NationStates Jolt Archive

Oh, it's been around for quite a while. Several hundred years old at least. The dragon answered. Where do you want to go next? There's the Thousand Lakes to the west or the city of Theed to the East.

"Lakes? Wow, can we go down, I would like to see the lakes."

bumpage

"Lakes? Wow, can we go down, I would like to see the lakes."
Right! Here we go! Shifting west, the dragon headed over the Thousand Lakes City, actually surrounded by two thousand different lakes all connected together in one huge marsh. The ground here is unsuitable for farming, so it might as well be the largest dinosaurian nature preserve in Coredia. Saurpods and hadrosaurs could be seen from the air, with a number of ceratops and other dinosaurs. If Catalina looks closely, she could spot a T-rex hunting...

She stepped off readjusting the the sudden altitude change. "Lovely. Reminds me of home. Belive it or not we do have some pine wood forests with lakes and...Woah!"

She jumped back as a Brachesaurus took a giant munch of the trees. "Dinasours, okay now I feel like I've been thrown into Jurassic Park."

OOC: Um, they're still in the air.

oh

She stepped off readjusting the the sudden altitude change. "Lovely. Reminds me of home. Belive it or not we do have some pine wood forests with lakes and...Woah!"

She jumped back as a Brachesaurus took a giant munch of the trees. "Dinasours, okay now I feel like I've been thrown into Jurassic Park."
The Dragon chuckled. There's quite a funny story there. You see, the events of Jurassic Park actually happened about a hundred years ago when we started learning how to clone animals. Someone decided that it would be a good idea to grab some hundred million year old DNA from amber, then splice the broken bits of DNA with bird, dragon and alligator DNA as they are their closest descendants, then make a big theme park out of it offshore. Suffice is to say, the dinosaurs multiplied, broke loose and caused quite a panic for a while until President Tenchi Masaki decided to buy up land to create nature preserves for the dinosaurs. The Thousand Lakes was the first Dinosaur Nature Preserve that resulted from the experiment. Of course, they and their plant counterparts soon spread to all corners of Coredia, and they supplanted the ecosystem, caused a bit of an issue between the goverment and the tree-huggers, but the ecosystem stabilized and you can see the results here.

"Your kidding me. I mean I know it was a great movie and excellent book (OOC: The book really was pretty cool) but a true event, I never would have imagined."

"All fictional works have a grain of truth in them, some more than others." The Dragon said. Then he landed. "I know you want to take a look around, but be careful, ok?"

(OOC: sorry I took so long)


"Okay I will be careful." She looked around, the land seemed barron and productive at the same time. Trees and nothing. Amazing crystal clear water though, looked like it was completly safe to drink, not that she was going to.

The dragon watched the young girl protectively, his senses wary of any predatory dinosaurs.

Catalina took pictures at the occasional wondering dinasour.

"Thanks a lot for the tour, will you please take me back to the port, I need to prepare for the night and take off tomorrow."

As you wish. The Dragon waited until the girl climbed safely onto his back before taking off.

A little while later, they arrived at the port of Atlantis.

Catalina was returned to port, where she reprovided her self for the trip. Low and behold her camera was there, with a bow on it, and a card, wishing her luck. She did leave it in Magic Sorcery afterall.

She turned the camera on. "Hey, it's been a while, many of you I'm sure are wondering if I'm still alive. Well I am, a little batterd but much better. I got caught in a very bad storm and was fortunate enough to be rescued and put into CoreWorlds, and I bought a new boat, so tomorrow mornining I'll be on my way." the sound of pattering and thunder caught her attention "Well speak of the devil sounds like it's going to storm tonight. Anyway, I have I guess I better rest tonight, so good night, and mama and papa, I love you, I'm okay, and I really miss you both."

She shut off the camera she curled up and after sheding a few tears of more homesickness she slept.

As a few more days passed it seemed like it was getting inceasingly rough. It hadn't been smooth since she left CoreWorlds. A few nasty storms between the days and sometimes the nights.

She went above deck with her camera, despite being half dressed she turned it on

"Hey, it's me, well I'm currently on my way tooo.... Neuve Italia. It honestly hasn't been very pleasent the last few days, not as smooth as I was hoping. I've hit a few bad storms but I'm okay non the less. Uh you can see it's cloudy so not a lot of sun, but for some reason it feels way hotter than under blue sky. Hence my dress. And the fact my bathing suite was in my last boat which of course is in pieces all over the ocean." She lauged "But I very much like this boat, it's held up through some rough days and nights, and is still right now. Well a few days more I'll be firmly on the ground in Umvitz, so long."

