Fine

    Tae, like the other refuges from Eas, is adjusting. While some take this easily and comfortably, others struggle. At least the air is pleasant here! The chill of Eas never entirely goes away at night.

    Wake's fiancee is returning from work in the fields. She's not unaccustomed to it, her expression holds the kind of careful neutral, rather than her usual, warm smile.

    As if coming to some sudden conclusion, she stops in the middle of her walk and turns to the north and east, staring off into the distance.

"It still feels surreal that there is essentialy a sky in here to stare off to."

As per usual there was no nightmare, then there is. Though in this case Kauchemar is polite enough to not actually startle the poor girl, because Tae looks like she's had a long day as it is. "It's like whoever designed this place was like 'What if the Tower gave a middle finger to space and time like the TARDIS'. Because while I have not been up here often, it's often enough to tell this is much bigger inside than it looks outside."

    Tae does look less energetic. But at the familiar voice, she does smile. Whatever was in her head, she pushes it away for now and focuses on Kauchemar.

    "It is a very strange place. I never expected to come here. Well, not unless the Scale finished their work and we all had to go." She shifts slightly on her feet, eyes downcast for just a moment. "But then, I imagined I never would want to leave this place."

    The woman laughs suddenly, then moves closer to wrap Kauchemar in a hug. "I am so happy you are here! Did Elly send you to check up on me? Or wait, am I supposed to call her Wake? I never quite got into a character name like everyone else has."

Kauchemar fakes a surprised expression. "You think I would require her to tell me to check up on you and not of my own concern?" But it quickly fades into a short chuckle as puts her own arm around Tae with the hug. With the other arm she shrugs and makes a vague woffling gesture of the hand. "A little of this, a little of that. She's still got her time tied up in tying up her negotiation efforts, so someone has to be sure you're not entirely alone up here until she returns, after all."

Then gives Tae's cheek a gentle playful pat. "You look like you've kept yourself busy, now that you don't need to hound me to hound her to constantly feed and maintain herself."

    "I imagined it was your idea to come," replies Tae softly. For just a moment, there's something in her expression, the slightest tightening of her eyes, and then it is gone, back to a more confident smile.

    "Busy is right. It has been work. I never took on so much work before. It is worse than when I was a star, constantly on tour, or appearing in every variety show that would say yes. And, quite frankly, they /all/ did."

    She straightens ever so slightly, going on, "I walked away from all that, though. I loved the music, but I tired of the stress, the social media, the fans, the haters, it was simply too much. And here I am.. a politician. Somehow."

"And most of those people never realize how much of a burden they put upon the people they admire." Kauchemar gives a brief shake of her head. "Even me, really. Oh sure, I had a lively career, but it was just a night club DJ. Not nearly as extravegant. Or as stressful. Though...." She ticks off a few fingers slowly. "Between the tournament, and the composing a large musical piece that never existed in this world before, I geuss I can't really say I've escaped fame's gaze entirely here, either."

She shrugs a bit. "Well, more a politician's aide. Keeping an eye on her people in their new temporary home."

    "I can't imagine you not having all eyes on you, Kauchemar," Tae says playfully. This time, she is really smiling. "And I do get to hear this music you've written, right? I am so curious what it is like! I only wrote one song, myself."

    She shakes her head at the mention of politician's aide. "Elly really roped me into it good, this time, though. She's running out on a grand adventurer, rally her own army, I suppose, and.. hopefully staying far away from the battles. Even if she did go to Shibuya. I wanted her to avoid that fight, but she's.. herself. So different from the half broken woman I met in a Tokyo club. I wonder though.."

    Tae turns her attention on Kauchemar, setting her hands on her hips and setting her feet apart. On anyone else, it might be an attempt to appear intimidating, but Tae is roughly as good at looming as a kitten.

    "You know how much I had to take care of her back then? The Baroness.. hmph. She was a mess."

"But of course!... but you know, plans to properly perform it for the nation it was crafted to memorialize kind of got... sidetracked." A sigh is huffed into her overhanging bangs. "And while Tolbana has an amptitheater as well... timing."

When Tae draws away a bit to strike her stance (it can probably be intimidating enough when she -wants- it to be intimidating. You don't argue about eating with a cook) Kauchemar folds her hands behind her back. "She has... how to put it... enlightened me with some of her past. But there's the impression of it being a very, very small part." A shoulder shrug. "And not really a matter of the here and now, other than the amusing image of you nursing her back to stablity."

    Tae nods, satisfied, it seems, that Kauchemar understands the way of it. "It was a lot of nursing, but.. well, I suppose it was worth it in the end. Or will be, if she ever stops messing around out there and gets rid of these repulsive invaders."

    It likely makes for a comical scene, with Tae being barely over five feet tall and Kauchemar towering over her. And yet.. there's a projection of expectation and power in the way Tae carries herself. She can be very effective at getting her way.

    "I've decided, then. Take me somewhere beautiful. Some place.. not in this tower. If Wake is on her world tour, I want to see something worth seeing." A pause of perhaps three seconds follows. "So where shall we go?"

