Bye

Baroness Wake
Lands of Eas



    The falls are lit by moon and stars. Here and there, the lamps of the city shed a little more light. From the chill of the lake and the flow of the wind, a fog is swiftly thickening, forming a roof of gray that is bringing a deeper darkness to Eas.

    At the head of a winding column of wagons stands Baroness Wake. The Right Clothes tonight shimmer with a covering of diamond dust. Though she travels by the road this evening, she wears a gown, simple, but form-fitting. Even in the gloom she glints like a star. The message the artifact has sent this day is clear: she must be the guiding light of her people into a new period of their lives.

    The people of Eas stand by the wagons. All carry burdens, save the children and those who are ill. They ride this evening. Every house has been emptied. None are to be left behind save a contingent of the guards, whose duty it is to maintain the illusion that nothing has changed. For as long as that may be achieved.

    With a calm expression, Wake surveys her people. It is some two hundred or so souls that she will guide along Goldenblade's road this evening. Only along this sure path would she dare to move in the dark.

    "All is ready, Baroness." The confirmation comes from a young man, a guard, who has just returned from the rounds. "All the homes are emptied. May the Beautiful One smile upon your journey."

Allynna
Lands of Eas

Let it never be said that the silver swords wont do their part. A group of them arrive to where wake is, riding grunties as Allynna at the head of that pack. Allynna has been looking into things within the current kingdom, and heard about this and made the call for guld aid, riding up to Wake, she dismounts and can be seen wearing a riding coat with the lapels left open, a belted skirt about her waist that moves down a third of her thigh, shwoing about three inches of skin before fading into a pair of thigh high riding boots. Her silver hair is left loose, a waterfall of silver cirls falling down her back as the tall bun approaches. "Baroness, I am Allynna of Silversword, I've come to offer escort." She says, though she doesn't bow, not one to be interested in the titles of other adventurers, to her they are all equal.
SpritesHero
Lands of Eas

SpritesHero smiles upon the journey, though even he wouldn't be caught dead calling himself beautiful. Or at least he can be observed off to the side of the convoy, lips curved into what might possibly be termed a smile. Any expression he has is faint, though, and any enjoyment he has for the night air inescapably mixed with something a bit more watchful. Though his posture hints at laziness--one arm lightly resting upon the sword hilt by his side, his other thumb hooked nonchalantly through his belt--his gaze constantly flickers this way and that, roaming over the column.

At least until such time as he catches sight of Wake and Allyna. The latter is the first target of scrutiny, gaze quickly sweeping over his counterpart, feet to head. Then to a point just above her head, where it lingers for far too long. The smile deepens, twisting ever so slightly, and for a breath of a moment his smile borders on an outright smirk. Wake is the second target. The smile softens, widening by a touch as he dips his chin in greeting. He then inclines his head once, towards the column, and his eyebrows nudge upwards.
Yuuki
Lands of Eas


    Some lights start to come into view on the road not too far from the forming convoy. First just a few, but they grow in number to a couple of dozen. They're definitely getting closer. It doesn't take too long until they start to come into detail. The familiar form of riders on top of Pekos. Heading up the road towards Eas, not away.

    While initially some cause for concern, this quickly subdues as the rider at the head of the small formation becomes recognizable. It's Yuuki! She rides along, guiding the the group behind her to the side to pass the evacuation convoy.

    Yuuki signals one of the other riders, "Go ahead, I'll catch up!" She breaks away to ride on over to Wake. The other riders continue on, passing by. Inspections will show them all to be Adventurers, a mix of Plant Hwyaden and Crescent Moon.

    Yuuki rides up to Wake and the others, before stopping and jumping off. She gives them a wave before asking Wake, "How's the evacuation going?"
Kauchemar
Lands of Eas

Kauchemar is here... and the same time she isn't. The Nightmare keeps staring off in the direction of the ampitheater. Looks down at the cluster of parchment sheets in one hand. Then at the ampitheater again, and sighs. "A shame it shall have to wait to get to finally perform this as intended." Of course it's not entirely complete either, but that's besides the point.
Haru
Lands of Eas

Haru shows up as part of the Silver Swords Support Squad. Already announced by Allyson, the white haired artificer settles on his appointed Gruntie with a bit of 'enter the support character' flair. His mind has been elsewhere since the attacks and looming skirmishes on the horizon. A bit stuck in his head. No smile. Blue eyes cast to the sea of stars and sounds of people making their mark. He begins to wonder if beautiful things can yet be found in the thick of such a climate. Well, only one way to find out. He smiles.
Estelle
Lands of Eas

    "... a pity, with how hard it was fought to secure the Castle." comes a voice familiar to the Baroness, perhaps. It's been a while since she's heard it after all. "But you are their Polaris, their guiding light. I'm sure you'll lead them well into the coming storm, and then back home again when it breaks."

