[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/RaBiRgx.png[/img][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1013252756053708901/1067918964698652692/dory.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=006633]Event:[/colour][/b] Drudgunzean Union Volksfest [b]|[/b] [b][colour=006633]Location:[/colour][/b] Ersand'Enise[hr][hr][/center]
[center][url=https://youtu.be/6DF94aFlqow]♫[/url][/center]
The Beer hall is a large, rectangular room with a high ceiling and rough wooden beams overhead. The walls are adorned with colourful banners and flags, depicting the emblems and symbols of various Drudgunzean regions and houses. The room is filled with long wooden tables and benches, all stained and worn with use, and the air is thick with the smells of roasting meat, baking bread, and, of course, the yeasty aroma of beer.

At the far end of the hall is a stage, where a band of musicians plays lively Drudgunzean folk tunes on traditional instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, the bagpipes, and the fiddle. People are dancing and twirling to the music, their laughter and shouts of joy filling the room.
The Volksfest is a celebration of Drudgunzean culture and heritage during Rezain, with people dressed in traditional clothing such as lederhosen and dirndls, many of them sporting colourful ribbons and badges with regional symbols. There are also vendors selling various Drudgunzean specialities such as sausages, pastries, and cheeses, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.

Overall, the Beer hall and the Volksfest is a riot of colours, sounds, and smells, a true celebration of culture and tradition.
Taleja noticed Dorothea stood alone and decided to approach her with a friendly smile. The Kressian wore a flowing dirndl, though modified with long cotton stockings, sleeves, and frilled gloves. She adorned a beautiful white wig, wearing festive ribbons, blending in well with the others attending.

[colour=006633]“Good evening. My name is Taleja, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance. [/colour] She is pleasant and polite, a practised smile plastered on her face. [colour=006633]“I thought we could share some company.”[/colour]
Dorothea however did not wear anything past a true Feskan dirndl, the colours showed her status enough as is. Purple in colour and beautiful patterns sewn into the dress itself. Her collar was adorned with a washed out purple bow that seems to be rather old.

[colour=86608E]“Ah, Good evening.”[/colour] It took the Feskan quite some time to readjust to the sudden greeting. Losing her composure a little. [colour=86608E]“My name is Dorothea, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well.”[/colour] Even after not being prepared for it, Dorothea showed a warm albeit a little awkward smile back.

Taleja's eyes fell upon the purple dress that Dorothea wore, taking note of the intricate patterns sewn into it, and drawn to the faded bow that adorned her collar, which seemed to have been passed down through generations. [colour=006633]"I cannot help but admire your outfit"[/colour] Taleja commented, her voice filled with the sound of curious appreciation. [colour=006633]"Purple is such a regal colour, and it looks beautiful on you. Do you happen to be royalty?"[/colour] she asked, taking note of the crown that sat upon Dorothea's head with a nod.
As Taleja looked around, she noticed the energetic atmosphere of the Volksfest, with people drinking and enjoying themselves. She decided to offer Dorothea a drink, picking up a few tankards filled with a frothy ale. [colour=006633]"It is certainly lively this evening"[/colour] she said, handing Dorothea a tankard. [colour=006633]"It can be overwhelming at times, but it's a nice change from the usual formal events."[/colour]

[colour=86608E]“Royalty? Oh, good heaven's no. I would never try to be able to get to such a status like that.”[/colour] Dorothea laughed it off awkwardly before nodding to herself. [colour=86608E]“No, no, I am but a Count’s daughter. The only reason for the purple is our house’s old prestige and treasury.[/colour] 

Dory, clearly too sober for these kinds of festivities, decided it might be a good idea to take the drink and resisted the desire to empty it in one go. [colour=86608E]“It certainly is lively. If I could choose this over a formal ball, I would choose this one hundred percent of the time.[/colour] 

Taleja smiled and nodded in response to Dorothea. [colour=006633]"I see, well, you still look quite regal in that beautiful dress. It is said the Avincian Imperial Family used to cloth themselves in purple as well, so your family may have a common ancestor with the line of Emperors."[/colour] She brought out a spheric object, which appeared white and powdery, as she placed it within her own mouth then took a sip of her own drink before responding to Dorothea's comment about the festivities. [colour=006633]"I agree completely. It's much more relaxed and easier to approach people than a formal ball."[/colour]

Taleja leaned in closer, showing a genuine interest in Dorothea's family background. [colour=006633]“You mentioned that you're a Count's daughter. May I ask who your father is?”[/colour] her eyes continue to examine Dorothea as she signalled for a refill of their drinks. [colour=006633]“My father is a Graf, or a Comte if you believe the Perrench.”[/colour] She began to express disappointment at the lack of Kressian presence in the event, [colour=006633]“It is unfortunate that some of my fellow Kressians choose to abandon their roots and embrace the Perrench culture and become the so-called sixth tribe of Perrence. But it is heartening to see that there are still those like us who cherish our heritage."[/colour] As their drinks were refilled, Taleja took a sip and waited for Dorothea's response.

