Bound to Joy

    Another year has gone and still Eas stands quiet, save for the unpleasant tune of marching patrols marching this evening. In the chill winds, at the edge of the lake, sits, well, Elly. She's wearing a dark blue mantle over a loose, white blouse. Her wool skirt is tucked carefully around her legs. It's a cold day, after all.

    She has settled herself on a bench, staring out over the waters of the lake. Despite the chill, they have resisted freezing thus far this year. There's simply too much turmoil with the wind and the great falls for them to become solid at this point.

    She's not alone, though. At her side, a woman sits, her cheek apparently resting on the priestess' shoulder. It's impossible to tell until someone is close, but Tae is actually asleep.

Yeowang is in Eas supporting plans against Mac Anu. There's so much to organize, and it's a logistical nightmare, which Yeowang is dealing with nightmare by nightmare. But she's not all work, or at least not all one kind of work. That she takes her physical training seriously is demonstrated by the run she does every day, and that time is now, running past the benches, face glistening with sweat, ponytail swining to each side as she runs, though seeing Wake out here, she will pause in her jog, running in place to offer a greeting to the Baroness. She's in something like workout gear, well made blouse and pants, closefitting, unlike her adventuring gear, which is more focused on stealth. "Good evening," she calls.

Kauchemar was tired from her long trek to Mac Anu and back, even if she didn't travel most of it herself because mounts are awesome. Just using System Arte powers take their toil, even when the results are what you were working towards. So there's not mischevious shifting through shadows, no not being seen until she directly enters the exchange of conversation. Just a tired Were Fang walking up to near the lake and letting out a sigh of both relief and exhaustion, then dunking her head into the cold water. She barely even registers other people here, just focused on cooling and calming herself after the endeavor.

Soujiro Seta is training. Probably one of the few that looks like if he had worries that the were melted away by a smile and endorphines. Currently he running in the general direction of Wake. "And," he stops, getting to the of his run, "time. Even faster than last time." Because an Adventurer body is amazing. Running for six hours at a pace of Olympians? Feels appropriate for Olympus! His hands go above his head as he walks it off, adopting a more relaxed approach during a cooldown. "Hello," he says, lower tones noticing that Tae is sleeping. But he is already heading to the water, liking what Kau has going on and dunking his head in the water in solidary. Great way to cool off.

    Elly looks up from her musings to smile at Yeowang. "I trust you are having a relaxing evening." She looks towards her lover, who is overcome with weariness, and sighs gently. "My apologies, my dearest is simply off dreaming somewhere. She has had a long day."

    The priestess looks over to the lake, past Yeowang. "And she is not alone." Her voice lifts, not louder, exactly, but more clear, "Lady Kauchemar! Are you alright? Oh dear, and Master Soujiro, as well?"

    In the real world, dunking one's head in nearly freezing water is considered unwise. Here it probably causes little trouble. So long as one doesn't try it for an extended period. Or give in to the gasp reflex.

Yeowang looks up curiously as Kauchemar arrives, nodding a polite greeting. "A hard day?" she guesses, taking in the werefang's appearance and the head dunking. She nods a greeting to Seta also as he does the same. Mid-workout, she doesn't stop, or pause really, maintaining her running, though now she's running in place. Her own body is close to the peak of efficiency as well, though she occasionally complains about small differences between it and her RL body, which she claims is a bit better. Certainly faster, at least. Yeowang nods to Wake about relaxing - this /is/ her relaxing - and smirks as she sees that others have done the same, if not quite in the same way.

It's really cold water, and that's precisely what she wanted. It's okay, being one of the elements Kauchemar is well in-tune with. After a few moments she pulls her head back up, giving it a shake to swish her now soaked mane out of her face. "Aaaah. I needed that." She shifts to sit down instead, looking over the others also about (and the sleeping Tae). "I'm fine. Just got back from doing some... mystical recon of Mac Anu, and filing the appropriate information to people."