She shut it off and lied back admist the constant swaying of the boat on the choppy seas

~ As Catalina's small boat came closer and closer to Isola Dorata, the ocean became calmer and lost its dark hue. Instead, the waters lightened to a crystal aquamarine, and the sky followed suit. The sun shone brightly, and white, whispy clouds drifted lazily in the air.

It would have appeared only as a small green rock from afar, but Nueve Italia was just ahead from the boat: Its coastline glistened as the waters lapped at the white beaches, its rolling hills stood lush and green for this time of year, and its chief port city, Cítta di Sol, reflected its magnificence into the water. One could not help but draw in a breath at first sight: It truly was breathtaking.

The city itself was built in the coastal Italian style: brick and clay houses covered with brightly colored ceramic rooftops. Its streets were wide and lined with shops and parks, and one could easily follow the winding road that lead away from the city and into the countryside. Because the waters had beat against the land so often, the city itself was built on top of the cliffs that had naturally occured. It had no skyscrapers, no modern buildings: everything was traditionaly built and maintained. It was simply beautiful.

http://www.localidautore.com/images/image_img_resortfoto_16.ashx

A worker at the Docking Authority in Cítta di Sol spied Catalina's ship coming in to port, and immediately hailed her. She had been given Imperial Protectorate status, and was therefore to be treated as if she were the Emperor himself. The worker brought his mouth to the communications device and spoke out in perfect Spanish,

" Catalina Asturias of Granade Turquesa Isla, you have been given docking clearance for Dock 19, slightly Northwest from your current position: you won't miss it. You will have a ride and escort waiting for you when you dock. Hail back if you understand."

The radio operator sat back in his chair and waited for the response from the young girl. . .~

Transmission

Approach the Frozopian coastline and we will blow you out of the water.

End Transmission

OOC: Ya wanted me to type more? Tough.

OOC: waiting for Granade Turquesa Isla to reply. . .

OOC: Remember the time of year, she may not be able to post.

(OOC: Sorry about my delay, just busy getting ready for Christmas)

"Roger I understand all right."

She maunuverd towards Dock 19 and docked up. The sun was now shining which put her in better spirits

OOC: :eek: sorry, almost forgot about Christmas!

~ A sleek, black, Nueve Italian luxury car had pulled up near the dock and a young man, probably in his very early twenties, in a white-pinstriped blue suit stepped out. His hair, thick and dark, was combed forward and left hanging over his forehead, as if it were held up by some unseen force. He wore dark sunglasses, but removed them as he approached Catalina's boat, revealing intense, green eyes. As Catalina finished docking, he extended his hand to her to help the girl down from the boat.

" Welcome to Nueve Italia!" he greeted her warmly, warmer than the land itself in that part of the country, " I'm Basilio Cazzarello. I trust you're voyage has gone well?"~

"Oh it's had it's struggles and triumphs. But I'm fine. This is a bueatiful place"

~ Basilio smiled at the comment as he led the way back to the car.

" Grazie signora, this place truly is a haven. Our people, you see. . . up until the past few years, our history hasn't been pleasant. . ." he paused and became very somber for a moment, reflecting back. The remembrance of the war flashed through his mind and then was gone in another fleeting instant.

" But, no history lessons today. I've been instructed to take you anywhere you want to go in the country and allow you to do almost anything you want. Is there anything in particular you need? We are allowed to travel anywhere, from the beaches here at Cítta di Sol, all the way to il Picco di Neve in the North, very popular this time of year for skiing and such."

He stopped for a moment, and let Catalina take all this in.

" So, it's all really up to you. What would you like to see or know about Nueve Italia?"~

"I would love to learn about the culture."

~ The guide motioned Catalina to the car, and they both stepped in.

" Nueve Italian culture is a mix of Italian, Spanish, and, not too recently, Russian heritage."

The driver had left the car running, and soon, they were cruising through the various streets, watching the people live their various lives and taking in the sites.

" Our official title is the Holy Imperial Republic of Nueve Italia, and with good reason: the dominant religion is Roman Catholic, and just over ninety percent are practitioners, although we also practice freedom of religion."

The car drove by the shoreline. People were sprawled out all over the beaches, and many more were in the water; Bathing, surfing, swimming, they were all just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful day.

" While we don't have an official language, almost every Nueve Italian knows Italian, Spanish, and English, and Russian too is becoming prominent in schools and everyday life. Some days we start our conversations in one tounge and end in another."

As the beachfront disappeared, a small town square came in full view, including a tall, yet quaint Church. In front of the steps, in a small garden, was a Nativity scene. Many cars parked outside of the Holy building signaled that a service was currently going on.

