Port De Devienne Festival (IC)

[Mervay]

Welcome to The Port De Devienne Festival!! If you are here to watch then grab some soda and popcorns and feel free to wonder around, but! If you want to join this RP, please check the OOC

Palais Solaris
Port De Devienne
8:45 AM
The city of Port De Devienne woke up with a great feeling regarding festivities, it was a cold morning for a warm day of spring to say at least, but for a coastal or port city that could be common for sure. The streets were already warm and tourists getting into the city, of course, having to pass tests to check if they aren't infected with the Coronavirus or if they have symptoms. Because of said virus the festival was delayed to today's date which and was even threatened to be suspended or outright cancelled if there were cases in Mervay, which as of now there aren't, but the government hasn't rule out shall the first twenty cases be detected declare a national quarentine to keep people off the streets at least for two weeks while the entire government structure alongside the entire healthcare, transport, logistic and many other sectors get ready for a likely scenario, even if it does hit Mervay on a lesser scale, the quarentine would be useful to win time for everyone for the worse.

In the Palais Solaris, the military was dressed as it should for such festivities as they formed and lined in the square. Their clothes varied depending the group they were part of; The Corps Royal des Archers, formed on their usual parallel formations where the Royal Family of the Domain or Duchy, that was formely a independent kingdom before agreeing to be annexed by Mervay, would pass to decree the inauguration of a new festival at the balcony before getting down to the doors where another formation of archers would be waiting for them alongside; The Corps de Cavalerie Royale; Which was to escort the family during the parade to follow later on.

Behind the Cavalry there were the knights of; The Garde Royale du Duc et de la Duchesse et Princesse héritière d'Ardens, all dressed in different armors regarding the different centuries of the nation before it's annexation. However there was someone leading the group and he stood still, cold on his horse as he watched his soldiers making the final preparations, he was; The Field Marshal of The Mervay Royal Army, Ferdinand Fortier. His eyes looked serious at the soldiers, this event was one of a lifetime for the forty-five years old officer as he recived the honour of leading the parade and escorting The Ardens Royal Family.

Meanwhile the population was all or most covered with headscarfs regarding the virus and it was a mandatory law to be protected from pandemics. Meanwhile officers from the police and army checked on everyone to see any movement or if someone could experience symptoms of COVID-19. It was a serious disease and this festival was only given the green light because of the good situation Mervay was with no cases.
However, it was expected that after the festival ended, the entire government would get the Province of Ardens and possibly all of Mervay, get into a mandatory quarentine and those foreign turists stayed a few days before being confirmed to return to their nations as soon as they were confirmed to not be infected (all covered by the nation of course).

This festival was expected to be one of it's kind and with a aura of tension, seriousness and fun all mixed in the air. The next hours were to be crucial and long for the movements regarding the coronavirus.

[The Selkie]

Viola Péire of the Tribe of Cork.
Palais Solaris.
The city of Port de Deviennewas beautiful - the precautions due to the Corona-Virus were not.
I understood why this was so important. The Free Lands might not be the largest and most central nation in the world, but we had our ears open and so did our news. Especially the pandemic reaching our friends in the Confederation of New Visayan Islands had raised a few hackles and I knew, that we were preparing.
After all, all six Orders, including the Shieldmaidens, were part of these preparations.
But today, it was a day of festivities!
I did not wear a headscarf, but I had a scarf around my neck, which I could pull up, if need arose. My armor would not protect me from that virus, after all.
I was a woman of 26 years, blonde-brown hair and ember eyes, which, according to many of my peers, looked at the world seriously. My hair was long and bound back into a braid, which reached well past my arse (and had a slight scent of lavender).
I wore the typical half-cuirass of the Selkie, the Cathéide, which was technically the horseman's armor, but I knew how to ride and fight while riding as well. A sort-of dress with a cross-laced bodice was the foundation, heavy leaver pants covering my legs and heavy leather boots my feet. It was long-sleeved and high-collared, with a breastplate covering my chest (I must admit, unlike the cultural stereotype, I was not as busty as quite a few of my kinsfolk), pauldrons and couters protected shoulders and elbows. It was polished steel, shining a bit, even, my tournament armor.
Part of it as well were the four daggers I had on my person (one being a very visible armor piercer), the long sword at my hip and the shield on my back.
I was a Marcach, after all, aside from being a Shieldmaiden with the Banner of Fort Stone.
And as such, I was interested in what was advertised as a Medieval Fair, as well as the armor and dresses of the men, who guarded the Palais Solaris. Some of them looked very impressive and like their ancestors and predecessors might have been a real force on the battlefield, the Corps de Cavalerie Royale for example, but I was quite sure, that Selkie-Marcach would have wiped the floor with them.
Though, admittedly, I am biased.
Nowadays, with tanks and guns and attack helicopters and whatnot...
I shook my head and looked towards where the Ardens Royal Family was expected to make an appearance - I had escorted the Mervayan Delegation at the Signing of the SEA-Accords as one of the 150 Marcach, who had been asked to do so.
Now, I was here - and it was a pretty place.

Ida Ardscoil of the Tribe of Wicklow.
Palais Solaris.
Ladra, Lord of all, who dwell on the Seas, what did You get me into this time?
Blonde, blue eyed, 1.7 meters tall and 26, that was me - and I stood out, mainly due to me wearing full Geansai, the Tribal Dress of my people, made, in part, from real fur, cut in a way, which emphasized my curves. I did not wear Wicklow's Black and Green, though, but Ladra's Blue and Brown.
I am a Servant of His and very proud of it.
The addition of a scarf was only prudent in this entire shebang with that Coronavirus, even if I didn't wear it over my face all the time. I did carry two daggers on me, hidden, but I was not a bandit.
I was here because I recently graduated from my Master's Studies in History and Anthropology at the University of Leuda - this was my graduation trip, going out into the world to see, what the world had to offer. I nearly wouldn't have studied to this degree as I had met THE ONE seven years ago. Five years ago, he had proposed. A few weeks later, his fishing boat was lost at sea.
The wound in my heart had been deep - it was only now, slowly, beginning to heal, but I knew, that it would never heal fully.
I sighed - Fynn would have loved it here.
But I knew, that he would also have loved for me to enjoy myself.
And that was, what I planned - let's see, what this festival had in store!

Morgane Freastalaí of the Tribe of Galway.
Palais Solaris.
Once every two years, I had decided two years ago, I would pack my bags and travel somewhere.
Using saved up money and winnings from my competitions as a Marcach (Archery, more local level then professional), I would make a trip, much like the people, who came to my inn in Launceston. I worked at the Mórrón Inn (yes, it offers 'Additional Services', yes, that makes it a whorehouse, no, you can not buy my services there - just to get a few things out of the way).
Blonde, blue eyes, quite shapely, if I do say so myself, 1.76 meters tall, I knew, that I was a looker, especially in Geansai - of course, I wore Galway's Blue and Yellow.
I wanted to see the world.
Not on TV, not on the internet, but with my own, two eyes. My first trip, in 2018, had led me to Sinope and its harbour festival.
It had been a blast.
I was positive, that this would be a blast, too.
The beginnings of the festival, the opening by the local royalty, would soon be and after that, I wanted to look over the Medieval Fair until roundabout Midday, when the Market opened on Mercier Square. Maybe have a look at the Promenade des Conet and the Music Festival there, too...
We'll see.
For now, I looked at what the local royalty had in store for the opening - I was relatively sure, that it was a bit different from the Opening of one of the six large Spring Festivals, that was for sure...

Ilia Zahf.
Palais Solaris.
For a son of the Five Deserts, of Thenae, in the Khanate of Tipassa, it was bloody cold.
This was one of the reasons why me and my girlfriend were packaged up so tightly and warmly, Aurelia and I having gone far too north for this festival.
But, as we were on the Palais Solaris, we were sure, that it would be fun.
After the formal opening, Aurelia had already planned for us to visit the National Museum Abigail Zarkozy's opening at 10:30, which was in about one and a half hours from now. Until then, we would stroll through the city towards it, see the sights and maybe look in one or two stalls. After the Opening, Aurelia wanted to get a few fliers to see, if there were any exhibits we could look at tomorrow or the day after, we had about a week left in Mervay, after all.
Then, I had planned to take her to the Promenade des Conet and the Music Festival there, see what they played here.
Watching the Air Show of the Mervayan Royal Air Force had been Aurelia's idea - our Army and Navy did air shows, so it would be interesting to see, how it would compare.
I looked over to the black-haired woman, who was my fiance and, the Gods willing, my future wife. We planned to marry this year, in a few months. Then, she, the Historian, and me, the Archaeologist, would be together - let's see, what the future would bring.
She looked at me with a radiant, small smile. "What are you thinking about?"
"Everything and nothing.", I replied with a smile of my own, leaning down.
"That's quite a bit.", she returned and our lips met in the middle.
Well, as far as I was concerned, the Festival was off for a good start!