Soujiro Seta is fine! Ok, not exactly fine. He is keeping head underwater for a long period of time. It is cold, its winter! The oxygen bar shows up. What is the best time to work on your lung capacity or swimming skill? Right after tons of cardio! Perfect. He knew Kau was trying to tell him something. How to push him to greater heights. It goes as far as starting to chip away at his health when the oxygen bar empties.

To make matters more chaotic, Souji's fanclub finally catches up. What was once a small, intimate gathering now has a cadre of cluck clucks, a fellowship of females, and a mighty mini mallard who all take the same stance of Wake in concern. They promptly dunk their heads in two, which causes an underwater Souji to finish his ice bucket challenge and whip up. Water sprays like a shampoo commercial from Souji's long blue hair. Swish swish. Sparkle dew crystals. He looks to Wake and says, "With you here, I will always be well." As innocent as sweet as it is, it gets an 'and you, and you and you' to every one of his follows. Individually. And sincerely! It ends with the 'and you' on Yeowang and the Kau, transitioning into less of a background activity in the scene. "Is everyone doing okay over there," he asks Kau about the Mac Anu situation.

    Slightly roused from whatever little dream world she is in, Tae stirs at Elly's side. She murmurs, "My set already? Okay.. just five more minutes, mom.."

    Softly, the Priestess replies, "Oh no, dear, it's your day off, you can sleep in." It seems to satisfy her fiance, who smiles and slips back into her dream world.

    "I am happy to see that Eas has so many visitors. We have right here every alliance represented. I hope you will accept my hospitality and stay in the castle tonight." She looks to Soujiro, "All of you, of course. Winged and otherwise. There's plenty of room in my house and at my table, if you have worked up an appetite."

    Seeing health lost, well, the priestess simply acts. And seeing the unprepared girls, cluck clucks, and duck all follow suit makes it a must. First, a flowing of pure healing light, and then, at least for Soujiro's team, a pleasant flow of warmth from carefully spun fire artes.

    "I hope that the journey to Mac Anu has brought us all good news. My own overtures ended in serious disappointment. But at least Laira is still alive. Somewhere."

Yeowang ohs about mystical recon. "I see," she says. "What can you tell us?" Her own mundane resources have not been wildly useful against the Palace Landers, so there's an extra feeling of helplessness. She has to trust that our authorities have done their homework. She eyes Seta susoiciously at the entourage and hair flipping, but doesn't actually say anything.

She nods to Wake about Eas's hioppitality, she's been taking advantage for a few days now. She does when she's around, she doesn't like roughing it, though she can do it when she needs to.

Kauchemar chuckles a little at Tae, but shifts back into serious mode afterwards. "As I posess the System Arte of Oracle, as well as Divination, I was asked to double check the predictions about the Cursed Wave from the Floor 11 Boss being defeated." She gives a nod towards Soujiro, who being from Scale Emblem would know precisely what prediction she's talking about. "And as I have actual stealth training thanks to the lovely Wake, I decided to try from closer to the supposed site it will occur." She holds a finger up for dramatic emphasis. "No prediction is one hundred percent perfect, but as I -did- get a similar foresight, as well as other small details, the odds of it being correct rise tremendously with two corrisponding predictions. Think of it like... metaphysical triangulation of timelines."

Followed by a soft huff at the mention of Laira. "She responded back, finally. That means something, even if it wasn't the answer we had set out for."

Soujiro Seta is a member of SEA. Doubly so, he is part of the Aincrad Liberation front. Training to the fullest and pushing up the Tower is part of his bread and butter. "So we defeat it," says the samurai with water dripping from his hair. There is a grateful smile to Wake on the healing. He knew he could trust her. No one is getting hurt on Wake's watch! There is that dramatic pause.

Wait for it.

Longer.

"Then when it hits, we will be prepared," the samurai says. The fallout of triggering events in the game is not lost on him. Unlike the stuff with Laira. That is very lost on him.

