#Galleon Trade

[ltwilliammowett]

Sunrise: The Manila Galleon Sailing from Cabo San Lucas, by Mark Myers (1945-)

[jaydove-writes]

Having finished my Disabled Mario FP Only challenge run, (check the replies for what that means) I now have more time to work on my passion projects.

Which one should I start working on?

[southeastasianarchaeology]

ACM Unveils Trade Secrets of the Manila Galleon

"Manila Galleon" exhibit at ACM showcases 140+ artifacts linking Asia with the Americas, revealing the rich tapestry of global trade and culture.

via Tatler Asia, 07 February 2024: The Asian Civilisations Museum, in collaboration with the Ayala Museum, presents “Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas,” showcasing over 140 objects that trace the historical Pacific trade routes connecting Asia with the Americas and Europe. This exhibition highlights the cultural exchanges and global influences from the 16th to 20th centuries, featuring…

[worldhistoryfacts]

As trade between the Philippines and Mexico grew, artisans in Mexico began to copy Asian porcelain, making cheaper copies of the iconic blue-and-white Chinese patterns. Here’s a chocolate jar made in Pueblo around 1700:

And a more detailed jar:

See more here:

{Buy me a coffee} {WHF} {Medium} {Substack}

[sleepymoonlady]

Roevember Day 4: Ship

Vermilion Rose had traveled the world far and wide, from Hingashi to Tural. To say she was comfortable on a ship would be quite the understatement. As would saying that she had gotten to know the crews of countless ships--a traveling adventurer takes what passage they can get, after all, from a merchant barge to a pirate's galleon.

Her preference in seafaring garb? Why yes, it is usually the same that you see here. Why do you ask?

So Rose understood much of seafaring, of life aboard a ship, even if she herself was not truly a sailor by trade. What she did not understand, was why every ship's crew, from the Bloody Executioners to the East Aldenard Trading Company, seemed to think she was a pirate.

[whencyclopedia]

Manila Galleon

The Manila Galleons were Spanish treasure ships which transported precious goods like silk, spices, and porcelain from Manila in the Philippines to Acapulco, Mexico, between 1565 and 1815. The Atlantic treasure fleets then shipped some of these goods – along with silver, gold, and other precious materials extracted from the Americas – on to Spain. The Manila galleons, meanwhile, returned to the Philippines each year loaded with silver to buy more goods for the next trip. Manila galleons going in either direction were a floating Aladdin's cave of treasures and so they tempted many a pirate and privateer but, such was their armament, only four were ever captured at sea.

The Spanish Empire

In the 16th century, two European powers were colonising the globe. The 1529 treaty of Zaragoça (Saragosa) between Portugal and Spain extended the astonishing division of the world these two nations had previously established in the Treaty of Tordesillas of 1494. The Zaragoça treaty confirmed Portugal's claim over the Spice Islands while Spain was given the Philippines. From 1565, galleon ships were used to transport trade goods, gold, and silver accumulated at Manila from across Asia to the Americas and then to Spain.

Unlike other ships, such as those of the Portuguese Empire which used the Cape of Good Hope trade route around the tip of southern Africa, the Spanish preferred to send their ships eastwards to the Americas. The one, or more rarely two, annual Manila galleons arrived at Acapulco on the Pacific coast of what is today Mexico and which was then part of the Spanish Empire in the Americas, the Spanish Main. Setting off from Manila in the Philippines, these ships became known as the Manila galleons to the British, although the Spanish themselves called them the naos de China or 'Chinese ships'. Almost all Spanish galleons operating in the Pacific were built in the Philippines, a requirement enforced by law from 1679, and they were funded and owned by the Spanish Crown.

Continue reading...

[mapsontheweb]

The Spanish Empire in 1600.

« Atlante storico », Geo-Mondadori, 2000

via cartesdhistoire

The Spanish West Indian Empire was centered in the north on the Viceroyalty of New Spain and in the south on the Viceroyalty of Peru. It was enriched with the Philippine Islands from 1565, after the Spaniards discovered routes enabling them to cross the Pacific Ocean. In 1571, the city of Manila was founded there.

From 1546, the Spanish exploited the mines of Potosi (Upper Peru), from which most of the world's silver was quickly extracted. From 1564, a convoy system of galleons loaded with silver crossed the Atlantic Ocean to reach Spain. In the Pacific, once a year, the Manila Galleon transported silver from the New Spanish port of Acapulco to Manila in the Philippines. It made the return trip from the Philippines to Acapulco, carrying silk, porcelain, and Chinese lacquerware. From the 1590s, the value of this silver crossing the Pacific Ocean equaled all Atlantic trade combined.

[little-emerald-snake]

Smutmas Day 12

“You can go deeper than that.” - Garreth Weasley X F!MC

🔥NSFW 🔞 MDNI

902 words

Warnings: semi public / sexual favors as payment

Garreth knew she’d be in the library studying at this hour. After all, she promised after this time that she’d start brewing her own potions which meant she really had to step up her study time.

He found her in a tucked away corner of the library just as he’d imagined. Her nose in a book although it wasn’t a potions book. He frowned, clearing his throat loud enough to grab her attention.

She looked up from the romance novel, spotting Garreth and smiling impishly. “Oh, h-hi Garreth! I-I promise I’ve been reading up for potions. Look…see?”

She pulled out her copy of the potions guide book from Sharps class and holds it up as if she deserves a medal for carrying it around on her person.

He only tsks her and shakes his head, disapproval in every fiber of his disposition. He came to stand right beside her, pulling out the potion she was supposed to brew for Sharps class. The very same she’s paid Garreth to brew for her.

Garreth rolls the vial between his fingers and dangles it out teasingly, pulling it back before she can make a grab for it. “You know, I think my prices just went up for brewing, since I’ve gotten so busy lately while brewing for both of us.”

Her smile drops, not expecting him to raise the price but she grabs for her pouch of galleons. He holds his hand out stopping her. “No, I don't want your money. That’s too easy for you. I want something that you actually put effort towards since that’s what I have to go through.”

She thinks for a moment, maybe he wants ingredients? She could get him some stuff he probably doesn’t have easy access to. “Do you want specialty ingredients or something? I could get you whatever you need.”

He shakes his head. “You doubt a prodigy of potions will acquire specialty ingredients on his own? No, I have plenty at my disposal. I’m thinking of something else.”

She nods, looking at how serious but relaxed his facial expression is. He knows exactly what he wants and she can tell he isn’t leaving without having his way. “What can I do to pay you back Garreth?”

He raises his brows with a smirk, pointing down at the floor in front of him and suddenly she gets it. He wants a sexual favor in trade. Her mind reels for a moment, she can’t say she hasn’t imagined doing this for him before so it surprises her that it’s what he wants too.

She doesn’t hesitate as she slides out of her chair and onto her knees in front of him. His body and robes block the view of anyone passing by the shelves they are crammed between, which makes her feel a bit better as she undoes his belt.

He simply slides the vial into the breast pocket of his robe, watching as she undoes his trousers. A wave of arousal from the sight makes his cock twitch to life and begin to swell.

Her on her knees in front of him, even in a public place like this, he’s imagined it so many times before but actually having it happen makes him bite the inside of his cheek.

She finally pulls his cock free, watching as it swells in her hand. She looks up at his hooded eyes before giving a tentative lick starting from the base and ending just below his tip. He groans softly and a small shine of precum beads at his tip.

She licks her lips before dipping her head to taste it. He sighs, watching her contemplate his taste before closing her lips around his tip and sucking in a way that has him seeing stars. He watches her bob her head, slowly working more of him inside while she sucks torturously.

He can tell he’s too much for her mouth but that doesn’t stop her from trying. Her lips feel so good wrapped around him, especially when she slides them up and down his length and doing whatever the hell that suction thing is.

In all his times imagining this, he’d never imagined it feeling this good. He can’t help but want more, desiring to hear her to choke on his cock for all the extra work he’s done for her. “Come on. You can go deeper than that.”

Her eyes flick up to meet his. He can tell she sees this as a challenge when she suddenly takes him all the way, opening up her throat till her lips meet the base of his ginger curls.

He bites back a groan, hand coming up to fist into her hair as he whispers just loud enough for her to hear. “Oh Merlin, yes. Just like that. Wanna see you gag on it.”

He holds her there till she does gag, doing her best to cough silently when it becomes too much. He pulls her back, unable to hold back a groan as her stringy spit clings to his cock and her watery eyes flick up to his.

He can’t help but love the way she looks, eyes glassy from choking on him, cheeks red from embarrassment, and chest heaving as she struggles to breathe. “I should have made you suck my cock so much sooner. You look like you were made for it.”

[phoebe-delia]

Rich

For @drarrymicrofic prompt indulge. Rated a soft M.

I wanted for nothing, as a child, but I wanted you. And I’d have traded every galleon in my vault to have you. But alas, as I would later learn, love is priceless, even when it costs you everything.

Now, I feed you truffles with my bare hands. I let you lick the pads of my fingers and ignore my body’s instant reaction to the sight of me—any part of me—between your lips; it’ll be worth the wait.

I press you down on silk sheets and then it’s my turn to taste. To savor. To touch. I kiss the decadent moan from your lips. You’re mine, and I tell you so, and all you can do is whine, the sweetest little sound rending the air.

I nibble at your collarbone and rest my hands warm on your hips and it occurs to me that this—you��are the height of luxury.

[ltwilliammowett]

Nobody expects the Spanish Inqui.... Armada in door no. 6. Here we have a rare example that once made it to London. The Galeon Andalucia

More about her here:

The ‘Galeon Andalucia’ is a faithful replica of a galleon. This mostly three-masted type of ship was developed by the Spanish in the 16th century and was during the 17th century adopted and further developed by almost all European naval nations. Galleons were the epitome of a fast, highly manoeuvrable warship with great seaworthiness. This made them ideal for expeditions to explore new trade routes between Europe and South-East Asia or America. Thanks to its absolutely superior military characteristics, the galleon quickly became the dominant warship of its time.

As there were no usable construction drawings for the replica of such a ship, the ‘Galeon Andalucia’ construction project also included the collection of all the information, dimensions and other important details required for the construction. Safety and innovation also played a major role in the construction of the ship. The entire hull and decks were made of fibreglass layers and then clad in wood. The construction phase lasted 17 months and employed more than 150 workers.

[himehikoshrine]

Weekend Lesson Stage Script (EN)

This is the full Stage Script from the game menu for Weekend Lesson. (Apologies if there are typos, especially one's not already in the game menu version).

There is one part early on where the EN game script mixes up a few lines that I tried to put back in order (Hasekura's 'monologue' about Shiroma at the end of act one). Otherwise I tried to keep things as they are.

