Between Liberty and Tradition (IC/OPEN/MT)

[Draycora]

OOC: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=480743

Halsholm, May 25, 2020
Surrounded by a bright blue sky, the sun shines down on Halsholm. Even if it is only May, the weather in the Elvish capital is very summery. The light of the sun is reflected in the glass facade of the Halsholm Airport. The airport, like all airports in Draycora, is owned by a private company, which is why it is located between factory buildings and warehouses in the city's industrial estate. Airplanes from all countries and from various companies and banners land and take off here. Taxis (chargeable) and buses (free of charge, but with fixed stops) drive from the airport to the actual city. Because as already mentioned, outside of the airport is just the commercial area of Halsholm.
Nevertheless, for all visitors who leave the building's portal, the colorful facade of the city can be seen in the not too distant distance. The words "Tervetuloa", "Velkomin" and "Fáilte" hang in neon letters above the entrance gate, which consists of three individual gates. This is the first step in the Principality of Draycora.

[AHSCA]

The Kotobuki family on the streets of CITY WOOD Sure it may be morning but daylight was already burning for the mother-daughter combo here to see the city highlights. A quaint little country nestled somewhere in the north and honestly this was a good choice. Michiko, a school teacher who believed "the best classroom is the world itself" felt there was much to see beyond the humble islands of AHSCA, though she could never leave it for good, it was her home. Her goal was to always teach, teach her daughter about the world around her, no matter where the world took her, at home or abroad, married or not and well it goes on from there. This was her first trip in two years now, since THAT journey, honestly the less said about that, the better. It shook her to the core and kept her home bound a good while. But people heal, time moves along and she was feeling better. Honestly the trip here by sea wasn't all that terrible this time. Honestly probably one of the better voyages she's ever had.

At her side was her daughter, Yuzu, cute as a button and small. As it was, a nasty virus that overtook her body and nearly killed her a couple years ago probably meant she wouldn't grow much more but honestly she fared better than most children her age have, especially for those who sadly didn't make it. Yuzu always happy to be with her beloved mother always seeing some place new and exotic was always exciting and this place was just so quaint and peaceful. It was like home but with higher snow capped mountains and more wood but the same sense of old sentimentality held dear. Yuzu though had some second thoughts about coming along this trip, the idea of boarding a big ship again after her last trip unnerved her. How could she say no to her mom, how could she say she was scared still after all she went through, after all they went through together? she might not have made it, if not for one Räv, a boy her age, another survivor of the fever. Honestly his words of encouragement helped her get aboard and not be afraid to go out again. Oh Räv what a cutie he was!

"Yuzu?" Michiko said, with her daughter kind of staring off into space

"Huh? Oh!"

"You okay, sweet?"

"I'm fine! Just fine, I guess I was just lost in looking at the nice things around."

A gentle pat to her girl's head "All right all right, just remember to tell me if you feel feverish or weak. Okay?"

"Yes mama, I will."

"Good girl. Be okay to stand a bit? So I can get a few pictures of you?"

"Sure!"

As if her girl was a little model, Michiko was snapping many photos of her darling girl. Yuzu might have been nursed and rehabbed back to health enough to keep her legs and other vital functions but it still left her weak and prone to fatigue and fevers if overworked. Michiko just squealed a bit "Oooh you're just so cute! I knew this would be a good place for us to come."

"I like it too! It's really pretty here." Once finished Yuzu darted back to her mother's side. Michiko looked at the lovely blue sky the sun shimmering made her pull out a pocket watch from the breast pocket of her kimono. "Oh goodness it's late into the morning. And you need to take your medicine!"

Yuzu's face sunk, how she hated that bitter rootherb she was forced to swallow down every single day. "Come on, no need for the long face, I'll see if we can mix it with some tea."

Well tea made it bearable at least but it was still bitter and potent as can be. On the same subject of the terrible sickness that afflicted Yuzu, Michiko however was spared the worst of it. Truly the universe was odd. As for Michiko's relationships, honestly that was complicated. An adult woman single with a child already, a child borne out of the desire to have a child and in her eyes worth it. Her preference skewed a bit both ways, men or women she was honestly fine with either of them but she was also a package deal. Taking the hand of Yuzu next option on their agenda was to see if there was a good place to have tea or coffee, well any beverage would do but islanders were fanatical for tea and again it made it bearable for Yuzu to take her medicine.

[The Selkie]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Halsholm Airport.
It was near the end of May, thus Summer's beginning was still a month away. Still, I had a holiday, two weeks of freedom thanks to Borvo's Feast. Borvo, the Weather God of Spring, wanted to feel welcome, just like Cailleach.
And while others used this time to cram knowledge or food into them like madpeople, I had the two most awesome sisters in the world, who decided to take me on a short vacation to Halsholm in Draycora, the capitol of the Elvish Lands.
Maybe I should introduce myself: Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh, but you can call me Livvy. I was of 16 Springs, vintage 2004, the by far youngest of three sisters. And I looked the part, too... I was short, my silver hair was short, but my purple eyes shone like rubies. My chest was flat, but so was my stomach, so there was a plus. I love playing music, guitar and singing, to be precise and was even the frontwoman of a band, Na Siúracha Beaga, a Selkie-Rock Trio from Riverwood.
My older sisters... well, one of my classmates described them as atomic bombshells.
There was Mhairi, twelve years older then me, short, silver-white hair, ice-blue eyes, a very curvy body, especially around the chest, and with enough self-confidence to wear clothes, which only enhanced that. She was 1.82 meters tall and the front woman of the band Dísréad.
There was also Celina, Cel, the oldest, sixteen years older then me - her long, blonde hair open, ready to flutter in the wind, her blue eyes shining and curves, which were comparable to Mhairi's, but which looked just a tad more adult. The few more centimeters in height certainly helped. She was a Movie-Producer and Director for Sicín Studios, as well as a Servant to Abhcan, a laywoman of the Goddess of Dance and Music.
I wore a pair of jeans, good walking shoes, a blouse and an open anorak, nothing too fancy. Would I close the anorak, it would hug my form, but there was not much to hug, to be honest...
Mhairi wore a pair of jeans as well, which hugged her form perfectly, which emphasized her long, muscled legs and the slight swing of her hips, while her blouse, with the topmost buttons open, gave a nice insight into her cleavage - both to allure and to test. If a woman or man couldn't focus on her face, but glanced down, he was not worth her time. Her anorak was laid over one arm, the other pulling the trolley with her stuff, a backpack on one sling over that shoulder. Her smile shone, just like her eyes behind the sunglasses.
Celina went for a skirt, which ended a bit above her knees, while her blouse was closed - one could image well enough still what it covered, considering her curves. Her anorak was bound around her waist, like a sort-of half-skirt, her carrying a bag and a backpack.
I, too, carried a backpack and a bag with my stuff.
Like that, we exited the airport building of glass and steel, a very stark difference from the thatched roof building, that was the terminal of Silverport International, which we used about a lifetime ago.
The sun felt awesome and I found myself grinning. This was going to be awesome!
Mhairi went to the first taxi, Cel waved me to follow, she smiled as well.
I saw Mhairi bend down to look through the window and heard her say in English: "Good morning, Sir. Can you take us to the Linna Hotel in the Old Town, please?"
Yep, it would be awesome!

[Port Ember]

Amy & Walter McCormick
Halsholm Airport

As the commercial plane took ground from the clear summer sky, the siblings Amy & Walter McCormick emerged from the flying machine into the impressive glass and steel airport terminal. The decorative and impressive looking terminal was busstling with hordes of travelers moving to and fro, a equal measure of excitement and nervousness on the hundreds of faces around, a pretty normal feature of international airports. The airport was not as decorative, large or busy as the Waterstad International Airport from hence the siblings departed, but then again not many airports on the globe was.

Amy's face was filled with excitement as she walked through the airport terminal. She had a slim athletic build and stood 1.7m tall, and her toned muscular legs and overall form was emphasised well with the tight pink skirt she was wearing, which was a few centemeters short of her knees. Her white collar shirt had the top two buttons undone, placing massive influence on her.. massive assests in the chestal area. Her 'assets', especially when combined with the two unbuttoned buttons, were most definitely a force which attracted attention from man, women and child alike. Amy was used to - (and quite frankly enjoyed) the attention this brought, as her large asset size was quite uncommon amongst the average Port Emberian lassies. Amy had very long black hair which she currently wore loose, it waving softly around in the soft breeze her fast pace created. Her mezmering large purple eyes held a shimmer of sparkle in them due to her excitement. She carried only a backpack slung around her left shoulder, with no extra luggage.

