Comin' together to Celebrate (IC)

[Wolfenium]

"Oh, we are ready!", Alaina said with a smile, took Hilda's one arm, while Layla took the other, "Then let's go!"
The small group of musicians made good way through the inner city, towards the Middle Bastion - they followed the signs, mainly because the two Selkie were not from Cuan, but from another part of the country.
Still, following the signs would assure, that they would arrive at their destination, even if they had to walk through a rather large crowd, which made it necessary to hold hands like that lest they got lost. This also ensured two things: That no one was recognizing them (Leannáin was a two-girl-band, after all, not three) and that those, who saw them and recognized them, quickly lost sight within the crowds.
Their fist destination on the trip to the Middle Bastion was, as Alaina explained, the Middle Gate, which would lead them outside of the city.

Trekking along the streets of Cuan towards the demo, Hilda tried to interest herself in some of the fair's many wares. From street food to trinkets, there did not seem to be a shortage of things to shop. But the girl still appeared a tad bored.

"I should probably get some for the girls back home," she went, looking at some necklaces, "reminds me of a medieval fair Ingund took us through. She's not a fan of wandering sages, though. Called them con-artists and deviants for selling charms on the streets. She said the real sages practically disappeared after the first Grand Seer Magdalene reorganized our old cults under a single church. The rest of us didn't pay much attention to that, though. I was in for the demos and martial tournaments."

"That reminds me, for whatever reason," she asked, "when did the two of you first meet? How'd you form your band?"

[Mediama]

"And so much, which can go right.", the Sergeant said and dismounted, then helped Miranda down. "Think positive... and if you can't think positive, don't think and act with your heart. That's going to be the language, which will push through to Fiona."

She smiled.

"I'll be coming along. I'll have to tell Ciaran, that everything's alright.", she said and offered Miranda a hand for her to take as a support. "Come."

The door was opened by the baker, who smiled at them, talked with one of her girls, about whether or not they wanted something to eat - it would be on the house.

Fiona stood in the window, watching everything with nervousness in her eyes and body language.

Miranda slowly breathed in and breathed out, quelling another anxiety attack for the time being. “If you say so.” She gingerly took the sergeant’s hand, and they both walked into the bakery. Miranda saw Fiona looking out the window, and for a brief moment, she looked away and blushed, gently squeezing the militiawoman’s hand.

As soon as they got in though, she had no choice but to let go and part ways. The sergeant had to talk to Ciran in some sort of debrief, and she had a feeling she would be in the way.

Gathering all of her courage, she slowly turned towards Fiona’s direction, partly out of anxiety, partly out of embarrassment and shame for running like a coward in sharp contrast to her adventurous self. She froze, she didn’t exactly know what to do, they left on an abrupt note, and Fiona surely must’ve hated her, maybe was confused even.

All the while, Kathleen gently nudged Fiona, trying to get her to walk up to her. “Now’s your chance.” She said, “You might not have that dairy far ya wanted, but you can use somethin’ else.” Before Fiona could say or do anything, Kathleen distanced herself, and found sudden attention from an advert for some sort of archery event. Soon they were as alone as they were going to be given the circumstances. Each waiting for the first move.

---

Liv nodded, thankfully, smiling at the image of her giving a presentation in underwear.

At least the male half of the audience would, for some reason, listen...

"Alright then, let's get a cuppa. And I know, where...", she said and took Kat's hand. This, she thought, was a great feeling: With her girlfriend, going to have a cuppa at a good place, which wasn't too far away either.

She led Kat out of a side-exit of the Temple Complex, into a small street - at the end, a few hundred metres away, she would be able to see the glistering Imeall River.
Liv took in a deep breath of fresh air.

Kat squeezed her hand as she was dragged out of the temple and into the streets. She tried to keep as close to her beloved as possible slightly relieved that she read her correctly and tingling with giddy excitement at what Liv was leading them to.

It wouldn’t be equal to the shed in terms of privacy, but it was still something.

She gasped though as they stopped to look at the Imeall River, her mouth remained taped open as she took in the view. She closed it soon after though to take in the air like Liv had done, giving out a sigh of content soon afterward.

“If the cafe’s somewhere near here, this is one helluva view, and with sweet air to boot.”

[Mervay]

Outside of the Shop.
Mam smiled at the compliments Lise had for me, which made me blush.
To have so much trust thrusted onto me, so many nice words...
As Lise quickly prepared something for Dilly, Mam surprising me with her words of a 'little dear', I did not speak with me Mam, but I looked at her from time to time. I looked for signs, that something would go downhill very quickly.
I... saw none.
She stood there with honesty in her heart and soul and eyes.
"Either way what does it bring you here madame?", Lise finally asked as she was finished, Dilly happily munching away.
Mam smiled.
"Many things, Miss Devienne.", she said and her smile got a sad note. "All of which relate to my beautiful daughter, who not looks like me, when I was her age, but also acts that way." I frowned, she had the gall to giggle. "I was a bit of a spitfire back in my day!"
"Mam..."
"Don't worry. Your Father neither knows of me being here nor will he, unless I like, what I see.", she said, "And one of the things I wanted to see were your friends, both the vulpine ones... and the young man, who you want to marry. He is here, isn't he?"
I nodded.

Stoc Inn.
Aurora smiled widely.
"Oh, I wanted to go to the Petting Zoo and then see, if I can't catch the Exhibition of the Banna High School Pikemen at the Middle Bastion. After that, maybe the Air Show?", she asked her boss, who shrugged.
"I'll be dragged along for the ride. And if I meet a colleague, I will talk shop with him or her.", he said and smiled, "That's the disadvantage of being dragged along by the apprentice." Aurora giggled as her boss continued: "But indeed, compliments to the chef!"

