The Festival of Holy Light II (IC Thread)

[The Scarlet Eagle]

AURORA

"Jasmine tea and water to start. Ah yes, for local brewed beers we have a few. One is Shine that's brewed here on the island. We have a few local brewed from our neighboring islands like Hoshino and the strength varies. We also offer some Low-alcohol beer too."

ANIMALPOLIS

"Sure thing. Actually, Ichigo." He summoned up his waitress again

"Would you please show the guests to their rooms. "

"Yes sir. Please follow me." She lead the guests up the stairs to their room which was at the end of the hall. "RIght here you are." She opened the drapes for them. "Room should be satisfactory but if it's not let us know and we'll remedy the situation."

AURORA
"Well, we'll take two Shine for my wife and I please, replies the Ambassador with a smile.
-Also, one of your colleagues recommended the Islander Salmon Dish with polished white rice, so we'll have three of that please." adds his wife with a smile too.

ANIMALPOLIS
"Thank you Miss, replies Catherine to Ichigo once she has observed the room in detail. This room is very satisfactory for us, adds the female Lieutenant Colonel. So I think we'll get our luggage here, and do a bit of sightseeing after that. Do you have any shop in town you would recommend to us?"

[AHSCA]

Port Aurora, Aurora
A medium-light seaplane with Air Alaska markings landing in the harbor failed to attract any undue attention; though scheduled flights to the islands weren't that common, during festival season there were likely to be a few, and it wasn't as if Alaska was on the other end of the world. Not exactly next door, either, but still.

Sometime later, after the airplane had taxied to the docks, unloaded, and turned away, three tourists walked along the street. Two of them, kitsune, looked like they may well belong here, but the third was... certainly different.

While not worried, they seemed unsure of where to head first; given how much one of them stood out, it probably wouldn't be long until someone talked to them.

Carrying a few too many boxes totted along a young bun-haired Priestess who tripped into the passing visitors (well minus the ghost girl perhaps). "My oh my, I'm so very sorry!" She apologized for tripping into them. "I'm sorry..." She apologized again gathering everything up "I hope you aren't hurt. Guess I felt too confident in my self there." she dusted herself off.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora.
I looked at my reflection, turned a bit to the right, then to the left.
It indeed looked pretty, but I was not yet convinced - even for a Kyrenaian Princess, this was a complicated decision, although I had enough money to buy the shop's inventory, the building, the street and half of the island... it had to look good, after all.
Though did it?
Or were there better options?
"Let's see, what else you have!", I told Azusa with a smile and a nod.

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I greeted the other receptionist with a nod and listened to her words.
I nodded again.
"I'll take a bath now, I think. Coed isn't an issue either.", I said and gave a small smile. "I am used to that from home..."
And perverts, but those were everywhere.

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
We nodded.
Tatsuya, Ame, Sakura, Akira, Hikaru... pretty names, which sounded poetic even to us, who we had no idea as to what they meant. And some had a deeper meaning for the family behind them.
Fara nodded. "Those sound pretty. I wonder what they mean...", she said, "Though, my parents had similar issues when they named me and my siblings. They named me Fara after my Mother's Grandmother, a famous woman in my country. It'll most likely not tell you anything, if I tell you her name."

With Aurelia -Twin Palms Shop

"Well let's see...." She put the necklace to the side "We have more inexpensive options like regular seashells. This paticular one was crafted by little Mamiko herself. But if you're still looking for fancier options, we also have pearls and imported rings."

Kitan with Ava

She laughed a little "Right you are ma'am. All right then...." She looked down at the book to see which room to take her too "Yes, this one should work just fine. Please follow me." she put a little sign on the podium Back in 5 minutes and lead Ava down the halls. "Right here, Ma'am!" She opened the sliding door that lead to the change room that sandwiched between the bath and hall. "Just undress and leave your clothing here and the bath is right through that other door. Towels are here for your use. If you need anything feel free to ask. Enjoy!" she gave a polite bow and parted to return to the front. The room was already occupied by a couple of other young ladies, locals-so-to-speak though from another one of the islands states. "Oh hello!" Amika greeted with her cheerful demeanor. "Looks like the three of us gonna share huh? It's nice to have company."

"Thanks for your company." The more mello but sweet sounding voice of Amika's companion Filipinia greeted. She reached out with her hands to feel for Amika's arm. "From Animalpolis or from abroad?" Amika wasted little time asking about Ava.


Animalpolis

"Tatsuya is dragon, Ame is rain, Sakura is cherry blossom, Hikaru is light or shine brightly. Islanders like to name to nature quite a bit or to personality of the child or to events around the birth. Aha naming is hard isn't it? Well tell me about your names!"

Fresh cups to tea were placed with old ones being swapped out.

As the boat was reaching towards Port Aurora, Sho come to the realization that he doesn't know where to stay for tonight, let alone know what to do when he gets there. Jellal must have forgotten to mention that. From what he has heard, he can probably stay at the temple. Considering the nature of the islands, he might go on a hike or just walk through the scenery. He feels calm as the boat reaches her final destination.



The Men were a little weary from the man’s… not so friendly attitude towards them, but the young woman steps out and shoos him off. ’What’s his problem?’ They thought, as they believe tourism is the best way to boost a local economy, but that doesn’t matter. The woman kindly started to serve them beverages.

“Sake? That’s that Japanese rice wine isn’t it” Randy asked, to which he adds “I always wanted to try that!”

“Okay! We’ll have three… no FOUR mugs of the local brew, some sake, and any snacks you may have!”. This may not be the best choice for them, but Homer has a hefty alcohol tolerance level from drinking beer for almost his entire adult life, and Randy is about the same.

"All ashore going ashore!" She pulled her ship on into port as the sun began to set on the first days of the festival. "Hope you folks enjoy your stay here, the islands are the best. Thanks for your business." she laid down anchor and tied up to the pier lowering the ramp down to let them off.

"All right, coming on up!" She poured a few drinks to get them started with. "Snacks we got plenty, but manybe you folks would like a meal. Can grill you up something good like fresh fish or chicken or pork."

Pertrucia visibly perked up when she heard the hawking(or advertising) of food.
The in-flight meal had been a large, heavy affair, and while Trias and Viva had managed to stomach it, she wasn't so lucky, and what goes down...must come up.
Obviously, of course, she was starving right now, so she broke ranks with Trias and Viva, and approached one of the young women-specifically, the one advertising squid.
"Good morning. You mentioned fresh squid?"

"A good morning to you as well." She greeted back "Yup, fresh caught fresh served to your liking. My family's squid shack right on the beach for ya." She handed a flyer. "Show this and pay only 5 Credits for your first meal. Also serve chips and other fish for your liking!"

AURORA
"Well, we'll take two Shine for my wife and I please, replies the Ambassador with a smile.
-Also, one of your colleagues recommended the Islander Salmon Dish with polished white rice, so we'll have three of that please." adds his wife with a smile too.

ANIMALPOLIS
"Thank you Miss, replies Catherine to Ichigo once she has observed the room in detail. This room is very satisfactory for us, adds the female Lieutenant Colonel. So I think we'll get our luggage here, and do a bit of sightseeing after that. Do you have any shop in town you would recommend to us?"

AURORA

"All right two of the Shines and three dishes. Very good. I'll have those out for you in just a few moments so enjoy." She left returning with their beverages to start with. A few moments after she presented their dishes. "And here you are. Enjoy yourselves and ask if you need anything else."

ANIMALPOLIS

"Oh yes. Actually there's a really great all purpose store down the path a little more ways before you hit the shrine path. They have plenty of good stuff you might be interested in taking back with you."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

AURORA

"All right two of the Shines and three dishes. Very good. I'll have those out for you in just a few moments so enjoy." She left returning with their beverages to start with. A few moments after she presented their dishes. "And here you are. Enjoy yourselves and ask if you need anything else."

ANIMALPOLIS

"Oh yes. Actually there's a really great all purpose store down the path a little more ways before you hit the shrine path. They have plenty of good stuff you might be interested in taking back with you."

AURORA
"Thank you Miss, replies Patricia once the family has received their dishes and beverages. All right, I think a toast to this festival is in order, she says to her husband and son as she raises her beer. Cheers!
-Cheers! reply Daniel and Henry at the same time as they clink respectively their beer and glass of water with Patricia.
-Man, that beer is really good, why didn't I try it before? says the Ambassador as he takes a sip of his Shine.
-Maybe because you didn't stepped too much out of the Embassy this last year, except to do you errands, replies Patricia with a knowing smile.
-Har har, replies Daniel sarcastically, before putting his glass down and starting to eat. Best to eat when it's still hot.
-Given the climate here Dad, I don't think that's an issue, answers his son Henry with a small chuckle. I'm hungry anyway, so don't mind if I do, he adds before starting to eat.
-Sure thing sonny," replies his mother with a nod, as she taks her fork and knife and dives in too.

