The Fox and The Baroness

Nimble paws made it easy for one to parkour their way across the tops of various buildings to make their way across Eas. The Palace Land's main forces may of been driven from Mac Anu and out of Yamato, but the war had only gone cold, it wasn't over. There was still things to do, roles to play. Being one of the quote-unquote spies, it was Daiyu's to keep an eye on the Adventurers while the leaders regrouped and re-evaluated their plans.

That, and Daiyu was just curious for her own reasons. While she had been occupying the Library in Shibuya she found that it actually had branches in other Adventurer towns, one for each Alliance. Conveniently, Olympus' was in Eas, giving her an oppritunity to farther investigate how it was doing as well. As she made her way staying out of sight, she'd noticed more of the civilians returning. They must feel safe now that the invasion was pushed away. But the commoners weren't of her interest right now.

Her focus was on a different matter. Though if something else was to catch her curiousity...

    There are many things that might catch someone's eye in Eas. It's a time of preparation and excitement. The war may not be over, but as far as the citizens of Eas are concerned, they are home and that conflict is someone else's problem. The someone else being the military of the Dukedom. No concern for the few hundred who dwell here now.

    As for where their baroness stands, well, that is a matter of some debate. At least, metaphorically speaking. Where she literally stands is pretty clear. She is outside the castle, enjoying the view of the falls.

    The place is relatively busy, but she's by herself for once, not beset by her fellow adventurers, visiting dignitaries, or tending to someone's strange mood.

From rooftops to wall to rooftops, Eas's divisioned construction does less to hinder the Hulijing's parkour than it would standard ground forces. Of course, that's probably how it was designed. The bastion against an invasion it proved to be, but one lone elusive figure was a different matter.

A flit of yellow and purple leaps across another gap... but then wheels on a heel and comes back to the edge to peer off down the way. Could that really... She kicks off again, this time in the new direction. Until a final spring brings her to land just a few paces behind the figure at the waterfalls. Now would be the oppritunity to put a poison dagger between those noble shoulderblades...

But no such thing occurs. To do so would only provoke the Yamatoans from their recovery, possibly draw their ire back to the Palace Lands sooner than The Powers That Be would be prepared for.

Instead Daiyu draws her parasol, opening it to rest against one shoulder before she finally speaks up. "It is either very braizen or very foolish for a woman of your stature to be standing out in the open, alone."

    The Baroness gives no sign of being disturbed, looking off at the waters for a time before reacting. She turns calmly and smiles at the intruder. "Lady Daiyu! It is a joy to see you again. Dare I say, also a relief. I do not doubt your prowess, but in battle many terrible things can happen."

    She glides into her usual curtsey, giving it the full attention the gesture deserves before she rises once more. "I think my importance is less than you make it to be, but your concern does touch my heart. Speaking of women of stature, did Queen Laira make it home safely? I did what I could to keep her safe, but I know my wishes were extremely unpopular."

It being one of the most non-offensive or aggressive responses she had gotten would of been off-putting, if not for it being Wake and thus expected. The woman was unflappable and unthreatened, even when a potential assassin (who did not intend to do such an act... this time) was right behind her. "You are a figure of importance amongst your allies, that is enough." Politeness begates politeness from one proper lady to another and Daiyu returns the curtsey with a traditional Oriental bow.

But what was said did not escape vulpine ears, twitching noticable when she uprights an eyes narrowing slightly behind the half-moon spectacles. "The Queen's ship... was less harassed by the blockade. They focused their efforts and 'secret weapons' upon the others transporting actual troops and war supplies." No mention if it was their own supplies or whatever plunder of Mac Anu they confinscated on their way.

    "I sometimes wonder just how important one woman can be. But I will accept your words for the compliment that they are." She looks over Daiyu and asks, "Would you like to stay for a meal with my fiance and I? Or must you be off swiftly to do whatever it is you were hoping to do here? I can't imagine what military importance Eas has. My people are few in number and wish to tend their fields in peace. But I suppose if the war is still to go on, there must be study and observation." It sounds nicer than 'spying'.

