Appropriations, Acquisitions, and Appointments

    Wake is easy to find, should one be in the mood to do so. She spends her days out here at the construction camp, where she maintains order over the creation of the Olympus Shipyard. She is no expert on construction, that is where Goldenblade comes in. But she is a master of organization, and she has a lot of requisition requests and reports to deal with.

    Beyond the shipyard, she is also welcoming Lander craftsman. She put out the call for gifted carpenters and promised a chance at wealth, recognition, and safety. In a world so recently threatened by the Palace Landers, the latter is not to be underestimated. It is not forgotten that Arcadia's capital is the one city that bloodied the invaders and did not fall. That and the power of Legend, not to mention Wake's position, has drawn these men and women to her.

    In short, Wake is the eye of the storm. Finding her is easy, but getting her time requires that one has an appointment or a proposition that has enticed her advisors. That is not terribly difficult, especially if that proposition might help her with her biggest problem: naval power.

The days and weeks had been long and arduous and Eirik had finally returned, still in the market for a ship he'd run into Goldenblade and Gwen a day prior in which Goldenblade and he discussed him taking on the role of Captain and possibly opening up a Naval academy it was then that Eirik decided if he was going to help with an academy he'd better have a commission and at least try and live life mostly on the straight and narrow. This is what brings him here today, cutlass upon each hip and dressed in a sailors finery not his usual black leather armor. Though he wears a black suede hat upon his head as he approaches Wake. "M'Lady." He says giving a low sweeping bow with an extravagant flourish of his hand removing his hat and extending out palm up.

Yeowang has been, lately, Wake's right hand. Certainly her moneybags, and an important advisor. Because if organizing hundreds of Landers is difficult, doing it without cash would be so much harder. But Yeowang has the financial details covered so that Wake can concentrate on more important things. Her own RL business management experience comes across in the coolness and poise with which she deals with events, and organizationally, she seems unflappable. She is, perhaps, the calm in the eye of the storm. Landers come to Wake with questions, but not about their pay, and if it's about their supplies, it's not about if they were procured, because logistics is her strong suit. She is dressed well, expensively, in a white blouse and long dark skirt, because it seems she always is, and her poise, if not as poised as Wake, is quite regal.

The sound of Peko talons on the ground can be heard as Shiruba and a small crew trot up to the work site. While the larger overall survey of the land was finished there had been some smaller more specific locations to work on. Mostly marking the places that were too dangerous for laborers and Landers to wander into until the Adventurers of the Alliances could work on thinning down the monsters and wildlife. Funny how they seem to gather around resource areas, but that's game logic for you.

There's a bit of chatting back and forth, clarifying future schedules, and then most of the group breaks off to go rest. Shiruba on the other hand hops off her mount and strolls over to where Elly, Yeowang and others are location. "Good evening!" she calls, tail wagging. She's been in a really good mood lately, the survey work and her practicing artistic applications with Jazuhanzu had really gotten the explorer side of the wolfgirl revved up.

Tradewind is mostly left to his own regard, being well trained as he is, and trots over to find some shady spot to nestle down and rest as well.

    Wake is dressed well, though for reasons unclear her left shoulder has gotten damp at some point. Well, the reasons were not at first clear. When she suddenly brings to bear a shield of air to block a water blast from one of her many helpful friends who are forcing her to learn how to shield herself, it becomes obvious what is going on. Training.

    She turns her attention from a modestly dressed Lander worker to meet Eirik. With ease that comes from extensive practice, she glides into a curtsey. It is, after all, what she is known for.

    "Hello, sir," she replies evenly. There is a pause as she measures the man up and allows her lips to curve into a warmer smile.

    "Eirik! I have not seen you in some time. I trust all is well with you?" She will not mention that he comes with the look of a man who is about to ask her for something. She rather enjoys it when people do, and they feel happier when that request appears to be a surprise.

    Her attention must shift again, though. This time, to wave to Shiruba, "Well, now I am even more pleased. With you and Yeowang here, though, I fear I may have stolen the best New World has in its ranks! I hope that your fellow players will not hold it against me that I have taken up so much of your time as of late."

Eirik smiles and raises his head replacing the hat upon it. "It has indeed and I am well thank you, though I do have a proposition for you, though I'm sure this does not come as a surprise to a Lady as beautiful, intelligent, and noble as you." He says with a smile before looking to Shiruba and Yeowang. "Ah well hello, a lovely day is it not?" The undone enquires. "If I haven't met you prior, I'm Captain Eirik."

