It's a Very Merry Isekai

    The Isekai Ryokan has been decorated for Christmas. A small tree stands on the corner of the bar draped with colorful garland. The observant will note that occasionaly the small pine will open eyes to watch the festivities. Obviously one of Hifumi's plant summons has been put in costume as a christmas tree.

    There are Landers and Adventurers alike, there is a large table set out buffet style with deep fried cluckcluck, potato salad, cole slaw, and a big pot of cream stew. Along with small Christmas cakes with a single strawberry atop each.

    There almost has to be a catch. Christmas? In this weird game land? And supposedly FREE FOOD? Well, there's honestly only one thing to do. Catch or not, it's up to Fukaziroh to get to the bottom if things. And if the bottom of things happens to be a big bowl of really good food, well, Fuka will just have to accept it.

    She enters the inn dramatically, pushing the doors wide and pausing, framed by the doorway in a gunslinger pose. Not that she's a gunslinger. Not that she has a gun, or even a weapon. It's been put away. Her pose isn't subtle either. It'd clearly and obviously overdramatized, and rather out of place on a small-framed Sylph who looks anything but dangerous. Cute, sure. Maybe even fashionable, though elegant is perhaps a bit much for her to manage. She does know how to make an entrance though, at least.

    After pausing in the doorway to make her entrance, pausing to sweep the room dramatically with her gaze, she saunters inside. Probably being stared at by Landers and possibly Adventurers too. All according to plan. She saunters - that walk can't be anything so casual as a stroll - across the floor towards the food, waiting to see if she'll be interrupted, greeted... or even noticed. Sometimes entire rooms fail to notice how dramatic and exciting she is!

    Upon returning from a brief trip to Shibuya, Eliza is surprised to see Brynjar Iversen, the Lander whose farm she'd called home for the past year, waiting for her at the dock. He's heard that someone in the city was holding some kind of Adventurer celebration, and thinks Eliza might be interested in coming along. After already having celebrated the Winter Snow Festival, Eliza wasn't expecting to be celebrating Christmas as well, but it's hard to say no to the man who'd allowed her into his home.

    Thus, after dropping Sunny the peko off at a nearby stable, the middle-aged orc-werefang farmer leads Eliza into the restaurant. "Good day, folks, and I think the phrase is... Merry Christmas," Brynjar announces cheerfully. "Come now, Eliza, let's get us some food. I'm sure you're hungry from your trip."

    Before they can pick out their food, Eliza and Brynjar's attentions are drawn to the door, as a Sylph makes a dramatic entrance. Eliza isn't quite sure what to think of the newcomer, other than that she probably has some kind of character in mind for herself. "Ah... hello," Eliza says to the Sylph. "Are you looking for someone, or just here for the party?"

    A woman in a kimono in the house colors (dark blue and black) approaches asthe Sylph comes in. "Hello, would you like to sit at the bar, at a kotatsu or in the garden?" she says and explains that if you'd like to sit at the kotasu she'd be happy to bring you slippers and take your footware to be cleaned and returned when you leave. "Today is an Adventurer holiday as I'm certain you're aware and the chef has said dinner is free to all. Drinks are still normal price however." she smiles brightly. The pretty human woman indicates the various locations you can sit. The chef is pointed out, a middle aged man in a traditional Japanese chef's outfit as he works behind the bar with an older Cait Sith gentleman who seems to be the bartender.

    "Merry Christmas!" Fuka returns the Lander's greeting cheerily and without the slightest self-consciousness, as if she believed he was talking to her directly. Never mind that the Lander is fanged. Nothing wrong with that! It might have weirded it out a bit at first but she's a woman of the world. Of the Worlds in fact! And she's definitely not the sort to let looks interfere with being friendly. Most of the time. Of course Eliza's cuter, and closer to Fuka's own age besides. She draws the sylph's attention quickly, and Fuka finds herself actually engaged in actual conversation! Her dramatic entrance has paid off it seems!

    "More like, who is looking for ME?" Fuka says to Eliza in a mock-dramatic stage whisper that can no doubt be heard by anyone nearby. "Aaaah, I just got here. In this town at least, so I am truly the mysterious stranger!" she claims with a broad grin. "I thought I should learn about the local customs, and I found one that's more familiar than I expected!" she adds, no longer stage-whispering but talking (slightly) more normally.

    And speaking of investigating, aha! The food IS free! This is of course suspicious! Should Fuka claim to be underage and therefore not able to drink, so she doesn't have to pay anything? It's true, for another few months at least, or it would be were this her home. In Yamato, she's pretty sure they don't set the legal drinking age at 20. Ah well, she can consider that more later. "It's been so long since I've sat at a kotetsu! That sounds delightful!" she gushes cheerfully. Man, this place is... unique. Kimonos, traditional chefs who happen to be startlingly generous. She's not even startled by a cat man tending bar, not any more.

If there is one thing Uta excels at, it's missing things.

Scholars of Obliviousness would be flooding tome after tome with ink and praises at the masterfulness with which Uta fails not only to appreciate, but to notice at all, Fuka's dramatic entrance. But, you know, they're Scholars of Obliviousness, so, as it is very on-brand for them, they fail to notice Uta's outstanding lack of awareness.

ich is a pity. The very nature of the Scholars of Obliviousness make is so the greatest feats of distraction remain forever unsung. Such is thep paradox of life.