    "If you would like, we can walk to the Arcade and I can give you a tour of the theater. Are you faithful to The Beautiful One? If so, you should take me up on the offer! That place is dedicated to her and I imagine there will be many children playing and laughing there. She finds glory and honor in their joyful voices."

The foxwoman gives a single simple nod. "Study and observation." Accepting the alternate terminology. Which also isn't necessarily incorrect. "I have... my own curiousities." There is no specific yes or no, but she falls into stride with the other woman as well, shifting her parasol to the opposite shoulder so it isn't between them. "Your realm and your Adventurers have done things very differently... Yet you have flourished. While our own had to be... reigned in before they destroyed themselves." Pause. "As the situation was presented at the time."

She herself doesn't doubt it being an issue, after what she did go through... but now, was it as bad as it was said to be? What threat did their leaders see, and see now in the Yamatoans, to provoke the course they've taken?

"Your barony was a target simply because it was of Adventurer nature," she does reply on that front. "Same as Shibuya. But you were more... devious in your resistances." The matter of Goddesses isn't responded to. Daiyu has dabbled into too many mythos and folklore to simply pick a diety and follow. If the Palace Lands even uses the same designations.

    "Oh very good! Then I can help you. But if we can start with the Arcade it will be appreciated. It's my favorite place and shows the hopes and dreams I have for Eas better than anything else. Hm. You probably haven't gotten to see much here yet. Well, much inside. It would have been dangerous for you."

    Wake, being the Baroness, can hardly be accused of treason, since she decides who is the friend or enemy of her people. The Dukedom would likely not consider this amusing, though. It is probably worth pointing out that the Right Clothes today are robes, priestly vestments, it seems. She moves in them comfortably, and they leave the crudely hewn manacles on her wrists in plain view.

    Her pace is easy and she does take some care to avoid attracting attention. She tires of having to explain herself to her fellow adventurers, and it would be a bore to resort to violently defending her guest against one of her own alliance.

    "I have taken pains to make many friends in my time here. That is why Eas is so well defended. And, frankly, because some of those friends wanted to test their new weapons. I shudder to even imagine what they will come up with next. It is.. hm. It is a problem for me, to follow my Goddess and yet rely on such terrible things to remain free. I feel only pain from this. As I have heard it said, the only thing worse than winning a war is losing one. But I will not be made a slave or denied the freedom to care for my people as I see fit. Nobody loves them as I do. My people are my children. Any mother worth the name will fight without hesitation or mercy to keep her little ones safe."

"I got this far, unnoticed until I revealed myself to you," Daiyu replies with a hint of pride in her voice "... but infiltrator or not, I am not one to take such risks excessively. So no, I have not, your assessment of that still stands."

Daiyu has dealt in dignitary matters enough to get the impression though. She understands the danger of being seen by too many, even if the woman (many might argue foolishly) considers her an association. And that would be while one moment Wake has a elegant multi-tailed fox walking at her side, and the next moment after passing briefly out of view it is an ordinary, if not equally elegant, woman. With the parasol precisely placed upon her shoulder to partially obscure her visage from a passing distance. One would have to get up close enough to see her features are clearly Chinese to be concerned by them.

"War oft requires acts we do not enjoy, but are of necessity." Even on the more human features there is a distinct raising of one thin brow at the mention of the 'new weapons'. "The bombs on the bridge. The enchanted mines in the bay. Eneny or not, the ingenuity in... adapting what is available in this reality is impressive."

It's followed by a shake of her head. "War may have a victor, but it does not have winners or losers... only victims." A sigh. "Too many letters being written to families back home that their brave, loyal, dedicated sons and daughters will not be returning... but of course spun to make it all the fault of Yamato, to continue drawing support for such conflict." She may not be able to resist or defy, but stating such that is fact regardless of view does not seem to provoke any ill response.

