Mi Castillo Es Su Castillo

Rylen
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

As of late, Rylen has ben spending more of his time in Ninetails Dominion than at his home in Carmina Gadelica Marina. His focus has been on the war effort against the undead, trying to work on whatever ways they can for Olympus and the other Alliances to push back against the growing danger.

As such, he is easy to find, as many within Dun Loireag are familiar with the fact that the Pooka stays at the Isekai Ryokan. At the moment, he is sitting at a table not too far from the entrance, looking as if he's had a number of meetings today as there are notes hastily scrawled on a few bits of paper in front of him.

He seems to be winding down from the day of work, however, a tall glass of amber liquid set before him and a half-eaten meal as he seems to be looking over scouting reports. "A fortune for even a fraction the old man's tactical brilliance." He mutters to himself.
Rylen
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

As the Baroness arrives, Rylen is quick to stand, as is polite custom, placing a hand to his chest and then bowing forward before offering a hand out, motioning to the seat across from him. "Graceful and beautiful as always, Lady Wake." He offers, "Please, by all means, join me."

Then, he settles back down, offering her one of those characteristic, charming smiles of his, "Less than I would like, I'm afraid. I can only hope that the upcoming winter slows down the undead as much as it is likely to slow travel amongst the Landers." That was his hope, but perhaps the undead don't fear the cold, much and a long winter will only make their position that much worse...

"How are things in the South? I know Susaki took quite a bit of damage, but we were able to get the first ship launched on time, regardless. How goes the building in Eas?"
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "You are too kind, Master Rylen," replies Wake. She settles in the offered seat and folds her hands carefully before responding to the questions about the south.

    "They are improving. Much damage was done and lander life was lost. We continue to invest considerable effort in making things right again."

    "As for Eas, progress is steady. There was a brief break in the action as I put everything we had in Susaki, trying to make things right again, but when things grew more stable, I reallocated the efforts to restoring the Dome of Stars. When that is concluded, it will start to feel like the Eas of old, and yet much remains undone."

    There is a pause as Wake considers what topic to discuss first.

    "I am rather concerned about the situation with the undead. I had been giving this situation a rather lower priority as I focused elsewhere. Perhaps that was a mistake. How dangerous have things become?"

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

There's a meeting between the Baroness and the Beastmaster, a discussion of various things, and who should walk into the inn but one certain Nightmare known to both. And upon seeing both lavander eyes light up. "Ah! What fortunate timing, that you would both be here." She stops, bows briefly, and then pulls a delivery satchet out of seemingly nowhere (meaning it most likely came out of her inventory). She pulls a small pile of parchments out in each hand. One is dropped in front of Wake. "Progress reports from both Eas's restoration projects, and the repairwork in Susaki." The other is deposited in front of Rylen, followed by a teasing wag of her finger. "And don't you think you can get away from paperwork just because you've been absent from the Ranch, mister. People are eager to learn how to care for their beasts of burden in the coming winter months."
Rylen
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

Besides his good looks and boyish charm, Rylen's ability to listen is likely the reason he ended up with his senior position within Crescent Moon. He allows her to give the full report, his chin lightly resting over crossed hands that are braced beneath him. "It eases my worries to hear that. We invested a lot in the infrastructure in Susaki, and we want to make sure that Olympus retains their good standing with the people there."

He gives a soft exhalation of breath that is almost a laugh, but with no humor to it. "After everything we put into developing the boats, it just /had/ to be our port town that got attacked by the Wave." Fate, it seems, is not always kind. "If there's anything in the way of materials or manpower you need, let me know. We mostly need fighters and healers up here in Ninetails, so there's room to send crafters elsewhere."

As she turns the question to the situation in Ninetails, his mouth sets into a thin line, "We've managed to slow their acquisition of more forces, but we haven't made a real dent in the enemy numbers. I spoke with one of the military minds of Scale Emblem today, and he believes that some of the more... vocal of the Monsters may be the tactical mind behind their movements. That we might benefit by focusing on eliminating them and hoping the structure falls out from beneath them."