    Estelle steps onto the road, nodding to Kauchemar and Yuuki first, as familiar faces, and then the others standing under the light of the stars and the gibbous moon. Her tails flick and curl behind her, her silver gaze turned up towards the heavens as she considers them. She looks... rather off, actually. Her hair and tails are mussed up and tangled in places, and her dress is a bit of a mess. "The heavens are not the most auspicious for it, this eve, but they don't rule against it either. The Bull and the Horse rule this night, and the former is a stubborn thing. Your fortune is better; there is hope, should you trust yourself and your intuition. The journey begins, full of promise and generosity."

    The vixen looks around at her fellow Adventurers, and their presence and offers of aid. "... but perhaps that already blossoms, hm? You have no shortage of helpers already." Her tone is distracted there, musing.
Baroness Wake
Lands of Eas



    The arrival of Silver Swords is unexpected. Wake watches their approach with only the briefest sign of surprise. When Allynna dismounts and makes her introduction, the Baroness smiles and glides into a deep curtsey, her head bowed.

    "Your kindness means much to me, Allynna of the Silver Swords. You are most welcome. I am Baroness Wake, of Eas, and I am in your debt."

    After a few seconds, Wake rises again. She catches sight of SpritesHero and nods politely. "It seems we have many guests to see us off."

    Wake juggles well, and catches Kauchemar's sigh. She lifts her voice to cut through the night air, "The song is for Eas, Kauchemar, my dear. It shall be heard!"

    Before Wake can elebarote on her thoughts, she watches Olympus riders pass the group. "We are just about to begin the march. Tonight, we shall get down from the heights and rest at the first gate. From there we will make our next step."

    While Wake does her best to organize, she is not alone. The lithe, petite form of Tae moves along the wagons, offering a smile and reassurance. She stops at Kauchemar's side, reaching out to take the nightmare's hand. "So, tell me all about the song," she prompts casually.

    "Signal the beginning," Wake suggests softly to a Lander by the lead wagon. The signal, it appears, is just to move forward. The grunties pulling the front wagon cause the gentle ringing of little bells, prompting those behing to prepare.

    "Blessed star reader! I did not expect to see you this night," calls out Wake to Estelle. "We will see many blessings, and those who offer them to us shall reap rewards greater than they can possibly imagine."

Kauchemar
Lands of Eas

"But that is the thing about a Nation," Kauchemar replies as she tucks the music sheets away. "It is as much it's People, so the Place is just a matter of convenience.... Besides, we will eventually be back. We did not go through everything we did to just abandon it entirely. This is just for the safety of your charges that are not suited to fighting potential war."

Being a Messenger she has little issue with long travels on foot, or hoof as it is. "This is just another challenge to be surmounted. And another verse to the overall story."
Yuuki
Lands of Eas


    The Olympus riders that came with Yuuki continue on past the convoy, heading further into Eas and towards the Olympus HQ in particular.

    Yuuki though remains behind, grabbing the reins of her Peko and starting to walk along with the beginning of the convoy, "I can join for a bit. But then I'll have to head back." Yuuki gives a mischievous smile, "There's a lot of work to do."
Allynna
Lands of Eas

Allynna nods and motions to Haru. "Haru, have the swords scout forward, and take your place at my right hand." She says to the younger adventurer-slash- raider. moving to mount her Grunty once more, she smiles at the Baroness. "Home is where the heart is, and apparently, your people's heart, is you. I'll not ask for much, unless you feel like Knighting me." She says with a half joking smile. She would accept the honor, though, she would also keep her loyalty to William and the swords, without question.
SpritesHero
Lands of Eas

