di santi e studiosi

[Radilo]

Social worker's office, Badua, Radilo
2:00 pm on a Monday

"You've been skipping school a lot," Mr. Alto said, in a disappointed tone.

Aria shrugged, "and you lied to me."

Mr. Alto rolled his eyes, "I wanted to keep you in school. Research shows that people who work before thirteen are more likely to drop out of school."

"So you want me to stay in school so I can do something more than wash dishes?" Aria said with ample sarcasm.

"No," Mr. Alto said to her suprise, "we need busgirls, waitresses, and restraunt workers. Those professions often most derided by teachers are essential to society. Our Republic would collapse without ditch diggers and garbage men much quicker than if it lost social workers. And I know that you are a hard and dedicated worker, and that you will contribute a lot to the Republic. What we do need however are civically educated busgirls and ditch diggers. I know you are smart Aria, but you need to supplement your hard earned wisdom with a formal education. At least for the next year."

Aria's expression softened. "I still plan on quitting next year."

"As is your right as a citizen, but not until next year."

Aria sighed and smiled at the social worker.

"Fine--next year."

After leaving the office she met back up with Tabitha. "What'd he say?"

"He gave up trying to get me to quit working, he just doesn't want me to skip so much."

"Was your sister mad?"

Aria shrugged, "she wasn't happy." Her phone chirped, "she said that since I went to my appointment I can go out tonight, I just have to be home at eight. So she's not that mad. Mr. Alto must have called her."

"Rest of the girls are at Solo's." Said Tabitha as the two made their way to the local vino del sole bar. Sun wine--a sweet, very low-alcohol wine that is generally considered safe for kids to drink--is popular with adolescents, and the places built around selling it are popular hang out spots for friends after school and work.

Outside, it was a plain white building like much of the rest of working class neighborhood. There was an worn old sign, covered with key-carved names and doodles. There were a couple of tables outside by the entrance where some kids were milling about, munching on cheap pizza and fries, sipping on sun wine and sodapop. Inside there was a jovial atmosphere in the little place with dimmed, but colorful lights illuminating a small counter, a few tables, and a pool table. In the corner there was an arcade machine and a jukebox, presently playing an upbeat punk song.

The two girls sat down with their friends. "Paula's treating pizza for the table," Lila said.

"And I expect favors in turn," Paula said, smirking. The rest of the girls giggled at the prospect. A round of sun wine was ordered, and the girls broke out into gossip, complaining about school, family, boys, and jobs. At some point someone brought up what was happening in Pannonia, how it still reaked of death and destitution. The four refugee girls paused for a moment and looked at eachother, and then to their native Radilan friends. In their own way, they each had worked to re-center their identities on being Radilan, they felt at home here... even if never could never be home. It was the glaring contradiction--like how they could the feel numb to anxiety--that they were still coming to peace with.

Aria took a moment to settle some resolve. "To Dante," she declared, holding up her bottle of sun wine. Saluting the revered poet and statesman who was a major cultural touchstone for Pannonians.

"To Dante," the rest of the girls declared.

"For someone who skips so much you have been paying attention in literature class," Tabitha joked. Aria stuck her toung out and the girls broke out into more giggles and resumed their gossiping.


Carlo Orfei International Airport, Nouvo Porto
2:00 PM on a Tuesday

Sebaste Anna Dandolo Of @Pelasgia stood next to her husband Senator Emilio Dandolo II (who had been recently elevated to Senator in response to his wife's recent increase in rank since her brother's Corination). They both wore their finest: the Sabaste wore an elegant blue dress festooned with gold orders and fine diamond jewelry; the Senator wore a modern looking designer tuxedo that contrasted with his senatorial drapeux (a red silk and ermine cape worn over one shoulder).

The gaggle of 12 year olds who stood before them were far more disciplined than the rable of foreign crusaders who had previously been welcomed in Nouvo Porto. Of course these kids were still a bit wide eyed after getting to ride in a private jet. Even for the future elites of Pelasgia, that was quite an experience. But this whole trip was about experiences after all. This exchange program between

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and the University of Badua (Radilo's only secular university), was intended to expose these young minds on to how different cultures work. That partnership was important for Anna, who had funded this program and accompanying scholarships. That she had married a Catholic, and any future children she had would also be Catholic, despite her Orthodox upbringing, informed her motivation. Her scholarship was unique in that it had no requirements to be Orthodox, as was commin in Pelasgia; the pairing worked well because University of Badua was not an explicitly Catholic university. The excitement of this, and seeing a return to normal relations between Radilo and Pelasgia, had been encouraging.