    "Disappointment is part of life, after all," murmurs Elly gently. "But it seems, then, that we will have a wave falling upon the city we must save. It.. complicates things. At least the Palace Landers are likely to be prepared for it, unless.."

    She looks to Kauchemar and then to Soujiro with concern in her eyes. "Would they abandon my people there? Would they leave Mac Anu? Their queen is leaving now. Did they /see/ and are they simply going to walk away and let the wave tear the city apart?"

"Part of the reason I was asked to do this was so proper preperations could be made," Kauchemar replies, as she was likely expecting such a question. "If they turn tail and run, there will be those to move in so the matter doesn't get out of hand. If they do try to confront the results, it is a diversion to be taken advantage of." She gives her own head another light flick to keep her wet mane in place. "Either way, the people of the kingdom will not be abandoned to the matter."

Soujiro Seta closes his eyes and tilts his head to the right. For as brainless as Souji appears to act socially, he is a different creature when it comes to combat and war. He imagines the land of Mac Anu. A Wave hits. What options do they have? If it hits on one side or the other, forces would swarm it or evacuate in the other direction. "Not only is it a distraction, it presents a clear tactical advantage to an assault," he says as he stands on one side of Wake and makes it so she is inbetween both Kau and Souji. "Whatever place the forces of the Wave drops, it draws attention there, allowing another force to act undisturbed in a blind spot. If you can address the Guardian system, then once their forces reach a point of panic they would be able to escape without heavy losses either through our forces or the Wave." Those blue eyes open as the Divination battlemind begins to fade. "Even if they wated to leave, they will have no quarter to do so, save a golden bridge." And Soujiro is surprisingly ruthless when it comes to his enemies.

    The nervousness of the priestess disturbs the rest of her lover again, but it only results in a small frown and some shifting. Listening to Kauchemar, Elly takes some comfort and her concern grows less. Soujiro, however, has her smiling. Oh, she's not quite so ruthless these days, but there's something in his passion that is quite pleasing to her. Not to mention his language is quite poetic in itself.

    She turns her attention to his entourage, looking thoughtful. She smiles apologetically and notes, "I apologize, I am sure you would all prefer to be in a warmer place now. Let me make some arrangements!" She diverts her attention to a chim link, calling, apparently to someone in the castle for quarters to be made ready. She notes the make up of the group, down to the last duck, as it were, and ensures that the meal is appropriate considering the presence of birds. It's going to be a gruntie steak kind of evening.

Yeowang nods slowly as Kauchemar explains herself. "I see," she says. "Good to know," she agrees. She nods as Kauchemar explains the possible ooptions. She had come to the same conclusion. She wonders, "Did your foretelling not reveal which option the Palace Landers chose?" She explains, "They're initial assault on us was at a Wave in their land, and they had brought an awesome army to fight it. I do not think they have nearly the same forces available here." When Wake prepares to make things more comfortable, she will beg off.

Her curiosity sated but her jog cut off, she says, "I may have more to ask after I complete my run." And so saying, she takes off again, her pace quite rapid as she jogs off into the distance.

Soujiro Seta is ruthless to those that would hurt his precious friends, avian origins included! "Have a good run," he cheers Yeowang on, appreciating the important of training. Even though he just finished running there is a fire of hype in his eyes. He could do a few more miles! Later. As for his cadre of followers, they are all more than happy to stay /at a castle/ and be waited on. Girls night out and on royalty no doubt! All smiles, down to the last duck. "I'll put on some tea," he contributes, making an excellent blend for the night times.

    "Well, then we should get inside," suggests Elly. She looks over to Tae and sighs softly. "Sorry, my love, but.. you can keep resting. Besides, I hate to miss any chance to do this.."

    This being carrying her fiance. The priestess manages the task with ease and untroubled grace. Tae rouses, but just smiles and shamelessly rests in her lover's arms. She does at least offer a polite little wave to the guests. "Are we having a party with your friends?" she asks playfully. Sure, she could walk. But why?