SpritesHero is, notably, not offering to help. Maybe emotional support? But the quick wink he offers Wake borders more on the roguish rather than the reassuring. Perhaps it is a mercy that his more....mischievious inclinations are suppressed as Estelle speaks. His lips tighten, then purse, tension playing along the lines of his hands and causing the ligaments to stand out, highlighted by moonlight and shadow. His eyes narrow just a touch at the edges, brow furrowing and head cocking to the side. He surveys her, curiously and attentively, but without any intensity to his gaze. At last he approaches, making no comment as to her disheveled state. "You are Estelle, yes? The Diviner-astrologer?"
Haru
Lands of Eas

The Artificer moves up when Allynna has directions for the Swords at large. Despite being a complete noob amongst titans in most situations, Haru had a past life of dealing with this kind of management. Taking the orders back, he draws to the different forces and relays it. When it is all done he heads back over. "All set," is all he says about the matter as he surveys the area in a sense of nostalgia in the crowds.
Estelle
Lands of Eas

    "Home can be many things. As can a nation. But there is certainly heart in both, yes. Many meanins of it. And so we carry the torch into the night, seeking a better tomorrow." The fox's tone is distracted, as she begins ambling along. "The stars aren't those of a Nation's end, though. Not that I can see."

    For someone who isn't looking where they're walking, Estelle is certainly sure of step.

    "Oh Polaris, the Guiding Light, lead us forth in darkest Night." It's a soft chant, the woman's fan clacking open as her focus as she raises it up. And a floating light ignites above herm before settling above Wake's brown - turning her dress into a scintillating beacon for those behind her, as the blessing of that star is laid upon her. Not that it's an actual /buff/ in this use, but...

    "I am she." comes the distant answer to Sprites. "What do you seek from the heavens? Instruction? Guidance? Their wonder?" Her slitted gaze briefly turns to the Spriggan, before sliding heavensward once more.
Baroness Wake
Lands of Eas



    The mention of knighting gets Wake to smile. "I have little experience with this matter of knighting. But those who open their hearts and show kindness to my people have my gratitude."

    Wake steps aside, so she can stand near the road, watching her people move past. Even with the castle to her back, and the future unknown, she exudes a calm confidence.

    Tae does her best to gently prompt Kauchemar to walk with the group. She says nothing about it. It's best not to try explaining things to those with strange moods impacting them. It just doesn't work out well.

    Wake looks over to Yuuki and nods, "I imagine there is, at that. Much indeed." But for her, there is on need that is most pressing. She catches something out of the corner of her eye. A shadow of a shape falling from a wagon onto the road. Prompted by primal instinct, she closes the distance in a moment and with a leap and a roll, grabs the small form just in time to leap away from the wheel of the next wagon. Only when the Baroness is squarely on her feet does she survey just what she has saved. And she sees her own face staring back. But in a plush form.

    The strange moment ends when a child calls out from ahead, "Wait! I dropped the Little Baroness!"

    Standing there, with a doll in hand, Wake finds herself suddenly illuminated, glowing like a star, indeed, but one that has descended from the heavens. The Baroness takes it all in stride.

    The pace of the wagons is not so great as to make it hard for her to catch up and hand the doll over to the child.

    "The Baroness has returned the Little Baroness," the girl calls out, clapping her hands and laughing. A moment later, she asks, "We will be safe, won't we? You'll stay with us?"

    The eager questions surprise Wake, but she smiles warmly and reaches out to push a wisp of hair back over the child's ear.

    "I am Baroness Wake of Eas. My place is with my people, and I shall serve them for as long as I draw breath. I can no more abandon you than I can abandon myself. We are one."

Allynna
Lands of Eas

Allynna smiles at the exchange between wake and the child, and turns her head to address Haru. "She's good people, as soon as we get them to saftey, we will head back to shibuya and check on the defenses, I hope Erufu got to fourt ouph and the negotiations went well." She says as she looks up at the sky.
Kauchemar
Lands of Eas

Having Tae nudge her along helps but once Kauchemar is going she doesn't need much more encouragement. She might need someone to keep an eye on where she's going though, just as her mind is still wandering. But it doesn't wander so far that she doesn't miss the point, and points a finger toward Wake returning the doll and making her commentary. "See, that's what I'm taking about. The Nation is as much it's People and their Lead as it is any matter of Location. As long as we are together, Eas lives on within us."
SpritesHero
Lands of Eas

SpritesHero is distracted by the sudden flare of light. His hand lifts to shield his eyes, his attentions momentarily diverting away from Estelle. "Oh," he manages at last, after having finally zeroed in on just what has happened. "That -is- handy." A decisive judgement, coupled with an affirmative dip of his chin. His lips part, as though to utter something else, but close pre-emptively, tamping down on the thought before it can be given life.