As with the others, there are lines and details in the stage script that are not in the performance you see in game, where they are shown only as text-over summary.

Also, as with the others, any ad-libs and such would not be here. The last-minute changes for Weekend Lesson are in line delivery, mostly, rather than lines, so it may not be as noticeable. Of course, you can access it from the game menu, if you’ve got it, but this version is searchable! Because someone else beat me to this project for Sleepless King here [x] that makes this the last of the stage scripts for the collection. You can find my transcription of Mary Jane here [x], of Oh, Rama Havenna here [x], and of all versions of Sissia of the Central Nation here [x].

Weekend Lesson

By Neji Kokuto

(1) Chapter 1

•Outside the Great Galleon

Two women walk together through a business plaza along the shoreline.

They notice a peculiar-looking building in the shape of a ship.

Kanna: Ms. Ando! There’s a ship right in the middle of the business plaza. It looks as if it’ll set sail any moment!

Ando: Oh, Kanna. There’s no way there would be a ship on land.

Ando: That’s a building designed to look like a ship. And there are no sailors in it, but office workers.

Kanna: Really? What a very unique building it is. It must be a new company.

Ando: That company’s much older than we are.

Kanna: Whaa?!

Ando: I believe you may have heard of it. The company’s name is…

Louis exits the building. 

Louis: Good morning! Good morning! 

Louis: From space exploration research to selling food and beverages, Great Galleon SJB is here!

★Dance

"We Are the Great Galleon"

Louis: Allow me to explain what our company is!

Louis: It’s been 200 years this year since our founding. An old company whose founder built up our assets through trade and said, ‘If you set sail, head for Acapulco!’ and always, always, challenge yourself!

Though I’m not sure what that means…

Louis: Our business has expanded to over a hundred countries. Our sales are on the level of national budgets, and our stocks have only been rising. Prime ministers and presidents are nothing compared to our president. Oh, but I kid. Well, probably.

Louis: Our pay? It’s good, of course. This suit is tailor made Paul Louis. ALL my personal belongings are Paul Louis. 

Louis: The work environment? Our employee benefits are perfection. Our company bistro serves nutritionally balanced, healthy meals, and our employee gym is always bustling with invigorated employees working up a sweat!

Louis: ‘Overtime’? What is THAT? Oh right, that evil concept I’ve heard so much about. Our company is nothing but wholesome, with abundant vacation time.

Louis: Recreational leave, maternity leave, family leave, confession leave. Even our crew who might get rejected from a love confession can feel at ease.

Louis: When you feel fulfilled in your private lives, your motivation to work rises. And we don’t neglect upskilling our employees, either. That all comes back in contribution to the company.

Louis: What do you think? Amazing, isn’t it? The Great Galleon SJB!”

Louis finishes his line. Everyone disperses.

Next to Louis, Hasekura hurriedly exits the building.

Hasekura: Documents… Documents…

Louis: Hasekura? If it isn’t Hasekura! Good morning my friend, my colleague!

Hasekura: Ah… Good morning, Louis.

Louis: You weren’t at dinner with our group the other day. What’s the matter? We go out every month, remember? 

Hasekura: I thought I’d bring down the mood if I went, so I didn’t go. Once a month is pretty frequent, too…

Louis: What are you talking about?! Everyone missed you. It’s ONLY once a month!

Hasekura: I’ll try and join next time. Well, I have to go turn in these documents. 

Louis cuts off Hasekura as he tries to get away.

Louis: We were talking at the dinner, you know.

Hasekura: Y-Yeah? About what?

Louis: You see, I’ve actually been entrusted with a big project coming up.

Hasekura: You really are amazing. You’re the star performer out of all of us hired that year. Tell me more about it at the next dinner. I’m just going to turn in these documents…

Louis cuts off Hasekura as he tries to get away.

Louis: I’m being told a promotion’s just around the corner for me, but I really like not having the responsibility, so I’m in a bit of a tough spot.

Hasekura: Oh, I see. I can understand that.

Louis: Though I know I should happily accept being able to be part of a new project as the result of my hard work.

Hasekura: Right yeah, that’s true. So, I’ll just be submitting these documents…

Louis grabs Hasekura’s shoulders as he tries to get away.

Louis: it’s just, I can’t handle this project alone.

Louis: The ship’s captain, no matter how skilled he is, can’t overcome stormy waters without a crew…

Hasekura: Yeah… I got caught in another long talk with Louis.

Hasekura: I’m at fault. I’m at fault for trying to walk past him…

Louis: …In other words, I want you to help me. You’ll do it, won’t you Hasekura?

Hasekura: Huh? What was that?

Louis: I’m saying I want you to join the project that was entrusted to me!

Hasekura: Me? I can’t, Louis! I’m not as talented as you. I’ll just get in everyone’s way.

Louis: Hasekura… you gotta aim higher. ‘If you set sail, head for Acapulco!’ Right?

Louis: Your guardian angel can’t help you fly if you stay curled up and looking down like that all the time. You gotta change, Hasekura!

Hasekura: S-Sure…

Mukai: Hasekura, there you are.

Mukai: Our boss was making a fuss about not having the documents they needed first thing in the morning.

Hasekura: Mukai, I’m sorry. I got to work early today, but…

Louis: Oh, if it isn’t Hasekura’s subordinate, Mukai. How are you this fine day?

Mukai: Louis, I see you’re the culprit.

Mukai: Hasekura’s supposed to get the negotiation documents for Europe to our boss. Please don’t hold him up.

Hasekura: Er, no Mukai, I’m the one at fault.

Louis: Mukai, can you convince Hasekura here? He really should join my project.

Louis: If he does, you can join the project, too. We can open a path to success together. You ever heard this before? ‘If you set sail’…

Mukai: Where Hasekura needs to head isn’t Acapulco, but our boss’s desk.

Mukai: Besides, if you have that big of a project, shouldn’t you be busy as well?

Louis: Ah, that’s right! I had a meeting first thing in the morning. Sorry, Hasekura, Mukai, I’ll take my leave now!

Louis leaves.

Hasekura: I’m sorry, Mukai. I caused you trouble.

Mukai: A project, huh? Isn’t there a possibility he’ll just use you however he needs and take all the credit himself?

Hasekura: I think he really just wants to give me a chance, since I’m so hopeless.

Mukai: Do you want to do that project?

Hasekura: I… Well…

Mukai: For now you just need to get those documents submitted. Please get going. 

Hasekura: Yes. Understood.

Two employees pop out of the shadows.

Employee A: What a fun Friday it is. The golden glittering of the world after 5 PM

Employee B: The things we want to do are as countless as the stars. What should we do today?

Employee A: Oh my, Hasekura. How are you today? What sort of fun are you going to have today?

Hasekura: Er, no, I’m just… going to go home and do nothing, I guess.

Employee A: Oh my, what a lazybones!

Employee B: Then what about tomorrow? How do you spend your days off?

Hasekura: I sleep until noon on my days off… And then do nothing… And then sleep when it’s nighttime, I guess.

Employee B: Ohhh, how dreadful!

Employee A: You need to sparkle more!

Employee B: She’s right, how about you come out with us?

Hasekura: Er, uh, well…

Employee A: We’ll find a way to bring your life to life!

Mukai: Stop.

Employee A: Oh, if it isn’t Mukai! What are your plans today?

Mukai: We’re in the middle of work right now, so we can’t talk.

Employee B: Well, aren’t you all business. I see a hint of a cool sparkle in your eye.

Mukai: Hasekura, let’s go.

Hasekura: R-Right… Excuse us.

Hasekura stops after walking for a short while.

Hasekura: I’m sorry, Mukai…

Mukai: This company has a lot of people who love themselves and want to make others their little clones. 

Hasekura: I feel like I’m being targeted because I’m such a boring person…

Mukai: How about picking up a hobby? It’ll be a good shield for you, too.

Mukai: Is there anything you’re interested in?

Hasekura: There’s nothing I can think of… Ah.

Mukai: It’s Shiroma from reception.

Shiroma: Hasekura, Mukai. Hello.

Mukai: Hello.

Hasekura: …

Shiroma: Well, goodbye.

Hasekura watches her walk away, unable to say anything.

Mukai: Are you okay not saying hello to Shiroma?

Hasekura: I didn’t?!

Mukai: I certainly didn’t hear it.

Hasekura: Damn it…

Mukai: Let’s just get those documents submitted. I’ll come with you.

Hasekura: Sorry…

Monologue

Hasekura: Rome…

Hasekura: Our company is a large corporation where anyone would want to work. It must have been due to some mistake that I was able to get in.

Hasekura: I have no place here. All my peers are climbing higher into the distance as I continue to cause trouble to my subordinates.

Hasekura: Throughout it all, she is my only source of peace. Her gentle smile comforts me. 

Hasekura: She is a faraway land to me. My Rome. A beautiful capital, just out of reach. 

(2) Chapter 2

•Bistro

Mukai: Excuse me. Two iced coffees please.

Mukai: Hasekura, we’ve finished putting together the project overview.

Hasekura: Sorry… I somehow got you involved in Louis’s project. 

Mukai: It’ll help me develop my skills, so it’s no big deal.

Mukai: Are you sure you’re all right being a part of the team?

Hasekura: Someone like me is being allowed to join on a big project. I should be grateful for the opportunity…

Mukai: But…

The door opens

Mukai: …Hm? Speak of the devil. It’s Louis.

Louis: …

Hasekura: Oh, you’re right…!

Shiroma: …

Hasekura: Shiroma! Why is she with Louis… 

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: Mukai, I’m heading back to the office.

Mukai: But the iced coffees aren’t here yet.

Hasekura: B-But…

Louis: Aren’t I lucky to find you here during lunch? Having lunch with you would make the food even more delicious!

Shiroma: Oh, Suzuki. You’re such a sweet-talker.

Louis: Call me Louis. That’s what everyone calls me. Also, I really meant what I said. 

Louis: How about dinner sometime? I know a good place.

Shiroma: Sure, if the opportunity comes up.

Hasekura: …

Mukai: The star performer of the office and its most captivating beauty having lunch together. A pair that would stir the hearts of anyone who laid eyes upon them.

Hasekura: Hahh… You’re right…

Mukai: …

Mukai: Are you sure you’re all right with this, Hasekura? This work, the accolades, and the woman you admire are all in your coworker’s sights.

Hasekura: Huh?! It’s not like I…

Mukai: How about you try going after them yourself? Some things can change with just one word, just one step.

Hasekura: Er…

Hasekura: I don’t have that kind of strength. 

Mukai: Hahh. Let’s go. We can still get out now without having to talk to them.

