Drawing Our Moments

    Spring is starting to take shape in the mountains of Eas and as the date draws near the end of April, a familiar atmosphere takes shape. It is, after all, the beginning of Golden Week.

    Judging by the array of food carts, people, laughter, and music, something is being celebrated. It is in the evening, and dark comes quickly this time of year, but while this is hardly as rambunctious as it was a few hours earlier, there's still an energy in the people enjoying the festivities.

    The Baroness is out on the shore of the lake, where things are quiet and the light of the stars holds sway. Oddly enough, she is alone for a change. How she managed to escape the crowd without someone following her is hardly a mystery. She's not the invisible legend of the past, certainly, but she can still evade notice when she means to.

Goldenblade came for Golden Week, though as an grandparent, it's more something that happens to others, though the festivals are nice, and she will be glad to attend Wake's. But after the hurly burly of the afternoon, she sneaks off by the lakeside, and is attempting to fish, without much success. It is in this task that Wake's walk will discover her, standing by the edge of the water, a mug of something by her feet, line in the water, doing nothing.

An unusual presence has been haunting the Golden Week festival.

It's a certain musical kung-fu nurse Spriggan; this alone would not make it an unusual presence at Eas, but the point is- it's not the -usual- musical kung-fu nurse Spriggan: the current version has been impeccably dressed in formal wear up to the latest fashion, displaying smartness in manners, mingling with nobility and wealthy merchants specifically as opposed to just anyone indiscriminately, and instead of her usual rambling leaps of logic, she has strictly kept to negotiations for some project of hers.

Also, the most unusual bit for her: absolute focus in anything she's done. Even more unusual than there being zero slimes or talk thereof involved.

Now that Uta has taken some time off from her socialization, however, the tune to her music seems to have changed. She's got her head buried in a notebook, which she's scribbling into at worrying speed, while mumbling something about 'expected donations' and 'promised favors'; the hem of her gown has caught into a few random items like conkers and spiky leaves -- and unlike earlier during her talks, she doesn't seem the least bit interested in removing them. Even as she approaches Wake, she gives no sign of acknowledging her, and despite all the food being offered as part of the celebrations, there is a hint of growling from her stomach.

    Part of being a good leader is finding a connection between people. It is the ability to recognize an opportunity where she might help someone who in turn might help someone else. In this case, Wake pauses by Goldenblade. With a flick of her finger, a sliver of brilliant light leaps out over the water, bouncing along Goldenblade's fishing line. The little light pauses just above the water, flicking, flitting, and finally sliding under the surface to wrap itself about the hook. A moment later, a fish, excited to action, closes its considerable maw over the bait.

    Wake has taken notice of Uta's very odd behavior. Odd adventurer behavior is something of a specialty of hers. She's seen so many people in the various flavours of development in this world that it's not troubling in the least. She does rather gently reach out to keep Uta from striding right into the lake, though.

    "Good evening to both of you, my dear friends. Is it my good fortune, or your good intention that brings us together this night."

    Sliding into her curtsey, Wake nonchalantly sends out little wisps of air to clear away any debris that might be clinging to Uta's gown.

    As for Wake, the Right Clothes this evening are fit for, well, a baroness. Her gown is a midnight blue that looks like a patch of empty night sky wrapped about her, and all about the bodice and skirts of it gem dusts glitters.

Today, the Right Clothes for Goldenblade are ... but who can guess that? What she's /wearing/ on the other hand, is what she usually always wears. Chainmail coat and pants, and hard leather boots, sword belt with a few pouches hanging from it, and of course the fishing rod. She nearly drops it when the fish bites, and she rotates it to reel it in. There's no actual reel, so she has to wind the line around the pole itself to pull it in. "First time for everything," she remarks, seeing Wake. "Oh, hey, Uta!" And then she's retrieving the fish. Seems she knows how to do that from real life, but she doesn't gut it right away, she sticks it in another pouch for later. The plan is to collect a few before heading back, though this seems to be her first.

