Ye Olde Fort Lizzie Days [All-Tech|IC|Open]

[Mediama]

Hello ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Ye Olde Fort Lizzie Days, the annual convention for living history and historical re-enactment. Before posting, please be sure you have applied and have been accepted in the OOC.If you don’t want to though, you can read and follow along, all the same and whatnot. And that, we’re off!

Fort Elizabeth Commons

Hundreds, maybe thousands of people filled the commons, trying to fill in to spaces where stalls for military surplus and relics did not occupy.

In the center, in front of the central building was a flag pole, off to the side was the British 41st Regiment of Foot... well, not quite. None of the men and certainly none of the boys were in active duty service, they were in fact reenactors. People dressed up in the style of uniform of the early 19th century. Specifically, during the War of 1812, when Britain, in an attempt to keep her holdings and to defend her honor (after kidnapping several American sailors in a form of conscription) against a then young but encroaching United States.

Standing on a podium off to the side next to the museum director was Jeffry Winston, dressed up as Brigadier General Jonathan Vincent, the commanding officer of Fort Elizabeth during the War of 1812, with his aide de camp at the side.

The Sergeant-Major, lance in hand at rest, stood across from the line as his subordinate sergeant walked up and down the line to inspect the troops looking meticulously at each individual soldier present. The sergeant then pivoted towards the sergeant-major marched forward ten paces, and stood at attention.

“All men in top shape, at your order Sergeant-Major!”

“Very well.” He nodded towards his other sergeant, they all pivoted towards the flag pole, and marched briskly. Once they arrived the sergeant-major stood to the side as the sergeant hooked the Mediaman flag, and slowly hoisted it up the flag poll.

At the order, all of the men saluted as the Mediaman National Anthem began to play.

At its conclusion, Doctor Nelson, the museum director spoke, “And with that, the event begins!” He turns to General Vincent, “That is, with your permission, General.”

General Vincent paused for a beat, as if he was in deep thought, then proclaimed, “You may, let the festivities commence!”

And with that, the men of the 41st rose their muskets and yelled out a great big, “Huzzay, god save the king!” Starting off what could possibly be a chain of cheers and shouts from the encampments, reenactors, and spectators present. And just like that, Ye Olde Fort Lizzie Days had begun.

[AHSCA]

The previous day, the Aihara family arrived from AHSCA to participate in the festvial. Being partly of a theatrical troupe, mostly thanks to efforts of Kaja, the idea of a historical battle performance sounded like fun to all of them. Tsubasa Aihara, whom fittingly enough had the same namesake as the Duchess she was playing, only occasionally did the stage thing but when needed she stepped up to the plate to perform and plus it was 150 years to the day since the Aurora Empire officially began. Long before the United Island States, the island chain was mostly dominated by Aurora until sometime in the early-mid-20th century when the Empire collapsed. Who wouldn't feel a sense of pride for the days of the past? Many would argue if not for Aurora's conquest by it's rather brutal Duchess of old, the UIS probably wouldn't exist today. The Empire is what essentially made the islands closer to each other. Perhaps one day they would reenact the Unification War which was now 23 years long past. Tsubasa was certainly old enough to remember that but that was the furthers thing from her mind, her mind was on putting on a good show and sharing some of the islands' history with people from around the world.

Kaja was anything but nervous, she was excited and eager to also show off her performing skills and her sword skills as well. Filling in the role of the Princess Yoshiko was their own daughter, adpoted but loved no less so, Ohana. Like her name her love was flowers which is why she helped run a flower stand in her home village, in between caring for her younger sister, Kohana, another adopted daughter for the gay couple. Kohana had a more limited role being only 10, much too young to fight with real weapons like her mothers. Still a family stays together in the Islands, unity and the unit is strongly important and a long perilous voyage on the seas requires togetherness. Plus this was much of what she was learning in school, no better way than to put this to good use than to help with the education of the people. She may be little but she was no less important.

"Girls, hurry up." Tsubasa urged her two daughters to come along as they pushed way through the crowds. "Easy, does it ma" Ohana said "We're just in time."

Kaja giggled "Tsubasa is as giddy as a school girl right about now."

"Mama, when do you get to perform?" Kohana asked

Tsubasa gently pulled Kohana along to keep her from being swallowed up by a passing bunch of people. "This afternoon, dear. Until then I suppose we'll just watch what the other events have to show."

"I know late to be worrying about this, but are people really going to care about our history from 100 years ago? " Ohana asked grabbing on Kaja's arm after getting bumped by another passerby.

"For history lovers my dear," Kaja smiled at her "Everyone's history is something interesting."

"You're a real scholar." Ohana said almost surprised. Kaja like her beautiful looks wouldn't give the impression as a woman interested in combat or much of anything but looks can be deciving. The rather well endowed Tsubasa however always gave a punkish boyish impression to people. Tsubasa continued "Besides that, we have what most don't...."

"What's that?" Ohana asked

"Sex appeal!" Tsubasa said that a little too proud

"Not sure that's a good point...." Ohana fought back a nervous laugh at her mother's expense. Finding a good spot to stick together, not get pushed around by the crowds and watch the opening events the family could enjoy the opening ceremonies. With the spirited cries of the men the adult woemen also gave a loud shout "HERE HERE!"

[The Selkie]

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
The flag raising ceremony was interesting to watch, for a Priestess of Rhiannon, mainly due to how similar it was to our own 'flag raising ceremonies' (we called such an occasion the Banner Parade and it was only done in honour of very important occasions) and how different it was from our own. Case in point, we did not sing the anthem during the Banner Parade.
Still, as a Defender of the Temple of Chorn, representing the guardians of one of the most important sanctuaries of the Selkie and of my Cult, we lowered our heads in respect.
We, that is myself, our leader, Isla Stiúrthóir of the Tribe of Fingal, Kaylee Laicear of the Tribe of Monaghan (we called her Kay) and Pina Slua of the Tribe of Cavan. The remainder was still at our small encampment on the festival grounds and put the finishing touches on everything and guarding our eleven horses.
The four of us wore full plate, as it was only natural for a Beast of Rhiannon, in Kay's case the lacquer ware armour typical for her strain of tradition, while Isla, Pina and I placed our bets on steel. The feathery decorations and polished steel would most likely draw as much attention as... well, we wearing, what people usually referred to as 'Booby Armour'.
Well, perverts aside, one of our aims was to show, that this was still more effective then people gave it credit.
That aside, we would later also do a demonstration (A short introduction to Selkie Cavalry Tactics and the Marcach's Dance, we even had Training Dummies with us) and participate in the historical fashion show. Our most important personal objective was having fun and I was quite certain, that we would.
We were Lancemaidens.
Unlike the brutes from the Swordmaidens, we could have fun without bashing heads in.