    "So many petals must fall in this war. Will the garden ever be so beautiful again?" Wake sighs softly, and her gaze falls. For a moment, her posture shifts, communicating precisely the sadness in her heart. When the message is clear, she resumes her normal carriage.

    It is not too long a walk to reach the Arcade, and it is indeed a breathtaking work of art. From the arches themselves, to the paths, and most of all to the statue of The Beautiful One and the theater dedicated to her and filled with art dedicated to her.

    "Of all the things we have done here, this is nearest to my heart. The Beautiful One is my patron Goddess, and I do all I can to honor her. She delights in all lovely things and in fertility. She is the diety of farmers, artists, and mothers. I hope that I am able to make all of Eas a delight for its people and The Goddess who has shed her grace upon it."

    She turns her attention back to Daiyu, curious. "Do you have such a faith? I know that the Queen Laira is faithful, but I have not learned if such belief is widespread."

"Your prose is as elegant as your poise." Though if there is anything else to be said, it is halted as they enter the Arcade and Daiyu stops to stare across the sight. And this was restored by Adventurers? Shibuya had it's impressive points to be sure, but this was a different level.

It takes several moments before her attention snaps back to what Wake is saying, and she uses two fingers to adjust her spectacles while recomposing herself. "If so inclined most of Kallamore would lean more towards The Blind One's luck or the Burning One's wealth. If you've seen Lumina Cloth or heard it described," usually as 'Chinese Las Vegas' by the Americans-In-Yamato that have, "you would understand."

No longer needed indoors or to shield from prying eyes, the parasol is closed. Wake could clearly see the sword hilt concealed as it's handle, but Daiyu has made no visible motion or intent to draw it.

"I.. am an author." Explains why she has a thing for libraries and information, doesn't it? "I have delved too deep into many mythologies and folklore to simply 'follow' one divine entity or organization around them." A pause. A cant of the head a bit. "But in no way should that stay you from doing what endears you to happiness and fulfillment. There is no denying such powers do exist in this reality."

    "Many have asked me about it, now that I introduce myself more often as a priestess than a baroness. It is the higher calling, as it were." She laughs softly at this very weak bit of humor. She will never be a comedian.

    "I find value and meaning in all the Goddesses, as each attends to their own followers in their own way. I do not think they are jealous of each other. If my people need another place for the other Goddesses, I will of course give attention to their wishes."

    She tilts her head at the mention of Daiyu's profession. Wake smiles warmly, "What do you write? I don't suppose you might share some of your work with me, would you? Our library would be enriched."

"I wrote stories to..." There's a trailing pause. A brief thoughtful bite of the lower lip. If her tails were visible right though they'd probably be twitching as she mused. "Modernization was the term oft thrown around by publishers, but I so disliked it." Daiyu briefly makes a face. "But yes, I tried to revitalize myth and lore to be palliable to the current times, so their ideals could continue to be passed on. Generations change, but that is no reason to discard what our forebearers taught us."

A pause, then a shake of her head that while brief makes her longer hair swish in much the same manner a fox's tail(s) would. The creature shows even when not visible, just like it's mythic counterparts. "But that time.. that life.. is so distant now."

    "This is interesting to me. You see, my own friends seem very interested in turning this world into something like the old dream, the place that might have been. At first, I was every bit as excited to see the wonders of the dream before take shape here. But then.. I scented the smoke. I saw the filth from the mines. I realized that I do not want to make this world into that one. I want to protect this land as a living place, and allow it to advance only in such ways as seem right to its people. I have the benefit of that past dream, of knowing what greed for 'advancement' can do. I seek to dig my toes into the earth and hold fast. To raise up that which is already so beautiful here, rather than supplant it."

    And at this she pauses, looking up at the statue of the Beautiful One. "Truly, this is the work of adventurer hands, but it is work that elevates the culture of my children. I kneel before the Goddess, I do not think to be her equal. If I listen quietly, perhaps the wind will whisper her words in my ears. But like as not, I will simply have to tread with care and reverance, hoping that my little share of wisdom shall be up to the task my people have set before me."