Hasekura: O-Okay…

Fade out

•City (Night)

Hasekura: …Hahh.

Hasekura: The city’s bustling tonight. It is a Friday, I guess.

Hasekura: Maybe I should wander around a bit.

Shiroma: …

Hasekura: …?!

Hasekura: That’s… Shiroma… Oh no, she’s coming this way!

Footsteps come closer, then fade away.

Hasekura: Oh good, she didn’t see me. Er, no, wait, why did I hide? I should have just greeted her!

Hasekura: I wonder where she’s going? It’s dangerous for someone as pretty as her to be walking the streets alone… 

Hasekura: …

Hasekura follows behind Shiroma

•Outside the Ando Dance Studio

Shiroma: …

Shiroma walks up the stairs.

Hasekura: Is this where Shiroma was headed?

Hasekura: There’s a sign… ‘Ando Dance Studio’?

Hasekura: Is she learning how to dance? I wonder what style of dance it is…

Ando: They’re social dances.

Hasekura: Huh?

Ando: Good evening. 

Hasekura: A, h-hello! Er, I was just interested in dance, so…

Ando: Then would you like to observe a class?

Hasekura: Aaaahh, no, no! I’m sure it would be a bother to the instructor and their students. I’m a beginner, I’ve never danced before…

Ando: Oh no, beginners are more than welcome. I can assure you that these are the words of the dance instructor.

Hasekura: The dance instructor…? Er, are you the one teaching the class?

Ando: Yes. Come on in.

Hasekura: Ah… Okay…

•Inside the Ando Dance Studio

Ando: I’m back.

Kanna: Welcome back!

Kanna: Oh? Who’s the new guy?

Ando: This person is…

Shiroma: Hasekura?

Hasekura: …Shiroma.

Ando: Oh, Shiroma, do you know him?

Shiroma: Yes, he’s a coworker of mine.

Kanna: A coworker? So he works at Great Galleon SJB?!

Kanna: Then he’s part of the corporate elite!

Hasekura: I just happened to get in on a fluke.

Shiroma: But still, why are you here, Hasekura?

Hasekura: Er, well…

Ando interrupts to help him.

Ando: You mentioned you were interested in dance, right?

Hasekura: Ah, yes, that’s right. Are you learning dance here too, Shiroma?

Shiroma: No, I…

Kanna: Shiroma occasionally comes to watch me dance! She used to do social dancing during college.

Shiroma: I don’t anymore, though. Do you have any experience dancing, Hasekura?

Hasekura: I’m a complete beginner, actually…

Shiroma: You’ll be able to dance right away under Ms. Ando’s guidance.

Shiroma: All right, I’ll be leaving now… Hasekura, do your best, okay?

Hasekura: R-Right!

Sounds of footsteps leaving and the door closing.

Hasekura: Shiroma…

Kanna: Hasekura. You didn’t come here chasing after Shiroma, did you?

Hasekura: Wha-?!

Kanna: There were people like that during college, too.

Kanna: Are you sure you’re interested in dance and not Shiroma?!

Hasekura: I-It’s not what you’re thinking!

Ando: Kanna, don’t be rude now.

Kanna: Shiroma hates people like that!

Hasekura: I’m joining!

Ando: Oh?

Hasekura: Please let me join your class!

Ando: Are you sure?

Hasekura: Please.

Ando: …All right. Well, since we’re here, how about we start the lesson.

Hasekura: O-Okay.

Hasekura: Oh, no… Am I going to be okay? I’ve never danced before.

Hasekura: And this is social dancing at that. The thought of dancing with women is just too much for me…

Ando: Let’s try walking first.

Hasekura: Walking? In a dance class?

Ando: Yes. Try walking straight and coming back here.

Hasekura: All right.

Hasekura: …I should be able to manage this much.

Sounds of footsteps retreating and then approaching.

Ando: I see. I got it now.

Hasekura: Got what?

Ando: I have an idea of how you’ll improve, Mr. Hasekura.

Ando: Posture is important in social dancing. Mr. Hasekura, can you try walking one more time?

Hasekura: Like this?

Ando: Stop!

Hasekura: Okay!

Ando: Hasekura, look in the mirror. How would you describe your posture?

Kanna: He’s slouching forward with a tilted pelvis!

Hasekura: …What she said.

Ando: Ugh, Kanna!

Ando: Hasekura, let’s start with shoulders back.

Hasekura: Like this?

Ando: Yes. From there, hold your head upright with your chin parallel to the floor. Make sure your line of sight doesn’t drop to the floor.

Hasekura: Right…

Ando: Look again in the mirror.

Hasekura: My posture’s better.

Ando: Right? Now let’s try walking again. Push off your back foot and land on the heel, rolling forward to the ball.

Hasekura: Push off my foot and land on my heel, rolling forward to the ball…

Hasekura wobbles along unsteadily.

Hasekura: Huh? This is hard… I’m only walking.

Ando: It’ll get easier if you count while walking. One-two, one-two.

Hasekura: One… two, one, two…

Hasekura continues learning to walk. 

Fade out.

Ando: All right. That’s it for today’s class. Good work, everyone.

Hasekura: It’s over already? All I did was walk…

Ando: But you’re tired, right?

Hasekura: Well… yes.

Ando: As you go about your day, keep an eye on your posture in any reflections that you pass by.

Ando: All right then, I’ll see you next Friday!

•City (Night)

Hasekura: I’ve gotten myself into a predicament…

Hasekura: I’ll just make some excuse and drop out after a while… Hm?

Hasekura: I can see my reflection in a showroom window.

Hasekura: The posture I learned in class… was like this, I think.

He fixes his posture in front of the glass, which worsens again as he starts walking. He fixes his posture in front of another pane of glass. He exits the stage with his posture somewhat improved.

(3) Chapter 3

•Dance Studio

Ando: Good evening, Hasekura. Let’s begin today by practicing how to walk again.

Hasekura: Okay.

Hasekura walks.

Footsteps.

Ando: Much better than last week! I see you’ve been practicing.

Hasekura: There’s just a lot of mirrors and glass around town…

Ando: But there are people who improve and those who don’t. You’re clearly the type to apply yourself and get results, Hasekura.

Hasekura: Oh, no, it’s not…

Ando: Now then, let’s add something else to the walking today.

Ando: And that will be me.

Hasekura: What do you mean?

Ando: I’ll walk alongside you, Hasekura. Try walking while adjusting your pace to mine.

Ando: All right, let’s go.

She begins teaching blues dancing for beginners.

Ando: Front, front… side.

Hasekura: Side? L-Like this?

Ando: Yes. Next, back, back…side!

Hasekura: Like this…

Ando: Now just repeat those steps. Front-front-side, back-back-side.

Hasekura: Front, front, side, back, back, side…

Ando: Yes, not bad. Now let’s use our hands.

Ando: Hasekura, try stretching your right hand out straight forward.

Hasekura reaches his right hand out forward.

Ando: Gently curl your hand as if you’re carrying a ball.

Hasekura slowly curves his right hand.

Hasekura: Like this?

Ando: Yes. And now your left. Stretch out your left arm to the side and bend your joints upward.

Hasekura: Like… this?

Ando: Yes. Now let’s incorporate the steps. Front, front, side. Back, back, side.

Hasekura: Ah…this… makes me feel like I’m dancing.

Ando: You are dancing, in fact.

Hasekura: Really?!

Ando: Social dancing looks difficult at a glance, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it.

Ando: All right. Lastly, clasp your left hand with mind and put your right arm around my waist. 

Hasekura: Huh?!

Ando: Now, let’s dance! Front, front, side. Back, back, side!

Ando: Say it with me, Hasekura!

Hasekura: R-Right. Front, front, side! Back, back, side…

Ando: You’re dancing!

Hasekura: Dancing… I’m dancing…

The two of them dance.

Fade out.

Hasekura: Even someone like me can dance…

Hasekura: Er, no, it’s just because you’re a good teacher. I didn’t really do anything.

Ando: You’re able to dance because you took this practice seriously.

Hasekura: Th-Thank you…!

Ando: Let’s learn a new step while you’re still in that mindset of success.

Hasekura: O-Okay!

(4) Chapter 4

•Office

Employee A: Another Friday’s come again at last.

Employee B: A golden spark to set off our weekend.

Hasekura: …

Employee A: Oh dear, Hasekura. Where are you off to in such a rush?

Employee B: Will you be getting into some mischief this weekend?

Hasekura: Er, no, I don’t have any plans in particular…

Employee A: Ever the layabout! Why not come out with us, then?

Employee B: She’s right, Hasekura. Let us share our sparkle with you.

Hasekura: No, I… E-Excuse me!

Employee A: Aww, a pity what a sloth he is! That Brian Hasekura!

Employee B: Friday after five is when we come alive! Enjoy yourself amongst the living, Brian!

Mukai: …

Mukai: It’s pretty unusual for Hasekura to turn someone down so firmly…

•Dance Studio

Hasekura: I got here earlier than usual. I’ll practice the steps I learned from last time…

Kanna: Hey, Ms. Ando. Are you really not entering competitions anymore?

Hasekura: …?

Ando: Not this again, Kanna.

Kanna: but you studied dance abroad and even joined an international competition!

Kanna: You were the one who inspired me to dance, Ms. Ando!

Kanna: I want to see you shine in the spotlight…!

Ando: Forget about that. It’s all in the past now…

Ando: Ah! Hasekura…

Hasekura: G-Good evening… Um.

Kanna: I’m going home for today.

Ando: Kanna!

Footsteps of Kanna leaving. 

Ando: …Hahh.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando…

Ando: I’m sorry. Let’s begin practice. 

The two of them dance awkwardly.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando… Should we end the lesson for today?

Ando: no, it’s fine…!

Ando: I’m sorry. I really am no good.

Ando: Hasekura, would you mind if I asked you to join me for a moment? 

Hasekura: I’ll do what I can.

Ando: All right then, let’s go!

Hasekura: Huh? Where? Whoa!

Ando rushes out of the studio, pulling Hasekura by the hand.

•Piano Lounge.

Hasekura: Is this��� a bar?

Ando: It’s a piano lounge.

Sound of the door opening.

Piano music can be heard playing. 

Hasekura: I see. Everyone’s dancing to the music.

Ando: You can dance with anyone you find interesting. Just approach whoever you like.

Hasekura: Er, ah, no, um…

Ando: Heh… Then may I have this dance?

★Song

“Ms. Robin”

Hasekura: It’s really difficult to dance with other people around! I keep bumping into everyone.

Ando: A bit different from the studio, isn’t it? You have to find an open spot. Over there, look.

Ando leads Hasekura

Hasekura: Wow, we got through.

