To talk of many things

    The nights were becoming colder by the day , and the days were becoming not much warmer so the smell of fires were becoming common through the alliance hall. This evening , while most the hall has gone quiet, a rather large figure sits in front of one of the fireplaces paging through papers. Rizadoman was doing his best to stay warm, the curse of a lizardman, they just weren't quite cold blooded, so here he was sitting rather close to the fire as he reads some of the latest reports and then he would put it on a pile of papers next to him. So many things were happening as of late it was hard to stay up to date.

    Others were not so bothered by the changing temperatures. Granted in Shiruba's case it helped that she was a Cait Sith of a species that was perfectly at home in colder climates, and the mane of wolf fur around her neck and shoulders helped keep a crucial part of her body warm. Plus part of her ranger gear was fur trimmed to help keep the warmer air closer to her body. So when she strolls into the hall from doing checks on the town's wall guards the wolfgirl doesn't seem to be too put off by the seasonal shift. She does pause at seeing the reptilian poking through papers though. "Oh, hello Rizadoman. Is it a little chilly for you already?"

    Setting his paperwork down at the mention of his name he looks up as he rubs his claws together and breathes a little heat, and maybe even flame, into them. "Winter was never my fondest experiences. We lizard folk tend to live in more humid marsh lands, or have migrated to be in the desert like many of the Salamanders. However I will learn to get by. " Taking a moment he stares off in the distant before adding, "It is said the Naga warriors of old could survive through the harshest winters with nothing to protect them but simply the heat of their own breath. So it is just another challenge for me to get through. " As he looks at the empty chairs he gestures, " You are welcome to sit, unfotunately most chairs here are not designed for myself, but perhaps I will seek a woodworker to make one , one day. How are you doing?" The lizardman asks , attempting polite small talk.

"Aah, I see," Shiruba replies with a nod of her head. "Wolves have accomidated to all sorts of climates. My lineage is from Cait Sith that took up residence in the mountains were humans didn't care to travel, and it gets pretty cool at high altitudes year round. So I haven't noticed much of the changing season yet." She turns her head for a moment to look around the hall, and scratches the base of an ear with her hand. "Noted. The HQ was furnished by general standards, I can see about getting some seating for our members of less typical height or porportions." She does slide into one of the available chairs though. "As well as can be. A lot on my mind, but that's fairly typical being a Guild Leader I've found."

    Rizadoman nods his head , "Heavy the burden that wears the that title. Especially as of late, it seems. " Taking a deep breath he stands up and stretches for a moment and settles back down before looking at Shiruba, " Tea and blankets will pull me through this year just as last year. At least this time I will not be in mud huts come the new year..." He trails off realizing what he said as it hits him what that means. Coughing for a moment he asks, " The chimlinks have been a buzz of late with heavy opinion and more trouble is coming and more problems keep seeming to rise there head up. So I was just down here looking for some way to help more. " Looking at the alliance hall he simply tries to grasp it all.

"We have a few people that... speak loudly without fully considering the context of their words," is how Shiruba sums it up, and then leaves it at that as she leans back in her chair. "There's word out that the next floor hasn't provided much hinderance so there will probably be a Scale raid on the next Boss sooner rather than later, and we know what comes after that." She leans her head back with a faint sigh. "Which likely means more Otherworlder problems as well. You have no idea how glad I am there was so many willing to go assist with the last one when I could not."

    "You had your own problems to handle," says the large lizardman trying to absolve Shiruba of any guilt. " I assume there has been no luck finding her? It is a shame the undead came to these lands without so much a notice but at the same time as I hear all the concern about the the otherworlders it feels like many have forgotten the problems of this world itself." There is a gruff tone of annoyane as Rizadoman speaks before taking a breath. " The queen, the otherworlders, the ant problem that seems to come and go at times, and others still lurking in the muck waiting to snap. " Taking a breath he finds some calm, "Then we have the others, Scale brings the wave, Olympus brings industry and the problems of our world. I ..." The lizardman trails off for a moment more before simply saying, " I lost where I was going with those thoughts. Just so much it makes me see red. Whatever happen to the simpler times?"

    "I know it sounds terrible to say, but I am hoping I am right that the Huntress intends to use her as a trap for me... because that is another reason for her to keep Gabriela alive, and on this continent. That and I doubt she wants to piss off Athour.... but in trying to track her down, I start to understand why she got so frustrated with tracking -me-, professional hunter vs professional hunter." Shiruba shakes her head a bit as she sits back up properly. A brow raises just slightly as the lizard-man's mask almost slips, but he plays it off well enough no one would really notice, if they weren't the kind of person that paid attention to such personal quirks. So she doesn't comment on the 'our world problems' so much. "Too many issues, not enough people willing to focus on the ones that don't directly affect them."