    "Indeed! I think Master Soujiro's retinue would greatly appreciate a wonderful evening of music, dancing, excellent food, and the best tea in all the land, prepared by the master himself." She looks to Soujiro, "I understand you are a Samurai. Do you indulge in the arts of old. You strike me as one who is a skilled poet."

It is at this moment when Soujiro wonders if he should start training in scripture. Nah, he looks pretty so anything he says looks nice by association. "I picked up a fondness for tea ceremony," the young man begins as he walks along. "The way with words was always Shiroe, though." Humble. "He is a brilliant man when it comes for placement of them. For me, I just say what I see." The simple unhurried walk is accompanied by, "Friends who enjoy each other's company, having found a place where they belong. Where they are accepted and liked for who they are. Here. Now." A head turned to Wake and Tae, "And the embrace of love eternal as pure as a west wind." For 'not a poet' his way of speaking from the heart is radiant. "It does feel like you have built a place where anything is possible here. From craft and combat to talk and tea!" He smiles, truly an admiration for the environment.

    "I know we will greatly enjoy the tea. Honestly, I am a western woman, so I only picked up Japanese culture after a few moves. I believe it is a lovely country. I miss it, of course, but I love my new home dearly. I am content here in a way I never saw there. Even though it seems that we face much of the same trouble. War. So disappointing."

    The way is smooth and easy. The road that Goldenblade made is without rival in this world or, honestly, the one before.

    The castle doors are opened by guards and the group enters the Dome of Stars, which is dimly lit, the constellations on its roof glinting like real stars. From there, just a few halls and turns and a sitting room is reached. One large enough to welcome everyone. There are even little pillows set out, should cluck clucks or the duck find them welcoming.

    "We are preparing the feast, and I imagine you all could use some refreshment. Perhaps the ladies would like to dip into a hot bath while we wait here? It can be made ready in the tower, or there is a bath nearer at hand, with a garden view." She has truly taken pains to make sure this is paradise for her guests.

War is unfortunate. There is something to be said about the way Soujiro carries himself during wartime. It is as if the war itself can't tarnish his light. It is a Samurai's code to fight and to protect. Be it goblin, Palace Lander, undead, or gnoll. It is the reason he trains. Also for himself because an Adventurer body is just too damn cool. Like a hero in the mangas he would read as a child. Which isn't too many years ago.

The Samurai is capable of just enjoying the now. Eyes cast to the sky for the starlight splendor. The gust of cool wind reminding him of the season. The sound of the doors opening. He is sure to smile and thank the guards with his body language, coming from a place of appreciation. Of course the girls are all off to a hot bath. Nothing like a good soak especially after trying to keep up with a running Souji today.

Souji starts to work on the tea. It is all very ceremonial for him. The temperature of the tea itself. The loose leaves and the powdered. The Z pattern while whisking and the smooth patience while steeping all seems like nature, fire, wind, and water are in concert. "This world really is something amazing," he says as he makes the first cup for Wake herself and Tae if she is staying with. "You have a big heart, caring for people in this way," he says with only a hair short of referring to her as maternal.

    Elly sits with Soujiro. Tae of course is off to the kitchens. And arranging other matters. Music, probably. The hostesses are a team, after all.

    "I enjoy it. You seem to attract very sweet and innocent people. Those girls of yours are wonderful. It's beautiful, somehow, though I cannot say I fully understand the situation. Nor is it, frankly, any of my business. You keep them safe, they enjoy walking in your footsteps. When it pleases you to visit, the light of the Goddess shall be shed upon them until it is time again to leave."

    She watches the ceremony with a glow of joy in her eyes. It's just something beautiful and enjoyable. And the scent! Her eyes lid and she draws in a breath, holding it, then slowly releasing it. "You do have a gift."

