The Festival of Holy Light II (IC Thread)

[Mervay]

"Hehe S-Atou. Yes yes that's me all right Satou. The name given my late father and mother. That's me with a girl T-and-S. Tess. Do you want to sleep now? I know you must have had a busy day arriving and spending some time sight seeing and shopping just for me! Soo I bet you need to rest. That said we could...." She whispered into her ear about another activity the two could do together once she extinguished the lone flame keeping the hut lit up. "Up to you, we have plenty of time, my love." she gave one more gentle kiss.

---

"I can imagine. I mean I do have a large institution to care for but it's nothing like caring for an entire state. I do not envy you but I do admire you for being able to do it and keep a kind soul. Politics often brings the worst in people, that much I've seen in my long long life. Ah well then, consider that done. Least I can do is let you pick out some good clothes for me, lest I be out of style." She chuckled a little "Oh yes, good timing and perfect idea." She stood up and offered her hand to Agustinas to help her to her feet. "I'm sure our food is more than ready by now and I'm sure many guests will be looking to warm up after being out in the rain. So let's go." She dressed allowed her new friend to dress walked her on back to the restaurant. "Welcome back Madams. We have your food ready and waiting for you, enjoy."

"Thank you."

She returned to their table their dishes now placed before them. "Agustinas, now we're as close as we are I might as well confess, the extra room I rented for you, is my own personal room. I often do let it go for VIPs when we're full up and that was a sense I had on you, looking like I was right. I don't want you to worry about me as I do have friends and acquaintances I can easily board with. So please, enjoy it for your stay here, it's a fine room and I keep it nice and tidy. Good view when it's not raining like it is now. Though I never did mind a view of the pounding rain either." She said that with a smirk.

She begun to laugh a bit when Satou brought her lover, it begun with T and ended with S. Clearly knowing who she was, it was fun.

"Yup. That's me, Tess. That foreigner woman which fell in love with the most pretty and cute islander." She smiled warmly at her beloved Fiancé, clearly that was for Satou.

Then she asked about what they could now since it seems that there were two options, one was sleep and rest for tomorrow, the most logical. And the other was another activity they could do, one which involved the lights out. It made Tess blush as she heard Satou whisper it and it took sometime for her to decide because of her embarassment so...

When Satou kissed her gently and said that they have plenty of time, she considered it and so she gave her opinion and on her choice.

"W-well... I guess we might do that other activity which involves the lights out." She said blushing madly at it, still she was ready for it.

The Kitan

She blushed a bit as she heard Tsubasa telling her she admired her work and keeping a kind soul while at it. Clearly she knew what she meant and politics brought always the worst on people and that was no exception, few could keep such kind soul on there.

As she spoke, her cheeks became red. Blushing embarassed for such compliment. "Thank you. I appreciate it... It makes me blush from them..." She let an kind and shy smile get out of her face.

"Worry not. I will find the perfect clothes for you my friend, I will want your opinion when that day comes." She smiled as she chuckled a bit.

Then she nodded and grinned as Tsubasa helped her get up her feet.

"Merci, I appreciate the help." Then they begun to dress and then walk away back to the restaurant, in which they were met by another maid as they their seats on their table as their dishes were placed already there.

They took their seats and begun to enjoy their food as Agustinas heard a secret... It seemed her room was Tsubasa's room and that she always leave it for VIP guests. Even if she wanted to enjoy her stay here and Tsubasa has other options to stay she feels that, maybe she should at least let her stay with her since it was her own room and not the Queen's one.

"With all respect Tsubasa; I appreciate you giving me your room. But, I don't want to take it out from you so please let tell you that you can stay with me if you want, please I won't mind you staying with me, besides you are a friend and that is your room." She smiled warmly at her friend as she offered her to stay with her on her room, well Tsubasa room, but we get what she meant.

When she noticed the wiew, she loved it, still surely it was better without rain, but she still loved it. Perhaps because she liked the rain too.

"Yes. It is beautiful, with or without rain. I envy you, you have all the days of your life to see such beautiful wiew." She chuckled and then smiled at her friend.

[Lux Pulchrae]

"Sorry ma'am, what I meant was, a case would be delivered by the morning, a single bottle is more than doable within an hour. We do fresh brew it here so yes. I can have a bottle ready within an hour and get it delivered to your inn or unless you're willing to wait around here, I'll bring it to your table when you leave."

“No, I want it to be a surprise, yes? Like celebration. So don’t bring it to the table. It is all on me.” Lourdes quickly bowed her head and headed back to the table.

“Hey” Jose greeted her “there you are. I was beginning to get worried. Was it the food?”

“Oh no, nothing like that. Just some...lady things.”

“Ah ok then, forget I asked. Just waiting on the cake then we’ll head back to the Inn.”

“What if we head to the inn. But leave the cake and take a bath. It’s been a long day and I’m starting to not feel clean.”

“Works for me. I could use a bath.”

[AHSCA]

In the Kitan
After giving her information, Mary put her pearl on the table & put her head above it, watching her hostess with a serene, half-closed eye, a dull gaze like a deity watching its creations explore a new world. When she finished, Mary would get up & bow slightly, her orb held at her side. As she walked to the restaurant, she would bring her relic back to her chest, & she would stand for a moment at the doorway as she watched Eglantyne wait; as always, the Domeses of the Youth was near-constantly playing with or brushing her hair to the side. After a few seconds, Mary would approach her friend & lie against her shoulder. "Oh, Mary!" Eglantyne said. "You were done fast... & you're awfully attached to me, aren't you?"
"Mhm... Don't you know that the faith of the masses is always demanding?" Mary stuck her fingers into her friend's hair & began to play with it.
"Of course." When the employee arrived, Eglantyne pushed the other Domeses aside to pay. "Oh, while I'm here... you wouldn't happen to know anywhere nice for us to go, would you? Well, I suppose temples especially would be nice. Any notable places like that?"

"Interested in Temples? Well there's the Great Temple of Aurora to start with. Each island has it's own Temple all different in design. But yeah you can start there, pretty good sight for visitors like yourself."

She begun to laugh a bit when Satou brought her lover, it begun with T and ended with S. Clearly knowing who she was, it was fun.

"Yup. That's me, Tess. That foreigner woman which fell in love with the most pretty and cute islander." She smiled warmly at her beloved Fiancé, clearly that was for Satou.

Then she asked about what they could now since it seems that there were two options, one was sleep and rest for tomorrow, the most logical. And the other was another activity they could do, one which involved the lights out. It made Tess blush as she heard Satou whisper it and it took sometime for her to decide because of her embarassment so...

When Satou kissed her gently and said that they have plenty of time, she considered it and so she gave her opinion and on her choice.

"W-well... I guess we might do that other activity which involves the lights out." She said blushing madly at it, still she was ready for it.

The Kitan

She blushed a bit as she heard Tsubasa telling her she admired her work and keeping a kind soul while at it. Clearly she knew what she meant and politics brought always the worst on people and that was no exception, few could keep such kind soul on there.

As she spoke, her cheeks became red. Blushing embarassed for such compliment. "Thank you. I appreciate it... It makes me blush from them..." She let an kind and shy smile get out of her face.

"Worry not. I will find the perfect clothes for you my friend, I will want your opinion when that day comes." She smiled as she chuckled a bit.

Then she nodded and grinned as Tsubasa helped her get up her feet.

"Merci, I appreciate the help." Then they begun to dress and then walk away back to the restaurant, in which they were met by another maid as they their seats on their table as their dishes were placed already there.

They took their seats and begun to enjoy their food as Agustinas heard a secret... It seemed her room was Tsubasa's room and that she always leave it for VIP guests. Even if she wanted to enjoy her stay here and Tsubasa has other options to stay she feels that, maybe she should at least let her stay with her since it was her own room and not the Queen's one.

"With all respect Tsubasa; I appreciate you giving me your room. But, I don't want to take it out from you so please let tell you that you can stay with me if you want, please I won't mind you staying with me, besides you are a friend and that is your room." She smiled warmly at her friend as she offered her to stay with her on her room, well Tsubasa room, but we get what she meant.

When she noticed the wiew, she loved it, still surely it was better without rain, but she still loved it. Perhaps because she liked the rain too.

"Yes. It is beautiful, with or without rain. I envy you, you have all the days of your life to see such beautiful wiew." She chuckled and then smiled at her friend.

"I was hoping you would." Satou said her face just as red. "Well we are to be married after all...." She turned out the lantern light and the lovers could bask in their love in the darkness.

---

"Well..." Tsubasa was hesitant to take the Queen's privacy away but if it was her insistence, well it would be harder to refuse "it would save me a walk through the storm so, sure. I'd be happy to share with you. Thank you very much. Hehe you're right. You live here long enough I suppose you get used to it and take it for granted but it's helpful when good people like you, remind me to cherish it."

“No, I want it to be a surprise, yes? Like celebration. So don’t bring it to the table. It is all on me.” Lourdes quickly bowed her head and headed back to the table.

“Hey” Jose greeted her “there you are. I was beginning to get worried. Was it the food?”