Standing in that gaggle was Viktoria Farkas, the Pannonian refugee who had found academic success in Pelasgia, despite her hardships and her Catholicism (at least for now), she had managed to get into the prestigious boarding school (while working to support her small family) and get this scholarship. She was quite the academic star. That she could also speak Zaran (Radilo's official language) was also a strong line on her CV.

"Benvignùo a la Serenìsima, welcome to the Most Serene Republic, young scholars," Sabaste Anna started, you have all done extraordinary well with your schooling; you are an impressive collection of future leaders. This program aims to further open up your minds to the diversity of not only people's and cultures, but also to diverse ways of approaching academics. Radilo and Pelasgia have different ways of approaching academics, as they do how best to organize and manage society. Do not let those differences intimidate you. Revel in them. Think subversively about them. Challenge yourselves, as you are all clearly comfortable doing. We will be departing for Badua tomarrow morning. But first you should have the opportunity to explore this magnificent city, Radila. I'm sure you've seen postcards. And if you find that there is an awful lot of Pelasgian influence here, do not be suprised."

After letting the students and their chaperones mingle about and gawk at La Città (particularly St. Mark's Square and Basilica, they were treated to one of those banquet style feasts that Radila is famous for... though they were much better behaved than the horde of Deus Vult chanting misfits from earlier in the week.



@San Jose
@Nieveland

 

[Radilo]

Train en route to Badua
9:00 AM

Viktoria lulled between napping and consciousness as the train chugged along. She had always liked trains; for her they had been a symbol of hope. A train took her away from war and to her new home. A train took her, bright eyed, to her new school. Now a train was taking her to a whole new adventure.

In between, she remembered back on helping her classmates navigate la Città.

These gold horses are from Propontis, they took them during th Great Himyari Crusade...

The man said we need to go that way and to the right...

She said it's crudo, it's raw fish, but it tastes very good...

Viktoria's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled wide. It had been a nice, peaceful nap. As the train pulled into the station, the whistle blew a few times, charming. She looked out over the city; it was worn down, but still beautiful. It reminded her of Pannonia; her well worn adaptations allowed her to be at peace with the tug of her emotions. She sighed.

The gaggle of bright-eyed students exited the train; chaperones escorted them to busses for the short ride to the University Commons.

Before them stood two middle aged men. "Benvenuti all'Università di Badua," said Prof. Kalogeropoulos a sociologist from @Pelasgia , "because of your academic success, you have been selected to participate in this young scholars program. Do not let it stress you, the Radilans have a much more casual approach to scholarship, though it is no less thorough. This cross-cultural exchange will challenge you and give you hope for empiricism. Or it will at least try," he said smiling, somewhat mischievously.

The man's companion, Prof. Adalberti, interjected: "You've explored La Città, surely you can handle this peaceful city. Badua is a land of scholars and saints--and there is no risk of falling into the canals. After orientation and you are settled in, you are welcome and free to explore the city."

The orientation was more expedient than Viktoria would have predicted. The Radilan professor was tighter in his wording than she was use to. What he made clear, by his actions and his words was that there would be no long lectures here. Radilan schooling was prompt and the opposite of overbearing... underbearing? The schedule would consist of classes in the morning, taught by a rotation of instructors and fellows that would aim to offer new approaches to the social and bench sciences. The early afternoons would be for cultural events, including matinee live shows and screenings. In the late afternoons and evenings they'd be free to explore the city and surrounding area. Unaccompanied.

"Get into whatever mischif you see fit," Prof. Adalberti said, with a cheeky grin, "So long as you don't resort to violence or robbery, we are unconcerned. Students arriving late tomarrow should not be anxious about it. Appreciate what we have going on here, and don't fear venturing unaccompanied--girls and boys younger than you strike it out on their own in this city."