" The nation was formed about twenty five years ago out of forty seven different, independent provinces. The Italian half was in the north of the old country, and the Spanish in the south. Through diplomacy and war, the nation was united, although the unification was sketchy for several years."

Driving down an avenue decorated for Christmas, the driver stopped in front of a family-run diner. Basilio opened his door and then held his hand out for Catalina.

" I thought you might be hungry after your voyage, so I had arranged a small luncheon. Would you be interested in sampling some of the local flavor?"~

"Terrific. I'm really hungry right now."

She hopped out of the car.

~ The pair stepped into the restaraunt and were seated immediately. Their waiter approached the table, greeted them, and told them the house specials of the day, of which was Zuppa di Mar, or soup of the sea, an Angel-hair pasta tossed over in a red clam sauce with mushrooms and basil, a rack of lamb, grilled, and served with a whole porotbello mushroom, also grilled, and freshly caught shrimp in a white vodka sauce over linguine. Basilio asked that they wait a moment to order, but asked that a specific bottle of wine be brought to the table.

It arrived in no time, along with two glasses. It was a raspberry flavored wine, with hints of hazelnut, chocolate, and, for the holidays, a quick dab of cinammon. Basilio poured the wine, and handed Catalina a glass.

" I'm not sure what the custom is from Granade Turquesa Isla, but here, wine is served with every dinner. Salud, Catalina."

And with that he raised his glass.~

"I don't mean to be rude, but Unless I'm 22 I can't drink whine. Except in Chruch and in that case it's a small ammount."

~ Basilio nodded, and put his glass down then.

" Very well, I shall respect your culture and laws then."

He asked that the bottle and glasses be brought away, and within seconds, they were.

" Do you know what you'd like to order? They serve the best cuisines of Italian and Spanish origin in here."~

"Hmm, there are a few of these Italian Dishes I'd love to try. Naturally being Spanish and Portoguese I don't need the Spanish Dishes." She chuckled.

Basilio let out a quick chuckle, and then pointed to a selection on the menu.

" This here is one of my personal favorites: it's a rigatoni in a light, sweet, orange pepper cream sauce served under a piece of fresh orange Roughy, a rather delicious fish. Are you partial to seafood?"~

"Well naturally, long line of fishers in my family. All right, maybe if I could add shrimp as a topping, it sounds very good."

~ Basilio nodded and brought the waiter over, telling him Catalina's order.

" And for myself, veal marsala over linguine."

" Certaintly sir."

The waiter walked away to place in their order while another brought water to drink.

" So, tell me about yourself Catalina," Basilio inquired. . .~

"Well I'm 16 years old, I come from a small costal town in the west. I'm still an only child but I'd like a baby sister honestly. I live with my mom and stepfather, and I miss them right now. I honestly feel like I'm very lucky, I've escaped fate several times, while on this trip. Once I was caught in a bad storm and the Ri-an people saved me. Then I was on my way to Coreworlds and got caught in another bad storm. Only this time my boat was destroyed and I was left adrift, but of course the nice people pf Ri-an saved me again. Now I have a new boat which is holding up nicely. I'm of both Spanish and Portoguese decent, and I have a little English in my blood. "

~ Basilio listend intently to the girl's story, and then realized that perhaps he ought to do something for her.

" Must've been a dreadful storm, but with your boat being destroyed, you must have lost most of your supplies, yes? After lunch, would you care to try and find some replacements? Clothes, food, medicine, the like?"

As he finished, the meal was brought out before the two of them. The smells were absolutely mouth-watering, but Basilio wanted to let Catalina try her dish first. . .~

"It was an awful storm. The worst I've ever been through in my life, and I've been at sea numerous times. I best go shopping for somefurther items for my trip. Thank you." She said to the waiter.

She took a bite. "Hmm. This is really good."

~ Basilio grinned at Catalina's expression.

" If it's one thing our people are known for out of everything else, it's our cooking."

He took a small piece of his veal as well, savoring the taste. He raised his glass and took a small sip of water to wash it down, and then cocked an eyebrow at the girl.

" Was there anything you wanted to know about myself?"~

"Well it's not polite to pry into adults lives. But okay, well are you married? Were you born here? What do people do for fun here?"

~ Catalina's guide stifled a laugh but could not help letting out a chortle upon hearing the word "adult". He waved his right hand back and forth slightly.

" Adult? Signora, I am only nineteen. My father, Senator Daniele Cazzarello, is a good friend of the Emperor, and he thought it best that a "younger member of the Republic" be here to meet you. Please, don't let the looks fool you: I'm actually a freshmen in La Universita di Cítta Verde, and I wanted to major in aeronautical engineering. I want to build planes. . ."