Caollaidhe Fáscadh of the Tribe of Cork.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
I am one of these brutes, even their Captain, and let me assure you, that my idea of fun was not limited to bashing heads in. Quite on the contrary, I personally was quite fond of reading and had, during the flight, read Athena Nibley and the Foggy Port again, after I received news, that the next one in the series would be the continuation of the 7th of the Meade-Series.
But now, standing here in the Cathéide, the Horseman's Armour, a.k.a. the half-cuirass so typical for Selkie-Horsemen, I saw, that I was among the ones in the oldest dresses, from what I could see at a glance. Musketmen were present, line-infantry was present, more modern stuff... well, no sense in moping. On Piffle, I met someone, who had planned to come here.
If I would really meet him? And if I would really meet other people with whom I got along? Only one way to find out!
I went into the crowd as soon as the flag raising concluded.

[AHSCA]

Fort Lizzie Commons.
The flag raising ceremony was interesting to watch, for a Priestess of Rhiannon, mainly due to how similar it was to our own 'flag raising ceremonies' (we called such an occasion the Banner Parade and it was only done in honour of very important occasions) and how different it was from our own. Case in point, we did not sing the anthem during the Banner Parade.
Still, as a Defender of the Temple of Chorn, representing the guardians of one of the most important sanctuaries of the Selkie and of my Cult, we lowered our heads in respect.
We, that is myself, our leader, Isla Stiúrthóir of the Tribe of Fingal, Kaylee Laicear of the Tribe of Monaghan (we called her Kay) and Pina Slua of the Tribe of Cavan. The remainder was still at our small encampment on the festival grounds and put the finishing touches on everything and guarding our eleven horses.
The four of us wore full plate, as it was only natural for a Beast of Rhiannon, in Kay's case the lacquer ware armour typical for her strain of tradition, while Isla, Pina and I placed our bets on steel. The feathery decorations and polished steel would most likely draw as much attention as... well, we wearing, what people usually referred to as 'Booby Armour'.
Well, perverts aside, one of our aims was to show, that this was still more effective then people gave it credit.
That aside, we would later also do a demonstration (A short introduction to Selkie Cavalry Tactics and the Marcach's Dance, we even had Training Dummies with us) and participate in the historical fashion show. Our most important personal objective was having fun and I was quite certain, that we would.
We were Lancemaidens.
Unlike the brutes from the Swordmaidens, we could have fun without bashing heads in.

"Wow there's a lot of people around." Kohana took notice of how many folks there were, given how crowded it was it was no surprise. A pretty warm day too given she kept up the fanning of herself Seeing many dressed up in costume and various kinds of armor was also a good sight to see, how many others came with the same mission, tell the old stories of their nation's histories. "Let's move a little more." Tsubasa insisted to her family members and who should they come upon other than some fellow performers. Given the nature of their armor, not terribly different from their own. "Hoi, a good morning to you? Here for the Fort Day as well? Performing I mean." Tsubasa was friendly as can be. "That's what we're all here for."

"We came over the rolling seas to be here to share our history with people." Kohana added on that.

Smiling at her girl, Tsubasa planted her hands down on Kohana's shoulders. "From AHSCA. As she said the rolling seas, shored up yesterday."

"Tsuba, maybe I should talk." Her wife offered with a giggle. "Her dialect is pretty thick but she's very sociable and friendly. Nice to meet you, she's Tsubasa, I'm Kaja, these are our girls, Ohana and Kohana."

[The Selkie]

Fort Lizzie Commons.
The flag raising ceremony was interesting to watch, for a Priestess of Rhiannon, mainly due to how similar it was to our own 'flag raising ceremonies' (we called such an occasion the Banner Parade and it was only done in honour of very important occasions) and how different it was from our own. Case in point, we did not sing the anthem during the Banner Parade.
Still, as a Defender of the Temple of Chorn, representing the guardians of one of the most important sanctuaries of the Selkie and of my Cult, we lowered our heads in respect.
We, that is myself, our leader, Isla Stiúrthóir of the Tribe of Fingal, Kaylee Laicear of the Tribe of Monaghan (we called her Kay) and Pina Slua of the Tribe of Cavan. The remainder was still at our small encampment on the festival grounds and put the finishing touches on everything and guarding our eleven horses.
The four of us wore full plate, as it was only natural for a Beast of Rhiannon, in Kay's case the lacquer ware armour typical for her strain of tradition, while Isla, Pina and I placed our bets on steel. The feathery decorations and polished steel would most likely draw as much attention as... well, we wearing, what people usually referred to as 'Booby Armour'.
Well, perverts aside, one of our aims was to show, that this was still more effective then people gave it credit.
That aside, we would later also do a demonstration (A short introduction to Selkie Cavalry Tactics and the Marcach's Dance, we even had Training Dummies with us) and participate in the historical fashion show. Our most important personal objective was having fun and I was quite certain, that we would.
We were Lancemaidens.
Unlike the brutes from the Swordmaidens, we could have fun without bashing heads in.

"Wow there's a lot of people around." Kohana took notice of how many folks there were, given how crowded it was it was no surprise. A pretty warm day too given she kept up the fanning of herself Seeing many dressed up in costume and various kinds of armor was also a good sight to see, how many others came with the same mission, tell the old stories of their nation's histories. "Let's move a little more." Tsubasa insisted to her family members and who should they come upon other than some fellow performers. Given the nature of their armor, not terribly different from their own. "Hoi, a good morning to you? Here for the Fort Day as well? Performing I mean." Tsubasa was friendly as can be. "That's what we're all here for."