And so, the family of three eat their delicious lunch happily, talking about what they'll do next and what they would like to see.
"It was excellent, says Daniel to the waitress once she comes back to take their empty plates. Please pass our compliments to the chef. Do you have any desserts please?"


ANIMALPOLIS
"Thank you fort the information Miss Ichigo, replies Patricia as she hands her a 100 Island Credit note. Here, a tip for your service."
With that said, both women go back outside, and start to unpack the bags strapped to their ATVs, before bringing them into their room. Once everything is settled, they step back outside, having put their plate carriers back on, with a small bagpack each strapped to their backs, as well as their berets and sunglasses.
-All right then, off to the store, says Catherine as she looks to the sky above. Gopnik, lead the way! she adds to the dark-furred Appalachian Wolfdog.
-Wharf! barks, the canine in approval as he wags his tail, before starting to walk down the street, followed by his mistress and her friend.
A few minutes later, the two Scarlet American women arrive to the store.
"Good morning!" both of them say as they enter the shop.

[Cartoonia]

"All ashore going ashore!" She pulled her ship on into port as the sun began to set on the first days of the festival. "Hope you folks enjoy your stay here, the islands are the best. Thanks for your business." she laid down anchor and tied up to the pier lowering the ramp down to let them off.

"All right, coming on up!" She poured a few drinks to get them started with. "Snacks we got plenty, but manybe you folks would like a meal. Can grill you up something good like fresh fish or chicken or pork."

The boat arrives at the port, docks, and lets her passengers leave. Sho leaves the boat thanking and bowing towards the captain before heading into the town. The town he thought was quite quaint, like some of the villages at home. A reminder of a childhood before being kidnapped, enslaved, rescued, and adopted. Sho continues through town before reaching the other end of town, where he spots a trail through the forest. Being the nature type, he started to walk through the trail.

---

The young woman brings forth the beer to the two. Homer and Randy both says thanks to her and began to take sips of it while she tells them the food they offer.

“Hmmmmm Pooorrrrk” Homer says as he salivates over food. “Okay, I’ll have all three. Fish, chicken, and pork!” Homer says grinning at the food options.

“And I’ll have the fish” Randy says.

[Kyrenaia]

With Aurelia -Twin Palms Shop

"Well let's see...." She put the necklace to the side "We have more inexpensive options like regular seashells. This paticular one was crafted by little Mamiko herself. But if you're still looking for fancier options, we also have pearls and imported rings."

Kitan with Ava

She laughed a little "Right you are ma'am. All right then...." She looked down at the book to see which room to take her too "Yes, this one should work just fine. Please follow me." she put a little sign on the podium Back in 5 minutes and lead Ava down the halls. "Right here, Ma'am!" She opened the sliding door that lead to the change room that sandwiched between the bath and hall. "Just undress and leave your clothing here and the bath is right through that other door. Towels are here for your use. If you need anything feel free to ask. Enjoy!" she gave a polite bow and parted to return to the front. The room was already occupied by a couple of other young ladies, locals-so-to-speak though from another one of the islands states. "Oh hello!" Amika greeted with her cheerful demeanor. "Looks like the three of us gonna share huh? It's nice to have company."

"Thanks for your company." The more mello but sweet sounding voice of Amika's companion Filipinia greeted. She reached out with her hands to feel for Amika's arm. "From Animalpolis or from abroad?" Amika wasted little time asking about Ava.


Animalpolis

"Tatsuya is dragon, Ame is rain, Sakura is cherry blossom, Hikaru is light or shine brightly. Islanders like to name to nature quite a bit or to personality of the child or to events around the birth. Aha naming is hard isn't it? Well tell me about your names!"

Fresh cups to tea were placed with old ones being swapped out.
[...]

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora.
Pearls and imported rings? Nah, I was here to buy something AHSCAian!
The one by Mamiko looked cute, though. Maybe someone else would appreciate it...
"I'll take that one... could you please gift wrap it for me and lend me a pen?", I asked, "And then show me the seashell ones, please."
I would write 'For Kira' on the little package.

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I was led away and introduced to what to do and how to behave, then left standing in the changing room - well, no time like the present, shedding my clothes, folding them carefully and then put them to the side. I left the bath a moment later and was not surprised to share it.
A pinkette and a dark-skinned young woman, both seemed close and friendly enough.
"Thank you for having me.", I replied and then then climbed into the bath. "...this feels nice..." I moaned and let a beat pass, before I answered the other question: "I'm from Kyrenaia... though originally from the Lands of the Selkie..."
That was a while ago.
"I'm Ava.", I introduced myself.


Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
Fara smiled.
"As said, I'm Fara and that's Saida.", she told our hostess, "Fara is a form of Farah, which means something along the lines of joy or happiness. As said, my Mother named me in honour of her Grandmother." She looked to me and I made a small hand gesture, leaving that to her. "Saida is a form of the term Sa'id, which can either mean Lady or Happy, depending on who you ask."
"It is actually the name of an aunt of mine, too, who my mother was especially close to.", I added.

[Alenberg]

Pertrucia visibly perked up when she heard the hawking(or advertising) of food.
The in-flight meal had been a large, heavy affair, and while Trias and Viva had managed to stomach it, she wasn't so lucky, and what goes down...must come up.
Obviously, of course, she was starving right now, so she broke ranks with Trias and Viva, and approached one of the young women-specifically, the one advertising squid.
"Good morning. You mentioned fresh squid?"

"A good morning to you as well." She greeted back "Yup, fresh caught fresh served to your liking. My family's squid shack right on the beach for ya." She handed a flyer. "Show this and pay only 5 Credits for your first meal. Also serve chips and other fish for your liking!"

Pertruchia nodded, licking her lips in anticipation of actual food.
"Thank you so much! Have a good day!" she replied-just as Trias and Viva caught up to her and lead her off to a side.

---

"The fuck were you thinking!" hissed Trias. "Someone could have capped you right then and there!"
Pertruchia sighed. "Look, I'm sorry, but I'm hungry, okay?"
Trias growled. "We had food on the pla-"

"Trias."
Viva placed a hand on his shoulder. "Lay off her. She threw most of it up on the plane."
"But-"
"Look, if you vomited on the plane you'd be hungry too. And don't try the security excuse-I doubt they'd follow us here."

Trias sighed in defeat. "Alright...Sorry about that, Pertruchia."
"It's fine...Let's go."

The three continued onwards, towards the shoreline and their first meal on the Islands.

[AHSCA]

AURORA
"Thank you Miss, replies Patricia once the family has received their dishes and beverages. All right, I think a toast to this festival is in order, she says to her husband and son as she raises her beer. Cheers!
-Cheers! reply Daniel and Henry at the same time as they clink respectively their beer and glass of water with Patricia.
-Man, that beer is really good, why didn't I try it before? says the Ambassador as he takes a sip of his Shine.
-Maybe because you didn't stepped too much out of the Embassy this last year, except to do you errands, replies Patricia with a knowing smile.
-Har har, replies Daniel sarcastically, before putting his glass down and starting to eat. Best to eat when it's still hot.
-Given the climate here Dad, I don't think that's an issue, answers his son Henry with a small chuckle. I'm hungry anyway, so don't mind if I do, he adds before starting to eat.
-Sure thing sonny," replies his mother with a nod, as she taks her fork and knife and dives in too.

And so, the family of three eat their delicious lunch happily, talking about what they'll do next and what they would like to see.
"It was excellent, says Daniel to the waitress once she comes back to take their empty plates. Please pass our compliments to the chef. Do you have any desserts please?"


ANIMALPOLIS
"Thank you fort the information Miss Ichigo, replies Patricia as she hands her a 100 Island Credit note. Here, a tip for your service."
With that said, both women go back outside, and start to unpack the bags strapped to their ATVs, before bringing them into their room. Once everything is settled, they step back outside, having put their plate carriers back on, with a small bagpack each strapped to their backs, as well as their berets and sunglasses.
-All right then, off to the store, says Catherine as she looks to the sky above. Gopnik, lead the way! she adds to the dark-furred Appalachian Wolfdog.
-Wharf! barks, the canine in approval as he wags his tail, before starting to walk down the street, followed by his mistress and her friend.
A few minutes later, the two Scarlet American women arrive to the store.
"Good morning!" both of them say as they enter the shop.

AURORA

The waitress smiled and responded gathering up the empty dishes.
"I shall pass along your words to her and let her know you enjoyed the meal. As for dessert, we have a specialty ice cream mochi. We also have regular mochi along with various types of small cake and pies baked to perfection."

ANIMALPOLIS

"Oh thank you very much!" She gave a slight bow and returned downstairs to continue her work. The visitors finding themselves at the shop were greeted by the shop owner reaching high up to dust off some high shelves. "Oh welcome, welcome." She greeted, "I'll be right with you...." She turned taking a small tumble from her step stool but quickly getting back on her feet. "Aye aye I hate when I do that!" she dusted herself off "Just getting some cleaning in before a rush. Anyway welcome, what can I do for you fine folks today?"