    A brief pause, and a warm smile. The Baroness lifts her hands and lights dance around her, swiling about the statue of the Goddess and casting their light upon its form. "Your words make me curious. Do you feel sorrow at this distance from the old life?"

Daiyu shakes her head... but it's somewhat halfheartedly and she eventually partially relents on it. "There are... things from it I would rather do without." She is from China after all, that probably does not need more elaboration. And also makes her current situation somewhat sadly ironic. "I do miss the library. Seeing others' joy as they found interest in literature, even in times moving more and more to electronic mediums... But my diverse literary prowess in some more eccentric matters is how I aided Shenmi in turning around his performance career. Strategy learned from chess, to find a career in the Arena and prestige amongst Kallamore's finest... Were Fangs and Cait Sith are not as common in the Palace Lands as they are here. So it was an uphill struggle, even with great skill and cunning... When that prestige, that new home was threatened--"

And then Daiyu stops. Perhaps it has finally dawned on her that she may be getting close to saying too much...

One of her trademark fans snaps open, how or when it was drawn into her hand never seen, and she flicks it a few times as if to fan herself. But more likely just covering her attempt to shift back into character, as it were. "Change is good.... Too much change too fast... is oft more harm than help in the long run... Mayhaps it is your allies' efforts to encite such larger alterations that have concerned my people, after what our own Adventurers did in nearly breaking everything..."

    Whatever might lie beyond that sudden shift in focus, Wake does not pry into it. Only what friends offer freely is worth accepting, after all. She senses discomfort and uncertainty, and smiles gently, her head bowing ever so slightly in acceptance of these boundaries.

    "I am not sure what that path might bring, were it unhindered. The world will not know, either. I shall guide my people away from this false path and towards something cleaner and better for our world. There are, after all, more than two choices. We can move forward with the gifts this land gives us and use them in a way that does no harm and does not pervert or twist their purpose. We need not rebuild some twisted version of the dream before. Instead, we can study what is here and with gratitude bring it into a new form. A form that belongs in this world."

    She considers Daiyu's words carefully. Gently does she ask a question, not sure just how far her friend is able to speak. "Were there any warning signs? Before things went horribly wrong for your people? I know that some of my friends care little for this world and its people, but they matter to me, and I would restrain my more reckless allies from their dangerous paths."

    Another pause and she smiles, "And I think, Lady Daiyu, that next we should go to the library. It is clearly a worthy stop, and might give you something you seek."

"If you clutch to the past, the future will leave you behind... but to ignore the past is to commit the same mistakes." But Wake already seems to be on the idea that there needs to be a guided balance between the notions, so little else to be said there other than her bit of philosophical speak.

"My people... were not accustomed to the kinds of freedom this realm allows, especially once the connection to the old existance was severed. Some of them handled it in... poor ambition and oversight. There was none of this prophetic guidance to find a mysterious McGuffin, a Deus Ex Machina to escape, Yamato was granted. Kallamore suffered... Thor suffered more, but that is on a personally deep matter I would rather not devulge." A quick shake of her head, as if expecting the next thing Wake may ask. "I do not know what prophecy the Queen was given, but after seeing those events..."

But instead Wake asks about the Library. "That... was one of my initial intents, yes," she admits.

    "I hope I can learn more about your people. When it is safe for you to speak of them, and things are more straight-forward between us." There is little else to be said of this, of course. Daiyu has magical limitations and perhaps sincere loyalties, and Wake has no wish to press against those things.

    She offers a hand to Daiyu. "I will be happy to take you to our library! I go there from time to time, though I am not a very good student. I enjoy poetry, philosophy, and psychology. I wish there were more on those topics!"

    She will lead the way calmly, pausing on the way as lander children suddenly race through one of the arches and across her path. The priestess laughs softly and watches them play around the statue with a pleased smile. Only after several seconds will she continue on the way to the library.