“Oh no, nothing like that. Just some...lady things.”

“Ah ok then, forget I asked. Just waiting on the cake then we’ll head back to the Inn.”

“What if we head to the inn. But leave the cake and take a bath. It’s been a long day and I’m starting to not feel clean.”

“Works for me. I could use a bath.”

she nodded "Ah, I see. Yes ma'am then I'll get it packaged and delivered to you as promised." She left to take care of that and allow Lourdes to take care of her needs and return. Their waitress returned with a boxed up cake, with the box wrapped in a cloth for easy carry and to keep it dry in the rain. "Here you are. One House Special Chocolate cake. Oh and Milady you dropped this." Sliding a peace of paper to Lourdes's palm. It was her receipt for the rum with an ETA on delivery for that evening. "Oh needing to partake in the baths first? We have a few of our baths open here at the Kitan. Talk to the girl at the reception desk in the hotel lobby, she can get you two a private room. And if you want, we can just have your cake sent to your Inn."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Mmmm, only place would be the bedrooms but, hang on a second." She pointed out a small child, a dark skinned elf girl, she wasn't one of the sex workers but rather more like a housekeeper "Sunplena."

"Jes, sinjorino?" (Yes ma'am?) the young one replied

"ekprenu folion el lavo, mi petas." (Please grab a sheet from the wash.)

"Jes." She responded and went off to fulfill the request. "That's Sunplena, I know she's a child but we only have her do housekeeping duties here. Anyway, I sent her to retrieve a sheet from the wash. We'll make a little makeshift privacy booth. Now Yuuki, sounds like you're going first."

"Yes ma'am. I must admit, I am overdue to an exam. Sorry."

"Yuuki, really I ask all of you to get checkups as often as you can, your health is important."

"Sorry ma'am."

She turned to the two ladies "We do our best, but we're so out of the way here, we're more of a wayward traveler kind of place. Passers and sailors or the occasional shipwreck and of course the nearby villages. But it's better than trying to compete in the hustle and bustle of Tsubaki."

The young girl returned "jen vi estas, sinjorino."

"Dankon. kial ne enlitiĝi nun."

"Jes, sinjorino"

"She's cute. Anyway, allow me, set up whatever you need." She rigged it up, placing a couple of plants and chairs as a way to partition the corner off from sight and give the ladies just what they need. "Hope this will do. You can even give me a once over too. I'll go last after all my gals if you're willing. Hope things are good. All right first up. Go on ahead, Yuuki.

When the owner introduces the little elf girl to them, Catherine and Patricia look at each other with dumbfounded looks, before Patricia facepalms, and mutters "Little girls working in brothels, that was just the icing on the cake I needed in my career."
"All right, Miss Yuuki, after you says Catherine as she and the prostitute enter the private space that has been created.

Two minutes later
"All right, done, says the blonde woman as she is putting the vaginal smear and blood sample inside a refrigirated box. Next!"

[Cartoonia]

"Ut-oh, loose something?" Nadie asked she was nearly ready to push off and head for Corona but if they needed something now was the time to ask. "I can always hold up. Just know later it gets likelier the weather will turn out on the sea. Even just between islands things can get a little tricky! But hey your call, I'm yours today so no worries, do what you gotta do."

---

The day after a storm the beaches were always a bit crowded it was the best time really because it was who knows how long before the next one would hit. Children played in the sand and surf, adults relaxed and soaked up the sun.

“I’m fine at the moment… I think” Homer says, Randy however speaks up.

“Really sure?”

“You know what?” Homer says, “I could have dropped it near that brothel place. I should go and find it”. A little less hungover now, Homer leaves to find his wallet. “I shouldn’t be long”. Randy just stayed.

---

Sho gets to the beach, just in awe of how many people are here. Most Cartoon beaches at this time of year receive less visitors than in warmer seasons, as the seasons begin to change to be colder. Since these islands are more tropical than home, it figures. Sho actually has fond memories of the beach. Before being adopted by Supreme Leader Chad, and before his enslavement in the Tower, he lived in an orphanage in a remote seaside village. He doesn’t know the rest of his past, but the beach is always a prominent memory. He might have grown up in an entirly different country for all he knows, maybe his parents were immigrants. All he remembers are those orphanage trips to the beach. He looks out onto the sea, lost in his thoughts and memories.

[Mervay]

"I was hoping you would." Satou said her face just as red. "Well we are to be married after all...." She turned out the lantern light and the lovers could bask in their love in the darkness.

---

"Well..." Tsubasa was hesitant to take the Queen's privacy away but if it was her insistence, well it would be harder to refuse "it would save me a walk through the storm so, sure. I'd be happy to share with you. Thank you very much. Hehe you're right. You live here long enough I suppose you get used to it and take it for granted but it's helpful when good people like you, remind me to cherish it."

And so the girls showed their love at the dark of the night as the storm raged outside their hut. There won't be any details about what happened, let's give privacy to the cute and lovely couple!!

Next morning Tess woke up earlier and streched herself, having rested well after last night events. As she noticed she woke quite early, she noticed her beloved fiancé, she grinned at the beautiful sight of her sleeping like the princess she was, it made her chuckle a bit and grin warmly.

For now she didn't wanted to wake her so early so she went a bit ahead and begun to make some tea for them.

The Kitan

"Not a problem my friend, it is your room after all so you deserve to rest there too. And I don't mind you staying with me, besides I wouldn't mind a roomate." Agus chuckled a bit as she said that.

"Well... I can say the same of my home. There are some nice wiews that always made at awe for the sight, always the wiew looking at the mountains of the region of Sylvan makes me have an smile on my face. Changing of topic Tsubasa, mind if I ask your opinion on the changes your goverment has been doing to try to modernize the islands??"

[Kyrenaia]

"Oh yes, it has been a while in here now I think I'm feeling the heat. I should go join Milli for a cold drink. I suggest you two do the same and cool off with something chilled as well. It was a great pleasure, ladies. And don't feel to bad about Milli. I make fun of her but she's genuine and heartfelt. I'm sure she was trying to brighten your moods up some and probably feels more embarrassed that she offended you. So until we meet again!"


Noir excused herself to change and meet up again with Millihi out in the lobby. Milli was stewing over her iced milk looking lost in thought. "Sit there any longer, it's going to get warm and not as good." Noir commented sitting next to her at the table.

"Mmmm, I made such a dummy out of myself."

"Come on you couldn't have been THAT Bad."

"I was. When you were gone, I just kept making bad faux pas and kept bothering them. GEEEE!" She hit her head on the table a little as if to punish herself.

"There, there." Noir gave her a gentle pat on the head.

"I really didn't mean to rub them the wrong way or make her feel like well you know what she said. I was trying to be folksy. Lighten the mood. She must think I'm a total dunce."

"Even if she did, would that matter?"

"Nooir, I'm the leader of this island! It's my solemn sworn duty to care for this place and the people. As Premier you know I take that seriously! I want people to know I take it seriously too. Visitors from a far off land first seeing what we are like and I make it seem....You know what they say a nation is often judged by the leader they look to. My first big meeting with an distinguished visitors of an important ally and I blew it!"

"Just come on you were just fine and this wasn't formal and wait, who says that?"

"Well...there's...then...well...I don't know but I'm sure people somewhere say that!"

"Hehe you're funny. Look, they don't think less of you or us on Animalpolis because you maybe made a few bad jokes or didn't quite hit it off with conversation. But they hold no ill will to you, they also think maybe they bothered you and they're sorry for that. "

"But nooo, I was clearly bothering them! I said dumb things. You're right, I am such a child."

"True. But that's what I like about you. And that's what Cinque likes about you. A lovable pup. And considering he's at sea and he's on your mind and you're worrying about him, well there ya go another thing. Don't fret Millihi."

Millis tail did wag a little at that any mention of her husband would do that. Noir continued, "Look, they'll go back to Kyrenaia say how lovely the island was, how the baths were, everything else was. Maybe at worst, the AP Premier was a little spacey, again MAYBE. Even then, it's not as though tomorrow or whenever, the Duchess will come down and strip you of your title or anything. You got me, you got Cinque to back you up on this, that you're a kind hearted good leader here. Just not the best speaker when naked."

"I guess the baths do really expose us and make us more likely to be well--"

"They make us more honest. You're not as formal and stiff as your persona is, you're silly, and kind and warm. That's the takeaway they had with you, I guarantee it."

A waitress came for them "Good afternoon, Noir, what can I get for you?"

"How about iced tea for me."

"Coming up."

"Oh, two ladies who were with us. If they come by for a drink, have it on me okay?"

"Sure thing."

---

"Oooh." She inhaled sharply was this beautiful enchanting woman asking her now to SPEND THE NIGHT? Was it out of companionship or something more whatever the case, it was hard to refuse. She paused a bit "uuuh well ya. Uuh yeah, it's coming down really good now. It's a bit of a walk home and this is a new yukata! I'd very much like to wait out the storm with you." She smiled blushing profoundly but she just couldn't help it. "I'd really be honored to be your guest."

