All Things Come to Those Hue Wait

    While the Baroness is committed to reach the Palace Lands soon, the need of resources is pressing and once she leaves these shores, it's not going to be terribly easy to get them. Among the formidible list of 'nearly everything' required for the statue of the Blind One are fine works of art. The exact shape isn't important, exactly, but that they be lovely and capable of incorporation with the statue is what is.

    To achieve this, Wake has gotten the cooperation of some of her landers who actually have these manner of skills and gathered them together. Mostly to help her and any others who might come make some kind of meaningful contribution. She is utterly out of her element in that regard, but she is exceptionally good at organizing things. Which is why she sent a call out for willing hands.

Schneider was one of the willing hands. He's got zero skill in art, and zero skill at finding things, but he's a good judge of goods, and because they need 'fine' art, he'll need to separate the crayon drawings of childrens' houses from the could-be-famous portraits. "It helps if the artist has notable issues or is special in some way," he explains. "But when you inherited the castle, did you search through all the storerooms? I assume we're not looking in the lake?"

"And to think, a resistance cell was hiding under our noses the entire time." It didn't take long for word of a project to weaken the grip upon her home Kingdom to reach certain foxy ears. "We knew there were rebels, but not to this level of covert organization." A couple of her tails flicked behind Daiyu as she looked over the gathering, parasol resting upon one shoulder as usual. "My skills are more practical craft than artistic, but still, I am at your disposal Baroness. Anything to help restore a free stability to Kallamore."

    "When the first evacuees fled Eas, they took everything of great value with them. When the orcs took over, they destroyed all that was left. Not so much as a bench to sit on remained," replies Wake. She lacks any great skill, but she is capable of offering assistance. And her call apparently drew plenty of lander assistance. Being a legend no doubt adds to her requests, as does the interest in defeating the enemy without a long, expensive military campaign. The nobles love the sound of that. Bonus points that so much of the bill is being footed by adventurers.

    Turning to Daiyu, the Baroness glides into a curtsey. It's more than just a habit or a matter of courtesy, it is an artform to itself. Rising from it with casual ease, Wake suggests, "I believe Rumina over there is working on elegant metal pieces to form into the armor on the statue. The Blind One is depicted as a heroic knight in armor, so this seems fitting. Due to the distance from the project, we're working together as best we can. We build things here, ship them to the site, and assemble them there. The design will have to be a bit flexible, but I have had trickier things to put together."

    A pause for a breath, then a smile to both Schneider and Daiyu. "Apologies. How are you both faring this fine day?"

Schneider ahhhhs as Wake explains about the search and effort. "So it's not rooting through the catacombs, but evaluating what new creations are being created," he says. It's half a question and half an observation. He thinks that's what was said? He will take a look around at what's being made with an appreciative eye, agreeing, "When I saw the need list, I was surprised. I expected war materiel, but this is ... everything and the kitchen sink. Has anyone actually brought a kitchen sink?" He looks around, but no kitchen sinks. Not here and now, at least. They're not artistic enough, probably. But maybe something with gold filigree from a 1920's 5-star hotel.

To Wake he smiles and bows, "I'm doing fine, Baroness. Just here to help however I can."

Miho is in on the project as well her forge being worked late into the night but once again Wake has lured her out to come help with this. so she's also clad in something new that Wake might not expect the orange and white battle outfit which has a very heavy japanese lean to it not shcoking right? She's not quite sure how she can help though but here she is calling out.

"Sorry I'm late Baroness. Still i'm not sure how i'm going to help i'm best with metal work if i'm being artsy."

If you seen her general weapon forging work that's a full on lie.

Daiyu bows briefly in return. "Seeing so many of your people coming to the aid of mine, rather than assuming they are all terrible for what a few have enforced upon others to do. It instills much hope that I made the right choice in staying." Not that she wouldn't of after being rescued, but it expresses the point across. "I see." She glances in the indicated direction towards the craftman, hmming softly. "I have done well. I had feared more would be judgemental, but I admit my concern on the matter is an aspect of coming from a very different culture in the Other World." The vixen shakes her head a bit, dismissing the train of thought.

Instead she reachs into her inventory and pulls out a tome, flipping it open to rest across one arm so she can flip through pages with the other hand. "I am no metalworker directly. But there is alchemy techniques for adjusting the malliblity of alloys, and I know a few enchantments for slowing the degrade of tools." If she can help the artisans do their work, that counts as art doesn't it?

    "I am pleased you could make it, Schneider. This statue will project the power of the Blind One against our enemies. I understand this kind of magic was previously used by your alliance. Though I think that statue was of the Burning One. We will hope that this magic projects a power that overcomes the crowns themselves. We are betting on the Goddess hating the crowns enough to do something directly about them. I hope to guide reactions. If it works, surely more will join me in sincere faith to the Goddesses and show them the respect they deserve."