[Astares Amauricanum]

Palais Solaris
Gabriel T Rorke
If someone in the past had told me that being sent to a festival like this could be considered a mission, I would have laughed in their face and maybe smacked the back of their heads. But if the last ten years had taught me something, it's that with Adrean and Anna running the show, you can expect anything and everything. And with that in mind, I'm proud to have trained them (even though they made me pay dearly for it afterwards.)

During all my years as a Bodark of the Imperial Guard, I had been sent on missions where I had witnessed the worse humanity had to offer: rapes, murders, slavery. And in the end, this led to me becoming very cold, but also very calm and efficient in my job. As I had once told a psychologist back at base (by the Stars, I hated those sessions.) "We do bad things to bad people Doc. The sooner you get that the sooner wecan get back to work."
And after all those years, while the Empire of Astares Amauricanum, my country, is currently taking measures to restrict the effects of the COVID19 outbreak starting to sweep across the land, here I am, with my wife Amelia, attending a festival in a foreign land, on orders of the Imperial Couple, who had deemed this event as a mission.
(Sometimes I wonder if their time in the pit didn't crack their mind more than expected. But hey, this is the nicest mission I've been sent to in my whole career, so let's enjoy it!)

So, here we are. Port de Devienne, Palais Solaris, 8.45 AM. My wife Amelia, 1.89m tall, blonde hair and blue eyes, dressed in a pair of jeans, hiking shoes, a blue shirt and a cream vest; and me, Gabriel T Rorke, 2.05m tall, green eyes and no hair, my head instead covered by my famous black bandana, wearing steel-toed military boots, cargo pants, a black t-shirt and a leather jacket. Just like old times eh? Except that this time, no weapons for me, not even a knife.
"What do you think Hon?" asks Amelia as we take in the sights of the military archers and cavalrymen assembling in front of the palace as we wai for the Royal Family to announce the start of the Festival.
-Nothing much Amelia, I reply in my usual deep voice, just that this is the nicest mission I've been sent in my career, and that for a while, I won't have to worry about anything. Except for this cunt of a virus, I add in a grim tone.
-Come on Gabe, don't be like that! she exclaims in answer, causing me to furrow my brows and look at her, which causes her to giggle a bit (she really likes teasing me with that stupid diminutive.) We're healthy, we know what precautions we need to take, so relax and enjoy.
-Yeah, you're right. Sorry sweetheart, I say as I kiss her on the cheek. So, how do you like the display? I ask her as we look back towards the military formations.
-Very much, she answers with a smile as I pass an arm over her shoulder. I really think we should have more of those ancient displays back home, do you think you can get a word to Adrean about it?
-When the outbreak will have passed, I will, I reply with a smile. But for now, the kid has enough on his hands. Aside from that, did you saw anything else interesting?
-Apparently, there seems to be a Selkie Marchach over there, as she points towards Viola Péire of the Tribe of Cork, which is standing at some distance.
-Yeah, a Selkie. I wonder that now that the Empire has established relations with the Sultanate, if we're going to start relations with them too. Meh, that's for the kids and Mr Foxter to decide.
-Indeed", finishes ly wife as we look back to the Palais, awaiting the start of the festivities.

[Greater Orcadia]

With Covid 19 being around, Hannah Berri and Melanie Harrison stepped off a small sailboat and made their way through to the customs, Hannah wearing a pair of leather pants and a lycra tube top, her right arm little more than a scar at the shoulder after a terrorist's suicide device detonated in a tube station, Melanie however was wearing a pair of combat pants and a denim jacket with a backpack.

On a leash is a small ginger and white cat and he is looking quite fit and healthy.

Melanie smiles and hands over 3 passports, one was actually for the cat, giving details of his vaccine status and smiles, although the smile was hidden behind a blue surgical mask "here you go" she says, adjusting the nose chain where it is pinned by the mask. Hannah, as she was always close to Melanie was able to be quite close to Mel, rather than having to stay 6m distance yet from below there was a short, sweet meow

[Kuronami]

Port De Devienne

Choi Envatilia and her best friend Silka de Pluvainsulo fresh from their good night's sleep after arriving in Mervay from Kuronami yesterday now stood out on the streets Port De Devienne, snapping pictures and chatting together about the lovely city. Choi continued to practice her French every so often, best she could unlike Silka who actually could speak it rather conversationally (not exactly fluent but she was the best in her French courses in school). Speaking of school, technically they were missing some of it to be here, but only the first week which always took time to ease students into the new routines. And even then it was partly broken up by a Provencal holiday which meant schools, banks, businesses would be closed for the day, and it fell on a Monday so there ya go!

Plus for Choi, she needed a little R&R, a little fun. Poor girl lost her beloved grandfather earlier, Mazomba's long reigning Governor General, Lord or whatever titles he had due to Mazomba's history of being integrated into Kuronami over the centuries. Silka thought a nice fun trip abroad could really perk her spirits up. Choi had been doing fine as the weeks rolled on and as the new G.G. took over the position by her grandfather but still didn't mean it didn't hurt and it was tough with her mom in Caloris most of the time and her father always on the road for business. She had support of her family's staff which did their best to be more than just employees but confidants and friends to the Young Lady.

As for Silka she was a girl of luxury and wealth, her family line going back to a long history of silk traders and manufactures. It's why she's named for that, after all. Though her family came from an island called Pluva Insulo, literally Rainy Island she had moved to the city of Cunlumo urbo when she was in elementary school. That's how she came to be friends with Choi, Choi was her first new friend and the two were inseparable.

"Aaaaah it's so pretty! Look at that!" Silka pointed out Palais Solaris that stood as the big center piece so-to-speak of the area. She snapped endless amounts of photos like a paparazzi photographer.

"Like some kind of fairy tale castle" Choi noted she flipped open the guide book they bought at the airport when they arrived to read up on the building.

"Oh it's so beautiful, I just love it! Choi can we go?"

"Aaah not sure it's open to the public. "

"Oh good point. Oh well other parts of the city we can still see."

"Mmmm" Choi let out a bit of a melancholy sigh

"What's up, Choi?"

"Just seeing everyone dressed in protective gear....Maybe this wasn't the best time to visit...."

"I asked a bunch of people who know stuff, they all said it was well under control and not a big concern. They wouldn't be having a big party if it wasn't. right?"

"Yeah I guess so."

"Think of it like a hurricane. When it's a tropical deluge just means to be careful and get what you need. When it's a really big storm though that's when it's time to hunker down. This is a deluge. Be careful but we don't need to hunker down. Besides I'm not in the mood for snow and winter."

"We could have gone to Port Serenity it's usually very warm even in winter."

"True. But it's so fun to head overseas! I've always wanted to see Mervay! And put my French to good use. How is yours?"

"Je travaille toujours sur le français. Est-ce correct?"

"Not bad, not bad! Choi just stick with me."

"You're conversational, not fluent, don't get too cocky."

"Oh fine, well we have phrase books worst case scenario. Okay now time for a self picture." She flipped her phone around to grab a cute selfie with the two of them with the mighty Palais Solaris as the backdrop.