And so he turns back to Estelle, alternating his gaze between her and the heavens. "I seek anything and everything they are willing to offer," he intones. How cryptic. Is he always this way, or is he just mirroring his conversation partner? His continuation is more concrete. "Your abilities are highly recommended. What would I need to do in order to earn your assistance in upcoming events?"
Haru
Lands of Eas

"If its an unknown either way," Haru says thoughtfully to Allynna on the topic of Erufu's quest, "I believe it is going well." Until Schrödinger's negotiation news becomes more concrete, that is. At that point the cat is out of the bag. The man brushes off stray dust from his blue travel jacket, giving a smile here and there. "And, yeah, I'd say she is doing a good job. It'll be a busy future and a challenge that can be met head on. Plus no lack of support," he says as he motions over to the assembled. Smile.
Yuuki
Lands of Eas


    Yuuki walks along, watching as Wake returns the plush to the little girl and then tries to comfort her. Though she does a terrible job of it in Yuuki's opinion, being far too like herself. It's any wonder if the girl manages to understand half of what Wake says. So Yuuki decides to add her own encouragement, "Don't worry! While you're off on a fun cross country trip to see new places, the great Zekken will do everything she can to make sure that your home is still here to come back to when you're done!" Yuuki flexes her arm with a confident grin.
Estelle
Lands of Eas

    "Then we could be talking for weeks." Estelle replies, snapping her fan shut with the 'blessing' accepted by Wake - and merely allowing the comment on the light spell being 'handy' slide past. "Even if they are only one channel to Divine within the Laws of Alba."

    Still, those more concrete questions get another glance from the vixen, her head tilting one way and her ears the other. "Mm. Those within the Alliance do speak well of me, and some without." Her fan gestures towards the Baroness, indicating the woman's earlier greeting. "I'm curious as to who it was; I rarely seek such things from the Stars." She gestures upward, even as her eyes follow. "And what would you be seeking assistance with? I would know the agreement before giving it stamp."
Baroness Wake
Lands of Eas



    One by one, the wagons pass Wake. She is waiting to the last. Though Eas is not a place, but a people, the Baroness loves this land that she and her friends fought for, won, and put so much effort into. She wishes to linger just a little longer.

    "Faith," she whispers faintly at last and takes the first step of the journey away from the Castle. She does not look back.

    She manages to not pick-up Yuuki's flexing, but the little girl does. With an impish smile she holds up another plushie. It's Yuuki. She apparently has the entire festival set!

    Tae keeps up with Kauchemar. She is on Strange Mood duty on the march. She rather enjoys it. She also wants to ensure that Kauchemar doesn't walk off the side of a cliff.

    
Allynna
Lands of Eas

Allynna moves alongside Wake and dismount's again, leading the Grunty bo the reigns as she looks to the Noblewoman. "M'lady, why not allow my grunty to carry you for a while?" She asks, offering a smile as she does so.
SpritesHero
Lands of Eas

SpritesHero lifts his hands from his waist in a helpless, if self-deprecating shrug. "If that is what is needed, and you have the time and the inclination," he offers. His hands settle upon his belt once more, his expression darkening into a frown. He studies the ground in front of him, formulating his response. "I don't...actually recall who it was that recommended you," he answers at last, tones tinted with hints of self-targeted annoyance. "But it was for your work with the Tool hero and Shalltear." His gaze lifts, as though to forestall any rapid response. "That is -not- what this is about," he reassures her. "This is about the Palace Landers. It seems to me that there is precious little information available, at present, regarding those who would invade our Lands. I wish to know more before...well. That is..." Another pause. "To my knowledge, we know almost nothing. Not numbers. Not intent. Not rationale. I would suggest that it is an advantage to know sooner rather than later. Is this something you might be willing to look into?"
Goldenblade
Lands of Eas

Goldenblade rides back up to the column on the march. She'd been seeing to some last minute changes and final prep for the guards staying behind, then riding hard to catch up with the refugees. She's one of the rare people who won't ride a peko despite it being better than a horse in almost every way. She went to the expense to find and buy one, and she's damned well not leaving it behind.

