New World Meeting: Advance

The Inn at Breg Epona is remarkably empty of its usual massive Salamander population. It truly is more like an 'eating hall' than a generic smaller inn. And it's perfect for the kind of event that is going on right now. People are being welcomed into the chamber if they are part of the New World Alliance - having been invited to a larger meeting of sorts.

The hall itself feels kind of warm, with the sun beating on it in this afternoon. There's that loud cadence within the room that makes it feel welcoming, if a bit awkward to some of the more awkwardly-minded folk. The sound of wood underneath peoples' steps echoeing pleasantly. And there's just enough creak in the door to really sell the fact that this seems like it's truly all real.

The various tables have been moved into a seating area. They're not expecting people to just go sit on chairs. There's no food on offer at the moment however. This is intended to be a quicker meeting after all. Standing near the 'back' of the chamber, Subaru is having a conversation with William Massachusetts, while Bear is actually mingling with the people as the walk in. The... well... bear of a man loudly saying hello to the few people he recognizes, and generally just having a good time welcoming people - available for introductory questions as folk come in.

When people ask what the meeting is about, he summarizes it as 'recognitions' and 'the climb'.

    Giganpor was looking a bit confused as to why he was asked to come, but he had shown up. The equally giant man was mostly asking about that, but had shrugged and decided to enjoy the time off from his training to see what this was about.

    Otherwise, he was there mostly to wander and mingle. To talk and see if any needed advice that he could give or help where he could provide it. Giganpor was nothing short of helpful usually, even if he looked perhaps a little worn out from travelling so far from his last smithing teacher recently.

    He particularly was looking for the newer individuals, the ones that he knew were not that well off or needed help in particular as he began to wander the hall. That's his secondary reason for coming, since it was a nice big gathering and all.

    Merek walks a way into the Inn to meet with the Guild while he wears dark attire along with the belt about his waist, alchemist equipment upon the hips. There's a look to the place and people which come about, listening all in all.

Standing near a window, leaning up against a wall, Mikage keeps just a bit of distance between herself and the largest contingents of alliance members. Rama sits in front of her, the white lynx making sure that no one can crowd her space. The Ranger often doesn't do as well in crowds, but the meeting summons had seemed important, so she had made sure to attend.

Her eyes seem to sweep through the crowd, perhaps keeping an eye out for certain, more divisive individuals, curious what they might do if given the opportunity. As Bear makes his way through the crowd, Miki murmurs to herself, "Great, looks like they're late again." Though she can be friendly enough, amongst her traveling party, Miki is the most socially awkward.

She reaches down to scratch behind Rama's ears, just an idle, calming motion.

"Who's late?" Cyrus jumps in as Mikage mumbles to herself, sneaking in to the place just behind her. He ducks his head a bit under the door coming in, and makes sure to stick with the human formed Were Fang. "I figured I'd join you and protect you from the crowds." He chimes with her, before motioning to a table close to a few other people.

There has been an unchanging thing since Fragment. If Lady Subaru was there? The odds were Silver Knight would be there too. With Bear around things only went up for the old Knight who while the meeting was likely for serious topics? It was good to have had a chance to catch up with both a bit before the meeting really god started. William was someone Silver Knight trusted after all he'd not be in his guild if he didn't. So while he and Lady Subaru tended to their business. He would join Bear in mingling with many members of the alliance. He seemed a bit less serious in the presence of two very old friends.

    Miyako bustles in, grinning, face flushed as if she's just been running to get here. "Hey all!" she calls, waving a hand casually. "Good to see everyone, been too long!" She's been away for a bit, out in the field, up to - something - that hasn't given her a lot of time in town lately. But it looks like she's glad to be back.

    She slips over to the bar, looking around to grab a snack, and sighing softly and waving a hand as it seems nothing is on offer at the moment. Ah, well, she can eat after the meeting. "So, everyone been having fun?"

As Silver Knight gets close to Bear, the bear of a man suddenly slams a hand onto Silver Knight's shoulder and pulls him to a sudden side-hug. "Ahhh, Silver Knight! Good to see you my friend." He declares, before patting that shoulder and staring at him. "Still with the helmet hmm?" He then asks.

"One of these days, people are going to demand you do a face-reveal, my friend." He remarks, before looking Giganpor's way and motioning him on over. He then looks over to Subaru and William, who are still setting up while people are entering.