Walter walked next to his younger sister and quite struggled to keep up, despite his advantage in height, standing at 1.82m tall. Walter held a muscular and athletic body with not an ounce of fat, testiment to the fact that he was used to conducting manual labour. He wore a simple dark blue jeans with sneakers, and a tight fitting white tshirt. His youthfull and strong body, combined with his smooth dark brown hair and shimmering green eyes made him very attractive in the eyes of many a' lass. Like his sister, he only carried a slung backpack as his luggage. They both believed in traveling light.

Once the siblings exited the airport terminal the pair noted their surroundings - a true industrial area, dotted with many a factory abd warehouses. This created a very familiour atmosphere as the siblings grew up in a neighbourhood very similar to this back home. The climate outside was nice - a pleasant and sunny summers day, the sunray's basking the two tropical islanders, who felt no discomfort due to the heat at all.

Walter had an airport bought travel guide tucked under his arm which he had to scan through as quickly as he could, time permitting. Although both Amy and Walter have had heard of Draycora, they basically knew nothing of the nation and had not planned anything in advance. It was up to their instincta to guide them now. Such was the nature of their journey - the
"Vojo al Oro" (Lit translates to "Road to Gold") is an ancient Rite of Passage for Port Emberians. This unique tradition dictates that a young adult who just finished school must take a voyage to an undetermined and unplanned foreign nation, with next to nothing finances. Once there, the voyage taker must force oneself to learn the art of the trade - living off pure luck, instinct and wit - to become the true embodiment of a trader and entrepreneur in order to survive and grow one's own wealth. Once the voyage taker is successful, they return home and is awarded a Golden Armband - ready to face the world as a true and tested Port Emberian.

Walter flagged down the first available taxi before quickly glancing down to his travel guide book, with an hotel name encircled by himself a few moments prior. He spoke to the driver in english "Ahoy! Me and me sis be lookin' for a lift to the.. Kota hotel?" Walter barely finished speaking and both him and his sister was seated comfortably in the back seat.

[Santo Stefano in Campana]

Alvin Scott
Halsholm Airport
29 May 2020

"Dear passengers we just arrived HSMI Halsholm International Airport, 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. Please remain seated with your belts fastened until the aircraft has completed parking maneuvers. Thanks for flying with StefanAir." Said the cabin crew to the passengers as flight SA1179 from Santo Stefano City to Halsholm, after a 5 hours long flight, touched the ground and was now on its way to the gate.
Alvin was really exited as he was about to start his first trip in a long time, four years at least. The flight ban in Santo Stefano in Campana during and shortly after the Civil War that led to the dismissal of the Dictatorship and the establishment of the Republic, led lifelong by the Doge, did not allowed the population to travel. After two years since the end of the Civil War, flight ban was now removed, and so people were free to travel as much as they wanted. Alvin was among them.

Finally the big aircraft stopped and the door opened, as people began to leave the Boeyng 474. A flashy, and maybe a bit too 80's neon signboard, welcomed him and his fellow passengers stating "VELKOMIN".
Alvin wasn't definetely a speaker of the native language there, but assumed that was some sort of "WELCOME". Recovered his luggage, a big brown and vintage (as he liked to say, despite just being objectively old and spoiled) suitcase then looked for some place to exchange money. He wandered couple of minutes inside the terminal, until he saw what he was looking for : an exchange! He approached the desk, a man in his 50s stared at him, waiting for some sort of request.

Slowly and carefully articulating every word to be more understandable as possible, Alvin asked.

"Umh.. H e l l o" waved his hand towards the man. "I..." pointed himself "I need to exchange some money.. coins! Cash!" then took from his pocket a 5-Stefaninoes coin, showing it to the man.
"How much do you need to change?" Said the man at the desk, with a bit of local accent but still perfectly understandable.
"1.500 Stefaninoes..." replied Alvin, clearly embarassed.
"1.500 Stefaninoes, with the current change rate... there we go. 450 Krones" taking the money from Alvin and handing him some bills shortly after.
"Ahm..umh.. Thanks." concluded Alvin, leaving the desk and facepalming himself, still embarassed.

Not the best start, not at all. _{"How could I have been such... such... well... the only possible word is racist... bwaah"} he thought.
_{"Coffe, yeah. I need a Coffee. Maybe i'll stop overthinking about it."} said to himself, and Halsholmbucks looked perfect. He entered the Coffee Bar ready to order a good, fresh, sweet Iced Coffee. Waited his turn, then went to the desk.
"Hi! Can I please have an Iced Coffe?" Said firmly.
The cashier looked at him, without saying anything.
"Umh..pleeease?" He tried with the magic word.
"Hvað?", answered the young lady.

_{"OW COME ON THIS CAN'T BE REAL!"} Alvin screamed in his own head.
"T h i s" as he pointed the Iced coffee on the menu




//OOC : Please excuse me for my probably terrible english. As Alvin, not a native speaker. First post on the forum, so please be patient and feel free to give advise or corrections.

[Draycora]

The Kotobuki family on the streets of CITY WOOD

Sure it may be morning but daylight was already burning for the mother-daughter combo here to see the city highlights. A quaint little country nestled somewhere in the north and honestly this was a good choice. Michiko, a school teacher who believed "the best classroom is the world itself" felt there was much to see beyond the humble islands of AHSCA, though she could never leave it for good, it was her home. Her goal was to always teach, teach her daughter about the world around her, no matter where the world took her, at home or abroad, married or not and well it goes on from there. This was her first trip in two years now, since THAT journey, honestly the less said about that, the better. It shook her to the core and kept her home bound a good while. But people heal, time moves along and she was feeling better. Honestly the trip here by sea wasn't all that terrible this time. Honestly probably one of the better voyages she's ever had.

At her side was her daughter, Yuzu, cute as a button and small. As it was, a nasty virus that overtook her body and nearly killed her a couple years ago probably meant she wouldn't grow much more but honestly she fared better than most children her age have, especially for those who sadly didn't make it. Yuzu always happy to be with her beloved mother always seeing some place new and exotic was always exciting and this place was just so quaint and peaceful. It was like home but with higher snow capped mountains and more wood but the same sense of old sentimentality held dear. Yuzu though had some second thoughts about coming along this trip, the idea of boarding a big ship again after her last trip unnerved her. How could she say no to her mom, how could she say she was scared still after all she went through, after all they went through together? she might not have made it, if not for one Räv, a boy her age, another survivor of the fever. Honestly his words of encouragement helped her get aboard and not be afraid to go out again. Oh Räv what a cutie he was!

"Yuzu?" Michiko said, with her daughter kind of staring off into space

"Huh? Oh!"

"You okay, sweet?"

"I'm fine! Just fine, I guess I was just lost in looking at the nice things around."

A gentle pat to her girl's head "All right all right, just remember to tell me if you feel feverish or weak. Okay?"

"Yes mama, I will."

"Good girl. Be okay to stand a bit? So I can get a few pictures of you?"

"Sure!"

As if her girl was a little model, Michiko was snapping many photos of her darling girl. Yuzu might have been nursed and rehabbed back to health enough to keep her legs and other vital functions but it still left her weak and prone to fatigue and fevers if overworked. Michiko just squealed a bit "Oooh you're just so cute! I knew this would be a good place for us to come."

"I like it too! It's really pretty here." Once finished Yuzu darted back to her mother's side. Michiko looked at the lovely blue sky the sun shimmering made her pull out a pocket watch from the breast pocket of her kimono. "Oh goodness it's late into the morning. And you need to take your medicine!"

Yuzu's face sunk, how she hated that bitter rootherb she was forced to swallow down every single day. "Come on, no need for the long face, I'll see if we can mix it with some tea."

Well tea made it bearable at least but it was still bitter and potent as can be. On the same subject of the terrible sickness that afflicted Yuzu, Michiko however was spared the worst of it. Truly the universe was odd. As for Michiko's relationships, honestly that was complicated. An adult woman single with a child already, a child borne out of the desire to have a child and in her eyes worth it. Her preference skewed a bit both ways, men or women she was honestly fine with either of them but she was also a package deal. Taking the hand of Yuzu next option on their agenda was to see if there was a good place to have tea or coffee, well any beverage would do but islanders were fanatical for tea and again it made it bearable for Yuzu to take her medicine.