Ando: Heh…

Ando: …

Ando: Hasekura, do you enjoy dancing?

Hasekura: Huh…?

Ando: The truth is… you came to the classroom because you were curious about Shiroma, weren’t you?

Hasekura: …!

Ando: I apologize if I’m mistaken.

Hasekura: …What got me started, was exactly what you said.

Ando: If dancing is challenging for you, then…

Hasekura: Ah…

Hasekura: I was surprised that even a person like me could dance.

Ando: Huh…?

Hasekura: I can’t accomplish anything at all, so it made me happy to be praised for being able to dance. 

Ando: But you work for a famous company with so much history.

Hasekura: There’s no overtime and it’s easy to take paid leave. It encourages a good work-life balance. It’s the perfect place to work.

Ando: That sounds lovely.

Hasekura: I’m sure it would be for normal people. But I want to work overtime, and I don’t want to go on vacation. 

Ando: Huh?

Hasekura: I’d rather work at my own pace than rush myself just to get out on time, even if it means working overtime.

Hasekura: I feel worthless, having nothing to do when I have so many empty days off. I would rather work in that case.

Hasekura: Everything about it that others envy just feels like pressure to me. 

Ando: Ah, I’m sorry… How rude of me.

Hasekura: No, I’m just fighting against the times. It’s my own fault. I’m surpassed by my peers, I cause trouble to my subordinates, and I’m just a boring guy.

Ando: That’s not true at all!

Hasekura: Huh?

Ando: To me, you’re a fun person to be around, Hasekura.

Hasekura: Fun? Me?

Ando: Yes. I mean, someone once so afraid of dance is now dancing out in public.

Ando: I’ve never witnessed such an incredible change. 

Ando: Seeing you now makes me feel proud for starting my own studio.

Ando: Yes, it was a good thing to have gone down this path…

Ando: …Hasekura! Let’s dance with more liveliness!

Hasekura: Whoa… W-Wait, Ms. Ando!

Hasekura and Ando dance together.

The song ends and the stage fades to black

(5) Chapter 5

•Office

Mukai: …

Hasekura: …What is it, Mukai?

Mukai: Hasekura, recently… You’ve gotten taller, haven’t you?

Hasekura: Taller? I don’t think I could suddenly grow taller at my age.

Mukai: You look more fit.

Hasekura: You’re just imagining things.

Mukai: Other employees around us were talking about how you’ve been looking more handsome lately. 

Hasekura: Huh?! I’m sure it’s just mockery… Oh.

Mukai: What is it?

Hasekura: The social dance class…

Mukai: Social dance?

Hasekura: Oh, no, it’s nothing.

Mukai: Did you start a dance class?

Hasekura: Yeah… It’s strange for a guy like me to be dancing, huh?

Mukai: No, though it is unexpected. So that’s why your posture and movements have changed. 

Hasekura: My posture’s just slightly improved, that’s all…

Shiroma: Mukai, Hasekura. Hello.

Hasekura: Ah, hello. 

Mukai: Hello.

Shiroma: Let’s all work hard today.

Shiroma leaves. 

Mukai: You’re even able to greet her now.

Hasekura: Ah… Y-Yeah…

Mukai: It’s Friday today. How about you keep up that momentum and ask her out on a date?

Hasekura: Wh-What are you talking about?! There’s no way I can do that. Besides…

Mukai: Besides?

Hasekura: I have dance class today…

Mukai: …He really has changed.

•Dance Studio

Hasekura: Hello.

Kanna: Oh, Hasekura! Perfect timing! Listen to this!

Hasekura: What is it?

Kanna: Shiroma will be joining us today!

Shiroma: Come on, Kanna, you’re making a fuss.

Hasekura: Shiroma!

Shiroma: Hello, Hasekura. I’ve heard your dancing has improved.

Hasekura: No, it really hasn’t…

Ando: …

Ando: We must let Shiroma see what you can do, Hasekura. Now then, let’s begin…

Sound of a door swinging open energetically. 

Louis: Pardon me! The name’s Louis of the Great Galleon SJB!

Hasekura: Louis?!

Louis: I heard you were in this dance class, Hasekura! Why didn’t you tell me? I’m hurt! …Oh?

Shiroma: Louis.

Louis: If it isn’t Miss Shiroma.

Hasekura: Louis, what are you doing here…?

Mukai: Louis, please don’t do anything rash!

Hasekura: Mukai?!

Shiroma: Mukai.

Ando: Hasekura, Shiroma… You know them?

Hasekura: We all work together at the same company. Mukai, what’s going on?

Mukai: When I mentioned you were taking a dance class, Louis said he wanted to learn, too.

Louis: After seeing how much Hasekura changed from a simple dance class, I wanted to try it out, too!

Louis: But I had no idea Miss Shiroma would be here as well.

Hasekura: Shiroma’s just here to watch her friend dance. Don’t make it out to be something strange. 

Louis: Come to think of it, I remember talking about this at lunch the other day, Shiroma. That you learned dance in your days as a student. 

Louis: I’m sure Miss Shiroma’s dancing must be quite lovely. Don’t you think, Hasekura?

Hasekura: What are you saying, Louis? That’s…

Kanna: …

Kanna: Oh! How about this, then?

Kanna: The two of you compete against each other in dance, and whoever wins can dance with Shiroma!

Shiroma: Kanna?!

Ando: What are you talking about, Kanna?

Kanna: There’s a dance party hosted by the Ando Dance Studio in a month, right?

Kanna: It’s an event where people young and old gather to have fun dancing.

Kanna: So Hasekura and his talkative friend can compete to see who’s better at dancing, and the one who stands out most can dance with Shiroma. 

Kanna: Wouldn’t it be romantic to see two men fighting over who gets to be her partner? 

Ando: Kanna, that’s hardly the purpose of a dance contest.

Louis: No, it’s an interesting idea! I don’t have any experience with dance, though I do have confidence in my physical abilities.

Louis: I’m sure I won’t lose to Hasekura.

Mukai: …!

Mukai: Louis, you’re always like this!

Hasekura: Mukai?

Mukai: You’re always trying to show off your superiority by looking down on Hasekura!

Louis: You’ve got it all wrong, Mukai. I’m only speaking the truth.

Mukai: It’s even worse that you don’t realize what you’re doing!

Mukai: Shiroma, this competition is just idiotic, but how about accepting his terms? I won’t feel satisfied until Louis’s arrogance is beaten down!

Hasekura: What’s wrong? Calm down, Mukai. This isn’t like you.

Mukai: I’m completely calm!

Shiroma: …All right. I do enjoy dancing. I’ll practice dancing for the party.

Hasekura: Shiroma?!

Louis: That settles it, then. I apologize for the fuss. Who’s the one in charge here?

Ando: … That would be me.

Louis: A pleasure to meet you. My name’s Louis. I’d like to ask for your guidance. 

Ando: Everyone has their own personality, so I won’t be teaching you the same way as I do him. Let’s find a dance style that suits you.

Louis: Now that sounds promising. How about we get right into practice? Strike while the iron’s hot, as they say.

Hasekura: …

•Outside

Hasekura: That was a surprise. I didn’t think you’d come to the studio, Mukai.

Mukai: I’m sorry… This is all because I mentioned your dance class to Louis.

Mukai: And on top of that, I made everyone agree to that stupid competition…

Hasekura: There’s no use trying to change what’s been decided. I’ll just do what I can, though I think it’ll be difficult to win.

Mukai: Hasekura, you’ve been practicing all this time, right? Louis is starting just today, so…

Hasekura: You saw him, didn’t you? He only just started and he’s memorized steps and begun dancing already.

Hasekura: If he keeps getting better at this pace, he’ll pass me in no time.

Mukai: That’s not true!

Hasekura: Mukai?

Mukai: Do your best. You can win for sure.

Hasekura: I’m sure you’re just being considerate. Don’t worry about me. I’m the one at fault, not being able to do things a normal person can do.

Mukai: …

Mukai: I’m sick of hearing that!

Hasekura: …Urk?! Mukai...?

Mukai: Whenever anything happens you’re always saying, ‘It’s my fault,’ ‘It’s my fault,’ but what did you ever do that was so wrong?!

Mukai: If you keep saying how much you’re at fault, what do you want me to say?!

Mukai: Would you be satisfied if I told you that you were at fault?!

Hasekura: Mukai, I didn’t mean it like that…

Mukai: Every time you demean yourself like that, it hurts me too!

Hasekura: Mukai…

Mukai: Damn it… Excuse me!

Hasekura: Mukai! Mukai!

Sound of Mukai running off.

Hasekura: Mukai…

Ando: …Hasekura.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando! Ah…

Ando: I’m sorry. I overheard your conversation.

Hasekura: No, it’s my fault… Ah.

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: Mukai’s a new hire who’s always calm and considerate. I should be leading by example, but I only ever cause him trouble… 

Hasekura: he’s such a strong person, I never imagined that he could be hurt by anything. 

Hasekura: No, I never even thought that he might feel that way.

Hasekura: That he would be hurt on my behalf. All because of me….

•Office

People cross paths within the office.

Hasekura is looking around for Mukai

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: How am I supposed to face him now…

Mukai: Good morning.

Hasekura: Mukai…!

Mukai: What’s the matter? let’s get going.

Hasekura: R-Right…

Hasekura: Mukai, about last week…

Mukai: Let’s just call off the competition.

Hasekura: Wha…

Mukai: It’s ridiculous to be forced into some contest because someone else wanted it, when you’re only doing dance as a hobby.

Mukai: I’ll go around and apologize to everyone.

Hasekura: Mukai.

Mukai: I’m just like all the others, trying to push their own ideals on how you should live your life.

Mukai: This was what I wanted, not you. The whole thing is my fault.

Hasekura: No, it’s not!

Mukai: Hasekura…!

Hasekura: I know you said it for my sake.

Hasekura: You should come to the dance party, too.

Hasekura: I’ll win against Louis.

Mukai: …

Hasekura: Er, well, I don’t want to pressure you, so…

Mukai: I’ll come… No, I want to support you.

Mukai: I believe you’ll be able to win, Hasekura.

Hasekura: Mukai… Right!

(6) Chapter 6

•Dance Studio

Louis: Hasekura, I’m glad that I’ll finally get to see your A-game today.

Hasekura: I’m not sure ‘A-game’ is what I would call it, but I am taking this seriously.

Kanna: They’re totally fired up! This is so exciting!

Ando: There’s only a short amount of time, so let’s choose one type of dance for each of you and practice it thoroughly.

Ando: I believe a quick, lively step dance would suit Louis. You’re good at them, right Kanna?