In any case, Uta does notice something. Hand on her chin, index finger rubbing horizontally against her lips, she stares at the 'Christmas Tree', until it opens its eyes and looks directly at her. She yelps, and takes a couple of step backwards, her calf-length heeled boots replaced by an equivalent soleless footwear that technically qualifies as 'socks', to respect indoors etiquette. "...It's a living plant monster!", she exclaims. "...I saw one covered in shining Enchanted Spheres knock over a giant Dire Cat once." She sighs, with a smile. "Ah, how the tables have turned..."

    Hifumi waves, and an inspect will show he's an Adventurer and that just might explain things if the owner of the resturant is from Japan and not Yamoto. He sets a plate of grill eel before a customer. His bartender is a fox technically and not a cat man but until you spot the tail it's an excusable mistake. Off in the corner another adventurer, a young Slyph woman, is playing Christmas music and singing occasionaly while a large fluffy cat sleeps on her feet.

     "A mysterious stranger? I see," Eliza says, not wanting to be too judgmental about the Sylph's choices. "Well, my name's Eliza Wyndham," she says in introduction. "I'm still not really sure about the idea of having Christmas here. I mean, we already had the Winter Snow Festival, so..."

    "Ah, don't be silly, Eliza," Brynjar interrupts. "I, Brynjar Iversen, will take any celebration I can get!" He laughs heartily. "Well, why don't the three of us sit at the kotatsu together then?" he suggests after Fuka's words.

    Fuka beams broadly at that appelation. She wouldn't particularly care about being judged, in fact she kind of prefers it. But since she's not being ignored, she doesn't mind not being judged. Besides, these people are interesting!

    "Don't worry about it." Fuka waves Eliza's doubts away vigorously. "You don't have to pay thanks to our wonderful host!" she explains. The best food, after all, is the kind others buy for you because you are so amazing. Or other reasons perhaps. She nods to Brynjar's words enthusiastically. "Let's do that." she agrees cheerfully. "Hmmm... should I call you Wyn? And Bryn?" she asks. "I'm Fuka. Fukaziroh!" she adds, sounding like she expects the two to immediately recognize the name and be astounded.

Uta's pointy ears perk up, her interest piqued. "What? What? Did I hear that name right?"

She seems to recognize, and be astounded.

Her head turns abruptly, attention focused to where the discussion is taking place. She scoots over, her expression dripping admiration, and begins to rant, "Oh my goodness, it's you! It's you! It's really you! I've been wanting to meet you for such a long time, and now the opportunity has arrived!"

"Eliza Wyndham? The farmer from the market? I've heard stories of your skills at handling animals! I... I was planning to eventually expand into that field and was looking for someone to teach me and-" A blink. "Oh, sorry, how careless of me. I forgot to introduce myself." She stands straight, in a formal introduction pose. "Uta Furore, Musical Kung-Fu Nurse, Chairspriggan for Life of the Royal Society for the Appreciation and Study of Gelatinous Creatures, and various other things that escape my attention at the moment. Pleased to make your acquaintance!"

She bows.

And, apparently, she still fails to notice Fukaziroh at all.

    Hifumi comes over since it is an adventurer filled kotatsu and sets out enough of the little Christmas cakes for everyone along with a big plate of fried cluckcluck and the other dishes for the Christmas dinner. "There we go, you guys have a Merry Christmas." he smiles "Let me know if you need something, and the girls will bring you drinks if you want them." On the chef's shoulder a small drake made of flowers and leaves peeks at the adventurers. The chloromancer's almost constant companion Snap Dragon.

     "Ha, Wyn and Bryn, that's a good one," Brynjar says with a grin. Eliza just looks embarrassed by the whole thing. "Well, it's nice to meet you anyway, let's-"

    Once again Eliza is interrupted, this time by Uta. At first, she presumes that Uta's fannish expression is aimed at Fukaziroh- who, for all she knew, is actually some kind of celebrity. But as it turns out, Eliza herself is the one on the receiving end of the Spriggan's enthusiasm. She's even more thoroughly flustered at this point. She didn't think she'd done anything high-profile enough to gain fans, except maybe winning that peko race. "W-well, um... I don't think it's something I can just teach someone," she says, trying to think of how to explain it.

    "Why don't you just have a seat with us," Brynjar interjects, coming to Eliza's rescue. "There's still room, after all." Eliza takes the opportunity to get some food while she collects her thoughts.

    There's something deeply satisfying about a kotatsu, particularly to a girl who used to live in Hokkaido. Beslippered and kotatsu'd, Fukaziroh stretches out enthusiastically, clearly delighted. She may end up kicking others who rest their weary legs under the heated table, probably accidentally. Probably. Besides it probably wasn't the tiny Fuka at all! Probably that guy with the long legs or something! "Ah, this is the life!" she sighs. "Warm feet in the middle of winter, and free food!" she grins. Hifumi's snap dragon gets a wide-eyed look, one which turns into an expression of wonder and delight. She could get used to this sort of place! The adventurers, that is. That and free food. And attention.