City Woods lives up to the name of the municipal forest in Halsholm. That is why there are no roads as such in this district, only hiking trails. The City Woods is a classic mixed forest of the temperate climate zone. Oaks, spruces, firs, birches all grow together in a kind of orderly chaos. The background noise that arises in this area essentially consists of three elements: the sound of the gentle summer wind in the crowns of the trees; The orchestra from the most diverse bird voices; And the amused voices of the people, all of whom are in conversation in Finnish.
In warm summer weather, many people spend their time in the forest. All sorts of people can be seen. Sometimes it is a family of father, mother, child and grandparents who go for a leisurely walk. Sometimes it's a young couple who go jogging together. Sometimes there are children romping around on a nearby playground. All sorts of life is also in the tree tops. Little birds with long beaks and colorful plumage in eager voice-fighting sit on the branches. Now and then chipmunks climb up the tree trunks. Sometimes they have brown fur with dark stripes, sometimes they have white fur with golden brown stripes.
On some trees there are signs that point in different directions in the form of arrows. On one of them is the word "Metsäkahvila", below it is the English translation "Forest Coffee Shop".

---

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh - Halsholm Airport.

It was near the end of May, thus Summer's beginning was still a month away. Still, I had a holiday, two weeks of freedom thanks to Borvo's Feast. Borvo, the Weather God of Spring, wanted to feel welcome, just like Cailleach.
And while others used this time to cram knowledge or food into them like madpeople, I had the two most awesome sisters in the world, who decided to take me on a short vacation to Halsholm in Draycora, the capitol of the Elvish Lands.
Maybe I should introduce myself: Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh, but you can call me Livvy. I was of 16 Springs, vintage 2004, the by far youngest of three sisters. And I looked the part, too... I was short, my silver hair was short, but my purple eyes shone like rubies. My chest was flat, but so was my stomach, so there was a plus. I love playing music, guitar and singing, to be precise and was even the frontwoman of a band, Na Siúracha Beaga, a Selkie-Rock Trio from Riverwood.
My older sisters... well, one of my classmates described them as atomic bombshells.
There was Mhairi, twelve years older then me, short, silver-white hair, ice-blue eyes, a very curvy body, especially around the chest, and with enough self-confidence to wear clothes, which only enhanced that. She was 1.82 meters tall and the front woman of the band Dísréad.
There was also Celina, Cel, the oldest, sixteen years older then me - her long, blonde hair open, ready to flutter in the wind, her blue eyes shining and curves, which were comparable to Mhairi's, but which looked just a tad more adult. The few more centimeters in height certainly helped. She was a Movie-Producer and Director for Sicín Studios, as well as a Servant to Abhcan, a laywoman of the Goddess of Dance and Music.
I wore a pair of jeans, good walking shoes, a blouse and an open anorak, nothing too fancy. Would I close the anorak, it would hug my form, but there was not much to hug, to be honest...
Mhairi wore a pair of jeans as well, which hugged her form perfectly, which emphasized her long, muscled legs and the slight swing of her hips, while her blouse, with the topmost buttons open, gave a nice insight into her cleavage - both to allure and to test. If a woman or man couldn't focus on her face, but glanced down, he was not worth her time. Her anorak was laid over one arm, the other pulling the trolley with her stuff, a backpack on one sling over that shoulder. Her smile shone, just like her eyes behind the sunglasses.
Celina went for a skirt, which ended a bit above her knees, while her blouse was closed - one could image well enough still what it covered, considering her curves. Her anorak was bound around her waist, like a sort-of half-skirt, her carrying a bag and a backpack.
I, too, carried a backpack and a bag with my stuff.
Like that, we exited the airport building of glass and steel, a very stark difference from the thatched roof building, that was the terminal of Silverport International, which we used about a lifetime ago.
The sun felt awesome and I found myself grinning. This was going to be awesome!
Mhairi went to the first taxi, Cel waved me to follow, she smiled as well.
I saw Mhairi bend down to look through the window and heard her say in English: "Good morning, Sir. Can you take us to the Linna Hotel in the Old Town, please?"
Yep, it would be awesome!

There were a number of taxis, all of which can be recognized by a yellow sign on their roof. The cars are people carriers, which were all painted in a baby blue tone. The airport logo was printed on the sides with pink letters. In the driver's seat of the taxi in front of which Mhairi was standing was an older man, who was perhaps in his mid-forties. He had very short, but combed, black hair and was relatively broad. He was dressed in a simple black t-shirt and jeans. On his shirt at the level of his left breast hung a name tag, which was attached with a needle. In this city "You are driven by: Hanko Jokainen."
He looked at Mhairi as she leaned forward and asked if he could drive her to Linna in the old town. Hanko wondered briefly where this young lady may come from, who addresses him there. This white hair was relatively unusual in Draycora, but there were often people who had such icy eyes.
"Of course I can," said the taxi driver with a smile. Hanko spoke very good English, but his Finnish accent was unmistakable. The sharply rolled R was particularly striking. "But first I'll help you with the suitcases". He pushed a button to the left of the steering wheel and the trunk door opened. Then he got out and helped to lift the suitcases into the trunk.

---

Amy & Walter McCormick -- Halsholm Airport

As the commercial plane took ground from the clear summer sky, the siblings Amy & Walter McCormick emerged from the flying machine into the impressive glass and steel airport terminal. The decorative and impressive looking terminal was busstling with hordes of travelers moving to and fro, a equal measure of excitement and nervousness on the hundreds of faces around, a pretty normal feature of international airports. The airport was not as decorative, large or busy as the Waterstad International Airport from hence the siblings departed, but then again not many airports on the globe was.

Amy's face was filled with excitement as she walked through the airport terminal. She had a slim athletic build and stood 1.7m tall, and her toned muscular legs and overall form was emphasised well with the tight pink skirt she was wearing, which was a few centemeters short of her knees. Her white collar shirt had the top two buttons undone, placing massive influence on her.. massive assests in the chestal area. Her 'assets', especially when combined with the two unbuttoned buttons, were most definitely a force which attracted attention from man, women and child alike. Amy was used to - (and quite frankly enjoyed) the attention this brought, as her large asset size was quite uncommon amongst the average Port Emberian lassies. Amy had very long black hair which she currently wore loose, it waving softly around in the soft breeze her fast pace created. Her mezmering large purple eyes held a shimmer of sparkle in them due to her excitement. She carried only a backpack slung around her left shoulder, with no extra luggage.

Walter walked next to his younger sister and quite struggled to keep up, despite his advantage in height, standing at 1.82m tall. Walter held a muscular and athletic body with not an ounce of fat, testiment to the fact that he was used to conducting manual labour. He wore a simple dark blue jeans with sneakers, and a tight fitting white tshirt. His youthfull and strong body, combined with his smooth dark brown hair and shimmering green eyes made him very attractive in the eyes of many a' lass. Like his sister, he only carried a slung backpack as his luggage. They both believed in traveling light.

Once the siblings exited the airport terminal the pair noted their surroundings - a true industrial area, dotted with many a factory abd warehouses. This created a very familiour atmosphere as the siblings grew up in a neighbourhood very similar to this back home. The climate outside was nice - a pleasant and sunny summers day, the sunray's basking the two tropical islanders, who felt no discomfort due to the heat at all.

Walter had an airport bought travel guide tucked under his arm which he had to scan through as quickly as he could, time permitting. Although both Amy and Walter have had heard of Draycora, they basically knew nothing of the nation and had not planned anything in advance. It was up to their instincta to guide them now. Such was the nature of their journey - the
"Vojo al Oro" (Lit translates to "Road to Gold") is an ancient Rite of Passage for Port Emberians. This unique tradition dictates that a young adult who just finished school must take a voyage to an undetermined and unplanned foreign nation, with next to nothing finances. Once there, the voyage taker must force oneself to learn the art of the trade - living off pure luck, instinct and wit - to become the true embodiment of a trader and entrepreneur in order to survive and grow one's own wealth. Once the voyage taker is successful, they return home and is awarded a Golden Armband - ready to face the world as a true and tested Port Emberian.

Walter flagged down the first available taxi before quickly glancing down to his travel guide book, with an hotel name encircled by himself a few moments prior. He spoke to the driver in english "Ahoy! Me and me sis be lookin' for a lift to the.. Kota hotel?" Walter barely finished speaking and both him and his sister was seated comfortably in the back seat.