Riding up the column to find Wake and the others, she reports, "Final work complete." She won't go into more detail, and she's not a particularly good rider, so she's a bit breathless from the hard ride.
Kauchemar
Lands of Eas

"So," Kauchemar askes mainly Tae since she's the one keeping an eye on her. "Just where -are- we going? I seem to have missed that in my... addled state of mind." She's at least come to realize she's not in her usual thoughts, even if she can't do much about the focus other than pursue where the obsession points them. "A grand trek to ensure survival, a promise to one day return and reclaim what is their... ooooh, I feel inspiration already." And like that she's back into her sheets of musical notation.
Yuuki
Lands of Eas


    Yuuki spots the plush version of herself and grins, "Oh my, that's a cute and strong looking plushie you have there. Make sure to keep her close. She'll help keep you safe!"

    Yuuki gives the young girl a friendly wave before moving on. Yuuki quickly moves into step with Wake again before asking, "You were planning to move them to the tower, right? I'm guessing you've settled it with the SEA then."
Estelle
Lands of Eas

    "... Bloody moons for eyes, a soul that strikes with terror. Shalltear is not one to Divine lightly, for it opens a channel she can lash back through." Those words are the most focused Robert has heard from the vixen, and her look, this time, is similarly focused. "The Tool Hero is the lesser of the two. Should you find the Bloodfallen on the field of battle, you must be /careful/. If victory includes her defeat, you've already lost. Give up and retreat. Otherwise, work around her with great caution - and then flee."

    But then her gaze turns away, ears flicking this way and that as she considers the rest - with a brief nod towards Goldenblade, as that familiar voice reaches her. "... I will prepare myself for a proper reading, for those questions. They are not answers to seek upon the march, nor lightly. The Palace Lands are likely to have their own Diviners - ah, if only I'd had time to learn from them..." Her words trail off, tails curling about each other, before she finally gets back on track. "... but I will ask, and provide what I may."
Kauchemar
Lands of Eas

This is probably going to be how much of the trek goes. Hopefully Tae is patient. Though at least Kauchemar is staying with the group, it's just her mind that keeps wandering while she mutters to herself. "Though... do you think lyrics are needed, or is the Song in itself enough to evoke the story?" That is directed more at Tae, since they share some passion in the field of music.
Allynna
Lands of Eas

Allynna smiles and gives a nod. "I can tespect that, Haru, please escort her ladyship, I'm going to move out to have a chat with our scouts and forward group. Wake, please ve nice to Haru, he is like a little brother to me." Well, the whole guild is like family to her, and even some not guild members. She mounts the grunty. "ya!" She says spurring the horse-pig onward.
SpritesHero
Lands of Eas

SpritesHero eyes Estelle sidelong. His expression is, it must be admitted, a trifle odd. But it is not dismissive. "I appreciate the advice," he states at last, hand lifting and fingers rapidly tapping at the air in front of him before flicking the invisible window in Estelle's general direction. "And the offer of assistance." he continues, more briskly now. "We should also discuss your compensation, especially if this is likely to pose hazards to you. I assume you would prefer to do so in private?" His right eye crinkles, expression contorting. "Oh. I'm afraid I've been rather rude. Name's Robert. Robert Lutjens. Pleased to meet you at last."
Goldenblade
Lands of Eas

Goldenblade unmounts a fairly substantial portion of the overloaded horse's burden and it turns out to be a heavily laden backpack, which she shrugs into, so that the horse isn't laboring under quite as much weight. It'll go farther that way with less difficulty, and Goldenblade's not one to shirk a burden, herself. She looks up as Estelle prognosticates, and has to remind herself that unlike in real life, Astrology and fortune telling and such actually mean something here. It's one of the /many/ things she's had to re-learn. At age seventy five. She sighs wearily.