    While Fuka loves attention and being noticed, particularly when being outrageous, she isn't particularly jealous or an attention hog. Others can have their time in the spotlight, particularly if they're interesting and fun! She doesn't seem particularly upset at Uta's barging in. It's actually kind of fascinating in its own way, and Fuka's seen enough obsessive people to recognize a fellow soul in a hurry. Besides, Eliza seems embarrassed at the attention, and embarrassment means potential fun! "Yeah, join us!" she says to Uta, gesturing to the open fourth position. "I'm sorry, must've had something in my ear." she says, bonking herself on the side of the head comically. "Did you say you were some kind of fool nurse?" she asks innocently. Well okay, she sounds innocent enough. The grin is a wicked one indeed. Yes, Fuka knows exactly what she just said.

    "Huuuhhh..." she drawls, turning back to Eliza when she returns from getting food. "I didn't realize you were *famous*!" Fuka teases. Nope, collecting your thoughts is FUTILE!

Uta replies to Eliza, "Don't be modest! I'm sure you'd be a great teacher!"

after a polite bow of gratitude to Hifumi and after managing to tear her attention away from Snapdragon, Uta blinks at Brynjar. "Uh... okay! Thank you very much sir...", and she moves to sit down with the group. Just because she's moving down to sit, it doesn't mean that she won't continue rambling. "So, I've heard the story of how you've won that Peko race... Wow. It's amazing. You... you actually went and /took part/ to a Peko race. I've tried the whole year. There always was some snag. Except this one time. I came last." There is a short, somber pause. "But it's okay, I'll always be a champion to myself."

"Was it a babelfish?", Uta asks Fukaziroh. "Wait, no, we already have the Babylon Signal here, we don't need those. Although that'd probably be cool. Ear fishes. Hmm." Some chin tapping ensues.

Followed by head-shaking. "No, no, /Kung-Fu/ Nurse. Even though what I do is probably more like acrobatic karate. With a stick. Which makes it more like... bo? But you know, gotta follow the three-two-one syllable scheme for rhythm. Musical Kung-Fu Nurse. Musical Karate Nurse just... doesn't have the same zing, does it?"

"Although, you know, I would take it as a compliment to be called a fool. Shakespearian Fools were quite interesting characters, which I would go on rambling about for hours were it not that- wait, there's cake? Has there always been cake here?"

She samples the offering, as expected. "Mmmm. Quite delicious. Anyway, yes! She's famous. She, like, came to the market to sell something, one time, and this other market Lander told me that his sister told his mother that she's heard from the grocer next door that the milkman learnt from the butcher..." The chain keeps going on, and on, and on...

    The Isekai Ryokan has been decorated for Christmas. A small tree stands on the corner of the bar draped with colorful garland. The observant will note that occasionaly the small pine will open eyes to watch the festivities. Obviously one of Hifumi's plant summons has been put in costume as a christmas tree.

    There are Landers and Adventurers alike, there is a large table set out buffet style with deep fried cluckcluck, potato salad, cole slaw, and a big pot of cream stew. Along with small Christmas cakes with a single strawberry atop each.
One of the kotatsu is occupied with a chatting group including Uta, Fukaziroh, and Eliza

There's food. Festival food. And most importantly free festival food.

It was inevitable that Shiruba would eventually walk through the doors, having made her way over from Shibuya. "Ah. Just as holiday cheerful as I expected. Hifumi does not disappoint~" She waves to the bard girl as she passes through, but doesn't want to disrupt her music. "Happy holiday everyone!"

Miho had a bit more of an diea about the Holiday as she did spenmd about a dscade in the west. There was food and the smell of it lured her out of her forge. It didn't take long for her to arrive ands she is earching red and white clothing also she has a little bell tied to her tail witha ribbon as she comes inm and she's got something in a package under her arm for the master of this place it seems. "Merry Chrsiotmas everyone!"

    Well, as uncomfortable as the situation was, at least Eliza had warm feet. Uta quickly took over the discussion, leaving Eliza to eat potato salad in silence, until she finally brought the subject back to Eliza herself. "Oh, you see? I'm really more 'countryside famous' than world famous," she says. "There are some tight-knit communities out here, so word gets around quickly."

    Brynjar nods in agreement. "Right, well... a lot of that probably comes back to me, Eliza." he states. "I've talked about you a few times at some of the local farmers' meetings." Eliza smiles a bit.

    Hifumi waves to Miho "Merry Christmas." he says from behind the bar. The little pine tree on the bar opens it's eyes, and waves a bough as well.

Shiruba Takes a step aside when the decorated tree moves. "... As long as that's not a triffid," she mururs. "Hello Miho. How are yo--oooh! SOMEONE remembered the tradition." She claims several pieces of fried cluckcluck for herself."

    Fuka listens to Uta babble, sensing she is in the presence of a master. Not that Fukaziroh is an amateur in the field, but yes she seems to have found a kindred spirit. And to attempt to out-shine or put her down in the midst of her glory, well, Fuka's definitely not so petty! She likes this sort of geekery; it soothes the nerdy geek deep in her heart. And mocking such dedication and focus just wouldn't be the sort of teasing Fuka finds fun.