    "I don't know how long you wish to stay, but I did not invite you to a meal just to be polite. My beloved would be delighted to have a guest, and I imagine she would love to hear anything you care to share about your past. We tend to be rather open about our lives, both in the dream before and here."

Daiyu watchs the kids go by, youth unphased by the potentially threatening events that had gone on in recent months. It.. is not unlike watching children merrily enjoy the youth section of books.

The moment is shaken eventually though, and she turns to follow her host. "I should be wary how long I linger. Others may get... suspicious if they find out I was so... freely welcomed into the enemy's home."

    "Ah, yes, of course. I apologize, I rather imagined that your loyalty could not possibly be questioned at this point." The priestess sighs gently, but does not shake her head. It is merely an internal observatiou how these crowns truly convey precious few benefits to those who bear them.

    She does not hasten the pace, as that would draw attention as well. A strange tight rope the two must walk together. One likely strong enough to slay the other, and that one in turn able to raise a deadly alarm at any time. Wake smiles to herself, "It occurs to me how wonderful it is to trust you, Lady Daiyu. The Goddess blesses me with your presence."

    Even though Wake is careful to provide as much cover for her guest as possible, the way to the library is not far, and soon they are inside. There are few people here, fortunately, and those that are have their noses in books. Some no doubt have rather glazed expressions and look desperately in need of sleep.

    "I see I will need to drive some of my friends into their beds this evening. These obsessions that come over us in times of growth make us oblivious to our needs."

    She turns to Daiyu and asks, "Would you like to browse, or would you prefer to seek something specific?" Wake is no librarian, but she knows generally what is where in this place.

"You sent a zealot home without his accessory. That proverbial cat is out of the bag," is Daiyu's response to the loyalty matter. It's not a question of it, but what could be done to it, mayhaps. "Though that is also why I am not surprised you had to... deal with him in that manner. He was the embodiment of blind devotion even before... current affairs."

Daiyu quickly drops the matter as they enter the Library, not a topic that needs to be spoken in public... Even if many of those present wouldn't notice anyways. She recognizes the deep involvement in study, 'obsessive moods' or not.

And even before Wake can finish asking she has partially lost her audience, as the fox-in-disguise has found a book someone else left out on a table. It was initially just out of librarian annoyance at people not putting things away... but after seeing the subject matter starts flipping through it. Mutterings of 'I could of used that' or 'that's what they call it here' follows.

It's the library's copy of a certain someone's herbology guidebook. Daiyu is an enchanter and alchemist, so no surprise that would catch her attention.

    In better days, Wake would excuse herself and let her friend roam the library as long as she might wish. However, these are not better days, and Daiyu must be protected and honestly, martial prowess aside, nobody is a better defender in this particular situation than Wake is.

    So she stays near, but is quiet. She is tempted to chim Tae so that she might at least say hello, but she thinks better of it. It would draw attention and it might make her guest uncomfortable. There is clearly trust here and it was earned with care. It will be preserved with care, as well.

    She ponders the mention of the zealot. She knows who it is. Wake dislikes that one intensely, though. He is lucky, indeed, that he was not freed in her presence.

It wasn't relevant to some of her other reasons for returning to Yamato, but it was relevant to her own interests. She's had to constantly work on adapting, or even rewriting, much of her own alchemical work to make use of what was available in Yamato. It took too long to order familiar regeants from the Palace Lands. Especially now, when she didn't have to stockpiles of Shibuya or Mac Anu to work with. What she had prepared beforehand, being the foreward thinker she is, would run out eventually...

Then after a few minutes of just reading and making mental notes something occurs to her, and Daiyu partially closes the book to peer at the cover. "The literary structure of this tome is of a difference from typical works found in this world..." She would notice of such things.

    At first, Wake isn't sure what that distinction means. She does explain, "It may be due to the author being an adventurer, I suppose. What is printed varies and lander tomes aren't all shared. I believe that many of their books are jealously protected. Considering the rarity of books, it is understandable. The wise know the power of knowledge and are often reluctant to share it. I think the library may prove in time that when knowledge is shared there are many benefits, even to those who are already powerful."