---

The boat arrives at the port, docks, and lets her passengers leave. Sho leaves the boat thanking and bowing towards the captain before heading into the town. The town he thought was quite quaint, like some of the villages at home. A reminder of a childhood before being kidnapped, enslaved, rescued, and adopted. Sho continues through town before reaching the other end of town, where he spots a trail through the forest. Being the nature type, he started to walk through the trail.



The young woman brings forth the beer to the two. Homer and Randy both says thanks to her and began to take sips of it while she tells them the food they offer.

“Hmmmmm Pooorrrrk” Homer says as he salivates over food. “Okay, I’ll have all three. Fish, chicken, and pork!” Homer says grinning at the food options.

“And I’ll have the fish” Randy says.

The rather lonely path marked by tall overhanging palms made it a bit darker in the twilight hours. Might spook a person if easily scared. On the path also were to young siblings, visiting from Animalpolis, Tatsuya and his younger sister Sakura. Both had gotten themselves lost trying to find way back to the village. Tatsuya looked over a map of the trail but with the fading light it was getting hard to see. "Where are we big brother?" Sakura asked. Tatsuya replied, "I don't know, I thought we were going back but now I have well no idea!"

"Ah geee we're lost aren't we? And it's getting dark, I told ya we should have at least taken a lantern along."

"Come on, we'll be ok. We just follow the path until it reaches town right?"

"But there's several splits and sometimes the trail looks like the trail and it's not --"

"Shhh. Wait I hear something."

"Maybe people along the trail?"

"Maybe...."

---

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora.
Pearls and imported rings? Nah, I was here to buy something AHSCAian!
The one by Mamiko looked cute, though. Maybe someone else would appreciate it...
"I'll take that one... could you please gift wrap it for me and lend me a pen?", I asked, "And then show me the seashell ones, please."
I would write 'For Kira' on the little package.

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I was led away and introduced to what to do and how to behave, then left standing in the changing room - well, no time like the present, shedding my clothes, folding them carefully and then put them to the side. I left the bath a moment later and was not surprised to share it.
A pinkette and a dark-skinned young woman, both seemed close and friendly enough.
"Thank you for having me.", I replied and then then climbed into the bath. "...this feels nice..." I moaned and let a beat pass, before I answered the other question: "I'm from Kyrenaia... though originally from the Lands of the Selkie..."
That was a while ago.
"I'm Ava.", I introduced myself.


Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
Fara smiled.
"As said, I'm Fara and that's Saida.", she told our hostess, "Fara is a form of Farah, which means something along the lines of joy or happiness. As said, my Mother named me in honour of her Grandmother." She looked to me and I made a small hand gesture, leaving that to her. "Saida is a form of the term Sa'id, which can either mean Lady or Happy, depending on who you ask."
"It is actually the name of an aunt of mine, too, who my mother was especially close to.", I added.

Aurora - with Aurelia

"Oh for sure, I'd be glad too." She went ahead and set it aside so she could do that then pulled out some of the sea shell necklaces. "Not very fancy and many of them are done by children but sometimes that's what matters. I actually strung this one together myself with more unusual shells that I could dive for." she put it around Aurelia's neck and showed the mirror "If you ask me, put yourself into a bandeau, you'd look like a real native! Don't think anyone could tell the difference."

Kitan with Ava

"Ava, pleasure to meet ya! We're both from Corona ourselves visiting here for the festival. Saved a lot to do so but we're here." Amika gently lead her friend along guiding each step "Okay one-two-feel the water." both girls entered the hot water pouring out of chutes aligning the wall. "So from Kyrenaia you said? Wow that's really cool! Are you with that military base set up here? Oh wait you did say you were also from The Selkie? So does that mean you were born there, raised in the deserts? Are you--"

"Take it easy, Amika don't hit over the head with so many questions...." Filipinia gently calmed her down "Sorry if we're disturbing you, some like the tranquility of the water so maybe that's what you came for?"

Animalpolis

"Such pretty names and also along family lines! Think we have more in common than we realize."

"Well I think I gave my name," Shino said "But if I didn't it's Shino. Pretty common name in these parts but now a days it's more associated with the nation's first Duchess."

"First duchess as the UIS that is. It's also I think among the names we've considered...Ah you think it'd be easy after one child but it just seems harder than ever!"

"Aww, you folks will come up with something. Anyway." Shino stood "I am sorry to be rude but alas I best get back to work...Ladies, what a pleasure it was to meet you." She pulled out some money to pay her own way. "And you, Hisako, I know you're stubborn but for in the name of the Good Ladies make sure to rest and not overdo it."

"Aha I will, Shino, I will. I'll be at the Temple Later to pay my respects."

"Good good. And hopefully you ladies will stop by too to really see what we're all about down here. So long." she parted their company.

Pertruchia nodded, licking her lips in anticipation of actual food.
"Thank you so much! Have a good day!" she replied-just as Trias and Viva caught up to her and lead her off to a side.


"The fuck were you thinking!" hissed Trias. "Someone could have capped you right then and there!"
Pertruchia sighed. "Look, I'm sorry, but I'm hungry, okay?"
Trias growled. "We had food on the pla-"

"Trias."
Viva placed a hand on his shoulder. "Lay off her. She threw most of it up on the plane."
"But-"
"Look, if you vomited on the plane you'd be hungry too. And don't try the security excuse-I doubt they'd follow us here."

Trias sighed in defeat. "Alright...Sorry about that, Pertruchia."
"It's fine...Let's go."

The three continued onwards, towards the shoreline and their first meal on the Islands.

'

The beaches were indeed crowded with people, visitors and locals alike. For locals it was the best time before the deluge and for visitors the pristine beaches were a sight. Like at the port, signs posted always reminded people to please be clean and protect AHSCA's environment by not littering. Little stands for various food aligned the beaches and shoreline including the one they had been seeking, a squid shack. "Good day folks" The cook behind the booth welcomed "interested in some squid? Fresh, grilled, charred or fried we'll make it to your liking."

[Nu Alaska]

Port Aurora, Aurora
A medium-light seaplane with Air Alaska markings landing in the harbor failed to attract any undue attention; though scheduled flights to the islands weren't that common, during festival season there were likely to be a few, and it wasn't as if Alaska was on the other end of the world. Not exactly next door, either, but still.

Sometime later, after the airplane had taxied to the docks, unloaded, and turned away, three tourists walked along the street. Two of them, kitsune, looked like they may well belong here, but the third was... certainly different.

While not worried, they seemed unsure of where to head first; given how much one of them stood out, it probably wouldn't be long until someone talked to them.

Carrying a few too many boxes totted along a young bun-haired Priestess who tripped into the passing visitors (well minus the ghost girl perhaps). "My oh my, I'm so very sorry!" She apologized for tripping into them. "I'm sorry..." She apologized again gathering everything up "I hope you aren't hurt. Guess I felt too confident in my self there." she dusted herself off.

"You're quite alright," replied Sakura, who had managed to keep her composure. Ren just nodded as she got up from the ground. Kiri obviously hadn't been harmed but looked nervous.

"A-are you okay, ma'am? I'm sorry if we got in your way."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

AURORA

The waitress smiled and responded gathering up the empty dishes.
"I shall pass along your words to her and let her know you enjoyed the meal. As for dessert, we have a specialty ice cream mochi. We also have regular mochi along with various types of small cake and pies baked to perfection."

ANIMALPOLIS

"Oh thank you very much!" She gave a slight bow and returned downstairs to continue her work. The visitors finding themselves at the shop were greeted by the shop owner reaching high up to dust off some high shelves. "Oh welcome, welcome." She greeted, "I'll be right with you...." She turned taking a small tumble from her step stool but quickly getting back on her feet. "Aye aye I hate when I do that!" she dusted herself off "Just getting some cleaning in before a rush. Anyway welcome, what can I do for you fine folks today?"

AURORA
"Thank you, replies Patricia. Well, what do you say we try this ice cream mochi? she asks her husband and son.
-Yup, answers Daniel with a nod. And although I know that gluttony is considered a sin in some religions, I'll have some cakes and pies as well. Please bring a bit of everything if you will, he asks the waitress with a smile.
-Yeah, me too, says her wife. So, three ice cream mochi, and a bit of everything else please," she finishes to the waitress.

ANIMALPOLIS
"Well, we would like to buy some local arts and crafts, as well as some local knives of you have any, replies Catherine with a smile.

[Kyrenaia]

[...]

Aurora - with Aurelia

"Oh for sure, I'd be glad too." She went ahead and set it aside so she could do that then pulled out some of the sea shell necklaces. "Not very fancy and many of them are done by children but sometimes that's what matters. I actually strung this one together myself with more unusual shells that I could dive for." she put it around Aurelia's neck and showed the mirror "If you ask me, put yourself into a bandeau, you'd look like a real native! Don't think anyone could tell the difference."