    She shifts her focus to Miho and laughs. "Yes, certainly a gifted weapon maker knows little of art. My dear, please do not show excessive modesty. It is every bit as unproductive as arrogance at the extremes. If you can assist those working on the sword. They have the specifications that we have been provided, but they cannot match your knowledge."

    All the while, the Baroness.. or Priestess of Eas (depending on the moment!) is surveying the work. Everything is moving in one smooth stream of progress. She feared artists would be more tricky to get together. She was wrong.

    "If you can help them with the metals I am certain they would be grateful. Of course we help! You are our people, too, Daiyu. Though, frankly, were it in the dream before, I doubt it would go quite so well. Still, a common enemy does often bring people together. Let us make sure this cooperation lasts past that serious matter and into a new world for our people."

Schneider nods to Wake about the statue's purpose, though he cautions, "The Blind One is the most fickle of the three also. Many find her unreliable, though I think it's safer to say that she favors those who need it most rather than those who kowtow most fervently, and that the one whose need is greatest is not always who we think it is. But I'll grant you that in /this specific case/, we may be the ones to most need her blessing."

As far as faith in the goddesses, he says, "What is there to have faith about? They're as real as the Tower or the Gates. But I will join in worship if that will free their people." He looks to Daiyu.

"Plan B is of course a /lot/ of fire."

Miho says "If you need anything forged up for anyone working that I can do half asleep." Miho turns a bright shade of red at The Baroness' words. Her liminal ring and eyes light up at this. She also facepalms.

"Yes, yes, I will help with that." She thinks for a moment. "Daiyu I may kidnap you, then." She also looks over to schneider with grin. "You seem to be doing well."

Daiyu looks up from her book of enchantments, and gives her spectacles a light nudge back to the bridge of her vulpine muzzle. "Can we not use the phrase 'kidnap'? I know you mean jest, but considering...Anyways, I can assist in making the metalworking more accomidable to perform, yes."

    "I fully expect Plan B is part of the future. There are enemies here that will need to be dealt with." Wake sighs softly, for just a moment her expression softening. "And one that I hope against hope to save. Somehow."

    Her attention is diverted by another adventurer waving for assistance from far across the clearing. She sighs and chims, "You know we talk like this, right dear? Please do not apologize. What do you need? Yes. Yes. Send a runner to the inn, we do not want you to be fetching buckets and water. The children will be thrilled to help, in any case. Tell them if they do well Lady Tae will bake for them."

    Hearing the excahnge between Miho and Daiyu, Wake smiles. "Well, when you figure out the best syntax to use, I am certain that your help would be appreciated. Perhaps we might simply say that Miho means to cooperate with you in this effort?"

Schneider nods to Miho about doing well. "I am. How're you?" His most useful skill here is evaluating the ingredients and raw materials before they get used in everyone's crafting. The best materials make the best products, whether it's swords or ornamental metalwork. To Daiyu, he says, "There will be no kidnapping here today. We stand by our fiends and allies."

He nods gravely to Wake about part B, and for now, will help sort out the raw materials by quality, style, and whatever other criteria Appraise will inform him of. It's the most general informational skill, but it's perhaps surprisingly broad.

Haru's works could have been considered artisinal over utilitarian prior to the War of the Dragons. After the events of Seeker's Landing they have drifted towards producing better statistical bonuses. Following the work and acts of an artist through there work is part of the experience and 'response to wartime' is part of the journey. One thing that hasn't changed is he remains tirelessly busy on one or more projects. Thus, the Artificer is here in Eas going through the store rooms like it is a 'will it blend' challenge. Raw materials that appear low in in value such as cinnibar and slime resin. To an Alchemist they know this can be made to process paints, sealants, and other woobly psuedo magic science scultping things.

"Stained glass," Haru says as his noodly arms hold the smallest of crates in his hands. Its more like a tea serving tray. The glass he mentions is in a much larger crate, tap tapped by his foot. "Or a sample set of it for Eas. I won't be able to fill any major orders until this Statue issue is concluded." It is not difficult for him to manufacture but its not like they are in an industrial era where he can mass produce it.

    "Hello, Master Haru," calls out Wake. She is unmistakably eager to put that stained glass to use. Well, unmistakably so to those who know her well. A slight widening of her eyes at the prospect speaks volumes to them. "I am pleased you had time to head this way. Will you also be crossing the ocean? I.. have some matters to see to when it comes to this statue. And a promise to keep. No matter how impossible it might seem, now."

    Queen Lorelai still haunts her. Enough to prevent her proper sleep, though that she hides very well, indeed.

    Her mulling over these details is interrupted when Tae walks past, lazily bumping hips with her as she does. "Do stop thinking so much, dear. It's not a flattering look." A pause and she asks Haru, "How have you been? Is my fiancee running you ragged as usual?"

Schneider looks over as Haru joins us, nods a greeting. He hrms at the materials he brings, then nods. "These artists will have the tools they need. We shall see what art they create. It should be interesting." He will go through the rest of the stockpiles now and sort them according to quality and other factors, letting Wake and Tae deal with Haru while he makes himself useful.

