Forging Plans Over Burgers

    It is a windy, cool evening, which is why it's wonderful to be inside. Even better to be seated inside confronting a piping-hot, utterly delicious, wonder of this world, burger. "And now," Baroness Wake murmurs to noone in particular, "It is time to see if your reputation is deserved." A dainty bite is taken and the woman leans back, pondering, weighing, measuring, and yes, relishing the results. "By the divine, it's enough to make one want to never leave this place," she declares, earning a few laughs from others within earshot.

    Giganpor, with the news of the upcoming Wave, had begun the journey towards Fort Ouph to help prepare. The blacksmith was thinking about the various things going on at the moment, and the partnership he had been offered by a certain smaller blacksmith. To that end, he had decided to go visit something he had only heard about. Which brings him to entering the door to the Crescent Burger.

    Either way, if one has heard of Giganpor, it's not hard to mistake him. Maximum height slider, red hair, and carrying a unique buckler shield. Taking a seat at the counter, he orders a burger and a drink. Always best to start off small, and he's definitely looking curious as to if it's worth all the hype he's heard! He might have to point Hifumi this way!

    It takes a moment for Baroness Wake to shift her focus from this heavenly digital representation of a burger to notice the utterly impossibly to miss presence of Giganpor. Her eyes widen for just a moment. Recognition. She makes a point of using her napkin to ensure she has as dignified an appearance as one can have while desperately wishing to wolf down a meal.
    "You know, I would have thought you'd ride a creature of legend in, but I imagine the front door isn't quite large enough for it, is it?" Wake turns in her seat, slips from it, and glides into a graceful curtsey. "I am Baroness Wake. And you of course are the Golden Fang Knight. Even those of us who lived wrapped in shadow couldn't miss the tales of your exploits."

    Giganpor turns at the greeting, blinking as he looks well kinda down. It can't be helped. That maximum height puts him a bit taller than her, and an eyebrow is raised as he seems to consider how best to respond to that. He gives a polite, if seated bow in reply to the curtsey, "A name I have not heard in a while. And no, I would not be able to with the Black Wave having hit us. Summons of legend are no longer available to me, unfortunately, even if I am in pursuit of one in information. I may even find one in Eastal while facing the Wave soon."

    He seems to study her for a moment, then comments, "I believe I have heard of you. You were known to be able to steal from PVE targets rather successfully? It is not often I have found someone able to do such." He picks up his drink as it arrives, taking a sip of it. He does turn a little to comment to the server, "My compliments to whoever made the drink. Tastes great."

    Baroness Wake nods thoughtfully at mention of the Black Wave. "A pity, and I am delighted that you are striving to find one again. I would rather like to see it, rather than just hear stories." She settles back in her seat, but her attention remains on Giganpor. There's a something about her posture, her back straight, her head upturned just enough to directly meet his gaze, her hands resting in her lap, that makes it clear every ounce of her attention is upon him.
    "I appreciate the compliment. And yes, before things changed, I did rather enjoy giving monsters the slip, and getting things that were impossible to get. But as is the case with us all, those days are in the past. Oddly, I am trying a different tack in my adventures, now that I've finished my holiday."

    Giganpor shrugs, "Perhaps one day you will."

    He looks thoughtful, resting an arm with a hand on his drink. His attention likewise looks to be on her mostly. "What sort of tasks are you trying for now? One of your skill shouldn't have much problem, as far as I know."

    The thoughtful look comes across his face. "If you are in Eastal within the next few days, actually, you might be able to see such a creature. Thanks to some help, there are rumors of a Lander eating horse being there. It almost fits the description of a classical nightmare."

    "I am trying to focus on more, shall we say, administrative roles for myself. You see, what I realized in my time away was that with the Black Wave, all that I had done was essentially withered in the wind." The Baroness looks down for just a moment. Clearly this thought troubles her.
    When she raises her eyes again, there's a fire in them, "This time, sir, I will build something that matters, rather than just something that, quite frankly, was just for my own satisfaction."
    Giganpor's description of a beast that eats Landers leads her eyes to narrow in dislike. "This is not something we can allow to pass. I was not likely to be in Eastal, but I shall be. I will not pretend to have my previous talents, but we do not take on challenges because we can safely overcome them. We take them on because it is right to do so."

    Giganpor looks considerate, then sighs, "I do not wish for such to exist either. But, they do. Someone had a sense of humor when they designed the game, or was a major ancient mythology buff."

    He shrugs, "In any case, what sort of administrative duties are you in? I found myself in charge of my guild recently, which is not something I envy anyone." He looks quite upset about that one for a moment before his features go back to mostly pleasant. His burger arriving has him considering it. "Hm... hand made, huh?"