Kanna: Leave all the footwork to me! I’ll be a great partner for you.

Louis: Looking forward to it, Miss Kanna.

Kanna: Wow, he’s so cool!

Ando: Hasekura will learn an elegant waltz. I’ll be your partner.

Hasekura: Thank you very much.

Ando: now then, let’s all work hard for the dance contest! 

Everyone begins practicing.

Louis and Kanna dance with nimble footsteps

Kanna: One, two, three, one, two, three! Wow, you’re really good, Louis!

Louis: Haha, thanks!

Ando: They seem like a good pair.

Mukai: …

Ando: Hasekura?

Hasekura: So that’s what Louis looks like.

Ando: You see him every day at the office, don’t you?

Hasekura: I do, but… I’ve never really looked at his face.

•Outside

Louis: All right, see you next week, Hasekura!

Hasekura: Right.

Hasekura: …I’m not used to seeing coworkers after work like this.

Ando: Hasekura.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando. What is it. 

Ando: Well… I was just thinking about what you said while we were dancing.

Hasekura: Yeah…

Hasekura: Up until now, I’ve always looked down as if to avoid others’ attention. I never tried to look them in the eye.

Hasekura: But now that Louis and I are competing, I’ve looked directly at him for the first time.

Hasekura: He was dancing his best and breaking a sweat… He might actually be a hard worker. 

Hasekura: It was sort of a revelation to me, after only feeling intimidated by him for so long. 

Hasekura: I’m starting to feel like dancing has made me notice things I wasn’t able to before.

Ando: Hasekura…

Kanna: Wow, that’s so amazing!

Hasekura: …?

Ando: Kanna?

Kanna: Louis and Hasekura are steadily getting better and better! My idea was a huge success!

Shiroma: Jeez, getting everyone involved, too…

Hasekura: Shiroma’s with her…

Ando: The two of them are going to dinner, I imagine. 

Hasekura: They’re close, huh…

Kanna: You’re so lucky, Shiroma. I’m jealous two guys are competing over you.

Kanna: Hey, so what are Louis and Hasekura like at work?

Shiroma: Louis is popular within the company and well known in general. He was recently put in charge of a big project. 

Kanna: And Hasekura?

Shiroma: Hasekura is…

Shiroma: Scary.

Hasekura: …?!

Ando: Oh…?

Kanna: Scary? How so?

Shiroma: Hasekura seems somewhat hollow inside… I don’t know what he could be thinking about.

Shiroma: I get scared every time our eyes meet. I’m always smiling awkwardly to brush it off.

Hasekura: …!

Kanna: Ohh, no way! Tell me the details over dinner!

Sounds of the two of them leaving.

Ando: Hasekura…

Hasekura: I-I’m sorry. Haha… I feel bad for eavesdropping on them during such an awkward conversation.

Hasekura: Just when I thought I was starting to be able to see things I couldn’t, who knew I’d also realize I wasn’t actually seeing the things I thought I did. 

Hasekura: I really am no good. It’s not a new problem for me. I’m at fault. I’m… I’m…

Ando: You’re not at fault.

Hasekura: …!

Ando: You’re not at fault Hasekura. You’re not…

Ando: Hasekura. Let’s dance.

Hasekura: But, I just don’t feel like it right now…

Ando: And that’s why you should. Cast off in a stormy night and your boat will simply sink. 

Ando: At times like these, you need to keep warm and wait it out until the sea calms down.

•Dance Studio

A waltz plays.

Hasekura: …

Ando: …

Hasekura: …There’s a part of me that can see why Shiroma would be scared of me.

Hasekura: But… it still made me sad to hear it.

Ando: …

Hasekura: …I’m going to forfeit the competition.

Hasekura: I don’t want to do anything to scare Shiroma any further. 

Hasekura: And I think… I should quit dancing as well.

Hasekura: I’ll just return to my life from before… That’ll be fine. I don’t need anything…

Ando: Are you really all right with that?

Hasekura: I am.

Ando: Then, why do you look so sad?

Hasekura: …

Ando: I know I shouldn’t be talking about this right now, but I don’t think Shiroma was actually afraid of you. 

Hasekura: But she said…

Ando: I know. I heard it too, after all. But, I just can’t believe it…

Ando: She was listening intently about how you were progressing. She was smiling as she said you were amazing.

Hasekura: Then why…

Ando: I don’t know. But if you end things now, you’ll never know the answer.

Ando: Hasekura, do you really want to stand still for the rest of your life?

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: …I don’t want to stand still.

Hasekura: …I guess I was having fun. Dance felt like the first thing I was capable of doing in my life.

Hasekura: Yeah, that’s right. I’m having fun. I may be in pain, but even now, I’m still having fun dancing.

Hasekura: …I don’t want to stop.

Ando: …Ah.

Hasekura: What is it?

Ando: It’s because you smiled, Hasekura.

Hasekura: I did? I didn’t realize… 

Hasekura: It’s hard to believe I could smile when I’m on the verge of tears.

Ando: It’s because of dance.

Hasekura: No, it’s because of you, Ms. Ando…

Ando: Me?

Hasekura: Ah, it’s nothing… Is it okay if we dance a while longer?

Ando: Sure.

(7) Chapter 7

•Dance Studio

Ando: One, two, three, one, two, three… Yes, perfect.

Hasekura: Thank you very much.

Kanna: Louis, you’re so good!

Louis: Thanks!

Hasekura: He’s really improved a lot.

Hasekura: I was just thinking that he might be a hard worker, but now I’m actually a bit frustrated. 

Hasekura: Maybe it’s because I don’t want to lose.

Ando: You have your own strengths, Hasekura.

Ando: I’ll be dancing in a way that highlights those strengths, so don’t you worry.

Hasekura: Thank you…

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: But if that’s the case, won’t you feel held back, Ms. Ando?

Ando: You’re the star here, Hasekura. You don’t need to worry about anything like that. Now then, let’s dance.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando…

Hasekura and Ando dance.

Ando: One, two, three, one, two, three…

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: Do you ever feel like you want to stand out, Ms. Ando?

Ando: Huh? …Well, there was a time in the past when I did.

Hasekura: In the past?

Ando: When I did competitions as a dancer, I would think things like, ‘I’ll be the most dazzling person in this hall!’

Hasekura: That’s normal if you’re in a competition, isn’t it?

Ando: That’s what I thought, too. But…

Ando: At some point, I would only be satisfied by being commended with awards. 

Ando: I danced not because i wanted to dance, but because I wanted to win awards.

Ando: Maybe that’s why dance became less and less fun for me…

Ando: One day, I just quit and turned my back on it. I swore to never enter another competition again. 

Hasekura: I never imagined…

Ando: I didn’t want to use dance as a way to fight.

Ando: But I think my thinking has changed a little.

Hasekura: …?

Ando: Hasekura, your improvement was faster after it was decided you would have this competition, right?

Ando: I feel there are things that can improve when you compete with others.

Ando: I felt perhaps that my days competing were not a waste.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando…

Ando: Well, let’s end here for today. I’ll see you next week, Hasekura.

Hasekura: …

Kanna and Louis are about to head home.

Hasekura: Kanna.

Kanna: Hm? Yeah?

Hasekura: Do you have a moment…?

(8) Chapter 8

•Party Hall

Louis: The day’s finally here, huh, Hasekura?!

Hasekura: Yeah…

Shiroma: …

Hasekura: Shiroma is smiling in her usual way…

Mukai: Hasekura.

Hasekura: Mukai.

Mukai: I know you’ll be great out there.

Ando: I’m the host of this dance party, and my motto is to have fun. You have some freedom here, too. Please dance to your heart’s content.

Louis: I’ll go first. Watch me.

Hasekura: Yeah, all right. Do your best.

Louis: …

Louis: Hey, Hasekura, I envy you, you know?

Hasekura: Huh…?

Louis: No matter what happens, you’re always firmly grounded and work steadily through any sort of boring work. And you do it so well. 

Louis: You’re the exact opposite of me. I respect you for that.

Hasekura: Louis… 

Louis: That’s why I won’t lose. All right, I’m up. Miss Kanna, may I have your hand?

Kanna: Yes!

Mukai: I never knew that’s how Louis felt…

Hasekura: …

Music for a quick step dance plays.

Ando: Louis is much better now than when he’s practicing. I see he’s the type who does his best performing for an audience.

Mukai: He’s so good, even an amateur like me can tell…

Hasekura: He’s our star performer in our group at work, after all.

The music changes to a waltz. 

Mukai: The song has changed. 

Ando: It’s finally time.

Hasekura: I wish I could tell myself from a few months ago that I’d be dancing in a competition here.

Ando: I wonder how you’d respond.

Hasekura: ‘I don’t really know how, but I’m sure they just let me in on a fluke.’ 

Ando: Heh heh. All right then, let’s dance. 

Hasekura: Yes.

Louis: I wonder what sort of moves we’ll see from Hasekura.

Kanna: I’m sure you’ll be surprised.

Kanna: By him AND Ms. Ando!

Ando: Let’s relax and enjoy ourselves.

Hasekura: Right.

Ando: One, two, three, one, two, three…

Hasekura: One, two, three, one, two, three…!

Ando: …?!

Hasekura begins dancing, leading Ando.

Louis: Hasekura’s leading? 

Hasekura dances so that Ando stands out.

Ando: Hasekura, what’s the matter? You won’t stand out at this rate. You won’t be able to win against Louis!

Hasekura: I realized… No, it’s something I knew from the start. I just finally became aware of it.

Ando: Aware? Of what…?

Hasekura: Unlike Louis, I don’t want to stand out.

Ando: Huh…?

Hasekura: I hated myself for being too reserved to step out in front of performative people, but that’s actually a unique part of my personality. 

Hasekura: Rather than stepping forward myself, I like supporting the people who are made for the spotlight. 

Hasekura: And Ms. Ando, there is no one better suited for it than you. No…

Hasekura: It’s that I want more than anything to see you in that spotlight now.

Ando: …! 

Hasekura: That’s why I learned how to dance from Kanna in a way that makes you look beautiful.

Hasekura: If you set sail, head for Acapulco.

Hasekura: That’s our company motto. I don’t know what it means, but it just sort of gives me courage. 

Hasekura: Please dance, Ms. Ando. For your sake. 

Ando: …

Ando: Can I count on you to lead?

Hasekura: Yes.

★Dance

“Compass Line”

Kanna: Ms. Ando looks just as she did when she used to compete…!

Louis: He’s managed to surprise us with a brilliant strategy. No, this is Hasekura showing off his true strength. Mukai, looks like the competition’s decided. 

Mukai: …Yes, it does.