The Students were given a per diem in Lira for their evening meals, necessary as the conversion rate could pose a challenge.

After the orientation ended, Viktoria allowed herself to wander a bit. She felt self assured, confident even. There were no "scary" neighborhoods to her, unlike her rich classmates. If anything the working class boroughs of this small Gallio-Germanian city felt more secure than the auspicious great halls of Hellenic Himyar. She stopped by a fountain on the corner of some random street, across from a market. It featured a young nun washing a beggar's feet in the bubbling water.

"Santa Maria Xavier of Badua, servant of the downtrodden, died 1547, canonized 1599" the engravings on the base read.

She smiled and made her way to the market to look around. She walked up to one of the fishmongers and looked at what was on offer.

"Are the baby sardines still good?" She asked the man behind the counter.

"They're always good, but they'll get harder to fish for in a few weeks. They're best crudo."

"May I try?"

"Of course," he said smiling, he grabed a couple of the little fish and handed them to the girl who nasched them quickly.

"Where are you from?" he asked.

"Pelasgia, I'm visiting for the young scholars program."

"I meant, where in Pannonia are you from?"

"Kipest," she said quickly, taken aback.

"You look like a northerner," he said, smiling. "Ms. Kipa's restraunt over there started making some good Pannonian food. All of her workers are Zaran. Tell her Bruno sent you and you'll get a bit extra."

She smiled and nodded. She made her way over to the small restaurant.

A girl of about 16 greeted her, "Benvenuto, would you like a table?"

She smiled, "yes, Bruno said this was a good little place."

As the words left Viktoria's mouth, the waitress's demeanor softened, shifting from food industry professional to a sympathetic smile. "I have to concur with Bruno, but I'm biased," she joked. "You're awfully well dressed for a day at the market," she noted her well pressed uniform, as she led her to a table.

"I'm with the young scholars program at the University," she said sitting down, "I'm here from Pelasgia."

The waitress smiled, "well congratulations Ms..."

"My name's Viktoria."

"Ms. Viktoria. I hope you enjoy your time in our well worn little city."

"Thank you, Ms?"

"Call me Emilia."

"Emilia."

As she started to look over the menu she felt a presence looking over her shoulder. She turned to see a girl about her age staring at her. She was shorter than Viktoria, petite, with a round face and large brown eyes, and she had a mop of dark brown hair. Her cloths were dark, well worn, and soft, and she wore a black apron. After making eye contact she smiled and set down the tray of dishes she was carrying. She walked a few steps closer to Viktoria and looked her over a few times.

"You have the hands of a worker, not a scholar," she said to Victoria's suprise, "I'm Aria, from Chirri, outside of Gonzaga, where're you from?"



@Pelasgia

 

[Pelasgia]

Badua, Radillo
Around noon

"Here you go!" Viktoria said excitedly, handing her friend a drawing of horses—of three horses, in fact.

"Are these... Are these the horses that the Crusaders brought?" asked a blinking Aria, surprised at the level of effort that seemed to have gone into the sketch. The stroke of the pencil was delicate and precise, and the shading was just present enough to accentuate the viewer's perspective of the horses, but not to be overbearing.

"Yes!" answered a smiling Viktoria, her pale face slightly blushing as she awaited her friend's comment.

Aria shook her head. "My, you can certainly draw! Did you learn this in school?"

"In school?" A smiling Viktoria asked, reassured that her friend liked her gift. "Well, we have art class at the Great School, but I haven't had much chance to practice there; and my previous school in Aspropol didn't have all that many resources. We did have a good teacher who helped me practice, but it's my grandfather who really taught me."

Aria nodded. "Your grandfather? Is he an artist?"

"Well, he used to be a painter, back in Pannonia. Now, he works for the power utility company in our town; I think he's trying to get a job with MEIP* to move to Propontis, so him and my little brother can be with me." Viktoria paused, realising that she had been only talking about herself all this time. "What does your grandfather do?"
*Mitropolitikì Etaireía Ilektrodotíseos Propontídos (Propontis Metropolitan Power Company), the subsidiary of

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responsible for providing electricity to Propontis.