She smiles as Wake greets her, touches a finger to the side of her nose, and says, "Glad I could catch up with you all." Well, if she was riding, and they were walking, it couldn't have been too hard, right?
Yuuki
Lands of Eas


    Yuuki looks a little concerned at the idea of potentially passing up the tower, "I don't know... I feel like if the Palace Landers want to invade, there aren't going to be many places outside the root towns that are safe. The tower being one of the most secure besides those." Though that does briefly get Yuuki thinking, "Huh... I wonder if the Guardians of the root towns would interfere if the Palace Landers attempted to invade... It could be a problem if so."
Estelle
Lands of Eas

    The Astrologian is used to strange looks; she's stepped wholesale into her Character, embracing her role as The Diviner. And, as wrapped up as she is in the Yugen, that lack-of-care is only enhanced, the song of the spheres dragging her attention skyward again and again, every time her attention leaves it. Robert's sidelong look and Goldenblade's unease are forgotten within three steps. "You're welcome." is her only response to that, one hand reaching up to idly thumb at the request hovering in front of her.

    "Oh, it isn't likely. Alba has answered questions on the Alvs and their Songs, shown me visions from half an island away, and guided me to etchings in cave walls that provided insights to the past." Estelle's hands toy with her fan, shifting it back and forth, flicking it open and shut. "Only Shalltear has provided any feedback, has shown any sign of being /aware/ of my work." Her tails give another few nervous flicks, before settling back into something more at-ease. "... so no compensation will be required. The Palace Lands work to strike at all of us, regardless of affiliation. And so I will listen to the call of the Heavens, I will consult the lots and the cards, and I will see what I can See."
Baroness Wake
Lands of Eas



    "I'm considering all options carefully," replies Wake evenly. "I have support from many directions. Sheltering in the shadow of the tower is simply one of them, and may be an emergency option."

    The Baronesss moves a little more quickly, so she can move past some of the wagons and keep an eye on her people. And ensure that all is going well with Kauchemar and Tae.

    "Goldenblade, how long would it take to make temporary shelters on the coast?" It is perhaps worth noting that the Baroness has not committed to any direction. Every suggestion she makes forks into another set of options.

    Tae looks back, keeping an eye on her fiancee'. There's a flash of concern there for a moment, but it is unlikely that Kauchemar's current state of mind allows for such things to be noticed.

    "As a singer, I favor having lyrics, though you need to follow your process. Let the lyrics come when they do and if they do."

Kauchemar
Lands of Eas

Kauchemar nods a bit to Tae. "Yeah. If there is one thing I have learned as a Muse, it is that you can't force the muses. They come to you when they're ready to let you have the inspiration." She does feel some reassurance in someone having a similar viewpoint to the matter, though. "... Where are we going again?" Maybe this time her attention will focus long enough to get an answer before wandering again.
Haru
Lands of Eas

Haru keeps his trek along at pace with the others. He isn't interjecting as much as the politics of the realms are not something he has gotten deep into a hypothesis of. Nothing to add there. The man makes his way while making a mental note here and there about things to look into at another day and time. Now and again the Silver scouts come back to report on the advance and he directs them to Ally.
Baroness Wake
Lands of Eas



    "For tonight, we will go the first gate. From there? I cannot say. Wake has been quiet, which tells me she is weighing a few options and waiting for instinct of a bit of intelligence to come in and decide the course."

    Tae smiles and sneaks another look back at her beloved. As she does, she makes note of Haru. She calls out to him, "You are far from your home. It is good of you to come. We all need to take care of each other now. It is, I think, something the enemy cannot imagine happening."

Goldenblade
Lands of Eas

Goldenblade arches a brow as Yuuki raises a point she's thought about peripherally. "I think if we rely on that, if it doesn't work, we won't have a chance to do anything about it," she offers. Estelle's explanations are way over her head; she tries to pay attention, but it doesn't really help. To Wake's question, she looks up and down the column, guaging its size, and mutters, "Shelters, very simple communal shelters, maybe a few hours. It'll keep everyone out of the wind. A couple days to make something that'll survive a heavy rain. A week to make something that's decent and not communal, and all that's with everyone pitching in."
SpritesHero
Lands of Eas

"There are many who are willing to fight for their homes, but unable to do so without compensation," Robert counters as he steps away. "I shan't impose upon you that which you do not want. But perhaps think about the pressure your example may place upon others?" His gaze slips upwards to rest upon the heavens as an amused smile momentarily plays over his lips. "Even if the clarion call of the heavens cares little about something so earthly as money." He bows, then, respectfully. "Until we meet again."