Some time elapses after Wake's greeting (and her cleaning up of Uta's gown) for the Spriggan to look up from her notes. "Oh? Uh. Hi, Lady Bombast!", she says, before dipping her head again into her notes.

And she perks her head up again.

Her expression goes through a few moments of visible confusion, until something seems to click inside her head. Her previously careless posture snaps back to a properly formal one. "Oh, Lady Bombast!" Uta dips into a proper greeting bow. "I wasn't expecting to be here!"

Etiquette mode, engage!

"My compliments for your choice of attire, you look delightful tonight."

She turns to Goldenblade, and gives her a small bow as well. "Evening. Good day for fishing, isn't it?"

    Wake looks over the fish and nods in satisfaction. It feels good when Eas provides something. Even though she hasn't much to do with fish, there's a sense of pride in having a land of bounty.

    "Perhaps we should start a fire here and cook your catch? With a few more flicks of light we'll probably have enough for a feast, and perhaps Tae can grab us a few side dishes on her way over."

    Wake's eyes rest on Uta next and she laughs softly. "My dear Uta, I see you are.. busy. I trust all is going well? And thank you, dear. You look lovely. If you wish to come out more often, I'm sure many will be pleased by it. Perhaps.. I should have Tae come more swiftly. You have not eaten recently, have you?"

    She will calmly and surreptiously give Uta a once over. Sure, it may appear she's just appreciating the outfit, but in reality she's seeing just what kind of state Uta is in at this point.

Goldenblade considers Uta's words, then shrugs. "Is it?" she asks. "This is the first fish I've caught in this game, ever, so I suppose it must be. Up until now, I could say I'd caught as many here as I have in the parking lot at work. Now I'm up by one," she notes with a smirk. But ... something about Uta seems off. "How are things in Brobdignag?" she asks casually.

When Wake notes Uta's unusual state and suggests preparing the fish, she will suggest, "Someone besides me ought to make it, I'm barely able to menu-cook." She can start a fire, that's not a problem, at least. Point and click, BAM, a small fire appears, crackling merrily. There's got to be some use of her insane levels of fire affinity.

"I am afraid I have not met Mr.Gulliver recently, so I have no recent news on the latest developments," Uta replies. "And I am further afraid that I will have to pass your offer for me to cook, Goldenblade." Wait -- Uta didn't refer to Goldenblade as 'Paula?' "I too, alas, lack the proper skills. I may have to take lessons from Gwen at some point. It is astounding how much gastronomy features in diplomacy."

It won't take long for Wake to Sherlock Uta's recent history: she has been grooming herself with care the attention to detail, and -not- her usual menu fare: proper baths and hair styling. But it seems she's been focusing on the talks completely, ignoring everything not strictly tied to ter goal: her voice is starting to show signs of exertion, meaning she's probably been talking a lot and not drinking enough; her stomach is -just starting- to rumble. Her HP bar is not exceptional, but passable. Also, as soon as her talks were over, all self-care seemed to have been dropped, as the debris showed.

In short -- she took care of herself as much as negotiation required, but not one inch more.

Diagnosis: not too bad for being in a Strange Mood. At least, right now

"As you might have heard," Uta starts when addressed, "I am working on a Conservatory for preserving the Songs of Yamato, further the development of musical culture, improve the technological level of musical instruments, and overall study the sociocultural impact of Song on this world, if not anything deeper."

She taps her fingers together. "Since it is mainly meant as a safe haven to protect the Landers' Songs after Adventurer music is introduced to Yamato, especially after my re-invention of the phonograph, in case someone decides to start a music industry instead of me producing a few scientific-grade specimens for study purposes, it is vital that such safe have is, well, safe. I therefore believe we should discuss the matter of the Landers who came to visit. Queen Laira Lorelei and her entourage." Uta lowers her eyebrows and gives a level gaze at Wake. "I think the Queen has been gathering information about us just by looking, using some sort of Alv power. Possibly a relic. I know for a fact that such a thing is possible."