This time, it was Aria's turn to blush... and not out of anticipation."My grandfather... He's with your parents... I hope they're all in Heaven together, at least, I hope. They didn't make it out of Pannonia."

The two girls fell silent for a few moments. Theirs was a shared pain that no one could put into words, young or old. It could merely be felt, sometimes in company and sometimes in solitude.

"People in Radillo are really rich!" Viktoria said, her eye drifting onto all the fancy cars parked on the street. It was her way of breaking the silence. "You all work hard, true, but I've never seen that many brand-new cars on a street in Pelasgia--except for cheap Pegasus cars, anyway. Maybe it's because you all start managing money early, like the waitresses at Ms. Emilia's."

Aria almost breathed a sigh of relief, and wore a bright smile. "So, how long are you in @Radillo for? Is it for the whole semester?"

The other girl sunk. "Well, it's a pilot programme, so they're only letting us do one month. I'll be back in Propontis after that--just in time for midterms, as if they'd let us escape those. But I think they're also planning to let you guys visit next semester! And, if all goes well, they might let us visit for half a year, or even a whole year, in the first year of lycaeum*."
*High School (Grades 10-12)

Pensive for a moment, Aria seized her friend's hand and started forward. "Where are we going?" Viktoria asked with genuine curiosity.

"To see something you can't see back home!" the other answered. "We have to make the most of your time here, if you've only a month!"​

 

[Radilo]

Badua, sometime after noon

Christina had lost her right hand in a car accident when she was 14. She had been an accomplished cello player by then, and even had hopes of making a career out of it. After a lot of work recovering, she knew that she could never be as good as she'd been before, but she was still better than everyone else. With her artificial hand she was still able to play, and after graduating from the conservatory, she got a job playing for the Badua Pops Orchestra (Orchestra Popolare di Badova). She even made her way up to second chair by the time she was 25. The pops orchestra was less cut-throat than most classical philharmonics, so she was able to enjoy more the company of her fellow musicians. That day they were playing an upbeat and playful composition that included popular music sewed togeather by classical melodies.

She smiled looking out over the audience, as it included mostly young people. Working for a pops orchestra meant that you earned less money, but it meant that you often inspired the love for classical music in many more young people. Besides, as a one handed artist, the bohemian life was more than sufficient.

As the song wrapped up the whole of the orchestra stood up and bowed as the mostly younger audience cheered and whistled. In the crowd were Viktoria and Aria.

"This was more fun than the shows they've taken us to," Viktoria said to her friend.

"Yea, the university students normally go to the fancy orchestra downtown. This one is more fun... and a lot cheaper," Aria responded, smiling. The two girls shared a brief laugh.

"These pop shows are over pretty quickly."

"Yea, they do like five shows a day, with different songs in each one. It's actually pretty impressive."

"The second cellist, she only had one hand... that is surely impressive."

"Yea, Christina is really cool. She use to be Paula's cello teacher, back when her dad was alive."

"Paula... she's the..." Vicktoria smiled awkwardly.

"Hehe, yea. It's not like it's a secret here. The Camorra runs everything, but they're friendly. And they keep everyone safe. Miss Kipa, my boss, she's friendly with them. They get a cut of her rent money every month. They also tip very well," Aria said smiling.

Viktoria looked around the autotorium. "It's fancy here. Everything seems to be."

"It's a pretty working class neighborhood."

"Pannonia wasn't even like this," Viktoria said somewhat awkwardly.

Aria smiled, "like you said earlier, everything is fancy. Art is a birthright, I've been told. Fruit and vegetable salesmen debate about art, everyone knows it. They teach it in school alongside civics. That's probably why you seem to like it here so much. All of the art and none of the stuffiness of that fancy school."

Viktoria stuck her tounge out at Aria and the two girls giggled.


@Pelasgia

 

[Radilo]

Badua, a bit later

Luigi's was a pretty typical bàcaro, or cicchetti bar, in Badua. It had a decent selection of local seasonal delicacies. Not too far from the market, it served as a place to get a quick bite of something local. It was a small, shaded old spot with an inviting, somewhat cave-like interior. Salamis, hams, pears of provolone, and bulbs of garlic hung from the ceiling, along with a variaty of paintings and drawings adorning it's walls. It had a small counter where customers could order cicchetti, or tapas. Viktoria couldn't help but look around the quaint space as Aria ordered for them, admiring the interesting menagerie of works and food before her.