Not long after Miyako enters, Kotono comes skipping in with a spring to her step. "Looks like you beat me here this time!" Kotono jokingly says to Miyako as she waves to everyone else. She stops to stretch a little before looking around. "So, this is where our meeting will be held, hmm?"

Kotono looks around for something to snack on or to drink, but comes up empty handed. Shrugging, she looks to Miyako and says, "Well, I guess we have to show a little patience."

     A meeting? Well. Even if she didn't like groups, it would be bad not to join one when invited... right? Though for the most part Pela had not been a huge member of most bigger events, she had been going out of her way to make a name for herself among landers, specifically helping out in little ways that even a solo player can manage without getting into too much trouble. Recently, she'd been in the holy empire for reasons related to Jazuhanzu, so she was actually fairly conveniently located when she received the invitation, too.

     In spite of the fact she was invited, Pela is... well. She still doesn't like crowds, so she takes advantage of her convenient 'disguise', takes up a broom, and starts cleaning up a dust pile in a corner. ... She /does/ respond to the invitations from Bear though. And goes out of her way to give a respectful bow towards William Massachusetts.

     Otherwise, she... only overtly engages with Giganpor, who gets a respectful bow of her head as well. For whatever reason.

     Otherwise, she is being stealth tinycat who is watching you meetingify +_+

Shiruba hustles into the inn, before she finally has to stop and lean on something to catch her breath. She nearly missed the boat she was suppose to take because she had stopped to check on both Kaydon and Gwen before leaving, and promising the former she'd bring back any important news even though she's not entirely sure he heard her since he's been in that hyper-focused mood for so long.

Then there was the trip between the port and actual Breg Epona, and having to keep her explorer urges in check so she didn't get distracted by a dozen different curiousities crossing the desert.

It's not until he askes if she needs help that Shiruba realizes she's actually leaning against Bear, having mistook him for part of the structure due to his size. She meeped in embarassment as she scooted aside, muttered a quick embarassed apology, and scootled off to find herself a seat. Which she pretty much flumps in and resumes catching her breath. It would of been terribly rude to show up to a meeting you were requested to attend.

    Giganpor raises an eyebrow, then moves over towards Bear.

    The were fang does return the nod to Pela as he looks about, curious more than anything. A nod is given towards Miyako and Cyrus. By the time he circles back around to Bear and company, the were fang has to stop to avoid being run into by Shiruba possibly. "Shiruba? Everything okay?" He asks.

    Looking over at Bear, Giganpor raises an eyebrow. "Bear? You wanted me over here for something?"

Silver Knight says "It is good to see you as well. I found it again when I came to after we woke up here." He smiles at this. "It seems someone or something thought that I should have it again. Perahaps so but it is not that day the rumours about it are very amusing to me."

"You." Mikage replies with a roll of her eyes and a small smile playing on her lips. "I think you need to work off a bit of that winter pudge, my feline friend. Takes you forever to get anywhere." She pokes at a bit of furry fluff on his coat. This may just be an ongoing sequence of teasing on her part.

Raising one hand, the Were Fang offers a small wave as a return greeting towards Miyako. "Hey. Long time, no quest." She agrees. Usually the two end up running into each other during quests.

A look of concern is cast towards Shiruba, but Giganpor is already inquiring as to her breathless state. "Looks like you weren't the only one rushing to get here." She smirks at Cyrus.

Bear makes a most bemused sound as Shiruba bumps against the big man, motioning his hand in greeting. He then looks to Giganpor. "Just figured I'd tug you aside so you're not too flanked by this whole meeting mess." As he takes a piece of paper and offers it to Giganpor, explaining the reason for his special invitation. He then gives him a second one. "Can you pass this one to Shiruba for me?"

He then looks back to Silver Knight and gives him a knowing grin. "Of course. Trying to hold onto the mystery hmm?"

    Merek seems to be watching the people, though he keeps to himself, with Shadow Eclipse on his back in a scabbard. He would pull a longcoat about him while he takes the time to find a little place to settle in, nodding to Shiruba, Mikage, as well as anyone else he might know.

    Miyako nods to Kotono. "We can get something after the meeting. More impetus to finish things quickly, hey?"

    She flashes a grin and a thumbs-up to Mikage in response. "Two out of three, hmm?"

Nodding to Miyako, Kotono smiles a little. "Sounds like a plan to me!" She finds a seat where Miyako can sit next to her while stretching her arms over her head.