    Wake murmurs something softly and off a message goes. "I just summoned the loveliest of cooks to help us with this work. She will be here soon. Probably with a small crowd of curious eyes, but that's alright. We should have the fire ready for her arrival, though. Something hot and bright!"

    Wake's not the world's best with fire, but did arrange a few things earlier in the day. There are several place where logs of wood have been set aside, just waiting for the beach to host a few cooking fires.

    In any case, Uta's definitely acting quite unusual, and since Wake has managed to suss a bit of of it, she's feeling confident that her friend isn't in any immediate danger. Well, compared to normal. Wake always fears that Uta's general level of attentiveness to things outside her focus is alarmingly low.

    "And yes, I heard your work is quite well supported. A pity, I'd have rather liked to contribute, but.. in a round about way, I may yet do so. But that is a project to come and resources are still being gathered." Somewhere out of sight, small mountains of granite are being gathered. Wake is simply waiting for the time to feel right.

    "Oh, and yes, the Queen! She was charming, wasn't she? And I imagine it is possible. After all, a certain adventurer has already confided in me of an ability to read adventurer minds. Alarming. But chasing power without adequate thought is something we all engage in from time to time. Do you suspect her of having some darker purpose than simply learning our minds?"

Goldenblade is, in fact, a bit surprised by Uta calling her Goldenblade. It's wildly uncharacteristc. To the point where she will Inspect Uta, trying to tell if she's been replaced by a pod person. She nods slowly about Uta not cooking, she will have to look to Wake for that. Or, maybe menu-cooking is OK. Uta is certainly unlikely to notice. She hrms as Uta describes her current project, which is completely over her head. She will leave that discussion to Uta and Wake. She tries to follow all that Wake is talking about, but cooks-on-the-way is as much as she picks up.

A basic inspect does report the usual information for Uta. Nothing that indicates her having been replaced by a pod person.

"I would love to stop and eat, but-"

Uta's stomach grumbles.

"...Well, okay, I suppose I could stop and share some for the company." She cocks her head a little, and asks, more out of politeness than actual interest, "What kind of fish is that?"

"Concerning," Uta replies to Wake with a frown, as she learns of mind-reading. "This-", Uta starts off, hesitant, then halts. She taps her chin a few times. "What I am thinking of is less mind reading, and more 'drawing up a dossier about the reputation of objects and creatures just by looking at them.' Possibly about specific events that transpired, too. Possibly more. It is very much a thing an adventurer can do." A short pause. "The Queen is quite charming, yes. The beloved Queen of Rosenheim. This Undine, in possession of a Relic that lets her swim through the air as if it were water, is considered a wonderful and magnanimous leader. She's known to have an obsession over cute things, and is a bit of a 'Love Freak'. She's concerned with the protection of her people most of all."

Uta's dropping a brief dossier on Queen Laira Lorelei just after her mention of that specific power is... pretty much a strong hint about who, exactly, the Adventurer with such power is. "And there's an interesting thing about that -- apparently, the Queen as some help. It turns out that the city of Naval Monte used to be called Clustania, used to be a private project of a scientifically minded Alv to reach beyond something called the Cursed Wave, and is now the home of the Rosenheim Kingdom, and serves as an impenetrable fortress, guided by its Queen and the Inheritor To Clustania." She gives Wake a knowing Glance(tm) about who could have gathered such information, and how. "Now, I think it is vital, at this point, to figure out who this Inheritor to Clustania is."

    That's a lot to take in. Fortunately, when one is friends with Uta, they grow accustomed to very intense exchanges of knowledge. This time Uta again delivers as expected!

    "So you are saying that the.. Inheritor has this ancient city of potentially vast power. Hopefuly they like us! A pity she couldn't stay for the wedding, though. It would have been wonderful to have her there if she enjoys such things. She clearly was able to read the situation between Tae and I, which was remarkable. It makes me wonder what she sees, exactly."