He stopped and dazed for about two seconds then regained his focus.

" So, to answer your other questions, no, I was not born here: I was born on Isola D'Argenta, or Silver Island in English. It was. . . the original homeland of Nueve Italia. . . It no longer exists."

Once again, the sadness that Basilio had remembered from the docks came back. He shook it off, determined not to remember.

" My heritage is Nueve Italian, the blend of Italian and Spanish cultures that we have here. As for fun, here in the south we enjoy surfing, sandboarding, parasailing, windsurfing. . . myself, well. . ."

He thought for a minute, and then smiled.

" Would you like to see after lunch what I do for fun? It's something. . .strange, perhaps, but it's as beautiful as it is breathtaking."~

"Well you are older than me, respect for elders, 19 is age of adult hood in GTI. Well I would love to see what you do."

~ Seeing that they were pretty much done with their meal, Basilio stood up and left the waiter a generous tip along with the tab for the meal.

" Strange, twenty one is considered adulthood here, but alright then. Here, come on, I'll show you."

Basilio led Catalina to the car and they sped off back towards the docks.

" You see, our scientists have perfected something that we call the Aeromar: think of it as an underwater airplane, and I happen to know how to fly one. . ."

Basilio let this sink in as the car made its way towards the waterfront. . .~

"You can fly?" She said excitedly. "I've never flown before."

~ Basilio looked a bit surprised.

" Never? Never been in a plane? Heh. . ."

The car pulled up to the docks and finally stopped.

" But it seems you've got the wrong idea," Basilio corrected Catalina, " I can fly sure, but this plane doesn't go up: it goes down: It's a plane that "flies" underwater."

The pair stepped out and made their way over to a closed dock that had a sleek, red and white craft resting in the water.

http://www.deepflight.com/images/opport_2.gif

" This," Basilio said proudly, " is an Aeromar."

The guide opened up the hatches for the craft, and motioned for Catalina to step in the back cockpit. He held out his hand to help her in.

" Care to go for a ride? There's a beautiful reef just off the coast, if you'd like to see."~

"Oh my, underwater, just like a submarine. Please take me by all means."

~ Basilio helped Catalina into the rear cockpit of the ship, and then jumped estatically into the front cockpit.

" I warn you," he joked with a grin, " it's been awhile since I've used this. . ."

The hatches closed and locked, and Basilio taxied the craft out towards a deeper part of the water.

" Take a good look at the city, from here. . . because now. . ."

He pushed the throttle forward the ship and dived down.

" It's gone."

The first dive was, indeed, breathtaking. The sun shone right through the crystal water, and right below the surface could be seen dozens schools of colorful tropical fish, covering the blue water with purples, oranges, and bright reds. Diving a bit further, the pair saw a dolphin ahead, swimming carefree in the warm water. The scene itself was amazing.

" Well, it's your choice right now," Basilio said over the comm system that connected the two hatches together, " We can either go straight to the reef, or," he pointed the nose of the craft to the dolphin, " we can see if we can keep pace with our friend up there."~

OOC: Last post for the night, signing off, Goodnight, will reply tomorrow Morning

"Okay, let's go the reef."

(OOC: good night)

~ Basilio turned the stick to the left and gave a slight pressure on the left pedal, and the craft turned to face the rest of the ocean. They travelled on for a bit, looking at the various aquatic creatures and colorful mediterranean sea plants.

" We're here."

At first there was nothing, but soon the Aeromar came over an oceanic cliff and below was an amazing sight: a reef full of colors. It were as if a rainbow had been dropped into the ocean and ever playful water animal had come to swim and frolic in its awesome clash of colorful coral. The dolphin from before swam by, brushing right up against Catalina's glass cockpit, and Basilio pulled the stick up a bit to level them out of the continuous dive. Suddenly, he got an idea.

" Hey. . . would you like to fly it? It's quite simple really, the stick will bring us up and down and roll us left and right, the pedals turn us left and right respectively, and the buttons on the left and right of the stick can be used to make us turn sharper."

When no reply came for a moment, he added, " Don't worry, nothing will go wrong. I promise."

The reassurance in his voice was sound and comforting, but Basilio knew that it was up to Catalina herself if she wanted to try it.~

"Well all right." She hestiantly took the controlls and began navigating. "Wow." was all she could utter at the unsurpassed bueaty.

"This is amazing."

Out in space obscurred from detection, a Ri-anese Octopus ship continued to track Catalina's progress. A team of well trained Aquamarinians stood bye incase a rescue was needed.