    She is not certain that this helps Daiyu much at all, but she hopes so. Honestly Uta would be a far better resource, most likely.

    "If you would like to write something, I could help you get it printed. Oh, and also we have phonographs now and adventurers are trying to record all the Lander songs. It is a fear of ours that as new music is created, the old might be lost. We would guard against such a tragedy."

Daiyu holds up one hand. "Accurate. The wealthy and powerful horde what they can lord over others. Not just things of monetary value. Some understand the wealth of information... others simply want what others cannot have." While the other hand closes the book and sets it back on the table. Which niggles her a bit but her options are limited. "I don't know the organization system you use. Please see this is properly returned to it's location."

With that she turns back to Wake, her hands visibly empty until she reclaims her parasol and returns it to her shoulder. "My time grows short, as.. insightful as it has been. We should see to that food you offered before I leave." And she starts to walk back out, as much as she doesn't want to leave yet, she knows loitering is just going to cause them headaches if she takes too long. "Especially if it includes something finer than a generic tea." No one likes the bland menu brewed options. "More like a No-Tea, that."

    "Our librarian will see to it, I assure you. Also, I will let my fiance know that her services are needed swiftly. I think the garden is best, it has a lovely view. And, well, many points of egress. I have had occasion to want to move free of prying eyes myself. Not all those who came to the aid of Eas are precisely trusted friends."

    Over the chim, she speaks openly. "My beloved, we have a guest. Sadly, we are rather in haste. Could you whip up something swiftly and meet us in the garden?" A pause and she nods. A habit, and a rather silly one, considering she's speaking on chim. "Yes, the green tea and the fish will be delightful. If you could bring wine, as well, it would be wonderful!"

    Wake wastes little time. This path is slightly more tricky and less direct, but Daiyu will, in short order, learn the best path not only to the garden, but to her own quarters. Trust goes very far here, it seems. By the time they reach their destination, the table is set and a slender, attractive woman is waiting there. Tae wastes no time and when it comes to food, she's always got something ready. In this case, there is hot water boiling at the table, a strong, green tea ready to be mixed with it, bottles of wine, fresh sashimi, rice, and a variety of dried fruits and some cooked vegetables.

    She offers a curtsey to Daiyu, and then embraces Wake, brushing a gentle kiss on the baroness' cheek.

    As a matter of etiquette, Wake will draw out a chair for Daiyu and slide it in behind her before doing the same for Tae. She will sit last.

Daiyu follows. The strategist side wants to scold Wake for being so open, but for one this isn't technically a military matter, and for another it would be rude with how accepting Wake has been of her presence, even if technically enemies. Even if the Baroness doesn't see them as such. Right now, those lines are still drawn. The remark about egress points does get a soft chuckle from her. "It is good to be aware of one's surroundings at all times. It is no longer a wonder you are willing to be out in the open so readily, alone."

And now there is food. And tea. And Tae. The bow is returned, and then a curious cock of the head. "I was not aware you were that manner of couple," she observes, having probably expected the fiance of someone as refined as Wake to be one, or several, men. "But good for you both to follow what makes you happy." Her nation of reality is oppressive, doesn't mean she is.

The trio can eat and converse, though Daiyu isn't quite as open as she was when it was just her and Wake. Understandably so. Still, it is a pleasant time before the woman best makes her leave. Tae at least gets to witness her 'true' form, much like mystic foxes of lore she resembles, before Daiyu disappears back into the night.

***

Later, Wake will get a visit from one of the library's attendants. While putting away the books left out during the day, they found something tucked into one. Between the pages but not sticking out, so it wasn't used as a bookmark, which seemed odd. So it was brought to Wake to see. It's just a small card, nothing really unusual about it. Only one thing is printed on it.

Yimu Cheng

A peculiar clue... but when asked what book it was found in, it would make sense. A certain fox did say she had been an author...