[AHSCA]

Satou Fujimiya

Oh my it was great to be back in Mervay. Our ship arrived late last night and now I'm getting an early start this morning. Getting through customs was no big thing, I was pretty used to it. I still couldn't speak much of the language but I had a grasp on English that it made it easy enough to work my way through. It was a bit intimidating to be here by myself. I did ask a few friends from work if any wanted to travel with me and come see Mervay but most weren't interested. Many seemed concerned they'd take time from me being with Tess, even but I'm not certain I will see Tess here. Well if I do, I do, that would be great! But it's also okay if I can't. So for now, I'm a tourist here! A tourist who certainly stood out a bit but I guess there were plenty here who also seemed to be on a trip to see the sights here in Mervay. They were having a festival of sorts, like our own but this one was certainly different. I stood mostly in amazement of the large structure that was the Palais Solaris! It was grand and mighty, it stood out the most of all the structures here. it certainly dwarfed most things in AHSCA and certainly dwarfed the Royal Palace of the Duchess and that building doubled as the residence for the royal family and legislator. Mervay's capital was Asteria so it wasn't likely this was the royal residence but it was interesting sight indeed. I stood rather transfixed on it, honestly kind of not paying attention to my surroundings like I should. I know Mervay is a safe place but all places have their bad apples. Really I should be more careful but for now I was fine, my belongings were in my front pockets wrapped against my body, it'd be hard for anyone to really come rob me.

Akira Ayaname

"So this is Mervay..." Much like my fellow islander of whom I had no knowledge of, I stood rather mesmerized by the city. Well I hadn't seen the real pièce de résistance that was the Solaris. But how does a 13 year old like me get to be over here in this far away kingdom? Well technically, I'm almost an adult. My parents have sought fit to declare me that under the old law, the laws of the island that say at 14 I'm ready to be an adult. Now that's a ways off but for now let's go back a bit!

Animalpolis Island - Three Months Earlier

First of all my name is Akira, but you can call me Akky if you like! I'm a nekomimi girl from Animalpolis in AHSCA! Big surprise right, the catgirl form the island filled with people like that? Well anyway, there I was doing my job like usual, running messages and packages to and fro. Tsubaki was so large and big as a village that it took a good while to move from place to place. That's why girls like me, couriers exist to make sure important people's packages and messages get across the village without them having to take away from what they're doing. I had just dropped off my latest package and had a little time before I'd have to go back to the agency to pick up the next assignment. My ears perked at the sounds of a raffle. There were a number of prizes being given out, there was the usual participation prize something small like a piece of fruit, there was some bigger prizes like trip to Aurora or any neighboring island, or a new kimono or something other really nice and there was the grand prize, a trip overseas to Mervay. Well I really didn't think I'd win the grand prize but a kimono or some boots or something sounded nice, so what the hey, I spun the turn wheel and out popped a little gold ball. No way, were my eyes deceiving me? I couldn't have possibly won first prize! Nobody wins those, those are totally fixed right? But the vendor rang the bell and yelled FIRST PRIZE. And well much discussion with my folks at home and before I knew it, I was on a ship to Mervay.


Not a bad trip, it had some ups and downs, and some side to side. I arrived a couple days ago. Thankfully this trip included a nice hotel room to stay in, though I drew plenty of looks, not just for my age but for being a girl with ears and a tail. To some I must look like some kind of space alien. Well I am what I am, I was born this way, don't know how and I don't know why, just the way the Good Lady made me. Or Good Lord if that's what you believe in, whatever floats your boat. But here I am in Mervay present day. Too excited to sleep any longer I rolled over in bed the clock hit 7 AM. Well no sense in just lying here, though I must admit this is a comfy bed. I hopped out, washed up for the day ahead of me, got dressed. High wedges instead of boots, long stockings a furisode kimono but more like a half cut as it looked more like a skirt to some with really long sleeves. It was a sort of new meets old with this. It was a tad cooler than I realized in Mervay though it was pleasant. Spring time here meant cool but warming up. Spring time for us meant more rain and wind. Of course invert that, their winter was cold and had snow and ice ours was sunshine with the occasoinal hurricane passing through. So hey you get what you get. I topped off my outfit here with large red hair bow. Well now I was ready to face the day just as the clock struck 8. Wait is struck a right word for something that has a digital display? Yes even I know what some things in the modern world are like. See there's two kinds of islanders, one who seem like they are from a totally different century and ones who know plenty about the world around them and know where AHSCA is in that relation. Well I knew plenty of what modern life was like. I can't say one way or the other if it was for me or not but hey when in Mervay do as Mervay does! So I've adjusted to this nice hotel room, a shower though I can still soak in a bath, a comfy large bed, when I'm used to sleeping on the floor. Rise with a clock instead of the sun. Yeah this was gonna be a fun trip indeed.

"GOOOD MORNING MERVAY!" I couldn't help but shout at the top of my lungs, not caring who was around to see in this crowded area. I was stoked to be here, in a whole new place, a whole new land what a time to be alive.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

OOC: Post being made, standby...

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Karl Stortebeker
Ah, EAS.

End of Active Service. Sweet, sweet, words, that were like the gates of heaven opening to me. Now all I had to do was just check in every once in awhile with the Reichswehr.
I still hadn't figured out what to do. I would probably have to go back to high school(to receive course credit for the 1 or 2 classes I couldn't take while serving), then college, take care of my old man and mum, get a job...Christ, I had a lot to do.
But for now, I was out of the Reichswehr, and damn, the feeling was amazing.

Of course, I kept the uniform. It was the only piece of remotely formal clothing that I had, and of course I kept the cutlass too, and knew how to use it. Unfortunately, few other nations had Prussia-Poland's lax gun laws, so...yeah. Unfortunately, the G3 had to stay at home.

I currently had an old Keffiyeh, courtesy of a friend who deployed to the Middle East, wrapped around my mouth and nose. It was a little harder to breathe, but it would do.
Thankfully Prussia-Poland had few cases-it had immediately shut down travel to East Asia when news broke, and then quarantined most areas. So far, the most that had happened was a sudden spate of anti-Chinese sentiment that was quelled after the Reichswehr publically deployed troops to guard the 'Asian quarters' of the major cities.

Unfortunately, that meant that I was unable to speak to an old friend of mine...but enough of that. Here I was, in beautiful Port De Devienne, Palais Solaris...

I glanced with a critical eye at the "troops" passing by. What the hell? Traditional uniforms I could understand-the Reichswehr was a product of it's past, to the point that it had issues demobilizing regiments, since nearly all of them streched back to at least the 7-Years-War, or even further beyond. And traditional uniforms looked far snazzier than digital camouflage. But...armor? Those poor bastards must be sweating to death in those things. I had worn armor once before, as part of a bet with a member of the Guards Cuirassiers Regiment, and I did not want to repeat the experience. And full armor to boot...Jesus Christ. They must be cooking to death in there.

After some time watching, I moved around to get a better spot-and ended up running head-first into a young woman.
Her name was Viola Péire, but I did not know that at the moment.

I staggered back in pain and suprise, holding on to my nose. "Ow!"

Then I remembered that there was someone else, and returned my attention to her. "Oof, sorry...Miss. You alright?"

[Brettenwald]

I glanced at my watch. Quarter to 9, and from how the palace courtyard was filling up I'd gotten here at the right time. I didn't know too much about Mervay other than a) they spoke French, mostly, b) it was a monarchy, and c) it was freaking gorgeous, but I'd be here for quite a while after the festival. Someone I wanted to see again . . . Enjoy all this now, there'll be plenty of time for introspection and emotional shit later. "Damn right, me," I thought to myself. The taxi ride here was slow and expensive thanks to all the traffic and roadblocks, but leaving the Morgan at the Hotel Merlaut meant I didn't need to worry about parking or damage. I'd scheduled air freight and my flight well enough that I could pick it up from customs the same day I arrived in the country. For how long I was going to be here, I didn't want the hassle and boredom of a rental car. The whole coronavirus thing hadn't really hit either the Empire or Mervay much, so I figured it was safe to spend several weeks here without getting infected or infecting others.

I noticed that quite a few people around me seemed to be tourists. Some AHSCAns, including a catgirl? Whatever. I've seen weirder things. I flipped up a peace sign and flashed a smile just in case I was accidentally photobombing a pair of Kuronamian girls, and spotted a number of young Selkie women wearing those traditional fur things, what the hell were they called . . . Geansai, that's it. Interesting crowd. The festivities were supposed to kick off promptly at 9 with a decree or declaration or something like that from the Queen, and there were a large number of other events scattered around the area. For now, I could just wait and enjoy the spring weather. It was a little cool for April, but that probably had more to do with the more northern latitude of Mervay compared to where I lived back home in the Empire. Besides, I was wearing a suit, so I didn't need a jacket or anything. Time for pictures. I move around to get a better view of the palace, pull my phone out, wait for it to focus- and get knocked back by a big guy barging his way through the crowd. "Hey, watch where you're going, you jackass!" I stumble backwards, and unfortunately step directly onto the foot of the AHSCAn catgirl, who lets out a loud yelp of pain. "Oh my Goddess! I am so sorry, that big bastard rammed into me and I lost my balance." I blush deeply while delivering my next remark. ". . . um, I really hate to ask, but if you're hurt should I take you to a doctor or a veterinarian?"