Kjell, a young man who appears to be in his early twenties, was standing by his taxi with a cigarette: a minivan bathed in baby blue that had the airport logo printed on the sides. He hated that color, but luckily that's just the car he works with. His own would never look like this. His thoughts were interrupted when a young athletic man with bright green eyes came up to him and asked him in English whether he could drive them to the Kota Hotel. Kjell was surprised that the two had very little luggage with them. He nodded briefly and the two got in.
"Well, I will take you the fastest and most beautiful way," said the taxi driver as he got into the left front seat. His English was good, like most Elves, but he didn't speak in a Finnish accent, it sounded more like a Nordic touch. The taxi set in motion and left the crowded area of the airport with a slight hesitation. The industrial estate lives up to its name. Mainly warehouses for supermarket chains, but also factories for some industries and brands. On the wide streets of the district, besides individual cars, buses, which carry workers and especially trucks. The taxi comes to a stop at an intersection. Kjell looked at his guests through his rearview mirror.
"So ... are you honeymooners or something?" He said after a short while.

[AHSCA]

CITY WOOD

Now here in this lovely forested area, a bit of a town forest one could say it was certainly populated. Really this was like back home in certain islands that were still heavily forested and jungle lands and it was pretty! Again Yuzu's eyes were wide with looking about at every little thing and how just this place was. Some of her friends back home came from real staunch anti-modernists, essentially islanders who wanted to really keep AHSCA as primitive as always was, lest they face divine retribution. Michiko was more in the middle herself, wanting enough modern elements of the rest of the world but keeping the old alive. This place has certainly done it. Finding a good spot to rest and get Yuzu her medicine "FOREST COFFEE SHOP" the sign read "Perfect." She nodded following the path along to find the little shop, and found it they did. Michiko knew plenty of English to get by she just hoped the people working here would, otherwise she did have a local phrase book on hand to help guide her. Although was this a place where they'd be served table side or would it be more a place where they ordered at a counter? Well time to find out.

[The Selkie]

[...]

---

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh - Halsholm Airport.

There were a number of taxis, all of which can be recognized by a yellow sign on their roof. The cars are people carriers, which were all painted in a baby blue tone. The airport logo was printed on the sides with pink letters. In the driver's seat of the taxi in front of which Mhairi was standing was an older man, who was perhaps in his mid-forties. He had very short, but combed, black hair and was relatively broad. He was dressed in a simple black t-shirt and jeans. On his shirt at the level of his left breast hung a name tag, which was attached with a needle. In this city "You are driven by: Hanko Jokainen."
He looked at Mhairi as she leaned forward and asked if he could drive her to Linna in the old town. Hanko wondered briefly where this young lady may come from, who addresses him there. This white hair was relatively unusual in Draycora, but there were often people who had such icy eyes.
"Of course I can," said the taxi driver with a smile. Hanko spoke very good English, but his Finnish accent was unmistakable. The sharply rolled R was particularly striking. "But first I'll help you with the suitcases". He pushed a button to the left of the steering wheel and the trunk door opened. Then he got out and helped to lift the suitcases into the trunk.

[...]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Halsholm Airport - Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.
Hanko Jokainen, our taxi driver, seemed nice. He helped us with the bags, even if not much help was necessary - we were strong lassies, after all, but the help was appreciated. Out trolleys, bags and backpacks were quickly put into the trunk and we were sitting in the car.
I sat with Celina on the bench, while Mhairi sat on the passenger seat, us all strapping in.
Our driver's English was very good, even with a bit of an accent - then again, who were we to talk? We still held the melodic cadence and rolling Rs of the Selkie-Accent.
As soon as we were underway, he knew, where we wanted to go, Mhairi asked: "Is this weather normal for May around these parts, Mister Jokainen?"

[Port Ember]

Kjell, a young man who appears to be in his early twenties, was standing by his taxi with a cigarette: a minivan bathed in baby blue that had the airport logo printed on the sides. He hated that color, but luckily that's just the car he works with. His own would never look like this. His thoughts were interrupted when a young athletic man with bright green eyes came up to him and asked him in English whether he could drive them to the Kota Hotel. Kjell was surprised that the two had very little luggage with them. He nodded briefly and the two got in.
"Well, I will take you the fastest and most beautiful way," said the taxi driver as he got into the left front seat. His English was good, like most Elves, but he didn't speak in a Finnish accent, it sounded more like a Nordic touch. The taxi set in motion and left the crowded area of the airport with a slight hesitation. The industrial estate lives up to its name. Mainly warehouses for supermarket chains, but also factories for some industries and brands. On the wide streets of the district, besides individual cars, buses, which carry workers and especially trucks. The taxi comes to a stop at an intersection. Kjell looked at his guests through his rearview mirror.
"So ... are you honeymooners or something?" He said after a short while.

Amy & Walter McCormick -- Taxi off Kjell

As the vehicle started moving towards their destination, the siblings had their eyes fixed on the surroundings, looking around like two madmen, soaking in the atmosphere of this foreign land, which also happens to be the maiden international visit for both of them.

Although being thousands of kilometers away from home, what they saw around them as they drove through the Industrial Estate, managed to heavily remind them of home. The siblings grew up in the industrial area near the docks in Port Ember Megalopolis, thus the never-ending skyline of bricklaid factories and warehouses, wide streets, public busses and hordes of factory workers were no strange setting. The only difference which was immediately visible was in the signage mounted on the factories themselves - script mostly written in the Finnish and English languages, whereas back home one would see signage wriiten in the Esperanto and English languages.

When the vehicle came to a temporary stop at an intersection, the driver enquired whether they were in-country om honeymoon. Amy immediately let out a polite and shy giggle before responding, "Oh not at all kind sir. This is my brother - so no taboo shinanigans here!" she giggled again with a soft blush forming on her rosey cheeks before continuing, "We are here on.. lets call it a holiday. Its actually a rite of passage for Port Emberian youth called the 'Vojo al Oro', but I doubt you know of it, so simplified - its a jolly holliday!" The excitement in Amy's eyes could be seen in the form of glittering, whereas Waltee nodded in affirmation and cotinued his stare contest to the outside world.

[Draycora]

The Kotobuki family -- Forest Coffee Shop

Now here in this lovely forested area, a bit of a town forest one could say it was certainly populated. Really this was like back home in certain islands that were still heavily forested and jungle lands and it was pretty! Again Yuzu's eyes were wide with looking about at every little thing and how just this place was. Some of her friends back home came from real staunch anti-modernists, essentially islanders who wanted to really keep AHSCA as primitive as always was, lest they face divine retribution. Michiko was more in the middle herself, wanting enough modern elements of the rest of the world but keeping the old alive. This place has certainly done it. Finding a good spot to rest and get Yuzu her medicine "FOREST COFFEE SHOP" the sign read "Perfect." She nodded following the path along to find the little shop, and found it they did. Michiko knew plenty of English to get by she just hoped the people working here would, otherwise she did have a local phrase book on hand to help guide her. Although was this a place where they'd be served table side or would it be more a place where they ordered at a counter? Well time to find out.

After a small walk on a forest path, there was a small fork that led to a clearing. There was a house that was similar in style to a bungalow, but was larger. A little in front of the building and on its terrace were tables and chairs, mostly under parasols. The writing "Metsäkahvila" stood on the roof of the terrace in the form of carved wooden letters. There was a lot going on in the café, many people were sitting at the tables with cake platters or pompous ice cream cups on them. To the right of the building was a playground where the children spent their time. To the left was a small pond on which tangerine ducks swam, rested in front of it, or waddled over the paths.
When the Kotobuki family approached the coffee shop, a young, pretty lady noticed them. She had tied up black hair, big brown eyes and wears the typical oufit of a waitress. She smiled at the family and said "Tervetuloa Metsäkahvilaan, istuudu alas ja annan kortin heti sinulle", but when she noticed the incomprehensible faces of their counterparts, she repeated in English: "Welcome to the Forest Coffee Shop, please sit down, I will hand over the card to you immediately".

---

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh. -- Halsholm Airport - Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.

Hanko Jokainen, our taxi driver, seemed nice. He helped us with the bags, even if not much help was necessary - we were strong lassies, after all, but the help was appreciated. Out trolleys, bags and backpacks were quickly put into the trunk and we were sitting in the car.
I sat with Celina on the bench, while Mhairi sat on the passenger seat, us all strapping in.
Our driver's English was very good, even with a bit of an accent - then again, who were we to talk? We still held the melodic cadence and rolling Rs of the Selkie-Accent.
As soon as we were underway, he knew, where we wanted to go, Mhairi asked: "Is this weather normal for May around these parts, Mister Jokainen?"