    She does, however, reply when encouraged to do so. "Oh yes." she says, in reference to cake. "It's good too!" she enthuses. Of course she'd gravitated to the sweets. Food is good, but when it's free food, she can eat what most pleases her. Better eat quickly everyone, or the cake might be gone before you get to it! She raises cake in salute to Uta before taking a bite, closing her eyes in delight.
    Not that she dislikes the others of course. Fuka's quite easygoing around people, at least when she's doing her thing. And it's so very easy to do her thing in this sort of situation when there's nothing at stake. It makes her feel relaxed... more relaxed than she's been in quite some time. She's been in Yamato for quite some time now, having played ETO daily since it was released. But only recently had she made the decision to come out of hiding. Today, she's very glad she did.

    "Merry Christmas!" she calls out in greeting to the newcomers, being quite loud, obvious, and speaking the words in an exaggerated way that sounds affected, like she's using the tone and phrasing of a foreign language. Badly.

    After a bit she leans back, sighing. "Countryside famous. That's a good one!" she grins. Then, because Fuka can't resist teasing a little, "You two seem really close. Father/daughter?" She frowns, studying them. "Mmm, probably not." she judges. The whole species thing. Or possibly realizing one is an adventurer and the other a person of the land. "Are you dating?" she blurts instead.

Uta, whose mouth happens to be stuffed with cakes at the moment, waves to Shiruba. Seems like it did not take long for her to escalate from tentative nibbling to face-stuffing.

Gotta boost that productivity.

Miho gets another wave, but in addition, a curious glance at the bell tiead to her tail, before glancing at the tail's owner as if for asking what is going on there.

After swallowing, she follows up to Eliza and Brynjar's discussion. "Oh, I'm ready to bet that the ratio of surface area for the countryside and urban areas leans dramatically in favour of the former, which means that the world is more countryside than city, ergo being countryside famous gives you a more solid claim to being world famous than being city-famous would." She frowns a little. "...I think. Anyway!", back to smiling she goes. "You don't need to be /world/ famous, in any case. As long as you are respected by your friends and neighbors, that's all that matters." She taps her chin. "So, uh, I haven't gotten to ask you. What alliance are you in? Given how you seem to focus on farming outside the tower, I... I would guess Not Scale. You certainly are not in Olympus, because I'm there and I've never heard you on the chimlinks, so... New World?" Uta offers, tentatively. "Planning to settle down and start a new life here?" She gestures for the servers to bring something to drink. "It's not hard to imagine. Poets have been praising the idyllic pleasures of bucolic life ever since poetry was a thing." She addresses Fuka (but Eliza can clearly hear) after the Sylph's comments about father/daughter or dating, "Oh, good point. Eliza is Countryside Famous, young, attractive, if NWA, probably planning to settle down in this new world... it'd make sense that if she doesn't already have a boyfriend or a husband, she should at least be looking." This time directly Brynjar, she asks, "Are you helping her find a husband? She's the right age, you know. I'm sure you know plenty of young fellows with serious intentions who would be a good match for your not-daughter..." Distracted as she is, Uta has at least cottoned on that Brynjar is a Lander (due to his peculiar speech patterns in introducing himself by name unprompted), and Eliza being an Adventurer.

Uta glances at Shiruba again. "...The...tradition?"

Miho also pauses at the fried cluckcluck. "... oh someone reecalled to make this!" She's distracte as she darts in like some sort of predator for the fried chiucken. She'll start to eat some it looks like she's pretty hungry. Shee'll take a look over at Fuka and Uta for a momen and grins lookng to them both. "Good to see you Uta and to your new friend the name's Miho Mithrilscale! I'm a Smith." She notes witha very wide grin. "Umm Uta are you ... working on anotehr project again?"

Miho will inspect Uta now just to be sure...

    Fuka tends to agree with Uta's rambling, or at least the vigorous nods of agreement she gives, along with the occasional "Mmm! Mhmm!" should suggest it.

Inspecting Uta reveals nothing out of the ordinary. Usual adventurer icons, the full name 'Uta Furore', no special status effects.

Shiruba ohs at Uta. "Fried Chicken of a specific franchise has become a holiday tradition in Japan, because turkeys and ham and such are much more expensive and hard to come by." She waggles a piece of fried cluckcluck at Uta. "This is the closest to it I've seen someone manage so far." She shrugs to Miho. "I think she's just being Uta right now."

    Hifumi chuckles "Well I might not know the secret herbs and spices, but I've got my own blend I picked up over the years." he says with a smile "Besides I have to do everything by taste here anyway, I mean it isn't like I have a spice shop selling the same things I had in Japan. Instead they sell the spices and herbs from Yamoto which are... close enough."

"Oh, I know about the chicken...", Uta comments to Shiruba. "I thought you were talking about the, you know, bell?" She points at the bell tied to Miho's tail. "No projects at the moment," she replies. "Taking a few days off for the holidays."

Shiruba pauses mid-bite of chikken to lean back and look. "Oh, that I have no idea about." Resumes eating. Though she does make sure to get plenty of everything else offered too.