Mukai: Everyone on the floor is watching the two of them dance. 

Shiroma: …How lovely, Hasekura.

The song ends.

Kanna: Yes! Hasekura, it was a huge success! Everyone’s eyes are fixed on Ms. Ando!

Ando: Kanna…

Kanna: This is what I wanted to see! I’m so happy! And now I understand that you can shine even when you’re not competing, Ms. Ando!

Kanna: You can shine whenever it is that you want to!

Ando: Thank you, Kanna…

Kanna: Hey, Hasekura. Shiroma told me she used to be afraid whenever she saw you.

Kanna: She said she could never tell what you were thinking. 

Hasekura: Ah…

Kanna: But after watching you take up social dancing, Shiroma realized… 

Kanna: That you’re a reserved, thoughtful, warm person! She told me how embarrassed she felt that she never saw you for who you were.

Shiroma: Hasekura.

Hasekura: …Shiroma.

Shiroma: You were wonderful today. Ms. Ando was of course beautiful as well, but… To me, you were the most dazzling.

Shiroma: So…

Shiroma: Won’t you please dance with me?

Mukai: Good for you, Hasekura, You did it.

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: Shiroma. It was your smile that saved me. I was able to keep going at work because you were there. 

Hasekura: That’s why I’m happy to hear you say that to me now. I really am happy.

Ando looks away.

Ando: …

Hasekura: But… The person I want to dance with… is Ms. Ando.

Ando: …!

Shiroma: Heh heh… I had a feeling.

Ando: Hasekura…

Hasekura: Ms. Ando. I want to watch you, shining more brightly than anyone else, closer than anyone else. I…

The volume of the music rises.

Fade out.

(9) Chapter 9

•Outside

Employee A: Live through each day until the day you’ve been waiting for has arrived.

Employee B: Yes, the long-awaited Friday! The most sparkling day of the week!

Hasekura: …

Employee A: Oh my, Hasekura! How are you?

Employee B: Do you have any plans tonight?

Hasekura: Plans? …Ah.

Hasekura: Today, I’ll be dancing.

Everyone enters to perform.

The End.

[southeastasianarchaeology]

[Talk] 'Exploring Animal Translocations: Zooarchaeology and the Galleon Trade' by Quincy Lingao

Talk at the UP School of Archaeology on Wednesday, 26 July 2023 at noon, but can also be joined online. Zoom link in the image.

Talk at the UP School of Archaeology on Wednesday, 26 July 2023 at noon, but can also be joined online. Zoom link in the image. zooarchaeology and the galleon trade webinar Source: Binalot Talks: ‘Exploring Animal Translocations: Zooarchaeology and the Galleon Trade’ by Quincy Lingao | School of Archaeology

[yongzs1218]

📍Macau Museum 澳門博物館

This museum is located in the centre of the Mount Fortress and consists of three floors (the first two underground and the third above the Fortress). It exhibits the history and folk culture of Macau (including Taipa and Coloane).

此博物館位於大炮台中央，共三層（首兩層在炮台地下，第三層在炮台上）。展示了澳門（包含氹仔和路環）的歷史與民俗文化。

P2: Stone tools unearthed at the Hác-Sá site. The archaeological discovery of the Hác-Sá site represents a major breakthrough in the understanding of rotary machinery in the history of Chinese science and technology. The Hesha Jade Workshop has also become an important milestone in the history of Chinese jade craftsmanship.

P2：黑沙遺址出土的石器。黑沙遺址的考古發現，代表着中國科技史上旋轉機械認識的重大突破。黑沙玉作坊也成為中國古玉工藝學研究史上重要的里程碑。

The reconstruction of the manufacturing process of rock crystal ornaments 4,000 years ago

復原4,000多年前水晶飾物製作的完整流程

Establish a rotary machine, used in the manufacture of rings and earrings in rock crystal

發現環玦管鑽加工轆轤機械

P3: Kraak Porcelain found in Macau (Kraak porcelain: Chinese blue and white porcelain shipped to Europe by galleon at late Ming Dynasty). This is an evidence that Macau was a major transit point for the early porcelain trade from East to West.

P3：澳門發現的克拉克瓷（明末由大帆船運至歐洲的中國青花瓷器），證明澳門是東西方早期瓷器貿易的重要中轉站。

P4: Bell of St. Paul’s 聖保祿大鐘

P5~P6: Macau Houses in Various Styles 澳門各式風格的房屋

P7: Fire Cracker Industry 爆竹業

P8: The Market-Square in-front of Hong Kung Temple (19th century)

P8：康公廟前地市集（十九世紀）

P9~P10: Pawn Brokers’ Towers 押店高樓（典當業）

[gatheredfates]

KORET SWAN.

Nickname: Kor. Generally only reserved for people she knows well, otherwise it's Koret or Captain. Age: Mid-thirties. Nameday: 32 Sun of the 5th Umbral Moon (All Saints Wake) Race: Mix-race Ala Mhigan Highlander (on her father's side) and Limsan Midlander (on her mothers). Gender: It's complicated. I could write an entire essay about Kor's perception of gender and where she fits in it but that would take up 90% of this mini dossier. However, to keep it brief: Kor is unsure if her desire to abandon her femininity is due primarily to her father's distain of it or that she simply does not see herself as a woman. There are times where presenting masculine suits her, pronouns and all, until she suddenly feels alienated and abandons it altogether. There are times she feels she is everything and nothing at all. There are times were being a woman is a comfort and strength. She fits somewhere on the spectrum of gender fluidity, but she is constantly questioning her place and constantly feeling invalidated by the way her own mind undermines her when it comes to it. She is a pronoun because it is easy; she is not employed because she believes she is always female. If she could stop thinking about it altogether, she would do it in a heartbeat. Orientation: Bisexual, no preference. Profession: Captain of the Wolfsbane; a notorious galleon once commanded by her father, Dimitri. It was 'gifted' to her in a decrepit state when Kor was considered old enough to command.

Fleet Captain of her father's ships in his death, answering predominately to the thalassocracy of Limsa Lominsa when called upon - though she mostly ships goods for Firelight Trading Company.

Warrior of Light in the applicable verse!

PHYSICAL ASPECTS

Hair: A deep, wavy crimson, cut just above the breast. Kor will often plait it when she is working — if not cut it shorter altogether. See aforementioned gender grappling. Eyes: Amber. Her father's eyes. In her non-WoL verse, she lost her right eye in an altercation with @riftdancing's Blink after her father tried to pit her against the other woman and her forces. The loss of vision was a mercy to spare her life. Skin: Pale, closer to her mothers, though she tans without too much trouble. However, seeing much of her skin beyond her face is reserved only for those she trusts, as beneath her clothes her body is marred with scars and pock-marks from her father's abuse. There are callouses on her hands. Tattoos/Scars: See above regarding scars. She is considering adopting some tattoos in light of seeing Vamp and Rex's, but hasn't committed fully to the idea yet. FAMILY

Parents: Dimitri Swan, youngest in a family of Ala Mhigan men forced to watch their city fall. He abandoned his homeland quickly after revelations about the Garleans and the Mad King emerged and took to Limsa for promises of wealth and prestige. Fighting, bargaining, trading and even killing for what he wanted, he became a notorious figure within Limsa Lominsa — reviled and respected in turn —and was not one readily crossed. His desire for a true-born son to inherit his legacy was all-consuming and, ultimately, his undoing.

I haven't given a name to Kor's mother yet, but she was a pretty little thing Dimitri met one night in the Drowning Wench. He wooed her with promises of a luxurious life and the first few years of their marriage were unremarkable — primarily due to Dimitri being constantly at sea. However, when she failed to produce a living heir after two daughters and numerous miscarriages/stillborn children, his opinion of her soured. She died when Kor was thirteen of a 'mysterious illness', though she maintains her mother simply gave up on life due to his ongoing abuse. In her youth, she hated her. As an adult, her opinion of her is complicated. Siblings: One full-blooded sister, Lily. Because I play hard and fast with character ages, and the canonical passage of XIV time makes no sense to me (and I don't subscribe to it), she died at the start of ARR. Whether that was one year, five years or anything in between... you tell me.

Kor is also aware she must have an innumerable amount of half-siblings due to her father's sexual appetite. Even when their marriage was good, there were always rumours he was taking women in far-flung ports — something he denied at first, but wholeheartedly used as a battering ram later as another blow to hurt his wife. It would bemuse Kor if he only shot blanks, but she's not an optimist. At this stage, none have come out of the woodwork and tried to communicate with her. Grandparents: She knows little about them. The ones on her father's side died during the fall of Ala Mhigo and the ones on her mother's she never learned anything about. Others: (God this is going to get so long).

To begin, Kor has a rather large extended family. On her mother's side, she has her cousin Paprika (played by @riftdancing). On her father's, she has Ashe and Eve. Dimitri tried to look like he was assimilating into Limsan society by taking on his wife's last name and abandoning his own, leaving Ashe with to carry the mantle of 'Hawke'. However, Kor was never close to any of them until adulthood.

In Ashe and Paprika's case, though they lived within the same city-state, Dimitri's iron fist over his family ensured Kor couldn't ask for help. They were also not really in a position to assist without inflicting his retribution onto them. Dimitri abandoned his brother when Ashe's father first arrived, and consequently isolated his wife from any contact with her family.

Eve didn't come into the picture until Kor was well and truly an adult. Ashe kept up with her via letters but, due to going due west to Thanalan with the other refugees, she was only able to escape her own captivity in her mid-twenties. They are incredibly distant for numerous reasons I won't get into here (because it'll be a novel).

Kor found a pseudo-father figure in my partner's character Rex, though she will not admit it to him directly. They came into contact through my character Crow (I enjoy all my characters being loosely interconnected), another fleet-captain hoping to push Dimitri out of the picture because he conflicted with her aspirations, and he quickly surmised her predicament through Crow's inference and Kor's eventual admission. His company is a second home to her, both metaphorically and literally these days.

Literally because she's dating one of the Head Mechanics — an Ala Mhigan man by the name of Vamp. This was another cheeky ploy by Crow to give Kor some connections to her homeland in the company of a man she knew to be gentle and kind; to the point she refused his charter from Limsa to Ul'dah, even if Rex was paying handsomely for the fare. Crow hadn't expected them to grow as close as they did... but she also won a bet, so that was nice. If she's in Firelight, she can be found in the workshop or the airship hanger keeping Vamp company while he works on Firelight's various vehicles.

Her relationship with Blink is... a thing. Don't quantify it. In another life, they're dating. In another-other life, one is dead by the other's hand. She's the embodiment of 'I fucked around and found out' — literally! What are they? Is she an ex, an enemy or something in between? Who knows! She calls her a friend these days. That's close enough.