Yeowang looks up to Shiruba and Eirik's arrival, and nods a greeting. "Good evening." She smirks to Wake at having taken from NWA, and says, "If they /were/ active in doing anything, I would feel obligated to support them. But they are not, so I am here." Shiruba gets an arched brow, but if her Guild leader is helping, it's probably OK for her to be here. "I -am- covering them with repairs in fort Ouph, but that's all they have going that I've been made aware of. They do sometimes act secretly, but if they hide it from me, I can't help, can I?" Eirik's comment draws an inquiring look, but she hasn't met him, so she introduces herself, "I am Yeowang," she says simply.

Shiruba gives a quick reassuring shake of her head. "On the contrary my dear Wake." She turns a bit to gesture at the backs of the rest of her crew as they disappear off to other things. "You've provided a great outlet for the people wanting to flex more than combat skills. And not cared between Guild or Alliance for those wanting to assist. Now that the larger surveys are done," she pats the woodworking tools strapped to her belt, "I can also assist with some more specific needs." She does sigh a little at Yeowang's comment. "I know. We seem to have hit a point where more are working on personal matters, or focusing on matters over in the Palace Lands."

She then turns towards Eirik as he speaks up, and responds to the greeting in kind with a short bow. "I am Shiruba, Moderator for the New World Alliance and leader of the Silver Swords guild."

    "Yeowang is the modest power behind all that is being done here," Wake points out. "The idea of raising money by issuing bonds and the skills to make it a reality are only one part of what she's done. She also taught me how to have a more effective business mind along the way. People are wonderful to help as they can, but without payment it would be asking far too much."

    She turns to the Lander carpenters near her. "That is why I want to be certain that you are all supported. We can all achieve our dreams together. I am patient enough to grow the right way. I am pleased you have all answered the call."

    The influence Wake has on Landers is greatly amplified by her reputation, but bolstered even more with the Legend power. It is one thing to hear that someone has done great things for Landers. Legend makes it into an understood fact.

    "As for your proposition, I would be very pleased to hear it, Eirik. I have spread myself far, but there is still effort I can expend to aid those chasing a dream."

    Which leads her to smile at Shiruba. "Indeed, and many have come here, to find their dreams together with me. In the end, of course, we will create a strong relationship between Arcadia, Olympus, and the New World Alliance. With the creation of magical technology options, we can fit into this world while also bringing to it the best the old world had to offer."

    A pause as Wake thinks for a moment. "Speaking of those New World matters... I am curious how well the explorations related to currents went. I fear I have not taken the time to follow-up on this previously. It was a considerable effort that your alliance put forth."

Eirik smiles and nods his head. "Well I'm sure you remember how I'd made my money initially. Well Goldenblade and I got to talking and discussed setting up a Naval academy and me with a ship to command. I figured if I'm to instruct at a Naval academy I should first be commissioned into a legitimate Navy, and this is what I ask of you." He says with a bow before looking to the others. "A pleasure to meet you both, it is good to know progress has not slowed in my absence."

Yeowang arches a brow as Shiruba mentions the Palace Lands. "We owe them an ass kicking, I mean to deliver," she says. She has two major beefs with the Palace Landers, and neither one makes her very happy, like a cloud across her face. "I will make someone pay for Crowning my Jae Gu, and there's a mercenary band that owes me money." But she can't do anything here and now, so she drops the topic.

She smiles at Wake's praise, and says, "I have helped out where I can. For her part, Wake has helped me navigate the Landers' social strata, so I can do more as well." That's almost certainly a loaded statement, but she delivers it innocently enough. As far as the navigation and explorations, she says, "We found several small islands suitable for resupply and in case of emergency, where repairs could be made. There was one island they were not able to survey, as supplies were low when they caught sight of it, but birds seemed to have come from there, so it's not barren. Certainly worth a trip back to investigate."

Shiruba nods her head, but there is a small hint of concern in her expression as well. "We just need to be careful about doing so in moderation. We don't want to push so far ahead that we start overrunning what makes this world what it is." Though with the discoveries of various things that could be called advanced magic or technology having already existed in this world at some point, she's gotten a little less worried about some aspects of it. "We want this world a home we can live in and be proud of, not just make a copy of the one we left behind." But then she smiles again. "But many of the people I trust to be reasonable about such things are right here."

Then she turns and nods to Yeowang. "Definitely. The birds are a good sign, but it's far enough out we will need to plan an expedition specifically for the location and not just in passing."

    Elly pauses to consider the two pieces of information she just heard.

    "Ever the Goddesses shed their grace upon me," she says gently. "Such a trip will need ships and a daring Captain to lead them, I think. I will support your explorations. We cannot grow timid after being burnt once. And yet, this time we must also be very cautious. We know more, though, and if there are crowns, we know what we must do."