---

"Then it's a date! For the festival, I want to be at your side! Showing you things, and just being with you. Especially want to take a trip aboard this lovely vessel of yours! Your little home away from home. My fellow gal of the sea."

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
"Have nice days!", Fara said to Noir, bowing her head lightly.
Not too much later, we were taking up the suggestion of a cold drink after the hot bath, which was not a bad idea at all - granted, for us, it was more usual to drink while in the bath, or rather Hammam for us. And we would drink tea in a Hammam.
We took milk and were pleasantly surprised, that our drinks were covered.
With our drinks in hand, we departed for the streets of Tsubaki, towards the next adventure!

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I smiled as Ren's nervousness and pause at my offer.
I reached forward and took her hand, softly covering it with my own.
"Don't worry, Ren.", I said, giving it a soft squeeze, "If you don't want anything to happen, nothing will happen... except sleeping, of course."
I gave Ren a wink.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora, cabin of the Harira.
I smiled. The Harira was a precious little vessel to me, no question asked, but it was not my home away from home - I had a few of those...
Regardless, a certain giddiness filled me.
"It's a date!", I replied with a nod, then kissed her hair again, "Though for that to be fun, we might want to turn in early..."
So no making out for now... or maybe yes? I wanted to, but my responsible side objected, but maybe my responsible side wanted to make out, too?
Decisions, decisions...

[AHSCA]

When the owner introduces the little elf girl to them, Catherine and Patricia look at each other with dumbfounded looks, before Patricia facepalms, and mutters "Little girls working in brothels, that was just the icing on the cake I needed in my career."
"All right, Miss Yuuki, after you says Catherine as she and the prostitute enter the private space that has been created.

Two minutes later
"All right, done, says the blonde woman as she is putting the vaginal smear and blood sample inside a refrigirated box. Next!"

Each woman one by one went behind the curtain to be examined. Off to the side, the owner, Riri (don't think I named her yet) along with Yuuki who just had finished hers began to converse. Riri inhaled and exhaled a deep puff of smoke from her long skinny pipe. "Riri, you really okay with this?"

"With what?"

"Complete strangers coming in, poking and prodding at us."

"None of you refused."

"True. But more I think about it, more I'm starting to not like it. I mean we know these women? We know their intentions are honest? I mean we all remember what happened to Shoko."

"Yeah. Well we're not at war are we?"

"Sure but even then, there's those stories out of Misakichi. The ghosts that took one of the villagers."

"Mmmm. It's fine. What's the worst that can happen at this point?"

"Well what about Sunplena, they seemed to be pretty unhappy at the sight of her here?"

Riri put her pipe down. "Not their call. Excuse me a sec." She approached the two ladies to check on progress "You're about half-way through all the workers. So far so good? All holding up well?"

“I’m fine at the moment… I think” Homer says, Randy however speaks up.

“Really sure?”

“You know what?” Homer says, “I could have dropped it near that brothel place. I should go and find it”. A little less hungover now, Homer leaves to find his wallet. “I shouldn’t be long”. Randy just stayed.



Sho gets to the beach, just in awe of how many people are here. Most Cartoon beaches at this time of year receive less visitors than in warmer seasons, as the seasons begin to change to be colder. Since these islands are more tropical than home, it figures. Sho actually has fond memories of the beach. Before being adopted by Supreme Leader Chad, and before his enslavement in the Tower, he lived in an orphanage in a remote seaside village. He doesn’t know the rest of his past, but the beach is always a prominent memory. He might have grown up in an entirly different country for all he knows, maybe his parents were immigrants. All he remembers are those orphanage trips to the beach. He looks out onto the sea, lost in his thoughts and memories.

"Well good luck. We'll be waiting here for ya." She hoisted up the sail as the last order of business now it was the matter to wait. "Hope your friend can find his wallet. There's not a big problem with crime here but honestly wandering the red light district at night while drunk, there could be a chance he got robbed and doesn't recall."

And so the girls showed their love at the dark of the night as the storm raged outside their hut. There won't be any details about what happened, let's give privacy to the cute and lovely couple!!

Next morning Tess woke up earlier and streched herself, having rested well after last night events. As she noticed she woke quite early, she noticed her beloved fiancé, she grinned at the beautiful sight of her sleeping like the princess she was, it made her chuckle a bit and grin warmly.

For now she didn't wanted to wake her so early so she went a bit ahead and begun to make some tea for them.

The Kitan

"Not a problem my friend, it is your room after all so you deserve to rest there too. And I don't mind you staying with me, besides I wouldn't mind a roomate." Agus chuckled a bit as she said that.

"Well... I can say the same of my home. There are some nice wiews that always made at awe for the sight, always the wiew looking at the mountains of the region of Sylvan makes me have an smile on my face. Changing of topic Tsubasa, mind if I ask your opinion on the changes your goverment has been doing to try to modernize the islands??"

Satou stirred a few times before eventually waking up with a yawn. "oooh morning..." She muttered taking a bit for her senses to kick on. "Oooh, Tessy! Good morning to you! Up first with the sun I see." Rays of sunlight streamed in through some of the gaps in their little hut. A lovely morning as Satou opened up a window to let the cool tropical breeze in. "It's gonna be a perfect day!"

---

"oh an interesting question that is. Well I've been around a long time, I've seen a lot of things change. I came here centuries ago when the rest of the world was probably still at where we're at now. Whatever little changes come about, I welcome them. I imagine most do, but I imagine most want to keep things the way they are and not go much further. I can't say what causes such deep rooted suspicion of progress or technology but it's ingrained into our identities here."

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
"Have nice days!", Fara said to Noir, bowing her head lightly.
Not too much later, we were taking up the suggestion of a cold drink after the hot bath, which was not a bad idea at all - granted, for us, it was more usual to drink while in the bath, or rather Hammam for us. And we would drink tea in a Hammam.
We took milk and were pleasantly surprised, that our drinks were covered.
With our drinks in hand, we departed for the streets of Tsubaki, towards the next adventure!

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I smiled as Ren's nervousness and pause at my offer.
I reached forward and took her hand, softly covering it with my own.
"Don't worry, Ren.", I said, giving it a soft squeeze, "If you don't want anything to happen, nothing will happen... except sleeping, of course."
I gave Ren a wink.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora, cabin of the Harira.
I smiled. The Harira was a precious little vessel to me, no question asked, but it was not my home away from home - I had a few of those...
Regardless, a certain giddiness filled me.
"It's a date!", I replied with a nod, then kissed her hair again, "Though for that to be fun, we might want to turn in early..."
So no making out for now... or maybe yes? I wanted to, but my responsible side objected, but maybe my responsible side wanted to make out, too?
Decisions, decisions...

The streets were as lively as ever in Tsubaki people going around to various stands and booths to buy things, children could play games at some, others just gave general information. "Greetings again, travelers" The familiar voice of the Priestess who greeted them "Out about the town now? Seems like you're enjoying yourselves? What's on your agenda next?"

---

"oh eheh. Well it's not that...I mean it is...It's just..." She whispered "You'd be my first....But we only just met, Ava. I mean I like you. I've really grown to like you in the short time we've met. Maybe....Um...On Animalpolis we could consider it? And tonight we just share each other's good company?"

---

"You're right. It's been a very long day for the both of us." Marcella shifted around a bit she still wanted to be in Aurelia's warm embrace but also wanted to give her one last long goodnight kiss for her. "Very long indeed." She could tell Aurelia tomorrow about her own day but now it seemed pretty trivial compared to what Aurelia had on her mind. Well good idea to just sleep on it. "So, let's get some rest. Tomorrow, tea and breakfast to start off with. We go about the village and just keep talking some more. Oooh it'd be a great idea for you to see Gisella again, she'd love to see you!"

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Each woman one by one went behind the curtain to be examined. Off to the side, the owner, Riri (don't think I named her yet) along with Yuuki who just had finished hers began to converse. Riri inhaled and exhaled a deep puff of smoke from her long skinny pipe. "Riri, you really okay with this?"

"With what?"

"Complete strangers coming in, poking and prodding at us."

"None of you refused."

"True. But more I think about it, more I'm starting to not like it. I mean we know these women? We know their intentions are honest? I mean we all remember what happened to Shoko."

"Yeah. Well we're not at war are we?"

"Sure but even then, there's those stories out of Misakichi. The ghosts that took one of the villagers."

"Mmmm. It's fine. What's the worst that can happen at this point?"

"Well what about Sunplena, they seemed to be pretty unhappy at the sight of her here?"

Riri put her pipe down. "Not their call. Excuse me a sec." She approached the two ladies to check on progress "You're about half-way through all the workers. So far so good? All holding up well?"

Patricia, who had been watching Catherine at work from the side, while also keeping an eye on the rest of the girls, is currently smoking a cigarette (although the smell coming from it indicates it's not tobacco, but rather, cannabis and herbs used to relax the body and spirit) when Riri approaches her.