Cyrus gives Mikage the biggest mock-stink-eye he can manage. "I'm not pudgy!" He answers her with a pout... before quickly patting himself down and checking for his waist size. "And I took a while because some Lander kids wanted to hold onto my tail... and then refused to let go." He adds to that. "It took a bit to find the mom so I could be freed."

He then nods his head to Miyako in greeting, before subtly bumping his hip to Mikage's at her continued teasing. He's good natured, and he clearly doesn't mind.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Shiruba pipes up when people ask. "Just had to hurry to get here in time." The wolfgirl pulls her tail into her lap and makes a bit of effort in fluffing it back up, just to keep from getting all embarassed about the little awkward moment.

     Hm. The group is so far not quite as big as Pela expected when a meeting was mentioned. So she slowly begins to drop the 'I work here' act, putting the broom back away and starting to gravitate over towards... Silver Knight, oddly enough. He was honestly the most familiar person to her. Also they're a giant. So convenient to hide behind if necessary. "...S...so is... this going to be a meeting about... what we're going to do... about the tower climbers?" She speaks up after a while towards Bear.

    Giganpor nods as he takes the piece of paper, moving over to Shiruba, "Shiruba? Here." He offers her piece of paper to her. "It's from Bear, that's all I know."

    He makes sure she gets it before opening his. He blinks a few times. Then turns and marches almost right back towards Bear. "We need to talk." The were fang says simply, glaring at the equally large man. He looks annoyed a little.

"Mi-three isn't part of our Alliance, alas." Mikage agrees with Miyako, "I haven't actually seen them in a while, though that's likely due to you know... being here." Being part of the tournament largely keeps you tied down to one place for longer than a nomad normally would.

Cyrus, however, can't seem to get away from the light-hearted teasing, "It's because you're so pudgy and cute." She puts on a voice that seems to be playing up the idea of someone being 'adorable'.

With Bear handing out papers and Pela speaking up on actual business, that's when her light-hearted expression shifts, smile dropping into a more serious expression. "It's probably something we should talk about, since there seem to be some pretty dramatic views going around." Her attention shifts towards the leaders for now, brows raised.

"Oh?" Shiruba laughs a little as she takes the paper. "Guess I embarassingly extradited myself before he could give it to me. Thanks, Giganpor." She sits back down as the were fang goes back to see Bear again, opening the paper and sitting back to read what it's got to say...

Silver Knight says "Yes it's part of the fun." The Silver knight notes with a very pleased look on his face. However things are getting serious or will be for a moment. He takes note of Giga and Shiruba as well noding to both of them as he waits for the bulk of the meeting to get started.

    Miyako shrugs. "Enh, no big, I haven't so much as wandered into the tower more than once or twice myself. Not really interested in pushing that particular questline." She puts her feet up on an empty chair and stretches. "Now, if we had another Ko," she adds, patting Kotono's shoulder, "We could be Miko-Miko."

It's not long after that William motions for Bear. "Don't go far." Bear remarks to those present, having delivered the paper, and motions at his friend as he wanders on off. He does manage to give Pela an affirmative nod first. "Talk's gotta wait." He then remarks to Giganpor with a warm expression.

Subaru steps to the front of the 'stage' as everyone settles, hands together at her belly, and then bows deeply. "Thank you everyone for coming!" She remarks with a voice that is just soft-spoken enough that people go a bit quiet in order to hear what is being said.

"Thank you all." She repeats, making sure she was heard. "For coming on such short notice. I hope you all have been having fun with the tournament."

She waits for the responses to die down before she chimes; "I'll jump right into what is going on. As you all have heard, each time a Floor Boss in the Tower is beaten, it seems to trigger a Wave of Calamity. A dangerous event that threatens the Landers." She looks amongst the people present. "Some of you have helped the Landers during these critical times, and on behalf of the New World Alliance, I thank you for that."

"We've heard some rather heavy voices on the matter. But today isn't the day we are taking an official stance on matter of retaliation. Some of us still wish to climb and get friends back to our world. Others are concerned with what will happen if people do get out. Right now, we're still at a point where the climb isn't even close to the top." She explains.

"Instead, I would like to focus on the accomplishments of our people, and what we are doing to help the Landers out." She explains. She then looks to Bear, as he begins to step forward.

Now that draws a giggle out of Kotono. "Miko-Miko, I like that!" But then the meeting proper begins, and Kotono faces forwards with an intent look on her face. She still grins a little at the joke Miyako made, bad as it might have been.