"We came over the rolling seas to be here to share our history with people." Kohana added on that.

Smiling at her girl, Tsubasa planted her hands down on Kohana's shoulders. "From AHSCA. As she said the rolling seas, shored up yesterday."

"Tsuba, maybe I should talk." Her wife offered with a giggle. "Her dialect is pretty thick but she's very sociable and friendly. Nice to meet you, she's Tsubasa, I'm Kaja, these are our girls, Ohana and Kohana."

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
And the first ones to approach us were fellow fairground people.
I had to give a soft smile as Isla stepped forward. the blonde woman with the shining blue eyes took off her helmet and shook out her mane of hair, which crowned her head.
"It is no issue, Miss Caja.", she spoke for all of us, bowed her head lightly - a gesture, which we repeated. "It's a pleasure to meet you, fellow warriors from the UIS - we heard great many tales and..." Her hand tightened around the lance she carried. "...maybe we later find the chance to test our mettle against each other."
She spread her arms.
"Though that is better left for later.", she repeated, "I am Isla Stiúrthóir of the Tribe of Fingal, the Lance-Lieutenant of the Demonstration Lance of the Defenders of the Temple of Chorn. This is our Priestess, Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh." I bowed my head. "These are Kaylee Laicear of the Tribe of Monaghan and Pina Slua of the Tribe of Cavan."
Both bowed their heads again.
"Indeed, we are here for the Fort Lizzie Days, to perform.", Isla added, "And to tell about our history, our country and the sanctuary, which we protect." She let a beat pass. "Come, friends! We are encamped outside! Let's talk and share!"
I grinned and nodded.

[AHSCA]

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
And the first ones to approach us were fellow fairground people.
I had to give a soft smile as Isla stepped forward. the blonde woman with the shining blue eyes took off her helmet and shook out her mane of hair, which crowned her head.
"It is no issue, Miss Caja.", she spoke for all of us, bowed her head lightly - a gesture, which we repeated. "It's a pleasure to meet you, fellow warriors from the UIS - we heard great many tales and..." Her hand tightened around the lance she carried. "...maybe we later find the chance to test our mettle against each other."
She spread her arms.
"Though that is better left for later.", she repeated, "I am Isla Stiúrthóir of the Tribe of Fingal, the Lance-Lieutenant of the Demonstration Lance of the Defenders of the Temple of Chorn. This is our Priestess, Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh." I bowed my head. "These are Kaylee Laicear of the Tribe of Monaghan and Pina Slua of the Tribe of Cavan."
Both bowed their heads again.
"Indeed, we are here for the Fort Lizzie Days, to perform.", Isla added, "And to tell about our history, our country and the sanctuary, which we protect." She let a beat pass. "Come, friends! We are encamped outside! Let's talk and share!"
I grinned and nodded.

Tsubasa nodded "That sounds like a fun time to try and match a little later. Pleasure is ours ladies."

"Then we're here on the same mission!" Kaja said "Perfect, we'd love to enjoy a little company. We have our performance later this afternoon so we have some time to kill and frankly it's just a bit too crowded here in the commons for now. So please, lead the way."

[The Selkie]

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
And the first ones to approach us were fellow fairground people.
I had to give a soft smile as Isla stepped forward. the blonde woman with the shining blue eyes took off her helmet and shook out her mane of hair, which crowned her head.
"It is no issue, Miss Caja.", she spoke for all of us, bowed her head lightly - a gesture, which we repeated. "It's a pleasure to meet you, fellow warriors from the UIS - we heard great many tales and..." Her hand tightened around the lance she carried. "...maybe we later find the chance to test our mettle against each other."
She spread her arms.
"Though that is better left for later.", she repeated, "I am Isla Stiúrthóir of the Tribe of Fingal, the Lance-Lieutenant of the Demonstration Lance of the Defenders of the Temple of Chorn. This is our Priestess, Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh." I bowed my head. "These are Kaylee Laicear of the Tribe of Monaghan and Pina Slua of the Tribe of Cavan."
Both bowed their heads again.
"Indeed, we are here for the Fort Lizzie Days, to perform.", Isla added, "And to tell about our history, our country and the sanctuary, which we protect." She let a beat pass. "Come, friends! We are encamped outside! Let's talk and share!"
I grinned and nodded.

Tsubasa nodded "That sounds like a fun time to try and match a little later. Pleasure is ours ladies."

"Then we're here on the same mission!" Kaja said "Perfect, we'd love to enjoy a little company. We have our performance later this afternoon so we have some time to kill and frankly it's just a bit too crowded here in the commons for now. So please, lead the way."

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
Isla nodded and turned.
"Indeed, a bit crowded around here.", she agreed and led the way.
I knew, that Isla would fight them all head-on, if they agreed - it was the only way for her to find that certain bit of thrill, this ecstasy, this elation... that usually came with certain night-time activities for, you know, normal people.
Then again, we had agreed to forsake our skills as warriors and Beasts of Rhiannon to become over-glorified carnies, so it was only natural for her to seek that, which brought her joy.
Isla was someone, who was born in the wrong time... she would gone along swimmingly with Gwen Lách...
In any case, I found myself walking next to Kaja, looking her up and down. "Hi, Caja, was it? I'm Felicia.", I said, "So... which formation are you four, if I may ask?"

[AHSCA]

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
Isla nodded and turned.
"Indeed, a bit crowded around here.", she agreed and led the way.
I knew, that Isla would fight them all head-on, if they agreed - it was the only way for her to find that certain bit of thrill, this ecstasy, this elation... that usually came with certain night-time activities for, you know, normal people.
Then again, we had agreed to forsake our skills as warriors and Beasts of Rhiannon to become over-glorified carnies, so it was only natural for her to seek that, which brought her joy.
Isla was someone, who was born in the wrong time... she would gone along swimmingly with Gwen Lách...
In any case, I found myself walking next to Kaja, looking her up and down. "Hi, Caja, was it? I'm Felicia.", I said, "So... which formation are you four, if I may ask?"