And that is when paperwork gets dropped onto his table. Rylen looks at the pages, then up at Kauchemar. "Perish the thought, my dear Lady Kauchemar. I'm sure there is much to attend to, but my attentions have been needed here, as of late." He flicks through the pages absently, "So long as my dear Uta hasn't overrun the place with Monsters, I'll say the ranch is a lower priority."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    Wake nods slowly as Rylen summarizes the undead problem in the region. "I can't imagine at this point I will have much luck gaining support in the Dukedom. If the Wave hadn't occurred, I could have perhaps convinced them of the potential threat. With that wound so fresh, I rather doubt it."

    The Baroness smiles at the sight of Kauchemar, and manages to keep smiling even as a stack of paperwork is set down in front of her.

    "Kauchemar, my dear, how wonderful of you to run all this way just to bring me these progress reports! I trust you're able to join us?"

    The Baroness can hardly be disturbed to have these tasks. She rather loves her role, after all.

    The reference to Uta draws a laugh from her. "I hope she is enjoying herself. I dearly wish to see her again, but we can never seem to connect lately. It was wonderful of her to bring the library to Eas. It's a great foundation for the other plans I have for it. Which reminds me.. there is a question I have for you, Rylen."

    Though there is no change in inflection or any expression to indicate it, no doubt this is the business part of the visit coming.

    "I have given considerable thought to the many benefits Eas conveys and was wondering what you think of building an Olympus Headquarters there."

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

"What are you worried more about, Uta's slimes or Setsuna's undead?" Kauchemar replies with a chuckle. "Though the progress made in actually teaching her to handle monsters is impressive in its own right."

A chair is pulled out and the equine were fang deposits herself in it. "You'd be amazed how prolific this profession still is. There is always information to be transferred that people do not trust to chimlinks. It's a bonus when I get to do so running into company I enjoy though..." She cupped a hand thoughtfully to her cheek. "I don't know about you, but I have this suspicion the Wave appearing over our recently involved project was too timely to be a coincidence. Not when the otherworlders showed up specifically trying to sabotage them. That's not Fate, or Coincidence. That's Enemy Action."
Rylen
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

"Unfortunately, I have to agree with your assessment." Rylen inclines his head, though his expression seems to carry a bit of sorrow for the state of affairs that the Adventurers have found themselves in. "We may need to wait until matters from the recent Wave have eased a bit before we seek out additional help from the Dukedom. Though, I've heard that Scale has intentions to continue to push the tower, so it may not be the last Wave we have to mop up after in the coming months." He does seem to have a decent amount of intel in regards to Scale's movements, but his sources do seem reasonably reliable, at least.

He glances over to Kauchemar then, "Usually, Setsuna keeps his Monsters away from the ranch for the most part, so I have a bit less to worry about, there." Though, he likely has no idea what kind of menagerie Scale's resident necromancer has at the moment.

"I, honestly, don't have enough intel about the Waves and the Outlanders to make any sort of educated comentary. Proteus seems to know far more about those sort of matters." Rylen hasn't even been to a single Wave of Calamity, his attentions usually set elsewhere.

Then, gray eyes turning back to Wake, he seems to consider her idea, brows drawing down thoughtfully. "Well, it would certainly save us having to negotiate with a city or kingdom for space. It would also mean we could build whatever it is we wanted in a headquarters instead of being limited to what structures are available."

He hrms to himself, tapping at his chin, "I would certainly be in support of the idea. Though I'd want to run it by Proteus, Yuuki, and the Guild leadership before any final decisions."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "You are correct, Kauchemar. On both counts. I see Tae snuck a note in here, too. Chimlinks don't convey perfume quite as well as a proper letter can... and as for Susaki, it does seem it was targeted and they were clearly after the ship. We'll have to ensure our next revolutionary effort is away from Landers. And perhaps rigged with enough explosives to guarantee any guests are permanently sent packing, should the need arise."

    Granted, that means the work would be rather damaged.

    Returning her attention to the proposal she just made, Wake explains, "I have the support of Proteus and Yuuki, at this point, and certainly Olympus would be free to design its own building there. The option exists to use one of the existing structures or to clear a space either in the castle or around the lake, where there is a lot of space. The objective is to have adventurers build a place that serves as a shield and beacon of hope to our people and landers alike. I've given a fair amount of thought to how governance would work. Essentially, I'd suggest that Olympus be given its own lands and freedom to operate with its own rules there. Rather like an embassy. I believe it would make roles and rules clearest for everyone."