Gatehouse of the Left Bastion.
The door led to a staircase, which led upwards in a small spiral, then ended six metres higher in a platform, which was an antechamber. A small bar was to the left side, a Selkie in Geansai and with an apron manned it, a towel thrown over his shoulder as he used another one to clean a glass. A cupboard behind him showed a wide assortment of drinks, most of them not yet for sale, but as it was closed off, one did not need to worry about it.
Stools stood in front of the bar, one occupied by a young lady with an apron herself, who was enjoying her break, but who jumped up as Ethan entered, bowing her head.
At the other end of the small bar was a large double door, which was closed, although a small sign revealed, that the room behind that was open - the Gatehouse Restaurant, as the sign revealed in Selkie and English.
The room was lit by natural light, coming from the embrasures to either side.
As the waitress jumped up, the barkeeper looked up as well, bowing his head with a small smile.

Laír Square.
Mhairin was caught absolutely off-guard by the question, almost stopped. Her daughter felt, that something was wrong and she squeezed her mother's hand tighter as she kept the pace.
Mhairin took a moment to formulate a reply: "Please, do not ask for a reply to that question. It's... not a topic suited for this day.", she asked of the young man, pain very evident in her eyes. "Instead, why don't you tell us about your beloved, for whom you traveled all this way?"

Outside of the Shop
Lise saw Cel blushing at her compliments, which not only did made her friend blush, but also her mother smiled at those compliments.
After she quickly ended of giving something to eat and drink, and, then, asked that question meanwhile her mascot was busy happily eating. The answer was completely related with... Cel. Mostly surely she wanted to know about her daughter, which she said with an sad smile, it appeared that Cel was kinda the opposite of her mother, well kinda since she didn't knew completely her friend's mother.

One thing she noticed was that her friend mother has the habit to 'giggle', which wasn't something she saw out of normal, although it was uncomfortable in tense moments.
Then she asked about where were the rest of Celina friends and that included Chris. Why her mind was telling her something bad will happen as soon as they see each other.

"Uhh... You mean Chris right????" she asked trying to play dumb as she looked to Cel very carefully with an look of 'what do we do???'

Stoc Inn
Well they really have an schedule planned for today it seemed, walk and travel to the Petting Zoo, then go to the Middle Bastion and lastly, the Air Show. Well that was Aurora schedule since Silvio was being 'dragged', he said that if he met a colleague, he would talk with him.
Silvio joked that was the disadvantage of being dragged by the apprentice, which made both of them giggle.

Trinity looked at them smiling as she sat once again and made some gestures to the waitress for come.

"Yup, well better we call the waitress so we pay what we have to pay and then we leave to each our routes" she said sighing. "Most surely I have to advice in the reception about my friend having hand me over the room because the incident with the fox"

Gatehouse of the Left Bastion
Ethan entered through the door and then walked to a staircase, which led upwards in an small spiral for then enter to an platform which was an anterchamber. At his left there was an bar, one man cleaning the glasses in geansai and with an apron, surely getting ready for later since that wasn't the drinking hour.
There were some stools in front of it, one being in use by an woman with an apron, she seemed enjoying her break, well better enjoy it now.

As soon as she noticed his presence and bowed, Ethan bowed back and smiled at the lady. He, then, noticed at his right the door which led to the restaurant, it was closed but it said that it was open.

"My apologies for asking, but is any table free inside??" he asked smiling.

Laír Square/On it's way to the Cluanaire Inn
Lucas asked something bad... Very bad. It was something to not ask noticing how Mhairin reacted and her eyes were in pain, Walker just noticed and nodded.

"I'm... Sorry for have asked that question. I shouldn't have did it" he said regretting to have it asked, he didn't knew her completely but it seemed that she was abandoned by the man which was with her or he died. Lucas couldn't know so those were his thoughts about that situation, but he kept them for himself meanwhile he looked at the mother and her child now walking once again.

Then she asked changing of topic about, Lise, maybe it was a good idea so they didn't touched something like that until she wanted it to.

"Right. That girl, her name is Lisolette or Lise, that's her nickname. She is the love of my life if we can say it, she is my friend and she was the one who showed me the school the day I entered three years ago, we became friends and over the course of our school years we begun to have an bond between each other which soon became love" he explained to them with an grin on his face as he remembered all those days. "We both wanted to confess each other but, we couldn't do it because something always happened, heck we even did an wedding run and we couldn't confess there because as soon as we were to and kiss each other, we were interrupted by the flash of the photo" Lucas continued laughing about it.

"Still. We successfully confessed each other that day and you couldn't believe how much we enjoyed it that day, we were completely happy and full of joy" he said letting an beat pass. "You could say that we even planned to marry considering how we confessed"

[The Selkie]

Lugh nodded, then rose to his full height.
"Then I won't keep you.", he said and nodded to Leonard, said something to him in Selkie, which made him nod. "We'll see each other."
And with these goodbyes said, Leonard led them back out to the street, which was mostly empty still. It was a side-street and even on busy days, it was calm around here.
"So...", Leonard asked, guesstimating the time to be shortly before eleven. "...what do you want to do next?"

"Mmmm" Haru thought a moment "Well, Leonard, we're still pilgrims in this land of yours, maybe take us to a sight you would find interesting for us to see. If that sounds good with you, Hina?"

"Y-yeah that sounds like a lot of fun, to be surprised by something interesting that the Selkie people have to show."

"We usually use herbs growing around the Free Lands, either in the wild or in herb gardens - just about every household has one!", Branwen explained, "Camellia sinensis, the tea plant, never really had much of a foothold here..."
"There's a lot of songs and rhymes, which tell about the properties of certain herbs, too.", Elin added, "And enough herbalists to be considered an own branch of industry by the Merchant Guild of Leuda." She let a beat pass. "There's also an old legend, the Legend of Lugh the Herbalist and the Fastest Horse."

"Ah that explains the rather unique taste to your tea that I have noticed. Rather than traditional tea leaves you use different herbs. Well you for sure figured how it works because it does taste wonderful and warms me right up! I'd love to hear more legends of tales of the land some time. I'm sure we could even spend a night just swapping old stories passed down from our elders with one another!"