    Rizadoman takes a few moments to breath and process the words. " A trap that is obviously a trap is the worse kind of trap. I know there are many focusing on that problem across Yamato, though it never feels enough. If you need another hand don't be afraid to ask. Erufu, whose ears are probably burning, is a decent hunter and tracker as well. Two hunters are better then one, or however the saying goes. " With a small moment he looks at the side of papers and ask, " Many pieces of these stories need more information to be written before we can act. I feel like people like you and Erufu and others who are skilled in hunting for such information are about to be given a dragons load of work. However I think, I want to table those stories for a moment and ask about one closer to home. How do you see the story of Shibuya playing out? "

    "Erufu has already been aiding me, yes." The pair already have a bit of friendly rivaltry going. "It's the way the higher level Undead can teleport through the ground that makes tracking any of them hard. Combine that with a hunter that knows how to track and thus avoid being tracked easily, and..." Shiruba can only shrug her shoulders. "Even two experienced hunters can only do so much." She huffs into her bangs, and is all too happy to move on to a different topic. Though one that causes her to tilt her head a little. "I'm not entirely sure I understand what you're asking. We are making a home for ourselves, and those seeking our aid, that doesn't impend or intrude upon the cultures of the Landers we're trying to protect. I know we want to help the rest of the world... but we need to take care of ourselves too. Or we're of no use to anyone."

    Rizadoman holds up his hand and chuckles , " I apologize I didn't meant to insinuate anything, a turn of phrase that had all the wrong phrasing. " Taking a moment Rizadoman cups his chin and taps the side of his jaw as he tries to figure out how to best say it. " I suppose I was trying to picture a Shibuya that could please all the alliance and the landers while not intruding on them. I know for example , and you didn't hear this from me, Erufu wants an Inn. A place of meditation, prayer, and worship would be nice. Just I suppose I pictures my own home for a moment, despite most of us living in mud huts we still grew the village. The growth of the village was even a story passed down."

    Coughing a little he lays his hands palm up on the ground, "In the beginning the marsh was untamed and wild. The marsh was a monster, marked by the bones of ancient fallen dragons and dangers everywhere. The first of my people had traveled many moons and came upon the land and said, ' This land beats with the same fire as we do. We shall tame this land.' So they did, first with one hut and then two..." As he talks he continues to animate flattenting the land and huts and such with his hands before he realizes he is certainly going off into the weeds. "Er anyways the point being I simply was trying to work out the next chapter of the story that is Shibuya."

    A soft laugh comes from the wolfgirl. "No, no I did not. Because I've heard it from her myself," she replies with a wink. Then settles back in her seat and folds her hands together. "As long as people have been contributing to Shibuya's growth and stability I have not felt much need to personally intervene other than providing my support as needed. If it is going to be a city for the people, it needs to be built by the people. And I have no lack of Silver Sword members that would rather patrol the city than venture out into the dangerous wilderness. Not everyone wants to be big heroes." Then she shakes her head a bit. "Just need to keep an eye on some of the people that don't grasp how intrusive some of their ideas may be... though I think some people took some jokes a little too seriously at times, too."

    RIzadoman grins and seems to be relaxing a bit, " I can understand your view point. You seek the path of the river, as long as the water is not disturbed there is no reason to fight the current and let the world do as it will around you." The lizardman may have just got a level of insight of the wolfgirl before he leans back into the flames and maybe just has a little proud smile on his face. Taking a moment to bask he goes in to the last few words, " The new bring new blood, but new blood is always hot and unsettled. They will learn as they integrate, meanwhile the old sometime need the new blood to get them to move. New blood brings life , and the old brings wisdom and I think it unfortunately falls on you to balance the two as a guild leader. You have my condolences."

    "You... probably don't realize just how right you are, my friend." Shiruba's gaze settled on the fire as well, simply watching it crackle and flit in it's small stone prison that provided heat to hall. "I know I am not the greatest of the leaders; I never intended to be in such an important position. But people have put their faith in me, and I will do the best I can to not disappoint them."

    Rizadoman snickers as he nods his head, " A common saying found in many lands is , ' A great leader does not seek power. They have power thrust upon them.' I believe you are the great leader being mentioned in that quote. " With a smile he sets aside the paper far fromm him and stands in front of the fire stretching. " You are a good leader, our alliance has several of them. I can't even say that Giganpor was a bad leader if not simply going about things the wrong way. " Turning he looks over at the fire before adding some more wood to it, " Perhaps some form of coming together to talk and work it all out face to face. Make sure we are all on the same page? "

As the pair keep talking foot falls can be heard and there's a certain green haired elf with a big old grin on my face. "Shiruba! Rizadoman! My ears have been burning for a while. I been sneezing as well." She seems in good spirits too. "So just what are you ip to. Oi Giganpor! How could he be so daft as to help Goblins..." She's not mad about him trying to stop Scale it's the Goblin thing...

"Giganpor made poor decisions pursuing an objective. He knew there would be backlash, or he wouldn't of made such emphasis that it was his choice and not the Alliance's, which I appreciate even if unhappy with what he chose to do." Wolfen ears perk at hearing another familiar voice. "Hello, Erufu! I'm not sure what sneezing has to do with anything, but probably a good reason to come sit by the fire for a bit to warm up? And yes, it's probably time to have a Alliance meeting of some manner, even if just informal to get people to stop winding off on so many different tracks at the same time." She doesn't say anything about it, but the reassuring words have perked her spirits back up again.