Kitan with Ava

"Ava, pleasure to meet ya! We're both from Corona ourselves visiting here for the festival. Saved a lot to do so but we're here." Amika gently lead her friend along guiding each step "Okay one-two-feel the water." both girls entered the hot water pouring out of chutes aligning the wall. "So from Kyrenaia you said? Wow that's really cool! Are you with that military base set up here? Oh wait you did say you were also from The Selkie? So does that mean you were born there, raised in the deserts? Are you--"

"Take it easy, Amika don't hit over the head with so many questions...." Filipinia gently calmed her down "Sorry if we're disturbing you, some like the tranquility of the water so maybe that's what you came for?"

Animalpolis

"Such pretty names and also along family lines! Think we have more in common than we realize."

"Well I think I gave my name," Shino said "But if I didn't it's Shino. Pretty common name in these parts but now a days it's more associated with the nation's first Duchess."

"First duchess as the UIS that is. It's also I think among the names we've considered...Ah you think it'd be easy after one child but it just seems harder than ever!"

"Aww, you folks will come up with something. Anyway." Shino stood "I am sorry to be rude but alas I best get back to work...Ladies, what a pleasure it was to meet you." She pulled out some money to pay her own way. "And you, Hisako, I know you're stubborn but for in the name of the Good Ladies make sure to rest and not overdo it."

"Aha I will, Shino, I will. I'll be at the Temple Later to pay my respects."

"Good good. And hopefully you ladies will stop by too to really see what we're all about down here. So long." she parted their company.

[...]

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora.
I smiled at Azusa's comment - a bandeau and I might pass for a native?
Maybe, one day, I would become one. The Gods of both these lands and my own willing, I might one day be...
Back in the present, I looked at the necklace. Made "Hm..."
I looked at Azusa: "It's a pretty one, don't get me wrong, but... I don't really think, that it is, well, 'me'." Needless to say, that the necklace reminded me of the one my Grandmother wore... "Would you mind me looking around those you have here for a bit?"

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I smiled, shook my head.
"Don't worry, I am fine with it. Actually, a silent bath would be far more unsettling for me!", I said with a grin, "I was indeed born in the Free Lands of the Selkie, long before they were the Free Lands... or of the Selkie, for that matter. I am of the Spiorad Ainmhithe - you might have heard of us. I moved to Kyrenaia to work there as a mercenary around ten centuries ago and stayed there. I am, currently, serving again, as a fighter pilot, so the ladies and gentlemen in that base are sort-of my colleagues. I'm Army, they're Navy." I smiled. "But yes, we have a few small ships in the UIS, nothing big or major, just like the base is nothing big or major."

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
We waved our goodbyes as Shino left us, promised to visit her temple later, then turned back to our pregnant friend.
"Indeed, you should not overwork yourself or it might be harmful for the little one.", Fara said with a small smile, then glanced to me. I saw an idea in her head... and I had a rough idea as to what idea that was. She turned back to Hisako. "Though, my friend, tell me... if someone else were to do your work for the day, would you be more relaxed?"

[Alenberg]

The beaches were indeed crowded with people, visitors and locals alike. For locals it was the best time before the deluge and for visitors the pristine beaches were a sight. Like at the port, signs posted always reminded people to please be clean and protect AHSCA's environment by not littering. Little stands for various food aligned the beaches and shoreline including the one they had been seeking, a squid shack. "Good day folks" The cook behind the booth welcomed "interested in some squid? Fresh, grilled, charred or fried we'll make it to your liking."

Pertruchia smiled. "A good morning to you as well...hm. I'll take fried...Viva? Trias?"

Trias glared at the man, scrutinizing his every move, almost certain that he would try something.
"I'll pass." he muttered.
Viva, on the other hand, grinned at the cook as well. "I'll take...hm. Charred, please. How much will that be in total?"

[Cartoonia]

The rather lonely path marked by tall overhanging palms made it a bit darker in the twilight hours. Might spook a person if easily scared. On the path also were to young siblings, visiting from Animalpolis, Tatsuya and his younger sister Sakura. Both had gotten themselves lost trying to find way back to the village. Tatsuya looked over a map of the trail but with the fading light it was getting hard to see. "Where are we big brother?" Sakura asked. Tatsuya replied, "I don't know, I thought we were going back but now I have well no idea!"

"Ah geee we're lost aren't we? And it's getting dark, I told ya we should have at least taken a lantern along."

"Come on, we'll be ok. We just follow the path until it reaches town right?"

"But there's several splits and sometimes the trail looks like the trail and it's not --"

"Shhh. Wait I hear something."

"Maybe people along the trail?"

"Maybe...."

The sun begins to set on the islands as Sho continues his way through the trail. He was in nature’s beauty for so long, he forgot about the time. He should head back into town. He walks back the way he came from, but with the dark setting in, it might be hard to get back. On his way back through, he spots two kids, a boy and a girl with cat ears, reminding him of his friend Millianna. They appear to be lost, so he decides to help them out.

“Hello there, are you lost? Do you want me to help you?”

---

Another bottle of beer went down the men's throats, the second one. While normal people would be drunk at this point, Homer and Randy were doing just fine.

“Ah! Second bottle down. I have quite the alcohol tolerance”.

“I think all Cartoonian men have a high alcohol tolerance level”. Both of them laugh as the server brings out their meals.

[Danceria]

Sabin Castamir, Prince-Ducal of Figaro

Room 3, The Kitan, Aurora Port

---

A silent bath while would have been preferred, Sabin had also realized he needed to be more gregarious in situations. Since bathing was an important part of both Kyrenaian and Aschan cultures, it was prudent that he learn to assert and be talkative. Thankfully, the Aschans were almost “absurdly acceptive and tolerant”, to quote his Lord Cousin. Amika had already chatted up the broad shouldered Dancerian, Sabin would answer every question with a patient smile, having been used to his brother’s talkative nature.

Ava, however, was interesting. Danceria was home to Elf and animal-eared folk alike, yet the Spiorad Ainmhithe had both the long-lived understanding of the Elves and the elusive nature of their own native lands.

Very much someone to converse with, if nothing more than to speak with someone who had a long-lived perspective on the world and matters.

“So you’re on leave I take it?” the Dancerian would ask. “If you don’t mind talking about your work, I can understand if you’d like to unwind…” he realized the awkwardness of the conversation. Maybe he’ll never get the natural diplomatic flow of Aceus, but he’ll damn well try. “I’m Sabin by the way.”

Aceus Elurion, King of Danceria

Pub, Misakichi Village, Animalopolis

---

The food would be eaten after a quiet thanks to the waiter and later to the Valar, and be rather unassuming. He would keep to himself, and speak only when spoken to. Indeed, the two girls were right about him being both a foreigner and an "odd duck".

Frankly he didn't really care about that, all he would do is offer to help in the festivities, then go to the temple to speak with the Shrine-keeper, and perhaps lessen the weight on the rucksack.

[Mervay]

TWIN PALMS WITH TESS

"And I have a good feeling that's what you'll get! Rings huh? Well let me see, I did pick a bunch from my last overseas trip." She pulled out a case of rings of varrying sizes and qualities made from different metals including pyrite which gave off the glitzy fools gold look. Other standard silver rings. Some had gems in them others were just rings with engraving marks on them. "Anything you like?"

KITAN

"All right, two sake and two green tea! I'll also bring out favorite appetizer, crab cakes to start with and if you wish for an entree just flag me down and I'll get it started."

"Thank you very much."

"My pleasure madams."

"Ah so madam, forgive me one more time your name? I'm very honored and pleased a high noble as yourself would pick my fine establishment for her stay and to share her time with me. I'm very flattered."

Twin Palms with Tess

Tess looked at the rings Kumiko pulled out from the case of rings. All of them were interesting, but she looked for the best of the best and so she was interested in the ones with the stones mostly, of course keeping away from pyrite rings.
Let's see, let's see, which of them are good. What this girl should search was something elegant and of high class, yet simple for her and her beloved.

"They seem interesting. Pretty good and nice." She said looking at the choices she has, still she needed a second opinion here and one which helped her in what she was needing.

She let a beat pass before ask and say what she wanted for their engagement ring.

"I'm looking something elegant and beautiful, expensive and good looking, true ane pure, yet simple and nice. Is there any ring on your case that could match your description??"

---

Kitan

"Sounds good. Will look foward to it. Thank you so much Ma'am Stephy."

Agustinas smiled warmly at the maid as she noticed her get going for their orders, both from Tsubaki and Agustinas.
She blushed at the comments of Tsubaki about her sharing time with the owner of the resort. It was clearly this wasn't something common with many of the important heads of goverment or state always going more low profile, entirely.

"Agustinas. Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay, Ma'am Tsubaki; you don't have to be flattered about it, the quality of your establishment is quite famous from where I come from." her smile was warm and caring, enjoying spending time with Tsubaki. "A friend, one which stayed here last year told me about your beautiful resort and that if I was to stay in Aurora, The Kitan was the place to go."

