A New Year II - Alne

The festival is already in full bloom within Alne. And it's even more lively than it was last year. There's actually a procession coming through the streets. A group within each Alliance has created /floats/. Drawn forth by Grunties, the wheeled floats feature various figures of the Old World and the New World both.

There's a woman with pink hair in a red dress singing at the front of one of them, aboard some kind of whale shaped cart.

There's stalls all around the enormous main square of Alne. The amazing statue dedicated to the Burning One reflecting many of the lights burning within the square, helping illuminate the city of wide. There's groups formed around some of the people who have uniquely come out for these festivities.

Hestia, Ganesha, and even the Bandit King are present at the moment. Hestia and Ganesha are trying some of the unique Adventurer stalls, enjoying the unique fare of their culture. The Bandit King on the other hand, sits before the statue, telling a story of some sorts to a few younglings that are sitting in front of them.

A few mages are playing at 'fireworks' by casting spells from the roofs of some of Alne's taller buildings. And there's even a few Landers participating, singing songs from the roofs to fill the place with even more life.

For all the losses over the past year due to the war, people still return to Alne. Even though some consider themselves trapped, today is a day - New Year - when arms are laid down and the Alliances seem to let go of their strife.

In Yamato, celebration of the turn of the year is one of the many yearly festivals. Perhaps that extends to the Palace Lands, but it has never been a tie of celebration for the survivors of the massacres that followed the events that trapped them all here in Elder Tale.

So, for Tian, this is a bit of an unusual circumstance to appreciate. The rebel Palace Lander has a small box held up around their sholders which shows a variety of small trinkets made of semi-precious stones and fine metals, encouraging people to make purchases in celebration of the new year.

Rather than wearing their battle armor, Tian has a simple traditional shirt with a square collar and string button loops. The Cait sith is not wearing their mask today, but their face is still colored to match the features of a wolf, with darker patches around their golden eyes. Without the mask, it makes the crafter's expression more open and welcoming, using their hands not only to speak but draw attention to their wares.

Of course, when the float with the pretty singer comes by, Tian's eyes are drawn in that direction. There is a raise of painted eyebrows and a look of appreciation that pauses their advance for a moment, obviously entranced by those who have the courage to throw themselves out there like that.

The New Year hasn't exactly brought a lot of great things for Adventurers in Yamato. Despite the ongoing celebration, Kaydon is a bit on edge. Call it a hunch, something about this game hasn't exactly left a great taste in his mouth for celebrating the new year.

He isn't armored though, instead wearing a more formal looking outfit, even if he's still in his were fang form. His gunblade is also on his back still, he's never much more than arm's reach from that weapon since he made it. The exception to the unarmored form is the Apex Pedator gauntlet on his left arm. Still, he can at least pretend like he's happy that the new year is coming around again.

Gao had decided to attend. Sure, he was a Palace Lander originally, but he had been accepted into the Realm of Uruk. The only strange part is that he had somehow been tossed into making sure people are not /too/ drunk. The interesting way. By being the bartender and the anti-drunk debuffer.

By literally punching the drunkeness debuff out of them. Like literally. "HEALING PUNCH!" Pow. He actually socks the drunk so hard the debuff icon shatters. Totally. And almost without looking.

And he shouts it every time.

It's a thing that he is just doing casually by now. Too drunk person brought over by guards. Punch. Go back to brewing drinks for people. Another person brought over. Punch. Back to brewing.

Seriously, what was it with the weirdness of Adventurers, right?

He was still smiling while he did it, though, and obviously happy for the actual fun party that no one is going to get into too much trouble for, hopefully.

Goldenblade is here in Alne for her own purposes, but she's glad to celebrate the New Year at all, given the challenges we've had, and so here she is, celebrating. This mainly has to do with sampling various festival foods, sampling them with a quite thorough and complete path that skips no stalls, and loops back to some of the ones she particularly liked. She's drinking, too, but like many very old people, she drinks in moderation and doesn't see the Animal House ethic as a goal like some of her children's friends did, so she doesn't need a punch from Gao, which she's also happy with.

The Landers tend to treat her quite well in any event, though she doesn't force the issue at all, still, there is a happy agreement of food, fireworks, music, and joie de vivre, and she's pretty glad to be alive as well, even to the point of buying a trinket from Tian. She's not usually a trinket person, apart from the badge sort of trinket she wears showing her alliance with Westelande, but it's a time of celebration, and this is celebratory. She nods a greeting to Kaydon as she spots him, arching a brow and asking, "You OK?" when she gets close enough to not have to shout it.

No one would be surprised that Kauchemar is here to perform. But she's not helping with the fireworks. At least not in the manner of magically mimicing firecrackers. Instead she's raised her unique weapon skyward, using Grindcore Staff's rave-like illusionary color and sound ability to create a sort of arcane laser light show dancing above the parade in sync with the firecracks going off farther overhead. She's being careful not to get the flashes in anyone's eyes, just letting the dancing colors highlight the floats as they pass along the route. It's as close to the Main Street Electrical Parade as we're going to get in this world.

Haru is walking about in his jacket and his jeans. It isn't too different than when he is walking about in the city streets as his armor is normally cloth based. The main difference is that he has a drink in his hand as he is walking around. Something iced and definately alcoholic. His eyes wander to the same place Tian's does as he ends up beside the fellow crafter. "Quite a sight, huh," he elbows the wolvish rebel. Then his one blue eye flicks to the box, "I see you ended up as busy as I did this time of year. What is your favorite?" He motions to the box, willing to hold it if Tian wants to sign back with both hands.

    A festival is something Fukaziroh wouldn't lightly miss. This, the second anniversary of them being brought wholly into this world, is a big occasion. Also it's New Years, a celebration traditionally for family where she's from. Sadly no family here, not even the adoptive kind, so she'll have to make do.

    "Man, I could really use some healing punch!" Fuka cackles at Gao, looking over his work. And his actual healing duties. Not that she wants to get punched. She looks sober enough, even if she's clearly enjoying herself. Maybe she's talking about the other kind of punch, the kind that heals melancholy!

    Merek takes his time to relax, it had been a while, walking along in the festival and his dark attire on. He waits to see who is about, while he nods to people he knows, like to Fuka and Kauch. Even Tian gets a nod if they are about.