Miho relaxe as she sees Uta is being normal what could go worse. "Yeah KFC, this is pretty good still hard ot get those speices and herbs really. I hear they keep it under lock and key back in the Americas." She ntoes as she takes anotehr bite. Miho grins and moves her tail to make the bell jingle. "I couldn't help myself."

     Eliza nods in reply as Uta deduces that she's in the New World Alliance. "That's right," she says. "You got it exactly." She isn't too surprised by the suggestion that Brynjar is her father, but dating? She chokes down her food at the thought of it. "What? No! There's no way we'd do that."

    "I think she's just teasing," Brynjar advises. "Officially speaking, she just works for me," she explains to the others. "But I must admit, she is like a daughter to me." He considers Uta's suggestion regarding romance for Eliza. "Hmm... What do you think, Eliza?" he asks. "In the end, it's up to you."

    Eliza isn't really sure what to say. There are a lot of complications involved, after all. "I mean... she's right that I should be looking," she says. "And I know there's someone out there for me to live 'happily ever after' with. But... I wonder what sort of person that should be. ...well, first on the list is 'must love pekos'."

Uta comments, between bites, "Oh, too bad I have a hunch Rylen might be taken already. As a Peko-lover, he'd definitely qualify." She gets up from the kotatsu, "Just a moment, I need to go do a thing..." And she disappears... somewhere.

    Hifumi smiles "The lovely lady I'm courting is sure to know some of the Peko knights." he says with a chuckle and eats a bite of Christmas cake. "Unless you're only interested in Adventurers.. I mean I understand that some people are like that." he's New World and certainly isn't himself.

    "Me? Teasing?" Fuka is totally teasing, of course, so her denial rings a little hollow. The blatant smirk probably means she's not actually trying to appear sincere though, and the little wink at Brynjar's assessment doesn't help her credibility.

    "I don't see why you're so shocked." Fuka says to Eliza, slightly more seriously. "I mean, he looks out for you. He tells everyone how good you are. He supports you. AND he's got a great sense of humour!" she blabs. "I'd date him!"

Shiruba just keeps eating, and occasionally snickering at the more romantic conversation. She's quite content as it is for the moment.... And we don't need to give Morri any more ammo for her romantic conspiracies, either.

     "A knight..." Eliza muses in response to Hifumi's suggestion. "I could see it." There'd certainly be a lot of room for good stories to come out of such a relationship.

    Hifumi nods his head "I mean you'll need work at it." he grins "There's lots of getting shot down in trying with Landers we're you know." he shrugs. Immortal, from a different world (literally), have odd customs and the list goes on.

Miho now haveing devoured the chicken in a somewhat unlady like fashion. She will approach Hifumi with the package. "Merry Christmas." In the package are a few specalize knives for various kitchen taks that were not in the list of things he ordered from Miho so many months ago.

     Brynjar nods in agreement with Hifumi's assessment. "That's true. Marrying an Adventurer's not for everyone," he says.

    "Well, I've already been unofficially adopted by a Lander," Eliza points out with a smile. "So, maybe marrying one won't be so hard. I think... if it's really meant to happen, it'll happen."

    Brynjar nods again. "If the goddesses will it, I think so."

    Hifumi nods "Sounds about right." he chuckles "Just figured I'd warn yah." he says and sips a mug of juice. No one's seen the Ryokan owner drink anything stronger than brewed soda in the nearly 12 months since the Black Wave.

    The Isekai Ryokan has been decorated for Christmas. A small tree stands on the corner of the bar draped with colorful garland. The observant will note that occasionaly the small pine will open eyes to watch the festivities. Obviously one of Hifumi's plant summons has been put in costume as a christmas tree.

    There are Landers and Adventurers alike, there is a large table set out buffet style with deep fried cluckcluck, potato salad, cole slaw, and a big pot of cream stew. Along with small Christmas cakes with a single strawberry atop each. The young sylph bard is playing Christmas music in the corner with her big fluffy cat sleeping on her feet.

Giganpor steps in from the cold, at first hooded, but then reaching up to pull his hood down and pull off his cloak to stick into his inventory. Despite being in his usual wear, he obviously has some means of at least staying somewhat warm as he looks around, then makes his way in. And the plant summon has Giganpor blinking at it a few times, then peering to do an inspect and make sure he's looking at it right.

Moving over towards the bar, the smith looks around to see who is there, and any reaction to his presence it seems. If any. He's been learning not a lot cared about what he did, but at the same time others did care. It's the latter he has to watch for.

    One of the women in kimono come to bring slippers and take Gigan's footware for cleaning to be returned when he leaves as is usual in the IR. Hifumi lifts a hand from behind the bar to wave "Merry Christmas Gigan-kun." he offers.

Giganpor gives a smile and a wave back at Hifumi as he makes his way over, after putting on the slippers of course. He nearly forgot those! Sighing at the comfortable feeling, he makes his way over to seat himself at the bar, "Merry Christmas, Hifumi. Is all well in this part of the world? I rarely seem to visit this side of Yamato."