Cyrus sticks his tongue out in a rather childish way at Mikage as she calls him pudgy and cute again. "I'm not a corgi." He reminds her. "I am a Snow Leopard." Clearly, not familiar with the chonk-reference she is thinking of at the moment. He retaliates this time by reaching up and trying to mess with her hair - tussle it very lightly. He then quiets down as the leaders begin to talk, figuring that people might have conflicting responses to the fact that the leaders are not taking a stance yet on the heavier commentary he's heard on the Chimlinks.

     Oh good, her question was... only half necessary! Which means the attention doesn't shift entirely to Pela with her question. That worked out nicely for her. And she seems to have successfully accidentally stealthed behind Silver Knight too. So that's always heartening on top of it!

     "...Extreme responses... questionable." She murmurs under her breath. "Diplomacy, important. Waves, nonthreatening if prepared." Pela comments, nodding firmly to herself. ... Really she's not talking to anyone though, probably only Silver Knight is close enough to even hear her mumbling, especially as she falls even more quiet for the leaders to get their bit in.

Shiruba looks up, but doesn't have to strain thanks to having better than average hearing, though her ears do noticably perk forward to help make out what the soft-spoken Subaru is saying. She nods along as the boss fights and Calamity Waves are mentioned, the connection between the events a concern but not one they have enough information to really enact upon.

Then peers at the paper in her hand again, her expression thoughtful. She hasn't quite decided what she wants to feel about it.

    Giganpor opens his mouth to protest, but closes it. He looks at Bear, obviously with an annoyed expression. And obviously perhaps planning something.

    The large were fang grumbles, moving off to the side and folding his arms in a slightly sour mood. He sighs as he looks for those that he knows, giving a slight nod towards Silver Knight when he notices him finally. And commenting towards the Knight. "Good to see you, Silver Knight. Still wanting to learn forging sometime?"

"Hmm. I know Miho is in our alliance, so we could still end up tri-mi tonight. Though I don't think she's here." The Were Fang's blue eyes sweep the crowd again, but then Subaru's voice seizes her attention and Mikage quiets. She doesn't even respond to Cyrus in that instant, making sure that the leadership is given some measure of respect.

It is with some measure of relief that Subaru doesn't seem interested in diving into a stance on the tower. As someone with friends across the Alliances, it could become very awkward if they were to declare an official policy. She opens her mouth, likely about to say something, but Merek speaks up, and she gives a faint nod in agreement. Apaprently he isn't the only one with thoughts.

Then, she seems to wait, eyes still watchful, flicking from person to person. There are certainly those here that are worthy of acknowledgement, so all she can hope is that a few have garnered enough attention for the leadership to notice.

    Merek looks up when it's spoken on, about the tower climb. With that he makes a motion with a hand, "I would definitely like to input on that, but I like recognizing people," he notes, the man nodding a bit. He himself doesn't always like to be recognized, as such he kind of finds a place with food to listen to the conversation. He's really informal. The Merchant takes a moment to lift what looks like bread if there's any provided, which he will eat from. If not, he will take it from the pockets. Why does the man keep bread in his pockets? Well, that's for another story.

Silver Knight is aware of someone close to Subaru who is in the Scale Emblem as is another ally from back in the day. He is not yet ready to go to war against them. He does see which way the winds seems to be blowing on that however. He will keep it in mind for the moment. He looks to Lady Subaru, as she brings up the topic of what members of the alliance have done. Also the topic on helping the Landers. He will look go Giganpor for a moment "Improving is always worthwhile."

Bear steps to the forefront, and smiles broadly at the surly Giganpor who's moved to the side. "Right now, it's the three Alliance Leaders at the head of this cooperative endevour we were forced into. We are trapped into a world beyond our ken, and we do so amongst a variety of Adventurers who come from different backgrounds, and have different ideas about what it means to be in this world." He begins to explain, motioning his hand.

"Yet, even amidst all of those voices, we hear certain names come up more often. William won't admit to it, but he's recently been visiting a few Smithies for example. He even found a few Gnomes stuck on a pole while doing so." Which gets him a daggered look from William.

"I myself went to visit Shibuya. I wasn't sure what to expect, but we have some people in this Alliance who have natural skills in exploring possibilities." He motions his hand to one side, looking at Giganpor. "And people who have natural leadership skills in getting people together." He looks to Shiruba.