There's another unique presence at the festival. A young woman with purple hair, dressed in what looks like an oversized kimono. She's wandering the festival, occassionally 'snatching' something from a stall here and there to try them. Too fast to be noticed by most -- except for Fukaziroh's keep eyes.

The little thief-fox continues a bit further into the festival, and ends up halting near Tian, staring up at them at their mast. Staring at her with curious amber eyes. She may be an unknown to Tian, but Gao may very well recognize. Though whether or not Gao wants to bring attention to this fact may be something left up to themselves.

At the same time, there's a word that sparks interest amongst some of the masses, as the Bandit King starts drawing some particular clientelle. Spriggans starting to surround them; some of them mentioning the 'Exodus out of Ezzo'.

There is an appreciative smile that Tian offers out to Goldenblade as interest is cast onto their wares. The crafter ends up suggesting a simple piece which wraps around the wrist and bears a stone that was mined in the sands of the desert in Westelande. The stone is mostly yellow but flickers red when the light catches it just right, likely some kind of opal.

They are just finishing the transaction, stowing a few coins when Haru nudges them and there is a warm smile of greeting offered and a perk of wolfish ears. "<Not a time of celebration where we come from.>" Tian explains ruefully, the weight of the box resting neatly with the straps on their shoulders and against their flat belly. "<It is good to see people happy. And to make some coin.>" The latter comment is met with a wink of one golden eye and a soundless motion like a laugh.

It's impossible not to notice Gao and his unique way of getting into the festivities. "<At least some of my friends are enjoying themselves.>" Tian comments, before looking down at the set of trinkets and back to Haru, as if considering the answer to the question the other crafter had posed.

Then, as if to answer, Tian doesn't pick up one of the ones out for sale, but instead swipes their inventory, producing a small clip made from gold and red tiger's eye which has been neatly carved in the shape of a fox with the tail a golden charm that dangles from it. "<I had made this for Lunaris, but I have not seen her in many weeks.>" There is some hint of emotion in the Cait Sith's eyes at that, but they are very good at keeping things close to their chest.

As Merek offers them a nod, Tian gives one in return, raising one hand in greeting. As someone else halts near them, the Cait Sith offers an incline of the head towards the young, purple-haired woman. "<Is there anything i can help you with?>" Tian signs.

Gao actually pauses in punching the next drunk as he spots something. Then he looks to the guard. "Hold the next few."

He calls to whoever is running the stall, "Hey, I need a break. Mana's low."

Then he moves out from behind the bar and starts towards Tian, whispering into a chimlink real quick.

He's keeping it as low as he can. As off the senses of the Were-Fangs as he can. It's serious whatever it is, and he looks less jovial all of a sudden.

    Merek seems to be curious about who comes to take up space by Tian given that he was greeting the person, but he does notice that the Bandit King looks to be about, he nods along to Tian's greeting while he then takes the time to watch what all of the spriggans are doing, listening in from the place which he's at and moving a little bit away.

There is a slight tilt of the head from Tian, which is followed by a twitch of one ear before they give a faint tilt of the head forward that seems associated with nothing at all. However, there is a curious lift of the eyebrows.

Once the parade makes its way past her position Kauchemar kills the magic lights so they don't become a distraction. Her part is done in the show, now she can actually enjoy the celebration. At least for now, anyone that knows her knows it won't be long before she ends up putting on some other kind of show, likely later in the night. So it's just a short hope down some rooftops to get back to street level. She misses any sneaky stuff, but the casual ongoing conversation is another matter. "Crafters always seem to get busy during a festival season." She gestures a finger at both Haru and Tian. "I've got the whole monster resource foraging deal mostly worked out, so if you guys ever need help stocking your supplies, let me know."

Goldenblade only vaguely recalls assisting the exodus from Ezzo. She had spent most of her first days in the game mastering the skills that the system had given her, that she didn't /really/ understand how to use. But she had helped back in the day with the Ezzo rescue, when that was a mission that could be done.

She seems intrigued by the bracelet with the Westelande stone in it. She will hand over the coin to Tian and accept the item thoughtfully. She's not normally a jewelry person, a bricklayer's hands tend to provide a low life expectancy for jewelry, but there is a time and a place for such things. Back in RL, she owned a watch, but only ever wore it on formal occasions.

She doesn't notice anything amiss or unusual, and continues her culinary tour.

Kaydon had been one of the big contributors for the Ezzo rescue, though it was, at least in his mind, a big need in order to save anyone still trapped there. So seeing the Bandit King giving a lecture about it, or maybe a history lesson, Kaydon slips over that way, grabbing a drink as he walks. He does stop to admire Kauchemar's show before though, wanting to take a good look at it.

"Happiness is a currency that, uh," Haru the man of all-the-words is missing the next word here. He holds up a finger on that one, thinking the word is in the bottom of this mug he has. "People need more of. So this festival is like a big ole gift of coin just being tossed in the air." The Artificer makes a large motion upwards with both hands as if to express 'throwing coins up'. A bit of his drink spills, of course. He continues on with Tian. "Tian," he says as he puts a hand on his shoulder, "Its okay to feel, kay? One masked man to another. Feelings. Good. Speaking of which, I feel like I need another drink." Away he goes. Doesn't get far though! Runs into Kau and does a Cheers! like welcome, "Kau! I need two kilos of silver for some rings and some sick beats, stat."

    Of course Fuka's a little ambivalent when it comes to petty crime. She never likes to see decent people taken advantage of, and might well offer a little extra custom to a few relevant food stalls later on in the evening, but she tends to be more sympathetic to a small hungry woman than upset at her snatching something tasty to eat. Of course she planned on eating a lot of festival food *anyways*, but the idea of compensating those stalls in particular is one she decides on a spur of the moment whim.

    She follows Gao as he approaches Tian and the kimono-clad fox woman. Fuka waves in greeting, noting the familiar wolf-fang without a mask for the second time now. She smiles, but turns her attention to the fox girl. "Hungry?" she asks kindly, producing a bean bun as if by magic and holding it out with a smile. Still fresh and warm, and no telling if Fuka bought it or managed her own feat of legerdemain. Okay no, probably not that. Fuka couldn't do the subtle art of thievery to save her own life. "It's New Years. No one should have to be alone or hungry!"