"So far so good, she replies to the brothel's owner. Although I would like to clarify a few things you mentioned with your employee.
First, we're just here to confirm by ourselves whether or not the informations we got from the locahealth authorities are true or not. If you're wondering what we will do with that kind of info, we will compile that info in a report and present it to our bosses, the Emperor and the Empress, explians the brown-haired woman before taking a drag of her cig.
And since they're supposed to meet your Duchess, Marcella Villa, in three weeks at a garden party, they might exchange a word or two about it with her.
Second, as Catherine told you, we're Imperial Guards, meaning that just like every soldier, we follow a set of rules, and one of them is that you don't treat civilians badly. So don't worry, our intentions are not evil.

As for the stories about ghosts abducting villagers in Amurabe, it was in fact one of our squadmates who did it ten years ago. But before you get angry, know that it was a citizen of the Empire, who was under an arrest warrant for war crimes during the Civil War that plagued our country from 2005 to 2008. We were there just a few hours ago, and we explained the situation to the local sheriff and her mom, who was Sheriff at the time and witnessed the situation.
And finally, i'm sorry if I reacted badly to the little Suplena working here, but in my line of work, I've seen enough girls of her age working in those kind of establishments, but in the main part, not on the sides like housekeeping. And this kind of things leaves its mark on you, enough to make you react like I did. Ii don't doubt that you treat her well, so sorry if I reacted like that. But as they say: old habits die hard, finishes Patricia as she crushes the bud of her cigarette in a portable ashtray she has taken from her pocket, before taking out another from a metallic cigarette case and lighting it with her Zippo lighter.

[Nu Alaska]

"So you have been to the north yourself? And I agree, this place is very wonderful, even if I know we won't be able to see it all. Soon we were going to go see the Ducal palace."

Kiri and Ren, meanwhile, seemed to have started a game of tag. Kiri obviously had the advantage, but limited herself to running, or something like it, so her sister would have a chance.

"That was many years ago, when I was a young priestess in training, assigned to sea duty. Long story there. Oh yes the palace is always a good sight, especially lit up in the evening. A good sight to see."

"I'll have to help my daughter take some pictures of it, then. She loves photography, but can't do it by herself very easily."

She gestured toward Kiri, who's ghostly nature provided all the explanation needed for that. By now she had sat herself on a tree branch, just out of Ren's reach. She giggled while the young girl jumped to try to tag her. Eventually she was successful and the game continued.

[Cartoonia]

"Well good luck. We'll be waiting here for ya." She hoisted up the sail as the last order of business now it was the matter to wait. "Hope your friend can find his wallet. There's not a big problem with crime here but honestly wandering the red light district at night while drunk, there could be a chance he got robbed and doesn't recall.".

“Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised. Heck, I get more drunk than him sometimes and then I do something I would forget then regret doing. I binged after my nation’s election a couple of years ago and then ended up in a ditch… it was not pretty when I woke up” Randy says.

‘Dear God I hope he didn’t get robbed’ He then thought.

---

Homer stumbles through the alleyway of the red light district, looking at the ground. For several minutes, he doesn’t see anything. Then all of a sudden, he sees it. It was lying on the ground, or at least he thinks it is. He searches through it. In there was a picture of his nuclear power planet ID. Yep, definitely his.

“Oh thank God!” Homer says. He starts heading back.

‘I wonder what it was doing there?’ he thought to himself.

---

Sho changes into swimming trunks and heads out to the beach to relax and take in the beauty of the sea. Since it is crowded, he is going to have to find some space to put his beach things. There was some space too, next to some other people.

“Hello. Sorry to bother you, but is this spot taken?” He asks.

[Kyrenaia]

The streets were as lively as ever in Tsubaki people going around to various stands and booths to buy things, children could play games at some, others just gave general information. "Greetings again, travelers" The familiar voice of the Priestess who greeted them "Out about the town now? Seems like you're enjoying yourselves? What's on your agenda next?"

---

"oh eheh. Well it's not that...I mean it is...It's just..." She whispered "You'd be my first....But we only just met, Ava. I mean I like you. I've really grown to like you in the short time we've met. Maybe....Um...On Animalpolis we could consider it? And tonight we just share each other's good company?"

---

"You're right. It's been a very long day for the both of us." Marcella shifted around a bit she still wanted to be in Aurelia's warm embrace but also wanted to give her one last long goodnight kiss for her. "Very long indeed." She could tell Aurelia tomorrow about her own day but now it seemed pretty trivial compared to what Aurelia had on her mind. Well good idea to just sleep on it. "So, let's get some rest. Tomorrow, tea and breakfast to start off with. We go about the village and just keep talking some more. Oooh it'd be a great idea for you to see Gisella again, she'd love to see you!"

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
Fara and I were slightly surprised, that the Priestess had found us again, but pleasantly so.
"Honestly, we have no idea.", Fara replied for both of us, "It sure is fun, though!"
I thought for a moment. "Say, if we wanted to pay our respects to the local Gods and Goddesses, where would we go?"
Fara seemed to like the idea.

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I nodded with a smile.
"Sounds fair.", I said and leaned forward, my hand still covering Ren's. "And, if I am honest, Ren, I like you, too, quite a lot. You're cute, funny... when I look at you, feelings come back, which I had forgotten I could feel..." I squeezed her hand. "I want to take it slowly, so if you don't want to on Animalopolis as well, then it's fine. Being with you is enough for me."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora, cabin of the Harira.
I let Marcella shift in my embrace as much as she pleased, took her goodnight kiss...
...I nodded at her first proposal and visibly brightened at the other.
"Oh, it will be awesome to meet Gisella again!", I said - I liked the little girl. Not in the way I liked her big sis, that was true, but I still liked her. "But prepare to have a Kyrenaian Sailor's Breakfast!"
I was not the best of cooks, I knew that, but I could manage a few things. So, as I snuggled up to my beloved, I was almost too giddy to sleep at the prospect of cooking for Marcella!
It would be awesome!

[AHSCA]

Patricia, who had been watching Catherine at work from the side, while also keeping an eye on the rest of the girls, is currently smoking a cigarette (although the smell coming from it indicates it's not tobacco, but rather, cannabis and herbs used to relax the body and spirit) when Riri approaches her.

"So far so good, she replies to the brothel's owner. Although I would like to clarify a few things you mentioned with your employee.
First, we're just here to confirm by ourselves whether or not the informations we got from the locahealth authorities are true or not. If you're wondering what we will do with that kind of info, we will compile that info in a report and present it to our bosses, the Emperor and the Empress, explians the brown-haired woman before taking a drag of her cig.
And since they're supposed to meet your Duchess, Marcella Villa, in three weeks at a garden party, they might exchange a word or two about it with her.
Second, as Catherine told you, we're Imperial Guards, meaning that just like every soldier, we follow a set of rules, and one of them is that you don't treat civilians badly. So don't worry, our intentions are not evil.

As for the stories about ghosts abducting villagers in Amurabe, it was in fact one of our squadmates who did it ten years ago. But before you get angry, know that it was a citizen of the Empire, who was under an arrest warrant for war crimes during the Civil War that plagued our country from 2005 to 2008. We were there just a few hours ago, and we explained the situation to the local sheriff and her mom, who was Sheriff at the time and witnessed the situation.
And finally, i'm sorry if I reacted badly to the little Suplena working here, but in my line of work, I've seen enough girls of her age working in those kind of establishments, but in the main part, not on the sides like housekeeping. And this kind of things leaves its mark on you, enough to make you react like I did. Ii don't doubt that you treat her well, so sorry if I reacted like that. But as they say: old habits die hard, finishes Patricia as she crushes the bud of her cigarette in a portable ashtray she has taken from her pocket, before taking out another from a metallic cigarette case and lighting it with her Zippo lighter.

Before Riri could speak in a response Yuuki interjected, "Eavesdropping? Didn't your parents teach you that's very rude! I really don't know what you women want but I swear --"

"Yuuki, Yuuki, come now, calm yourself. Relax okay? Why not get some tea and settle down a bit. "


Yuuki schoffed muttering something in her native and went to do as she said

" Sorry about that, she's a good lady, good friend, just well you probably can guess there. Didn't mean to gossip so loudly back there, I do appreciate you ladies taking time to exam a group of women at a lonely out-of-the-way brothel. It's unusual but I have little reason to think you're motives are sinister. Still, that's surprising your leaders have an interest in our Redlight District, most seem to rather think of us as out-of-sight-out-of-mind, you know what I mean?"

I also understand why when I think about it, why you'd take to seeing Sunplena as a sight of unease but I do want to assure you, Goddesses as my Witnesses her duties are only housekeeping. he only works in the day so out of sight of most of our clients. She's the daughter of an old friend and employee of mine. Good woman from nearby Corona who came here on little more than a wing and prayer years back. Of course her poor body just was always frail and fragile.... I did promise her I'd look after her little one. Of course I had wanted to give her to The Sisters at a shrine or take her to Tsubaki but well...Guess we all have grown fond of her. Many ways, she's like our own little girl here. stick around until morning she''ll entertain you plenty!" she chuckled "sing a song or tell a long story. Well only if you know Esperanto."

"I'll have to help my daughter take some pictures of it, then. She loves photography, but can't do it by herself very easily."

