I Can't Break Away

    The Baroness is back, though not for long. She has more healing to master, light to weave, and divinity to understand. That being said, she has no end of responsibilities. She arrived in the dead of night, it seems, and has not slept more than a few hours.

    She has laid claim to the largest meeting room and with the aid of numerous, exhausted voluntolds, has patched together a variety of maps and laid out intelligence.

    "We will have to see what the morrow brings," she murmurs to herself, reaching over to snuff out a candle between two fingers. With the sunlight now pouring into the windows and illuminating the gardens far below them, there is little need for additional light.

    A plate of dried fruits, raw vegetables, and a variety of breads and cheeses sits by. It's been picked-over by both her and the messengers that she's sent and called for in a rather constant stream.

The next set of foods that arrives includes a number of different pieces. Fresh breads, warm stews - and freshly roasted and thinly sliced meats. Ayame brought it on on trays, putting it down by Wake first, though she makes sure to provide things for those others present, ensuring an Actual Meal.

She still looks tired. The Strange Mood is not long over, after all. "How is it looking?" She asks carefully, quietly

    Wake stands slightly taller as Ayame enters, forcing off what trivial exhaustion she feels. Her expression, a mix of hardened steel and serenity, softens. She smiles slightly and reaches out to brush a stray lock that has evaded Ayame's usual bun over the woman's ear.

    "You need rest, dear. I had thought a maid would be fetching us things, not my assistent herself." There's the slightest of scolding in her tone, but she adds quickly, "I am happy to see you, though, of course. Please, sit and be at ease for a time. I won't eat anything further until you do."

    Wake shows no signs of sitting, though. As soon as her glance returns to the table, she resumes that rather emotionless expression she had been wearing.

    "Things are going well, thus far. All signs are that Eas may hold, now that our.. friends are here in force." Though the military power of the Dukes being present in the castle is a blessing, the Baroness has no doubt that she's let her enemies far closer than she would wish. She adds softly, "Eas is a lovely rose, with bitter thorns."

    More clearly she goes on, "The alliance is growing more effective. Our friends in the Westelande are keeping their eyes and ears sharp. In the north of the Ninetails Dominion, we have awareness of a minor threat that we are going to address, and out east.. well. Shibuya is a problem, but it is not my problem alone. Regardless, we will likely be called. Not to even get into the farce that the enemy has let loose in the Tower itself."

Ayame nods, settling down to eat a small bowl of stew - one left over after distributions are made. She eats with bread, not with cutlery, and her movements are slow and lethargic compared to her normal smoothness.

"I'm sure Scale are focusing on the Tower" She says after a moment of slow blinking "Any issue released there would slow their ascent, so this is their primary focus, naturally" She lets out a small breath and then a smile, looking up as she considers "And I'm quite well, thank you, my lady. A little tired, perhaps"

She's not carrying her shield.

"But I assure you, I'm going to be assisting where I'm able to" She murmurs "And certainly in assisting in the defence of your lands."

    "For now, thankfully, Eas is safe. Which calls to mind what my dear friend Prophylaxis and the Lords of Yamato have delegated to the Olympus Alliance." Wake turns her attention then to the Westelande.

    "We have learned that the means by which our enemy captured Mac Anu was to place one of their damned crowns on a very special lander. These unusual beings, when taken control of in this manner, switch the loyalty of the guardians and make it impossible to hold the city. It is Olympus' duty to find the hidden lander of Breg Epona and defend him or her at all costs."

    The Baroness settles into gracefully into a chair at last. "As for the Tower, the issue has more to do with freeing Scale to bring its full power to bear outside. And defending what would almost certainly be our very last line of defense." Her eyes narrow, "Not that we'll be needing it for that, but Taeyeon and our people are all sheltered there. The Scale Emblem have been sure friends of Eas."

"I'll be happy to assist in locating the Crowned" Ayame nods tiredly "I'll also do what I can to teach the method of spotting these to others, to ensure such a trick is not used successfully again" Bread is torn. Dunked. Soaked. Lifted. Lightly shaken. Eaten. Her eyes glaze a moment before she focuses on Wake again.