And to think, Prophylaxis had thought that he'd actually have a relaxing day in Alne for once. But, no. That's not something that he is allowed, apparently. The perpetually overworked leader of the Scale Emblem Alliance does not get breaks.

There is news. And so, he is forced to abandon his quiet evening for... More important matters.

There is a mild chill in the air as Prophylaxis arrives, though it fades quickly as he emerges from the crowd, rime breaking from his ankles as the frozen pathway he'd forged to hasten over here fades away into nothingness. He appears... Not far away from Gao, Tian, and Fukaziroh. And he has brought...

...

.../Taiyaki./

"Sorry I'm late everyone," Prophylaxis says easily as he makes his approach, glancing meaningfully between the two Palace Landers and the little purple-haired troublemaker. "It seems we have a guest...? And who might you be, little one?" Beat. Fuka offers a red bean bun. Prophylaxis tilts his head and thinks for a moment before breaking his own taiyaki in half, lowering himself to closer to eye level with the smaller cait sith. "Indeed! No need for someone to go hungry today. It's a happy day, after all. Would you care to share any food? I can fetch you more if you would like. Are you here by yourself?"

What is the leader of the Scale up to...?

Well, as it happens, he has... more experience than most dealing with younger children. He's a /doctor/ after all, and his demeanor reflects that well. He's calm, his face is kind, and he's not even wearing his hat right now!

"I'll get right on it after the festival. And the... other thing." Kauchemar doesn't go into details in public, but Haru will know exactly what she's talking about.

Then her attention partially drifts in the direction of the Bandit King. "It's almost odd seeing him out in public. But I guess it comes with it being an actual Kingdom now, and us Outcasts being taken in under the new banner." Which is a very nice banner thanks to certain artists' efforts.

As Tian turns, the purple haired girl in the Kimono looks at them with widening eyes. Her ears twitch, trying to pick up sounds all around her. Those big fox-like ears moving like radardishes. She then points at the accessories that Tian has on her, suggesting that she wants a better look at them.

"Show me those accessories." She demands, before adding in that same demanding tone; "Please." As if that somehow makes it a proper request. But she's momentarily distracted by Fukaziroh as she approaches as well. Upon begin offered the bean-bun, it is /literally/ out of Fukaziroh's hand before she even realizes it has left. It's almost /lightning-fast/ in how quickly the purple haired girl snatches it from her hand, and takes it into her smaller own.

"I will take this. Thanks." Again, that imperative tone coming from a smol one that looks like she should be a lot cuter than this. She then stuffs the entire bun against her face, and takes the smallest little bite, while giving Fukaziroh a firm look with that round face of hers.

She then looks to Haru, then to Tian, leaning in, and sniffs towards Tian.

Kon kon.

Kon kon.

As if trying to figure out something. And she seems to be confused. But before she can ask Tian what is on her mind, Prophylaxis approaches. She looks at him, her hands still on that bean-bun, almost hiding her face behind it while giving him an inspecting look. Her hands mostly hidden in the large sleeves of her Kimono.

"I'm not telling - so be it." She says. But those around her can clearly read her name off of the tag above her with Inspect: Izuna Hatsuse. "I am here by myself. I don't need anyone else with me. That is so." She nods firmly.

---

In the meantime, the Bandit King has begun to lay out the initial exodus from Ezzo Empire. "After the foreign entities stole away the Crest Gun - FRELLIA - it destabilized the land of Ezzo. A Cursed Wave was launched from atop the Tower of Frellia. And I was given the task to guide the people of Lia Fail to the Southwestern coast." The Bandit King has begun to explain.

"We delved through the dangerous caves to the West, avoiding as many monsters as we could. Adventurers had been weakened gravely, and could not so easily make the journey themselves. Some of the Landers who got out, as the land transformed all around us, aided in the escape. Many of you brave Spriggans, the Landers amongst you, are part to be thanks for helping get us all out..."

    Merek listens to the Bandit King while he makes his way that way more, and nods a little bit while he will listen to the story. He does ask one of the Spriggans, "What's the Crest Gun, and Frellia?" he asks, not really understanding a lot of that, not in any way that would mean a lot. He doesn't ask the guy directly, he figures that he is a little bit busy telling the story. He takes a bite from a piece of sweet bread which he keeps with him.

Haru looks over to the Bandit King as he talks to Kau, not far from Tian, Proph, Gao-- really the 'who be this little lady' crowd. There is a nod. About the thing. The thing they are referring to. "Yeah. I wonder how he is doin'," he muses to the nightmare about the Bandit King as he listens to his tale. Sip of the drink. "Like, kinda a big shift to your day to day. Plenty to process," he taps his head. Of course he can add in 'things to process' as the small kimono clad fox woman gets swarmed in short order. "In a little bit," he says instinctively to being asked about showing accessories. When he turns he realizes that was towards the OTHER accessory crafter. The one with actual wares out. One blue eye looks to Tian. Tian to Izuna. Izuna to Tian. "Friend of yours?" He opens up his mouth as if he was going to get into a 'someone smaller than Fuka!' statement but shuts it. Shuts it with alcohol. Gulp.

Oh hey look, Hestia is over there. Whatever she is snacking on he is going to have to remember to get some of that.

The words of advice from Haru are met with a huff of air out of their nose that sounds close to what one might expect for a laugh. "<People are difficult.>" Is Tian's response to that, perhaps speaking of themselves, or of others. The crafter doesn't explain further and instead just crouches a little, allowing the fox-girl to get a better look at the wares offered up.

Of course, a moment later they are being sniffed, which leads to a peculiar look and another canine-like tilt of the head. "<See anything you might like?>" Despite the concerns of the others, Tian seems to be watchful. Ino Hatsuse has been an ally to the rebels, but that doesn't mean that others in his family line will ultimately prove out to be the same.

As Tian crouches, they sign a bit smaller, the equivalent of a whisper, perhaps. "<It may not be safe here.>" The Cait Sith already knows that she has gained the attention of the others. "<Did your grandfather send you?>" There is concern there in Tian's eyes, the fluffy tail tucked slightly between their legs.