[AHSCA]

Akira

So after getting my cathartic and energetic hello out, I had turned about bumping into someone. I suppose that serves me right for not paying much attention but it led to a little more than a stumble or a needing to beg pardon but someone had stepped onto my foot, ouch! Maybe I should have worn boots instead of open toed wedge heels. It hurt enough for me to yelp out in a little pain and wince.

"Oh, excuse me." I responded inhaling sharply but the person I had just bumped into and who accidentally stepped on my foot apologized. Asking me if a doctor or a vet was needed wait.... "A vet? Are you an idiot?" I was rude to this person but that was more the pain talking at this moment but as the pain began to subside a little from sharp to just throbbing I inhaled a little more and calmed down "I'm sorry. That was rude. No, I'm just fine it hurts a little and I'm sure it will go away in time." Actually I couldn't tell, was this a man or a woman? "What about you, are you okay? Looks like we both got bumped around in the crowds a little."

[Brettenwald]

Akira

So after getting my cathartic and energetic hello out, I had turned about bumping into someone. I suppose that serves me right for not paying much attention but it led to a little more than a stumble or a needing to beg pardon but someone had stepped onto my foot, ouch! Maybe I should have worn boots instead of open toed wedge heels. It hurt enough for me to yelp out in a little pain and wince.

"Oh, excuse me." I responded inhaling sharply but the person I had just bumped into and who accidentally stepped on my foot apologized. Asking me if a doctor or a vet was needed wait.... "A vet? Are you an idiot?" I was rude to this person but that was more the pain talking at this moment but as the pain began to subside a little from sharp to just throbbing I inhaled a little more and calmed down "I'm sorry. That was rude. No, I'm just fine it hurts a little and I'm sure it will go away in time." Actually I couldn't tell, was this a man or a woman? "What about you, are you okay? Looks like we both got bumped around in the crowds a little."

"I'm fine, thanks for asking. I didn't mean to offend, really, I just wasn't sure exactly how much of you was feline. I hope your foot starts feline better soon . . . sorry, awful joke, I know. Hey, it's rude to stare, but as a matter of fact I am a woman if that's what you're thinking."

[AHSCA]

"I'm fine, thanks for asking. I didn't mean to offend, really, I just wasn't sure exactly how much of you was feline. I hope your foot starts feline better soon . . . sorry, awful joke, I know. Hey, it's rude to stare, but as a matter of fact I am a woman if that's what you're thinking."

"That's a complicated question in biology and science, probably more than I can explain. But a doctor would do me just fine if needed." Then somehow she figured i was wondering if male or female. "Woah that's what I was thinking, you're not psychic are you?" More likely she could just read my quizzical expression that was on my face and probably connected the dots. My friends always did say I shouldn't play cards. "Anyway, Akira." I introduced myself as such. Figure if we're gonna step all over each other, we might as well know one another's names.

[Brettenwald]

"I'm fine, thanks for asking. I didn't mean to offend, really, I just wasn't sure exactly how much of you was feline. I hope your foot starts feline better soon . . . sorry, awful joke, I know. Hey, it's rude to stare, but as a matter of fact I am a woman if that's what you're thinking."

"That's a complicated question in biology and science, probably more than I can explain. But a doctor would do me just fine if needed." Then somehow she figured i was wondering if male or female. "Woah that's what I was thinking, you're not psychic are you?" More likely she could just read my quizzical expression that was on my face and probably connected the dots. My friends always did say I shouldn't play cards. "Anyway, Akira." I introduced myself as such. Figure if we're gonna step all over each other, we might as well know one another's names.

"No, I can't read minds but if I were you I wouldn't start playing poker anytime soon. Nobody bats an eye back home but it occasionally confuses foreigners. I like to pretend I don't see them staring, and then I wave at them and watch them get all embarrassed. Maybe it's a little mean-spirited of me, but it's amusing." I bow lightly. "I'm Kelli Rao, pleased to meet you."

[AHSCA]

"No, I can't read minds but if I were you I wouldn't start playing poker anytime soon. Nobody bats an eye back home but it occasionally confuses foreigners. I like to pretend I don't see them staring, and then I wave at them and watch them get all embarrassed. Maybe it's a little mean-spirited of me, but it's amusing." I bow lightly. I'm Kelli Rao, pleased to meet you both."

"Pleasure in return. Wait are you sure you're not psychic because all my friends say the same thing. I shouldn't play cards because I can't hide my expression very well! Anyway, I'm from AHSCA here on a little vacation."

[Brettenwald]

"No, I can't read minds but if I were you I wouldn't start playing poker anytime soon. Nobody bats an eye back home but it occasionally confuses foreigners. I like to pretend I don't see them staring, and then I wave at them and watch them get all embarrassed. Maybe it's a little mean-spirited of me, but it's amusing." I bow lightly. "I'm Kelli Rao, pleased to meet you."

"Pleasure in return. Wait are you sure you're not psychic because all my friends say the same thing. I shouldn't play cards because I can't hide my expression very well! Anyway, I'm from AHSCA here on a little vacation."

"I'm from Brettenwald, here on vacation but also for a little personal business. Where are you two staying? Hotel or Airbnb? I'm at the Hotel Merlaut while I'm here in the city, but I'm driving out to Monville on the south coast once the festival's over. Speaking of the festival, actually, are you sure it's supposed to start at nine? The flyer says so, but I don't see anyone besides the horsemen on parade doing anything that looks like getting the event underway."

[AHSCA]

"I'm from Brettenwald, here on vacation but also for a little personal business. Where are you two staying? Hotel or Airbnb? I'm at the Hotel Merlaut while I'm here in the city, but I'm driving out to Monville on the south coast once the festival's over. Speaking of the festival, actually, are you sure it's supposed to start at nine? The flyer says so, but I don't see anyone besides the horsemen on parade doing anything that looks like getting the event underway."

"I'm staying in a Hotel. The Ladin Hotel is where I'm staying. As for the events, well I don't know really." I reached into my pocket to look at my pocket watch, a little brass watch on a chain. Classy, old, totally me! It was getting onto 9 soon enough. "oh well, when you organize something this big some stuff is bound to be slowed down. Guess they'll start when they start, right? For now i'm not worried. I'm here to see a lot of Mervay besides just the festival."

[Greater Orcadia]

"Well Mell, i think we can go down here" pointed Hannah with her one remaining arm,

"aye" replied Melanie, placing their small cat on the floor.

From there, the two women made their way down towards the festivities, their cat however was more than interested in what was going on around him, stopping to sniff and look every few moments, however for a cat he was behaving well on a leash. One thing that was annoying Melanie, her mask was affecting how her nose chain hung from her septum ring to her ear ring however one thing that was clearly on show the tattoo on her arm oif a yin-yang symbol with a dolphin abobe and below.

[Brettenwald]

"I'm from Brettenwald, here on vacation but also for a little personal business. Where are you two staying? Hotel or Airbnb? I'm at the Hotel Merlaut while I'm here in the city, but I'm driving out to Monville on the south coast once the festival's over. Speaking of the festival, actually, are you sure it's supposed to start at nine? The flyer says so, but I don't see anyone besides the horsemen on parade doing anything that looks like getting the event underway."

"I'm staying in a Hotel. The Ladin Hotel is where I'm staying. As for the events, well I don't know really." I reached into my pocket to look at my pocket watch, a little brass watch on a chain. Classy, old, totally me! It was getting onto 9 soon enough. "oh well, when you organize something this big some stuff is bound to be slowed down. Guess they'll start when they start, right? For now i'm not worried. I'm here to see a lot of Mervay besides just the festival."

"I like your pocket watch. I have one like that, but I didn't want to bring it in case I lost it." I move my shirt cuff back to reveal a silver/gold 34mm Rolex Oyster. "This is my everyday timepiece . . . How old are you, if you don't mind me asking? You just look awfully young for solo international travel."