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

"Ooooh, an embassy. I do like that idea.... not that I am one in any position to make judgements on such things." Kauchemar shifted her posture to steeple her fingertips together. "A protector and beacon of home to those that decide to call the new kingdom home. But not pinned directly under the government. Which is probably for the best. Don't want anyone to think Olympus is trying to take over or something." Pause. Tilts her head. "Not that the other Alliances seem interested in playing politics much."
Rylen
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

"It's going to be difficult to do anything ground-breaking without working with the Landers." Rylen adds, but he does seem to acknowledge the concern. "I think the question that is more apt is how they discovered it. Clearly, someone is feeding them information, even when they are not obviously in our world to gather intel." Once again, his lack of real tactical knowledge fails him here, unknowing of where to even start investigating something of that nature.

Focusing back on the topic of a headquarters, Rylen gives a single nod, "If they are already onboard, then I'd say we're good to move forward with it. I agree that we need someplace to act as our central location. Certainly, Crescent Burger can't support the number of people we'd need for a real headquarters."

The elven man smirks, "I'm afraid I'm not really versed much on matters of politics, so I suppose I'll leave that up to you." He inclines his head, "In the real world, I'm a trainer and teacher, but the closest to politics I ever got was getting drunk with some russian gymnasts during junior worlds. Believe me, they will drink you under the table."

He makes a motion with one hand, "So if all you're looking for is my opinion, I'd say, go for it. I can probably spare some craftsmen, but we'd want to break ground before the ground starts freezing for the winter."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "Since I have an official position in the Dukedom, I believe it's critical to keep the two things clearly separated, as well," says Wake. "The reason I am independent and not married to some lander is so Eas can serve as a buffer, ensuring the Fourland Dukedom doesn't become, say, the Threeland Dukedom. So a heightened adventurer presence actually serves as greater deterrent to any possible misbehavior."

    "You make a good point. I am not much of a builder, ironically enough, so I appreciate the reminder to get ahead of the weather. I will work with Goldenblade, who has been my chief architect in all of my endeavours. After that.. well, I need to find someone to make decisions for Olympus when it comes to the location, buildings, etc. Do we have any procedures for this situation?"
Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

Kauchemar holds up her hands as she leans back in her chair. "Don't look at me. I just show up to play music to keep the workers on pace and in good spirits like a proper Bard."
Rylen
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

"I think the Landers have their hands full at the moment, too full to likely start any kind of internal power struggles." No, in his mind it was more likely that the Landers would start to push back against the Adventurers at some point. "It's good that we're having a stronger base of operations and representation within the Fourland Dukedom."

After a pause, he takes a drink from his mug before speaking. "Goldenblade should be able to give you the best guidance. Have them find a location, maybe throw together some plans, then toss them up to the Alliance leadership for each of the Guilds. If they give their blessing, then you should be good to move forward."

He grabs the paperwork Kauchemar had offered, taps it so it neatly stacks together, and then adds, "Once you're ready to break ground, let me know. I'll organize getting you some manpower among our crafters. Until then... well, I have a bath with my name on it. So if you don't mind, ladies." He tips his glass at them, then rises. "I'm going to bid you both a good night."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "Thank you, Rylen. I will keep you aware of things, and I'll be happy to let Goldenblade guide our efforts there." She shoots Kauchemar a grin, "And I cannot wait to get you a venue worthy of your talents. Hmm.. remind me at some point of a wonder that just came to mind. I would like to build accoustics that allow a performer's works to project across, say, an entire city."

    Getting back to the point, Wake says, "Good night, Rylen. I hope your bath restores your spirit and body."

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

Kauchemar doesn't have a hat but she mimics the gesture of tipping one to Rylen all the same, because she's that kind of flamboyant person. "Take care, Rylen. I shall let the Ranch operators know you have your 'paperwork' to be taken care of, and you can just give me a call when you need to send it back if you don't return yourself soon."

After which she settles back in her seat, nodding a bit. "Mmm. Would maybe need to use some magic to make up for the lack of electronics, but I'm sure something is possible. I mean, not everyone has a voice like mine that can just carry." Pause. "Or make ears bleed, thankfully."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "I think I am perhaps too ambitious, but so long as I do just one or two things at a time, all will be well," Wake murmurs. "And I rather appreciate your voice."

    The Baroness ponders for a moment, "Now, for the critical question. What should we eat while we are here? And also, what have you been up to lately? I'm so tied-down in work that I feel rather unaware of the larger world."