OOC: Just a note letting you know I'm still here. I'm not saying something something will happen, or that something should happen, but all the same, if something does happen, I'm still here.

Out in space obscurred from detection, a Ri-anese Octopus ship continued to track Catalina's progress. A team of well trained Aquamarinians stood bye incase a rescue was needed.

OOC: Just a note letting you know I'm still here. I'm not saying something something will happen, or that something should happen, but all the same, if something does happen, I'm still here.

OOC mind if i send a ship to back Ri-an's one if that's ok with both of you

OOC mind if i send a ship to back Ri-an's one if that's ok with both of you

OOC: While you might get her to visit your nation, She's just one character in a small boat. I highly doubt any MT military could possibly give me that much trouble, especially when most things I've done involve simple rescue from storms. Its not a war. It was just the only way I could think of to let her know I'm still here, without godmodding my way into Nueva Italia's environment. I don't even know if he has Octopi or squid in his oceans.

OOC: While you might get her to visit your nation, She's just one character in a small boat. I highly doubt any MT military could possibly give me that much trouble, especially when most things I've done involve simple rescue from storms. Its not a war. It was just the only way I could think of to let her know I'm still here, without godmodding my way into Nueva Italia's environment. I don't even know if he has Octopi or squid in his oceans.

OOC i have seen how you did it, i would beam her and her boat into one of bays if she needs help ,as for Vekta no one but you have been there

I don't even know if he has Octopi or squid in his oceans.

OOC: Yes, the southern sea of Nueve Italia closely resembles the Mediterranean, so there would be octopus and squid.

~ Basilio was quite surprised how easily Catalina took to the controls of the machine.

" Wow, you sure you haven't done this before?" he jested.

They explored for quite a bit more when Basilio chimed in over the radio again.

" Feel free to take us back whenever your ready, or you can press the button to the left of the control stick to let me take control again."~

"No I swear I haven't done this before." She took a while longer to awe at the beuaty, and get mezmorized by a small whirrle pool. She snapped back and switched the controlls over beck to him. "You can take us back."

bump

OOC: Sorry for no post in awhile, Merry Christmas and Hapy New Year!
_____
IC:

~ Basilio smiled as the controls once again returned to him.

"Alright signora, we'll be back on the dock in a couple of minutes."

The young diplomat turned the craft back towards shore, slowed it down so that they could get one last look at the reef, and then sped off towards the docks.
_____

Ten Minutes Later

The Aeromar was safely stowed back in the dock, and Basilio once again helped Catalina out of the craft. They stood for a second longer, and then Basilio motioned towards the car.

" Where would you like to go next? I'm sure you'd like to get some new clothes, items, and such?"~

(OOC: under stood it was the Holidays. A merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. Or to be proper: Happy merry Christmahannakwanzaka)

"Yeah if you could take me shopping I would like that."

bump

OOC: sorry, I've been really sick lately (mono), trying to post when I could.

IC:
_____

~ Basilio nodded and flashed a quick smile at Catalina as he helped her in to the car. They pulled away slowly towards the city once more, and once again the Renaissance-style architecture surrounded the two. Slowly, the car inched its way through the traffic and pedestrians to arrive in the aptly named Garment District, home to several famous designers in Nueve Italia such as Amaranta, Eustorgio, Maria Elena, and Palmiro. The car slowed to a stop within walking distance of any of the major stores, and Basilio hopped out, opening the door for Catalina after he had strode around the car.

" Well, we're free to buy what you like. Just walk around until you see something, ok?"~

"Sure" Cat walked around looking at the various clothing. She needed something lasting, and wouldn't soak up water like a sponge. She could also use new rain gear, boots a coat a hat. She found the perfect clothes for her, and they were also inexpensive to. She tried on all of them and was pleased with what she saw. She had clothes that would last her the rest of her tip now.

~ After walking for an hour or two, admiring the city's beauty, Basilio and Catalina had come to a small sidewalk cafe, were they shared a table to rest and enjoy the pleasant weather. Basilio had ordered a cappuccino for both of them: the creamy froth warming them, as the temperature had begun to chill as night fast approached. The pair talked for awhile, just getting to know eachother better, when Basilio looked down at his watch.

" Hmm, almost forgot too. . . That would have been a problem."

Catalina asked him what he was mumbling about to himself. Quickly looking up at her, he stood slowly, left a few contantis on the table to pay for the drinks, and then held out his hand for the guest of honor.

" My apologies, but I forgot that there was something we were meant to attend. Do you think you have the energy to make it through the night? There was a. . . ceremony, of sorts, that I was supposed to take you to."~

"Oh don't worry about me, I'm fine."