"We'll try two veal Casparrinese*, some baccalà mantecato*, some grilled polenta, a couple of hard cooked eggs with anchovies, some crab claws, and two sardines escabeche*," Aria said as she pointed to the various goodies.

(*thin bite-sized, fried pieces of veal, named after the Italianate-speaking region @Rheinbund; *mousse made from salt cod; *sardines cooked in vinegar)

"And we'll take two glasses of sun wine," Aria finished. Luigi nodded and looked over at Viktoria who was still oogling the artwork.

"Looking at my collection of extended credit?" He asked smiling.

"What?" She asked, "extended credit?"

Luigi smiled, "I let people use their art to cover their bills. These paintings are a form of credit."

"How do you determine how much each is worth?" Viktoria asked.

"It's based on what I like." Luigi said, causing Aria to giggle.

"Maybe we could trade one of your drawings for lunch," Aria said giggling.

Vicktoria stuck her tounge out at her, "my drawings could pay for dinner. And maybe breakfast the next day." She said smirking.

"If you come around again, I would like to look at them. Seriously, you might get a meal or two out of it. I actually sell a lot of these, but some I keep. It's a nice thing, I get to look at beautiful art, have artists as clients, and I get to help the local art scene," Luigi said grinning.

Viktoria pondered for a moment as she fidgeted with her sachel.

"He said later, I got this. You are sweet though," said Aria as she laid a few lira notes on the counter. Luigi gathered the assortment of cicchetti before them, and then poured them two glasses of slightly alcoholic raisin juice from a small barel he had behind the counter.

"Cin cin," Aria said as she and Viktoria clinked.

"I like this place."

"I knew you would," Aria said, grabbing a piece of polenta, "try the baccalà mantecato," she added dipping a piece of grilled cornmeal in the mousse.

Viktoria followed along, enjoying the salty richness and pleasant texture as she swallowed.

"You ordered veal?" she asked, wiping her mouth. "How Gallio-Germanic of you."

"Veal's cheap here... well, not cheap cheap, but not too expensive. And Luigi charges the same for all his cicchetti. They're all 1 lira. It's not all that much veal though, if you look at it, pounded thin and bite-sized. It's a perfect cicchetto, but it probably isn't as expensive as you'd think. I'm more suprised by the crab claws being so affordable. Is veal expensive in Pelasgia?"

"It is. We eat a lot at the Great School, but in my new home town it is scarse. A sign of luxury, really."

"Yea, relative costs are crazy. My sister and I are saving up to buy a refrigerator, but it costs little for veal and fine art here," Aria mused.

"The world is an odd place," Viktoria agreed, sticking a toothpick into one of the aforementioned thin cut fried veal medallions and ploping it into her mouth. Aria did the same.

Viktoria took a sip of sun wine. "I like that," she said, "its like the wine my nagyapa... grandpa let's me sip when we're celebrating, only sweeter, more like a soda-pop."

"Yea, it's only like 2 percent alcohol. So kids can buy and drink it. Teachers say it's bad for us, but they lie about everything fun."

An odd thought crossed Viktoria's head, "what's your schooling like here?"

"I hate it..." Aria sighed, "I mean I understand why we have to go, but I'm looking forward to dropping out." She looked her friend in the eyes, "you're going to go on to take a leading role your new homeland, making Pannonia proud. I'm happy to spend my life washing dishes and waiting tables. In Radilo, they emphasize civics and art at school. I guess if... when I drop out, if I'm a civically engaged busgirl who has informed opinions on art, I'll have done the education system proud. But I'm looking forward to just working."

Aria took a big gulp of her drink, finishing it and signaling for another, "I'm sorry to dump all of that on you."

"Don't be," said Viktoria signaling for he own refill, "people take different paths. I'm trying my hardest at school, but it's hard..."