[AHSCA]

"I like your pocket watch. I have one like that, but I didn't want to bring it in case I lost it." I move my shirt cuff back to reveal a silver/gold 34mm Rolex Oyster. "This is my everyday timepiece . . . How old are you, if you don't mind me asking? You just look awfully young for solo international travel."

Crap! I thought. I was 13 as I mentioned. Yes I'm a kid by most standards but technically in a year I'm an adult by islander standards. But should I say that or should I say otherwise, I wondered. Well she's practically read all my thoughts to this point, no sense in trying to fib, "I'm 13. And actually I do have an aunt who lives here in Mervay. I figured I'd come see her while I was here for the time being. Even though i'm staying in a hotel, because I won this trip. Yes to you I'm a kid but by custom back home, when I'm 14, I'll be an adult as determined by old custom. So, I'm old enough to travel on my own, do things on my own."

[Brettenwald]

"I like your pocket watch. I have one like that, but I didn't want to bring it in case I lost it." I move my shirt cuff back to reveal a silver/gold 34mm Rolex Oyster. "This is my everyday timepiece . . . How old are you, if you don't mind me asking? You just look awfully young for solo international travel."

Crap! I thought. I was 13 as I mentioned. Yes I'm a kid by most standards but technically in a year I'm an adult by islander standards. But should I say that or should I say otherwise, I wondered. Well she's practically read all my thoughts to this point, no sense in trying to fib, "I'm 13. And actually I do have an aunt who lives here in Mervay. I figured I'd come see her while I was here for the time being. Even though I'm staying in a hotel, because I won this trip. Yes to you I'm a kid but by custom back home, when I'm 14, I'll be an adult as determined by old custom. So, I'm old enough to travel on my own, do things on my own."

"Good to know you've got an adult here. In Brettenwald you're generally considered an adult at 16, but the legal age of adulthood is 18. I'd tell you to be careful, but you seem quite mature and sensible for your age. Where does your aunt live?"

[AHSCA]

"Good to know you've got an adult here. In Brettenwald you're generally considered an adult at 16, but the legal age of adulthood is 18. I'd tell you to be careful, but you seem quite mature and sensible for your age. Where does your aunt live?"

I sighed just a little at the prospects of being a child because in a years time I'd likely be doing my mandatory military duty but oh well no sense getting on about it but I answered the question "She's up Sudentor. I agreed to go meet her in a couple days to say hello. Seeing as she and my ma don't get to see each other much being in two different countries and all not to mention their age gap. So I'll say hi, stay a couple nights and come home with some gifts for the family from her. On top of that, getting to spend time in Mervay is just awesome! Seriously it was pure luck that I got this trip, no way I could just drop everything and head up here on a first year courier girl's wages alone. I mean I could at least get the boat ticket up here and stay with my aunt but considering the span between here and there, i would hardly get to enjoy the festival. And my auntie is not much of a crowds person."

[The Selkie]

Karl Stortebeker
Ah, EAS.

End of Active Service. Sweet, sweet, words, that were like the gates of heaven opening to me. Now all I had to do was just check in every once in awhile with the Reichswehr.
I still hadn't figured out what to do. I would probably have to go back to high school(to receive course credit for the 1 or 2 classes I couldn't take while serving), then college, take care of my old man and mum, get a job...Christ, I had a lot to do.
But for now, I was out of the Reichswehr, and damn, the feeling was amazing.

Of course, I kept the uniform. It was the only piece of remotely formal clothing that I had, and of course I kept the cutlass too, and knew how to use it. Unfortunately, few other nations had Prussia-Poland's lax gun laws, so...yeah. Unfortunately, the G3 had to stay at home.

I currently had an old Keffiyeh, courtesy of a friend who deployed to the Middle East, wrapped around my mouth and nose. It was a little harder to breathe, but it would do.
Thankfully Prussia-Poland had few cases-it had immediately shut down travel to East Asia when news broke, and then quarantined most areas. So far, the most that had happened was a sudden spate of anti-Chinese sentiment that was quelled after the Reichswehr publically deployed troops to guard the 'Asian quarters' of the major cities.

Unfortunately, that meant that I was unable to speak to an old friend of mine...but enough of that. Here I was, in beautiful Port De Devienne, Palais Solaris...

I glanced with a critical eye at the "troops" passing by. What the hell? Traditional uniforms I could understand-the Reichswehr was a product of it's past, to the point that it had issues demobilizing regiments, since nearly all of them streched back to at least the 7-Years-War, or even further beyond. And traditional uniforms looked far snazzier than digital camouflage. But...armor? Those poor bastards must be sweating to death in those things. I had worn armor once before, as part of a bet with a member of the Guards Cuirassiers Regiment, and I did not want to repeat the experience. And full armor to boot...Jesus Christ. They must be cooking to death in there.

After some time watching, I moved around to get a better spot-and ended up running head-first into a young woman.
Her name was Viola Péire, but I did not know that at the moment.

I staggered back in pain and suprise, holding on to my nose. "Ow!"

Then I remembered that there was someone else, and returned my attention to her. "Oof, sorry...Miss. You alright?"

Viola Péire of the Tribe of Cork.
Palais Solaris.
Seeing that I was dressed in armor, granted, not the large full armor of the local troops, but the half-cuirass of the Selkie, I had half-expected others to notice me and make a circle around me, but as I was in a crowd, I had also half-expected someone to bump into me regardless.
The guy, who did bump into me in the end, bumped seemed to have bumped into me nose first, which seemed to hurt him more then me, admittedly. I was, for a moment, startled, looked at him. He was not that much younger then I was, I would guess.
"I'm alright, thank you.", I said, looked at him, reaching for my utility belt and a tissue there (no need to get out the first aid materials just yet). "Are you fine?"

[Brettenwald]

"Good to know you've got an adult here. In Brettenwald you're generally considered an adult at 16, but the legal age of adulthood is 18. I'd tell you to be careful, but you seem quite mature and sensible for your age. Where does your aunt live?"

I sighed just a little at the prospects of being a child because in a years time I'd likely be doing my mandatory military duty but oh well no sense getting on about it but I answered the question "She's up Sudentor. I agreed to go meet her in a couple days to say hello. Seeing as she and my ma don't get to see each other much being in two different countries and all not to mention their age gap. So I'll say hi, stay a couple nights and come home with some gifts for the family from her. On top of that, getting to spend time in Mervay is just awesome! Seriously it was pure luck that I got this trip, no way I could just drop everything and head up here on a first year courier girl's wages alone. I mean I could at least get the boat ticket up here and stay with my aunt but considering the span between here and there, i would hardly get to enjoy the festival. And my auntie is not much of a crowds person."

"Oh, Sudentor? Beautiful mountain views around there. Monville's pretty much directly south from that area, so if you need a ride out there just let me know. So you won this trip, eh? How did that work? What's life like in AHSCA, anyway?"

[AHSCA]

"Oh, Sudentor? Beautiful mountain views around there. Monville's pretty much directly south from that area, so if you need a ride out there just let me know. So you won this trip, eh? How did that work? What's life like in AHSCA, anyway?"

"Yes that's what I've heard, it's very lovely up there with rugged mountains as far as the eye can see that stretch to infinity. Oh the contest? It was a raffle held off by a business. Mervay and the UIS being such close trading partners means we get a lot of businesses working together. Same for some of our other friends. Life huh?" Well that's long and complicated, I best keep it brief best I can "I suppose life is life. I mean how to really describe anyone's life. I mean you know we have old worldly customs like when we can be deemed adults. So it's just that. Kind of old world, just kind of a beat of our own we march too. Not in any hurry to change that any time soon. We just are who we are. There's lots of folks like me," I pointed to myself namely my cat ears and tail. "folks with animalia features. Cat, fox, bear, raccoon, elf. Goes on and on and on. But of course just as many regular humans like yourself there too. We do our best to just get along and be a unitary people despite being from culturally distinct and different islands spread out over several kilometers. Close enough though we can keep good ties."

[Mervay]

Palais Solaris
Port De Devienne
8:55 AM
People congregated all over the area around The Palace, everyone was expectant of the Royal Family of The Duchy, former kingdom. Tension filled everyone as the climate around the world meant that such festivity couldn't be happening, gladly the few cases, which were non-existent meant that while this festival could be done, it was expected the big meassures would be taken a week or so later after all tourists left.
Some could hear an Islander yelling a good morning Mervay, others saw some Kyrenaian's and Selkie people around and so on...