You could dock in my coastal capital, Lorai

OOC: Hmm, this looks like an interesting thread... where's your current location and what's been happening lately?

Tagvaar's heavy boots thudded on the wooden boards of the docks. His thick, standard issue imperial cloak blocked out the sharp chill of the northeastern winds but the air still managed to bite at his dark cheeks. Waves of dark ocean water smack angrily against the encrusted wooden pillars of the docks, as though it had no right to bare their path. The smell of salt and sewage emptying into the bay was pungent and the dock was alive with the constant calling of sea-birds and men.

A group of dockworkers were huddled around a lit brazier, warming their hands as they waited for another ship to dock. Tagvaar walked up to the brazier and hovered his hands over the red coals. Though he wore the uniform and blade of an imperial soldier, the men paid little attention to him, preferring to suck on thin cigarettes and pass around a paper.

"What's that?" Tagvaar inquired to the man holding the paper.

"Girl in a ship," he mumbled. He passed the slightly damp piece of paper to Tagvaar. It was an issue of the Raven's Eye talking about a young woman sailing around the world.

"I'd never let my daughter do that," one of the men said.
"Foolish," said another.
"Brave," commented a third.

"Foolish but brave," offered Tagvaar. The second man nodded then sucked from his cigarette and let out a thin trail of green smoke.

Later that evening, Tagvaar dined with Cyrus. Her head cocked in interest at the story of the girl. After he left, she sat in her library beside the fire, her fingers curling in an intricate pattern, her eyes unfocused but steady.

In the black depth of the Gulf of Huautqaut, a figure uncurled.


((OOC: Al Ramir, she's in Nueve Italia, a Mediterranean nation, shopping for clothing.))

Having heard about this global trip, and finding that they are currently in the Mediterranian Sea, we welcome you to our growing capital city of Al Ramir, a modern city mixed with historic monuments and tons of history along the Mediterranian coast!

We would love to have you come and see our country and our capital, learn of our history and our plans for the future!

Deep within the salty brine, tentacles twitch and wriggle with a rhythmic intensity, propelling its bloated body through the waters of the world. It has no thoughts to speak of, no opinions or emotions. Its mind is ancient; a primitive masterpiece bundled into the size of an orange.

Urges, even, are foreign to it. It lives in a shadowy world of action and reaction. So, one could not say the beast was compelled. No more so than a roach is compelled to scurry away when a light shines on it. Still, it moved with a purpose beyond its knowledge or understanding, 80 feet of pulpy flesh swimming inexorably to the Mediterranean coast.

~ Basilio grabbed Catalina's hand and hurried back to the sidewalk, where the car was once again waiting for them.

" Quickly then, we've no time to lose."

Slightly excited about the evening's prospects, the young Cazzarello instructed the driver to a hotel in the middle of the city, where the more modern, European style could be seen. The Hotel, known simply as Mojado, was five stories tall, and took up almost an entire city block. Celebrities, politicians, diplomats, the rich and the famous, they all stayed here when they visited Nueve Italia and wanted to get away from the metropolitan life.

Upon first stepping inside the front doors of the building (which were adorned with tall, marble columns), Basilio and Catalina were greeted by a small walkway adorned by fountains on either side, which opened into the larger greeting hall. Basilio let Catalina marvel at the beauty of the building, from its lush colors and blend of nature and structure, to the many visitors that graced its floors, as he went up to the front desk to be met by a middle-aged man, slightly balding, but still retaining his ethnic dark hair.

" Greetings signor."

" Buon giorno, reservation for room thirty-six and thirty-five?"

The attendant checked down at his computer display, and after a moment, turned to the back wall, opened a filing cabinet, and produced two key cards which he handed over to Basilio.

" Everything has already been prepared. I hope you enjoy yourselves this evening."

" Grazie, signor. Arrivederci."

He turned back to Catalina and showed her the key card for room 35.

" We have two rooms here to stay the night, but also in your room is a dress for tonight. If you don't like it, we always have time to go and get another."

He led her up the stairs to the third floor and then paused just as he was about to enter his own room, 36.

" Take your time Catalina, and if you need anything, I'll be right next door."~

"Thank you." The door was shut and she went over to the bed side. First she just lied on it, it was very soft, just like her own bed. She stood up and picked up the dress. Trying it on, it was perfect for her. Just her color, right size, and she never looked more pretty. She took a look out the window, what a view.

~ While Catalina was getting ready, Basilio was doing the same thing. He had had a tailored, black tuxedo already in his room, which he changed into after he had shaved and played around with his hair until he found a style he liked. When he was done, he gave himself a final check over and walked out of his room.