"I'd like to make a special shout-out to mister Giganpor and miss Shiruba and ask you join us." He offers to them. "But it's not just them." He continues on to name practically everyone who is here, and mentioning their involvement in duties...

People who are working on eliminating the dangerous threat in the mists, such as Merek and others. People who have been active with eliminating Goblin and rat threats, such as Miyako, Mikage and Miho. People who have been charting out the world such as Pela and Silver Knight. And even newcomers who have been helping with security around Shibuya, such as Kotono.

"Giganpor, Shiruba. I'd like to offer you both recognition for what you have done, and a position in the ranks of your guilds that will help you perform the things you do already better."

     Polite clapping is... almost immediately done by Pela! Along with a not really loud enough, "...Congratulations." .... And uh. Shrinking a little more behind Silver Knight when her name is mentioned. Is she blushing? Probably. Prooooobably. But she's a maid! Maids are prim and proper! She forces herself back to composure quickly enough with a bit of an awkward cough.

    Merek looks to the people while named, nodding a bit to each of them, then he takes a bite of the bread. All the same, he seems a bit like he's content to listen while he settles about, nodding to each of the people.

As the acknowledgements begin, Mikage stands with an eerie stillness. It isn't until Rama bumps against one of her hands that she looks down, rolling her shoulders as if just remembering that the rest of her body actually exists. When her name is added amongst many others, she gives a small, sheepish smile and rubs at the back of her neck, then bows in a very formal Japanese way.

It seems that many have contributed, each in their own way, and she immediately shifts from that shy posture to giving nods of acknowledgement and support to the others.

There is no surprise at all to see Giganpor and Shiruba getting the largest part of the spotlight, though. Her expression shifts into a grin, likely glad to see one of her own guildmates getting such well deserved accolades.

This would of been the point where Shiruba was struck with a 'Who, me?' expression, had it not been for the previously presented note giving her a little warning. Which she still wasn't entirely sure just how she felt about it, it's not like she was trying to be big and important or anything. Still, the forewarning was appreciated.

The wolfgirl got up from her seat, fussed for a moment to make sure she was presentable despite her mad dash to get here on time, and made her way up front as requested.

There she stopped and politely bowed to the leaders already gathered there. "I've done no more than help where I've seen it needed.. But it's an honor, just the same."

She is trying very hard not to look nervous. But her tail gives an occasional telltale twitch behind her, and she's still holding the note in one hand. Like it's the one thing reassuring her this isn't some kind of dream.

Cyrus smiles at Mikage as she bows in that formal way of hers, glancing aside to her in that proud kind of way. As she comes back up, he touches the back of his hand to her hip and leans in, whispering; "You're blushing." Before quickly laening away in case she is going to playfully elbow him for that one.

    Giganpor rubs the back of his head. He's obviously embarrassed about it. He looks over at William, "You didn't let them down, did you? And you can keep the axe either way." He says.

    Giganpor looks conflicted on it, then looks around before making his way up to join the Alliance leaders and Shiruba. He gives a bow as well. Then he looks out over the crowd before he reaches to put a hand on Shiruba's shoulder. His cloak is glowing a slight yellowish color at the moment, too. Whatever that signifies.

    Giganpor looks out again at those around, then at the three leaders, "I think we both were surprised by this." He looks down at Shiruba, "As she said, we have done simply what has come natural to us. Whether it is to push ourselves to find more, to protect ourselves and those we see as people with our abilities. We are Adventurers, yes, but we are not heartless to the plights of both our fellow Adventurers or the Landers."

    Looking back at the leaders, Giganpor smiles, "I do not see us as the best at what we do. I see us as beings seeking to grow and become better. But if you are serious about this, then, to quote an old movie that I remember seeing, I'll take it until you find someone better or I'm dead."

The clasp of her shoulder and Giganpor doing a better job of expressing things in words reassures Shiruba as well, and she stands up a bit more pround and sure of herself.

    Miyako joins in the applause, smiling warmly. "Damn straight, Giga-dude. You just keep on keepin' on, and we'll just sorta tag along in the wake and do our thing, and we'll all get where we're goin'."

    She reaches over to pat Kotono on the shoulder again, then adds: "As for the Waves, we've only done two so far, and I figure they're gonna get harder just as much as the tower bosses are. Needs to be a focus, but we can't obsess over it."

Applauding as well, Kotono nods a little. "We can do this!" She looks to Miyako and smiles as well. "Together, we can achieve anything! I'm sure of it!"