She gestured toward Kiri, who's ghostly nature provided all the explanation needed for that. By now she had sat herself on a tree branch, just out of Ren's reach. She giggled while the young girl jumped to try to tag her. Eventually she was successful and the game continued.

"Wonderful. Seems they're full of spirit and life. To be that young again." She sighed rather nostalgic "But anyway, Tell me Miss Sakura, you don't by chance have any islander roots do you? Not often I see a foreign kitsune woman. Well you are a Kitsune aren't you? I must admit I do sometimes confuse who is who over on Animalpolis. Makes me quite the fool." She chuckled

“Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised. Heck, I get more drunk than him sometimes and then I do something I would forget then regret doing. I binged after my nation’s election a couple of years ago and then ended up in a ditch… it was not pretty when I woke up” Randy says.

‘Dear God I hope he didn’t get robbed’ He then thought.



Homer stumbles through the alleyway of the red light district, looking at the ground. For several minutes, he doesn’t see anything. Then all of a sudden, he sees it. It was lying on the ground, or at least he thinks it is. He searches through it. In there was a picture of his nuclear power planet ID. Yep, definitely his.

“Oh thank God!” Homer says. He starts heading back.

‘I wonder what it was doing there?’ he thought to himself.



Sho changes into swimming trunks and heads out to the beach to relax and take in the beauty of the sea. Since it is crowded, he is going to have to find some space to put his beach things. There was some space too, next to some other people.

“Hello. Sorry to bother you, but is this spot taken?” He asks.

She got a little chuckle "Well you gotta know your limits. But I sell the stuff and I'm not one to stand on a moral high ground. I just tell people, know your limits before I gotta come down on you."

---

"Oh not at all!" A pretty young lady said to Sho. "Enjoying the beach this day?"

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
Fara and I were slightly surprised, that the Priestess had found us again, but pleasantly so.
"Honestly, we have no idea.", Fara replied for both of us, "It sure is fun, though!"
I thought for a moment. "Say, if we wanted to pay our respects to the local Gods and Goddesses, where would we go?"
Fara seemed to like the idea.

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I nodded with a smile.
"Sounds fair.", I said and leaned forward, my hand still covering Ren's. "And, if I am honest, Ren, I like you, too, quite a lot. You're cute, funny... when I look at you, feelings come back, which I had forgotten I could feel..." I squeezed her hand. "I want to take it slowly, so if you don't want to on Animalopolis as well, then it's fine. Being with you is enough for me."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora, cabin of the Harira.
I let Marcella shift in my embrace as much as she pleased, took her goodnight kiss...
...I nodded at her first proposal and visibly brightened at the other.
"Oh, it will be awesome to meet Gisella again!", I said - I liked the little girl. Not in the way I liked her big sis, that was true, but I still liked her. "But prepare to have a Kyrenaian Sailor's Breakfast!"
I was not the best of cooks, I knew that, but I could manage a few things. So, as I snuggled up to my beloved, I was almost too giddy to sleep at the prospect of cooking for Marcella!
It would be awesome!

"Boy oh boy that's the best question to ask a Priestess like me! The best place is the Great Temple Grotto of Animalpolis. As it so happens, you're right on the path to it. Allow me to guide you there and you can see for yourself! Come." She beckoned them along to follow her down the path further, through the grove of trees to the cave entrance of their Temple. "Here we are, inside we go!" She lead them along through the entrance, people had already gathered, tourists and locals alike to learn or pay their respects. The might statues stood in the center, The Goddess Madoka atop a rocky pedestal, The Goddess Homura over a fountain as water. The cave walls weren't smooth, they were rough, small crystals protruded from everywhere catching glimmering light of the torches burning bright along with the holes at the ceiling that let in the sunlight.


"Allow me to be your guide through here, any questions I can answer, I'm happy to answer them. Anything I can show you, I can show you."

---

"Ava....You're so wonderful. thank you." She smiled blushing. It might take time but she was willing. "I only wish the weather could have been nice tonight we could have strolled along the beach together. But being here now and being able to spend the night, it's just as good as that! I'm so lucky to have met you!"

---

"It does sound good! Especially from you! A hearty breakfast and then out on the town we can go! Aurelia, it's gonna be great! I know you got a lot on your mind, and whenever you feel a need to talk, I'll listen, but just try to put your troubles aside for a moment, to enjoy the festival with me. We'll work through whatever we can, together. Because I love you."

[Nu Alaska]

"I'll have to help my daughter take some pictures of it, then. She loves photography, but can't do it by herself very easily."

She gestured toward Kiri, who's ghostly nature provided all the explanation needed for that. By now she had sat herself on a tree branch, just out of Ren's reach. She giggled while the young girl jumped to try to tag her. Eventually she was successful and the game continued.

"Wonderful. Seems they're full of spirit and life. To be that young again." She sighed rather nostalgic "But anyway, Tell me Miss Sakura, you don't by chance have any islander roots do you? Not often I see a foreign kitsune woman. Well you are a Kitsune aren't you? I must admit I do sometimes confuse who is who over on Animalpolis. Makes me quite the fool." She chuckled

"Yes, I am." She smiled. "It's quite possible. The island I grew up on has historically been a refuge of sorts for my kind, and we have heritage from quite a few places. It is true, though, there aren't many places where it's common to see kitsune, so I imagine very few end up here from abroad. It's actually part of my job to travel like this, and learn about new places.

What about you, then? Has your family always lived on these islands?"

[Cartoonia]

She got a little chuckle "Well you gotta know your limits. But I sell the stuff and I'm not one to stand on a moral high ground. I just tell people, know your limits before I gotta come down on you."

---

"Oh not at all!" A pretty young lady said to Sho. "Enjoying the beach this day?"

“Yeah that’s true. The fact of the matter is that we adult Cartoonians love our alcohol” Randy says, he sees Homer in the distance.

“Hey! Look who’s back”.

“Hello! You wouldn’t believe it, but I found my wallet on the ground. I must have dropped it there”.

---

“Oh yeah it’s really great” Sho says to the young lady. “Usually at this time our beaches at home receive fewer visitors, the colder seasons and all. But I have never seen the beach this full at this time of year”.

[Lux Pulchrae]

she nodded "Ah, I see. Yes ma'am then I'll get it packaged and delivered to you as promised." She left to take care of that and allow Lourdes to take care of her needs and return. Their waitress returned with a boxed up cake, with the box wrapped in a cloth for easy carry and to keep it dry in the rain. "Here you are. One House Special Chocolate cake. Oh and Milady you dropped this." Sliding a peace of paper to Lourdes's palm. It was her receipt for the rum with an ETA on delivery for that evening. "Oh needing to partake in the baths first? We have a few of our baths open here at the Kitan. Talk to the girl at the reception desk in the hotel lobby, she can get you two a private room. And if you want, we can just have your cake sent to your Inn."

“Oh, thank you miss. I had not realized I dropped it.” She nodded as she took the receipt

“Very well” Jose said as he stood up, putting on his jacket “But I think we’ll head to the inn ourselves and get some clothes for after the bath. Otherwise thank you very much for your help. Have a good night.” With that he took the cake he bowed his head in goodbye. Lourdes did the same and both headed out.

“You know, I think it’s best we stay and eat it here. I don’t even remember if the inn has tables and I’m not going to eat it on the bed.” Lourdes suggested as they stopped at the door, looking outside at the less than optimal walking weather.

“That makes total sense. Save the bath for the morning?”

“Yeah.” Turning back they headed to their table before it was void for the next guests “Excuse me miss. Sorry, we would actually like to stay here to eat the cake. Sorry for the bother. It’s not much probelm?”

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Before Riri could speak in a response Yuuki interjected, "Eavesdropping? Didn't your parents teach you that's very rude! I really don't know what you women want but I swear --"

"Yuuki, Yuuki, come now, calm yourself. Relax okay? Why not get some tea and settle down a bit. "


Yuuki schoffed muttering something in her native and went to do as she said

" Sorry about that, she's a good lady, good friend, just well you probably can guess there. Didn't mean to gossip so loudly back there, I do appreciate you ladies taking time to exam a group of women at a lonely out-of-the-way brothel. It's unusual but I have little reason to think you're motives are sinister. Still, that's surprising your leaders have an interest in our Redlight District, most seem to rather think of us as out-of-sight-out-of-mind, you know what I mean?"

I also understand why when I think about it, why you'd take to seeing Sunplena as a sight of unease but I do want to assure you, Goddesses as my Witnesses her duties are only housekeeping. he only works in the day so out of sight of most of our clients. She's the daughter of an old friend and employee of mine. Good woman from nearby Corona who came here on little more than a wing and prayer years back. Of course her poor body just was always frail and fragile.... I did promise her I'd look after her little one. Of course I had wanted to give her to The Sisters at a shrine or take her to Tsubaki but well...Guess we all have grown fond of her. Many ways, she's like our own little girl here. stick around until morning she''ll entertain you plenty!" she chuckled "sing a song or tell a long story. Well only if you know Esperanto."