He rapped softly on Catalina's door, and when she answered he was almost too stunned to speak.

" Wow, you look," he couldn't even think of the words, and then blurted out, " breathtakingly-beautiful. L'amo*."

Slightly red in the face, Basilio rocked on his heels back and forth, in somewhat of an awkward silence.~

* "I love it."

She blushed "Thank you. You look sharp your self."

~ Basilio's tension broke, and all that was left was a smile from ear to ear. He ceased rocking, turned his body, and rested his back up against the doorway. He faced Catalina the entire time (he was finding it harder to keep from being drawn to her), let out a soft laugh.

He then asked her in a polite, whimsical manner, " Are you ready to leave? Or would you like to stay here for a bit more?"~

"Oh by all means please, I'm excited."

although i think you might have passed the rejion of austrailia before it was created, if you would pleasure us with your prescence it would be delightful. You will find that any supplies you need will be supplied and two escort ships will be at the edge of the austrailian seas.
;)

with the greatest of respect,
Weylyn Zononthon kindly dictator of zonon 8

bump

Such a nobel journey you are going on Young Catalina. We wish you sucess on the rough seas. Becareful and Godspead, you will be most welcome in Emerald Springs when you arrive in the European Isles

okay I've been checking out Neuve Italia's NS page and he's on the verge of ceasing to exist. Thus I'm preparing to move on if you were lined up please inform me, because it's been to long so I don't remember who was supposed to be next

What a night it was. A glorious party and celbration. Now she was well on her way again. She woke up after a nights sleep, she felt weaker than normal and she had a case of chills despite it being very warm outside. She turned on the camera, in the view window she could see she was flushed. It was obvious now she was running a fever, posting a video update would only worry her parents more. She knew she probably should lie down but she had too much to do. She had to clean the boat from top to bottom because it had been to long since she had. All that salt can't be good for it.


"Come on Cat, just a clean then you can lie down." She splashed cold water on her face and began to work. The bobbing of the boat only seemed to make it worse, and the sea was darkining, with out a doubt she would hit a storm with in the next hour. "There." She was completed with all her cleaning but now she was getting dizzy. "Maybe I ought to lie down...." Storm or no storm she couldn't possibly piolt through it. She would have to hold out and hope for the best. Sure enough her predicions were right, a torential storm was pouring down on her tiny boat. Jagged Lighting streaked down. Catalina was frightend all right, she had never been sick while she was the piolt of a boat. She wrapped her self tightly in a large blanket she looked out the tiny port whole window rain was iluminated by the flashes of lighting. She really wished her mother was right next to her side, or even her father. She always felt better with one of them close to her. The fever brought on some memories "Mama, please don't worry about me. I'll be all right, I'll be back before you know it." Dreams of memories constantly flashed by. Unbeknowist to Catalina the anchor on her ship broke and ship began to drift with the waves. The continus thunder scared Catalina badly. Who was she kidding anyone she wasn't brave, she was an insane timid little girl. The next morning the storm had passed Catalina looked out the window it was bright and sunny. She felt better and it seemed her fever had gone down. She went above deck it was sunny but there were still dark clouds haning over. "Oh shoot!" She saw the wheel was moving on it's own and so was the boat.

She pulled up the anchor rope, gone. "Oh no, oh no."

She looked all her insturments were damaged. She was lost. She had no way to tell where she was, all she could do is hope and pray for land fall or to encounter ship, except...Catalina's boat has probaly drifted out of shipping lanes, which she tried to stick to so in the event of an emergency a ship could pick her up. She scaned the sky for seaguls non.

"What am I going to do, I could be drifting for days before I find land. My supplies are running low....All I can do is hope for the best."

Anything That Can Go Wrong Will-Murphey's Law This phrase haunted Catalina on a day to day basis since the start of this trip, and now it was back with a vengance. Catalina was not only lost but running low. And two days of relentless storms contiuned to plague her. She made a personal video, in the event something should go wrong hopefully this camera would be found. Here eye's were teared up. "Well I was pretty optomistic for a while but...well it may be that I might not live to end this trip. I know there is the chance of the Ri-an's finding me, but....When I was in Magic Sorcery I was told even magic has it's limits. It's a big world and there are so many people and so many events it must be hard to track one person. If they rescue me I'll be most greatfull but if they don't well...I'll understand when I'm in Heaven. God has a plan for all of us." Thunder destracted her for a moment. "Till we meet again, living or dead, adios."

She put back on her soaked raincoat and hat and went up yet again to face the monster.