"Hm...", Leonard made. Hina was around the age of his little sis, and that meant, that they should have at least similar tastes. And since his little sis loved cuddly animals... "Say, would you be up for a visit to the Petting Zoo? Lots of cuddly animals."
He threw Haru a wink.
None of them were dangerous (unless provoked), but it would also be nice for Haru, the two Islanders would be very welcome to play with the animals there.

Branwen nodded.
"Indeed, we could. And it would be worth every second.", she said and blushed lightly. "There are also a lot of collections, even in English Editions." She let a beat pass, suddenly looked a bit stumped. "Though, that reminds me... what is the language spoken in the UIS called?"
Elin almost burst out laughing.

Jan smiled broadly after listening to Gwen speak and saw the excitement in her eyes. His smile was not his normal etiquette smile either, it was a smile of true joy. Jan was truly blissfull due to his lover's excitement and joy.

"Well goodness!" Jan burst out. "What an interisting fusion! I myself can't even begin to comprehend what a jazz rock fusion could sound like. I am excited to say the least. Well then dear - lead the way to the excitement!"

As he finished speaking, he took Gwen's hand lovingly, ready to go where led.

Gwen, her boyfriend's hand in hers, smiled at him as they were on their way.
"You do realize, that this means, that we'll be dancing?", she said and smiled, "Selkie-Dancing, too, so be prepared!"
Her teasing was accompanied by light giggling.

Darufa nodded.
"Indeed, there are always a grain of truth in any story.", she said with a small smile, as one of the cubs sniffed Charlie's hand, finding the smell to the liking. She was allowed to pet him. "It even got made into a movie." She let a beat pass. "Anthropologists usually say, that this myth relates to actual stories of feral children and found documents, that this happened in history in the Free Lands for a variety of reasons."

"Ah I see. That does make a lot of sense." Charlie acknowledged.

"Sounds really neat! Like old fairy tales about being raised by wolves!" Billie said

"Or being shipwrecked on an island of dinosaurs!" Joey added.

"Yeaaah!" they both said together

Jamie, ever the quite type also got in on the fun gently offering his own hand to foxes to grab his scent.

"As the girls said" He stated "Legends and stories like that are abound in Kuronami, 'specially up in the mountains. Reckon' lots of lands that have a strong kin with animal raisin' all have stories like that. When I was a boy myself, our little hamlet was a lot more woodsy. My sister and me always went to the forest every day to see the mystical Thunder Fairies. My grand, she told me them little pixies is what gave the Thunder in Thunder Creek."

"Oh yah, papa you've told me this too!" Billie went over to his side as he took her under his free arm. "I love the story." She nodded and continued to explain from where her father left off. "Fairies once gathered but they moved so fast they caused lightnin'"

"Yeah that's right baby girl just as I told ya." He let Billie return to Joey's side.

"I've seen pictures of my husband as a little boy" Charlie mused, "Let me tell you he was just the cutie then as he is now!"

"Oh uh 'scuse me if I might ask" Jamie continued, standing up to address their guides. "I tend to run pretty warm and feelin' it now. Reckon' it'd be fine if I removed my shirt a while?" He pulled on the straps of his blue denim dungarees "I've seen men 'round here bare chested before, figure y'all wouldn't mind a man as myself in nothin' more than a pair of dungarees but figure I be polite and ask y'all first. And frankly good sun and good heat like this here, wanna be able to enjoy it to the fullest."

Charlie went a bit red in the face, not from embarrassment but hoping to see her man the love of her life like she saw him every day in the summer time on their little farm. His big muscles and the denim against his chest. It was always a real turn on for her and she could admire him all day in that.

"If papa does so, I wanna do so too!" Billie insisted.

"Indeed it is.", Mara said with a smile, taking a sip of her own. She glanced to Rona, who was eating with vigor and a huge grin. "Tea is the most wonderful thing in the world. I cannot understand those, who deny themselves this wonderful thing."
"It calms one down when one has to do those really, really complicated Math-Homeworks Miss Casta gives!", Rona chimed in from the side between bites.
"Don't gobble, Rona, it's bad for your stomach!", Mavie cautioned her daughter, who agreed with a nod. "You're right, though... and Miss Casta makes them really complicated!"

"Truly I cannot either." Mei agreed her cheeks flushed with the delight of the warm tea in her.

Tsukasa nodded with a smile "I'm not very good at math either! I usually have to get Mei-chan to save me before an exam."

"Hehe Tsu-chan, I'm always happy to do so!"

Darufa nodded.
"Go ahead. The male body holds little excitement for me anyways...", she said with a smile, then turned to Billie. She was silent for a moment. "You see, we have nothing against being... in the natural state, as they say...", she began, "It's, as the name says, the natural state, but we girls need to make sure, that we have a proper sunscreen. Let the lads get all the sunburns, if they are careless, but we girls, we are smart!"
She booped Billie on the nose, grinning, then winked to her Mam.

Rona nodded.
"Mam helps me and Amy out, too!", she said with a huge smile, "She's smart and pretty!"
Her Mam, Mavie, smiled at that and blushed. "I like helping you two. Amy is nice, too... and Ciaran is her older brother, right?" Rona blushed red-hot, almost swallowed incorrectly. Mavie grinned, then leaned over and pecked Rona on the cheek. "I'll gladly help you out."
Mara smiled at that.

Ren's ears twitched and pivoted very slightly as she heard the running water, and she picked up the scent as well. "Which river is it we're approaching, again?"

Z didn't seem to have heard it, but she must have picked up the scent, as instead of asking questions she had dashed ahead to see it for herself. Kiri remained with the group, though part of her worried about her friend getting herself into trouble.