It's been a time since Daiyu could focus on non-military applications of her skills, so she's erring on the side of caution in looking up her references. This was too large and important of a project to take careless actions. "Ah. Here." Taps page with a clawed fingertip. "Enchantment to double the durability rating on basics tools." Partially turns the page. "There's some stronger varients but would require more regeants for less quanity, and we have a lot of busy crafters to keep working..."

An ear twitchs towards the direction of the next voice. "Ah. Master Haru." The book is briefly lower so she can bow to the noodle armed crafter. "I never got to properly thank you for your assistance in freeing me."

Miho looks up as Haru arrives.

"humm yeah this project is going to take a lot of time and resource but we need to get this done. Right Its pretty imporant. I'm doing pretty good lots of orders and not everything is weapons either. I was just geeze the Nobles of the Palace Land ruin more than lives..."

"I've been crossing the ocean more than I planned to, truth be told," Haru informs Wake. A look over to Daiyu reminds him of how dispondant he has become with the whole affair of the war. The ever gnawing edginess of his Chuuni soul could be to blame there. Maybe. At the end of the day he still worked with Tian and Weed's techniques to break the Crowns and after learning about how Artisanry effects statues its as much a matter of philanthropy and Hope as it is curiosity of what an Artisinary Goldsmithed item might become. One step closer to Artifacts. "But it is as you say where promises must be kept. Yours is one I am looking forward to in equal or greater measure, and considering the other event is the Grand opening of my Atelier, thats high praise."

Silver hair is moved away from his face with a tilt of the head. Haru looks to Tae and smiles, "Your finance asks no more than what can be given, no less than the best of what can be proud of." A wink of the blue eye, or a blink given only one of his eyes is visible.

The Artificer jostles his 'tray' of reagents, moving them over to a free spot in the area to work on grinding them down and doing the pre-processing steps here. Lighter material and easier to transport. "Your gratitude is well received, though my contribution in it is not as well placed as Tian's. While I have Uncrowned Shirin and the Kunie of Mac Anu, I was not the one that liberated you." He omits the dozens of off-scene captures and removals. The Artificer begins to grind down the cinnibar to a finer dust, "Most Crowns that are removed have a reaction the farthest from gratitude from their wearers. Like they were ripped from a pleasant dream and thrown into a howling nightmare." Crunch. Grind. "All the more reason for this project to be committed to."

    "They even ruin wedding preparations," Tae points out. "But frankly, the lives they take and enslave are what we need to address first." She settles in to help. Unlike Wake, Tae has a more craftswoman bend to her and she is rather good at this. She finds herself eying Daiyu curiously, but her words are directed first to Haru.

    "You are very kind. She is fortunate to have friends like you." She gives Wake a look, which the Baroness is unable to return, as she's drawn away. Again. "Still, I rather wish she wasn't going to go to the Palace Lands again. And twice, no doubt, because that Laira business is not going to resolve itself quickly."

    It bothers Tae, but she doesn't let it ruin her mood. After all, she gets to do something creative and helpful. It's an opportunity she cherishes. And if it lets her rub elbows with the more active adventurers, well, that's welcome, too.

    Speaking of which, she does turn back to Daiyu. "So when this is all done, are you going to return to your home, or will you live here now? Or.. perhaps a bit of both?"

    Wake is rather diverted at times. Before this distraction takes hold, though, she nods to Haru. "I imagine you've been active as ever. I would rather not go, but I am touched enough by fire to not give up. Besides, the Goddess did not invest in me so that I would turn away when things get challenging. Perhaps this is just the next phase in my studies. There's another Goddess to study and serve."

    She sighs as a chim gets her attention. She replies, "Yes. I know." A long pause. "You know that is not what I suggested. You are supposed to be working, not playing with the children."

    She lifts a hand to touch her temple. That would be her version of a dramatic face palm. "I will be over shortly. How you mean to organize your own shop when you cannot keep five lander children on task is beyond me." And off she goes towards the lake to address.. whatever that is about.

"Shirin was a lovesick zealot even before the Crown. That he squandered the oppritunity at freedom is not of your own fault. Others are... Extreme conditioning. Those that were broken, physically and in spirit, until accepting the Crown was the only option they had." Daiyu absently rubbed her fingers across her brow where one such relic had once rested. Every time she's relieved to find it was not a dream and the thing is still gone. "All the more reason to ensure this project concludes in success."

Daiyu reopens her tome, and sets about preparing to enchant the tools being sent to the artisans working in the Palace Lands to endure the long periods of use before wearing down. "Hopefully, with more reasonable minds in charge after all this, we will be able to freely associate our realms together," she replies to Tae. "But for now, I am here, and I have found uses for myself. All that really matters for now."

Haru offers a pause in his work to acknowledge Shirin for what he is: A lovesick fool. Yet what is a wedding if not the joining of two lovesick fools? Haru grinds the soft mineral down and transfers it into a glass jar. "So long as there is a chance it will work, it is all the hope that is needed to carry on." He corks the mixture and works on the next set for processing. "Hope is never mere, even when it is meager," he says, giving a nod to the technique that breaks the crowns: Crown of Hope as well as the hope for a better tomorrow where the realms can engage in free trade. That state eludes even Yamato and its guilds.