    And speaking of Tae, in the distance, she can be seen moving closer. She isn't in a rush, and she's not using stealth. It would just be rather silly for her to try, considering she has a small group of young ones following her.

    "Careful now! It's easy to fall in the dark, Lady Tae!" calls out a chipper, young voice.

    Wake turns to Goldenblade and asks, "Might you start us up a fire, please?" She gestures to one of the piles of logs, "The way I've been with the more.. hungry elements lately, I'd prefer someone more expert give it a go."

    Did I mention how her last duty was a rather catastrophic series of personal failures?

Goldenblade finds that Uta has not been replaced by a pod person, so this is not an 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' integration thing. That's very good. She tries to follow what Uta is talking about, but it goes over her head almost immediately. "I need the ten-yen version," she says to Uta and Wake, meaning the extremely clipped summary.

When the request goes up for fire, she complies easily enough. Flint and steel may be fine for some, nut Goldenblade is from Westelande, she occasionally wears their tabard over her mail, and she commands fire like she's been doing so since birth. Come to think of it, humans in general typically have facility with fire. In either case, the fire is quickly lit and settled to a decent level after the initial flare.

"Hopefully. But let's be ready for all alternatives," Uta suggests. "I have already mentioned this on the Alliance chimlink, and suggested greater cooperation within our Alliance to gather intelligence about the Palace Lands. Starting common projects about that. Ideally under your guidance and supervision. They came here flexing their muscles, and, well-" She pulls the corners of her mouth in a knowing smile. "I don't think I need to tell you how important gathering intelligence is going to be from now on, right?"

Uta turns to Goldenblade, and after a little thought, she says, "People from Rosenheim, a kindom in another continent, came here. They showed off their big warships and gathered intelligence on us. We gathered some intelligence on them, and we learnt that we don't know enough about them, or -who- rules them exactly. They have a Queen and someone else who we don't know who they are. We'd like to figure that out. But we should be careful in letting them know what we know and what we don't know."

As she sees the group approaching, Uta bows to them. "Lady Tae... entourage... always a pleasure to meet you."

    "One of the many odd things I learned in the world before was that the sneakiest of enemies could never figure out what I was doing. Provided I was completely direct in my intentions," Wake replies. "You see, a straight answer to a crooked eye is full of hidden meaning and innuendo. How it exhausts them. Still, your point is well taken. I will aid as I can, but I am not inclined to visit those shores any time soon. At least, not until Eas hosts a mighty fleet of airships to show our friends that we are a very special place that should not be visited without observing diplomatic norms."

    Wake steps back a pace to let Tae simply rush through and bury Uta in a hug.

    "Uta! How are you! I've missed your visits. Has my Baroness been sending you off on dangerous quests? She has, hasn't she? Well, you have my full blessing to stand up for yourself and make your own way, dear."

    She takes in a breath, smiles placidly, then, in a truly Tae moment, adds, "Also, you had better be staying to eat! You look half-starved! And no arguments. I insist."

    While Tae is so kind bullying Uta into eating, Wake turns her attention to Goldenblade, "So that was really your first fish ever? We should keep you working at it, you're a natural. It's all about using the right bait."

    The 'entourage' stops near the fire. They are all children and they are all curiously staring at the group they've come upon. "Why, it's Baroness Wake and the head architect, out here.. fishing?"

    A too loud whisper comes from a younger girl, "Are ladies supposed to fish?" A boy replies somewhat more loudly, "How should I know what a lady is supposd to do, Brij?"

Goldenblade blinks as Uta gives her the ten-yen version, and says, "Wait, okay. I already knew all /that/. I thought you were saying something entirely new." She really has a hard time with diplomatic speak. But then, 50 years as a bricklayer doesn't build intellectual conversation.