Even though Tae does little to raise her voice the impression the statement carries is very much 'this is what I want and you will entertain it' just not in a threatening way. It's still enough to get Kauchemar to cant her head a little, like she was trying to actually gauge the intensity behind the otherwise playful and casual words.

"As a Messenger and bardic performer I have seen much of this brave new world for myself." Then raises her head, a hand withdraw from behind her back to cusp her chin thoughtfully. "I only see one issue with that request..." There's a pause. Then the playful smirk. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all." Okay she's only being slightly trollish, having fun with the choice of words. "To find you someplace appropriately beautiful, we must understand what it is that you find beautiful." Another pause, then a snicker as she waggles a finger. "I mean, other than the one you eternally have eyes for. That's too easy of an answer!"

    "Well, I suppose there is some truth in that," agrees Tae. She looks thoughtful, which is to say she's coming up with a way to twist this suggestion to her advantage. "And yes, I do have a thing for tall, powerful women." She grins impishly up at Kauchemar as she says this.

    "And so, it is clear what must be done. You will show me things that I might think are beautiful until I can find which is best for me."

    Tae's expression changes quicksilver-quick. There's more gentleness in that smile, and her eyes soften. "You will take me, won't you? Please?" Even the timing of her blinks is controlled, slow, making them almost hypnotic as she stares intently at the nightmare's face.

For the briefest of moments Kauchemar is taken aback at how artfully Tae just turned that joke around on her. Which is followed by a sigh, more out of bemusement than anything else. "I should of expected another lyrist to be so skilled with her use of words."

Then dismissively waves a hand after her. "Oh put the puppy-dog pouty eyes away, that's just excessive. Those things should be listed as psychological warfare."

Then back to her own more casual stance, this time musing more thoroughly on the matter. "But if you want a world tour... It would also be a fine reminder of what is out there that we are striving to protect." One arm is swept out in a grand encompassing gesture. "How can we save what we do not take time to enjoy?"

    Tae actually giggles, bouncing slightly on her toes. "Victorrrrry!" Yes, she really does pump a fist and shout that out. "I'm so sick of farming... I may never garden again."

    She looks around, making sure none of the landers heard that. "Phew. Can't look bad in front of my public."

    She tilts her head, thinking about Kauchemar's words. "I like that. A world tour. The farming is set, everything is pretty much same thing again and again here, just like the landers like it. They love nothing so much as stability. Which makes sense, of course."

    She settles in at Kauchemar's side, taking the nightmare by the elbow. "So! Let's see this amazing world. Where shall we start?"

"And ensuring there is enough food for the many extra mouths the have to feed. But no doubt some of our own will take up hoes and shovels to help learn their keep as well." Pause. "I will still kick the first person that tries to hitch me to a plow though."

Tae settles at her side. "Now let's not get ahead of ourselves. There is much world to consider... and potential troubles to be wary of, as much as we try not to think of them when not facing them." The unoccupied arm is used to thoughtfully cusp her chin again. "Though said 'problem' has mainly been seen in Alne or their recent unwanted visit. So mayhaps somewhere in Ninetails, now that the Undead issue is penned up. Or Westelande." Pause. "A lot of desert, but that does not mean it doesn't have beauty."

    "Ohhh, a desert! That is amazing! I did a video in Morocco once. It was so exotic. That sounds like a great place to start!" Tae makes no effort to conceal her enthusiasm. "I even have clothes for the occasion. Well, when we get there."

    If the former star is anything, she is practical. And not at all gently tugging at Kauchemar's arm to get that important first step to be taken. It's all a vacation as far as she's concerned.

    "After that we can check out the Ninetails!"

"Well then, sounds like we have a travel iterary in mind then." Kauchemar is all for a galavant but one has to at least have destinations in mind... even if you're likely to end up taking the long way scenic routes to get there. She follows at the tug, but keeps her arm hooked in Tae's if only to keep the other from bounding off and getting ahead of herself. "You can gather your things, I've seen how well you pack with the bundles you've sent to our dear friend over her time. I will see to having a ride ready when we get to the Marina."

    "That won't take long," replies Tae. "I am always prepared!" She darts away, her hair streaming behind her as she makes for her temporary home. It buys Kauchemar some time to prepare, certainly, though not as long as might be expected. Tae always keeps food ready, and it's not as if the clothes she means to wear aren't always handy.

    Perhaps fifteen minutes later, Tae is back in view, fully prepared. Or as prepared as she can be. She hasn't actually fought a monster since the Cursed Wave. She's probably not much more helpful in a fight than a basic lander.

Kauchemar fails to be surprised Tae is already prepared for a trip. It wasn't that long since they'd made the trip up here, after all. And while the break isn't long it's enough for her to chimlink some of the Olympus people that have set up at the Marina to help keep the port in operation despite threats.

"As prompt as ever. I have called ahead for someone to manage a boat assignment by the time we get there."

We'll just leave any potential monster problems to the Summoner.