The crafter casts a look amongst the others, Haru, Gao, Prophylaxis, then back to the fox-girl. It seems that they are still trying to figure out if the girl is friend or foe.

Goldenblade has missed a memo with what is going on with the fox child. She hasn't realized yet the significance of the young girl, or noticed Proph's arrival. Maybe /The Hat/ is more central to his identity than he realizes? Or maybe Goldenblade is just not paying much attention. She listens as the Bandit King explains the part about the Esso Egress that she was not previously aware of, and she listens raptly.

An equine ear keeps a swivel towards the Bandit King. Because she'd be a poor bard if she didn't always have an ear open for a story. 'Foreign Powers'. What could that mean? It could mean many things, things she doesn't have enough information to theorize on. Not when she's got other tasks to consider how she's going to go about them. "Yeah. Other than having to be in public more he seems to be taking it in stride though. Interesting tale..." She's always rather glad she was NOT on Ezzo when all that happened.

Meanwhile, Gao has started to scan the crowd. He doesn't believe that little menace is here by herself at all. No way in hell would that happen. He /knows/ there has to be more to this.

His hand reaches for his hip almost unconsciously as he looks around, scanning it looks like. Names over heads, people. He knows there has to be something about this more than that menace here.

At least he's not about to attack a kid, no matter how much of a brat she was in the past.

Then he mutters under his breath again.

    Fuka counts her fingers after the steamed bun goes missing. Fortunately she still seems to have the nominal amount, so all is fine. She's also not put off by abruptness, rudeness, or presumption. Go figure. Instead she just beams at the small but incredibly fast child. The precociousness of a princess, it seems, and the attitude to match.

    The sylph grins at the sight of the little cait sith literally stuffing her face. That sort of thing is more thanks than Fuka needs, in truth! The imperative tone is ignored or at least dismissed. Fuka glances over at Prophylaxis curiously though. His own approach seems a kindly one, but it brings an odd response. Oh well. Yes, Fuka can inspect the girl and learn her name. That's not really the point though, is it? It's something only Adventurers do, so it's probably pretty rude. Of course Fuka does it nonetheless, but she isn't crass enough to make a point of it! "It's New Years! You can tell us who you are, since it's today!" she encourages the fox-girl. "I'm Fuka. Of course you don't need anyone with you, but isn't it more fun when you do?" she asks.

"Oho, is that so?" Prophylaxis chuckles, taking a bite of his own half-Taiyaki. That is so, she just said that!! He nods, then slowly stands. "Well then! In that case, for the sake of expedience, you may call me Doctor. And we will call you..." He thinks for a moment, and then: "Konko." Yes. That's what he's going with.

His naming sense is... Not precisely incredible.

"So then, Konko," With a sweeping gesture, the doctor gestures at the various stalls lining the streets of Alne, "Have you had a chance to enjoy some of the local attractions? If you would like to accompany us, we could visit a few of the game stalls we've set up for the festival. Don't worry about the cost, it's on me." Technically, it's free. He's the de-facto leader of the Divine Dragons, after all. The position comes with a few perks. "Tian, Gao, Fuka, would you care to join? It's a festival, after all! No reason to stand around looking dour all night, eh?"

His ears are, notably, quite floppy. This might be a problem. Or perhaps not!!

Upon Merek's question on what the Crest Gun - FRELLIA - is, the Bandit King seems to rather focus on continueing with the story. Lifting one hand to quiet Merek. Perhaps he will answer that question another time. But those who were there that day, do remember something showing up upon the mountains to the west that wasn't previously there.

---

Izuna leans back a bit as Tian makes that odd huff-laughter noise. But when Tian asks if there's anything she likes, Izuna points towards Tian's mask, rather than their accessories. That, or she is pointing at Tian. It is really hard to tell.

"Grandpa came here and was talking about how important this land was. And he hasn't been by for weeks. So I decided to come. So it is." Izuna explains to Tian with a firm pouty expression. "I want to see what is so important about this place and its people - definitely."

"Maybe the people here can entertain me, thanks." She then adds, ignoring Fukaziroh's attempts to have her introduce herself, while she munches more on the bean-bun. Small bites, big bun. Nomf. Glare. A glare at Prophylaxis who decides to give her a different name.

"My name isn't Konko. You may call me Highness Izuna, thank you." She demands. None of those 'thank yous' sound like they are thanking anyone. It's just what she was told to say.

Still. Prophylaxis got her.

She considers the doctor for a moment, then suddenly jumps! UP!

Onto his shoulders, grabbing at his bunny-ears with enough force that he may be losing some HP in the process, and pointing at one of the stalls. "Forward, steed! To the candied apples."

---

The Bandit King continues on; "After we came from the great Tunnels, we had to cross miles of land towards the southern coast. The lands were mutating around us. It was important to put up a Quarantine. Not just Ezzo was at risk, but all the lands around it, like the Palace Lands." The armored man(?) continues on. "A small group made up of myself, and the Adventurers Haseo, Reika, Wynfei, Att Syne, Polaris and Proteus went to the Southern Peak of Ezzo, into a secret place. Holding this."

And as he speaks, he brings up his hand, showing an item in his hand. An illussion cast by Arcane Wave Artes, it seems? It seems to show a Chess item in the shape of a King Piece.

Kaydon thinks as he listens to the Bandit King's story. He was nowhere near Ezzo when things went down, even it had been his original kingdom. He'd dropped it and picked Outcast because it seemed like a cool choice, but he does remember the cursed wave clear as day though.

He lurks nearby where the Bandit King is telling his story, listening intently, and trying to pick out any information he might not have had. It had been a couple of years, and his memory was never that great to begin with, so it may be stuff he thought he knew and got the details wrong. The king piece is a new thing, as he hmms faintly. Perhaps that's how they sealed the wave? Or at least stopped it from progressing past Ezzo.

    Merek looks at the piece, and he seems to learn a lot more went into the sealing of Ezzo and all really than he thought. There's something about that being a chess piece that seems to draw the man's attention. He doesn't comment, and nods along, content to learn with the Spriggans. There's a look to Tian and to others to make sure everyone is doing alright. Maybe for once these things will go peacefully and with learning.