Silver Knight seems very pleased for both Gigan and Shiruba at this announcement. He will hang back for the moment at this as people who are far closer to Giga and Shiruba are giving them their well-earned congratulations.

As Shiruba steps forward, Bear welcomes her with a heavy pat to the shoulder. Subaru gives both her and Giganpor a smile, while... well, William does his usual scowling thing.

"The Alliance Leaders can not do this on their own." Bear explains. "We need people like Shiruba, like Giganpor, like you. Examplars who lead the way. Who protect the Landers and who explore the world we are trapped in. And we want to make sure we give you the ability to do so. So if you wish to reach out to us, or have a larger plan. Come to us - or to eachother as you have been doing. We want to support you."

He looks to Giganpor and smiles broadly to him. "I believe he left them there. But you'll have to ask him after the meeting. And yes - we'll have you."

William then steps forward. "I'd like to make preparations outside of each Kingdom... and within. If we are going to stand against those Waves, we are going to need to help our Lander brethern. To do so, we are going to need to start clearing Monster Nests, and help expand their teritories. This is going to come with risks. Because the Landers have a delicate balance built up between them. And if we disrupt them too much, one might overpower the region."

He nods to Miyako and Kotone. "Right now, the Waves are still managable. But we are going to need their aid. And they are going to need ours. Right now, we are still outsiders as well. I am sure many of you have noticed how they distance themselves from us a bit. They are wary, and for good reason." William continues on to say.

"Shibuya will also become important to us, no doubt. As it gives us a place to fall back to. I highly promote any proposals that expand work on Shibuya and creating a path. But Monster Nests must become a priority item. Because the less monsters are near the Kingdoms, the more room they have to expand, and the easier access we will have to resources. Because - as you no doubt know. The Scale Emblem Alliance and Olympus Alliance will both start feeding on the resources within the tower itself. And they have completely different logistical considerations.

"Shut up." A side-long glare is cast at Cyrus, before he gets a punch to the arm rather than the elbow the cat was expecting. Adventurers don't blush! Except when they totally are doing so and don't want to acknowledge it. Damn it.

As William begins to speak, this is where Mikage adds her thoughts, "I think it might be worth investing some time into trying to figure out if there is any way of predicting where a Wave might be prior to the sand actually falling. So far, we've seen two different kingdoms, but that's not enough information. Will it cycle through them all before returning to the original? Is there some logic to how a realm is picked as a Wave location?"

She shrugs her shoulders, not having the answers for this. "Right now, we have time to get to a location under threat, but we don't know if it will always be that way. Advance preparations are going to become more and more important."

William nods his head. "We only have one way of finding out. And right now, that means that the Scale Emblem Alliance and their allies climb further." He explains to Mikage, "But I agree that it's important we figure out the pattern. Because there is no guarantee that those sand timers will remain at seven days. But until we figure out the pattern, the best way is to ensure all locations are as well prepared as possible."

Silver Knight knows what his role will be he will be hanging back at this point and working out what monster nests and where need to be taken out. It was going to be quite the understaking and he knew it.

    Merek seems to think about it, and nods a bit. The man doesn't offer a lot in the way of words. A light nod offered as well in congratulation.

The praise and congratulations from the gathered does a good job of actually making Shiruba feel less anxious rather than moreso. Because it's helped one very important point set in.

She was standing here because of what -she- has done. Has been doing to help others; to make this world better for themselves and the Landers they share it with. It wasn't something her overbearing, overly paranoid parents had pressed her into. Not one of their wellmeaning but misguided efforts in what they thought was 'best' for her.

Shiruba squeezed the note tightly in her hand. This -her- accomplishment. There was no reason for her to back down from it. The anxiety was mostly gone, at least for the moment.

While turning the thoughts over to herself she's still listening to William speak, right now about the Tower and the Calamity Waves, and Shibuya which she has already taken some personal interest in. "To keep working on Shibuya we need to stabilize our means of getting resources and people there. The Monster populations are high, especially Goblins, which are known for using traps and ambush tactics as well as direct combat. This isn't a job one scout or soldier can do. We're going to have to work together if we want to establish a clear, safer path for travel as said."

Miho looks up from where she's been sitting the whole time she'll shoot Giga a look as if to say something but what is is? She will now speak up about the matter of monster nests.