    Hifumi smiles "Well, we've had our issues, you know undead and working to keep the food chains running properly so everyone in Yamoto has enough to eat." he shrugs "But that's not here or there, we've managed so far and we'll keep managing." he grins "But hey, I've got fried chicken, colelsaw, potato salad and even Christmas cake. No reason not to bring celebrations with us right?"

Giganpor nods, "You are right." He seems to consider, then moves to put some drops on the bar. "Oh, here you go. I do not remember when I filled my tab last, but well... a lot is from Eastal, too. I swear if I could sit still, I should take up fishing just to pass the time these days."

He smiles, "Nice to hear that some things are relatively peaceful so far. And I am definitely trying those. I do not think I have had potato salad yet, nor coleslaw. The cakes and chicken are always good, too."

    Hifumi laughs "Grab a plate, no charges for any of the Christmas food, if you want other stuff or beer well that's usual prices. Can't just give away EVERYTHING." he says with a laugh "Even in the spirit of the season."

Giganpor laughs, "I can understand that one. A good beer, then, sounds good. Maybe... hm..." He looks thoughtful, "Been a while. You got anything new to try out? Other than the instant noodles thing?"

    Hifumi chuckles "Well that's my big work, but I do have some proper kimchi and nato since they've had most of a year to really get going." he shrugs as he nods to the bartender to pour Gigan a beer. "I've also got some pickeled plumbs that are especially tart. I'll need to do a bit more work on it but I have plans for camping stews and such."

"Some of the nato would be a good one." Giganpor takes the beer, smiling as he sips at it, then sighs as he looks around, "I still can not believe it has been almost a year already."

    Hifumi nods and gets out a crock, he puts rice in a bowl and then covers it with the sticky sour stringing mass that is nato, then sprinkles some shreaded nori over it to set next to the beer. "There we go, a nice familiar breakfast treat for dinner along with all the Christmas treats." he chuckles happily.

Giganpor smiles, grabbing some chopsticks and having at the dish a little. "So, anyone else show up to this, or did people get stuck all over? If I knew about it, I would have put an announcement at the headquarters, but well... heard last minute and while I was in the area."

    Hifumi "Ooh people have been coming and going." he says with a little shrug "This was a much about introducing my friends." he nods to the landers who are enjoying a Japanese christmas dinner. "To our winter holiday since they shared theirs with us."

    The celebration of the holiday is something that Wake and her fiance have generally celebrated by, well, staying at ryokan. Of course, that was usually Hokkaido or Hakone or Kawaguchi-ko. None of those are available this year and so something new is to be tried..

    Tae and Wake enter together, heading towards the bar. They are dressed in the nicest kimono's that can be acquired in the Fourland Dukedom. Which are quite fine garments, indeed.

    "So, what other surprises do you have in store?" Tae asks of Wake, as they sette in at the bar.

    "You shall see, my dear.. you shall see," replies the Baroness mysteriously.

    One of the waitresses will bring the pair slippers and take their footware to be cleaned and returned as is normal for the Isekai Ryokan. "Hello there." the chef says. Hifumi smiling as the little Christmas tree opens its eyes to check out the newcomers. There is a mix of adventurers and landers all enjoying fried chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, cream stew, and Christmas cake. "All of the Christmas dinner staples are free of charge. Other options and drinks are normal price." he says with a chuckle. "Merry Christmas."

Giganpor looks over as he hears someone that sounds a bit familiar and gives a small wave towards Wake and her companion. He raises an eyebrow, then looks to Hifumi. "Speaking of those..." He moves to get a plate of the chicken, potato salad, a slice of cake, and a helping of the coleslaw before moving back to his nato. "At least someone's not having trouble with their profession, I can see. Hah."

    "Wow, very kind to offer this kind of hospitality," says Wake. She turns to Giganpor, "How have you been, my friend? How are things in the area?"

    Tae diverts her attention to Hifumi, "Could we trouble you for some sushi? We have a mixed tradition. And tea, if you could. We like to stay up late on Christmas nights."

    Wake smiles as she hears the order go in. "We're very.. untraditional, I suppose."

Giganpor shrugs, "I am doing well, and according to Hifumi this is doing pretty well here. I have been rather busy as of late working on my skills as a smith." He shakes his head, "It is perhaps a good thing that I am rather stuck at the moment, but trying my best to honor those that came before in my work."

He seems to consider, "I heard there was airships now being worked on, and steam trains while I was secluded?"

    Hifumi goes into the back to work up some sushi plates as he does have fish but doesn't specialize in sushi so he doesn't have anything setup for it out front. The waitress will bring tea. When Hifumi returns with the plates they consist of artistic rolls, spiced cones, and a few nigiri including tomago. "I wanted to introduce my new friends and family to the traditions from our old world." he says.

    "As far as I know, airships are just a dream at this point, but the steam trains ought to be making good progress. That was more of a Scale project, though. It can't be long, though, as we have steamboats already," says Wake.

    The Baroness diverts her attention, to much joy, to the sushi. "How lovely! We always indulge ourselves during this holiday. Honestly through New Years. Of course, there's a lot of cleaning to do in preperations for that Holiday."

    Tae smirks and says, "And Wake loves cleaning very much, I assure you." She hides that smirk behind her tea once her fiance turns to give her a most penetrating glance, which is immediately softened with a smile.