As far as fishing with the right bait, she can only shrug. "I use worms, they're fine at home. I dunno what kind of fancy fish you've got here that won't eat worms. When does a fish get to see a worm that's not bait, anyhow?" she wonders. To the child, she replies crisply, "Women and cats will do as we please and men and dogs will have to get used to it." She's used to saying that from the other side of the fence, so it amuses her to say that while female.

Uta attempts some simple, polite protest against the staying and eating -- she has important matters to attend to, places to go, people to see. But being locked as she is into Etiquette-slash-Negotiation mode, she eventually has to relent. To compensate for that, not long after, she begins to describe her vision for a Conservatory to Tae, how the recent re-invention of the phonograph is inevitably going to change the world in the medium-long term, and how the Songs of Yamato need a safe place to be preserved and taught. Also, research and development of instruments, and training of musicians, possibly elite ones.

    Tae will listen to everything Uta says with interest. Sure, Wake told her some, but when Uta shares her ambitions it makes for a different story, a stronger sense of perspective. In short, Tae is hooked. But not so hooked that she doesn't set her mind to preparing the food. Her entourage was not just around for fun. They have pots and pans, water, and more food. Each is set to a task. The eldest boy is directed to ignite the other fires, the younger ones are set out to do things like gather more people, fetch the lamps, and other things that likely make even less sense in the situation.

    Wake sighs softly, seeing the children scatter and set themselves to the various tasks. She steps back, and though she speaks to Goldenblade, the Baroness never looks away from Tae for long.

    "It seems so many things are changing, and the world outside is trying to distract me from what matters most. I must pay it some mind, otherwise it will do more than simply seek to trouble my plans."

    Wake lids her eyes for a moment, considering. "We are too suspicious. They came here to get answers. They expect.. they expect us to do the same. But what if we give them all that they wish, and ask for nothing in return? Are they coded to reciprocate our trust with trust of their own?"

Goldenblade turns over her single fish to Tae's gatherers for it's central, if small, place in the impending meal. She hrms to Wake, and says, "The Palace landers somehow drove off the players from that server, I understand. Perhaps they mean to drive us off, too? But outside things will always change plans, for it to be otherwise is to ignore your environment, or to hold onto outdated plans that will not work. There was a lot of honor-in-authorority when I started working in Japan, when questioning orders was a grave insult. But in the sixties, an American named Deming came over and showed everyone a new way, and the workers, slowly, became empowered to offer comments and suggestions, and management learned to accept them, within the proper context, rather than dismissing anything a worker said because it was a worker that said it. What I'm saying is that don't be shy about changing plans as events demand. If the events demand it. Otherwise, you'll wsate materials and time on things that won't work, or won't be meaningful." As to what to do with the Palace Landers, she can only shrug. "Stab them?"

    "Well, if they prove hostile, I will simply leave Scale Emblem to their work," murmurs Wake. "No doubt they'll have no complaints about that. I will simply wait in the wings to protect and save any landers who need shelter, regardless of where they hail from."

    "You make a good point, of course. As you always do. I will hold to my course for now, and consider my options. I already have my enemies close, perhaps I might be able to make a friend of the Queen. I.. want to trust her. To believe that she's a good person."

    Tae is oblivious to all the talk of higher matters. She's focused on food and organizing her batallion of children into a force for merry making.

    "A wonderful catch, dear! Thank you for offering it to me. I promise to turn it into something wonderful." Tae bows to Goldenblade, then really gets into her task.

Goldenblade smirks as Tae praises her poor excuse for a fish. "I could catch much bigger things in Yokohama," she claims. She used to go on fishing tours with company groups. The important thing of course was not to catch anything bigger than the company president. It always amused her how many quite large fish 'got away' at the last minute. As far as leaving the Landers to Scale, she wonders, "Are Scale even over there? I had thought they were mainly working the Tower over here, and NWA were the ones stirring up Landers over there?"

