesy “A-A pleasure to be of your acquaintance.”

After the Selkie girl introduced herself, Melissa faced towards the gun carriage and said “As I was saying, it’s interesting to see a mobile gun employed for tankery, it looks impressive. The gun I estimate is about 155 millimeters, quite the gun considering it may outgun all of our armaments, and it looks just a short heavier than our Matilda’s.”

As Melissa continued to talk about tanks, Alyssa took the time of being briefly unnoticed to take a good look at the Selkie in front of her. She was shaky, and visibly just as nervous as she was. Behind her own mask of nervousness and submissiveness, she had to wonder how the poor girl was going to survive standing in front of her commander.

---

Jane looked at all of the stalls, all of them seemed appealing, aside from the Arálong of course, making her remember too much of the horrific scones Melissa had made at one time which practically poisoned the entire team.

In the end though, she decided to get a bowl of stobhach, a bread roll, and a battered sausage or two with chips (crisps or just what yanks would call French fries, she wasn’t sure until she got them) to sate her hunger. Though the building traffic may have caused her further frustration as she tried to remain dignified and ladylike while fuming on impatience.

After all, she was a light cavalryman, it wouldn’t do for her to move slowly or in the worst case just go at a crawl or stop.

Display of the Beastly Badgers.
Nolwenn Lagrogha of the Tribe of Dundalk.
I bowed my head lightly and politely at Victoria's introduction, her compliment of my accent making me smile - she would meet many more people with similar accents around these parts.
Still, I winced at the large machine to our side having trouble with the steering, which was always bad... my heart went out to the magnificent machine.
Still, when Victoria asked, what I wanted to know about her school, I shook my head. "Actually, I came here for one of your tanks.", I said and pointed at the Crusader, "He looks remarkably similar to a vehicle employed by the Lutetiians. A nation, not too far away from here. Theirs were called the Fulmine Cavalry Tank, the most likely opponent to our Dobhareach-ATVs and their Gabha G-18 47mm Anti-Tank Guns."
I smiled at Victoria.
"They never met on a battlefield, though, except for Sensha-Do.", I added.

Asteria Vena. With Melissa and Alyssa.
Oh, Great Guardian, safe me...
"I'm Asteria Vena...", I brought out during introductions, briefly wondering about the numbering, but then again, to each their own. I listened to Melissa's words carefully and nodded in the end. "Yes, Toirneach Motor Gun Carriage employs a Field Gun, 155mm, Model 1940 to lob shells over 30 kilometres and more at the enemy. We only have five shells aboard, but we have an ammunition vehicle, which carries forty more shells for us and our partner. We found out, that the gun carriages might face some difficulties in close quarters, but the larger the field, the better they perform."
I smiled softly.
"Even if they only lay smoke cover, their fire is invaluable.", I added, "Our two gun carriages are known as Starrcailann-Aon and Dó. The Starrcailann is an animal at home deep in the Great Woods, known for their ferocity and territorial behaviour, but also for their massive roars."
I became more sure of myself, firmer in my language in the moment I could talk about the Toirneach, not about me. It was... quite interesting.

Food.
The chips were, what Jane would call crisps and they were from potatoes grown in the area, deeply imbued with the taste and smell of the Mór-Land. Cooks all over the Free Lands regarded them as some of the best available.
Luckily, the staff of the stalls was plenty and professional, not taking too long with every customer as the 'assault' on the food stalls began, but still very polite. While it did take a bit, the line moved forward.
Shortly before she was up front to order, though, the young man behind Jane bumped into her.
"Sorry, Miss!", the young man, barely not a boy anymore, as were his two companions, said. His brown eyes really looked apologetic as they looked at Jane from under red hair. "We miscalculated somethin'!"

Indeed, it was good, that Nora didn't notice the reaction of the (yet) civillian part of the Lillo-round, for the strictness of the Naval School was not exactly unheard of. Granted, the RMA, just like its counterparts in other regions of Lillorainen, did have a sense of discipline and protocol, too, even though some decided to it to a minimum.
They nodded. If they were welcome to tag along, who should hinder them?
At least, they were all disciplined enough not to sing along - although, admittedly, a certain reflex being there amongst all three of them could hardly be denied.
They followed Nora, whose boarding axe swung out a bit with every step. Caja was not the only one around who was wondering, if there already had been people who had taken a few bruises by getting too close to the pointy thing.

Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary.
Truth being told, I knew, that Nora's little boarding axe was dull.
I also knew, that it was still a heavy object attached to a handle, so I knew, that getting one over the head would smart.
I still followed her to the display of the Naval School, together with the Lillos.
It was a short walk.
And there they stood: Two Faolchús and two Crogalls, their crews neatly arranged in front of them. Fiona stood with the team's head accountant (Alaina, who also carried a tree sapling in her arms) in front of the small honour formation, which was surrounded by tourists wondering, that would come now.
Not all of the fifteen young women carried boarding axes, not all of them would join the Navy or the Army upon graduation. This was most notably with the gunner of Fiona's APC, Gwen Seadadh of the Tribe of Monaghan, a happy girl with long, blonde double-drills, which seemed awfully impractical within a tank, but which apparently worked...
Upon spotting Nora, Fiona took in air and called her girls to attention in Selkie, which they did, heels together, eyes forward. The crowd made space for us.
Nora led us forward, to Fiona, assumed position of attention and reported in Selkie, her voice loud and clear. Fiona nodded and saluted, then ordered Nora to her side, where she stood.
With that, she looked at Commander Damgaard and Cadet Hagedorn - all of us in business-mode. She bowed her head respectfully.
"I hear your voices, Cadet Hagedorn, Commander Damgaard.", she greeted, a highly ritualized, very formal greeting, which was reserved for the most formal of occasions. She raised her head and saluted. "Cadet Fiona Bláth of the Tribe of Wexford, plus an honour guard of the Naval School Sensha-Do Team. We were given the mission to welcome you formally, Sir, Ma'am, and to give you a token of the friendship, which binds our countries, and, hopefully, our schools." The last was directed at Jana. "That should not stop us from a friendly rivalry, though." There was a glint in Fi's eyes, a few people in the crowd giggled. Fi continued: "Cadet Pónaire?"
The Accountant stepped forward and presented the sapling to Jana. "This is an offshoot of the Great Oak growing at the Centre of the Naval School. A Great Woods Oak, a versatile wood and with a long history.", she explained, "It is said, that Gwen Lách of the Tribe of Galway rested under the Great Oak after the Battle of Wembury in 1322, during the Crusade."
"May this tree grow large and strong.", Fiona added and bowed her head lightly.

[Lillorainen]

Caja Storholm of the Tribe of Tipperary.
Truth being told, I knew, that Nora's little boarding axe was dull.
I also knew, that it was still a heavy object attached to a handle, so I knew, that getting one over the head would smart.
I still followed her to the display of the Naval School, together with the Lillos.
It was a short walk.
And there they stood: Two Faolchús and two Crogalls, their crews neatly arranged in front of them. Fiona stood with the team's head accountant (Alaina, who also carried a tree sapling in her arms) in front of the small honour formation, which was surrounded by tourists wondering, that would come now.
Not all of the fifteen young women carried boarding axes, not all of them would join the Navy or the Army upon graduation. This was most notably with the gunner of Fiona's APC, Gwen Seadadh of the Tribe of Monaghan, a happy girl with long, blonde double-drills, which seemed awfully impractical within a tank, but which apparently worked...
Upon spotting Nora, Fiona took in air and called her girls to attention in Selkie, which they did, heels together, eyes forward. The crowd made space for us.
Nora led us forward, to Fiona, assumed position of attention and reported in Selkie, her voice loud and clear. Fiona nodded and saluted, then ordered Nora to her side, where she stood.
With that, she looked at Commander Damgaard and Cadet Hagedorn - all of us in business-mode. She bowed her head respectfully.
"I hear your voices, Cadet Hagedorn, Commander Damgaard.", she greeted, a highly ritualized, very formal greeting, which was reserved for the most formal of occasions. She raised her head and saluted. "Cadet Fiona Bláth of the Tribe of Wexford, plus an honour guard of the Naval School Sensha-Do Team. We were given the mission to welcome you formally, Sir, Ma'am, and to give you a token of the friendship, which binds our countries, and, hopefully, our schools." The last was directed at Jana. "That should not stop us from a friendly rivalry, though." There was a glint in Fi's eyes, a few people in the crowd giggled. Fi continued: "Cadet Pónaire?"
The Accountant stepped forward and presented the sapling to Jana. "This is an offshoot of the Great Oak growing at the Centre of the Naval School. A Great Woods Oak, a versatile wood and with a long history.", she explained, "It is said, that Gwen Lách of the Tribe of Galway rested under the Great Oak after the Battle of Wembury in 1322, during the Crusade."
"May this tree grow large and strong.", Fiona added and bowed her head lightly.