The taxi started. It was very difficult to leave the airport area because of a small traffic jam within it. After a little while, however, the vehicle made it onto the wide streets of the industrial estate. This district was not inhabited in any way, but was used purely for commercial purposes. Large warehouses with the logos of Sumpermarkt chains, from which fully loaded trucks flowed in all four directions, factory buildings with sometimes huge, smoking chimneys make up the image of the district.
"Well, basically yes. It is strikingly warm for May, but nothing that hasn't happened before," Hanko replied to Mhairi's question. "Is it colder where you come from?"
With his right hand on the steering wheel (in Draycora you drive on the left side) they can see a gold ring, which has a keychain, on his ring finger.

---

Amy & Walter McCormick -- Taxi off Kjell

As the vehicle started moving towards their destination, the siblings had their eyes fixed on the surroundings, looking around like two madmen, soaking in the atmosphere of this foreign land, which also happens to be the maiden international visit for both of them.

Although being thousands of kilometers away from home, what they saw around them as they drove through the Industrial Estate, managed to heavily remind them of home. The siblings grew up in the industrial area near the docks in Port Ember Megalopolis, thus the never-ending skyline of bricklaid factories and warehouses, wide streets, public busses and hordes of factory workers were no strange setting. The only difference which was immediately visible was in the signage mounted on the factories themselves - script mostly written in the Finnish and English languages, whereas back home one would see signage wriiten in the Esperanto and English languages.

When the vehicle came to a temporary stop at an intersection, the driver enquired whether they were in-country om honeymoon. Amy immediately let out a polite and shy giggle before responding, "Oh not at all kind sir. This is my brother - so no taboo shinanigans here!" she giggled again with a soft blush forming on her rosey cheeks before continuing, "We are here on.. lets call it a holiday. Its actually a rite of passage for Port Emberian youth called the 'Vojo al Oro', but I doubt you know of it, so simplified - its a jolly holliday!" The excitement in Amy's eyes could be seen in the form of glittering, whereas Waltee nodded in affirmation and cotinued his stare contest to the outside world.

"Ah, you're from Port Ember," said Kjell with interest. "I often drive people from Port Ember, but they are usually suits or students."He thought for a moment. "Vojo a ... no, that doesn't sound like English to me, what exactly is that?"
The taxi turned south at the intersection and drove along a straight road. The vehicle drove past a gigantic, red factory building that bore the "Markaa" logo. A world-famous chocolate and confectionery brand, which is also sold in Port Ember and whose manager is considered the wealthiest man in the Principality. After a while, the commercial space thinned out and the small group drove past the exit sign from Halsholm. Then Kjell drove to a driveway, which was limited by a toll station. There was a sign above the toll station with the inscription "Valtatie # 1", underneath it was written in smaller letters "Tämän moottoritien omistaa Keski-Drakkonalainen Tienrakennusyritys Oyj."

[The Selkie]

[...]
Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh. -- Halsholm Airport - Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.

The taxi started. It was very difficult to leave the airport area because of a small traffic jam within it. After a little while, however, the vehicle made it onto the wide streets of the industrial estate. This district was not inhabited in any way, but was used purely for commercial purposes. Large warehouses with the logos of Sumpermarkt chains, from which fully loaded trucks flowed in all four directions, factory buildings with sometimes huge, smoking chimneys make up the image of the district.
"Well, basically yes. It is strikingly warm for May, but nothing that hasn't happened before," Hanko replied to Mhairi's question. "Is it colder where you come from?"
With his right hand on the steering wheel (in Draycora you drive on the left side) they can see a gold ring, which has a keychain, on his ring finger.
[...]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.
For a moment, it looked as if we would be here for a while, as there was a traffic jam on the airport's internal workings, but it didn't take long until we left the bottlenecks.
We were in an industrial area, warehouses with logos of various companies, which I could not identify, factories, smoking chimneys... it looked a lot like Ironcastle or Silverport, to be honest, yet... didn't.
As a first impression, it was not really what one might wanted to go for. Then again, if you landed in Silverport, you would move through the hills for a bit before getting to a good vantage to see the city - first thing to notice: The shipyards.
The noted the ring and the gold chain.
"We are from Adhmaraice, Riverwood, in the Free Lands of the Selkie.", Cel replied from next to me, "We have very harsh winters, but by the end of May, it's a bit warmer. You'd be well-advised to have an anorak with you, when you go out, but this summery would be unusual."
"At least it's not Surya.", Mhairi said, "That's a city in Kyrenaia. Average Temperature in May? 38.4 degrees Celsius!"
I shuddered. That sounded very hot - and I knew, that it would only go higher until July.

[Port Ember]

"Ah, you're from Port Ember," said Kjell with interest. "I often drive people from Port Ember, but they are usually suits or students."He thought for a moment. "Vojo a ... no, that doesn't sound like English to me, what exactly is that?"
The taxi turned south at the intersection and drove along a straight road. The vehicle drove past a gigantic, red factory building that bore the "Markaa" logo. A world-famous chocolate and confectionery brand, which is also sold in Port Ember and whose manager is considered the wealthiest man in the Principality. After a while, the commercial space thinned out and the small group drove past the exit sign from Halsholm. Then Kjell drove to a driveway, which was limited by a toll station. There was a sign above the toll station with the inscription "Valtatie # 1", underneath it was written in smaller letters "Tämän moottoritien omistaa Keski-Drakkonalainen Tienrakennusyritys Oyj."

Amy & Walter McCormick -- Taxi off Kjell

It came as no surprise to Amy & Walter that their driver was familiar with seeing, meeting and driving Port Emberians. The overall abundance in wealth of the nation's citizens and their culture trends of focussing on international trade caused a massive number of Port Emberians traveling far and wide to all possible corners of the world.

Furthermore from what the siblings have seen and read so far, it made sense that Port Emberians would gladly choose to travel to Draycora, as tropical islands, bastions of liberty, art and culture attracted a Port Emberian almost as easily as a promise of rum.

Amy responded to their driver, her eyes ever sparkling, "The 'Vojo al Oro' is the name of the Port Emberian Rite of Passage for young adults whom have just left school. The name itself is in the Esperanto language, and it translates to 'Path to gold'. Its basically a tradition which sees the initiate travel to a random unplanned foreign nation with almost no money and no other support, and is thus forced to survive by building some sort of trade or business network."

Amy spotted a gigantic redbrick factory building that bore the "Markaa" logo. A famous chocolate and confectionery brand which she recognised well, as it is also sold back home, and happens to be one of her favourite chocalate brands.

The vehicle came to a tolling station with signage written in the Finnish language, which neither sibling had the feintest idea about, so they continued to observe and admire their new surroundings through the vehicle's windows.

[Draycora]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh. Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.

For a moment, it looked as if we would be here for a while, as there was a traffic jam on the airport's internal workings, but it didn't take long until we left the bottlenecks.
We were in an industrial area, warehouses with logos of various companies, which I could not identify, factories, smoking chimneys... it looked a lot like Ironcastle or Silverport, to be honest, yet... didn't.
As a first impression, it was not really what one might wanted to go for. Then again, if you landed in Silverport, you would move through the hills for a bit before getting to a good vantage to see the city - first thing to notice: The shipyards.
The noted the ring and the gold chain.
"We are from Adhmaraice, Riverwood, in the Free Lands of the Selkie.", Cel replied from next to me, "We have very harsh winters, but by the end of May, it's a bit warmer. You'd be well-advised to have an anorak with you, when you go out, but this summery would be unusual."
"At least it's not Surya.", Mhairi said, "That's a city in Kyrenaia. Average Temperature in May? 38.4 degrees Celsius!"
I shuddered. That sounded very hot - and I knew, that it would only go higher until July.

Hamko gave a respectful laugh when he heard about the temperature.
"38.4 degrees Celsius in May! No, this is relatively unusual here. In high summer it may reach 35 ° C, but that's the upper limit", he said. The industrial estate was slowly thinning out and the first blocks of flats could be seen. Except for one main street on which the taxi drove, all other streets were now single-lane and narrow. The residential buildings were all built in the Wilhelminian style and together formed small block units, which were separated from the street. Hanko drove off the main street and turned straight into the new part of town.
"Now we are finally out of this horrible factory district," said Hanko with a smile. "I know the industrial estate is not the best first impression of the city but it will get better from here, believe me".
The taxi drove past some people. Many of them wore work clothes, such as overalls or uniforms. The casual fashion that some people wore here resembled the classic rocker look from the 1950s.

---

Amy & Walter McCormick -- Taxi off Kjell

It came as no surprise to Amy & Walter that their driver was familiar with seeing, meeting and driving Port Emberians. The overall abundance in wealth of the nation's citizens and their culture trends of focussing on international trade caused a massive number of Port Emberians traveling far and wide to all possible corners of the world.