    Tae notices the gesture and smiles. "It's gone. Freedom is yours forever." She is losing herself in etching fine scroll work into a piece of metal that will serve as armor plating. Sure, it's all in accordance with a design, but there's still an essence of craft and artistic expression in its creation.

    Tae diverts her attention just for a moment to pour herself some water, which she heats up a moment later. "Would anyone else care for tea? Or some food?"

    Some things just never change. Tae can't do anything without catering.

     Almost the moment tea is mentioned, there was, rather suddenly, a quiet movement from near the doorway. A maid enters the room, politely holding a small tray. A suspiciously short maid, wearing a carefully embroidered maid outfit. The kind one would only see in anime, rather than a proper maid outfit. Familiar scents to those who have visited Pelapuff Cafe waft through the room when the platter's cover is lifted, and the platter is set down somewhere conveniently nearby those who were working on the project.
     She's not very well disguised, then again if she's even trying to hide is debatable. It was, rather obviously Pela Clarpuff. All one had to do is look at the familiar super-fluffy ears and striped neck to tell it's her. Though, what's hard to know is exactly how long Pela was waiting there for a good time to enter. "...Hi. ...Tea cookies and coffea cakes."

    In the distance, Wake is doing her thing. Dealing with a big baby and some children. She delicately scolds an adventurer and gets him back to work. The matter takes little time to settle. Yet it is not fully resolved, since the Baroness rejoins her friends with a several girls in her.. well, in her wake, one might say.

    Regardless, nobody is left to simply stand around, wanting to be useful but having no clear means to do so. "There, get some of the water and tea from Lady Tae and Lady Pela and ensure all our artisans on the far side of the arcades are taken care of," she instructs. It does not take long before the girls are sent off to their new task and Wake can focus again on her official purpose. Or, to the observant, watch Tae work. She's not exactly staring! Surely there is nothing wrong with her enjoying the opportunity to just watch her love focus on a task.

    Still, staring at her lover or not, she can be polite. "How have you been, Pela? Are things going well? Thank you so much for bringing the tastes of your cafe here for us. It is appreciated."

"I would never say no to tea." Idly Daiyu takes out a couple of vials from her inventory, handing them to Miho. "As a Salamander I doubt you have an issue with producing fire. But these will improve an alloy's ability to hold mystic energy. Unfortunately I have not had the resources to produce a larger number in reserve." She's making a good example of how the crafts of Elder Tale are intertwined though, each drawing on others to alter and improve them. Alchemy and Enchanting used to improve the nature of what the Artisans are working with. "But these should help the metalwork be the conduit of the effect being pursued."

     "...Doing fine. ...Working on gathering materials to start attempting to create a greater variety of cheeses and other whey-related products." Pela murmurs in response to the Baroness, dipping into a polite curtsy towards Tae, offering her a cookie directly, before she looks towards Wake. "...Brought presents. For the wedding. ...Mostly food. ...Some useful herbs. ...Some wild tea." Pela nods softly towards her. "...Some of it will have to be baked on the day of the wedding. ...So I will need to borrow an oven in the town somewhere." She moves on quietly, over towards some of the workers to give them refreshing foods. Some of them that seem a bit extra worked up are given Mellowing Melonpan to assist them with their focus and do more efficient work.
     Soon she returns, "...Fascinating. ...You may wish to look into working with Wisteria. ...She has created mana-holding crystals that I have used as a basis for my own spell batteries."

Miho tils her head. "Aye that they do." She fowns she's already thinking.

"We got a lot to do it won't end until we deal with the crowns and the ones using them to be sure."

    Tae smiles at Daiyu. Her tea is the strong green tea of the kind that people in Eas have come to love. It's got a considerable potency to it. The soil and the air do wonders.

    She enjoys the cookie. It takes a measure of self control to not devour it, Cookie Monster style. As a baker herself, she has an appreciation for sweets. In fact. "Oh, you can use my ovens in the castle, certainly. And thank you so much for everything. I am sure it will make our wedding even more special!"

    She does get back to losing herself in the crafting again. At least for a while. She's far too sociable to stay quiet. Or maybe.. no, she's just singing to herself as she works.

     "...I will take good care of it, then, Lady Tae." Pela says with a warm smile towards her, dipping her head politely. And then off to distribute food. And snacks. Gotta hand out snacks too. Simple sandwiches, mostly. And then she's back to the main group after being a little snack ninja, quietly finding a convenient seat. She wasn't necessarily the best for directly assisting in creating a statue, though there were a few 'features' she wanted to sneak into it possibly towards the end. "...I should work on my sewing a bit again too. ...Make myself a better set of armored maiden's attire." She mumurs thoughtfully, mostly to herself.