    "That will all change the second the Landers reveal themselves as a credible threat. And if the Scale imagine there is something to be gained by accosting them, they will. Prophylaxis was with me when I went, so the Scale is fully aware of the situation." Wake grins and adds, "At first, I was troubled by that, but if there is hostile intent, I'd rather have Scale with us and not sitting on the sidelines."

    Of course, the Baroness is one of the forces trying to maintain the peace among the alliances. "They are a powerful alliance, and they are trying to do what they feel is right. They are mistaken, I would argue, but it will take time and compassion to convince some of them of that."

    As Tae cooks, she starts to sing. Before long, a stringed instrument of some kind joins her. Tae always seems to sing love songs at night. There's a kind of melancholy feel about the music, but she shows no signs of sadness.

    Tae trails off in her song to direct her attention back to Goldenblade. "I would have liked to see those fish. You know, I learned to truly love cooking. Not only here, but before. It's not the same as singing, but it still allows me to share my experience with others in a way that brings them joy."

    Behind her, all along the beach, more and more fires are lit and a mix of landers and adventurers huddle around them for warmth and light. The scent of food and smoke mingle into one. It's like walking by a city block packed with every kind of restaurant.

Goldenblade arches an eyebrow at Wake's impression of Scale's motivations. She's entirely apolitical, herself, and doesn't understand or play any if the inter-alliance issues. She doesn't quite understand them, even, beyond Scale Wanting to go home, and some people in Olympus being foaming-at-the-lips-level fervent for staying here. She herself would quite like to see her kids and grandkids, and could give a rat's ass about someone's paranoid guesswork about being forced to leave if someone manages to log out, so she's kind on Scale's side as far as that goes. Sure, getting old is stinky, and she likes being 25 again here. She'd be quite happy to spend long hours here, if she can. But she left too much back there to just abandon it, and her grandkids deserve a granddad. Losing their grandma two years ago was sad enough. "You make Scale sound like a fizzing stick of dynamite," she says with a smirk. "They would probably appreciate the sentiment, at that. I'll fight by your side if you like, or build your fleet of airships." Unless Uta has any insight on why that might not work.

    "Scale is a coalition of people who aren't so different from us. They believe they know the way to get out of here. I'm not convinced they are right. Then again, I'm not entirely sure if the dream before was more than a dream. We are, after all, just data. In this world and the one before. We think, therefore we are. And it doesn't matter. What does matter is what I feel. For my beloved, for my friends, and yes, even those I left behind. I hope my brother is faring well. He is a good man, and his children are a joy." Wake is untroubled even by the thought that the reality she knew might never have been.

    "So yes, the Scale Emblem are volatile. But that doesn't make them bad people and it doesn't make them wrong. There is no answer. There is no science. This is about faith and expressing what we most value through word and action."

    Wake smiles at Goldenblade and offers her right hand. "It's such a wierd thing, isn't it? If we wake up, so many familiar faces will look different. But my face.. is as it was."

Goldenblade nods about Scale not being too different from us. Not too different from her, anyhow, when she's in ALL THE FIRE mode. "If there -is- a way out of here," she admits. "I'm starting to think maybe we're -copies- of the real-life people that logged in. I mean, the real internet glitches out from time to time, right? And no one's ever seen anyone disconnect like would happen for a power outage or anything. And, after a year, I can't imagine some people wouldn't just cut the cables to the headset, if our bodies were trapped that long, right? Which is part of why I'm not really pushing hard to get out. I think that I'm just a copy of me that logged on. But if it becomes possible, that's the only way to know." She nods about familiar faces looking different, "Mine would, certainly. I look nothing like a seventy-five year old man," she says with a smirk and a little vamp.

    "I believe you are on to something. I would not have been allowed to sit with my brain plugged into a machine. Regardless of my own fate, they'd have pulled me out. So I don't think there is any getting out inside here. But for me, anyway, I am blessed and biased. I have the treasure I valued most at my side."

    She looks at Tae, laughing softly. "So.. what do you make of the Palace Lands? Do you think Landers could actually drive off adventurers?"