Aria grabbed Viktoria's hand, "you'll make it though... we've both struggled with our new identities. It's hard to give up being Pannonian. But as a Radilan and a Pelasgian, we don't have to give it up all the way. Soon eneough I'll be a model Pannonian-Radilan waitress or cook, showing to everyday people how Pannonians can adapt. And soon eneough, you'll be seeking elected political office, or a high ranking appointment, bringing our people's cause, and the cause of all refugees to the forefront... we must do what we can... even with limited ambitions."

Aria then quickly munched down on a crab claw, as the two smiled at eachother.

"And I've got more to show you yet," Aria said, grinning mischievously.

 

[Radilo]

Dear Vicki,

I hope you're doing well, and that school isn't too stressful.

So... Emila has been called up early for her training, because she is already out of school. I'm nervous for her, but she's with Zita and their friends--so I guess it's as good as it could be... considering how stressful everything feels now. She's been going to shooting practice every week to prep. She even started jogging and working out. They are going to be paying her... which she's happy about.

Mrs. Kipa is going to close the restaurant down for the season, but she's getting a big tax credit from the government, because most of my sister and I's coworkers are going to be taking part in the resistance training. A lot of things are up in the air. And things will be changing soon.

I convinced Mr. Alto to let my teacher attest that I met the threshold for my advanced civics competencies (as well as basic competencies in arts and sciences). This means I can drop out next week. I'm relieved. I guess with the call up and the general chaos, he's accepted that the circumstances are challenging. I'm taking a few weeks off, but I'll start my new seasonal job soon.

I'll actually be in your neck of the woods for the spring and summer. I'll be working as a busgirl in a fancy resort in San Polo, Valletta. Given the call up, they are even more desperate for workers than before. I'll make more than twice my hourly pay in Badua. Some of the older kids I know work half a year in San Polo, then live off their savings during the off season. Or at least they work reduced hours.

The resort is really posh, I spent a fair bit of time researching the place. I think it caters to aristocrats, they don't come out and say that, but you can tell. It's 15 lira for a glass of sparkling water!

Tabitha is coming with me, which is good because my sister wants me to know someone down there at least. Plus, Tabi knows how to fight. We're sharing a bunk.

There's also a daily ferry to Propontis, and I only work 4 days a week--albeit for 12 hours a day! That's a lot of overtime though. So we should be able to meet up! I'm excited to see Himyar!

I'm nervous for Emilia, but if anyone can handle themselves, it's her. We've all seen and done enough to enjoy some confidence. How's your nagyapa and brother holding up? Do they like living in Propontis? And how's Andreas doing? Has he figured it out yet--or is he as clueless as ever? ;-)

Until next time,
<3 Aria

@Pelasgia

 

[Radilo]

La Grotta, Badua
later that evening

Badua was known for its live music scene. It had a large student population and a long history as a hub for artists. It was a way to be close to La Città without the cost of actually living there. It was also far eneough away from the gravitational pull of Nouvo Porto that you could feel out of the way. Since the 1980s, Badua has been associated with, as dubbed by angsty teens in Occidentia, "Radirock" a lighter, more pop-friendly style of punk that is guaranteed to annoy any metal head in earshot. Its themes reflected the daily, practical gripes of its listeners: the working class issues of crummy jobs and rough home life dramas, and the genre assumed its listeners had dropped out of school. This was in contrast to its sister genre, also very popular in Badua, Alternativa, which featured much vaguer themes and a middle class sentiment. Radirock, despite its name, is actually popular across the Italiote world, including the former Pannonia. So this was a logical next stop for Aria and Viktoria's adventure.

Even if it was likely that their preferred themes would diverge in the comming years.

La Grotta was a big eneough space for a two thousand fans, a place where small acts could get noticed and big acts could keep their street cred. While in a decidedly working class neighborhood, it had been spruced up recently and had added some more upscale accommodations. A testament to the growing economic importance of Badua's gowns. But that was not the section that Aria and Viktoria were standing in. Towards the back, they banged their heads and made the devil sign with their hands. They screamed, as teen girls do, at the rock gods tearing it up on stage, singing about the troubles and missed opportunities of broken neighborhoods. With one last "fuck yea Badua!" they walked off the stage.

