Moonbaker

    It is evening, the sky is clear, and the area is lit brightly by the moons. The area, normally a quiet plain, now has pole tents pitched on it. The large tents are roomy, comfortable, and great for larger parties to move about in. They are particularly popular with VIPs. And considering what she wants to achieve, Wake has to look and act the part of a VIP.

    Thus it is that she is here, sitting in a tent, the flaps drawn open to let in the night breeze. Inside, around her, is a small entourage, all looking remarkably tired. Some might say utterly frazzled. There is one exception, though. Wake's girlfriend, Tae, is utterly at ease, serving food and slipping in gentle jokes that, one by one, take away those worn out expression and replace them with sincere smiles.

    While this is happening, Wake is looking at... shoes? A young man is showing her several pairs, and gushing excitedly about them the whole time.

Horses aren't a common means of travel in Yamato, so the sound of hooves usually means one of two things. Monsters, or a certain Nightmare Were Fang. The fading bars of the end of some indistinct traveller song are a good indication which one has just arrived at the camp. "Yep, this looks elaborate enough to be hers." Kauchemar can be heard just moments before sticking her head through the entrance flaps of the tent. "Camping way out here, no wonder you had to hire your own Messenger." Since Landers don't use chimlinks and there's two very important Houses wanting to keep tabs on how Wake is pursuing a certain goal of hers.

    Not to far behind the clopping of one hoof feet, would be another. Kauchemar isn't the only one with some tapping power on stone around here.

Then again, in the world of Elder Tale Online, there isn't many imps who have the exotic skin color, hooves, glowing eyes, or just over all demonic look that Katherine Tanzer carries around; Some even use to say she looks like a succubus with the personality to match! ... They were not to far off either.

As she arrives, she spots the very familiar Werefang nightmare, as she says, "Oh hello Kauchemar! What a pleasure to see you here~" Her words almost purr out, though her attention turns to wake and her girlfriend, both which she politely curtseys too. "My ladies, it is also an honor to behold you both."

Then her glowing lavender eyes look at the shoes. "Oh! Cloths shopping are we?"

    Tae is the first to notice a guest's arrival. She doesn't miss a beat. If Wake ever does pull off her goals, Tae will make the ultimate hostess. She slips easily from the conversation she is in, smiling an apology at the man she leaves behind before meeting Kauchemar.

    "You must have run a long ways, dear!" Tae says gently. "Please, have a seat." She looks over at Wake, who pries her attention away from the shoes to rise as well.

    The Baroness' curtsey, if anything, is even more practiced and graceful than before. She's no doubt had a lot of practice lately.

    "Kauchemar! And Lady Katherine! I'm so delighted to see you! We were just sitting down to share the evening meal. I hope you are both able to join us for the meal. Tae has done her usual magic."

    As Wake gestures, Tae bows to Katherine and laughs softly, "You see most clearly, Lady Katherine. My beloved is rather focused on clothing as of late." A pause to consider her next words and she decides to continue with, "You might say it is something of an obsession." At least she didn't call Wake bonkers this time! "I will see to your places!" And so Tae does. She is able to set out comfortable cushions for sitting, and more of the small tables the group uses are found and prepared with proper meals and drink.

Kauchemar had her attention primarily on Wake, so she only peripherally noticed Tae until the young lady comes to greet and usher them into the tent proper. Psychedelic lavander (yes that is an actual color) eyes widen for a moment. Then she looks over to Wake. Looks back to Tae. Then back to Wake. The briefly surprised expression shifts into a more bemused smile. "Wake, you sly girl you! No wonder you have been looking for the recreation of a certain kind of instrument!"

She does politely step out of the way so others can use the entrance, giving a nod to the Imp that came behind her. "And hello to you too, Katherine. By the sound of your voice it's more than happenstance crossing of paths that you are happy to see me."

She saunters over to plop herself down on one of the proffered cushions. "A long run, sure, but I am a Messenger by trade so it is nothing new. This form is quite suited for it."

    Before Kauchemar even has a chance to sit down, when the Nightmare sasses the imp, she walks over and slides a claw along the werefang's back with a wink, "Only happen chance if /one/ believes it to be." Then there was a laugh that follows, and a tail flick to match.