---

Satou Fujimiya

Oh my it was great to be back in Mervay. Our ship arrived late last night and now I'm getting an early start this morning. Getting through customs was no big thing, I was pretty used to it. I still couldn't speak much of the language but I had a grasp on English that it made it easy enough to work my way through. It was a bit intimidating to be here by myself. I did ask a few friends from work if any wanted to travel with me and come see Mervay but most weren't interested. Many seemed concerned they'd take time from me being with Tess, even but I'm not certain I will see Tess here. Well if I do, I do, that would be great! But it's also okay if I can't. So for now, I'm a tourist here! A tourist who certainly stood out a bit but I guess there were plenty here who also seemed to be on a trip to see the sights here in Mervay. They were having a festival of sorts, like our own but this one was certainly different. I stood mostly in amazement of the large structure that was the Palais Solaris! It was grand and mighty, it stood out the most of all the structures here. it certainly dwarfed most things in AHSCA and certainly dwarfed the Royal Palace of the Duchess and that building doubled as the residence for the royal family and legislator. Mervay's capital was Asteria so it wasn't likely this was the royal residence but it was interesting sight indeed. I stood rather transfixed on it, honestly kind of not paying attention to my surroundings like I should. I know Mervay is a safe place but all places have their bad apples. Really I should be more careful but for now I was fine, my belongings were in my front pockets wrapped against my body, it'd be hard for anyone to really come rob me.

Akira Ayaname

"So this is Mervay..." Much like my fellow islander of whom I had no knowledge of, I stood rather mesmerized by the city. Well I hadn't seen the real pièce de résistance that was the Solaris. But how does a 13 year old like me get to be over here in this far away kingdom? Well technically, I'm almost an adult. My parents have sought fit to declare me that under the old law, the laws of the island that say at 14 I'm ready to be an adult. Now that's a ways off but for now let's go back a bit!

Animalpolis Island - Three Months Earlier

First of all my name is Akira, but you can call me Akky if you like! I'm a nekomimi girl from Animalpolis in AHSCA! Big surprise right, the catgirl form the island filled with people like that? Well anyway, there I was doing my job like usual, running messages and packages to and fro. Tsubaki was so large and big as a village that it took a good while to move from place to place. That's why girls like me, couriers exist to make sure important people's packages and messages get across the village without them having to take away from what they're doing. I had just dropped off my latest package and had a little time before I'd have to go back to the agency to pick up the next assignment. My ears perked at the sounds of a raffle. There were a number of prizes being given out, there was the usual participation prize something small like a piece of fruit, there was some bigger prizes like trip to Aurora or any neighboring island, or a new kimono or something other really nice and there was the grand prize, a trip overseas to Mervay. Well I really didn't think I'd win the grand prize but a kimono or some boots or something sounded nice, so what the hey, I spun the turn wheel and out popped a little gold ball. No way, were my eyes deceiving me? I couldn't have possibly won first prize! Nobody wins those, those are totally fixed right? But the vendor rang the bell and yelled FIRST PRIZE. And well much discussion with my folks at home and before I knew it, I was on a ship to Mervay.


Not a bad trip, it had some ups and downs, and some side to side. I arrived a couple days ago. Thankfully this trip included a nice hotel room to stay in, though I drew plenty of looks, not just for my age but for being a girl with ears and a tail. To some I must look like some kind of space alien. Well I am what I am, I was born this way, don't know how and I don't know why, just the way the Good Lady made me. Or Good Lord if that's what you believe in, whatever floats your boat. But here I am in Mervay present day. Too excited to sleep any longer I rolled over in bed the clock hit 7 AM. Well no sense in just lying here, though I must admit this is a comfy bed. I hopped out, washed up for the day ahead of me, got dressed. High wedges instead of boots, long stockings a furisode kimono but more like a half cut as it looked more like a skirt to some with really long sleeves. It was a sort of new meets old with this. It was a tad cooler than I realized in Mervay though it was pleasant. Spring time here meant cool but warming up. Spring time for us meant more rain and wind. Of course invert that, their winter was cold and had snow and ice ours was sunshine with the occasoinal hurricane passing through. So hey you get what you get. I topped off my outfit here with large red hair bow. Well now I was ready to face the day just as the clock struck 8. Wait is struck a right word for something that has a digital display? Yes even I know what some things in the modern world are like. See there's two kinds of islanders, one who seem like they are from a totally different century and ones who know plenty about the world around them and know where AHSCA is in that relation. Well I knew plenty of what modern life was like. I can't say one way or the other if it was for me or not but hey when in Mervay do as Mervay does! So I've adjusted to this nice hotel room, a shower though I can still soak in a bath, a comfy large bed, when I'm used to sleeping on the floor. Rise with a clock instead of the sun. Yeah this was gonna be a fun trip indeed.

"GOOOD MORNING MERVAY!" I couldn't help but shout at the top of my lungs, not caring who was around to see in this crowded area. I was stoked to be here, in a whole new place, a whole new land what a time to be alive.

Adrien De LaFayette
So. Who he was or why he was looking at a blue haired Islander which was at least ten steeps of her?? Well that would be a long story, but kinda worth the explanation, maybe??

Two Hours Earlier
Palais Dileva of Port De Devienne
His eyes were focused on the palace in front of him, a sight to see as he stepped down his car, it was a massive place and for sure he would have to be required to enter for whatever he was needed there.

"Mr. LaFayette; Ma'am Dileva awaits for you inside the dining room..." He couldn't seen that there was a maid in front of him, but with how he was hypnotized with the building, but as soon as she spoke he snapped. It was a bit embarassing, but at least he was to know why he was there.

As he walked inside the massive building, his eyes were kept on his surrundings as he followed the maid to the dining room. In the end of the massive table, there she was; The Person which called him; drinking a coffee as she readed the newspaper. She noticed her guest approached and nodded to him to take a seat, which he gladly did. Behind him was the maid which led him here, with a serious look, like a robot awaiting orders.

Meanwhile the women put down her newspaper and looked at her guest smiling. The guest did the same as they made eye contact.

"I apologize to call you now Adrien, but I needed to ask you if you could make me a favour which I desperately need." The person in question asked, showing in her tone that it was something important as he smiled.

"It's ok Tess, you know you count with me for what you need." Adrien replied with a kind smile. "So what would be the favour you would be needing from me??"

Perhaps it was time to present both characters and who they were. Let's begin with the male guy, Adrien LaFayette. 20 Years old, studying at the Sudentor University in the city of the same name. He's friend of the person in question through a delay in their train that was to take them to the Convention Center of that city for an event known as MervayTech Expo. It resulted she decided to travel on her own without using her personal vehicle, which was at that time in the capital of Mervay, Asteria. From that single delay they became friends and so; here we are.

The woman in question was Ma'am Tess Dileva, daughter of two of Mervay's most powerful people, famous and wealthy businessmen Edward Dileva; and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jessica Dileva. 19 or 20 years old and a person destined to great things as she inherited the best of her parents. She had her fiancée coming, she was to come to the festival today and while she was glad of such thing, she had a tight schedule earlier in the morning as she's one of the people that will stand in one of the balconies of the Palais Solaris watching the parade and the inauguration of the festival... Yeah... Bad timing. But she was to be there because of the person that invited her to be there present, the Crown Princess of Ardens; A close friend of her and her family, and as such, she had to be present there.

"I need you to pick my fiancée for me. As you know, I will be one of the guests of honour that will watch the parade from the balconies of the palace and as such; could you please take care of her until the parade ends, and then wait until I can leave the palace??" She explained, it was a big favour, mostly because the things he had to make and then all that issue regarding him and Satou...

Back to the Present...
And there was no point in continue when the answer was already knew, he accepted to take care of Ma'am Fujimiya. Adrien looked at her and sighed, how the hell he was to go and ask her who she was without looking suspicious?? Sure he could go and ask if she was Satou Fujimiya, but it would be odd and suspicious and possibly creepy. Maybe he could try and ask if he knew Tess or something like that, it would be a lie for him to say he doesn't know her, but as soon as she says she's searching for her he will tell her the truth.