[AHSCA]

"You're quite alright," replied Sakura, who had managed to keep her composure. Ren just nodded as she got up from the ground. Kiri obviously hadn't been harmed but looked nervous.

"A-are you okay, ma'am? I'm sorry if we got in your way."

[/spoiler]

"I'm all right. And no, not at all, I just took one too many boxes but I'm fine. Welcome to the Islands. You folks look like you just arrived." she gathered up her boxes again.

AURORA
"Thank you, replies Patricia. Well, what do you say we try this ice cream mochi? she asks her husband and son.
-Yup, answers Daniel with a nod. And although I know that gluttony is considered a sin in some religions, I'll have some cakes and pies as well. Please bring a bit of everything if you will, he asks the waitress with a smile.
-Yeah, me too, says her wife. So, three ice cream mochi, and a bit of everything else please," she finishes to the waitress.

ANIMALPOLIS
"Well, we would like to buy some local arts and crafts, as well as some local knives of you have any, replies Catherine with a smile.

AURORA

"Sure thing! One of each, we'll make them a bit smaller so you can make sure to try them all. Be back with you in a few moments." She returned to the kitchen getting their orders ready and returned again with the first few dishes of their selection. Ice cream mochi, two kinds of pie, mango and banana and slices of cake. "Enjoy."

ANIMALPOLIS

"Oh sure, we have plenty of those. And knives huh? Well what purpose for the knives? Hunting, fishing, defense, maybe just craftsmanship?" she pulled out a few cases of the different kinds of knives each for the purposes she stated. Next she pulled out various carved dolls and stone work. "I also have a couple of paintings I can pull out. They're a bit on the bulkier side I figured might want to start with the smaller stuff."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora.
I smiled at Azusa's comment - a bandeau and I might pass for a native?
Maybe, one day, I would become one. The Gods of both these lands and my own willing, I might one day be...
Back in the present, I looked at the necklace. Made "Hm..."
I looked at Azusa: "It's a pretty one, don't get me wrong, but... I don't really think, that it is, well, 'me'." Needless to say, that the necklace reminded me of the one my Grandmother wore... "Would you mind me looking around those you have here for a bit?"

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I smiled, shook my head.
"Don't worry, I am fine with it. Actually, a silent bath would be far more unsettling for me!", I said with a grin, "I was indeed born in the Free Lands of the Selkie, long before they were the Free Lands... or of the Selkie, for that matter. I am of the Spiorad Ainmhithe - you might have heard of us. I moved to Kyrenaia to work there as a mercenary around ten centuries ago and stayed there. I am, currently, serving again, as a fighter pilot, so the ladies and gentlemen in that base are sort-of my colleagues. I'm Army, they're Navy." I smiled. "But yes, we have a few small ships in the UIS, nothing big or major, just like the base is nothing big or major."

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
We waved our goodbyes as Shino left us, promised to visit her temple later, then turned back to our pregnant friend.
"Indeed, you should not overwork yourself or it might be harmful for the little one.", Fara said with a small smile, then glanced to me. I saw an idea in her head... and I had a rough idea as to what idea that was. She turned back to Hisako. "Though, my friend, tell me... if someone else were to do your work for the day, would you be more relaxed?"

Aurora with Aurelia

"All right no problem." She removed the necklace and put it away. "Please, take a look around, help yourself and see what you like." She left her to look around. If clothing again Aurelia was interested in, plenty of islander clothing on display again; as Azusa mentioned the classic sarong and bandeau combo. Some sets went with the more stylish bikini look others kept it to classic hand sewn cloth.

Kitan with Ava

"Oh....Afraid I haven't heard much. Though I think there might be some around these islands somewhere. Fili, you?"

"Afraid not but then again I haven't been going to school that long either." she shook her head sullen.

"Well rats. But wow you've been around that long? Now that's really cool! To think of all the things you've seen and done."

"It's really something. But it sounds like you aren't serving at the base on this island. But still, I think it's nice you're here. Well you here of course, and your Navy here."

"Yeah, makes lots a folks sleep well at night." She stretched outward and settled back in the water some more. That's when the door opened and another visitor arrived. This one the Dancerian guest not that these two islander guests would know where he was from. "Who is it?" Filipina whispered to Amika.

"It's another bather."

Filipina nodded quietly. Once he finished speaking the two girls interjected with their own introductions. "Sabin, please ta meet'cha. I'm Amika."

"Filipinia

Animalpolis

"Well...Yeah I suppose I would feel better knowing Shinji isn't having to run things all by himself. He's a good man but he's only one! At festival time when we're as busy as we are, we need all hands on deck! But now that you mention it, I am starting to get tired. Feet hurting, back aching. Oooh the joys of childbearing..." She finished that one with a slight moan but still gave it a laugh in the end. "You have someone in mind?"

Pertruchia smiled. "A good morning to you as well...hm. I'll take fried...Viva? Trias?"

Trias glared at the man, scrutinizing his every move, almost certain that he would try something.
"I'll pass." he muttered.
Viva, on the other hand, grinned at the cook as well. "I'll take...hm. Charred, please. How much will that be in total?"

"Fried, charred." He noted "Got it. So for the two, that's 10 Credits." Once payment was given he cooked them up to perfection cutting just the right places and getting the right kind of fry and char. A Good char is more than just roasting it on flames it's also making sure it's edible. Good charring means crunchy and flavorful. Once all cooked they were ready to serve complete with a little pick with a miniature AHSCAian flag on top.

"Enjoy!"

The sun begins to set on the islands as Sho continues his way through the trail. He was in nature’s beauty for so long, he forgot about the time. He should head back into town. He walks back the way he came from, but with the dark setting in, it might be hard to get back. On his way back through, he spots two kids, a boy and a girl with cat ears, reminding him of his friend Millianna. They appear to be lost, so he decides to help them out.

“Hello there, are you lost? Do you want me to help you?”



Another bottle of beer went down the men's throats, the second one. While normal people would be drunk at this point, Homer and Randy were doing just fine.

“Ah! Second bottle down. I have quite the alcohol tolerance”.

“I think all Cartoonian men have a high alcohol tolerance level”. Both of them laugh as the server brings out their meals.

Sakura had wrapped her arms around her big brother with the sound of footsteps growing closer not knowing if friend or foe. But it was friend. "Oh hi!" Tatsuya greeted "Yeah I think we got turned around a little somewhere and now it's getting dark. Think you can help a couple of kids out?" He asked "Easy, Sakura, it's ok..."

"Um-um..." She was a bit embarassed, of course it was just any old visitor, the island was full of them. "Please. thanks...."


"Here you are." The barkeep gave their food "Enjoy your food. You folks are downing a lot...Be careful out there when you leave. I'm happy for the business but I don't want to be the cause of problems."

Aceus Elurion, King of Danceria

Pub, Misakichi Village, Animalopolis

The food would be eaten after a quiet thanks to the waiter and later to the Valar, and be rather unassuming. He would keep to himself, and speak only when spoken to. Indeed, the two girls were right about him being both a foreigner and an "odd duck".

Frankly he didn't really care about that, all he would do is offer to help in the festivities, then go to the temple to speak with the Shrine-keeper, and perhaps lessen the weight on the rucksack.

Ichigo took his empty dishes. "Did you enjoy the meal? I hope so. Anything else I can get to you?"

Twin Palms with Tess

Tess looked at the rings Kumiko pulled out from the case of rings. All of them were interesting, but she looked for the best of the best and so she was interested in the ones with the stones mostly, of course keeping away from pyrite rings.
Let's see, let's see, which of them are good. What this girl should search was something elegant and of high class, yet simple for her and her beloved.

"They seem interesting. Pretty good and nice." She said looking at the choices she has, still she needed a second opinion here and one which helped her in what she was needing.

She let a beat pass before ask and say what she wanted for their engagement ring.

"I'm looking something elegant and beautiful, expensive and good looking, true ane pure, yet simple and nice. Is there any ring on your case that could match your description??"



Kitan

"Sounds good. Will look foward to it. Thank you so much Ma'am Stephy."

Agustinas smiled warmly at the maid as she noticed her get going for their orders, both from Tsubaki and Agustinas.
She blushed at the comments of Tsubaki about her sharing time with the owner of the resort. It was clearly this wasn't something common with many of the important heads of goverment or state always going more low profile, entirely.

"Agustinas. Agustinas Florenze Da Mervay, Ma'am Tsubaki; you don't have to be flattered about it, the quality of your establishment is quite famous from where I come from." her smile was warm and caring, enjoying spending time with Tsubaki. "A friend, one which stayed here last year told me about your beautiful resort and that if I was to stay in Aurora, The Kitan was the place to go."

Twin Palms


Kumiko thought a moment. "Mmmm....I think I might have something. To be honest I was going to offload it when I went abroad again." She rummaged through things pulling out a ring with a noticeable sapphire. "To be honest, my dear, I can't vouch for how authentic this is. It was given to me on my last voyage. Something for nothing usually isn't a thing in the business world. But the sapphire looks real as does the metal band which I think is silver. But that's only my opinion. I think the sapphire matches her eyes very well. She'll love it real or not. I was hoping to get it professionally evaluated but based on my experience I think I can let it go for 10,000 Credits. A ring like this would usually be more like 100,000 but as I said I can't verify the authenticity."