"We'll need good kit too, doubly so for any lander Hunters or Soldiers who work with us. Good gear is a matter of life and death for them, is it not? We can cut corners and get back up. They can't after all they are like we used to be. We we should also look into forming a taskforce for cleaning out the various nests for good."

She looks to Shiruba for a moment.

"I have some plans for there, once we can get in more supplie and clear out the monsters there. We should fix the buildings up inside the walls once we can manage it."

    Hifumi slips in late because he's been out selling food. A cook's gotta cook and yakipan has turned out to be plenty popular.

    Giganpor looks considerate, then speaks up, "We should use Fort Ouph."

    He looks to the leaders. "It is closest to Shibuya. If we work to clear a path, we double it as training as well. Start here, get the balance back, and in the mean time we can prepare some sort of task force to respond to the Waves."

    Giganpor rubs his chin in thought, "In the mean time... I think we can all agree we want to see Shibuya and a route at least to For Ouph established? If not that, then an actual port we can use as well?"

"Once the tournament ends, I can help with any monster nests that need scouting or clearing." Mikage agrees, "I can also hunt for raw materials, leather or monster parts that might be useful to smiths or clothiers."

Then, she does nudge Cyrus with her elbow, volunteering him, "And he can make potions."

"I've never been to Fort Ouph, but from what Giganpor says, it does sound like a good place to start." Folding her arms across her chest, Miki seems to be taking in the information.

Though, when Hifumi arrives, her eyes dart to him. Why? Because he's usually a source of food, and they are distinctly lacking it at this meeting.

As far as anyone can tell, Tenko has been sitting in the back with her mask on, not really moving or interacting. Listening. Considering. She doesn't seem to have had any input thus far. Perhaps it is just her nature as a wanderer. Setting up a hometown, building up businesses. None of that is really her thing.

She's not even sure why she came to the meeting, other than perhaps looking for intel. The earlier mention of clearing monster nests, that is much more in her wheelhouse. She finally speaks up, "I will take note of any monster nests I come across that I am unable to clear on my own, who is going to be in charge of mapping them out?"

Cyrus oophs as he's elbowed and then raises his hand behind his head. "Yeah, I can provide potions. Connecting Shibuya to Fort Ouph is going to be one heck of an undertaking though. Starting with a port might be our best bet. As there are far higher level Monster Nests between Shibuya and Fort Ouph." The Snow Leopard pipes up. "But it's definitely a good idea."

William Massachusetts remarks, as Tenko mentions mapping out the Monster Nests; "We know there's roughly one to two monster nests every two to three hours of travel in any direction." He explains to her. "Mapping them shouldn't be too hard. The problem is scouting them out and figuring out what's at their center."

    "I think it's important that we do what was asked to look into the way it will manage the power balance," Merek notes, while he nods a bit. The man pulls up the hood of his attire which he wears. Noticing Tenko, he walks that way and nods along to the woman. He seems to be just a little bit more uplifted to greet the woman. "Nice to see you." A look to the place, "I think it'd work well to set up Merchant routes as well."

"And you as well, Merek." The kitsune replies, as she considers his words, "At the very least we should have guards for merchant caravans. At least until the roads are safe enough to travel without guards." She muses, "If the roads are ever that safe."

"Not likely without some guards, but we can work to make them as safe as possible with that in mind." The faction heads seem to be done with speaking themselves, so Shiruba opts to hop in on some of the other conversations going on.

    Giganpor looks considerate, then hums. "A port... well, that is a project I do not think I know a lot about... that also means ships and us learning to sail as well."

    Miyako hmms. "They'll have to be patrolled, yes, but clearing the path in the first place, at least reducing the nests... that's gonna be a piece of work." She looks over at Kotono, then back to Shiruba. "Won't be boring, at least."

Kotono really has little to say for the time being. Everyone else seems to be taking the words out of her mouth. She looks to Miyako and bites her lip a little before looking ahead again, blushing a little as she realizes she's more quiet than she usually is.

"Let's not forget we still have the other Kingdoms to work in as well, and keeping an eye on progress with the Tower so we can be prepared for the next Wave." Shiruba finally puts the note away, and gets out a parchment and writing quill. She's going to make a few reminders so she can inform some of the other Guild members that aren't present. As she expected, since one was super focused on a project and the other doesn't like large gatherings. "We'll have to be careful that we don't spread the Alliance's numbers too thin."

    Giganpor nods, "It's why I was thinking of Fort Ouph or Shibuya being our main staging areas. The Fort is nicknamed the Watchtower, after all."