Goldenblade chuckles, and says, "I am not sure if I would have starved alone at home, but my kids would not have left me connected up if they /had/ found me." As far as blessed, she nods, "You are very fortunate. I lost my Hanako about a year before the game started, so she couldn't be here with me." She sighs sadly.

As far as the Palace Landers driving off adventurers, she says, "They had a strange dynamic with their players, they attacked the root cities with as much fervor as we, or Scale anyhow, attacked the Tower. I did a couple runs with them, actually, and it's helped me bridge with the Landers, interestingly," she muses.

    "I was not aware of this.. and I wonder at it. Why do such a thing? And how, if they keep coming back, could they possibly be stopped?" Wake finds it hard to understand, but then again, she's always trying to get along with Landers.

    "That would explain a great deal. And it makes me think that I want to pursue my plan. To be open and honest with the Queen. If she wishes to know what we are about and what strength we have.. I.."

    Wake smiles suddenly, then laughs for joy at the clarity. "I shall write to her. She can guide me and I can share with her my real self, unfiltered and true."

Goldenblade can only shrug. "The supposition I heard was that the Palace Lands had their own 'get home' task given to players. Like ours in Yamato was the Tower. Theirs may have been counquering root cities. There's some thing or other that each server has as an overarching end goal. I wonder if, having failed at their task, if the Palace Landers tried to migrate to a different server with a different go-home goal?"

    "Perhaps. One server reached and already we have to think of the next. Is that the way it will be? If we get no answers from this one I fail to see the point. But, if that is what the New World Alliance wishes to do, I'll leave them to it. I have soil beneath my feet now. The distant shores hold no riches that exceed what I already have."

    Wake finds herself holding a plate. On it are strips of grilled fish and a mix of vegetables with rice. A sweet and sour sauce has been added and something that tastes rather like citruss. A moment later Tae is offering a similar plate to Goldenblade. "I'm happy you are joining us." Tae looks skyward and casts her arms wide, "Now, let only starlight and firelight illuminate the night!"

    The lanterns go out so swiftly it almost appears like a spell.

Goldenblade nods, shrugs about thinking of the next server. "That's a decision that's /way/ over my paygrade," she says with a smirk. She will take the plate offered by Tae, smiling and bowing her head gratefully. "Thank you," she murmirs, and chuckles as the lights go out. "I'm always glad to join you," she replies to Tae, and continues, "As I said, it's purely my speculation, no evidence and of course there's no Palace Lands players to ask. But ..." She shrugs. "It explains their Landers' attitudes toward players, though."

    "Indeed it does. And the simplest explanation is usually the best. I find it more like that adventurers would have been the aggressors against the Landers. We are a rather excitable lot at times." Not that Wake finds it excusable. "One of the things I take great pride in is taking Eas back for the Landers as opposed to taking it from them. We have brought peace and decency to a land that belonged to them long ago. Now it serves them once again."

    As Wake speaks softly, Tae's words are clearly meant for the crowd. She may be lit only by the sputtering flames of a bonfire, but all eyes are on her.

    "We are delighted to have you join us in this celebration! This day shall mark the dedication of Eas, our home, to peace, beauty, and love. Every time this season returns, we will once again gather here and remember all the times before and all the effort it took to make this land our home, to return it to its rightful place, serving the needs of decent folk. On this night, we share our stories, our company, and our food. We come from many lands, distant and near, and our paths are different, yet in the end we all trod the Great Road to Eas, the road which the Architect made for us. Many of us we came with nothing but our bodies, minds, and hope for a better life, for a fair chance. We have found it here, together, and working side-by-side we found a new family. We are proud to call you all our brothers and sisters. You are a blessing."

    Cheers, bits of singing, and laughter greet the declaration. In short order, though, around each fire, a quiet comes, broken only by one voice as stories are told. Some by the young ones, others by the elders.

    Tae settles in next to Wake, quite satisfied with the evening. She also starts sneaking a bit of food from her lover's plate, too.