Kitan

"Agustinas. My my what a lovely name that is. And I'm glad our reputation proceeds us from the year prior. When I first set up the Kitan, it was on Animalpolis, my home island. Really it was a place to help young ladies after The War. Many widowed, orphaned. People needed something to get back to a sense of normalcy so I set up a very inexpensive little pub and inn. After things recovered and as AHSCA became less isolated I came here to set up a more high end resort to cater to tourists and of course help the local young women here. But of course that's without ignoring the local population which is why our baths are very inexpensive."

[Kyrenaia]

Aurora with Aurelia

"All right no problem." She removed the necklace and put it away. "Please, take a look around, help yourself and see what you like." She left her to look around. If clothing again Aurelia was interested in, plenty of islander clothing on display again; as Azusa mentioned the classic sarong and bandeau combo. Some sets went with the more stylish bikini look others kept it to classic hand sewn cloth.

Kitan with Ava

"Oh....Afraid I haven't heard much. Though I think there might be some around these islands somewhere. Fili, you?"

"Afraid not but then again I haven't been going to school that long either." she shook her head sullen.

"Well rats. But wow you've been around that long? Now that's really cool! To think of all the things you've seen and done."

"It's really something. But it sounds like you aren't serving at the base on this island. But still, I think it's nice you're here. Well you here of course, and your Navy here."

"Yeah, makes lots a folks sleep well at night." She stretched outward and settled back in the water some more. That's when the door opened and another visitor arrived. This one the Dancerian guest not that these two islander guests would know where he was from. "Who is it?" Filipina whispered to Amika.

"It's another bather."

Filipina nodded quietly. Once he finished speaking the two girls interjected with their own introductions. "Sabin, please ta meet'cha. I'm Amika."

"Filipinia

Animalpolis

"Well...Yeah I suppose I would feel better knowing Shinji isn't having to run things all by himself. He's a good man but he's only one! At festival time when we're as busy as we are, we need all hands on deck! But now that you mention it, I am starting to get tired. Feet hurting, back aching. Oooh the joys of childbearing..." She finished that one with a slight moan but still gave it a laugh in the end. "You have someone in mind?"

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora.
I indeed went to the clothes section forst and indeed spotted the Islander Outfit - bandeau or bikini top and sarong. I had indeed spotted many in these clothes.
It was quite a looker.
It would also attract quite a bit of curiosity on Kyrenaia's streets.
Hm... I knew, that Kira was very interested in the UIS and the necklace I had reserved was already for her, but maybe she would also like the typical outfits? I began to look for the child-sizes and wrote a quick message to Okka, asking for Kira's sizes - and her own. No need for anyone to get jealous, eh?

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
"Ava.", I said to Sabin, looking at him with a raised eyebrow. I knew his face from somewhere... "And, with respect to everyone, I would much rather not speak about work. I'm here to relax!"
I turned to Fili.
"That being said, I indeed saw a lot, did a lot and remember a lot. I'm quite a lot older then merely ten centuries. I'm not a little cub, after all!", I said with a grin, "I must say, though, that this is my first time around these parts and I find it comforting, that even after all those years, there're still new things in the world. At least, new for me."

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
I looked at Fara, who looked at the pregnant woman.
"Well...", the Kyrenaian Princess out for a vacation said, "...us." I didn't even fake being surprised at her volunteering us. Fara bowed her head lightly. "I would be deeply honoured, if you would allow me and my friend to help you and your husband, if only for today." She winked. "And free of charge, too!"

[The Scarlet Eagle]

AURORA

"Sure thing! One of each, we'll make them a bit smaller so you can make sure to try them all. Be back with you in a few moments." She returned to the kitchen getting their orders ready and returned again with the first few dishes of their selection. Ice cream mochi, two kinds of pie, mango and banana and slices of cake. "Enjoy."

ANIMALPOLIS

"Oh sure, we have plenty of those. And knives huh? Well what purpose for the knives? Hunting, fishing, defense, maybe just craftsmanship?" she pulled out a few cases of the different kinds of knives each for the purposes she stated. Next she pulled out various carved dolls and stone work. "I also have a couple of paintings I can pull out. They're a bit on the bulkier side I figured might want to start with the smaller stuff."

AURORA
"Thank you very much, reply the family to the waitress before starting to dig in.
-Yum, those pies are delicious, says Henry with a half-full mouth.
-Indeed sonny, but empty your mouth before speaking, replies Daniel as he does that before wiping his mouth with his towel.
-Oh come one Dad, loosen up a bit! We're on vacation after all!" replies his son before tasting the ice cream mochi.

ANIMALPOLIS
"For hunting and defense, if you please, replies Patricia as she starts browsing through the blades, while Catherine examines the carved dolls and stone works.
-Those are very beautiful, says the latter to the shopkeeper. And I would be very glad to see the paintings too please."

[Alenberg]

"Fried, charred." He noted "Got it. So for the two, that's 10 Credits." Once payment was given he cooked them up to perfection cutting just the right places and getting the right kind of fry and char. A Good char is more than just roasting it on flames it's also making sure it's edible. Good charring means crunchy and flavorful. Once all cooked they were ready to serve complete with a little pick with a miniature AHSCAian flag on top.

"Enjoy!"

Patrica eagerly bit into hers, while Viva ate her own squid a little more slowly.
She chuckled at the sight of Patrica tearing into her food. "Slow down, missie. Wouldn't want to choke."

Trias' mind was already far-removed from his wife and charge. They needed shelter, and someplace that wouldn't be noticable...Ah, damn it.

He turned to a local that was passing-by.
"Sorry to bother you." he started. "You know any place we could stay the night? Preferably somewhere a little more discreet."
This was probably a bad idea, but he hadn't had the luxury of scouting out the area.

[Cartoonia]

Sakura had wrapped her arms around her big brother with the sound of footsteps growing closer not knowing if friend or foe. But it was friend. "Oh hi!" Tatsuya greeted "Yeah I think we got turned around a little somewhere and now it's getting dark. Think you can help a couple of kids out?" He asked "Easy, Sakura, it's ok..."

"Um-um..." She was a bit embarrassed, of course it was just any old visitor, the island was full of them. "Please. thanks...."


"Here you are." The barkeep gave their food "Enjoy your food. You folks are downing a lot...Be careful out there when you leave. I'm happy for the business but I don't want to be the cause of problems."

“Don’t worry” Sho said. “I’ll help you find your way back to the village. I was on my way there myself”. They all start heading back to the Aurora Village. Sho would go back the way he came while the two kids would follow him.

“I assume your parents are back at the village right?”

---

“Oh we’re fine” Homer said. “We have a high level of tolerance for alcohol, I drank one hundred cans of beer in one sitting. I’ll be fine”. His eyes were back on the food, and before anyone knew it, he started to scarf down the food brought to him, piled high with the meat and fish offered. While Randy just watched him, sipping on his beer.

“Wait, we never got your name!” he said. “I’m Randy, and that guy is Homer”.

[AHSCA]

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora.
I indeed went to the clothes section forst and indeed spotted the Islander Outfit - bandeau or bikini top and sarong. I had indeed spotted many in these clothes.
It was quite a looker.
It would also attract quite a bit of curiosity on Kyrenaia's streets.
Hm... I knew, that Kira was very interested in the UIS and the necklace I had reserved was already for her, but maybe she would also like the typical outfits? I began to look for the child-sizes and wrote a quick message to Okka, asking for Kira's sizes - and her own. No need for anyone to get jealous, eh?

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
"Ava.", I said to Sabin, looking at him with a raised eyebrow. I knew his face from somewhere... "And, with respect to everyone, I would much rather not speak about work. I'm here to relax!"
I turned to Fili.
"That being said, I indeed saw a lot, did a lot and remember a lot. I'm quite a lot older then merely ten centuries. I'm not a little cub, after all!", I said with a grin, "I must say, though, that this is my first time around these parts and I find it comforting, that even after all those years, there're still new things in the world. At least, new for me."

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
I looked at Fara, who looked at the pregnant woman.
"Well...", the Kyrenaian Princess out for a vacation said, "...us." I didn't even fake being surprised at her volunteering us. Fara bowed her head lightly. "I would be deeply honoured, if you would allow me and my friend to help you and your husband, if only for today." She winked. "And free of charge, too!"

Twin Palms with Aurelia

Azusa helped a few customers in between. She also thought ahead to pull out a few provision kits they kept for sailors and other seafarers as Aurelia had mentioned that would be on her shopping list. She didn't want to pester Aurelia but it wouldn't be hard for her to find child sizes and clothing. "Pardon me, Miss. Just wanted you to know I pulled out a few kits for you. Provisions we keep for sailors, feel free to take one anytime you're ready. But please, feel free to take your time, no rush."