When Yuuki shouts to her, Patricia looks at her with a raised eyebrow an a laid back look in her eyes, as she takes a long drag of her cig. Once Riri has cleared the situation, the brown-haired woman whistles Gopnik, who was about to start growling, and orders him with a look and a move of her chin to follow the prostitute and to keep an eye on her. The black Appalachian Wolfdog nods with a small "Woof", and following Yuuki to wherever she went.

"Don't be sorry, I understand what it must be like to have a complete stranger arriving here and behaving as if they were owning the place. And thank you for stopping her, I don't know what she wanted to do to me, but that would have ended badly for her, adds Patricia with a cold tone and gaze.

Anyway, continues Patricia as she smiles again, it may seem strange to you that Anaximander and Anna would take an interest in this type of business, but as Anax usually says: To understand fully how a society works, you do not limit your vision to the surface, you also dwell into its underground.
And besides, know that they just like us their Personal Guards, are special forces soldiers, who still do missions aside from their jobs as monarchs. We spend one half of our time at the capital, meeting political figures, welcoming guests of state, you know, that sort of political and high-society stuff.

But the other half, she continues as her face suddenly becomes grim, we are knee-deep in mud, digging through the worst shit humanity has to offer, to eliminate what we can do. And we have been doing that for the past ten years and more. As people like us usually say, we exist in the shadows so that light can continue shining on the world.

As for Suplena the little girl, she adds as her face becomes normal again, and she takes a drag of her cig, you don't have to justify yourself Miss, I can perfectly feel that she's happy here. Like I said, I've seen enough girls her age in places like this, but not treated well, so old instincts die hard. As for understanding Esperanto, I'm not perfectly fluent, but I like to think I can manage a basic conversation, she adds with a smile.
Say, I would like to know, are the clients in majority male or female around these parts?"

Meanwhile, Gopnik has followed Yuuki, and has sitted by her side, his eyes fixed on her, analyzing her everymove.

[Mervay]

Satou stirred a few times before eventually waking up with a yawn. "oooh morning..." She muttered taking a bit for her senses to kick on. "Oooh, Tessy! Good morning to you! Up first with the sun I see." Rays of sunlight streamed in through some of the gaps in their little hut. A lovely morning as Satou opened up a window to let the cool tropical breeze in. "It's gonna be a perfect day!"

---

"oh an interesting question that is. Well I've been around a long time, I've seen a lot of things change. I came here centuries ago when the rest of the world was probably still at where we're at now. Whatever little changes come about, I welcome them. I imagine most do, but I imagine most want to keep things the way they are and not go much further. I can't say what causes such deep rooted suspicion of progress or technology but it's ingrained into our identities here."

With how the rays of sunlight streamed in through the the gaps of the hut and with Satou opening the window to let the cool breeze in.
Tess smiled as she felt the breeze and looked at her beloved.

"It seems so, glad to hear the breeze and you saying it's gonna be a perfect day. I think we could spend it great!!" She smiled at her beloved and looked at her, glad to be with her for the rest of her life.

"To think this is the first of many mornings to come together here. Isn't that exciting??"

---

Clearly Tsubasa's opinion was interesting, she has been open about the changes coming to the islands. Like many other has welcomed them to the islands; but there were some which opposed to changes and the modern times, they saw it with bad eyes entirely and clearly they have fears from have something worse than the last war. Some of course are part of the political parties of Island Politics or power positions.

"I think it has to do with the last war, alongisde the stories of the modern world being an dangerous and destroyed place. I think those might some of the reasons if you ask me." Agustinas explained as she ate her food, finding it delicious. Very delicious.

"My congratulations to the chef I have to say. It is very good."

[AHSCA]

"Yes, I am." She smiled. "It's quite possible. The island I grew up on has historically been a refuge of sorts for my kind, and we have heritage from quite a few places. It is true, though, there aren't many places where it's common to see kitsune, so I imagine very few end up here from abroad. It's actually part of my job to travel like this, and learn about new places.

What about you, then? Has your family always lived on these islands?"

"Ah a refuge? Much like Animalpolis has been, hence it's name. Sounds like we have a bit in common there! I'm glad you picked here to come travel to and learn from, there's much you can see and learn from us, I assure you that much. Oh yes, my family has been here for as long as we can trace back."

“Yeah that’s true. The fact of the matter is that we adult Cartoonians love our alcohol” Randy says, he sees Homer in the distance.

“Hey! Look who’s back”.

“Hello! You wouldn’t believe it, but I found my wallet on the ground. I must have dropped it there”.



“Oh yeah it’s really great” Sho says to the young lady. “Usually at this time our beaches at home receive fewer visitors, the colder seasons and all. But I have never seen the beach this full at this time of year”.

"Well, I'm glad you found it then! Was a bit worried for ya but if you're set, we can finally get underway. Didn't lose to much time but still likely be close to dusk when we arrive, depending on conditions." She hauled up the anchor untied from port and set off.

---

"Hehe well our beaches are always a great draw for tourists and locals alike. It's especially true after a storm like last night. Before long we're gonna be in a deluge, well probably, some years tend to be light, others normal and sometimes really heavy. Oooh anyway, forgive my lack of manners, Shoko." She introduced herself "It's a pleasure to meet you."

“Oh, thank you miss. I had not realized I dropped it.” She nodded as she took the receipt

“Very well” Jose said as he stood up, putting on his jacket “But I think we’ll head to the inn ourselves and get some clothes for after the bath. Otherwise thank you very much for your help. Have a good night.” With that he took the cake he bowed his head in goodbye. Lourdes did the same and both headed out.

“You know, I think it’s best we stay and eat it here. I don’t even remember if the inn has tables and I’m not going to eat it on the bed.” Lourdes suggested as they stopped at the door, looking outside at the less than optimal walking weather.

“That makes total sense. Save the bath for the morning?”

“Yeah.” Turning back they headed to their table before it was void for the next guests “Excuse me miss. Sorry, we would actually like to stay here to eat the cake. Sorry for the bother. It’s not much probelm?”

"Oh for sure! Let me just bring it out to you then." Before she left she leaned in to talk quietly about the rum "Oooh madame, about what we discussed uh a moment ago, shall we keep to that or shall I bring out now? I can have it delivered before you leave if you still desire."

---

When Yuuki shouts to her, Patricia looks at her with a raised eyebrow an a laid back look in her eyes, as she takes a long drag of her cig. Once Riri has cleared the situation, the brown-haired woman whistles Gopnik, who was about to start growling, and orders him with a look and a move of her chin to follow the prostitute and to keep an eye on her. The black Appalachian Wolfdog nods with a small "Woof", and following Yuuki to wherever she went.

"Don't be sorry, I understand what it must be like to have a complete stranger arriving here and behaving as if they were owning the place. And thank you for stopping her, I don't know what she wanted to do to me, but that would have ended badly for her, adds Patricia with a cold tone and gaze.

Anyway, continues Patricia as she smiles again, it may seem strange to you that Anaximander and Anna would take an interest in this type of business, but as Anax usually says: To understand fully how a society works, you do not limit your vision to the surface, you also dwell into its underground.
And besides, know that they just like us their Personal Guards, are special forces soldiers, who still do missions aside from their jobs as monarchs. We spend one half of our time at the capital, meeting political figures, welcoming guests of state, you know, that sort of political and high-society stuff.

But the other half, she continues as her face suddenly becomes grim, we are knee-deep in mud, digging through the worst shit humanity has to offer, to eliminate what we can do. And we have been doing that for the past ten years and more. As people like us usually say, we exist in the shadows so that light can continue shining on the world.

As for Suplena the little girl, she adds as her face becomes normal again, and she takes a drag of her cig, you don't have to justify yourself Miss, I can perfectly feel that she's happy here. Like I said, I've seen enough girls her age in places like this, but not treated well, so old instincts die hard. As for understanding Esperanto, I'm not perfectly fluent, but I like to think I can manage a basic conversation, she adds with a smile.
Say, I would like to know, are the clients in majority male or female around these parts?"

Meanwhile, Gopnik has followed Yuuki, and has sitted by her side, his eyes fixed on her, analyzing her everymove.

"Oh Yuuki is just being herself. She'll be fine after some tea. Anyway that's a pretty interesting take on things. I suppose as owner I do appreciate having some extra help. considering we're out of the way here we do often have a hard time making sure to get our regular exams. But I do my best to ensure my gals are healthy and happy and safe here. Anyway, to answer your question, I can't say truly exact but from my observations, almost a good even split. Actually I think it comes down to time of year, like during the monsoons, we get a bit more female clients. During the dry season we get a few more males. Sailors and fisherman and that when it's easier to be out on the seas. "

Yuuki had gotten herself some tea. She sighed a bit, thinking how rude she was, surely her late-mother would be disappointed to treat guests as such, "I should go apologize when they're done." She took a notice of Gopnik who seemed to be staring intently at her. "Uuuh, hey...Nice now...."

With how the rays of sunlight streamed in through the the gaps of the hut and with Satou opening the window to let the cool breeze in.
Tess smiled as she felt the breeze and looked at her beloved.