At this point, Robert reorients away from Estelle and edges along the crowd towards the--presumably still glowing--Wake. "Baroness. You're positively radiant tonight."
Kauchemar
Lands of Eas

Kauchemar mms, nodding. "That's good of her. Cautious, considering what's best for her people before making any final decisions. She's a hell of a lot better at being a leader than I would be." She seems to have hit a point where no solid inspiration is coming again, as she tucks the music sheets back into her inventory. Though what Tae says afterwards also gets her attention. "The Queen did seem... surprised we were working together..." It's hard to focus on that day through the obsession, but maybe she fairs a bit better at doing so because she's got the Divination skills to recall such moments more readily. "Which makes little sense, even now..."
Yuuki
Lands of Eas


    Yuuki nods along slowly... She feels like the tower is the obvious place to go. But then she does generally have a better relationship with and opinion of the SEA than many in Olympus. Plus she's spent a fair bit of time in the tower and so sees it as a familiar place. But of course, ultimately the fate of Eas's people is in Wakes hands. Not hers. Sure, Yuuki could pull rank. But that wouldn't be the cool thing to do.

    Yuuki smiles, "Well. At least this is going to be one hell of a story to tell. I hope someone is writing this all down... Or maybe turning it into a song or two!"
Baroness Wake
Lands of Eas



    "Robert! I see you have finished bothering the seer. I trust you have learned much to your advantage." Wake smiles and looks past him to Estelle, raising a hand to wave again. "She's incredibly gifted. Had she been on hand we'd likely already be at the first gate. But in the absence of such talent, audacity had to do. It was enough. Barely. I imagine you are quite occupied with our impending Palace Land issues, then?"

    The Baroness keeps her steady pace. She can hardly be blamed for both wanting to remain in sight of as many of her people as possible. And catching up with Tae.

    Getting back to another point, "Shelters on those timelines will do well. The weather should hold steady, and perhaps we can cut some of that time off with a bit of skillful management of resources." A pause, "How long might it take to make tree house shelters?"

    The mention of writing a song earns a most abrupt laugh. "You.. might say that."
Baroness Wake
Lands of Eas



    "She was. Yet as I understand it, they do the same thing in their lands, do they not? Were they thinking that no one else cared to work together? Landers, adventurers, we are best working together, benefiting all."

    Tae has clearly heard the Baroness talk about this a lot. "Whatever path we walk, I'm keeping my eyes on Wake. I'm curious what this will be like. It's somehow familiar. Like from before we came here."

Estelle
Lands of Eas

    "I am I. They are they. This is this and that is that." comes the fox's response, a mischevious smile playing along her lips. "And the Heavens do care about wealth; it is a form of power, after all. Merely one I find myself sufficiently endowed with, already. And good will is a currency all its own."

    But she allows Robert to step away without any further comment, just a bow of her head to return his farewell. Her ears do twitch at Wake's commentary on her, though, and there a non-commital hum in response... not that she's close enough for many to hear it. Her thoughts trail back to her last prediction on the matter, on the silence in the wake of the Wave. On how it came 'late', during the events and not before.

    She shakes herself out after a moment, a thoughtful silence descending upon her as she keeps walking along.
Kauchemar
Lands of Eas

"And that's what made it odd," Kauchemar agrees. "They certainly seem to have had little trouble banding together to start attacking our allies, after all. Yet... Questions even those of us that peer into the cosmos," a nod of recognition as a fellow Diviner is given in Estelle's direction, "cannot immeadiately pull answers for."
Yuuki
Lands of Eas


    Yuuki chuckles, "I expect to inspire several verses with my deeds before this war is over! Speaking off..."

    Yuuki proceeds to jump up onto the saddle of the Peko she has been leading, "It's time I get back to work. So much to do, so little time." Yuuki spins the Peko around, before waving to those here, "Good luck! Make sure to send me a postcard from wherever you end up!" Soon enough she starts riding her way back to towards Eas.
SpritesHero
Lands of Eas

"You're the charmer, Baroness," Robert accuses her with a chuckle. "You're the one with sophistication and poise. Me? I can only hope people are generous enough to not hold my manners against me." There's a flare of a smile, gaze a-twinkle. "As for the seer, I will simply have to hope that she grants me similar leniency. Baroness! It -is- good to see you again." And for a moment his expression holds genuine warmth and affection, though the warmth dies away to take on the night's chill all too quickly.