"Felicia!" Kaja replied with enthuasism to commit her name to memory. "Well officially not in any real formation. Well we both have military experience but that's another matter. I do theater in the village I call home and we're all pretty talented so I like to think of our family as a little troupe of our own because we all have roles to play in this performance."

"Aha well these three are plenty talented," Tsubasa added "Me, I'm more just practitcal. Just way I was raised is all but it's true. Our oldest girl here, Ohana, she knows her way around flowers, wifey here is an actress on top of being a ma! And Kohana here is smart as can be."

The two younger girls nodded quietly.

"Tsubasa is a modest one, there's a true art in crafting she does. Knows her way around metals which is the old sword and shields we got on our backs. Craft a boat that could carry us here safely. A hut for us to live in. She's excellent with her hands...." She leaned in and whispered more to Felicia "In more ways than one" She winked at her little limerick.

[Shwe Tu Colony]

Fort Elizabeth Commons
"Raiko?" Hyang asked, turning his whole body to face him & ruffling the layers of heavy fabric that entombed him.
"Mmm?" his brother uttered, his voice sticky with a skewered hawthorne ball.
"You did take your meds, right?"
"Mmm, course," he shoved it towards Hyang — a brutal punch, almost, by virtue of Raiko's muscular arms, developed by years of drumbeats & left exposed, unlike his family's typically conservative dress known for its flowing sleeves & thick fabric. "Want a bit?"
"Eh, no thanks. It might get my neck... ah," his eyes drifted away for a moment as his head tried to fall to the side, only to be restrained by his neck brace, "well, it might get me a bit sticky, you know?"
"Right," Raiko offered it to Luò, who was standing behind them, next, "Want it?" When he received no response, the drummer pulled his arm back & continued devouring his dessert, then stopped when Hyang looked over at him. "Raiko, the ceremony's starting," his brother whispered, eliciting a bit of a surprised expression from the other as he gorged on the last bit of dessert. As his candy's decadent syrup began to bind his mouth together, he began to feel a familiar burning in his chest & head, & then an intense drumbeat began reverberating in his ears. "Raiko, careful! You're—"

"Shut up!" he hissed back & swung at the air in front of Hyang, & the sensations dissolved as his angered expression melted into an apologetic one. "Hyang, I—" His brother blinked as Luò leaned forward, concerned for the twins. "M-maybe we really shouldn't have gone, my meds just aren't working anymore," Raiko continued as but a whisper; his brother still heard it above the clamor.
"No, it's fine, Raiko. Don't worry about it," he said, clasping their hands together. "We'll be fine, even if your medicine's not working anymore. Just stick with me, & we'll be fine, 'kay?"
"Okay... & sorry." A simple nod from Hyang as the two brothers returned to watching the ceremony, yet Raiko's fingers fiddled with the drum & mallet slung at his side. It was the smallest drum available out of the set of artifact instruments that his parents had given him, as part of the Yīng-Guzhei family, & still had the same value to him as all of his other drums — including a calming effect on him, so long as he pounded upon the taut hide formed from the Su-Bunchuni spirits that wandered the Kattazhu Region. If worse came to worst... No. He couldn't! He couldn't let his anger take him over, not here in some foreign place where no doubt he could wreak so much more havoc! He had to keep himself under control. Under control. A fire in his heart, his head, & control under him, slipping... Hyang & his neck brace, how could his brother so indignantly—
He was snapped out of his thoughts by Hyang's soft hand brushing against his, a reassuring grace upon his tyrannical anger, & then his bubbling rage fell away at his brother's gaze.

Raiko shuffled his feet, letting himself be absorbed in the now. He was lucky, luckier than most — he had no extreme family obligations like the Jumin-Shirōs, no fast-paced low-end restaurant like the Dai-Baishis, no "silly foreigners" like the Chángra-Zhas. All he had were his instruments & his beloved brother, & he discarded the idea of betrayal as soon as the mere thought of it began to coalesce within him. This was to be a happy day for the two of them with Luò just sort of there & hopefully a good source of amusement, considering his playboy ways. By some coincidence, he had broken up with his previous girlfriend the day before the festival, though he seemed strangely serene about it, & was probably eager to find a new one. Considering that he had been in & out of love constantly, perhaps he had grown used to saying no after tossing out a month or two of gifts & adoration & songs to his current beloved, who he seemed to always swiftly abandon. As a Yīng-Xìquan, though, nobody dared to speak out, & most seemed to appreciate just having known him in the first place, rarely ever questioning how mechanical his love seemed.

A smile spread across Raiko's face as he thought about what potential antics the three of them might get into — just pure, plain old childish fun, unlike the stuffy ones they were used to as the more sophisticated Xian in Huang-Penglai. As his brother glanced at him, he too found himself infested by his brother's contagious happiness; if only he smiled more like that rather than be consumed by his rage or the grief it caused. Their joy was only amplified with the official start of the festival, with Raiko beating his drum a few times & his brother shaking the bell attached to his sleeve instead of cheering, their sonorous & crackling timbres easily audible among the cheers.

[The Selkie]

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
Isla nodded and turned.
"Indeed, a bit crowded around here.", she agreed and led the way.
I knew, that Isla would fight them all head-on, if they agreed - it was the only way for her to find that certain bit of thrill, this ecstasy, this elation... that usually came with certain night-time activities for, you know, normal people.
Then again, we had agreed to forsake our skills as warriors and Beasts of Rhiannon to become over-glorified carnies, so it was only natural for her to seek that, which brought her joy.
Isla was someone, who was born in the wrong time... she would gone along swimmingly with Gwen Lách...
In any case, I found myself walking next to Kaja, looking her up and down. "Hi, Caja, was it? I'm Felicia.", I said, "So... which formation are you four, if I may ask?"

"Felicia!" Kaja replied with enthuasism to commit her name to memory. "Well officially not in any real formation. Well we both have military experience but that's another matter. I do theater in the village I call home and we're all pretty talented so I like to think of our family as a little troupe of our own because we all have roles to play in this performance."

"Aha well these three are plenty talented," Tsubasa added "Me, I'm more just practitcal. Just way I was raised is all but it's true. Our oldest girl here, Ohana, she knows her way around flowers, wifey here is an actress on top of being a ma! And Kohana here is smart as can be."