Dorothea’s expression darkened before returning to her previous warm smile. [colour=86608E]“My father is Graf Hohnstein, a minor house of Feska.”[/colour] her eyes widened in surprise. [colour=86608E]“Ah, so you’re Kressian? I don’t see many of them around the beerhalle all that often.”[/colour] 

Her interest was further piqued upon hearing about the civil discourse in another nation. [colour=86608E]“Tell me, why do people consider turning towards the Perrench instead of their roots?”[/colour]

Taleja had her head shaking in disappointment as she explained the subject, [colour=006633]“They have chosen to align themselves with Perrence in the hopes of them lending on their power and provide opportunities. However, in doing so, they have turned their backs on their own people and sold their souls to a foreign kingdom.”[/colour]

She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts as she directed attention at the various colours and heralds around the hall. [colour=006633]“But I do not believe that we should turn towards Eskand and Perrence for power and opportunities. We should instead focus on building unity among ourselves, the Drudgunzean people. We should embrace our history and culture, and work towards preserving and promoting it, to create a force that can stand on its own.”[/colour] She offered a slight smile as she sipped her drink, [colour=006633]“One can only dream.”[/colour]

Dorothea followed her conversation partner by taking a sip of her tankard. [colour=86608E]“Unity would be possible if both Huulendam and Kerremand would cease their hostilities.[/colour] a slight smirk appeared on her face [colour=86608E]“Be they Kressian, Helbanisch or Feskan. Without Huulendam and Kerremand we will be nothing but a medium power at best.”[/colour]

Taleja nodded in agreement with Dorothea's statement. [colour=006633]"Indeed, the hostilities between Huulendam and Kerremand hinder our progress as a people for far too long. Perhaps it is time for a new approach.”[/colour] Her eyes gaze at the Feskan as she drank more of the ale.  [colour=006633]“Care to share your insight?”[/colour]

The Feskan put a finger on her chin. [colour=86608E]“Let me think.”[/colour] Dorothea looked rather confused. [colour=86608E]“Hostilities would only stop if they could unite under a massive threat. The only realistic one being Perrence or perhaps….”[/colour] A soft chuckle escaped her. [colour=86608E]“You could say perhaps Eskand, but they’re barely able to light a candle if you combine the minds of both states.”[/colour] 

Dorothea let out a sigh. [colour=86608E]“But to make Perrence the main enemy is a very volatile effort, seeing as the Huulendamisch crown is currently aligned with them. Perhaps we could have both of them step away from their allies. However, Kerremand’s alliance with Revidia would give a united Drudgunzea a much more powerful stance in the world’s sphere.”[/colour]

[colour=006633]"So you would propose a rift being created between Huulendam and the Perrench to consider them to switch sides. Though this would cause Kerremand to have the advantage which they could exploit, or even the threat of it would be enough to disrupt such an effort. How would you approach this?”[/colour] Taleja proposed a problem, one common in politics, where such things are always done as a delicate balance.

[colour=86608E]“That is the issue. We have to make it look like the Perrench care more about their other allies than them, perhaps the Eskandish could skirmish with Huulendam to break out a crisis between two allies of circumstance.”[/colour] Her mind was rattling for ideas to solve the issue at hand. [colour=86608E]“If we had all three other Drudgunzean nations to band together, we could make it so that if either Kerremand or Huulendam takes advantage of these delicate politics, they’d attack the aggressor. It would serve as a deterrent of sorts.[/colour] A rather annoyed look appeared on her expression. [colour=86608E]“Problem is, Kressia can’t do much without the Perrench consent at the moment, Helbahn has not been too active and has Eskand to deal with… And Feska as of now would remain neutral just to keep the trade going.”[/colour]

Taleja pursed her lips. [colour=006633]“The wouldn’t the simpler solution to arrange for Huulendam to be invited first to address the imbalance? Kerremand wouldn’t attack it if it was fully surrounded, then petition to join the Central Alliance and have Kerremand’s allies persuade it to join the Union.”[/colour] She tapped her finger upon her tankard as well. [colour=006633]“You appear to have written off Hendland as well. Curious.”[/colour]