Nia smiled.
"Technically not one, but three.", she explained, "The Mór-River and the Cuas-River meet here to form the Imeall, which leads into the Great Sea." She exhaled deeply, savouring the smell. It was a good river, not putrid with industrial waste and toxins, but alive. It was hard to describe. She turned to Ren. "You hear it more then you smell it, right?"
Indeed, Z was getting ahead of them, but Nia knew this section of town.
It should not be dangerous - that did not mean, that it couldn't be.

Conchobar. With Yi Tieguang and Sun Lianhua.
The old man nodded.
"That's wonderful!", he said with visible cheer, "Asteria would surely love to meet you all! She's at the Iris Boarding School near Fortham and... well, that's quite a bit from where I usually am, so I don't often have the chance to meet her. That I get to meet her four friends as well is...!"
He grinned like only a proud grandfather could.
"Wait, Asteria...", one of Conchobar's friends asked, "...isn't that the daughter of your daughter, who married that Lutetiian? Enya, I think she was?"
"Indeed.", Conchobar said, which caused quite a few nods. "Fun story from their marriage, back in 2000. Anyone willing to hear?"

Minrozians

“Ah, I’m listening.” Lianhua replied with a smile. “It could be interesting. Wouldn’t be any different from other marriages?”

“Aiya, my woman can be gossiper if she wants to be. For an army officer of good reputation, she can be lively in many ways.” Tieguang jested. He got a soft nudge in the ribs from his wife. “Oof!” He cries out in shock.

“A husband shouldn’t speak ill of his wife. Let alone being rude.” The pinkette scold him in the humorous manner. All she got is moans from her husband. The two have started their marriage from awkward start at first before blossoming into full-blown love between each other.

Streets of Cuan.
Indeed, no one recognized the Princess, the war hero or the husband both shared, but that was not a surprise, considering, that they not only were from another world (not the Otherworld, the Selkie were a tad picky about that difference, mainly because the Otherworld, Arallfyd, was the world of myths and generally, usually, seen as the Selkie-Version of the Afterlife), but also that the yellow press in the Free Lands, if they ever wrote about Royalty, had other Royalty in their sights.
Still, a few people gave them a bit of a berth, mainly because they recognized, that one of the women was not just any tourist - they did not investigate any further, though.
And then, there were those, who were distracted as they walked along. One of them was a young man, in his early thirties, short, grey hair and brown eyes, which spoke of a very healthy self-confidence, almost bordering arrogance.
He had his hands in his pockets as he walked along, watched the people, and was watched, for the Selkie very well knew him: He was Raidri Leathchúpla of the Tribe of Navan, one of the four racers of the Free Lands in NASJAR.
He was just waving back at a young fan, who had spotted him, as he suddenly bumped into the back of Hassan (who's name he did not know, at the time) and stumbled back a step.
"Sorry, mate.", he said as he had recovered himself, "You alright?"

Aryanians

The act of bumping did certainly startle the Aryanians. As their expressions have indicated, the three were surprised.

“Ah! Sorry!” Hassan muttered an apology. Even he’s not in the wrong, Hassan was being a gentleman. Upon hearing the local’s (Raidri) making his apology, the Aryanian responded, “Erm, it’s alright. We didn’t know you’re behind us. We’re alright.” He gives his friendly smile.

His wives are different story, Nessa was till surprised before giving off her smile. “We’re okay…” She said shyly. The redhead girl wasn’t used to males whom she didn’t know.

Yasmine however…

“Ya Allah! (Oh God!), you scared us.” The princess-undercover stuttered out her shriek. While unintentional, Yasmine is a tomboy when she’s not in her princess persona. In other words, she’s fiery than her spouses altogether.

Minrozians.
Conchobar laughed at the short exchange, then grinned at Tieguang. "You habe much to learn, young man... if you have to critisize your wife, make it sound like a compliment!", he said.
One of his friends deadpanned. "Says the man, who was married three times and divorced four times.", he said, which caused another round of laughs.
"Well, what can I say?", Conchobar said with a grin, then began: "Anyway... as for that marriage!"
And then he began to tell the story about a wedding on Mount Vellenge - where both he and Enya's husband's father had fought as young men. And, as coincidence wanted it, had even shot at each other.
Everyone expected them to go for a second round, so both husband and wife had taken their fathers to the side and asked them to avoid each other.
They did not.
After the ceremonies, both one for the Selkie-Side of things and one for the Lutetiian Side, the two men approached each other. One with a bottle of wine-brandy, the other with a bottle of whiskey. Both exchanged the bottles, took a hearty swig, everyone expected the two men to start the Sequel no one has been waiting for...
...and then they shook hands and went for a walk together, two old warriors, who were now sorta-related. The Grandkids would have the time of their lifes.

Aryanians.
Raidri looked to Yasmine, raised an eyebrow. He liked his women spirited, but he had a girlfriend and it might be something serious, so...
He bowed his head to her. "My apologies, again.", he said and then rose, his smirk still in place. "Say, you don't happen to have seen a brunette, short brown hair, has a camera around her neck... happens to be the most beautiful woman you'll ever see?" He let a beat pass. "I am supposed to meet her somewhere around here..."
This was both a pass towards the lad with the two girls and as a honest request for aid on his part, after all, he was supposed to meet his girlfriend somewhere around here...

"Oh, we are ready!", Alaina said with a smile, took Hilda's one arm, while Layla took the other, "Then let's go!"
The small group of musicians made good way through the inner city, towards the Middle Bastion - they followed the signs, mainly because the two Selkie were not from Cuan, but from another part of the country.
Still, following the signs would assure, that they would arrive at their destination, even if they had to walk through a rather large crowd, which made it necessary to hold hands like that lest they got lost. This also ensured two things: That no one was recognizing them (Leannáin was a two-girl-band, after all, not three) and that those, who saw them and recognized them, quickly lost sight within the crowds.
Their fist destination on the trip to the Middle Bastion was, as Alaina explained, the Middle Gate, which would lead them outside of the city.