When they are offered a chance to sit down, the imp follows and gracefully takes a seat, keeping her body lady like as possible as she does. "It is always an honor to be amongst you all... and nothing wrong with looking one's best! After all, we all must keep our charms."

Though Katherine does tilt her head gently, "Though do tell me, why the obsession? What is the cause of such desire of clothing wide and far?"

    "Well, my love is pretty cunning. You should have seen how she first courted me!" says Tae. She cannot maintain a serious expression, though, breaking into a fit of playful giggles in moments. "I'm very pleased that you both came here tonight. More is merrier. And your work helping Wake means much to us, Kauchemar." Tae simply loves having friends over, in any case.

    Baroness Wake settles into her place once more, taking the time to finally eat some of what Tae has prepared before she answers the question. "I recently started meeting with many of the nobles to present to them an idea of have to maintain peace in the Dukedom by using Castle Eas as a buffer between the Clans. It would be helpful to have a non-affiliated party bound to keep war at bay while having no direct claims to occupied territory."

    This of course explains nothing, but Wake goes on, "I started to notice the architecture first, I think. And then the play of light on the leaves and flowers, the motion of grasses in the wind, or the waves on the shore. I realized that clothing could not only imitate, but compliment the beauty of all nature. I suspected there was an ideal mix of color and form for every situation. And it has an impact on the meetings with the nobles. I cannot match them for resources, but we look like a hundred times our number when we shine our very brightest."

    It's clear she's not quite focused, though, as she returns to a much earlier comment. "Sly? Oh, well.. Tae is the most precious thing in the world to me. Worth more than the entire rest of the world, for it has no value at all without her in it."

Kauchemar just grins at Katherine's response. "Touche." She makes herself comfortable. "Yes, and that they are very keen to be kept aware of how your efforts is why I am here, is it not? Since they don't use the communications that we do. And you can't be expected to run back every time they want something, or nothing will get done." A finger is waggled at Wake. "But that is quite true. You make sure to look the part, and act the part, and no one is going to question you being the part or not."

Her attention does turn back to Tae for a moment, and her own sly grin returns as she leans a bit closer and lowers her voice a little. It's not quite a whisper, but she is trying to keep it a bit on the lowdown. "I was a DJ in the real world. I recognize styles, and there is no way anyone but the real deal would be able to replicate it here~" Realizing who Wake's beloved really is has her -quite- amused.

    Katherine listens and nods her head softly. "I must agree with Kauchemar, to get anything done. You /must/ look the part. If you do not, then none shall take you seriously. It is also about the walk as well, along with the words spoken from the lips."

The imp's tail flicks softly as she hmms. "I must admit, my own mind is wandering, but I will do what I can to assist in anyway that I may... Just I fear I may not have as much time to offer, as our beautiful nightmare may have."

Her eyes then look over to Tae, "I also fear we have never been properly introduced, but 'tis a pleasure to meet you face to face, my lady."

    Well, that comment from Kauchemar has Wake surprised. But honestly, it's not the first time it's happened. "Well, I do appreciate your assistance in keeping everyone abreast of what is happening. And you are correct, Lady Katherine. I need to look and sound the part both. It's a lot of convincing, negotiation, the things that would be expected. It's not enough to have the Castle, I need the path to it and the village at the foothills, plus open passage to the port and certain matters of duty and taxation must be settled. We can't have prices soaring or collapsing with the settling of Eas."

    A more personal note, "So you recognize her? Our meeting is one of my favorite stories... perhaps it is time to finally share it?"

    Tae lets the political side of the conversation slide by. It's not her area, and Wake has it covered. She does offer an introduction, "My name is Tae, Lady Katherine. I apologize that we didn't have a chance to meet before. I ask my beloved to bring her friends by the house whenever she can, but everyone is so very busy. I spend my time tending a garden, cooking, and hosting our neighbors. Landers are remarkably polite guests, I have found." She turns to Kauchemar, "And you have heard my music, then? I am happy to say that my voice sounds almost the same here as it did away from the game. Though I do miss our instruments."