    "So, what has your alliance been up to, Giganpor?" asks Tae abruptly.

Giganpor considers, then shakes his head, "Nothing I am at liberty to speak of, unfortunately, and well... I have been out of the loop as of late. It almost seems as if the first holiday season is hitting us pretty hard. The most we have been doing is rebuilding Shibuya, and establishing the Shadow Aegis Academy."

A small laugh is given at the banter of the two, "I do not believe we have met before?" He says towards Tae, looking at her questioningly. "As far as new projects... I think we are looking for ways to clear the road from Shibuya to Fort Ouph, and considering more clean ways to do things than steam power. There are a lot of nests along the way, however, and very much a pain. The one I found my Nightmare in was one such, and well... even going near the edge was hazardous." He shakes his head.

    Hifumi nods his head and serves some of the Landers and sips from a mug of juice. He keeps working and listening. "Will you two be staying?" he asks. "I'll make sure to reserve you the holiday suite." It's just like the other rooms, but it has the best access to the garden and the full sized quilt rather than two smaller ones.

    Tae bows politely to Giganpor, "Wake talks frequently of her friends. She had mentioned that you would be invited to visit at some point, so that I might play my favorite of roles: the hostess." She gives Wake a look in turn. "But clearly the matters of state are rather distracting, at times."

    Wake laughs in response, "Touche', my dearest one. Yes, I have not always done terribly well with the invitations." She sighs and turns her attention back to Giganpor, "So we are secret, now? I was getting rather used to operating with candor and trust. Has some shadow passed between Olympus and the New World while I was off building a castle?"


    Wake's attention shifts to Hifumi and she nods, "That is certainly the intent, my friend. And thank you. Your finest bottle of wine, chilled, would be ideal to have waiting when we go to our room, as well, if that might be arranged."

Giganpor considers, then nods, "I would say we are, but well... I have been told to keep some things secret by those most involved." He smiles, giving a shake of his head, "That and I am not as welcomed as far as leadership as I once was."

A small shrug is given. "If you wish a visitor at some point, I would be glad to get away from the forge and my other problems for a time. It is also why I am out here rather than back at it."

He sighs, then takes a bite of his nato and a sip of his beer. "Otherwise, most I can tell is that we are doing our best on Shibuya. There are still mysteries as to why it failed before and such, not to mention I would love to find a way to have the protection of a Root Town on it. It's what keeps Hifumi and some others from setting up shop there."

    Hifumi smiles "I Don't worry about myself or any of my Adventurer staff so much, but." he shrugs and rubs the older cait sith's shoulder affectionately. "My family has expaneded to include people who are not so safe when away from a Root town. As far as I know only the Alvs knew how to make a Root town." he shrugs a bit and nods to Wake. "I do have access to the finest wines in Ninetails, and so the finest wines in Yamoto." he winks "I'll make sure the best is resting for you."

    "I have an interest in that Root Town capability, as well. The Castle Eas will never reach its full potential until we make it as safe as possible," says Wake. "Our Alliances are most closely aligned, Giganpor. We point in nearly the same direction. If I can be of assistance, know that I am accustomed to keeping secret what needs to be kept."

    Tae lets out a soft sigh behind that comment. "Indeed, she does, at that. And she doesn't even speak in her sleep. I have learned, in time, not to pry."

    "Hifumi, your point is well understood, indeed. We don't all get to come back. It is what worries me most about gathering Landers in my home now. Even if there are always adventurers near at hand, and the gate is under constant guard, I has misgivings." The Baroness crosses her arms and scoops up sushi with a pair of deftly-handled chopsticks.

    "We may be able to convince some of the most formidible minds in the world on this project," says Tae. "Or, well, Wake can, anyway. I only sing and cook."

Giganpor looks thoughtful, then nods, "That would be something." He blinks, then looks at Tae. "Singing and cooking are something just as important as those of us that can fight or make equipment. It keeps the morale up, and it also helps to make sure we do not go insane at times."

He sighs, then looks thoughtful. Giganpor frowns a little, even taking a bite of some nato as he seems to be considering a few things for a moment or two. "The problem is that I do not think even the Tower of Mages know how to establish the protections. If they are made by the Alv as I am starting to suspect, that could leave only one place to go find it. And I am not sure we could do so easily. The other is finding the source of them in the Towns themselves and trying to figure out how they work. I do not think any of the Kingdoms will allow us to do so."

    "There may be ways that wander off the beaten paths of lore," suggests Wake. She smiles at Hifumi, "After all, clearly there is something beyond understanding that must be in play to explain, say, how good this sushi tastes. I only get food this good at home, usually. I generally have to suffer on the road.. unless of course my love packs my lunch."

    "Which I always do," notes Tae. She enjoys a few bites of sushi and lets out a sigh, "It is very good, Master Hifumi! A most delicious way to learn a thing or two."

    Hifumi smiles and nods "Thank you, that's just years of training, nothing magical." he nods at the summon pretending to be a Christmas tree. "That's magic." he chuckles. "Don't forget to take some packets of instant noodles with you. See if you'll want to make bulk orders. They can be prepared by peole who haven't got the cooking skill."