One of his favorite topics: The precious people around him. Souji without others isn't truly complete. He started Elder Tales as a solo player with a deep love of the game itself. That energy is infectious and quickly brought him into the Tea Party where the notion of being in a place where you belong made something great even greater. "They are truly wonderful people," he says as he turns to Wake, "my friends." With her counted as one. Blue eyes that seem to find a way to settle and look on Wake like a calm blue sky and a warm sun. Letting people know they belong. Are seen. His head turns to where the girls left as he says, "They chose me as much as I chose them. They have my respect and my strength, as I have theirs. I love them all very much." His claims are all so innocent. The Goddess must smile upon this young samurai!

"Thank you," he says to Wake as he makes himself his own cup. Something that can be held in both hands to feel the warmth. The scent carried by steam to the nose, followed by the taste of the lips. So good. "I feel blessed that these are gifts I can share. Day after day." It sounds like an endless dream he doesn't want to wake up from. A curious stance for a member of Scale AND a Tower climber at that.

    It is a curious thing, yet she does not press upon that issue. Such things don't seem terribly important right now. She basks in the taste of tea. She was not educated in the world past, but in this world, she drinks tea with the poise of an expert, her every move graceful, a delight to watch.

    "I wish that everyone was able to see things as you do. Your heart and eyes are aligned and the truth the world shows you is lovely, indeed. The Beautiful One delights in your vision."

    She finds it pleasing to think that these young girls are basking in a night of pure romantic enjoyment. Even in its slumber, Eas can provide cherished memories.

    "Is all well with the alliance? I have drawn in lately, and rather lost myself due to a personal disappointment. But the world moves on, and the Goddess will not indulge my self-pity for long. It is time for me to again move so that Her light may drive back the darkness. I promised Her this when she gave me her blessing."

Soujiro Seta offers a smile. Some thing do not need deep words. It is said with less. His face has that gentle sincerity to it like moonlight against a pure lake. Hair flowing like wind made to water. He does share a view of the world with Wake that is to see the world for all it can offer and express joy and gratitude. To live life enjoying it and it be made more enjoyable with others, together.

"With the Scale Emblem Alliance," he asks Wake after savoring a sip of his tea. "It is well. Proph is a man with vision and ambition. I have made friends who are helping me find an old friend who has been missing since the Apoc event occured." The tale of a sword that was more than just a sword. Kogarasumaru held a spirit within her. Even in combat he never truly fought alone.

The samurai reaches out to put a had over Wake's as she speaks of her burden. Soujiro smiles, "You take all the time you need and when you need Her, your Goddess will be there, and your friends." No judgement or shame. There is no pace that is too slow or too fast. Whatever she picks is fine because she picked it. The look that says 'You are fine as you are. You are fine with flaws. You are strong.' "Being lost sometimes is fun, too. You uncover whole new places when nothing is familiar or as you thought it might be." Oddly insightful.

    She smiles at the mention of Prophylaxis. Old friends. She still finds it amusing and surprising that he's run off to join the Scale Emblem. Even though he's amazing at the role.

    "I do hope you find your friend. If you ever need light to pierce the shadows in your search, do not hesitate, my friend."

    She falls quiet for a time. The tea, the moment. She's thinking about what Soujiro says. Of course he's right, and yet part of her demands she act, even if she'd rather simply dwell here in peace for the rest of her days.

    "I have been lost a few times. One time I couldn't find myself. But Tae did. I would rather not force her to seek me so desperately again, though. I will do this much: I will ensure Mac Anu is restored, and protect it from the Wave. Clear valiantly, along with your friends. I bless all your efforts, for what that is worth. I will rally our people and meet whatever comes our way. Violent, unruly guests are not to be indulged."

All in the right time and place. Soujiro seems to have understood the power of silence at a young age. That space inbetween is golden. It lets you be present. See and feel things. Not rush and let the excited part become tempered with a glow of excitement instead of mania. "I shall," Souji says in a vow to seek Wake out if he ever needs help. The way he leans on others and others lean on him gives the impression he would not hesistate. The journey is better with friends.