    "Clearly, and no Hercules in sight to address the man eating mares," murmurs Baroness Wake. She shakes her head, "I find it so.. infuriating somehow, when helpless Landers are harmed. It is like picking on a child, perhaps."
    Wake turns to look at the burger arriving and nods. "That's the key to making them delicious, it seems. My love usually cooks for me, and I am eternally grateful for her."
    Returning to the previous question, the Baroness explains, "In my real work, I was an organizer and leader of people. I am turning my thoughts to working in a similar way again. And not only for players, but for the Landers. Particularly those sad souls turned adrift after what happened to Ezzo."

    Giganpor nods, "One of ours runs a place in the Ninetails Dominion. All the hand made food having taste must really make it hard for the Landers at times. But, well... not everyone needs guidance. Leadership is not something I think everyone needs, but rather something that is unfortunately both earned and unwanted. I know my own I wanted to strangle Bear before he put me on the spot. I still have mixed feelings about trying to run a guild full of crafters."

    He takes a bite of the burger, raising an eyebrow, "Mm... interesting. I'll have to make sure Hifumi pays a visit here. Or see if I can take one to him. He might be happy to know others are making it, let alone a whole guild if I am right?" He looks around, curious at that apparently. "I am amazed that so many do work here or otherwise take part in it."

    "Oh, there's more to it than guidance, indeed. Leadership, at its heart, Giganpor, is about pursuing a noble vision, sharing it, and inspiring others to achieve it at your side," replies Baroness Wake. There's a change in her tone, and while she is rarely one to let her emotions show, this topic clearly excites her. That being said, she does take a bite of her burger and does not speak until it is swallowed.
    "Leaders also need to remove distractions, ask questions to encourage self-discovery, demonstrate faith in those they inspire to act, and provide course correction as needed." In a way, it's like she cannot help herself. "My apologies, this has always been a topic near and dear to my heart. The mantle of leadership can be uncomfortable, of course. But at long as you lead with the desire to ultimately serve others, I think much good will follow." She pauses a moment, "Speaking of much good to follow, and service, is there anything you are working that you could use help with?"

    Giganpor hums at the insight. Munching on his bite of burger as he seems to consider, then shrugs, "There is one thing. Another blacksmith and I are attempting to create something with for one of the Ninetails leaders. It's basically something to gain a bit of favor. The... problem is we have ran into an interesting snag. If I was not in a hurry, I would visit Alne and ask at the Olympus alliance's crafting center about it. Something seems to be causing a... frenzy as it were?"

    He looks down, frowning. "I am unsure if it is just weapons or armor. I did not enter such when I did my shield, for example. Part of why I agreed to the project was to experience it myself and the other was to help someone who is trying to make something and help out on our standing in the world. So... the major problem is people to... ah... make us take a break, I guess you could say?"

    "Why, how fascinating and unusual," replies Wake. "Well, I would be happy to offer my assistance. I am frequently busy with my work, but it would be quite helpful and healthy if I took a break from time to time. All the better if I'm doing something useful during my break like helping someone else do the same." She doesn't ponder this overlong, but laughs softly at the situation.
    "So I will help you with this. I could bring you some handmade food from my home, as well. Nothing like good food to to keep one on a break for a time." Speaking of which, she finds it remarkable and mysterious that her burger has been finished already. "It is a small thing to ask, and I'll be delighted to see you work. One of my secret pleasures is to see someone do something they are passionate about."

    Giganpor shrugs, "We'll be in the capital of Ninetails, then. Miho's forge... ah... I'll have to send word of the name of it, I think."

    He looks considerate, then shakes his head, "As long as it is another person making sure we are not working ourselves to literal death, I think that would be for the best. Besides, it might lead to us figuring out what this frenzy is about. Let alone why it is there and if we should be worried about it as we make better and better items."

    Sighing, he looks at his burger, "Hm... I should perhaps locate the inn after I finish this. I need a place to stay for the night at least." He frowns a little. "It has been a while since I've been in this part of the world."

    "I'm certain there are several good options," replies Baroness Wake. She sighs softly, once more slipping from her seat. Once more she glides into a curtsey. "My apologies, but I have another engagement I must see to, as well. That being said, I take this promise seriously. Please send me a line with the exact location. I will ensure you do not end up collapsing at the forge."
    For a moment, the Baroness hesitates. Giganpor's words trouble her greatly. "And I will confess, as well.. this is of great concern to me personally, for my great task will require great works to be made. I must know all I can about this so I can ensure the safety of those assisting me." She shakes her head, filing this away for later. "Thank you for the conversation. We will meet again soon." With that, she departs.