After a brief intermission, a band they both heard a lot of growing up in Pannonia strutted onto stage. Some of the locals resented them, as they'd been too "mainstream" for their tastes. They'd been big elsewhere and were still rebuilding their cred. After some heckling, the lead singer looked directly at the hecklers and just said, into the mic, "fuck you." Some of the refugees in the audience cheered. The band had fled out of Gonzaga in a somewhat dramatic fashion, cramming as many of their friends and family as they could on the small private jet their Radilan producer sent over. They did not have approval to land anywhere, so they just chanced it. Their dramatic, unauthorized landing in Nouvo Porto was live streamed by a family member.

They'd changed a lot. The dumb eyeliner and hair dye were left behind--they were in their 40s after all. They'd matured, whatever that meant. The first song they sang, about carrying on after a tragedy, was a major hit after the war. As they belted out the lyrics the lead singer held up the red, white, and yellow Pannonian tricolor. It was tacky, but Aria and Viktoria were both crying as they sang along.

A few more acts came out over the course of the evening, it was past midnight when the concert was over. Aria and Viktoria were both strained and horse after a night of screaming and cheering. Buzzed on raisin wine, the two Pannonian girls were starving.

"Can we get anything to eat this late?" Viktoria said, exhausted, but still energetic after the concert.

"We're in luck..." Aria said, a bit tipsy. "It's something familiar: it's Goulash time."

Viktoria's eyes grew wide, as did her smile, at the recognition of the Pannonian classic. Arm in arm, they made their way to a florescent kiosk. It was ornimented with small plastic Pannonian tricolors, on the corner of an intersection. The two girls marveled at the heart-clogging goodness for sale. Goulash, a traditional sheep and paprika stew, was the main offering, but hot sausages, smoked bacon, and cabbage rolls were also on offer. The girls ordered them all--with two sun wines; it was only 8 lira.

They were giddy, too much so to even talk, they chowed down their food with silent vigor. They'd known what hunger, real hunger felt like, to eat this much was an indulgent pleasure. They didn't need to speak, they could read eachother's faces. It was pure and simple joy. Their bellies were full; their throats were sore; their ears rang; and they were both buzzed. They went back to Aria's and Emilia's apartment and managed to climb up the stairs. Emilia was already sleeping. Aria fetched a sleeping bag and pillow for Viktoria to sleep on, but the two girls ended up just falling asleep in the floor next to eachother. It was a deep and wonderfull sleep.


@Pelasgia

 

[Radilo]

Dearest Viktoria,

I got the tickets! I'll be comming there on the solstice, if that's not too pagan for those stuffy buzz kills you've got across the sea. No, not everyone works here at our age, smart and rich kids have to endure the boring things they subject you to everyday. Even then... didn't you work with a hoe and shovel in your hands the summer when you first got there? Those fancy twats you go to school with, at least the 1/3rd you mentioned, don't like people who work for their wages. I'm glad they'll have to respect you one day at least. Valetta has its share of wankers--God, hanging out with Protestants has added a lot of Engellex slang to my vocabulary--but most of the aristocrats I deal with are surprisingly cordial. New money seems the most put off by my presence, in a hurry all the time. Dinner is supposed to last 3 hours--and I'm just here to collect your used dishes--I can't make your pasta come out faster! New money is only about 1/4 of the people I deal with, though. 1/2 are old money aristos and 1/4 are tourists and politicians. I actually met the Foreign Minister, he was panicking on the phone about @Corrientes and that coup...

...sorry for the mini rant, you'll hear plenty more in two weeks.

I'm glad you've gotten into a group. You've already met my mad little friend group, and I'm looking forward to meeting yours. Even if you're all a bit odd by your fancy school's standards, I don't think they've interacted much with a 13 year old drop-out who's more than content to work as a bus girl. I'm looking forward to possibly corrupting them with working class laissez-faire.

It is odd now, being noticed by boys. I can't say I mind it all that much though. Some of the older girls I work with said it is good for tips. Im still a bit squeemish about it that prospect, but I did meet a cute rich boy--he took me out for some sun wine a couple of times, but he was only in Valetta for a week. I'll tell you all about it later. I will say that he was old money, and I got to ride in a Maserati SA 23.