Daiyu has tea and snacks thanks to Tae and Pela. Making it all the easier to keep on working. Well one of the things to keep the fox working. Besides her desire to help her home nation on a whole.

    Wake is doing her best to look useful. Honestly, she just wants to look useful and yet she keeps getting dragged into things. Her chim is lighting up. "Third time has to be good news. So..." She is not angry. There are just ways to get her irritated. Asking her very basic questions after one presents themselves as an expert is a fast track to that. Fortunately, in this case... "Oh, excellent! Thank goodness. It would have been so unfortunate to throw you over the falls! Oh. What? Oh no, of course not. We have no barrels to spare."

    That being settled, she allows herself to relax. She will sit beside Tae in a way that is not distracting. Well. She wants to distract Tae, but it simply fails. Her fiancee is far too focused at the moment.

    "Oh, that cape is still wonderful, by the way, Pela. I wear it quite often! I love the dramatic ruffling in its own wind."

Miho looks to PEla and waves to her for a moment.

"I can forge up something if your looking for it though if you can catch Gigan he's better at the armor than I." She notes while that is in mind. "I should be getting to work..."

     When Wake mentions the cape, Pela shifts a little bit, her gaze shfiting away and to the ground. Is she blushing? Probably. It's a little harder to tell on her dusky skin. "...I am glad you like it. ...I thought it good for someone who puts on performances, be it political or musical." She murmurs quietly. To Miho, Pela's gaze is a bit more direct. And less blush-filled.
     "...Are you skilled in the art of leatherwork? ...I do not use much forged armor. ...I need the higher dexterity that it allows and reduced noise of minimal metal." Pela replies to Miho quietly. "...Does Leatherwork fall under the armor forging skill or tailoring skill, actually? ... Could I just make my own armor? ...I had not though too deeply into making my own armor... hm... or perhaps I could go to Gwen and have her assist me in such." Pela taps her lip thoughtfully, her tail twitching behind her. "...If I could make my own armor, maybe I could put stitch in some enchantments or some slots for Spell Batteries... ...But that is irrelevant to the current thing." Pela says, looking towards the artisan's work. She wanted to help directly.
     She really did! ... ... But people with a 0 in a skill generally are negative helpful. And yet. The will to help is too strong! ... ... ... Luckily she's feeling a little to shy to go over and just randomly join in and help the artisans. Sometimes, social anxiety is useful.

    While Wake is busy directing things, Tae focused more on little details. And individuals. She has an eye for detail and she directs her attention to Pela quite seriously. Well, seriously, but with a warm smile. "Come sit with me? I could use your help."

    Tae is still etching fancy scroll work into metal plates. "So you use a needle and thread. This is not so different. And don't be afraid. I'll start it out very simple. I just need you to make a curve like in this drawing. Imagine that you are stitching along the spot where these two panels meet. It is okay to be imperfect. It will make the end product even more lovely if we each put something of ourselves into this. Including the things we might call flaws. Even though they aren't."

A scruffy-haired lander Gnome zips forward, the rhythm of his steps is precise; their tempo, breakneck. He is dressed with a simple elegance, and the only reason to write home about his physique would be to comment on how scrawny it is, so it is a lucky thing that he is carrying nothing except 'himself with a surprising amount of poise'. Uta follows at a moderate distance, barely seeming to notice the two massive buckets she's got hanging from a wooden bar across her shouldrers. Given how far the thing bends, those things must be -heavy-.

"I, Mister DiggerGnome, greet you, noble artificier, am honored to be in your presence, Noble Adventurer," he begins towards Haru. "Through channels I would rather not disclose," he mention, with a drumming of his fingers against each other and a couple shifts of his eyes, "I have heard that you are a most skilled Alchemist and Accessory Forger-" - "I told him!", Uta beams from a short distance. The Gnome sighs. "...anyway, I have brought you something most valuable for our little endeavours here," he adds, stepping aside to sweep a hand towards the approaching Spriggan. "A gift most antique-" - "Dirt!", exclaims Uta, beaming. "I can think of only a few things that are older than this!", and on that comment, she places the two buckets on the ground and dusts her hands off. "It is not -mere dirt-!", the Gnome extrudes through clenched teeth. "It is a kind of Earth most fit for the prepearation of pigments in the brown spectrum. Russet, taupe, raw umber, burnt umber, and cooked to perfection umber, beaver, wenge, you name it, you can achieve it with marvel of nature." The Lander now looks at Uta with badly concealed disdain, to assess if the uncouth Spriggan has appreciated the kind of crafting marvel she is confronted with, and-

She's not there anymore.

"Hi Wake! Hi Tae! Hi Pela! Hi Miho! Hi Schneider! Hi-" Pause. Cock head at Daiyu. Squint. "...have I met you before? I can -bet- I have met you before... uh..."