    
Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

"From what I hear of this establishment it doesn't matter what you order, there is no such thing as a 'bad' meal," Kauchemar replies with a lazy smile. "Can't complain about any place that has their own in-house bard. Though she seems to be off-stage at the moment." She shrugs. "Your discresion on meal, my dear wake. Just keep in mind," she smiles, wider than should be possible, showing off her viper-like fangs, "I am not your typical equestrian herbivore."

She taps a digit on the tabletop. "Let's see... other than the kelpie trying to drown me several times during the monster race the Ranch put on for the last festival." Someone thought it was funny to have the equine were fang jockey another equine monster. "I've been refining how to use my musical skills in combat when necessary ... And providing someone for newer admitances to the Duelist's League to get familiar with the methodology."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    The Baroness nods thoughtfully. "Then.. perhaps some surf and turf. Or whatever they call it here. I don't suppose they have sashimi, do they?"

    As she speaks, Wake idly shuffles through her papers, though she always seems to keep Tae's letter on top. Priorities remain fixed in that regard.

    "So tell me about the Duelist's League. How is that working? Is it popular among adventurers? Do Landers watch, too? I was to one event back when it started, I think, but nothing since."

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

One doesn't have to question why. Especially not after the previous comment about scented letters.... that and Kauchemar can smell it herself, just due to how strong her own olfactory senses are.

She just goes down the list as it was asked. "It was intended to give people a chance to engage in PvP combat without risking the issues with PKing or such, so I'd say it is working well enough. It is, though it's activity waxes and wanes depending on other events going on. Seems to peak more at times between festivals and we're not all busy racing off to the next big disaster to prevent... And that is one of the other benefits of the matches being held mainly in Root Towns to ensure the Duel System precautions, Landers can see for themselves the strength of those fighting for them against whatever threat comes next." She twirls one hand abstractly. "So in a way it is a method of good public presentation for the reputation of Adventurers."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    Wake's attention drifts. Well, once she puts in an order, anyway. "That sounds like a good thing, generally. Hopefully it can bring us all closer together."

    The Baroness glides a fingertip along the seal on her letter. "Do you have much knowledge of romance? I mean.. professionally, that is. With Eas in the state that it is.. I am on the brink of fulfilling a precondition and with it, there is a thing open to me that wasn't previously. Something I've desired for some time, but could not achieve."

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

Glamrock mane sways with the motion of Kauchemar shaking her head. "Alas, despite my ostentatious and sometimes flirtatious demeanor I am afraid I am not that versed in the matter. I mean, sure, I can play a mean serenade but you don't really need -me- for that when you have your own virtuoso of much more.. personal bonds." She resumes steepling her fingers together. "But now you do have me curious as to what lays before you that we did not see before. I recall there being a few... circumstances you wished to avoid if possible...."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    Wake laughs softly, her mask slipping just for a moment to reveal an almost adolescent bliss. "Well, once a lovely woman desired to marry another lovely woman in a game, but the desired one playfully set a condition. She said to the other that she would wed, but only when the other had a castle worthy of their wedding."

    She turns her attention briefly to the drink that is set at her side. A small sip of tea follows.

    "The castle is on its way, the Dome of Stars is nearly ready. The village, the streets, the walls. All are nearly ready for us, now. This is a celebration long, long in the making, Kauchemar."

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

Kauchemar puts a palm over her face, though it's mostly to keep her own laughter from getting too loud. "You had me for a moment there, Wake, concerned there would be some elaborate circumstances. Well played." Once the mirthful moment subsides she sits back up. "You know, seeing as your very personal musician will be... preoccupied," she adds, with a waggling of brows, "I am fully available to provide any and all needs for ceremonial music." Then taps her chin thoughtfully. "I wonder if the Lander culture has a certain song for weddings..."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "I would greatly appreciate your music for the ceremony," says Wake. As the food arrives, she helps herself to some of it. Apparently sashimi-or something like it-is part of the order. And Wake clearly savors the flavor.

    "And honestly, for after. I'd love a night of Kauchemar Live. Without mobs." She can't help but smile now. She's just too happy.

    "I think the Dome of Stars will do for the ceremony, and.. well. I've kept her waiting long enough, and I know I have, too."