More Chess imagery. Kauchemar huhs. Well whatever they did worked, and Ezzo is 'contained' before it could corrupt the rest of the world. For now, at least. She's picking up a few more details to the story she wasn't aware of, filed away for later.

A brief glance in the other direction at the excited outburst from the small foxchild. Well, better him than her to play 'horsie'. She'd possibly buck the annoyance off. Possibly literally.

Tian's mask is dangling at the Cait Sith's side rather than atop their face at the moment, so there is a curious look before they reach down and lift it, allowing the girl to see it by setting it down. "<I could make one like it. This one is part of my heart.>" Tian touches their middle finger to their chest, ears slightly ticked back.

At the further details about how the young woman got here, she looks to the others, giving them a nod. "<Her Grandfather is an ally. A friend of my people.>" This is spoken in signs kept close to their chest, not meant to carry very far, incase there were enemies watching. It is enough, perhaps, to communicate this to Tian's own allies.

As the girl makes her leap towards the doctor, Tian gets to their feet, wincing slightly at the girl's enthusiasm.

    There's hints in what Konko said that might eventually percolate through Fuka's thick head. This land. Grandpa. Highness Izuna. The imperious way the girl says thank you like she has no conception of gratitude, just of polite mannerisms. Tian's explanation. But if Fuka does fully clue in, it's lost beneath her sheer amusement at poor Proph's plight.

    "That's right, Doc! To the candied apples!" she cheers. "Although your suggestion about the game stalls does sound good, but you heard the princess!" Fuka states, perhaps not actually noticing any of the good doctor's distress. Yet.

Goldenblade doesn't remember anything about Ezzo and is learning. She had taken part in a relief operation, but that, she's deduced, was some time after the initial events. She's a Westelander, and knew nothing about what happened in Ezzo apart from the bits and pieces that she's had explained subsequently. So, hearing what happened that she rescued people from is interesting.

The commotion /over there/ draws her eye, and she notes Proph with a child on his shoulders. She didn't know Proph was good with kids, but it's cute. The ears clearly are a big difference from when she gave her kids biggy back rides, though that's been some time - her kids are in their fifties now.

Haru squints his one blue eye at the exchange going on next to him. He thought he might have one day off from doing serious things, but his brain is already turning gears. Identify something of interest or power. Move it into a fixed position away from others. Cordon said resource. Though all he can really do is laugh at the notions. How is it not adorable to watch a kid climb up and ride someone like a self-fashioned mount? The srs-not-srs gynmastics come to a halt as he says, "Too adorable," and drinking from his mug. Though he lowers and adds, "Ah, /royally/ adorable," to the whole notion of her being a Highness at that. He gives Tian a nod of the head, "Thats good. For a second I thought the Doc was abducting small children with candy." A wink to the Scale leader. Or a blink. Really when you have a monocle over one eye its anyone's guess. "It lifts the heart," he asides to Tian, appreciating the subtle motions, "to see everyone having a good time today." With that he turns to the Bandit King's commentary. Its a good refresher and, honestly, the first time around he wasn't really picking up those nuances. They all hit differently now.

Gao sighs, grumbling. And moves out to approach. He hasn't seen any other Palace Landers about yet. But that begs the question.

"Princess, what are you doing here?" Gao finally asks, removing his hand from his side and folding his arms. He does his best to look more annoyed than concerned. "Just where did you come from at all?"

The bartender/healer is hoping things do not escalate, or worse get out of hand. But well... Izuna did just jump on the walking fireball's head.

Ino Hatsuse came here? And knows something about the importance of Yamato? Of Alne? Fascinating. But perhaps more importantly...!

Prophylaxis wins a small victory!

Small victories over small people is, in a way, a large victory indeed. "Oh, well then, you may call me Prophy then, your highn--nn!?" He is... Hopped upon! His ears, they are treated as reins!! The doctor flinches but manages to keep from showing the pain on his face. His ears! His poor ears! This is an extraordinarily odd sensation for someone who spent the vast majority of his life with two perfectly human-shaped ears! "Ahaha, yes. Certainly. But there is a game along the way to the apple stall. Perhaps we can play before-- or after?"

Tian mentions that Ino Hatsuse is-- their ally? What? The Palace Landers mentioned having collaborators pretty high up the food chain, but... /him?/ The right hand of Kallamore itself? That's a surprise, indeed. "Ahahaha, well, I can't just leave her alone, now can I?" Prophylaxis answers Haru. Then: "Thanks for the present, by the way. I don't think I've had a chance to thank you properly yet---"

But he's not long for this conversation. The royal princess wants candied apples and, as promised, there /is/ a game nearby.

...It's a goldfish catching game, one with those little paper scoops...!

"Your games would just bore me, definitely." Izuna points out to Fukaziroh as she mentions gaming stalls. It seems she doesn't have interest purely because she believes nobody can really stand up to her anyway. And she may be right. She keeps a death-grip on Prophylaxis' bunny ears, as she looks to Tian, who has been explaining the matter of the mask.

She pouts for a bit. But, it seems the princess is not /unreasonable/. "Very well. I will accept one of its kind, thanks." There's a momentary softness in her gaze then, as she pauses, then expresses; "It would be rude to steal someone's heart." Words that, to someone like Tian and Gao, would no doubt have far more meaning than at face value.

Izuna then turns down to look at Gao and her expression turns bemused; "When a mommy and daddy love eachother very much, they make a child, so it is." That is where she comes from.

When the troupe arrives to the little paper scoop fish-catching game, the girl stares at it. "What's that? Answer me, thank you." She demands to know.

----

"We entered one of the few remaining Install Ports within the Yamato region, protected by a Guardian. Due to the corruption of the land, the Guardian did not recognize my missive. So the Adventurers tried to protect me as I emplaced this piece to the ground." He places the thing to the ground, and a while beam comes up from it.

"One of them, the one known as Reika, fell to the Guardian. While the others managed to remain standing. Finally, using this piece - one of the Shards left to this world by the Twilight Dragon - we engaged the Quarantine on Yamato and the Ezzo Empire." The Bandit King explains, and motions his hands out.