[colour=86608E]“That could be a simple solution, however Kerremand could take offence to not being invited, or they could see it as a conspiracy against them. I think having both at the negotiating table at once would be most advantageous in order for the hostilities to burn out.”[/colour] Dorothea took a break to take another sip from her ale. [colour=86608E]“Hendland has a strict policy of armed neutrality. If you are able to convince them to join, I would truly be amazed. Enth would make a united Drudgunze a power almost beyond Perrence, but I doubt they’d be able to blend well with how they currently are.”[/colour]

Taleja blinked as she considered the comment. Humour. She painted a smile upon her face and laughed. [colour=006633]“If I were able to hold such influence, we would not simply be having a conversation on it.”[/colour] She mulled for a moment. [colour=006633]“Do you have other interests?”[/colour]

[colour=86608E]“Other interests? Well, for one there is baking, hunting and firearms.”[/colour] Dorothea looked at the other before smiling warmly. [colour=86608E]“How about you? Do you have any other interests?”[/colour]

[colour=006633]“Activities that require concentration, preparation, and physical involvement.”[/colour] She reviewed the choices as she reduced them to their common denominators, nodding as she smiled. [colour=006633]“I find comfort in alchemy, often finding myself absorbed in my work. Though I do like to travel when I have the opportunity, and animals appear to enjoy my company. I share your interest in firearms, and I find that Enth’s blasting powder to be my preference for shooting, though it can warp older guns.”[/colour]

[colour=86608E]“You have an interest in firearms as well?”[/colour] Her eyes opened wide from hearing such. [colour=86608E]“Ever got the privilege of shooting with some older models? Wheellocks feel the nicest but a nice matchlock is also fun to use! I’ve used a Huulish Haakbus before, and it truly is a work of art.”[/colour] Her joy and enthusiasm on the subject was almost infectious.

Taleja’s eyes sparkled as Dorothea shared her passion for guns, and the mention of the Huulish Haakbus caught her attention. [colour=006633]“I haven’t had the pleasure of using one myself, but I would love for you to show me.”[/colour] She paused for a moment, [colour=006633]“I was gifted a Pendragon Smoothbore Musket following some work I completed for the Pen Draig family. They used wood marquetry to create a beautiful dragon design upon the stock. It is apparently prized in the Enthish sport of Pigeon shooting, due to its power, reliability, and accuracy.”[/colour]

As Dorothea continued to speak, Taleja couldn’t help but share a mischievous grin. [colour=006633]“You know, I tend to keep a Grutte Pier Flintlock Pistol in my satchel. It is a Kressian pistol, with its design borrowed from Perrence with a few modifications. It’s a favourite of outlaws such as pirates.”[/colour] She patted where the hypothetical satchel at her side would sit, [colour=006633]“You never know when it might come in handy.”[/colour]

[colour=86608E]“Oooh, a Grutte Pier? I have not heard much of those yet. You have to let me fire that Smoothbore Musket some day! I’d love to try it out.”[/colour] Dorothea nodded in agreement. [colour=86608E]“You never know when magic won’t cut it. A firearm never betrays you.”[/colour] She raised her tankard into the air. [colour=86608E]“The greatest invention since bread!”[/colour]

Taleja arched an eyebrow inquisitively as she regarded Dorothea's latest proclamation, touting some new invention as the greatest since bread. But then again, she reminded herself, Dorothea was a baker. [colour=006633]“And to new friendships as well”[/colour] Taleja added with a small smile, hooking her arm through Dorothea's before taking a swig from her tankard of ale.

After downing their tankards of ale, Taleja and Dorothea looked at each other with wide grins on their faces. [colour=006633]“Shall we go dancing?”[/colour] Taleja asked, gesturing towards the lively music coming from the other end of the hall.

Dorothea's eyes lit up with excitement, [colour=86608E]“Yes, let's!”[/colour] she replied as she took Taleja's hand and led her towards the dance floor. They laughed and twirled as they danced, the energy of the music and the crowd coursing through them.

After a few dances, they made their way back to the bar for another round of drinks. [colour=86608E]“This is just what I needed[/colour] Dorothea said, raising her tankard to Taleja, as she clinked her tankard with hers.

As the night wore on, they continued to dance, drink, and enjoy each other's company. They talked about their hopes and dreams, their fears and doubts, and everything in between. It was a night that neither of them would soon forget, a moment of joy and connection in the midst of everything.

As they left the beer hall, arm in arm, they knew that they had forged a friendship. They were grateful for each other's company and knew that they could count on each other in the trials that lay ahead.

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