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

"Aw, you don't want a few rounds of Dance Dance Devestation as a party game?" Kauchemar holds up her hands quickly. "I jest, I jest! Frankly it would be nice to put on a proper performance. As much as I enjoy dropping a bassline by beating it out of some minion shlub's skull."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "Well, I know that Tae appreciates a lot of different genres, but it is a wedding.. as for the after party, though, open up the songbook, dear. Just do me the kindness of opening and closing with some romance, if you please. And anticipate that Tae will want to sing at least once, and I.. well, perhaps I may be willing to risk it, though the game dampens even my modest talents with its systems."

    Wake tries the turf side of the meal and sighs deeply. "This... is... gooooood. Seriously, you need to try this!"

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

"Of course, my dear. There is more ways to represent romance than the classics after all." The invitation to share is all Kauchemar was waiting for, she helps herself after that. "Mmmmhmmm. It would seem the 'no bad meal options' was not just advertisement bragging."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "I can't imagine I'm the only one to do this, but I honestly haven't heard of others, either," says Wake. She takes another drink, then gets back to the food.

    "They definitely do not skimp on the portions, I'll give them that."

    "But anyway.. how about you? Isn't there someone pursuing the most beautiful of bards in the land?"

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

Kauchemar snorts with amusement. "Alas, my only stalker is entirely of the rivaltry type..." Pause. "... When I'm not stalking her to be a mischevious troll. Samurai honor is a fun thing to poke at sometimes." Then just shrugs. "Honestly we've been around the circle so many times poking each other's business I don't think either remembers where it starts."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "Wow, is that a rivalry, or a some kind of fiery romance?" teases Wake. She shifts ever so slightly in her seat, allowing herself to take on a posture that is casual for her. Which means she's still almost perfectly straight.

    "I feel.. weird," she admits rather abruptly. "When I do not talk about work or Tae I have.. nothing much else to say. I'm not sure what that means, to have my universe drawn into such a small space. I think I rather enjoy it."

    "Oh! Have you been speaking with Uta lately? Or Proteus? I'm curious how they are doing."

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

Kauchemar opens her mouth as if to say something... but then seems to decide on just helping herself to another portion of the meal and shrugs. "It's hard to tell. I've only seen her take that damn kitsune kibuki mask off once to see a real expression." Though her tone is teasing, and that's more a hint as to who she's talking about than anything else.

Moving on.

"Is Proteus ever not busy trying to answer puzzles possibly never intended to be known? And Uta has finally learned to handle monsters without potentially killing herself in the process." Pause. "I mean, beyond the usual hazards that come with dealing with monsters."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "Well, perhaps the mask stays on and the rest comes.. off?" Wake actually /giggles/. Giggles! And yes, she's only drinking tea. She's in the Ninetails, so she can be a bit more casual, right?

    "Proteus does have a knack for prying into the very nature of existence. I am a bit concerned for her, as some of her.. shall we say lab partners.. are not exactly at her side as they were previously. Not to mention the greater concern, which is far more dangerous. The.. tri business."

    As dire serious as that topic is, Wake is happy to hear about Uta. "Truly! Well, I am delighted to hear she's made progress. Her fascination with slimes has been something I've supported, even when I was secretly a touch concerned about it potentially getting her seriously injured."

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

"She still has me!" Kauchemar pauses a moment to wipe her mouth with a napkin. That really was good, she's going to have to pop in here when she passes through more often. "We have some of the other ... threads she's come across to pursue, when the oppritunity arrises. Not that there is much of a break as of late. No rest for the wicked as they say... and the wicked being restless keep the -rest- of us occupied, too."
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "Of course she has you, and you aren't allowed to go anywhere, dear!" She cannot help but look down at the papers and sigh. "Well, I guess.. business has to eventually come into things, doesn't it? Are you going to spend the night here?"

Kauchemar
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan

"I don't have anywhere else to be," Kauchemar replies. "Nothing else that needs to be delivered until tomorrow... Split a room? I doubt Tate will mind if it's me you're sharing with, ni?"
Baroness Wake
Dun Loireag - Isekai Ryokan



    "That works," says Wake, laughing. "You just can't tease me publicly for fawning over a love letter all night." She makes arrangements for that and after spending a few minutes looking over the work-related papers, heads off to the room with Kauchemar.

    "And fear not, Tae knows that I'm wrapped completely around her finger."