And so, he gained strenght and walked to where the person he had to look after was.

"Ehh. Excuse me Ma'am... May I ask if you know where I could find Ma'am Tess Dileva??"

---

Ida Ardscoil of the Tribe of Wicklow.
Palais Solaris.
Ladra, Lord of all, who dwell on the Seas, what did You get me into this time?
Blonde, blue eyed, 1.7 meters tall and 26, that was me - and I stood out, mainly due to me wearing full Geansai, the Tribal Dress of my people, made, in part, from real fur, cut in a way, which emphasized my curves. I did not wear Wicklow's Black and Green, though, but Ladra's Blue and Brown.
I am a Servant of His and very proud of it.
The addition of a scarf was only prudent in this entire shebang with that Coronavirus, even if I didn't wear it over my face all the time. I did carry two daggers on me, hidden, but I was not a bandit.
I was here because I recently graduated from my Master's Studies in History and Anthropology at the University of Leuda - this was my graduation trip, going out into the world to see, what the world had to offer. I nearly wouldn't have studied to this degree as I had met THE ONE seven years ago. Five years ago, he had proposed. A few weeks later, his fishing boat was lost at sea.
The wound in my heart had been deep - it was only now, slowly, beginning to heal, but I knew, that it would never heal fully.
I sighed - Fynn would have loved it here.
But I knew, that he would also have loved for me to enjoy myself.
And that was, what I planned - let's see, what this festival had in store!

Morgane Freastalaí of the Tribe of Galway.
Palais Solaris.
Once every two years, I had decided two years ago, I would pack my bags and travel somewhere.
Using saved up money and winnings from my competitions as a Marcach (Archery, more local level then professional), I would make a trip, much like the people, who came to my inn in Launceston. I worked at the Mórrón Inn (yes, it offers 'Additional Services', yes, that makes it a whorehouse, no, you can not buy my services there - just to get a few things out of the way).
Blonde, blue eyes, quite shapely, if I do say so myself, 1.76 meters tall, I knew, that I was a looker, especially in Geansai - of course, I wore Galway's Blue and Yellow.
I wanted to see the world.
Not on TV, not on the internet, but with my own, two eyes. My first trip, in 2018, had led me to Sinope and its harbour festival.
It had been a blast.
I was positive, that this would be a blast, too.
The beginnings of the festival, the opening by the local royalty, would soon be and after that, I wanted to look over the Medieval Fair until roundabout Midday, when the Market opened on Mercier Square. Maybe have a look at the Promenade des Conet and the Music Festival there, too...
We'll see.
For now, I looked at what the local royalty had in store for the opening - I was relatively sure, that it was a bit different from the Opening of one of the six large Spring Festivals, that was for sure...

Ilia Zahf.
Palais Solaris.
For a son of the Five Deserts, of Thenae, in the Khanate of Tipassa, it was bloody cold.
This was one of the reasons why me and my girlfriend were packaged up so tightly and warmly, Aurelia and I having gone far too north for this festival.
But, as we were on the Palais Solaris, we were sure, that it would be fun.
After the formal opening, Aurelia had already planned for us to visit the National Museum Abigail Zarkozy's opening at 10:30, which was in about one and a half hours from now. Until then, we would stroll through the city towards it, see the sights and maybe look in one or two stalls. After the Opening, Aurelia wanted to get a few fliers to see, if there were any exhibits we could look at tomorrow or the day after, we had about a week left in Mervay, after all.
Then, I had planned to take her to the Promenade des Conet and the Music Festival there, see what they played here.
Watching the Air Show of the Mervayan Royal Air Force had been Aurelia's idea - our Army and Navy did air shows, so it would be interesting to see, how it would compare.
I looked over to the black-haired woman, who was my fiance and, the Gods willing, my future wife. We planned to marry this year, in a few months. Then, she, the Historian, and me, the Archaeologist, would be together - let's see, what the future would bring.
She looked at me with a radiant, small smile. "What are you thinking about?"
"Everything and nothing.", I replied with a smile of my own, leaning down.
"That's quite a bit.", she returned and our lips met in the middle.
Well, as far as I was concerned, the Festival was off for a good start!

Ada Hupplefuff and Violet Madison
So. Port De Devienne?? This might be their first time around here since they mostly traveled across Mervay, but most South they went was Vitoze for the last year Royal Week. This?? This was a whole new territory in a way. It was worth the shot tho, mostly because as they were together and they enjoyed the festival as the couple they were. It was all worth it.
Both of them studied in the nation's capital, Asteria, and with the spring break happening, this was a whole new chance for travel around the nation before returning to college.

Hopefully the inauguration of the new festival happens soon...

Iris Schneider
Well it was a nice day for sure and having to watch the soldiers be ready for the preparations seemed interesting and while I did felt that they might have to deal there with a long day dressed on that armor (They will have to march again at between 21:00 or 23:00 PM; Mind you), at least I could be certain they will do switches as soon is all done and more knowing that the Palace could open it's doors for guests to visit and tour, well that was the idea from what I've heard and it seems to be rejected by the health advisors of The Duke and Duchess... So yeah... I don't think we will be seeing the Palace this year until summer when things are controlled.

Since the preparations were taking long, I decided to have a talk with someone besides me, a blonde haired and blue eyed women, on her mid-20's for sure. Hopefully she's open to talk.

"Those guys are taking too long huh?? We are close 9:00 and no signs of The Ardens Royal Family appearing. I guess they are still preparing or just want everyone where they should be with this issue of that virus." I spoke sighing as they were taking long. "What do you think of this?? If I could ask of course."

Cieline Hoffnung and Santino Contarini
Besides the cute Kyrenaian couple, there was just another one laying besides them and, as everyone else, came to enjoy of the festival before it was too late. And before anything, they traveled abroad, well not that abroad since they traveled to the Grand Duchy of North Point, which while nice and interesting to visit, it was just a few hours in either train or plane.

They lived just west of the city, around the southern gate of the Selumna Peaks; Sudentor, rumours has about a legend there about who did truly founded the city. But that was something to see later on, perhaps on a museum or something like that?? After all; this was a common legend heard around Mervay of who did founded that city. The official story is that a wealthy former Lucifenian and then Mervayan Aristocrat founded because of it's fertile soil and location for trade, however, the legend said it was no other than the former Empress of Lucifenia; Riliane Lucifen d'Autriche. However those are legends that don't have any historical proof, or do they??

That's where the reason of this couple lied on, to see if that legend was true or just that, a legend. It was gonna be a long day for sure.

---

Palais Solaris
Gabriel T Rorke
If someone in the past had told me that being sent to a festival like this could be considered a mission, I would have laughed in their face and maybe smacked the back of their heads. But if the last ten years had taught me something, it's that with Adrean and Anna running the show, you can expect anything and everything. And with that in mind, I'm proud to have trained them (even though they made me pay dearly for it afterwards.)

During all my years as a Bodark of the Imperial Guard, I had been sent on missions where I had witnessed the worse humanity had to offer: rapes, murders, slavery. And in the end, this led to me becoming very cold, but also very calm and efficient in my job. As I had once told a psychologist back at base (by the Stars, I hated those sessions.) "We do bad things to bad people Doc. The sooner you get that the sooner wecan get back to work."
And after all those years, while the Empire of Astares Amauricanum, my country, is currently taking measures to restrict the effects of the COVID19 outbreak starting to sweep across the land, here I am, with my wife Amelia, attending a festival in a foreign land, on orders of the Imperial Couple, who had deemed this event as a mission.
(Sometimes I wonder if their time in the pit didn't crack their mind more than expected. But hey, this is the nicest mission I've been sent to in my whole career, so let's enjoy it!)