The two younger girls nodded quietly.

"Tsubasa is a modest one, there's a true art in crafting she does. Knows her way around metals which is the old sword and shields we got on our backs. Craft a boat that could carry us here safely. A hut for us to live in. She's excellent with her hands...." She leaned in and whispered more to Felicia "In more ways than one" She winked at her little limerick.

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
I nodded along - so, theater actors, very interesting. And with lives aside from the stage, one even being a Mam already. Although I did not see a kid around, I knew, that it was well cared-for.
The innuendo made me grin and titter.
"I know such people, too...", I whispered back, "And they enjoy my company as well..." A bit louder I said: "Well, seems like ya got all of your bases covered. We are actually an Enlarged Lance. Usually, there are six people to a Lance, we have nine. Support personell, like our veterinarian, Tea. She's cool. You'll like her."
And the male demographic usually likes her, too., I added in thoughts.

[A m e n r i a]

Two Asian women stood and clapped their hands in response to the festive cheering of the crowd after the festival began. One was wearing a black hoodie with the Chinese characters for "Justice" and "Vengeance" in the front and a picture of the Wheel of Fortine in the back. Below that was a utility belt with a buckle that was shaped like a cartoonised cat, smiling widely and showing its teeth, as if it just pulled a hilarious prank. Covering the young lady's legs were a pair of cargo trousers of the same colour as her hoodie. She also had a pair of dark greyish boots. She was Song Juan, also known by her codename as a superheroine, Joy. The reason she was dressed as a man is because she would be playing as Karma - the Heavenly Emperor's alternate identity from the times he was still a human villain.

Next to Juan was the Exalted One's daughter from well-renowned former concubine and matriarch of the Miao Family, Carmilla. She was the obvious choice to portray her mother, as she had Camille's beauty, strength, and posture, and none of her problems. She stretched her arms and looked around. A quick glance would relieve her to know that the drones are doing their work in the Amenrian stand and a female model was tending to whatever questions the visitors to the stand would throw.

[The Terran Concordium]

New places, new faces

---

Michael Richards
Fort Elizabeth Museum
Mediama
Earth-337ATY

---

The flight into Mediama was an uneventful one, if not boring perhaps. As the trans-dimensional rift jump of the NCV Memoriam breached the upper stratosphere of Earth-337ATY, ionised air fizzled around the sleek curves of the vessel, producing a slight tinge that radiated from the white painted exterior. Richards peered out of the reinforced speculex window, eyeing the blueish glow that emanated from the curvature of the planet. The hazy outer atmosphere soon gave way to puffy white clouds as the spacecraft descended swiftly, its fusion engines dimming as the gravimetric propulsors took over to control its rate of descent.

"Director, we're five minutes from the landing site. Looks like we're ahead of schedule," one the pilots announced over the intercom.

"Good. This should give us ample time to set up," he replied, looking back at the members of his presenting group, or the "squad", as he preferred.

Within three minutes or so, the Memoriam had breached the cloud layer, revealing the forested countryside of Mediama; its lush conifers and firs well in sight to the vessel's occupants. A few even left their wide-berthed leather seats to gaze out of a window or two. Despite all the technological prowess of the Concordium, it was always so surreal to see such undisturbed land on Earth, of all places. Richards stared out into the vast woodlands, the sun shining in his face as the vessel cruised steadily through the air, a soft whirring of its engines being imperceptible from the ground below. Soon enough the wooded landscape gave way to infrastructure and human settlement typical of the early second millennium. Once more the pilot came over the intercom to announce their immediate touchdown as everyone retook their seats. Peering once more out of the window, the stone walls and grizzled battlements of Fort Elizabeth Commons came into view and so did the designated encampment for the Memoria Praeterita Institute.

The sleek spacecraft hovered across the fort, its gravimetric propulsors pulsating with decreasing intensity as it positioned itself over the landing site situated in the middle of the designated encampment. Flat skids protruded out of the landing gear compartment, their mechanical pistons sliding out to brace for the weight of the spacecraft resting upon them. The landing gear recoiled with a rhythmic hiss, as the engines shut off with a flicker. Within seconds, a door opened out of the side of the spacecraft, and a series of stairs slid down to meet the fresh grass below. The clack of polished leather shoes began echoing off the metal stairs as Richards and his troupe descended down onto the freshly trimmed lawn.

Taking a deep breath of the fresh terran air, Richards turned to face his group. "Well. We're here."

---

Opening day of the festival

---

The day previous was spent setting up the complex demonstrations for the Institute. The group was checked in properly with the appropriate authorities and their historical items were all authorised into the festival. Hours of work under the high glaring sun did a lot more than break a few drops of sweat off the group's collective brows. Taking a much needed rest from yesterday's work, Richards drank a hearty mug of vecaff; a caffeinated concoction similar to coffee though quite a bit more sweet and flavourful. Resting the drink down on a makeshift table, he stretched his arms as he gazed upon the festival's increasing spectre of activity; the event was sure to begin soon. Just as he was about to take another sip from his drink, a familiar voice rang out from behind him.

"Mike! Mike you there?" the voice asked from behind Richard's chair.

"Oh Samantha! Yeah what's going on?" he replied quickly.

"Haven't you heard, the flag raising ceremony is in five minutes! The festival's about to kick off!" the eager woman chirped.

"Really? Okay, coming!" he said as he quickly downed the last of his drink.

The troupe made their way into the fort proper and into the fort's common area. The area was quite crowded; hundreds if not thousands filled the space obviously not meant for the task. Despite this however, the sheer amount of people just echoed the liveliness of the event and made it ever more enjoyable. Within a few minutes the crowd had dimmed as several men, dressed in military garb began the opening ceremony, calling forth their precise and regimental commands not dissimilar to those performed in the Concordium. The flag of Mediama then began to be raised, complimented by the Mediaman national anthem. Out of custom, Richards and his group did not sing but simply raised their head high at the flag out of respect, a sign of rising aspiration and goodwill that would hopefully last the festival and their stay in Mediama. With a short yet boisterous "huzzah", the event had kicked off, much to the cheer of the crowd. Richard clapped and smiled; this would be a grand day of learning and enlightenment.