    Merek is dressed up in that black attire with the blue accents, while he walks along to the fields, coming upon what looks to be a camp, with people which he knows. The man wears the hood up about his features while he takes a moment to take a look to everyone, nodding. "Wake, Tae, Kauchemar," with a nod along to Katherine, "And you Katherine." The man seems to know everyone.

At the question of recognition Kauchemar turns her smile to Wake for a moment. "I made sure to get the best tracks I could for the nightclub I worked. Many of them were hers. I almost wish you had told me before... but that would of ruined this delightful surprise~!"

Then a bit of a sigh of familiarity with the situation towards Tae. "Ah, yes, as I am aware. I have adapted, found ways to use magic to make up for certain things..." Mane sways as she gives a shake of her head. "I know how to tune a guitar, but the craftmanship needed to construct one whole is beyond me, alas."

She is no stranger to following multiple conversations at once, looking up at the newest arrival. "Well if it isn't tall dark and foreboading... and the man forced to carry it around, too."

    "The people of these lands are remarkable people." Katherine agrees with Tae. "I, for one, am working on a project that may not only better the generations to come, but protect these very people even now. Which is to create a construct armor, something akin to binders, to fight in wars."

The imp seems very proud of this idea. "It can not only be used to perhaps aid in such troubles such as the north is having, but also against those horrid Dark Waves that plague the people every time those... idiots... of the scale bypass another floor." Katherine huffs softly. "... I will never understand that lot."

    Though she ahems and smiles softly, "Though do forgive me regarding the scale. They are good people, at least, some are. Kita as an example is the most /adorable/ little young lady. Very talented in the arts too~!" Her attention then turns back to Wake herself. "If you desire to match nature and regality. Perhaps I could suggest something with forest green. Prehaps that of forest green, with gold trim and it fading near the end of the dress, along at the sleeves into a deep blue, much like the deepest parts of the seas."

"This color combination would not only be regal, but display both forest and sea. Thus land and ocean all at once." The imp adds.

    As Merek walks in, she nods her head politely to him, "Sir Merek." Then nods in agreement to Kauchemar, "Yes, please, /do/ tell us the story!"

    Wake listens intently to Lady Katherine's suggestions on clothing. She would write it down, but as of late, anything on the subject of fashion imprints on her memory so strongly she could no more easily lose it than she could forget her own name. "I like that idea. I was looking at something similar earlier, but I see now how it might be adapted for both the land and the sea." She looks intently at one of the tailors, a young woman who gulps at the sudden, terrifyingly intense look she gets from the Baroness. "Tomorrow morning, after we've rested, I want to start working on this. I feel that you are the perfect candidate to bring this to life." The compliment may be pleasing, but the look Wake has fixed on the woman is a bit unsettling. Once the girl nods her assent, Wake sighs softly and smiles, that intensity fading in a twinkle.

    While that is going on, Tae has time to focus on Kauchemar. "You really liked my music? I'm so flattered! Honestly. I did my very best. It was a fun ride, moving from a top talent to being more mature and playing smaller clubs instead of the biggest domes in Japan." She sighs softly, "And honestly, I wish I could get my hands on a guitar."

    Merek's entrance is noticed by Tae, first, who rises and bows. A moment later, Wake rises and offers a curtsey to Merek. She's somehow taken her former skill and raised its elegance. It's like a dance, the way she moves, effortless and graceful. A moment later, and she is seating herself once more. Tae is already turning her attention to preparing another table. It's about this time that the wind changes and the scent of something sweet is carried into the tent. The young woman that was so recently terrified by Wake sighs deeply and whispers, "She baked.."

    The Baroness turns her attention back to the request, "Well, I will do my best with the story. I am no story teller, and can only tell it from my perspective."

    Merek bows then along to Kauchemar, while he takes a moment to consider, "It is nice to see you." He then lifts up his bracelet while he checks one of the insets. There's a puzzle box in it, "And to meet the newest friend. Another Enigma Piece. To alter code." A little nod offered along to Katherine, "It's nice to see you. Everyone seems to be calling me Ser. Even the enemies. Apologies, I'm recovering a little from being killed."
    A little shift upon the beltcape, while he takes a look to Wake. "That reminds me, we are making progress to find coffee, which when found will be placed into the trading company and we will work on trading with the businesses. While we work on Castle Eas, I will see about bringing you a shipment. The demon man that I saw with the power of Oracle looks to align himself with the enemies of the people." The man nods a little bit as well, "What are you all up to?" A nice nod offered along with that to Tae.