"I'm sure Scale are realising that the focus of their climb is providing issues now their lines of supply are effectively threatened." She murmurs "Hard to wage war when you can't secure your backside, so to speak"

    Wake laughs softly, "I am glad you have mastered that talent, Ayame. Hopefully Olympus is successful in securing Breg Epona. It will be a most helpful bargaining chip when I negotiate on behalf of my allies."

    The woman pauses, then abruptly waves a hand, "We have done what we can for now. If I provide any more orders it will just make a mess of things." A pause and she adds, "May The Beautiful One watch over us and smile upon our efforts. May honorable peace come to us all soon."

    It is not much, perhaps, but it has the effect of summoning a flurry of bows and curtseys, followed by a most efficient emptying of the room. Much of the food vanishes as well, as men and women elect to eat on their feet.

    The room emptied of all but Wake and Ayame, the Baroness lets out a sigh. "Now, what manner of magic is needed to get you to properly rest?" she asks playfully.

"I'm not sure I've encountered such magic" Ayame smiles tiredly. She finishes the stew, and pushes the platter away. A moment's pause, and then she stands, and begins to collect the finished platters and bowls. "Perhaps it's something only woven at duty's end"

Then, rather more seriously, as her addled mind connects things "Did I tell you the mood ended in the name of the Beautiful One?" She asks, blinking "I don't know if that's a function of my study - of truth - or my association with Eas. Still."

    The Baroness rises as Ayame does and reaches out to interrupt her clean-up duties. "You are my assistant and secretary, Ayame. Not a maid. You are exhausted. If there is no magic to get you to properly rest, perhaps there are other means to do."

    The mention of The Beautiful One pleases Wake. "I am happy to hear that it did. If I had to guess, it is the nature of your work, rather than Eas itself that brought it about. You deserve the credit for drawing her attention, my dear."

    With an elegant sidestep, she rests a her left hand on the curve of Ayame's back. "Walk to the garden with me?"

"Of course" Ayame nods, folding her hands behind herself as she walks. The corset is stiff under Wake's hand, supportive, and certainly makes it easier for her to keep that upright posture as Ayame starts to walk with small, neat steps alongside Wake.

"It does raise certain questions, however. Does anyone collate which of the Three oversees which concepts?" She asks mildly "If not, perhaps someone should."

    As soon as they leave the room behind, the Baroness relaxes, allowing herself to move gracefully, but without the steel in her spine that had been there. She purposefully avoids the more direct route, electing to use smaller staircases and secondary hallways.

    "I imagine that someone may, though I have not. Etiquette is how she has smiled upon me, again and again. I can't help but imagine she'll be patron of many of the things we are drawn to."

    When the garden is reached, the sweet touch of the sun and the cooler mountain breezes rush over Elly and she laughs for pure delight. "Mmm, if ever She has made a day of particular splendor, this is it."

"Perhaps it could be mentioned to someone. I'm sure it would be a fascinating approach. Perhaps my next study in the subject" Ayame muses. She lets herself be guided, stumbling here and there, and she takes a deep, heavy breath in as they reach the open air.

"I think of this every day" She muses "That each day is one of beauty, when we are free. Each day is one of beauty, when we seek truth."

    The needs of business behind her, Elly can be.. just herself. For a moment. She looks with concern upon Ayame, and moves closer, winding an arm around her for support.

    "Fortunately we are not far from a place to rest. My quarters lie just across the gardens. Or would you prefer to sit for a time in the shade?" She ensures the pace is slow. Elly's strides can get rather troublesome for those who aren't as long in the leg as she is.

"Sitting outside is fine" Ayame murmurs, moving along "I honestly just feel rather washed out. It's like coming down with a bad case of flu, waking up from this. But I promise, I'm fine, Baroness" She smiles a little, settling herself down on the seat and brushing down her skirt with a sigh

    Elly tilts her head, studying Ayame out of the corner of her eye. After a time, she turns and focuses her full attention on her tired friend. "I imagine it's nothing that I can heal, but regardless, I want to take care of you."

    "How did you finally manage to learn how to detect them? I hope it wasn't too dangerous." The Baroness suspects that it probably was in some way or another.