Furthermore from what the siblings have seen and read so far, it made sense that Port Emberians would gladly choose to travel to Draycora, as tropical islands, bastions of liberty, art and culture attracted a Port Emberian almost as easily as a promise of rum.

Amy responded to their driver, her eyes ever sparkling, "The 'Vojo al Oro' is the name of the Port Emberian Rite of Passage for young adults whom have just left school. The name itself is in the Esperanto language, and it translates to 'Path to gold'. Its basically a tradition which sees the initiate travel to a random unplanned foreign nation with almost no money and no other support, and is thus forced to survive by building some sort of trade or business network."

Amy spotted a gigantic redbrick factory building that bore the "Markaa" logo. A famous chocolate and confectionery brand which she recognised well, as it is also sold back home, and happens to be one of her favourite chocalate brands.

The vehicle came to a tolling station with signage written in the Finnish language, which neither sibling had the feintest idea about, so they continued to observe and admire their new surroundings through the vehicle's windows.

Kjell showed the man at the toll station a card and he waved the taxi through . Then the vehicle drove onto a driveway on a four-lane highway. At the exit there was a sign that showed the top speed, but there was an infinity sign on it. Suddenly the taxi driver stepped on the gas and the car became faster.
"We are now driving quickly on the highway and entering Halsholm on the south road, so that we cross the city limits exactly at Baker Village. Your hotel is there," said Kjell. "Now you should enjoy the view".
Outside the taxi, the view was split in two. On the right side, away from the city, there was a beautiful mountain landscape, with wide green meadows and huge rocks that protruded from the ground on the horizon. In the distance, smaller villages were visible, as well as individual mountain huts and farms. To the left the city of Halsholm spread out in a sea of buildings. The highway was slightly elevated, so you could see a river running through the middle of the city. The industrial estate also uses this river to transport goods by ship.

[The Selkie]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh. Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.
Hamko gave a respectful laugh when he heard about the temperature.
"38.4 degrees Celsius in May! No, this is relatively unusual here. In high summer it may reach 35 ° C, but that's the upper limit", he said. The industrial estate was slowly thinning out and the first blocks of flats could be seen. Except for one main street on which the taxi drove, all other streets were now single-lane and narrow. The residential buildings were all built in the Wilhelminian style and together formed small block units, which were separated from the street. Hanko drove off the main street and turned straight into the new part of town.
"Now we are finally out of this horrible factory district," said Hanko with a smile. "I know the industrial estate is not the best first impression of the city but it will get better from here, believe me".
The taxi drove past some people. Many of them wore work clothes, such as overalls or uniforms. The casual fashion that some people wore here resembled the classic rocker look from the 1950s.

[...]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.
Finally, the taxi left the industrial part and we entered an area of town, which I would call middle class or upper class. Massive stone buildings in rectangles, blocks separated by streets. No matter where one went, city quarters from the drafting table looked the same no matter where one went.
This was not naturally grown.
Either way, though, it looked nice. Like, really nice.
We were making our way through this part of town.
"This looks certainly better.", Mhairi said with a smile, watching the people on the sidewalks. I knew, that she was contemplating a shopping tour and both Cel and I were certainly onboard for one. The jackets looked nice. "How old is this part of town?"

[AHSCA]

After a small walk on a forest path, there was a small fork that led to a clearing. There was a house that was similar in style to a bungalow, but was larger. A little in front of the building and on its terrace were tables and chairs, mostly under parasols. The writing "Metsäkahvila" stood on the roof of the terrace in the form of carved wooden letters. There was a lot going on in the café, many people were sitting at the tables with cake platters or pompous ice cream cups on them. To the right of the building was a playground where the children spent their time. To the left was a small pond on which tangerine ducks swam, rested in front of it, or waddled over the paths.
When the Kotobuki family approached the coffee shop, a young, pretty lady noticed them. She had tied up black hair, big brown eyes and wears the typical oufit of a waitress. She smiled at the family and said "Tervetuloa Metsäkahvilaan, istuudu alas ja annan kortin heti sinulle", but when she noticed the incomprehensible faces of their counterparts, she repeated in English: "Welcome to the Forest Coffee Shop, please sit down, I will hand over the card to you immediately".

"Ah thank you very much." Michiko thanked and with her girl took their seats. Michiko pulled out her bag rummaging around to find the needed medicine for Yuzu which was kept in nice little corked jars. One would almost think they were spices or seasonings for food over medicine given these didn't come in capsule form. It was the bitter root herb, a native plant for AHSCA known for it's extremely potent bitter even unpleasant taste but good at helping with things like inflammation and other ailments, essentially a lifetime medicine that kept people alive. The two looked over the card, what seemed to be the menu and it would appear this place had most of the typical offerings of many roadside coffee shops. "well at least they have the tea I like." Yuzu pointed to where her choice was. It was something to help her medicine go down.

"Darjeeling tea and black tea." Michiko ordered for the both of them.

[Santo Stefano in Campana]

Alvin Scott
Halsholm Airport
29 May 2020

"Dear passengers we just arrived to Halsholm Airport, 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. Please remain seated with your belts fastened until the aircraft has completed parking maneuvers. Thanks for flying with StefanAir." Said the cabin crew to the passengers as flight SA1179 from Santo Stefano City to Halsholm, after a 5 hours long flight, touched the ground and was now on its way to the gate.
Alvin was really exited as he was about to start his first trip in a long time, four years at least. The flight ban in Santo Stefano in Campana during and shortly after the Civil War that led to the dismissal of the Dictatorship and the establishment of the Republic, led lifelong by the Doge, did not allowed the population to travel. After two years since the end of the Civil War, flight ban was now removed, and so people were free to travel as much as they wanted. Alvin was among them.

Finally the big aircraft stopped and the door opened, as people began to leave the Boeyng 474. A flashy, and maybe a bit too 80's neon signboard, welcomed him and his fellow passengers stating "VELKOMIN".
Alvin wasn't definetely a speaker of the native language there, but assumed that was some sort of "WELCOME". Recovered his luggage, a big brown and vintage (as he liked to say, despite just being objectively old and spoiled) suitcase then looked for some place to exchange money. He wandered couple of minutes inside the terminal, until he saw what he was looking for : an exchange! He approached the desk, a man in his 50s stared at him, waiting for some sort of request.

Slowly and carefully articulating every word to be more understandable as possible, Alvin asked.

"Umh.. H e l l o" waved his hand towards the man. "I..." pointed himself "I need to exchange some money.. coins! Cash!" then took from his pocket a 5-Stefaninoes coin, showing it to the man.
"How much do you need to change?" Said the man at the desk, with a bit of local accent but still perfectly understandable.
"Here..." replied Alvin, clearly embarrassed, giving the man some bills.
"There you go " taking the money from Alvin and handing him some local money shortly after.
"Ahm..umh.. Thanks." concluded Alvin, leaving the desk and facepalming himself, still embarassed.

Not the best start, not at all. _{"How could I have been such... such... well... the only possible word is racist... bwaah"} he thought.
_{"Coffe, yeah. I need a Coffee. Maybe i'll stop overthinking about it."} said to himself. He entered the Coffee Bar ready to order a good, fresh, sweet Iced Coffee. Waited his turn, then went to the desk.
"Hi! Can I please have an Iced Coffe?" Said firmly.



// OOC : Repost as requested. Should be fine now. Please let me know.

[Port Ember]

Kjell showed the man at the toll station a card and he waved the taxi through . Then the vehicle drove onto a driveway on a four-lane highway. At the exit there was a sign that showed the top speed, but there was an infinity sign on it. Suddenly the taxi driver stepped on the gas and the car became faster.
"We are now driving quickly on the highway and entering Halsholm on the south road, so that we cross the city limits exactly at Baker Village. Your hotel is there," said Kjell. "Now you should enjoy the view".
Outside the taxi, the view was split in two. On the right side, away from the city, there was a beautiful mountain landscape, with wide green meadows and huge rocks that protruded from the ground on the horizon. In the distance, smaller villages were visible, as well as individual mountain huts and farms. To the left the city of Halsholm spread out in a sea of buildings. The highway was slightly elevated, so you could see a river running through the middle of the city. The industrial estate also uses this river to transport goods by ship.