"Hm... you do have a point. The nato is just as good as my parents made." Giganpor states, looking thoughtful.

Then he looks to Wake, then to Hifumi, then to Wake. "Trust me, they are a lot better now. Or so I am told. I think I will take some, Hifumi. They may come in handy in the forge when I go back, or on long quests."

He seems to be considering, "Where is Castle Eas, in any case? I never did find out, and well... you did say come to visit sometime."

    Hifumi snorts and looks at Gigan "They quest prompt indicates that they should all work now... the ones that didn't were when I was working out the method and everyone apreciates the sacrifices the aliance made to bring reliable food to the masses."

    "It is in the Fourland Dukedom," replies the Baroness. "There is a mountain range, and the Castle Eas sits upon it. Thanks to Goldenblade, we have the best road in the land leading to our door, as well. Which is helpful when we need to move materials, which.. well, we frequently do. And for guests, of course."

    Tae lets the conversation, now growing a bit more serious, drift out of her attention. She will simply enjoy the food and drink. The sooner Wake gets this out of her system, the sooner things can be relaxed once more.

Giganpor looks over at Hifumi, "At least mine wasn't wholly dangerous to everyone when it happened." He jokes, obviously in good spirits before looking to Wake.

"My own happens to be something about the predecessors to my craft. I did find something interesting in regards to that."

He looks considerate as she tells the location, and Giganpor gives a nod, "Interesting. I will have to see about visiting sometime. Were there any monster nests or other problems in establishing the road?"

    "In the road, no, but the Castle had one heck of a nest of fiesty Orcs and a weather-controlling shaman," says Wake. "The road only faced the usual need of defending as it was built. Well worth it, though."

    Tae turns to look at Hifumi, shaking her head. "They get so awfully serious, don't they? As for me, I was wondering.. do you have any extra ginger? Wake and I never really used much wasabi or soy sauce, but we always go heavy on ginger."

    Hifumi nods and gets a little jar of the pickled ginger to set by Tae's plate. "Just keep it. Merry Christmas." he says with a soft chuckle.

Giganpor huhs, then looks to Tae, "My apologies. Bad habits. If you think that is bad, you should see myself and Miho. We still occasionally talk forging techniques over the chimlink."

Giganpor sighs, looking thoughtful, "Maybe Shibuya was longer to have that many nests established out there?"

    "Possibly, but you got it cleared, yes?" suggests Tae. "And no trouble at all, Master Giganpor. You have much on your mind. It is best to get it handled rather than postpone it. A cleared mind is a wonderful thing."

    Wake considers for a moment, "I don't often go to Shibuya. Well, I mean not the one here, anyway. Shibuya in the real world was wonderful. We had many a wonderful time there. I recall something about an 8000 yen cab once, when we missed the last train."

    "By over an hour," says Tae. "And the nicest hotels were all full."

    Hifumi shrugs a bit at Gigan "Or Gigankun, whatever causes nests was there before and explains the fall of Shibuya."

Giganpor hums, then looks to Tae. "Oh, come on. Another calling me 'Master' or 'Lord'?" He looks to Wake, "I swear if this keeps up, I'm building a castle somewhere or conquering one just to make it fit."

Well, that hasn't changed about Giganpor. He hates the whole formalities!

He sighs, then looks to Hifumi, "You have a spare room for the night?"

    Hifumi nods "Course I do, holiday suite is taken." he says with a grin at Tae and Wake. "But I've got rooms left so you can have a spot Gigan-kun."

    "Don't fret too much," says Tae. "If you prefer to simply go to by Giganpor, that works for me. We can't have everyone going after castles, or nobody will ever come to visit ours!" She laughs softly, then turns her eyes to Wake, with one slender eyebrow arched.

    If Wake notices the gesture, she makes no sign. She does focus on eating for a time, though.

    "Speaking of that holiday suite, I think it's time for us to take a look at it. Perhaps we can finish our meal there?" The Baroness smiles coyly at Tae, who beams back.

Giganpor smiles at the two, "Have an enjoyable night, you two." He looks to Hifumi, "And I think I will take one, please. At least I know no one is going to harass me here if they held a grudge."

    Hifumi smiles "You're always safe and welcome here Gigan-kun. No worries."

    "Our pardon, Master Hifumi, Giganpor," offers Tae. She bows deeply, then moves the food and drinks to a tray. She lifts it easily enough and waits for Wake.

    She does not wait long, though. The Baroness glides into her usual curtsey. She rises and then bows more properly. "Thank you for the conversation and the hospitality. I wish you both a wonderful evening." She pauses a moment, "If possible, Master Hifumi.. could we get our breakfast rather later tomorrow morning? Perhaps closer to 11? Simply setting the tray outside the door would be wonderful."

    Hifumi smiles "That will be fine, I'll make sure no one disturbs you two."

Giganpor gives a seated bow to the two, then to Hifumi. "Have a pleasant night. And thank you again."

Giganpor moves to gather his dinner plate at least to take back, having finished the nato. He seems to consider, then asks for a fresh beer to go with it. He smiles at Hifumi, "See you in the morning, Hifumi."