     Fancy scroll work into metal plates, that's something that Pela is somewhat familiar with! Sure, she's not as used to making it artsy, but she /is/ use fo enchanted etchings into things. Pela is invited to come sit with Tae! ...Which gets her shifting shyly again. "...Okay." Pela says in response, moving to said seat, carefully looking at what she's etching into the metal plates.
     "...This isn't entirely unlike enchantments too." Pela actually quietly pulls out a couple of small tools, sharp-tipped little etching tools, even smaller than normal ones since she had to have them made for working on her spell batteries which frequently have extremely limited space for a complex enchantment. "...I will attempt to." Pela says quietly, and then, well, she starts to etch. She's trying to just make the curve and stitching work, but her hands are almost moving automatically from days, weeks of working with those tools almost nonstop. She does make a curve. But it's a curve of extremely tightly grouped enchanting symbols. A small, simple enchantment that came to mind as she was thinking about it.
     An enchantment for durability to help it be resistant to erosion and damage. Not that would be very effective unless spread along more of the project, but. "...Hello, Uta. ...Hello DiggerGnome. ...Dirt is useful. ...Ancient Dirt is good for enchantments as well. ...I may need to acquire some from you later. ...Good for earth-aligned spell batteries."

    Ruffled feathers on a gnome? How strange. Nonetheless, the Baroness is one with an eye for a proud expert and she hardly wants a guest to be shown less than the greatest respect. She glides into a deep curtsey, "Good sir, this is a fine gift! We are very much in your debt. As a creator of earth, myself, I can recognize and appreciate a fine vintage."

    Her relic has given life to half the gardens in Eas at this point. She will not demonstrate. It does not due to even suggest this gift might be upstaged.

    "You must have brought this from far away. It has a most... sweet and healthy scent to it! Is it the worms that make it so lively?"

    She does give Uta a nod, but she will defer a full greeting to Tae. After all, Uta's friend is most in need of her polite attention at this point.

    Tae watches Pela's work with interest. She has never seen an enchanter work. It's a level of detail and finesse beyond what she does. Except in the kitchen. That is her realm, after all.

    "So if I want something beautiful and enchanted, maybe I give you some dirt for it?" suggests Tae. She has no ancient dirt, but she figures there's a lot of dirt around Eas. It's probably old.

    When she hops up to greet Uta (with another of those pesky hugs that Uta is struggling to get used to!) she cannot help but notice that Uta has left Wake in a very amusing conversation. And she's grinning about it. A lot.

    "Uta, you are a marvel. You've made Elly dish the dirt on.. dirt."

At Pela's appreciative comment, DiggerGnome's "Finally!" scrapes with a slight wheeze against his throat as the word takes flight towards the heavens in a liberatory exhalation. "Someone who -understands-! I have had -enough- of Philistines for today!" Approaching Pela, he resumes a sort of aloof smile. "Such a pleasure to deal with someone -qualified- for once..."

The Baroness additional comment elicit a sort of faux modesty in the Gnome, which dismisses her words with a carefully studied flourish of his hand, "By the Goddesses, no, I merely provided my expertise. It was the Spriggan Adventuer who did all the hard work. She seemed better built for it." One of his eyebrows is raised, and he leans forward towards the Baroness. "-Creator- of Earth you say? Hmmm? How so?"

Meanwhile, Uta is confused at Tae's words. "Does the Baroness normally not discuss these down-to-Earth matters?"

"...because, see, it is not -mere- Dirt, no," the Gnome continues to the Baroness, "It is a carefully, lovingly selected blend of terrain, to ensure it is fit for the preparation of pigments. The amount of work that already went into these buckets of substance which, mind you, are just an intermediate step in the process, and the work still to be done afterwards, is -staggering-."

     "...Uhm. ...I don't know about beautiful and enchanted for dirt. ... For beautiful and enchanted I'd recommend getting the base item you want enchanted, such as a ring or a necklace or maybe some sort of staff or wand or something. Or an outfit! I can stitch enchantments into outfits as well, like with Elly's cloak." Pela says, using the Baroness' nickname without thinking, possibly mimicking Tae while doing so. "...It's a little harder to enchant temporary things like food though. ...For that you'd probably want something more along the lines of alchemy." Pela adds thoughtfully. Though, it might be fun to make a cake or something with a magical circle etched into it in icing or something.
     Pela, meanwhile, is continuing her careful etchings. It's slow, painstaking, but that's the kind of thing you have to do when doing enchantment. Sloppy lines can change a blessing of protection to a curse after all. "...I am unsure if I am qualified for proper choosing of dirt, but I can appreciate the quality of materials. ...Good for enchanting and growing herbs." She murmurs in response to the gnome quietly, pausing her etching a moment to dip into a small curtsy towards DiggerGnome. "...I am Pela Clarpuff, owner of the Pelapuff Cafe. ...I also really enjoy enchanting. ...It's soothing."
     Pela turns back towards the etchings though, going back to where she was seamlessly as if she hadn't paused before. Being able to resume where you left off is an important aspect of enchantment of course.