    "You know, it's so exciting, going on this secret adventure. I didn't realize just how much I needed to get out of the house. I mean, when the house is a castle it's not so difficult, but the walls are a bit too tight here, if you understand me."

    Tae settles in at Kauchemar's side again. "And.. thank you. We don't really have to tour the world, of course. I just appreciate a chance to be free, even if it is just for a short time. You are amazing."

"Trust me, I know the feeling Tae," Kauchemar replies with a half-lidded smirk. "Why do you think I took a Profession that keeps me on the move much the time? To see new places and new people alike... shame some of them turned out to be less pleasant than others. Hmph. But enough about our unwanted rude visitors for now, we have more pleasant times to look forward to~"

She shrugs as she starts towards Tolbana's exit. "True, but the sailing trip will be an experience in itself to make up for not being a true world tour. Not a luxury cruise or anything, but getting to see the hardworking sailors and maidens in their element is still something to behold."

    "Sailing for leisure is a novelty that I can't say I've experienced. It's always been racing from place to place and not savoring the journey." Stride difference or not, Tae's excitement ensures that she has no issue at all keeping up.

    "You must have been almost everywhere at this point," Tae suggests suddenly. "And I appreciate your eye for the world around you. People have started to lose the sense of wonder in this world, I think. This is an amazing world."

"It is both pleasing and somewhat frustrating that people have grown that accustomed to being here," Kauchemar agrees. "But you can't have the light without the dark, and vice versa. Maybe my next great composition will be about the world itself... but that is for another time. Stare too far into the future and I will miss important things that happen right before me."

Kauchemar has gotten use to pacing herself so others can keep up with her long-legged equine stride. "We will just make sure you get to enjoy this one." All the flattery is amusing, but if there is one thing Kauchemar is good at over some of her ilk is not letting it go to her ego. Well, not letting MOST of it go to her ego. A little pride now and then doesn't hurt. "As much as we both admire Wake I think it will do some good for you to have some time to yourself to enjoy rather than just your loving dedication to her well-being. And dare say she'd agree, if we could ever get her to admit such a thing. She would be happy that you are happily enjoying yourself."

    Tae laughs at the mention of missing something happening right before her. "We do all have a habit of not seeing what is on the tip of our noses," she agrees. "It is an error, though, that I pride myself in avoiding, even when the revelation is not what I expected."

    She nods at the mention of Wake. "She has certainly encouraged me to dream, but dreams come in their time. And the time is now, it seems. It'll be fun to have a story of my own to share."

    She falls silent for a time, but it is obvious her mind is working. The focus isn't clear until she starts to speak, "So what do you feel about being here? Do you miss the night life back home? I'd ask if you miss your fans, but I rather suspect you have plenty of those here."

"And I have a very large nose." Horse face and all.

"I would be amiss if I said I did not. At least some aspects of it," Kauchemar admits. "Though on the other hand, I am much closer to those here that would consider themselves fans. Or more. And there is too much in this world to simply cast aside because one misses where they had once been." She gives a shake of her head. "I do not fault those that wish to return home, only some of the methods their kind have chosen to pursue. And.. it's not my place to say what is right or wrong in the matter. But I would much rather enjoy this world for what it has to offer us, even with the occasional annoying trial and tribulation that comes with it."

    "Hear, hear," replies Tae. "Though quite frankly, it would be downright dull to be in Tokyo again. Here, I can have a wonderful friendship with a towering dire nightmare. It's the eyes, I think."

    She laughs out loud, "You know, I was used to turning heads, but here I'm rather plain! It hardly seems fair, sometimes."

    She wrinkles her nose and messes around with her inventory, drawing out a bright red flower. She can't really reach exactly to put it in Kauchemar's hair, but she does offer it to the bard.

"The eyes -are- quite unusual." Heliotrope, otherwise appropriately known as 'psychedelic lavender', is kind of out there even by anime standards. "Tokyo has its perks... but they're perks we've grown well accustomed to in our time. This is still something new to experience. Besides." She snaps a hardened fingertip against her thumb, making little embers flit harmlessly into the air. "Who can say no to magic being an actual thing?"

Kauchemar seems to pick up on the intent, and stoops down on one knee so Tae can reach properly. "A bit of color to my otherwise midnight hues, eh?"

    Tae smiles at the little show of magic. "I heard that dark magic was a favorite of yours, too. No matter how many times I see it, though, it's.. amazing. The things we can do here are incredible, and a whole new world that we can actually explore? It's time.. to really start seeing what is out here."

    She gracefully slides the flower into Kauchemar's hair. She steps back to admire her handiwork and nods. It's a satisfied smile that curves her lips.

    "The contrast really brings a nice pop to things, you know? Like in a song, or a poem. When you alter a chorus at the end to make a dramatic point. Music is the truest magic."

Kauchemar chuckles a bit as she gets back to her hooves after. "Here moreso than ever before, too. And while I may play in the dark, it's not out of malice or cruelty. Certainly one of the more mischevious types though, to say the least." She offers her arm back to Tae once she's standing again. "Shall we be on our way then?"