"It's confusing" Ayame murmurs, leaning on Wake with a sigh "It's a function of Law. The Crowns are subverting them somewhat - I'm not entirely sure whether this is a natural or otherwise function, but the afflicted are certainly not entirely in their own control" She finally twists to look to Elly, considering.

"Nevertheless, it is something that's explicit once you know the signs. It's like detecting a shift in the Artes, yes?" She shrugs tiredly

    Elly looks at Ayame intently, nodding her head as the explanation is offered. "It is some comfort to know the very Law itself abhors these things. It makes me curious just what else the Law may condone or reject. Like the various tricks that some of us have recently come to learn. Not to mention the creature known as Tri-Edge."

    With an innocent expression, she reaches out to take hold of Ayame's right hand. "You've been working very hard on learning this for us. I know many will want to hear how it can be done. Would you like me to let the Scale Emblem know of it?"

"Of course" Ayame nods, letting out a breath and then a small smile "I'll see about refining the techniques enough to teach" She promises, rubbing the back of her neck and then simply leaning against Wake and closing her eyes for a little

    The Baroness says little for a time. Instead, she starts to gently massage the hand that she's holding. Part of her wonders just how long Ayame will be able to stay awake. With a little guilt, she confronts her own wishes that Ayame wouldn't drift off just yet. This is, after all, not about Elly, but about caring for someone very special who is obviously tired.

    Instead of making any kind of related reply, the Baroness starts to hum softly. Working on song has brought her some measure of ability and it sounds soothing. Just like it would, were this the world before. Alerting Scale and all that busy talk is important, but not as important as other things.

Not quite sleeping. No, she rests her eyes for a few moments, and then Ayame looks up with a small smile "I'm sorry. I'm fine, I promise" She reassures, shifting gently and then yawning again. She squeezes Elly's hand, her own ears lying back quietly

"What else has been occupying you?" She asks quietly, looking back to Elly and forcing a quick smile, which slowly settles to something softer, more genuine

    "I've been studying light. In the hopes of being a better healer, performer, and leader. Perhaps if I continue I will learn how more about The Beautiful One. Of course I will learn about all the goddesses along the way."

    Elly continues her work, deft fingers moving up to Ayame's forearm. "It's wonderful to have some time with you. I understand, though. Of course we are both busy."

"Of course" Ayame says with a little tired amusement. She sighs comfortably under the attentions "Really, you're far too good to those around you" She offers with a little groan

"I look forward to seeing your work. Light is - another aspect I work in a lot. Order." She explains with a small smile and sigh

    "I won't be anything amazing, but honestly the main thing I am looking forward to is performing. And using light as part of my music," replies Elly. She continues her work, gently coaxing more and more relaxation into Ayame with each touch.

    "I'm not too good to you, dear. I've been rather terribly inattentive, and I mean to make it up to you. When you are awake enough, anyway. For now.. we can just relax, and if you drift off, I promise I will take you somewhere safe and warm to rest."

    There's an impish smirk that follows. "Fear not. I will not take advantage of you."

"I think drifting off might be good" Ayame sighs regretfully "It's been a long time. But I'll be here for you to talk to" She muses, and lightly squeezes the offered arm "And we can talk more once I'm proper recovered" She offers, smiling up and resting against Elly once more, with a soft, deep sigh

    Elly laughs softly and nods. "Well, you just do that and leave the rest to me, then." Though there is no shortage of guards in the castle and around the village, none are allowed in the gardens, nor in the places that might overlook them.

    Thus it is that when the Baroness casually picks up Ayame, there is no one to see. Nor anyone to see as Ayame is settled into Elly's bed for rest. With a pleased express, the Baroness settles in beside her friend and closes her eyes, as well.

    "A.. few minutes of repose in the warm air would do wonders," she murmurs.

"Just a few" Ayame murmurs. It's doubtful she even noticed being picked up and moved. No, she just cling to Elly, quietly, and then settled into the bed, resting back with a quiet groan and then a msile as she shifts to rest against the Baroness. Warm. Comfortable. Quiet.

Three good things.