Trekking along the streets of Cuan towards the demo, Hilda tried to interest herself in some of the fair's many wares. From street food to trinkets, there did not seem to be a shortage of things to shop. But the girl still appeared a tad bored.

"I should probably get some for the girls back home," she went, looking at some necklaces, "reminds me of a medieval fair Ingund took us through. She's not a fan of wandering sages, though. Called them con-artists and deviants for selling charms on the streets. She said the real sages practically disappeared after the first Grand Seer Magdalene reorganized our old cults under a single church. The rest of us didn't pay much attention to that, though. I was in for the demos and martial tournaments."

"That reminds me, for whatever reason," she asked, "when did the two of you first meet? How'd you form your band?"

"We first met in our hometown, Ardán... that's near Lovely Inis, quite a bit to the North-East from here.", Alaina said with a smile, "We were... how old back then?"
"I was seven months old, I think... you were eight or nine months old?", Layla added, then shrugged, "Something in that ballpark."
"Sounds about right.", Alaina agreed, then smiled at Hilda, "Our mothers were old classmates and didn't really like each other. So, shortly after Layla's birth, when they met on the street, they began to brag about their kids, who was cuter, who was eating more or less or didn't puke up as much... you should know the drill. Our Dads just stood there and, when things were about to get violent, they took us from their hands, 'So that they could have their hands free' and went to the next playground."
Layla took over: "While our Mams fought, we played, happy to have someone to play with. Our Dads got along.", she said and shrugged, "And we developed our rebellious streak."
A beat passed.
"Don't know, when we started making music together, though...", Layla added with a smile, then looked to Hilda. "Wouldn't get souvenirs here, though. I know a few peddlers and traveling people, who sell better stuff at better prices."

Miranda slowly breathed in and breathed out, quelling another anxiety attack for the time being. “If you say so.” She gingerly took the sergeant’s hand, and they both walked into the bakery. Miranda saw Fiona looking out the window, and for a brief moment, she looked away and blushed, gently squeezing the militiawoman’s hand.

As soon as they got in though, she had no choice but to let go and part ways. The sergeant had to talk to Ciran in some sort of debrief, and she had a feeling she would be in the way.

Gathering all of her courage, she slowly turned towards Fiona’s direction, partly out of anxiety, partly out of embarrassment and shame for running like a coward in sharp contrast to her adventurous self. She froze, she didn’t exactly know what to do, they left on an abrupt note, and Fiona surely must’ve hated her, maybe was confused even.

All the while, Kathleen gently nudged Fiona, trying to get her to walk up to her. “Now’s your chance.” She said, “You might not have that dairy far ya wanted, but you can use somethin’ else.” Before Fiona could say or do anything, Kathleen distanced herself, and found sudden attention from an advert for some sort of archery event. Soon they were as alone as they were going to be given the circumstances. Each waiting for the first move.

---

Kat squeezed her hand as she was dragged out of the temple and into the streets. She tried to keep as close to her beloved as possible slightly relieved that she read her correctly and tingling with giddy excitement at what Liv was leading them to.

It wouldn’t be equal to the shed in terms of privacy, but it was still something.

She gasped though as they stopped to look at the Imeall River, her mouth remained taped open as she took in the view. She closed it soon after though to take in the air like Liv had done, giving out a sigh of content soon afterward.

“If the cafe’s somewhere near here, this is one helluva view, and with sweet air to boot.”

Fiona watched Miranda's every move, wanting to see, what her blasted heart wanted to tell her, so when Kathleen distanced herself, she almost crumbled - no support.
Then again, Miranda might need it more.
Sure, Fiona looked more like she was of Ciaran's age group then of her own, but...
...fuck it.
Now was the time to find out, what she felt.
With a hesitant step, she approached Miranda, then the next... then she hugged her, burying her face in the small of Miranda's neck.
"Welcome back, Miranda.", she whispered, "I was worried."

Liv giggled.
"You're right, it has a pretty view.", she said, her smile radiant, until she took a deep breath, exhaled just as deeply. And she decided to speak about something, that was worrying her. She squeezed Kat's Hand. "Say, Kat...", she began, "I know, that there are countries out there, where... a relationship such as ours is frowned upon... and I know, that the Free Lands is not one of these countries. But..." I swallowed. I needed to get this out., she thought. "...is Mediama?"
She hoped, that she didn't offend Kat.

Outside of the Shop
Lise saw Cel blushing at her compliments, which not only did made her friend blush, but also her mother smiled at those compliments.
After she quickly ended of giving something to eat and drink, and, then, asked that question meanwhile her mascot was busy happily eating. The answer was completely related with... Cel. Mostly surely she wanted to know about her daughter, which she said with an sad smile, it appeared that Cel was kinda the opposite of her mother, well kinda since she didn't knew completely her friend's mother.

One thing she noticed was that her friend mother has the habit to 'giggle', which wasn't something she saw out of normal, although it was uncomfortable in tense moments.
Then she asked about where were the rest of Celina friends and that included Chris. Why her mind was telling her something bad will happen as soon as they see each other.

"Uhh... You mean Chris right????" she asked trying to play dumb as she looked to Cel very carefully with an look of 'what do we do???'

Stoc Inn
Well they really have an schedule planned for today it seemed, walk and travel to the Petting Zoo, then go to the Middle Bastion and lastly, the Air Show. Well that was Aurora schedule since Silvio was being 'dragged', he said that if he met a colleague, he would talk with him.
Silvio joked that was the disadvantage of being dragged by the apprentice, which made both of them giggle.

Trinity looked at them smiling as she sat once again and made some gestures to the waitress for come.

"Yup, well better we call the waitress so we pay what we have to pay and then we leave to each our routes" she said sighing. "Most surely I have to advice in the reception about my friend having hand me over the room because the incident with the fox"

Gatehouse of the Left Bastion
Ethan entered through the door and then walked to a staircase, which led upwards in an small spiral for then enter to an platform which was an anterchamber. At his left there was an bar, one man cleaning the glasses in geansai and with an apron, surely getting ready for later since that wasn't the drinking hour.
There were some stools in front of it, one being in use by an woman with an apron, she seemed enjoying her break, well better enjoy it now.