"To be honest, Baroness," he admits with a graimce, "I find myself stuck playing catch-up. I was up bushwacking in Ninetails for a bit, then got back just in time to hear there's a war on. And to hear that you and yours are evacuating. Do you know if any of the other territories will be doing someth ing similar?"
Goldenblade
Lands of Eas

Goldenblade frowns for a moment. "Those times /are/ with skillful management of resources. Otherwie, it'll be twice as long." But Wake is the optimist, isn't she? "The weather holding steady is good, though," she allows, not questioning that as a given fact. She would have questioned that assertion in real life. "Tree house shelters?" she wonders. "Months," she guesses. "A tree house is wildly complex, and you've got to be particular about materials." She ruminates on the subject of building treehouses.
Baroness Wake
Lands of Eas



    The Baroness waves as Yuuki races off. "Always on to the next adventure. I almost pity the poor fools that threaten us.. when they meet her, they will be boggled." And probably cut to shreds.

    She tilts her head as she considers Robert. "Estelle is a special talent. Respect her, heed her, and if she agrees to help you, consider yourself blessed. And.. yes, yes I am a charmer. It's my job. As for others, I do not know. I have encouraged everyone to keep their plans secret, to not overshare. Tell secrets only to those who must know at the very moment they must know it." Old habits returning to her, there.

    "That all being said, I think some will withdraw, others will fortify. I find it unlikely that diplomacy will do us much good with the enemy, but the value of diplomacy with our friends is incredible."

    The Baroness grins at Goldenblade. She's of course optimistic. "We will find a way. Perhaps several. We must be flexible and unpredictable. And cautious." And lucky.

Kauchemar
Lands of Eas

Kauchemar glances over to the discussion between Wake and Robert. "Location makes a difference. Someplace like Shibuya is more isolated, on one of the least populated areas of Yamato.... and if necessary they can fall back to Fort Omph which is even more difficult to assail. Eas only has the mountains around it, and those could be just as much a trap to us as a defence if caught in the wrong location."
Goldenblade
Lands of Eas

Goldenblade nods about remaining flexible. And unpredictable. "That's /all/ important. Everything's important, though. But the key is bringing strength to a point where the enemy's not ready for it and can't react to it. That's the one thing that will always win battles. To win wars, you need to take away the enemy's ability to do that to you while not letting them do it to you when they try."
SpritesHero
Lands of Eas

"She's already adamantly turned down compensation," Robert responds, glancing over his shoulder towards Estelle. "So I may have to lean on you, Baroness, for advice on gifts she'll appreciate that are not in any way, shape, or form, compensation. And I am grateful for your advice, as always." Kauchemar's interjection prompts a thoughtful pause followed by a nod of agreement. "And yours. That sounds reasonable. If you will excuse me, I'm going to go pace the column." With which comment Robert inclines his head first to Wake, then to Kauchemar, before departing.
Estelle
Lands of Eas

    There's more flicking of Estelle's ears, at the continued compliments. She just gives another soft hum, before sliding in amongst the Landers. Her voice is soft as she starts to converse with them, offering a simple distraction while they walk; the stories of the constellations, those from Earth and what she knows of Yamato's own, traded for smiles from the children and tales of those stars she doesn't know from her 'audience'. Even wrapped up in her obsession as she is, she can offer little rays of hope through its lens.
Baroness Wake
Lands of Eas



    Wake takes in the comments, unsurprised by the appraisal of the situation. Nor on the advice. "Simply put, they must be taught not only to abandon this war, but to never go to war again." Her voice grows soft, but remains eerily calm, "The price must be greater than anything they could have imagined, and I intend to deliver that bill to them."

    That is enough for now. "I need some time, my friends. If you will excuse me." Somehow, Wake can making a walking curtsey work. It's uncanny.

    She easily crosses the distance between herself and Tae. She takes hold of her fiancee's hand and they go from wagon to wagon, offering a few words of encouragement or simply sharing their confidence with warm smiles and polite waves. Behind them, the lights of Eas are slowly extinguished and darkness is allowed to fall over the land.