    She takes no pleasure in that, though. Her expression is more resigned to fate than delighting in the execution of righteous vengeance. "I pray that only one continent must be cleansed of darkness, though. This new island you have found perhaps is free of it. And a delicate line must be tread to ensure we do not provoke fear or suspicion by ourselves acting in fear."

    A long pause as the Marchioness considers. "If you should find Landers and wish for my aid, call upon me. I will serve the Goddesses and the Adventurers of Yamato. If I can preserve the peace, I must strive to do so."

Eirik chuckles and places his hands upon his cutlasses. "A daring Captain you say? Adventure, intrigue, and exploration you say? Well I dare say you all have a Captain that fits the bill and loves adventures right in front of you!" The proclamation from the Undine Pirate Lord is exclaimed. "And who am I to deny three beautiful Ladies a request of any sort. I will be more than happy to aid in this, after all what Sailor doesn't love adventure and the sea?"

Yeowang nods to Shiruba about needing to plan a specific mission. "It was /well/ off the major shipping lanes, so yes," she agrees, "it would need to be a specific mission. We've been putting it off as there were so many things to do here." Wake's caution draws a frown. "If it is another server, we should approach by stealth, rather than coming boldly as we did with the Palace Lands." Clearly she hadn't expected another server between Yamato and the Palace Lands, but what does she know of world geography? "We should observe them for some time before making ourselves known." Time enough to see if they have any quirks. Time enough for a Loremaster to find out a few things. Eirik gets a skeptical look, the sort she gives all the roleplaying players who get very into their roles, but she says, "If you are as resourceful as you are outspoken, I do not forsee any trouble."

Shiruba chuckles a bit at Eirik's proclaimation. But it quickly turns into a bit of a fluster around her cheeks at the beautiful ladies remark. She still wasn't use to getting compliments like that. "O-oh yes, of course, we will need seasoned sailors such as yourself." It's a cute awkward moment, then she quickly shifts her focus to other matters in the conversation. "Yeah. If and when there is a next time, we will be better prepared and more tactful in going about it. Granted, the Palace Land rulership would of acted as they did regardless... but we could of been better prepared for when they eventually showed their true intentions."

    Sensing that there is healthy skepticism, Wake will suggest, "If I lend ships, they will come with experienced crews, navigators, etc. That way Eirik need not worry that his orders will not be carried out properly, and others can be assured that the effort will not rely on a single person to guide it. Just as I thrive in the presence of many advisors, so too will a military leader benefit from such an environment. With a goal of stealth, the Silvertongue's extensive knowledge of avoiding unwanted notice and their nimble vessels seem a good match."

    When it comes to compliments, by this point Wake has been flattered by Dukes, Merchant Lords, and even enemy generals. There is no reaction, other than a show of slight amusement.

    "I do not believe all the people we find out there need be enemies, of course. I doubt the Goddesses would tolerate it. But we have run into treachery once, and as we all agree, will be more cautious this time around. Plan for the worst, and all your surprises shall be welcome ones."

Eirik smiles between the three. "Aye a captain is only as good as his crew. A great Captain knows to take his subordinates's advice to heart and mind and act upon them accordingly." He says honestly before looking to Yeowang. "I'm not merely a pirate lord here, I'm a US Naval Sailor in the real world. This is not just a role or an act it is actual skill, experience and expertise." Smiling his gaze turns back to Shiruba. "Seasoned Sailors are a must, but don't get so caught up in work that you forget to live and have a good time." Eirik says with a playful wink before looking back to Wake. "It's not that we should perceive the world as enemies but yes we should be cautious of treachery, mutiny and treason. It doesn't behoove any of us to run with blinders on yes?"

"It is not the peoples we have to worry about," Shiruba replies, "it is the individuals who would try to take advantage of the situations for themselves. We would be poor explorers if we were not willing to venture for into potential danger... but we need to cautious. And practical about it." She huffs softly, and rubs the back of her head with one hand. "And not let the thrill of the experience cloud our judgement." She herself was just so excited to explore an entirely new region, and now she is aware that was one of the things that got them caught off-guard. She's worked on doing better since then, to be a better leader. To be willing to see mistakes and learn from them rather than deny they existed.

Yeowang says to Shiruba, "In the Palace Lands, we never saw any of the Crowned at first, because they were dissembling. Some Palace Landers warned us, obliquely, but so obliquely that we didn't understand until it was too late." She nods at what Wake says, replying, "I do not believe we would find another server so close, but we should be alert and careful regardless." She didn't exactly ignore the 'beautiful ladies' comment, but she has a fairly good idea where she stands, looks-wise, and no amount of glib praise is going to change her opinion. She nods at Eirik's explanation about being a RL sailor, and says, "Our technology is necessarily different. We don't have access to gas turbines, or radar. But the basics of command and seamanship should be the same."