Kitan with Ava

"Sure sure, no more shop talk, got'cha!" Amika confirmed.

"That's really something. I'm 14 it just blows my mind!"

Animalpolis

She went wide eyed in surprise. "Wow, really? Just like that? You'd work the breakfast hour for me? That's...." She wiped away a small tear "So amazing! Thank you so much. The High Priestess did say blessings were due our way I just didn't expect it so soon. Well thank you, I welcome your help! And your generosity of working without pay, well at least feel free to eat when you need and have all the tea you like."

AURORA
"Thank you very much, reply the family to the waitress before starting to dig in.
-Yum, those pies are delicious, says Henry with a half-full mouth.
-Indeed sonny, but empty your mouth before speaking, replies Daniel as he does that before wiping his mouth with his towel.
-Oh come one Dad, loosen up a bit! We're on vacation after all!" replies his son before tasting the ice cream mochi.

ANIMALPOLIS
"For hunting and defense, if you please, replies Patricia as she starts browsing through the blades, while Catherine examines the carved dolls and stone works.
-Those are very beautiful, says the latter to the shopkeeper. And I would be very glad to see the paintings too please."

AURORA

The waitress came around "Enjoying everything?" She cleared any empty plates that needed to be cleared.

ANIMALPOLIS

"Right." She pulled out some knives that were specialized for hunting. "These are well graded for most game but if you want some bigger game knives I really don't have any. Recently sharpened too so they're at peak. Now for defense I have these. Some like the intimidation factor but others like them more concealed. You folks seem like you can handle anything coming your way so pick to your liking. Personally, I carry this one, medium blade, it's enough for me and easy for me to conceal but well it would do enough damage if it came to it."

Their compliments about the dolls and stonework put a bright smile to her face "Glad you like them! Actually this little one here at the end was carved by me. I''m not as good as the more talented artists of the island as you can see." She bent down under the counter reaching from under the floor pulling out two wrapped paintings. One painting a rather old looking steamer making way through turbulent seas with a murky greenish-grey sky to sell home danger was afoot.

"This particular one is by an artists from Aurora. She makes rounds to all the islands every time she finishes a batch. I love her work myself, I own some for my own personal use. This one in particular I think really shows the island's growth. Most see the stormy sea and get intimidated. Or they see a old dated looking ship and think it's a historical painting. But what I see is more than a ship in rough waters, I see the progress we've made in these past two-decades. More and more islanders are wanting to see the world, go abroad. No matter the conditions we face we go forward. How little money we have we want to experience what others have to show. Much like you folks coming here to see what we have. Oh and this one... " she pulled the sheet off this one showing vast caverns with tricks of perspective and crystals protruding from the rocks "A local made this one. Animalpolis is lined with caverns that have these crystals and waterfalls flowing down. Beautiful but can be dangerous down there if conditions aren't right and here conditions change rapidly so best to keep out most of the time. Plus the crystals aren't that valuable anyway I think it's mostly crystallized rock salt."

Patrica eagerly bit into hers, while Viva ate her own squid a little more slowly.
She chuckled at the sight of Patrica tearing into her food. "Slow down, missie. Wouldn't want to choke."

Trias' mind was already far-removed from his wife and charge. They needed shelter, and someplace that wouldn't be noticable...Ah, damn it.

He turned to a local that was passing-by.
"Sorry to bother you." he started. "You know any place we could stay the night? Preferably somewhere a little more discreet."
This was probably a bad idea, but he hadn't had the luxury of scouting out the area.

The young lady who had been stopped was happy to help the tourists along. "Mmm discrete huh? Just looking for some more peace outside the village? Perhaps maybe the Great Temple would suit you best then? Or maybe something further off the beaten path?" She thought a moment "There is a Catholic Mission nearby. They're usually pretty quiet especially around festival time but they welcome visitors. Much like the Temple as far as I know they don't charge for room or board but ask for a little service in return. Did that help?"

“Don’t worry” Sho said. “I’ll help you find your way back to the village. I was on my way there myself”. They all start heading back to the Aurora Village. Sho would go back the way he came while the two kids would follow him.

“I assume your parents are back at the village right?”



“Oh we’re fine” Homer said. “We have a high level of tolerance for alcohol, I drank one hundred cans of beer in one sitting. I’ll be fine”. His eyes were back on the food, and before anyone knew it, he started to scarf down the food brought to him, piled high with the meat and fish offered. While Randy just watched him, sipping on his beer.

“Wait, we never got your name!” he said. “I’m Randy, and that guy is Homer”.

"Oh, yes sir." Tatsuya nodded

Sakura nodded then spoke a little meekly, "We told them we'd be back before dark. Now it's getting dark and they must be worried about us. I hope they're not angry."

"Randy, Homer." She repeated "Pleasure. Name's Nadie. The old grouch back there is my father. Again don't let him get to you, I'm the one who owns and runs the place he lives here and helps me out." She replaced empty glasses and bottles with fresh ones "Guys here for the festival I bet?"

[Nu Alaska]

"I'm all right. And no, not at all, I just took one too many boxes but I'm fine. Welcome to the Islands. You folks look like you just arrived." she gathered up her boxes again.

"That's right!" Kiri replied. "We were just trying to decide where to go first when we ran into you like that..."

Kiri had also been hoping to try to meet a friend of hers, but for various reasons she hadn't made any efforts to do that yet...

Ren nodded. She didn't seem like she talked much.

Sakura smiled and helped her pick up the boxes. "Would you have any suggestions of where we should go? I'm sure the whole island is a beautiful place. And are you don't need help carrying some of these?"

[Cartoonia]

"Oh, yes sir." Tatsuya nodded

Sakura nodded then spoke a little meekly, "We told them we'd be back before dark. Now it's getting dark and they must be worried about us. I hope they're not angry."

"Randy, Homer." She repeated "Pleasure. Name's Nadie. The old grouch back there is my father. Again don't let him get to you, I'm the one who owns and runs the place he lives here and helps me out." She replaced empty glasses and bottles with fresh ones "Guys here for the festival I bet?"

“I’ll get you to your parents don’t worry” He said. “I’m sure your parents would understand. Oh! Where are my manners. My name is Sho”.

---

“Pleasure to meet you Nadie” Randy says, with Homer still gorging in the food as Nadie brings out another round of drinks. Homer takes a big swallow of his meal.

“Oh yeah!” Homer says. “We heard about this festival from a friend who went here. So we decided to come down here for ourselves”.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

AURORA

The waitress came around "Enjoying everything?" She cleared any empty plates that needed to be cleared.

ANIMALPOLIS

"Right." She pulled out some knives that were specialized for hunting. "These are well graded for most game but if you want some bigger game knives I really don't have any. Recently sharpened too so they're at peak. Now for defense I have these. Some like the intimidation factor but others like them more concealed. You folks seem like you can handle anything coming your way so pick to your liking. Personally, I carry this one, medium blade, it's enough for me and easy for me to conceal but well it would do enough damage if it came to it."

Their compliments about the dolls and stonework put a bright smile to her face "Glad you like them! Actually this little one here at the end was carved by me. I''m not as good as the more talented artists of the island as you can see." She bent down under the counter reaching from under the floor pulling out two wrapped paintings. One painting a rather old looking steamer making way through turbulent seas with a murky greenish-grey sky to sell home danger was afoot.

"This particular one is by an artists from Aurora. She makes rounds to all the islands every time she finishes a batch. I love her work myself, I own some for my own personal use. This one in particular I think really shows the island's growth. Most see the stormy sea and get intimidated. Or they see a old dated looking ship and think it's a historical painting. But what I see is more than a ship in rough waters, I see the progress we've made in these past two-decades. More and more islanders are wanting to see the world, go abroad. No matter the conditions we face we go forward. How little money we have we want to experience what others have to show. Much like you folks coming here to see what we have. Oh and this one... " she pulled the sheet off this one showing vast caverns with tricks of perspective and crystals protruding from the rocks "A local made this one. Animalpolis is lined with caverns that have these crystals and waterfalls flowing down. Beautiful but can be dangerous down there if conditions aren't right and here conditions change rapidly so best to keep out most of the time. Plus the crystals aren't that valuable anyway I think it's mostly crystallized rock salt."

AURORA
"It's delicious, thank you, replies Daniel who has finished his pies, and is currently eating his ice cream mochi. Your chef is very good, adds the Ambassador with a large smile.