It was a short walk, the Lillos just making sure not to accidentally run into Nora's axe, but otherwise not particularly minding the enormous, pointy thingy any further.
Of course, the fifteen girls forming the Puisíni were not entirely unknown to them, quite on the contrary. They were also aware, that not all of them were likely to seek a career at the SDF after graduation, just like not all of the Li'l Snails were likely to join the FAF after graduation.
Fiona called for attention in her mother tongue - the disciplined girls had formed up in front of the Faolchús and Crogalls at once, now making space for Caja and the folks representing the Federation at their shared passion for now.
As Jana and Arvid were addressed, Sandra, Britta, and Jette remained in the background, for they knew, that this was an occasion as formal as a formal occasion was just expected to be. Something in their heads also told them, that the tree sapling Alaina was carrying must have had a very particular meaning - and they would learn in a few seconds how right their intuition was.
The Commander and the Cadet bowed their heads and saluted back.
It was clearly visible, that Fiona was well prepared for this moment - everything was right, even her pronunciation of Arvid's and Jette's last name, which surely wasn't exactly easy to manage for foreigners ('Damgaard' roughly sounded like 'damn gore', first syllable stressed). Jana had to grin at the reference to the friendly rivalry - so did Britta, who was well aware, that the team she was about founding would be another friendly rival of the Schneckjes.
Jana bowed her head again, as the Accountant handed the indeed meaningful sapling to her. "Go raibh míle maith agaibh!" - she thanked them in formal Selkie-Language. "Indeed, may the tree grow large! Of course, the friendship between the Free Lands and the Federation cannot be reiterated enough times, like, hopefully, the one between our schools - and as we all know, a good friendship goes two ways."
Holding the sapling in one hand, she used the other one to get a coin out, seemingly out of nowhere, similar to a magician. It was a silver coin, of the size of a Gil coin - but instead of the Bratach, it showed a gate, namely, the Ahlweiler Gate, which nowadays separated the two Pontrath city districts of Lademünd and Frierscheid, which had each formed their own cities prior to their incorporation into Greater Pontrath, and both members of the Storöer-Städtebund. While north of this gate, most business had been conducted using the Nienhaguian Guilder, south of it, these silver coins, the Pontrath City-Krona had been the dominating currency money. This coin had a value of 12 Kronor; below the gate, the year 1697, the year of minting, and the city's authority of coinage were indicated in Younger Futhark, a Germanic runic script. Due to its widespread use, there were hundreds of thousands of this sort in circulation, not only in museums - of course, they were still valuable nonetheless.
Jana handed it to Fiona, bowing her head yet another time.
"This silver coin from our homeland, a value of 12 Pontrath Kronor, from 1697, shall hereby be our token of friendship!" - she said. "And a symbol as well as a friendly reminder of our shared passion for things washed ashore."

[AHSCA]

Enya Cíochach of the Tribe of Navan. A bench on the Plaza.
I grinned at Mikela and took my smartphone out.
"Gimme a moment!", I requested and sent a quick message to Doireann. That done, I put my phone back into my pocket. "She should be here in a minute."
I let a beat pass.
"So, Räv... do you know much about tanks already? Or are you a newbie like me?", I asked with a smile, leaning back a bit, smiling at the excited boy."

"I've read some books and papa's told me some things but I don't know much. So maybe I'll get to know more things while I'm here. And mama too!"

"Hehehe my my, military tech is not my specialty that's why I was only a legislator and not a Military Commander. But I'll be happy to learn along with you, Räv. "

The Printíseach.
"Thanks.", Marla said, exhaled, "Though, one correction: It's Squadron, not squad. As in the sub-unit of a regiment." She shrugged. "Others might call it a battalion."
At that moment, the tea came, herbal tea made from a blend of hibiscus, citrus peel, dandelion and lemongrass - rich in a lot of useful things to wake up and to help with beauty. Marla, at the end of the day, was just a woman, too.
"Hundreds of souls, who I led into battle and who depend on me as their commanding officer.", she added, then sighed, lifting her cup as if for a toast. "On our men. May the Gods protect them even without us being there!"

"Oh, squadron," She corrected herself, "Of course, my mistake. You can probably tell I did my time as a clergy instead. Oh that is, all islanders have to conscript to a term of military or clergy service. Given my elder sister and mother are both Priestesses I felt that'd be the best place for me for that time. But long term as my career choice, I take after my father more and have a love of being on the ocean. Wild as it can be." She rose her cup in exchange bowing her head "For your Gods and my Goddesses may they bless us both and those who serve under us with good fortune."