Goldenblade nods about the simplest explanations being best. "We are an excitable lot, and the Chinese are often entirely ruthless, as players in games. I can absolutely believe that of them." Sadly, she hasn't received the advice to mention Tienimen Square to anyone on a Chinese server to get booted off their net. Maybe that'd be a way out?

She smiles as Tae welcomes everyone. "It's true," she murmurs to Wake. "We did surprise them, in our relationships with our Landers. So maybe they will treat with us honestly. You know, I wonder if I should go over there, study their architecture, and build something that would impress them."

    "Considering what we wish Eas to become, it seems a great thing to do so. And perhaps they might sell us some of their art. I would love to have it join what we gather together from Yamato." The idea clearly has Wake inspired.

    "You always give me the best plans, my friend. You are the architect and so much more. If there is anything you need to manage it, just let me know. Whenever you wish to make the journey, Eas will support you to the fullest extent."

    Wake arches an eyebrow, then laughs as Tae abruptly crawls into her lap and curls herself up. "Oyasuminasai," she whispers faintly. And in moments it appears she suits her words, falling asleep.

    "She is.. a remarkable woman," Wake says quietly. "But your assessment of China is accurate, in any case. They are relentless. Which makes me seriously doubt they would be ever give up. If they have looked to other servers, it is not a change in approach, but a new land to conquer."

Goldenblade nods about their art. "They seem more keen to accept our gold than our goods," she observes. But she smiles at having Eas's support, "Thank you. It's just an idea for now, and I have so many, it's hard to pick one. I am working, or planning anyhow, a sort of 1940's-era submersion suit for diving, with life support, or forced air in any event. With Uta, some weeks ago, we went into a volcano, where several people were overcome by gas. Some /after/ we knew there was gas there." She sighs. "I would have tried my breathing flask, but we had to run away before I could try it.

As far as China goes, she says, "In that respect, we may be fortunate that Yamato was sealed off when the Palace Lands players went server hopping."

    "You are our Archimedes," Wake says gently. "I am glad you are caring for Uta in this. She is a very bright young woman and very driven to achive her goals. She does best when there is someone to look out for her."

    Tae murmurs suddenly, "So do you, Baroness Wake."

    The Baroness laughs and whispers playfully, "You were sleeping. And yes, I do. I need you, my beloved. I rely on many others, as well."

    Wake shakes her head and directs her attention back at Goldenblade. She imagines that Tae might still be eavesdropping. "I don't dispute that. I would rather not have to face that kind of situation, but.. you make a good point. I must speak with Prophylaxis. It's time we made an alliance of alliances. Should an outside force come, I'd rather we all be on the same page."

Goldenblade smirks at Wake's glorifying her role. And her care for Uta. "I'm far from the only one. Many realize the benefit she brings us all. I myself don't understand a lot of the game bits, but I can see the effects." She chuckles as Tae was not as asleep as we thought. "We all need each other. Or if not /need/ then /benefit from and enjoy the company of/. That's almost the same," she chuckles. As far as speaking with Proph goes, she nods. "He's generally quite level-headed and astute, I've found. I am disappointed that he wouldn't send more building projects my way. They've built so much."

    "I can ask him about that, as well. He saved my life, so.. now he has to put up with the results of that."

    Wake glides the back of her fingers over Tae's cheek as she loses herself in thought. "She's well and truly sleeping now. My delightful, playful love. And we no longer have our home in the village, so it's a pleasant, long trip of cradling her back to the castle." Her tone is warm and her smile peaceful. "It is always my honor."

    She looks up to meet Goldenblade's eyes. "Though the festivities have a time yet before they end, I am going to retire, my dear friend. I won't let her shiver out here in the chill air when a warm bed awaits us. Thank you, as always, for being part of this dream."

    The Baroness rises smoothly, easily cradling Tae in her arms. Being a towering woman can come in most handy at times like this.