"That makes two of us, my dear," Kauchemar replies to Tae with a nod. To Katherine she also nods a bit. "So you've made progress since the last experiment was... less than optimal in results. Not that it wasn't useful, just not what you were looking for. But I am glad you have not given up. Dreams are important to pursue."

Then tilts her head as she listens to Merek explain. "So within the world that was once a game, Hacking essentially makes you a reality warper. Change the environment around you." She steeples her fingers together. "Interesting."

As for what she's been up to, she can only shrug, while her expression remains casual. "I am a Bard by trade, a Messenger by profession, and a Muse by title. I go where I am needed, to perform and inspire, to aid in accomplishment!" She poses melodramatically, one hand to her chest and the other lifted towards some unseen apex above her. "To remind that while it may be ominous and distortive Dark is not in itself Evil."

    First, there's the story.

    "I was in a.. very difficult spot in my life," begins Wake. "My job was intensely challenging, and I had suffered a terrible loss of someone that meant much to me. I became the 'Ice Queen' and though my productivity was remarkable, my superiors grew more and more distressed. As I was in a role that you don't leave people in for long anyway-it inspires serious issues with paranoia-they transferred me to Tokyo. The hope was that a new place and a new role would force me to heal."

    Tae picks things up, reaching out to take hold of her lover's right hand. "At the time, my big banner days were in the past and I had retired. I only did small performances at a few clubs in Tokyo. They were great fun, and the musicians were top notch. I got to play new music if I wanted with none of the headaches of tours and handlers. In any case, I was performing there one night when someone in the audience was.. different. I had never seen her before." Tae falls quiet, the memory returning easily to her. The gentle lights, the intimate setting, a bit of smoke in the air, the music.

    "Her eyes were like lasers on me," Tae explains. "I felt like there was nothing else in the world but her eyes and me. I think it was the best set I ever delivered, honestly. I approached her and it was just.. you know, I wasn't a child, but it was something that instantly clicked for me. I guess it's what you might call true love. Though I find it embarassing to say that, as an artist."

    Wake smiles, turning her gaze on the woman she loves. That intensity is different when she takes the time to look at her beloved. It's a focus beyond anything else she knows. "I wasn't particularly skilled as a speaker, but I was thankful to be able to speak perfect Korean. My Japanese was good, but not as easy at the time. Tae didn't expect that, and I think it made her more forgiving. I knew instantly that I wanted to be with her. Every day, though, I learn so many more reasons why I feel that way. I am no longer the Ice Queen. But I know royalty are jealous of me, because I am with the woman of my dreams every day."

    Tae playfully adds, "And she loves my cooking. Which reminds me.." She kisses Wake on the cheek, then rises. There's an air of expectancy as she leaves, and when she returns, bearing a basket full of some kind of crescent shaped pastries, there's excitement in the air. "There are enough for all, so please don't burn your hands in haste." How she could bake out here is a mystery. At least to those who don't realize that the few ruins left included an ancient stone oven. It took some repairing, but the payoff is obvious.

    As for what Wake is up to? "Honestly, Merek, I'm trying to claim Castle Eas in my own name and make it the most beautiful, safe fortress in the entire world. And I want it to be a safe place for the refugees of Ezzo. They need a place to be with each other, rather than left to scatter, losing their culture forever." Wake is quite /strong/ on that point. "I won't sit by when I can do something."

    Katherine also could go into how jewelry could be used for the sky but Wake gets ready to go into her story, for the moment though she listens to Merek, giving a nod, before her attention shifts back to story time!

Katherine /loves/ a good story~.

Kauchemar chuckles a little. "Not wanting to deal with the big 'professional' scene," she even holds up fingers to do the cliche finger-quotes gesture, "is one of the reasons I went the DJ route instead. Besides, the night side of the city is much more interesting and lively." So she gets the feeling Tae is impressing. But that is all she says at the moment, not wanting to interrupt such a lovely story.