Amy & Walter McCormick -- Taxi of Kjell

As the taxi climbed the highway system, the siblings could not help but notice all the similarities between their new surroundings and of that back home. For example, both here and there, no speed limits on the freeway systems. The idilic countryside lush with the touch of mother nature and humble villagers suckling on nature's gift with a backdrop of sheer geographic art. The city to their right which seemed to be an ocean of never ending brick and steel - and even the river which supplied the right kind of aestetic views and atmosphere whilst being utilised for the progressive nature of man. So far Draycora seemed like a slightly different architectured and smaller Port Ember. The siblings knew right there that they could filfull their destiny here.

Walter broke his gaze from his sightseeing activity and rested it on the driver via the rear view mirror, "Sir, what can you tell us about Baker Village? Some tourist and economic highlights would be highly apreciated."

[Astares Amauricanum]

Halsholm Airport, May 25th, 2020
As they disembark the plane, Julie and Lenore hold hands, as the young couple watches the screen to check the baggage carrousel where they will be able to get their luggage back.
Julie, a barmaid, and Lenore, a research assistant, have decided to come to Draycora to enjoy a relaxing vacation, as this was the first time in two years they had enough time to take a lengthy vacation together.
"So, happy? asks Lenore as she leans her head on Jill's shoulder.
-Very, replies Julie. I mean, this place is supposed to be very exotic, so I'm sure we'll have a very good time.
-That we will, finishes her girlfriend as she kisses Julie's cheek, just before the baggage carrousel number displays on the screen.

After a few minutes, both women have passed the immigration and customs control, and with their luggage in hand, walk towards the taxi zone.
Looking for an available one, Lenore finds it, and leans her head towards the window.
"Excuse me Miss, she asks the woman behind the wheel, can you please take us to the Tulevaisuus downtown?"

[Draycora]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh -- Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.

Finally, the taxi left the industrial part and we entered an area of town, which I would call middle class or upper class. Massive stone buildings in rectangles, blocks separated by streets. No matter where one went, city quarters from the drafting table looked the same no matter where one went.
This was not naturally grown.
Either way, though, it looked nice. Like, really nice.
We were making our way through this part of town.
"This looks certainly better.", Mhairi said with a smile, watching the people on the sidewalks. I knew, that she was contemplating a shopping tour and both Cel and I were certainly onboard for one. The jackets looked nice. "How old is this part of town?"

"Oh, the Goldberg was built in the 19th century during industrialization," Hanko replied to Mhairi's question. "I know that it built for the weakening nobility, since they had fled from the educated and upper middle classes. Now it is the district where the working class, including me, lives."
The car continued to drive through the narrow streets and it could be seen that the buses with the workers, who also drove in the industrial estate, also stopped here.
"There are wonderful pubs and bars here. If you want to have some rest from the splendor of the old town and the Bright living there, this is a perfect place for you ".

---

The Kotobuki family -- Forest Coffee Shop

"Ah thank you very much." Michiko thanked and with her girl took their seats. Michiko pulled out her bag rummaging around to find the needed medicine for Yuzu which was kept in nice little corked jars. One would almost think they were spices or seasonings for food over medicine given these didn't come in capsule form. It was the bitter root herb, a native plant for AHSCA known for it's extremely potent bitter even unpleasant taste but good at helping with things like inflammation and other ailments, essentially a lifetime medicine that kept people alive. The two looked over the card, what seemed to be the menu and it would appear this place had most of the typical offerings of many roadside coffee shops. "well at least they have the tea I like." Yuzu pointed to where her choice was. It was something to help her medicine go down.

"Darjeeling tea and black tea." Michiko ordered for the both of them.

The young waitress nodded, noted something on a small notebook, and then went to the cafe. It took a little while when she came back with a tablet with two glasses and two jugs on it, as well as a bowl of sugar and a smaller pot of milk. The waitress poured some tea from a jug into a cup, which was deep golden in color.
"Once the Darjeeling tea," she said. "and once the black tea".
Then she took the second jug and poured it into the other cup. The color of this tea was also yellowish, but it was more of a dark orange tone. The pots remained on the tablet and were left at the table because there was still something to be poured into them.
"Would you like some more food?" Asked the waitress. "Cake, pastries or ice cream?".

---

Alvin Scott -- Halsholm Airport

"Dear passengers we just arrived to Halsholm Airport, 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. Please remain seated with your belts fastened until the aircraft has completed parking maneuvers. Thanks for flying with StefanAir." Said the cabin crew to the passengers as flight SA1179 from Santo Stefano City to Halsholm, after a 5 hours long flight, touched the ground and was now on its way to the gate.
Alvin was really exited as he was about to start his first trip in a long time, four years at least. The flight ban in Santo Stefano in Campana during and shortly after the Civil War that led to the dismissal of the Dictatorship and the establishment of the Republic, led lifelong by the Doge, did not allowed the population to travel. After two years since the end of the Civil War, flight ban was now removed, and so people were free to travel as much as they wanted. Alvin was among them.

Finally the big aircraft stopped and the door opened, as people began to leave the Boeyng 474. A flashy, and maybe a bit too 80's neon signboard, welcomed him and his fellow passengers stating "VELKOMIN".
Alvin wasn't definetely a speaker of the native language there, but assumed that was some sort of "WELCOME". Recovered his luggage, a big brown and vintage (as he liked to say, despite just being objectively old and spoiled) suitcase then looked for some place to exchange money. He wandered couple of minutes inside the terminal, until he saw what he was looking for : an exchange! He approached the desk, a man in his 50s stared at him, waiting for some sort of request.

Slowly and carefully articulating every word to be more understandable as possible, Alvin asked.

"Umh.. H e l l o" waved his hand towards the man. "I..." pointed himself "I need to exchange some money.. coins! Cash!" then took from his pocket a 5-Stefaninoes coin, showing it to the man.
"How much do you need to change?" Said the man at the desk, with a bit of local accent but still perfectly understandable.
"Here..." replied Alvin, clearly embarrassed, giving the man some bills.
"There you go " taking the money from Alvin and handing him some local money shortly after.
"Ahm..umh.. Thanks." concluded Alvin, leaving the desk and facepalming himself, still embarassed.

Not the best start, not at all. "How could I have been such... such... well... the only possible word is racist... bwaah" he thought.
"Coffe, yeah. I need a Coffee. Maybe i'll stop overthinking about it." said to himself. He entered the Coffee Bar ready to order a good, fresh, sweet Iced Coffee. Waited his turn, then went to the desk.
"Hi! Can I please have an Iced Coffe?" Said firmly.

The coffee shop was filled with all kinds of people who seemed to come from all over the world. It reminds a little of a diner from the eighties. With a black and white checkered floor, bar stools and a jukebox. Shallow neon lights lit up the room. There was a young man behind the counter, maybe around 20 years old. He had long blond hair that was tied into a ponytail. You could see that he was lightly made up. "Of course, iced coffee is coming immediately," the young man replied to Alvin's request. "You can sit down, I'll bring the coffee to your seat".

---

Amy & Walter McCormick -- Taxi off Kjell

As the taxi climbed the highway system, the siblings could not help but notice all the similarities between their new surroundings and of that back home. For example, both here and there, no speed limits on the freeway systems. The idilic countryside lush with the touch of mother nature and humble villagers suckling on nature's gift with a backdrop of sheer geographic art. The city to their right which seemed to be an ocean of never ending brick and steel - and even the river which supplied the right kind of aestetic views and atmosphere whilst being utilised for the progressive nature of man. So far Draycora seemed like a slightly different architectured and smaller Port Ember. The siblings knew right there that they could filfull their destiny here.

Walter broke his gaze from his sightseeing activity and rested it on the driver via the rear view mirror, "Sir, what can you tell us about Baker Village? Some tourist and economic highlights would be highly apreciated."

At around 200 kilometers per hour, the taxi with the surrounding vehicles flowed gently in the flow of the highway. Kjell listened to Walter's question and thought for a moment.
"Well, I haven't lived in Halsholm for very long, but as far as I know, Baker Village was an independent village for a long time, but it was incorporated into Halsholm in the early twentieth century," Kjell finally explained. "That is why it is somewhat separated from the rest of the city and therefore consists mainly of half-timbered houses, which is more typical of Elvish small towns. This district is built very close to nature, which is why tourists mainly go mountaineering, hiking or horse riding. Of course there are also pubs and bars where you can toast cheaply with a good glass of eggnog".
Then he thought briefly again.
"Economic highlights? Well, that's a very special question. Now, in the Baker Village, there are mainly craftsmen like carpenters, mechanics or blacksmiths who have their workshops there. But also retailers and owners of restaurants or pubs. But the most important thing is probably the bakery guild, which is based there and gave the district its name. They have been in charge of the village for a very long time, but since the incorporation they have only been active as a citizens' association, but they are particularly helpful for newcomers to the bakery and confectionery business. "
Kjell now stopped talking and took an exit off the highway. After a while on a straight road they drove past the entrance sign to Halsholm.