    "In time, we will best the ships we knew before. And ours shall run clean and gentle on the seas. Or perhaps above them? I hope so. But flight remains frustratingly out of reach." Fortunately Schneider is about as likely to give up that pursuit as the sun is to forget to rise.

    "Knowing what we know how, I think we can consider it settled. If the New World Alliance can harness the initial supplies, I will provide us with ships, and Eirik shall be lead the naval and military side of the effort. Hm. Do we have any who are skilled in stealth? I cannot put myself in such danger. I promised Tae that those days are over, save in the defense of our home. I will not break my word."

    The spies she knew best are no longer available to her, unfortunately. It is a frustrating thing, at times, how difficult it is to keep her friends all focused on a task. "In any case... I think our path is clear enough to begin."

Eirik nods his head and looks between them. "The plan is sound and I'm on board." He says before turning to look at Shiruba. "The thrill is important to keep but so is caution, it's a matter of balance and I'm sure you'll find the balance you need." His gaze lands on Yeowang. "The differences are fine by me, I did study old school antiquated sailing techniques of the past. I'm sure I'm more than capable of taking point."

Shiruba claps her hands together. "A group effort between groups is the best we would hope for." Then reachs over to pat Wake on the shoulder. "Never let anyone tell you that your efforts to support others are in vain. Like I said earlier, we are not all fighters and warriors. You have found where you can make your difference in the world and you totally rock it." Then she laughs, almost barks it because part wolf, at Eirik's pun regardless if it was intentional or not. "That's a good one for the conversation!"

Yeowang says to Wake, "I will make initial arrangements. And take part, as well." Her stealth is not great, but she has some, at least. And her Loremaster skill may prove useful. She looks surprised at Eirik having studied historical sailing techniques, but says, "That will be useful, then. I never said your skills were not pertinent. Only that our magitech ships will certainly handle differently than a modern warship." Shruba's mirth puzzles her, but she shrugs. Gamer jokes go over her head most of the time. "Yes. Teamwork makes work more efficient."

    Wake would enjoy talking more about the future. She loves hearing the dreams of her friends. But she has a lot of the present to deal with. With an apologetic smile, she bows her head to Shiruba. "I appreciate your understanding. My wife is my greatest treasure of all, and I will never forget it. Speaking of which... I will be stepping away."

    And then, clearly via chim, she communicates. "Yes, my love?" She laughs. "I am /not/ asking for anything! Do I not always greet you so warmly?"

    Tae is known to be around the camp, so it is likely Wake will be off to find her. It could be a while before she comes back...

Eirik blinks as he chuckles and rubs the back of his neck. "What's a good one? I didn't make a joke, at least not intentionally, did I?" He asks with a slight flush now as he glances to Yeowang. "Aye I never meant to insinuate or infer you had lack of faith, merely reiterating my skill set trying to put your mind at ease." He says before looking back to Shiruba. "That's a nice laugh good and strong i like it."

Shiruba bows her head briefly out of politeness as Wake excuses herself. You just can't help but feel happy for those two, having found a place that even with it's dangerous they can pursue their love in the form they desire it. She then turns her attention to Eirik, snickering more when he reveals that it wasn't intentional which just makes it all the more amusing. "We were talking about ships and sailing for exploration, and you said you were 'on board'. On board with the plan, to be on board ships at sea!" Her floofy tail keeps wagging in amusement.

With Wake taking off to make time for Tae, Yeowang will take up the organizational role that Wake had been filling in the project management of the many Landers. Her boyfriend, Jayu, has been off on his own recently, but it has afforded her the opportunity to give work her full attention. She misses him, but since she can't do anything about it, she works on the things she can control.

Eirik draws a nod, and she says, "I will draft a letter for you to take charge of the ship, Wake will sign it. You can present it to the current captain and take charge. It may help you to familiarize yourself with how it handles, and its capabilities." She ohs as Shiruba explains the 'on board' comment, and she allows a small smile, though it seems from Eirik's expression, he didn't intend it as a joke. "Our playerbase is quick to find clever wording," she says.

Eirik chuckles and the chuckle deepens into a loud booming laugh. "Ooohhhhh....I didn't even realize it." He shakes his head as he watches Shiruba's tail wagging he smiles broader before turning to look at Yeowang. "Well that would be helpful, any and all knowledge of the vessel is a must." He than looks back to Shiruba. "For catching my inadvertent pun I owe you a drink and won't take no for an answer." Eirik teases.

Shiruba is a bit of a lightweight when it comes to drinking but it would be rude to decline. So instead she emphasizes that "Just one, but sure. Just give me long enough to make sure things are in order for the woodworkers. With the amount of construction and labor to be done tools are going to wear down fast, and decreases in durability decreases efficiency."