"It seems so, glad to hear the breeze and you saying it's gonna be a perfect day. I think we could spend it great!!" She smiled at her beloved and looked at her, glad to be with her for the rest of her life.

"To think this is the first of many mornings to come together here. Isn't that exciting??"



Clearly Tsubasa's opinion was interesting, she has been open about the changes coming to the islands. Like many other has welcomed them to the islands; but there were some which opposed to changes and the modern times, they saw it with bad eyes entirely and clearly they have fears from have something worse than the last war. Some of course are part of the political parties of Island Politics or power positions.

"I think it has to do with the last war, alongisde the stories of the modern world being an dangerous and destroyed place. I think those might some of the reasons if you ask me." Agustinas explained as she ate her food, finding it delicious. Very delicious.

"My congratulations to the chef I have to say. It is very good."

"The first of many to come! So amazing and exciting! Already we had our first night, our first storm, our first morning sunshine in our little hut here! First of many in our little place we call home first of many to come. Though now my mind is firmly on our double date tonight! That's very exciting to get to spend it with another couple! Like couples do! Hehehe I'm really thrilled! Oooh it's gonna be great! Kumiko is really sweet, her girlfriend is nice but seems more quiet and reflective compared to Kumiko. But i'm sure we'll all get along great."

---

"That is true. The was has left many frightened, I think there might also be those who settled on Animalpolis as refuge. It's true the modern world can be a bad place. I saw the advent of industrialization, when factories and the like started to spring up. Not the most pleasant. But I know things have changed based on talking to the many guests who have come through here. I suspect AHSCA will find it's harmony, tradition and moving forward. There's a charm about this place I never want to see go away no matter what changes. And well if my dear Employee Satou can find a girl who feels the same, then I imagine it's possible." She took her first bites and nodded at the compliments "I shall forward your compliments to her, she'll be pleased to hear that."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Oh Yuuki is just being herself. She'll be fine after some tea. Anyway that's a pretty interesting take on things. I suppose as owner I do appreciate having some extra help. considering we're out of the way here we do often have a hard time making sure to get our regular exams. But I do my best to ensure my gals are healthy and happy and safe here. Anyway, to answer your question, I can't say truly exact but from my observations, almost a good even split. Actually I think it comes down to time of year, like during the monsoons, we get a bit more female clients. During the dry season we get a few more males. Sailors and fisherman and that when it's easier to be out on the seas. "

Yuuki had gotten herself some tea. She sighed a bit, thinking how rude she was, surely her late-mother would be disappointed to treat guests as such, "I should go apologize when they're done." She took a notice of Gopnik who seemed to be staring intently at her. "Uuuh, hey...Nice now...."

"I'm glad to know you keep your girls happy and safe, replies Patricia with a smile, I can't say I've heard that statement from the mouth of a lot of brothels owners. And the ones who did were in the majority mandated by government regulations to do it. Anyway, thanks for answering my question about the clients.
Say, that may seem like a stupid question, but if someone wanted to buy this place, she continues as she gestures to the ceiling and the space around them, while keeping you as the manager and the girls, how much would it cost?"

Gopnik, seeing that Yuuki has calmed down a bit, approaches her and puts his head on her legs as she is sitting, his large eyes looking at her with a calm expression, as if to say:
"We don't mean you no harm Miss, but we won't hesitate do defend ourselves. Although I wouldn't want to do that."

[Lux Pulchrae]

"Oh for sure! Let me just bring it out to you then." Before she left she leaned in to talk quietly about the rum "Oooh madame, about what we discussed uh a moment ago, shall we keep to that or shall I bring out now? I can have it delivered before you leave if you still desire."

"Oh please deliver it, it is just something to end the night. I don't want to lose my motor functions before I arrive at the inn. But thank you." she responded

"Psst...what're you gossiping about?" Jose questioned.

"Oh nothing, just woman stuff."

"Woman stuff? I'm not gonna die if I eat this cake am I?"

"Nonsense. Just cut it in half and give it to me." Lourdes smiled as Jose cut the small cake in half, handing the plate to her. "Ha, you just gave me the unpoisoned half." she giggled, sticking her tongue out. "It was nice knowing you."

"Good, no more taxes." he laughed. Thirty more minutes went by of talking and eating. When they finally finished, they got up once more, thank and departed with the waitress yet again "We might sound like a broken record, but thank you again, and have a good rest of the night."

"Thank you." Lourdes added before they went out the door and into the rain.

"There goes the night. So, if weather permits, beach tomorrow?" he said as he opened up the umbrella, both of them huddled under it as they walked back to the inn.

"Sure" Lourdes replied "But what about touring. There has got to be something here."

"Other than pagan temples and impoverished people? I don't think so. But we can ask tomorrow." he said as they reached the inn. Closing the umbrella, Jose held the for Lourdes then entered himself. "Good evening miss!' he greeted the receptionist.

As he shook his umbrella dry, Lourdes went to the desk "Did the bottle arrive?" she whispered.

[Cartoonia]

"Well, I'm glad you found it then! Was a bit worried for ya but if you're set, we can finally get underway. Didn't lose to much time but still likely be close to dusk when we arrive, depending on conditions." She hauled up the anchor untied from port and set off.

---

"Hehe well our beaches are always a great draw for tourists and locals alike. It's especially true after a storm like last night. Before long we're gonna be in a deluge, well probably, some years tend to be light, others normal and sometimes really heavy. Oooh anyway, forgive my lack of manners, Shoko." She introduced herself "It's a pleasure to meet you."

“Glad to hear” Randy responds. “And Homer, please try not to lose your wallet. And control your drinks”.

“I make no promises” Homer laughed. Randy just sighed, but smiled. The boat leaves port and they begin to head out of Aurora and into the vast sea of the islands.

“Say, Nadie, how long will it take us to get there?” Randy asks.

---

“Interesting” Sho replies to Shoko before she introduces herself. “Shoko” Sho says, reaching out for a hand shake. “Pleasure to meet you too. My name is Sho”.

[Kyrenaia]

"Boy oh boy that's the best question to ask a Priestess like me! The best place is the Great Temple Grotto of Animalpolis. As it so happens, you're right on the path to it. Allow me to guide you there and you can see for yourself! Come." She beckoned them along to follow her down the path further, through the grove of trees to the cave entrance of their Temple. "Here we are, inside we go!" She lead them along through the entrance, people had already gathered, tourists and locals alike to learn or pay their respects. The might statues stood in the center, The Goddess Madoka atop a rocky pedestal, The Goddess Homura over a fountain as water. The cave walls weren't smooth, they were rough, small crystals protruded from everywhere catching glimmering light of the torches burning bright along with the holes at the ceiling that let in the sunlight.


"Allow me to be your guide through here, any questions I can answer, I'm happy to answer them. Anything I can show you, I can show you."

---

"Ava....You're so wonderful. thank you." She smiled blushing. It might take time but she was willing. "I only wish the weather could have been nice tonight we could have strolled along the beach together. But being here now and being able to spend the night, it's just as good as that! I'm so lucky to have met you!"

---

"It does sound good! Especially from you! A hearty breakfast and then out on the town we can go! Aurelia, it's gonna be great! I know you got a lot on your mind, and whenever you feel a need to talk, I'll listen, but just try to put your troubles aside for a moment, to enjoy the festival with me. We'll work through whatever we can, together. Because I love you."

Murad Bey.
Port Aurora, Aurora.
Tabardariyya didn't get off often. Even Sergeants like me only had a right to five vacation weeks a year, two of which I had decided to spent in a country, which had the highest of recommendations: The United Island States of AHSCA, where someone I was to protect had found her love and which had turned into a bit of a place of longing for many of my countrymen.
The UIS were a beautiful country, I could see that, a blind man could see that, yet, with my heavy bag over my shoulder, I could not yet really relax: My sabre hung at my side, the daggers were on me, hidden... at least I didn't take the Tabar with me.
The Gods alone knew, why I took my sabre with me.
Still, I had one important problem as I stood at Port Aurora's main square, and that was not the storm. That problem was, that I still needed a hotel or a place to stay... a tall, broad shouldered man with a sabre by his side might have a few difficulties finding such a place, but I had my hopes high.
"Off we go, then!", I mumbled to myself.

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
The Priestess led us, one might say whisked us away, to the local temple, which, as it turned out, was inside a cave - it felt a bit like the sanctuary of Almadaldima, the Ancient City's sanctuary being in a cave as well.
Yet, it felt wholly different, mainly due to the statues, due to the more humid climate and because there were no signs of an ongoing archaeological dig.
"Allow me to be your guide through here, any questions I can answer, I'm happy to answer them. Anything I can show you, I can show you.", the Priestess said.
Fara bowed her head. "I am very grateful for your offer. We will certainly take you up on the offer.", she said, "So, please allow me to start with the most important thing first: Any particular rules we need to keep in mind?"

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I nodded.
"Indeed, and so am I.", I said with a smile. "You are right, though, a nice stroll at the beach would have been fun... and maybe a dip, too?"