Something of note that caught Richard's attention was the ringing of bells and booming of drums that reverberated clearly through the crowds. His corneal implants quickly tracked down the source of the music and identified its source. It appeared the delegates of the nation referred to as "Shwe Tu Colony" had brought along a most interesting impedimenta for this event. Sifting through the crowds, Richard's curiosity demanded he ask of them their presence at the ceremony. Finding where they were standing, he greeted them with an amicable smile on his face and a warming expression.

"Hey, I'm Michael Richards of the Memoria Praeterita Institute. I couldn't help but notice these instruments you have with you! Do you mind telling me about them?"

[AHSCA]

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
I nodded along - so, theater actors, very interesting. And with lives aside from the stage, one even being a Mam already. Although I did not see a kid around, I knew, that it was well cared-for.
The innuendo made me grin and titter.
"I know such people, too...", I whispered back, "And they enjoy my company as well..." A bit louder I said: "Well, seems like ya got all of your bases covered. We are actually an Enlarged Lance. Usually, there are six people to a Lance, we have nine. Support personell, like our veterinarian, Tea. She's cool. You'll like her."
And the male demographic usually likes her, too., I added in thoughts.

Kaja nodded. "I can imagine, such lovely ladies as yourselves. So if you have a vet you must be having quite a few animals as apart of your display! My my so much to care for and manage for a journey here, that's very impressive!"

"I agree" Tsubasa nodded "Just managing ourselves plus our equipment so our hats off to ya for managing animals too!"

[The Selkie]

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
I nodded along - so, theater actors, very interesting. And with lives aside from the stage, one even being a Mam already. Although I did not see a kid around, I knew, that it was well cared-for.
The innuendo made me grin and titter.
"I know such people, too...", I whispered back, "And they enjoy my company as well..." A bit louder I said: "Well, seems like ya got all of your bases covered. We are actually an Enlarged Lance. Usually, there are six people to a Lance, we have nine. Support personell, like our veterinarian, Tea. She's cool. You'll like her."
And the male demographic usually likes her, too., I added in thoughts.

Kaja nodded. "I can imagine, such lovely ladies as yourselves. So if you have a vet you must be having quite a few animals as apart of your display! My my so much to care for and manage for a journey here, that's very impressive!"

"I agree" Tsubasa nodded "Just managing ourselves plus our equipment so our hats off to ya for managing animals too!"

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
I smiled and blushed.
"It's just eleven horses...", I said and looked down, "I mean, we are Lancemaidens, caring for horses is our thing. After all, we are part of the Order of the Goddess of Horses and Fertility. And..." I smiled slightly wider at that. "...we in particular are nine of the defenders of the most sacred sanctuary of Hers."
Isla nodded.
"Indeed, there are 49 Defenders and nine of them are here today.", she confirmed. "You already know four."

[AHSCA]

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
I smiled and blushed.
"It's just eleven horses...", I said and looked down, "I mean, we are Lancemaidens, caring for horses is our thing. After all, we are part of the Order of the Goddess of Horses and Fertility. And..." I smiled slightly wider at that. "...we in particular are nine of the defenders of the most sacred sanctuary of Hers."
Isla nodded.
"Indeed, there are 49 Defenders and nine of them are here today.", she confirmed. "You already know four."

Kohana spoke up still at the eleven horses part. "Wow still, eleven big horses! That's just amazing. We have a lot of chickens at home and a barrel full of fish. Some of which came along on the journey."

Ohana giggled "By along for the journey she means we captured more fish enroute here. Some captured some just washed aboard during stormy weather."

"Fish is very tasty." Kohana nodded while fanning herself.

"Our girls are right, however many horses you have along here, takes a lot of know how to wrangle so it's something to be admired." Tsubasa agreed "So ya ladies defend a Sanctuary of a Goddess for horses and fertility. Very important I don't doubt! Why when I was a kid my family did the same to protect our village shrine from harm. Harm from outsiders or from nature herself when she decided to pull a few punches on us. Some ways I still do in between everything else I do."

Ohana inquired "Selkie people are polytheistic, right? You have many deities you worship?"

[Shwe Tu Colony]

Two Asian women stood and clapped their hands...

The brothers rolled their eyes as they noticed a mischievous smirk come over Luò. "We saw," they said, rotating towards him & glancing at one another.
"Wh— I'm not going to do anything yet!" the singer stole a glance at Song Juan. "But... she's not too far off. I don't suppose you'd be fine if I—"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever, just go!" Hyang urged him, not wanting to deal with Luò's playboy flair for even a second. While he was supposed to be taking care of them, Hyang knew that he & Raiko could keep themselves under control, & that listening to Luò trying to charm a girl would probably just aggravate both twins, Hyang especially. While Raiko's rage was the more well known of the two, Hyang was usually the easier to anger so long as his brother didn't have a fit of rage.

They watched as Luò approached Song Juan with his typical strut, one of straight posture & just a hint of modesty & apprehension that he created after years of falling in & out of love but earnestly trying each time. He truly devoted himself to whoever he found, even if he seemed to exit it with the same enthusiasm, & start anew with hardly a tear or frown in his youthful countenance. He tried his best to hide away that hint of ephemerality as he neared his target — by no means a hard task for the playboy, even if he was a gleeful Huang-Penglairean idol on the side who had no time for one fan among his thousands as much as he tried to make moments for each of them.
Unless Song Juan had managed to find such videos, she would mainly see Luò in all of his confident splendor. When he got close enough, he brushed the right side of his head, exposing the blue-&-gold tassel-earring, which seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. "Good morning!" he called out to her with a pleasant wave. "I couldn't help but notice you two from where I was, especially your outfit. What's it for?"
"Raiko!" Hyang whispered out as he pulled his hat off & extracted a jade bowl hidden inside of it. "Popcorn!" Reaching into the sides of his robes, his brother extracted a bag of popcorn that he poured into the bowl as both brothers tried to discreetly watch Luò, a task made a little easier without Hyang's enormous hat.

The flight into Mediama was an uneventful one, if not boring perhaps...