    Rizadonab turns around hearing the voice of a certain elf as he tries to play innocent. It is quite a sign of a large lizardman trying to play innocent as he looks around and seems shocked, " Ears burning and sneezes, couldn't be because of us." Looking at Shiruba before looking back at Erufu, " Yes it sounds like a cold, come warm by the fire this evening. " Settling back down to where he was sitting, quite close to the fire, in fact probably blocking at least half of it. Looking at the others he nods, " The road the realm of the hound is paved with good intention unfortunately. However I would not oppose his return to properly leading Grandeur if he would swear to not keep things from the alliance. He would do well to help quiet that hot new blood with his own loud roar." Looking at Erufu he does ask, " What about your Inn, have you put in the paperwork for it yet?"

Erufu says "That does sound like an idea." She note to Shiruba and she looks to Rizadoman. "Sure my friend sure!" She will fi9nd a spot near the fire as it were and its down. "I'm working on gathering more funds before I get started. Don't worry it wont' be an elf only Inn. So long as you have coin and I have room your welcome." She'll pause to pull some food out of her inventory looks like chicken drumsticks. "Want any!?"

    "That's a smart thing to do. We have the commercial support of Ninetails and Fourland but they're not going to ship resources here for you for free." Shiruba nods her head. "We need to get people back on the same basic pages. We've reached out a lot to this world to help it, but we've been allowing ourselves to become spread dangerously thin."

    RIzadoman looks at the cluck-cluck leg for a moment his tongue licking his lips before he shakes his head, " No no I mustn't ." He says as he reaches out and takes the chicken drumstick and looks at it before he begins to chew on it. " Perhaps after whatever mess the Scale causes this week we can look in to throwing a inner alliance festival. To celelbrate the alliance and to also pull it together and talk things out. " Looking at the chicken drumstick for another moment before he looks at Erufu, " Thank you for this drumstick that appears to have magically moved into my hand. Also if you want help funding it, I will help, as I am sure many others would. You do not need to fund it all by yourself. " With that he begins to devour the drumstick, bone and all.

Erufu take osm of the meat for herself and she looks to Rizadoman for a moment. "That could be fun there'd be food, games fair food...and a chance..." She get this look on her face. "To drag Orcbalg out to have some fun and maybe get his mind off the goblins for a little bit. I'm sure even those without coin would be glad to pitch in too. We could also see if any Landers are interested in such a todo. I bet Guild Girl could use a break!"

"That's also a really good idea. What are we fighting for if we don't enjoy what this world has to offer us in return?" Shiruba pushes herself up from her seat. "If you two will excuse me, I need to go feed Yojimbo and catch some sleep. Still getting back in order after that bit of nightmare curse I had from the Shadow Labyrinth. You two take care."

    Rizadoman nods his head, glad to hear that people were on board with the idea as he continues to think on it. Givng a nod to Shiruba , not completely aware of whatever Shiruba is talking about in terms of nightmare curse but at least things are ok now. Turning back to Erufu he looks at her with a smile, " I feel like it has been forever since we have just sat in a room and talked. How are you? How is the life of Erufu?"

Erufu says "It has been maybe I should get someone to carve up some dice mmm I have an idea I want to pitch to Guild Girl for the Hunter guild. Hunting things, dealing with some runs after the greenskins in the tower. Thinking of how to get Orcbalg to go on a proper adventure... Which isn't an extermination."

    Rizadoman looks at Erufu with a bit of interest, " Dice, I can only imagine what you could be imagining for us to do with those? " Standing up and stretches and chukcles, " I do not know if you will ever convince him that something is a proper adventure unless it ends with him getting to do what he does. Perhaps if it ended up with him getting to kill a couple of goblins he would go along with it. " Scratching the back of tneck he considers the answer for a moment, " Sometimes the story must drag the hero along until they are fully invested in the adventure, so if we keep at it I am sure we can figure it out one day."

Erufu says "Could say there'd been rumours of goblins in the area..." She's plotting already. "Just he's suffered so much. I mean look at some of the books we have gone over when we had downtime." She grins a bit. "We'll get something done eomday even if we got to bring in Cowgirl and Guild girl in on this plan..."

    Rizadoman grins at the idea, " I can only imagine how he would respond. The lone slayer out seeking the dangerous goblins when the cowgirl princess is kidnapped and he must go forth and quest for months on end to seek the end. Finally defeating the villian who did the kidnapping to find out...the princess was at home the entire time and the message was mistranslated." With a snicker he looks at the dying fire as the tosses another log on. " If it wasn't for him likely slaying the villian at the end you could even see if Dowafu would play the role."

Erufu looks at Rizadoman "I think Goblin Slayer and the guild would hang us by the tail or ears from the guild hall if we did that..." She's laughing though at the whole image.