"It gives me great strength to know we have people like you helping us when the floors are cleared," Souji expresses, "if I could be in two places at once, I would, but thats not the case." Yet he does not waver and is relentless in his convictions. "I am glad that this time the clear will help with liberating Mac Anu. Enemies should be given no quarter." Well it makes sense that the brightest lights cast the darkest shadows sometimes. He does not suffer those that would cause harm so maliciously. A shake to not be so grim looking, "It must feel divine itself to have such a talented and devoted partner," he thinks of Tae. The two seem inseperable. "I am happy for you." Despite having so many romantic options, Souji doesn't cross that line with his group. Nazuna has tried. A few times.

    For a time, Wake just focuses on the tea. The quiet from the outside comes in the room. The wind whistles at night, and the courtyard behind her is lit with lanterns, showing the swaying of naked tree limbs. The waterfall, ever present, sounds gentle in the night.

    The silence draws on, until it's so beautiful it is hard to speak. But she does at last. "If it pleases you, I would like you to call me Elly. It is who I really am, and those I care for all use my real name. I do not ask or even suggest others share the same. My name, like my love and care, is a gift. I give it freely because it delights me to do so."

    She falls quiet then, only smiling softly when Tae enters. They don't speak, there is just this glance that lingers between them. Words would only stumble and get in the way of that glorious light that shines in their eyes just seeing each other in peace.

    With her own grace, Tae moves past the sitting room, followed by servants who quietly begin to prepare the table. The girls must be drying themselves and coming back. How the servants here work so fast is a magic all their own, but there are fine, warm clothes set out so that those the girls have been wearing can be changed to better enjoy the evening.

"It is nice to have tea with you, Elly," Soujiro says as he uses her name in an effortless familiar tone. Like they have known each other for longer. Natural, unforced, like wind against the cheek. The gentle sounds of water and warm hues of light give the ambiance of soft inclusion. So simple and safe. Souji sips his tea.

"My friends call me Souji," he lets Wake know, offering a smile as he continues, "and the only people that call me Soujirou would have been my parents." Wait. Soujiro is Soujirou and goes by Souji. He really keeps it simple. His name may or not even be a reference to Kenshin but the source material writers would never admit it. "It really is a pretty name, Elly. Like, French for 'Beloved' or something." It isn't. He is thinking Belle and Beauty but A for effort Souj. "I think what you have can remind others of what happiness looks like. It is a personal journey for everyone. Sometimes all they need to move forward is to know it is possible. It exists. It becomes a light that grows into their heart. One day, they find happiness and belonging." He sips on his tea. "I don't really know, of course. People are all very unique and precious. Its more like," he thinks about it, "every rose is different, but they need water and sunlight. Nourishment. And that sort of tender acceptance gives them strength to be the best version of themselves. Thats a wonderful gift to give the world."

    "You are a true samurai, Souji," Elly says. She lets that hang in the air for a time. Her eyes flit to the entrance. There's no sound for a time, but eventually the entourage has returned. Elly is rather amused to note the duck seems to have gone with them? She wonders if it actually went into the water.

    "And I think now that everyone is well prepared, it is time to enjoy a meal and then retire to the relaxing entertainments we have arranged for this evening."

    Finally, Elly glides into her curtsey, bowing her head and giving off that impression that she is somehow floating just above the ground. "I welcome you to ease, dear friends! Be at peace! Breathe deep, savor the moments you have, and carry the warmth and joy here forever in your hearts. But before we speak to much of carrying those things, we should create them!"

    She moves forward with a sudden laugh and turns, reaching to take two of the girls by the hand and lead them into the next room.

    Exactly as the first of them enter the next room, the soft sounds of music comes from somewhere, though no performers can be seen. A curved table is set with food and drink, its shape making it easy for a large party to converse and none to be left out.

    Tae stands ready, eagerly moving forward to usher the guests in for a night they will hopefully not soon forget.