You know who Kor's best friend is? She won't say it. It's Sarrai. Sarrai will happily say it, though. She'll sing it from the rooftops! She once asked Kor for her bones if she successfully died and the Captain was far too taken aback to say no. Dark humour wins again.

There's also some lore around her and my other best friend's OC Beau, but a lot of that is tied into Beau's WoL verse and makes it hard to properly quantify here without talking about that verse and making this post even longer. However, there's a lot of homoerotic tension. That's all you need to know. Same for the numerous connections she has with my friends' ocs at FTC and beyond. Most of them aren't active on tumblr but they know. They know. Pets: I jokingly have the Ugly Duckling out on Kor. She had a dog called Nipper in her WoW verse. Maybe she has a pet? Who knows.

SKILLS

Abilities: Kor is a captain. With that come a myriad of skills including, but not limited to: commanding a ship and reading the seas; diplomacy, negotiation and bartering; mastery over a myriad of weapons including a gunblade and a musket (I maintain Kor was a musketeer in ARR despite it being moved to machinist in HW); a depth of political understanding/manoeuvring; and a shit-tonne of luck. She also possessed the Echo, a 'gift' given to her the night her sister died. Hobbies: Kor is a workaholic. Down-time is few and far between, because it gives her too much time to think. However, she does enjoy reading for its escapism.

TRAITS

Most positive trait: I think it's her accountability. Kor doesn't like to admit she is wrong and doesn't like to look weak, yet she will grit her teeth and apologise eventually because she knows it's the right thing to do. She's also got mountains of endurance and will put her own life/limb on the line for her love ones because she knows she can take it. Most negative trait: Her melancholy. Kor is jaded from a lot of life's experiences, and this manifests in someone who is closed off, hostile and downright nasty when people push her too far. She battles with extreme suicidal ideation that can often make her endurance a detriment because she doesn't always care if she dies. Her father called her a dog for her bark but she's also known to bite.

LIKES

Colours: Navy blue, bottle-green and red. Smells: Sea-salt, brine and freshly-carved wood. Smoky cedarwood colognes and anise. Rum and other similar spirits. Coffee. Textures: Water, wool and steel. The feeling of wood beneath your fingers. Drinks: Hot chocolate.

OTHER DETAILS

Smokes: Frequently. It's her go-to vice, only because it has less 'negative' side-effects to alcohol. Dimitri was an alcoholic and Kor possesses his rage. She knows what she can be like when she drinks. Drinks: ...Semi-frequently. Just because she knows what she's like doesn't mean she won't partake, especially in times of turmoil and strife. These days she tries to drink sweeter things like mead and wine, rather than hard spirits/beer, because she finds she's more aware of how much she has drunk rather than losing herself to the bottle. Drugs: She's dabbled, but it's not for her. Kor has an addictive personality and wrestles enough with booze and tobacco. She doesn't need anything else. Mount Issuance: Does a ship count? I also fully believe that the fall of Garlemald has brought technological advancements to Eorzea and Rex would not have passed up the chance to build things like cars and motorbikes. If so, Kor has the latter. Been arrested: Sure! She's been drunk and disorderly and had a few nights in a Limsan gaol. That's kind of the part of being a privateer, y'know?

Tagged by: @sundered-souls — at least for this one! I'm going to try and do one character per tag. Tagging: @halikyon, @zylphiacrowley, @abracarabbit, @laurel-resting, @starforger, @corsair-kovacs, @cindernet-explorer & @eriyu! (provided you haven't done it already; if so, maybe an alt?) If you'd like a chance of being tagged, you can like my permanent interaction call here!

[salem-witch-slut]

Sweet, Sweet Truth

Poppy Sweeting x Nicki Dimitrescu (Hogwarts Legacy MC)

WARNINGS: Idiots in love. That's it, a useless lesbian in love with her classmate.

SYNOPSIS: Nicki has been wanting to show Poppy the Room of Requirement for months now. To see all of the creatures and beasts she's rescued from the poachers grasp. But part of her still wonders if she's making the right decision.

WORD COUNT: 3.4K

A/N: As I played this game, my MC quickly became her own character to me and I started using her name more and more and she is basically just an OC at this point. Kind of controversial but I really like this dynamic. Fight me, it's cute.

She always felt most at peace in this room. 

Could it still be called a room and not a home at this point? She spent all of her time here, after the term ended and everybody returned to their homes, she remained behind within the Room of Requirement. While she could have asked Deek to care for her animals, this would have been time wasted bonding with all of the creatures she rescued over the school year. 

There was something calming about studying in a transcendental garden inside of a room of her mind’s own creation, surrounded by all of the beasts she’s rescued from the poachers that roam the land across the wizard world. 

She was so enraptured with the book she was reading that the huff of a creature behind her nearly made her toss the book from the small picnic table in front of her. She looked up and heard a familiar chirp as the creature nuzzled against her face. 

“Hey, Highwing,” She smiled, reaching up to scratch at the white Hippogriff’s cheek who responded with an almost purring sound. She was forever fascinated with the mystical beasts surrounding her. Highwing was the smartest creature she’s ever met. Whenever the Niffler would approach her, the feathers on her wings would ruffle and she would prance in a circle around the curious little shiny thief. 

On many occasions, the pink-haired Hufflepuff would find her silver-lain quill inside of the critter’s den and have to trade a real galleon with him to get it back. With all the coins he was hoarding, she could probably buy a brand new broomstick. 

“What’s wrong, my friend?” She stood from the table and ran her fingers across Highwing’s beak. “Do you need to stretch your wings? You have all of this space, you don’t need me for that.”

The Hippogriff snorted, jumping a little as if to get her point across, stepping forward and nudging her face into the witch’s chest. When she chirruped again, it sparked a realization in the girl’s dark brown eyes. “Ah, I see… Do you think its time I invite your mom into this room?”

This was a long-time coming. She had been meaning to tell Poppy about the vivariums inside of the Room of Requirement for almost ten months. It was around the middle of October and the castle was decked out in Halloween decor and she did her best to set the mood in her little hideout, thanks to Deek helping set the ambience of a moonlit glow. 

“Pardon me, Mistress Nicoleta?” The pink-haired girl looked behind her at the house elf who slowly shambled in with a letter in his hands. 

“Deek, you really don’t need to call me that,” She smiled warmly to show her lack of irritation. She learned very quickly that with a house elf, she had to be very particular with how she worded things and with her facial expressions. Most of the wizarding world is so cruel to their assigned elves and forces punishment on them if they make mistakes. 

“Of course, forgive me,” Deek smiled. “Miss Nicki, you have a letter here. The owl just arrived not a moment ago.” 

“All right,” Nicki accepted the letter, immediately recognizing the handwriting and smiling at Sebastian’s signature on the envelope. “Thank you Deek.”

The house elf smiled and with a snap of his fingers, he vanished. The smile lingered on Nicki’s face as she turned over the letter and tore the seal open to read what was inside. The letter had the most elegant handwriting, as usual when Sebastian wrote to her. Sometimes she struggled to work out if he wrote an F or a J.

Nicki scanned over the letter, rubbing at her neck. He wanted to meet in the Undercroft with Ominis later in the night, which meant she would need to cast Disillusionment again to avoid someone seeing her out of her common room after dark. Though, come to think of it… when was the last time she slept in the common room?

There was a separate section in the ROR just for her to sleep. Set up one of the most comfortable beds she’s ever slept in and enchanted the ceiling so it looked like a night sky to keep her calm throughout the night. 

Ever since those restless nights after Professor Fig’s passing, Nicki couldn’t sleep with the rest of her roommates in the room. She cried a lot, and kept them awake so she isolated herself inside of the ROR until she was able to stop crying… But by then, she was so comfortable alone, she never truly returned. And if anybody noticed, they didn’t say anything. 

“Alright darling,” Nicki spoke softly, patting her hand against Highwing’s neck as she started walking towards the entrance of the aviary vivarium. “I will be back later. Stay out of trouble, and stop chasing around the Diricawls, hmm?”

Highwing scratched her claws against the dirt and chirped, almost with approval as she watched the pink-haired heroine step out and back into the main room. Nicki pocketed the letter and double checked her side holster to make sure she took her wand with her before stepping out of the ROR. Some of the students walking by noticed her, but simply nodded like this was a normal thing they always saw. To be fair, this was Hogwarts. Disappearing, and reappearing doors seemed to be all over the place. 

“I know Poppy sometimes lingers near the front courtyard,” Nicki mumbled to herself as she strolled throughout the hall, taking her time to get there. Part of her was excited to show her what she’s been doing, but another part of her was absolutely terrified. Some of these creatures she’s kept inside of her vivariums make sense… But some of them?

How will Poppy react to seeing the herd of thestrals? Or the unicorns? What about the phoenix? Or worse… Nicki’s mind lingered on the Graphorn that has bonded with her. She attempted to return him back to the shores where he lived for the longest time, but he followed her back and refused to leave her side. 

Nicki had to give him a name. He was powerful, an ancient creature of strength, and was considered a lord among his kind… Odin seemed like a fitting name. And he seemed to respond and like it so it stuck with her. 

Her entire mind was plagued with these thoughts as she wandered down to the courtyard. She was tugging on the sleeve of her robe when she walked directly into someone. The impact was hard enough that the other student was knocked clean off of their feet and Nicki tumbled forward right on top of them. 

Her forehead smacked against their chest and the student under her groaned with pain as her pink hair fell out of its usual slicked back style. 

“Nicki?” Her face went almost the same color as her hair as she looked down and saw the exact person she was looking for. Poppy smiled, her hair sprawled all over the grass behind her head as she instinctively put both hands on Nicki’s waist. It felt like her hands were on fire; Nicki could feel the heat of her skin through her button-up white shirt as she sat up on her hands and gave a very nervous chuckle. “You always know how to sweep me off of my feet.” 

Nicki chuckled again, this time in humor as she reached down and gently pulled a stray lock of Poppy’s hair away from her forehead. “Are you alright?” 

“Well,” Poppy gently squeezed the girl’s sides. “I’ll be better when we aren’t on the ground anymore with… everybody looking at us.” 

Nicki jerked her head upward and noticed that yes, almost the whole courtyard was staring at them both. She bit down on her lip, a nervous habit that had gotten so bad that her lip started bleeding sometimes. Her fingers dug into the dirt for a second before she scooted back until she could stand up and then held out her hand for Poppy to take.

The brunette accepted it without hesitation and was once again shocked with just how strong Nicki was. Her feet left the ground for a second and the fellow Hufflepuff began brushing off the dirt that gathered on Poppy’s robe. 