    "Now that is a love story. Much more sincere than anything Hallmark could ever produce." The mention of Ezzo gets another amused snort out of her. "Many refugees have made a home in Tolbana... But just as many do not wish to deal with the Scale Emblems and their obsession with the tower. I doubt you will have much issue populating your castle once we properly lay claim to it." Helps herself to the offered foodstuff. "You two already know well how to treat guests, no arguing that!"

    Merek nods a bit while listening to the people, thinking about it. "Ya, interesting," he notes then to Kauchemar, while he takes a drink from the flask with him.

    It was a nice story, but like most of the conversation, it dealt with the 'real world', a 'world' that Katherine Tanzer never talks about, as she /never/ breaks out of character. She /was/ the Lady Magus and she /was/ an imp.

Whoever she 'really' is behind the avatar, the woman dare never says or shows. It is the greatest mystery

    Katherine smiles softly, "A beautiful story..." She says softly, before she goes to rise to her feet. "Alas though, I must be off to return to my own work. After all, no castle is built in a day and no research can be done without an open book!"

The imp gives a curtsey to all then goes to head out. She does pause though, looking back to the group. Her tail flicks, as her wings tuck in close to her body. Then her glowing eyes look to Wake, "Oh and my lady Wake?" She turns to face the woman.

    "A final suggestion. Mayhaps look into some jewelry that is with silver and light blue stones. This will perhaps mimic that of the sky, with the silver representing the clouds and the light blue the very sky itself. Perhaps even that of the rain." The imp then turns away. "And should you /dare/ to be even fancier. Perhaps even lace that dress idea with rhinestone near the bottom, thus to continue to pattern of the ocean shimmering in the sun, but also the very night sky itself."

Then the imp walks off while say, "Fare thee well, my ladies and gentlemen."

    "I've always liked having people around," explains Tae. "So whenever I get that experience, I do my best to provide a wonderful meal. I might even sing, though I find acapella less fun than having a full band behind me."

    She pauses to take a bite of her little cake and sighs in relief. It clearly met her expectations. "You are right though, about the life style. The exhausting dance numbers-while singing-the endless variety shows and appearances. You know I don't have hardly any memories of being a teenager that don't involve work. I won't say I regret that choice, though. I mean, without that, I don't end up here. And while there were things I was happy to put in the past, I am grateful to have experienced all of them. I made a choice and it worked well for me, not just at the end, but through the whole journey."

    When Katherine makes ready to depart, both Wake and Tae rise and follow her, stopping just outside the tent. "Thank you so much for joining us!" Tae says. Meanwhile, wake is storing that suggestion away. "Thank you for the advice! I pray for your safe journey. And return! I would be pleased to hear more about how I can help you with your work."

"Take care, Katherine. And if you need any help when it comes to Monsters or Spirits, you know how to find me." Kauchemar is always keen on keeping her connections open and ready with others. "She has a good point though. Certian gems or crystals would certainly twinkle like light clouds, or stars if you go for a more nightlike look."

Her attention turns back to Tae, nodding and smiling. "The past helps shape who we are... But we have to learn to not let that grasp hold us back instead of push us forward."

    "So what instruments do you play?" asks Tae, after she's settled back down with the group. She's super curious about Kauchemar's music experience. "And how long were you a DJ? I wonder if we ever met. It would be so funny if we did!" She doesn't try to hide the fact that she misses performing, so this direction of conversation is pretty expected. "You know, Wake promised we're going to have a major focus on the arts. A theater, clubs. It's selfish, but I get to be the first live act." She grins, "I need to recruit a band, though."

    Wake is finally back to eating. She is listening, but her focus is really all on sustenance for the moment. It occurs to her she missed lunch, despite Tae's best efforts. There's a momentary flash of guilt on her face, but it goes quickly. The thought of jewelry is in her head, and it's so hard to ignore it. It makes her wonder about a suitable ring..

Kauchemar takes a few bites out of the crescent pastry. "I've been using a lute... it's kind of the classic when it comes to Bards. And my voice. Music and song have a very distinct magic of their own here, as I'm sure you've noticed." She leans to one side, resting an arm on her knee to prop herself up. "And quite a few years. It's entirely possible, before you became as recognizable as you were now." Another thoughtful bite. "If you've every heard of a club called Noctural Transmissions, that was my primary haunt." A pause. "Yeah, that name was a misprint. But it was so distinct the owner decided to just run with it. It does sound like a play on nocturnal, after all."