A dome forms, and shows the landmass of Ezzo beneath it. "So, Yamato was cut off from accessing the Palace Lands, until just last year. And the foreign enemies remain held by the barrier in Ezzo." He pauses. "Though one of them manages to use unknown ways. Reaching out and communicating beyond. For the day the Foreign Powers came, was also the day that The Beast was born... the Hound. Or as I have come to learn their name; Cú Chulainn."

    Merek takes out a book which he keeps with him, what looks like a codex. Looks custom made, and he writes with sigils as well as a few notes the things that he is told. What better way to keep lore written with a way that can be read, even copied. He doesn't know what to make of things, although he seems pretty interested. "... Wasn't the Quarantine, by the Goddesses." The man muses to himself, though he doesn't ask that directly while he speaks to himself. Then he takes a look while he thinks to the Bandit King. And he seems to think about something, standing and looking at them, taking a step back. He doesn't share what's on his mind.

That has Gao actually facepalming, muttering under his breath, and looking like he's trying to not just call a bunch of guards or something.

He sighs. "Is your grandfather here, too?"

It's a polite question at least, but well...

Tian replaces the mask on their belt, giving a nod. "<As you wish.>" The crafter inclines their head, seeming to already be considering the task that is set before them. There is another look to Haru, and a faint lift of the corner of their mouth before looking further towards the Bandit King.

Though the deaf Adventurer does not seem to hear in the traditional sense, they do seem to pick up on bits and pieces of the story. This is all new to them, as their own experiences are very, very different. "<What strange tales. So unlike what happened to us...>" Tian's hands move in those smaller motions, as if they were still trying to be quiet, perhaps not to disturb the story.

Though Tian still has concerns in regard to the princess' presence here, there is also a pressing of their eyebrows together as they are trying to take in the Lore of this strange land and how much it differs from their own.

Now that is a name Kaydon recognizes. But it shouldn't be from lore from either Yamato or the Palace Lands. Kaydon rubs his muzzle faintly with his gauntleted hand.

"I have questions." He says, to the Bandit King directly, "But may need to take them with you offline.." A pause, "... Once you're done with your storytelling."

When the conversation turns to one of the 'gods' worshiped by the more sentient Monster races it catchs Kauchemar's full attention again. She's a summoner, after all, anything monster related is going to hold some manner of interest to her. And how long will this isolation of Ezzo hold the corruption and the 'Foreign Powers' at bay?

Hopefully long enough for them to deal with the current problems, at least.

"And answers just leave us with more questions once again," she murmurs. Haru might be the only one close enough to the equine to hear it.

At this point, Prophylaxis is eager to have his ears relinquished so that he can top off his HP real quick-like. Though he's pretty sure based on how injuries work in this world, his ear flops are likely to fall off before he actually loses enough HP to /die/, he'd really much rather keep his floppiness intact thank you very much!

He is, thus, quite thankful when the princess takes an interest in the fishing game. "Oh! This is a traditional game found at festivals here in Yamato," Prophylaxis explains, "It's quite simple, but surprisingly challenging. You are given a little paper scoop, and with it you have a short time to catch as many fish as you can out of the pond. Whatever fishes you are able to catch, you can take home as pets! Would you like to give it a try? I'm quite good at it, if I do say so myself."

The Doctor is an old hat at triage and simple surgery, after all. His hands may not be as steady as a neurosurgeon's or an open-heart surgeon's, but they're absolutely steadier than the average gamer's. And in this game, steadiness is what brings victory.

...But if this girl is as strong as they say...

Well. They'll just have to see, won't they?

Goldenblade is intrigued as the Ezzo situation is explained. She's learning quite a lot of what went on that she didn't know before. She winces as word that an adventurer fell, particularly in light of the Palace Landers revelation that you lose a bit of yourself. The news that some bigbad is still trapped there is completely news to her. She's glad its trapped. At least in a sort of de facto way.

Kaydon's comment gets a big 'huh' until she works out that Kaydon isn't suggesting to the Bandit King that they log off the game and meet. She's not familiar with that term. Bricklayers don't attend anything /online/, so it's -all- offline for her, without needing a separate term for it.

    Fuka snickers at Izuna's response to Gao, smirking as if to say 'she told you, she did!' Honestly it's an answer worthy of Fuka herself, though the sylph wouldn't have played it quite so deadpan. Regardless, Fuka tags along with Proph and the others, perhaps not so much enchanted by the uncharming little princess as intrigued, and perhaps managing to pick up some of the others' suspicions and worries by proxy.

    "That?" Fuka asks, glancing at the goldfish game. Oh yes, she knows it well! And has failed it numerous times indeed! She gets a crafty look, one which probably isn't nearly as subtle as she seems to think it is. "Oh, it's just a fish game. It's too HARD for a little girl to play." she cautions. Perhaps she's slightly offended at Izuna claiming games would bore her. To Fuka after all, games are life. Or maybe it's better to say she'd have no life if she had no games. Or something like that.

A hand raises to Proph as he is off with the princess. A little non-verbal 'You can thank me later, you look busy' gesture. It dawns on Haru that in all the time together that he never asked Tian a fundamental question, "What was it like for you, over there," he asks Tian. It isn't something just comes up. Hey, you, over there. Tell me all the differences, in order categorial, to your experiences being locked in Elder Tales. In context now it seems rather relevant. The two server-regions had vastly different histories. Even the history they do have, like what they are uncovering with the Undines and Leviathans, are an ever evolving tapestry of information. Like history or archeology. He sips on his mug. He nods on it as he does hear Kau's comment there. "And new places and topics to explore to learn more," he says to put a positive spin on it. "Plus, context, in that Im grateful I wasn't trapped in Ezzo when it all happened. Crafting sounds like it would be hard to pursue there." Positivity and an attitude of gratitude? Haru has been abducted and replaced by a clone. Thats the New Year twist. Clones.

Tian seems to be trying to keep an eye on what is going on with their visitor, but trusts well enough that Prophylaxis has things in hand. Knowing how important the girl was, hopefully some amongst the group could make a good impression. The Cait Sith's fingers tap as they try to pick up on what they can of the Bandit King's story, only hesitating when Haru asks the other side of that tale.