So, here we are. Port de Devienne, Palais Solaris, 8.45 AM. My wife Amelia, 1.89m tall, blonde hair and blue eyes, dressed in a pair of jeans, hiking shoes, a blue shirt and a cream vest; and me, Gabriel T Rorke, 2.05m tall, green eyes and no hair, my head instead covered by my famous black bandana, wearing steel-toed military boots, cargo pants, a black t-shirt and a leather jacket. Just like old times eh? Except that this time, no weapons for me, not even a knife.
"What do you think Hon?" asks Amelia as we take in the sights of the military archers and cavalrymen assembling in front of the palace as we wai for the Royal Family to announce the start of the Festival.
-Nothing much Amelia, I reply in my usual deep voice, just that this is the nicest mission I've been sent in my career, and that for a while, I won't have to worry about anything. Except for this cunt of a virus, I add in a grim tone.
-Come on Gabe, don't be like that! she exclaims in answer, causing me to furrow my brows and look at her, which causes her to giggle a bit (she really likes teasing me with that stupid diminutive.) We're healthy, we know what precautions we need to take, so relax and enjoy.
-Yeah, you're right. Sorry sweetheart, I say as I kiss her on the cheek. So, how do you like the display? I ask her as we look back towards the military formations.
-Very much, she answers with a smile as I pass an arm over her shoulder. I really think we should have more of those ancient displays back home, do you think you can get a word to Adrean about it?
-When the outbreak will have passed, I will, I reply with a smile. But for now, the kid has enough on his hands. Aside from that, did you saw anything else interesting?
-Apparently, there seems to be a Selkie Marchach over there, as she points towards Viola Péire of the Tribe of Cork, which is standing at some distance.
-Yeah, a Selkie. I wonder that now that the Empire has established relations with the Sultanate, if we're going to start relations with them too. Meh, that's for the kids and Mr Foxter to decide.
-Indeed", finishes ly wife as we look back to the Palais, awaiting the start of the festivities.

Ricardo Altorini
It was a long day, having to go everywhere and dealing with various things. All because of who he was working with, he was the chief operating officer of The Dileva Group in San Salvación. Mervay's western ally and neighbour, usually he would be at home or at work because of all daily operations he has to manage, but! Today not and all because he was free to have a good old rest and some vacations a few days before he returns to work and deals on damage control back at home because of the COVID-19 Virus and thankfully he will make great use of it.

It was a long time since he had any vacations, but finally with spring happening and knowing that with the pandemic happening, it was a good idea having decided to delay or pass his winter vacations for spring. That meant that when he returned back to work, he would 100% relaxed and fully prepared to work once again. And he would work... A lot.

Albeit of all things happening, he did asked himself. Why hasn't Mervay decided to suspend the festival?? Sure it was too late to do it now, but why not before?? That was a question that could be talked all over around regional media. But he was here to enjoy so that was up to the media to ask

"I'm Impressed they were able to make such big festival with all what's happening. They must really have everything ready and studied seeing that the virus didn't hitted this area of the world strangely enough."

Well, he seemed to had thought to himself a tad bit loud for accident. All without realizing someone besides him could hear him for accident.

---

"Well Mell, i think we can go down here" pointed Hannah with her one remaining arm,

"aye" replied Melanie, placing their small cat on the floor.

From there, the two women made their way down towards the festivities, their cat however was more than interested in what was going on around him, stopping to sniff and look every few moments, however for a cat he was behaving well on a leash. One thing that was annoying Melanie, her mask was affecting how her nose chain hung from her septum ring to her ear ring however one thing that was clearly on show the tattoo on her arm oif a yin-yang symbol with a dolphin abobe and below.

The two female tourists would find themselves going straight into The Palais Solaris area where the celebrations would begin. And from the simple looks of it, there was lot's of people there around the square, waiting for the festivities to begin.

However. Because the COVID-19 Virus, all people entering to the palace area would have to pass a fever control, which was a basic symptom of the virus. It was quick, just a minute and done.

When they were there, there was a group of four officers in chemical suits and covered with headscarfs, glasses and medical gloves taking fever to those who entered.

"Good morning ladies. Would you please take a fever control before entering this area?? It will only take a few minutes" One of the officers asked, it was the same question they always does ever since three hours ago. It just takes like one minute and done.

---

OOC: Feel free to reply with your AHSCA Account for make things easy for you mate.

Port De Devienne

Choi Envatilia and her best friend Silka de Pluvainsulo fresh from their good night's sleep after arriving in Mervay from Kuronami yesterday now stood out on the streets Port De Devienne, snapping pictures and chatting together about the lovely city. Choi continued to practice her French every so often, best she could unlike Silka who actually could speak it rather conversationally (not exactly fluent but she was the best in her French courses in school). Speaking of school, technically they were missing some of it to be here, but only the first week which always took time to ease students into the new routines. And even then it was partly broken up by a Provencal holiday which meant schools, banks, businesses would be closed for the day, and it fell on a Monday so there ya go!

Plus for Choi, she needed a little R&R, a little fun. Poor girl lost her beloved grandfather earlier, Mazomba's long reigning Governor General, Lord or whatever titles he had due to Mazomba's history of being integrated into Kuronami over the centuries. Silka thought a nice fun trip abroad could really perk her spirits up. Choi had been doing fine as the weeks rolled on and as the new G.G. took over the position by her grandfather but still didn't mean it didn't hurt and it was tough with her mom in Caloris most of the time and her father always on the road for business. She had support of her family's staff which did their best to be more than just employees but confidants and friends to the Young Lady.

As for Silka she was a girl of luxury and wealth, her family line going back to a long history of silk traders and manufactures. It's why she's named for that, after all. Though her family came from an island called Pluva Insulo, literally Rainy Island she had moved to the city of Cunlumo urbo when she was in elementary school. That's how she came to be friends with Choi, Choi was her first new friend and the two were inseparable.

"Aaaaah it's so pretty! Look at that!" Silka pointed out Palais Solaris that stood as the big center piece so-to-speak of the area. She snapped endless amounts of photos like a paparazzi photographer.

"Like some kind of fairy tale castle" Choi noted she flipped open the guide book they bought at the airport when they arrived to read up on the building.

"Oh it's so beautiful, I just love it! Choi can we go?"

"Aaah not sure it's open to the public. "

"Oh good point. Oh well other parts of the city we can still see."

"Mmmm" Choi let out a bit of a melancholy sigh

"What's up, Choi?"

"Just seeing everyone dressed in protective gear....Maybe this wasn't the best time to visit...."

"I asked a bunch of people who know stuff, they all said it was well under control and not a big concern. They wouldn't be having a big party if it wasn't. right?"

"Yeah I guess so."

"Think of it like a hurricane. When it's a tropical deluge just means to be careful and get what you need. When it's a really big storm though that's when it's time to hunker down. This is a deluge. Be careful but we don't need to hunker down. Besides I'm not in the mood for snow and winter."

"We could have gone to Port Serenity it's usually very warm even in winter."

"True. But it's so fun to head overseas! I've always wanted to see Mervay! And put my French to good use. How is yours?"

"Je travaille toujours sur le français. Est-ce correct?"

"Not bad, not bad! Choi just stick with me."

"You're conversational, not fluent, don't get too cocky."

"Oh fine, well we have phrase books worst case scenario. Okay now time for a self picture." She flipped her phone around to grab a cute selfie with the two of them with the mighty Palais Solaris as the backdrop.

Antonie Durant
His eyes were locked on the massive building, this place had a millenium behind it's back, something like 1500 years of history on those walls. And him?? He was just someone passing by to watch that history. Like everyone else, he came here to visit and see the inauguration and parade by his own eyes and not by staying home and watching it on TV or Internet; sure, there's that virus and all, but with how it hasn't touched neither Mervay and it's neighbours here or in the east, it was all calmed, plus it all meant more time to prepare and have a we prepared defence against the virus.

But what it mattered was there and all over the city, while he had lived most of his live here, everytime the festival happened. The city took a special aura around it by the tourists and all the fun happening around for something so important for the culture and history of Mervay and the region of Ardens. And this year, this year wasn't the exception.

As he looked the palace, he noticed two girls taking photos and having fun, something that made him chuckle as that was part of the fun of the festival, how everyone enjoyed it. If they came to where he was to have a first line wiew of the parade, he would let them have it.

---

Then, finally there were news through the news speakers related to why there's no signs of any formal beginning to the parade.

"Attention all people present at the square, the parade and official inauguration of the festival will begin in five minutes! We want to thank your patience, but we need to ask for all of you to keep a balanced distance from the other if possible and wear headscarfs. To those feeling any symptoms of COVID-19, please report at the nearest field hospital for check-up and testing..."

And so it continued, giving recomendations related to the coronavirus as police begun to look around to check if there were possible cases as best as they could and if they were wearing headscarfs, that while not mandatory, it did helped things.