    He shrugs, "I could see it being a good place for us to stage if it wasn't up in the sky. In the mean time, I'll see about getting word out on us wanting to make the port. After that, we can work on ships either from the Landers or others to make the supplies we need to fix up Shibuya. The Monster Nests between Fort Ouph and Shibuya will have to serve as training and resource gathering in the mean time."

Miho tail swishes her tail a bti as they plan.

"We do but we should focus our efforts one at a time or make task forces for each of them. That's also true Shiruba." The lizard girl seem lost in thought for the moment. "We'd want to clear the road from Shiubya to Fort Ouph first. Aye and it will give all our smiths work to make gear for those clearing out the nests. This quite the ... bug hunt we're going on."

Shiruba jots down a few things. "Oomph is likely our main connection point right now, though that's a comparitively long trek through monster infested lands. Any convoys are going to need full teams of guards. A port can be made a shorter trip, but that's an operation that's going to take time to make secure."

She waggles the tip of her quill at Miho. "Once Kaydon finishes the project he's hyper-fixated on, I'll get him to help with that. Between the three of you," including Giganpor as well of course, "Keeping our gear in good shape shouldn't be a greater than average issue."

    Giganpor looks thoughtful, then shakes his head, "Might be closer to just the two of them at current. Much as I would like to pull away, I did make a deal with the Tradesmen. Backing out would have consequences for me, plus in a way I think it is gaining better relations. I have another month left of training at current."

Giganpor rubs the back of his head a bit, "Plus, I am trying to find that Nightmare to try to make travel easier. If I can find it and we can hunt down other similar monsters and animals, we can probably travel faster. That is my end goal there, in any case. That, and I miss being able to use something like one to get around when you have such things as the Waves or Field Bosses that need you to move quickly."

"If you need assistance with taking down the monster, I can assist." Says Tenko to Giganpor, "I don't really consider myself a monster hunter by trade, but.." She considers for a moment, "I have a variety of skills which could be useful in situations such as that."

    "Well, I'm sure we can manage something," Merek would note to Tenko, nodding a bit, then he watches the people while he thinks about it. "Either way, I am wanting to do all I can for all of the people."

    "Not alone in that," Miyako assures Merek. "We're in, right Ko?" She nudges Kotono with an elbow. "We can work on the road to the port, maybe help map the area around Shibuya. We've got a whole new territory here, I want to see it all!" She grins, widely, her eyes bright with enthusiasm at having /something/ interesting to do.

    "I just need one thing..."

Shiruba quickly shakes her head, ponytail swishing wildly with the motion. "No no no Gigan. Both what you're learning and the connections you're making are good for our long term efforts. I wouldn't suggest you stopping! ... Reaquiring mounts would be nice, too."

"And Miho has her workshop in Loireag, so space to work is less of an issue." Shiruba regards the masked fox for a moment and nods. "All the help we can get, the better. This is going to be an Alliance effort, all three Guilds need to work together towards achieving it." Then she turns to Miyako with a tilt of her head. "What one thing?"

    Miyako's answer is simple: "A lot of paper and pencils." She shrugs. "Got a little long-term project of my own in mind."

There's a pause. Then a short laugh from Shiruba at the answer. "We'll have to see to keeping you stocked in supplies then."

    "We're cool, then," Miyako continues. "I'm in, all the way." She grins again and pushes arms above her head to stretch. "Gonna be good to get out in the wild for a bit."

Miho says "We'd have to take up some orders fo that then? Aye the smithy is open to the alliance if we need it."

Shiruba nods to Miyako. "I need to check on Kaydon, check on my surrogate sister, and contact some of our farther flung members that couldn't make the meeting. Afterwards I'll be headed back to Shibuya to start organizing exploring and clearing our main routes." She folds her list of reminders and tucks it away.

This was something she was already going to work on, being made a guild leader was just some extra help in doing so.

    Giganpor nods, "We all have something we can contribute. For now, let's get going. Spread the word of the promotions, tell them to contact us when they can." He says, looking around the room.

    Turning, he moves to head out. "I need to get going back towards the Ninetails Dominion, in any case. I'll try to keep who I can appraised on the chimlink as well."

"Travel safe." Tenko says to Gigan, as she rises up to her feet, "I am going to resume my wandering. You know how to reach me if you need me, of course." She bows to the other NWA members, and then turns to head to the door.