    The fact that Elly can carry a conversation about dirt demonstrates her talent for being polite. But she does have to explain things a little bit, as well. "I have a relic that allows me to create fertile earth. It does not have the lofty purpose of this terrain here, but it does serve as a means to grow food."

    She turns her attention to the dirt, walking over to have a look at it. "I can only imagine how close you must be to the land, working with such dedication to bring its colors to the rest of the world in such a direct way. If you have any need for more hands to assist, please let me know. I will get you some younger folk. I fear you will need to mind them a bit, but they are able to handle the more dull tasks in exchange for learning whatever you see fit to teach them along the way."

    She will see to this, if it is desired. And ensure that the guest has whatever resources he needs to make the most of his talents.

    "Uta, don't ever change," replies Tae. She pats the girl on the cheek and settles back into her chair. "Please, sit with us! You can help! Do you have a slime that can etch metal? Not too fast, of course, just a little, though, would be very helpful."

    Tae is working on pieces of metal, following directions and making fine scrollwork in it. It is growing more elaborate as the pattern goes on.

    "Pela, what would you recommend for an enchantment on a gown? Or a nightrobe. Hm. Could you enchant it to keep me warm on cold nights? Or perhaps a pair of stockings that do that. That would be amazingly helpful, honestly."

    She's very practical. No need for armor, dodging, or shininess. She just wants her feet warm.

"That's true, I had to have enchanted protective gear made to handle the slimes, as per Rylen's instructions," Uta mentions, prompted by Pela's mention that enchantment can be woven into clothes, and then wanders off into thought. "Now that It's getting a bit worn out after more than a year, I should look into getting a new set..."

The DiggerGnome seems satisfied, nay, chuffed at Wake's offer, and with a pompous grin, he bows to her, "You are very kind, Lady Bombast. I shall make the most of this gift, and responsibility, you bestow on Yours Truly. You shall not be disappointed." He seems elated at the prospect of getting to lead a squad. "Do not be worried, noble Adventurer," DiggerGnome smiles at Pela. He's in a good mood now. "We all had to learn at some point, and if you are ever interested in learning the noble art of Terrain Appraisal, I will be more than glad to introduce you to it!"

"Metal is one of the things slimes etch the slowest, after Glass. And, frankly, they are not well suited to precision work," Uta mumbles as she sits down. "Not at our current level of knowledge of the field, at least. Let's face it, we're talking of what is basically little blobs of acid hunger and adorableness." She shrugs. "They're slimes. They don't do much."

Meanwhile, at the Slime labs, a platypus slime in a hat slides down a glass pipe.

     "...While an enchantment to keep you warm on a gown or nightrobe is helpful... ...Would recommend something that cannot already be done with the nightrobe or gown. ...Can always wear warm stockings that would keep legs and feet warm. ...So perhaps a nightgown enchanted to radiate soft warmth would be possible. ...It would require mana to activate the spell each time though, even if it has maximized spell length." Pela says thoughtfully, the soft tink of her carefully etching heard every so often as she does so.
     "...Another possible enchantment could be to enchant it to glow with an ethereal light that would make you look more angelic than you already do just because of your personality." Pela adds. Is she flirting? ...Probably not intentionally. Does she have social tact? Debatable! "...Possibly a pair of warming fuzzy slippers for when you have to get out of bed. ...While in bed on cold nights... warm fuzzy blankets. ... Best option. ...That and cuddles." Was that a pointed look towards Elly? Yes. Yes it was. Did Pela stop her work even as she made that look? No. ...Though the look didn't last long.
     Towards Uta, she comments, "...Possibly. ...Or just someone with the relevant skills to repair the protective gear. ...Though if you wanted to upgrade it, that's possibly a good idea. ...It's been a year, after all, so enchanting and armor-crafting skills have likely advanced to the point they may be able to make something better for you." A small nod towards Uta. "...Perhaps something to assist in slime control could also be crafted into it, with proper materials..." Tink tink tink.
     "...Terrain Appraisal does sound useful. ...I do not presently have the skill points to acquire a new skill though, regretfully. ...If I did, I would perhaps lean towards farming as well...though they're not mutually exclusive skills, so perhaps that would be a part of learning how to farm as well." Muse muse. "I mean ... there's a garden that exists already that I want to repair and get up and running again but I don't have the relevant skills to be honest. ...Also there might be more dangerous clockwork monsters inside of the rubble too."

    Pela is flirting with Tae! Right in front of Elly! Sly d.. cat! Is that a thing? A sly cat? In any case, it's utterly harmless and really quite sweet, so nothing will come of it. Having Pela relaxed enough to just speak like this is something Tae appreciates greatly.

    "Well, Wake is a pretty amazing source of warmth, but she has this nasty tendency to run off on these foolish adventures. Then I'm on my own. And it's bad enough to be alone, but to be cold and alone? Horrible! Thus the extra warm stuff. A blanket would be perfect. I'd suggest a snuggling blanket, but I fear that would malfunction and try to strangle me to death at some point."

    She considers her work and seems satisfied. Having completed a few pieces, she must work on another thing. Or so says a chim. "Understood. I will be there shortly."