As soon as she noticed his presence and bowed, Ethan bowed back and smiled at the lady. He, then, noticed at his right the door which led to the restaurant, it was closed but it said that it was open.

"My apologies for asking, but is any table free inside??" he asked smiling.

Laír Square/On it's way to the Cluanaire Inn
Lucas asked something bad... Very bad. It was something to not ask noticing how Mhairin reacted and her eyes were in pain, Walker just noticed and nodded.

"I'm... Sorry for have asked that question. I shouldn't have did it" he said regretting to have it asked, he didn't knew her completely but it seemed that she was abandoned by the man which was with her or he died. Lucas couldn't know so those were his thoughts about that situation, but he kept them for himself meanwhile he looked at the mother and her child now walking once again.

Then she asked changing of topic about, Lise, maybe it was a good idea so they didn't touched something like that until she wanted it to.

"Right. That girl, her name is Lisolette or Lise, that's her nickname. She is the love of my life if we can say it, she is my friend and she was the one who showed me the school the day I entered three years ago, we became friends and over the course of our school years we begun to have an bond between each other which soon became love" he explained to them with an grin on his face as he remembered all those days. "We both wanted to confess each other but, we couldn't do it because something always happened, heck we even did an wedding run and we couldn't confess there because as soon as we were to and kiss each other, we were interrupted by the flash of the photo" Lucas continued laughing about it.

"Still. We successfully confessed each other that day and you couldn't believe how much we enjoyed it that day, we were completely happy and full of joy" he said letting an beat pass. "You could say that we even planned to marry considering how we confessed"

Outside of the Shop.
Mam let us share glances, smiling, but in the end, I decided to plough on.
I did not smile. I knew exactly who she was asking for.
"He's inside with Mister Folaíochta, Finnegan and Enya.", I said, shifting my posture slightly. It was a more defensive posture, a bit like a cornered animal. "Why?"
Mam looked almost hurt and confused by the question. "Because I want to meet the lad, who stole my daughter's heart?", she asked, then sighed. "I know, what you think, Cel. That I was to throw stones into the way of both of you. I don't." She smiled, softly. "I want to meet him and make my own opinion about him, not through your father's dislike for him nor through your own, rose-tinted eyes."
I wanted to protest, she raised a hand.
"Please...", she begged, "I know, that I've not been winning Mother of the Year Awards, but... please."
I was conflicted. I did not like the feeling.

Stoc Inn.
The waitress came quickly and tallied up professionally.
Aurora was a bit sad, that they would have to part ways with Trinity, but they would meet again, she was sure of it.
As promised, her boss paid for everything and left a generous tip, which made the waitress smile a small bit. There was no better grease then money, they had learned.
A minute or two later, they stood in the Lobby. Silvio was already by the door, but Aurora gave Trinity a heartfelt hug.
"Stay safe, Trinity.", she whispered into the other girl's ear and then kissed her on both cheeks, a common way in Lutetii to say goodbye to a friend.
The receptionist watched the scene with a small smile.

Gatehouse of the Left Bastion.
The waitress nodded with a smile.
"There sure is, laddie.", she said and adjusted her apron slightly, "Though, if you have a group of three or more people, we'll have to rearrange a bit. So..." She let a beat pass and smiled, taking a tablet to hold in front of her, the very image of a hard-working waitress. "...waiting on a few friends or maybe a special friend?"
The barkeeper rolled his eyes. "We also have more private rooms on the Gun Deck, laddie.", he told Ethan. "Should be free."

Laír Square/On it's way to the Cluanaire Inn.
Mhairin made a move with her hand, that indicated, that his apology was appreciated, but she was not mad at him. He could not have known... she knew, however, despite being unable to read his thoughts, that the truth was worse then what he could imagine.
His tale about his girl, Lise, was cute.
It made her smile and that, in turn, made Little Enya ask her, what it was all about. She explained it to her in Selkie, as the little girl did not yet speak English.
She giggled.
Mhairin could only agree. "She sounds cute and very nice.", she said to Lucas and smiled as they walked along. "Can you show us an image?"

[Port Ember]

Jan Breytenbach with Gwen

The amazing and radiating joy and excitement coming from his Gwenny was contagious. Jan could not help but smile in his blissfull state. He looked at her while walking, hands intertwined, realising that his love for her was immense and real. He quickly responded "Aye! No worries there.. I have found myself on a military ballroom floor, as well as a rowdy pub or two's dance floors. And I bet ye' will make an excellent teacher!"

[Minroz]

Minrozians

“I must say that’s quite a fun tale.” Tieguang remarked before chuckling. “This reminds me of my days at school as well as the military academy, haha. I have some of my friends I know who’re like that. There’s an old saying back in my homeland: ‘Defeat your adversary, he will turn into your friend ’~.”

“Oh Gods, I don’t think that’s how it says, darling. But still, I did not see how a few fistfights helped with building friendships.” Lianhua muttered.

“It’s manliness, my love. That’s what makes friendship between men more meaningful.” The brunette man spoke with nostalgia. The way he spoke is like a whimisical old man as his longevity suggests. “At least it’s better than age-old vendettas, ask Elder Conchobar~.”

“That is different.” The tanned-skinned woman retorted.

“It could be worse,” Tieguang said. “The northern tribes were more brutal but they still get along swimmingly. Honest folks.”

Lianhua sighed and shook her head, she turned to the Selkie men. “Pardon him, elders. In my homeland, we do hold matches between clans and tribes as a simple way to resolve disputes. In the ancient days, it tends to be bloodier afterwards. Nowadays, we don’t do that anymore since we have courts and law but there are still martial art duels, only within reasonable and safety boundaries. I apologised on my husband’s behalf for his outburst.” She gave them a bow.