As it turned out, both boys were more concerned with Luò's misadventures than the possibility of someone else approaching them — Raiko only turned around partially as Michael spoke, & used his hand to hide the popcorn in his mouth. When he finished eating, he tapped his brother's arm. "Hyang!" he whispered out as his twin turned around. He shoved the bowl back into his arms, causing him to stumble just a little from the sheer force of the thrust. "Well, our instruments," Raiko then began as he gestured towards the small drum slung over his shoulder, "they're family heirlooms."
"We're the Yīng-Guzhei twins," Hyang continued, though his neck brace meant he was stuck staring at Michael's chest, "from Huang-Penglai. It's not as famous of a city as Psytornius or Parfuhmerie; maybe you've heard of them?"
"Not that they have as many musicians, or at least none like us," Raiko smirked. "But as for my instrument, this is one part out of my set of 'Sparking Drums.' Supposedly they can call down lightning, but for the most part, they're just loud. Real loud. & it's kind of my..." He stopped, glancing at Hyang with an apologetic expression. "N-nevermind... Maybe if you come to Huang-Penglai you might see me playing the whole set."

"& as for me," Hyang began as he spread his arms out, showing off the small bells attached to his sleeves as his brother took the jade bowl, who turned away for a moment as he shoveled a handful of popcorn into his mouth & watched Luò. "I have a bunch of bells. We call them the 'Firecracker Bells,' but only one of them sounds like that. Here, have a listen." He spun around on one foot, shaking mainly the bells at his waist, which did indeed sound a little like firecrackers. "I have some more at home, obviously, but these are also my smaller ones because neither of us have a way to transport things that big here. The two of us usually play our instruments together, since we're twins, in case you can't tell. I'm Hyang." He tapped his brother's arm. "& he's Raiko. You really won't ever see us apart, or our instruments apart. They're... he needs me playing with him." He wrung his hands & his eyes darted to the side, whereas Raiko flashed him a bemused expression, but both boys recovered in a few moments. "Anyway, as he said, they're heirlooms. There's a ton more sitting in storage, but they're reserved only for Yīng-Guzhei family members to play, else they aren't as... magical of an experience.

[A m e n r i a]

A black-haired man of the same age group approached Juan. She eyed him cautiously, what with her being the introvert she is. His grin and the way he stood and walked made her feel he was so full of himself, another warning sign for her. He did, however strike the right note by asking her about something she's interested in. Slowly letting her guard down, she too brushed her hair sideways and showed a small smile. "Oh, I'm doing a demonstration. This is how Exalted One dressed when he was a villain back in the day." She shifted uncomfortably, accidentally making the sun shine on the handle of the blade she had sheathed in her belt.

[The Selkie]

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
I smiled and blushed.
"It's just eleven horses...", I said and looked down, "I mean, we are Lancemaidens, caring for horses is our thing. After all, we are part of the Order of the Goddess of Horses and Fertility. And..." I smiled slightly wider at that. "...we in particular are nine of the defenders of the most sacred sanctuary of Hers."
Isla nodded.
"Indeed, there are 49 Defenders and nine of them are here today.", she confirmed. "You already know four."

Kohana spoke up still at the eleven horses part. "Wow still, eleven big horses! That's just amazing. We have a lot of chickens at home and a barrel full of fish. Some of which came along on the journey."

Ohana giggled "By along for the journey she means we captured more fish enroute here. Some captured some just washed aboard during stormy weather."

"Fish is very tasty." Kohana nodded while fanning herself.

"Our girls are right, however many horses you have along here, takes a lot of know how to wrangle so it's something to be admired." Tsubasa agreed "So ya ladies defend a Sanctuary of a Goddess for horses and fertility. Very important I don't doubt! Why when I was a kid my family did the same to protect our village shrine from harm. Harm from outsiders or from nature herself when she decided to pull a few punches on us. Some ways I still do in between everything else I do."

Ohana inquired "Selkie people are polytheistic, right? You have many deities you worship?"

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
I smiled and nodded at Tsubasa's words - our work was still very important, even if it was mostly ceremonial these days. And we were very proud of it, so her words were a huge compliment.
At Ohana's words, I replied: "Indeed, we are polytheistic.", I said and smiled, "And there are quite a lot of them, hundreds and hundreds of smaller local deities with one or two small shrines almost piggybacking on larger temples, over the Minor Deities like Tigernmas, Cailb or the Weather Gods, to the Six-Pantheon of Carman Fea, Gavida, Lodan Lir, Ladra, Abhcan and, of course, Rhiannon." I let a beat pass. "In the UIS, they mostly follow the teachings of Madokanism, right?"

[AHSCA]

Fort Lizzie Commons.
I smiled and nodded at Tsubasa's words - our work was still very important, even if it was mostly ceremonial these days. And we were very proud of it, so her words were a huge compliment.
At Ohana's words, I replied: "Indeed, we are polytheistic.", I said and smiled, "And there are quite a lot of them, hundreds and hundreds of smaller local deities with one or two small shrines almost piggybacking on larger temples, over the Minor Deities like Tigernmas, Cailb or the Weather Gods, to the Six-Pantheon of Carman Fea, Gavida, Lodan Lir, Ladra, Abhcan and, of course, Rhiannon." I let a beat pass. "In the UIS, they mostly follow the teachings of Madokanism, right?

"Weather gods, wow!" Kohana admired given how closely tied weather was to their own Goddesses. Tsubasa continued, "that's right, most of us are. That includes all of us as a family."

"Our two girls here, we adopted them both from the Church directly." Kaja reflected.

Ohana prompted Kohana to her side to hold her hand so she could keep up. "Kohana and I are not likely blood sisters but we are sisters now and that's what matters most."

[Folaisia]

Fort Elizabeth Commons, Mediama

The École de Historique o Modern Warfare totaling thirty men and women altogether gathered for the flag raising ceremony. What makes them distinguishable from the crowd, aside from a mix of Scottish, French and Iroquois peoples, was their 19th century dark blue uniforms that was worn during the Eukataan War, along with their diverse range of headwear. Among this band of reenactors was Leo MacAllister, an Electrical Engineer from Arddarleith who currently wears the uniform of the 25th Largranessie Fusilier-Highlanders, also known as the New Scrabster Fusilier-Highlanders. Recently, he had a conversation with a certain girl from the Selkielands who is apparently attending the same event. As he lglances and peers his head out for her, he currently sticks to his group.