    She rises and smiles at Elly. "It's time for me to get to my other work. I don't suppose I can trouble the Baroness for an escort?" She bows slightly to Pela and Uta. "I will see you both later!"
    Then she remembers something. She draws out a piece of paper and offers it to Uta. On it is a sketch of Tae and Uta in the rain. And she's signed it. "I think you wanted this, right?"

    Wake is happy to have met the requirements of the gnome. It's best when everyone just gets on well. She will ensure he gets a competent crew. With that done, she is free. For a moment.

    "Hmmm? Oh, yes, I can certainly escort you, Lady Tae. I could use a break." Though the chim is likely to prevent that.

    She curtseys, to the group at large, but also hugs Uta. And Pela! It's her new custom. "Thank you both for helping! I hope you can stay a few days with us, before we have to take all of this over the Palace Lands. I think we will need to do some more work. Possibly gathering wood or stone or something like that."

"Do you think you could make me a new, upgraded set?", Uta wonders. "The work would be compensated, of course! As far as I know, you have both the skills to make -and- Enchant the gear. One stop shop. Holistic approach."

"I remember that garden!", Uta exclaims at Pela. "I'm betting there are clockwork monsters inside too." Clenched fist, determination. "Let me know if you need my help! That's the kind of thing we have to face together." She turns to Wake. "That garden might be the source of the Witherless Rose," she explains. This is a subject that might interess the Baroness.

The autograph elicits a "wheeeeeeeee!" of excitement from Uta, who thanks Tae profusely, at length, and possibly by spewing far too many words at a worrying rate.

"...Oh, sure! Thanks! Later!"

     As Pela listens to Tae, an idea forms in the back of her head. Hmm! "...Yes, a moving bedsheet is not necessarily good. ...Moving enchantments can go well, but..." She murmurs to herself. "Possibly some sort of plush or something..." She mumbles, her voice going super quiet, possibly barely audible as she goes deep into thought and thinks quietly about a possible project to make in her off time.
     She's brought out of her thoughts as she is, somewhat unexpectedly, hugged by the Baroness. Very briefly she freezes as she snaps out of her thoughts, looking around. Once she realizes that it's the Baroness, she relaxes and even returns the hug!
     And then Uta's comment of a new, upgraded set. "...I actually recommend getting the base equipment from Gwen, she's more advanced in her tailoring skill than I. ...I could probably do the protective enchantment afterwards though." Pela nods slightly. And then talk of the garden!
     "...We'll have to round up Haru again too. ...And yes. ...If the clockworks are anything like the protector, going in solo would be a bad idea in general." She stands up after finishing her line of etching, putting her tools away to streeeeeeetch out. "...Hey Uta. ...I have been somewhat out of touch of late with the information-sharing group. ...I apologize. ...Thank you and Haru for keeping it going."

"Oh, don't worry about that, Pela. It's the whole point of our Loosely Organized Open Network of Students" A mumble, "we need a name with a better acroynm,", then normal again, "that anyone contributes at their own pace, whenever they can. And that's the great thing about a distributed approach, no single point of failure! Things happen. We've all been busy." Inhale. Big smile. "Whiiiiiich reminds me, we should catch up and share things again the next time we can. We'll have to see what I've already shared and what not, but... hm... have you heard that we have almost managed a connection between two Chaos Gates? We set up two teams, and sung all the Alv words at two different gates, simultaneously! We got the impression that this activated something more than when we just sang at one, and that this is a relevant discovery. But there's still... -something- blocking the connection."

     "...I wonder if it's something similar to the way we cannot fly anymore. ...Something keeping us from spreading too far too fast, or traveling too quickly." Pela comments thoughtfully. "...If we cannot use the gates, we cannot go to areas we've been before that maybe are not supposed to be accessed yet." Pela taps her lip thoughtfully. "...Or maybe it requires a specific skill or magic as well... something not normally accessable to players? Like maybe an Alv might be needed to activate them." Pause. "...Unsure, though. Just a thought. ...Anyway, I should go rest, I think. ...The trip here made me tired."

"Unsure," Uta mumbles, serious. "I am under the impression that Flight was set up specifically to -hinder- the Alv. They were a flying race. They were capable of incredible wonders. They had marvels scattered all over the place." She frowns serious, "Removing flight could have been part of the rebellion's effort to overthrow them. I should double-check the historical Lore to ascertain it." She then glances sideways to Pela. "But then again, you make a good point. I hear from people who got to play before the Apocalypse that the Chaos Gates used to work. I wonder if..." She trails off. "The past of this world seems not to fit completely with what people experienced before the Apocalypse. I wonder if the Chaos Gates worked just before the apocalypse, as far as the Landers remember. I'll have to look into that."

A nod, and a bow is offered to the maid. "You rest well, I will continue transporting buckets of dirt!"

"-ANCIENT- Dirt! To be pronounced -capitalized-!", a distant, outraged voice corrects.