Lips pressing together, Tian taps with one finger again, this time as if they were trying to search for the right words. "<Midnight came. We were teleported to our Root Towns. Everyone expected some kind of event.>" This all lines up with what those in Yamato might have experienced, except... "<We waited in silence. People thought they could try logging out and back in, but we could not.>" So it seems those in the Palace Lands may have realized they were stuck a bit earlier than those in Yamato. "<After fifteen minutes or so, a dark wave came with no warning. We were all leveled down and left with no explanation. People were afraid. So much fear.>"

Unlike in Yamato, where there had been guidance, and the task to seek the Twilight Keys or Scale the Tower, there had been nothing offered to those in the Palace Lands. Nothing to tell them what to do or what had happened. Only the knowledge that they were now stuck in the game, back at level one, in one of the most dangerous realms of Elder Tale Online.

The Bandit King takes his time to finish up the tale, continueing into how, after the Quarantine was established, they had to wait at the edges of the Empire. Making food off of the little life there was out there. A lot of people took up the Fishing skill on the day, he continues on to explain. And then talks about how the Scale Emblem Alliance was actually the group that took in all the Spriggans that none of the Empires wished to take in.

He shakes his head to those asking him further questions on it. It seems he simply wished to tell his tale, and leave it at that for the time being.

----

Izuna Hatsuse uses Prophylaxis' ears to 'rappel' down from his body, and lands on the ground with her hands in the air. "If you are good at it, then I will excel at it, definitely." She huffs at him, and then sits herself down in front of the person manning the booth.

She pulls out a little pouch, and then deposits /way/ too much gold into the man's hand. "I will play, thank you!" She demands, while the poor employee is still trying to figure out how to say 'this is too much money'. She grabs a net and quickly puts it in the water, then... LIFT!

RIP.

The fish is still in the water, the little paper net broken.

"Another, thanks!"

RIP.

A red aura suddenly starts to overcome her. Lines forming across her body. Markings growing as her hair almost seems to rise. Her Kimono begins to glow.

Gao would recognize this! The way she'd always get when upset, or dealing with combat. This can only mea...

Her hand stabs into the water, and she lifts her hand with such intense force, that the water SPILLS out of the bucket. The fish she was initially trying to net literally gets PUNTED up into the air. And those following it up, end up seeing a plink of 'light', suggesting it either burned up in atmosphere, or made it straight to the moon or something...

With the fish still in the air, her hand rapidly grabs for each of them, putting them all in the round 'bag' for the fish, until all the fish are stuck in there, with the baggy clearly too small to contain all of them!

She then turns, huffing, staring at Prophylaxis. "I win, I declare." She states demandingly. "Get me a bigger baggy, thank you!"

    Merek knows that it would be pointless to try to get the Bandit King to answer anything. He instead nods a bit to them, "Thank you for the story. I wrote it, so it will be written. I am sure that it will go well in the libraries." The man offers a look and nod, before he then looks to the fishing. Interesting. He pulls up the hood of his attire while he sighs a little bit, putting the hands of his to the pockets.

"I am genuinely sorry to hear that," Haru says to Tian as he gives the past a moment of respect. A drink to that. Part of the New Years is acknowledging the past and looking forward. "After that, how was order restored?" he asks, hoping the answer does not come in the form of being handed out free headware saying it'll power level you back up to the max level. His head turns like a fast take to the side to see the angry child be anggy. "I... do not envy the Doc right now," he says with a sweatdrop beading down his side, "if she gets mad his head could go 'pop' like a balloon." He is grateful she climbed down before sending the game to the moon. Now there will be mooooooon fish. It'll be fiiiiinnnnne.

Just for good measure he checks in on Ganesha and Hestia. Snack Life. Ok. Good. Back to Tian loreasaurus Rex, apex loreasaur. "So much has happened. I think when it did, it was all too much for any one person to process." A sip of the alcohol as he realizes his cup is empty. Damn.

    Fuka is naturally quite amused at the idea of this spoiled little princess playing the fish game, and settles down contentedly to watch. Idly she dips into her inventory, pulling out a small potion bottle and holding it up in Prophylaxis's direction, not even looking at him, just offering the potion literally offhandedly. It's a minor healing potion, yes. Something that should be able to heal the injury to his poor ears. Just because Fuka's amused doesn't mean she doesn't /care/.

    She frowns as Izuna begins to glow with murderous aura, but continues to watch. At the explosion of fish, she almost blurts out... and yet she doesn't. The princess snatches all the fish and somehow Fuka manages not to call her out as a cheater. Bad idea that, both to accuse a princess and to call out someone who seems awfully lethal, come to think of it. This little girl is scary! Good thing they're friends then, isn't it? "She wins." Fuka agrees, somewhat reluctantly. Claiming the game would be too hard... yeeeeah. Hahaha... Oh well, at least she gave the stall-runner more than enough gold to pay for his festival, not just the fish. Guess she wasn't stealing food merely out of a lack of coin to pay. Probably more like, as a princess, she's never /had/ to pay.

Goldenblade listens and nods when the Bandit King comes to the part of the Ezzo story she at least knows a little about. She didn't know about the Spriggans, though, and she eyes Proph again. Which means she watches the full encounter with the fish dipping booth. When the first attempt at fish dipping goes awry, she will take a step closer and attempt to explain the trick, but the girl finds her own way, which makes Goldenblade's jaw drop. "Well now...." That was never a solution that was open to her in all the festivals she ever attended. "I've never seen /that/ happen."

Gao, meanwhile, is following a bit behind. He blinks at the fishing game, sighs, and pays behind the group a bunch. Tower floors are good for something money-wise.

That, and he looks at Prophylaxis with a simple 'I told you.' look. Yep.

He does pause a little as he hears more of the Bandit King's story, looking to Tian. "Indeed... I think if we had such a focus... a lot would not have happened."

Tian doesn't respond in words at first, so much as simply extending their arms outward to the side as if to encompass everything that had happened since that time until now. "<I do not know if order was ever restored.>" Given what Tian had just said about what happened during the Apocalypse, perhaps some of the more extreme reactions from Adventurers in Yamato is not surprising. Without guidance, in the wake of fear, people will act in many horrible ways, and many good ones.