“Well, this was a lucky coincidence,” Nicki smiled before reaching up and removing a blade of grass from Poppy’s hair, seeing the shorter girl blush slightly at the gesture. “I was just coming to look for you.”

“For me?” Poppy asked. “Did you need something?”

“In a way,” Nicki shifted her weight on her feet, trying to work up the courage to ask her to come back to the room with her. After a few seconds of nonstop looking at the ground, Nicki sighed and looked back up to meet Poppy’s eyes. The brunette focused on the scar over her left eye and was reminded of how her freckles looked like constellations.

“There’s something I want to show you… But I need you to keep an open mind going into this.”

The words sounded a lot less menacing in her head than when she spoke them out loud. And from the look on Poppy’s face, she realized that it was phrased wrong. Her heart sped up for a second and she reached out with both hands. “N-Not that it’s dangerous or anything! But, let’s face it… you can handle something dangerous.” 

The memory of the dragon rescue was something the two of them always talked about. And then returning the dragon egg was just as dangerous, if not more so than the former task. Of course, it was all worth it. 

“Alright, where are we headed?” Poppy smiled warmly, much to the pink-haired girl’s delight as she began to walk backwards, beckoning her housemate to follow behind. Poppy had to almost jog to keep up with the girl’s lengthy strides. Her legs were just so long that it was always a struggle for Poppy to stay in step with her. 

They went up the staircases that Nicki had just come back down from and very slowly, she approached the wall where the door would appear if she thought about it. 

“Now remember… open mind,” Nicki said, clenching her hands a little as she closed her eyes. Poppy tried to not look confused but jumped a little as the swirls of the iron door design began to appear right in front of her. When the entire door materialized and opened up for them, Nicki stepped forward, holding out her hand for Poppy to take. “Let me show you what I do with my time, Poppy.” 

Oh, how could she possibly say no to that? The brunette put her hand in Nicki’s almost like it was without her control as the girl led her into the Room of Requirement. 

All around the room, Poppy saw something new. Statues of mystical beasts in the open spaces, potion tables lined up along the far left hallway, and potting tables on the other side. Across the main room, she could see a staircase where she was sure even more wondrous things lie and up the stairs to the right were rooms with glowing light surrounding the glass enclosures. 

“This is the Room of Requirement,” Nicki said, stepping forward and removing her wand from her hip. The tip of it glowed before she gave it a small flick and a chair conjured right next to Poppy. The girl jumped in surprise as Nicki smiled and then flicked the wand backward, vanishing the object in an instant. “It adapts to the needs of the occupant and allows them to have access to what they need.” 

“Incredible,” Poppy stepped forward, taking in the room around her and looking up at the ceiling to see all of the books flying around and the enchantment that Deek placed on the room to give the illusion that the moon was always shining down inside. “Is this where you spent your time last year?” 

“Most of it, yes,” Nicki reached out her hand and a book appeared within her palm. She flipped through the pages of her Field Guide journal and smiled at how Professor Weasley commemorated her completion of the book. “When I wasn’t off saving all of Hogwarts, anyways.” 

“And rescuing dragons, and bargaining with centaurs, and searching for the golden snidgets…” Poppy listed off all of Nicki’s accomplishments and she tried to hide her embarrassment as she rubbed the back of her neck. “You were certainly busy last year.”

“You don’t know how busy,” Nicki placed down the field guide and began to walk towards the stairs, gesturing for Poppy to follow her towards one of the glowing rooms in the corner. “Which is why I wanted you to come here… there’s something I want to show you.”

Poppy was two steps behind her the whole way and couldn’t help but notice the scar on the back of Nicki’s neck in the shape of a claw mark. Very carefully, they approached the door and when Nicki stepped through the light, Poppy was close behind. 

For a moment, she couldn’t see anything, and then when it all came into focus, she was completely speechless. 

In front of the two was a massive beach. The waves in the distance crashed against the beautiful rocks lining the shore, the smell of the sea filling their noses. The sun within the room felt so real, so bright, so… Poppy walked backwards, looking up and admiring just how incredible the room looked. Near where the tide just stopped, there was a bench made of stone along with a lamp post. A scarf was draped over the back of it, proof that Nicki was comfortable enough in the room to leave her clothing behind inside. 

“This is…” Poppy struggled to find the words. “This is amazing, Nicki… It’s absolutely breathtaking.” 

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Nicki smiled before turning around and pressing two of her fingers to her teeth. A long, high pitched whistle escaped her mouth and it felt like the ground was now shaking under their feet. Poppy instinctively stepped back and when the creature Nicki was calling stepped into view, she was shocked. No, not shocked. Poppy was in awe. 

“Is that…” The Graphorn began to gallop forward and gave a mighty roar as he approached the two girls. Nicki dropped down to her knee in front of him and Poppy immediately followed her movement, not willing to upset the magnificent beast in front of her. It was the largest Graphorn she had ever seen before. 

The beast stepped in front of them and gave a soft snort as he leaned down and pressed his nose against Nicki’s face. The tendrils on his mouth tickled against her cheek and she smiled, reaching up and gently petting his forehead. “Poppy, this is the Lord of the Shore… but I call him Odin.”

“How did you possibly manage to tame a Graphorn?! Let alone bring him inside of this room without being noticed?” Poppy gaped as Nicki reached down for her hand and led the girl closer. Without hesitation, Poppy reached out and placed her palm against his face and he gave an almost purring noise. “This is incredible.”

“I’ve done it with all of them,” Nicki said softly. “All of the other rooms that look like this? They all have beasts within… I even rescued a phoenix.”

“Nicki,” Poppy noticed the fear in the girl’s brown eyes and she stepped back, looking down at the sand gathering on her black boots. “What is–”

“Am I doing the right thing, Poppy?” Nicki asked. She couldn’t bear to face her friend’s look. “Am I no better than those poachers? I tell myself that these creatures are safer with me than out there to be captured and slaughtered for a price… but am I doing what’s right? Keeping them here against their will?”

Poppy could see tears in her eyes. This had clearly been on her mind for weeks, if not months… The girl clenched her hands into fists and looked as if she was seconds from breaking down in front of her. This was an incredibly important thing to Nicki. Poppy knew firsthand how cruel the poachers could be. Her family subjected the poor girl to terrors beyond her nightmares, forcing Poppy to watch innocent creatures die for a profit. 

What Poppy endured was absolutely awful… And now here was her best friend, confessing something that she believed to be just as terrible as what she tried so hard to stop. What does she say? How does she actually feel about this? 

“Oh, Nicki,” Poppy said softly, reaching forward and gently pressing her palm against the girl’s cheek. She looked down to meet her gaze and immediately leaned into Poppy’s touch, like she was warmth in the cold winter. “You are doing the right thing… These creatures are in danger out there.”

“But this isn’t their home,” Nicki said. “I took them from their homes and said I was keeping them safe–”

“And you are,” Poppy grabbed the girl’s face with both hands and gently rubbed her thumb over Nicki’s cheekbones. “They are all safe here. They are treated with kindness and respect by the sweetest witch I’ve ever known. You are protecting them from those who would wish to do them harm.”

“Are you sure?” Nicki sniffed a little, a tear rolling down her scarred cheek and Poppy swiped it away with her thumb. “I just wish to do the right thing.” 

“You always do the right thing,” Poppy said, almost breathlessly. Her heart sped up as she stepped forward and slid her right hand up to the back of Nicki’s head. The short cut hair tickled between her fingers as she looked down at the girl’s slightly shined lips from the special salve that she’s been applying every day to heal the cracked skin. 

Almost immediately, the brunette looked back up and tried not to focus on her lips and how she was curious about the taste of the salve. 

“Poppy, I–” Nicki started, but immediately went quiet as she got even closer to the shorter Hufflepuff, her hands reaching out and gently pressing them against the small of her back under her robe. “I… I think that I–”

“Me too,” Poppy all but whined out, her knees trembling a little as she tried not to breathe in case it ruined the moment. She was so close… Close enough that Poppy could see the gold flecks in the girl’s irises. She wanted to close the distance. Poppy wanted to break this tension so badly, but it was like she was frozen in fear. 

Their lips were centimeters away from each other. Nicki could smell the other girl’s soap as she huffed, her hot breath caressing Poppy’s cheek as she bit her lip again. 

But before either of them could talk themselves out of this, a massive force behind Nicki had the girl stumbling forward and her lips came crashing down against Poppy’s. The shorter girl let out a squeak, her eyes widening as Nicki stumbled forward, thanks to Odin’s influence. The creature had enough as he shoved the pink-haired girl into Poppy. 

It was like sparks all over Nicki’s body. Her fingers flexed, digging into Poppy’s back as she practically melted against the brunette who reached up even higher and threaded her fingers into the soft pink hair. It was everything that she had hoped for. And the salve on Nicki’s lips tasted like sweet honey. 

The kiss was even more magical than this room. Nicki gave a soft whimper when she felt Poppy’s fingers gently pull on her hair and she broke the kiss, her face going a deep red with embarrassment. “I’m sorry. Ugh, that was embarrassing, I shouldn’t have–”

“Hey, hey,” Poppy released her pink hair from her hold and reached down to take one of Nicki’s hands in her own. “It’s alright, I’m sorry that I did that.” 

Nicki rolled her eyes a little, chuckling as she held the girl even closer to body. “If I ask nicely, will you do it again?” 

The brunette blushed before smiling wickedly, leaning forward once again and taking a moment to really appreciate the intricate details of Nicki’s handsome face. “I’ll do whatever you wish, hero of Hogwarts.” 

“Oh please don’t call me that,” Nicki said, playfully making a face. “It feels far too excessive.” 

“Alright, then how about…” Poppy pressed a kiss to the girl’s lips once again, taking Nicki by surprise when she broke it and grinned. “My fierce protector?” 

The pink-haired girl’s eyes fluttered for a second before she pulled Poppy as close as possible, their bodies pressed together as she captured another kiss like she just couldn’t get enough of her. Nicki mumbled against Poppy’s lips. 

“That works for me.” 

[worldhistoryfacts]

Occasionally, the Manila galleons that traveled from the Philippines to Mexico and back didn't make it. Sometimes, this was due to foul play.

The capture of Nostra Seigniora de Cabadonga off Samar Island in the Philippines was a massive coup for the British. Not only did Anson take all of its goods — 32 wagons’ worth, which were paraded through the streets of London — but he got hold of important Spanish navigational charts that detailed the routes of the Manila galleon and other Spanish trade ships, allowing the British to harass Spanish shipping in their contest for imperial dominance. Anson’s feat was given a heroic treatment in English art, too. Here’s Samuel Scott’s 1772 painting of the incident:

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