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora, cabin of the Harira.
I exhaled long, deep and content at Marcella's words.
Dad once told me, that Mam, whenever they were together, allowed him to forget his worries, his troubles and his problems, just being together with her melting away all of that and that only with the warmth of her love...
This was, what bliss felt like.
I pulled Marcella a smidgen closer.
"And I love you, Marcella.", I whispered, pressing my lips in her hair again.

[AHSCA]

"I'm glad to know you keep your girls happy and safe, replies Patricia with a smile, I can't say I've heard that statement from the mouth of a lot of brothels owners. And the ones who did were in the majority mandated by government regulations to do it. Anyway, thanks for answering my question about the clients.
Say, that may seem like a stupid question, but if someone wanted to buy this place, she continues as she gestures to the ceiling and the space around them, while keeping you as the manager and the girls, how much would it cost?"

Gopnik, seeing that Yuuki has calmed down a bit, approaches her and puts his head on her legs as she is sitting, his large eyes looking at her with a calm expression, as if to say:
"We don't mean you no harm Miss, but we won't hesitate do defend ourselves. Although I wouldn't want to do that."

She blinked a moment a bit surprised but certainly intrigued, "You know someone who's interested in buying? I suppose I could look into the expenses, taxes, revenue and all that and come up with a good figure offer. I must admit, it's intriguing to me. Especially if I can stay manager. The ladies here like me, they know me and trust me so it would be best if I can stay put in some capacity."

Yuuki relaxed as Gopnik seemed to be interested in making friends more than scaring her. He was big but he also seemed like a big sweetheart. "hehe yeah, good boy. cute boy!" She petted his head and ruffled his fur around.

"Oh please deliver it, it is just something to end the night. I don't want to lose my motor functions before I arrive at the inn. But thank you." she responded

"Psst...what're you gossiping about?" Jose questioned.

"Oh nothing, just woman stuff."

"Woman stuff? I'm not gonna die if I eat this cake am I?"

"Nonsense. Just cut it in half and give it to me." Lourdes smiled as Jose cut the small cake in half, handing the plate to her. "Ha, you just gave me the unpoisoned half." she giggled, sticking her tongue out. "It was nice knowing you."

"Good, no more taxes." he laughed. Thirty more minutes went by of talking and eating. When they finally finished, they got up once more, thank and departed with the waitress yet again "We might sound like a broken record, but thank you again, and have a good rest of the night."

"Thank you." Lourdes added before they went out the door and into the rain.

"There goes the night. So, if weather permits, beach tomorrow?" he said as he opened up the umbrella, both of them huddled under it as they walked back to the inn.

"Sure" Lourdes replied "But what about touring. There has got to be something here."

"Other than pagan temples and impoverished people? I don't think so. But we can ask tomorrow." he said as they reached the inn. Closing the umbrella, Jose held the for Lourdes then entered himself. "Good evening miss!' he greeted the receptionist.

As he shook his umbrella dry, Lourdes went to the desk "Did the bottle arrive?" she whispered.

"Good evening." She greeted him when he greeted her and when Lourdes asked about the bottle, "Yes ma'am your bottle did arrive, and I put it in your room. The delivery girl said it was something of a surprise so I figured that was the best place. Have a lovely evening."

“Glad to hear” Randy responds. “And Homer, please try not to lose your wallet. And control your drinks”.

“I make no promises” Homer laughed. Randy just sighed, but smiled. The boat leaves port and they begin to head out of Aurora and into the vast sea of the islands.

“Say, Nadie, how long will it take us to get there?” Randy asks.



“Interesting” Sho replies to Shoko before she introduces herself. “Shoko” Sho says, reaching out for a hand shake. “Pleasure to meet you too. My name is Sho”.

"Well....Depending on conditions, 4-6 hours. Even longer if things get really stormy, but so far so good. Got a feeling we got smooth sailing for us. Either way you'll be on the island by nightfall."

---

"Ah, Sho, Shoko! Isn't that funny!" She giggled "It's great to meet you as well. Where are you from, Sho? Oh may I call you Sho?"

Murad Bey.
Port Aurora, Aurora.
Tabardariyya didn't get off often. Even Sergeants like me only had a right to five vacation weeks a year, two of which I had decided to spent in a country, which had the highest of recommendations: The United Island States of AHSCA, where someone I was to protect had found her love and which had turned into a bit of a place of longing for many of my countrymen.
The UIS were a beautiful country, I could see that, a blind man could see that, yet, with my heavy bag over my shoulder, I could not yet really relax: My sabre hung at my side, the daggers were on me, hidden... at least I didn't take the Tabar with me.
The Gods alone knew, why I took my sabre with me.
Still, I had one important problem as I stood at Port Aurora's main square, and that was not the storm. That problem was, that I still needed a hotel or a place to stay... a tall, broad shouldered man with a sabre by his side might have a few difficulties finding such a place, but I had my hopes high.
"Off we go, then!", I mumbled to myself.

Saida Adib.
Tsubaki, Animalpolis.
The Priestess led us, one might say whisked us away, to the local temple, which, as it turned out, was inside a cave - it felt a bit like the sanctuary of Almadaldima, the Ancient City's sanctuary being in a cave as well.
Yet, it felt wholly different, mainly due to the statues, due to the more humid climate and because there were no signs of an ongoing archaeological dig.
"Allow me to be your guide through here, any questions I can answer, I'm happy to answer them. Anything I can show you, I can show you.", the Priestess said.
Fara bowed her head. "I am very grateful for your offer. We will certainly take you up on the offer.", she said, "So, please allow me to start with the most important thing first: Any particular rules we need to keep in mind?"

Ava Shabh.
Kitan.
I nodded.
"Indeed, and so am I.", I said with a smile. "You are right, though, a nice stroll at the beach would have been fun... and maybe a dip, too?"

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Port Aurora, cabin of the Harira.
I exhaled long, deep and content at Marcella's words.
Dad once told me, that Mam, whenever they were together, allowed him to forget his worries, his troubles and his problems, just being together with her melting away all of that and that only with the warmth of her love...
This was, what bliss felt like.
I pulled Marcella a smidgen closer.
"And I love you, Marcella.", I whispered, pressing my lips in her hair again.

Tabardariyya might be hard press to find a good inn this late but the quaint Hoshi Inn as a few had. Given the Cartoonia guests had essentially left for Cartoonia it left a decent vacancy. The little reception girl ready to turn in for the night almost once the last of her duties were finished. She walked in carrying a large stack of freshly cleaned blankets "Oooh good evening, be with you in a moment!" She set them down and hopped up on her stool to reach the podium. "Ah good evening sir, needing a room? We have one left, so you're just in time!"

---

"Rules, very simple. Only ask for your respect. We understand and value what beliefs you have and do not wish to proselytize. I explain matters of the Faith as they are and nothing more. If there are times for quiet reverence I shall let you know but for the most part given it is festival time don't be afraid to be festive! Why don't I start with a bit of history here, this temple is not the original, the original which was constructed centuries ago was destroyed during the great war. As it also became the tomb of the many who defended it, we felt it should remain a resting place to allow the spirits to roam free. Now this grotto here, was a refuge for many during that black time. So it felt suitable to now designate this the new island temple. Come." she lead them further along into the main chamber which had the statues of the two Goddesses in their full glory. "Goddess of White on the Left and Goddess of Black on Right."

---

"yeah a dip would be great too. With or without swimwear." She smiled and giggled a little bit.

---

"Yes." She whispered again back it could go on all night but pressing her two fingers gently against Aurelia's lips to hush her now after one last kiss she was given by her, "Now sleep. After that you need rest to recharge. And tomorrow will be a bright new sunny day for us."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

She blinked a moment a bit surprised but certainly intrigued, "You know someone who's interested in buying? I suppose I could look into the expenses, taxes, revenue and all that and come up with a good figure offer. I must admit, it's intriguing to me. Especially if I can stay manager. The ladies here like me, they know me and trust me so it would be best if I can stay put in some capacity."

Yuuki relaxed as Gopnik seemed to be interested in making friends more than scaring her. He was big but he also seemed like a big sweetheart. "hehe yeah, good boy. cute boy!" She petted his head and ruffled his fur around.

"Yes, we know someone who would be interested to buy it, replies Patricia with a small smirk as she takes the last drag from her cigarette before crushing the bud inside her pocket ashtray. And that someone is us, she adds as she points to her and Catherine. If the ladies like you and you do a good job, there's no need for us to change the current organization of your business. And besides, you would not have to worry anymore about everyday costs, we would cover everything. Our families pockets are deep enough for that.
-And it's not like a small brothel in an exotic country is going to cost much in everyday's life, continues Catherine as she has finished sampling the last girl. Admit it Patty, you want to buy it partly because you want to see how the others back home will react, says the blonde gynecologist with a smirk.
-I admit, replies Patricia with a small chuckle. I wonder what they'll think when we will tell them we have invested into the Island's economy. So, Miss Riri, what would be your price? asks the brown-haired woman to the manager as she turns back to Riri with a serious face.

Meanwhile, Gopnik is enjoying the petting, letting out happy sighs as Yuuki pets him, especially when he is scratched behind the ears.