My sister is still in the service, since it was extended because of the ongoing conflict. She is living back home in Badua, she's helping prep the local defense forces. I miss her often, and I kinda feel guilty not visiting her yet, but she told me not too--she wants me to have some fun before prepping for war. It's the same madness we had to run from before... we can worry about it when I get there. I'm looking forward to meeting your nagyapa and brother--I'm glad they're with you in the Capital.

We'll be hanging out soon eneough.

Loves, Aria
(There's more Protestant slang for you.)

@Pelasgia

 

[Radilo]

Badua
8:30 AM

Viktoria woke with a fright--she'd slept in! She grabbed her phone and started to frantically look at the time.

"It's Sunday," the girl laying next to her said, "you're not late for anything." As Viktoria came to her senses, she remembered where she was, sleeping on some blankets and pillows on Aria's and Emilia's apartment floor. As here eyes cleared of their fog and sand, she saw Aria smiling at her. She propped herself up a bit and looked around the room. It was the same well worn apartment she'd become comfortable in over the last week.

Emilia came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. "Bathroom's free," she said to the two young girls. "We're going to leave for church in an hour."

"Church?" Viktoria asked.

Aria chuckled, "despite what some people say, Radilo isn't filled with godless heathens. Most people here are practicing Catholics, like back ho--back in Pannonia. You are welcome to come with us, if you want to."

Viktoria thought about it for a moment, remembering what her nagyapa had said about keeping some part of their pre-war identity. She'd already gotten into the school she wanted--screw it. Catholics lived in Pelasgia since the dawn of Christendom, so a Catholic she'd stay. "I'd love to go with you, but it's been a while since I've been to a service."

Aria smiled, "it's not like mass changes that much. You can wear one of my veils."

"Veils?" Viktoria asked, suprised. "Catholic girls still wear veils to church in Radilo?"

Aria chuckled, "its an opportunity to wear an accessory. And Radilans never pass up the opportunity for more fashion accessories. You should see some of the designer brands the rich girls wear."

"Why doesn't that suprise me," Viktoria smirked.

"You can get a shower next, I don't mind taking colder ones," Aria said, "besides, you are the guest."

Viktoria rolled her eyes "well thank you, most gracious host."

The two girls shared a laugh.

"The towels are on the rack by the sink, and the controls are a bit complicated," Aria said as Viktoria got up and headed towards the bathroom.

The dorms at the Great School were last plummed in the 1920s, "So I'll be fine," Viktoria thought to herself as she walked into the small bathroom. Upon further inspection of the tub, however, she began to lose her confidence.

"Ouch--fuck!" Aria heard through the bathroom door as she lingered in the makeshift cocoon of blankets and pillows on her apartment's floor. She suppressed a giggle.

"Okay, so that's hot... so this must be--DAMMIT!" Aria audibly laughed at that.

"It's not funny!" Viktoria shouted through the door.

"I respectfully disagree," Aria bantered back as she went to the kitchen to make herself an espresso.

After Viktoria had finished washing and drying she walked, towel draped, into the common area. Her nostrils currled some, there was a lot of spice in the air.

"Emilia's making spicy fish and noodle soup for brunch--nothing's open on Sunday, so we gotta cook for ourselves," Aria said, in a chipper tone.

Viktoria smiled, "that sounds lovely--"

"But you'll need cloths," Emilia said, walking in from the kitchen, with a bit of a smirk.

Viktoria nodded.

"That band t-shirt you wore last night probably isn't appropriate for church," Emilia said nonchalantly, as she looked through a dresser, "you're a good head taller then Aria, but just as scrawny--"

"Hey!" Aria protested. Emilia winked at her sister, who rolled her eyes.

"So you can borrow one of my dresses, even if it will likely be a bit loose on you."

As she said this, she opened a closet door and took out a modest sundress.

"You can borrow one of Aria's veils as well," she said smiling at the still towel clad girl.

Viktoria took a moment to giggle, "I feel welcomed and mildly threatened."

"Tianèla food is a part of life here," Emilia giggled along with Aria who was slipping into the bathroom, "its something fun to enjoy."

Emilia made her way back to the kitchen as Viktoria got dressed.


@Pelasgia @Tianlong