[The Selkie]

Fort Lizzie Commons.
I smiled and nodded at Tsubasa's words - our work was still very important, even if it was mostly ceremonial these days. And we were very proud of it, so her words were a huge compliment.
At Ohana's words, I replied: "Indeed, we are polytheistic.", I said and smiled, "And there are quite a lot of them, hundreds and hundreds of smaller local deities with one or two small shrines almost piggybacking on larger temples, over the Minor Deities like Tigernmas, Cailb or the Weather Gods, to the Six-Pantheon of Carman Fea, Gavida, Lodan Lir, Ladra, Abhcan and, of course, Rhiannon." I let a beat pass. "In the UIS, they mostly follow the teachings of Madokanism, right?

"Weather gods, wow!" Kohana admired given how closely tied weather was to their own Goddesses. Tsubasa continued, "that's right, most of us are. That includes all of us as a family."

"Our two girls here, we adopted them both from the Church directly." Kaja reflected.

Ohana prompted Kohana to her side to hold her hand so she could keep up. "Kohana and I are not likely blood sisters but we are sisters now and that's what matters most."

Felicia Ab of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Fort Lizzie Commons.
I nodded in agreement and my comrades nodded as well.
"Indeed, that is the important part.", I said, "Blood is thick, but the bonds, which are established by the heart are even stronger." I let a few beats pass, looking at my fellow Lancemaidens. "The bonds forged with siblings in battle are strong as well. Although we never met an enemy in battle, I still feel very close to my fellow Lancemaidens. They are like sisters to me."
The others blushed and I knew, that they felt similarly, even without them saying a word in that regard.

[Mediama]

Johnathan Smith, 41st Regiment of Foot
Fort Elizabeth Commons

Johnathan Smith, one of the reenactors working for Fort Lizzie, took a look around the Fort Commons as the crowd began to move away from the flag ceremony. His job was to give directions, and to talk a little about the fort itself, and of course, his kit. And so he was left to wander around the fort, making sure nothing bad happens.

If something did happen, his musket was half cocked and ready to fire a loud blank at least to scare them.

Realistically though, the Royal Mediaman Civil Air Guard would do most of the enforcement, and at his beck and call, they would respond to back him up if need be.

And so, he took a look into the distance to take stock of the commons.

If one were to notice clearly and to take bearings, the commons had an assortment of stalls that sold a multitude of items from various time periods, some vintage, others just cheaper, but good quality reproductions. All of them were being sold at various prices, and were waiting to be bought as souvenirs. The crowd for the most part had dispersed either to the many various stalls selling militaria and clothing, or to the encampments surrounding the commons to interacting with the various living historians manning their stations.

---

Juliette Bouchard

Juliette cheered just as loudly with the crowd as the ceremonies began. A sizeable number of people had joined the festivities, from various time periods and nations, she had even heard some have even traveled through time to attend the event. She had for a brief moment considered the ramifications of the possibilities of destroying the universe, then shook her head when it started to ache.

Her main focus was on 17th and 18th history and her part time art career. Which led to her focus on the present, she was here in Fort Elizabeth to show off her impression of a famous French fencer, Julie D’Aubigny. D'Aubigny herself was a colorful character based on her various amounts of research, and so she had spent the past two or three months researching and stitching up something that the controversial figure would've reasonably worn based on one of the few drawings of her.

She was with other friends from the British 54th regiment of foot, who did portrayals of British Troops during the American War of Independence, the group itself was mainly comprised of American and Mediaman reenactors, and already they had set up camp nearby, though the group's officer had allowed her to be accompanied by her friend, Brandon Fitzgerald. an American from Boston, as well as some of his friends as well. At the moment, they were merely walking around the grounds, as she looked around for a friend she had met on Pifflenet from a place called the Free Lands.

---

Truc Nguyen, 5th ARVN Divison, 9th Infantry Regiment
Vietnam War Encampment, Fort Elizabeth

Nestled between the 24th Regiment of foot, who were Anglo-Zulu War Reenactors, and the Socal WAC's reenactment group's encampment, which was essentially a WW2 field hospital with nurses and corpsmen, was an encampment made up of two or three small tents made from ponchos, as well as a MUTT jeep parked close to it, on the ground were an assortment of weapons that both sides used in the war. On the map, the encampment was designated as the 101st airborne, circa 1968. Truc was a special case, he, along with 5 others in his group, were reenacting as the 5th ARVN Division, 9th Infantry Regiment, circa post-tet offensive. They were another group made up of a mix of Vietnamese-American and Vietnamese-Mediamen that were supplementing the Americans in the listed group.

Currently, three of the ARVN group, and two of the 101st Airborne group were off taking a look around, he and the rest of the group were manning the encampment, and watching the weapons and equipment on display. Some of them were real, for sure, but a few others were high-quality airsoft.

Either way, they cost a pretty penny if they were stolen.

And so, as the crowds moved from group to group, Truc patrolled the encampment, M16A1 slung.

[Shwe Tu Colony]

A black-haired man of the same age group approached Juan...

She's an introvert, then, Luò thought as he analyzed Juan's initial response to him. Best not to act too confident. She doesn't seem comfortable, the way I'm acting right now. In an almost mechanical switch, he shifted his body language just a little bit, towards the more reserved side of him, as though mirroring the other. When Juan began speaking, he continued to smile, & leaned just a little bit forward in some earnest excitement of what she had to say. "A demonstration, huh? I'm definitely more of a romantics kind of guy, but I think I'd still love to see your performance!" Luò put his hands behind his back, bounced a little on his feet, & smiled a little more, this time with an air of curiosity rather than confidence. "So where will it be?" He noticed the blade shining in the sunlight, but only gave Juan a small, approving nod.

Meanwhile, Raiko & Hyang glanced back at Luò & exchanged their own, wordless nod; they seemed to be mildly disappointed that he was actually doing well.