---

Halsholm Airport, May 25th, 2020

As they disembark the plane, Julie and Lenore hold hands, as the young couple watches the screen to check the baggage carrousel where they will be able to get their luggage back.
Julie, a barmaid, and Lenore, a research assistant, have decided to come to Draycora to enjoy a relaxing vacation, as this was the first time in two years they had enough time to take a lengthy vacation together.
"So, happy? asks Lenore as she leans her head on Jill's shoulder.
-Very, replies Julie. I mean, this place is supposed to be very exotic, so I'm sure we'll have a very good time.
-That we will, finishes her girlfriend as she kisses Julie's cheek, just before the baggage carrousel number displays on the screen.

After a few minutes, both women have passed the immigration and customs control, and with their luggage in hand, walk towards the taxi zone.
Looking for an available one, Lenore finds it, and leans her head towards the window.
"Excuse me Miss, she asks the woman behind the wheel, can you please take us to the Tulevaisuus downtown?"

When there was a knock on the window of the baby blue-colored taxi, an older lady raised her head and lowered the window. On her name tag on her left breast, she was named Elsa Varkaanen. Her hair was a grayish blond and slightly thinned, and she wore small, round glasses on her nose.
"I would be happy to take you to Tulevaisuus," she said, smiling with a heavily accented English. She pressed a button to the left of her steering wheel and the trunk opened. "Put your bags in the trunk and then get in".

[The Selkie]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh -- Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.

"Oh, the Goldberg was built in the 19th century during industrialization," Hanko replied to Mhairi's question. "I know that it built for the weakening nobility, since they had fled from the educated and upper middle classes. Now it is the district where the working class, including me, lives."
The car continued to drive through the narrow streets and it could be seen that the buses with the workers, who also drove in the industrial estate, also stopped here.
"There are wonderful pubs and bars here. If you want to have some rest from the splendor of the old town and the Bright living there, this is a perfect place for you ".
[...]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.
Oh, that looked fun! Pubs and bars and down-to-earth people and...
"No.", Cel said from my side, "We're not going to go pubcrawling with you, Livvy. You're too young." I glared at her, before she amended: "According to local law."
"And we are law-abiding guests!", Mhairi chimed in and I nodded. "Besides, I would hate to spent my time here hungover..."
"Yeah, you have a point.", I said and nodded, "Still... maybe the pubs serve lunch, too?"
"Well, that'd of course be an option.", Cel admitted.
The day was getting shape!

[Astares Amauricanum]

When there was a knock on the window of the baby blue-colored taxi, an older lady raised her head and lowered the window. On her name tag on her left breast, she was named Elsa Varkaanen. Her hair was a grayish blond and slightly thinned, and she wore small, round glasses on her nose.
"I would be happy to take you to Tulevaisuus," she said, smiling with a heavily accented English. She pressed a button to the left of her steering wheel and the trunk opened. "Put your bags in the trunk and then get in".
Top

"Thank you very much Madame, replies Lenore as Julie and her put their bags in the trunk and then get on the backseat, Julie to the left and Lenore to the right.
"So Miss, do you know of any good spots to see downtown?" asks Julie to the driver.

[Draycora]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh -- Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.

Oh, that looked fun! Pubs and bars and down-to-earth people and...
"No.", Cel said from my side, "We're not going to go pubcrawling with you, Livvy. You're too young." I glared at her, before she amended: "According to local law."
"And we are law-abiding guests!", Mhairi chimed in and I nodded. "Besides, I would hate to spent my time here hungover..."
"Yeah, you have a point.", I said and nodded, "Still... maybe the pubs serve lunch, too?"
"Well, that'd of course be an option.", Cel admitted.
The day was getting shape!

"Well, you can go to the bar as a minor, but you don't get alcohol," said Hamko. "I can still recommend it anyway. The atmosphere alone is worth it."
After a while in the relatively uniform Goldberg, the environment changed. The streets became more uneven and confused. The architecture also changed, from the Wilhelmine style to a mixed architectural field. Some buildings were very modern with glass or steel facades, others were rather old-fashioned and painted in color. From the middle of this part of the city one could see a hill on which a majestic marble building in golden color was enthroned.
"This is the downtown part of Halsholm," said the taxi driver. "Here are all the political buildings. When we drive into the old town, we also pass the Prince's Palace. There are also many office buildings and temples here."
The vehicle passed a heavily embroidered Gothic building, which looked like a church but did not have any Christian symbols.
"This is the Temple of the Ases. One of the largest temples in the Principality and the only one dedicated to all germanic gods at the same time."

---

Halsholm Airport, May 25th, 2020

"Thank you very much Madame, replies Lenore as Julie and her put their bags in the trunk and then get on the backseat, Julie to the left and Lenore to the right.
"So Miss, do you know of any good spots to see downtown?" asks Julie to the driver.

Elsa turned the key and the taxi began to purr. The vehicle made its way through the full airport area and then entered the city's industrial estate. Warehouses and factories painted the picture of this district. "There is a lot to see in the city center," said the old taxi driver. "There are a number of palaces, all of which are still used politically today. You could visit the Germanic-Neo-Pagan temples or go through the city park."

[The Selkie]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh -- Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.
"Well, you can go to the bar as a minor, but you don't get alcohol," said Hamko. "I can still recommend it anyway. The atmosphere alone is worth it."
After a while in the relatively uniform Goldberg, the environment changed. The streets became more uneven and confused. The architecture also changed, from the Wilhelmine style to a mixed architectural field. Some buildings were very modern with glass or steel facades, others were rather old-fashioned and painted in color. From the middle of this part of the city one could see a hill on which a majestic marble building in golden color was enthroned.
"This is the downtown part of Halsholm," said the taxi driver. "Here are all the political buildings. When we drive into the old town, we also pass the Prince's Palace. There are also many office buildings and temples here."
The vehicle passed a heavily embroidered Gothic building, which looked like a church but did not have any Christian symbols.
"This is the Temple of the Ases. One of the largest temples in the Principality and the only one dedicated to all germanic gods at the same time."

[...]

Liv Uasal of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Taxi of Mister Hanko Jokainen.
And we now entered a more naturally grown area of the city, with confusing streets and uneven paths, but it looked all the more fun!
Downtown-Halsholm, as Hanko called it.
Buildings of the political administration weren't exactly high on the things we wanted to see, but it would still be nice, I figured, and I was sure, that my sisters had the same thought. The temples sounded more fun.
The one Hanko pointed out looked a lot like a church, except it was not, but, as he explained, the largest in the Principality and dedicated to all Germanic Gods.
"Remarkable.", Cel said, "And quite huge!"
"Could you imagine Carman Fea and Rhiannon as flatmates?", Mhairi asked from the passenger seat with a grin, then explained to Hanko: "Where we come from, each God has his or her own temple, period. Sometimes, local deities of a local river or something are there in subtenancy, but that's about it... especially as far as the Six-Pantheon is concerned." She let a beat pass. "How large is this temple anyway?"

[Astares Amauricanum]

Elsa turned the key and the taxi began to purr. The vehicle made its way through the full airport area and then entered the city's industrial estate. Warehouses and factories painted the picture of this district. "There is a lot to see in the city center," said the old taxi driver. "There are a number of palaces, all of which are still used politically today. You could visit the Germanic-Neo-Pagan temples or go through the city park."

"Which one would you recommend to start with, between the Seat of the Imperial Thing and the Seat of the Imperial Senate? asks Julie as she looks at the many factories passing by the window. Lenore and I have been bickering for some time about which one we would do first."

[AHSCA]

The young waitress nodded, noted something on a small notebook, and then went to the cafe. It took a little while when she came back with a tablet with two glasses and two jugs on it, as well as a bowl of sugar and a smaller pot of milk. The waitress poured some tea from a jug into a cup, which was deep golden in color.
"Once the Darjeeling tea," she said. "and once the black tea".
Then she took the second jug and poured it into the other cup. The color of this tea was also yellowish, but it was more of a dark orange tone. The pots remained on the tablet and were left at the table because there was still something to be poured into them.
"Would you like some more food?" Asked the waitress. "Cake, pastries or ice cream?".

"Why yes," Michiko requested "Some pastries would be great, thank you."

"Thank you" Yuzu replied as well.