Aryanians

A beat has passed, the Aryanians looked at each other, blinking in confusion and then looked back at the Selkie local. They’ve just arrived in town and have no idea of who is the girl Raidri is describing, let alone a place for them to stay.

“Erm, no, I don’t think we have seen a woman, who matched your descriptions, I’m afraid.” Hassan confessed, sounding apologetic.

“I’m sorry.” Yasmine apologised with her low bow. “We’ve just arrived here.”

[Kuronami]

Darufa nodded.
"Go ahead. The male body holds little excitement for me anyways...", she said with a smile, then turned to Billie. She was silent for a moment. "You see, we have nothing against being... in the natural state, as they say...", she began, "It's, as the name says, the natural state, but we girls need to make sure, that we have a proper sunscreen. Let the lads get all the sunburns, if they are careless, but we girls, we are smart!"
She booped Billie on the nose, grinning, then winked to her Mam.

"Well thanks kindly. Guess my little gal joining me too." Jamie lowered the straps of his dungarees removing his shirt. As expected he was quite the muscular and handsome man and Charlie just took a moment to admire him. Glad the Selkie people were so open to let them do it.

"yay thanks!" Billie cheered "Okay too, mama?" She wanted to double confirm it was all right to follow her father's lead.

"They're all fine with it, I'm fine with it. " Charlie agreed with a smile.

"Ya should have worn yours too, mama then we'd all be in our denim with nothin' but pur skin and straps to 'em. Just like how it is on our farm back home!" Billie did do the same as her father.

"I should'uve indeed, babe, but I guess the denim dress is plenty good for today. And let's take the advice of the good lady and make sure to apply some more sunscreen." Charlie gave a little chuckle packing up her husband's and daughter folding them up and stowing them away in a bag.

"Yes, mama."

"As she said, it's the job of us men to get the sun. Like it!" Jamie chortled a bit. "Just as I told ya, a good sunny day like this needs to be enjoyed to fullest."

"Mhmhm." Billie agreed. "But just in case also, brought along my raincoat. It's yellow ya know, yellow is my favorite color just like the yellow shirt I was wearin' 'fore I took it off just now. What's your favorite color, Darufa do ya got one?"

Rona nodded.
"Mam helps me and Amy out, too!", she said with a huge smile, "She's smart and pretty!"
Her Mam, Mavie, smiled at that and blushed. "I like helping you two. Amy is nice, too... and Ciaran is her older brother, right?" Rona blushed red-hot, almost swallowed incorrectly. Mavie grinned, then leaned over and pecked Rona on the cheek. "I'll gladly help you out."
Mara smiled at that.

"Aww that's so wonderful" Mei cooed "Ever since arriving here I just felt the strong sense of community here. It's a lot like the little village Tsu-chan and I live in together! My father...Well to put it simply he's someone of great importance. But my mother felt staying in a small village like where she grew up would keep a good head on my shoulders. And she's right about that because I don't miss the city life one bit since moving there and being with my Tsu-chan." Mei was blushing now holding back a few tears of joy.

Tsu swallowed hard holding back her own emotions on how much Mei meant to her and diverted back to the subjects "Aha as Mei said I agree, I think she's right you folks here are close and tight night and should be happy about that. But anyways I always do welcome help with my school work then maybe I don't need to rely so much on Mei-chan to save me at the 11th hour."

"Ahaha it's like I tell you, Tsu-chan, I never mind it. But I do wish you'd study just a bit more." She gave her girlfriend a wink.

[AHSCA]

"Hm...", Leonard made. Hina was around the age of his little sis, and that meant, that they should have at least similar tastes. And since his little sis loved cuddly animals... "Say, would you be up for a visit to the Petting Zoo? Lots of cuddly animals."
He threw Haru a wink.
None of them were dangerous (unless provoked), but it would also be nice for Haru, the two Islanders would be very welcome to play with the animals there.

Hina smiled "That does sound like a lot of fun, to see lots of cute animals and pet a few of them. Yeah, up for it, mama?"

"Indeed it does sound like a good trip! Let's make that our next destination then Leonard."

Branwen nodded.
"Indeed, we could. And it would be worth every second.", she said and blushed lightly. "There are also a lot of collections, even in English Editions." She let a beat pass, suddenly looked a bit stumped. "Though, that reminds me... what is the language spoken in the UIS called?"
Elin almost burst out laughing.

"Oh good question. That depends on the island you visit. Aurora speaks Auroran and Hoshino speaks Hoshine. Though to be honest the two languages are very similar so it's almost more like dialect thing. This dates back many centuries to the Great Auroran Empire when the Duchesses of old were conquerors! I know I'm romantacizing it but it's also the outline of yet another story I'm working on is a fictional version of Duchess Nanao, the Mother of Former Duchess Shino and Grandmother of Marcella. Well again fictional because I'll me compositing her with a few other Duchesses in History -- ah sorry there I go getting sidetrack. Back on your question. When you go to Corona, they speak Esperanto. Stiellstando they speak what we call Swislandic which apparently is similar to Swedish or other Norse languages. We think it has to do with occupations of old world powers from years past. It's also literally called Truce because it was often a Truce Ground of the Auroran Empire and neighbors. It's why Corona never was invaded and conquered by The Duchesses of Old.

Then finally all the way out to Animalpolis which speaks what we call Animalaese. Almost sounds like they just make animal noises but I assure you it's a structured language. Ooh lot to unpack there I know, it's what happens when a group of tropical islands are so clustered yet so different from each other. Of course since the formation of the UIS formally, English has also been widely adopted and is more common than ever before. Anyway i hope that helps and you didn't get lost. I have a tendency to ramble."