LOST Day 5

The weather had let up a little. "Let's see if I ration, I should have enough for another two weeks. But If I skip at least two meals I can stretch it out for four weeks. If I drink one cup of water a day....eight weeks." The ship bounced up and down violently, two cases of food fell over. "Oh, make that two weeks, unless I skip all meals and eat every two days." Thunder rumbled yet again her eye's turned to the sky. The wind was picking up and the thunder was reoccuring often. Catalina saw no point in piloting through it. She could barley keep on a straight course as it was. She lied down and slept through it.

LOST Day 6

The next day the storm still hadn't let up. The sky was pitch black and the waves were high. Cat sat just sat lisitning to the thunder. She was hungry and thirsty. She opend the hatch drank the rain water. Thinking about her family gave some comfort but not much. She played with her brown hair braiding it occasionally. She lied down but the constant rocking was making her sick to her stomach. Before she knew it she hurled into the waste basket. What little food she had left was now gon along with the little water. Her body succomd and she passed out.

OOC: As per my promise I am here.

IC: What a welcome sight.
The Flying Continent of Ri-an was seen in the distance.
There was no storm, but it flew directly overhead, and stopped above her for a moment. Then it flew on.

It was as if to say "Follow me."

It quickly disappeared over the horizon, but if she followed, she would find her next nation.

OOC: That way you can quickly get to the nation, as soon as you figure out who. You may even want to just skip to the last invite.

(Well I think I'll go ahead and be in Emerald Springs)

Catalina awoke. Something was diffrent, the boat was still and it was sunny. She was wearing what looked like fresh clothes. a tank top and jeens. Was she dead? She pinched her self. "oww." No can't be dead. She looked out the port window she was in port. Safe and sound. She didn't dream that all up did she?

"Oh good your awake." The voice was that of Jessica. The young Princess of Emerald Springs. "You must be Catalina, good to see your awake now. Welcome to Emerald Springs."

"How did I get here? It makes no sense to me, unless...."

"Your lucky, you could have been drifiting out for days. I think you have a guardian Angel someone by the name of Ri-an dropped you off into my father's care."

Thoes words brought joy to Catalina. Knowing yet again she was bailed out of a potentally dangerous situation by the freindliest people ever.

"I'm Catalina...Well you know that already."

"Name's Jessica, you can call me Jessie if you like."

"Jessie are you in here?"

"Yeah Mom?"

The hatch opend Allean came down.

"Oh your awake Catalina, how are you doing my dear?"

"Yes ma'am. Thanks for caring for me."

"Think nothing of it dear. It's no diffrent than if you were my own daughter. I imagin though your poor mother must be worried sick about you. If she saw the state you were in when you arrived I think she would have fainted."

"Yeah I'm sure she is. It's been a while since I posted any video updates so maybe I should do that. It's how she's been keeping tabs on me."

"Fortunate for you, we have a great internet caffee in the city"

"Where are our manners Jessie we have yet to introduce our selves. I'm Queen Allena Ludokai."

"Princess Jessie Ludokai, excuse me Jessica Ludokai. The XVI."

"Oh it's a pleasure your Majesties. I'm most honord that you have taken me in, and I'm glad I can transmit my latest Video blog."

"Oh no need for formalties. Jessie, why don't you go ahead and take her."

"Sure ma."

"Unfortunatley for you Cat, Hurricane Season is gearing up in E.S. so it's best you distance your self from us as soon as you can or risk hitting a developing storm. But that doesn't mean we can surley get you some fresh supplies and souvineres." They walked into the cafee and sat at a computer. "Okay, I'm sure you know how to plug your cam in and everything. So go ahead, then I'll take you on a tour."

"Thanks a bunch. Well it's me again, I am alive if any of you were getting worried, well I'm going to have a tour of Emerald Springs, next thing you'll know I'll be in 10000 islands and then I'll be home."

"Come, on, I'll give you the grand tour."

Jessie showed Catalina all around E.S. and the capital city. The sights the sounds the food the fassion the games.

Catalina snapped many pictures and took video of the lusterious city. She was taken to many shops and was allowed to buy almost anything she desired. She tried on some new clothes and bought some She then chowed down on some of the local quisines. Before she knew it she was done with the day, back on the boat, for a nights sleep. The next morning she awoke again to a bright and sunny day. "Good morning to everyone, well Emerald Springs was nice, it's a shame I have to leave so quickly because it looks like a bueatiful country that I could see more of. I kind of wanted to try thoes hot springs but oh well, but once again I depart, I'll now be heading into the 10000 Islands Region. It will be a while before I get there so I hope for the best."