She pauses to finish the rest of the snack off. Mmm that was good. "I was also a dancer. Did less of that personally in the club days, but knowing the moves and the grooves helped with arranging the killer sets."

    "It's really fun to meet someone else in the industry," Tae replies. "And you can sing and play! I hope we can jam sometime. I'd love to hear your work. Music is so personal to me, I don't often share that part of myself the way I used to. But since you know me, I feel like we're already good friends."

    The conversation between the two causes a bit of murmuring and speculation among Wake's entourage. There's clearly an interest in hearing what might come of this.

    "I think you should," says Wake suddenly. "I sing with Tae sometimes, but I'm not a professional, and I don't have the focus to be." She is working on other things that demand her time. "And I'd love to hear what you create. I would offer to cook for you, but that's more of a threat than a promise."

    Merek looks between people, "Interesting," the man nods, while he nods a bit then to Wake along the two that are there, "Anyway. I don't know, I know only a few people."

"Mmmhmm. It's been some time since I've had a proper jam session with another musician as well!" Kauchemar is positively tickled by the proposition. "Well you were likely see no shortage of me either way, as your dear lady keeps threatening to hire me for her court." She turns to smirk and wink to Wake, just to show that she meant 'threaten' in a joking manner. It's hard to threaten her with something she enjoys doing.

    The Baroness laughs softly, "I'll be lucky to have your talents whenever you can spare them, my dear." She pauses to look at Merek, "You only know a few people? It seems everyone I've ever met knows who you are, though. It seems you know a lot of people. How have been? I have been concerned about the sword and, well, I heard.." That he died. It's weird how taboo it feels to bring it up.

    Tae lowers her voice. The conversation over /there/ is getting too spooky and serious. "You know, if you want anything special in the Castle, let me know. Wake is wound around my finger and after all this clothing insanity, she owes me."

Kauchemar smirks with amusement at Tae. "I shall keep that in mind~. But first let us focus on the eventual but inevitable eviction of it's current unwanted occupants."

    Tae nods thoughtfully. "I'm certain that Wake will have a few ideas for that particular issue. I don't think my cooking or singing will help with orcs. A pity they haven't any sense of reason. Just kill on sight coding at its most true." She sighs, rather preferring diplomacy, herself.

    "Oh, the orcs? Yes, they exhibit no social options. There'll be no talking our way through this one. It's all about clearing them out, claiming the ruins. After I officially have the right to do so. I imagine the price would go up considerably once the place were emptied."

    Wake gazes off into the night for a time, then returns her mind to the conversation, "I want to be clear. I really appreciate your help in pursuing my dream." She makes a point to include the others here with her smile. "I pray it will be a benefit to all of you and to the world itself."

    Merek nods a little bit while he thinks about it, "Ya, I'm doing well enough. Needed to protect people," he notes, "Will be alright," he then adds.

Kauchemar folds an arm before herself to partially bow from her sitting position. "I am a creature of dreams as well as nightmares; to inspire the greatness in others is what I am here for~"

Then she leans back on the cushion and stretchs out a bit. "But even the most prolific of muses need a nap from time to time. This is a comfortable spot to catch a few before I head out again, or I'm going to end up with one of those annoying Exhausted debuffs."

    "Please rest here as long as you like," says Wake. She nods to her tailors, who are relieved to be free of work. They are no doubt grateful for the visits of these adventurers, else they might be struggling to put in hours yet. The young woman previously called out by Wake mouths a 'thank you' to Kauchemar, then turns away, laughing softly as she finds her own tent.

    "I think we had best seek some rest, as well," says Tae. She grins and adds, "Or I'll be forced to use.. unfair means to get you to the bedroom." Tae blushes as she says it, but Wake doesn't. She just smiles, "I will follow you to the tent, but on one condition."

    Tae raises an eyebrow. "And what condition is that?"

    "That when we arrive, you use unfair means."

    Their goodnights after that are, understandably, a little more urgent. It appears Tae has found one go-to method to get Wake to stop thinking about clothing!