[Wolfenium]

"We first met in our hometown, Ardán... that's near Lovely Inis, quite a bit to the North-East from here.", Alaina said with a smile, "We were... how old back then?"
"I was seven months old, I think... you were eight or nine months old?", Layla added, then shrugged, "Something in that ballpark."
"Sounds about right.", Alaina agreed, then smiled at Hilda, "Our mothers were old classmates and didn't really like each other. So, shortly after Layla's birth, when they met on the street, they began to brag about their kids, who was cuter, who was eating more or less or didn't puke up as much... you should know the drill. Our Dads just stood there and, when things were about to get violent, they took us from their hands, 'So that they could have their hands free' and went to the next playground."
Layla took over: "While our Mams fought, we played, happy to have someone to play with. Our Dads got along.", she said and shrugged, "And we developed our rebellious streak."
A beat passed.
"Don't know, when we started making music together, though...", Layla added with a smile, then looked to Hilda. "Wouldn't get souvenirs here, though. I know a few peddlers and traveling people, who sell better stuff at better prices."

"Woah, sounds rough," quipped the blonde gangster with a smile, "hope they didn't give you heat. Me? I guess you could say I tended to be a lot more out of control. Never a time me and the girls didn't get into scrapes. That was before I met Ida and the other canaries I've signed up with. It was a huge change... but not an unwelcome one."

"Also, thanks for the warning," she chirped, "care for some recommendations?"

[Mediama]

Fiona watched Miranda's every move, wanting to see, what her blasted heart wanted to tell her, so when Kathleen distanced herself, she almost crumbled - no support.
Then again, Miranda might need it more.
Sure, Fiona looked more like she was of Ciaran's age group then of her own, but...
...fuck it.
Now was the time to find out, what she felt.
With a hesitant step, she approached Miranda, then the next... then she hugged her, burying her face in the small of Miranda's neck.
"Welcome back, Miranda.", she whispered, "I was worried."

Tremors rippled through her body as Fiona held her close, and nuzzled her. For a moment, Miranda felt like she was suffocating, not from the tightness of the hug mind you, but of the warmth and the closeness that associated itself with her own thoughts and feelings about Fiona.

For a moment, she froze, for a moment, she felt like turning and running again.

But then she heard that Fiona was worried for her. She couldn’t leave Fiona like this, not ever, and especially not again.

Not after what the sergeant and Maeve had said to her.

So Miranda gathered her courage, and soon a wave of cool calm ran through her. Her heartbeat slowed down, but not by much, and she had relatively relaxed into the hug, but she was still anxious in what she was about to do.

“I was, too Fiona, I truly was. And I know you may hate me for my cowardice, but before you say anything, there’s something I’d like to get off my chest...” she gently nudged Fiona out, and took a good look at her, before she hesitantly cupped her cheeks, gently and pulled her in, before long, the two had found themselves in lip lock.

Kathleen on the other hand, was still staring at the archery advert, politely giving them their privacy.

She could be pretty lewd sometimes, but even she had standards.

---

Liv giggled.
"You're right, it has a pretty view.", she said, her smile radiant, until she took a deep breath, exhaled just as deeply. And she decided to speak about something, that was worrying her. She squeezed Kat's Hand. "Say, Kat...", she began, "I know, that there are countries out there, where... a relationship such as ours is frowned upon... and I know, that the Free Lands is not one of these countries. But..." I swallowed. I needed to get this out., she thought. "...is Mediama?"
She hoped, that she didn't offend Kat.

For a moment, Kat just stared out into the river. A few beats of silence passed, as she processed the question, probably causing great concern for Liv. It took a lot of thought and self reflection. Of the fights she had in high school, the names she was called.

The berating she received from some of her relatives.

She couldn’t lie to Liv, she just couldn’t. Especially after all the correspondence she shared with her. She sighed, then gave her answer. “S-Something like our love... yes, it’s taboo in some places, maybe even looked down upon.” She looked back at Liv to gauge her reactions, and squeezed her hand even more, giving a small, yet hopeful smile.

“It changed for the most part for the better though. The Queen herself recognizes us and finds it acceptable, as do most of the younger generation and the government at large. It’s illegal to discriminate based on it, but there are exceptions.” She gently rubbed Liv’s knuckles.

“Some of the more traditional private schools stick close to their views, which appeals to certain kinds of people.”

She leaned into Liv to conclude, “If I were to look at all of the provinces and territories at large though, and roll them up into one general statement, I’d say no, for the most part it’s not looked down upon. There are only a few places where it is, and we just need to have common sense not to go there unless they really do want us there.”

She leaned in and nuzzled against Liv’s neck, whispering in her ear, “I hope that didn’t add some weight onto some hopes.”

[Foxfound]

Ren's ears twitched and pivoted very slightly as she heard the running water, and she picked up the scent as well. "Which river is it we're approaching, again?"

Z didn't seem to have heard it, but she must have picked up the scent, as instead of asking questions she had dashed ahead to see it for herself. Kiri remained with the group, though part of her worried about her friend getting herself into trouble.

Nia smiled.
"Technically not one, but three.", she explained, "The Mór-River and the Cuas-River meet here to form the Imeall, which leads into the Great Sea." She exhaled deeply, savouring the smell. It was a good river, not putrid with industrial waste and toxins, but alive. It was hard to describe. She turned to Ren. "You hear it more then you smell it, right?"
Indeed, Z was getting ahead of them, but Nia knew this section of town.
It should not be dangerous - that did not mean, that it couldn't be.

Z would be waiting for them, looking out at the water with a smile. She thought for a moment, then took out the camera briefly as she took a picture of the view. Kiri would like that.

Ren nodded. "I guess so. Mom always said I had a good nose."

Worried about her friend, Kiri floated a few feet higher to get a better look over the crowd, and gasped seeing the water for the first time. "It really is something..." she said as she floated back down. "I mean, I guess I just haven't seen much of the world, but still..."

(OOC: Sorry for not posting... I guess part of me had sort of forgot about this and I didn't realize it was still active.)