ANIMALPOLIS
"Those game knives are fine, thank you very much, replies Catherine, as she starts to browse through the blades. As for defense knives, given the fact we're military, we prefer to have them in the open. Hey Patricia, what do you think of this for Ophelia? she asks her friend as she shows her a 15cm-blade tracker knife with a carved wodden handle.
-Nice, she'll like it for sure, answers the brown-haired woman who was, for her part, observing the carved wooden dolls and stone works. And what do you think of these for Anax? she asks her friend as she shows her a small masculine wood doll with long black hair, who looks a bit like their Emperor, as well as a carved stone ressembling a raptor bird.
-That would look good on his desk for sure, says the blonde woman in answer. So, as for the paintings, she continues as she turns back to the shopkeeper, I agree with you, its greatly reflects how your people got back on your feet in the past two decades.
And as my father usually says: "Life is a storm in itself, you have to adapt to it". Anyway, we'll take those two, she says. If you don't mind, we'll also browse a bit more through the knives, dolls and stone works."

[Kyrenaia]

Twin Palms with Aurelia

Azusa helped a few customers in between. She also thought ahead to pull out a few provision kits they kept for sailors and other seafarers as Aurelia had mentioned that would be on her shopping list. She didn't want to pester Aurelia but it wouldn't be hard for her to find child sizes and clothing. "Pardon me, Miss. Just wanted you to know I pulled out a few kits for you. Provisions we keep for sailors, feel free to take one anytime you're ready. But please, feel free to take your time, no rush."


Kitan with Ava

"Sure sure, no more shop talk, got'cha!" Amika confirmed.

"That's really something. I'm 14 it just blows my mind!"

Animalpolis

She went wide eyed in surprise. "Wow, really? Just like that? You'd work the breakfast hour for me? That's...." She wiped away a small tear "So amazing! Thank you so much. The High Priestess did say blessings were due our way I just didn't expect it so soon. Well thank you, I welcome your help! And your generosity of working without pay, well at least feel free to eat when you need and have all the tea you like."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora.
I smiled and nodded. "Sure, thanks."
I had noted her taking out some ration packs, which was very nice of her to set them aside. Child sizes were not hard to find either, but now I only needed the sizes and...
...my phone buzzed.
A quick glance told me, what I needed to know and gave me the mission to not forget myself. I smiled. Okka was a nice girl - Okan was really a lucky man.
A few moments later, I had picked out three sets, which I liked, one for Kira, one of Okka and one for me. The Bandeau-Sarong-Combo looked comfortable.
Next up: Something for the girls from the Horseman Team. Hm...

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I smiled.
"So young and already this pretty?", I said with a smile, "That almost makes me want to put my skills, honed over a long time, to the test..." I leaned closer to her. "People often tell me, that I give very good massages..."
I added a little wink in the end.

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
Fara smiled and bowed her head lightly.
"It would be our honour.", she said and then added: "And a bit of a blast of the past. I did learn a bit of the Arts of a Handmaiden as a child, so I am not completely inexperienced."
I smiled. Get on my level, girl!
Being the Tea Maid of a Household is one thing, but being a Handmaiden is something different. Well, if it was fun, we would maybe take the Midday Shift as well.
Then a thought occurred to me: "Short question, though, are there any uniforms or something like that to be worn?"

[AHSCA]

"That's right!" Kiri replied. "We were just trying to decide where to go first when we ran into you like that..."

Kiri had also been hoping to try to meet a friend of hers, but for various reasons she hadn't made any efforts to do that yet...

Ren nodded. She didn't seem like she talked much.

Sakura smiled and helped her pick up the boxes. "Would you have any suggestions of where we should go? I'm sure the whole island is a beautiful place. And are you don't need help carrying some of these?"

"Oh well yes of course." Getting back to her feet and nodding in appreciation for being helped "Well I'm not sure what inns still have space, The Kitan is likely full up now but The Great Temple always has room for good folks like yourselves. No money needed or anything. I'm on my way back there now if you want to simply follow me or you can try some of the inns. If you got a map at port then you can find them pretty easily."

“I’ll get you to your parents don’t worry” He said. “I’m sure your parents would understand. Oh! Where are my manners. My name is Sho”.



“Pleasure to meet you Nadie” Randy says, with Homer still gorging in the food as Nadie brings out another round of drinks. Homer takes a big swallow of his meal.

“Oh yeah!” Homer says. “We heard about this festival from a friend who went here. So we decided to come down here for ourselves”.

"Oh Sho." Tatsuya nodded with a smile given the name had the same origin as their own. "It's nice to meet you! I'm Tatsuya. This is my little sister, Sakura."

"Hello." Sakura responded as well taking her brother's hand so they could walk back.


Nadie smiled tossing a rag over her shoulder "Glad you folks are enjoying it and glad you came to pay our humble islands a visit. If you plan on traversing, try to go to Corona. That's where I'm from originally, small but beautiful."

AURORA
"It's delicious, thank you, replies Daniel who has finished his pies, and is currently eating his ice cream mochi. Your chef is very good, adds the Ambassador with a large smile.

ANIMALPOLIS
"Those game knives are fine, thank you very much, replies Catherine, as she starts to browse through the blades. As for defense knives, given the fact we're military, we prefer to have them in the open. Hey Patricia, what do you think of this for Ophelia? she asks her friend as she shows her a 15cm-blade tracker knife with a carved wodden handle.
-Nice, she'll like it for sure, answers the brown-haired woman who was, for her part, observing the carved wooden dolls and stone works. And what do you think of these for Anax? she asks her friend as she shows her a small masculine wood doll with long black hair, who looks a bit like their Emperor, as well as a carved stone ressembling a raptor bird.
-That would look good on his desk for sure, says the blonde woman in answer. So, as for the paintings, she continues as she turns back to the shopkeeper, I agree with you, its greatly reflects how your people got back on your feet in the past two decades.
And as my father usually says: "Life is a storm in itself, you have to adapt to it". Anyway, we'll take those two, she says. If you don't mind, we'll also browse a bit more through the knives, dolls and stone works."

AUORA

"Very good, I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'll let the Chef know of your compliments too, she'll be delighted to hear it. Anything more I can get for you?"

ANIMALPOLIS

"Ah wise words! For sure. Then I'll get these wrapped up for you and please take some more time to look around." She pulled out another case of the knives she hand on hand of all varieities she listed off earlier. "Let me know if you like anything."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora.
I smiled and nodded. "Sure, thanks."
I had noted her taking out some ration packs, which was very nice of her to set them aside. Child sizes were not hard to find either, but now I only needed the sizes and...
...my phone buzzed.
A quick glance told me, what I needed to know and gave me the mission to not forget myself. I smiled. Okka was a nice girl - Okan was really a lucky man.
A few moments later, I had picked out three sets, which I liked, one for Kira, one of Okka and one for me. The Bandeau-Sarong-Combo looked comfortable.
Next up: Something for the girls from the Horseman Team. Hm...

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I smiled.
"So young and already this pretty?", I said with a smile, "That almost makes me want to put my skills, honed over a long time, to the test..." I leaned closer to her. "People often tell me, that I give very good massages..."
I added a little wink in the end.

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
Fara smiled and bowed her head lightly.
"It would be our honour.", she said and then added: "And a bit of a blast of the past. I did learn a bit of the Arts of a Handmaiden as a child, so I am not completely inexperienced."
I smiled. Get on my level, girl!
Being the Tea Maid of a Household is one thing, but being a Handmaiden is something different. Well, if it was fun, we would maybe take the Midday Shift as well.
Then a thought occurred to me: "Short question, though, are there any uniforms or something like that to be worn?"

The shop door continued opening and closing between people coming and going. One included Mamiko who looked a bit more disheveled compared to when Aurelia saw her outside the shop. A bit out of breath from the quick run to her home and back "Miss Aurelia!" She was glad to see she was still here not knowing if she was. "uuuh, well..." She had a blush on her cheeks, maybe from running but maybe just a bit bashful of talking to such a pretty Princess.

"Glad you're still here because I wanted to give you something. Because you know, you're so in love with our Duchess, it really reminds me of my mama. And you shopping here really helps my mama a lot because it gives us business. And well...." Reaching into her kimono she unfolded a large piece of paper a drawing of her mother and mother's own girlfriend. "You being in love with our Duchess is a lot like how my mama is in love with someone." She smiled ear to ear presenting her little gift to the Princess.

Kitan

"Oh hehehe thanks..." she smiled blushing a little while Amika wrapped her arms around her and rested her head on her shoulder "Filipinia is super pretty and cute and lovable! You'd have to be blind to not see it."

"Oh really, Amika a blind pun?" Filipina shook her head

"Hehe sorry, no offense."

Tsubaki

"Wow thank you again so much. Ohh uniforms huh? No, nothing special to wear you can wear whatever you pretty much like. Or nothing at all!" She laughed "Well kidding on that end but...Well just wear what you please and you'll do great. I'll let Shinji know then I'll take a few hours to go be with our son." She stood up to walk to the kitchen. "Shinji. Meet our two servers for a while."

"Really?" He asked surprised

"Yes indeed. These lovely ladies have offered their services for a while free in charge so I can take some time to rest and relax. Love you all right now work hard and I'll see you this afternoon."

She kissed her husband. "Ladies, thank you again. Good luck." she nodded parting their company.

Shinji turned back to the ladies "I share my wife's thanks. You're really helping us out here."