Where Haru had told them to express emotions more, that sadness does linger on Tian's features. "<Some hid in the cities, some went off to train and fight and look for a way out, others turned to seizing the world as their own. No organization, no leadership, just desperate people all looking for answers.>" Tian's ears flatten back, "<You've seen what became of all of us because of that.>"

Golden eyes look down at their wares in front of them, letting out a sigh. "<I hid as a crafter. I did not fight back until it was too late. Until people had started dying.>" Tian's eyes lift then to look at Gao, nodding once. It is clear that Tian carries some guilt for not acting earlier. For being too scared to step up and try to stop the massacre.

That is when the Cait Sith makes a decision. "<And now I am dampening the mood. Please, enjoy the celebrations. I need a drink.>" Their expression becomes guarded again, hand moving to stow their trinkets, including that bit of fox jewelry, all back away into their inventory. It seems that Tian knows when not to delve further into darker times and to allow people to enjoy their moments of happiness.

And now would be a good time for a more experienced public performer to step in.

Kauchemar does just that, striding over to where the Bandit King has been sitting before the statue. "Such a dramatic tale! And a good reminder of why we celebrate now as we do. It is a time for looking back upon the past, and for looking ahead to the future." She makes an effort to get the crowd's attention so BK can get back out of the public eye if he so wishes. "But if you ask for every grand story now, there will be none to enjoy later. So best now to just ponder upon what we have learned, as we plan the next year before us."

At which she pulls out her lute, opting for the instrument most people here would recognize as such, rather than using her staff's special effects. "But there is still plenty of night before us, my fellow dwellers of shadows. Who's ready for some festival sing-a-long?"

Oh thank heavens, she's off his back. Prophylaxis receives the potion gratefully, his ears slowly 'inflating' back to their original shapes and sizes as he imbibes. But while he's busy, the princess is playing a game in front of a truly bewildered clerk. The first time... doesn't go so well. "Ah, the net broke, that means the game's over, but--" She paid enough. More than enough. Enough for basically the entire night to be a profit, and then some. So it's fine!

The second attempt, also not the greatest result. But then...

The third...

A fish... is shot directly to the moon. Someday, perhaps they'll find it there, a new zone boss, having grown by several hundred levels by dint of its impact slaying several thousand goblins. But that day is not today. The princess shines bloody crimson, her hands a blur. The net is disappeared, perhaps even disintegrated. In its wake, somehow, she managed to... get all those fish into the bag.

"That--" A terrible image flashes across his imagination. If he continues, he might-- no, he absolutely, positively, definitely will get his head punched off his shoulders, and that would be a /problem./ "--Can be arranged. Congratulations, your highness." The doctor gives the stall owner an apologetic look, then asks: "Sorry, could I trouble you for a larger bag? Or perhaps, additional bags...?"

"Where should we go next...?" The doctor asks, "Candy apples, yes? I think there's a shooting gallery game we came up with using some of those new magic tools, too...?"

The crowds cheer for the promise of a sing-along. And some of the Landers who've come to enjoy the Adventurers' unique songs join up for this occassion. The Bandit King sits there for a while, watching the Adventurers especially. Enjoying their quirky attitudes, taking a moment, before their head dips down...

And then they seem to almost shock awake, staring in confusion where they've found themselves. A grimace growing for a moment, before the grab their stuff and storm off out of town.

---

"That's right, I say!" Izuna Hatsuse declares. Waiting for a bigger baggy so she can carry off all the little fish with her. "These are now mine by right, so I declare."

But as Prophylaxis suggests a shooting gallery, she looks at him with an almost woeful look. "I am bored now, thank you." She declares. "I'm going to find my grandfather, thank you." And with that, the red glow all ends, and she turns into her usual calm self again.

"These games aren't fun. They're no challenge, thanks." And off she wanders.

    "Candy apples is good!" says Fuka enthusiastically, pleased to see Proph recovering. He's healed her often enough, and as an alchemist she'll not begrudge a healing potion. She frowns then, considering. "Maybe we should pass on the shooting game. The Princess might find it a little too easy." she suggests. "Also we should consider what might be BEHIND the shooting gallery huh?" she adds, hint hint.

    She pauses, then lights up. "Or Kaumare is going to sing! YES!" Fuka cheers enthusiastically. Maybe she'll wander off to be a fangirl. Maybe she'll stick with the others here. Who knows... except for sure, Fuka's going to be Fuka, and Fuka's going to have fun and food at a festival!

Gao sighs, then moves to pat Prophylaxis on the shoulder. "I'll follow her. Take over healing the drunks if you get the time, would you?" He moves off into the crowd, following Izuna. At a good distance. And even takes to the rooftops if he has to.

The man is a kung fu type. Yep.

Haru watches Tian head off. Its not too diffrerent for him. He crafted. Looked for a different path. It is not that he begrudges it. It led both Tian and Haru to do some great things now, in the present. Still, it doesn't leave a good taste in your mouth when there is so much left undone. Tomorrow, he thinks, as Kau has the right idea. This is a festival. For a day, one day, those sort of thoughts can wait. Tonight is a party. "Woo!" he cheers to the call for Kau to sing along. Oh he will sing alright. Poorly. Unz unz unz.

"Right, right," Prophylaxis sighs as the little princess makes her exit. "Farewell then, Your Highness. I'll have to think of a more challenging game for next time, I suppose." Even though she TOTALLY didn't actually win that one. She lost her scoop! That means she lost! Bah! Oh well, better this than being vaporized with a single punch.

"Please do," he asides to Gao, then turns to go... deal with the drunkards. Maybe it's for the best that the Princess is off for the night with her (probably traumatized) bounty of fish. At least she didn't wave motion gun through half of Alne. Honestly, crisis averted. "Are all of the leaders of Kallamore like that...?" The doctor wonders aloud, "We'll have to figure something out..."

Goldenblade smiles as Kauchemar replaces the story time with a bit of light music, and Proph's young child darts off, probably much to everyone's relief. She never really understood what was going on, and usually it's not necessary, but she does say aloud, "For those of us in the cheap seats, can someone summarize what's up with the girl who wrecked the fishing booth?" She was paying attention to the King and doesn't split attention well. She doesn't focus on one thing that great, either. Getting old turns out to suck.

Kaydon wanders around a bit after the story ends, he hadn't really had time to sample the food and drinks as much as he would have liked. But once things don't seem like they're going to explode or cause another dark wave, he does seem to relax a bit.